Smell the coffee Lisa

NEW BLOG

2011-01-08T15:46:00.000-08:00

It's all about learning how to cook like a Restaurant Chef while still maintaining your grace.

It's a fun learning experience.

Come and share your recepies!

http://www.foodiefeign.blogspot.com/

Too Cool for School

2010-08-30T14:08:00.000-07:00

Where does the time go?? I feel like it was just yesterday that my Baby Boy was off to pre-school.

Now he is a 5th Grader!! Soon to be, already begun, know it all teenager. Oye Vey!!!

We've already started discussing college's. He is voting for Western Career College, you can do it! Because we drive by it all the time and he really wants to go to college. It's pretty much all he knows at this time.

Ummmm Me.......I'm thinking more along the lines of MIT. I mean he did score a 600 out of 600 on the Math section of the State's STARS exam. Which is AHHHMAZZING. Now if he can just learn to turn in his homework that he actually did complete, we might be on our way!

I guess he can go where ever he wishes, I'm just hoping I'll be able to afford it!

This Mom's already on the hunt for Scholarships. You can never be too prepared for this sort of thing! You have to mold them young, give them something to push towards!

Dear BOY.......

2010-07-29T10:52:00.000-07:00

If I can teach you only one thing in this short life, it would simply be, to remember this........

My mama told me when I was young
Said sit beside me my only son
And listen closely to what I say
And if you do this it'll help you some sunny day

Take your time, don't live too fast
Troubles will come and they will pass
You'll find a woman and you'll find love
And don't forget that there is a someone up above

And be a simple kind of man
And be something you'll love and understand
Baby be a simple kind of man
Oh, won't you do this for me son if you can?
Then you can

Don't get your lust for the rich man's gold
All that you need now is in your soul
And you can do this, oh baby if you try
All that I want from you my son is to be satisfied

And be a simple kind of man
And be something you'll love and understand
Baby be a simple kind of man
Oh, won't you do this for me son if you can?
If you can

Oh, don't you worry, you'll find yourself
Follow your heart and nothing else
And you can do this, oh baby if you try
All that I want from you my son is to be satisfied

And be a simple kind of man
Be something you'll love and understand
Baby be a simple kind of man
Oh, won't you do this for me son if you can?
So baby be a simple, be a simple man
Oh, won't you do this for me son if you can?

Lynard Skynard, couldn't have sung it any better!!

Intense Concentration

2010-07-28T11:37:00.000-07:00

I think I'm starting to see peach fuzz there on The Boy's upper lip. I hope he doesn't start shaving, he's only 10.

Just call me INDECISIVE!

2010-07-26T07:13:00.000-07:00

It wasn't too long ago that I swore I was going to take it back, the 80's that is. Well nothing came of that. Then I was sick of the light ugly brown with red and made the bold decision to go jet black. It was cool, for a minute. 4 days ago I was contemplating a Brazilian Blowout, keep your mind clean people, but the thought of $300 every 3 months made my stomach turn.

So I did the unthinkable, for someone who also swore they were going to let it grow! I convinced myself that I needed to do this. I had to do this, even if the girl in the tampon commercial inspired it. I mean, I totally needed to even it out all the way around. Seriously a grown out A line, doesn't look very hot, when it's past the shoulders.

So I took the plunge and chopped a good 3 to 4 inches off. I thought I was going to cry as I saw how LONG the pieces were on the floor.

Then it was over, and grabbed the tiny mirror as I was spun around. Ahhhhhhh, it was like the sun had shone behind me, illuminating my entire upper half.

I'm in LOVE!! This week anyway. It's totally healthier and SHINY and SUPER SOFT. Like Silk. Yeah like the silkiest silk ever created. The best part, cause I'm lazy, I just let it air dry for like 10 minutes, 3 minutes of blow drying and maybe 2 minutes of flat iron and I'm done.

VIOLA!!!

It's SOOOO Short, but looks amazing. I can even rock the Snookie Poof. YUP!! Who would have thunk.

Until next week. Who knows maybe I'll be blond, it won't be the first time.

Eight Plus Some Stain

2010-07-22T09:13:00.000-07:00

Eight more pieces of wood and some stain and OUR deck is completed. OMG it looks absolutely amazing!! I love it!! The BF did an amazing job designing and building this beautiful deck. I'm already envisioning some chairs, me tanning in the 100 degree weather reading my book while the BF and Boy swim.

Ahhhhhhh Summer. I can't wait to put in grass next!

Once you go BLACK you NEVER go BACK....

2010-07-20T13:28:00.000-07:00

Yes I dyed my hair black! Not Dark Brown, the box said BLACK. In this photo it kinds of looks brown, bad cell phone photo, it's really BLACK. I mean like witch wig looking black. Yeah, so black to me it almost looks blue when the sun hits it properly.

I think it's my natural hair color though to be honest. I mean, now, the carpet does match the drapes. Is it sad I don't even remember my natural color? I've been dying my hair since I think middle school.

Anyway.....

Everyone says they love it! I mean they like were touching it and ahhhing at it and poking and pulling as if it were fake. But it's not, it's real people. They were being a little overboard, which makes me wonder if they think I look like a clown (or a witch) and they are just being nice!

As for me, I'm still undecided, yet deep down I think I love it. I think I want to cut my hair again. Another A-line, but the BF he likes it long, and so I don't know. I'm not sure about the perm anymore either, sheesh that was so yesterday.

When it comes to my hair I just can't decide. I mean seriously, does it matter, it's just going up into a pony tail anyway.

Okay seriously, does anyone else think my nose looks EXTREMELY BIG in this picture? I thought so.

Hobby of the Month....Or permanent Fixture?

2010-07-18T15:59:00.000-07:00

Finally! After years and years of yearning, I broke down and purchased a REAL camera.

The Canon Rebel. Best Buy had the perfect package, Camera, Bag and extra telephoto Lens for $150 less then what you would pay if bought them separately. I can't wait to purchase filters, as I don't have an editor program such as photo shop at this time.

NO MORE CRAPPY CELL PHONE PICTURES!

I was actually able to take a picture of Emmitt without him looking like a black blur of nothing. I can actually feel the silkiness of his fur just from looking at the photo.

Check out all of the other photos I have taken. Remember I'm still learning how to use the camera and I don't have an editing program to correct brightness, shadows etc. I have to say I'm so impressed with the quality. Then again I'm use to crappy cameras.

I can't wait for The Boy to get back from Disneyland so I can take some photos of him, especially in the pool. I hope to go to The Oakland or Sacramento zoo very soon. I can't wait to take some jungle photos. Maybe even print and frame one of a Giraffe.

I'm taking it BACK.....The 80's that is.

2010-07-16T07:54:00.000-07:00

No I'm not talking about sporting pegged pants with big bright puffy colored socks.

No I'm not talking about sporting wide legged MC Hammer pants.

Not I'm certainly not talking about bringing back the style of wearing BLUE and PINK together at the same time.

I'm talking about this!

Oh yeah BABY, I WANT A PERM!!

While most people these days are trying out the Japanese Hair Straightening, me, I want a perm.

IS that considered to be a SPIRAL perm?

I'm nervous though as my hair is thin already, that my hairs going to just fall out. I had my hair permed once, in my younger High school days. I really loved it.

So I want it back!!!

Do I have what it takes to bring the 80's/90's Perm back to life?

Do I have the guts to actually get it done?

I DO, I DO.

Hopefully my hair won't fall out and I'll be able to find someone who actually still knows how to perm hair!

I wanted to FEEL SOMETHING, Anything

2010-07-15T07:29:00.000-07:00

I wanted to laugh, to cry, to grieve. But there was nothing. I felt empty and disappointed. Cheated, to say the least!

The Life and Death of Charlie St. Cloud, disappointed ME! Where was the connection between Charlie and Sam? The force that draws them together (as portrayed in the trailer), was practically non-existant in the book. Where was this bond, this tight pact that kept Charlie from living a life for over 13 years? It wasn't about a promise, it was about guilt. Charlie and his guilt for what he had done.

I picked up this book after seeing the previews while watching the movie Eclipse in the theater. This could possibly be the first time I think a MOVIE is going to be better than the book.

There was NO "why'd you bring her!" in the book. There was no deep connection between a Man and his young dead brother. It was totally PREDICTABLE, which for mean can ruin an entire book. It was too sci-fi, and I kinda fell off course, SPOILER HERE, when a character makes love to a ghost. SERIOUSLY!!

Don't get me wrong it was a nice read. It had it's moments, for sure. It just didn't MOVE ME. It did make me think, about whether or not there is an in between. That when the leaves blow, or we get chills up our entire body, if it's because our loved one is present. That's about as deep as it got for me.

NOW...................................

This trailer...MOVED ME!

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Does it make you want to read the book? It's 213 pages, a quick read. I suggest you read it before seeing the movie on the 30th.

Now I'm off to read EAT LOVE PRAY. Yeah I saw this preview as well during the movie Eclipse. What? Everyone who has read it has told me that it's changed their life.

Maybe it will change mine. Maybe I'll feel something and have a relationship with my pizza!

It's like our own personal brand of Heroin!

2010-07-13T07:08:00.000-07:00

It's addicting like a drug! We can't stay away from it, even late at night we find ourselves being drawn to it. I swear I hear it calling my name.

Screw rehab, two days come and gone and we are HOOKED!

No turning back now!

Lindsey Lohan eat your heart out. I know you're feigning too!

What the heck were we waiting for these past 2 years? You have to try it! You know you want to, everyone is doing it!

The Boy leaves for Disneyland tomorrow with his Dad.

HEY, I'm sad, kinda. BUT......Do you KNOW WHAT THIS MEANS? I GET THE POOL TO MYSELF.

DROOLING just thinking about it!

Total relaxation!

The best part! No more squealing screeches. Sometimes I really think The Boy is a girl. No more water being splashed in my face. NO MORE little hands swatting at my rings! I have to get more then 5 points at the water ring toss game.

On a side note, The Boy's taking my Sony Webbie Digital Camera/Video Camera to Disneyland. I can't wait to see all the pictures and videos he takes. I'm just hoping it's not a bunch of pictures of toilet seats, rocks and garbage cans. Yeah I have, THAT KID!

If you're looking for me, I'll be here............

2010-07-12T07:33:00.000-07:00

Relaxing in this......

While playing with this....

While floating on this..........

Because it's all about this.......

Old Woman!

2010-07-06T07:13:00.001-07:00

Chloe, AKA MAMA, turned 1 years old on Saturday July 3rd. I can't believe how quickly our cute little baby grew up.

Wasn't she just the cutest little thing? In this picture she is, I believe, 4 months old and weighing about 2lbs tops. She was the tiniest, daintiest little kitten ever.

I remember praying for her to keep her beautiful blue eyes!

Yes, at 1 years old her eyes are still as blue as ever.

Chloe was a mischievous little bugger. Always wanting to play and get into everything. I couldn't understand how something so tiny, she fit in my palm, could be so feisty.

Still at 1years old, this beautiful cat is as curious as ever and still getting into EVERYTHING!

Chloe is best described as, Ms. Priss, a snobby stuck up cat, however she can melt you with her eyes and when you cuddle with her she can put you to sleep with her soothing purr.

Happy Birthday, Old Woman!

Rockin out while at work! Hello 3, day weekend!

2010-07-01T11:46:00.000-07:00

I tried to move with a cool hand,it didn't go as I planned.
I'm full of rookie maneuvers,and gestures meant to be grand.

I've pulled a bag of tricks one after the other, I asked if you heard of my band.
So misguided! The sincere approach never tried it once.
You said to just drop the game flat.
Why didn't i think of that

My daisy you make me go crazy, forever amaze me, now let's let the day go lazy.
My daisy you know what I'm after, your musical laughter a more beautiful disaster

I cant believe what you create, when you let your heart detonate.
You let your mind go with one blast in another, and what comes next I will await.

Tell me again the one about the time, we first got together and you blew my mind.
I find my mind in the gutter, when I think of my daisy cutter.

My daisy you make me go crazy, forever amaze me, now let's let the day go lazy
My daisy you know what I'm after, your musical laughter a more beautiful disaster

It's four months now since you crashed into my life (to my life)!
You leave a path of delightful destruction, your quite the throng, my daisy!

Just clap your hands
Get down to the beat
Just clap your hands
Just clap your hands to the beat

Was that an earthquake? What a 3.5?? More like 5.5? So it felt

2010-06-28T08:13:00.001-07:00

We just had an EARTHQUAKE. I'm sitting at my desk, alone in a building in San Francisco and the whole building just dropped (yeah like a free fall) and then jolted back up again.

I pushed my laptop onto the ground as I tried to get up and exit. Mind you I torn the ligaments in my ankle and am supposed to be on crutches. I'm still in a lot of pain so to just get up and go is not that easy for me.

Then I stopped and was like, was that an earthquake or a muni bus?

Sure enough, it was a 3.5 earthquake centered at the San Francisco zoo. Only this 3.5 felt like a 5.5. The news describes it as "violent!"

Calls into the KTVU news room reported that the quake was short in duration, but “violent” in nature, swaying pictures, light fixtures and TV sets.

So yeah, now we have the aftershocks and since I'm alone at work, I'm having flashbacks of the 1989 earthquake.

What a way to start my Monday morning!

Shutter Island

2010-06-22T06:57:00.000-07:00

I finished reading Shutter Island this past weekend. Finally, since I had to start it over twice. It actually turned out to be a decent book. It reminded me of the movie, Fight Club, in a way.

It's actually kinda scary. Schizophrenia, that is. How the mind can perceive the world to be one way, only that way might not be the actual way and who's to say one way or the other.

It's like your most trusted friends and family, placing a piece of fruit in front of you. They ask you, "What is that?" You easily reply with, "an apple." They give you a long hard stare and your Mother, sighs. No Hun, it's an "orange." You turn and insist, "No it's an apple!" As anger and confusion begins to set in you start to question yourself for these are your most trust friends and family, why would they lie? How long before you too believe that the piece of fruit is an orange and not an apple? If you don't agree, even though you disagree will they deem you crazy? Will you deem yourself insane?

The book really gets you thinking and wondering, is this life I'm living real or fantasy?

"Teddy felt her in him, pressed at the base of his throat. He could see her sitting in the early July haze, in that dark orange light a city gets on summer nights just after sundown, looking up as he pulled to the curb and the kids returned to their stick ball game in the middle of the street, and the laundry flapped overhead, and she watched him approach with her chin propped on the heel of her hand the cigarette held up by her ear, and he'd brought flowers for once, and she was so simply his love, his girl, watching him approach as if she were memorizing him and his walk and those flowers and this moment, and he wanted to ask her what sound a heart made when it broke from pleasure, when just the sight of someone filled you the way food, blood, and air never could, when you felt as if you'd been born for only one moment, and this, for whatever reason, was it."

Right after I finished the book, I HAD to see the movie. Overall it was a pretty good book to movie interpretation. Only a few things were left out, however you got the gist of what was going on. I strongly suggest you read the book before you see the movie. As it is with any book, it just makes the movie that much better.

I won't give any details on the book, because I don't want to spoil it. I find that reading books blindly without knowing what it's truly about makes it that much better!

Up next, is The Friday Night Knitting Club. I'm about 50 pages into it and it seems to be a decent book. I'm more excited to start reading The Death and Life of Charlie St Cloud. The movie comes out on July 30th. From what I've read, and I think I've read too much, to be honest, it's going to be a tear jerker and really good!

Slowly Coming Along!

2010-06-21T07:14:00.000-07:00

Check out these updated pictures on the deck. It's going slowly but surely. The BF is doing a wonderful job.

There will be two sets of stairs. A longer set will go to the left of the stairs that you see here in the picture. You can kinda see the cut out behind our refurbished gazebo, where the 2nd set will go.

I love how there is deck space to the left and right of the stairs. It's going to look so good!! NO MORE WEEDS!!! Well for half the backyard! The big empty square in the back left is where the pool is going to go!! Whoot Whoot!!

As you can see there still is a lot of backyard to landscape. In due time, In due time!

I'm hoping to put some grass in this open area eventually. I'm not sure what we are going to do about the hill though. Maybe extend the deck up? Who knows.

You were BORN WHEN????? GASP

2010-06-17T06:54:00.001-07:00

Today is The BF's 30th BIRTHDAY. Old timer, timer!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR BF, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

Yeah he was born in 1980! I don't know, for me, someone born in 1980 seems so young which pisses me off, because it makes me FEEL SO OLD!

You see, I was born in 1978! What? Even though it's only two years prior to his birth I was still born in the 70's! Just thinking about someone born in the 80's makes me squint my facial features at the fact.

I don't know, is it just me? Am I truly crazy?

Plans for tonight, NOTHING! I haven't even gotten him a card yet, though The Boy gave him his present last week. Some memory stick for the Xbox. The BF just wants to work on the deck tonight. I don't think he's to enthused about turning 30. I don't blame him. Seriously, I cried when I turned 30 and then again when I turned 31. I didn't embrace my 30's till this past year when I turned 32. Figured if you can't beat em, join em.

I suggested that we maybe go to the Aquarium here in San Francisco on Saturday, since we have to go to dinner for his Brother's Birthday at the House of Prime Rib. YUM! He said, "We will see!"

So we will see! I have no idea what to get him! I wanted to get him that craftsman electric hammer, but he said "NO."

The Boy said, "Mommy if he uses that then his arms will get all flabby. Yours too!"

Apparently using a real hammer keeps your arms tone, duely noted!

Any suggestions?

Summer MUST have

2010-06-16T07:17:00.000-07:00

Check out The Boy's new flippy flops. We got them for $14.99 at Target. They are super soft and squishy and he's been living in them since the start of Summer last week. This coming from a Boy who'd never wear flippy flops. I guess his Momma's obsession with them is finally wearing off!

Happy Summer!

I'm Just Saying...........

2010-06-15T07:44:00.001-07:00

Yesterday's post was my 200th!

No glitz and glam here. I can't believe I wasn't more prepared for something special. It's crazy how time goes by so quickly.

I'll leave you with this little ditty, as it's kinda been my theme song lately.

I know way too many people here right now
That I didn’t know last year, who the f**K are y’all?
I swear it feels like the last few nights
We been everywhere and back
But I just can’t remember it all

What am I doin'? What am I doin'?
Oh, yeah, that’s right, I’m doin’ me
I’m doin me
I’m livin’ life right now, mayne

And this what I’ma do ’til it’s over
‘Til it’s over
But it’s far from over

It's what happens when I'm bored and it's 100 degrees outside....

2010-06-14T07:02:00.000-07:00

I CRAFT!

I was inspired the other day, as I always am, by a post Valerie from Frugal Family Fun Blog. I have not crafted in minute and recently had been contemplating another textured art painting. It wasn't until I saw Valerie's donut post, that I knew I had to make my own!

So here it is in all it's Fake Yummy, real looking glory.

MY FELTED DONUTS AND BREAKFAST FOOD!

Okay, so don't they totally look real? I think so! 1 Maple Bar, I chocolate old fashion and you can't forget the sprinkled pink donut!

These were super simple to make and super cheap too. The felt was just $.29 cents per color square. I made them Saturday evening while the guys watched UFC.

I was so impressed with my felt donut making skills that I just wanted to make more food.

SO I DID!

A true breakfast is not completed without 2 pieces of bacon, 2 fried eggs and yes that sad looking cigar/poop thing, it's a sausage! I made a pancake Sunday morning, however it didn't come out too well.

I want to make hamburgers, as I think they'd be fun. We will see. I gave all my felt food to my nephew "Papa" since he has a play kitchen to which he uses. I'm just glad someone can benefit from my crafting skills.

BREAKFAST ANYONE?

Grow your own BOOBS!!

2010-06-11T06:59:00.000-07:00

Literally! Yeah no I'm totally serious. You can grow your own BOOBS, and by that I don't mean you need to stuff your face and gain a lot of weight or take to the knife.

Do you remember those capsules as a kid that you place in a cup of water and after a few days a sponge looking dinosaur or what have you appears?

Well, these days, it's all about growing your own Boobs.

So the other day I was walking around the office and spotted a large metal bowl sitting on a desk. Naturally, being the curious, nosey person that I am, peaked in. At first glance I was like, "What the!!" So I turned and asked my co-worker, "What is that?" He laughed and said, "Well what does it look like?"

"BOOBS!"

So this morning when I came into work, the BOOBS were gone! For a minute I was like, "Well where did they go?" You see in the past two day's I had grown fond of the Boobs, I was missing them already and they weren't even mine to begin with.

Then as I turned around, I spotted them. For how could have missed them. In plain sight for all to see.

Yes that's a drummer statue that sits on a file cabinet in our office. Such creative co-workers! Yeah, that's a box of Jello under the drum stick. Ummm, I don't get it either.

I'm a tad bit disappointed, as they looked a lot bigger in the bowl of water. Still, NICE RACK!!

OMG TP NANNY REPLIED!!

2010-06-10T06:48:00.001-07:00

Maybe they are not so bad! I mean shoot, at least they replied to my email unlike Reebok. Here's what TP Nanny had to say, if you have no clue what I'm talking about, then read my post from yesterday. I don't have time to explain, shoot I have to get to work.

Lisa,

I am glad we made you laugh!

We appreciate you placing our product on your blog. The TV test just finished up and we are starting to gain some momentum. The product looks a little "industrial" because those were prototype shots. The actual models will have a nice grain just like your bathroom hardware. Thank you for the comments, we value all feedback.

On the design front we have some great creative ideas that will be coming out later in the year to make the product more fun.

I love seeing people's inventions. I think you have a great idea and we wish you the best of luck should decide to pursue it further.

If you have any questions let me know. Maybe a free TP Nanny is in your future.

Sincerely,

Jason Light
Partner - Retail Sales and Marketing
TP Nanny

SO I REPLIED BACK!

Jason,

I'm surprised I received a response, it shows dedication on the company's part in regards to customer service. Kudos!! My readers have started to chime in about the product and all agree that the Industrial looking part of the product is a detour ant in them purchasing the item. One also commented on the commercial and how the editing of it needs to be cleaned up a little.

I can't wait to see how you all spice it up a bit to make it more fun. I truly believe you need to make it in some fun colors and patterns. Most of my 200+ followers are single, stay at home Mom's. What I would imagine to be your primary marketing targets. I'm sure If I did a giveaway you'd have over 200 hits to your website and possible purchases. I'm just saying, it's hard to resist that $9.99 price tag!

I wish the company all the best of luck and believe that great minds think a like. I don't have time to pursue the design and making of my product, nor the attention span. I'm off to create and craft my next newest idea, whatever that maybe!!

Sincerely, Lisa Anne
http://smellthecoffeelisa.blogspot.com

It's alright because you, ain't got Sh*t on ME!!

2010-06-09T12:12:00.001-07:00

TPNanny VS T-POW

So back in March 2010 I posted a blog about a great invention I had created called the T-POW! If you don't remember just click on the hyper-link above. Isn't it so cool?

100% custom, handmade!

You choose the fabric to match your bathroom decor, perfectly!

Um, duh, if you can't figure out what it is, then let me explain. It's a decorative toilet paper protector so that your toilet paper doesn't end up looking like this:

You don't need to have cat's in your house to need a T-pow. How many of you have found their young child in the bathroom pulling the TP out of the bathroom and down the hall? What if you had neither and just wanted to SPICE up your bathroom decor. If you don't need it, I bet you want it!

With TWO young kittens in the house, I needed to think outside the box and thus the T-POW was born.

THEN IT HAPPENED!!!!

Last night I received a text from my sister to check out the website http://www.tpnanny.com/. It was then that I almost fell off my rocker (if i was sitting on one, I was at the gym leaving my Zumba class.) I didn't know if I should have laughed or cried.

All I thought was, OH DARN, I should have placed a patent on my design. OH WELL, what can I do now?

Check out how UGLY they are! How industrial looking and made of PLASTIC (not very GREEN). The downside, they only come in 3 colors. With the T-POW you have it any color, design or pattern you want.

I have to admit they appear to be a lot easier to use when you have to take a tinkle.

I don't know! WHICH WOULD YOU PREFER? I'll be posting a poll on the right side bar.

Please vote!

SO IF YOU KNOW ME, and I know most of you only know the Bloggy me, I WENT AHEAD AND EMAILED THE COMPANY.

Oh yeah, I wonder if they will respond and maybe send me a TPnanny to try out and or giveaway.

Enclosed below is the exact email.

TP Nanny Vs the T-POW‏
From: Lisa Pappas (smellthecoffeelisa@live.com)
Sent: Wed 6/09/10 10:37 AM
To: info@tpnanny.com

When my sister sent me the link to your website, we both almost died laughing. I thought I was the first to invent this. I have to toot my own horn and say that mine looks a lot cuter, not so industrial. Yours, however appears to be simpler to take off and on the roll. You should look into making the design look better.

Anyway, here is my version on the TPNanny, before I knew he TPNanny even existed.

http://smellthecoffeelisa.blogspot.com/2010/03/introducing-t-pow-patent-pending.html

Sincerely,

Lisa Anne
http://smellthecoffeelisa.blogspot.com

If you drop one on me...........I'm gonna..................

2010-06-09T07:17:00.000-07:00

Moving Right Along

2010-06-08T07:29:00.000-07:00

Movin' right along in search of good times and good news,
With good friends you can't lose,
This could become a habit!
Opportunity knocks once let's reach out and grab it (yeah!),
Together we'll nab it,
We'll hitchhike, bus or yellow cab it!
(Cab it?)

Movin' right along.
Footloose and fancy-free.
Getting there is half the fun; come share it with me.
Moving right along (doog-a-doon doog-a-doon).
We'll learn to share the load.
We don't need a map to keep this show on the road.

Yeah no, this isn't a remake of the Muppets Movie, though I kinda wouldn't mind seeing it again. Then again you are talking to a girl who's BF bought her the entire FRAGILE ROCK DVD Box set.

So the deck is coming along, here are some pictures of the progress The BF made on the deck in the short 1 hour of sunlight he had left after we got home from work.

This new outer box are you see will become the actual deck that will surround the pool. Hopefully we will have the pool up by Saturday.

Tonight's Zumba, I haven't been to the gym since Saturday. I think I might take both Zumba classes tonight to make up for lost days. Wish me luck!

Visions of Sugar Plums, all in my head....

2010-06-07T07:21:00.000-07:00

Well kinda, sorta. This weekend was crazy, and I'm wicked tired this morning. We OFFICIALLY HAVE A 5th GRADER IN THE HOUSE. Whoot Whoot.

With the temperature getting hotter with each day, we are hard at work in getting the backyard ready for the pool.

Finally soon, there will be no more jungle where cats give birth to their kittens and BF's think they are being attacked by Possums only to be kittens. Most importantly, no more staring at these tall overgrown weeds, that consume the precious grounds that is our backyard.

Soon, inside the square you see below will be our POOL!

The BF used a demo hammer to dig the holes for the posts of what soon will be our new deck.

He sweated his Ba**s off on Saturday mixing concrete, measuring and lining up the posts.

It took 9 60lb bags of cement for the 6 posts you see here. We have a ton more holes to dig and posts to put in place.

Hopefully the pool and deck will be completed bu JULY.

It's Getting Hot in HERRRRRE

2010-06-01T12:23:00.000-07:00

Yup, that's Baby Boy resting in MY sink in our Master Bathroom. It's been in the 90's these past few days and I sure am loving it! Baby Boy has no idea what he is in store for (100 degrees plus, daily!) I feel so bad for him and his long, fluffy black fur! Poor little guy. At least the tile in the master bathroom is finished, which he loves to sprawl out on to keep cool.

The good news is we are starting to put the pool together! The BF has cleared an area in the backyard, sprayed the weed killer and purchased the wood we need to build the base of the deck. We will lay down black garden tarp stuff (forget what it's called) to keep the weeds from growing back, tonight or over the next few days. Then on Saturday we will have the sand delivered! Once the sand is down and flat we can then put up the pool.

I'm not waiting for the deck to be built to go swimming, NO WAY! Priorities, I need to sunbathe here! I'll lay a tarp down to walk from the patio to the pool until it's built. Yeah you need to walk on something to avoid getting stickers and stuff in your feet. Have you seen our backyard? It's a jungle!

I'm going to take some photos of the cleared area and the wood tonight. FUN!!

BTW:

I joined the gym for the summer, and I DON'T recommend ANYONE taking a SPIN class if they haven't ridden a bike in awhile. MY BUTT bones hurt so bad still, I can barely sit and it's been 3 days! Not to mention the R.I.P.P.E.D class I took the night before spin, has my whole body aching. Despite it all, Zumba tonight at 8:15! Can't Wait!

BUHHH BYE 20! Hope I never see you again!

2010-05-28T07:14:00.000-07:00

I DID IT! I lost 10% of my body weight for a total of 20.6lbs!

I was award my 10% key chain last night. I kinda feel like it's my 6 month sober chip from AA.

Isn't it so pretty and shiny? Hopefully I'll be adding my 25lb circle charm onto it in a few weeks, and then my SAS (stay and Succeed) charm onto it at 16 weeks. You receive a circle charm for losing 25, 50, 75 and 100lbs. I plan to lose at lease the 50. You get a star charm once you achieve your ultimate weight goal.

Pretty cool huh?

So here's how it all went down!

Week 1 - Lost 5lb

Week 2 - Lost 3.8lbs

Week 3 - Lost 2.6lbs

Week 4 - Lost .6lbs

Week 5 - Lost 2.6lbs

Week 6 - Lost 2.6lbs

Week 7 - Lost 2lbs

Week 8 - Lost 0lbs, Gained 0lbs. Stayed exactly the same!

Week 9 - Lost 1.4lbs

Do you see my trend? It appears that every 4 weeks I tend to fall a bit of track. That's okay because it actually helps me stay on program. Every now and then you need to treat yourself to the yumminess!

FOR A GRAND TOTAL, SO FAR, OF 20.6lbs. Not bad it averages 2.3lbs per week! Studies show that long term weight loss averages 1 to 2 lbs per week. I'm on the right track to keeping it off for good!

WISH ME LUCK

Speechless

2010-05-27T06:53:00.001-07:00

It starts with a key fob, from inside the house! Need I say more?

2012????

2010-05-26T10:38:00.001-07:00

It's almost JUNE and it's RAINING! I think Thunderstorms are in the forecast for tomorrow.

WTH!!

Last year this time it was hot! I'm talking 104 degree HOT!

I know you've all heard about December 21, 2012 how it's supposed to be the end of the world and everything. Supposedly it all starts with weather changes (I saw a whole documentary of it on Discovery Channel or History Channel one of those.) Hotter summer, colder longer winters.

I'm not one to believe these things, I mean hello, the computers didn't crash in 2000, like they predicted.

Throwing it out there, what do you think about this whole 2012 Mayan calendar thing?

2012 phenomenon from Wikipedia!

A date inscription for the Mayan Long CountThe 2012 phenomenon comprises a range of eschatological beliefs that cataclysmic or transformative events will occur on December 21, 2012, which is said to be the end-date of a 5,125-year-long cycle in the Mayan Long Count calendar. Various astronomical alignments and numerological formulae related to this date have been proposed, but none have been accepted by mainstream scholarship.

A New Age interpretation of this transition posits that during this time, Earth and its inhabitants may undergo a positive physical or spiritual transformation, and that 2012 may mark the beginning of a new era. Others suggest that the 2012 date marks the end of the world or a similar catastrophe. Scenarios posited for the end of the world include the Earth's collision with a passing planet (often referred to as "Nibiru") or black hole, or the arrival of the next solar maximum.

Scholars from various disciplines have dismissed the idea that a catastrophe will happen in 2012, stating that predictions of impending doom are found neither in classic Maya accounts nor in astronomy. Mainstream Mayanist scholars state that the idea that the Long Count calendar "ends" in 2012 misrepresents Maya history.

The modern Maya, on the whole, have not attached much significance to the date, and the classical sources on the subject are scarce and contradictory, suggesting that there was little if any universal agreement among them about what, if anything, the date might mean.

Astronomers and other scientists have rejected the apocalyptic forecasts, on the grounds that the anticipated events are precluded by astronomical observations, or are unsubstantiated by the predictions that have been generated from these findings.

NASA has compared fears about 2012 to those about the Y2K bug in the late 1990s, suggesting that an adequate analysis should preclude fears of disaster.

I know, I'm weird my random thought of the day!

Life Is Good! Award show!

2010-05-25T11:21:00.000-07:00

I won an award, thanks to Jamie over at THIS IS ME CONSEQUENTLY!

The LIFE IS GOOD AWARD!

What do you do when you're bored?
EAT!

Are you an Autumn or a Spring?
Autumn, bring on the rain!

Quick! You're stuck at an airport for hours, and the only options are crossword puzzles, or an old novel no body's ever heard of. Which do you pick?
Crossword puzzle! I would have liked it to be a word search as that's my favorite, but crossword puzzles will do.

Jane Austen or Emily Bronte?
Who are they? Am I that un-educated?

Do you feel prepared for the five other questions coming your way?
Sure why not, how bad can they be, right?

Who’s your hero?
My Momma, DUH. Please!

Favorite word?
F**k, Sh*t Yeah I have a potty mouth! Oh and SERIOUSLY!

Are you one of those “checklist” people, or are you a “wing it and hope everything goes well” sort of person?
Lists, Lists and more Lists when it comes to WORK. At home I like to wing it, let it all hang out in the breeze.

What phrase has stuck with you in your life?
DUH!

If you were to choose between coffee and tea . . . which would you go with?
Do I even bother answering this one. Seriously, This is SMELL THE COFFEE LISA! I'll take a non-fat, sugar free vanilla Latte please! Thank you very much!

Who do I think deserves this award?
How about....

MIMI
BETTY
LACIE
EMMY

My Kitten BAD, My Kitten GOOD!

2010-05-24T07:23:00.000-07:00

YUP, that's our smart little Baby Boy Emmitt you see there chilling INSIDE the dryer.

Isn't he SOOOOO BIG NOW? He's only 6 months old and he's as big as Chloe who will be a year in July. Not to mention he has the LOOOOONGEST tail! Seriously, he is the weirdest cat I've ever met. He gets into the most peculiar places, I swear! He loves the dryer and the dishwasher! And no he doesn't take after me since he is MY kitten.

Then there is MAMA, The BF's kitten! The miss priss of all kittens ever. Miss spoiled rotten! Of course I can't go without giving her 10 seconds of fame! Isn't she the prettiest kitten ever!

We found her sleeping in The BF's Armour! Seriously, she sheds ALOT so I don't know what's worse, finding Chloe here in the Armour or Emmitt in the dryer.

Aren't Kittens so much fun!

Speaking of kittens, so Emmitt is my little love/cuddle/pur bug. He's my kitten and Chloe, well she's the BF's kitten. I mean she only lays on him and Emmitt on me. They are two totally different personality cats, however both love bugs!

You know that song, My Chick Bad, by Ludacris? Well I've revised it a bit and sing it all the time to The BF. Well, because my KITTEN IS BETTER THAN HIS!

"My Kitten bad, My Kitten Hood. My Kitten do stuff that yours wish she could! My Kitten BAD, better that yours! My Kitten do stuff I can't even put into words!"

LOL The BF, hates that song now! LOL The Boy is totally into it!

BITE MY WIENER

2010-05-21T12:58:00.001-07:00

The Boy was suspended from school for TWO whole days on Thursday. YUP this handsome little Boy you see below, this INNOCENT little Boy was suspended!

Okay so he is far from Innocent. I have to say though he hasn't gotten suspended since the first grade! A huge feet for us! If you know his background then you know this is actually pretty darn good for us. I have to laugh at how and why he was suspended. Granted I know it's wrong, however with what we've been through with him you learn to pick your battles.

This is a Boy who use to get suspended and KICKED out of MULTIPLE schools for fighting, biting, pushing, you name it! So for me, this is kinda a joke, but a lesson needs to be learned and I get that. Doesn't mean I don't think it's funny.

So yeah The Boy is grounded, which means no TV, no Video and NO Books. He's obsessed with reading. Since his Dad has to take 2 days off from work, he's making sure to put The Boy to work around the house. Now when he comes to my house this weekend we won't be able to do anything. My punishment for him, dragging him on my 5 mile walk around the lake. Ohhh Yeah!

Scene one:

The Boy is at school playing handball on the handball court when the ball bounces off the backboard and hits a girl standing on the sidelines.

The Boy - HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

The Girl - BITE ME!

Oh yeah, this fourth grader told my son to "BITE ME!" I don't even think I know what that means let alone her. I mean, seriously, I don't think it's something a girl should say let alone a fourth grader.

ACCORDING TO URBAN DICTIONARY:

1. bite me

I would have to believe that originally 'bite me' was a slightly more acceptable way of saying 'blow me.' Just like people use fricken instead of fuckin.

Although I think it has evolved to really just mean something like 'F*** Off!'
Why don't you bite me!

So The Boy, being the genius that he is, approaches said girl.

The Boy - BITE MY WIENER!

How do you not laugh at that? Nice response BOY, The BF thought he taught you a little better than that when it comes to quick come backs. I don't even think The Boy knows what BITE ME means!

THERE YOU HAVE IT! Where do kids learn this crap from? So obviously the Girl knew exactly the meaning of it! She used it in the context of F*** Off. The Boy, YEAH not so much. F*** Off my wiener? HUH?? Blow my Wiener? Yeah no! That doesn't make much sense to me! So the one who has no idea gets suspended. Let this be a lesson, it's hard to break stereotypes and The Boy has been stereotyped as the BAD kid since pre-school. He can't help the fact that he was deaf for 2 years and his social skills are lacking because of it!

So like any fourth grade Boy who wants to avoid the wrath of their Father, he denies the fact that he told the girl to bite his wiener. He finally confesses (the next morning), however the damage of lying has been done and according to the school a lesson needs to be taught.

So The Boy is suspended not for saying BITE MY WIENER, but for denying he said it and then fessing up to it the following day.

I don't know about this one! I have to laugh because I think it's ridiculous. I know a lesson needs to be learned but PLEASE!

The worst part is they won't let him make up the missed work for the two days he is out. Which to most kids this would be a good thing, right. Not to my son who is obsessed with getting straight A's. You all saw my previous post regarding this issue.

So what happened to the Girl? She got in trouble for saying, Bite Me, but no suspension.

Who will rise and who will FALL?

2010-05-21T06:34:00.000-07:00

I'm discouraged today because during weigh in last night I found out I didn't lose any weight! I guess I should be happy because I didn't gain anything either. One would say that I should be content with the fact that I've lost 19.2lbs in 8 weeks, only I'm not!

I really really really really really wanted to hit my 10% weight loss yesterday. I don't think you understand how badly I wanted that copper key chain for doing so! I don't get it! I feel like I'm depriving myself of so many things for nothing. I just want a burger and fries. I mean who cares if I sneak a cookie here or there. I deserve it right? I deserve to lose weight!

So I ask you this:

1) Is it possible that you can gain weight from staring at a picture? Is it possible, I didn't lose because I've spent hours on end staring at the bacon cups in the post in the post below? Oh how I would envision that the yummy goodness that is bacon in my mouth?

Seriously, though. Do you think it could happen?

2) Do the points count when you pop a tootsie roll in your mouth, chew it, suck out the flavor and then spit it out? I mean you are not swallowing it! Right? So does it count as points?

Lifestyle changes suck! It's not easy! Life's not easy. Sometimes I just wish it could be though! LAME!!

All you people who can eat whatever it is you want top eat all the time and stay stick thin, well YOU SUCK!! No seriously you suck! Okay so I'm a little jealous, leave me alone!

So I need to rise above, because seriously this whole cutting weight thing is about to be dumped in the toilet. I'm not sure how much more I can take!

SPEAKING OF LIFE SUCKING!

OMG, DID YOU WATCH GREYS ANATOMY LAST NIGHT?

It was the two hour season finale and all I can say is mouth was left hanging open for an entire TWO HOURS! The suspense, the drama the horror! I couldn't believe all the characters who were shot. All the characters who were killed! WOW! I thought Private Practice had a jaw dropping moment when they killed off Dell during their season finale last week, but come on!

I can't believe I have to wait months and months for it to start back up again. SHONDRA! You can't leave us with an ending like that without telling us how it pans out! SERIOUSLY!

If you have not seen it, you have to watch it! So many twists and turns, it's INSANE!

Is everything better with Bacon?

2010-05-19T08:42:00.000-07:00

I use to believe so! I love me some bacon! Until I saw this!

That my friends is a bacon FRUIT CUP! A WHAT! I don't know about this one! Who fruits their bacon? Do you?

See now if this were me, and if I could still eat this kind of food, my bacon cup would be filled with eggs and hashbrowns. Now doesn't that sound a tad bit more YUMMY?

So here are the ingredients for this bacon fruit cup, I'd be interested to see if anyone actually would try to make this.

Ingredients: 2 lbs Bacon (long skinny pieces are better than short fat pieces) Fresh basil leaves Homemade aioli (substitute: store-bought mayo + lemon juice) Fresh mango, cubed Large avocado, cubed 1/4-1/2 cup powdered sugar 1 teaspoon cocoa powder 1 large onion, sliced into thin rings 1 tablespoon brown sugar.

Tools & Materials: muffin tin baking tray large enough to catch all the greese.

Here's how to make the cute little cups, because I know you are just DYING to know. I was!!

Preheat oven to 500F. Turn your muffin tin upside-down, and place it on top of a baking dish to catch grease drips. If you don't have a large enough pan, get creative with aluminum foil - there's going to be LOTS of grease, and you don't want it smoking and burning on the bottom of the oven. A double sheet of foil with a folded-up lip will probably do the trick.

When the bacon cups are cool, carefully pry them off of the muffin tin. Lift from the bottom to avoid cracking the bacon, or otherwise damaging the shape.

Your fingers should do the job, but a silicone spatula can also be handy. I used a flexible silicone pan, so was able to fold the muffin cups inward away from the bacon for even easier removal.

Place the finished bacon cups on paper towels to finish draining and cooling.

OMG, it's like HEAVEN on a Paper TOWEL!!

Then all you do is fill your bacon cup up with whatever yummy goodness you wish. If you dare make the fruit cups, I totally want to hear about it!

Firmer Butt and Thighs?? Is it to good to be true?

2010-05-18T03:00:00.000-07:00

As you all know I'm cutting weight and in the past 7 weeks I've already lost 19.2lbs and am down 2 pants sizes (or is it one pants size when you go say from a size 16 to a 14?). I don't know. I've dished on my secrets and I swear that walking 2-9 miles everyday is what has contributed to my success thus far.

I'm sure you all have seen the commercials regarding the REEBOK EASYTONE shoes and if you are like me, found yourself staring at the women imagining that those thighs and buttocks were yours.

I've been wanting to purchase these shoes for a while now and have gone back and forth between the Sketchers Brand, Reebok's and Asic's. I have to be honest and say the the Reebok's look the most appealing to me. I also have to be honest in saying that I have had a difficult time finding them in an actual store. I have also heard some negative reviews about the bubbles on the bottom popping and how they cause pain in the your feet. The price tag to me also seems a bit steep, however they are priced the same as their competition. Being a single Mom with a mortgage in California, splurging on such luxuries have to be well thought out and planned.

So I decided to contact Reebok's PR department directly to see if I could become their Jerrod. You know, Jerrod of Subway! Duh!

I want to put these shoes to the test. I'd post my weekly measurements, weight loss and mileage walked. I'd post reviews on how the shoes felt while walking on different terrain through out my city. I'd also post a link at the top of my blog for you keep up on my weekly progress. I'll create a button for you to post on your blogs as well.

Wish me luck in hoping that Reebok responds to me email.

FINGERS CROSSED!!

0 to 10 in 60 seconds

2010-05-17T12:37:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 10TH BIRTHDAY BOY!

Today The Boy turns double digits! I can't believe how fast time flew by. I remember not too long ago he looked like this:

Always happy go lucky and smiling! Even in his terrible two's, he wasn't so terrible.

I can't say he's been a total Angel, as he's had his fair share and more of moments. But he's ALL mine and today my little boy has grown up!

Pretty soon he'll be driving! As for me, I actually can't wait. We've already got his first car picked out, although he's not thrilled about it!

It's a bright yellow pinto that's for sale around the corner from our house. I think it's pimpin! The Boy, not so much! You have to see the potential of this car, as the inside is super clean. All we do is murder it out with a black paint job, tint the windows and it's good to go!

So here is what we ended up getting him for his 10th Birthday. I think I'm more excited then he is, however once it's up and going I know he's never going to get out!

It's 4 feet tall by 15ft round. It's not very deep, but it will work for us. The BF has to pour a 20x20 cement pad in the backyard before we can put it up. Hopefully we will be using it by the end of June. LOL

Yes JUNE, we are just finishing tiling the Master Bathroom. One project at a time. Yeah I know I have not posted pictures of that yet, I've been busy.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUPS!!!

I'm a loser and will continue to be one!

2010-05-14T14:07:00.000-07:00

That's right, I'm a LOSER. In 7 weeks I've lost 19.2lbs. By this time next week I will hopefully have lost over 10% of my body weight! WHOOOT WHOOT! Here's to losing another 30 more after that. I CAN DO IT!

What's my secret you ask?

It's simple! WALKING, WALKING, WALKING and eating healthier foods and smaller portions. The overall key to success is a complete lifestyle change. It's all about making the right choices without sacrificing ANYTHING!

SOME EXAMPLES OF HEALTHIER FOOD CHOICES:

Here are some of the more healthier foods I choose from while dining out at not so healthy places. Let me say this; I usually eat these dishes 1 to 4 times a week and despite that I am still losing and average of over 2lbs per week.

I guess if I cut some of this out I'd be losing more, however I'm satisfied with my how my weight loss journey is going and if I deprive myself then I'll never succeed. This is a lifestyle change so you need to know how to roll with the punches):

1) Jack In The Box - Thank heaven for their chicken fajita pita. It's about the best tasting thing on the menu. Pair that with 1 egg roll instead of fries. Add a diet coke and you are good to go. I'm at the point where my stomach has shrunk and I could be full with just the pita.

2) Chilis - Can't go wrong with the Margarita chicken platter. Substitute the sides for double broccoli, it's sooooo good and filing. Feel free to treat yourself to chips and salsa, just limit yourself to no more than 6. TIRED OF CHICKEN? Then don't be scared, have the steak fajitas, just don't eat any sides, no cheese or sour cream or Guac.

3) Taco Bell - EAT anything you want that is listed on their FRESCA menu. I love the Chicken and or Steak Fresca tacos. Order up 3 of them to eat! I'm at the point where I'm satisfied with 2.

4) Celia's Mexican Food - Order up the grilled chicken taco salad, no beans, no rice with the dressing on the side. You have to have will power for this one to not eat the shell. It's okay to sneak a few pieces here and there, I sure do!

5) Subway - This is my main go to place. It's super cheap and nothing beats the 6inch turkey on wheat. No mayo or cheese, please! So it's not as dry, request add extra vinegar, iks nay on the oilay. Load up on all the veggies and get the apple slices or yogurt instead of chips. You'll be back again day after day after day. Their salads are the bomb as well! Just be sure to order the fat free Italian dressing. Every now and then I have Cesar or ranch. Remember it's okay to eat it, it's all about portion size.

6) McDonalds - I love this place, however nothing here is good for you! If you are in a bind and must eat here, simply order a hamburger, no cheese and the apple slices. Don't be fooled by the salads, some are just as bad as a BIG MAC. Always, always, always stay away from the Fry's as they are the worst. I love this place too they have the best cheeseburgers and Fry's.

7) Pizza - If you are having pizza, the key here is to limit yourself to two small slices or 1 large slice. Don't worry about thin or thick crust unless you want to eat more then a single portion. Thin is always better, however I say go BALLS TO THE WALL and eat whatever you are craving, in MODERATION. Trick is to FIRST eat a side salad with veggies and fat free dressing. This should fill you up a bit before digging in for a slice!

I went FIVE weeks without pizza and let me tell you when I finally ordered it, I almost ate an entire pizza myself! Don't deprive if you want it, then eat it, again it's about moderation.

It's all about the EXERCISE!

Did you know the more you exercise the more you get to eat?

OH YEAH SO GET OUT THERE!

I'm not talking about hitting the gym for hours on end or running till you pass out. Who has time for that?

My exercise is walking! I try to walk 5 to 9 miles everyday. No silly, not all at one time! This is just what I try to walk throughout the day. Most days I walk at least 3 miles on the track. When it comes to the weekend, if I can, I walk 5 miles straight. Here and there, once to twice a week I do a 30 minute Pilate's ball video and if I'm up to it I play WII Dance.

OKAY I'LL ADMIT IT!!!! There are days where I don't do crap. I sit my ass on the couch all night and don't want to move. Some weeks I'll go two days in a row being lazy, however by the thrid day I'm back at it!

So here are some pictures of the hill I am trying to climb 5 days a week during my lunch break. It takes me about 10 minutes to climb up 4 super steep inclines in the city. My legs burn, my lungs hurt, however the views are amazing and soon so will my A** and Thighs!

Here are some pictures of my 5 mile walk I try to do on the weekends. I walk from my house past the Golf Course, through the regional park and around this big a** lake.

Roxie, my cousin's wife's guard dog. GRRRRRRRR. She's more of a Love BUG!

So 19.2lbs LOST and 30 more or so to go. I'm feeling good, staying on track and believe this lifestyle change is really going to work for me!

GO ME!!!!!!

Happy Mothers Day

2010-05-10T06:51:00.000-07:00

For Mothers Day The Boy and I went shopping at the mall, ate lunch at Mimi's Cafe and ended the excursion with a trip to Barnes and Nobles. The Boy wanted to give me something special for MD, so we decided to take pictures in a photo booth at the Mall.

Aren't we so cute?

The best part is it came with two sets of pictures for only $3. So The Boy is able to keep a set in his bedroom at his Dad's house and my set I can place on the fridge.

The Boy turns DOUBLE DIGITS next MONDAY. I'm thinking of getting him a swimming pool. I'm not sure if we will have one set-in the ground, or just buy a $300 pool that sits above ground to which you have to take down every year. I'm all for the $300 pool as it is cheaper and we can have it ready before his birthday. The BF is all for the in-ground pool because it will look nicer and he won't have to take it down and put it up every year.

I don't know what we are going to do.

If you were us, what would you do? The cheap economical route, or the F-IT just finance the thing and do it right route?

Building a Mission, Literally

2010-05-05T10:39:00.001-07:00

My son had to build a Mission this year in his 4th grade class. His Mission was Santa Clara. I have to admit he picked a really boring mission.

It burnt down they re-built. It flooded they re-built. It burnt down they re-built. It was destroyed in an earthquake, they re-built. Not much more going on besides it being destroyed and re-built.

The interesting thing is the Mission became Santa Clara University and since we live about 30 minutes away from it, he is able to actually go to the site of the Mission. I think that's pretty cool!

So here is his Mission. His Dad and him built it (paper Mached) and painted it. Do you like the little farm animals I picked out? There were a lot of farm animals on the Mission as well.

Enjoy!

Totally Totalled?

2010-05-03T09:01:00.001-07:00

So here is what happens when your brand new 2009 Honda Civic gets rear-ended on the Freeway by a 2002 Ford F250.

The trunk had to be taped closed as the alignment was pushed off.

Poor little bumper.

This hole was caused by a hook think that was on the front of the truck. OUCH!

This is the inside of the truck. It accordioned Preliminary from the body shop is that there is frame damage. Could it be totally totalled? I don't know, should find out today.

Another picture of the inside of the trunk. That is the body of the trunk, metal not plastic.

The BF suffered some injuries to his shoulder and back and has been off work and in pain. I'd say we've been pretty lucky, doing this 2hr commute daily for two years with no incidents till now.

I like to think the glass is half full. It could have been worse.

NEVERSHOUTNEVER

2010-04-28T10:05:00.000-07:00

I found an ipod while walking my usual three miles a few Sunday's ago. I have to admit I'm really digging the music on the ipod, even though I feel really old because half of these artists I have never heard of.

I ran across a band called NEVERSHOUTNEVER and am really digging their voice and sound. The lyrics are dark and I can't really relate to them, however I can really feel the message they are putting across and the sadness that this person and probably hundreds of teenagers out there must feel. Sometimes I think that through music and the understanding of it, we can learn a lot about our children and the things that they have to endure everyday. Kids are mean. School can be harsh and difficult. I feel it's important to understand what our children are going through and relate to them and their issues as much as possible.

My son is 9 years old and thinks his thighs are too big, his stomach to fat and he told me last week he doesn't like to wear shorts because he has scars on his legs. He is in the 4th grade. I don't recall worrying about that stuff until late Middle School. I feel for him.

Anyway, here is the song I'm digging this week and hope that my son never gets to this point. Kids are growing up to fast, having sex and doing drugs as young as 13. It's crazy to think they just don't care about their future or the consequences. This song could be about anyone of our children, never say never!

And I sing songs about the past.
How I was raised and I was thrown out on my ass,
Cause I didn't care.
About going to school.

And I saw the look in her eyes.
My mother nearly cried when I had told her that I had wanted to go,
Just to prove them wrong.

I've been smoking cigarettes since I was only fourteen,
Just to find an escape from this town that was so mean to me.

And I sing songs about my friends.
The way we grew up, and all the lose ends we used to laugh,
Cause we didn't give a damn.

And I saw the look in my brother's eyes,
When I told him I was leaving he couldn't help but despise me.
He's wanted out his whole life.

I've been smoking the green since I was merely sixteen,
Just to find an escape from this town that was so mean to me.

And I sing songs about the past.

I plead for relief,
This town won't receive
All the things that I want.
The things that I need.

And I'll beg and I'll beg.
I'm down on my knees.
Mama, oh mama,
Let me please leave

I plead for relief.
This town won't receive,
All the things that I want.
The things that I need.

All I ever wanted was love.

Breakfast anyone?

2010-04-27T08:28:00.000-07:00

This is what we woke up to Saturday morning on our front porch. Poor little bird eggs.

Seriously though, they won't be missed. I have to admit I am glad that it is gone because the mess that has been left behind the past few days from the building of the nest has been insane.

Not to mention I had to scrub and scrub the egg mess off the ground because it had dried over night and stained our front porch. The Mama bird is a cutie, but I can't have her building a nest in the overhang of my front door.

Imagine you're ringing my door bell and you feel a plop on the top of your head. You touch your head with your hand only to feel something nasty and wet.

It's bird poop, well hello to you too.

Super Hero Heel Power! Episode 1 the break in!

2010-04-22T13:14:00.000-07:00

So this is the excitement that is my day. I locked myself out of my office with no spare or master key in site. My co-worker, lets call her Jessica Rabbit because she loves wearing her high heels, stepped up to the plate in the effort to break back into my office.

She's so sly as she try's to figure out the best pathway of entry.

Her mad skills as she raises the mini blinds.

Even in bright YELLOW heels she scales the window like a thief in the night. You go GIRL!!

Only "Jessica Rabbit" could pull this Slick Rick break in off. A true, Super Hero with Super Heel Hero power. Don't mess with a woman in high heels! YELLOW high heels for that matter!

One Day..........

2010-04-22T08:03:00.000-07:00

I know I've sporadically been around lately. It's just lately life has been a bit crazy and I've started this whole Weight Watchers Diet and walking has practically consumed any free time I have. Loving my two walking buddies though!! I try to walk 3 miles everyday. Today is the end of my 4th and in 3 weeks I've lost over 11lbs. I'll find out tonight if I've gained or lost. Whooty Whoot. I miss crafting and reading blogs and hopefully I'll be able to jump back in the saddle here soon. I just have not had much to blog about.

Loving the sunglasses I found. Aren't they just perfect for me? I think they look way better on me then they would, let's say someone like my sister. Right? Yeah I totally can rock these Kim Kardashian suckers.

I'm also feeling this new song by Matisyahu. Please play the video, you'll love it I'm sure.

Separated at birth......Looking for my dragon.

2010-04-19T13:13:00.001-07:00

Doesn't my baby Emmitt (sorry he's so hard to get a clear picture of) look just like Toothless (Night Fury) from How To Tame A Dragon? If you have not seen this movie, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

This has got to be my all time favorite KIDS movie! I have to admit I could have done without paying extra for 3D. It just didn't seem very 3D to me, but then that's my opinion and I'm a frugal woman! It did have it's 3D moments though.

Karma's a BITCH!

2010-04-16T08:51:00.000-07:00

It's not my kind
not my time to wonder why
everything's gone white
and everything's grey
now your here now you away
I don't want this
remember that
I'll never forget where your at
don't let the days go by

Are you at one
or do you lie
we live in a wheel
where everyone steals
but when we rise it's like strawberry fields

It might just be
clear simple and plain
that's just fine
that's just one of my names
don't let the days go by
could've been easier on you

Bathroom 2 Remodel - Complete

2010-04-01T13:30:00.000-07:00

Almost, I still have to hang my art work. I couldn't wait to share though. I'm GREEN with envy!! I wish my cell phone took better pictures as these do not do it any kind of justice!

I'm loving the green! At first it was overwhelming, but once all the accessories were added it's perfect!

My favorite feature are the cute shower curtain hooks. Aren't they perfect! They match everything perfectly!

See, even the litter box matches. You know the cats are so happy to have their second liter box back! So is The BF!

The dark chocolate towels really help to cut the green down a bit. I'm glad we went with the dark brown as opposed to another color.

My 2nd favorite feature is the rug. I think I'm going to buy one more to put in front of the sink. This bathroom is so large I think it needs a second one. I believe it was $19.99 for the rug. I know pricey but it was worth it! Doesn't the new tile look AHHHHMAZING? The tile blends with the green perfectly!

I have to leave the counter empty for the most part as the cats love hanging out in here and looking out the window. I move the fake plant against the wall because I really like it, even though the cats have partially destroyed it. I'm sure it will gone soon!

Another shot of the tile. I'm really loving it. Before I wasn't too found of it, however seeing it all layed out on the floor, I'm pretty pleased. Great job to The BF for picking the tile and cutting all the pieces to fit!!

Click here to see the before pictures and a close up of the accessories on the counter. I really should have taken these after pictures during the day in the natural light instead of last night. Oh well!! Maybe once I get the paintings up I'll take photos during the day and re-post. I'm just so excited to get these up after all The BF's hard work. He spent hours cutting tile, painting the bathroom several times to get the ceiling line perfect (Ceiling is white) and all the cocking he did to get the baseboards back on.

Even Mama LOVES IT!!

TWO DOWN, ONE MORE BATHROOM TO GO! Oh and then we start the Kitchen!

Guest Post from a Crazy Family Member

2010-03-31T08:29:00.000-07:00

Why I love Easter. I know the good Christian girl in me should say “The Resurrection of Jesus Christ”. And don’t misunderstand or misinterpret. I understand and I want my kids to understand the true meaning of Easter just like the true meaning behind other holidays. But, the kid in me has to admit my favorite part is EASTER EGG Hunts! Hunting Easter eggs is the most fun part of Easter for kids. Hiding the eggs for the kids to find is fun for the parents. But NOT hiding the eggs and telling the kids you did and to keep looking harder.. .. that is fun for everyone. Happy Easter !! and Happy Hiding/Hunting.

Pandamania

2010-03-30T11:02:00.001-07:00

You have got to love ebay. $.99 plus $4.00 shipping!! Loving my Panda Hat!!

Officially my CAT Dog

2010-03-26T13:00:00.000-07:00

I love my baby boy Emmitt. He is the perfect cat. He is such a DO TA DO, doesn't have a care in the world. I can even put him in clothes!!! He's going to become my new favorite accessory. Shhhhhhhhhhhhhh don't tell the BF, but I'm going to get him a TUTU and Blue hair wig. Who knew cats where more fun than dogs? I can't wait for Halloween to be able to dress him up.

Yes they are spoiled as well. Check out their newest cat tree. It goes from floor to ceiling. The best part, it was only $30 at Walmart!!

Curly or Straight....Curly or Straight.

2010-03-25T14:40:00.000-07:00

Which hair style of mine do you think looks better? What do you think of the color, as I dyed it red

CURLY???????????

STRAIGHT????????

I POPPED my Podginity!!!!

2010-03-22T07:44:00.000-07:00

Finally after months and months of talking about Modge Podge, I actually created a craft to where I needed to use. I love the stuff and am addicted to it like a Dope Feign is to crack. I want to Modge Podge EVERYTHING. This is the coolest stuff EVER!!

We are still in the process of painting The Boy's bathroom. It has been primed and the first coat has been put on the walls. I really couldn't find any art to which I liked to place in his bathroom, so I decided to get a little creative, with the help of JESSICA OVER AT OH SO HAPPY TOGETHER and her textured wall art. Yes you've probably seen the link at the top of my blog.

While I was pulling out my paints, I found some wooden plaques to which I was saving to make chalkboards. I instantly was inspired by a painting in my house and thought hmmmm, I can make that.

It's funny how with a few items such as those shown above, and a really cheap budget, $1.20 for the wood board, the paint was $.38 cents each and the tape we had left over from painting. You can create such divine art such as:

Um YES I MADE THOSE! All three of them. My favorite is the squares. The BF's favorite is the lines. I like the circles, I just think it's missing something. These were super easy to paint. I Modge Podged them once they were fully dry. They were very dull looking and looked unfinished before the Modge Podge. I'm telling you this stuff is amazing.

Oh YEAH! A perfect match.

After I had made the three paintings above I just wanted to make more. So I went to Michaels and bought 3 canvas's for $5.99 and some modeling paste. I was ready to re-create Jessica's Textured art.

Once you have the modeling paste spread out all over your canvas (I used a steak knife) you want to let it dry completely. I love this stuff as much as I love the Modge Podge. This was super easy and I'm going to make another one for the downstairs bathroom we've already re-modeled.

Once it is dry, I just squirted the paint colors (Same exact ones I used in the paintings) all over the board. I then used a paintbrush to spread the paint around.

Isn't it beautiful? I love it!! Once the paint was completely dry, I Modge Podged this as well. It now has a beautiful glossy shine!

Here are all 4 pieces patiently awaiting to be hung in The Boy's bathroom. I will be using those new command strips to hang them on the walls. No more nails!!

Ahh Modge Podge.

Let me tell you a few things about it, that I wish I had known so long ago.

1) This stuff simple ROCKS.

2) Do NOT use a foam brush to apply this. The foam came off the brush and little black spots started to dry on my paintings. Apply with a paint brush.

3) This looks like glue, is sticky like glue and comes out white like glue. I thought I ruined my paintings.

4) Have no fear, it drys CLEAR!

This is a must have for any painting project. It's really cheap at Michael's, $5.99 and I had a 40% off coupon.

Home Made Chinese Food!!

2010-03-20T03:00:00.000-07:00

We all know how expensive going out to dinner can be, right? Well I decided to make my own Chinese food at home, using the Panda Express sauces I found at my local WINCO Food Mart. I was surprised at how easy this was to make. It was super cheap and tasted pretty darn good, if I don't mind tooting my own horn. You all know I don't mind doing that.

I decided to make Orange Chicken and Kung Pao chicken. YUM. The chicken was only $5 for over 2lbs of chicken. Steal. The Veggies were pretty cheap as well and the sauce I believe was only $3.99. The peanuts were the most expensive part of the meal, at $4.99.

Chop up all the veggies into similar sized chunks. I just eyeballed the amount and figured I'd chop up more if the chicken was too overwhelming. This was actually perfect. I used 1 half of each of the peppers, a few stalks of the green onion, 1 cucumber and a hand full of peanuts.

I made the orange chicken first because this is a super easy quick dish to make. I just took eggs and flour and breaded the chicken. Threw it in a hot pan with EVOO and cooked it. When it was just about cooked I added some green onions and the Panda Express Sauce. Super quick, Super easy, Super YUMM!

Next up was the Kung Pao Chicken. I placed the cut up veggies into a skillet (same one I used for the orange chicken, I washed it don't worry) until the veggies begin to get soft. Remove the veggies and cook up your cut up chicken pieces.

Once the chicken is cooked add the veggies back into the pan, add your Panda Express Kung Pao Sauce and the peanuts. Heat through!

There you have it! A yummy Chinese food dinner without the expense of a restaurant. I purchased frozen pot stickers and egg rolls from Raleys. Hey it's a work night and I'll take all the help I can get from the store. LOL I also made some plain white rice to go with the meal. I was too lazy to make fried rice.

What Chinese dishes do you like to make?

OMG OMG OMG............WHOOOOOOOO

2010-03-19T10:08:00.000-07:00

HE GOT IT!!!

DISTINGUISHED SCHOLAR.

Today was The Boy's award ceramony at his school for Honor Roll. Not only did he make Honor Roll, he was also awarded with Distinguished Scholar, I told him all A's = Straight A's even if it's a minus! He was also awarded the BUG award, for bringing his grades up. It was a great morning for The Boy! I wish I could have been there.

His Dad took this photo, it's not the best, however the best he could do with a camera phone!

You have to be kidding me!!

2010-03-18T08:57:00.000-07:00

I'll keep this short and sweet.

I've quickly come to learn that if you want something done, you have to just do it yourself.

Seriously, unbelievable, it's a wonder how some people can keep a job!!!

Happy St. Patricks Day, Ya'll

2010-03-17T03:00:00.000-07:00

Now go eat your corned beef and cabbage!

Don't Underestimate It.........

2010-03-16T03:00:00.000-07:00

It was report card week. I am so proud of The Boy. He received straight A's!! Well according to him he received all A's and two A minuses. There is a difference he says. All A's means you are distinguished scholar. He got two A minuses, therefore he is not a distinguished scholar.

WELL DARN IT, HE IS IN MY BOOK!!

You see this is a pretty big deal, considering The Boy was on the verge of failing the 4th grade. He had A's on his tests, however he had all in completes on all of his homework. I didn't get it. He did his homework, he just never turned it in. When you asked him why, he simply replied, "I don't know?"

So this is a huge accomplishment to go from all in completes to all A's.

So in lieu of this accomplishment he was rewarded with this:

Yes, The BF bought him his first golf bag!

Before his lesson on Saturday we went to the golfing range. I totally underestimated this. It's a lot harder than it appears. If you ask The Boy how I did, he'd reply, "HORRIBLE!" I did hit it 100 yards though, once!

Check out his perfect form. Perfect!

Me, not so much! I refuse to give up. This was my first time, I need practice. Yes, don't laugh I am wearing flip flops to the golfing range. So what!!

After the golfing range we had some time left for The Boy to work on his putting!

The BF is researching getting himself some clubs of his own. He's trying to talk everyone he knows into going golfing with him. I can't wait for our first round of golf.

Sneak Peak

2010-03-14T03:00:00.000-07:00

After one full day of tiling, The Boys are rockin and rollin, I want to share a sneak peak with you all. It's gettting done way faster than I had expected.

They plan to grout on Monday, which means Wed or Thursday we should be able to start painting. Hopefully by next Sunday it will be completed if not earlier.

Future Hall of Famer?? I Don't think So!

2010-03-13T03:00:00.000-08:00

We can pretend though. We all know that The BF is a die hard Dallas Cowboys fan. If you didn't know that well, yeah....

He named our bird (Who sadly past away last week after 4 yrs) Romo. After Tony Romo of course.

He named our newest Kitten Emmitt. After Emmitt Smith, who's now in the Hall of Fame. It was like, The BF's tribute to Emmitt Smith.

Being the Cowboys fan that he is, me I'm a Seahawks fan. It only seem appropriate that Emmitt have his own Cowboys Pillow.

So being the creative crafter that I am, I decided to make Emmitt the pillow he so deserves. This literally took me maybe 5 minutes to make. It was my first pillow. Can someone tell me how to cleanly sew the pillow closed after you stuff it. I ran it through the sewing machine as best I could, and yeah up close it doesn't look so pretty.

The results, a super happy Emmitt, who loves his new pillow and a super jealous Chloe who needs one of her own. Not a Cowboys one, but something pink and furry, because she is a princess.

I know the pillow is ginormous. He's a really long kitten so it's actually going to be perfect once he gets bigger.

He loves it so much. He was laying in front of the fireplace on it for hours last night. My cute little purring boy!

Introducing the T-POW!!! Patent Pending

2010-03-12T03:00:00.000-08:00

I know I have been in a crafting funk. I've also been really busy and have not had the time to craft even if I wanted to.

Until I saw THIS! Again for the 100th time.

IF YOU HAVE A SMALL CHILD OR A KITTEN, THEN YOU WILL NEED THIS!

IF YOU HAVE A BATHROOM WITH A TOILET, THEN YOU WILL WANT THIS!

Introducing the T-POW!

A custom designed decorative toilet paper protector. Do you see those decorative buttons? Oh yeah that's so the T-POW fits around the TP as the roll gets smaller and smaller. I kept these buttons plain because I didn't want to take aways from the fabric. The buttons could be a great way to "fancy" it up!

YOU KNOW YOU WANT ONE TOO! It looks so good in the new bathroom. I hope to make curtains with the same fabric. I LOVE the fabric. It matches perfectly!!

My neighbor Dori assisted me with the design. I almost used Velcro instead of making this pretty loop to go over the buttons.

I'm even going to make one for The Boy's bathroom. His buttons are green. Fancy! This picture hardly does the fabric or the buttons justice. It's the perfect color green.

The T-POW is super easy to make and doesn't take a lot of time. I'm making a Dallas Cowboy's one for my Co-Worker. I've already got orders placed. Would you use the T-POW?

HELP, I'm in dire need of some INSPIRATION

2010-03-11T03:00:00.000-08:00

I have not crafted in what seems like FOREVER! I feel as if I've lost my MOJO, my inspiration. I need your help in finding me some super easy, really fun and cool craft blogs for me to follow.

I wish I was creative enough to think up crafty crafts on my own, however I'm just not that cool.

Come on, Inspire me. I triple dog dare you!

The Boy's Bathroom Remodel

2010-03-10T03:00:00.000-08:00

Our 2nd bathroom remodel will begin this Friday. The BF and Brian will be hard at work early in the morning removing the old linoleum, laying out backer board and then........let the tiling begin.

Here's a sneak peak at what the bathroom looks like now.

The cat accessories are here because this is currently where Baby Boy Emmitt stays when we are not home. He's just about big enough to be moved into our bedroom with Chloe.

The paint color is Palmetto, which is a light olive green color. Here are some of the accessories I picked out.

I'm loving the shower curtain rings. I found them on the clearance shelf at Walmart. Talk about random and lucky at how the colors match perfectly.

We chose a lighter color tile, then what we are using for the downstairs bathroom, hallway and kitchen. We also went with a similar color grout, Mushroom. We used sterling silver grout for the downstairs bathroom and hallway, as well as when we do the kitchen. We will be using this lighter tile for both of the bathrooms upstairs. I do not believe we will be using the accent boarder in this bathroom. I'd like to use it, however The BF thinks it will be too much. The boarder, however will be used in the master bathroom.

I cannot wait for it to be completed.

WELCOME, WELCOME, WELCOME!

2010-03-08T20:00:00.000-08:00

Hello SITSta's and Blogging Buddies!!!

Please come in. Take off your jacket, sit back, relax and stay awhile. For I have the honor of being today's featured SITS blogger. This is one blog you don't want to miss out on!

SITS, what's that you say? Well The Secret Is in The Sauce. Yes the sauciness of women bloggers all over the world gathering together on one communal site to share their stories of passion, grace, fatigue, love and well you get the idea.

Through SITS I have virtually met a lot of great women who have taught me a thing or two about this whole blogging world. Like for example:

1) Hump Day - Yeah I remember when I first started commenting on the SITS site and every Wed people would wish each other a happy Hump Day. I was so confused (dirty pictures running through my twisted little brain.) Until another SITSta informed me that it means Happy Wed! That you've made it over the Hump of the week and are one step closer to the weekend.

2) MeMe - A what? Are we warming up our singing voices here? This is a fun little game we play on specific days, created randomly by you, the blogger. An example would be something like Wordless Wednesday where you post a photo and other bloggers comment on what they think it's about or post funny captions.

3) Blog Awards - Seriously, you can actually win an award for writing about your life? People actually care about what you have to say and acknowledge you through awards? Oh yeah! It feels good too, when you are awarded your first reward. An acceptance speech is definitely recommended. After that, they just start pouring in!

4) Free Loot - OMG, did you know that you can win a ton of free stuff. YUP, just visit other SITSta's who are promoting giveaways. I won't toot my own horn, okay I will and admit I've won a few things here and there and everywhere. Oh yeah and if your blog is popular, companies actually come to you and send you free gifts. Who would have thunk it?

Okay enough about what I've learned since I've found SITS. This is my day, so you know I've got to make it all about ME!!!

Come join me on my adventure...................................

I'm a 32 year old, *cough, cough* I mean 25 year old, single Mom. I have THAT KID, you know the one who accidentally locks himself in the pantry, gets stuck in the baby swings at the park, has a mouth and attitude like a teenager and he's only 9, Kid! We call him, The Boy. Then there's The Boyfriend, We call him, The BF! He does the laundry, loads the dishwasher and washes the cars. Umm Hello, could I have scored a better Man? I don't think so. We have been together for 4 years (wow, this month) and we recently purchased a house together. We are currently in the process of remodeling. 1 Bathroom down, 2 more to go, plus a kitchen. We have 2 kittens, Chloe and Emmitt. I just have one question. How many kittens do you have to have to officially be dubbed " THE CAT LADY"? Kittens are addicting like tattoos. I've been told NO MORE PETS, by both The BF and The Boy. Booo Hooo! I love arts and crafts and enjoy searching your blogs for inspiring ideas. I've recently fallen in love with my slow cooker and am on the search for a way to slow cook a boneless Lamb. Any ideas? I work Full-Time as Senior Accountant and on the side I have my own consulting Accounting business.

So this is my life, in a nut shell, written and exposed for all to see. My journal of sorts. Throughout life we need to learn to sometimes Wake Up and Smell the Coffee, because the grass isn't always greener on the other side and life is never exactly what it seems.

A day in the life of.................

2010-03-07T14:15:00.001-08:00

ME!

A typical Saturday usually starts at 6am with a 2hr drive to pick up The Boy. By 9am we are off to Saturday morning bowling.

He had a great 3 games. His average is 89, the first game he bowled 90, then 99, then 105. Perfect progression.

After bowling, which usually ends around 11:30, we typically run errands. You know, the must needed trip to the grocery store and Walmart.

However, today was such a beautiful sunny day, we decided to hang out in the court.

To do a little of this:

Oh no, man down!!!

and a little of this:

He gave up riding because he hurt his wrist when he fell skateboarding.

All while the cats where doing this:

and I was wishing I was doing that:

After a quick dip in the hot tub and change of clothes. The Boy was off to his very first golf lesson. For the next twelve weeks from 4-5:30pm, he'll be off doing this:

Using his brand new golf balls.

While I read my book and stared at this:

Yes that golf course is practically our backyard!

Then it was time for The BF, The Boy and I to see this:

All while looking like this:

The movie, I did not care for. Neither did The BF. The Boy liked it, though. I never really cared for the original cartoon version, so my opinion in this case, I don't think counts.

The night ended with a little of this:

Two of my favorite men!

And of course this:

Black Cherry.......It's like Heaven

2010-03-05T08:04:00.000-08:00

Okay so this is my 2nd post of the day, Yeah I know it's only 8am. I have to share this though, because I've found that little piece of HEAVEN!

Starbucks, BLACK CHERRY MOCHA!

OMG if you wait all year for the Pumpkin Spice Latte to come out, this tops that by about a million to one. It's like eating chocolate covered cherries, only so much better. You don't have deal with the sticky gooeyness of the chocolate covered cherry. It's not as sweet or strong, it's a perfect blend of chocolate and cherries. Oh it's so delicious!

It's been described as "a combination of Starbucks espresso, bittersweet chocolate sauce, dark cherry syrup, and steamed milk topped with whipped cream and dark chocolate curls."

You have to try one. No Starbucks is not in anyway giving me anything to promote this. Though if they read this, I love me starbucks gift cards. LOL

I just had to share my little secret.

It's been a while, I was starting to feel lonely....

2010-03-05T03:00:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile since I've won any awards. I was getting a little lonely. Then BAM, BAM I get hit with not ONE but TWO. BUHHHHH YAHHHHHHH Son!!!

My first award was given to me by:

Maria over at Pocketful of Bliss

and by

Momma Such over at RaisingMy4Sons

How pretty is this award. So bright and beautiful!! Okay let's get down to business.

Here are the rules I must follow when accepting my sweet reward:

✔ Put the logo in my post or within my blog.

✔ Pass the award onto 12 fellow bloggers

✔ Link the nominees within my post

✔ Let the nominees know they have received this award by leaving a comment on their blogs

✔ Share the love and link to the person who gave you the award!

As I stated, It's been awhile since I've received an award. I really can't pick 12 blogs to which I think are deserving of the sunshine award. So I'm giving this award to all who comment. When you comment I visit your blog and reading your blogs bring SUNSHINE to my world. Okay that was cheesy I know. lol What are you waiting for? Take the award already and no I'm not being lazy, you really deserve it for putting up with my posts!

UP NEXT!

Viki over at Frugal Mom Knows Best

If you accepted the sunshine award, then by golly you are also accepting the Gorgeous Ladies of Blogging award.

Have you been receiving awards on a regular basis?

Enjoy!

The Man Cave

2010-03-04T03:00:00.000-08:00

What do you think of when you hear the words, "MAN CAVE?"

According to the Urban Dictionary - A man cave is a room, space, corner or area of a dwelling that is specifically reserved for a male person to be in a solitary condition, away from the rest of the household in order to work, play, involve himself in certain hobbies, activities without interruption. This area is usually decorated by the male that uses it without interference from any female influence.

Now when you think about they type of person who would normal need a man cave, your husband, boyfriend, brother or friend probably comes to mind. Right?

In my household, that's just not the case. This is the face of the man behind the Man Cave in our house:

And this is what his Man Cave looks like:

The boy spends so much time doing God knows what in his bedroom that it's been dubbed, The Man Cave. Yes, we actually call his bedroom the Man Cave. It's fully equipped with everything a little boy or man would want or need, minus a fridge for his chocolate milk. I had to draw the line somewhere. It's decked out with all kinds of BOY posters and a transformers bed set. He has a TV, video game systems and tons of books to read and an art supplies. A full length closet mirror is readily available so he is able to stare at and admire his muscles. If he could he'd probably just pee out of his window, so he never has to leave the room. Yes those are labels on his dresser drawers. Come on he's a boy, he needs help staying organized. Recently he got a robe for Christmas. Sunday morning he came downstairs wearing blue camo pajama pants and his blue camo robe half open with no shirt. I wish I took a picture, he looked like a miniature Hugh Hefner. The Boy is only 9 years old, I can only imagine what I'm in for when he hits his Teens!

Are you living with a Man Cave? What do you call a room for woman? Woman Cave? I want my own cave.

Cousin's, engulfed by the Wii!

2010-03-03T03:00:00.000-08:00

Yeah this is serious, Level 9 of Super Mario Bros. Hey, it doesn't matter that they GOOGLED how to have 99 lives. It doesn't matter that youtube helped them to beat each level. No, what matters is they BEAT the game!

1 down 3 to go.......

2010-03-02T07:06:00.000-08:00

Here it is, the moment you've all been waiting for. Well maybe not you, but I sure have. You'd think with 3 toilets in the house you wouldn't miss out on not having the use of one of them. I didn't miss cleaning it, but I sure missed using it!

In the end, it was well worth it!

Welcome to our bathroom, before the remodel. Talk about dull, boring and cold. BRRRRRR a total snoooooze....................

The hall leading from our living room into the bathroom and the garage was no better. Please ignore the dirty rug. I purchased a rug cleaner for my birthday, to which I have yet to use.

After a week, here it is! Special thanks to The BF who worked really hard at removing all the flooring and cutting the tiles to perfect size. To Brian who was able to place all the tiles down perfectly with perfect grout lines. Special thanks to myself of course for picking out the perfect accessories, even though The BF had input. You have to thank yourself, right?

However getting to this point, was no easy task.

Our hallway is no longer DULL and BORING. Someone could have told me that tile was SUPER COLD!!!!! Now I know why on HGTV people have heated floors. I use think that was such as waste!

I love this boarder strip. It was well worth the extra cost. This is 4 boarder strips and one piece of tile cut into a small square to tie it all together. As per usual, this picture does not give this any justice!

It's all about the accessories!

It's like a little piece of heaven for only $48.99 at Walmart. I love the glass doors, it really gives the bathroom that spa like feeling.

Another great Walmart find for only $39.99. It's hung perfectly straight, I promise you! My camera is just tilted sideways. I hate the camera on my mytouch phone, however it's all I had at the moment.

So doesn't it just make you want to grab a book, sit on the pot and stay awhile?

1 bathroom down and 2 more to go, plus a kitchen.

Thanksgiving, HERE I COME!

2010-03-01T03:00:00.000-08:00

I've always wanted to cook a Turkey, only I've always been afraid it would turn out burnt on the outside and completely frozen on the inside. This year, I'm determined to try! Even if we end up eating Chinese Food on Thanksgiving, I'm going to do all I can to prepare for the big day.

I have 9 months to get it right. What a better way to learn how to cook a turkey, then to start with my very own whole chicken.

For $7.12 you can have your own whole chicken! This will feed about 4 people. Buy fresh, not frozen so you don't have to worry about thawing it out. It's your first time cooking a chicken, make it as easy as possible. Beware: The neck and liver and guts are still inside the chicken. Yeah, I'm not a fan of cleaning out the inside of the chicken, that's just wrong, however someone has to do it. Don't forget to rinse your bird out, just fill the cavity up with water a few times to get it nice and clean.

So you have your chicken, now grab all the ingredients you will need to make this delicious bird!

You will need a crock pot for my recipe. No ovens here.

Fresh Rosemary

Fresh Oregano

Butter (everything is better with butter)

Cajun seasoning - We are taking this chicken to the next level

Garlic

Salt and Pepper

Onions

White Wine

Chicken stock - Water, no water needed here!

Injector optional - It's like $2.99 at the grocery store

Using your hand, separate the skin from the meat near the opening of the chickens cavity. Be careful not to rip the skin. It maybe easier if you use a paring knife to help you out. Now don't go all healthy on me here by removing the skin. Leave it on, just don't eat it if you don't want to (your missing out on the Cajun spice if you don't.)

Rub the rosemary and oregano and garlic between the meat and the skin of the bird. Next cut up some slices of butted and stuff those in there as well.

Cut up your onion into large chunks and place it inside of the chicken's main cavity. You know, the place where you pulled out all the guts.

Salt and pepper the outside of the bird and sprinkle the Cajun seasoning all over. Don't be shy here, give that bird some flavor. I also sprinkled some more rosemary ontop of the chicken.

Place the chicken breast side up into the crock pot.

Pour some of the wine and chicken stock into your crock pot. Not to much, just enough to cover the lower part of your chicken. As the chicken cooks, it will generate it's own juices. You can then throughout the cooking process, use your injector to suck up those juices and inject them back into the chicken.

Cook on low for 6-8 hrs (8-10 if you open the lid to inject the juices.) The skin's going to be slimy after it's cooked, it's nasty to the touch, however, it's okay! The trick to this recipe is you end up with a great crispy
skin.

Here's how:

Once you've cooked the chicken remove it from the crock pot and place it on a baking sheet skin side up. My Chicken was so juicy and tender it fell apart as I tried to remove it from the crock pot. This is perfectly fine, because it doesn't matter how it looks, long as it tastes good! Cook at 450 for 10 to 15 minutes or however long it takes to turn a crispy golden brown. Do not over cook, you don't want it to dry out.

YUMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I served my chicken with garlic baked broccolini and potatoes.

Broccolini - Place spears on a cookie sheet. Drizzle EVOO all over the broccolini and mix it all up with some minced garlic. Place in the oven on 375 until it turns golden brown. This is so nutty and delicious. Thank You Rachel Ray.

Potatoes - Cut up red potatoes into to small squares. Cut up some onion similar in size to the potatoes. Place them both on a cookie sheet. Drizzle with EVOO, Montreal Steak Seasoning and minced garlic. Mix together and place in the oven at 375 until golden brown. These will take about 20 - 25 minutes to cook, so you'll put this in before the broccolini.

Dinner is served. Simple and delicious. Hoping the turkey is going to be just as easy.

I pulled a Britney! Sort of!

2010-02-28T12:47:00.000-08:00

No, I didn't flash my Vajayjay as I attempted to get in a car while wearing no panties and the world's shortest skirt.

Nor was it a pink wig wearing, grab my umbrella and beat it against my baby Daddy's car, Britney moment.

This is what happens when I get bored and have nothing to craft.

Yeah, that's my hair in my son's bathroom sink.

I'm smiling because I think I want to cry, what the heck am I doing? I do not do bangs!

Hmmm it's not very straight, but I actually think I like it.

Maybe I'll make them even shorter, my hair keeps poking my eyeballs? Is that normal? I'm liking the new look!

Cracks in the crystal, cracks in the crystal bal.....

2010-02-24T06:44:00.000-08:00

Drinking wine and thinking bliss, is on the other side of this I just need a compass and a willing accomplice All my doubts that fill my head are skidding up and down again Up and down and round again, down and up and down again.

Oh, I've had my chances and I've taken them all.Just to end up right back here on the floor. To end up right back here in on the floor.

Pennies in a well, a million dollars in the fountain of a hotel. Fortune teller that says maybe you will go to hell. But I'm not scared at all...hmm hmm hmm hmm hmm

The cracks in the crystal, the cracks in the crystal ball.

Sometimes you think everything is wrapped inside a diamond ring Love just needs a witness and a little forgiveness And a halo of patience and a less sporadic pace and I'm learning to be brave in my beautiful mistakes.

Oh I've felt that fire and I've been burned But I wouldn't trade the pain for what I've learned I wouldn't trade the pain for what I've learned.

Pennies in a well, a million dollars in the fountain of a hotel. Fortune teller that says maybe you will go to hell. But I'm not scared at all...hmm hmm hmm hmm hmm

Of the cracks in the crystal, the cracks in the crystal ball.

Irony, irony, this hate and love, hate and love. What it does to me, what it's done to me. What is done...done

Pennies in a well, a million dollars in the fountain of a hotel. Broken mirrors and a black cat's cold stare,Walk under ladders on my way to hell, I'll meet you there. But I'm not scared at all, hmm...I'm not scared at all.

Bout the cracks in the crystal, the cracks in the crystal ball.

Cookie Monster....DENIED!

2010-02-22T10:58:00.000-08:00

I can bake and decorate a cake like no other, I'll admit it and toot my own horn. I make a mean frosting from scratch as well. Once you have my frosting you'll never go back to that canned frosting from the store. YUCK.

I don't get it! What happened? This weekend The Boy and I decided to make double chocolate chip cookies from a 3 in 1 cookbook I purchased on clearance from Barnes and Nobles for $9.99. I had all of the ingredients except for the chocolate chip morsels. I did have the round melting chocolate that you would buy from Michael's, to which you melt and then dip fruit in. It's the same thing, right? It's chocolate and the recipe said to melt the chocolate chips with butter, so what would it matter?

OH IT MATTERS! The batter came out the consistency of cake batter. The recipe said it would be thin, so I went with it. I refrigerated the batter for 30 minutes, just like I was instructed. The batter became firm and I made little balls and spaced them 1 1/2 inches apart, just like the directions stated.

So WHAT THE HECK HAPPENED?

The cookie balls all slid towards the center of the pan as they melted back to liquid form, and instead of 12 individual cookies, we had one large cookie. Only the inside was like pudding and not very tasty at all.

Needless to say The Boy and The BF were laughing at me, while I was almost crying. How could this be? I can bake!

Need I say more? I don't think so!

2010-02-20T03:00:00.000-08:00

Snow Break.....SERIOUSLY?

2010-02-19T03:00:00.000-08:00

So my son has been off of school this entire week. Why? SNOW WEEK! Confused squinty look on my face.

What the heck is snow week? It doesn't snow in the San Francisco Bay Area. Hello, it's been sunny out, even if it is gloomy today, I DON'T SEE ANY SNOW! California is the GOLDEN STATE, warm and sunny with beautiful beaches and hot sand. It's not like we are buried to eyeballs in 4ft of snow like back East.

The Boy this entire week has been coming with me to work. He quietly sits in my office watching movies, playing on the computer and on his Nintendo DSI. He's even a few hundred pages short in regards to finishing the book Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince.

Today during my lunch break, we decided to walk around the Marina and get some fresh air.

Doesn't look like it's snowing here. In fact all of the flowers are in full bloom!??? Now scratching my head.

Enjoy a walk through our city, well the city where my job is located.

Snow break SCHMOOOOOO BREAK. At least we get to enjoy some Mommy and Boy time!

Let's Build Something Together

2010-02-18T07:58:00.001-08:00

This is what The Boy and The BF did last night. They built my birthday present!

Loving it!

Re-model has begun..........

2010-02-17T12:46:00.000-08:00

Here is a sneak peak at the downstairs bathroom and the hallway. It should be finished by the time I get home from work. How great is that? It's like coming back from the restroom at a restaurant to find your food waiting for you. Oh yeah!!

Once it's fully completed, that means the toilet's back in the bathroom as well as the sink and painted. OH YEAH I GET TO PAINT! I'll post the before and after pictures!! I have to say the BF did a great job cutting the tile. Me likes a lot. How about you?

Bring it on.....

2010-02-16T13:43:00.000-08:00

Spring is coming. Spring is coming. It was actually sunny and nice this past weekend. Take a peek at what the SUN inspired me to do. Thanks to Lowes, and the way they perfectly arrange all the goodies for us impulse buyers. lol

We planted a total of 8 tulips, 4 on each side of our driveway. What a difference a tiny POP of color can do to really make your house look wonderful!

I could not resist this little guy. $14.95 at Lowes, isn't he adorable. I think so! I just hope he doesn't get stolen.

We found this cute planter at Home Goods. It was originally a faded worn white color. The BF spray painted it to match the house and he also picked out the pretty plants. We placed this in the front yard right behind our bench which is directly in front of our front window.

Oh BTW, yes we landscaped that front area ourselves. The BF took out a ton of bushes and we laid the black mesh down and the ground cover. Purchased the stones and the fence, he even built the bench. That was the first project we did last year when we moved in. Hey it's all about the curb appeal and ALL the houses one our court have it! Just keeping up with the JONES'S, I guess.

My cute frogs, I purchased these little guys from ABC Distributors. The stand we found at home goods for $9.99.

I might kick myself for saying this, because summer usually consists of 104 degree plus weather for weeks on end, BRING ON THE SUN!

Our new baby!!

2010-02-13T16:00:00.000-08:00

Meet Emmitt. No he's not named after the Vampire from the movie Twilight, more like the football player Emmitt Smith of the Dallas Cowboys. He was born November 26, 2009. He had his first vet visit today and he is 3lbs 1 ounce. He is half Seal Point Siamese, as his mom was purebred. His daddy is unknown.

After a week, Chloe and Emmitt are slowly becoming best friends.

It wasn't always like this though. Can you believe just 4 days ago Chloe was hissing, growling and attacking little Emmitt? Yeah, for a hot minute we thought we were going to have to give Emmitt away. Not our BABY BOY! Patience is a virtue! For that we are thankful!

Black cats are so hard to take pictures of. I've taken at least 50 pictures and 3 of them actually came out. LOL

Cha Cha Cha CHANGES

2010-01-28T08:42:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited, we just purchased the tile to upgrade the floors in all 3 bathrooms, a hallway and our kitchen. We've never done anything like this before so it's a big deal for us. I finally feel like a GROWN UP. OH NO........And I turn 32 on Sunday. Sheeesh!!!!!!

What do you think of the tile?

450 12X12 tiles!

This is the tile for the Master Bathroom upstairs and The Boy's bathroom which is upstairs as well. It's really not as yellow as it appears here, it's more of a sand color. We opted for the lighter color upstairs as apposed to the darker color we picked for the downstairs kitchen, hall and bathroom because it's not as bright upstairs and the darker tile would make the rooms seem smaller and not as bright.

Depending on the budget, after all is done, I'll probably use this same tile in our Laundry room which is also upstairs. This is only if there's money left over.

This is the tile we chose for the kitchen and the downstairs bathroom and hallway. It too looks a bit yellow here and it's not. It's a mocha color with nice swirls in it. It really POPS against the stainless steal appliances. We are going to lay this in the kitchen in a diamond shape instead of the laying them all square side by side. I think it will really make it look a lot more "fancier!" LOL

I feel like we should have tiled both floors with the same tile, however the darker tile just didn't look right upstairs and the lighter tile didn't look as elegant downstairs. I think I watch to much HGTV where they say everything should be the same. Screw HGTV, I'm going with my personal taste and what we think looks good! LOL I didn't mean screw HGTV, I still love them and am hoping I can be on one of their renovation shows. If you're reading this HGTV, my backyard needs a massive make-over!

Hopefully we will be able to start the Master Bath the weekend after Valentines Day. We are just too busy these next few weekends to have it all done.

No we are not doing it ourselves, but we have connections to a tile guy who's amazing. So we are super excited!!!!

The Quickie

2010-01-27T08:52:00.000-08:00

Book Club starts FEB 1, 2010. We will be reading The Help, by Kathryn Stockett. Feel free to pick the book and join us.

I just completed The Quickie, by James Patterson. I was a bit hesitant to read this book as I'm not one for murder mystery type books. I have to admit I was into the book in the beginning, then in the middle not so much. I forced myself to continue reading and I have to say that this book surprised me. I didn't think it was as great as everyone portrayed it to be, however the ending really made the book. There were a lot of twists to the book, however it started to become a bit predictable, and left you wondering what was going to happen next. I was expecting it for some reason to be a choppy read, because of all the twists I was told this book takes. I actually found it a smooth easy quick read. I actually think this would make a great movie.

Have you read it? What was your take on the book?

So I'm going to attempt something I've never done before. Read two books at one time. OH YEAH! I will be reading The Help along side, Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. I think I could use a little inspiration these days. It's been raining for 10 days straight and I need a pick me up. I love the rain, but this dark gloominess that is my world needs a bit of sunshine.

What are you reading? Will you be joining me in reading either of these two books?

Chinese Luck Tag

2010-01-22T03:00:00.000-08:00

I stole this tag from kys at Stir-Fry Awesomeness:

8 TV Shows I Watch:

-Greys Anatomy

-Private Practice

-House Hunters

-Dog the Bounty Hunter

-The Real World

-Tough Love

-Survivor

-30 Minute Meals

8 Favorite Places to Eat and Drink:

-Blue Fin Sushi

-Qins

-Red Robin

-Uno's Chicago Grill

-Fish Market

-Specialty's

-Mint Leaf

-Subway

8 Things I Look Forward To:

-The weekend

-My Birthday - Jan 31st

-Getting a new kitten

-Landscaping my backyard

-Granite Counter tops

-Thursday Night - Greys Anatomy

-5 O'clock

-Tomorrow

8 Things That Happened Yesterday:

-Watched the rain

-Painted my finger nails, becoming a nightly habit, I think I'm obsessed

-Watched the news

-Went shopping

-Made Dinner

-Worked

-Played with my Kitten

-Helped The Boy become famous - He's making video's and posting them on YouTube

8 Things I Love About Winter:

-The sound of the rain

-Wearing Scarfs

-Sitting in front of the fire

-The landscape - Green everywhere

-It's not 112 degrees, it's easier to get warm than cool off

-The sound of the rain - Yeah I know I said this already

-Staying indoors with family and friends

-Hot chocolate

8 Things on My Wish List:

-See previous post titled, Bucket list

8 Things I'm Passionate About:

-My Job

-The Boy

-The BF

-My House

-My coffee

-Sending my son to college

-My love of reading

-Not failing

8 Words I Use Often:

-You've got to be kidding me

-Seriously

-Come one

-Love you

-Hello

-Yes

-Please

-This is Lisa

8 Things I've Learned From the Past:

-Never regret anything you do

-Everything happens for a reason

-Don't sweat the small stuff

-Be free to do as you will

-Don't judge or let yourself be judged

-Money and possessions bring temporary happiness

-Accept people for who they are, or let them go

-Never settle

8 Things I Currently Want/Need:

-Pedicure

-Food Sealer

-To go grocery shopping

-A raise

-Yellow Camero

-New boots

-A cup of coffee

-A stiff drink, even though I don't really drink. It just sounds nice

8 People You Should Follow or blogs you should read:

-I don't believe in being a follower, you should be a leader

-If you want to read some good blogs, than check out the list of blogs I follow on my right sidebar.

Consider yourself tagged if you are reading this. Come on you know you want to play.

Root Beer, YUM!

2010-01-21T03:00:00.000-08:00

The Boy received a really cool Root beer making kit from our neighbor's D and A for Christmas. Saturday after bowling and before penguin making, we decided to make the yummy Root Beer.

Items needed to make your Root Beer.

My brown sugar was hard as a rock. I hope I got enough out to where it will taste right. If not, it's okay because the kit allows you to make 8 bottles. We made four!

It smelled so good! As Rachel Ray always exclaims we need smell-o-vision, I'm declaring we need smellblogs.

Now we wait 3 days to 2 weeks for the flat Root Beer to naturally carbonate, before we can refrigerate and drink.

I know, the 4th bottle was not completely filled, we had some spillage. Opps.

She's Pregnant

2010-01-20T03:00:00.000-08:00

Will it be a Boy or a girl? Hmmm.................

He's just going crazy wondering.

Congrats to the happy couple.

Penguins created by Maddie and her Mom Judy. Nothing like a Saturday spent crafting.

The Lovely Bones

2010-01-18T17:42:00.001-08:00

NO SPOILERS HERE, HECK THERE'S NOTHING TO SPOIL

“These were the lovely bones that had grown around my absence: the connections - sometimes tenuous, sometimes made at great cost, but often magnificent - that happened after I was gone. And I began to see things in a way that let me hold the world without me in it. The events that my death wrought were merely the bones of a body that would become whole at some unpredictable time in the future. The price of what I came to see as this miraculous body had been my life.” (p. 320)

That is the ending quote of the movie. A poor choice since the movie doesn't delve into the lives of anyone in Susie's life, except her father, unlike the book.

I rate it - 5 cups of coffee ouT of 5. Because that's how many cups I'd need to drink just to sit through the movie again. I was all excited to be able to review this movie for you all, until I lost all desire after seeing it with The BF, Friday night.

I think this quote best describes my take on the movie, "The saddest thing about it is that the movie is not really balls-out-bad, just VERY BADLY HANDLED"

As you all know my review of the book was just eh. I was a little skeptical to see the movie as it was only give 2.5 stars out of 5, however the BF was intrigued as the director Peter Jackman, is the same person who filmed the movie Lord of the Ring; and like me, who doesn't love a good Marky Mark movie?

Make sure to eat some shrooms before seeing this movie. It will actually help you to sit through it. Or drink 5 cups of coffee and a Red Bull. I almost walked out after the first 15 minutes, and only stayed because I didn't want to just throw away the $40 we had just spent on tickets, popcorn and a soda.

Heaven - Nothing like the book at all. I mean seriously, couldn't you have made it semi-similar to the book? No houses, no school, no Mother figure and certainly no one singing you to sleep. She sits in a gazebo the entire time staring down on earth or seeing these psychedelic images. I was so confused. Who ever thought up this heaven was definitely on something. Was I missing something when I read the book?

I really want to go on and on about how much of the book was left out of the movie, it wasn't even funny. The main point of the book was properly portrayed, however it was seriously lacking. I don't want to spoil it for you all so I'll leave out the details.

I do have some positive things to say about the movie. The girl who played Susie, Saoirse Ronan, was AMAZING. Un-like some lead rolls (Uhh HUMM Bella Swan, aka Kristen Stewart). This was the best book to movie character translation I've seen yet. I couldn't help but focus on her teeth and how small they were. Like a 5 year old child's teeth, small. Yeah I was that bored. I mean at least for me and my vision of Susie she was perfect and really in my eyes made the movie. You felt for her and wanted to scream in your seat, no don't go in there, run! If you have not read the book, I think you would be totally lost seeing the movie. You have to read the book before you see it to truly understand what's going on. I think it would be even worse, if that's possible, if I hadn't read the book. I have to admit, I really liked the part where Susie encounters all the other people in her Heaven. It was my favorite part and is probably what add the .5 to the rating of 2.5.

Despite the poor review here, I think I'd actually be willing to give the movie another shot. I mean it was past my bedtime when the movie started. That and every time I see the previews, it makes me want to see the movie or read the book.

All I can think is what happened? How could the previews be so good and the movie not?

Why can't all book to movies be done as well as The Time Travelers Wife was done? I thought that movie would be a hot mess, and I loved it. I don't get it.

AnyWHOOO, I actually didn't know if I was going to laugh or cry when it ended, out of joy that it was over.

Confessions of a Shopaholic

2010-01-17T03:00:00.000-08:00

Why I love to shop!

I've seen the movie (quotes below), now I want to read the book.

-When I was 7 most of my friends stopped believing in magic. That's when I first started. They were beautiful, they were happy. They didn't even need any money, they had magic cards.

-You know that thing when you see someone cute and he smiles and your heart kind of goes like warm butter sliding down hot toast? Well that's what it's like when I see a store. Only it's better.

-When I shop, the world gets better, and the world is better, but then it's not, and I need to do it again.

-A man will never love you or treat you as well as a store. If a man doesn't fit, you can't exchange him seven days later for a gorgeous cashmere sweater. And a store always smells good. A store can awaken a lust for things you never even knew you needed. And when your fingers first grasp those shiny, new bags... oh yes... oh yes.

In the past 24hrs I've spent $75.00 at a Pampered Chef online pary and $97.00 at ABC Distributers. I finally bought my scissors, they were on sale for $9.99. All stuff I could do without, but couldn't resist.

The Bucket List

2010-01-16T03:00:00.000-08:00

*In case you were unable to visit WE BELIEVE BLOGS and read my guest post, here it is for your reading pleasure!*

As with the start of every New Year we usually find ourselves making resolutions even though we know we are just going to break them. I’m tired of making the same old resolutions, only to fail. I’ve decided that this year is going to be different.

I’m creating my very own BUCKET LIST!

A bit morbid you say? If you think about it, no, not really. It’s just a list of things I want to do before I die. I’m not limiting myself to any specific time frame, except for the fact that I’d like to get it done before I die.

So here’s a list of the top 10 things I’d like to do before I kick the bucket (In no particular order):

1) Take a ride in a Hot Air Balloon – In Napa, CA you can have the best of the wine country by combining two of Napa’s favorites, Napa Valley Balloons, Inc. and the Platypus Tours group wine tour. Package Rate: $299 / per person.

2) Drive a Nascar on a professional race track – You will be provided with classroom instruction on how to drive a real racecar and then you can take the wheel. Race against your instructor or "ride along" with a veteran Busch North driver. We can
create a racing package to meet any request. Packages start at $199.00 for 10 laps.

3) Swim with Dolphins - The Dolphin Swim Adventure is your chance to live out a classic vacation fantasy and swim with dolphins. You will enjoy a fun belly–ride, handshake, and an unforgettable dolphin kiss! Prices start at $200.00

4) Visit Santorini, Greece - The Cyclades, Aegean, has one of the most spectacular landscapes in Greece and in the world. The traditional villages of the island, built on tall cliffs, offer a breathtaking view over the submerged volcano. They represent the beautiful Greek cliché you have always dreamed about! Among them you mustn't miss Oia, the place gifted with the most famous and stunning sunsets. You will find on this portal site all the information you need about the island as well as Santorini hotels. I have no idea what this would even cost.

5) Ride a Mule down the Grand Canyon - Riders travel down the canyon walls on the backs of nimble-footed mules that pick their way as delicately as any mountain climber. Led by well trained and experienced guides, mule rides Grand Canyon tours stop every 30 to 45 minutes to rest the mules and drink water; dehydration is a very real risk in the immense heat of the canyon. Prices start at $100.

6) Ride in a Helicopter, preferably around Hawaii - 60 sq. feet of panoramic glass for maximum visibility, 4-camera digital DVD system—cockpit camera puts you in the in-flight video, Two-way communication between you and your pilot, plus Bose® aviation-grade noise-canceling headsets, First-class seats, 23% more cabin area—you’ll love the extra personal space and shoulder room, The most advanced 21st century helicopter technology—ultra quiet, smooth, and fuel efficient. Prices start at $138.00.

7) Paranormal Investigation – I’m not sure how to even go about doing this. I’d like to perform an investigation in an old run down Insane Asylum or Prison. You’ve seen people do this on TV. I really want to do this.

8) Indoor Skydiving - Earn Your Wings with two flights in the vertical wind tunnel, the equivalent flight time of three tandem skydives. You also get your training session, use of all the flight gear, and hands on personal assistance from an instructor and a personalized flight certificate. Packages start at $50.

9) Fire a Gun - Classroom session covering safety and the basic fundamentals of shooting. Our staff will then accompany you to the range and work with first-time shooters while ensuring safety and being available for questions and requests. Packages start at $38.

10) Scuba Diving - On the conservation side, the Caribbean is devoted to the preservation of the underwater environment. It has a host of protected marine parks with thriving aquatic life. Indeed, the area offers the most varied examples of tropical marine life imaginable, including anglefish, barracuda, crabs, dancing eels, goat fish, grouper, lobster, octopus, parrot fish, seahorses, sea turtles, sharks, snappers, spiny puffers, and stingrays. Prices start at $100.

So there you have it, the top 10 things I’d like to do before I die. What’s on your list?

We Believe Blogs

2010-01-15T03:00:00.000-08:00

I'm guest posting today on We Believe Blogs.

Everywhere you look in Blogland these days there are new blog groups popping up. Blog groups for moms, blog groups for specific religions, blog groups for bald guys. Okay I haven’t actually seen the last one, but I’m pretty sure it exists. The super brilliant masterminds behind We Believe Blogs wanted a place where all bloggers belonged.

So while I may believe this and you may believe that… it doesn’t matter…because we all believe something. We Believe Blogs is all about people uniting regardless of the differences they may have.

What are you waiting for? Click on the link, read my post and then JOIN!

*Comments are turned off*

Love Stinks, Ya, Ya.

2010-01-14T03:00:00.001-08:00

I'm super excited!

Why you ask?

Because I purchased a NEW SWIFTER WET JET! (The one I currently have, I've mopped it to the ground)

If you own a Swifter, than you can understand why I'm so excited. This thing ROCKS! It's the best invention since sliced bread. I totally can't wait to use it. Yeah it's that good. It actually MAKES you want to mop all of your floors. I never dread mopping the floor, it's as easy and quick as sweeping your floor.

If you have any type of floor other than carpet in your house, then this is a must own. This is not an advertisment for Swifter. When I find a great product, I just like to share it. Trust me you won't regret spending the $20 to purchase it. The commercial definetly says it all. What you haven't seen the commercial for it? Well then YOUTUBE it! Before you purchase it, google it as I'm sure there are tons of coupons for it online.

The Ugly - The only downfall in my opnion. My opinion is the only one that actually matters, is the replacement pads. I think they are a bit pricey, I'm CHEAP though. They are also very wastefull, GO GREEN. It would be nice if they had re-usable pads you can just wash in the washing maching after you have used them. Maybe one day! I might actually email them to find out if it's in their plan for the future.

So what are you waiting for, go buy one. If you have one, go mop something!

SERIOUSLY!

2010-01-13T03:00:00.000-08:00

Grey's Anatomy is back people, and I can't wait for Thursday night.

Let's jump straight to the recap:

In one two hour episode we experienced the joy and shock and sadness that is
Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years.

Not to mention the drama of:

Mark Sloan - I mean SERIOUSLY, McSteamy became a Father and a soon to be Grandpa all in one episode. It's true, Callie performed the paternity test. To top it off, It's a girl named Sloan. It comes as a shock to Lexi who chops off the tip of her finger after finding out that her boyfriend's new daughter, who's practically the same age as she is, is moving in! McDreamy doesn't help the situation by telling Lexi, " There could be a gaggle of Sloans!" LMAO. I totally believe it too. He's such the Man Whore but he makes a great wing man.

The Chief - The Chief has fallen off the wagon, hard. The Chief tells Meredith he's not an alcoholic, he just has "Situational Depression." In hopes of Meredith keeping quiet about his "situation" the Chief t gives Meredith special one on one training and she's milking it. I mean with the merger and all, she's finding it hard to get any OR time. Who knows how long the secret will be kept, for at the end of the episode the Chief is so drunk at the bar, that Joe has to page Meredith to pick him up. Yeah, SERIOUSLY, "Daddy Issues!"

Cristina and Hunt - Their love triangle with the new so-called Cardio-God has now ended. Possibly, Maybe. Cristina goes all dramatic on Hunt, telling him she knows she's not perfect but.....Before she can finish talking, Hunt grabs her and gives her a dramatic kiss. He confesses his dire love for her. I hope this doesn't make Cristina all goo, goo gaga while Meredith becomes dark and twisty for having to keep the Chief's secret.

Meredith - Is all happy go lucky since getting married to Derek via a post-it note. I was in shock that she even gave up a part of her Liver for her non-existent father. No more dark and twisty Meredith. It's so weird to see her happy and so positive. Knowing Meredith, this can't go on for much longer. The Chief's secrets got to drag her back down, especially with how the show ended.

The Bitches -

Alex to Meredith: "You're his bitch." (talking about her relationship with the Chief)
Meredith to Cristina: "Well, in that case, you're Teddy's bitch." (Teddy is the new Cardio God who loves Hunt, but Hunt loves Cristina)
Alex to himself: "Maybe that's my problem. I'm no body's bitch."
Cristina to Alex: "You were Izzie's bitch."
Alex to Cristina: "You're the bitch."

Alex - Alex and Izzy, I'm not sure what the heck is going on here. One minute Izzy is on the show and alive. Then she's dead. Then she's back to being alive. Then she's just gone and now she's back. I don't get it. She just needs to permanently be gone. Alex is just as bad. One minute he's all the Good Guy Alex and then he's back to his usual rude, womanizing self. Snooze button on these two.

Bailey - Is having "Daddy Issues" when her father comes to town after finding out she's gotten a divorce. Bailey, because she is the bad ass of Seattle Grace, not to mention my FAVORITE character! SERIOUSLY, my favorite! She sticks the knife right where it belongs during Christmas dinner. She proceeds to tell her Father, that despite her son not being with her for the holidays, he's a healthy, well loved and a happy boy. She shouldn't raise him in a home that's not suitable. You go girl! There's nothing wrong with being divorced and a single Mother.

Derek - After being fired by the Chief, but working anyway, he finally gets an apology from the Chief. Nothing exciting going on with him, unless you consider him donating his paycheck to save a child's life. He's just pretty eye candy. It's totally the hair.

Arizona and Callie - They are still together and appear as blissfully happy as ever. Joy! Something good has got to happen with these two.

Am I missing anyone? If I am then they probably aren't to important. Like the lame Mercy West people. Who do they think they are invading Seattle Grace. LOL

I think I've pretty much covered the basis here.

Are you as excited as I am?

Snowballs, shmmmo balls

2010-01-12T03:00:00.002-08:00

I've been reading all these posts lately, in regards to how it's snowing everywhere. I'm constantly seeing pictures of snow laced trees, homemade snowmen, bundled up chitlins and long sharp icicles on gutters.

You see where I live there is no snow. So being the creative people that we are, we decided to improvise. I think we came up with the perfect solution to those of us who rarely ever see snow.

Introducing sand balls.

In my opinion, they're actually a lot better than snowballs. They are warmer and don't hurt at all when you get hit by them. Sand balls can pretty much be made all year round. No need for big ole, "I can't put my arms down," coats and cute hats with pom pom tails.

Word on the street is that they are edible too, just like snow. Though I'm not sure I'd eat one. You don't have to worry about "YELLOW" snow here people. Just crunchy sand particles. YUM.

I'm melting. Like snowballs, sand balls melt away. Be careful not to drop your sand ball in the water. You're likely to never see it again.

You've got to love sunny California, even in the winter.

Brrrrr It's Cold In Here!

2010-01-11T03:00:00.000-08:00

It's been a few months since the "crafty" side of me has come out. I've been on craft overload since Halloween.

However, it's just YOUR luck, because I'm back in the saddle and off to an intense start thanks to one of my FAVORITE blogs, FRUGAL FAMILY FUN BLOG!

Last week, Valerie and her daughter made this really cool penguin play set out of old stockings! Now in my household, penguins are our best friends. I mean hello, the background on my Mytouch is a bunch of rolly polley penguins. PO, our pet penguin also lives between the rails of our staircase (pictures can be found in other craft posts). So you can imagine when I saw her post, I couldn't wait to make one. Thanks Valerie for the inspiration.

If you are crafty and not following her blog, you should start now! Valerie also hosts "sewing in baby steps," for those of us who have sewing machines, and have no idea how to use them. I've taken 2 of her courses and have really enjoyed everything I've made (The Halloween Trick or Treat bags idea, came from her class.)

INTRODUCING, PENELOPE PENGUIN

Okay, so isn't she just ADORABLE? She even has a tail! She's made out of a "RIBBED" Nylon, knee sock. She was so cute and adorable, I decided she needed a mate.

And so, PAUL was born.

Supplies:

1) Nylon Socks - 5 pairs for $5 dollars at Walmart. One sock makes one penguin.
2) Felt - $.37 a piece at Walmart. Black, White, Orange, Yellow, Red and Blue.
3) Thread - $.97 Walmart. Black and Blue. Don't forget to buy your needles if you don't have any. These are all sewn by hand.
4) Velcro - $1.27 at Walmart. I purchased the small self adhesive circles. This is what you use to attach the fish to the hands and beak.
5) Poly-Fil - $2.27 for that large bag at Walmart. You barely use any of this, so grab the smallest bag you can find. With this bag, I have a life-time supply.

STEP 1:

Measure approximately 7 inches from the toe of the sock down towards the heal and then cut. The toe will soon become the penguins head. Since Paul is a boy, I used a smooth knee sock as opposed to the ribbed one.

Step 2:

Stuff the sock with the Poly-Fil and pin the bottom closed. Sew the bottom closed.

Step 3:

Use a round object to draw out the penguins belly and 1/2 teaspoon to draw and cut out the eyes.

Then free cut the feet (two orange triangles), the beak (One yellow, One Black and One Red triangle. The black and yellow should be the same size and the red one slightly smaller.)

Finally, cut out the tail and small black eyeballs.

Step 4:

Pin all the parts onto the stuffed black sock and then sew each piece in place with a Whip Stitch. Once you have sewn on all the parts, then sew a Gather (Google it) stitch around the neck of the penguin to give it shape.

Don't forget the tail. I did, twice.

Step 5:

Free cut your flippers. For the male, I used four pieces of black felt and two pieces of white. Just to give him personality. Sew two black pieces together to give the flippers some "thickness." Then sew the smaller identical white piece to the front of the flipper with the Whip stitch.

So PAUL was born!

SOON THEY WILL HAVE BABIES!

If Chloe doesn't get to them first. Isn't she getting so big?

BTW: Feel free to cut out fish using the blue felt. Whip stitch two pieces of blue felt together part way then stuff with the poly-fil. Whip stitch it closed. Place a small piece of Velcro on the fish and on the penguins hand and inside of the black part of the beak.

I'm not giving up. YES I CAN!

2010-01-10T03:00:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I taught myself to crochet; and since I started my first blanket. I think I began crocheting this blanket back in May 2009.

I'm now determined to jump back on the horse and complete my gigantor blanket. I think it will take a few months, but by golly I want to finish it!

So here it is in all it's glory! I found it unfinished and stuffed in the big ole, Trader Joe's Shopping bag in my "Hobbit Hole" under the stairs. I don't even think I remember how to crochet. Youtube, my friend, I'll be visiting very soon.

What was I thinking, creating my FIRST ever crochet project so BIG? It's as long as a 3 person couch (not very straight I might add) and it's only wide enough right now to cover from my ankles to my knees.

Oh sheesh, I've got a long way to go. I hope they still sell this yarn. DOH!

Why couldn't I have started out small? Like a baby blanket. No, like always I have to go BIG or go HOME. Stupid me. So now here I determined to finish this blanket that will probably take me 3 months to complete.

I need some incentive. Some something, to give me the drive to complete what feels like the un-completable. What's detouring me even more; by the time I compete the blanket summer will be here and there is NO WAY in the 112 degree weather that is my city, I'll want to even use this once it is complete.

So here I am typing instead of working on the blanket, and all I can think about is finally learning to Mod Podge the sign I made in my bathroom that says, "If you sprinkle when you tinkle, be a sweetie and wipe the seatie."

Yes, it's okay, I too wonder what is wrong with me at times. It's normal to start projects and not compelte them, but then jump right back into again? Right?

Do you remember my WISH LIST?

2010-01-09T03:00:00.000-08:00

Do you remember the wish list I posted a few months back? If not here it, is

http://smellthecoffeelisa.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2009-10-18T12%3A39%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=7

I wanted to give you an update as to where I stand with the items. I think I have a serious problem, because I've full-filled every item, except for the $12 pair of scissors. LOL

Is that sad? A little? Yeah okay, I agree!

1) My number one item was the KINDLE. Scrap that crappy item, I took it step up and got the Ereader! Well as you read from yesterday's post, the BF bought it for me for Xmas. What a great BF!

2) My number two item was the pretty pink Fossil watch. I didn't get that watch, however I did buy a watch. Thanks to my PAPA and the money he gave me for xmas, I was able to buy this beauty and 2 really nice $30 pillows for the BF and myself to sleep on. PAPA you did good this year! Are you jealous, yeah I know you are. It was $70 on sale for $46. You can't beat that!

Simulated crystals adorn the bezel, band and mother-of-pearl face for standout sparkle.
Date display offers added convenience.
Three-hand quartz movement keeps hands ticking accurately.
Silver-tone finish provides sleek shine.
Details:
Water resistant to 165 feet
Stainless steel back
Battery operated
Manufacturer's 12-year limited warranty

3) My number three item was the T-mobile mytouch cell phone. Yeah I've had that for a few months now and had previously posted about it.

4) My number four item was the scissors from ABC Distributors. The cheapest item on my list $12.99 and the one item I have not purchased. I think I'm demented or something. This should have been the first item I purchased.

I'm so spoiled, I know. I apologize for that. I'm a brat as well if that helps.

I know I'm delayed, but was your Christmas wish list full-filled?

Book Club, Anyone? Anyone? Seriously!

2010-01-08T07:43:00.000-08:00

For Christmas the BF got me a SONY EREADER. I know, I know, I was totally against the Kindle and thought nothing compared to the feel and smell of an actual book in your hands.

Well people, that's all changed! I'm in love and there's no turning back. Since I've had the Ereader I've read so many books. I'm currently reading the Quickie, it's all right. I'm not one for murder mystery books.

Here are some of the books I've read, since having the reader:

1) Lovely Bones - This book was all right. I found the style of writing difficult to read as the sentences at times didn't make sense. The book jumps quickly from one character to another without a smooth transition. I found myself, often, having to go back and re-read pages. I thought for a moment something was wrong with me, however I know others who feel the same way about the book. Despite the fact, I can't wait to see the movie.

2) The Blindside - I thought this was a great book. I think everyone should read this book. It had it's slow parts, when they were talking about football back in the 80's, however I think it really made the book in the end. The little brother is hilarious! I can't wait to see the movie.

3) The five people you meet in heaven - If you need a good cry, then read this book. Great, quick read.

4) The Notebook - I've been dying to read this book so I could finally see the movie. I was very disappointed in the book and the movie. I think after waiting so long, I had higher expectations. The book started off well, then I became bored. It did have a nice ending. Too fairy tale for me.

Why I like the Ereader over the Kindle:

1) It's a touch screen. Come on now, need I say more?

2) You can share your books. This makes it priceless. I just put my books on an SD card and hand it over to my friends who have Ereaders. Kindle you can't share books at all! Isn't the whole point of reading books, being able to share them with friends.

3) It comes in pretty colors (Red, Silver, Black and Pink), unlike the Kindle's boring White.

4) You can rent books from your library online. HELLO KINDLE, you can't do that!

5) It's wireless (not my version, the new Ereader version is). I don't think this is worth the extra $100 as since I can share books, I don't see myself having to buy as many books. The Kindle is wireless as well so I guess this makes them even in this category.

6) It's easily readable with the book light. I've heard the Kindle sucks when using the book light.

7) The Ereaeder reads various formats, such as PDF. The Kindle not so much. Only Amazon formatted books. Yeah no thanks!

8) People can by you Ereader gift cards easily from Best Buy. $25 and $50 denominations.

9) It's an MP3 player and holds all your photos. Kindle, eat your heart out!

So I've talked two people into purchasing the Ereader. My sister and a Co-worker, which is really great because now we can swap books. Talk about saving money! Not to mention it's small and thin enough to fit in my purse and take anywhere. Another perk is they have children's books as well. So not only do I always have a great book on hand to read, so does my son. BOOOO YAHHHHH SON! This is the BEST INVENTION EVER!!

So I've decided to start a BOOK CLUB with my co-workers. Our first book is going to be:

THE HELP, by Kathryn Stockett

The book club will begin on Feb 1st, as most of us are currently in the middle of reading other books at this time. If you want to join in, please do!

What have you been reading?

Tennessee Line

2010-01-07T13:53:00.000-08:00

I open my lungs
To breathe in forgiveness and love
Haunting me now, reminders of how I used to be
I know down the road
My troubles are sure to follow
Looking out the window
Hell if I know where I will go
So I will just keep on driving

On my way to L.A.
Looking into the rear view
As the roads fade away
Sworn off my past
The first and last bad call that I ever made

Tell me how to make right
Every wrong turn I've learn
That this can all end tonight

Tennessee line just changed my mind
It's my heart I'll follow this time

Who would've known
That pride is so hard to swallow
As I rest on the shoulder of a road
Growing colder, with the trouble I own
Should I just keep on driving

On my way to L.A.
Looking into the rear view
As the roads fade away
Sworn off my past
The first and last bad call that I ever made

Tell me how to make right
Every wrong turn I've learned
That this can all end tonight

Tennessee line just changed my mind
It's my heart I'll follow this time

I know I must be doing something right
Head the other way back to where I started out
Ask myself if I can turn it all around tonight
And stop living with doubt

On my way to L.A.
Looking into the rear view
As the roads fade awaySworn off my past
The first and last bad call that I ever made
Tell me how to make right
Every wrong turn I've learned
That this can all end tonight

Tennessee line just changed my mind
It's my heart I'll follow this time

Good thing's come in 4's!

2009-11-14T02:00:00.000-08:00

My baby is 4 months old and weighs 4lbs 2 ounces. She's now old enough and big enough to be spayed.

Can you believe her Vet gave me a quote for $513.00 to spay her? When I told them I thought that was ridiculous they went over the list of charges and by the time we were finished the bill went from $513 all the way down to $145.

Half the items on the list were simply unnecessary and OPTIONAL. Even the nurse who went over the charges admitted that almost all the items on the list were not necessary.

Like $50 to do a fluoride treatment on her teeth. What the heck does that have to do with her being spayed? Does she really need an EKG for $80 and tons of blood tests for her liver? I really don't think she needs a catheter or a fluid drip. The nurse admitted that most kittens don't need any of that. Makes we wonder how many people actually paid all that money and didn't think to question what the charges were for and what procedures actually needed to be done.

She's a kitten, a healthy kitten at that, not a human. I don't know, am I crazy to think $513 is way to much? Am I crazy to take the risk to not do testing to see how my baby Chloe will react while being under anesthesia?

So she'll be getting spayed sometime in December, for $145. The $145 covers the actual surgery, the anesthesia to completely knock her out, pain management shots and medication for afterwards. Oh yeah and a cone to put around her head ($10 for the cone).

So my advice to everyone, always ask for a detailed break down of your pet's Vet bills BEFORE they do any procedures. This way you can find out if they really NEED to do all that they are suggesting.

On a ROLL. Literally!

2009-11-13T02:00:00.000-08:00

My son's been doing really well in his bowling league the past few weeks. His team is in last place, but he has been beating his average, smiling and having fun. This past weekend he bowled a 92, 138 and 84. His average right now is 80. I'm so happy for him, because he's actually enjoying bowling.

This past weekend his head needed to be popped as he was dancing around saying he had the highest score at one point, on his team. Remember this is a kid who the past year has always had the worst score. I put him in his place! Well the best that I could, for a kid who has as much attitude as his Mother.

So The BF and I decided we are going to get him his own bowling ball for Christmas. We are going to get him a 10lb Transformers bowling ball! We are not going to have the holes drilled until he learns to bowl with his fingers in the hole. Right now he just pushes the ball off his chest. Whatever works, I don't care as long as he's having fun!

Sorry for the craptastic photo of his final scores of the first two games. LOL I can't wait to post pictures of the bowling ball.