I won this......isn't it pretty. I can see myself spending lots of money at this site. I love cute dresses that don't look like I should be standing on a street corner.
It is my first ever internet win...and boy am I excited about it.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
a little something
A Little Inspiration
People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, It is between you and God;
It never was between you and them anyway.
Author Unknown
People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, It is between you and God;
It never was between you and them anyway.
Author Unknown
Saturday, December 20, 2008
why average is perfect
i am certain that it gets very old that i say things are generally ok all the time.
i guess it's just that i know so many who have it so much harder every single day.
i guess it's just that i know so many who have it so much harder every single day.
Friday, December 19, 2008
dude seriously
i don't mean to start and stop. I really don't. but life happens and it seems like it happens very quickly right now and when I blink whole weeks have passed me by.
i really want to do this on a more regular basis, but the way my brain works isn't in the way that I can't just bloggy blog on a whim.
currently i have one 12 year old recovering from the stomach bug.
i have yet to finish my Christmas shopping and I am not stressed about it at all. this year i made it a point to not take on anything that stressed me out or made me crazy in the brain that resulted in the entire household feeling the effects of crazy in the brain me.
i finally, yes after many many years of searching found a kick ass hair chic who makes my hair look much better than i could dream.
i am planning on new ventures for the new year and I am beyond excited.
everything is rocking along in it's normal chaos that happens around here and i don't have any complaints.
i am sure i could use the lower case i a bunch more times but i won't bore anyone right now.
i also don't feel like cleaning up typos. :)
i really want to do this on a more regular basis, but the way my brain works isn't in the way that I can't just bloggy blog on a whim.
currently i have one 12 year old recovering from the stomach bug.
i have yet to finish my Christmas shopping and I am not stressed about it at all. this year i made it a point to not take on anything that stressed me out or made me crazy in the brain that resulted in the entire household feeling the effects of crazy in the brain me.
i finally, yes after many many years of searching found a kick ass hair chic who makes my hair look much better than i could dream.
i am planning on new ventures for the new year and I am beyond excited.
everything is rocking along in it's normal chaos that happens around here and i don't have any complaints.
i am sure i could use the lower case i a bunch more times but i won't bore anyone right now.
i also don't feel like cleaning up typos. :)
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
The Season of Giving
As wallets grow tighter and Christmas looms large HP is giving away amazing prizes for The HP Magic Giveaway. There are many blogs participating one of them being MooshInIndy.
I'm entering this as I think that I have the perfect family to give a lot of this prize to. You see, JP is just like you and I. He loves God and his family, lives life to the fullest and works very hard to provide for them.
That all came to an abrupt halt last week. He was one of the "cutbacks" that we read about all over the news these days and is now having to navigate resume's and job hunters and unemployment all the while worrying about feeding his family and navigating the ever shrinking funds especially during this time of year.
JP isn't some college degree wielding executive. He doesn't have a fat bank account at all. He lives pay check to pay check just like most of us do. What he is though is one of the most talented graphics designers around. Every ounce of talent this man has is God given and self taught. What he does with code creates some of the most fantastic websites I've seen. The passion in which he stays up into the wee hours to make sure a work project is the best he can make it is unmatched. Not only does he work with such passion, he also gives with such passion. He's always looking out for the underdog. The people that most overlook and he never hesitates to reach out and lend a helping hand.
Today, there was a small bright spot. A job interview. One that may or may not pay all the bills each month but it was a sparkle of a spot to getting back on his feet. It may not have been much, but it was something.
Until he returned home.
As he walked through the smashed door the sinking realization that every item in his house had been stolen fell down upon him. Every Christmas present already purchased, every toy and item from his sons room, everything from every room. Yet the item that hit the hardest was that his computer was gone. Not just a computer for surfing the web or paying bills online but the one item that linked his fantastic craft to the world. The tool that allowed him to work, to learn, to create. Gone. Twelve years of websites, codes, flash strings, all gone. Hard drives that you stored back ups on, gone.
Most would assume that insurance would pick up the tab. Sadly there is no renters insurance to pick up the cost of things stolen and broken. There are only people left to pick up what's left and figure out where to go from here. There are children wondering why and trying to make sense of such crime during the time when we should celebrate and give.
To many this may be trivial, but to me, to be hit with not only the whammy of losing your job in an uncertain job market but to have your entire personal world invaded and taken from you, is just something I can't look beyond.
I can't choose what I would give him as part of this gift as I would give it all to him. I will set it all out and let him choose what he needs. If he needs all of it to start to work again it's his. If he needs something to put a smile on the face of his son who didn't ask for his house to be broken into, it's his.
Because as I sit here in my house, in my chair, typing on my laptop with a screen marred by my kids having sprayed fabreeze on it, I realize I already have everything I need.
I'm not a fantastic writer and I don't have the ability to tell a story like some. I just think that there are times when God drops something in our laps that gives us the direct ability to help and we should never shrug it off.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I didn't win but you can go here to donate to help him out. Every dollar counts.
I'm entering this as I think that I have the perfect family to give a lot of this prize to. You see, JP is just like you and I. He loves God and his family, lives life to the fullest and works very hard to provide for them.
That all came to an abrupt halt last week. He was one of the "cutbacks" that we read about all over the news these days and is now having to navigate resume's and job hunters and unemployment all the while worrying about feeding his family and navigating the ever shrinking funds especially during this time of year.
JP isn't some college degree wielding executive. He doesn't have a fat bank account at all. He lives pay check to pay check just like most of us do. What he is though is one of the most talented graphics designers around. Every ounce of talent this man has is God given and self taught. What he does with code creates some of the most fantastic websites I've seen. The passion in which he stays up into the wee hours to make sure a work project is the best he can make it is unmatched. Not only does he work with such passion, he also gives with such passion. He's always looking out for the underdog. The people that most overlook and he never hesitates to reach out and lend a helping hand.
Today, there was a small bright spot. A job interview. One that may or may not pay all the bills each month but it was a sparkle of a spot to getting back on his feet. It may not have been much, but it was something.
Until he returned home.
As he walked through the smashed door the sinking realization that every item in his house had been stolen fell down upon him. Every Christmas present already purchased, every toy and item from his sons room, everything from every room. Yet the item that hit the hardest was that his computer was gone. Not just a computer for surfing the web or paying bills online but the one item that linked his fantastic craft to the world. The tool that allowed him to work, to learn, to create. Gone. Twelve years of websites, codes, flash strings, all gone. Hard drives that you stored back ups on, gone.
Most would assume that insurance would pick up the tab. Sadly there is no renters insurance to pick up the cost of things stolen and broken. There are only people left to pick up what's left and figure out where to go from here. There are children wondering why and trying to make sense of such crime during the time when we should celebrate and give.
To many this may be trivial, but to me, to be hit with not only the whammy of losing your job in an uncertain job market but to have your entire personal world invaded and taken from you, is just something I can't look beyond.
I can't choose what I would give him as part of this gift as I would give it all to him. I will set it all out and let him choose what he needs. If he needs all of it to start to work again it's his. If he needs something to put a smile on the face of his son who didn't ask for his house to be broken into, it's his.
Because as I sit here in my house, in my chair, typing on my laptop with a screen marred by my kids having sprayed fabreeze on it, I realize I already have everything I need.
I'm not a fantastic writer and I don't have the ability to tell a story like some. I just think that there are times when God drops something in our laps that gives us the direct ability to help and we should never shrug it off.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I didn't win but you can go here to donate to help him out. Every dollar counts.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Helloooo World
Sometimes things get so busy and fast that things have to give.
I think I shall start up again. My head is bursting with fantastic stuff and I should get it out somewhere right? :)
So here's to new starts.
I think I shall start up again. My head is bursting with fantastic stuff and I should get it out somewhere right? :)
So here's to new starts.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Car line, bus line, walker line
Can I put vodka in my coffee this morning? Is that acceptable?
I have two 6th Graders and a 5th Grader now.
They used to be 3 and ask for a 'peanut sannich'
I have two 6th Graders and a 5th Grader now.
They used to be 3 and ask for a 'peanut sannich'
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Skoolin
Yeah ok, so next time you happen to find yourself in the car singing the words to the new Pussycat Dolls song "I Wanna Grow Up"(because you know, it's not that I actually like the song, but it's catching and I can't help it) please remember this. They do not say "I wanna have boobies", actually they say "I wanna have groupies"....yeah cause groupies are somehow better than having boobies. (shuddup Deb, I don't have your size so I would want boobies, not groupies).
You will thank me for this PSA because you won't be corrected by your 11 yr old while they all giggle behind you for singing it wrong.
You will thank me for this PSA because you won't be corrected by your 11 yr old while they all giggle behind you for singing it wrong.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Ode to the Pink Sparkly Jelly Flip Flop
Recently we went through a period of mourning.
You see, when you are 3 and you receive a pair of pink glittery jelly flip flops with glitter inside the jelly part you are over the moon.
When you are 3 and your Nana gives you these pink sparkly jelly flip flops not only do you sleep in them the first night you get to her house and receive them. You put them on each morning the very nano second that you get out of bed and you wear them until the moment your mom makes you take them off.
When you are 3 and you have such shoes you absolutely lose it when your brother thinks of touching one speck of pink sparkly-ness that is on your flip flops. Not only do you lose it, you make sure that the squeal is so ear piercing that it could shatter plastic.
When you are 3 no matter how badly your feet sweat in pink sparkly jelly flip flops, you soldier on. You don't care that sand from the park, the yard or any parking lot gets on the sweaty flip flop and makes you look like your mom let you walk through wal mart with no shoes.
This is because you are 3 and you have pink sparkly jelly flip flops.
When you are 3 and you put your pink sparkly jelly flip flops through heck day in and day out sooner or later your flip can flop no more. And that's, when you don't understand that Target doesn't always carry a toddler size 9 of replacement pink sparkly jelly flip flops.
You see, when you are 3 and you receive a pair of pink glittery jelly flip flops with glitter inside the jelly part you are over the moon.
When you are 3 and your Nana gives you these pink sparkly jelly flip flops not only do you sleep in them the first night you get to her house and receive them. You put them on each morning the very nano second that you get out of bed and you wear them until the moment your mom makes you take them off.
When you are 3 and you have such shoes you absolutely lose it when your brother thinks of touching one speck of pink sparkly-ness that is on your flip flops. Not only do you lose it, you make sure that the squeal is so ear piercing that it could shatter plastic.
When you are 3 no matter how badly your feet sweat in pink sparkly jelly flip flops, you soldier on. You don't care that sand from the park, the yard or any parking lot gets on the sweaty flip flop and makes you look like your mom let you walk through wal mart with no shoes.
This is because you are 3 and you have pink sparkly jelly flip flops.
When you are 3 and you put your pink sparkly jelly flip flops through heck day in and day out sooner or later your flip can flop no more. And that's, when you don't understand that Target doesn't always carry a toddler size 9 of replacement pink sparkly jelly flip flops.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
upside down
inside out, backwards, not moving forward.
that is what the month of July is starting out to be.
some douchebag hit the back end of our vehicle in a parking lot. of course it couldn't be someone that drives a yaris or something...no it had to be a big old truck with a big old ranch hand bumper that totaled my back end, back bumper and left me with a deductible to pay. right, cause you know, i'm made of money for douchebags to just make me fork over to the body shop on random months.
my dog is confused. for some reason she thinks she's supposed to go potty inside. she'll stay outside all day long and 5 min after she's inside she's doing her thing. she's fixed, she's still a puppy and i'm working to reverse this...but what the hell man.
in the past few weeks the a/c motor has crapped out and the freezer went out. granted this has not had to come out of my pocket since we lease. however, going without a/c and now going with out a freezer (it's been a week...yes, a solid week)while they decide if they want to replace the freezer or just buy a new one. most people would question why this is an issue. well this house has these nifty 1970's sub zero fridge and freezer built into the walls. yes, they are roomy, no they are not the 2008 type sub zero to make you drool. these have awesome mustard yellow details along the door shelves and such. thus making the problem to either pay for it to be fixed which is a pretty penny or purchase a new stand alone freezer to go where...i'm not sure. sort of minor headache, but sort of major in that i lost a lot of frozen foods and it's not like i can actually even have ice at the moment.
so with all of this happening and lots of funds being drained due to other various factors and things, i think i should just call the bank and tell em the my account is going to be backwards this month but just ignore that negative sign in front of those numbers...as I'll get it straighted out just as soon as I possibly can.
i think this month i'm going to be taking it 15 min at a time. i'm just way to stressed and overwhelmed to face an entire day, much less the entire month.
that is what the month of July is starting out to be.
some douchebag hit the back end of our vehicle in a parking lot. of course it couldn't be someone that drives a yaris or something...no it had to be a big old truck with a big old ranch hand bumper that totaled my back end, back bumper and left me with a deductible to pay. right, cause you know, i'm made of money for douchebags to just make me fork over to the body shop on random months.
my dog is confused. for some reason she thinks she's supposed to go potty inside. she'll stay outside all day long and 5 min after she's inside she's doing her thing. she's fixed, she's still a puppy and i'm working to reverse this...but what the hell man.
in the past few weeks the a/c motor has crapped out and the freezer went out. granted this has not had to come out of my pocket since we lease. however, going without a/c and now going with out a freezer (it's been a week...yes, a solid week)while they decide if they want to replace the freezer or just buy a new one. most people would question why this is an issue. well this house has these nifty 1970's sub zero fridge and freezer built into the walls. yes, they are roomy, no they are not the 2008 type sub zero to make you drool. these have awesome mustard yellow details along the door shelves and such. thus making the problem to either pay for it to be fixed which is a pretty penny or purchase a new stand alone freezer to go where...i'm not sure. sort of minor headache, but sort of major in that i lost a lot of frozen foods and it's not like i can actually even have ice at the moment.
so with all of this happening and lots of funds being drained due to other various factors and things, i think i should just call the bank and tell em the my account is going to be backwards this month but just ignore that negative sign in front of those numbers...as I'll get it straighted out just as soon as I possibly can.
i think this month i'm going to be taking it 15 min at a time. i'm just way to stressed and overwhelmed to face an entire day, much less the entire month.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Mish Mash
Summer has just flown by. But in a very good way. I absolutely love the unstructured days of summer. I realize most parents do not, but I love it. I love not having to hurry and finish something to go get someone and take them to this or that. I love that things get done but it's a steady pace and not so much a race right now.
We were really busy in the early part and middle of the month getting the kids items ready to go to Mexico. Birth Certificates, Passports etc etc. Throw in getting new tires, a new battery and various other things that just happened.
Mexico was fantastic. This was the first time taking the big 3 and they had a ball. They loved it, couldn't quit talking about it and were almost perfectly behaved the whole time. They did get an eye full the first day after realizing that many european women on the beaches don't bother with tops. I'd explained this, but no amount of explaining can stop the flood of embarrassment and shock that courses through two 11 year old boys when they realize that a female has no top on. As progressive as this society is, America is very sheltered when it comes to anything exposing of the body or seemingly sexual. We had lots of conversations on it and it was so good for them to understand that in this vast world everyone has all sorts of different barometer's of what is "normal" or "accepted".
The concerts went great, fans had a fabulous time, the resort was awesome and had tons of wildlife living on it (peacocks, iguanas, crabs and toucan's). I love these trips. It slows everything down and is such a break for us. When your clients are on the trip with you, it actually lets you just breathe for a little bit.
It was a learning experience all the way around for the kids to see parts of urban Mexico and not just the resort side of Mexico and to discuss everything they saw. I think they'll walk away with a more open mind on many things and that's never a bad thing.
In other news I do believe our Golden Retriever is knocked up. It happened the weekend of WineFest when we were gone doing production for that show. I'm all for being a responsible pet owner. We had always left the option open to breed Corbin because we love Golden Retrievers. She was at the very end of her heat cycle and we made sure before we left that there was no way in our out of our fencing. Well low and behold when we got home there was a damned teeny tiny SCHNAUZER in our back yard. We have no idea how the little )(*&#^@ got back there. But his smug look and screwed up hip told the story of how he had tried his best to 'run with the big dog'. Of course my sweet husband was furious. Not to mention that the little runt of a dog did not have any sort of tag on indicating who the owners were. I was optimistic and had hoped for the best. However, it seems that sir teeny peeny was able to work some magic as my Corbin is acting about as pregnant as a human these days.
I hope they are cute puppies so they go to loving homes quickly. I don't want to utilize the SPCA as we just brought home a dog from the SPCA about 4 mo ago. Yeah, life's funny i know.....shuddup.
The little two who are not babies anymore are breaking my heart with the fantastically funny things that 3 year olds say. They are also breaking my heart because they aren't little anymore and as much as I love this discovery and independent learning phase I also love the squishy loveable toddler phase.
I'm very excited for July. We've labeled it "finish all the random projects and things that need to be done around the house month". We've been so busy with work and the regular daily things in life that so much has fallen by the wayside. Time to get busy and get it all on track again. All the random cleaning out of clothing that doesn't fit, random clutter of things brought in that should go elsewhere, landscaping landscaping landscaping and anything else I can think of to do that makes the household run more smoothly.
Oh and a note on that cleaning and such. The freezer went kaput on Friday. Nothing like an emergency evacuation of everything salvageable to then make you clean out an empty freezer. It really wasn't that bad as I had done a big clean out before Mexico to make sure that if anything happened while we were gone that there wouldn't be hell on our noses when we walked back in.
The dryer has stopped and i must go rescue the contents within....i'm sure everyone knows that if I don't, then the laundry procreates in protest and i can't afford laundry support at the moment. ;)
I'll leave you with some pics from Mexico
We were really busy in the early part and middle of the month getting the kids items ready to go to Mexico. Birth Certificates, Passports etc etc. Throw in getting new tires, a new battery and various other things that just happened.
Mexico was fantastic. This was the first time taking the big 3 and they had a ball. They loved it, couldn't quit talking about it and were almost perfectly behaved the whole time. They did get an eye full the first day after realizing that many european women on the beaches don't bother with tops. I'd explained this, but no amount of explaining can stop the flood of embarrassment and shock that courses through two 11 year old boys when they realize that a female has no top on. As progressive as this society is, America is very sheltered when it comes to anything exposing of the body or seemingly sexual. We had lots of conversations on it and it was so good for them to understand that in this vast world everyone has all sorts of different barometer's of what is "normal" or "accepted".
The concerts went great, fans had a fabulous time, the resort was awesome and had tons of wildlife living on it (peacocks, iguanas, crabs and toucan's). I love these trips. It slows everything down and is such a break for us. When your clients are on the trip with you, it actually lets you just breathe for a little bit.
It was a learning experience all the way around for the kids to see parts of urban Mexico and not just the resort side of Mexico and to discuss everything they saw. I think they'll walk away with a more open mind on many things and that's never a bad thing.
In other news I do believe our Golden Retriever is knocked up. It happened the weekend of WineFest when we were gone doing production for that show. I'm all for being a responsible pet owner. We had always left the option open to breed Corbin because we love Golden Retrievers. She was at the very end of her heat cycle and we made sure before we left that there was no way in our out of our fencing. Well low and behold when we got home there was a damned teeny tiny SCHNAUZER in our back yard. We have no idea how the little )(*&#^@ got back there. But his smug look and screwed up hip told the story of how he had tried his best to 'run with the big dog'. Of course my sweet husband was furious. Not to mention that the little runt of a dog did not have any sort of tag on indicating who the owners were. I was optimistic and had hoped for the best. However, it seems that sir teeny peeny was able to work some magic as my Corbin is acting about as pregnant as a human these days.
I hope they are cute puppies so they go to loving homes quickly. I don't want to utilize the SPCA as we just brought home a dog from the SPCA about 4 mo ago. Yeah, life's funny i know.....shuddup.
The little two who are not babies anymore are breaking my heart with the fantastically funny things that 3 year olds say. They are also breaking my heart because they aren't little anymore and as much as I love this discovery and independent learning phase I also love the squishy loveable toddler phase.
I'm very excited for July. We've labeled it "finish all the random projects and things that need to be done around the house month". We've been so busy with work and the regular daily things in life that so much has fallen by the wayside. Time to get busy and get it all on track again. All the random cleaning out of clothing that doesn't fit, random clutter of things brought in that should go elsewhere, landscaping landscaping landscaping and anything else I can think of to do that makes the household run more smoothly.
Oh and a note on that cleaning and such. The freezer went kaput on Friday. Nothing like an emergency evacuation of everything salvageable to then make you clean out an empty freezer. It really wasn't that bad as I had done a big clean out before Mexico to make sure that if anything happened while we were gone that there wouldn't be hell on our noses when we walked back in.
The dryer has stopped and i must go rescue the contents within....i'm sure everyone knows that if I don't, then the laundry procreates in protest and i can't afford laundry support at the moment. ;)
I'll leave you with some pics from Mexico
Sunday, June 1, 2008
up to dates and such
lets see, since I last updated i have continued the work outs and am feeling awesome about that. we lived through wine fest and it turned out splendidly. we conquered a family of possums in the back yard and we adopted a new puppy. along with the every day craziness that is this life, it has been a whirlwind.
everyone is happy and healthy and i feel so incredibly blessed.
we have Mexico coming up, new cd's coming out, new babies being born shortly and all of the spur of the moment fun things that we do during summer.
speaking of, we're well into summer break (day 3 - haha) and no one has been grounded, bored or beaten their sibling. yet.
everyone is happy and healthy and i feel so incredibly blessed.
we have Mexico coming up, new cd's coming out, new babies being born shortly and all of the spur of the moment fun things that we do during summer.
speaking of, we're well into summer break (day 3 - haha) and no one has been grounded, bored or beaten their sibling. yet.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
ow ow ow
that is me this morning.
my next door neighbor teaches all sorts of classes at the gym we both go to. since iam a pro haven't fallen off of the machines and the free weights but have never ventured into the unknown area of 'classes' i thought i might give it a go. (read, the mirror and i are not fans so i am stepping it up with these classes)
monday i did mat pilates. as a fan of at home pilates, the class was great with no huge suprises. other than a sore rump and core which i wanted.
yesterday i ventured into the world of salsa, or for you workout fanatics, zoomba to be technical on the teaching method. first lets just say that i do have some rhythm...but i don't have that rhythm. i'm quite certain i will never ever be cast in any latin music video's and i'm also quite certain if i am able to move my hips like you're supposed too, then it will be because it is dislocated and i need to be rushed to the hospital.
i also do not think, after witnessing myself looking like Elaine on Seinfeld that i will never be able to fall back on the career choice of "exotic dancer" should i ever find myself with that as my last choice. after seeing my muffin tops wiggle and move and my hips not move as they should i am certain that they would have me on the tuesday afternoon shift when no one was at a strip club. (not that i know when strip clubs are frequented i would just guess that tuesday afternoons wouldn't be a peak time. i could be wrong, in which case i wouldn't be on that shift, but maybe the wednesday morning shift)
for one solid hour i did all sorts of shimmy and shaking. how does one shimmy while taking 4 steps forward without falling over? riddle me that shakira. i was sweating and huffing and puffing and cursing jlo for making it look like it was easy. but i did it. and after laughing at myself about 100 times i realized i like this class. it is a workout and a half. but the time flew by and it was actually fun.
today is body sculpting. while i hope that it means i will walk in and they will magically make fat fall off my body and smooth out any wrinkles, i have more of an inkling that it has more to do with me lifting heavy things and crunching other things in an effort to sculpt my own body. but i will let you know if the magician shows up. in which case i'm going to get it to give me hips that swivel while they're at it.
**update** body sculpting has no sculpter when you walk in, it was as expected. it was very hard. i got thebright deranged idea to go to the salsa class right afterwards. my legs wobble gingerly step right now and i may have to call the fire department to roll my butt out of bed tomorrow.
my next door neighbor teaches all sorts of classes at the gym we both go to. since i
monday i did mat pilates. as a fan of at home pilates, the class was great with no huge suprises. other than a sore rump and core which i wanted.
yesterday i ventured into the world of salsa, or for you workout fanatics, zoomba to be technical on the teaching method. first lets just say that i do have some rhythm...but i don't have that rhythm. i'm quite certain i will never ever be cast in any latin music video's and i'm also quite certain if i am able to move my hips like you're supposed too, then it will be because it is dislocated and i need to be rushed to the hospital.
i also do not think, after witnessing myself looking like Elaine on Seinfeld that i will never be able to fall back on the career choice of "exotic dancer" should i ever find myself with that as my last choice. after seeing my muffin tops wiggle and move and my hips not move as they should i am certain that they would have me on the tuesday afternoon shift when no one was at a strip club. (not that i know when strip clubs are frequented i would just guess that tuesday afternoons wouldn't be a peak time. i could be wrong, in which case i wouldn't be on that shift, but maybe the wednesday morning shift)
for one solid hour i did all sorts of shimmy and shaking. how does one shimmy while taking 4 steps forward without falling over? riddle me that shakira. i was sweating and huffing and puffing and cursing jlo for making it look like it was easy. but i did it. and after laughing at myself about 100 times i realized i like this class. it is a workout and a half. but the time flew by and it was actually fun.
today is body sculpting. while i hope that it means i will walk in and they will magically make fat fall off my body and smooth out any wrinkles, i have more of an inkling that it has more to do with me lifting heavy things and crunching other things in an effort to sculpt my own body. but i will let you know if the magician shows up. in which case i'm going to get it to give me hips that swivel while they're at it.
**update** body sculpting has no sculpter when you walk in, it was as expected. it was very hard. i got the
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Frustrated
when asking a business for a price quote and being prepared to pay very good money because you like their work, only to have them not return any of your bid requests gets under my skin like nothing else.
Monday, March 31, 2008
time flies
doesn't it?
We went to my parents for Spring Break and had a blast. The kids got to do all sorts of things. Mess with the horses and cows, climb on tractors, ride in loaders and dump trucks, throw rocks in the river, and run and play outside until they were exhausted.
As soon as we got back it was time to switch into high gear and get ready for the science fair which is mandatory for 5th graders. After 3 days of going at it we could check that off the list. Whew - am I glad that's over.
This week it's costumes for Franz Schubert (aka the Wyd) for the choir recital.
And somewhere in all of that there is the normal work, housework and never ending piles of laundry that I really do think procreate while I'm not looking.
I am also going to make it the gym this week. I have to, my pants begged it of me yesterday. ;)
We went to my parents for Spring Break and had a blast. The kids got to do all sorts of things. Mess with the horses and cows, climb on tractors, ride in loaders and dump trucks, throw rocks in the river, and run and play outside until they were exhausted.
As soon as we got back it was time to switch into high gear and get ready for the science fair which is mandatory for 5th graders. After 3 days of going at it we could check that off the list. Whew - am I glad that's over.
This week it's costumes for Franz Schubert (aka the Wyd) for the choir recital.
And somewhere in all of that there is the normal work, housework and never ending piles of laundry that I really do think procreate while I'm not looking.
I am also going to make it the gym this week. I have to, my pants begged it of me yesterday. ;)
Thursday, March 27, 2008
yeah yeah
daddy tomato, mommy tomato, and baby tomato were walking down the street.
baby tomato began to lag behind.
daddy tomato stopped and went to baby tomato and squashed him and said "ketchup".
and one day I will. :)
baby tomato began to lag behind.
daddy tomato stopped and went to baby tomato and squashed him and said "ketchup".
and one day I will. :)
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Random
Last night i watched a big huge deer eating the neighbors grass in their front yard. I don't live in the country, i live 2 blocks off main street. However, they end up in our area all the time as we aren't far from open areas they like to play in. I just thought it was kind of cool that he picked that spot to eat all night. I tried to get a picture but it was really dark.
Ash made me laugh extremely hard today. We were in the car and she was talking loudly. She was talking a lot. So I asked her if she could please make her mouth quiet. After a few seconds i looked back at her to see what she was doing. There she was with her hands over her nose and mouth and in a tiny little voice said "i can't breathe". I cracked up. Sweet thing only knows how to make her mouth quiet by putting something over it. *snort*
Spring break starts next week. on one hand i get very excited about it. perhaps it's the memories i have of how cool spring break was no matter what your grade. the other part of me dreads it. in ways it makes the whole day better because the kids are home and schedules can be whatever. in others, it makes the whole day seem wasted because everyone is home and nothing stays clean for more than 5 min.
i do believe this global warming hooha is mother nature going through menopause. she sure is having hot flashes and cold spells here in texas that is for freakin sure. is it too much to ask for temperatures in the same 10 degree range for approx 3 days. 30 in the morning 70 soemthing in the afternoon. sheesh. however i love 70 something so not complaining on that but it's killing my electric bill.
my brain hurts...literally. and the only pain meds i have include the PM in them and 6pm is not a good time to just pass out on the dining room floor while your toddlers play.
Ash made me laugh extremely hard today. We were in the car and she was talking loudly. She was talking a lot. So I asked her if she could please make her mouth quiet. After a few seconds i looked back at her to see what she was doing. There she was with her hands over her nose and mouth and in a tiny little voice said "i can't breathe". I cracked up. Sweet thing only knows how to make her mouth quiet by putting something over it. *snort*
Spring break starts next week. on one hand i get very excited about it. perhaps it's the memories i have of how cool spring break was no matter what your grade. the other part of me dreads it. in ways it makes the whole day better because the kids are home and schedules can be whatever. in others, it makes the whole day seem wasted because everyone is home and nothing stays clean for more than 5 min.
i do believe this global warming hooha is mother nature going through menopause. she sure is having hot flashes and cold spells here in texas that is for freakin sure. is it too much to ask for temperatures in the same 10 degree range for approx 3 days. 30 in the morning 70 soemthing in the afternoon. sheesh. however i love 70 something so not complaining on that but it's killing my electric bill.
my brain hurts...literally. and the only pain meds i have include the PM in them and 6pm is not a good time to just pass out on the dining room floor while your toddlers play.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
My Mommy Says with lots of catch up
today is the first day that I have felt much much better. hoorah for that. i hate not feeling like my old self for any amount of time.
tons seems to be going on but i never remember to put any of it down to words. thus when my children are older they will only have a few memories to share. i am sure that most of them will center around mom falling or something of the sort, at least they will remember the reality.
continuing in the theme of refinement, the boys had competitions this weekend for orchestra. solo and ensemble in both cello and violin. the good thing about having an ensemble with your sibling is that you aren't the one stuck without a partner the day of the competition. it also means that you parents get to hear the lovely strains of your practicing for the days leading up to competition. they were both very successful and received marks of "1" and medals for their pieces. i felt such satisfaction as now i could prove that my nagging to practice was not all for naught.
today they start bass and elec guitar lessons. both are pumped and are picking out proper garage band names.
the wyd continues to just be an all around joy and fabulous big sister. she is so loving and sweet to everyone but her brothers. she is working on a big choir recital about all the great composers of our time.
the youngest two are every bit entrenched in being 2 years old. i love this age, and now we are starting to have some of the best conversations ever. we're trying out new words, phrases and lots of mis-pronunciation. most of it is funny although not something you want repeated everywhere and we're all trying not to laugh so as to not encourage. the latest word fascination has been one that falls right in the middle of curse words. i'll leave you with my pearls of wisdom below. she's very happy to tell everyone this. apparently she listens to mommy.
I have to add that content is edited as the dinnertime conversation was very long and rambling with her tidbit thrown in for good measure.
tons seems to be going on but i never remember to put any of it down to words. thus when my children are older they will only have a few memories to share. i am sure that most of them will center around mom falling or something of the sort, at least they will remember the reality.
continuing in the theme of refinement, the boys had competitions this weekend for orchestra. solo and ensemble in both cello and violin. the good thing about having an ensemble with your sibling is that you aren't the one stuck without a partner the day of the competition. it also means that you parents get to hear the lovely strains of your practicing for the days leading up to competition. they were both very successful and received marks of "1" and medals for their pieces. i felt such satisfaction as now i could prove that my nagging to practice was not all for naught.
today they start bass and elec guitar lessons. both are pumped and are picking out proper garage band names.
the wyd continues to just be an all around joy and fabulous big sister. she is so loving and sweet to everyone but her brothers. she is working on a big choir recital about all the great composers of our time.
the youngest two are every bit entrenched in being 2 years old. i love this age, and now we are starting to have some of the best conversations ever. we're trying out new words, phrases and lots of mis-pronunciation. most of it is funny although not something you want repeated everywhere and we're all trying not to laugh so as to not encourage. the latest word fascination has been one that falls right in the middle of curse words. i'll leave you with my pearls of wisdom below. she's very happy to tell everyone this. apparently she listens to mommy.
I have to add that content is edited as the dinnertime conversation was very long and rambling with her tidbit thrown in for good measure.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
on top of mt laundry
what happens when you're out of commission for almost a week.
so much laundry you want to cry
a pantry that looks like you're moving
rooms that you swore you just cleaned yesterday only to realize it was actually a full week ago
and the overwhelming urge to just go back to bed cause you don't even know where to start
but thank Heavens I feel like staying out of bed and actually living again
i hate being sick
hate
it
so much laundry you want to cry
a pantry that looks like you're moving
rooms that you swore you just cleaned yesterday only to realize it was actually a full week ago
and the overwhelming urge to just go back to bed cause you don't even know where to start
but thank Heavens I feel like staying out of bed and actually living again
i hate being sick
hate
it
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
bite me flu
the flu sucks.
i don't have time for this.
occilococcinum - if you've never used this or heard of it, you can get it at Walgreens for about 13 bucks. It seriously works.
i don't have time for this.
occilococcinum - if you've never used this or heard of it, you can get it at Walgreens for about 13 bucks. It seriously works.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
lost and found
This week has been particularly tough. There are so many things going on. Today was no exception and I had just about reached max on emotional capacity to hold it all together when Mick Mick decides he needs his Biko (bee-ko)right now, this second, instantly. Biko is what he has affectionately named his blanket. He has it in whatever room he is in during the day. It isn't always in his hand, but it is close. Tonight it was not.
I searched high and low. I looked in every room under beds, all his normal places he plays, outside, in the bath tub (hey you never know). Nothing. After searching for almost 10 minutes while he followed me, crying very loudly and saying "Mick Mick need biiiiiiiiko" over and over I could not find it. Did I mention he was very loud.
I was almost in tears myself. Frustrated I looked at him and said "buddy, mommy doesn't know where biko is and I am sorry".
He looked at me and said "Mick Mick biko in dee woom unner dee piddow" in a voice that had the tone of 'i cannot believe you don't know where it is every second of the day like I do'.......
Laugh. - I did.
I searched high and low. I looked in every room under beds, all his normal places he plays, outside, in the bath tub (hey you never know). Nothing. After searching for almost 10 minutes while he followed me, crying very loudly and saying "Mick Mick need biiiiiiiiko" over and over I could not find it. Did I mention he was very loud.
I was almost in tears myself. Frustrated I looked at him and said "buddy, mommy doesn't know where biko is and I am sorry".
He looked at me and said "Mick Mick biko in dee woom unner dee piddow" in a voice that had the tone of 'i cannot believe you don't know where it is every second of the day like I do'.......
Laugh. - I did.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Sigh
I sort of thought of jotting down my Grammy thoughts but they all sounded snarky and petty so I'm passing and letting the poor state of music right now speak for itself.
But I will say that I hate that song "Ticks". HATE IT. It creeps me out.
But I will say that I hate that song "Ticks". HATE IT. It creeps me out.
Wooo Hooo
I AM EXCITED.....about something I shouldn't really be excited about.
Before you think I'm crazy, let me fill you in.
We moved into this house as a lease when we first found out we were having another set of twins. There was no way I was going to do another multiple pregnancy and build or buy a house.
At this juncture I am very glad we did. Although it's a tight fit, we're keeping cost of living expenses lower and able to put more of it into our business (and diapers for one since that child refuses to potty train like his sister...he would rather 'pway wif his toys'). Not to mention that when your business runs off of nothing but commissions the month prior, then the amount you bring in can fluctuate.
Now that the little two are at the age where they can actually play or be entertained by something other than riding on my hip, I figured it was time to really dig deep and de-clutter. When you can find someone from the Thomas the Tank Engine files in every room along with their friends from the Little People population one has to realize it is time.
So what better place to start than the home office/playroom. Since hubs works down at the office and I work here it made much more sense to move the playroom in here. We did and it quickly became a big office/playroom love fest and everything co-mingled.
So yesterday I enlisted the very excited older 3. Boy were they excited. There is no better way to spend your Saturday than helping mom move stuff and go through stuff.
I must say that after lots of hard work, accidentally ripping the side off my desk, as well as a few cranky moments it looks good. Toys are sorted, desk is cleaned and moved and objects that should have been at the other office are now there.
GO ME.
I would post a picture of it but Mick Mick was soooo excited to find one certain train that I took the batteries out of my camera so he could play for a while.
However, I will leave you with this....which was taken just a little bit before batteries were sacrificed for very loud annoying train that brings much joy.
I mean, what sort of organizing doesn't need a lizard hanging from the back of ones ear. *shudder*
Notice the look of concern on the Pooz's face.
Before you think I'm crazy, let me fill you in.
We moved into this house as a lease when we first found out we were having another set of twins. There was no way I was going to do another multiple pregnancy and build or buy a house.
At this juncture I am very glad we did. Although it's a tight fit, we're keeping cost of living expenses lower and able to put more of it into our business (and diapers for one since that child refuses to potty train like his sister...he would rather 'pway wif his toys'). Not to mention that when your business runs off of nothing but commissions the month prior, then the amount you bring in can fluctuate.
Now that the little two are at the age where they can actually play or be entertained by something other than riding on my hip, I figured it was time to really dig deep and de-clutter. When you can find someone from the Thomas the Tank Engine files in every room along with their friends from the Little People population one has to realize it is time.
So what better place to start than the home office/playroom. Since hubs works down at the office and I work here it made much more sense to move the playroom in here. We did and it quickly became a big office/playroom love fest and everything co-mingled.
So yesterday I enlisted the very excited older 3. Boy were they excited. There is no better way to spend your Saturday than helping mom move stuff and go through stuff.
I must say that after lots of hard work, accidentally ripping the side off my desk, as well as a few cranky moments it looks good. Toys are sorted, desk is cleaned and moved and objects that should have been at the other office are now there.
GO ME.
I would post a picture of it but Mick Mick was soooo excited to find one certain train that I took the batteries out of my camera so he could play for a while.
However, I will leave you with this....which was taken just a little bit before batteries were sacrificed for very loud annoying train that brings much joy.
I mean, what sort of organizing doesn't need a lizard hanging from the back of ones ear. *shudder*
Notice the look of concern on the Pooz's face.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
happiness
when you are 2.5 there is nothing better than getting to wear your older sisters shirt to bed.....nothing. well, except maybe "emma m's"
Friday, February 8, 2008
dont forget the cereal
iffen you are by chance caught in the throes of life and happen to get very very busy with 15 things to do that keep you and the family running like crazies for a few days i offer this tidbit.
no matter how many rinsed dishes get stacked next to the sink, it is a good idea to check the bowl under said stack. if that bowl contains cereal, that might be of a variety of life, cheerios, or mini wheats (i'm not sure which) it will morph into the very likeness of the stomach contents of your roommate that couldn't handle their drink freshman year of college.
no one will claim it and yet, it will take every bit of mommy mind over matter to get the contents into the trash without having the full on gag attack. you know, because in this house there is no garbage disposal.
one could always stay on top of the housework and dishes and laundry and work but what fun would that be...
no matter how many rinsed dishes get stacked next to the sink, it is a good idea to check the bowl under said stack. if that bowl contains cereal, that might be of a variety of life, cheerios, or mini wheats (i'm not sure which) it will morph into the very likeness of the stomach contents of your roommate that couldn't handle their drink freshman year of college.
no one will claim it and yet, it will take every bit of mommy mind over matter to get the contents into the trash without having the full on gag attack. you know, because in this house there is no garbage disposal.
one could always stay on top of the housework and dishes and laundry and work but what fun would that be...
Thursday, February 7, 2008
decisiveness
Yesterday one of the 12 year old sons interviewed me. It wasn't so much about me as it was his skills as an interviewer. I had to fill out a paper about these skills after the interview. He did great. However, I learned a little about myself. That is, I'm either the most easy going person ever, or I just go with the flow so much that I'm not really decisive.
The questions were great. One was - if you could be any character in a movie who would it be? Another was, if you could go back in time what time frame would you go to. There were 7 of them. I had to think. Really think about my answers. However, I could tell you what my husbands answers would be in a second.
I guess I just never really think about the past...you know as in...the wild west or something along those lines. I don't really watch many movies and I don't really care to be some character. I've got enough real life characters to want to live some other life.
I did know, with a split second response when asked "how many children did you want?" the answer was One. Yeah. One. Funny right?
The questions were great. One was - if you could be any character in a movie who would it be? Another was, if you could go back in time what time frame would you go to. There were 7 of them. I had to think. Really think about my answers. However, I could tell you what my husbands answers would be in a second.
I guess I just never really think about the past...you know as in...the wild west or something along those lines. I don't really watch many movies and I don't really care to be some character. I've got enough real life characters to want to live some other life.
I did know, with a split second response when asked "how many children did you want?" the answer was One. Yeah. One. Funny right?
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
beep beep beep
no, it's not rush hour. it's that big dump truck of my brain backing up to unload.
today is a heavy day. one of those days where being an adult isn't fun. where understanding human emotion and how people feel because you've been there isn't a good thing because you know you're going to cause someone pain. not because you want to or because you dislike the person. because it's business.
last night i had to hit the 'reset' button on one of my sons. he had been building up to a good melt down lately by his tone of speaking, his lack of respect and his inability to re-engage his brain after the Christmas holiday. last night he got called out on it. generally when this happens there's more under the surface than the actual mis behaving that is going on. so of course whatever that is comes out in the general angst of being called out on things. today i am sure his brain and emotional senses are much lighter. but it sure does weigh on my heart to know that they are now at the age where they worry about peer related things.
i hate the fact that the first 15 min of the news is generally about the latest investigation child protective services is doing because of a heinous thing that some one has done against a child or children. wtf is wrong with people today?
i'm getting very irritated that the projects required from the school are much more involved than a project should be. what happened to projects that the kids could do from start to finish by themselves? i already put in my 16years of school, why must i put in more and by more i don't mean checking homework and helping them to study. i mean spending hours making sure a project is exactly as spelled out in the uber detailed directions? I really do think that this knowledge should be part of sex education. what kid would want to have an unexpected pregnancy when they know they will be doing a ton more school work in the future regardless of the fact that they already did it. and it's not that i'm against it. but they just pile it on and when you have 3 kids 1 year apart and two at home it just gets overwhelming in addition to all that has to be done on a daily basis.
once upon a time before becoming involved in a business that takes not only my time and support but also my bank account, I was one of those happy worker bees that didn't really think about things. leaving a light on at work, printing needless things, wasting a bit of time here or there. i did my job, i got paid and that was that. that is, until i crossed the lines so to speak. where it comes out of my account for toner cartridges, electric bills, office supplies, pay checks, etc. etc it's not just some random budget that pays it. it's my budget and it sure is eye opening.
from here on out, every time my daughter says "i bet its fun being an adult" i'm not going to suggest that she concentrate on being a child and enjoying her childhood, i'm going to let her read this. i suppose there can't be much more mommmy guilt associated with shattering her dreams earlier than i already have....right?....blah.
today is a heavy day. one of those days where being an adult isn't fun. where understanding human emotion and how people feel because you've been there isn't a good thing because you know you're going to cause someone pain. not because you want to or because you dislike the person. because it's business.
last night i had to hit the 'reset' button on one of my sons. he had been building up to a good melt down lately by his tone of speaking, his lack of respect and his inability to re-engage his brain after the Christmas holiday. last night he got called out on it. generally when this happens there's more under the surface than the actual mis behaving that is going on. so of course whatever that is comes out in the general angst of being called out on things. today i am sure his brain and emotional senses are much lighter. but it sure does weigh on my heart to know that they are now at the age where they worry about peer related things.
i hate the fact that the first 15 min of the news is generally about the latest investigation child protective services is doing because of a heinous thing that some one has done against a child or children. wtf is wrong with people today?
i'm getting very irritated that the projects required from the school are much more involved than a project should be. what happened to projects that the kids could do from start to finish by themselves? i already put in my 16years of school, why must i put in more and by more i don't mean checking homework and helping them to study. i mean spending hours making sure a project is exactly as spelled out in the uber detailed directions? I really do think that this knowledge should be part of sex education. what kid would want to have an unexpected pregnancy when they know they will be doing a ton more school work in the future regardless of the fact that they already did it. and it's not that i'm against it. but they just pile it on and when you have 3 kids 1 year apart and two at home it just gets overwhelming in addition to all that has to be done on a daily basis.
once upon a time before becoming involved in a business that takes not only my time and support but also my bank account, I was one of those happy worker bees that didn't really think about things. leaving a light on at work, printing needless things, wasting a bit of time here or there. i did my job, i got paid and that was that. that is, until i crossed the lines so to speak. where it comes out of my account for toner cartridges, electric bills, office supplies, pay checks, etc. etc it's not just some random budget that pays it. it's my budget and it sure is eye opening.
from here on out, every time my daughter says "i bet its fun being an adult" i'm not going to suggest that she concentrate on being a child and enjoying her childhood, i'm going to let her read this. i suppose there can't be much more mommmy guilt associated with shattering her dreams earlier than i already have....right?....blah.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Thursday, January 17, 2008
the important things
A philosophy professor stood before his class with some items on the table in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a very large and empty jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks, about 2" in diameter.
He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks.
He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
He then asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "Yes."
Then he took two beers out of his bag and poured them inside the jar filling in the jars into the gaps.
"Now," said the professor, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.
The rocks are the important things - your family, your partner, your health, your children - things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter - like your job, your house, your car.
The sand is everything else. The small stuff."
"If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued "there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for your life.
If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take your partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, give a dinner party and fix the disposal.
Take care of the rocks first - the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."
So the students shocked asked and the beers ?
The professor replied : No matter how stressed your life is , there would be always time/space for a couple of beers with your friends!
He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks.
He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
He then asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "Yes."
Then he took two beers out of his bag and poured them inside the jar filling in the jars into the gaps.
"Now," said the professor, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.
The rocks are the important things - your family, your partner, your health, your children - things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter - like your job, your house, your car.
The sand is everything else. The small stuff."
"If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued "there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for your life.
If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take your partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, give a dinner party and fix the disposal.
Take care of the rocks first - the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."
So the students shocked asked and the beers ?
The professor replied : No matter how stressed your life is , there would be always time/space for a couple of beers with your friends!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
This blew my mind
I mean really made me stop in my tracks and just go "wow". And that doesn't happen much at all. However I had to put it out there to share, and as a reminder to myself that every little thing we do can somewhat help leave less of a footprint on this planet.
I will be purchasing some of these bags. I can assure you that with 5 children I have contributed my fair share to the landfills through the use of items with names like Huggies and Pampers. I can also assure you that many times the huggy or pamper was in a plastic baggie.
Now that we are at the phase of "oh please God let it be true done with diapers" area of our lives I think that I might also be able to lessen my consumption of plastic bags.
Read on. Be astounded. 14 Billion....yes 14.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Plastic bags still dominate Boerne shopping scene
by Elena Tucker - Staff Writer
Locally, H-E-B offers alternatives for environmentally conscious
San Francisco banned common plastic grocery bags in March 2007, and one year ago H-E-B began marketing a new reusable canvas tote, but in the Texas Hill Country, plastic is by far the carrier of choice if simple observation of customers is an accurate gauge.
In December of 2006, H-E-B initiated a pilot program in the form of canvas bags that sell for $3.97. By April 2007, the company claimed to have sold more than 8,000 bags.
Although the bags are displayed gift-like throughout the Boerne location, and despite the statement by one store manager that some customers religiously bring in their own cloth bags, on a busy January morning, no grocery shoppers were seen to be packing reusable canvas totes.
Robert Bateman, president of plastic bag-producing Roplast Industries explained in a National Geographic interview that standard plastic grocery sacks sells for about one cent.
“The plastic bags are so inexpensive that in the stores no one treats them as worth anything … they use two, three or four when one would do just as well,” he said, noting that plastic bags “are becoming a victim of their success.”
H-E-B stated in a San Antonio Express-News article last year, that two years of more careful bagging had saved plastic bag usage by 136 million pieces.
But the effectiveness of such a significant-sounding reduction may be questionable.
Austin City Councilman Lee Leffingwell, in pushing for plastic bag restrictions in his own city, estimated that San Antonio probably buries more than 1,000 tons of plastic bags each year in its landfill.
Environmental journalist, Larry West, believes that anywhere from 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags a year are used and tossed out around the globe.
Those numbers translate into more than one million plastic bags each minute.
Whole Foods Market publishes a statistic that is four times higher.
What bags don’t end up in landfills — or littering urban and rural landscapes — show up in the ocean to the tune of about 46,000 pieces of plastic for every square mile of ocean. Plastic bags, adds the Whole Foods Web site are responsible for killing hundreds of thousands of marine animals each year, and, said David Barnes of the British Antarctic Survey, plastic bags are now seen “almost everywhere” in Antarctica.
As environmental issues come again to the forefront, and as 2008 gets underway, consumers, politicians, and experts continue to debate the virtues of single-use polyethylene bags versus corn- or soy-based “plastics” versus paper.
However, there is no debating that the practice of toting groceries in reusable, normally canvas, bags, is far and away the most economically and environmentally sound choice.
Last year was the 30-year anniversary of grocery store plastic sacks. It might have been one of those birthdays that H-E-B - along with other reusable tote advocates - would have preferred not to celebrate.
Other points of grocery bag interest according to Whole Foods Market:
* Number of plastic shopping bags used each year, in the US alone: 14 billion.
* Percentage of plastic bags returned for recycling: 1 percent.
* Annual cost to US retailers for giving away “free” bags: $4 billion.
* Barrels of oil required for US annual plastic bag consumption: 12 million.
* Number of trees cut down for paper bag consumption, in the US: 14 million.
I will be purchasing some of these bags. I can assure you that with 5 children I have contributed my fair share to the landfills through the use of items with names like Huggies and Pampers. I can also assure you that many times the huggy or pamper was in a plastic baggie.
Now that we are at the phase of "oh please God let it be true done with diapers" area of our lives I think that I might also be able to lessen my consumption of plastic bags.
Read on. Be astounded. 14 Billion....yes 14.
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Plastic bags still dominate Boerne shopping scene
by Elena Tucker - Staff Writer
Locally, H-E-B offers alternatives for environmentally conscious
San Francisco banned common plastic grocery bags in March 2007, and one year ago H-E-B began marketing a new reusable canvas tote, but in the Texas Hill Country, plastic is by far the carrier of choice if simple observation of customers is an accurate gauge.
In December of 2006, H-E-B initiated a pilot program in the form of canvas bags that sell for $3.97. By April 2007, the company claimed to have sold more than 8,000 bags.
Although the bags are displayed gift-like throughout the Boerne location, and despite the statement by one store manager that some customers religiously bring in their own cloth bags, on a busy January morning, no grocery shoppers were seen to be packing reusable canvas totes.
Robert Bateman, president of plastic bag-producing Roplast Industries explained in a National Geographic interview that standard plastic grocery sacks sells for about one cent.
“The plastic bags are so inexpensive that in the stores no one treats them as worth anything … they use two, three or four when one would do just as well,” he said, noting that plastic bags “are becoming a victim of their success.”
H-E-B stated in a San Antonio Express-News article last year, that two years of more careful bagging had saved plastic bag usage by 136 million pieces.
But the effectiveness of such a significant-sounding reduction may be questionable.
Austin City Councilman Lee Leffingwell, in pushing for plastic bag restrictions in his own city, estimated that San Antonio probably buries more than 1,000 tons of plastic bags each year in its landfill.
Environmental journalist, Larry West, believes that anywhere from 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags a year are used and tossed out around the globe.
Those numbers translate into more than one million plastic bags each minute.
Whole Foods Market publishes a statistic that is four times higher.
What bags don’t end up in landfills — or littering urban and rural landscapes — show up in the ocean to the tune of about 46,000 pieces of plastic for every square mile of ocean. Plastic bags, adds the Whole Foods Web site are responsible for killing hundreds of thousands of marine animals each year, and, said David Barnes of the British Antarctic Survey, plastic bags are now seen “almost everywhere” in Antarctica.
As environmental issues come again to the forefront, and as 2008 gets underway, consumers, politicians, and experts continue to debate the virtues of single-use polyethylene bags versus corn- or soy-based “plastics” versus paper.
However, there is no debating that the practice of toting groceries in reusable, normally canvas, bags, is far and away the most economically and environmentally sound choice.
Last year was the 30-year anniversary of grocery store plastic sacks. It might have been one of those birthdays that H-E-B - along with other reusable tote advocates - would have preferred not to celebrate.
Other points of grocery bag interest according to Whole Foods Market:
* Number of plastic shopping bags used each year, in the US alone: 14 billion.
* Percentage of plastic bags returned for recycling: 1 percent.
* Annual cost to US retailers for giving away “free” bags: $4 billion.
* Barrels of oil required for US annual plastic bag consumption: 12 million.
* Number of trees cut down for paper bag consumption, in the US: 14 million.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Give
Hello 2008. Happy New Year. I am pumped about the new year. 2007 was fantastic. It had ups and downs, bumps and bruises and we all survived and learned from it. No children were maimed or killed off so they are equally grateful. :)
Instead of focusing on resolutions this year I am going to focus on a word. Of course I have the normal resolutions that everyone does. Work out, eat better, get more organized. Those I am working on as more of a lifestyle change instead of changing it all at once and then stopping because it got overwhelming.
I have pondered many words over the past few weeks and I think I have settled on the word of the year. GIVE. It encompasses many things of course and I'm going to narrow it down into bite size chunks, especially for the kids, but it fits. I really thought about kindness being the word, but I found that in practice runs of my word that I was in fact kinder to everyone when I was in the spirit of giving. I can give in kindness and it serves both my words that I had pondered.
I am going to talk to the big kids about little things. Giving more random acts of kindness type things. Instead of stopping at Sonic for a drink treat, why don't we go to HEB and grab a $10 dollar gift card and stick it on a random persons vehicle. Or why don't we pick up the tab of the person behind us in the drive through line (whatever drive thru that may be....however, I will draw the line at walgreens pharmacy). Give a kind word to someone who looks like they need it. Give some space to the stressed out person checking out in front of you who has 11 items in the express lane. Give 10 min to read to your little brother or write a nice note to a family member. Things that take hardly any of our time, but make a impact when we take the time. There has been a quote that stuck with me for a long time now and I try to keep it in mind. It says something to the effect of "their burden may be much larger than yours". We never know when the person we're irritated at may have a burden so much larger than ours. And in the event they do have a really large burden sitting on their shoulders I really don't want to be the person that adds to it.
We are very blessed. We have the same struggles many do; our overhead is pretty large for this family and for our business, we are always pressed for time, the laundry is never caught up, and the children think we secretly hide their favorite things in the middle of the night when they really forgot to put them in their place, but when we look at the big picture we are blessed. So I want our family to focus on being a small blessing to the rest of the world in little bite size chunks. And after we're able to do that, move onto bigger bites.
So here's to baby bites and being better at giving. :)
Instead of focusing on resolutions this year I am going to focus on a word. Of course I have the normal resolutions that everyone does. Work out, eat better, get more organized. Those I am working on as more of a lifestyle change instead of changing it all at once and then stopping because it got overwhelming.
I have pondered many words over the past few weeks and I think I have settled on the word of the year. GIVE. It encompasses many things of course and I'm going to narrow it down into bite size chunks, especially for the kids, but it fits. I really thought about kindness being the word, but I found that in practice runs of my word that I was in fact kinder to everyone when I was in the spirit of giving. I can give in kindness and it serves both my words that I had pondered.
I am going to talk to the big kids about little things. Giving more random acts of kindness type things. Instead of stopping at Sonic for a drink treat, why don't we go to HEB and grab a $10 dollar gift card and stick it on a random persons vehicle. Or why don't we pick up the tab of the person behind us in the drive through line (whatever drive thru that may be....however, I will draw the line at walgreens pharmacy). Give a kind word to someone who looks like they need it. Give some space to the stressed out person checking out in front of you who has 11 items in the express lane. Give 10 min to read to your little brother or write a nice note to a family member. Things that take hardly any of our time, but make a impact when we take the time. There has been a quote that stuck with me for a long time now and I try to keep it in mind. It says something to the effect of "their burden may be much larger than yours". We never know when the person we're irritated at may have a burden so much larger than ours. And in the event they do have a really large burden sitting on their shoulders I really don't want to be the person that adds to it.
We are very blessed. We have the same struggles many do; our overhead is pretty large for this family and for our business, we are always pressed for time, the laundry is never caught up, and the children think we secretly hide their favorite things in the middle of the night when they really forgot to put them in their place, but when we look at the big picture we are blessed. So I want our family to focus on being a small blessing to the rest of the world in little bite size chunks. And after we're able to do that, move onto bigger bites.
So here's to baby bites and being better at giving. :)
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