Monday, February 27, 2006

What Age Do You Act?

This was on cmcemmylou and scrapingd blogs:

You Are 30 Years Old


Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe.

13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world.

20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences.

30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more!

40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.


Oh boy... eeek.. I am 26... not 30... I mean, I have true love... and I have been working full time for quite some time.. but I can be fun, right?... and I still look young, right?... Maybe it is just because I have done a lot already... yea... that is it. Or maybe it is because Nick is 30... Either way... I feel old now!!! :)
C-Ya!

KoC

As of yesterday, my husband Nick is a Knight!  Well a Knight of Columbus.
Yesterday he went to training for the first, second and third degree all in one day.  I guess he can get the final degree, fourth in 6 months or a year.  I have to say I am proud of him in a way, since he is not big into groups and such.  And this is a big group - over 200 at our church!!

Now, I guess there are all these secrets that he cannot share.  He could tell me some things.  One thing is that, no, he does not get a "funny hat" yet.. I guess they get that when they are fourth degree.  Contrary to what one kid of a new knight said, it was not "pancake school".   And at the training they did have beer - well one small glass.

Though I was kind of bummed that he went and came back and was a Knight, that there was not a special ceremony at church or anything.

At least he is happy.

C-Ya!

Friday, February 24, 2006

I don't feel like blogging today..

I don't feel like blogging today..
My life seems so stressful I could scream.
If only calgon could take me away
Then life would be better, or so it would seem.

I don't feel like blogging today..
Even if I am TGI Friday
I could use a week to relax
instead of the two days.

I don't feel like blogging today..
I have an "Olympic hangover"
But I would hate to miss a moment
'Cuz I am a junky or a lover.

I don't feel like blogging today..
I have so much on my to do list
But yet here I sit on the computer
Are you getting my gist?

I don't feel like blogging today..
My apologies to Gretchen Wilson
I started thinking about her song
And this sentence is starting to run

I don't feel like blogging today..
Some of you now think I am a dork
But sometimes you need to have a little fun
So please don't poke me with a fork.

I don't feel like blogging..
today...

C-Ya!

Wednesday, February 22, 2006

How Do Others Perceive You?


The Loyal Friend


The Loyal Friend
Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful & practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who's extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expects the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over if that trust is ever broken.

Yep... that is pretty true!!

C-Ya!

My Creative Memories Site

Creative Memories just changed their website and so I got one today mycmsite.com/melissa if you want to take a look! Especially since that is the only place I can advertise CM.

C-Ya!

Tuesday, February 21, 2006

Days off are nice!

Well, back to work after a nice three day weekend.  And it was quite an enjoyable weekend.
My parents did come over Saturday and had fun with the kids.  Then later on we went to our neighbors for the first meeting of T.O.O.L. and I liked it (even if I am not much of a praying/bible reading type).

Sunday we stayed after church for the KoC Pancake Breakfast - because Nick has just signed up to be a Knight.  Then we had our neighbors over with their two kids - so Jeffrey could see his girlfriend - and watched the Daytona 500 (go Jimmie Johnson!).  Then after that was Alpha.

Then Monday I got up and went to the dr for my annual - which has gotten a lot easier since I have had 2 kids.  She said things sound good.  Afterwards I went to the Mall right near by and shopped.  I first went to Eddie Bauer and found a jacket that was originally $78 on clearance for $49.99 - and just till the end of Monday - all clearance was 50% off - so the jacket was $24.99 - but the real kicker was that I had a $25 gift card from doing on online survey (thanks SlickDeals!) and so I got a penny back!  Afterwards I went to JcPenney's and used some of a gift card.  Then off to Costco for some pictures and back home - where I was greeted with silence!!  Nice!   The kids were in day care, Nick spent most of the day up in his office above the garage, and the dog slept for a while - so I sat and scrapped!

The only downfalls were that I woke up Monday morning with my neck/shoulder hurting from sleeping funny.. and then got a Tetanus shot at the drs office, so my left shoulder/arm is sore today.

Otherwise back to the grindstone.. though I do have Thursday off to go with Jeffrey on a field trip to the Children's Museum!

And if any of you out there are the praying type - please pray for Nick and his business.  This could be a very good week if the stars align right.  Thanks!

C-Ya!

Saturday, February 18, 2006

Freezing Saturday

Welcome to the Arctic Tundra... it was 15 Below Zero last night and it has risen to a "balmy" 1 degree above zero (Farenheit). So the best thing to do is stay inside if you can.
My parents are over to seeing their Grandkids today.. and I really should be getting stuff done around the house... but I am on here.
Otherwise we have a marriage dinner/thing tonight... that should be fun.
And tomorrow is the Daytona 500! Go Jeff Gordon!
C-Ya!

Friday, February 17, 2006

Bloggers Block/Friday!

Well, I almost feel like I have nothing to say today. It is Friday - Yippee, 3 day weekend - Yippee. I got to sign up for the Upper Midwest ScrapShare retreat today - double Yippee.
But then again it is below 0 outside - ick. Nick is running into some biz roadblocks - ick! We probably wont be getting out early today - double ick.
Ah well...
Here is a photo of the kids from a couple days ago, followed by the pic of my 2 business men! And one of Samantha.



:) Have a good weekend! :)
C-Ya!

50 Questions!

I got this on Pamela's Blog!!

1. FIRST NAME? Melissa
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Not the Melissa part.. I have heard that my middle name is Laura after my Aunt Lori.
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? Amazingly it has been awhile, I used to be quite the crier though.
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Yea.. mostly.
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT? None... Turkey if I have no choice.
6. KIDS? Jeffrey - 3 1/2 yrs  Samantha - 2 yrs
7. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yea... I am a good friend.. I have really gotten to be a great listener.
8. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL?Yes, this.
9. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Really?  Me?  Sarcastic?  Oh yea.. all the time - especially at work.
10. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILLS?  Yes.
11. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Maybe..
12. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?  Rice Crispies?  Though I rarely eat cereal.
13. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Yes - if they have laces.
14. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Physically - yes; otherwise, no.
15. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR?  Chocolate Peanut Butter.
16. SHOE SIZE? 6.5
17. RED OR PINK? Both
18. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? Internally - lack of drive; Externally - boobs (I blame the kids & my mother!)
19. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? I agree Pamela, my Grandma (Dad's Mom).  She was the best.  I only wish she could have been here for my wedding and to see her Great Grandchildren.
20. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Yes
21. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES YOU ARE WEARING? Blue Jeans and Brown Shoes.
22. LAST THING YOU ATE? Eggo Waffles
23. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Forever in Love - music for Weddings because it sounded peaceful.
24. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Purple
25. What is your FAVORITE SMELL? Clean, Lilac
26. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My Mom - no it was my neighbor saying she was driving this morning.
27. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? How put together they are.
28. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Yes
29. FAVORITE DRINK?  Long Island Iced Tea or regular Iced Tea.
30. FAVORITE SPORT? NASCAR... football and basketball too.
31. HAIR COLOR? I don't remember what the last box said!!  Med to dark Brown.
32. EYE COLOR? Hazel .
33. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Not any more.
34. FAVORITE FOOD? French fries.
35. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDING? Happy Ending.
36. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Stepford Wives.
37. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Blue.
38. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer - I live in MN so that is a no brainer.
39. HUGS OR KISSES? Both.
40. FAVORITE DESSERT? Brownies.
41. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Melissa (am I that predictable?) - Heidi!
42. Least LIKELY TO RESPOND? Non bloggers.
43. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? None right now.
44. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSEPAD? Blue
45. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? Olympics and HGTV.
46. FAVORITE SOUNDS? Pond
47. ROLLING STONE OR BEATLES? Neither.
48. THE FURTHEST YOU BEEN FROM HOME? Hawaii
49. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I can lick my nose!
50. WHEN AND WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Septemeber 11, 1979 - St. Paul, MN

Thursday, February 16, 2006

Quoting Samantha

Says Samantha (my 2 year old) while we were eating dinner today, "Oh Man! S**t!"

And Nick, Jeffrey and I were rolling on the floor!

C-Ya!

Update your blog!

As a public service, I request that if you have a blog you update it now... you do not have to say much - just "Hi Empress" if you so choose.
:D
Sorry.. I am bored and blog surfing...
C-Ya!

ETA... I forget to say we turned off our home number to save money and because we all have cell phones... so if you know my home number, you will no longer be able to use it.. just call my cell!! Thx.

Renter #3

Well another week has gone by and I have another renter through Blogexplosion.com.



I really feel I have a lot in common with this renter. We are both named Melissa, have 2 kids, live in an "M" state and loves taking pictures and scrapbooking. So go check her out and say Hi!

C-Ya!

Olympics

We love the Olympics at my house. Every night we have the TV set to NBC and on the weekends we have on whatever cable channel is broadcasting it. And the kids are kind of getting into it.
The other night mens skating was on and Jeffrey was pretending to be a skater. Especially when it came to the spinning and jumping part. Then last night when the moguls were on he had two pencils and was pretending to ski, then when they would go off the jump he would do a somersault. Then speedskating came on and he ran around in a circle!! Samantha then would stand there saying "Ring around the rosie"
Glad they were having fun!
C-Ya!

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

Have you Ever...

Place yes by all the things you've done, or remove yes' from the ones you haven't, and send it to all of your friends. This is for your entire life:

1.Have you ever:
(no) smoked a cigarette
(no) Drank so much you threw up
(yes) Crashed a friend's car
(no) Stolen a car
(yes) Been in love
(yes) Been dumped.
(yes) Been laid off/fired - almost 5 years ago.
(yes) Quit your job - Many
(probably) Been in a fist fight
(no) Snuck out of your parent's house
(yes) Had feelings for someone who didn't have them back
(no) Been arrested?
(kind of) Gone on a blind date
(yes) Lied to a friend
(yes) Skipped school
(no) Seen someone die
(no) Been to Canada - been 1/2 hour south in Orr, MN
(yes) Been to Mexico
(yes) Been on a plane
(yes) Been lost
(yes) Been on the opposite side of the country  - though being in the middle kind of makes this sound funny
(yes) Gone to Washington, DC
(yes) Swam in the ocean
(no) Felt like dying
(yes) Cried yourself to sleep
(no) Played cops and robbers
(yes) Recently colored with crayons - with little kids - you bet!
(yes) Sang karaoke
(no) Paid for a meal with only coins...
(yes) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't?
(no) Made prank phone calls...
(yes) laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose.
(yes) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
(no) Danced in the rain
(yes) Written a letter to Santa Claus
(Probably) Been kissed under the mistletoe?
(yes) Been with someone when you really didn't want to be
(no) Watched the sun rise with someone you care about
(yes) Blown bubbles
(no) Made a bonfire on the beach
(no) Crashed a party
(yes) Gone roller-skating
(yes) Ice-skating....
(yes) Roller Blading
3. Any nicknames? Empress4, Mel, Missy
4. Mother's name? Terry
5. What is your favorite drink (non-alcoholic)? Iced Tea
6. Tattoos? nope
7. Body piercing's? 2 in each ear.
8. How much do you love your job (1-10) 6.5 - great co-workers
9. Birthplace: St. Paul, MN
10. Favorite vacation spot? Anyplace tropical
11. Ever been to Africa? No
12. Ever steal any traffic signs? No
13. Ever been in a car accident? Yes
14. A, B, C, D, DD cup size? Somwhere around 36A or B... need to get resized after having kids.
15. 2 Door or 4 Door? 4 door
16. Salad dressing? Raspberry Vinagrette
17. Favorite pie? French Silk
18. Favorite number? 4
19. Favorite movie? Don't know.
20. Favorite holiday? July 4th - partly because it is in the middle of the summer
22. Favorite food? French Fries, Pasta
23. Favorite day of the week? Fri night to Sat night
24. Favorite brand of body soap? I think we use Dove now.
25. Favorite TV show? Las Vegas
26. Toothpaste? Aquafresh (whitening if I want to splurge)
27. Favorite smell? clean, Lilac
28. What do you do to relax? Internet, read, scrapbook
29. Message to your friends reading this? Hey all! :D
30. How do you see yourself in 10 years? Financially sound and family happy.
31. What do you do when you are bored? Surf the web
32. Furthest place you will send this message? I will go with Heidi and Australia.
33. Who will respond the fastest? Any of my fellow SS bloggers.
34. Least likely to respond? My friends without blogs (Rox!!)

TAG YOU ARE IT!!!!
C-Ya!

Dreams

The past two nights I have had the most horrible dreams.  Nightmares, I suppose.
Mon night-Tue Morn:  A person came into where I was (possibly work - thought it seemed more like a store or bank) and went on a shooting rampage.  They were aiming for me and were shooting, but must have had blanks because I don't remember actually being hit.

Tue night-Wed Morn:  Nick had been somewhere (some rich person's house) and I took the kids to hang out and use their pool.  And when I was there I realized he was cheating on me.  I was so upset because IRL I think there is about a .00000001% chance he would do such a thing.  So I brought the kids to my parents house and went to hang out with Earl from "My Name is Earl".. and he had a bunch of friends over and all the guys were doing a mock strip tease to cheer me up.

Either way, I did not sleep well and had a hard time getting up both days.  And it may just be stress with Nick's company and such that is causing these crazy nightmares.  I am just wiped.

Though if anyone is a dream expert if you want to diagnose me, go right ahead.
C-Ya!

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

Truthlaidbear

Another fun thing you can place on your sidebar on your blog comes from truthlaidbear.com
My Ecosystem Details
It is great for those that like to be "titled"... the more people you get linked from your blog, the better an organism you are. Right now I am a Multicellular Microorganism... you can check it out towards the bottom of my sidebar.

Have fun!
C-Ya!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy V-Day to all out there.
I kind of like this day.. I mean some people hate how it is a commercial holiday and it is all about spending money. I like that for some people it makes them stop and think about the ones that they love. Especially for those that don't appreciate it.


A special Happy Valentine's Day to my three Valentines:

I Love You Nick, Jeffrey and Samantha!!!

Busy day for the kids too. Jeffrey had a V-Day party at preschool and then they both have one at Day care. This meant Mommy (and Daddy) had to buy and put together Valentine's (cannot wait till the kids are old enough to do this!).
C-Ya!

What Does Your Candy Heart Say?

I saw this one on Pamela's blog and thought it would be a great one for today - Valentine's Day.

Your Candy Heart Says "First Kiss"

You're a true romantic who brings an innocent hope to each new relationship.
You see the good in every person you date, and you relish each step of falling in love.

Your ideal Valentine's Day date: a romantic dinner your sweetie cooks for you

Your flirting style: friendly and sweet

What turns you off: cynics who don't believe in romance

Why you're hot: you always keep the romance alive

Yep... I am a romantic at heart!
C-Ya!

Monday, February 13, 2006

New Poll

Well sorry for all the posts today... I guess I missed blogging over the weekend.
This one I made with Heidi in mind... check out the poll on my sidebar... I am going to keep it there for a while then move it down...

C-Ya!

LifeStatus

Since I know some people look to my blog to find fun stuff to put on theirs, I have to point this site out:


Lifestatus.com

Basically it is for all of you out there that have "blog stalkers" (*ahem* Heidi *ducking*).. you sign up and add your own "button" on your sidebar (mine is towards the bottom and looks a little different then the one above).. and then it gives your status based on if you have logged into their site today. So for days that you don't feel like blogging, you can still log in and tell everyone you are safe!!!

Just a PSA!

C-Ya!

You know you're a mother..

I know any of us that have had kids (and yes you can change that to father if you are a guy reading this), have those moments when you know you are a parent.  Jeffrey did not go to daycare till after Samantha was born and when I walked in and one of the older kids yelled.. "its Jeffrey's mother" was one of those times (I was like "who, what, where").

And of course one of those big times is when your child is sick.  Whether it be sitting in the bathroom with the shower on to make steam for their croup-like cough or cleaning up their bedding after they "got sick" all over it.  Or when they come in your room and want to be by you because they don't feel good.  And so yes, I felt like a mother this weekend.  Both kids were sick - not that bad - more like they "got it out of their system" and were up and playing like they felt fine.  This meant that we dare not do too much for fear that they will get sick again or that we will get sick.  This also meant that we had a kid sleeping on the floor next to us (we really try not to let them in our bed for fear of that getting into a bad habit).  And this again means, I feel like a mother.

On that note, yes, was home most of the weekend.  And did not get a lot done.  Well at least next week is a three day weekend with getting President's Day off (I guess it is weird that I get that and MLK Day off since I don't work for the government). 

And NASCAR is here.. well kind of.. the Bud Shootout was Sunday (moved from Saturday due to rain).. and that means this Sunday is the Daytona 500.  Jeff Gordon had a mixed day yesterday.  He qualified 2nd for the 500 (which means the Twin 150s aren't a big deal for him) but then blew an engine in the Bud Shootout.  And then a rookie won the Shootout anyways (which is amazing because rookies don't normally get to be in it because you have had to won a pole the year before or get in because your "team" won - still don't know how he got in).

Oh.. had another "mother moment" when Jeffrey fell asleep on my while watching NASCAR... awww....
And to add to that... today is the first day both kids are going to daycare together.. just Monday, Wednesday, Friday while my Dad recovers from his surgery and so Nick can get work done.  Well, I talked to Nick and when he walked them into daycare they were so excited to go together.  Jeffrey was telling Samantha how they would get to play all day together and sit next to each other while eating breakfast, and then he took her hand and led her up the stairs (to the main level).  I am glad they enjoy each other (for the most part)!

Well off to deal with Monday.  Boss is gone this week - though thankfully I have such great co-workers, we should hardly notice (*knock on wood* unless something crazy happens in this world).  Oh, and I have to go to Target because all of a sudden Valentine's Day is tomorrow and the kids need Valentines for school/day care and I should get Nick a card!!

C-Ya!

Intentions

"The Road of Life is paved with great intentions"
Or something like that.
And so is my life.  I have tons of things I intend to do.  Just when it comes to this blog I know I intend to blog on the weekends (though in all fairness - Nick's new computer was at the store trying to get data transferred - so he was on mine alot this weekend) and I keep intending to do a movie post based on some DVDs I have seen lately.  Of course, that has not happened yet.

And I do not know how many phone calls I intend to make that either never happen, or are so behind, it is like "who cares"?

Cleaning - every weekend I intend to clean this, that and the other thing... and am happy to have the laundry done.  Though at least I went through all the paperwork and have it into NICE. NEAT. PILES.

Emails can be one of the worse intended spots.  I know that if I do not respond to an email right away, the chances of me doing so are slim.

Another big one is Creative Memories.. I intend to make that a business and a job... I know what to do.. I just do not do it.  I even have on my calendar for the past couple weeks... "make my CM goals"... hasn't happened yet.

And why?  Intention mixed with procrastination leads to such an internal dilemma... it is easy not to do anything.. or only when absolutely needed.  Yet I know of those people that get what they intend to do done... you would not call them a procrastinator.

And of course.. every once in a while I get a "bug up my butt" and think, I will change.. I have to.. I have to succeed... I have to get better...

But I haven't
*sigh*

C-Ya!

Friday, February 10, 2006

What Mixed Drink Are You?

It is FRIDAY!! Time to PARTY!!
So.. in that vain...

You Are a Strawberry Daiquiri

You're a fun, playful drinker who loves to party.
You may get totally wasted, but you're always a happy drunk!


Funny... this is one of my favorites... though I usually go for a Long Island Iced Tea! And yes.. I am a fun and happy drunk (though I rarely am drunk)!
TGIF and C-Ya!

5 and 1/2

*I was having this internal dialogue in my head about this, so I thought I would share*

Nick and I have been married just over 5 and 1/2 years.. and sometimes I just sit back and say Wow! The short version of our "love story" is that we met when I was 17 and he was 21. We both worked at the airport Pizza Hut (which I have to thank my friend Janell for getting me the job).. he was in the process of becoming my boss.. anyways... we met June 21, 1997; had our first date July 27, 1997 and got engaged September 20, 1997 (just 9 days after my 18th birthday).... then the waiting game happened. We had our wedding date picked out the week after we got engaged.. unfortunately... that was almost three years out... the main reason for the wait was so I could finish college.. we knew it would be hard to have a good marriage while juggling bills and home life and everything else at that time... but those (almost) three years were the longest years of my life... I NEVER thought our wedding day would come. Well, it did, on July 29, 2000!** And now, 2 Kids and 3 Puppies later it has been over 5 years.. and those years have just flew by.
I guess I do not know why I was thinking this.. though Nick and I did talk about it last night. And maybe with Valentine's Day coming up, I just feel so blessed to have such a great husband. I read and hear about all these people in troubled marriages (or who are getting out of them) and am grateful for Nick - even if I do not always show it. So, dear, if you ever do check this I LOVE YOU!!
Here is a picture from my Book of Me (2nd half of my timeline)... most everything has happened in the years since I have know Nick...

C-Ya!

**side note: Brad and Jen got married the same exact date and their marriage is kaput

Thursday, February 09, 2006

Lists Part 2

Ok.... since I gave Heidi the idea, I had to copy her and see how many of the list of my Renter's 101 things she would like to do that I have done...

So here is my response to her list:
1. Go to bar, hang out, drink alcohol by myself and enjoy it – By myself?  Hmm... not alone..
2. Play laser tag – done, I think?  We had a couple places here when it was the thing.
3. Get a Professional massage and/or full spa day – Done.  Best one was the one my husband bought me for our honeymoon.
4. Jump on a trampoline – Done that.  Last time was last Spring at my Aunt and Uncle's house... had to kick my kids off for some serious jumping!
5. Host dinner party for at least 8 – Nope, we need 8 friends to do that!! 

6. Visit a museum and/or art gallery – Done both.  Science and Children's Museum here, as well as the Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C. and the Minneapolis Institute of Art and Walker Art Museums.
7. Go to Rein Faire in Full Costume – I take it that means a Renissance Fair?  I have been to it, but not dressed up - I am sure my friend Laura could help me with that.
8. Sleep in a water bed – My parents had one when I was born and there are pictures of me sleeping/laying on it.  Not a big fan though.
9. Make note of where I am when my car turns 100,000 miles – I did that with my Honda Accord.. I was on the way home from the bus stop in 2000 or 2001 when we lived in Minnetonka.... don't have that car anymore though.
10. Visit a planetarium – Done this multiple times growing up... we have a cool one in Minneapolis (well it is closed right now with the library remodel.. no clue when/if it will open back up.)

11. Participate in a wine tasting and/or winery tour – Haven't done that... does a brewery tour count?  (Coors in Golden, CO).
12. Do a High Tea somewhere – Oooh Tonya wants to do this sometime.
13. Play chess – Yes
14. See a Drive in movie – Not yet, I should get to that before they all close here.
15. {Need To Come Up With Something - What was originally here was a duplicate with 55}

16. Play blackjack at a casino – Have not done that - watched my brother too.
17. Make homemade ice cream – We tried doing that at a friends house once.
18. Try 10 new food (like seafood/etc) – Hmm... I have tried a lot of foods, so...
19. See a musical – Lots.. mostly teenage groups.. but I have seen Cats, Joseph, Phantom, Damn Yankees and Aida and another one - that broadway companies have done.
20. Ride in a taxi – Yep...got in trouble the first time because a friend convinced us to do it.

21. Have my fortune read - Not done.
22. Go away away for my birthday - that sounds like a fun idea... though that would mean traveling around 9/11..
23. Throw my sister a 40th birthday party – Doubt I will do that since she and I will probably live halfway across the country from each other.
24. Vist my fathers grave site – Another one I am grateful I cannot do right now... though I should visit my Grandparents sometime.
25. Send birthday cards to all siblings, their spouses/children and friends (ie anyone on Christmas card list) – Well.. first I would need to know my brother-in-law's birthday.. and my stepnieces and nephew's... otherwise, I do ok..

26. Attend my 20 high school reunion (Am I showing my age?) – Yea... still got time for that.. my 10 year should be next year and I am excited.
27. Go Christmas caroling – Done that a couple times.
28. Get wisdom teeth pulled – Did that the day after my last college final.
29. Get AIDS test – Done that.
30. Ask for a raise – Did that at a part-time job once.

31. Work on an election campaign – Done that.  My family was really into working behind the scenes.
32. Watch or rewatch all moves on AFI top 100 list – Not too interested in this... I just don't like some movies.
33. Create my family tree – Started it a little bit with a free computer program.
34. Draft a will – I really need to get on this with having two kids to worry about.
35. Collect all 50 US State Quarters (last one might be hard to get in Sept 2008) – Started this once... but I don't use cash too much to do this.

36. {Need To Come Up With Something - What was originally here was a duplicate with 90}
37. Go a week without watching television – That would be hard... especially with where I work.
38. Spend one weekend totally unplugged. No TV, No Computer, No Phone – I agree.. no phone now would be hard.  I kind of did the no TV and computer at the PA/MD retreat.
39. Fast for 24 hours – did that back in my Jewish days for Yom Kippur - and it is hard.
40. Be in audience of a game show or talk show and/or try out for a game show or reality show – that would be fun.. and while I could not be a contestant right now, I could be in the audience!

41. Get ear training lessons to be able to hear pitch – I think I can kind of do this.
42. Learn to cook 10 new dishes- not too hard.. I find recipes off and on and try.
43. Play with a handbell choir – that would be fun.. though I cannot do it now since they practice too early - I am in the church choir though.
44. Do 25 different crossword puzzles – Done that.. love crosswords
45. Take a Self Defense Class – Did a mother/daughter one with my mom when I was younger.

46. Fire a gun - not to keen on this... though it may happen since Nick is a hunter.
47. Take Ballroom Dancing Lessons – That would be fun.
48. Take real swimming lessons (learn proper backstoke, kick turn) – Done that.. and was on the swim team.
49. Leave to drive a stick shift – Started learning from Nick... probably could manage in a really big emergency.
50. Try yoga – I do want to do this.

51. Take a cake decorating class – This may be fun..
52. Learn to use chopsticks – Can do.
53. Learn to shuffle – Great at this.
54. Take a refresher First Aid course – Another thing I really need to do being a mother.
55. Learn how to play pinochle – Don't know.

56. Try to Ski – Tried that once... maybe I could try again (I do live in MN after all).
57. Take a spinning class – if Laura would drag me to it.
58. Try Golf – Tried that too a couple times... who has the time?
59. Buy a new car – Nick and I bought one together... nice one... too bad we had to sell it.
60. Get hair colored professionally (or highlighted or perm) – I have gotten it highlighted and permed professionally.  I do just fine with the box stuff otherwise.

61. Bikini wax – When I have my all-expense paid vacation to the Carribean (which is not on my list right now)
62. Buy a new condo (or house) – Bought a house.. I think that counts.
63. Have Professional Shopper help me pick clothes (maybe 5 outfits?) – That would be fun.. and they will do that for free here.
64. Get 5 outfits custom tailored – That too would be fun.
65. Use Peapod for grocery delivery (Once as a treat) – Like Simon Delivers?  We have talked about that.

66. Buy myself flowers - I probably did that in high school so I would not feel lonely when the Student Council was selling them.
67. Stay at a bed and breakfast – Did that with my parents and brother... though I really want to go to one with Nick!
68. Go to Las Vegas – Want to do that.
69. Go to Austin Texas in the Spring(because Brian said it was wonderful and I said I would at some point. Since this conversation took place over 4 years ago - think it's about time I followed through) - Only if it was to visit my fellow SSer.
70. {Need To Come Up With Something - What was originally here was a duplicate with 82}

71. Shop at the Mall of America – Been there, done that, worked there.
72. Make list of 25 places must visit in CT and do them all – Change CT to MN.. and I have been a lot of places here.
73. Stay overnight in NYC – Did that in high school with my Temple.
74. Go to Boston – Oohh sounds like fun.
75. Stay overnight at the Casino – Done that... a couple different times at the ones in MN.

76. Visit the San Diego Zoo – Been to SD but I wanted to go to Sea World instead.
77. See a live horse race – Yep, been to the track (not since I have been legal to bet though)
78. Perform in dance recital or contest – Did this growing up.
79. Watch a sunrise – I think so.
80. Watch a Sunset – Gosh... done that.

81. Attend a Bonfire – wonderful wonderful memories! (Oooh... if you are talking about what I think you are Heidi, I agree).  I have also had them in my town/yard.
82. Take a trip by train (aka Travel somewhere on Amtrak) – I should do that sometime.
83. Take a trip by bus – Done this with youth groups.
84. Go to Midnight Mass – Just did that this Christmas and boy was it late!
85. Attend Sunrise Easter Service – Sunrise?  Does 8:30 count?

86. Give Blood – Did it twice and fainted/almost fainted both times.
87. Volunteer XX hours or events - I should... another timing thing.  I used to volunteer a lot in school.
88. Tithe to charities of my choice for a year – Should do that... when we get a straight budget.
89. Collect and then bring to bank’s free Coinstar machine $1000 in change – Hmmm... I wonder how much spare change we have collected.
90. Participate (not as a volunteer) in a 5K – That sounds like a lot.. I think I have done a 3K

91. Go a week without using a computer – Does my honeymoon count?
92. Get Married – Been there, done that, have the handsome husband to prove it.
93. Participate in a team sport for a season - Did that in school.
94. Send myself a postcard home whenever I leave town. Make them into a nice scrapbook at the end of this – Sounds like a great idea... maybe next trip.
95. Really try to loose weight/get in better shape – I worked on that last year and had some success.. I need to get back on that wagon though.

96. Tell a boy I love him – I LOVE YOU NICK!!!
97. Walk through a corm maize – I will probably get to that sometime.
98. Buy GPS system for car. If portable, use to go geocaching – A GPS system would be fun!
99. Visit Grand Canyon – Not done.
100. Visit Niagara Falls – Not done.
101. Attend Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – Maybe would be fun.

Hmmmm... turns out I have done about half of these - cool... now to start my list!!!

C-Ya!

Wednesday, February 08, 2006

Lists

I have been checking out my renters blog (see sidebar).. and she has a list on hers that is 101 things she wants to do in 1001 days (Jan 2006-Sept 2008). Wow.. that is quite a feat to have all these goals and really try to stick to them. I wonder if I too have 101 things I really want to do.. though I do doubt it. I think I should try to make a goal like this. Maybe 50 things in 500 days.. that would give me a little under a year and a half. Or 26 goals in 2006? I do have a goal of 206 pages in my scrapbooks in 2006 so maybe this is a natural addition.
I do not know. I will just have to sit down and think.. of course I don't have much time... I may have already wasted a month!
Jeffrey is turning into a ladies man. A girl in his preschool moved from the afternoon into the morning class - which is Jeffrey's. Turns out he held her hand and/or sat next to her the whole time yesterday! I talked to him last night and he says he has a girlfriend at home (neighbor's daughter), preschool, and day care (actually she does not go there anymore but she comes by sometime when her mother is picking up her brother)!! Cute!
And I took some time and rearranged the links and other things on my sidebar. I really have a hankering to do a major re-decorating project here... though I doubt I will get to it. I do want to add something to the top that is really cool like Veronica has. I do have an idea for that. For anyone starting or updating a blog, I do have a lot of cool things on the side there - so check them out.
Otherwise, I am always looking for something else really cool to add to my blog, so let me know (through the comments section or email me if you know me).
C-Ya!

Should You Quit Your Job?

I hate to fill my blog with these... but I found this and I know some of my fellow bloggers will be taking this quiz and posting it on theirs!!!
Your Job Dissatisfaction Level is 47%

Well, you don't have the worst job in the world, but it's not great.
And don't worry, you're not the problem - your company is.
Start looking around for another job, even if you're not totally fed up.
Because in time, you're going to be dying to quit!

I agree... my boss and co-workers are great.. I just do not feel challenged and really want (need) to make more money.
C-Ya!

Renter #2

Welcome to my newest renter through Blog Explosion. Welcome "My Corner of the Web" and keadamna.

Go check her out! I especially like her list of things she wants to get done.

Also, if you were wondering... I have the chance to get one new "renter" a week... so I hope to keep introducing you to more and more blogs I find interesting.

C-Ya!

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

South Park

Nick was always the bigger fan of South Park.. though we did think the movie was hilarous (allbeit raunchy and bad!)... so I heard about this site through some blog (out yourself if it was you) and created what I think I would look like if I was on South Park.

Have fun here:
South Park Studio

C-Ya!

~Music~

I am a genuine music lover... many genres will I listen to and sing along with. I also know how much music can influence my mood. Right now I am listening to the original recording of Phantom of the Opera (thanks to my friend Laura) and I have not listened to it in years... but I still know the words and am mouthing them along with the music. And I love to sing.. but am not the greatest singer... still doesn't mean I wouldn't love to be on a huge stage singing (or performing in a musical)... that would be a dream.
I got my first cup of coffee since the "coffee incident" a week and a half ago... this was the usual decaf from Caribou... so I should be alright. I did try the new Zebra Mocha, and it tastes pretty good.
And is it Grammys or Grammy's? I know it is the Grammy Awards... but how do you shorten it? So I am trying to grow out my hair... not like it has been short lately... but now I am trying to see how long I can make it before it really annoys me (kind of the thing to do is grow out your hair - if you go by the people I know).. well this leads me to play with my hair all day long.. and touch it.. because it is so nice and smooth. I think if I really take care of my hair it will grow out really nice. And I always use Pantene on my hair.. found other stuff is just junk.

C-Ya!

#200

I just noticed that this is my 200th post...so I feel it should have its own special topic!

C-Ya!

Monday, February 06, 2006

What's Your Inner Blood Type?

A totally random quiz I took... one of the many you can find at Blogthings

Your Inner Blood Type is Type O

You are outgoing, gregarious, and well loved.
And it's a good thing you're super charming...
Because you also tend to be a bit flaky!
Your confidence gets your far, and you always speak your mind.

You are most compatible with: O and AB

Famous Type O's: John Lennon and Elvis


Hmm... well that one may be far fetched... (and in reality I am a B+)
C-Ya!

Cold cold

First off, it is freezing outside... after having a warm and beautiful January, February is turning out to be normal... which means arctic chill!
And the other cold is for what I got... I am pretty sure I have a cold... I can feel it in my throat.. and my voice is shot. But I came in to work today because I did not want to use my second sick day already. Oh well, I will survive. Though it probably explains why I was falling asleep sitting up this weekend.
Talked to Nick this morning and he said when Jeffrey got up he was wondering if the little girl that was over here (neighbors) last night was coming over today and got real sad when we said she wasn't coming over today. All the kids had so much fun... at one point the oldest (girl) and Jeffrey and Samantha were all in our bed - with Maggie the Puppy... no clue whose idea it was either (and yes I took a pic - but wont post it here due to it being other people's kids).
And speaking of pictures... I don't think I have mentioned this.. but Jeffrey is turning into a budding photographer... he loves to get his hands on my camera and take pictures.. so here is one he took of Nick and I a week ago....

Cool, huh?
C-Ya!

Sunday, February 05, 2006

Weekend rush...

Well.. turns out the weekend was busy and I did not get much of a chance to be on the computer... of course part of that was because Nick's computer broke and he had to use mine to buy a computer and do some work.
Yesterday we went to my parents and they got to enjoy the kids (and vice versa)... This morning I had a small solo at church and was a nerve wreck but did really good. And this evening we invited neighbors (who also go to our church) over for the Super Bowl. Well, that meant rushing around making sure the house was clean.. probably a good thing because I would have been a slug otherwise..
And now my throat is really sore... I think I am coming down with a cold.
Off to take a shower and go to bed... I am wiped.
C-Ya!

Friday, February 03, 2006

Blogs are funny

It is funny... now that many of my online friends have blogs, one person seems to find something cool or some quiz to take and we all roll with it.  And some of them thought they would run out of things for their blog!

I think I will never run out.  I usually can find something to write about.. at least every few days (unless I am *gasp* away from the computer).  I have not written much lately because ever since I was sick earlier this week I have felt like I have a "light" cold.  Nothing major, just something I can kind of feel in my head.  It toys with my sinuses.

I am happy it is Friday.  I hope I can rest and recover this weekend.  I think we plan to go visit my parents tomorrow.. since Dad's shoulder surgery he has not been doing so well... well, at least as well as I thought he would be.  So Get Well Soon Dad!

I received my Mary Kay order yesterday... I am a personal use consultant so I only order once a year.. and it is always fun to get re-stocked up with the essentials.  Mainly just their Time Wise because I have a lot of their makeup that I rarely use (though I did put some on today).  I am thankful for those that helped me with my order!

Well... I think I just need to send this to my blog... I got to get other stuff done.
C-Ya!

Word Fun

So I found this on Veronica's blog who found it on Cowtown Stacy's... so of course I had to copy the idea.



Go ahead... try it out yourself at
Snapshirts ... you know you want to!!!

C-Ya!

Wednesday, February 01, 2006

Hunter in Training!

Nick took Max into the trainer yesterday to be evaluated... and I have to say.. we have a star pupil on our hands. He took to hunting up the birds and fetching them like it was second nature. I guess the trainer said that only 10% of all dogs he has seen have done this good without any training. No clue how he compared to Mandi or Mollie.
And in honor of that...here is another picture of the 2 puppies and Nick!!

C-Ya!

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

Funny, after possibly getting sick from coffee on Sunday - though it could have been something else - I stumble upon this on Pamela's blog. I kind of knew it would say I have a low addiction to coffee...now I just need Nick to take it... lately he has been drinking it like it is going out of style!!


You Are a Frappacino

At your best, you are: fun loving, sweet, and modern

At your worst, you are: childish and over indulgent

You drink coffee when: you're craving something sweet

Your caffeine addiction level: low

C-Ya!