You know those things that come out of your mouth and in retrospect, you look (as almost from above looking down at yourself) and say, Did I really say that?
Little Dude was using my bathroom (which I detest by the way) because his is in utter upheaval. I stood next to him as he urinated (I hate that part too) and this is what I actually had to say to another human being (a 3 year old human being, mind you.)
"Little Dude, you need to finish peeing before you walk away from the toilet."
"Oh, okay" he said. And he ran off.
Really...is that kind of instruction really necessary?
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Praying For Chile
My husband woke me this morning with news of the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that hit the town where I spent the Summer/Winter of 1995. It's called Concepcion and it's population is just over 200,000.
There is a large university in the center and it sits 8 hours South of Santiago (Chile's capital) by bus.
I still have quite a few friends who live in Conce so they news came as quite a shock. One of those Chilean friends is Fabiola. She lives in my town now but we met 15 years ago during my visit to Conce. Her whole family is still in Central Chile and she's having a really tough time getting a hold of them. For one, she is traveling in China this month for business. So, here she is, an American resident and Chilean national who is trying to contact her homeland from China. Thankfully she is one of the few who has been able to make contact with her family. Her sister was able to get through via email and their extended family is okay, thank the Lord.
I'm still waiting to hear from many more friends. I can't even begin to put myself in their shoes. Not to worry any of my local readers but there is quite a large fault line that runs right through our state. In fact, there was a small tremble in the Northwest part of the state earlier this week. Lovely.
Send up a prayer for the folks in Chile and Haiti too. I need to be so thankful for today and what I have.
There is a large university in the center and it sits 8 hours South of Santiago (Chile's capital) by bus.
I still have quite a few friends who live in Conce so they news came as quite a shock. One of those Chilean friends is Fabiola. She lives in my town now but we met 15 years ago during my visit to Conce. Her whole family is still in Central Chile and she's having a really tough time getting a hold of them. For one, she is traveling in China this month for business. So, here she is, an American resident and Chilean national who is trying to contact her homeland from China. Thankfully she is one of the few who has been able to make contact with her family. Her sister was able to get through via email and their extended family is okay, thank the Lord.
I'm still waiting to hear from many more friends. I can't even begin to put myself in their shoes. Not to worry any of my local readers but there is quite a large fault line that runs right through our state. In fact, there was a small tremble in the Northwest part of the state earlier this week. Lovely.
Send up a prayer for the folks in Chile and Haiti too. I need to be so thankful for today and what I have.
A Littlle Cushion for Your PayPal Account???
Who doesn't need a little cushion for the PayPal Account?
I found something called YouData (youdata.com). They are trying to convince consumers like us that we should be the ones controlling our own data and selling our own attention, not third parties like broadcasters, newspapers, and spammers. By creating a MeFile at YouData.com, I get paid for giving them my attention. I can use the funds to buy music and video online, donate to charities, give to my favorite blogs and websites, or keep the change myself and do whatever I want with it.
It's real. They pay every Friday. You should check it out.
Click this link to sign up. My MeFile ID, kpinsch, in the "Referral Code" will tell them I sent you.
http://www.youdata.com/join/kpinschI think this one might be well worth it. It's not a "get rich quick" thing but I don't mind a little extra change to aid in my Ebay addiction! Check it out!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Enjoy The Ride!
So I used to think all of these contests and such were gimmicks. Really, who wins these things?
Well, apparently I do. Lately I've had all of my favorite "deal" sites fed into my Facebook updates. That way I see the latest deals as they are published and I can click on those that interest me.
After having purchased some Overnights (for my boys, not me...yet!) and being VERY bitter that I'm still buying these for a 6 year old as they are quite expensive, I decided I was going to get every penny out of it. You know all of those codes that come on the sides of packages these days for sweepstakes, I entered them. I also used all the free Huggie codes that are out on the web. I was able to gather 180 points. I entered each and every one of them, not knowing what would happen. I just thought I was saving enough points for a package of pull-ups. (I'm halfway there, btw).
I noticed that there were a few instant win games that I could play so I entered. Guess what? I won a $25 gift card!!! That covered the cost of the overnights and the wipes! In this case it was worth buying the Huggies brand instead of CVS but I'm sure I could have won with those free points that are all over the web. If you would like to try your hand at this, click here. You can watch videos for free points and then try your hand at a free gift card. I hear it's best to play late at night or early in the morning for best results. If you want to enter free codes, google Huggies Enjoy the Ride Rewards or check out www.Freebies4Mom.com.
Hope you win! Oh, and by the way, somehow I won a $25 Discover Gift card this week too. Maybe I should play the lottery today! It's my week! =)
Well, apparently I do. Lately I've had all of my favorite "deal" sites fed into my Facebook updates. That way I see the latest deals as they are published and I can click on those that interest me.
After having purchased some Overnights (for my boys, not me...yet!) and being VERY bitter that I'm still buying these for a 6 year old as they are quite expensive, I decided I was going to get every penny out of it. You know all of those codes that come on the sides of packages these days for sweepstakes, I entered them. I also used all the free Huggie codes that are out on the web. I was able to gather 180 points. I entered each and every one of them, not knowing what would happen. I just thought I was saving enough points for a package of pull-ups. (I'm halfway there, btw).
I noticed that there were a few instant win games that I could play so I entered. Guess what? I won a $25 gift card!!! That covered the cost of the overnights and the wipes! In this case it was worth buying the Huggies brand instead of CVS but I'm sure I could have won with those free points that are all over the web. If you would like to try your hand at this, click here. You can watch videos for free points and then try your hand at a free gift card. I hear it's best to play late at night or early in the morning for best results. If you want to enter free codes, google Huggies Enjoy the Ride Rewards or check out www.Freebies4Mom.com.
Hope you win! Oh, and by the way, somehow I won a $25 Discover Gift card this week too. Maybe I should play the lottery today! It's my week! =)
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
It Happened Again
My only solace is that he is kind and dare I say *helpful* when it happens.
Last night I was drifting off to sleep. Hubby was already way gone...off to LALA land. As I was drifiting I realized that I was laying on my stomach with my arms under my chest. I wake up in awful amounts of pain and my arms are totally numb when that happens so I somehow found the energy to roll over.
As I did this I find Hubby's face RIGHT IN MY FACE and both of his hands on EACH OF MY SHOULDERS. He's all of a sudden HOLDING ME DOWN and asking, "Baby, are you okay? Are you okay? You're okay now, it's okay. I won't let you lift up. You're body is lifting up but I'm holding you down. You're okay."
I SCREAM of course because I was so close (oh so close!) to sleep and all of a sudden I have a crazy person in my face and he's holding me down to the mattress. "What the &R#&^ are you doing?"
"I'm holding you down," he says. Well duh!
"Why?"
"Because you're body was rising to the ceiling" he says.
"Are you asleep?"
Pause.
He rolls over and yells, "DON'T WAKE ME UP!"
So of course I'm in hysterics at this point (but a little ticked because it was 1AM and I wanted to be asleep). I'm laying in my bed, dying of laughter and getting yelled at because I was waking HIM up.
Yep, I've married a freakshow...BUT if my body ever begins to levitate to the ceiling for whatever reason I know who will save me from such an uncertain fate.
Last night I was drifting off to sleep. Hubby was already way gone...off to LALA land. As I was drifiting I realized that I was laying on my stomach with my arms under my chest. I wake up in awful amounts of pain and my arms are totally numb when that happens so I somehow found the energy to roll over.
As I did this I find Hubby's face RIGHT IN MY FACE and both of his hands on EACH OF MY SHOULDERS. He's all of a sudden HOLDING ME DOWN and asking, "Baby, are you okay? Are you okay? You're okay now, it's okay. I won't let you lift up. You're body is lifting up but I'm holding you down. You're okay."
I SCREAM of course because I was so close (oh so close!) to sleep and all of a sudden I have a crazy person in my face and he's holding me down to the mattress. "What the &R#&^ are you doing?"
"I'm holding you down," he says. Well duh!
"Why?"
"Because you're body was rising to the ceiling" he says.
"Are you asleep?"
Pause.
He rolls over and yells, "DON'T WAKE ME UP!"
So of course I'm in hysterics at this point (but a little ticked because it was 1AM and I wanted to be asleep). I'm laying in my bed, dying of laughter and getting yelled at because I was waking HIM up.
Yep, I've married a freakshow...BUT if my body ever begins to levitate to the ceiling for whatever reason I know who will save me from such an uncertain fate.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
If I Were Rich
There are very few things in life that I would let other people do for me (I'm funny that way) but one thing I would insist upon (if I were rich) would be someone to do my grocery shopping.
I HATE grocery shopping.
I kind of thought I would start to like it again once my kids were in school. Um...NO. Today I went by myself (which should mean celebration) and it was dreadful. I went to Giant Eagle to pick up $10 boxes of cereal for $20. I had 5 dollars worth of coupons so I was going to get 10 boxes of cereal for $15 and 3 free gallons of milk.
As I entered the store I realized that I didn't have my Giant Eagle shopper rewards card with me. I went to the cashier and asked if I needed it. She said it was quite easy to look up. With my mind at ease, I gathered my 10 boxes and some brown rice. No lines today so I sauntered right up, made my purchases and gave her my telephone number for my shoppers' card. And...no record of me in their system. Nevermind that I JUST bought a gift card in their the other day AND used the card to get gas. No record whatsoever.
After 5 minutes of ticking off my fellow shoppers behind me in line (remember, no line when I walked up), they escorted me to customer service where they still could not find me in their system. I offered to call my husband to get the actual number off the card. Voila! They had put in my MIDDLE name as my last name and didn't have my last name in the system AT ALL! MORONS!!!!
On top of that, my coupon for 3 free gallons of milk did NOT print! Bitterness. The manager felt so sorry for me (because I had already told him how bitter I was with Giant Eagle over their Fuel Perks policy) that he gave me a $15 gift card to their store. I had spend $17 on rice and 10 boxes of cereal. Essentially, I got 10 boxes free today and paid for my rice.
I'm still bitter with Giant Eagle though and plan to shop there only to use my $15 gift card. I did get 6 packs of Huggies baby wipes for $4.34...but I had to visit a 2nd CVS to get the deal. This would usually be around $17. I was happy with that but convinced after those 2 stops that this world is full of morons. Or maybe it's just me.
I HATE grocery shopping.
I kind of thought I would start to like it again once my kids were in school. Um...NO. Today I went by myself (which should mean celebration) and it was dreadful. I went to Giant Eagle to pick up $10 boxes of cereal for $20. I had 5 dollars worth of coupons so I was going to get 10 boxes of cereal for $15 and 3 free gallons of milk.
As I entered the store I realized that I didn't have my Giant Eagle shopper rewards card with me. I went to the cashier and asked if I needed it. She said it was quite easy to look up. With my mind at ease, I gathered my 10 boxes and some brown rice. No lines today so I sauntered right up, made my purchases and gave her my telephone number for my shoppers' card. And...no record of me in their system. Nevermind that I JUST bought a gift card in their the other day AND used the card to get gas. No record whatsoever.
After 5 minutes of ticking off my fellow shoppers behind me in line (remember, no line when I walked up), they escorted me to customer service where they still could not find me in their system. I offered to call my husband to get the actual number off the card. Voila! They had put in my MIDDLE name as my last name and didn't have my last name in the system AT ALL! MORONS!!!!
On top of that, my coupon for 3 free gallons of milk did NOT print! Bitterness. The manager felt so sorry for me (because I had already told him how bitter I was with Giant Eagle over their Fuel Perks policy) that he gave me a $15 gift card to their store. I had spend $17 on rice and 10 boxes of cereal. Essentially, I got 10 boxes free today and paid for my rice.
I'm still bitter with Giant Eagle though and plan to shop there only to use my $15 gift card. I did get 6 packs of Huggies baby wipes for $4.34...but I had to visit a 2nd CVS to get the deal. This would usually be around $17. I was happy with that but convinced after those 2 stops that this world is full of morons. Or maybe it's just me.
Unneccesary Alarm Clocks
So, blogworld, I'm wondering...
How did you wake up this morning?
A. An alarm clock going off at the proper time
B. A husband stumbling in the dark to HIS alarm clock that has a really annoying EHHH sound.
C. Someone dropping 100 legos in the hallway
D. The pitter patter of little feet running down the hallway
E. The bright shining sun in your window
I'm dreaming of the day that either A or E wakes me up. It's usually B the first time I wake up and either C or D that finally gets me out of bed.
The moral of the story is that I need to go to bed EARLIER so that I can get up EARLIER and I am not so bitter when B, C and D happen.
Feel free to add and F, G, and H on if you like.
How did you wake up this morning?
A. An alarm clock going off at the proper time
B. A husband stumbling in the dark to HIS alarm clock that has a really annoying EHHH sound.
C. Someone dropping 100 legos in the hallway
D. The pitter patter of little feet running down the hallway
E. The bright shining sun in your window
I'm dreaming of the day that either A or E wakes me up. It's usually B the first time I wake up and either C or D that finally gets me out of bed.
The moral of the story is that I need to go to bed EARLIER so that I can get up EARLIER and I am not so bitter when B, C and D happen.
Feel free to add and F, G, and H on if you like.
Monday, February 22, 2010
I have this terrible itch to spread my inner most thoughts on my Facebook status update. I don't do it of course because I actually do have some sort of inner filter left but I tempted.
Isn't that strange that we as 21st century humans have the desire to make ourselves so public? Take Twitter. I really think it's for a younger (than me) generation. I just don't get it. Who really wants to know what I'm doing all day long? I don't even know what I'm doing all day long. I tried Twitter for a day or two. After logging in for the first time in a year, I found 10 people (who I don't know!!!) following me...even though I apparently don't do anything.
My prompting to blog instead of FB was just a few minutes ago when I realized I have a freaking dentist appointment this morning. What's worse is that I was up at 6:45am, I worked for 2 hours, and then I dressed for my workout...only to discover I had a dentist appointment at 10AM. Dang it.
Thankfully my mom remembered and she is on her way over to watch the banshees while some awful woman pokes and prods inside my mouth. Oh, I hate the dentist's office. And I hate paying for the dentist.
I was really looking forward to that kick boxing class. Dang it.
So, you're stuck reading this sad post but at least we spared my 600 Facebook "friends"...and those 10 people I don't even know on Twitter.
Isn't that strange that we as 21st century humans have the desire to make ourselves so public? Take Twitter. I really think it's for a younger (than me) generation. I just don't get it. Who really wants to know what I'm doing all day long? I don't even know what I'm doing all day long. I tried Twitter for a day or two. After logging in for the first time in a year, I found 10 people (who I don't know!!!) following me...even though I apparently don't do anything.
My prompting to blog instead of FB was just a few minutes ago when I realized I have a freaking dentist appointment this morning. What's worse is that I was up at 6:45am, I worked for 2 hours, and then I dressed for my workout...only to discover I had a dentist appointment at 10AM. Dang it.
Thankfully my mom remembered and she is on her way over to watch the banshees while some awful woman pokes and prods inside my mouth. Oh, I hate the dentist's office. And I hate paying for the dentist.
I was really looking forward to that kick boxing class. Dang it.
So, you're stuck reading this sad post but at least we spared my 600 Facebook "friends"...and those 10 people I don't even know on Twitter.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Healing Powers?
I definitely believe in healing. Take New Testament times for example. There are countless testimonies of Jesus and his healing powers. He even brought Lazarus back from the dead. I don't doubt that.
But today. Is it still happening? I am somewhat of a dispensationalist in that regard....meaning I completely believe these things once occurred but I'm agnostic about whether they still continue in our age.
I have a Facebook friend who goes to Seminary at a very charismatic school. She goes to healing rooms and heals people on a weekly basis. Hmm. Really? I just don't know. I completely believe that God has the power to heal but does He choose to use us to do that?
Today I tripped (on Little Dude's shoe, strategically placed on the steps) and fell from approximately the 3rd step to the carpeted floor, twisting my ankle and banging my shin (hard) on who knows what (HUGE bruise). It's hard to remember exactly what happened but I know it killed like a banschee.
I really thought I had broken it. The pain was surging for like 3 to 4 minutes. All of a sudden, I was able to move it and immediately stand on it. I know ankles are funny like that but other than a little bit of stiffness, I seem to have fully recovered. I don't claim to be healed but I wonder if that's what it was like. And on that note, what did Lazarus feel like after being dead for FOUR days? Talk about groggy!
But today. Is it still happening? I am somewhat of a dispensationalist in that regard....meaning I completely believe these things once occurred but I'm agnostic about whether they still continue in our age.
I have a Facebook friend who goes to Seminary at a very charismatic school. She goes to healing rooms and heals people on a weekly basis. Hmm. Really? I just don't know. I completely believe that God has the power to heal but does He choose to use us to do that?
Today I tripped (on Little Dude's shoe, strategically placed on the steps) and fell from approximately the 3rd step to the carpeted floor, twisting my ankle and banging my shin (hard) on who knows what (HUGE bruise). It's hard to remember exactly what happened but I know it killed like a banschee.
I really thought I had broken it. The pain was surging for like 3 to 4 minutes. All of a sudden, I was able to move it and immediately stand on it. I know ankles are funny like that but other than a little bit of stiffness, I seem to have fully recovered. I don't claim to be healed but I wonder if that's what it was like. And on that note, what did Lazarus feel like after being dead for FOUR days? Talk about groggy!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
When is FREE really FREE?
If you've been reading this blog for any length of time...or actually know me in another realm, you'll know that I'm addicted to a deal. It almost pains me to miss out on something that I know I could get for free.
Today Auntie Anne's was giving away FREE pretzels. I love that place but NEVER buy from there because it just isn't how I spend money. It's not a meal and it's an expensive snack full of calories I really don't need. Soo....no need, right? That's the pragmatic side of me but oh...those things smell so good.
They were giving away FREE pretzels from 10-3pm and I had every intention of running out to the mall for a free pretzel. The day got away from me though as I was consumed by work for most of the morning. Saturdays are my catch up days when I can actually get a few hours of work in while my husband is entertaining the kids. So, it was finally time to hit the mall.
I took Girl Wondertwin because she is always enticed by food that tastes more like dessert. We arrived and I'm not kidding, I bet I looked for a parking spot for 10 plus minutes. Not one in sight. Some of this has to do with the 12 foot snow mountains (created by plows) in half the parking spots in town but the mall really was packed. I don't know what the heck was going on in there today but GWT and I hit Costco instead...we could see it from the mall parking lot, and I promise...I could hear it calling my name. We decided to partake in 5 different samples so I guess those were free but we exited having spent 57 dollars.
I left the house with the intention of getting a free pretzel at the mall and also to buy 2 sponges (for grouting the shower tiles) which would have been a total of 3.98 spent. Instead, I really couldn't resist the allure of Costco and their fresh Talapia, awesome whole grain bread and yummy olive tapenade.
I consider myself lucky I got out of Costco only 57 in debt. It's usually much worse. On the bright side, we had a lovely dinner of brown rice, broiled talapia, french bread (complete with Olive Tapenade), a green salad, and red wine. Yep, the $57 was totally worth it.
I'm still bitter about my pretzel though.
Today Auntie Anne's was giving away FREE pretzels. I love that place but NEVER buy from there because it just isn't how I spend money. It's not a meal and it's an expensive snack full of calories I really don't need. Soo....no need, right? That's the pragmatic side of me but oh...those things smell so good.
They were giving away FREE pretzels from 10-3pm and I had every intention of running out to the mall for a free pretzel. The day got away from me though as I was consumed by work for most of the morning. Saturdays are my catch up days when I can actually get a few hours of work in while my husband is entertaining the kids. So, it was finally time to hit the mall.
I took Girl Wondertwin because she is always enticed by food that tastes more like dessert. We arrived and I'm not kidding, I bet I looked for a parking spot for 10 plus minutes. Not one in sight. Some of this has to do with the 12 foot snow mountains (created by plows) in half the parking spots in town but the mall really was packed. I don't know what the heck was going on in there today but GWT and I hit Costco instead...we could see it from the mall parking lot, and I promise...I could hear it calling my name. We decided to partake in 5 different samples so I guess those were free but we exited having spent 57 dollars.
I left the house with the intention of getting a free pretzel at the mall and also to buy 2 sponges (for grouting the shower tiles) which would have been a total of 3.98 spent. Instead, I really couldn't resist the allure of Costco and their fresh Talapia, awesome whole grain bread and yummy olive tapenade.
I consider myself lucky I got out of Costco only 57 in debt. It's usually much worse. On the bright side, we had a lovely dinner of brown rice, broiled talapia, french bread (complete with Olive Tapenade), a green salad, and red wine. Yep, the $57 was totally worth it.
I'm still bitter about my pretzel though.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Whoops!
For the WonderTwin birthday, better know as the week long festivities, all 3 of my kids got a Zhu Zhu Pet.
Here is why the packaging says, "For Ages 4 and Up"
Here is why the packaging says, "For Ages 4 and Up"
Whiney Hiney
Little Dude is in rare form, my friends. Rare form.
It was the Wondertwins 6th birthday this week and for some reason, Little Dude (at age 3...turning 4 in six weeks) does not understand why BOTH his brother AND his sister get presents and he doesn't.
I brought the kids home from school yesterday to find Little Dude in the kitchen with a pile of presents (from my mom) and none of them were for him.
That was my mom's mistake. She should have known better, I suppose. She tried. She bought him this cute little M&M's candy container. That did not do it for Little Dude though. He cried and screamed (in HIS room) "I don yike dis pwesent, I don yike dis pwesent" for at least an hour.
He finally chilled and we all enjoyed a pasta casserole cooked by yours truly and a Graeter's ice cream cake. The cake ALMOST made up for 60 full minutes of Little Dude and his bad attitude. Almost.
It was the Wondertwins 6th birthday this week and for some reason, Little Dude (at age 3...turning 4 in six weeks) does not understand why BOTH his brother AND his sister get presents and he doesn't.
I brought the kids home from school yesterday to find Little Dude in the kitchen with a pile of presents (from my mom) and none of them were for him.
That was my mom's mistake. She should have known better, I suppose. She tried. She bought him this cute little M&M's candy container. That did not do it for Little Dude though. He cried and screamed (in HIS room) "I don yike dis pwesent, I don yike dis pwesent" for at least an hour.
He finally chilled and we all enjoyed a pasta casserole cooked by yours truly and a Graeter's ice cream cake. The cake ALMOST made up for 60 full minutes of Little Dude and his bad attitude. Almost.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Snow Days Out the WAZOO!
Okay, I fully realize that I chose to live above the Mason-Dixon line and I've created my own drama here. I've dug my own snowy hole and I should just shut up and take it. But DANG IT!!! I am COLD!
I grew up here and lived in the South for 7 years. I confess that my blood thinned a little as I realized that no one HAS to live in this stuff. I tell ya though, it was never THIS bad when I was a kid. We have DOUBLED our snow averages for the season and it's not over YET!!! (Notice all the fully capitalized words in this entry?)
I'm longing for a beach but everywhere I look it's cold. My in-laws are freezing their patooties off in Texas...South Texas at that. It's cold everywhere.
I fully blame Al Gore for this one.
I grew up here and lived in the South for 7 years. I confess that my blood thinned a little as I realized that no one HAS to live in this stuff. I tell ya though, it was never THIS bad when I was a kid. We have DOUBLED our snow averages for the season and it's not over YET!!! (Notice all the fully capitalized words in this entry?)
I'm longing for a beach but everywhere I look it's cold. My in-laws are freezing their patooties off in Texas...South Texas at that. It's cold everywhere.
I fully blame Al Gore for this one.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Oh the Romance!
You never know what my sweet husband of almost 12 years will say or do next.
Take today for example.
After I dragged 3 kids and a husband on a trip an hour North of our home for a day of SnowTubing* (SOO SOO SOO fun if you've never done it...I HIGHLY recommend it) we raced home to see some friends who were briefly passing through town.
We then took the kids to my mom's house for their own Valentine's festivities while hubby and I enjoyed a romantic evening. You'll never guess what we did.
We hit Kroger for triple coupons...yes, triple! I was elated. Side note: I saved over $70!!!!!
Then we went to Pei Wei (because it's cheap and you don't have to tip...and it's so scrumptious!)
Over Pad Thai he said the most romantic thing to me. Are you ready?
"I'm glad you don't look like a man".
Yep. Didn't I find a catch?
Sadly I DO think it's romantic that he spent 90 minutes with me at Kroger so we could put my coupons to good use. Couldn't have had a better Valentines...unless it was spent on a beach somewhere.
*Snow-tubing, for my Southern friends, is where you ride up a conveyor belt (for lack of a better word) up a mountain to the top. You then ride the tube down to the bottom. It is so awesomely fun AND even 3 year olds can do it. Can't beat that...a whole family affair!
Take today for example.
After I dragged 3 kids and a husband on a trip an hour North of our home for a day of SnowTubing* (SOO SOO SOO fun if you've never done it...I HIGHLY recommend it) we raced home to see some friends who were briefly passing through town.
We then took the kids to my mom's house for their own Valentine's festivities while hubby and I enjoyed a romantic evening. You'll never guess what we did.
We hit Kroger for triple coupons...yes, triple! I was elated. Side note: I saved over $70!!!!!
Then we went to Pei Wei (because it's cheap and you don't have to tip...and it's so scrumptious!)
Over Pad Thai he said the most romantic thing to me. Are you ready?
"I'm glad you don't look like a man".
Yep. Didn't I find a catch?
Sadly I DO think it's romantic that he spent 90 minutes with me at Kroger so we could put my coupons to good use. Couldn't have had a better Valentines...unless it was spent on a beach somewhere.
*Snow-tubing, for my Southern friends, is where you ride up a conveyor belt (for lack of a better word) up a mountain to the top. You then ride the tube down to the bottom. It is so awesomely fun AND even 3 year olds can do it. Can't beat that...a whole family affair!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
MIA!
No, no bonbons either. We're renovating the 2nd bathroom in our home. Right now we're tiling the shower and it has taken up almost every free second we've had. The fun never ends here.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
The Bachelor
I've been "half" wathcing the Bachelor for the past 6 weeks. I'd say I've seen about 60 minutes of it total. I'm not that into it but still, something draws me back.
Anyway, as I type, I'm watching/listening to episode 6. I've figured it out...what I don't like about this one. "Jake" the Bachelor, is like a Duggar gone bad. He's got that cheezey sweetness to him that can't be real but he's also making his way through those women like no Duggar would.
Just an observation.
Anyway, as I type, I'm watching/listening to episode 6. I've figured it out...what I don't like about this one. "Jake" the Bachelor, is like a Duggar gone bad. He's got that cheezey sweetness to him that can't be real but he's also making his way through those women like no Duggar would.
Just an observation.
A True American
This is an excerpt from a message my friend sent. He is
from the Sudan and recently became
an American citizen. He is now back in his home country
but now with the rights of an
American citizen.
Yesterday marked my 15th anniversary since I moved to the USA.
Here comes the story of my Visa to
America. In 1995 I got my visa to enter the USA, so I came to New York with 50 dollars and one stuffed suitcase.
I was one of millions of immigrants. But I always felt God was
touching me by his mercy everyday and providing Godly people
like you who made my life smoother and easier in America, and you still continued to be a blessing to me even though
I moved back to my old country. 15 years ago a miracle took
place in the American Embassy in Khartoum, I was granted a visa
to enter America, I had applied for a visa six times and I was denied
visa the six times, I had to wait for one year each time before I can apply again,(those days I was inspired by the
Ernest Hemingway's book, Old man and the sea) I was often denied
a visa becauseI did not hold a good paying job nor having a lots of
money in a saving bank account. So the last time while I was
interviewing with the Embassy counselor, in the middle of the interview,
her phone rang and she picked up the phone and talked for about ten
minutes, and after that she did NOT ask me if I have a good job or
saving account instead she did not finish the interview and she took
my passport and asked me to come the next day to collect my visa,
that was one of the happiest moments in my life, because I wanted to come America since I was high school-er, I kept on trying since 1988
and by 1995 the dream came true, when I received my passport with
a VISA, I remember I used to stare at my visa for hours and hours and
in the end I would put my Passport under my pillow. A similar miracle
also happened with me getting a U.S. citizenship and it was a real privilege
to be an American now I have the right toreceive assistance from U.S. Embassies and Consulates. As a U.S. citizens I have the right to live
or take long trips outside of the US, without worrying about compromising
my visa or green Card, and I have an unquestioned right to return to the
United States, since citizens cannot be denied entry. I am like the Apostle Paul
who was kinda proud of his Roman citizenship. :) I count my visa, Passport,
you as some of uncountable favors \from God since I became a believer, and I
must confess that I do not deserve any of them blessings and favors. I cherish
my friendship with you, and I hope you enjoy the picture :) We should
always remember to recount theblessings and favors God has bestowed upon us.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Honest Opinions
Through one of my DSW deals, I acquired a pair of shoes. I like the shoes but I'm not sure that they are my style. Instead of bravely making my own personal decision on my style, I leave it to the blog world to decide. I need to take these shoes back ASAP if I'm not going to keep them.
Honest opinion...should I keep them? Might be cute with a pair of Capris or a skirt?
Honest opinion...should I keep them? Might be cute with a pair of Capris or a skirt?
More Facebook Woes
Am I the only one who frets and freys over who to accept as a friend on Facebook? Why can't I just hit ignore and go about my day?
Here's my latest social woe. The dad of a guy that I dated IN COLLEGE just requested my Facebook Friendship. Seriously. I really didn't know that dad that well and wasn't crazy about being FB friends with his son, even. The dad is in his 60's and probably doesn't know a lot of people on FB. Therefore he chooses to put me in the awkward position of requesting my friendship.
Sometimes I don't feel bad hitting ignore because I know this person has so many friends that they will never notice. This isn't the case this time. He lives in my town but the chances of seeing him again are slim. I'm not in the habit of burning bridges but really. Do I want 60 plus year old men on my Facebook?
Oh the social woes our grandparents never had to deal with. Where is Miss Manners when I need her?
Here's my latest social woe. The dad of a guy that I dated IN COLLEGE just requested my Facebook Friendship. Seriously. I really didn't know that dad that well and wasn't crazy about being FB friends with his son, even. The dad is in his 60's and probably doesn't know a lot of people on FB. Therefore he chooses to put me in the awkward position of requesting my friendship.
Sometimes I don't feel bad hitting ignore because I know this person has so many friends that they will never notice. This isn't the case this time. He lives in my town but the chances of seeing him again are slim. I'm not in the habit of burning bridges but really. Do I want 60 plus year old men on my Facebook?
Oh the social woes our grandparents never had to deal with. Where is Miss Manners when I need her?
Friday, February 5, 2010
Oh, How I've Longed for You
Sleep, that is. I slept 10 hours last night. It's been decades since I've done that.
At 10:30 last night, J and I were half way through a DVR'd Law and Order and I just HAD to go to bed. I couldn't take it. I was making myself miserable, forcing myself to watch something that I was NOT enjoying.
So I went to bed...for the next 10 Hours!
I'd like to say I feel a lot better now but honestly I think I'm in a fog I'll never find my way out of.
I'm heading to a treadmill to see if I can break free.
Oh yea, and did I mention we have 10 inches of snow headed our way? Fun.
At 10:30 last night, J and I were half way through a DVR'd Law and Order and I just HAD to go to bed. I couldn't take it. I was making myself miserable, forcing myself to watch something that I was NOT enjoying.
So I went to bed...for the next 10 Hours!
I'd like to say I feel a lot better now but honestly I think I'm in a fog I'll never find my way out of.
I'm heading to a treadmill to see if I can break free.
Oh yea, and did I mention we have 10 inches of snow headed our way? Fun.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Baby Steps
FlyLady's first baby step was to clean the sink. She didn't tell me WHEN to do it though and so dumb me. I decided to soak it 1 hour before dinner. What was I thinking. I am quite excited to have a much cleaner sink. I've had a stainless for 18 months now and I have been a bit dumbfounded as to how to clean it and make it new. Her advice is to use an SOS pad on it. Those are the green ones, right?
See, that shows you what a novice I am. I'm afraid I'm going to scratch it. I'll let you know how it turns out.
Drumroll please! Here is the result.
And a little bit of silliness:
See, that shows you what a novice I am. I'm afraid I'm going to scratch it. I'll let you know how it turns out.
Drumroll please! Here is the result.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Little Dude's No Good, Very Bad Day
Yes, Little Dude had a bad day. That, of course, means that I had a very bad day. Funny how that works.
No, no, not so funny really. The fateful day was yesterday and I could tell as he got out of bed that it would be the day from hades. I could see it in his eyes. You moms know what I mean...um, don't you?
I somehow got him going (along with big sis and bro) and we hit the gym. Lately he's been playing video games at the gym and has a hard time leaving mid-game. I hate video games. Finally having convinced him that we HAD to leave so the twins wouldn't miss their bus, he decides to take out his aggression on Girl Wondertwin. He hauled off and hit her like he's Rocky fighting Apollo. She screamed of course and every mom in the Child Center looked in our direction. By his ear, I dragged him out of there and into the hallway. We then spent 10 minutes (I'm not kidding) playing the time out game. He has never been the best listener but yesterday he was in RARE form.
After many words exchanged between he and I, he finally apologized to his sister and me. We somehow got out of the gym and on to the school bus. Wonders never cease.
Unfortunately Little Dude wasn't the kid getting on the bus. I was then left alone with a very bitter and evidently tired Little Dude. Of course his No Good Very Bad Day had to consist of preschool. His poor teachers. I gathered his things and convinced him to get in the car. He begins crying at this point, "I no vant to bing Chawey to Kool, I no vant to bing Chawey to Kool"....translation, "I don't want to bring Charlie to school."
FYI, Charlie is a big stuffed cherry that gets sent home twice a year. The preschool wants the students to have some fun with Charlie and write/draw pictures about their experiences.
On our 20 minute drive to preschool (I know, that's why we are switching preschools for next year) he fell asleep. Yep, the kid who rarely naps anymore fell asleep on our way to school. I wake him up and without skipping a beat, he starts screaming and crying, "I no vant to bing Chawey to Kool". All the way into the building, down the stairs and into the classroom he keeps crying and screaming. HUGE crocodile tears were pouring down his face. I stayed around for 5 minutes trying to help the teachers understand his dismay. I finally left. Apparently he cried for 10 more minutes. His poor teachers.
Today I noticed that he's carrying around an orange bouncy ball with a face drawn on it. He named the ball Chawy the Apple.
Needless to say, Little Dude went to bed EARLY last night and today has been a much better day.
No, no, not so funny really. The fateful day was yesterday and I could tell as he got out of bed that it would be the day from hades. I could see it in his eyes. You moms know what I mean...um, don't you?
I somehow got him going (along with big sis and bro) and we hit the gym. Lately he's been playing video games at the gym and has a hard time leaving mid-game. I hate video games. Finally having convinced him that we HAD to leave so the twins wouldn't miss their bus, he decides to take out his aggression on Girl Wondertwin. He hauled off and hit her like he's Rocky fighting Apollo. She screamed of course and every mom in the Child Center looked in our direction. By his ear, I dragged him out of there and into the hallway. We then spent 10 minutes (I'm not kidding) playing the time out game. He has never been the best listener but yesterday he was in RARE form.
After many words exchanged between he and I, he finally apologized to his sister and me. We somehow got out of the gym and on to the school bus. Wonders never cease.
Unfortunately Little Dude wasn't the kid getting on the bus. I was then left alone with a very bitter and evidently tired Little Dude. Of course his No Good Very Bad Day had to consist of preschool. His poor teachers. I gathered his things and convinced him to get in the car. He begins crying at this point, "I no vant to bing Chawey to Kool, I no vant to bing Chawey to Kool"....translation, "I don't want to bring Charlie to school."
FYI, Charlie is a big stuffed cherry that gets sent home twice a year. The preschool wants the students to have some fun with Charlie and write/draw pictures about their experiences.
On our 20 minute drive to preschool (I know, that's why we are switching preschools for next year) he fell asleep. Yep, the kid who rarely naps anymore fell asleep on our way to school. I wake him up and without skipping a beat, he starts screaming and crying, "I no vant to bing Chawey to Kool". All the way into the building, down the stairs and into the classroom he keeps crying and screaming. HUGE crocodile tears were pouring down his face. I stayed around for 5 minutes trying to help the teachers understand his dismay. I finally left. Apparently he cried for 10 more minutes. His poor teachers.
Today I noticed that he's carrying around an orange bouncy ball with a face drawn on it. He named the ball Chawy the Apple.
Needless to say, Little Dude went to bed EARLY last night and today has been a much better day.
Blogs, Glorious Blogs
I've decided I don't spend enough time reading blogs. There is a blog for every subject matter ever created. i stumbled upon one today that has put me under the pile.
www.flylady.net
This woman must be the queen of clean because she's talking about cleaning things I've never even heard of.
One particular part of her blog has me questioning my household duties.
Check this out: http://www.flylady.net/pages/FLYingLessons_Routines.asp
Is it because I'm still in survival mode? That's what I called it after I had the twins. I was putting a lot of pressure on myself to "keep up" with everything like I had in the past. I finally realized that things will have to go by the wayside while we "survive". Since the twins are turning 6 in a couple of weeks, I'm thinking that my "survival" excuse is waning. How long can I cling to it, right?
Well, I don't think I'll ever be FlyLady but I'm inspired...when I come out of my twin fog.
www.flylady.net
This woman must be the queen of clean because she's talking about cleaning things I've never even heard of.
One particular part of her blog has me questioning my household duties.
Check this out: http://www.flylady.net/pages/FLYingLessons_Routines.asp
Is it because I'm still in survival mode? That's what I called it after I had the twins. I was putting a lot of pressure on myself to "keep up" with everything like I had in the past. I finally realized that things will have to go by the wayside while we "survive". Since the twins are turning 6 in a couple of weeks, I'm thinking that my "survival" excuse is waning. How long can I cling to it, right?
Well, I don't think I'll ever be FlyLady but I'm inspired...when I come out of my twin fog.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Major Headache
Literally. Pretty sure I'm dying. Almost puked.
The bright side? Hubby had to feed the kids and put them to bed.
The bright side? Hubby had to feed the kids and put them to bed.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Most Recent FB Status Update
"Why won't they just put themselves to bed?"
Really...at what age is this not the most dreaded task on the planet? I remember being in middle school or early high school and watching my parents drag themselves upstairs to bed while I was still on the phone or watching tv. Usually I had books in front of me to appear studious but it was just a facade of course.
Had my parents just given up at that point? Was it the years upon years, night after night dread of such a daunting task that they finally just gave up?
And how early can I give up? Just wondering.
Really...at what age is this not the most dreaded task on the planet? I remember being in middle school or early high school and watching my parents drag themselves upstairs to bed while I was still on the phone or watching tv. Usually I had books in front of me to appear studious but it was just a facade of course.
Had my parents just given up at that point? Was it the years upon years, night after night dread of such a daunting task that they finally just gave up?
And how early can I give up? Just wondering.
Preschool Decision, Check!
My final preschool decision is made. Thank you God! I don't know if you fret and frey like I do over big decisions like this one (or maybe it's not as big as I make it) but I am relieved. After pulling some strings, I was able to get Little Dude in the preschool of choice. Yay! (big sigh here).
He'll be in school 12 hours a week next year. That means I'm free for 12 hours per week. What the heck am I going to do with myself? Hmmm...grocery store, clean the house maybe? Novel ideas, right?
The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter and brighter. Weird.
He'll be in school 12 hours a week next year. That means I'm free for 12 hours per week. What the heck am I going to do with myself? Hmmm...grocery store, clean the house maybe? Novel ideas, right?
The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter and brighter. Weird.
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