tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35149836071689143412024-03-20T00:44:36.976-05:00Symmetry In MotionSamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298451372107211297noreply@blogger.comBlogger260125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514983607168914341.post-3133859871114468412012-01-08T21:00:00.001-06:002012-01-08T21:00:37.671-06:00Resolution, Smesolution.I have a confession.<br />
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I do not believe in New Year's Resolutions. <br />
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I don't!<br />
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Not even a little bit.<br />
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That could very well be because I've never been able to keep them. <br />
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Well, ALMOST never.<br />
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New Year's Day 2002 I resolved to have a baby that year. Roon and I had already been trying to get pregnant for 9 months, so I thought it would be a cinch to keep. When March came and went, and I was still without child, I tweaked my resolution in hopes to just get pregnant sometime before the 2003 ball dropped. In early May, I learned I was expecting Sissy, and was given a due date of December 28th. <br />
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That was the beginning and the end of my success with New Year's resolutions. But not from lack of trying. <br />
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At least half a dozen times in our 11 years of marriage, Roon and I have resolved to lose weight and get out of credit card debt. One week of exercise, a few sore muscles, and paying off one credit card with our tax return later, we would revert right back to our old ways. <br />
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And we were never any better off as we sipped our sparkling cider the next year.<br />
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This has led me to believe that resolutions are just one more way for me to fail at something, and then give me reason to beat myself up. <br />
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Not a good thing when you bruise like a peach.<br />
<br />
So why do I bring this up?<br />
<br />
Because, while I think resolutions are stupid, I DO believe in goal setting. Goals that don't have to wait until Monday, or January First, or your birthday to begin. Because why wait until Monday to change your life for the better?<br />
<br />
June 16, 20ll, I looked like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqlHuPD_UJqXkvSiqX-WVl_XIgLjaifO-LoRfThgSiM03cljS0-CP0XRR6fM3s3Q-MGbeXuNF27ASo2ybeBdMZZiJzpJdYlTOmiYr_cT8fvZiIMuNqybIrZXP1c4Q9SGreCtVO2DrECi3H/s1600/Sami+BEFORE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqlHuPD_UJqXkvSiqX-WVl_XIgLjaifO-LoRfThgSiM03cljS0-CP0XRR6fM3s3Q-MGbeXuNF27ASo2ybeBdMZZiJzpJdYlTOmiYr_cT8fvZiIMuNqybIrZXP1c4Q9SGreCtVO2DrECi3H/s320/Sami+BEFORE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And, no, I'm not going to give specific weights or sizes. Mainly because...I'm embarrassed. </div>
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Roon and I decided we were sick of being fat.</div>
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We bought a treadmill, downloaded calorie counting apps for our phones, and jumped right in. No Monday or January 1st required.</div>
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I did my official weigh in on a Thursday.</div>
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Slowly, but surely my hard work paid off. </div>
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When I started, I could only do 20 minutes on the treadmill, with a speed of 2.0 and next to no incline. NOW, I can RUN at a 4.6 with a 4-5 incline for several minutes, and speedwalk at a 7-10 incline for up to an hour. </div>
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Not too shabby for a heart patient...</div>
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Wanna see the results?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QHVWWu3-hy1ay_m5W1PyCJcNbB9CtZsZDjPWIQiOCBxyIZdIWz_2S01JpW5SUE51-dORUI9c2rmlLRaiUCdXjH3-LRIa4fexwGutRdlNQeFnvLEJHN8t1i_SdxOUpcl8eLwLWU4Zswbt/s1600/DSCN1727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QHVWWu3-hy1ay_m5W1PyCJcNbB9CtZsZDjPWIQiOCBxyIZdIWz_2S01JpW5SUE51-dORUI9c2rmlLRaiUCdXjH3-LRIa4fexwGutRdlNQeFnvLEJHN8t1i_SdxOUpcl8eLwLWU4Zswbt/s320/DSCN1727.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Who needs "resolutions"?!</div>
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I'm currently down 46 pounds, and am 6 pounds away from my goal weight!</div>
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My reward, aside from looking HOT for my husband, is to head to Utah for a WEEK to visit my REAL LIFE friend <a href="http://hangingbyasilverlining.blogspot.com/">EVELYN</a>, and finally meet my [practically] real life friend, <a href="http://this-istheyear.blogspot.com/">Xazmin</a>! </div>
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I CAN'T WAIT!</div>
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So what are you NOT resolving to do? </div>
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Happy New Year, everyone!!!</div>
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<br /></div>Samihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298451372107211297noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514983607168914341.post-51619786728490106672011-09-09T12:37:00.000-05:002011-09-09T12:37:49.245-05:00Xazmin! It's NEW!!!I would explain my title to y'all, but as long as <a href="http://this-istheyear.blogspot.com/">THIS GIRL</a> is laughing hysterically right now at my stupidity, I have done my job. <br />
<br />
Now before any of you go all "Ricky Ricardo" on me, and tell me I have some 'splaining to do...<br />
I just wanted to say thank you to all my friends out there in the blogosphere. Y'all are the BEST! I can't even count how many emails, texts, phone calls, snail mail lettters, etc. I have received since my abrupt hiatus began. It's just nice to know that I was missed. <br />
<br />
I missed you guys too.<br />
<br />
Typically, I am the "wait until Monday", or "Start fresh with a new month/year" girl, but after an urging text from <a href="http://confessionsfromanimplusiveaddict.blogspot.com/">THIS GIRL</a>, and an encouraging phone call from <a href="http://this-istheyear.blogspot.com/">THIS GIRL</a> all in one day, I decided I'd just take the plunge and get back to it. <br />
<br />
After all, my most recent and most successful diet program to date started on a Thursday...why not?<br />
<br />
Now for the explanation...<br />
<br />
Quite simply, I burned myself out. The perfectionist/devoted friend in me would not allow myself to write unless I had visited every blog I followed, and commented on at least one of their recent posts. If I missed even 1 day of visiting, it would take me a week to get caught up. <br />
<br />
It just wasn't fun anymore.<br />
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Not to mention the fact that my house was spiraling out of control around me, and my weight reached a number I hadn't seen since I was 9 months pregnant with Bug. <br />
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It was just not pretty. <br />
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I took a step back, and realized I needed to concentrate on ME. I needed to establish routines, make fitness goals, get our financial house in order, and concentrate on making my house feel like a HOME again. <br />
<br />
But, something had to give. <br />
<br />
That thing just happened to be blogging for me. <br />
<br />
No, blogging is NOT bad. I love it. I really do. BUT with how intensly I was concentrating on it, it kind of took over my life. With the summer coming, and going from having 2 kids at home to having 4 at home, I knew I had to make a change. <br />
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So, I gave it up. Plain and simple.<br />
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We had an awesome summer, and now that Sissy, Bubble, and BUG have started school, I finally feel like I have some ME time again. <br />
<br />
I am actually completely childless right now, because Boo is at her first day of preschool OUTSIDE of the house! A <a href="http://momhasthemondays.blogspot.com/">GOOD FRIEND</a> and I have started a co-op type preschool 2 days a week, just to clarify. <br />
<br />
My plan for now is to blog at least 1 day a week. Most likely while Boo is at preschool. <br />
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I am also going to come up with a game plan for when to do my tours of blogland. <br />
<br />
But I'm not going to apologize for putting myself first anymore. I will always blog first, if I feel like I have something to say, and THEN I will be by to visit if I have time. I will also no longer visit blogs because I feel like I HAVE to. If you entertain me, or we connect, you can bet your behind I will be very hard to get rid of. Isn't that the point of "blog LOVE"? <br />
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If you want to guarantee regular interactions with me, let me know. I'm sure we can work something out... (Did somebody say Facebook or Texting???)<br />
<br />
Any bets on how many followers I lose? <br />
<br />
Until next time...<br />
<br />
It's good to be back!<br />
<br />
Samihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298451372107211297noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514983607168914341.post-41083715246842153342011-05-09T11:06:00.000-05:002011-05-09T11:06:31.412-05:00Symfully Sweet, Whatever Day it is...My deepest apologies to all those who were actually on the ball and got their posts up on time. I am in awe of all of you.<br />
<br />
I seem to be fighting a losing battle with my schedule. Moms with older kids, please tell me it gets easier to manage. Lie to me if you have to...<br />
<br />
Alright, so this month, as you may recall, the subject matter for Symfully Sweet was PEEPS.<br />
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I don't like Peeps, so my goal was to disguise them as much as humanly possible. <br />
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I LOVE Rice Krispies treats, so I figured I would love them just as much if they were made with Peeps, as opposed to regular marshmallows.<br />
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I'll tell you a secret...<br />
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I was WRONG.<br />
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But here's how Sissy and I made them, anyway.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You must begin by dawning your best apron, and a smile that says "I could totally be on Food Network".</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You know that saying "never trust a skinny chef"? Well, at least you know you can trust me. Creepy smile and all.</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We melted the butter, and then helped a few Peeps commit "chef assisted suicide".</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay, more than a few.</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">SAVE YOURSELVES!!!</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh the humanity!</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If it begins to look like a scene out of a horror movie, you know you're doing it right.</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Eventually they'll melt together, your kids will begin to get excited that you're making cheese sauce.</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pour the sticky mess over the Rice Krispies (or "Crisp Rice", if you're too cheap to go name brand.)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbuzK_RZDniJAUB95QHql9QDPCeBz59ObhB6l2Xhy_GMiGQ3ojuIkhN7csjJpJYbWUhUTTkevWAJNjjI-nS3hUWFPSCjyjPNPLfyWrCLLDM3Uc6A5dxo1Jyw2XuKq84ejSa40jus-FyVq_/s1600/DSCN1484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbuzK_RZDniJAUB95QHql9QDPCeBz59ObhB6l2Xhy_GMiGQ3ojuIkhN7csjJpJYbWUhUTTkevWAJNjjI-nS3hUWFPSCjyjPNPLfyWrCLLDM3Uc6A5dxo1Jyw2XuKq84ejSa40jus-FyVq_/s320/DSCN1484.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Make sure to get every last bit out of the pan.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2crxfcx_Lel9DjZ6s1UfYWmCkvlIowaF4dqAbNancRuak4qMIdR-YMNaTnuYjmBB-YAm0xxvztWoE4cUT_ZukAjrVkpeStgIYVdwAy7gMs1GCgjsU3QM6DKUMseKXYZ_eivnox2rzgi-o/s1600/DSCN1485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2crxfcx_Lel9DjZ6s1UfYWmCkvlIowaF4dqAbNancRuak4qMIdR-YMNaTnuYjmBB-YAm0xxvztWoE4cUT_ZukAjrVkpeStgIYVdwAy7gMs1GCgjsU3QM6DKUMseKXYZ_eivnox2rzgi-o/s320/DSCN1485.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enlist your husband's help to stir the mess together. Steal a taste, and be disappointed that they taste very little like real Rice Krispies Treats.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge54sLqP7SCG2vDNGSKAb54MhtnjwFRxNNFUE4LiCbeoI0Rx2ElfrdaWcSVo0vs4Am2B-hKtsKG-JtO1KyoEG018dlftLgzT-lrvHJQOXDA4GALeFFFiDScuxLCen8p9XRYbwpND4Ws-gJ/s1600/DSCN1486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge54sLqP7SCG2vDNGSKAb54MhtnjwFRxNNFUE4LiCbeoI0Rx2ElfrdaWcSVo0vs4Am2B-hKtsKG-JtO1KyoEG018dlftLgzT-lrvHJQOXDA4GALeFFFiDScuxLCen8p9XRYbwpND4Ws-gJ/s320/DSCN1486.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Press mixture into greased pan with a greased spatula. Make your kids wait "FOREVER!" for them to cool.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuffQyuSAaDWIsiLWby4Lqp57cfKR6qJUsLy3xXDTb7q31OgIe1hqMBOYuE61CzBphGAT0fUEai2dh69DW4-xNX27d5uspqEIOSw93bDJaua9LqeBHl2ma3ld2D9pfwcyDPJpyKryX9Tq2/s1600/DSCN1487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuffQyuSAaDWIsiLWby4Lqp57cfKR6qJUsLy3xXDTb7q31OgIe1hqMBOYuE61CzBphGAT0fUEai2dh69DW4-xNX27d5uspqEIOSw93bDJaua9LqeBHl2ma3ld2D9pfwcyDPJpyKryX9Tq2/s320/DSCN1487.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cut into huge pieces (because they'll be gone sooner that way), and arrange them on an ugly plate someone gave you 5 years ago, because all your cute dishes are dirty.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, make sure to forget to take a picture of your child(ren) eating the delicious morsels.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">How did you guys fare??? Are your projects cooler than mine???</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I sure hope so! Link up your projects, and I will have my Brain Trust select a winner by mid week. I will announce May's mission when I announce the winner. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">P.S. Don't forget that if you never had the chance to link up your December "candycane" project, you can do so now. I will be announcing a winner for that as well...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">GOOD LUCK!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><script src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/easylink.php?owner=symmetryinmotion&postid=09May2011" type="text/javascript">
</script>Samihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298451372107211297noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514983607168914341.post-29216004204128480392011-05-05T10:45:00.000-05:002011-05-05T10:45:37.111-05:00Three For ThursdayGot this prompt from <a href="http://hangingbyasilverlining.blogspot.com/">EVELYN</a>, and I thought..."why not?". Hey! Maybe if you join in too, she will make it a weekly meme and have link ups...DO IT!<br />
<br />
Three things I do after the kids are in bed:<br />
<br />
<br />
1. Eat something I probably shouldn't.<br />
2. Watch all my shows that aren't appropriate for children.<br />
3. If the mood strikes <strike>us</strike> me, some sort of team sport... *cue stripper music*<br />
<br />
Three people I kind of want to be, but not really:<br />
<br />
1. Me...11 years and 70 pounds ago. <br />
2. Blanket Jackson. I'd introduce myself, and say "My friends call me Blankie".<br />
3. ANYBODY who can walk comfortably in high heels wihtout looking "special".<br />
<br />
Three objects I would never buy used:<br />
<br />
1. Lingerie<br />
2. Breast Pump<br />
3. Makeup<br />
<br />
<br />
Three things I didn't do today:<br />
<br />
1. Wake up refreshed.<br />
2. Eat breakfast.<br />
3. Feel guilty about going out to lunch.<br />
<br />
<br />
Three books I would like to read...probably in ten years when all these dang kids are in school:<br />
<br />
1. The rest of the Hunger Games trilogy.<br />
2. The Mortal Instruments series.<br />
3. Some sort of vacation planning guide. Preferably to Australia.<br />
<br />
<br />
Three things that have been ruined for me thanks to stomach flu and/or morning sickness:<br />
<br />
1. Bananas<br />
2. Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup.<br />
3. Yogurt<br />
<br />
<br />
Three things I appreciate about my marriage:<br />
<br />
1. Our personalities just "fit". Like we were made for each other.<br />
2. The boy can cook! Which means...I don't always have to.<br />
3. Even after almost 11 years of marriage, we still flirt. It's nice that my hubby is still hot for me...<br />
<br />
<br />
Three things within a two foot reach of me:<br />
<br />
1. Butterfly habitat<br />
2. My Turn on Earth CD<br />
3. A happy baby that does not belong to me.<br />
<br />
<br />
Three pictures:<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599352608231166594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBXKqr-NvIN_HNEkNex-DgjoWALEUUTWcCG_SVQz8sHNDa2TnnFqrD1G3Mwj1KUjcC0ZAYqPMRrpyVVeKxy9-jhQyFavkRd0H1ffVcubdwcEXSNqoARFPOe09l8s-epIiXaI-X38guII/s400/DSC_0019.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 255px;" />My sister, Boogs, recently sent out announcements for her husband's graduation from Dental School. I am in love with my nephews! Especially the grumpy one in the front. He's so much like his mother, I just can't stand it!!!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598198209781150882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFb3XLSBlhGlcVbSmNE8Z-mqAf41MqYoYk4SlC2Jw1dCYCThUwtLubOWtsbYpip9Qgf1Qqvo6ivMj_698teiXzGW1Ju-PF3SB0J-znp3ecciV4fK-Ky0QHimKO1ZlTVDeH37JqyCIt48V/s320/DSC04798.JPG" style="cursor: hand; height: 320px; width: 240px;" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Speaking of "announcements"...my brother and Sister in Law recently announced they're EXPECTING! *praying for a girl*. As if that's not enough, the incubator up there is turning 25 TODAY. Happy birthday, Didj! I love you!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="04" border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDIMT3_ELoahfBvW041WnJwkE993dWnEQYv7dSGHO-oS5hAxcSE5DO3pLDvbJcuzH8MOyGQH-4lZHLKLY1plq85yU0xyb5OqlHALPcitFz-Gy-hAIpedH_V6O8-GOoJqNOc_N2P_we5Sw/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="04" width="297" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">THIS is my newest niece! Isn't she beautiful?!</div><br />
<br />
Three plans for the near future: <br />
<br />
<br />
1. Go out to lunch with <a href="http://momhasthemondays.blogspot.com/">BAUB</a>.<br />
2. Work for 4 hours at the Book Fair.<br />
3. Publish this post.<br />
<br />
<br />
Three final thoughts:<br />
<br />
1. I think I have allergies<br />
2. Symfully Sweet will post THIS COMING SATURDAY, because my computer was broken, and we just got it fixed.<br />
3. Something about shopping at midnight, made me feel slightly less appreciative of the teachersSamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298451372107211297noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514983607168914341.post-73940867873175610642011-05-03T09:21:00.000-05:002011-05-03T09:21:35.393-05:00A Post By RoonIn my post labled "Love Bug" I had several of you ask what Bug was eating in the picture that has also resided on my sidebar since day 1 I decided to take the easy way out, and rather than tell you, I thought I would let Roon do it by re-publishing a post he had written on our family blog about 3 years ago. (Plus, since we FINALLY got our computer fixed, I'm feverishly working to ge my Symfully Sweet post up, and I don't have time for a real post right now.)<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
We made a whole bunch of sugar cookies, and we let the kids put the icing on some of them. I told them to take it easy on the sprinkles this time because last year the super sprinkle covered cookie gave Santa some wicked heartburn.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLfUXAQIbu4Vp4qlGviu9kXQ54qI3zaq1St3DQ1JRTm5l2c321D3BryRz10qVzWovupQwlCPgoW9Ase73ADd6uxmAJA67sOiP-MfzEiU1FkbqBdYloRkUy3dt9_zYwD0hJs9G_2ckOgw/s1600-h/DSCF0012.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147556460481145202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLfUXAQIbu4Vp4qlGviu9kXQ54qI3zaq1St3DQ1JRTm5l2c321D3BryRz10qVzWovupQwlCPgoW9Ase73ADd6uxmAJA67sOiP-MfzEiU1FkbqBdYloRkUy3dt9_zYwD0hJs9G_2ckOgw/s400/DSCF0012.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>Sissy did a pretty good job with her cookies.<br />
<br />
</div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3JHEl5BryHqrWoHYC7CCQUe7ujRkCqAaDLccKjZzftZrDHItKGmXFBlHpA7buRySXmjuzlNAgcNPQB-TkRAs4OYktlewPsI2LWSx823snggpwj1hUrhWzjpODDUct2GqMKmAP_bWYbeI/s1600-h/DSCF0011.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147556464776112514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3JHEl5BryHqrWoHYC7CCQUe7ujRkCqAaDLccKjZzftZrDHItKGmXFBlHpA7buRySXmjuzlNAgcNPQB-TkRAs4OYktlewPsI2LWSx823snggpwj1hUrhWzjpODDUct2GqMKmAP_bWYbeI/s400/DSCF0011.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>Bubble didn't do too bad either.</div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXzmT3RD6nDe6Hi6aDFZwrEKs9M47oZFFEa99weDUFeLTBL6CrZosCudHZ4Kkd9RfLpqChmya9azp5ppylmybZ5QhkeoQwacmFmJIJ5KZ0RZ6mD39NUrcXoLouAnN-q3RUo3-2RDBrPA/s1600-h/DSCF0010.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147556477661014418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXzmT3RD6nDe6Hi6aDFZwrEKs9M47oZFFEa99weDUFeLTBL6CrZosCudHZ4Kkd9RfLpqChmya9azp5ppylmybZ5QhkeoQwacmFmJIJ5KZ0RZ6mD39NUrcXoLouAnN-q3RUo3-2RDBrPA/s400/DSCF0010.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>Bug started off ok.</div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrLBI64UJjJ6aMd4FAg26Jre-rGAOOcc3zuARSf-e3y_ir270IthzNvSk08HnSrnsXNGE-VqqN55QMfnysyIxGdSxrXdwF7VoVcygnaP_hsGF2AKLCMNiqKh6XOOkEvqYDVMkJKAXBas/s1600-h/DSCF0013.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147556481955981730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrLBI64UJjJ6aMd4FAg26Jre-rGAOOcc3zuARSf-e3y_ir270IthzNvSk08HnSrnsXNGE-VqqN55QMfnysyIxGdSxrXdwF7VoVcygnaP_hsGF2AKLCMNiqKh6XOOkEvqYDVMkJKAXBas/s400/DSCF0013.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>Then he decided to eat the icing.</div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCu2kwI4SnSX4LnjjMp6oyu9-wyNCUzb04dUti_BYeEWJ4L0BtRLcXoVLgzQjoPVL2L6DGnPcxQYRm_OFc666ZeLeA_yrM9GgcIhGxKxLhRrigm5bjZ9xbWlyuImUDcYAIqlVsqi7Q44/s1600-h/DSCF0015.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147556490545916338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCu2kwI4SnSX4LnjjMp6oyu9-wyNCUzb04dUti_BYeEWJ4L0BtRLcXoVLgzQjoPVL2L6DGnPcxQYRm_OFc666ZeLeA_yrM9GgcIhGxKxLhRrigm5bjZ9xbWlyuImUDcYAIqlVsqi7Q44/s400/DSCF0015.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>And continued to do it on the floor.</div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKEWWnqEzBjVvUUkCJ5XBfCjeiNHvqmbu-pnot2ExnKYvM_6slcmszW2p8ZtGrMf4BkKfpHOQW4HV7Bfb1XW092oPJa9tx6A-YZ1TlNlMj3c4hH5vF64m3KPAm3qZ2SCWDlDhP7PmInY/s1600-h/Pooh_and_the_Hunny_Pot.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147556950107417026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKEWWnqEzBjVvUUkCJ5XBfCjeiNHvqmbu-pnot2ExnKYvM_6slcmszW2p8ZtGrMf4BkKfpHOQW4HV7Bfb1XW092oPJa9tx6A-YZ1TlNlMj3c4hH5vF64m3KPAm3qZ2SCWDlDhP7PmInY/s400/Pooh_and_the_Hunny_Pot.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>Reminiscent of Mr Pooh Bear. </div>Samihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298451372107211297noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514983607168914341.post-34174775726203780072011-04-28T08:59:00.000-05:002011-04-28T08:59:50.663-05:00What Time Is It?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PIHAhyphenhyphen0lfT7WUb3yD131X42kN1C63qv08C66-obzizJu9t77jUGQVS2axyBUJp8hE3Eektys4wLtybrP_pJ-HLjqdv5e_83EToFkNVJRxx-MXDXMgV-V7fqPDuUT4t4WVXkuq_NPxtbQ/s1600/clock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PIHAhyphenhyphen0lfT7WUb3yD131X42kN1C63qv08C66-obzizJu9t77jUGQVS2axyBUJp8hE3Eektys4wLtybrP_pJ-HLjqdv5e_83EToFkNVJRxx-MXDXMgV-V7fqPDuUT4t4WVXkuq_NPxtbQ/s320/clock.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Come on, really. What time IS IT?!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhAooGdYHFX-beUD2jwoNaSbvh7RJisGkZCkKAkjWeLOv4yJCpIUvghlmR8cCQgVDO2wgleNnPnkbDucdUfQWgM8PF7Y1Mf6aEtGX3FOwY1BEnkMGfY684i3FteQk5rcFIyroTl6Nfbev/s1600/clock+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhAooGdYHFX-beUD2jwoNaSbvh7RJisGkZCkKAkjWeLOv4yJCpIUvghlmR8cCQgVDO2wgleNnPnkbDucdUfQWgM8PF7Y1Mf6aEtGX3FOwY1BEnkMGfY684i3FteQk5rcFIyroTl6Nfbev/s320/clock+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">THAT'S BETTER.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">On the bright side, if I can't tell what time it is, I don't have to feel guilty about oversleeping, right???</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This post brought to you by the recent outbreak in storms that caused the power surge that broke my iHome. Thanks, Mother Nature! You owe me $40.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Samihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298451372107211297noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514983607168914341.post-49428535368786377302011-04-27T11:27:00.004-05:002011-04-28T09:44:22.770-05:00It's Like Breaking Up with a Boyfriend, on the Day He Was Fired.I have learned through my year of blogging, that I have an amazing resource right at my fingertips.<br />
<br />
YOU GUYS!<br />
<br />
Oftentimes, I have confided in you on an individual basis regarding some sticky situations, and have sought out your advice on how to handle them.<br />
<br />
From family, to business, to friendships gone awry, you always know how to navigate me through those less than comfortable situations. Instead of confiding in you all individually, I decided to lay it all out there for everyone, so I can receive a consensus on how to handle this bit of a pickle.<br />
<br />
Let me tell you a little story<span style="font-size: x-small;">*</span>.<br />
<br />
There are many things in life that Roon is better at than me. Yardwork, is one of those things. Even though Roon is completely capable of mowing, edging, and landscaping our yard, he doesn't always have the time or desire to do so. <br />
<br />
One day, when I realized that our yard looked particularly sad, I suggested that Roon do something about it once winter was officially over. He thought about it for a day or so, and then came to me with a suggestion. Why not hire a professional? I had a little bit of money of my own, and I could use that to pay someone to make my yard look EXACTLY how I wanted it, and things wouldn't get ugly between the two of us.<br />
<br />
I thought he was brilliant!<br />
<br />
I soon found a small landscape company to do the work, and as luck would have it, he was running a bit of a special. If I paid the full estimated amount in advance, (Before lawn mowing season began) I would be added to the mowing schedule from day one, and Roon wouldn't have to push the mower even once. Not to mention the fact that I could "bundle" my landscape requests together for a discounted rate.<br />
<br />
I was all over it!<br />
<br />
I received an estimate, and paid it in full within 24 hours. I could hardly wait for spring to come, so I could see some improvement in my yard!<br />
<br />
Normally, the idea of paying in full for work yet to be performed makes me very uneasy, but he came VERY highly recommened by neighbors and friends, so I went with it.<br />
<br />
At the first signs of spring, I would see him in my neighbor's yards, sprucing things up a bit. Planting a tree, adding some flowers here and there. The anticipation was killing me!<br />
<br />
Along the way, Roon and I decided to add some things to our plan. You know, a fruit tree in the backyard, a tulip border, and some rose bushes on the side of the house...that kind of thing. Each time, he would bill us, we would pay, and then we would wait.<br />
<br />
When the grass began to grow and look unruly, I called our landscaper to find out what was going on. <br />
<br />
He was very nice, and explained that some things had come up, but that he would be out very soon to take care of it.<br />
<br />
A week later, with the threat of an HOA fine looming, Roon went out and cut the grass when our guy couldn't be reached in time.<br />
<br />
Through the course of several months, our guy never came once. We were handled with kid gloves, reassured that we were on his schedule, but no concrete dates were ever offered.<br />
<br />
Towards the end of the summer, we heard rumblings that the landscaper was experiencing some personal hardships. His wife was ill, money was tight, and he was doing his best to handle it all. This was all speculation, though, as we hadn't actually heard the information from HIM.<br />
<br />
We took pity on the guy, and made do the best we could. Eventually, we contacted the guy, and asked for a refund. Our contract was terminated, he apologized, and we were promised a full refund.<br />
<br />
We found, and hired a replacement landscaper, who has done an amazing job! We love him, and are so glad to have found him in our time of need.<br />
<br />
So where's the problem?<br />
<br />
Our original landscaper has yet to reimburse us. I've contacted him a few times, offering to make arrangements with him to pay in installments, and the offers have been embraced and appreciated by him, but no arrangement is ever made. At the close of every conversation, he offers the possibility of paying me back with his services, or gift certificates for friends. <br />
<br />
If I wasn't happy with the service I was given in the first place, why on EARTH would I want more service in lieu of money?<br />
<br />
To add insult to injury, our landscaper has officially started publicly announcing his hardships to the community. How am I supposed to request a refund when he's standing at a pulpit telling everyone his woes?!<br />
<br />
Is it so unreasonable of me to want what I was promised? <br />
If you have any suggestions for me, I would greatly appreciate them.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">*Certain details have been altered or deleted to protect the guilty.</span>Samihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298451372107211297noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514983607168914341.post-28584118148536922472011-04-19T10:53:00.006-05:002011-04-22T12:18:23.932-05:00Love Bug<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Five years ago, Roon gave me this:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBd-_ZEyFUm76vyJzzyEvCIE5IQUlaz6w2EgqMQF7kYS8Ml9XFdi4PCMoqkr5nFqlAx9isMlos18s5gX5OLOJNSQn2pyAfIxQMwdPiMqqYA3jn6sFeKwpGp4FNYyc0qg8uyeU9wJRU4dT/s1600/kitchenaid.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBd-_ZEyFUm76vyJzzyEvCIE5IQUlaz6w2EgqMQF7kYS8Ml9XFdi4PCMoqkr5nFqlAx9isMlos18s5gX5OLOJNSQn2pyAfIxQMwdPiMqqYA3jn6sFeKwpGp4FNYyc0qg8uyeU9wJRU4dT/s320/kitchenaid.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Exactly one week later, I gave him this...</span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBSidB2yMPfQRrumC-7JpV67Ghs77W1p6wZ5TnhIZIaOOz5mXMXBD77uCrTyIxN4nl6BERpjv3D_wg43lBb9OdBsOCwboUXt-tt3mT9UTDpRkpe-9tIAkgukkU_QXD4aTFsOty7F9hgAV/s1600/IMG_0354_070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBSidB2yMPfQRrumC-7JpV67Ghs77W1p6wZ5TnhIZIaOOz5mXMXBD77uCrTyIxN4nl6BERpjv3D_wg43lBb9OdBsOCwboUXt-tt3mT9UTDpRkpe-9tIAkgukkU_QXD4aTFsOty7F9hgAV/s320/IMG_0354_070.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fair trade, right?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">It was the BEST late birthday present EVER. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">In honor of our Bug turning 5 years old, here are 5 things I LOVE about that little boy.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">1. He is SO much like his dad, in every way. Thank goodness that's not a bad thing.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">2. His love of animals. Especially HIS animal.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZ_6sid8GIsfxq_I6BiRSq_OuHSK3tLwOxxdb74w6NG2yW2-T_kcggsi8CNpFQKGbGd9YwJS3nez_aG2PA0oYvzj9expfkneqGQgAoXivmldjSHB2TcIAByTmATs_1Y1JBEjK7C3_WCqx/s1600/DSCF0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZ_6sid8GIsfxq_I6BiRSq_OuHSK3tLwOxxdb74w6NG2yW2-T_kcggsi8CNpFQKGbGd9YwJS3nez_aG2PA0oYvzj9expfkneqGQgAoXivmldjSHB2TcIAByTmATs_1Y1JBEjK7C3_WCqx/s320/DSCF0012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">3.</span> <span style="font-size: large;">He's always been a good sleeper...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidEnONaeCGx8EKALFvcQ3OFHvlwlo-sXaUmvaLS2c2I0Xkhy_9dY3GD0UeM18KsozXRlNMln-pY8Kb8uT28-4u09_e43uYF55gahW8Fq_IuGuB-VzajUexj9TmiagpMURXyl2hgiHVBlfF/s1600/carter+men+larger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidEnONaeCGx8EKALFvcQ3OFHvlwlo-sXaUmvaLS2c2I0Xkhy_9dY3GD0UeM18KsozXRlNMln-pY8Kb8uT28-4u09_e43uYF55gahW8Fq_IuGuB-VzajUexj9TmiagpMURXyl2hgiHVBlfF/s320/carter+men+larger.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">4. He's AMAZING at sports.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">5. He's a bit mischievous, but his charm makes it impossible to stay mad. (Did I mention he's like his dad?)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQ7IHNGf2h2E-vekxshHPP5jW-VpewROugqsw8ikBO2612XpBj2J8Otk0PPh9xMwM1D6FLhutWPbbHvTKsujO1JlORhLki8b8Wv34MBXO0UN1_g7VBEUqTL2kC4LEQMZytcNWIa494Xlh/s1600/bug.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQ7IHNGf2h2E-vekxshHPP5jW-VpewROugqsw8ikBO2612XpBj2J8Otk0PPh9xMwM1D6FLhutWPbbHvTKsujO1JlORhLki8b8Wv34MBXO0UN1_g7VBEUqTL2kC4LEQMZytcNWIa494Xlh/s1600/bug.JPG" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy birthday, BUGABOO!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div>Samihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298451372107211297noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514983607168914341.post-45325522363089282602011-04-18T13:16:00.000-05:002011-04-18T13:16:34.284-05:00My Forever Friend Turns 30!About a year ago, I perfect stranger commented on my blog.<br />
<br />
I did what I usually try to do, and I followed her back to her blog, to see what she was all about.<br />
<br />
By the time Roon got home from work, I announced I had found a new friend. <br />
<br />
I had completely lost track of time, and had stalked her blog ALL AFTERNOON, commenting here and there. (This was back in the day, when I was still going by "Symply Me")<br />
<br />
Wouldn't it just figure that a matter of days after I found this little patch of sunshine, that she would announce she was going PRIVATE. I was so bummed.<br />
<br />
I didn't feel like I "knew" her well enough to ask for an invite to her private blog, and I wasn't smart enough to bookmark or start following her NEW blog before she went private. <br />
<br />
GAH!<br />
<br />
What's an obsessive <strike>stalker</strike> wannabe friend to do?<br />
<br />
Enter- FATE.<br />
<br />
Not out of character for myself at all, I signed up for a <a href="http://symmetry-in-motion.blogspot.com/2010/06/cause-im-cool-kid-thats-why.html">SWAP</a>. When I received the info for my partner, I was ECSTATIC! It was none other than my "missing" friend! <br />
<br />
It didn't take long at all for us to become great friends. Texting, Facebooking, Emailing, Skyping, and so on. <br />
<br />
I can honestly say that she is like a sister to me. She knows things about my life that I've only shared with 2 other people (aside from Roon, of course), and I know I can tell her anything without fear of judgement.<br />
<br />
And to think I've never met her!<br />
<br />
Well, we're fixin' to (I blame Texas) remedy that. About 40 more sleeps until we can claim to be REAL LIFE friends! I can hardly wait!!!<br />
<br />
So, who could I be talking about???<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IHzJWQLdUW0" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Ugh. After watching the video, I realize I looked REALLY gross, and you can hardly hear the dialogue from the kids. Sorry. I was in a hurry to get this done. I wouldn't let myself do a second take.</span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Head on over to <a href="http://hangingbyasilverlining.blogspot.com/">HANGING BY A SILVER LINING</a>, and wish Evelyn a very happy 30th birthday!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy birthday, Evelyn! I've said it before, but I'll ay it again...you are the Wally Kessler to my Harold Green.</div>Samihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298451372107211297noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514983607168914341.post-76780661952938295852011-04-12T11:33:00.000-05:002011-04-12T11:33:14.814-05:00Vlog #2...The Mature YearsThere are so many things I want to point out before y'all watch this video. <br />
<br />
First, the angles are really bad. Sorry. I did one take, stumbled all over my words, and did a second take, and couldn't keep in the frame. Oh well, I'm not trying for a third take. Just tilt your head, you may not even notice.<br />
<br />
Second, The lighting was really bad. There were moments that I looked at my complexion, and my face looked orange compared to my body. I can assure you that I CAN match my makeup to my skin color better than it appears. <br />
<br />
Finally, please ignore any major messes you can see. The maid took the day off...for her birthday. Whatcha gonna do?<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aykZdmMXNbA" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Here's the list of words and questions for your personal reference. After all, I'm probably saying them all wrong...</div><br />
Aunt, Route, Wash, Oil, Theater, Iron, Salmon, Caramel, Fire, Water, Sure, Data, Ruin, Crayon, Toilet, New Orleans, Pecan, Both, Again, Probably, Spitting image, Alabama, Lawyer, Coupon, Mayonnaise, Syrup, Pajamas, Caught, Antenna, Root beer, Ambulance, Museum, Milk, Orange, Apricot<br />
<br />
What is it called when you throw toilet paper on a house?<br />
<br />
What is the bug that when you touch it, it curls into a ball?<br />
<br />
What is the bubbly carbonated drink called?<br />
<br />
What do you call gym shoes?<br />
<br />
What do you say to address a group of people?<br />
<br />
What do you call the kind of spider that has an oval-shaped<br />
<br />
body and extremely long legs?<br />
<br />
What do you call your grandparents?<br />
<br />
What do you call the wheeled contraption in which you carry<br />
<br />
groceries at the supermarket?<br />
<br />
What do you call it when rain falls while the sun is shining?<br />
<br />
What is the thing you change the TV channel with?<br />
<br />
Where do you buy your groceries?<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o298/TheVasquez3/VlogButton.jpg" /></a></center><br />
<br />
Thanks so much <a href="http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/">Mamarazzi</a> and <a href="http://seriously-shawn.blogspot.com/">Shawn</a> for hosting! It's been fun!Samihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298451372107211297noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514983607168914341.post-62744630375414680232011-04-11T11:09:00.000-05:002011-04-11T11:09:58.646-05:00Roon Has Spoken<div align="center"><img class="rg_hi" data-height="277" data-width="182" height="277" id="rg_hi" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSRBx_F3aFhLFdG3y8FDc4OHJubwRyAPBMdy_KJ-8aBdes8XqYGzA" style="height: 277px; width: 182px;" width="182" /></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><br />
<br />
All my life, I've never had any trouble making friends. Don't get me wrong, I was a nerd, but I've always made friends easily. <br />
<br />
I've had all types of friends, as well.<br />
<br />
My fliratious nature has awarded me many a male friend in my day, one of whom eventually became my husband.<br />
<br />
My fierce loyalty, has provided me with many long term friends. You know, friends whom I have known for 25+ years.<br />
<br />
The friendly/outgoing side of me has acquainted me with lots of interesting people, and has occasionally thrust me into some uncomfortable situations.<br />
<br />
While I adore my friends, the law of averages implies that in an ocean full of really terrific friends (y'all know who you are...), you will on occasion come across a stinker or two. <br />
<br />
When I was in middle school, I had a "friend" who hated me. Well, more accurately, she hated me MOST of the time. Round about October 8th, she would declare me her "best friend", and hold on tight, just long enough to get a birthday present from me on October 10th. Once she had what she wanted, the teasing and utter torture would resume. She did this same thing for Christmas and Valentine's Day as well, for several years.<br />
<br />
My mom pointed out how wrong this was on several occasions, but when you're in middle school...your mom doesn't know anything, so I ignored her. <br />
<br />
To this day, I am still a people pleaser, and it drives Roon CRAZY.<br />
<br />
Probably because he can see something that I can't.<br />
<br />
Usually, he gets quietly exasperated, just shaking his head or rolling his eyes when he doesn't agree with the way I'm allowing a friend to treat me. <br />
<br />
Until recently.<br />
<br />
Over the past several months, I have had several interactions with a "friend" I refer to as "Toxic". (If you're a real life friend of mine reading this...don't worry, I don't think it's you, or someone you know)<br />
<br />
This person is a taker. They take your time, they take your energy, they take your generosity, but they never leave anything behind. <br />
<br />
Have you ever had a friend like that? <br />
<br />
After every interaction I would have with them, I would walk away feeling defeated. Feeling "less than". <br />
<br />
One evening, after our most recent encounter, I was talking to Roon, and as I started to cry, he put his foot down.<br />
<br />
Now, if you know Roon, you know that he is just about the most easy going man in the entire world. He would do anything for anybody, and RARELY gets upset.<br />
<br />
But he was LIVID.<br />
<br />
"I don't want you doing anything else for that person." He said. "In fact, if you volunteer to do one more thing for them, I am not going to be mad at them anymore, and I'll be mad at YOU!"<br />
<br />
And I know he means it. <br />
<br />
So, I'm respecting his wishes. The people pleaser in me is screaming to be heard, but I love my husband, and I basically only tolerate the other individual.<br />
<br />
The whole experience has made me question myself, and how I treat others. <br />
<br />
On the bright side, every time I encounter a "stinker" in my vast ocean of friends, I learn from it, and it makes me a better friend. <br />
<br />
<div align="center"><img class="rg_hi" data-height="190" data-width="265" height="286" id="rg_hi" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQV2C8vhXOhNVH3IaKoigs4b6flF7nX-pBTP53-v9_GsXB25vzKvg" style="height: 190px; width: 265px;" width="400" /></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">And that makes it all worth it.</div>Samihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298451372107211297noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514983607168914341.post-36587239784655401202011-04-08T09:10:00.000-05:002011-04-08T09:10:02.633-05:00Because De-Whiskering Kittens is Inhumane...This, I tell ya, is the little blog post that could. <br />
Let's just say that my laptop has been experiencing more than it's share of "user errors" lately, and no...it's not Roon who has suddenly become computer illiterate. <br />
<br />
At least I have a computer guru as a husband, who can fix all my technological faux pas.<br />
<br />
ANYWHO!<br />
<br />
I GOT MY FAVORITE THINGS SWAP PACKAGE!!!<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/2011/04/mamarazzis-favorite-things-swap.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o298/TheVasquez3/FavoriteThings.jpg" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">About 4 days ago. (hanging my head in SHAME!)</span></div><br />
I was partnered with the completely hilarious Jessica from <a href="http://duckduckcow.blogspot.com/">Duck Duck Cow</a>. Right off the bat, I knew she and I were destined to be friends, because, well...all awesome people tend to travel in the same herd, right?<br />
<br />
Alright, onto the loot! Please excuse the picture quality. They were taken with my phone, by a complete photography dummy...me.<br />
<br />
The first thing I saw when I opened my package was this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigXyL_1gYk37r42ZpDyq8mL2Con7G6fv84ETZ5cVNLWTPIgG0_qiTIVlpymtVKZmmy9LPslorhCSl1K4TrYfE84wL4O3g8Eu675PE0-VQvxlAk07GNIKAELlSkCaHInbB5QN1HP41pAjDu/s1600/pic+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigXyL_1gYk37r42ZpDyq8mL2Con7G6fv84ETZ5cVNLWTPIgG0_qiTIVlpymtVKZmmy9LPslorhCSl1K4TrYfE84wL4O3g8Eu675PE0-VQvxlAk07GNIKAELlSkCaHInbB5QN1HP41pAjDu/s320/pic+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In case you can't read that, is says: "Quick! Give this to your kids so that you can open your package in PEACE!" This girl thought of EVERYTHING!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Under that, Were all my goodies, lovingly wrapped in wrapping paper and ribbon:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBD9DWZeAcsXQhRHoL7GfLB2g_tlp8ghIgul-yCLGSXwMzJ5dbiJh1VDGZjT-ICs7VsCDabNca326Z3LxI2qQsJhq3wZnpkZbk1ugieMHsFR5cfUxiYzie-aw0P5isfypxTdqQ9YsaMjG/s1600/pic+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBD9DWZeAcsXQhRHoL7GfLB2g_tlp8ghIgul-yCLGSXwMzJ5dbiJh1VDGZjT-ICs7VsCDabNca326Z3LxI2qQsJhq3wZnpkZbk1ugieMHsFR5cfUxiYzie-aw0P5isfypxTdqQ9YsaMjG/s320/pic+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
It doesn't happen very often, but I got to open my ENTIRE package MYSELF! Which means, I also got a picture of EVERYTHING all laid out, but first I'll start with some highlights...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKOsXVW8Wtm6qcr7FnG5QE8s0bq2qbPdIcASpC9rEaR_nKciETybC_MvnUbwxEvVBkFotCvM_xvoVIr3lrkwI3pOQsx3t9yzNrEDN84gquoaMyT1HZUJeMHU03_0h8cNRcuPFdj9ErVmw8/s1600/pic+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKOsXVW8Wtm6qcr7FnG5QE8s0bq2qbPdIcASpC9rEaR_nKciETybC_MvnUbwxEvVBkFotCvM_xvoVIr3lrkwI3pOQsx3t9yzNrEDN84gquoaMyT1HZUJeMHU03_0h8cNRcuPFdj9ErVmw8/s320/pic+6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, you read that fuzzy picture right. That is a GLAZED DONUT scented candle. Since it smelled so good that I almost licked it, I am keeping it up high, so that Boo doesn't get any ideas.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2YLUzDP-BnzAqbJEdEUOywbapmQaBdFvEdg5j8VC1TOWnCHGSaZZduE6nV-xtkUSfl2r1VXUJEOqWoplfMBoTH0kvacpa9itX0J41To1YVsRRs79wp85TsnpFdZOrsFC_cJaunuejsGV/s1600/pic+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2YLUzDP-BnzAqbJEdEUOywbapmQaBdFvEdg5j8VC1TOWnCHGSaZZduE6nV-xtkUSfl2r1VXUJEOqWoplfMBoTH0kvacpa9itX0J41To1YVsRRs79wp85TsnpFdZOrsFC_cJaunuejsGV/s320/pic+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think I may be the only person on the face of the planet that has NEVER tried these things. I know they're "all the rage", but I've never been one to give into peer pressure. UNTIL NOW!!! YUM!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4EAP1gDbb0BojZMZg2qcz2ib-vieXR1Kvm4LcI_rIAFLFbskjVg9BYUIMh_87G0OBC_FALOsA7EbQXzXcqOeCuy3JtUddT7bD69OXAZIlMQZPBHIMQhJtwCZabOG1k1YfCCa8A7-m_wU/s1600/pic+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4EAP1gDbb0BojZMZg2qcz2ib-vieXR1Kvm4LcI_rIAFLFbskjVg9BYUIMh_87G0OBC_FALOsA7EbQXzXcqOeCuy3JtUddT7bD69OXAZIlMQZPBHIMQhJtwCZabOG1k1YfCCa8A7-m_wU/s320/pic+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I laughed hysterically when I saw this! I don't know if you can see from the picture, but that soap has GLITTER on it! I haven't mentioned this to Jessica yet, but I think she was inspired to send this to get the werewolf stink off me. That's right...I'm a Jacob girl. BUT this soap smells SO good, I'm willing to make an exception.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxlPTZMF-SMijDgUh5fyQ7fKuf5-vWUWsucJV-tA7ChFQb4wAE5fWUPwyCH4qvJLu75jawmAYRjcrNAjhoHC_OLBKJ55nFiF2Viqc9YxecCVaX8aENH6Exff-QEGIfmKGLTA-0wZ7wkTd/s1600/pic+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxlPTZMF-SMijDgUh5fyQ7fKuf5-vWUWsucJV-tA7ChFQb4wAE5fWUPwyCH4qvJLu75jawmAYRjcrNAjhoHC_OLBKJ55nFiF2Viqc9YxecCVaX8aENH6Exff-QEGIfmKGLTA-0wZ7wkTd/s320/pic+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's a rundown of everything I got, in no particular order.</div><ol><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">FUNYUNS! (These didn't stand a chance of survival in my house.)</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Glazed donut candle.</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cadbury mini eggs</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Halloween cupcake liners</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">CD of Jessica's favorite tunes.</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Nail polish, with the CUTEST tiny little bunny toe separators EVER!</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Gum.</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pens</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tide to Go (Sissy LOVES this stuff. SHE insists we keep it on hand always)</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cow magnet (SUPER cute!)</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Beetlejuice, the movie. (WOW! Blast from the past!)</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Flower shaped ice cube trays.</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Edward Soap and soapdish.</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Makeup bag, complete with a full set of samples from CLINIQUE! (I'd never tried Clinique before, but I've already tried some of it, and I LOVE it!)</div></li>
</ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was an awesome swap! Thanks so much, <a href="http://duckduckcow.blogspot.com/">Jessica</a>, for making it so! Also, thanks to <a href="http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/">Mamarazzi</a> for hosting, and for keeping everything running so smoothly!</div>Samihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298451372107211297noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514983607168914341.post-53343323707934483022011-04-04T15:51:00.000-05:002011-04-04T15:51:02.470-05:00Symfully Sweet RETURNS!I know you won't believe this, but I really tried to get this posted on Friday. <br />
<br />
BUT, my internet wasn't working. <br />
<br />
Luckily, Roon was going to come home a little early, so I had him fiddle with the computer/router garbage. <br />
<br />
You know what was wrong with it?<br />
<br />
The WiFi was turned off on the laptop.<br />
<br />
That was ALL that was wrong with it! All I would have had to do, is push a stupid button!<br />
<br />
Have I mentioned I'm not very tech savvy?<br />
<br />
Okay, so moving on...<br />
Have y'all missed Symfully Sweet?<br />
Did you even know it was missing?<br />
Probably not.<br />
<br />
Okay, well it WAS missing, and I apologize for those of you who were really looking forward to it. <br />
<br />
If you have absolutely no idea what the dickens I'm talking about, click on the "Symfully Sweet Saturday" tab, and read all about it. <br />
<br />
So, what candy did I think would be absolutely perfect for the April Mission???<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img class="rg_hi" data-height="179" data-width="282" height="179" id="rg_hi" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQv1bg6wg95K4kJmeYPqV2jAVU8vLfgaSpBQ1zKFj6rn6s-11Cc" style="height: 179px; width: 282px;" width="282" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">PEEPS!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Now, just to be clear, I do NOT like Peeps. I don't. I think they're gross. BUT, when I think about Easter, I think about Peeps. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">If you dislike Peeps as much as I do, remember you DON'T have to use the actual candy for your project. Use them as inspiration for a project, instead. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Answers to a few anticipated questions:</div><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;">YES you can use the Peep bunnies instead of the Peep chicks, if you feel so inclined.</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">NO, I don't care what color Peeps you choose. They all taste the same...</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">YES, you can use the new Peeps that are partially or completely covered in chocolate.</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">YES, you can use plain old marshmallows to replace peeps, if you also use the crystal sugar sprinkles, to complete the "essence" of the Peep.</div></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;">If you have any more questions, just ask me. I promise, I don't bite!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Linking will open on April 30th. If you keep track, <a href="http://this-istheyear.blogspot.com/">Xazmin's</a> "Mod Podge Mania" will be linking that day too. If you do a project containing BOTH Peeps AND Mod Podge, you can kill two chicks with one stone...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">You may recall that I never posted my project for December's Symfully Sweet. The mission was "Candy Canes". If you did a project for December, you can link it up with April's projects, and will be judged separately from the April projects. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Good luck on your projects! I can't wait to see what you come up with!</div>Samihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298451372107211297noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514983607168914341.post-85616573441821433162011-03-28T14:38:00.000-05:002011-03-28T14:38:33.969-05:00Super Secret Swap ProgressYou've all asked, and HERE IT IS!<br />
<br />
For those of you who are not participating in the Super Secret Swap, you probably have no idea what I'm talking about. Sorry about that!<br />
<br />
This swap has been a lot of fun for me to host. Granted, at times it IS stressful, but I get REALLY excited every time a recipient emails me with the details of the package they just received. I think it may even be better than receiving a package myself...<br />
<br />
Now, before I show you the goods received thus far, I wanted to tell you about a little game. Surprise, surprise, Sami wants to play a game...<br />
<br />
You don't even have to be participating in the swap to play!<br />
<br />
All you have to do is, FILL IN THE CHAIN.<br />
<br />
As I told you before, all the participants are listed and linked on my left sidebar. <br />
<br />
Whoever can guess the most accurate chain, will win a prize from me at the end of the swap! Fun, right?<br />
<br />
Please keep in mind, that while I am not linked on the sidebar list, I am also a participant, so my name must be included in the chain also. <br />
<br />
I would encourage you to keep track as I post pictures, and send me an email once the chain is complete. For example, I keep track of the chain on a "post it note" on my desktop. You can do that, or use your own method. <br />
<br />
I'll come up with "official rules" for the game later, if I feel I need them. Until then, I think it'll just be fun to have people try to guess who sent to whom...<br />
<br />
Onto the pictures...<br />
<br />
(I have included a short "reaction" from each recipient, that you will see in pink below their picture(s)).<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">PERSON "X" SENT TO</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">RECIPIENT 1:</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://mail.google.com/mail/?attid=0.1&disp=emb&view=att&th=12dca559b4c049ab" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta;">"Well i loved everything! And the timing was really great because I had been seriously depressed about a lot of stuff and not only did the package in the mail make me smile but I literally laughed out loud while reading the comments, plus the chocolates, my sister and father kept trying to sneak off the table I was opening them on so it just made my day to get the swap package when I did!"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">SHE THEN SENT TO </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">RECIPIENT 2:</span></div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">(She had a few technical difficulties with pictures, so please excuse the limited selection.)</span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQmB7lOPsyHu8BgZkJoaX_233QPusS7CPv58VwtPLbb2_jJ1tXaPM0CpJnRQLh9CBgGZ02HU_cIB4IGmG6Eqx5IdsAQzhJ_IhLr_o9I6y6e9b0dQQytbB3JHeYFx3vfU9ZquajQhopZfd/s1600/Recipient+2+pic+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQmB7lOPsyHu8BgZkJoaX_233QPusS7CPv58VwtPLbb2_jJ1tXaPM0CpJnRQLh9CBgGZ02HU_cIB4IGmG6Eqx5IdsAQzhJ_IhLr_o9I6y6e9b0dQQytbB3JHeYFx3vfU9ZquajQhopZfd/s1600/Recipient+2+pic+1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta;">"Adorable tiny flower pots w/seeds. As you can see they are in my kitchen window & have started to sprout."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUZhd0EhsTNx1KeXueVfZbhAR7HlRs0JIj45N_7gNUEebKRs_JFmAWBg9nWSAXo0NGS5H7SyADzetJkP0qhVYCLfVdBuCKoamYA2VCnNMTMc5tfmJhFbGUSam0jsDfb9kRSYP1KCqdWN5/s1600/Recipient+2+pic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUZhd0EhsTNx1KeXueVfZbhAR7HlRs0JIj45N_7gNUEebKRs_JFmAWBg9nWSAXo0NGS5H7SyADzetJkP0qhVYCLfVdBuCKoamYA2VCnNMTMc5tfmJhFbGUSam0jsDfb9kRSYP1KCqdWN5/s1600/Recipient+2+pic+2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta;">"Super cute mug. It came filled with Vanilla Coffee & Hot Cocoa. Mmmm YUM!"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP3tyK82oXCg2hBD3D8q3ScAb822SuJ9LVGlLJjcNwEtlIFJqhgKggFyoBbyOAwGi74z3h7as5HZbh5QIbRgWKVIZnvSs8v-VyM1LuQIRQJ-MktVv3QAuzJsXHLKF6rud6KiMh4fpQAVx9/s1600/Recipient+2+pic+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP3tyK82oXCg2hBD3D8q3ScAb822SuJ9LVGlLJjcNwEtlIFJqhgKggFyoBbyOAwGi74z3h7as5HZbh5QIbRgWKVIZnvSs8v-VyM1LuQIRQJ-MktVv3QAuzJsXHLKF6rud6KiMh4fpQAVx9/s1600/Recipient+2+pic+3.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta;">"MAC Lip-gloss... yes you read that right MAC LIP-GLOSS I love makeup, especially MAC. How spoiled am I!!! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta;">So not only did I get these awesome things, I also got an electronic Sudoku game... GREAT for people who love to have a reason to be doing anything other then what I "should" be doing. A cute picture frame with an inspirational saying in it, chocolates, lollipops, Hot Cocoa, Coffee, and a few other goodies that I can't seem to think of off the top of my head. "</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta;">"This swap was so much fun! The pure surprise of it all was the best part. The surprise of getting the package & the surprise of sending the package to the next person. I LOOOVED THAT PART! </span></div><span style="color: magenta;"></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">Thank you to my giver, I really enjoyed everything I received. It was fun knowing that someone reads my blog & takes notes on the things I really enjoy. The package came at a perfect time, needing a little pick me up, thank you so much! I can't wait to find out who you are & hopefully follow your blog if I don't already! : )" </span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">SHE THEN SENT TO</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">RECIPIENT 3:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfBZaSfPctFSPbshvefhVLvqau9wh-wLHEluN8V9hQiBmSLMLUM6jxatc-4rJA3npUPOPaHgWd-Me74VIEod25dj6YN_ctzAN294aKKy7S5YYHHHlm_bRRrevkP8f96Lzjn_mOHS7Q9AD/s1600/Recipient+3+pic+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfBZaSfPctFSPbshvefhVLvqau9wh-wLHEluN8V9hQiBmSLMLUM6jxatc-4rJA3npUPOPaHgWd-Me74VIEod25dj6YN_ctzAN294aKKy7S5YYHHHlm_bRRrevkP8f96Lzjn_mOHS7Q9AD/s1600/Recipient+3+pic+1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAmJdikOuo_vbxOn1hSi54VqscLME4rQ5DT_Z2J3GJ7979LEyqeEcv-FFk9Yt2S4irtpvbUhrG3RYVDoMrC7THSA_3KyotdTwyjhFaYI4PjKwCAsVMTGhMc_OU0U9jKWytJhSWBf_6l4pJ/s1600/Recipient+3+pic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAmJdikOuo_vbxOn1hSi54VqscLME4rQ5DT_Z2J3GJ7979LEyqeEcv-FFk9Yt2S4irtpvbUhrG3RYVDoMrC7THSA_3KyotdTwyjhFaYI4PjKwCAsVMTGhMc_OU0U9jKWytJhSWBf_6l4pJ/s1600/Recipient+3+pic+2.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: magenta;">"I am elated. I received my package today, it is like she knows me! I am overwhelmed and thrilled, and want to make her my best friend."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">WHO THEN SENT TO</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">RECIPIENT 4:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLgr_e49xy0-RC6KtonRADWjAWwRGu6fiQkg-TNQ9Ql1HJholCfAnyEF0QDWzInwOTwV8apQUQiGdJ7ljB36St4E14W2lTjusgtCfD1p9eXqxfWSx59RyX4QkNoYZN1VJBF4nYGHF8ptz/s1600/Recipient+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLgr_e49xy0-RC6KtonRADWjAWwRGu6fiQkg-TNQ9Ql1HJholCfAnyEF0QDWzInwOTwV8apQUQiGdJ7ljB36St4E14W2lTjusgtCfD1p9eXqxfWSx59RyX4QkNoYZN1VJBF4nYGHF8ptz/s1600/Recipient+4.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta;">"I got the most wonderful package in the mail! It totally MADE MY DAY!!! I loved it! It was so thoughtful and personalized. Thank you so much to whoever it was."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Obviously, I shortened the reactions, but believe me EVERYONE was over the moon elated to receive their packages. I should be hearing from recipient #5 today or tomorrow. Could it be you???</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Some of the recipients might be easier to guess based on the pictures. If you read their blogs, you might know who they are, making the guessing that much easier. Future recipients can decide whether they want to make the guessing easier or harder on people, accordingly.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks to all my swappers thus far! You've all done an excellent job!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Y'all might be able to tell that I'm a tad off the pace of where I wanted to be. No worries, though! If I'm not back on schedule by June, I have a trick or two up my sleeve, to make sure everyone gets covered. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks to everyone for playing, and for being patient while you wait your turn! Ask anyone...the wait is totally worth it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Samihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298451372107211297noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514983607168914341.post-68416454714038755592011-03-18T13:50:00.003-05:002011-03-18T13:53:15.203-05:00I Might Should Plead the Fifth...<center><a href="http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o298/TheVasquez3/FridayConfessionalButton-1.jpg" /></a></center><center> </center><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">It's FRIDAY!!! I love Friday. What better way to spend a lazy Friday than to link up with <a href="http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/">Mamarazzi</a> and <a href="http://www.glamazonmom.com/">Glamazon</a> for their Friday Confessional? </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">I CONFESS...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
- I didn't realize that this week was spring break, until my kids got home from school last Friday. TOTALLY snuck up on me.<br />
<br />
- As hard as I've tried to pull out "fun mom" this week, I feel that I have failed miserably.<br />
<br />
- In my defense "Spring Break" activities of my childhood consisted of digging, hauling, and building things mostly against my will. My kids should be grateful for their list of chores in comparison, right?<br />
<br />
<br />
I CONFESS...<br />
<br />
- I told Roon I was sorry for signing up for another swap without consulting him first.<br />
<br />
- I'm not sorry though.<br />
<br />
- Not even a little.<br />
<br />
- Especially since I found out who my <a href="http://duckduckcow.blogspot.com/">PARTNER</a> is.<br />
<br />
- I've been stalking her most of the day, but don't have a clue what my children are doing. <br />
<br />
- I might regret that later, but for right now, I'll go back to laughing at Jessica, thanks!<br />
<br />
<br />
I CONFESS:<br />
<br />
- Facebook entertains me.<br />
<br />
- Not for reasons you might think...<br />
<br />
- Roon is friends with his ex-girlfriend on there.<br />
<br />
- Is it wierd that it doesn't bother me?<br />
<br />
- Maybe 'cause I know I can take her...<br />
<br />
- When she comments on one of his statuses, I'll sometimes comment (adding a little extra somethin' to it) after her, just to remind her that I exist.<br />
<br />
- I also sometimes look up my ex boyfriends on Facebook.<br />
<br />
- Just to see if their kids are cute.<br />
<br />
- Or if their wife/significant other is skinnier than me.<br />
<br />
- Then I feel ashamed of myself. You know...'cause I'm a lurker.<br />
<br />
- I'd feel a whole lot better about myself if I knew I wasn't the only one.<br />
<br />
<br />
Okay, now I must go wash the dirty laundry I've just put out there. Make sure that you go link up YOUR dirty little secrets too. I won't judge---much.</div>Samihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298451372107211297noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514983607168914341.post-26669521988143398812011-03-11T16:31:00.000-06:002011-03-11T16:31:40.161-06:00Looks Can be Deceiving...<center><a href="http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o298/TheVasquez3/FridayConfessionalButton-1.jpg" /></a></center><br />
Originally, I wasn't going to link up this week with <a href="http://www.glamazonmom.com/">Glamazon</a> and <a href="http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/">Mamarazzi</a> for their Friday Confessional. Not because I didn't want to, but I am SO far behind on emails and blogs that I had decided to take the day off and get caught up. <br />
<br />
BUT<br />
<br />
While reading through a few of the emails/comments regarding my VLOG from yesterday, I realized there is a very big confession I must make.<br />
<br />
Did you watch it? If not, scroll down and watch it. It'll take you just over 3 minutes. <br />
<br />
Did you notice anything?<br />
<br />
More specifically, regarding MY FACE???<br />
<br />
A "dimple", perhaps?<br />
<br />
Well, I must confess that it is NOT a dimple. It is a <span style="font-size: x-large;">scar</span>.<br />
<br />
Wanna know how I got it?<br />
<br />
Sit back, and I'll tell you a little story...<br />
<br />
I was 12. My chore in the household was laundry. <br />
<br />
I was down in the basement, in the laundry room, tending to my responsibilities, when I heard my older sister, Meg, and my little brother, Bawty, having a fight upstairs. In our house, fighting was really more of an Olympic event. <br />
We were all well rehearsed in dramatic brawls, sometimes using only words, and other times wielding weapons of moderate destruction.<br />
<br />
I exited the laundry room, and was standing at the foot of the stairs, when Bawty zoomed past me into the basement, jumping the last 4 steps, and maneuvering so as not to run into me and my giant laundry basket.<br />
<br />
THEN I heard a scream. <br />
<br />
Not a second later, my face met the impact of the chair Meg had thrown down the stairs...intended for Bawty.<br />
<br />
My face was bloodied, and my glasses broke. The force of the blow was later realized when we found the right lense to my glasses 2 floors up from the location of the accident, in our attic loft.<br />
<br />
But I didn't drop the laundry basket!<br />
<br />
I missed a week of school because I couldn't open my jaw wide enough to eat food that wasn't mashed or extremely soft. <br />
<br />
As luck would have it, I ended up missing my entire frog dissection in science class!<br />
<br />
A few years later, when my high school anatomy teacher complimented my dimple, and informed me that "they're genetic, ya know?", I just laughed, and said..."Sure are! I got this one from my sister!"<br />
<br />
I don't think he got the joke.<br />
<br />
Now it's YOUR turn to link up! Go do it! NOW!Samihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298451372107211297noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514983607168914341.post-79678903648240719082011-03-10T11:36:00.000-06:002011-03-10T11:36:47.030-06:00Because I'm a Follower...<center><a href="http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o298/TheVasquez3/VlogButton.jpg" /></a></center><br />
<br />
For those of you who have been hounding me about this, I hope it doesn't disappoint. You can finally get a sense of what I sound like!<br />
<br />
Now, I didn't realize how southern I sound until I watched it (maybe the twang comes out with nerves?) AND I never realized just how expressive my face is when I talk. Maybe that's why I'm a TERRIBLE liar...<br />
<br />
At any rate, here I am, in all my "everyday" glory. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
By the way...<br />
Sorry I joined in the party so late! I will try to do better next month.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sIztSmV6oe0?fs=1" width="425"></iframe><br />
<br />
</div>Samihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298451372107211297noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514983607168914341.post-28262897101252358582011-03-10T08:20:00.000-06:002011-03-10T08:20:05.614-06:00How do you Mail Raindrops on Roses?I'm still working on my vlog, but I wanted to post something to show y'all that I'm still alive. <br />
Because I am.<br />
I'm seriously behind, but I'm alive, and I'm slowly making my way around to visit everyone. I'll get to everyone this week, I promise!<br />
<br />
I was REALLY relieved when I stopped in to visit <a href="http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/">Mamarazzi</a> yesterday, and I found out that she was hosting another SWAP! More importantly, was that I HADN'T MISSED IT!<br />
Yeah, I'm like the 36th person to sign up, but only a few hours later she announced that her list was FULL.<br />
But I made it!<br />
And I'm SOOOOOOO excited!<br />
<br />
In celebration, I ate an entire bag of one of my favorite things yesterday. <br />
<br />
I really wish I was kidding...<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/2011/03/mamarazzis-favorite-things-swap.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o298/TheVasquez3/FavoriteThings.jpg" /></a></center><br />
<br />
By the way...<br />
<br />
Yes, the swap is full, but a little birdie told me that she might actually have a spot or two left. If you promised her a Diet Pepsi over ice balls, in a cup with a lid and a straw, and you can convince her husband to deliver it to her...I'm sure she'd make an exception.Samihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298451372107211297noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514983607168914341.post-10593085796073549122011-02-24T09:07:00.000-06:002011-02-24T09:07:41.126-06:00Bypass, and Other "B" WordsI should have known better than to make an actual list of blog posts I wanted to get done. What happened immediately after making an official "list"?<br />
<br />
Barfing.<br />
<br />
Lots and lots of barfing. <br />
<br />
I can't even keep track of all the sanitary loads I did over the last week as Bug transformed into Linda Blair, and projectile vomited over anything and everything within a 3 foot radius. <br />
<br />
He's better now, but last night Bubble thought it looked like fun, and could tell that I was bored, so he joined in the puking party. <br />
<br />
Needless to say, blogging has been the furthest thing from my mind.<br />
<br />
To top it all off, my dad has been very sick lately. In and out of the hospital regularly for the past year. It was finally decided that the only way to improve his quality of life was for him to have bypass surgery.<br />
<br />
On Tuesday, he underwent a double bypass surgery, and as someone who knows what's it's like to have their chest "cracked", I have volunteered to go help him once he gets out of the hospital. <br />
<br />
To prepare for a week long trip away from Roon and the kids, I have been working like a crazy person to get the house in pristine condition before I leave. Partly, because I don't want Roon to have to stress about cleaning on top of working and childing rearing, but it's also for selfish reasons.<br />
Truth be told, I don't want to come home to a HUGE mess and lose all my momentum. <br />
<br />
Bottom line, I hope y'all forgive me for not being around much for the next couple of weeks. I still love ya. I promise...Samihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298451372107211297noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514983607168914341.post-24538566771037818022011-02-18T09:40:00.001-06:002011-02-18T09:41:35.314-06:00Truth No. 2...The Unfriendly SkiesAlternately titled: Why I will NEVER fly United Airlines again!<br />
<br />
I'm continuing on with my revelations of what was fact, and what was fiction from <a href="http://symmetry-in-motion.blogspot.com/2011/02/i-lie-like-rug.html">WEDNESDAY</a>, and linking up with <a href="http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/">Mamarazzi</a> and <a href="http://www.glamazonmom.com/">Glamazon</a> for their Friday Confessional.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o298/TheVasquez3/FridayConfessionalButton-1.jpg" /></a></center><br />
<br />
I confess...I was kicked off a plane for being a threat to security.<br />
<br />
It's true. I was.<br />
This may be a long one. I'll try to keep it short and sweet.<br />
<br />
My parents are divorced. By the time I was 16, my Dad had moved to California (we lived in Ohio), and so began the twice a year vacations to spend time with him.<br />
<br />
My sister, Boogs, and I had never flown before, but lucky for us our dad was in Chicago on business, so we only had to make it from Cleveland to Chicago and he would meet us there. We'd continue on to LA the next day.<br />
<br />
The 45 minute flight went smoothly. Boogs and I had entertainment, and it was a very short flight, so it was no big deal.<br />
<br />
We spent the night in Chicago, ate some "seriously icky" pizza, and stayed in a hotel that had historic significance, as my sister found out, and can recite to this day.<br />
<br />
The next day, we overslept, and made it to the airport a little later than we had planned. As is always the way, when you are short on time, EVERYTHING goes wrong. From checking luggage, to trying to rearrange our seats so we could sit together, every task was met with resistance. <br />
<br />
By the time we reached the gate, my Dad was NOT in a good mood. We were the only people at the gate, as everyone else had already boarded. We walked over to the desk at the gate to check in, asked if we were all set, and after being answered in the affirmative, we walked the 15 feet to the gate, and met the stewardess from Hell. <br />
<br />
I'm not sure what got her underroos in a bunch that day, but she was on a serious power trip. She took one look at our boarding passes and said with a sneer "you need to get those stamped before you can get on the plane."<br />
<br />
My Dad motions to the desk, and asks if that is really necessary, because we were JUST over there. <br />
She confirmed that it was necessary, and also that we could not leave our carry ons by the gate because they would be considered "unattended". <br />
We walked over, got our stamps, and returned to the stewardess.<br />
"Have a nice flight", she said smugly.<br />
<br />
Did I mention my dad was already in a bad mood, BEFORE we met this woman? Her attitude pushed him over the edge.<br />
<br />
**Here is where my Dad's story, and mine and Boog's stories differ**<br />
<br />
According to my Dad, he tried to lighten the mood, and set us at ease by turning around to the stewardess on our way down the tunnel, and saying "Kiss my grits", in a sing-songy voice.<br />
<br />
We remember it differently.<br />
<br />
What REALLY happened on the way down the tunnel, was that my dad turned around with angry eyes, and in a less than happy tone and said "Kiss my a$$, Lady!"<br />
<br />
Less than 5 minutes after boarding the plane, air marshalls came to escort us off the plane, because the stewardess felt threatened, and feared for her safety. The pilot refused to take off until all 3 of us were off the plane.<br />
<br />
As we were exiting the plane, I walked past a passenger who I can only assume had also had a negative experience that day. It's been a while, but he said something along the lines of..."Wow! Kicking teenage girls off a plane?! Friendly Skies, my a$$!"<br />
<br />
I'd be lying if I said that didn't make me feel better...<br />
<br />
If you have a confession, head on over and link it up! It is true what they say...confession IS good for the soul.Samihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298451372107211297noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514983607168914341.post-75465352737334334232011-02-17T08:00:00.069-06:002011-02-17T08:00:16.085-06:00Truth No. 1. When Art is NOT Your Forte...Yesterday, I posted 6 things. 5 that were true, and 1 that was not true. <br />
<br />
Over the next few days, I will enlighten you all as to which ones were true, and the stories behind them.<br />
<br />
Truth #1: I once got in trouble for drawing a pornagraphic picture.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Hanging my head in shame now.</span><br />
<br />
It was the 1992-1993 school year, and I was in 6th grade. (yeah, yeah, make jokes about how young I am later, okay?)<br />
To say that I was not good at art would have been a gross understatement. <br />
<br />
I HATED art class. <br />
<br />
I blame my mom, really. The only class she ever got a D in was art, and I inherited her talent, or lack thereof. <br />
<br />
Despite the fact that I hated art class, I did like to doodle. So, on occasion I would doodle little pictures in my notebook, and that was that. Somehow, this ended up getting me in trouble TWICE in one year. <br />
<br />
The first incident occured when I doodled a cute little pig, and showed it to my friend, Missy*. She took it, wrote a classmate's name on it, with an arrow pointing to the pig, signed our names to it, and then proceeded to hand deliver it to a heavy set girl in our class. And I was mortified.<br />
<br />
And I had to apologize.<br />
<br />
Later that year, I doodled a whole scene of kids playing on a playground. There was a boy, off to the side of the picture, waving to all of the kids playing in the distance.<br />
<br />
Did I mention I'm seriously bad at art?<br />
<br />
When Kip*, a boy in my class, walked by, and asked if he could have my picture, I was flattered! I didn't understand WHY he would want it, but hey...who was I to judge? Somebody liked my art! Step aside, {insert some artist here}...Sami had arrived!<br />
<br />
The wind was quickly let out of my sails when my teacher came over to me during recess to "discuss" my drawing. <br />
<br />
Apparently, a strategically placed "hand" can be perceived as something MUCH different in a mind that resides in the gutter. <br />
<br />
Instead of my perfectly innocent "Hi! How ya doin'?!", it was viewed as a "Hiii...how you doin?" (Think Joey, from Friends). And my doodled guy was VERY happy to see someone...<br />
<br />
And I had to sit out the rest of recess.<br />
<br />
But at least my explanation kept me from having to see a therapist...<br />
<br />
Thanks a lot, Kip*!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Names were NOT changed to protect the innocent. Am I bitter? I think so...</span>Samihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298451372107211297noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514983607168914341.post-58434246943637843602011-02-16T11:39:00.000-06:002011-02-16T11:39:21.030-06:00I Lie Like a RugSo, I've seen a lot of you participating in various Memes lately, all centered around the same general premise. To lie.<br />
<br />
Now, I have not done very well at guessing everyone's lies thus far, and I have never been known to lie well, but I was still super excited to participate.<br />
<br />
But nobody would tag me! Yeah, that's right. Ya'll know who you are...<br />
<br />
Luckily, <a href="http://viv-spot.blogspot.com/">Vivienne</a> took pity on me, and I was finally tagged! YAY for me!<br />
<br />
So here are my 5 truths and a lie. Try to see if you can figure out which one is NOT true.<br />
<ol><li>As a "tween" I once peed my pants in public.</li>
<li>After graduating high school, I went to a party. At said party, I drank what I THOUGHT was only orange juice. Turns out, it was actually a "screwdriver". </li>
<li>I was kicked off a plane for being a threat to security.</li>
<li>I have a hicky on my neck.</li>
<li>I started writing a mystery series with a friend in 6th grade, and have seriously considered picking it back up.</li>
<li>I once got in trouble for drawing a pornographic picture. </li>
</ol>Which one is the lie??? Leave your guess in the comments. I'll reveal the answers throughout the rest of the week.<br />
<br />
Thanks, Viv! This was fun!Samihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298451372107211297noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514983607168914341.post-87307636581857875292011-02-15T09:54:00.001-06:002011-02-16T11:44:30.480-06:00Pink Paradise!<center><a href="http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/2011/02/pinktastic-swaptastic.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o298/TheVasquez3/pinktasticSwap-1.gif" /></a></center><br />
<br />
I wish I could say that this post is so late because the snow delayed my package, or because I had some fabulous excuse, but I can't. Basically, I misplaced my camera. Simple as that. <br />
<br />
I was partnered with the FABULOUS Leah, from <a href="http://thedogsaboytoo.blogspot.com/">"The Dog's a Boy Too"</a>, and I have loved getting to know her and her sweet little gentlemen. Seriously, I just want to squish Benji's chubby cheeks, so it's too bad she lives all the way in Florida.<br />
<br />
Anyway...<br />
<br />
My package arrived LAST Monday! I could hardly wait to dive into all the pink awesomeness!<br />
<br />
First, a glimpse of what it looked like in the box:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivokhhzu03QFPSk7AtFew9BamZ5pyd51lMM0BmPffv58TsxXID4v9B2FEvDLAkBmSA81mpoSac1wOVfB-pyXXo4H0D6YAHpR0k9P37DDpwWSP7-w6LV3ANo4BZuMykwCi420A2KqXsUQV8/s1600/pink+swap.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivokhhzu03QFPSk7AtFew9BamZ5pyd51lMM0BmPffv58TsxXID4v9B2FEvDLAkBmSA81mpoSac1wOVfB-pyXXo4H0D6YAHpR0k9P37DDpwWSP7-w6LV3ANo4BZuMykwCi420A2KqXsUQV8/s320/pink+swap.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Make a note of the green and pink things off to the left hand side of the box. They were paper hearts filled with M&M's for the kids, and they were commandeered and destroyed seconds after this picture was taken. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So what did <span style="font-size: large;"><em>I</em></span> get???</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, I'm glad you asked!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpU8n4KkMhl_w8eMPHLSsdVVpBzmPENp1WYqhRx68F8lJBuiIKkxOhVHvtRPRyGXM_Fhr70p9pGNTl4HPGBgxH1vILmxxG-uo-0HWhYrHuLxrpskLW8Y2V8ucWvEIb0dnKOK-a_qGk3AAh/s1600/DSCN1418%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpU8n4KkMhl_w8eMPHLSsdVVpBzmPENp1WYqhRx68F8lJBuiIKkxOhVHvtRPRyGXM_Fhr70p9pGNTl4HPGBgxH1vILmxxG-uo-0HWhYrHuLxrpskLW8Y2V8ucWvEIb0dnKOK-a_qGk3AAh/s320/DSCN1418%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 pink boas (that I am currently hiding from Sissy and Boo. I imagine a flury of feathers would be inevitable with those two.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A notepad</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A candle (Which smells SOOOO GOOD)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some chocolate (Yes, the bag is open...can you blame me?!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Individual juice packets (Roon loves these things, so I may have to hide them until I can try them first)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A cute frame (Which I JUST realized, you can't see the cutest part...an adorable pink flower that will make this frame PERFECT for a picture of me and my little ladies!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some seasonal kitchen towels</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pedicure set and nail polish</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A big "C" (No, it's not pink, but she wanted it to match my decor. I know exactly where to put it too!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And finally...PINK pancake mix! Made these for the kids for Valentine's Day, and the girls loved them! The boys, acted like they were made out of shards of glass, and refused the vile offerings. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Boys are weird.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks so much Leah! I loved everything, especially making a new friend!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also, thanks so much<a href="http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/"> Mamarazzi</a> for hosting yet another awesome swap! Love ya, girl!</div>Samihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298451372107211297noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514983607168914341.post-29729117482907799032011-02-08T10:42:00.000-06:002011-02-08T10:42:56.356-06:00Remember Me?I know, I know. I've been missing for quite some time, and you all are just DYING to know what I've been up to. <br />
I'll keep it brief, I promise.<br />
<br />
Last week was quite the week for weather around these parts. My kids went to school on Monday, and then followed that up with a SIX day weekend. Yes, SIX. If anything were going to drive me to start drinking, 4 snowdays in a row would have done it. <br />
<br />
In addition to the kids having no school, Roon was also confined to the house due to icy roads. This really isn't a HUGE deal, because he is lucky enough to be able to work from home. However, this means that my precious laptop was commandeered for this purpose, leaving me with little to no computer time. I currently have 199 unread posts in my Google Reader. That makes me sick.<br />
<br />
I am so close to "going postal" on the USPS. Last Monday, I shipped off 2 packages containing the Quince Quote prizes for both December and January. On Thursday, I received word that BOTH packages had been received COMPLETELY SHATTERED. The packages were insured, so all is right with the world. Once we sell our souls to the devil, and perform some sort of ritual sacrifice, we MIGHT be reimbursed for the things we can provide proof of value for. <br />
<br />
As if that weren't enough, on Saturday I shipped off my "PINKTASTIC" swap package to my amazing parter <a href="http://thedogsaboytoo.blogspot.com/">Leah</a>. Before doing so, I thoroughly wrapped a specially made glass pitcher in bubble wrap, just to make sure it arrived in one piece.<br />
<br />
It didn't. <br />
<br />
Yesterday, I found out that the pitcher had also arrived at it's destination in several pieces.<br />
<br />
Looks like I'll be using FedEx from now on. Take that, USPS!<br />
<br />
I'm sure there's more that has gone on around here, but I seem to have chosen to block it out. I have several posts planned out in my head, so with any luck, I'll be out of my bloggy rut, and back up to normal speed soon.<br />
<br />
*Fingers crossed*Samihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298451372107211297noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514983607168914341.post-5169583739898498752011-01-31T10:22:00.000-06:002011-01-31T10:22:35.803-06:00XLE? Don't you mean, P.O.C.???I would like to introduce you to someone. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img class="rg_hi" data-height="194" data-width="259" height="194" id="rg_hi" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSNkjOq_WQSInhLQYOOLmYn2ebwj_9FDIChMajGEULD1nkwN3JIvw" style="height: 194px; width: 259px;" width="259" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is Sylvie. Okay, this isn't ACTUALLY Sylvie, but it is her twin. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And yes, we name our cars. Who doesn't?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Sylvie's large girth joined our family in the spring of 2005. She was 3 years old at the time, and from the start, she was full of life lessons for us.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Life lesson #1: Car dealers are NOT your friends.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Life lesson #2: If a repair guy tells you that work is going to take 5 days, what he REALLY means is that he won't even have the parts to fix it for 10 days, and the work won't be completed for 3 weeks. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Despite these life lessons, Sylvie has been a good car. A dependable car. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Granted, she would have been a whole lot prettier if <a href="http://symmetry-in-motion.blogspot.com/2010/02/f-bomb-friday-murphys-law.html">THIS</a> had never happened. (For those of you who don't want to click on the link, it's the time Sylvie's door handle got ripped off by an Elementary School aid)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Let's also not forget about how much Sylvie has taught Roon about <a href="http://symmetry-in-motion.blogspot.com/2010/04/leaks-concussions-and-curse-wordsoh-my.html">CAR REPAIR</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Despite all of Sylvie's best intentions, her health has begun to decline. The rate of which steadily increased once she was paid off a year ago. To catalog a few of her ailments...</div><ol><li><div style="text-align: left;">She needs a new water pump.</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">She doesn't like the cold, and will turn off without warning because of it.</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">1 power door doesn't work, and won't open beyond halfway.</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">1 door won't lock</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">A door handle is missing (still).</div></li>
</ol><div style="text-align: left;">Recently, we have added to that list.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Last Saturday, Roon decided it was high time (because I'd nagged him enough) to take our paper recycling bin over to the elementary school to dump in the fundraising recycling dumpster. When he returned, he walked in the house and said "we just hit another snag, with the van..."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">My heart sunk. What could be wrong now? I drove the van a couple of blocks the other day, and it stalled 3 times. I assumed it had to be something with the engine. I asked him to expand.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">"When I went to grab the bin out of the back of the van, something popped. When I got home, I couldn't get the back door to open at all."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Well, yeah, sure. Why not? That sounds about right...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So, I asked him what his plan was now. After all, we have been "making do" without a door handle for a year, and I've adjusted to that. Our plan requires 1 more year without a car payment to pay off debt, before we can afford the van we want. If he could find a way to "fix" the back door, so we could make do for one more year, I was fully willing to adjust.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">That is, until he went out to the van with a screwdriver. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">"I'm gonna see if there's a way I can jimmy it open."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Oh, please no. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">He came in with a smile on his face, and an "I got it open! It should work fine. All we need to do is keep a screwdriver in the car!"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">You can imagine how excited I was to hear the news.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Later that day, we had to venture out to do our grocery shopping. First stop, Costco.</div><div style="text-align: left;">After completing our shopping there, we headed out to our beloved, Sylvie. Roon automatically went to open her the conventional way. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I graciously reminded him he better grab the screwdriver.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I loaded the kids into the van, while my husband, by all indications, tried to break into our van.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I came around to help load our purchases, at the precise moment some piece of the handle came off in Roon's hand.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">There is no longer any way to jimmy it open.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">When asked what his plan was now, Roon loaded the groceries into the van through the rear passenger door that only opens halfway, and scowled at me. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">"Overtime". He said. "Lots and lots of overtime".</div>Samihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298451372107211297noreply@blogger.com14