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Same site, different browser, different results

2012-01-24T20:15:00.000-08:00

Long story short: My mom called and told me that she found a low rate for the hotel I am staying at in Vegas next month. I got the website up in Chrome and found that I could not find the price she was looking at. We went step by step through the process and still, no dice. The cheapest price I had on my screen was $268.

I opened Internet Explorer, went to the website, typed in all the same info and boom....$214 comes up. Same nights. Same website. Same discounted offer. Different browser.

The price when using Chrome

The price when using Internet Explorer

Any explanation? I guess the lesson is to use multiple browsers to search for hotel rates!

I don't know shoes

2012-01-23T16:50:00.000-08:00

I need to find some cute heels to wear to my friend's wedding in Las Vegas next month. I have a dress that I really like but I have no idea what type of shoes to wear. I have my gold heels but I'm kind of over those and whenever I wear them, I'm worried they might break like they did on my 30th birthday.

The dress is no longer online and I'm too lazy to take a picture. Ok, nevermind. I walked 25 feet and took one. And to show you what an idiot I am, I took 5 pictures of the dress before I realized I was taking pictures of the back of the dress. Geez.

My husband said it looks a little "bridesmaid" but I don't care. It looks cute on, it is comfortable and a good length. It is fun without being slutty and although it is Vegas, I'm too old to look slutty.

Back to the point: If my dress was more on the tame side, I thought I would wear some fun shoes. So I found these:

From endless.com

The price was pretty good and if I don't like them, I can send them back at no cost to me. But I think they are fun and sparkly and Vegas. And sparkles and that teal colored dress seem like they would go nicely together.

While I was at it, I came across these boots. I have a couple pairs of skinny jeans (I hate that term) and the main boots I wear with them are mid-calf boots and well, I think they look dumb. I'm jealous of people who wear tall boots and look pulled together and fashionable. I may never look pulled together and fashionable but I thought these boots were kinda cute.

From endless.com

FYI: They are cheaper on Amazon but I wanted to be able to send them back free if I didn't like them so I got them on Endless. Just $9 more.

Here is my question. I see some bloggers wearing dark brown boots with black. Can I do that? Or does it only apply to cognac colored boots, as seen here. Is it a major "Don't" in the fashion world or should I realize that right now, I'm wearing sweats and a SF Giants sweatshirt and say to hell with the rules.

HELP.

My weekend in pictures (of my cat)

2012-01-23T10:27:00.000-08:00

This blanket is pretty soft.....

Yup, it is a good time for a nap on this cloud....

I'm over that side of the couch. Let's see what Daddy's lap has to offer....

Man, I love my life.

You aren't going anywhere Mister.

What? Is it dinner time? No?

Well, wake me up when the food hits the bowl. I'm out.

No, No I Won't

2012-01-17T14:05:00.000-08:00

I will not do the following things on any social media site (unless you are my sister):

1. I will not vote for your child to win a cutest baby contest. I most likely don't think your kid is the cutest baby therefore my vote would be a fraud and I would lose sleep over not voting for the right candidate.

2. I will not for your pet to win the cutest pet contest. I most likely don't think your pet is the cutest pet therefore my vote would be a fraud and I would lose sleep over not voting for the right candidate.

3. I will not vote for you to win best pyramid marketing scheme consultant. I think your product sucks and you shouldn't mass facebook/email your entire world in order to get their vote so you can win an extra $50. Have a garage sale if you need the money.

4. I will not "like" your status in order to enter to win a free something or other.

5. I will be part of the 93% of people that won't re-post your nonsense because it is, indeed, nonsense.

6. Breast cancer is sad but posting REDONK status messages about something so vague and not connected to breast cancer under the disguise of "I support Breast Cancer" is pathetic. Don't do it. I will unfriend you with the quickness.

Bonus reminder:

7. Don't lie to kick it when there is something called GOOGLE IMAGES out there. You were found out, reported and you look like a fool to those of us who know. I wish I could scream it from the mountaintops but it is more fun to just shake my head from afar.

Thank you.

Pump up the JAM!

2012-01-12T10:47:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share the music I listen to while I'm working out, specifically as I'm trying to get through 45-60 minutes of sprint intervals on the treadmill. The awesome thing about exercising is noticing an improvement. Yesterday, I noticed that starting to run at 4.5 was no longer necessary because I felt like I wasn't going anywhere so I increased my speed to 5.4 and went up from there to 6.0 during my last 2 minute sprint interval. This music for sure helped me get there!

The diversity in my music is kind of astounding and I even left one track off because of the offensive title (Thanks a lot, Eminem).

All of this to help me look like this once again....

My 27th birthday

Stuff and Things and Words

2012-01-10T12:44:00.000-08:00

1. It took me about 2 hours to read Mindy Kaling's book Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns). Very cute, fun book. Easy to read and enjoyable. Kind of like Bossypants. I recommend.

2. In an effort to make some cash, I googled a way to sell my old iPhone. I came across a lot of places, including Apple and Game Stop. I'm too lazy to go to Game Stop (and I'm scared of video game stores) and Apple didn't quote as high as other places. One company responded to my tweet but they don't have a website and that seems shady. This site had a good quote but never sent the follow up email and hasn't responded to my two additional emails so screw you. I finally settled on this site, Cash for iPhones because they responded immediately, they send me the packing materials and pay for shipping. I just have to drop it off at the UPS store and they send me a check. I don't think my husband's old iPhone works at all or I would try to sell his too. I'll do a follow up review when I get my check in the mail.

3. I'm going to Las Vegas in 7 weeks for my friend's wedding and I'm so excited. I've been searching online for a dress to wear and found one at Nordstrom yesterday. And I just went to look for it and I can't seem to find it on the website and the email receipt doesn't link to the site either. WEIRD. Anyways, I hope it is cute and doesn't look like I'm trying to be a bridesmaid. I'm having second thoughts already. Hooray for returning stuff!

4. I failed at going to the gym this morning before work and now I'm looking at having to go at 6:30 when I get home from work or not going at all today which makes me itchy. I need to burn off some steam so I think if I just go for 30 minutes and bust my butt, I'll feel better. Tomorrow morning, I will go....and tonight I will go to bed early so I can get my 8 hours and be happy.

5. Still no fast food. Still no soda. Still no Starbucks. Go me.

6. I wish I had really long hair so I could curl it. My hair looks fine straight but when I curl it, it shrinks an inch and just looks silly. I need to put some Miracle Grow on my head.

Six is my favorite number so I'll stop. Happy Tuesday everyone!

OH! WAIT. I'll call this 6a.

6a. Mad Men is back March 25th. WOOOHOOO. What a fab weekend that will be. The Hunger Games movie is out on the 23rd. Happy dance. Happy dance. Double happy dance.

I love Lose It!

2012-01-08T16:45:00.001-08:00

The past week, I have been weighing and tracking all of my meals using the Lose It app. This app helped me lose 23 pounds in 2010 and of course, I now have more weight to lose because I suck at saying NO!

The newest (to me) feature on this app is the "scan barcode" button. I can scan the barcode and it automatically adds the nutrient information to my list. Love it. It makes recording my food so much easier and the list of foods is already so extensive that it is simple to scroll through and find thousands of items.

So far, I'm doing awesome. I'm keeping within my calorie limits, working hard at the gym and I haven't had any soda, fast food or Starbucks .

I weigh in Tuesday morning and I'm hoping to see a 2 pound loss. I'd like to lose 2.5 lbs per week but I'd be happy with a 2 lb per week loss.

I'm including a screenshot from my weekly summary. :)

Hope everyone had a great weekend! Enjoy the last of your Sunday (or the start of your Monday!)

The Hunger Games

2012-01-04T07:26:00.000-08:00

source

I'm not much of a midnight movie goer but I might have to attend the midnight screening of The Hunger Games in March. I am so excited for this movie! Entertainment Weekly showed off a new photo today of Cinna, Haymitch and Peeta.

SQUEEEE!

2 Years

2012-01-03T12:54:00.000-08:00

If I had things my way, he would still be here. I would roll my eyes at the conversations he and my husband would have. I would make fun of their traditional "goodbye" saying when they got off the phone. I would see him at least once a month for UFC fight nights.

I would still be thanking him for introducing me to his best friend, my husband. He would be praying for us as we go through infertility.

He would be raising his kids and watching them grow and he would be so proud of the people they are becoming. He would continue to love his beautiful wife.

But God had other plans for J.B. on January 3, 2010. He whisked him off to heaven and from there, he looks after us. I can still feel his presence in our lives. But it isn't the same and it wasn't what was in my plans but I guess, our plans aren't what come first.

JB and Chris June 7, 2008

No. No. No

2012-01-01T15:52:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! 2012. We celebrated at home, eating pizza rolls, drinking Vanilla Vodka and soda, and being complete dorks. Just how I like it to be.

I was thinking this morning what I want to be in 2012. I want to be someone that says "no" to myself. It is cliche to say that I want to lose weight but I do. I want to lose weight and in order to do that I need to stop and say NO. No fast food. No cookies. No crap.

I'm going to live by the phrase "Everything in Moderation." A dessert is a dessert and no, I don't deserve two in one day.

In 8 weeks, I'm going to Las Vegas for my friend's wedding. I want to be able to wear something cute and not stuff myself into my current fatty clothes. I can make some serious headway in 8 weeks.

So right now, I'm going to march downstairs and trash the junk that is in our house. If it isn't here, I won't eat it.

Again, I realize how completely lame this sounds, especially when I'm sure every year I've made this proclamation to myself but as I'm getting older, I understand that it isn't as easy as it once was and I've got to take advantage of this now. I have to make a change and I have to do it now.

Cliche away!

Best of 2011

2011-12-30T21:13:00.000-08:00

I'm not going to post about the worst of 2011 because that is sad and depressing. Here is my Best of 2011:

-Discovering Mumford & Sons. For a month straight, the only thing I listened to while in my car was their album, Sigh No More. It calmed me, soothed me and comforted me.

-Getting up at 2:00 a.m. to watch the Royal Wedding on tv. Some people said I was crazy but I didn't care. I loved every second of being awake that morning, facebooking and tweeting about it with others, texting my mom and my sister who were also awake, crying at the sight of Kate and being mesmerized by the entire scene. I would do it all over again. Maybe when Prince Harry gets married!?

-Attending the Railroad Revival Tour with my friends. That was a DAMN good show featuring the above mentioned Mumford & Sons.

-Finally making our guest room more than a storage and crap collector space. It was a lot of work to put it all together but painting and decorating it was worth the wait.

-Going to Washington D.C. and New York in July. Even though we didn't go during the 4th of July liked planned, we still had an amazing time and I am dying to get back again. My husband, on the other hand, has requested a beach vacation since he isn't too into the whole walking miles and miles a day in the humidity and heat.

-My sister-in-law's graduation from high school. Revisiting the place where I graduated *gulp*14 years earlier was exciting! I was so proud seeing her walk across and get her diploma (holder).

-This moment and also this moment. HILARIOUS!

-Mad Men. Arrested Development. Two shows that I fell in love with. I'm so anxious for March when Mad Men returns and I'm working my way through the three seasons of Arrested Development. Totally excited about the additional episodes and movie happening in the future.

-Being partially correct about the lives of people that I shouldn't care about. I'm attempting to drop my celebrity gossip addiction in 2012.

-I can say that this day was the highlight of my year, which is strange because 10 years prior was a horrible day. Awful day. A day that still makes me cry. But this year, I honored that day with pride in my heart.

-Participating in the 30 Day Photography Challenge. It was such a cool project to be a part of. I got to use my camera in a way that I had never used it before and felt challenged to be creative with my subjects. I hope I can do something like this again.

-The introduction of "The Boob Necklace." TM Me.

-Reading "The Hunger Games" Trilogy. These books made me love reading! I'm counting down until March when the movie comes out! I hope it doesn't disappoint!

-Each and every moment I was able to spend with family. Birthdays, basketball games, holidays, day trips, froyo excursions, etc. My family is EVERYTHING to me. I love you all so very much.

-Growing closer to my husband. We have been together a little over 7 years and a lot of times I find myself thinking how lucky I am to have him. What an incredible person he is.

-Continuing this blog, connecting with readers and expressing myself freely. My first blog post was February 26, 2008. It is hard to believe that I've been blogging here for almost 4 years. This post is my 977th post. I should reach my 1,000th post by the end of January which is just crazy. I've covered so much and I really love looking back and reading posts from the previous year.

Thank you to all of my readers who "tune in" to see what I have to say. I value your comments and support of this tiny little blog. What does 2012 have in store? I'm not sure. I'll figure that out on January 1. For now, I'm going to enjoy the last day of 2011.

Happy New Year! I hope 2012 is awesome for everyone. That we get through the rocky roads, enjoy the smooth paths and appreciate each other always.

A House becomes a Home: Part 1

2011-12-29T19:16:00.000-08:00

I've spent a lot of time this break working on decorating parts of the house that have never been decorated or decorated not to my liking. It has been fun finding pieces to display in our home and although I have a very nervous trigger finger, I've been able to march up to the cash register with confidence and I'm happy with how things are coming along.

The fireplace mantle. Sorry for the color. The lighting in our family room is horrible and I didn't feel like editing!

From left to right (my husband switched the figurines!)

Empire State Building (Home Goods)

Picture of the ESB from Rockefeller Center (taken by me, frame and stand Walmart)

Globe (Home Goods)

Leaning Tower of Pisa picture (taken by me, frame and stand Walmart)

Leaning Tower of Pisa (Home Goods)

Clock (Lowe's)

LToP and ESB figurines purchased in Pisa and NYC, respectively.

The dresser in our bedroom has been a crap catcher since we got it. I would see pictures on Pinterest and other blogs where people had nice trays and jewelry trees and I thought, "I WANT." After much searching, I think I done good!

Those framed pictures used to be on our (boring, plain) mantle. I think they look nice on the dresser.

Both trays are from Home Goods in the bathroom section.

Jewelry Tree from Home Goods.

And finally, our not yet completed (or started) but semi-planned out wall.

This is going to be our travel wall. I've selected 8 5x7 pictures of places we have visited to go around a 20x20 map that I found here. I'd like to pick out some cool, unique frames instead of the standard boring plain frames. This wall is right at the top of our staircase so it will be seen from upstairs and downstairs.

Right now, there is a just a piece of pink poster board as a placeholder for the map (it shipped today so hopefully, it will arrive soon!). I'm going to have to get a custom frame since 20x20 frames are damn near impossible to find. The results of this wall will be shared soon!

I am awake

2011-12-28T22:28:00.001-08:00

What a long day! It's almost 10:30 and I'm not asleep yet despite a husband and a cat snoozing away in bed and I just dropped my phone on my face.

Anywhoo, the picture in this post is how my hair turned out. I pretty much love it and feel like I'm in the witness protection program because it is so dark! Husband liked it but thought it was a little too dark without enough highlights. Thanks Paul Mitchell. I'll just bring him with me next time so I get it exactly right! Haha!

The real reason I'm awake is a bit of a gross story. I wasn't sure if I should blog it but I'll be vague and just say that I went to the ER tonight (in a car not an ambulance) to have something removed that was becoming quite painful. The numbing has worn off and the pain meds I took at 9:20 have just started to kick in. I've been tossing and turning for the past hour trying to sleep and ignore the pain but that wasn't working. The pain is going away thank goodness. I hope I don't have to deal with this "situation" again!

If I'm feeling up to it, I'm hoping to drive up to Sacramento so I can grab some cat food, visit my cousin and friend and maybe stop by Ikea. I've been doing some home decorating that I'm excited to share with you all but I'm waiting for a few more pieces to go up!

I hope you all have a great Thursday . Can you believe 20 freaking 12 is right around the corner? Wow!!!!

New Year, New Hair

2011-12-28T07:39:00.000-08:00

I have a hair appointment this morning and I'm thinking of going back to my dark haired days...

Source: google.com via Michelle on Pinterest

Love this

Source: google.com via Michelle on Pinterest

And love this

Source: Uploaded by user via Michelle on Pinterest

I like the highlights in this color. My husband is also a fan of highlights...and Minka Kelly. Not sure if the color is dark enough though.

Source: planethair.tk via Michelle on Pinterest

I like this color but is it too dark? I wish it was a better angle of the hair.

Source: ffffound.com via Michelle on Pinterest

I also really like this color but again, it might be too dark. Is there some gray in her bangs?

I really wish you could go to your hair stylist and make your hair grow 5 inches. I covet long hair.

Christmas was here

2011-12-26T18:58:00.000-08:00

The build up to Christmas is always exciting. Decorating the house, wrapping the presents, planning the day. Then it comes and goes in a flash and you have memories and pictures and a messy house to put together again. But I wouldn't change it for the world. We had a wonderful weekend!

A little something I picked up at Home Goods last Monday. I can't resist!

And another something I got for $5.00 at Safeway on Friday morning. A real (fake) Charlie Brown tree!

Uncle Chris and Diana decorating the gingerbread house. A tradition for our family!

A kitchen full of cookies and candy.

Chris did a great job working with Diana on the house!

We ate a yummy dinner. I made this roast with garlic and rosemary. YUM.

Lots of presents under the tree.

Love and laughter all around

She pretty much LOVED her Miss Piggy doll from us. Such happiness!

I got a nice bottle of EVOO and an olive oil sprayer along with a Sephora gift card. My mothership!

After we cleaned up, I set up the tripod and took some pictures. I was wearing sweats. It was a long day of wearing jeans that have shrunk.

Me and my wonderful amazing mom. I love her so much! She stuck around and cleaned up the kitchen and insisted that I just sit down and relax.

Christmas morning....

The A's meat brander made my husband a happy man. I love waking up early, turning on the tree and opening our stockings and presents with just the two (three) of us.

Nerd points for me! He said this is the best gift I have ever given him! Besides the gift of my love.

My brother in law's fiancee was my secret santa and drew this adorable picture on my gift. She knows I love snowmen! And my present was this great watch. So excited to have a nice watch to wear again!

My husband got me a new alarm clock so I had to say goodbye to my trusty Sharper Image alarm clock that I've had for 14 years, since Christmas 1997.

The house is getting back to normal although I will not take all the Christmas stuff down until later this week. It was disappear slowly day by day and the house will feel empty but I'm going to spend my break this week working on hanging things on the walls and filling in space that snowmen and santa once filled.

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! Can you believe 2012 is just a week away!?!?!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T13:55:00.000-08:00

May your day be merry and bright!!!

A surprise homecoming

2011-12-21T07:57:00.001-08:00

My friend Jennifer got a wonderful surprise last night and the news cameras were there to capture it!

#WEverb11: #19 and #20

2011-12-20T10:58:00.000-08:00

#19
Tell us about your biggest belly laugh in 2011

Just one? Not possible. 99% of the moments I spent with my husband I am doubled over with laughter. Nothing I can share on the internet for fear of embarrassing him (we call this "marriage secrets") but he is hilarious. I did good.

I'd have to say seeing The Book of Mormon on Broadway was my biggest belly laugh. It was the funniest, most shocking thing I have ever seen. It also made me smile and feel warm and fuzzy inside. I can't explain it.

#20
How has technology affected your life (positively or negatively) in 2011? Do you want this to continue for 2012?

Oh man. Technology. I fear sounding like an old ninny but somedays, I wish to chuck technology out the window. I'm old enough to say "I remember when we didn't have this/that/the other thing" and I'm proud of that! Do I depend on technology a lot? Sure. Do I need it? Ugh, yes, I guess so. Can I live without it? Yes. I really think I can. I have it so I use it but somedays unplugging would be nice!

I think I/we are too connected to our technology. I want to institute a tech free day where we put the phones in a drawer and give each other 5 minutes of uninterrupted eye contact.

I also love learning new things which I get to do by being connected. I got a Kindle this summer and I've read more books in the past 4 months then I have read in the past 4 years. That is true. Sad, but true.

In 2012, I'd like to take a step back, limit my usage and dive into more useful hobbies, get more things done around the house and put my focus back on memories instead of "things."

A whole lotta #WEverb11

2011-12-19T13:44:00.000-08:00

#13 READ
What book or article changed your outlook on an issue or life?

Sadly, I can't think of one thing that I read that really changed my outlook on anything. I know reading blogs is always entertaining and it was comforting to know that other people were going through infertility issues. It can feel like a lonely time but when you read the words other people write that are similar to the thoughts in your head, it feels comforting.

#14 BREATHE
How did you make space + peace for yourself in 2011?

Exercise. Exercise is me time. I love to block out the world (and the annoying people at the gym) and just lose myself in sweat and breathing. When my husband was working nights earlier this year, I started going to the gym at 3:30 a.m. and I really found myself enjoying that. It was more than just a time for me to exercise, it was to prove that I could do something worthwhile and push myself beyond my comfort zone. I didn't make excuses and just DID IT because not doing it didn't allow me that time I needed to connect with myself.

#15 SURPRISE
What event of 2011 affected you in an unexpected way?

The failure of IUI #4. I specifically remember not feeling horribly sad when I found out that it didn't work. You would think after 4 tries, 4 failures, the 4th negative test would be heartbreaking but at that point, it just felt like I was doing some weird trial and error with my body and that it wasn't supposed to work because the other three hadn't. I just felt like my body was playing a joke on me and I wanted to laugh after but it didn't feel shocking or body numbing like the others. I just had to pick up the pieces and move on and after the three previous failures, that was easy to do. Going into it, I thought "if this thing doesn't work, I'll be crushed." But that wasn't how I felt. Sure, I was disappointed. Sure, I wanted it to work but it didn't and there was not a damn thing I could do about it at that point. I expected heartbreak and what I got was a shoulder shrug.

#16 PERSEVERE
Describe something that disappointed you in 2011 and how you persevered.

In an attempt to not be INFERTILITY all the damn time, I'm going to think of something else but just so you know, the fact that I'm not dealing with a newborn or ready to pop right now really pisses me off and at random times, makes me cry.

My weight. My weight disappointed me. I have the knowledge to not gain weight. I know what I have to do to maintain. Yet 2011 just sucked. Why didn't I just say NO? Why don't I place more importance on my health and my weight? And not just for the health aspect but damn, I hate when my clothes don't fit! But in terms of weight loss, tomorrow is another day and I can make the decision to say YES or say NO and do what I need to do. I can make small changes over time that lead me to a healthier goal. And no matter how cliche it is, the holidays are tough but the more I give myself positive self talk and come to terms what my real goals are, the more I will be inclined to succeed and get back to a place where I can wear my cute clothes and feel confident when I look at pictures of myself.

#17
What did you discover (big or small) in 2011?

Mad Men. I discovered Mad Men on Netflix in August and we watched all 4 seasons (52 episodes) in 6 weeks. We got through the first season in one weekend. March can't come soon enough. I might have to rewatch the last few episodes of season 4 to remember exactly what happened. If you haven't watched Mad Men, I highly recommend it. It is the awesome.

#18
What lesson or advice were you able to pass on to others this year? Why was it important to share this information? (Or… what lesson would you like to pass on to others that read this?)

As I get older, I realize how important it is to highlight what life is really all about. To me, it is about laughter, family, friends and moments. Letting go of the superficial. Stepping out of your comfort zone. Indulging in something amazing. The moments of this year that bring a smile to my face are those times when I did all of the above. And as we wrap up another year, a time when a lot of people get reflective about what they have accomplished, I can look back at pictures and see memories that I created with loved ones. I can visualize actions and hear voices. Those are what matter the most. I hope to make more of an effort to make an impact on other lives next year so my joy and memories can be cemented into the lives of others, connected through common bonds and shared happiness.

The things we remember

2011-12-19T07:06:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday! Normally, I wouldn't say "Happy" Monday but since I only have two days of work before a loooooong vacation, it is happy to me.

I have dentist and eye doctor appointments this morning to fill half of my work day and even though I kept reminding myself to grab my mouth guard and my glasses, I forgot them at home.

What did I remember to grab before walking out the door? A box from Icing on the Cupcake so when I use my Groupon today, I can get an extra cupcake for free for bringing in an old cupcake carrier box.

Team Fatty!

I'll be back later today to catch up on my #Weverb11 posts. I are horribly behind.

Christmas Quirks

2011-12-15T12:00:00.000-08:00

1. I eat the cane part of the candy cane first so I'm left with a little hook at the top of the stick and then I pretend its a tool the dentist uses which is weird because I'm eating 100% sugar.

2. Our Christmas decorations are not classy. They aren't silver and blue. We have snowmen and santa and reindeer and a fake 1 foot tree with a small tree skirt. We have gift boxes as decorations and cheap decorative plates on coffee tables. It looks like the Christmas aisle of Target threw up in our house and I love it.

3. I'm 32 but we still get new pajamas on Christmas Eve from my mom.

4. Yesterday I purchased 2 new rolls of wrapping paper. When I got home I went in search of bows and ribbon, I opened the closet in the guest room and saw 4 rolls of wrapping paper in the corner. Whoops.

5. This Sephora for OPI nail polish, Good Tidings We Bling, SUCKS. It chips off within a day of painting it on. No matter how many layers I put on, no matter if I use a top coat or not, it chips. Half of my pointer finger nail chipped off in my sleep last night. I basically have to repaint my nails each morning.

6. We are hosting Christmas Eve this year and I'm picturing the menu in my head and I want to start eating now. I think I'm going to make a beef roast in the oven, mashed potatoes, veggies (well, my sister will make these) and an apple pie. Our house is going to smell SO GOOD!

7. I have 24 hours of work left until vacation starts on the 21st. I scheduled a couple of doctor appointments for Monday so I'm only working a half day.

8. I hope my Secret Santa gifts go over well with the recipients. I think doing Secret Santa is so much more fun than stressing out and getting gifts for everyone in the family. Normally, that would mean buying presents for 9 people. It is nice to just focus on two people (one per family) and make it something fun and exciting.

9. I want to make this list a round 10 items but I'm running out of things to post.

10. I have a serious obsession with Peppermint Bark but have never made it myself. I need to make some but I'm afraid I'll just eat it all in one sitting.

What are your Christmas Quirks?

#WEverb11: Catching Up!

2011-12-14T07:54:00.001-08:00

I really don't want to give up on this even though I've fallen behind and I am currently sick. So if none of this makes sense, blame my brain not functioning at 100%. It will make for entertaining reading later on though, right?

#10
Share a creative project you undertook this year (art, writing, DIY, cooking, home decoration, crafts, photography … whatever comes to mind). How do you use your creativity to express yourself?

We finally decided to decorate an upstairs room in our house and started with the guest room. I was inspired by Young House Love's bold guest room and wanted to go with an Italy/Venice theme since I had some art work that matched. I'm not a super creative person and my husband was responsible for picking out pictures and wall colors to decorate our house but I LOVED turning this room into something I am really proud of. I have also loved using my camera more this year and finding moments to take pictures even if that means just standing in my backyard and capturing the sun setting or forcing my cat to pose for me. It never hurts to have a new tool in your tool box.

#11
What 12 new things do you want to do/accomplish in 2012?

This might be hilarious considering my sick brain. I'll give it a shot:

1. Be nicer/kinder/more thoughtful.
2. Make better decisions about what I eat. Limit the junk food I ingest.
3. Make weight training a priority.
4. Give to charity more, whether through time or money.
5. Make some serious decisions about the path of our lives and stick to them.
6. Expand my horizons, career-wise.
7. Create a regular cleaning schedule so our house isn't messy all the time.
8. Travel somewhere new that is within driving distance. Northern California has so many treasures that I have yet to visit.
9. Rework my wardrobe. I really don't like most of my clothes. I'd love to find some time (and money) to get more grown up clothes into my closet.
10. Create distance between myself and social networking. I've thought about deleting certain apps from my phone several times but the addiction...it is strong in this one.
11. Swim. I want to start swimming again. I love swimming.
12. Host a party. We have friends over for UFC parties but I'd like to have a game night or something every few months that gives friends a chance to laugh and have a good time together. We have great friends that we don't see enough!

#12
What was your healthiest habit of 2011? What would you like to change or do differently in 2012?

I gave up Junk Food for 21 days in November. I really didn't think I would be able to do it but I did. I had cravings but I pushed them down and I learned that I don't really NEED these foods to survive. I've thought about adapting this each month next year in some way. Maybe the first 21 days of each month are junk food free? For me, this is necessary. I need a challenge. I don't like failing or letting myself down. I carry guilt with me so if I cheat, I feel bad. I don't want to just go cold turkey and not eat junk at all because that isn't possible but if I can resist for a few weeks a month, I can continue to prove to myself, month after month, that I can live without junk.

I'm going to stop there and completed #13 and #14 when my head is a bit more clear!

#WEverb11: #8 and #9

2011-12-09T13:17:00.001-08:00

#8 Choose

What was the biggest choice you made in 2011? What caused you to choose what you chose?

This year, I made the choice to keep going. We underwent our first IUI on January 8th. When it didn't work, we did another in February. When that didn't work, we took a month off before trying two more times. We chose to keep trying. To keep believing that the next one, that would be the one that worked.

But that didn't happen and sadly, I became so numb to the failure of these procedures that the last one didn't even phase me. How sad it that!? A 4th failed IUI, this time with injectable medication costing more money and time to use, didn't leave me all that disappointed. I was more angry and upset at #1, #2 and #3 for not working. By #4, I just figured my body sucked.

So another choice was made. We chose to stop. We chose to live. We chose to spend our time together happily instead of being stressed and overwhelmed by the decisions that infertility causes you to make. It has been nearly 7 months since we underwent a treatment and I'm feeling a little anxious but that choice we made, first to undergo these procedures at all, then to keep going and then to eventually stop resulted in a happier 2011. Memories. Love. Relaxation.

#9 Appreciate

In which moment did you find yourself flooded with gratitude? How will you rally around gratitude in 2012?

It was July 28. We were on a walking tour of the World Trade Center site in New York. Our tour guide, Julie, was talking about how she lost her husband when United Airlines Flight 175 crashed into the South Tower. She talked about how he left her a message, a message that was printed at the Tribute WTC Visitors Center, a message I had read and cried next to just minutes earlier. Julie talked about how incredible her husband was. They had only been married a few years.

I sat next to my husband while Julie was talking and as a wife, my heart broke. I held his hand and realized that she would never hold Brian's hand again. While retelling this story, which I'm sure she has told hundreds of times over the past 10 years, she got tears in her eyes but explained that she loves talking about him because it keeps him alive.

I felt grateful for so many things in that moment. Grateful that we went on this tour so I could hear Julie's story. Grateful that she, a stranger to me, was remarried with a couple of kids. Grateful that I didn't personally know anyone that day in September because the pain and grief I felt for others was overwhelmingly painful. Grateful for my husband and my family. Grateful for the ability to take a week long vacation across the country. It poured out of my heart as I sat and listened to her talk. I couldn't take my eyes off of her. Her strength was incredible.

I hope to show more gratitude to people who really deserve it in 2012. People do so much good for the world and since I share this earth with them, they should be thanked and told how important they are.

This post is being pimped by....

2011-12-07T19:51:00.001-08:00

Can I be honest? I love free stuff. Who doesn't? If I remember, I call those stupid survey numbers on receipts from Michael's or Chili's with the hope that I will win a $500 gift card. That would be my best day ever.

Can I be honest again? I love blogs. I love reading about people live's and their adventures, trails, tribulations, recipes and more. I love blogging and have found great joy in having a place to share my own thoughts since 2008. I'm almost 1,000 posts in and I still have a passion to keep this thing going. I'm not sure how many people read this (yes, I do. I check my stats weekly) but I like that I can look back at this as a scrapbook of my life.

That being said, I am sad to see what some blogs have become. Basically, they are giveaway sites. Product reviews. What used to be blogs filled with heartfelt stories are now online ads for cameras, vacuums, sweaters, etsy shops, momtographers, etc.

Enter my contest! "Like" them on Facebook! "Follow" them on Twitter. Another give away next week! This post is sponsored by Mama Nell's Bow Making Shop! This post is sponsored by Photography by Jassmyn ! This post is sponsored by Swingin' Hanks Auto Body Shop!

In an effort to be the next Ree, it seems that some bloggers accept every free item thrown their way. That is their right of course. They want to make money off of their blog and if they are popular enough for huge companies to want to partner with them, I'm sure they are well on their way to being career bloggers.

I can admit something-I might get a little jealous that these people started off small, rose to "fame" and get cool opportunities to take part in interesting ventures in business. Wow, they got to go on that trip for FREE? They got that product for FREE? They got to meet WHO?

But I miss the heartfelt stuff. I miss the small spaces on the internet that "feel" private and cozy. I don't have a huge readership but I have regular readers and I didn't get them by pimping myself out on a daily basis. There is a place for everyone in the world of blogging. I guess I miss the days when it felt more focused on sharing stories instead of sharing products for exposure.

#WEverb11: #7

2011-12-06T19:59:00.001-08:00

Travel
Where did you travel this year? What was your favorite part? If you didn’t get to travel, where do you want to go next year?

Whoops. I kind of touched on this in my #6 post but I'll go a bit deeper.

In April, I traveled to San Francisco for the Annual Nany Ferry Ride to honor my late grandmother (aka Nanny)

In May, I walked less than a half mile to our local fair, the Dixon May Fair

In June, I traveled back to my old high school to watch my sister-in-law graduate

In July, I traveled to our nations capitol

And New York City

In September, I traveled to San Francisco to stay with my mom for the weekend while she enjoyed retirement in a condo across from the home of MY San Francisco Giants

P.S. We got to be on field prior to the game for the September 11th ceremony. Hugest honor of my life. That's me, under the arrow.

In October, we traveled across town to go to the pumpkin patch

BOOB NECKLACE!!!!!!

In October, we also traveled up Highway 50 to go to Apple Hill for the first time

In November, we traveled to San Jose to the Westminster "Mystery" House for my sister-in-laws birthday. That place is weak. Sidenote: This picture was taken with my iPhone4S. Pretty awesome, right?

So this year was full of travels. Near and far. Each trip cementing a memory that Ill have forever. I'm not sure if I have a favorite. Each place I went I spent it with family. Some new places and some annual traditions. Milestones were reached. I hope 2012 brings more traditions, more milestones and more memories created outside of the walls of my house.

#WEverb11 #5 and #6

2011-12-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

Befriend
Did you meet any new friends this year? How did they impact your 2011?

Being somewhat of a homebody doesn't give me many chances to make new friends. Through our Sunday Softball league, I was able to meet new people and became very fond of the people on my team. What a great group of people!

Many of my existing friendships grew as well. I'm constantly reminded of what great friends I have. We may not see each other regularly or even talk on the phone often but when we do connect, I'm so happy with the people I choose to let into my life. Free of drama. Smart, intelligent people. Caring, loving and always there to lend an ear. Kind. Funny. They wrapped me in happiness and warmth when I most needed it and I look forward to watching these friendships expand for years to come.

Favor
What was your favorite month of 2011? Why did it beat out all other 11 months?

July. July was my favorite month this year. July was the month that my husband ended his long night shift work. I finally was able to stay up past the sun setting because I am a wimp and went to bed when the sun was still out due to my fear of burglars. Being home alone at night SUCKED and having him back to a normal schedule was fantastic.

July was also awesome because we went to Washington D.C. and New York. This was such a fun trip! We have so many great memories from that week and I feel so blessed that we were able to go. The main reason for this trip was to live our lives after going through 4 failed fertility treatments in a 5 month period. The waiting, the heartbreak and disappointment was too much and I felt like my life was on hold. Planning (postponing and rescheduling) the trip was a good distraction and gave me something to look forward to. My memories of the first 4 months of this year are dark. There was only a four week period between December 31 and April that we weren't consumed with doctor appointments, shots, drugs and tests. All turned out to be negative. I needed something positive and July was the answer.

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It isn't too late to join the many bloggers participating in #WEverb11. Jump right in and starting writing!

Isn't that just like me....

2011-12-05T10:14:00.001-08:00

The youngest child. A Leo. Of course I would possess an ornament that says "Youngest Child (Mom's favorite).

Of course.

More Christmas Tree and decorating pictures to come!

A Sunday done right

2011-12-04T20:27:00.001-08:00

This Sunday was kinda awesome. I made blueberry muffins in the morning ( out of the box). We watched SNL and got ready for our date.

We went bowling! Chris took 2 out of 3 games. I won the second game by just one pin! Since he won, he got to pick where we had lunch. We drove over the freeway to Mel's where we had a laughter filled lunch after discovering that he missed a piece of hair while shaving his head this weekend. A straight piece of hair was sticking directly out of the side of his head. Hilarious.

After that, we went back home where we relaxed before making enchiladas together to eat for dinner this week. Then we watched Virgin Diaries and laughed and cringed at the way those people kissed after they got married. YouTube it. Seriously funny!

I even had a chance to cuddle with Kitty. That is always the best!

Now I'm in bed, with my gym clothes on so I can wake up at 3:30 and go workout!

What a day!!!

#WEverb11: #4 Write a Haiku

2011-12-04T07:00:00.000-08:00

#4
Sum up your year, via haiku.

Needles stab my skin
We fly across the country
Happiness prevails.

This is the best I can do when it comes to poetry!

#WEverb11: #3

2011-12-03T07:00:00.000-08:00

#3: Learn

What lesson did you learn in 2011 from “The School of Life” rather than a classroom?

I learned that life doesn't always go as planned. I learned that getting your hopes up doesn't lead to a disappointing crash but builds strength and character.

I learned that as I get older, I realize the importance of time over material things. I find myself less drawn to items and more drawn to moments.

I've learned that saying "yes" to a blind date over 7 years ago was the best decision I have ever made in my life. The amount of joy that my husband brings me on a daily basis is too vast to even explain.

I learned that friendships can span hundreds of miles, different cities, counties and states. It doesn't matter that I don't have face to face interactions with my friends as long as they continue to be in my thoughts on a daily basis, they are with me.

I learned that cats don't speak English. At all.

I learned that throwing a baseball bat up against the fence of striking out in slow pitch softball is childish.

I learned that my dad will record the above moment on his phone and try to show me later saying that "it wasn't my finest moment."

I learned that like is precious. More precious than any delicate flower. That the twists and turns that we experience are to be questioned but not to be dwelled on. Life is both a mystery and a blessing and the events that happen in our lives can either make us or break us. The news is grim out there, people. Sadness and anger are all around. As much as I want to be informed sometimes I have to shut out the negative and fill my life to the brim with love and positivity.

I encourage you to do the same and I hope 2012 brings more "School of Life" moments that are beautiful and encouraging.

#WEverb11: #2 Listen

2011-12-02T09:53:00.001-08:00

Listen.

What song did you listen to in 2011 to completely change your mood? Think about ways you can you add more music to your life in 2012.

Yesterday before I left work, I checked on the traffic. Yellow lines filled my Google Map screen and I got angry. I knew it would take a while to get home and I was trying to stay motivated to get to the gym for a good workout. I tried to calm myself down while walking to my car but I felt anxious and annoyed before even putting my car in reverse.

I decided that what I needed was some music that makes me smile and sing along.

This is that music. I know nearly every word to every song on this album and every time I listen to it, I get a smile on my face. I flash back to this summer when we were in New York together. When we walked to the theater and had so much anticipation flowing through our veins as we sat in our seats waiting for the lights to go down. We looked forward to seeing The Book of Mormon Musical for months and the show did not disappoint. And thankfully, I can listen to the cast recording and be instantly transformed into a happy, cheery person through the brilliance of that music.

ETA: I would also like to add that discovering Mumford & Sons was one of the highlights of my 2011. Their music put me in a place of complete happiness and relaxation and comfort.

In 2012, I would like to listen to music daily on my drive home from work. Sometimes I listen to AM radio and the topics make me angry. When that happens, I switch on music that takes my mind off of the problems in the world. I think if I also listen to music throughout my day, while sitting at my desk, I will feel less stressed and anxious about the ins and outs of daily life.

#WEverb11: Day 1

2011-12-01T19:00:00.000-08:00

Encapsulate the year 2011 in one word. Explain why. Imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2012 for you?

Unfinished. Merriam Webster defines the word unfinished as "not brought to an end or the final desired state."

I feel like a lot of things are hanging in the balance as 2011 comes to a close. I want to use the cliched excuse of "well, the year just goes by so fast!!" but really, it is a variety of things that make me feel like I didn't accomplish anything in 2011. The details of my feelings might be answers that I can use in other prompts so I won't dive too much into them right now. I'm sure many people know how it feels to be left hanging in the balance, wondering what is going to happen next and waiting for the right moment to jump on the train from the platform and keep living.

For 2012, I would like my word to be "progress" or "complete". There are a few things that need to happen that might be semi out of my control but there are plenty of actions I can take to make positive events happen in my life. Events that are small but meaningful and will give me a sense of progress or completion. I actually get excited about thinking about a year from today and the possibility of these changes being made.

Fingers crossed.

#WEverb11 with us!

2011-12-01T07:55:00.001-08:00

Last year, I participated in Reverb10. It was a great way to commit to blogging everyday and reflecting on my year. Sadly, the person in charge has decided not to continue with this activity but my awesome friend Kim opened the idea to her readers and the outpouring of suggestions was amazing!

Welcome to #WEverb11. I'm so excited to participate in this again and the list of prompts that Kim's readers have submitted are incredible. The format is going to be a little different but I'm planning on posting each evening so I have time to sit down at home and really write from my heart.

My favorite part of the end of any year are those reflection shows, year end wrap up editions of magazines and with WEverb11, I can have my own memories of this year, which has been challenging in good and bad ways for me.

I hope fellow bloggers will click over to the websites I linked and take part in this. Don't worry about writing 31 blog posts. Write as you wish. I hope the reflection you discover puts a smile on your face.

Christmas Wish List

2011-11-30T07:00:00.000-08:00

Both of our immediate families are participating in Secret Santa gift exchanges through Elfster this year. To give my gift givers wide variety of gifts to pick from, I created a wishlist on the site. I thought I would share it here in case you were having trouble coming up with a Christmas list of you own. You may borrow these links only if you have been a good girl/boy this year. Stay off that Naughty list! There is still time!!!

Desktop Skill Ball

State Necklaces (I would get California in gold, of course)

Peugeot Women's Blue Strap Watch

Gold Orchid Necklace

Misto Gourmet Olive Oil Sprayer

Personalized Orchid Necklace

Tamarac by Slippers International

I had a lot of fun putting this wish list together and I think I'll keep it going year around just so I have a place to bookmark things that I love (other than pinning things on Pinterest).

The Hunger Games Trilogy

2011-11-29T06:30:00.000-08:00

I said in my Pre-Thanksgiving vacation post that I downloaded The Hunger Games on my kindle and wanted to spend my vacation reading it. Well, I finished it in 24 hours, moved onto Catching Fire and finished that in 48 hours. I waited a few days to read the final book, Mockingjay, because I heard it was intense and I just needed to take a break from reading.

I started Mockingjay Friday and finished it this morning, just in time to get out of bed and hop into the shower to start my late work day. Holy intense. I actually had a hard time getting through this book because it was a bit more complicated then the other two. I couldn't read while at the gym because the noises around me were distracting.

Some SPOILERS are ahead so do not read if you haven't read these books. But I'm urging you to read them. You can get through each one in a weekend if you devote a lot of time to the books.

The Hunger Games: I think this was my favorite of the series. I had such a vivid picture of the actual Hunger Games in my head while reading. I hadn't yet watched the trailer for the movie because I really wasn't interested but as soon as I was done with it, I ran to the computer and watched it four times. I'm really excited to see the movie and I hope it does the book justice. Despite the drama in this book, there is so much more suspense in the other two. I felt like this was just a small glimpse into the life of Katniss Everdeen.

Catching Fire: I went through so many emotions reading this book. I was heartbroken that Katniss had to go back to the arena. I was sad that it was so complicated to get through these games and I was honestly a bit confused at the ending and the games that were being played outside of the arena behind her back. I was worried about what was going to happen to Peeta due to all the drama they went through in the arena. I liked Catching Fire but not as much as Hunger Games.

Mockingjay: This book is intense. It took the story to another level and it was deep, dark and sad. There isn't much happiness in this book. Prepare yourself for a complicated story line, at least for it was. Maybe I'm just not smart. I started reading the final 25% of the book this morning at 8:00 and finished right at 10:15 with tears in my eyes. I totally cried at the ending. I went back and forth several times between Team Peeta and Team Gale and who I thought Katniss should be with. And for the sake of not spoiling everything in case someone reads this, it all made sense in the end. I was glad that within the last few pages, there was happiness and peace in their lives. It was a great ending.

Let's discuss! Please comment below your thoughts about these books. I highly recommend reading them and I am really sad that they are over.

Back to Normal

2011-11-28T13:56:00.001-08:00

Well, wasn't that a nice 9 day vacation! As life gets back to normal, let me unload a bit....

*I just did a bit of Cyber Monday shopping and it feels good! I purchased Christmas presents for my nieces and used a few coupons and Kohl's cash to get some black boots that I can wear over my skinny jeans. I saved a good chunk of money so I'm excited about that.

*Yesterday, we went to the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose. It was my sister-in-law's 18th birthday and that is where she wanted to go. I had never been there before so I was kind of excited as I stepped into the cheesy gift shop and laid my eyes on the big house. But as soon as the tour started, my excitement faded. Our tour guide seemed nervous and had a major speech impediment. He would have been better suited for the gift shop. I had a hard time understanding what he was saying and his attempt at jokes fell really flat. The house wasn't all that interesting and it was certainly NOT mysterious. Half of it was never completed so we just saw empty rooms with bare walls. It was freezing in the house as well. We did a Behind the Scenes tour and that was a bit more interesting to me. The tour guide knew a lot more and we heard information we couldn't just read off of wikipedia. Overall, it isn't something I would do again. Shopping across the street at Santana Row would be better. But it was fun to spend the day with family. That is ALWAYS worth it!

*I completed my 21 (23) day no junk food challenge. I ate my first piece of chocolate and I have to say, I think I lost my taste for it! Weird, right? I did have a donut on Thanksgiving morning and it was delicious but now I feel like I'm back in that "need it" mode which I was happy to avoid for three weeks. I'm trying to work out a "special occasion day" schedule so I don't completely cut myself off from treats but only allow myself to have them on special days. And you know the holiday season brings a lot of special days!

*I have started to listen to Christmas music in my car. My finger nails are painted with red and green glittery nail polish. I vow to polish and repolish with this color until December 31! We are planning to make pizza and decorate our tree and house Friday night. I can't wait!!!

*I don't mean to brag but my next vacation is just 17 work days away. I'm keeping my eyes on the prize here people. I live for vacations. Heck, I'm already looking forward to three Monday's off between January and February.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving weekend and if you are back to work today, I hope it is treating you well. Do you do your Christmas shopping early or stretch it out over the month of December?

Older and Wiser

2011-11-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

I have noticed a shift within me the past couple of years when the weather gets cold and Santa and his reindeer's make their appearance in stores, songs and in my own home. My focus isn't on the presents and the shopping and the wrapping paper.

My focus has turned to giving and spending time with loved ones. Less important are the number of gifts that I give and receive but the time I spend with the people who are most important to me. The laughter we share while gathered together around the Christmas tree, the memories we create while opening the present from our Secret Santa.

While thousands of people are out in stores right now (and have been for hours), I'm snuggled in bed with my husband looking forward to a fun day together. No lines, no worries, no pushing and shoving. Just being together. Because the REAL meaning of Christmas and the holiday season doesn't involve saving money on a gift. It doesn't involve waiting in line in the cold AWAY from loved ones that gathered together for Thanksgiving.

I urge you to do something for someone else this Christmas that doesn't involve wrapping a present. Find a Wreaths Across America event. Give to a worthy charity. Encourage your family to skip the massive gift giving and set up an Elfster gift exchange, where you buy one person a present. We did this in my family last year and it was so much fun.

I love Christmas. I love the cold weather. I love snowmen and the decorations I put up in my house. I love the music. Oh the music, how I love it so. I love the parties and the joy. I love having an excuse to get together with my family and make memories. I love thinking outside of myself and remembering that this is a great time of year (as is the rest of the year) to make use of our time off to donate to worthy causes.

Think about what Christmas means. It doesn't have to be about stress and a dwindling bank account. It is about the memories that are made. Make wonderful memories this holiday season while being sane every day.

Thanksgiving and Thankful...and just full

2011-11-24T04:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope you are all busy preparing your meal or driving to your meal like we are doing this morning. We trade off where we spend Thanksgiving each year. Last year, we drove 25 minutes to my in-laws house so this year we are driving 2 hours to my aunt's house in San Jose. I'm really excited to see my family and spend time around the fire chatting and catching up.

Like I've done the past two years (see below), I've listed out what I am thankful for but those things haven't changed much so I'll make a short list:

I'm thankful for my husband, who is currently in the garage with AAA because he locked his keys in the car while cleaning his vehicle. This provided some comic relief for me and for that, I am thankful.

I'm thankful for my entire family because they are fun and loving. If I could see them every single day, I would. I'm glad we live so close and have so many occasions to hang out together.

I'm thankful for my kitty, Kitty. I can't even explain the joy she brings to our life. She fills the gap in our lives because we still don't have a kid. This cat is seriously loved in our house and I can't even remember what life was like before bringing her home.

I'm thankful for so many things in life and lately, I've made sure to slow down and count my blessings each day and night because so many people have so many struggles. I have a warm home filled with love. I have food in my pantry and money in the bank and for that and so much more, I am thankful.

Thanksgiving post 2010

Thanksgiving post 2009

The moment I have been waiting for

2011-11-21T07:00:00.000-08:00

I've been counting down and waiting for this day since September. I remember telling my co-workers...

"Just 9 weeks until Thanksgiving vacation!"

One of the benefits of working in education is that we get some time off around the holidays. I'm taking the entire week off because 1) I can 2) I'm exhausted.

I have some plans that include:

1. Finishing (ok, starting) online traffic school for the ticket I got back in....umm...I don't even remember.

2. Cleaning out the cabinet under the sink in my bathroom

3. Cleaning my car. My trunk is a disaster. I have the most random stuff in there. Currently, I have a dvd player, a piece of wood to be cut for my mom's cabinets, an apple, a newspaper, three sweaters, a scarf and a partridge in a pear tree.

4. Relaxing.

5. Relaxing.

6. Relaxing.

7. Baking something just because I can and then eating it. I've been finding the most delicious looking desserts on Pinterest. This will be after the 23rd when I'm officially off of my no junk food challenge craze. More on that next week.

8. Making dinners each and every night. Trying to be a good wife.

9. Going to lunch with friends and perhaps my sister.

10. I purchased The Hunger Games on my Kindle so I'd like to finish that by the end of my vacation. (UPDATE: I started this book Friday afternoon and finished Saturday afternoon. I am completely and totally hooked on this series. I can't wait to finish the other two books! I think I can finish both before the end of vacation)

Feeling Empathy

2011-11-18T07:30:00.001-08:00

I think I've written before about how I have a love/hate relationship with my empathy. I love being happy when other people are happy but when sadness is around me, I tend to take it on as if it is my own.

I learned last night that a friend of my sister's family was shot and killed while in the line of duty. This man's daughter used to babysit my niece. He leaves behind a wife and three beautiful daughters. The more I thought about this last night after learning the news, the more I became cloaked in sadness.

I tried going to sleep but I couldn't shut my eyes. I kept thinking how impossible it must be for that family to get any sleep of their own. How it might be better to stay away so they can divert their thoughts when they turn dark. Sleeping means your mind roams and wanders without your control and when dealing with the loss of a husband and father, I just can't imagine sleep comes easily.

I cried on the way to work thinking about the family waking up this morning, hoping it was a nightmare, only to be faced with the bitter reality of their lives. The sadness enveloped me and my heart broke into a million more pieces.

I feel sad for this family and I hope that each day they are able to be comforted by happy memories. My thoughts are with you, Capoot Family.

Love each other daily. Feel empathy often. It might not always feel good but it reminds you that life is fragile and unexpected events occur.

Holiday Mail for Heroes

2011-11-17T07:28:00.001-08:00

The cards my students made for the Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes program

This holiday season, while sending out Christmas cards to your family and friends, think about the men and women of our military who are far away from their loved ones during Thanksgiving and Christmas. You can send cards to these fine people through the American Red Cross' Holiday Mail for Heroes program.

Holiday Mail for Heroes
PO Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD
20791-5456

It will only take a couple of minutes to write out some cards and send them away to brighten the day of someone serving our country.

NOTE: Some of you might see a similar program with the address of Walter Reed Hospital. Do not send cards to that address as they will not be received.

One foot, then the next, and so on and so forth

2011-11-13T20:10:00.001-08:00

Our softball game got cancelled tonight so instead of being a lazy bum, I threw on my running clothes and hit the road. I haven't gone for a run (run/walk actually) in a while so it felt amazing to step outside just before sunset and feel the cool air hit my face as I took my first steps.

Not everyone can look as hot as I do when they exercise. #sarcasm

I walked for about 3 minutes before breaking into a steady albeit slow stride. It felt great to run. If I started to feel winded, I just slowed down and planned to walk when I got to a specific corner.

We get some beautiful sunsets in my neck of the woods. I can't see this while running on a treadmill at the gym. I started to feel really great and continued to run (and take pictures).

I'm obsessed with leaves. Some of the leaves look like they are fluorescent. The street is lined with these trees and they are so beautiful.

I remind myself to simply put one foot in front of the other. It really helps to guide myself along, especially when I start to struggle.

I finish my first lap around the neighborhood and keep going for lap #2.

The sky has changed colors once again so I stop to admire it and snap a photo. I'm feeling pretty good at this point and decide to run all the way to the corner of my street.

One loop is about 1.5 miles so I ran/walked 3 miles and can proudly say that I ran more than I walked. I hope to make this a regular activity on the days I get home early enough and for sure on weekends. Fall is the perfect time to run outdoors if you love running in cooler temperatures. And the scenery around me tends to dull the pain in my legs!

Put me in charge

2011-11-09T09:59:00.000-08:00

I'm so angry over this horrible, awful, sickening crime at Penn State. I'm angry over the "fans" who don't realize that a child rapist was protected in the name of football and reputation. I'm angry that no one has been fired. I'm angry that these kids who were subjected to this horrid act are having to go through this nightmare.

I'm angry that Joe Paterno actually said, on camera, during the (pathetic) rally at his house...

"It's a tough life when people do certain things to you, but anyways...."

WHAT? Rage. Rage. RAGE. A tough life when ya know, grown adult men rape children and an entire campus of adults knows about it and covers it up to protect their jobs/football program/school reputation. And the media that I have seen is only quoting him saying "Lets pray for the victims." F*** YOU JOE PATERNO. F*** YOU MEDIA. F*** YOU PENN STATE.

Put me in charge. I have NO TOLERANCE for any person who touches a child inappropriately. It is the most cowardice act and for some reason, it doesn't seem to be that important to certain people. Touch a child and you go to jail. For life. You are the scum of the earth.

And for those people who knowingly keep the secret about kids being raped and molested, you belong behind bars as well.

People who hurt kids and people who know about people hurting kids don't deserve rallies outside of their houses. They don't deserve to keep their jobs. They don't deserve to breath the same air that I do. Jail. For life. No parole. No second chance. No pity.

In the words of Eric Cartman in my favorite Southpark episode ever...

"Get your ass to jail!"

Comfort

2011-11-08T07:00:00.000-08:00

We sat at the table in our kitchen, eating turkey burgers off of paper plates. The topic that we have avoided for months came up.

"What are we going to do. We still want to have kids right?" I said, a little scared of the answer.

"Yeah, of course!" the reply that made my heart skip a beat while my stomach did flips and my brain screamed what my mouth didn't want to ask.

"Well, when? What we are going to do? What if it doesn't work again? It is just so tough." I held back tears.

"Well, then we live our lives. Yes, it is something that I want but if we try everything we can and it doesn't work out, I can't be upset over something I can't control."

Men. Why are they so emotionless and practical. So very practical. As if I have a practical bone in my body when it comes to my desire, my need, my wish to have a child.

The tears roll down my face. I explain that I just can't imagine that and I want to have kids. It hurts me deep inside imagining our lives without them.

"Why do we have this big house? What's the point?" I was starting to "kitchen sink". You know, when you throw everything out there because being practical just isn't in the cards, as discussed above.

"We have this big house because we can. And you know what, our lives will still be full. We will have each other and travel and do fun things. Our lives will be full no matter what the outcome."

Our lives will be full. Have more beautiful words ever been spoken? Did it leave me feeling better? No. I'm still feeling lost about this whole thing. I still feel broken but my practical husband and his calming words have comforted me.

Our lives will be full. We will make sure of that. Together.

Pop Culture Thoughts and a Small Favor

2011-11-07T13:56:00.000-08:00

-I believe Kim Kardashian faked her relationship and wedding. I believe it was all planned out from the get go. I believe that her filing for divorce the day before the NBA season was supposed to start was a part of the plan. That way, Kris would have been busy at training camp in the weeks leading up to the divorce filing and off at practice or at a game on October 31. Back in May when they got "engaged" there was no word about an NBA lockout because the season wasn't even over yet. It was all part of a perfect plan. The entire family is fake and lives to have their name in the news. What a sad life to look back on- to know that you faked every aspect of your life just to make money and be famous.

-I hope that Justin Bieber is lying and is the father of that baby by the chick that banged him after his concert. I think Justin Bieber is smug and famous teenagers are annoying and it would be nice to show obnoxious kids that they can't do whatever they want and make stupid decisions and then deny it.

-I have mixed feelings on Conrad Murry being found guilty. Yes, he was the doctor and should not have been giving Michael Jackson those drugs but did MJ have ANYONE around him that said no to him? If he did, I'm sure he would be alive today. His family, his "friends"-no one had enough pull in his life to tell him to stop using drugs. He was paying people a mighty amount of money to do what they were told. Michael Jackson was a drug addict. Just because of his name he isn't some hero or a saint or whatever. He drugged himself to death. He made those decisions himself knowing that he had three kids to parent. He is selfish and I feel so sad for his family but no one did anything to really help him. They didn't try hard enough. Addicts are not going to just admit they have a problem, I know that. But NO ONE in his life did a damn thing. They just kept giving him the drugs day in and day out. They should all be found guilty.

-Do we seriously have an entire calendar year left before the next Presidential election? I don't think I can take it. I might have to stop watching/listening the news and only listen to Adele on my ipod from now on.

And on a happier note...

If you are thinking of giving to a charity this holiday season, may I suggest giving to the Fisher House. The radio station I listen to in the morning is holding a donation drive right now. They are trying to reach $100,000 and since launching this just a week ago, they have already collected over $80,000 for this noble cause. If you can give any amount, you are making a difference in the lives of these military men and women and their families. Take that money that you would have spent on your morning coffee and spend it here instead. I proudly gave $50.00 to this worthy cause.

Armstrong and Getty Fisher House Donations

“Good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions in others.”
Plato

Friday, Friday

2011-11-04T07:32:00.000-07:00

-Halloween marked two years since we moved into our house. It is so fun to think that we have been living there for two years and look back at all the of changes in our lives since then! The biggest change is that we walked into the house without a kitty and now that we have our beloved furry friend, we can't imagine life without her!

-I walked into Walmart this morning to buy some tea and from the parking lot, I spotted a Christmas tree set up in the store. I know some people are all RESPECT THE TURKEY but for me, Christmas just adds a bright light to the entire holiday season. I enjoy Thanksgiving because it means I get to see my extended family but for me, nothing beats Christmas. I can't wait to get my snowmen out of their containers and decorate the house.

-The weather has finally turned here in Northern California. It was 37 degrees this morning. I like to call it "California Cold" because I realize other parts of the USA are much colder but for a California girl like me, that is plenty cold! I love wearing a jacket and turning the heater on in the car, covering myself up with a blanket while watching tv on the couch. Late fall and winter is my favorite!

-After today, I have 9 working days left until a 9 day Thanksgiving vacation. It can not come soon enough. I hope I can be productive during my vacation. To me, there is nothing worse than having that many days off and not actually accomplishing things. I'm lazy but I hate being so lazy that nothing gets done!

-I hope everyone had a great first week of November. Can you believe it? NOVEMBER. I say this too much but time just really does fly by. I have a hard time believing that January ever existed.

So far, so good

2011-11-03T14:20:00.000-07:00

I know I'm only on day 2.5 of this no junk food challenge but so far, I'm pretty proud of myself. The cravings aren't really there like I thought they would be. I don't want to cheat and let myself down.

I was thinking how I honestly do feel lighter in a sense. Both physically and mentally. I guess I was weighing myself down with not only added pounds but with guilt. Guilt that I know I shouldn't grab for that bag of M&M's or that second donut or that large bowl of ice cream. Guilt that my workouts were all for nothing if I was going to just eat them away.

I'm using the Lose It App on my phone to track my calories because if I'm going to give up all that is holy (i.e. chocolate) I need to lose some weight during this challenge.

That being said, I am SO SO SO HUNGRY. My body is used to more calories and food that filled me up in a gross way. I have NO approved snacks with me (I already ate them) so I'm having my second packet of oatmeal for the day.

Oatmeal does not equal a kit kat. Not at all. Especially oatmeal made with water and not milk.

Is it dinner time yet?

Ohhhhh, so that's what I need to do

2011-11-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

1. Tricky Tactics: One of the things on this list is.....and I'm not kidding...."Start by having unprotected sex."

I just blew your mind, didn't I?

2. Workouts: This article states that every woman is different so you should consult your doctor. Remind me again what the point is of writing this article if what is in the article doesn't apply to me?

3. Choosing my baby's gender: There is someone on this planet that actually wrote this as a way to determine what you are having:
"I've heard that if your DH is 'pretty' then you will have a girl first, and if he is handsome (more rugged or not as pretty) then you will have a boy first. We are having a boy..." -Bridey1

Oh brother.

Thanks The Bump for being a breeding ground for idiots.

The No Junk Food Challenge

2011-11-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Olympic athletes don't train for the biggest moment in their lives 50% of the time. They go full force and dedicate their lives to being in the best shape possible. They make all the necessary adjustments no matter how hard or challenging that may be.

Why don't we do the same? I came across this graphic on Pinterest a few weeks ago. My initial thought should have been, "NO WAY CAN I DO THAT." But I'm competitive. I like to challenge myself and the only way I've been challenging myself lately is to not have that second cookie, that second candy bar, that second soda. Which I end up doing anyways. I fail at self restraint.

Starting today, November 1st, I am going to live by these rules for 21 days. Some of you might think that I am depriving myself and you know what? I am. I'm depriving myself because I can't seem to STOP myself from just eating "a little bit" of anything on this list. Newsflash: We don't NEED any of these things to live and I have given my body free range to chow down on these things any time, any place. People give up meat and I consider meat to be a vital part of my diet seeing as how I don't like vegetables. And meat is actually good for you. I'm not hurting myself by giving up the foods listed above. I put this on facebook and got a lot of "GIRL YOU CRAZY." That just made me want to do it more. I'm such a rebel.

I am going to take a small exception. Naughty spreads. I enjoy a berry and spinach smoothie for breakfast along with a whole wheat bagel or whole wheat toast. I usually put a small amount of butter or peanut butter on top. And when I say small amount, I mean small amount. Breakfast is the only time I tend to have PB or butter so I think I'm safe there.

The rest of it....well that will be tough but if we aren't challenging ourselves to improve every day, what are we striving for? Will you join me for 21 days? Will you challenge yourself? Will you come out of this feeling stronger and better and maybe even lose some weight (and save some money!).

Will it be difficult? HELL TO THE YES. Just thinking about it puts fear tingles down my spine. Sad, right? But what is life if we aren't challenged by something? I'm excited to challenge myself and reach deep down to avoid eating these things for 21 days.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T07:44:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone has a fun Halloween! Be safe out there!

Love,

Gilly and Bruce Banner

30 Day Photo Challenge Days 22-27

2011-10-28T13:25:00.000-07:00

Day 21: Faceless Self Portrait
I came home from a long day at work, my first day of a cold and plopped down on my bed. This is a self portrait of how I felt that day. Tramp stamp sighting!!!!

Day 22: Hands
Not my best picture. I was sick and wanted to stay on schedule and take something before the end of the day. Super blurry and just not creative at all.

Day 23: Sunflare

Day 24: Animal
DUH

Day 25: Something Pink

Day 26: Close Up

Day 27: From a distance

And can I just brag about how I totally captured Bokeh without trying!

The last few days of this project are coming up! It's been so much fun to explore new photography settings and play with my camera!

I love

2011-10-26T21:52:00.001-07:00

I love my husband because he doesn't have to do much to make me smile. He is simply incredible at being who he is and I admire him for that. He is both wildly inappropriate and caring all at once.

I love my parents because they support and love me. They come to my rec league softball games and cheer me on. My mom drove 25 minutes to bring me lunch when I was home sick and my dad always provides good and passionate conversation about politics. I love his passion.

I love my sister. She is amazing. She works hard at EVERYTHING she does. She doesn't have an off button. She is loyal and faithful and trustworthy. She is strong. She has qualities that I would love to have. She is MY sister and I am so lucky for that.

I love my brother in law and nieces. I love my brother in laws passion. I can't wait for basketball season to start so I can watch him coach. My nieces. I don't know where to start with those two. They are stars. When I hug them, I exude a kind of happiness reserved only for them.

I love my husband's family. They are as warm and loving as my own. I may make myself too comfortable at their house. I pull no punches and it seems as though that is welcomed. Seven years of being "in the family" has flown by. They are my family too.

I love my cat. She gets cuter every day. She is our light when life gets dark. I can't stay mad at her. She is happiness in fur.

When life gets you down, think about who you love. It adds up to a lot.

Nighttime complaining

2011-10-25T21:15:00.001-07:00

1. My cold has turned into some sort of allergy issue. I have an awful sinus headache, I'm constantly sneezing and my nose won't stop running. Also I sneezed really hard earlier and it scratched the heck out of my throat. Yeah, I don't know how either.

2. When my nose is stuffed up, I sleep with my mouth wide open. This causes my lips to get super chapped. I've been trying to sleep for 30 minutes but my dry ass lips prevented me from falling asleep. I had to go find my
Blistex.

3. Our bedroom window is open to get some cool breeze and the slight breeze is moving the tree branches around making it sound like someone is in our backyard. Wonderful. Window closed.

4. I'm wearing my mouth guard for the first time in a few nights and either it has shrunk or my teeth have shifted because it is super tight and giving me a headache.

5. I am going back to work tomorrow so I couldn't take any NyQuil tonight. It leaves me so groggy and loopy and I can't be like that tomorrow BUT now I can't fall asleep due to all of the above.

Balls. Being sick seriously sucks.

Cough Cough

2011-10-24T08:17:00.000-07:00

Day in and day out, I manage to forget how good it feels to be healthy because when that sore throat sets in and you realize that you are getting a cold and can do nothing to stop it, life is not the same.

I might be blog silent for a couple of days as I try to recover and then dive back into a busy work week. I promise eventually I'll do more than post pictures I take on this blog.

And if the paragraphs above didn't make any sense, I'm blaming the haze from generic nyquil because the real stuff didn't work.

30 Day Photo Challenge: Days 15-21

2011-10-21T07:27:00.000-07:00

Day 15: Silhouette

Day 16: Long Exposure

Day 17: Technology (AKA How many things that require batteries or a charge to work can we buy)

Day 18: Shoes

Day 19: Something orange (taken with my new iphone 4S)

Day 20: Bokeh

Day 21: Faceless Self Portrait
I'm stuck. I have no idea what to do for this. My thinking is that I take a picture of something that represents me? If anyone has ideas, I'd be happy to hear them and then steal them. I'll post this picture next week with my Day 22-Day 28 photos.

Fitness Related: Try This TONIGHT!

2011-10-19T22:00:00.000-07:00

I know YOU can do this at least once. Start slow, build up and eventually, you will be able to do it two or three times in a row. Yes, you will feel the burn. I know I did this morning when I did it. It gets easier. You get stronger and more confident and soon, you are sitting on a wall for a minute without shaky legs.

Source: healthyisalwaysbetter.tumblr.com via Michelle on Pinterest

Leave Your Face ALONE

2011-10-18T10:58:00.000-07:00

Did anyone watch SNL this weekend? WHY OH WHY would Anna Ferris destroy her face? Obviously, she had her lips plumped up to an abnormally large level and for some reason, it looks like her cheeks have implants in them. They moved funny whenever she smiled. I couldn't get a good screen cap but her hair and her face just made her look like a muppet or something. She is only going to be 35 years old this year and she is getting stuff done to her face that is completely not necessary.

Why do people do this? Why aren't their family members telling them that they are only going to look deformed? Because homegirl looks deformed. And that hair isn't helping.

A family of two (humans)

2011-10-17T12:15:00.000-07:00

Two weekends ago when we went to the pumpkin patch, it was overwhelming to me that I was among tons of children and their parents. My husband and I wandered around, chasing our nieces having a good time but I would be lying if I said I didn't feel some pain in my heart over the fact that we didn't have kids of our own to watch play in the corn bath and help climb to the top of the hay stack.

Such a good uncle

As we sat in the parking lot waiting for my sister and her family to arrive, I watched moms and dads push strollers and hold tiny little hands towards the orange see of pumpkins. I said to my husband that had our first IUI been a success back in January, we would have been among the parents at the patch. Heck, maybe our child would have been too small and we might have just stayed home with him/her. Instead, we sat together, just our family of two. When we got home that morning, I went upstairs to rest and I cried. I cried over what I don't have even though I have pledged many times to spend my time appreciating what I do have.

This past weekend, we made the trip to Apple Hill. In all my time living in Northern California, I had never visited Apple Hill and was really looking forward to it. We had such a good time driving on the narrow two lane roads from orchard to orchard, eating treats and people watching. It was a beautiful day.

High Hill Ranch Placerville, CA

El Dorado Orchards Camino, CA

Kids, Inc Camino, CA

Pumpkins at Abel's Apple Acres Placerville, CA

Our friends Mayra and Sean met us at High Hill Ranch where we ate lunch, I drank a caramel apple milkshake and we just enjoyed the scenery before heading off to visit a few more orchards. The crowds grew as the day went on and I said it would be nice if they had an adults only day! I think some of that stemmed from the fact that again, we were some of the only people not to have kids. In some circumstances, I didn't mind. Hearing kids scream and beg their parents for this or that made me happy for a second that we could enjoy a day trip without worrying about packing 10 pounds of gear and we were in and out of the car pretty quickly at each stop.

I thought about it on the long drive home and decided once again that I have to chose my attitude. A nice day with my husband and our friends is what life is about right now. Am I sad that I didn't have a baby to plop on a pumpkin for an adorable photo opp? Yes, a little. But I'm pretty content with our family of two (humans) and one kitty....

30 Day Photography Challenge: Days 7-14

2011-10-14T17:03:00.001-07:00

Day 7: Fruit

Day 8: A bad habit- Candy!

Day 9: Someone you love- My family

Day 10: Childhood Memory- traveling around the USA.

Day 11: Something blue- vases in our guest bedroom.

Day 12: Sunset

Day 13: Yourself with 13 things- photo albums

Day 14: Eyes- kitty, of course!

I'm excited about the series of photos over the next week!

Me, a tripod and my camera

2011-10-12T20:45:00.000-07:00

This 30 Day Photo Challenge has me really inspired to use my camera more.

A post sunset picture

Taken with my tripod at about 8:00. I love how green the grass is and how blue the sky is, with hints of white clouds.

I need to keep my eye out for a really starry night. I live in a secluded place so we don't have many city lights which makes star gazing spectacular.

I hope everyone is having a good week. I'll try to post something other than random pictures soon!

Gas, Adele, Pumpkin Patch and Second Place

2011-10-10T10:18:00.000-07:00

*My work event Friday night got cut short due to a gas leak down the street that became a gas cloud hovering over our site. It was gross. We sent our students home and got outta there. I think I was mildly effected on the drive home. It took me a long while to realize that I had turned off my car stereo. I had no idea when, why or where I turned it off. I just sat in silence while driving without realizing it.

*My husband had some people over Saturday night to watch the UFC fight. None of these people were females so I stayed in the loft, worked on my 2011 yearbook and listened to Adele through headphones. I think I listened to too much Adele because later in the evening, I just felt like crying. Damn you, Adele and your weepy love songs.

*We went to the Pumpkin Patch with the family on Sunday morning. It was a really nice day but it got a bit too warm and I became overheated. It didn't help that I took a "bike" ride with my mom and niece around the haystack. I was sweating. Gross.

Oh that Uncle Chris.

Contemplating the existence of the pumpkin. And wishing someone would have told me that my necklace was totally hooked around my boob. THANKS A LOT MOM AND SISTER AND HUSBAND.

WTF.

Flying leap into the corn bath!

Amy had it easy. The look on my face is horrible.

*After an afternoon nap, we went off to our softball playoff game. We won our first game which earned us a spot in the championship game for the second season in a row. It was a rematch and sadly, we did not walk away with first place t-shirts this time. The second place t-shirt I got will be used as a rag. JK. Not really.

Back to 2008

2011-10-08T21:41:00.000-07:00

Looking back on my blog, I realized that I never blogged my honeymoon photos. For shame. I'm looking through them right now, trying to find some pics to order to add to our travel photo wall and I'm seriously missing Maui, missing our honeymoon, missing my long hair.

The view from our room. The hotel was sold out but we got hooked up with this room. We could have been overlooking the parking lot.

My life would suck without him

That's my husband. That sums it up. And yes, I had a cold sore on my honeymoon. NICE.

I chopped my hair about 24 hours after getting to Maui.

I want to go to there. Again.

Sunset cruise where my husband spent half the time sitting alone, barfing off the side of the boat. So romantic! This is after he recovered.

This could have been such a cute picture. But I expect nothing less from him. Or my cold sore.

The Wailea side of Maui. Gorgeous.

And the real fun begins...our sad face, goodbye photos...

This is my favorite.

Maui is seriously amazing. I'm getting a little emotional looking at these pictures. It brings back such fond memories. I hope you enjoyed this trip down memory lane!

30 Day Photography Challenge: Days 1-6

2011-10-06T19:13:00.001-07:00

Day 1: Self Portrait

Day 2: What you wore today-my softball clothes

Day 3: Clouds-taken at a golf course while volunteering at a work event

Day 4: Something Green

Day 5: From a high angle- living room as seen from the loft

Day 6: From a low angle-the basketball court at the park near my house

And for good measure, other pictures I took that didn't make the cut:

Fitness Week: Why workout?

2011-09-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

Why exercise?

Why not? Exercise doesn't mean going to a gym. Exercising should be fun. You should find something that you love. Get your heart rate up, sweat a little, evaluate how you feel. I almost promise that after you exercise, you will feel incredible. And if you don't? You won't.

I skipped my workout on Thursday. I had a very stressful day which completely killed my energy. I was almost falling asleep on my drive home at 4:30. I should have gone to the gym. I should have driven the 3 miles and at least sat on the stationary bike and peddled for a bit. But I didn't. I stayed home. I ate dinner, took out the garbage and watched Project Runway. That habit is breaking and it will be 100 times harder to go today but I must.

Why?

Because no one ever regretted working out.

Fitness Week: Workin' the Weights

2011-09-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

In my post on Monday, Jen asked in the comments what type of weight training I do. A couple weeks ago, my answer was none. I do none weight training. But with the encouragement of my husband, I have started to add weights into my routine and now find myself cutting into my cardio just so I'll have the energy and desire to hit the weights.

If there aren't a ton of dudes in the gym, I'll sit on a workout bench and lift some free weights until my arms hurt. I told my husband that I want to be sore and he suggested doing at least 20 reps. I usually do 12 so I've been trying to push myself, even if it means using a lower weight at first.

If the gym is full of meatheads (sorry, but it is true. They look like meatheads), I'll do a circuit on the stationary weight machines. They aren't so bad and easy to use. I took some crappy pictures with my phone the other day. I was working on my arms (so flabby!) so these pictures are all upper body machines.

My view from the eliptical machine, which I'm stuck using until my stupid calf feels better.

Chest and biceps I think. I like this one the most because I can set it to 40 pounds. I be strong!

Bench press type machine. This thing really makes me feel weak. I can only lift 30 pounds.

I use this attachment to work on my tricep so I don't get flappy bye bye arms. I set the machine to 20 or 30 pounds. I also do pull downs with this at about 40-50 pounds.

I think this is for your back and biceps too. I also like this one because I can lift more. But when I use it, I make a grunting noise so that is a bit embarrassing.

This is what I wear to the gym. An old tank top from H&M (it has holes and hair dye stains on it), cheap shorts from Sports Authority and a Nike sports bra that makes me look like I have fake boobs. When I'm on the treadmill at the gym, I can see my reflection in the tv and I'm almost ashamed. The sports bra gives me HUGE boobs. And this picture is taken in my skinny mirror. I love and hate that thing. My thighs are way bigger than that.

Other machines I love are any leg machine. I have really strong thighs (hence their tree trunk size) and I like to challenge myself to see how much I can leg press. I've started using to leg press machine where you add the weight discs and I use 45 lbs on each side. On the stationary machine, I can leg press 110 pounds.

I have to say that now that I have started a weight training routine, I rather enjoy it. It gives me more to do at the gym than just cardio and I know that adding resistance training is so important, especially as I get older. If you need some help getting into weight training, my advice is to start small. Maybe even get some hand weights to have at home and use them while watching tv. Every little bit counts. Don't be afraid to try things at the gym. It feels SO GOOD to notice yourself getting stronger. I used to think that weight training was boring (I kind of still do) but I just force myself to do it because I know I'm getting a more complete workout that way.

What are your keys to weight training? Any additional exercises you can share with the class?

Fitness Week: Unconventional Exercise

2011-09-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

These might be huge DUH suggestions but when the treadmill, eliptical and free weights become boring, step out of your routine and try something new!

1. Organized (or unorganized) Sports: For about two years now I've been playing recreation co-ed softball. I never played softball but this is *just for fun. I try my best to get as much exercise as I can out of each game. I run on and off the field, I run my hardest if/when I get on base and I try to stand up in the dugout instead of sitting down. During our championship run, we played three games in a row so I was quite sore the next day. Bursting off of a base and quickly stopping on the next one really does a number to your thighs. There is usually a fee if you are playing through a city rec department but it is well worth it. I have so much fun with my husband and friends, get to keep my competitive edge alive and gets me out of the house for a bit on a Sunday afternoon.

2. Gardening: I realize not everyone owns a home but boy oh boy, gardening is seriously backbreaking work. Kneeling, bending, squating. All good things for toning those legs and backs. Shoveling and clipping work out your arms and you can get a bit of a tan at the same time!

3. Swimming: While swimming isn't unconventional, it might not be something you think of doing often if you don't have a pool in your backyard. I grew up swimming and I miss it so much. When we lived in our apartment, the gym we belonged to had this great lap pool and during the summer months, I loved swimming laps for 45 minutes. I was amazed at how fast I was able to go from being exhausted after 4 laps to being able to swim 20+ without stopping. Fall and winter are approaching so this one might not be possible for long but swimming is a great form of exercise.

4. Long, aimless walks: I love going on walks but my husband gets bored and never will go with me. (Please harass him about this in the comments) Walking doesn't have to feel like exercise. You walk at a slow pace but you are indeed working out your muscles. In July, I wanted a slurpee from 7-11 so I decided to walk there. It was 90 degrees out and 7-11 was 2.0 miles (one way) but I did it anyways. Sure, I regretted it once I got there and my slurpee melted almost immediately but I got some exercise and felt a sense of accomplishment (and regret) when I was done. Walk to get ice cream before the weather gets too cold!

What are some of your unconventional exercise methods?

Guest Post on Kimberly Michelle

2011-09-27T08:43:00.000-07:00

My talented and amazing friend Kim asked me to write a guest post for her blog and I thought "Why not take my wordiness somewhere else on the internet!?" Gladly!

While you are over there, take a look at the incredible content on her blog. She has fantastic craft and recipe posts as well as links to great pieces of Disney inspired art. Kim loves her some Disney! Plus, her daughter is an absolute doll. I once pushed her around in her stroller through the streets of San Francisco while Kim shopped a sample sale. Yes, people leave their children with me while they shop. If you are need of this service, I'm available for a low rate.

You can find my post on her blog Kimberly Michelle. A big HELLO to anyone who is clicking over to my blog after reading my post on Kim's blog. I hope you stick around. It's fun over here!

Happy reading!

The guest post is fitness related so it does not break from Fitness Week. Tomorrow's post will be about unconventional exercise.

Fitness Week: Finding Your Motivation

2011-09-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

Whenever I tell myself that I should lose weight/workout more/workout harder/stop eating crap, I find a million reasons not to follow through 100%. I guess I just need to hit rock bottom before trying to pull myself up from the heap I have left behind.

On those days that going to the gym (or even going for a walk, putting in a workout dvd) seems like the most miserable thing in the world, here are some tricks that put me into a tailspin and find my running for my workout clothes.

1. Pinching Myself: This seems really morbid and awful but nothing gets me to the gym faster than pinching and grabbing those trouble areas. My trouble areas reside in 3 places: hips, butt and thighs. How the HECK did my ass get so big? Those are beyond love handles! I know a 1 hour workout won't get rid of them but it does feel good to know that I'm doing something to get rid of my problem areas.

2. Weighing your options: You know you should go exercise but sitting on the couch sounds like a better idea. You know by the end of the night, you will be kicking yourself for not exercising and that will probably effect the way you sleep. No one ever regretted exercising, right? It will only make you feel BETTER. Take a second to think about it and make the decision to JUST DO IT. Nike really hit the nail on the head with that phrase.

3. Buy yourself something new: New socks. New shoelaces. A new sports bra. New headphones. New music on your iPod. A new ponytail holder. Buy something new that you will use at the gym. New workout clothes always motivate me to workout. Heck, I've been known to buy songs directly from my iPhone while working out on the treadmill. You don't have to spend much!

4. Fashion Show! Nothing depresses me more than old clothes that no longer fit because my problem areas have grown (or as I like to claim, the clothes have shrunk!). If I'm having that internal battle of "should I go or should I sit on the couch", I go into my closet and grab an old shirt or pair a jean and try to squeeze them on. Tight. Unflattering. Muffin Top. Time to exercise.

5. Creating a habit: I don't like taking even one day off from the gym. It breaks my routine and makes it even more difficult to go the next time. Like I said, I actually love working out. 90% of the time, I don't need to be convinced to go to the gym. Today, I have a really sore area on my calf from softball yesterday. I told myself that I would take the day off but really, the habit is more important than the exercise so I'll go to the gym and do some weights that don't bother my injury. Just go. Even if it is for 30 minutes. Get in the habit and make it a part of your routine just like taking a shower, eating dinner or going to work is a part of your daily life.

What are you main motivators for exercising?

Fitness Week

2011-09-26T07:44:00.000-07:00

I am designating this week to be Fitness Week on See Michelle Blog. I'm not a personal trainer or a professional athlete but I do love to exercise using basic equipment found at my small gym so I thought I would spend the week sharing some tips and information about how I work out. Exercising and sports have always been a huge part of my life and I swear, if I didn't love junk food, I would seriously be really trim and in good shape. Damn you chocolate!

I haven't yet finalized the topics I am going to post about so I am happy to take suggestions! Please leave them in the comments and I'll do my best to write about fitness and exercise information that you want to know about.

Have a great Monday!

Stuff my husband says

2011-09-23T14:41:00.000-07:00

Me: No one comments on my blog anymore. Well, my mom does sometimes but no one has commented on my last few posts.

Husband: You have to comment on other blogs and write about interesting stuff.

Me: I do and I do! Well, interesting to me. I realize no one really cares about Kitty Prison or they think I suck as a pet owner. If I can ever get pregnant, I'm sure more people will read my blog then. Mommies like reading blogs and judging other moms. I'll take it.

Husband: Just pretend you're pregnant. No one will know.

Me: You are weird.

Have a good weekend!!!!

Kitty Prison

2011-09-22T10:47:00.000-07:00

That sweet face has been sentenced to Kitty Prison. Her crime? Violation of code 6.7.8: All pets must allow their owners to sleep in until an alarm clock tells them to wake up or in the case of Saturdays and Sundays, they may sleep however long they would like.

Kitty has broken this law several times over the past month. And by several times, I mean every single morning. She hops off of our bed at 4:00 a.m. and if she could talk she would scream "I'M READY TO WAKE UP SO YOU HAVE TO GET UP TOO YOU LAZY BUMS!" But since she can't talk, she communicates this point by scratching the side of our bed, scratching the carpet in our room, going outside of our bedroom door and scratching the corner spot to the point of ripping the threads out of the carpet. She is all around disruptive and rude. RUDE!

I told my husband that I would be putting her in our guest bathroom with a bowl of water when she wakes up in the morning. He protested until I reminded him that he wanted to put her in the kitty carrier. Umm hello!? At least in the bathroom she can roam around, look out a window and hop on and off the counters. Her kitty carrier would literally be a prison cell.

This morning at 4:00 a.m. she hopped off the bed and walked around the room for a second before scratching the side of the bed. I got out of bed, picked her up and placed her in the bathroom. I turned the light on in the toilet/shower section and closed the door. She has a bowl of water in there if she needs it. I'll put a toy or two in there as well. I went back to bed, closing our door so we wouldn't have to hear her cries. But I don't think she cried at all. My husband got out of bed at 5:30 and I got up to let her out. Within minutes she ran back to that bathroom. As long as she likes it in there!

I'll let you know that this became such a problem that after trying to comfort and love her Sunday morning at 4:45 a.m., I fell back into bed crying because I just had no idea what to do and all I wanted to do was sleep. This is a CAT we are dealing with here. Practice for baby I guess. But we can't lock a kid in the bathroom.

30 Day Photography Challenge

2011-09-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

I saw this Photography Challenge on Twitter and thought it would be a fun way to use my camera for something other than taking pictures of my cat.

source: whitepeachphoto.com via Merissa on Pinterest via Our Wired Lives

The Challenge starts on October 1. I think I'll post my pictures for the week each Friday of the month. I'm really looking forward to using this as a reason to take a few minutes away from busy life, the tv and chores to go in search of something neat to photograph!

Will you join me? I'd love to see other bloggers posting their pictures (either daily or weekly or whenever).

TV Time!!!

2011-09-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

Fall TV shows are back! This makes me happy and overwhelmed. Sad, right? I'm already a week behind on some shows that started last week and the week before because this weekend was too busy to catch up. I'm looking forward to sitting my behind on the couch and killing some major brain cells this weekend.

Our typical tv week looks something like this:

Sunday: Amazing Race (starts 9/25); Chris will watch Family Guy (9/25)

Monday: Nothing. Maybe a catch up night. I quit Gossip Girl last year, mid-season. Maybe I'll tune in and see if I can get sucked back in. I just lost interest in the SAME story line over and over again.

Tuesday: Parenthood (100% a DVR show for us)

Wednesday: Survivor, Modern Family, Top Chef Just Desserts (DVR)

Thursday: Busy night! Project Runway (me); Jersey ~~Trash~~ Shore(Chris); Parks and Rec; The Office; 30 Rock (in January)

Friday: DVR or Netflix night

Saturday: SNL (DVR, watch Sunday morning)

I used to watch a lot more but I grew tired of The Biggest Loser and I've been American Idol free for two years. I'm not into singing shows anymore so I won't watch The X Factor and Dancing with the Stars is just so awful and cheesy, I can't sit through an entire episode.

We watched 4 seasons (52 episodes) of Mad Men in 5 weeks so now we are sad and have to wait until March for the new season. Chris mentioned possibly watching Boardwalk Empire but I don't know if I want to commit to another show. Is it good? Mad Men is just so awesome. I miss it already.

Monday Morning Pep Talk

2011-09-19T08:38:00.000-07:00

As I was standing in right field (AKA No Man's Land) during my softball game last night, I thought about my weight. I thought about the weather getting colder and needing to be able to fit into my pants again. Pants that might be too tight. Shameful, Michelle. SHAMEFUL!

I thought about the choices I make. The trips to the vending machine. The stops to get a donut before work. The pleading I do with myself that it is okay to have these things every now and again. But "now and again" has turned into "much too often."

I don't smoke. I rarely drink. I don't talk on my cell phone while driving (I use hands free only). I don't take a lot of risks in my life. I'm Betty By the Book. I follow the rules. I wish I could follow the rules that will lead me to a more comfortable weight. I wish I could switch off that urge to indulge in junk food so often.

Chocolate tastes good. Donuts taste good. I don't need them. You don't NEED them. Step away. My life will not be miserable if I don't eat a candy bar every single day. Is there a patch or a gum that can help me? No. Smokers have it so easy. (Kidding)

Those voices in my head are so conflicted and often, the fat, chocolate loving voice wins out. I need to switch her off. I know what is right. I know I can do it. I can stop myself from grabbing .75 cents and getting a Milky Way. It is possible.

But if you find an anti-chocolate patch, please let me know.

Foto Friday

2011-09-16T15:40:00.000-07:00

Kitty hiding in a shopping bag in our pantry. Cats are silly!

Random guy trying to keep cool with a wool scarf around his head. I don't know.

I don't wear Kelly Green and Gold so I wore pink to support Breast Cancer on Breast Cancer Awareness Day at the ballpark. My husband rocks the pink scarf. ROCKS IT.

Have a good weekend everyone! I have to work tomorrow (BOOO) but after work, I get to spend time with my family (YAY). Hope your weekend is spent with love, laughter and happiness.

Help me please

2011-09-13T10:13:00.000-07:00

I have a headache from hell. It started Saturday night after the baseball game. My mom thought it was from the alcoholic beverage that I drank. Does alcohol stay in your system for 3.5 days? I had ONE drink. Cherry flavored vodka with coke.

I've taken tylenol. I've taken two different types of allergy medicine. I've rested. I've drank water. I took out my contacts since the pain is somewhat located behind my eyes. I've taken off my glasses but then I can't see what I'm doing.

The pain Saturday night felt like a migraine. It was minor on Sunday. Manageable. Monday I felt dizzy, a little sick to my stomach and I slept for hours and hours. No medicine worked. Monday night I felt a little bit better but still groggy.

This morning, I'm at my desk in serious pain. My head feels warm but I don't have a fever. I feel a little sick to my stomach. I took tylenol exactly one hour ago and I feel no difference in the amount of pain. It may have actually made it worse.

I emailed my doctor to see if she has any suggestions. I would go home but I have a very important meeting at 12:30 that I'm going to try to sit through. I'm not sure what good it would do to go home anyways since resting isn't making it go away.

Any suggestions? I need a cure!

Brian Wilson drives the bat mobile

2011-09-12T09:15:00.000-07:00

This is going to be a long, diary type post. Stick with me. I had an exciting weekend.

Saturday morning, I took BART (public transit in the bay area) to my mom's awesome San Francisco condo. After a quick tour, we took two buses down to City Hall to watch the 9/11 Memorial.

After the beautiful ceremony, we took BART to the Ferry Building to meet up with my aunt and uncle who were in town. We went back to my mom's apartment and we rested up a bit before heading over to AT&T Park for the Giant's game.

SO many people!

I don't know how my mom will ever want to leave this condo!

The game was awful. It was like watching a little league team play. Ugh. Plus, I had a horrible headache and I had to leave my seat after the 6th inning because the people behind me were screaming in my ear the whole game. The lady had NO CLUE what was going on and asked if they served beverages in the ballpark. WHAT? Also, after the second pitch, the guy yelled " Kill the Umpire!" Um ok freak.

Sunday morning made the day awesome. Me and my mom took Muni down to the Ferry Building to meet up with my sister who was taking the ferry to The City for the day to go to the game with us. While wandering around the ferry building, we were approached by a lady who asked if we were going to the game. She needed people to help carry and unfurl the Star Spangled Banner during the 9/11 ceremony at the game. I barely let her finish before saying "YES." We got the details and were so so so excited. We walked the 1.2 miles back to my mom's apartment and then walked across the street to the ballpark for our duties.

Holy cow people. A moment I won't forget. I have a couple of screen caps from the videos I saw of the ceremony online. It was incredible and such an honor and a complete mind trip to be standing on the field!

I looked up on the big screen during the National Anthem and my butt was totally on the screen. Awesome. There I am, with the arrow over me! My mom is to my right and my sister is on the other side of the flag, to my left.

There I am again! My sister was a "puller" and had to run backwards with the flag. She is in the forefront, standing to the left of the guy in the red shirt.

We walked off the field and were STOKED. Our seats were straight up from home plate in the LAST ROW of the stadium. Quite the hike up the stairs but the view is breathtaking.

This lady was yelling at people 10 rows in front of her when they stood up. She would scream "SIT DOWN". It was scary and hilarious. I was SO tempted to yell it at her when she came back from the bathroom.

My favorite, Cody Ross.

Lou Seal!

LADY. Wake up! It is an exciting game!

Thank goodness the Giants won this game. It was a great day. We had some frozen yogurt and then walked back to the Ferry Building so me and my sister could take the ferry back home. While walking along the Embarcadero, we saw Brian Wilson, SF Giants closer.

And this is his truck. It looks like the bat mobile.

It was strange leaving my mom there but San Francisco is her home for the next week. What a fantastic but exhausting weekend. I had a headache almost the entire time and woke up this morning with it still there. I just took some allergy meds and it is almost gone so I'm glad it was allergies and not something else!

Remembering

2011-09-11T07:30:00.000-07:00

Remember. Reflect.

Honor.

Rebuild.

I long for the day when this country that I love so much returns to a state of unity instead of division.

Livin' the Dream

2011-09-09T07:49:00.000-07:00

Based on this picture, I'd say that retirement is pretty awesome. How many years do I have left?

The view of AT&T Park from my mom's home for the next couple of weeks. Not too shabby. And I'm SUPER EXCITED to be spending the weekend there with her and attending two Giant's games. I love being at sporting events and I'll get to see a night game and a day game so really, it is the best of both worlds. And garlic fries. And probably a chocolate malt ice cream to bring me back to my childhood and going to games at Candlestick.

Memories. I love making new ones.

Stagnant and Undecided

2011-09-08T09:26:00.000-07:00

It has been a lovely summer free of decisions and choices and thought. The biggest decision we made this summer was where to go to lunch in Washington D.C. and who is going to clean the kitchen.

But in the back of my mind, thoughts of doctor appointments, fertility medications and stirrups fill my mind. And if I can be completely honest, having these topics free from the forefront of my thoughts has been quite pleasant. Trying to make a baby is stressful. I've enjoyed not worrying about taking sick time from work and injecting myself with needles and handing over mucho dinero for appointments and prescriptions.

The conflict arises when I realize that we are without a baby and unless I make a doctor appointment, we will continue to be without a baby. The pain of those negative pregnancy tests still hurt my heart. And even now, each arrival of my period is another reminder that we can't do this on our own but we also haven't had success with medical intervention. What is the answer? I think we might only have a couple more shots at the treatments that we can afford before our doctor will most likely throw out the big, expensive letters.

I.V.F. :gulp:

We have a lot to think about and a lot to act on and I'm not sure when this part of the roller coaster will end.

If the jeans don't fit, you must not quit

2011-09-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

I wore jeans the other night. I can't even remember why I had to put jeans on but it was a good choice at the time. When I pulled them over my hips and stomach, the tightness could not be ignored.

Here we go again. Last weekend was not ideal for healthy eating. I went to a baseball game on Sunday and on Monday, we had a bbq. There is ice cream and soda in the house. And this upcoming weekend I'm going to TWO baseball games. Hold me.

I'm finally going to put the Lose It! App to work after it is has been sitting on my phone going unused for months. I'm feeling the need to detox a bit after this past weekend. My weekdays need to be better controlled so I can let loose a little bit on my weekends. Especially this week! Plus, the warm weather is almost gone so no more skirts and dresses. Pants are so restricting and don't really give like skirts and dresses do so I need to make sure I fit into the clothes in my dresser before October hits.

I wish this wasn't a constant battle. I wish I was better at maintaining. I wish I had the will power to say NO like I know I do deep down inside. I can make the change today, tomorrow and the next day and know that progress will encourage me not to look back.

Budgeting

2011-09-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

I really dislike math (of the algebra variety) but I love playing with simple numbers. Working with our budget, paying bills and moving money around can be extremely annoying and frustrating but I get the thrill of victory when I successfully put things in place.

I did a bit of a self-audit the other day and noticed WOW, we spend a lot of unnecessary money. I want to live life and have a good time but I also realize that we need to be financially responsible, especially in these tough economic times (it is such a cliche to say that, isn't it?). Plus, I've heard a rumor going around that it is pretty expensive to have a kid and since it seems like we will have to pay the medical community to assist us in creating a child, it is time to get serious about money.

First and foremost, I wish my job paid more. Asking for a raise isn't an option as I work in grant funded programs and money is very tight. In a perfect world, the people in my position would get paid what I think we deserve instead of being the bottom of the pay scale food chain. I try not to think about it too much because it is depressing. But Mo' Money, Mo' Problems, right? I don't trust that saying.

I go in spurts when it comes to tracking our expenses. I used to have a mint.com account but I got sick of getting constant emails sent to me and I was ashamed that we spent so much money in the Fast Food category. Easy change, obviously. Just don't go to fast food places. DUH.

I had a system earlier this year that seemed to work to curb wasteful spending. I purchased gift cards for the two grocery stores where I shop, Safeway and Walmart on the first of the month. I also got out a cash allowance for me and my husband that needed to last the two weeks between paychecks. This worked really well. The money from the account was gone so it made it look like we had less money to spend which mentally, makes you want to spend less. But we had the cash in our pockets and enough to use for whatever we needed. When our cash ran out, we were done and could no longer make those morning Starbucks runs or Taco Bell visits at lunch. It also helped to not buy needless things at the grocery store. Our grocery spending for the month of August was out of control. The week before we went on our trip, we planned out our meals and that worked so well. We have to go back to that system for sure.

Last Friday, I went to Safeway to get that monthly gift card. I went to the bank to take out our allowance and finished paying some bills. I'm also quitting Starbucks after paying $4.45 for a Grande non-fat, decaf Peppermint Mocha last week. I don't even like coffee. I was cold and thought it would make me feel better. I just need to turn up the heater in the car.

What are your budgeting tips? Do you use a website to track your spending? How do you stop yourself from allowing your spending to get out of control?

Foto Friday

2011-09-02T08:25:00.000-07:00

On Diana's birthday, Amy looking dejected as Diana guarded her new toys from the hands of her little sister. She gave her a nice hug later on. I just love the look on Amy's face. "But I thought we were friends. Sister friends. So confused."

This picture says "They let ME have wine? Bad choice." My nose looks so huge in this picture. I'm learning how to embrace the size of my nose. Work in progress.

2 seconds before I took this, her paws were completely covering her face. Cats are the cutest while they are sleeping. My sister can attest to that. I constantly show her pictures of Kitty when she is sleeping.

Sharing Time!

2011-09-01T07:45:00.000-07:00

Suri's Burn Book is my new favorite website. In my mind, Suri Cruise is actually sitting at a computer at night blogging and writing hilarious ancedotes about Hollywood children and their parents. Spend some time going past and reading all of her posts. Well worth your time.My favorite posts are about the Jolie-Pitt kids or the Affleck kids. GOOD TIMES.

Up next is a video I found yesterday and have since watched about 10 times....this morning. I love it. I'm sure it won't be as funny to those of you who have never owned a cat but me and my husband think it is hilarious. Warning: Foul language is involved but seriously, that just makes it funnier.

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Do you have any links or fun videos to share? Please post them in the comments!

Enjoy your Thursday!

Girl Crushes

2011-08-30T13:23:00.000-07:00

Since we've been watching Mad Men so much, I've developed a bit of a girl crush on Christina Hendricks. She is way better than dead in eyes January Jones. Plus, Christina has curves for days and works the crap out of them in her clothes. Bravo to the costume designers on the show. She is smokin' hot. I will never have a January Jones body and you know what? That is okay with me. I'd like to be less lumpy but over time, I'm proud of my hips, my thighs and my behind. They are what makes me a woman. Women like Christina and Adele make me feel sexy and that I should be embracing how I am shaped.

I know I'm months and years late but Adele's performance at the VMA's caused me to be near tears. Beautiful.

Joan=Yes.

Jane=NO

Those hips are killer. Plus, she is gorgeous.

I love her not quite flat stomach. It makes me feel normal.

Hair, wine and naps

2011-08-29T07:33:00.000-07:00

The weekend flew by. I do not like when that happens. I managed to find some fun activities to take part in though.....

No, this isn't me going to a 1920's party dressed as a flapper. I found a video on Youtube that shows you how to curl your hair without heat. My hair is short but it takes forever to curl it and by the time I get done curling it all, the side I started with is already nearly straight. So I was excited to try this method.

I can't link to the video right now but the user name is "thelipstickdiaries" and the name of the video is "HAIR: How to get Vintage Style Curls without Heat!" I first tried this overnight and when I took the headband out Friday morning, my hair was too curly. I looked like a lion. My husband said it was nice but I knew better. I kept it in for about 2 hours on Saturday and here are the results....

I put some product in it so it wouldn't fall completely flat in a matter of minutes. I like. I like very much. I wish I could do it before work but I would have to wake up at 4 to give it two hours to set. Not interested.

My little town had their annual Wine Stroll event on Saturday so me and my friend/coworker Lindsay went galavanting through the streets drinking some wine. She did more of a wine tasting while I did more of wine drinking. Meaning? I was kinda wasted.

It was also HOT so we sat on a bench and took a break.

And purchased 4 bottles of water.

And I made the best purchase of 2011. A wine glass holder necklace. Yes, I went there. I was already three sheets to the wind at this point. True story: We walked out of the store and decided to go for another couple tastings when I freaked out and yelled "WHERE IS MY CUP???"

Yeah, its around your neck, you big dummy. You know, in the wine glass necklace you JUST purchased. And its not a cup. Its a wine glass. #toomuchwine. We were laughing so hard we were crying and people were staring at us. I dusted my shame off and off we went. The next stop had cupcakes so I was thrilled. Then we went home and I had two plates of nachos at our UFC party.

My cat took an adorable nap. I bet I don't look this cute while I sleep.

And then she went into the pantry, jumped into this shopping bag and hid. She does that a lot.

On Sunday, I saw The Help. Eh. I liked it ok. I liked the visualization I made of the book in my own head much better. I know they can't include everything from the book in the movie but I thought they left out some good plot points. I'm currently reading Water for Elephants and I'm debating on whether or not to watch the movie when I'm done. Any thoughts about that?

I hope everyone else had a great weekend! And if you hair allows, try that curling technique! It is really cool and easy!

Hanging my face on our walls

2011-08-26T08:21:00.000-07:00

I'll start by saying this is just my personal preference and I'm not knocking anyone who does differently.

We have a lot of walls in our house. Tall, short, wide, narrow. Walls for days. We decided to do our staircase picture wall with pictures of friends, family and scenic photos from our honeymoon and other trips we have taken together. Below is a collage of the only pictures out of about 30 that are of us alone.

Top left: San Francisco

Top right: Our wedding

Bottom Left: Maui for our honeymoon

Bottom right: Our wedding

We have a great mantle and thought it would be a great place for a wedding picture or two. But here is the thing....I feel weird having pictures of myself hanging around the house. So the picture we picked out to place on the mantle was of champagne flutes in focus and us blurry in the back. The clock used to play Beatles songs every hour but it disrupted our t.v. shows so I turned the sound off. Priorities.

There is something about seeing my face lurking on the walls that skeeves me out. We have a 11x13 engagement photo with a signature mat from my bridal shower that my husband wants me to frame and hang up but I don't have a clue where to put it. In the bedroom? No thanks. I don't want to stare at a picture of myself on the wall day in and day out. Especially if that picture is isolated and not part of a collage (like our staircase collage).

Whenever we get around to painting this wall (this needs to move to the top of the to do list) I plan to hang scenic pictures from trips we have taken together. Tahoe, Maui, Kona, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, Albuquerque, New York and Washington D.C. Will these pictures include our faces? Maybe one or two but certainly not all.

We really need to get rid of that old console. To do list: put on Craigslist.

What are your thoughts about hanging large pictures of yourself in your home?

Discussion: The Help (spoilers)

2011-08-25T08:07:00.000-07:00

I have a feeling I might go broke buying books for my Kindle. I finished The Help in 6 days. I read it during my breaks, before going to bed and while on the eliptical at the gym. Time really flies on that thing when you are reading!

Would anyone like to chime in with thoughts about this book? I put a spoiler warning up so if you haven't read or finished the book and don't want to be spoiled, read no more. But come back when you are done! I am hoping to see the movie this weekend.

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I found it so interesting to read about the dynamics between the maids and their "white women". I was raging mad at Hilly by the end of the book. I wanted her to jump off the pages and into my house so I could punch her prissy self in the face. It makes me angry that Elizabeth wouldn't stick up for herself in her OWN home. I was getting so angry reading those last few pages. The only part of the book that made me teary eyed was when Aibileen had to say goodbye to Mae Mobley. My favorite parts of the book were the interactions they had. That is what I love about reading, the visualization of scenes that are completely up to you to imagine.

Now, for the bad. I was fairly disappointed in the end. Not so much for what was written but for what was not written. I wanted Minny's story to be completed. It just felt like it left dangling on a string. Sure, she was going to leave Leroy but then what? In my mind, she and her kids go live with The Foote's and live happily ever after. I see them as loving people and since they aren't able to have their own kids, they wouldn't mind Minny and her children living in their house. I guess the sad reality of Aibileen's story is that she did get fired by Hilly (stupid spineless Elizabeth) and had no choice but to find something else to do. I love how she imagined that she would be a writer knowing that she helped to write the book but I wish I knew that her life would be ok, safe and content.

As for Skeeter and Stewart. Eh. She is 24 and not like her "friends" who got married right out of college. She has her sights set for the Big City and I'm so glad she decided to go. It was the right choice. Stewart wasn't the man for her. Skeeter is open minded and the experience writing the book gave her a viewpoint that Stewart couldn't share. That relationship was not meant to be but I thought it was beautifully written in the book. It gave her a confidence she didn't have before. How many of us meet our husbands at 20 and marry and settle down with them? Not many. We date. We have failed relationships. We move on.

Please share your thoughts with me! My friend told me that the movie does a good job of providing some of that closure that the book leaves open. Please no movie spoilers though. Thanks!

Hot Topic: Earthquakes

2011-08-23T14:42:00.000-07:00

THIS is what I lived through. Ok, I'm being sarcastic. Yes, I experienced the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989 but I was 106 miles from the epicenter. I wasn't driving on the Bay Bridge when it collapsed. I can recall that day vividly though.

I was in my room, doing my 5th grade math homework. My window was open. My sister was downstairs, sitting on the floor using a typewriter. (For you young people, a typewriter was like a computer with no screen. You just put the paper on a roller, typed and pulled the paper out. Did you make a mistake? Nice typewriters had white-out keys. Google it.) Our parents were at the mall shopping.

The lamp on my desk started shaking. I thought it was the wind coming through my open window but I quickly realized it was not the wind when my sister started yelling my name asking what was going on. She said the tall bookshelves we had downstairs were swaying from the walls. Ummm scary. Being Betty by The Book, even at a young age, I screamed down to her "GET UNDER SOMETHING AND COVER YOUR HEAD." I should have earned extra credit in school for remembering what to do during an earthquake. In California, we had drills during school for this type of thing. That's how we roll.

When the shaking stopped (no idea how long it went for. I was 10, it would have lasted 10 seconds and it would have felt like a week), our parents called from a payphone (Young people, a payphone is a phone that you deposit a quarter in to use, usually found in public places. There were no cell phones in 1989. I don't know how we ever survived) and instructed us to go sit outside on the sidewalk, away from the house. We walked outside, I'm sure I was crying and sat on the sidewalk sitting very close together. I recall thinking that perhaps we should sit in the middle of the street in case the house falls on top of us. But then a car could come in our cul-de-sac and hit us so we stayed on the sidewalk.

My parents got home and told us that they were in Copeland Sports (kids, its a sporting goods store) and the whole mall was swaying to and fro. We thought the bookshelves swaying was scary. No thanks. I think I was scared of the mall for a while. We watched the news and saw the damage done in San Francisco and surrounding areas.

To add insult to injury, the earthquake interrupted game 3 of the World Series, in which the awesome SF Giants were playing the icky Oakland A's at Candlestick Park. The earthquake shook up (no pun intended) the Giants so much, they never recovered and lost to the ~~stupid~~ A's. THEY WERE EXPERIENCING PTSD OKAY!!!!! THEY COULDN'T FOCUS!

Anywoo, that wraps up my earthquake experience. Living in Northern California, we experience small shakers every now and again. I actually think I felt one the other night but didn't read anything on the news. I hope all you East Coast folks won't be traumatized by this. And if you are, you can write a blog post about it in 22 years!!!

Can I just point out that since 1989, the A's have been in the playoffs 7 times with NO trips to the World Series while the Giants have been in the playoffs 5 times with TWO trips to the World Series including the title in 2010. SO THERE.

NOW I can start reading

2011-08-22T09:53:00.000-07:00

I like reading but I seem to have trouble finishing books. I read Bossypants in 24 hours. I have two other books that I have started and they sit on my nightstand unfinished. Actually, one is now being used to prop up our computer tower. Not sure I understand why. When I re-booked our hotel for Washington D.C through Hotels.com, I became eligible for a FREE Amazon Kindle. It came in the mail on Friday and I dove right in!

I downloaded Pride and Prejudice because it was free and then purchased The Help because everyone and their mom has read it. I'm 6% done with it!

The yellow arrows are for my husband. Michelle's Kindle. MICHELLE'S KINDLE.

People who read, please give me suggetions for books to read. I'm not sure why I will be more dedicated to reading but I feel more motivated to read books since receiving the Kindle. I wish their was a way to scan the unfinished books I already own onto the Kindle. C'mon technology...catch up!

Celebrity Prediction of 2011

2011-08-19T12:01:00.000-07:00

I'm not good at predicting how long marriages in Hollywood last. I did come up with the pathetic idea to save all of my People Magazines so I could look back and see what relationships succeeded and which failed. (This is about the time when you shake your head and urge me in the comments to get a life. A real life.)

To anyone that cares, I've been saying that I think this Kim Kardashian wedding is a huge publicity stunt, that the wedding will be mysteriously called off on Friday (today) and the cancelled wedding will keep their name in the headlines for even longer.

It is now Friday and there is no cancelled wedding. DAMN, I was wrong. I guess there is still time. I just think the whole thing is fake, like Ben and JLO's relationship. I'm not saying that these people shouldn't have happy relationships and they can't fall in love quickly but something seems too contrived about this whole thing. The fact that People Magazine had pictures from the "surprise" engagement just goes to show that everything is a photo opp.

And in case you were wondering, yes, I will be "watching" the wedding when it airs on E! eventually. That is, if it isn't cancelled. You heard it here first people!!!

For Your Friday

2011-08-19T08:28:00.000-07:00

"Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it." — Mother Teresa

To me, there are three things we all should do every day. We should do this every day of our lives. Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two is think. You should spend some time in thought. Number three is, you should have your emotions moved to tears, could be happiness or joy. But think about it. If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special.-Jim Valvano

All the Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas
Layin' in the sun,
Talkin' 'bout the things
They woulda coulda shoulda done...
But those Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas
All ran away and hid
From one little Did.

*Shel Silverstein

The More You Know

2011-08-18T16:53:00.001-07:00

Apparently, Law Enforcement takes this pretty seriously.

Help me shop: Music edition

2011-08-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

I was gifted two iTunes gift cards for my birthday and since 99% of music I hear on the radio is complete and utter CRAP, I'm at a loss of what I should buy. I am earmarking some money to buy the new Coldplay album when it is released in October. I'm sorry if you think Coldplay should have been included in my previous CRAP statement but I disagree. That statement was reserved for "Moves like Jagger", "If I die young" and anything by Lil Wayne.

I like upbeat stuff that I can listen to while I work out and melodic music for when I need to relax. I like music that I can sing along with in my car and listen to at my desk while I'm at work.

Please, do not suggest:
Justin Bieber
Lady Gaga
Ke$ha (Ugh, I actually just spelled her name with a dollar sign)
Christina Aguilera
Maroon 5
Rap music
Anything that has to do with Glee. I will vomit.

What are you listening to right now that you love? Tell me, even if it is a Bieber/Glee/Maroon 5 hybrid. I won't judge you. :)

On Being a Narcissist

2011-08-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

I'm a Leo which means that I am honest, kind and warm-hearted. I am also conceited, arrogant and rigid. Yes, yes, yes. Yes, yes, yes.

I often read about how a great number of people think that folks who blog are narcissists who need attention. They want the world to know their thoughts. They might over share to get attention and perhaps sometimes, they even bend the truth or use a "voice" to garner negative attention that they secretly love.

I love blogging. This is my 912th blog post over a 42 month period. That is an average of 21 blog posts a month. 3.5 years is a long time to consistently keep up with something. I was cleaning up my Google Reader the other day and deleted blogs that hadn't been updated in months and some even in over a year. Life gets in the way so I understand that not everyone finds the time to blog. Or perhaps their need to share their thoughts with the world is over?

If blogging makes me some narcissistic attention whore, I'll wear that label proudly. I love being able to look back at posts and laugh, smile and cry at what I expressed at the time. It is a place for my thoughts to find a home. A place for memories of birthdays, showers, weddings and family events to be treasured. A place to remember the tv shows that I used to watch, the worldly topics that I decided to explore and the opinions I expressed at the time.

How long will I blog? Who knows. I imagine that if I had a baby to care for, blogging might not be a priority anymore. I don't have that busy of a life but blogging makes me happy. I love writing. I love sharing. I love expressing myself through words. A family member once commented to me that I seem to love Facebook due to my constant use (I try to limit status updates to twice a day, one in the morning and one at night) and you know what? I'm not ashamed of that. I don't take it seriously. I don't complain too much. I keep it light and that is how I like to use this blog. No preaching. No heavy lifestyle posts. Just me and my thoughts about silly nothings. Perhaps that is why I have managed to create 912 entries. Light. Fun.

And perhaps a tad narcissistic.

Late to the Mad Men party

2011-08-15T09:44:00.000-07:00

This weekend while my husband was at a baseball game, I was browsing through Netflix and saw that all 4 seasons of Mad Men were streaming. I had a good 4 hours before my husband would be home so I decided to turn it on and see what the big deal was about this show I'd heard so much about. The verdict?

LOVE IT. It is so low key that I was hooked without even realizing it. I needed to see what happened next so I watched one episode and then another and then another. I had to take a bit of a break but it was all I could think about. I got through the first 7 episodes of season one on Saturday. When I woke up Sunday morning, I watched 8-13. I was mad that I had to start doing housework instead of starting up Season 2. So Betty Draper of me to do housework, right?!

My husband seems overwhelmed at the idea of watching the remaining 3 seasons but it is only 39 episodes and the new season isn't set to air until next year. A season a weekend perhaps? Or we could spread it to an episode a night for the next month and a half. Whatever we do, I have to do it fast because the urge to get online and read about it is overwhelming and I'd like to avoid spoilers.

Do you watch any shows years after they start? Do you watch Mad Men? No spoilers please!

A Happy Birthday Indeed

2011-08-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

Chris trying to convince Amy that Kitty is harmless. Amy later "played" with her by throwing a toy ball at her face. Progress!

Beautiful flowers from my husband. Sadly, I'm pretty allergic to them and they had to sit outside for a while but I'm trying to enjoy them while I can.

No birthday is complete without a trip to Sephora.

Prague blush my Cargo

Very Hollywood by Michael Kors

Gorgeous Pink eye shadow duo by Sephora

Ocean Love Potion nail polish by Sephora by OPI

Thanks for all of the birthday wishes! So far, so good, 32!

New York: Day 4....headed home

2011-08-12T09:36:00.000-07:00

Our last day in New York and final day of our vacation. Somehow, we managed to stuff our suitcases full of our clothes, shoes and purchases we made along the way and checked our bags into the bell hop before eating breakfast and taking a cab to Pier 78 for our Skyline Cruise. It was a fantastic day in New York. It wasn't too humid so the sky was clear of any haze. For some reason, it took us nearly 4 days to notice that the Chrysler Building was within view from the street outside of the hotel. DUH.

Rockefeller Center

The boat tour was awesome. Our guide was great and had some great information about the area. It was wonderful to see the views of the city from the water.

The new One World Trade Center building

Ellis Island

Obviously edited to improve color :)

The Brooklyn Bridge

Heading up the East River looking back at Downtown

Great shot of the Chrysler Building

Favorite Picture!!! I'm glad I asked a nice lady on the boat to take our picture. This turned out so great. Love

it.

New Jersey on the left, New York on the right

There she is!

I was standing next to Chris and noticed the reflection of the skyline in his sunglasses. "Hold still!"

This is the pier where the Titanic should have docked!

We took a very bumpy cab ride through Hell's Kitchen back to Rockefeller Center where we had lunch and walked back to our hotel for the last time. We got in the airport shuttle for another bumpy, fast, insane ride out to JFK and boarded our plane home. I was happy to get back to the Left Coast but sad to leave such an amazing place. I really loved New York and I can't wait to go back and see the other sights the city has to offer.

Thanks for reading about our vacation. We now return to regularly scheduled posts about infertility, my cat and complaints about reality shows.

32

2011-08-11T09:11:00.000-07:00

How it is possible that today I am turning 32 years old? Initially, each year past 30 sounds a lot older. The approaching birthday causes the number to echo in my mind.

32. Thirty-two. Treinta y dos. It plays over and over again in my mind as soon as the calendar hits August 1st. By the time August 11th rolls around, I am well prepared for the reality of my new and improved age. I try not to allow those negative thoughts to creep into my mind (mainly, why don't I have kids yet? My ovaries are getting older by the second, OH GOD THEY ARE SHRIVELED UP, RIGHT?)

They say "Age ain't nothing but a number." I disagree. I see my age as a badge of honor. Another year wiser. Another year of experience under my belt. Another year goes by that I realize watching MTV no longer makes any sense.

Another saying I disagree with? "Act your age, not your shoe size." BORING. I'll claim 32 but I'll act 10. I'll be free and happy and innocent. I won't allow the burdens of being an adult to keep me awake at night. I'll play and make things and be happy. That's what 10 year old Michelle would do. I say whats good for 10 year old Michelle is plenty good for 32 year old Michelle.

Happy Birthday, self. Show 32 who is boss!

New York Day 3

2011-08-09T17:02:00.000-07:00

After an overpriced breakfast at our hotel restaurant, we took the subway up to East 66th Street and walked a few blocks to Central Park. It is amazing how just 13 blocks makes a HUGE difference in the type of neighborhood you are in. We were staying in Midtown East and the hustle and bustle of people and cars was overwhelming. The Upper East Side was so different. It was quiet and peaceful and felt like we were in a different world. We entered Central Park between 66th and 67th St on 5th Avenue after I took a second to imagine how much the apartments were that overlook the park. Yikes.

We strolled North to Conservatory Water where we sat to take a break. It was a hot and humid morning and the peaceful nature of the park was to be enjoyed so it felt nice to just sit and people watch for a few minutes.

Our destination was The Boathouse so we could rent bikes to ride around the park but we couldn't see to locate the rental place despite seeing families with matching bikes and helmets carrying maps. We just decided that we would walk slowly and see as much as we could along the path. We walked over to the Bethesda Fountain and Terrace which had a great view of The Boathouse.

We continued walking West towards The Lake until we reached Strawberry Fields.

We walked across the street to join other lame tourists to take pictures of The Dakota, where John Lennon was shot.

I discovered that the Upper West Side is also far more desirable than Midtown. So quiet. No traffic and fewer people. Loved it. We walked up to Amsterdam Ave to take the 1 Train up to Columbia University which was just 6 stops away. I was excited to be on an Ivy League campus. I love college campuses and find schools with such a rich history fascinating! Columbia was established in 1754!!! We saw groups of potential students and their parents taking tours around the beautiful campus and it made me want to be young again! We went to the bookstore where I purchased a couple of shirts and we headed off to St. Paul's Chapel where Simon and Garfunkel recorded parts of one of my favorite songs, "The Boxer."

We continued to walk around a small portion of the large campus, appreciating the shade and looking at the amazing historic buildings where so many of our nations leaders studied. Leaders like Alexander Hamilton and Theodore Roosevelt. And other great people like Casey Affleck, Matthew Fox and my husband's man crush Jake Gyllenhaal (he didn't graduate but his sister Maggie did).

We wandered down Broadway looking for a place to eat lunch when we stopped at Broadway and W 112 St.

As lame tourists, we had to eat here at Tom's Restaurant. Fun times.

It felt like it was getting hotter by the second so we headed back to the subway and back to our hotel. I totally forgot about stopping by Lincoln Center but it was too late to go back. I'll have to save it for my next trip to NYC. We did walk past this place:

And here:

We rested up for dinner at Smith and Wollensky that night which was our big, fancy, steak dinner in New York that was a little underwhelming. Chris got this HUGE slab of meat that was the size of a dinner plate and our baked potatoes could break a window they were so large. We stuffed ourselves so much that we couldn't get dessert which made me sad. We walked out of the restaurant to find that it was pouring rain. Having already done the rain thing in DC, we stood under the overhang before decided that we (and our wimpy umbrella) had to make a run for it back to our hotel, which was 1 block over and 1 block up.

The plan was to go to Times Square that night so I kept an eye on the cars below and noticed that their windshield wipers were turned off so we changed out of our fancy dinner clothes and into something more comfortable to deal with the crowds. We hopped in a cab and walked into the biggest cluster$#%@ of our lives.

Holy hell. Times Square on Friday night is hell on earth. For some reason, we kept walking deeper into the crowds instead of walking away from them. It was so hot from the body heat and the 1000 foot neon billboards that we were both dripping with sweat. We found a gelato stand before getting back into a cab to get outta there. Ugh. No need to ever go back to Times Square. Good riddance!