What Can You Do?

I can't sleep......

So, there I am, making treats for my Vermont trip - looking forward to fun. I get a call from one of my friends - he just says "She's gone" and starts crying. There's only one "she" in his life - always has been - he lost the love of his life. She died because of a risky pregnancy - finally a girl after 4 boys.

Watch the movie ‘Fear’ – that was their relationship but they ended up coming out friends in the end - complete with him watching her kids at times. I am very worried that he is going to freak out – he adjusted to her being married to someone else - at least she was alive - they could still see each other.

My heart is just torn apart for him. I never want to hear that kind of pain from anyone that I care about – it’s just horrible to know that you can’t help or fix it, you can just listen to their heart as it breaks.....

More Random Facts

So, over in the land of FB, I had people tag me for the “25 facts meme” – having already done the “16 facts meme”, I felt compelled to add more facts so they wouldn’t get jipped. And of course I had to post it here!

17. I want to learn how to play the bagpipes.

18. I’m a freak about having milk not spoil – it is the last thing that I pick up at the grocery store and then it’s the first thing that is brought in and put into the fridge.

19. My politeness sometimes backfires – example - I will smile and nod along about your camping story, but I can’t hear you over the band – I don’t realize that you switched the topic to wife swapping since you knew that I couldn’t hear you until you say something really off color.

20. I learned how to play Mah Jong a few years ago and miss being able to play with the Crack Bam Bitches once a week.

21. Of all my celebrity interaction, my favorite has been having Jim Belushi sing to me as he used the mall bathroom - “Hey mall girl….I’m taking a leak….”

22. I have already had my dream job, but if money and time and everything else didn’t matter, I would be a Disney Tour Guide.

23. Three part trumpet harmony always gives me goosebumps.

24. Even though I enjoy documenting life’s events, I did not get into scrapbooking until about 4 years ago – mainly because I knew that I would end up spending way too much money on scrapbooking stuff.

25. I fully believe in karma – I have seen it in action way too many times to ignore it

Bring on the Clydesdales!!

I'll admit it - I watch the Super Bowl mainly for the commercials...

Doh!!

I forgot to give Wine Night the shout out that it deserves!!!

It was started last year by Michele for her own reasons, agreed on that it's a great idea by the rest of us and has now morphed into an almost monthly excuse to get together to chat about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness (among other things).

With a revolving list of guest stars, it is always a fun time. Sprout (yay!) was added to the mix last Friday. We gave her some badly needed girly time and didn’t spend the whole night talking about old band stories!

Looking forward to the next one!!!

Bad Bubble....

I have completed the annual winter tradition – dent, crack or somehow break a rim during the winter. Ugh – aluminum rims suck. I have been so careful not to hit any potholes, but then suddenly BANG - bubble in tire, I go to get it changed and "Voila!" I need a new rim. Seriously – time for another car…..

Every one that I like is either too expensive (even pre-owned), has a bad report from Consumer Reports or is part of the division that would be closed if the auto makers get their bail out money.

I know it’s not supposed to be an emotional decision, but I spend a lot of time in my car…grumble, grumble, grumble.....

Faceinahole.com

Oh, there's a million jokes that I can make about the sites name......(tee-hee)


Create your own FACEinHOLE

That Feeling....

OK, before I re-draft again or go on and on ad nauseum....

I had a moment over the weekend - I just stopped and said “Wow, I’m really back”. It was a feeling that I have had a lot lately, but this one just stopped me in my tracks. I don’t need to peek back at my older blog posts or the volumes of paper journals to know - things are definitely much better. Certain situations are not resolved (nor will they ever be) but they are no longer in the front and center of my being as they used to be. The whirlwind has let me go/I have gotten out of it.

And I know that there is no answer to the evil question - What do you do when the one person that can fix things is the one who broke them in the first place? Sometimes all you want is the embrace that makes you believe that all is right with the world (even though it is beyond f*#ked up).

The feeling has slowly materialized from a whole bunch of sources and some have been more help than they realize. Some of it came from within – adjusting the life plan yet again - it took a while to get there (especially given what happened).

You are still the ying to my yang and one of the few on the planet who totally gets me, but your importance level has drastically diminished. Even you know that - it has been brutally obvious in the past months. You are one of my best friends and we will be in each other’s lives, but not like we used to be. Bye my dear, I'm staying in New England.....

Whoah....

I haven't posted anything of major substance since I am still trying to formulate this weekend's most random moment into words....in the meantime, here's a flashback.....my jaw dropped when I saw paragraph two - I forgot that it was in there.....and I left it in there because it deserves the spotlight again.

2004-09-20 - 10:45:00 am

I'm back!

I have just such a content feeling - go figure......walking around yesterday in jeans, a cute sweater, flip flops and hair up in a messy bun just put me in such a good mood......and I'm thinking "I'm back" the whole time. The fun me, the me that enjoys doing things with other people, the me that enjoys going to concerts and bars with friends. Too long have I been miserable. It is time.

I was also reminded that I'm back by one simple little comment - "Your hair smells good". A bit surprising to hear since I had been at a concert and a bar....and I had to ask what it smelled like....."Girl"......aww......puts a smile on my face.....

Pass the Happy....

see more puppies

Recycle!!

OK, I’m not a tree hugging hippie, but I do recycle. It drives me nuts that my condo association does not – strike that, they do, but they only take the bottles with a 5 cents deposit (yup, I take those back myself!). Anyway, my recyclables end up going to my mom’s or my brother’s house.

At work, I am the one bringing paper to the recycling bin – it is a fundraiser for area schools – so we recycle and help schools – it’s worth the effort – it’s on the way home. And I can recycle a lot of paper from my house/junk mail. It was worth the effort of going through all my credit card info and opting for the "stop sending me pre-approved" offers - a month later there is a dramatic decrease in junk mail.

I try to find additional uses for things, I bring my bags back to the supermarket to be recycled, I use my cool (and free) totes when I go to the stores now. The best was when I got the tote at Target, the cashier put the tote in a bag……

So, in the office, I have been known to shriek "Wait, you can recycle that!", "Don't throw it away, recycle it" or "Umm, can you do me a favor, pull that out of the trash and recycle it, ok, it's really for the planet but you know what I mean - recycle!"

Today I witnessed one of my co-workers stop themselves from tossing a plastic bottle and then bring it over to the recycle area.....heh, I have made people change their behavior...maybe it's time to see how I can harness my powers and guide them in another direction.....

Marco...Polo....

Nome vs. Gnome....

Two Thoughts.....

La, la, la la-la...
What is it about the sunshine that just makes you want to take a drive and sing? Well, it does for me anyway - Probably due to the fact that it's a nice change from all the grey that we have had lately!

Well, that didn’t last long…..
I bought the Twilight soundtrack and it eclipsed everything. (get it, Eclipsed? Ha, ha...) Sorry Instrument, you are still quite prominent in rotation, but there’s a certain guitar riff that has me dazzled…

Sign of the Apocalypse?

The scrapbook store near my brother’s house is closing – he needs to move - now – it’s just a sign of bad things to come!!!

And sniff, I won’t have a reason to visit…oh, wait….my brother....right......kidding!

Answers That Question!

more lol celebs!

Doing the Math…

Haven’t shown the spoils of Therapy Tuesday in a while, so…
5 boxes of Kashi breakfast bars – on sale for $2.75 - $2 off coupon (had 5 coupons)
2 bottles of Ocean Spray Cranberry juice – on sale for $1.99 – coupons - $1 off from manufacturer & $1 off from Target (had 2 of each)
2 bottles of Coffee Mate – on sale 2 for $3 – coupons - $1.50 off from manufacturer (had 2)
Tidy Cats deodorizer stuff - $2.14 - $1.50 coupon from Target mailer

Total = $4.40
Saved $21.68

Time it took to figure out the deal – 2 minutes reading one website
Time spent printing coupons – 5 minutes

Guess what I will be eating for breakfast for the next 2 months/bringing to someone’s ski chateau! LOL.

And I had to include my pillaging at Wags – Boost Smoothies on clearance for $2.12 - $2 off coupon on each package. OOP = 36 cents

But I did buy something full price - I'm doing my part - stimulating the economy....plus they are pale pink....girly and comfy......

'English First' proposal.....

Any bets on how quickly my mom will move if the law passes? They’ll need a bunch of ESL teachers!!

Nashville voters deciding 'English First' proposal
NASHVILLE (AP) — Nashville voters are heading to the polls to decided whether to make English the mandatory language for all city business. The charter amendment dubbed "English First" would prevent city government from translating written materials into other languages or using interpreters for people who don't speak English well. There are exemptions for public health and safety. If approved Thursday, it would make Nashville the largest U.S. city with such a law. Councilman Eric Crafton, who has led the proposal, argues that requiring one language is an orderly way to unite the city of more than half a million people.

Excellent....

We have another one..."C" (of Team C & E fame) has been converted.....I lent her my Twilight book - upon fear of death....or worse. Seriously, there were a gazillion conditions that I gave her.....

I got the email the other day - "Edward Cullen is MY imaginary boyfriend. :) I heart Edward Cullen!!!!!!!!!!!"

Excellent....

I Heart My Instrument….

Geeking – totally geeking – I got my grubby little paws on the new Instrument recording – YAY!!! (ok, you really can’t grasp my enthusiasm)

Thanks D! And oh yeah, I feel special!

Now I can play “I Still Love You” over and over and over and over again and then belt out the song again - once I decipher the proper lyrics (not the ones that I had interpreted). Some people (*cough* Tam *cough*) who used to mock me for singing along now love the song too. Yay! (see - a different level of enthusiasm from the beginning statement)

I highly recommend going to see them live – check them out – dates for upcoming gigs are posted!

We're all Human...

Even pirates get stuck in traffic....

It Runs in the Family....

This email from my brother recaps his visit to the vet with the cat that goes *poof* randomly. As you can see, our wit is rather similar....


Winter is not amused

I pull out the cat carrier to take Winter to the vet.
I open the door on the cat carrier and place it in the center of the living room.
Winter, being an inquisitive being, decides to investigate this "foreign device".
While she's busy sniffing the door, I nudge her to take a closer look.
In a flash, she is unwillingly pushed in and the door slams shut behind her.
We run out to the car and meowing has already begun.
I start the car and she begins to MRAAUGH!
Maybe she doesn't care for my music? I'll turn it down.
MRAUGH! MRAUGH! MRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGH!
4 minutes, 3 red lights, and 1 "Dunkin Donuts left" later we arrive at the vet.
Mraugh!
We check in.
Mraugh!
We move to the doctors room and close the door.
Mauuuuuuuuuuur?!
In comes the man-sistant.
He opens the door and Winter is no longer interested in coming out.
He tips up the end of the cat carrier, but Winter is not interested in coming out.
He tips up the end of the cat carrier to a vertical position, but there doesn't appear to be a cat inside.
She presses her front paws against the frame of the door, and defies gravity.
I notify him the top comes off the cat carrier, but he said "Tipping the cat carrier usually works".
Not on my cat!
He gets aggressive and grabs her by the scruff.
Winter is not amused.
Winter searches for the nearest exit, but all the doors are shut.
We place her on the scale and she quickly scampers off.
The scale is designed to record and display only the highest weight.
Thank you inventors of the world!
In this corner we have Winter weighing in at 8.64 lbs.
The doctor comes in.
She says, "Her name is Winter? I love that name! It's unusual, but it's such a pretty name!"
Why thank you.
We named her ourselves.
My college degree is paying off.
I discuss the "rice" we've been finding in Winter's bed and the "squiggles" that appear around her behind.
The man-sistant restrains Winter while the doctor "takes" a stool sample.
Imagine a long, cold plastic anal probe...yes...you read that right.
Winter is then injected vaccinations with a sharp needle (which is why we went there in the first place).
Winter is not amused.
Analysis will take 10 minutes.
Winter explores the room for 10 minutes.
She checks the crack between the counters, looks under the chair, climbs on top of the doctor's counter, and into the sink.
When Winter decides to scale the shelf on the wall, I put an end to her exploratory phase.
Winter is not amused.
The man-sistant returns and tells me Winter probably has ringworm and tapeworm.
I nearly faint because it's going to be expensive to fix.
It occurs to me Winter is an expensive cat.
The man-sistant puts a new product (anti-worm gel) on Winter's scruff.
Winter is not amused.
We put Winter back in the cat carrier.
She is happy to return.
We got to the front counter to check out.
I faint when I see the bill.
After I regain consciousness, I am asked to sign a piece of paper worth hundreds of dollars to the veterinarian.
I mutter something under my breath.
MRAUUGH!
A strange man looks at the MRAAAUGHing cat and I notify him that she is not amused.
The man smiles.
I tell Winter all will be alright and we're on our way home.
MRAUUGH!
Winter is not amused.
I run out and start the car and place Winter in the passengers seat.
MRAUGH! MRAUGH! MRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGH!
One long line of cars, 2 red lights, and one idiot who doesn't know he can turn right on red later, we arrive home.
MRAUUGH!
I quickly shut off the car and scamper in with Winter.
I tell her we're home and open the cat carrier's door.
Winter bolts out and begins to lick herself.
Winter is not amused.

Not M.I.A......

Just keeping quiet to maintain friendships – you know the rule – don’t discuss politics or religion. There's only one person (besides my family) that I feel comfortable enough with to discuss those two taboos - we have spirited debates, but it never gets to the point of destroying our connection.

I have been too focused on the negatives that this administration brings to get into “Rah-Rah” mode. (not to be confused with Re-Ra – that’s a great bar) But it has been interesting to see all the shows about the past presidents, their kids and the pets.

So, I will leave this link – well written and similar to what I feel right now. So, bring it on Mr. President and America - prove me wrong - I strongly encourage it - and I will do my part to help as well!

I want my bed....

Groan....I need more sleep - I want my bed....I want my bed with it's flannel sheets, puffy pillows and really comfy mattress.....my bed that I can build a pillow fort and hide in.......my bed that offers rest and comfy snuggliness.......is the work day over yet?

Oh yeah, the massage therapist would help too...send him over....perhaps with an umbrella drink? (you never know, the universe has been interesting lately....just putting it out there....)

Swoosh….klunk…meow…

Despite the horrible weather yesterday, a few of us trekked up to Stratton to ski. (lift tickets were pre-paid and we’re all stubborn - “I don’t care that the parking lot or road isn’t plowed – I’m going!”) I missed breakfast at the Crack Barrel (not a typo) but did get to meet up with one car that has 4 wheel drive. Yay! And meow.

Fun drive, meow, lots of chats, some eyebrow shaving threats, laughs, meow, hot tub rules were created and we overused a word. But it was fun - I forgot how it happened, but the word hardcore and my name is now linked….

After I amused the carload next to us as we got suited up (I couldn’t help it, I was asked about the length of my skis), we were READY!! Let’s ski – w00t!! Oh wait, let’s stand in line, get our tickets, debate that the ticket thingie will actually hold the ticket, go to the bathroom, ride two lifts to the summit….and then we were ready. Phew - Ok! (insert woot here!)

We lost one skier on the first run – her knee decided that it had had enough and that was it. She was hauled off by the ski patrol – note - if you tell us to leave you on the side of a mountain – we are not going to. Not matter what you say. (“Go on and go, leave me…..”)

It continued to snow the whole day but it wasn’t cold. The fresh powder was awesome but gave all of our legs quite a workout. We were all pretty much done and then realized that we would have to ski back to the other side of the mountain to get the cars. (groan)

Our fallen comrade was out of x-rays and braced up by the time we got back with the cars. “Hi, our friend is here, she’s broken – where can we find her?” “She’s in the lobby”. We all burst into song - a round of “Let’s go to the lobby”. (no adult beverages were in our system – yet)

So, we picked up the broken one, had dinner and then headed home. The Mass Pike did a horrible job of plowing - combine that with the cars that would whiz by me only to spin out ten minutes later – it took me way too long to get home. I was so happy to sink into my bed……now if only my personal massage therapist lived closer, this morning would have involved a less creaky body…..

Shine a Light…..

Finally got to watch the newest Stones DVD – love the music, but I really don’t lust after Mick Jagger liked I used to. The set list was incredible – many, many songs that they usually don’t play in concert and little backstage snippets. (they all had to wait for Hillary Clinton’s mom – hilarious)

I’m kinda torn - It’s awesome that they can still rock but WOW, they have gotten old! Granted, if they “retire” they will probably get old fast – they continue to do what they love.

Even after that I thought, I was still happy to dance around my place today, getting things done and singing along......

Unplanned Yet Quite Fun....

Totally unplanned and spontaneous night – I went to visit Team E & C (my bro and sis in-law) to retrieve my digital camera. I totally pulled a dad and showed up when dinner was ready - whoops. So I had to do the “so, could you tempt me with a glass of wine?” thing – you don’t offer a Latvian food or drink, you tempt them – lol. They knew I was coming - I had called after work and my brother told me to just come over. The timing was just rather amusing.

We ended up chatting about random memories from our teen years – I may have to get my brother an air horn just for old time’s sake. My dad bought his mother an air horn so that she could just lean out the window and blow it instead of calling for help if the house was on fire. (She lived in the Bronx) My brother ended up with it and was given very strict limitations as to it’s use – “Do not use it inside, outside, near you sister, near the dog, etc." He finally got to use it during one of my CMBC championships at Giants Stadium.

I got to debate “The Secret” (the law of attraction) versus not talking about things because you may jinx them. No real resolution was reached. And then we turned our brains off and just heckled “Deal or No Deal” – like MST3K but without the robots – ha, ha.

It was a great way to unwind after the work week – good chats, good wine, good company…..good times. I am definitely lucky that they live close by.

One Letter...

more animals

'Tis cold....

Yup, 'tis cold....yesiree Bob!....or Pete...wait, it's for Pete's sake....never mind......I've never seen my car's temperature gauge disply this.......yes, I know I live in the North.....yes, I know that it's supposed to be cold.....but seriously - Brr!!!

Jaw on Ground!!!

Holy crap - this is what a couple of people that I know worry about when flying out of LaGuardia......

"A US Airways plane has crashed into the Hudson River this afternoon, sending passengers fleeing for safety in the frigid waters."

They are reporting that everyone got out of the plane in one piece.....scary stuff....

Other reason for my jaw being on the ground - I didn't automatically think the following : NYC + crashed plane = terrorist attack.

111-1112.....

One of my favorite Family Guy moments.....Damn you Tommy Tutone!!

Because You Can-Can...

Life revolves around Shoprite - no family event is complete without a trip there - and there is one big event that we can't miss - The Can Can Sale!! (I am actually bummed that I don't have one closer!)

KFold - I had to find it after our chat, I just could not resist....no "Ooo-la-la" guy though!

Pirate-ease....

I am having way too much fun now that my Facebook has been translated into Pirate-speak....."Scrawl on the plank", "Abandon ship" "Te Davy Jones' locke wit ye", "Fly the flag of (insert group here)", "The vain wench scrawled the following on her own portrait", "Posted by the scallywag called (insert name here)", "Me Hearties", "Belay", "Bottle O' Messages" and more......

But I should have known that it was only a matter of time - especially since you can set your Google language preferences to Elmer Fudd, L337 or Swedish Chef.........why not Pirate?

My Motto…

That’s the great thing about the future – there is always a good thing coming – it doesn't even have to be a major good thing – just anything that gives you joy.

If you stop believing, then things will get bad.....quickly…..

Checked Off the List….

Resume - updated and submitted - also sent out to a handful of people that I know will give me some good feedback. (even if it's to tell me that marketing people can spin themselves to be rockstars at the most mundane job...ha, ha....)

I can’t not apply – it’s a weird feeling - even if nothing comes of it, I would kick myself (alot) if I didn’t try.....

I Can't Quit You....

What is it about you that makes me say "Hi baby!" whenever I see you? You put a smile on my face, your horsepower is just perfect for me and I can now be mistaken for a vampire because of you.

I still love you but the end is coming near. I wish that you and I could stay together, but too many things are going wrong and it is just a smarter move to trade you in......I don't know if your replacement will make me feel this way......maybe that's why I haven't really been looking too hard when I know that I should be....

Things That Make You Go “Hmm”…

I was asked to review someone’s resume since they are on the prowl for a new job (I will get it back to you soon - promise!!)….this got the gears moving……

Then I get an email from a place that I hold dear to my heart for a position that I know I can handle, pays great and I would enjoy doing even though the hours are not the standard 9-5…..

I will have to update my resume and go for it.

I think that the cosmos may actually be listening to me.....pony, pony, pony!

Delurking Day?

Apparently I have missed a blog holiday/it may be today - depends on which blog comes up when you google "Delurking Day".

"Today is National Delurking Day! You know what that means, right? Yup, delurk yourself in the comment section here and say hello! "



Lurk, lurk, lurk......go comment on the blogs that you read.....de-lurk, de-lurk, de-lurk......

Anywho (™ by TNN) dear readers, if you want to participate, leave me a comment, say hi, tell me you adore me, etc.

Back From Wherever….

I got an email at work this morning - from someone who knows my regular email and my cell phone number (neither has changed in ages) – it contained one line……and that’s all it took to upset me. (right before our weekly office meeting so all this was swirling in my head)

My jaw hit the floor – in a bad, bad way (definitely not the good “OMG affordable AR tix!!” way).

It came to my work address, which means that you googled me to find me. My knee jerk reaction - we haven’t talked for at least 4 years and I really have not wanted to reconnect because of your stupidity – yes, I wonder what you are up to, but that’s because it is part of my nature. We were close in high school but the years have changed us (as you realized the last time we hung out), you really don’t get me and are such a jerk most of the time.

Our moms bumped into each other at the supermarket and yours probably bugged you to contact me since she adores me. And if you want to reconnect, what is wrong with saying “Hey, how are you?” Instead you choose to open with something that is guaranteed to piss me off. I’m fun when I’m feisty, not when I’m pissed off.

Toxic friends are not wanted/needed in my life.

And I have enough friends, thank you very much.

New Strappy Black Shoes....

Hello my pretties......

I can't wait to wear you out and about.....

"Squee/OMG I'm an idiot" Moment....

So if you put stuff out there in the universe, sometimes it all just works out - I now have tickets to see Andre Rieu!!!!

It was a "Squee/OMG I'm an idiot" moment - I really believed that the only place to get the official concert tickets was through the AR website - especially since my Ticketmaster alert didn't send me anything.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! (and my mom likes you so much better than me right now)

Let's see, what else can I put out there.....Can I get a pony?

Ha-ha of the day.....

What does an evil cow say?

Moo-ha-ha.....

Goals....

I realize that I haven't done the "these are my goals for 2009" post - I'm not really planning on doing one either......I have a list of places that I want to go in life and concerts that I want to see - if I get some done this year, then great! (seeing Andre Rieu would be awesome since he is touring the states this year but the $400 tickets are a bit overwhelming)

My 2009 plan is to spend time doing things with the people that I enjoy spending time with......

Just Wrong....

more lol celebs!

Make Your Own Muppet!

So if you can't be a Muppet, make one!

Muppet Creator

Mother Nature...

I'm one of a bunch of people out there that will pause in the middle of an ice storm, say "Oooo pretty!" and haul out one of my cameras to take a picture.

This is the icicle on my tire - pretty!

Not so pretty - icicle that was in the car since my AutoMuff (stop snickering - it's the registered trademark by the manufacturer) interfered with the seal for the door. Why do they put the window controls on the door anyway? (not that I need them right now, but when the ice that formed on them melts, it will probably not be a good thing)

16 Random Things.....

This is on my FB page too, but I figured that I'd share without all the tagging of others.....

16 Random Things About Me

1. I still believe that Michaels are evil – but now only 99% of them – I have 2 friends who are married to good ones and my friend’s brother is good too.

2. I have been skiing every winter since I was five.

3. I cringe when people pay full price – especially when I know that I have gotten if for free or almost free.

4. I love airports – it’s a let down when I drop someone off instead of going in with them.

5. I have cats but I really (times a gazillion) want dogs.

6. I must have cranberry juice and English muffins in my fridge at all times – I don’t consume them every day, they just need to be there.

7. For all the planning that I do for social life, I do enjoy being spontaneous.

8. I actually asked my sister in law on her wedding day if she really wanted to be a part of the craziness that is our family – I’m very glad that the answer was “yes”.

9. After not being a fan of kids while a teen, I now find myself surrounded by them and love my role as an aunt.

10. I still write in my journal, just not as regularly as I used to (one entry for every day since I was 13 up until the beginning of 2008).

11. I am sporadically working on a book about my time working at the big bad mall.

12. I do know when to shut up/when to keep a secret.

13. I’m much more conservative than I let on.

14. I am a stickler about using turn signals.

15. I worry (a lot) about my mom snapping and killing my grandmother.

16. I need a night light – I hate waking up in a pitch black room.

Poor Neglected Franchise....

Sorry Harry Potter - I have not forgotten you - I have been dazzled by Twilight.....but this picture brought you right back to the forefront of my mind....Hello Daddy Malfoy....


more lol celebs!

Bat Dog....

see more puppies

Aww - I'm Hearted.....

A souvenir from my trip – new fridge art.

For some reason I am Vizmay -pronounced Veez (as in wheeze) - may.

It's cute, I don't question it - besides, everyone in this family has a nickname ranging from Care Bear to Taffy to Boo Boo to Tiny Whiney to Bro Bro to Scooter.......

Since I’m in a Wine Mood…..

When I get back to Vegas - notice that the statement is “when” not “if” because I will be going back….anyway, I want to see Aureole’s Wine Angels in action at Mandalay Bay…..the “angels” will go fetch your bottle from the 4 story wine tower like acrobats….

Virtual Tour

I Can't Resist.....

The goal today was to hit two stores to do returns/exchanges......then I saw the Christmas Clearance Carnage at Target - 90% off brings out the crazy in some people - I saw two women fight over the last fake Christmas tree.

Now the wine tote - like a need another excuse to buy wine - holds 6 bottles and is a thank you for getting the store's newsletter - now I can "go green" when I do my wine deals.

By the way, the Robert Mondavi Private Selection 2006 Merlot will be $4.99 after the sale price and rebate.....can I get a w00t?!?!

I have not forgotten.....

Just in case my pirate side was feeling neglected......

Pirate Eligibility Test Question #1 - What is the 18th letter of the alphabet?

Rule # 1 of Swashbuckling - Jump off of stuff and laugh

Job Description - Nautical aquisition & redistribution specialist

One more...

Forget a prince with a horse, I want a vampire with a Volvo.....

Silly, silly fans...

They just couldn't resist linking the two movies, could they?

"Cedward....So Aveda Kedavra just turns you into a really hot vampire? Great plan Voldy...."

I am the bright & shiny new toy.....

I am the bright & shiny new toy.....I must be fought over - schedules must be drawn up to see who gets to spend time with me and for how long....never mind that the adults wanted to spend time with me too!

I have survived "The Itchy Sweater Situation", getting lost in 30 acres of bramble bushes (the kids did extremely great despite the circumstances), random spankings, saying "LOL" so many times that I even annoyed myself, getting a make-over with some very glittery make-up (including nail polish that was labeled “flammable” and a little body glitter mix-up – it burns terribly when it is applied as lip gloss), being told that I should have a baby soon so that they have another kid to play with, being parroted (imagine me doubly loud in stereo on repeat) while phoning a friend to get the full version of the “You wanna buy a duck” joke and composing "Louise Said Geez" which had to be sung in full every time a new line was added.

It was great to end the year and start the new one with people that I consider an extension of my family. I missed them just seconds after I left and I know that I’ll see them again soon, but it was nice to snooze this morning without being hug-tackled at 6 am.

Of course there was a Twilight tie-in – the girl on my connecting flight was four chapters behind me in Breaking Dawn – she saw me cry through the last three chapters and then I saw her do the same. And then we laughed at how we’re adults and crying over a book written for teens.

And a big thank you to my flight attendant buddy – free adult beverages on my flight home – a nice way to end the first day of the new year!