3X Thursday

3X Thursday July 31, 2008

1. Environmental: What do you think of the environment, people trying to 'save' it, etc? I think we should all do whatever we can to save the environment. We only have one place to live.
2. Political: Even if you don't pay attention to politics, what's important to you regarding how this country continues to evolve (or devolve)? Well, I would certainly like to see something done about the economy, the safety of our children and medical help for the working poor. There are probably other things our country needs but these things effect my own family.
3. Personal: Are you happy? Why/why not? I am very happy. I wake up every morning and tell myself I am going to be happy. I enjoy my life, I enjoy my honey, I enjoy my family and even if things are not going perfect I still have them.

Ten on Tuesday

Ten on Tuesday July 29, 2008
10 Things to Do When It’s Too Hot to Go Outside

1. Read a book
2. Take a nap
3. Watch TV
4. Rent a DVD
5. Go shopping
6. Have a cold drink
7. Take a cool shower
8. Eat a popsicle
9. Go for a Slurpee
10. Jump in a pool
    
    

Bailey's Birthday

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

This program is the coolest thing. I saw it on another website, went and visited and made this birthday scrapbook in about 15 minutes. Now, this is my kind of digital scrapbooking!

Monday's Memes

Monday's a Bitch July 28, 2008
No Pain, No Gain
1. How much exercise do you get in an average week? I try to go to Curves at least three times a week.
2. Do you make an effort to fit exercise into your daily schedule? Fortunately the Curves is less than a mile from my house so it's not hard to get there.
3. Is there any part of your body that you feel could use a little extra work? Most of it!
4. What time of day do you prefer to work out? After lunch but before 3 p.m.
5. What kind of music or what song gets you pumped to work out? Whatever is playing at Curves.

Moody Mondays #23 July 28, 2008

This weeks Moody Mondays is all about your favorite song!

What is your one, most favorite song? Tell us about it, post a video, post the lyrics...whatever you are happy with sharing.

My favorite song right now is Put a Girl In It by Brooks N Dunn. I saw them sing this with Reba McEntire on an awards show and fell in love with it. Here are the lyrics:

You can buy you a brand new truck

Chrome it all out, jack it way up

You can build you a house up high on a hill

With a pool and a pond and a view to kill

You can make all the money in sight

But you aint livin the good life

Til you put a girl in it

You aint got nothin

What's it all worth

Without a little lovin

Put a girl in it

Some huggin and some kissin

If you're world's got somethin missin

Just put a girl in it

You can buy a boat and a shiny set of skis

Have some fun in the sun, float around in the breeze

You can lay out on a blanket by the lake

Drink a cold beer, polish off another day

Kick on back and watch the sky turn red

A sunset aint a sunset

Til you put a girl in it

You aint got nothin

What's it all worth

Without a little lovin

Put a girl in it

Some huggin and some kissin

If you're world's got somethin missin

Just put a girl in it

You can write you a country song

The DJ wont put it on

They wont dance or sing along

Til you put a girl in it

You aint got nothin

What's it all worth

Without a little lovin

Put a girl in it

Some huggin and some kissin

If you're world's got somethin missin

Just put a girl in it

If you're ridin in your truck

Put a girl in it

If you're gonna have a party

Put a girl in it

If you wanna live the good life

Better put a gir-r-rl in it

Monday Morning Meme

Monday Morning Meme!! July 28th
1. What is your blogging style?
Stir it up
Can we talk?
Observing the scene
Stuff you want to know
Why is that? Tell us why you think your blogging style falls into one of the above categories. Are you okay with this style? If you could change your blogging style, what would you change it to? I guess it would fall into the "Can we talk?" category. I love to fill out memes, post pictures of my family and my crafts. There isn't anything world changing going on but it makes me happy.
2. Have you ever read a book because Oprah suggested it? If so, what was the title and was it what you expected? If not, why not? I have read a couple of Oprah's book but they are usually really depressing books. I get a lot of great books out of People magazine.
3. Who do you turn to if your techie things die? Why this person? Are you very good at fixing techie things? Tell us your most successful, or most terrible, experience at fixing something techie. If something techie dies I give it to Dave to give to his computer guy at work. Years ago I had a Gateway computer that the hard drive died five years in a row during the Thanksgiving holidays. The hard drive was covered under warranty but not the labor so I have replaced a hard drive on the same computer four times.
4. July is nearly over, any final words? (Sum up your month for us - the good and the bad). It went by so fast - Bailey turned one, my ex is having some problems, we went to see Micheal Bolton, the boys are happy, Nicole is without a vehicle. It's been another interesting month around here.

Manic Monday

Manic Monday #127 July 28, 2008
What's your favorite thing to do on a rainy day? Read, scrapbook, bead, listen to music, sleep.
Are you a window person or an aisle person? Why? I am an aisle person, I like being able to get up and not walk around other people.

Menu Plan Monday

Menu Plan Monday July 28, 2008

Monday - Tuna Patties, Roasted Potatoes (both new recipes)
Tuesday - Dinner out at Cheesecake Factory
Wednesday - Stuffed Flank Steak
Thursday - Crockpot Chicken
Friday - Spaghetti
Saturday - Cheesy Chicken Casserole

Sunday Scrappin'

Sunday Scrappin' July 27, 2008
The weeks are going by quicker and quicker. It seems each Sunday I think I will have so much more to post the next week and the week is over and I have nothing to show!

My ta-da list this week is very short. I finished my M & M valance for my craft room. And I went shopping at A.C. Moore. Our A.C. Moore store opened last September and it is closing this Friday! I am so sad! We have a Micheal's and a JoAnne's but I love A.C. Moore. I got a 25% off my total purchase coupon and went shopping on Friday. I got the Martha Stewart Lace Doily Border Punch, some adhesive, tons of paper and tons of stickers. I also got a good bunch of beads but they are not pictured.
I did also do a bit of organizing in my craft room. Not that anyone else could tell I did anything in there but I know what I got done!
My to-do's this week include finishing up a few pages that I have started and continuing to work in my scrapbook room. I am also in the middle of a bead project that is coming together nicely and hopefully it will be done to post next week.

Have a great week everyone!

101 in 1001 Days - Week 1 Update

101 in 1001 Days - Week 1 Update July 27, 2008

I have a week under my belt for my 101 in 1001 days project and here is where I am:

Completed Items:
40. Hire a cleaning gal (completed 7/23/08) I don't know how long this will last, I hire Nicole to come and clean and although she does a good job she wants too much money.

In Progress Items:
4. Go to Curves three times a week (0/3) (1/) I went Mon, Tues and Fri this week and feel good!
13. Take my vitamins every day for a month (7/30) One week down, three to go!
27. Write my grandmother once a month for three months (1/3) July 26, 2008, And I sent pictures, she should be pleased to get this.
31. Spend an afternoon with Brandon once a month for six months (1/6) We just hung out at the house and talked and watched TV.
44. Put all my recipes on the computer, reprint and laminate. I reinstalled my Recipe Manager program and got 10 recipes printed and saved. I ordered a laminator and it should be here this week.
57. Read an average of two books a week 7/21-7/27 - Seven Up by Janet Evanovich, Don’t Make Me Choose Between You and My Shoes by Dixie Cash, Lost by Joy Fielding. This one is easy, I usually read every night before going to bed.
59. Read new authors A to Z of Authors (A-B-C-Dixie Cash D-E-F-Joy Fielding G-H-I-J-K-L-M-N-O-P-Q-R-S-Sophia Kinsella T-U-V-W-X-Y-Z-) Three down, 23 to go.
60. Watch Ugly Betty DVD’s (Season 1) Just finished disc 4 of 6 discs.
61. Watch Reba DVD’s (Season 1, 2, 3, and 4) Finished disc 1 of season 1.
96. Take a photography class. I am taking a photography class at Big Picture Scrapbooking.
99. Collect my spare change and cash it in on day 101. Emptied my wallet and the bottom of my purse when I cleaned out my purse this week.

Revised Items:
79. Complete 21 Day Challenge with quotes (#79 was revised as I had a duplicate)

The Week in Review

The Week in Review July 27, 2008
Brandon got his braces off. What a hottie! He looks SO good with his braces off and his teeth all where they belong!
Nicole had a birthday party for Bailey. She will be a year old July 31st. It hardly seems possible that this angel has been here a whole year. What joy she has brought to this family.
And she loved her cake! Does life get any better than this?

And although we have a week full of wonderful moments we have also had a week full of stressful moments. Nicole lost her job and is now job hunting. Her car got wrecked this week and is undrivable until they can get a new radiator. We have the situation with the kid's Dad that is still not resolved. And Brent had a stressful appointment with the counselor. We are hoping that this week has more wonderful moments and less stressful ones.

Randomness

Randomness July 27, 2008

word association
Let's do good ol' fashioned random word association this week :o)I say....you think...
1. flower - beautiful
2. paper - plate
3. coffee - mug
4. tire - car
5. sand - beach
6. work - at home
7. reality tv - sucks
8. itch - scratch
9. tooth - sweet
10. sour - puss

Unconscious Mutterings

Unconscious Mutterings July 27, 2008
I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Memory :: Brain


2. Original :: Thought


3. Exclusively :: Yours


4. Listings :: Real Estate


5. Bucket :: List


6. Knight :: Shining Armor


7. Dusty :: Table


8. Choice :: Right


9. Sunlight :: Warmth


10. Change of plans :: Spontaneous

Saturday Six

Saturday Six - Episode 223 July 26, 2008
1. What’s the last card game you played, and with whom did you play? I can't even remember the last card game I playes
2. What’s the last board game you played, and with whom did you play? I played Mancala with Brent last week.
3. What’s the last computer game you played, and with whom did you play? The only computer game I play is FreeRice.
4. Take the quiz: Which chess piece are you?

Your result for Which Chess Piece are You Test?...

The Knight's City Guard

Congrats! Only 10-13% of the population score this!

The Knight’s City Guard is characterized by the desire to serve others in times of need. Sometimes this drive is so powerful that the standard ‘give-and-take’ is unsatisfying. They are bound very much to social convention and don’t like to include moral or political controversy. The City Guard is often forgotten because they are so reliable. They are loyal and great producers of quality – which end up allowing others to take for granted what the City Guard gives. They are hurt by being treated as a doormat but are unwilling to toot their own horn about accomplishments. This is due to that it feels somewhat wrong to want a reward for doing work which is a virtue in itself.

The City Guard can be overworked and suffer from self inflicted headaches. They are methodical workers with good memories and analytical abilities. They are great in small groups because of their patience. They make pleasant co-workers and better employees. They tend to feel a bit harried by supervisory roles. They form strong loyalties of a personal nature. This is opposed to institutional loyalty. If someone leaves the company that’s close to this type – they may leave as well. They are perfect as teachers, administrators, clerics and fit right in amongst nursing or medical careers.

The Knight’s City guard is concerned with harmony and traditional behavior. They have a few close friends and are extremely loyal. Don’t confront them, they hate that. Also if the Knight’s City Guard is moody – it could be because they haven’t shared something of importance. Most friends of the City Guard feel ashamed later when finding out why the Guard refused to share the source of their trouble. This ‘Pawn’ is wonderful because they are the diplomat of emotions and needs. They are society’s most constructive and protective member.

Take Which Chess Piece are You Test? at HelloQuizzy

5. Of the games you listed in the first three answers, did you win any of the matches? My son beat me both games of Mancala and there is no winner at FreeRice, only the people I help feed.
6. If you could only play one single game for the rest of your life, which game would you play and why would you choose it? I think I would say cards, that way I could have a deck of cards and play lots of different games.

Saturday Special

The Saturday Special July 26, 2008

~Summer Favorites~
1. Favorite Summer Activity: Something crafty indoors
2. Favorite Summer Meal: Anything on the grill, fresh veggies
3. Favorite Thirst Quencher: flavored water preferably orange or citrus
4. Favorite Summer Weather: After an afternoon rain when it is cooler outside.

Saturday Social

Saturday Social #19 July 26, 2008
Today's Saturday Social Question:
Have you ever won anything big?

I can't remember winning anything big, but the lottery sounds nice. Oh wait, I guess you have to play the lottery to win the lottery!

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: We Travel Well July 26, 2008
1. What part of the world and country do you live in? I live in sunny Southwest Florida in the US, Naples, Florida to be exact.
2. What is the furthest from home that you have been, and where is it? I think the further is Seal Beach, California.
3. What travel destination have you enjoyed the most? I always enjoying visiting by best bud Wendy in Tucson, AZ.
4. What travel destination have you enjoyed the least? Not the destination but the trip, I don't particularly like cruises. The whole time I feel off center and slightly sick, so I won't be cruising again.
5. Is there somewhere you’d like to visit but have not, and where is it? There are quite a few places that I would love to visit - Washington DC, Nashville, TN and the coast of California.
6. Do you prefer traveling to see historic places or to hit the beach and relax? I am not a beach person so I guess my answer is historic places, but I do like to relax on vacation.
7. What popular vacation destination have you never considered because you think you’d not like it? Anything out of the country. For some unknown reason I have a fear of traveling outside of our country.
8. Where do you travel to most recently? We took a weekend trip to Ft Lauderdale and had an overnight stay at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, FL.
9. Do you like day trip “mini-vacations”? What fun!

Four on Friday

Four For Friday July 25, 2008
Q1 - Popcorn and Candy: According to the author of "Why Popcorn Costs So Much at the Movies, And Other Pricing Puzzles" (University of California-Irvine Professor Richard McKenzie), buying your movie candy at a local drugstore or Costco can save you as much as 86% from what the theater charges on a price per ounce basis. When you go to the movies, what type of candy and refreshments do you usually buy, or do smuggle yours into the theatre?
I usually smuggle in candy and purchase a drink.
Q2 - Then & Now: A recent special issue of People magazine focusing on child actors from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, profiled more than 100 former showbiz kids with an emphasis on where they are in their lives today. Are there any child actors you would like an update on? If so, which one(s)?
I was just thinking about something like this the other day. David Cassidy's wife is an Arbonne rep (like me) and I was reading about her and her business and thought about my teen idol, Shaun Cassidy, David's brother. I haven't heard anything about his in years.
Q3 - Pollution: Recent reports indicate that as much as 46,000 pieces of floating plastic can be found per square mile of ocean. If you were enjoying time at the beach by wading in the water, and you noticed garbage floating nearby, would you collect it and throw it away once you were back on shore?
No, but I probably should.
Q4 - Right Now: What is your most pressing concern right now?
My daughter's and her car - her dumb-a** boyfriend wrecked it and the insurance deductable is $1000.00.

Know and Tell Friday

Know and Tell Friday: Travel Edition July 25, 2008
1. What is your favorite mode of transportation (flying, train, car, boat, etc.)? Why? I like to drive in a car because I feel like I have control. I hate to fly but do it because it is fast.
2. If you could fly like Superman, jump and swing like Spiderman, swing on vines like Tarzan or fly on an umbrella like Mary Poppins, which would you choose? See #1 - I hate to fly so I won't do any of these things.
3. You're driving down the road and you see a small cluster of people, all with their thumbs out hoping to hitch a ride with you. As you near the group you realize that the people standing there are Queen Elizabeth, Johnny Depp, Barrack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and John Grisham. You only have room for one person. Who would you pick up? Whoever got in the car the fastest. I wouldn't want to choose just one and leave the others standing there. Maybe I won't even stop and I won't put myself in that position.
4. What was the most memorable trip you've ever taken?
5. If you were planning a road trip with your best friend, where would you start, what would you stop to see and where would you end? If I were with my best friend it would not make any difference where we were we would have a blast!
6. You are able to transport yourself back to any time. What would it be and why? I am going back to the 50's and wear a poodle skirt!
7. Would you have flown with the Wright Brothers when they first discovered air travel? No way!

Friday 5

Friday 5 for July 25: Metaphors Be With You July 25, 2008

When you go to the beach, lake, or pool, are you more likely to lower yourself gradually into cold water or to take a determined plunge and get it over with? It depends, sometimes I take it slow, others times I dive right in.
How is this like (or unlike) your approach to other tasks or ordeals? Again, it depends on the situation but usually I take it slow.
When someone gives you flowers, are you more likely to let them turn completely brown and gross before throwing them out, or to discard them the moment they take on that sick-flower look? I usually throw them away when they get too sick looking.
How is this like (or unlike) your approach to other gifts, purchases, or relationships? My last relationship had turned brown, grown mold and started to smell really bad! And I keep gifts and purchases far too long - I hate getting rid of anything!
Think of your favorite movie (or a movie you really like, if you can’t think of a favorite). Some people say that the reasons you love your favorite movie are related to what you value in romantic relationships. How is this true or untrue in your case? My all-time favorite movie is Tarzan (the animated version). The reasons I love this movie are 1.) the underlying message of acceptance of anyone regardless of their circumstances or looks and 2.) the great music. And I supposed both of those are important in a relationship.

Friday Fill-Ins

Friday Fill-Ins #82 July 25, 2008
1. I believe whatever doesn't kill you will make you wish you were dead.
2. If you're good at something, teach someone else to do it.
3. Why so many headaches?.
4. Something is out there, it's spooky!
5. If my life were a sitcom, it would be titled "The Life and Times of Her Crazy Ex-Old Man".
6. Sitting on my back porch [if you don't have one, use your imagination] I see lush green plants and grass, birds at the birdfeeder and children playing next door.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to a nice, quiet dinner at home, tomorrow my plans include attending my granddaughter's 1st birthday party and Sunday, I want to go to A.C Moore before they close!

The Thursday Threesome

The Thursday Threesome July 24, 2008

Onesome: Toys--? Any new tech toys at your place? No? What would you like to have that is all sorts of "new and improved" and just hard to live without? There is really nothing that I am wanting right now. I just purchased a heat laminating machine to laminate my recipe cards but I don't think that is high tech.
Twosome: 'r-- you ready for school to be in session again? Good grief, it's only July, but the Back to School sales have been in place for a few weeks now. Do you have a trinket you're planning on buying for yourself or the kids for this next year? Mom is ready, kid is not. I only have one going off to school this year but we have done most of our school shopping. We need to find more shorts and a few more school supplies and we'll be done. I will appreciate having my days to myself and appreciate my son when he get home. Only three more weeks until school.
Threesome: Us--? Nah, nothing fancy going on on this blog space. How about you: any changes planned on your site in the upcoming months? I don't have anything planned but I have thought about changing my header pictures.

Booking Through Thursday

Beginnings July 24, 2008

What are your favourite first sentences from books? Is there a book that you liked specially because of its first sentence? Or a book, perhaps that you didn’t like but still remember simply because of the first line?

I think most reader are familiar with the first line "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." To be honest, I can't remember any first lines of books that stayed with me. Title catch me more than first lines. I just finished a book with the title Don't Make Me Choose Between Me and My Shoes by Dixie Cash. Tell me that's not a catchy title?

Ten on Tuesday

Ten on Tuesday July 22, 2008
10 Least Favorite Celebrities

1. Mario Lopez - Pretty boy, monogamous commitment phobic.
2. Tara Reid - We don't all want to see your boobs.
3. Paris Hilton - Much ado about nothing.
4. Tom Cruise - I don't know why I don't like him, I just don't.
5. Charlie Sheen - Can't keep it in his pants.
6. Britney Spears - So much talent and no common sense. Gives up her boys?
7. Tori Spelling - Home wrecker times 2.
8. Matt LeBlanc - Can't keep it in his pants #2.
9. Heidi Spencer and Spencer Pratt - Gag me, these two are sickening.

Monday Music Mambo

Monday Music Mambo July 21, 2008

1. What is one of the best concerts you've ever attended? What made it so good? Probably the best concert I have ever attended was Big & Rich. They were so high energy and had the crowd so excited, it was great!
2. Did you purchase any souvenirs at that concert? I always try and buy a t-shirt at each country concert I attend. I want to make a t-shirt quilt with them.
3. What concert were you unable to attend, but wish you did? Sugarland. They were at the Strawberry Festival this year but we couldn't make it.

Monday Morning Meme

Monday Morning Meme!! July 21st Questions:
1. Have you ever played hooky (from school or work)? Sure If so, what excuse did you use to get out of school/work? Usually that I was sick or one of the kids were sick. What did you do instead of going to school/work? How often do you play hooky? I work from home so it doesn't take much to make me play hooky. A good book, a television program, a visitor or a phone call can make me forget I have work to do. Of course, I am always upset with myself when I get back to work and don't have as much done as I would have liked. If you’ve never played hooky, why not? What one thing HAS to happen before you would consider playing hooky (again)? Not much Has your significant other every played hooky? Not that I know of If so, tell us about it. If not, why not? He enjoys his job and has the freedom to do what he wants during the day. Has anyone you known ever gotten caught playing hooky? I am sure my two older kids have gotten caught.

2. I can’t tell you the number of posts I read from bloggers who were going to BlogHer about what sorts of clothes they were going to pack for the trip. If you went (or wanted to go) to BlogHer, describe the outfit you did, or would have, worn for the first day of the conference. Remember, first impressions are everything (most of the time) so you want to impress your blogging buddies. Don’t forget to describe your shoes/accessories! Better yet, link us to your outfit so we can “see” what you’re talking about. Why did you pick this particular ensemble? I had to go and check out BlogHer since I had never been. I don't dress to impress, I dress for comfort. I would probably wear a pair of nice black pants with a long, dressy top. Jewelry, makeup and nice pair of medium high sandles would complete my outfit.

3. If you could be guaranteed an honest answer to three questions, what questions would you ask, and who would you ask them of?
For my ex-husband - Do you have any idea how much your actions affect your children?
For an ex-friend - How do you profess to be so close to someone and make no effort to maintain the friendship?
For some bloggers - Why do you post such personal stuff on the internet?

4. If you could give a single piece of advice to the film industry in Hollywood, what would you say? I would tell film producers that a good movie can be made without so much profanity. If you were a powerful film producer, what sorts of films would you produce? Why? . If I were a film producer I would try to make better movies that are taken from books. I am usually disappointed with movies that are made from books.