Hepster

Warts

2010-07-20T08:17:00.000-07:00

About 3 months ago I had to take Travis to the dermatologist to get a wart removed from his finger. After the dermatologist was finished freezing his wart off, she looks up at me and says in the sweetest voice,

"You know, you don't have to live with acne like that. There are things we can do to help you get rid of it."

Um, ::blushing:: (Was it really THAT bad?... yes.)

So I made an appointment and came to see her and she gave me this awesome prescription cream I'm suppose to use twice a day after I wash my face.

Well, the stuff works great if I actually use it twice a day, but I slack so I've still got a zit here or there.

But now that summer is here and I've been swimming AND using the zit cream, the chlorine has done wonders for my skin! My face is acne free (not a single tiny pimple or scab anywhere). Now if only I can get rid of the splotches...

So anyway, today Kinsey had to go to a dermatologist (a new one because we aren't in LA anymore so I had to get her one in Austin) to get 4 warts taken off her palm (what is up with all these warts in my family lately?).

The dermatologist never made a single comment to me about my ugly face or my acne. I'm taking that as a good sign.

Let's hope the kids don't need to see a nutritionist for any reason or I'm in huge trouble. "Um, mam, you know you don't HAVE to live with all that fat around your stomach..."

Mmmmm Kaaaaaaaaay Whatevs

2010-05-21T22:52:00.000-07:00

I took the kids to the park today. So I'm sitting there ~~watching the kids~~ reading my Google Reader on my iPhone when this lady comes over and ~~starts chatting with me~~ totally interrupts my craft blog reading (how wooode!).

So she says something to the effect of,

"Your ora is really bright. You've got a really great ora about you."

"Um, okay thanks." {fake smile} But what I'm really thinking is "A) why is this weird woman telling me this, and B) can't she see I'm busy reading blogs?!?!"

I try to look back down at my phone and brush her off, but then she starts again...

"You've got a really bright future. I can see a bright future for you. You have such a positive energy and ora."

So I look up again and smile and say, "Uh, okay. Er, thanks."

And she's all, "You've had a really horrible year this past year. You've had so many obstacles in your way, but it's okay now! Your future is very bright with lots of great things to come."

So now I'm backing away slowly trying to just get away from her so I can go back to ~~watching the kids so they don't get kidnapped~~ reading my phone AND she follows me. AND she won't stop talking about my ora! My great positive happy ora that I've got flowing all around me!

So now she's blabbing on that she's a Physic and do I want to have my fortune or palm read. BINGO. I knew she had a point to her blabbing and stalking.

"Uh, no thanks."

"But your future is so bright!"

"How much do you charge for a reading?"

"Only ten dollars! Don't you want to know how bright your future is?"

At this point I'm thinking there's no way I'm paying a single penny because this lady obviously has no clue how to do her job. I've had a great year this past year. And yes, this next year looks bright too so I guess she got that part right. But saying I've had a horrible year with lots of obstacles? When she said that I new she was a fake.

So I guess it was kinda rude in hindsight but I told her, "TEN DOLLARS?! I'm really not interested in paying ten dollars to have my positive ora told to me. Thanks though."

And I walked away. Beaming with all my positive mojo and energy. Weird-o.

Well hello my friends... muwahahaha

2010-05-21T14:07:00.001-07:00

If you are vising from my link I posted at HoH...

STALKER! My gosh!

;)

Kidding of course. Thanks for stopping by. I don't update this very often, but now that I've given out my link I guess I'll try to be humorous more frequently over here as well.

I really should convert this to a wordpress if I'm going to update it more frequently. Because you know I just have ample time to write ANOTHER blog.

I've got the ITCH

2010-02-27T11:32:00.001-08:00

I thought I'd be so happy once I moved out of my house in Dallas and into our apartment in Beverly Hills. Happy that finally I'd get a break from all the renovations. All the painting. All the caulking, and tiling, and caulking, and sanding. I worked on my home in Dallas for a year straight with hardly any breaks. My poor kids were parentless after school each day as I left them to their own devices while I painted, or caulked, or stapled, or sanded yet another project. I couldn't wait to just have a break. And I couldn't have a break at my house because I am so OCD and if I know there was a project to do I just can't sit still until it's done. For example, if I were still at my house, my kitchen cabinets would probably already be painted white. Or a new mantle would already be hung. Or I'd have sewed some window treatments by now. Or what I really wanted to do was paint my front door black.

Anyway, I've been out of my home and here in Beverly Hills for 2 months now and the itch to create or renovate something, anything, is almost more than I can stand! It doesn't help that I subscribe to at least 50 thrifty, home decor, renovate, do it yourself blogs that I read daily. Man I want to go to goodwill so badly and find some awesome piece of furniture for $20 and paint it. I have dreams of turning a horribly ugly buffet into something amazing or finding a gaudy gold mirror and making it beautiful.

But I can't because in 4 months from now we will be loading up a little U-haul trailer and driving back to Texas, and I can't really fit a huge buffet into a small U-haul can I? Also, I can't really refinish a dresser inside my apartment, and my porch is not big enough, and I have no garage, etc.

So I'm trying to curb the itch with other projects. I've made a few things with my kids lately which I'll post later and I've also been shopping at Ross, Marshall's, Goodwill, and Target for sales. I've found some great decorating things at Target recently for mega cheap. If you really dig at Target you can find all sorts of cool stuff for super cheap.

I'll do a post with all my finds once I put the pictures on my computer. For now I just wanted to share how much I REALLY WANT TO REFINISH SOMETHING. I miss my house.

You on the Beach?

2010-01-20T10:52:00.000-08:00

If you know me well you'll know that I'm a fan of South Beach Diet. (Now if only I would actually stick to SBD faithfully I might actually lose a few pounds!) Hubb's calls my diet the Allison Beach Diet b/c I've changed so many rules regarding the diet that it looks like a distant relative of the original. haha

Anyway, I have a few recipes that I made up myself that follow the real South Beach Diet (Phase 1) that I thought I'd share. Most sound gross, but if you take the time to actually make it I'm sure you will love it. My kids beg me to make these meals/snacks for them. They call for mozzarella cheese, either grated or string cheese form. Mozzarella is a great type of cheese to use on SBD because it isn't too oily like cheddar and when you cook it it takes on a solid crunchy or crispy form.

Grilled String Cheese
-string cheese (not a Light one though - those don't work and are gross!)
-small saute pan
-cooking spray

Preheat the small saute pan on medium-low. Coat pan with cooking spray. Place string cheese in pan and let it cook on one side until the cheese is melted and grilled on one side (light brown). Flip cheese over and cook the other side. Enjoy!

Breadless Pepperoni Pizza/Calzone
-part-skim shredded mozzarella (maybe 1/2 C or so)
-Turkey pepperoni
-pizza or spaghetti sauce
-small saute pan

Preheat the small saute pan on medium-low. Place Turkey pepperoni over saute pan in a single layer. Add cheese all over the top of the pepperoni. Let the pepperoni and cheese grill for about 5 minutes or until the mozzarella is all totally melted and starting to get crispy around the edges. The cheese will now be cooked enough that you can flip the pepperoni/mozzarella mixture like a pancake. Flip it so that the mozzarella side is down. Cook for another 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is light brown and kinda crispy. Remove from pan and put on a plate pepperoni side up. Add a thin layer of pizza sauce on the top of it and then fold it in half like a taco. Enjoy!

Cooking the mozzarella makes it firm enough to be able to pick up and eat like a calzone. If you under-cooked it just use a knife and fork to eat it.

Caprice salad
-Mozzarella
-Medium tomato
-salt and pepper
-olive oil
-basil, fresh or dried
Get fresh mozzarella. Not the part-skim stuff. Buy a really good block. I buy mine in a 2 pack at Costco. Yummmm! Slice about 6 thin slices. They should be roundish. Slice the tomato into about 6 slices. On a plate place one slice of mozzarella near the edge. Then overlap it about half way with a tomato slice. Then overlap the tomato with another slice of mozzarella. Work your way around the plate alternating tomato and mozzarella. It should look like a circle or wreath around the plate. Drizzle a very small amount of olive oil over tomato and mozzarella. Sprinkle with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper. Cover with a thin layer or sprinkling of basil. Enjoy!

Cheesy Bean Taco meat
-1 lb ground beef
-1 can refried beans (TRY REALLY HARD to find Old El Paso brand. Even better, get the vegetarian Old El Paso. It is the best. All refried beans are not created equal and the type of beans you use will either make or break this recipe!)
-1 small can Tomato Sauce
-shredded cheddar cheese
Cook ground been in a skillet. When it's cooked add the can of refried beans and the can of tomato sauce. Mix well and cook until hot. Spoon a serving of mixture into a bowl and sprinkle with cheddar cheese. If needed, microwave until cheese is bubbly. Enjoy with a spoon, or add to a wheat tortilla for Phase 2 of SBD.

I've got more, but I'll post them later. Enjoy these really easy recipes. Trust me, you will not be disappointed. My kids even beg for them (except the Caprice Salad).

Sate of Shock

2009-12-01T07:22:00.001-08:00

Lindsey's ex-husband Joey apparently committed suicide last night.

My sister divorced Joey in April of this year b/c he was really mentally unstable. When he was stable he was such a great amazing fun person with a wicked sense of humor.

His depression and mental illness got the best of him last night and he committed suicide. We are all taking it hard, especially my sister. She loved him so much and was devastated that she eventually had to divorce him and get him committed to a mental institution. She never has stopped caring about him and this whole ordeal has been just awful for her.

We are all in shock and are still trying to compute the reality of this. His family hasn't given any additional details yet.

Joey and T-ster with Spiderman in New York last year.

You know you're jealous of me

2009-11-17T18:58:00.001-08:00

This past weekend we went to a little eclectic random shop down in the West End (in Dallas). I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to take pictures of all these little treasures. I have to warn you in advance though, many of the items pictured are making fun of Jesus or Christianity or fat people so if that makes you squirm, go ahead and close the browser window now.

*Disclaimer: I love Jesus, and Christianity, and fat people and this is just in good fun.*

You've been forewarned. Enjoy laughing your arse off...

Who wouldn't want a package of magnets that look like chewed up bubble gum? I seriously was 'this close' to buying these magnets. I LOVE crazy magnets. I might go back and buy them. I'm having not-buyers remorse. I would totally stick one on the side of my sisters car, or on my moms fridge, or on the front of hubb's new iMac. Okay, I've really got to go back and get these!

Brazilliant.

Here's hubb's personal favorite. Er, well, he at least told me to take a picture of it. I can't guarantee that it really was his favorite.

Remember when you were a kid and you had that magnetic board with a man's face on it and you could create hair and eyebrows and mustaches for him? My Mamaw had one. For all I know that thing was 40 years old. Maybe you have no idea what I'm talking about. Anyhoo, this one is way more fun, and totally un-PC.

It's just so wrong.

Everyone needs a Yodelling Pickle.

Why go for the traditional mint when you can have coffee, waffle, or bacon flavored instead?

Everyone needs some real Texas Bullshit. Why do you think they're called "shit kickers" anyway?!

Disposable Bullshit bag. Seals BS in.

Directions:

1. Open Bag before opening Mouth

2. Tuck open bag beneath chin

3. Start "talking", let the BS flow

4. When full, seal back and dispose of

Warning: Do not attempt to dispose of your BS through any government agency since they produce more bullshit than they can dispose of themselves. We suggest that you send it to the major networks in return for all they send out each day.

If you don't 'get' these keys, then I'm not even going to bother to try to explain them to you. But I totally want them. Aren't they so clever?

Love it

Tchotch Keys. Dying. My favorite.

Total awesomeness:

"Sink one in your drink" Who comes up with this stuff? They are genius.

Let's talk about Action Figures, shall we?

OMG, the Avenging Unicorn

Lil' Tubby with all his treats. So wrong.

I've always wanted a set of Horrified B-Movie Victims

and a set of Angry Mob action figures

And while we're talking about Action Figures, let's just roll this directly into all our Jesus Merchandise:

Miracle Jesus? Glow in the dark hands?! Turn water into wine?!! Feeds 500 with 5 loaves and 2 fish?!!! Why do I find this so comical?

Everyone needs their own Holy Water.

Seriously, I'm dying here

Jesus Shaves. Brilliant.

Everyone EVERYONE likes chocolate

Too bad it's blurry... Grow Mother Mary (???) Hilarious. And so random.

I'd like eggs with that thankyouverymuch

I still can't believe we took our kids in there. I'm sure they are scarred for life. Probably not. They were so preoccupied eating their Blue Bell ice cream that I don't think they even noticed all these terrible little evil amazing toys.

Lindsey (my sister who is even more evil than me bawahahahahahaha), don't be too jealous. I'll take you here next time you're in town. ;)

Ah, very nice

2009-11-17T12:09:00.000-08:00

Today at Costco I bought a pair of Buffalo Jeans (http://www.buffalojeans.com/).

Yes, I bought jeans at Costco. I am officially a Suburban, mini-van driving, Costco shopping Soccer Mom.

Now that we are past that... I bought some Buffalo Jeans today at Coscto.

I usually only buy Old Navy Jeans. Not sure why considering I loathe Old Navy jeans. They look awful on me. They never fit right. And they aren't any cheaper than any other lower-priced name-brand jeans. I'm basically in an Old Navy rut.

So anyway, I saw these Buffalo Jeans at Costco and they were about $30. I figured, what the heck, they can't be worse than Old Navy ones. Only problem is Costco doesn't have a dressing room to try on clothes so you have to purchase them and then try them on at home, and also Buffalo Jeans came in weird sizes (27-32). I guessed what size I think I am and bought the pants.

This isn't the pair I bought. It's just an image I found online.

These pants are like velvet. Seriously. And guess what? They fit! I haven't worn them for a full day yet to really try them out, but I've got them on now and I haven't been more comfortable in pants in years. I am loving these Buffalo Jeans. Thanks Costco.

Kinsey's room so far

2009-11-14T16:23:00.000-08:00

BEFORE:

I bought some light pink paint, a Roxy Quicksilver bedding set, new (to me) furniture off Craigslist, and added a few little decorations. It's a work in progress, but so far I'm diggin' it.

AFTER:

So, um ya, I hate doors. After I took this picture, I said sayonora to her closet door which really helped utilize the space to the right of the window.

New House

2009-11-14T10:29:00.000-08:00

A year ago we bought a house in DFW. I lurve my house. I love the layout. Only problem is that IMO it needs a lot of work. A Lot. So, here are some pictures of our house the day we bought it before we put any work into it. I'll post some before and after's in a bit.

Entry:

Formal Living Room (aka Piano Room):

Another view of the Piano Room:

Dining Room (aka Office):

Super uuuuugggggggggglllllllllyyyyy kitchen

Hey, I can say that because it's my house and I've already re-done most of it! ;)

Another super ugly kitchen angle

Breakfast area off the kitchen

Family Room

Don't tell me you like the paneling. Trust me, you don't. For some godforsaken reason, you may think you like it. Some people have said they like it. But I already tore it down. It's G-O-N-E. And it looks ah-mazing!

View from breakfast nook into Family Room

Travis's room

You can't tell as well from this photo, but those walls are peach, baby! yuck!

Kinsey's room

2nd bathroom

I so wish you could feel these walls. They are like sandpaper. I could scratch my back on these walls. Or shave my legs. Or if I try to grab toilet paper too quickly I'll draw blood on my knuckles. No joke, yo.

Another 2nd bath shot

Master bedroom

Biggest master bedroom I've ever seen. Too bad we don't own ANY furniture. Well, we do own a bed and a frame.

And here is my FAVORITE room in the entire house. Are you ready for it? Can you even stand the anticipation? Wait for it...! Wait for it...! Okay, here ya go.

Master bathroom. The most beautiful masterpiece ever created.

Who wouldn't want this shower head?

Ahhh, here it is! Outdoor slate tile and all! Sandpaper walls? Check. Too small vanity sinks created for a 1/2 bath? Check. Horrible floors? Check. Multi-colored walls? Check. You get the idea...

And the back yard

It's actually a decent size, I just couldn't get all of it in the camera lens

Check back for updates!

I'm baaaaaaccccckkkkkkk!

2009-11-14T10:27:00.000-08:00

I've been gone for over a year. Dang. I just got burned out with the blogger. Plus facebook is so much fun, and easy, and I can update my status as well as post pictures. But I miss blogging. I want to show off all my house renovations. I want to talk about me! haha

So anyway, I'm back. Hopefully for good.

2008-12-19T14:13:00.000-08:00

So it's been about a month and a half since I last updated. I've been too busy and lazy to update!!

I'll put some pics up eventually (I do put pics on facebook more frequently than on my blog).

We moved! We are all moved into our new house in Dallas. We've been here a little more than two weeks. I've been so busy b/c in addition to moving almost 2000 miles in our own car with a trailer, I've also moved in, unpacked a lot of stuff already, painted 3 closets, tore down paneling from an entire floor-to-12 ft ceiling living room, tore down half-wall paneling from the kitchen, refinished, re textured, and painted the living room, changed all the plug outlets and a few light switches, took down 3 sets of cabinets in the kitchen, and removed a small wall coming from the ceiling in the kitchen.

Needless to say, not only have I not had time to blog, but I also haven't been able to type due to my scabbed-over and throbbing hands! I always knew I was quite handy, but I have to admit, I've impressed myself this time.

Anyway... kids are great. Ben is great. I'm great. Travis is in 1st grade and has already adjusted quite well at his new school. Kinsey is my little cling-on, but I hate to admit, I think she loves tv more than she loves her mom! Which has been great b/c I've logged in 10-12 hour days remodeling the house.

I told her the other day, "Kinsey, I'm so sorry I've made you watch tv for so long today. I promise I'll finish all this work soon so that I can spend time with you."

Her reply, "Thats okay mom. I luuuuuuvvvvvvvveeeee tv!!!!!!!"

Whoops. Gotta work on that.

Have a merry christmas everyone and enjoy your holiday. I know I will b/c Ben will actually be home using vacay time for the next 2 weeks!!! Not only will he NOT be traveling and away from us, but he'll actually be HOME and NOT WORKING!

Peace out.

You say tomaeto, we say tomahto

2008-10-30T14:14:00.000-07:00

In Texas I learned how to talk. In New Jersey I learned how to talk all over again. I'm glad that my choice of words has entertained so many New Jerseians on a daily basis! :)

I say... / They say...

Beach / Shore

Tennis Shoes / Sneakers

Grocery Store / Food Store

Grocery Cart / Buggie

Stroller / Buggie

Wahterr / Whatah

Jersey / Joisee

New York or Manhattan / The City

Y'all / "'Y'all' hahahahaha 'y'all' y'all' hahaha oh my gosh that is so funny! y'all"

New Jersey Turnpike / Turnpike

Garden State Parkway / The Parkway

I'll add more as they come to me.

10 things...

2008-10-30T14:00:00.000-07:00

Top 10 Things I WONT MISS About New Jersey:

10. Too-narrow check-out lanes at the Grocery Store

9. ALL Costco Employees at the Costco in Eatontown

8. NO swimming pools (unless we want to pay $4k a summer for a Beach Club)

7. Elementary School & all Teachers refusing any and all Parent Involvement

6. Having to drive at least 20 minutes to get to Target, Wal-Mart, Costco, Grocery Store, etc

5. Weekend Traffic on the Parkway

4. Fake-Baked, Breast Implanted, Rhinoplastied, rich, snotty, plasti-girls

3. Nannies and AuPairs instead of Parents

2. Getting my groceries from my car to my apartment through a lobby, up the elevator, and down a long hall... every week

1. Totally RUDE and SNOTTY people (mainly employees) in general

Top 10 Things I WILL MISS About New Jersey:

10. Spring, Summer, and Fall (and never getting above 85 degrees!)

9. Celebrity Sightings (So far we've seen Bruce Springstein several times!, Kelly Rutherford aka Lily Van Der Woodsen from Gossip Girl, and Ken Paves aka Celebrity Stylist)

8. Attendants pumping my gas for me - it's the law! and it's SO nice!

7. Ocean Front View each day out ALL my windows

6. Billy & Heather (and of course, all my other amazing friends I've made!)

5. Eating Sushi @ Kanji

4. Beautiful wooded drive anytime you drive anywhere on the Parkway - and it's getting even better with all the leaves changing

3. Wicked

2. Weekend Road Trips exploring as much of the North East as we can cram in

1. Being so familiar with New York that I don't need a map in Manhattan anymore

For Better

2008-10-08T07:08:00.000-07:00

I've heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason bringing something we must learn. And we are led to those who help us most to grow if we let them and we help them in return. Well, I don't know if I believe that's true, but I know I'm who I am today because I knew you.

Like a comet pulled from orbit as it passes a sun. Like a stream that meets a boulder halfway through the wood. Who can say if I've been changed for the better? But because I knew you I have been changed for good.

It well may be that we will never meet again in this lifetime, so let me say before we part so much of me is made of what I learned from you. You'll be with me like a hand print on my heart. And now whatever way our stories end I know you have re-written mine by being my friend.

Like a ship blown from its mooring by a wind off the sea. Like a seed dropped by a sky bird in a distant wood. Who can say if I've been changed for the better? But because I knew you I have been changed for good.

And just to clear the air I ask forgiveness for the thing I've done you blame me for. But then, I guess we know there's blame to share and none of it seems to matter anymore.

Like a comet pulled from orbit as it passes a sun. Like a stream that meets a boulder halfway through the wood. Like a ship blown from its mooring by a wind off the sea. Like a seed dropped by a bird in the wood.

Who can say if I've been changed for the better? I do believe I have been changed for the better.

And because I knew you I have been changed for good.

-Wicked "For Better" lyrics

What role do I play?

2008-08-19T15:40:00.000-07:00

You Are the Innovator

You're the type of person who is always a step ahead of everyone else.

You thrive when you're experimenting with new designs, ideas, and attitudes.

You are a creative person with many talents. You have to have artistic outlets in your life.

You need to create - whether it's writing furiously or redecorating your home. If not, your life becomes chaotic.

You tire of doing the same thing every day. You change your job, friends, and personal style often.

You are at your best when you have a focus. If not, you develop a flaky artist's temperament.

What Role Do You Play?

Our apartment is so not family friendly!

2008-08-13T12:37:00.000-07:00

Here in New Jersey I live on floor 4 of my apartment complex. It's built like a hotel, so I have to go into the lobby and up the elevator to get to my unit.

I have to park in a parking garage across the parking lot - on floor 3.

So to get home I have to park on floor 3, take the elevator down to floor 1, walk outside the garage, across the street, into my building, up the elevator to floor 4, and then down a long hallway to my apartment.

HUGE PAIN IN THE REAR!!

Now, imagine doing this every single week with two kids AND an entire weeks worth of groceries. It's virtually impossible.

So, I park against the curb of my building, use my stroller as a make-shift grocery cart, and go up the elevator and down the hallway to my unit.

THEN, I have to take the kids back out, down the hall, down the elevator, load them up into the car, drive it into the garage, and then I have to park on floor 3, take the elevator down to floor 1, walk outside the garage, across the street, into my building, up the elevator to floor 4, and then down a long hallway to my apartment.

Yesterday I went to the grocery store. I finished putting the groceries away and got sidetracked doing something with the kids.

Fast forward to tonight at 12:30am. I finally realized (a day and a half later) that I never moved my car. So I left my kids alone in the apartment asleep (that's illegal, right?), ran down the hall, down the stair well, and outside to make sure my car wasn't towed.

Well, it wasn't. But now I have a boot on my car and I have to pay a $30 fine to get the boot removed.

Better than paying a towing company, but still!!

I'm totally annoyed about it b/c I wouldn't have had to illegally park if this complex didn't make it so hard to get my groceries from my car to my apartment!!!

On top of me having to pay $55 per month per car (2 cars) just to have the privilege of even getting to park at my own apartment complex (that, by the way, costs $3200 a month to rent from - yup, they don't give you a "free" parking pass to park at your own home!) I now have to pay an additional $30 because I parked somewhere that was slightly more convenient for me so that I could get my groceries in the door w/o the popsicles completely melting.

Argh!!!!!!

Kinsey is the new Gisele

2008-08-08T14:16:00.000-07:00

That's hot!

Posh loves her.

Travis is a walking infomercial

2008-08-05T14:17:00.000-07:00

Travis, I kid you not, is a walking infomercial. (He's 6.) He'll come up to me and say,

"Mom, we should buy a plant. And then, we can buy a Aqua Globe. And did you know that if you act now and call the toll free number that you can get it for only $14.99? Can you believe it, mom? Only $14.99! Plus, they will even give you a second one for free!! Mom, you HAVE to call the toll free number NOW so we can get our two Aqua Globes for only $14.99. This offer wont last long, mom, so we really need to hurry!!"

I'm not kidding! If he sees a commercial more than a few times, he walks around talking exactly in the same words and tone as the commercial. The cereal and unhealthy junk food ones are the worst!

And just in case you have been persuaded by Travis's excellent persuasion skills, here is the link where you can order your very own set of Aqua Globes!

https://www.buyaquaglobes.com/?cid=496594

Unconventional buys?

2008-07-24T13:08:00.000-07:00

I have a thing for high heels. Whenever I go into a store, I head straight for the dressy high heel isle. I love trying them on, modeling them, and buying them. Funny thing is, I don't like wearing them. I am a comfy shoe kind of girl. I don't care how cute the shoes are, if they aren't comfy, I will not wear them. Except for Sunday to church. I might wear one of my cute pairs of high heels to church unless I'm just totally not in the mood and then I'll just wear my daily staple - Old Navy flip flops. Why do I obsess about cute high heels when I hate wearing them?

Mystery Caller Identified!

2008-07-07T15:28:00.001-07:00

Apparently the mystery caller at 3 am was my brother in Law. LOL. I didn't have his number in my phone, so I didn't know it was him!

My sister called me and said she saw my blog and wondered why her husband's phone number was in my post. She said she fell asleep with his phone and must have rolled over onto it causing it to call me. That's why all I could hear was heavy breathing.

HAha!

Mystery Caller

2008-06-07T23:39:00.000-07:00

This number just called me at 2:30am (1:30am 512 (Texas) time):

512-xxx-xxxx (removed for privacy purposes - see above post)

I am not sure who it is, but I could hear breathing on the other end. The person would not speak once I said "Hello".

The reason I'm so curious is because I don't live in Texas (Austin area). I live almost 2000 miles away. Plus, my own cell phone has a Dallas area code, not Austin. Plus, I'm from Austin and am familiar with the 512 area code.

I don't think it's a random prank-caller. What prank-caller from Austin would just happen to call my Dallas area code?

I tried a reverse-lookup, but they all wanted money. Maybe I'll pay the $4.95 just out of curiosity about who my prank caller is. However, the reverse lookup did tell me that the phone number is a cell phone through Sprint (I believe) out of San Marcus, but one of the sites mentioned that the address was an Austin address, just out of the San Marcus location.

So, to all my plethora of readers... if you have reverse lookup, plug in this number and tell me who my mystery caller is. I'm extremely curious!

Don't have too much fun...

2008-03-24T12:52:00.000-07:00

http://www.ninjakiwi.com/bloons.html

I want to be, or I am?

2008-03-22T11:39:00.001-07:00

I've said these two phrases my entire life:

"I want to be a runner."

"I want to read more books."

I never liked running or reading. In fact, during high school I loathed doing either thing. When the tennis coach would force us to run 3 miles or the English teacher would make us read another book, I would cringe. I just flat out hated it.

But, I always wanted to want to do it and enjoy it.

Last year I started running because of a bet that Ben and I had with some of his co-workers. The deal was, for all of April 2007, you had to run 20 min a day, 5 days a week. Whoever actually finished the month would earn the pot of money. (We each put in $20.) I didn't win the money, but I did gain an appreciation for running. I've been running ever since. Well, jogging is a more appropriate word I suppose. I run 3-5 days a week for anywhere from 1-5 miles. It's been 11 months and I'm still doing it. One day I finally said to hubbs, "So, at what point am I a runner? How many days a week do I have to run and how far each time? 10 miles a day?"

At that point I realized I AM a runner. I have been for 11 months. I've finally accomplished a life-long desire.

As for the reading, I read a lot. I like to read. I finally realized a few days ago that I AM a reader. I love to read. I may not know all the classics, but I do love to read.

I've accomplished two of my life-long desires and I didn't even realize it. I'm quite impressed with myself.

More good books

2008-03-20T09:24:00.000-07:00

I just read the 3 book series by Stephenie Meyer. If you haven't read them, READ THEM. They were fun and easy to read. The first book was good, by the 2nd book I was hooked. I can't wait for the movies!

New Read

2008-02-21T16:56:00.002-08:00

I just bought:

Water For Elephants.

I've heard really great reviews about this book. I read the Prologue and Chapter 1 so far. I think I'm going to enjoy it.

Also, I finished this book recently:

Eat Love Pray

I know several people that just didn't get it or like it at all. I, however, was not one of them. I really enjoyed the book and I really connected with the author. I feel like I really learned a lot from her journey to find peace and to grow more spiritual. The Third and final section of this book was a bit more slow for me, but all in all I really liked it. And it has good quotes in it. As soon as I get my copy back from my mom I'm going to post all the great quotes I underlined.

I just spent $42 on...

2008-02-21T16:56:00.001-08:00

Cow Tails.

https://www.groovycandies.com/GC2Se...tails&Submit=Go

I bought 4 boxes - one in each flavor. There are 32 candies per box.

What has gotten into me?

First ever Celebrity sighting

2008-02-20T07:14:00.001-08:00

I work out at Golds Gym here in Long Branch, NJ. It's on the first floor of my apartment complex. So... while I was running on the treadmill I started chatting it up with these two people on either side of me. They both knew each other so I was kinda in the middle of their conversation so I just jumped right in. So, anyway, I tell them I'm from Texas and they say that I can't live in NJ unless I know who Bruce Springsteen is. (Of course, you NJ ladies had already told me that!) I mention that I had heard that and that I need to buy his CD. :bag: And then the girl says,

"Well, he's right over there (and points down to the free weight area)."

She told me that he works out there every morning. So of course, I stare at him for awhile and didn't recognize him at all b/c I'm not really into that type of music....

When I got home I looked up his photo on google. Sure enough, this is the exact person who works out at the same exact gym as me... every day!

He looks exactly like this! He even has the soul patch.

Funniest TMZ post of the month

2008-02-08T10:00:00.001-08:00

This post caught me so off guard that I almost sprayed soda on my computer when I saw it. It's pretty clever.

http://www.tmz.com/2008/02/08/stone-faces/

Way to be a team player! WWYD?

2007-12-18T19:12:00.000-08:00

Suppose you and your child are waiting for team practice to start. Several of the children get a few pieces of equipment out that they aren't suppose to be playing with. Most of the children are running around playing around and on the equipment. The coach comes up and sees the equipment out and says, "you aren't suppose to get that stuff out! Now go and pick it all up and then come on", and then he turns and starts walking away towards where practice will begin.

Your child wasn't one who physically got the equipment out, but you know he was playing with it. Your child obeys the coach and runs towards the equipment and starts to pick it up. Do you:

a) encourage your child and tell him/her he's doing a good job by following the coaches orders

or

b) tell your child to stop and not to touch the equipment. He/she didn't get it out so he/she shouldn't have to clean it up. When your child gives you a puzzled look you tell your child that only the children who disobeyed and got it out when they shouldn't have should have to pick it up. You tell your child to turn around and go get in line with the coach.

EEK!

I chose A. One of the annoying snobby Louis Vuitton clickish moms chose B. This happened last week with Travis at gymnastics and I'm still in shock over it. "Way to teach your child how to be a team player!"

The Story of Stuff

2007-12-18T12:21:00.000-08:00

Click on this link: The Story of Stuff.

This video is amazing and I've been thinking about it all day. Really makes you stop and think about what you buy and what you toss.

Favorite Item of the Month...

2007-12-04T21:17:00.001-08:00

This stuff ROCKS! I know, I'm a nerd. But seriously, my dad told me about this stuff, and I have to say, I am hooked! You can glue ANYTHING together! ANYTHING!! I've glued a cabinet back together, a stripped out windshield wiper, my laundry hamper, a car console, a car cigarette lighter, the button on my cruise control, screws that kept falling out, a car interior light that was falling down, etc.
It all started when my windshield wiper froze to my windshield last year. The retard that I am, I turned on the wipers trying to force them to un-stick. Well, it stripped the threading from the wiper arm and I had to buy a new one. $60 later I had a new wiper and was ready to go. Well, a week later Travis turned on the wipers and then climbed on the hood of the car and stepped on the brand new $60 wiper... stripping the threading off of it. Ugh. I called my dad in a panic. That's when I was introduced to one of the greatest products ever made. I bought the stuff, read the directions, and glued that wiper arm straight to the bolt under the hood! That puppy's not going anywhere! It's been a year and the arm is better than ever! Now I've become a bit obsessed and "look" for things to permanently bond together. There's something really fun about mixing the two tubes of stuff together and knowing that whatever you stick it to will never come apart - EVER AGAIN.

Okay, that was a very fun tangent. I just got finished getting Ben's truck ready to sell, so I've had a bit too much fun with the J - B Weld.

Next month: Mrs. Fix it. Trust me, if it involves toilets, washing machines, sinks, cd players, broken appliances, cosmetic defects, anything involving screws, gears, washers, bolts, etc... I can probably take it apart and fix it. And if not, well, it was already broken anyway, so what's the harm?

Is Cosmetic Surgery worth it?

2007-11-12T08:14:00.000-08:00

I've always been a fan! I've said for years that one day I fully intend on getting a tummy tuck and a breast lift. lol
But then, there are moments like this that make you wonder how worth it looking physically perfect really is.
http://perezhilton.com/?p=8628
Is a perfect body or face worth risking your life for?

I stared death in the face and I lived!

2007-11-09T09:05:00.000-08:00

For the very first time in my entire 27 years on this planet, I ran 4 miles!!

I didn't walk, not once. And I even finished in a respectable 47 minutes 24 seconds. That's less than 12 minutes per mile!

I almost cried when I hit 4 miles on the treadmill. Just last year I couldn't even run a full mile. Now I'm up to 4! It was a very surreal moment for me.

Holy Moly

2007-11-08T10:54:00.000-08:00

I am a member of a site called www.thegrocerygame.com. Basically it tells you what items are on sale each week at certain stores and then matches up coupons from the Sunday paper so you get the item at the lowest price possible.
Today I went to a few stores to get my coupon items. I was shocked at my grand total!!

Total Spent: $87.79

Total Saved using grocerygame: $95.88 !!!!!

I saved more than I spent! That is just crazy to me.

Diet update

2007-11-05T14:39:00.001-08:00

I've done WW for about 7 weeks now. I also run daily (1-3 miles) and do weights, so I know I have lost more fat then the scale says I have (b/c I've built up muscle and it weighs more than fat.)
Anyway, this is not a huge change, but enough of one that others have started asking me if I've lost weight and everyone keeps telling me my face seems thinner!
So, I don't have a full body shot (yet - I'll look for some) but here are some face ones.
Picture #1: First day of my diet
Picture #2: Last week (almost 10 lbs lighter)

Ewww... Sicko!

2007-10-31T11:38:00.001-07:00

Last night K-bear was asleep in our bed and woke up around 2am and just started puking everywhere. It was so disgusting! I tried to grab a blanket to catch all the vomit, but she freaked out and pushed the blanket away. Then she started trying to push the hair out of her face and was basically crying and freaking out.

We get up and turn on the light and start stripping the sheets off the bed. K-bear is covered in puke from head to toe. It was all in her hair and all over herself. She even managed to get it in my hair. Hubbs and I had to sleep on the couches the rest of the night b/c there was so much puke everywhere.

So, anyway, she is fine today. No fever, no throwing up, no nothing.

It gets worse though... I washed all the pukie stuff today and when I pulled it out of the dryer there was dried GUM stuck to everything!! It was even melted and stuck all over the inside barrel of the dryer. Apparently she had swallowed gum yesterday and threw it back up. So not only did I have to deal with vomit in my hair, now half my clothes are ruined from regurgitated bubble gum in the dryer!

Psst, guess what!?!

2007-10-29T07:49:00.000-07:00

I ran my first 5k today (in over 2 years). I ran it on the treadmill - not in an official 5k race, but I still did it! My time was 37.22 minutes! 12 minutes per mile would equal 38.4 minutes, so I ran at under 12 minutes per mile!!! My actual time per mile comes out to 11.63 minutes per mile!
Woot Woot!

On a side note, I was up .6 lbs this week from last (Boo Hoo!) BUT (TMI) I am bloated and Aunt Flow is visiting this week. AND I have been working out so much that I'm sure I've gained muscle this week. I'm sure next week will be a large drop in weight. I tend to have a large drop every other week and stay the same on the in between weeks. I've noticed that my weight fluctuation really follows my cycle.

Guess what I'm wearing today!?!

2007-10-22T12:41:00.001-07:00

Only a pair of jeans that have been too small for the past year and a half! Weight Watchers rocks!

Just another reason to celebrate!

2007-10-18T19:57:00.000-07:00

Ben and I went out to lunch today. When we pulled into his office parking lot after lunch EVERYONE from the entire building was outside. There were people everywhere. They were all eating popsicles and were gathered around a huge bouquet of balloons. It looked like a carnival! We rolled down the window and asked one of Ben's co-workers what the heck was going on (and why were we not invited?)!!? His reply,

"the fire alarm went off and they had to evacuate the building."

Hmmm, yes, I guess a potential FIRE is a perfect reason to celebrate! lol

"Worth it" moment last night

2007-10-13T08:57:00.000-07:00

Travis just learned how to ride his bike last week. Last night we took him to the soccer fields parking lot and he rode around forever. The air was crisp and breezy and I was in my running/workout gear, so I decided I wanted to run the trail around the soccer fields (about a mile I would guess). Travis rode his bike while I ran and it was so nice to have him as a running partner. It's nice that my boy is finally big enough to go running with me (even though he was on his bike). I can't really explain it, but I just was loving every moment of my jog with him.

Go me

2007-10-13T08:53:00.000-07:00

I had a surge of business at beyondbows.com on Thursday and Friday. In two days I had over $135 in orders come in! Word must be spreading about my bows because I only knew one of the people that bought from me. I've never heard of the others. :) I guess we should really get my site re-done quickly because it looks so messed up and tacky right now!
Anyway, go me!

Still loving Weight Watchers!

2007-10-08T05:38:00.001-07:00

My first week on Weight Watchers I only lost 1.6 lbs, but this past week I lost 3.4 lbs!!! I've lost a total of 5 lbs in two weeks!! I only have about 3-4 lbs to go before I bust out the smaller size, and then another 15 before I'm in my "skinny" clothes again (the smallest size I've ever been in my adult life). I'm hoping to go at least 2 to 3 sizes smaller than that though. Baby steps... I don't want to get too excited and jinx myself, but I'm so dang happy! And the best part about Weight Watchers over other diets... It's so easy! I've tried them all and WW is just really really easy.
I don't go to meetings. 3 years ago I went online and bought the "At Home" kit from WW dot com. They sent me a fat packet of pamphlets etc, but the most important thing that I use is the calculator. It adds up my points for me.
I feel like I have to get into this certain zone before I can start a diet and stick with it, and I don't want to talk too much about WW because I'm really afraid if I start talking about it all the time it will throw me out of my zone. lol. Anyway, 5 lbs in 2 weeks... I'm really happy today!

Book Reviews

2007-09-26T20:01:00.000-07:00

I just finished the following books:

I am not the greatest at giving Book Reviews, but I'll at least say a few words about each.
Memory Keepers Daughter: I thought it was pretty good. It was somewhat depressing to read about how one set of parents made bad decisions time and time again. Also it was depressing to span the lifetime of these children so quickly because it made me feel like my time with my kids is so short. However, when the book was finally finished I felt like I hadn't wasted my time reading it, and that is always a good thing. =)

Freakonomics: Wow, interesting read! If you want a book that will make you think from an entirely different point of view, this is a great one. Be forewarned though, there is a section about abortion and it's effect on our society that most Pro-Lifers will squirm through. It's always nice to read a thought-provoking book that promotes free thinking though.