It's Raining Zombies!

Right now we are in the middle of an epic rain storm in Colorado. It is raining buckets and has been for days.  Many of the neighboring towns have been evacuated or displaced due to flooding and road washout. This is highly unusual for my state as we are a usually arid climate. We have been lucky to escape any sort of damage...until today. Our window wells have filled and are starting to take on water in the basement.  The current state of events has the water in the streets up to our grass line and rising.  Our neighbor has a lake in her yard, and the playground across the street is under water. All from just today.

In the meantime, my son has decided it is high time to get ready for a zombie attack!  Out of the blue he started pulling medical supplies from the cabinet - you know, for those that get infected during the attack.  He also got the guns ready (nerf of course) and blankets and pillows. The kicker is that zombies apparently love the rain so there is no keeping them at bay in this weather! They just keep poking their nasty green faces up a the window which leaves us no choice but to take. them. down.

 

I, for one, am really happy he is planning to take the Nyquil...if anything, I'll be able to sleep in the middle of the apocalypse. Nighty night!

 

C.

 

Tooth Fairy - real or FAKE?

"You'll have to put your tooth under you pillow tonight so that the tooth fairy can take it and leave you some money!"
"Nah - I want to keep my tooth.  I'd rather just have allowance."
-several minutes pass-
"Is the tooth fairy real"?
"Do you think she is real?"
"No.  I don't.  I mean - where does she even LIVE?"
"Maybe she lives in a fairy tree with all her little fairy friends..."
"*blank stare* She isn't real. I don't believe in her."
"Well, if you don't believe, then she isn't real.  Do you still believe in Santa?"
"Oh yeah! Santa is real.  And the Easter bunny is totally real.  But the tooth fairy? Nope."

Crisis averted with Santa! I'm not ready to field that little lie yet. I've had a lot of learning to do with these mythical 'people' since they never visited my house growing up. My mom didn't think she should fill our fragile little minds with such nonsense.  On one hand - thank you, Mom!  On the other - it has made it really that much more difficult to pull off this lie to my offspring! I don't have the right answers.  I don't know the fees involved. To wrap or not to wrap...UHG!

I'm really torn on my feeling about the imaginary people.  We teach our kids to always tell the truth and discourage telling "stories" that could sound real but really aren't.  And here we are, as adults, telling our children maybe the biggest lies of their lives! And perpetuate the lie for years on end. The justification?  It makes holidays and occasions "magical".  Somehow telling a complete stranger a child's wishes and dreams and then having a mystery man sneaking into one's home (which is a really creepy notion) is like magic. And as I think about it we are not only being hypocritical about truth telling but we are telling our children it is OK (in this instance) to tell a stranger their name, sit on their lap, and tell them what they want the most at this moment in their lives! WHAAAAAAAT?!

So I wonder what is wrong with thinking your parents are the real heroes and fulfilling your gift wishes? Why does some fat guy who "sees you when you're sleeping and knows when you're awake" get the credit? That guy isn't there for the temper tantrums.  He isn't there for the victories. He isn't there to make lunch and he isn't there to kiss boo-boos.  So why do we allow him to be there during one of the annual events when we show our loved ones how much we care by giving them presents?! The topic makes me a little bitter but I play along because I guess I have to.

Now back to fielding the lie - I've heard stories of when children found out the truth.  They were destroyed! I have a feeling it will be heartbreaking for my boy. Santa and his elves have done some pretty awesome things over the years. And while it will become a reality that there was never a Santa Claus I hope that he will realize we only wanted things to be special and magical for him.  And in the end, we were the awesome ones!! :)

C.

Parenting Win - #1

Wow! It's been a long time since I wrote down my thoughts about anything...well, besides what you count on the Facebook. It is time....

 

Once upon a time, I had a baby.  He has since grown up a little and is now a 7-year-old in the 2nd grade.  I've said a few times that 7 isn't my favorite age.  When my darling little prince turned 7, his sass and sarcasm was turned WAY up!  On one hand, I'm proud.  After all, there is no lack of sarcasm in our house so he only "...learned it by watching you!" I can't be mad about that...he's doing a good job! On the other hand, I don't really like that he is fighting fire with fire. He's too young for this! Where did my little sweetie pie go? I know where he went...to elementary school! Bah!

 

Other children are bad news! Sure they help build character, make your child learn how to deal with little jerks, invite them to their birthday parties, and encourage taking risks but they also help develop that annoying little habit of lying to their parents and talking back.  We all learned dirty little tricks from our friends. As a parent, you can only hope that you have instilled enough of the good to overcome the trickery of peers.

 

Cue the parenting win....remember how I said my little prince was getting extra sassy?  That is still true but I got reminded of his giant heart and compassionate spirit.  I am lucky that my boy hasn't outgrown me yet.  He still tells me he loves me.  Still hugs and kisses me in front of his friends.  I ask him frequently if he will still love me when he's 13.  He promises me yes.  I got this darling, heartwarming, amazing little letter yesterday with a cinnamon apple treat...

 

He is the greatest little man I could have ever hoped for! Everyday I thank my lucky stars he is mine. I think about him so often it is ridiculous.  I wish that I had more time with him but alas working fulltime is a must.

 

The thing I wish most for my boy is this: that he grows up healthy, happy, and achieves every goal he sets out to achieve.  I suppose that is more than one wish. And to all his future girlfriends - I will not approve of you...at least not at first and it will take a long time for you to prove yourself to me.  Yep, I'm gonna be THAT mom.

C.

 

Pranksters

Chuckles, aka Mandy, was at it again!

I took some time off work to spend spring break with my boy and husband. It was much needed time off as working full time doesn't lend itself to a high quantity of time with the family. It does, however, force our time together to be more quality. We had grand plans to go to Mexico but that came to a quick halt once we went to buy airfare. The bloody tickets were about 3x what we had budgeted!  So we scrapped that. Real quick like. Instead we dorked around town/were lazy at home. It was good R&R for sure. As the staycation came to a close, it was time to face the reality that we needed to go back to work 'tomorrow'. This is the little gem that greeted me!

1000 sticky notes. O-N-E T-H-O-U-S-A-N-D. This happened a few weeks ago and I swear I'm still finding these things! I didn't dispose of all of them.  I saved plus donated them around the office. I cube looked like the Easter Bunny threw up in a coordinated fashion.

Well played, Mandy.  Well played.

Post Dessert "Dessert"

It has been a while since I made an entry and today was certainly one for the "books". After lunch with the girls which concluded with a trip to Maggie Moo's for ice cream, we were not yet ready to go back to the office...plus we still had 15 minutes on the clock. We rounded the building to visit the patio where I knew a couple of my buddies were enjoying their lunch.

J happens to be Jewish and he had been threatening Sunny and I with gefilte fish.  "I want to see you guys try this!" What is it?  Well, in short, it is minced up fishes - meaning more than one variety - mushed up in a ball of sorts and stored in jelly. Mmmmm...sounds good already.  Earlier today, J plunked down the jar in front of me and said, "Have lunch with me and Sunny..." Oooo, while I'd love to, I have plans. Shucks.  But like I said, we had some time and I knew where those two were.  After arriving on scene, I asked S if she tried it..."Yes..." Nuts. Now I gotta.

Fish balls. Grey, slimy, fish balls.

I'm a food smeller.  If I don't know what it is, I smell it first to make my decision on eating it.  Mistake.  This "food" smelled atrocious. Sunny said it smelled like canned cat food.  Agreed. But I upped the anty and said that it smelled like cat food...in a nasty, stinky, pond. Wretched. Now eat it.  Yeah. Right.

Nothing good comes from eating non-descript, off-colored items. I've seen countless episodes of "Bizarre Foods". I know how this usually goes down...or up.

As the caption suggests, if my son was present, he would be laughing his ass off! The smell alone was making me gag.  I attempted to turn this little food challenge down based on the fact that I had a delicious taste on my tongue of cake batter ice cream and it would be a shame to ruin that. I should also mention that I had a bit of a smell barrier because of the stupid, rotten cold I have.  Angie didn't stick too close by - she was clear across the patio!

OMG. I actually put this horrific mess in my mouth. I chewed. Once.  Then I was just trying not to it touch my tongue. I must have looked pretty desperate because Sunny gave me permission to spit it out. Thank Baby Jesus!

I had nothing to drink. And after the many dry heaves, I had nothing to change the taste in my mouth...or so I thought. I had some little gems in my handbag from a party I will share about soon (once I work up the gumption) that I decided was the right thing to use. 

Jacob, thank you for sharing a cultural dish with me.  Please never do that again.

Mandy, thank you for helping me capture this one film.

C.

Today, I'm Purple.

This could easily go under "Girl Problems" but I decided not to put it there. Nails....more specifically nail art. There is some crazy stuff out there that girls have done/will do to their fingernails in regards to art. It runs the gamut of a 'natual' nail with no polish or anything to a very long acrylic nail with a skyline painted on. That one website I loff, Pinterest, has countless pins on nails.

I have seen some cute ideas but nothing that I would feel comfortable wearing on my hands. Everyone sees your hands. There is no hiding them.  And if you do something atrocious to them, voluntarily, you will be hard pressed sneaking it by everyone you meet.  My BFF Sunny and I have had discussions about nail color in the past - what we would and would not do on our hands. We came to the consensus that hands are better left on the conservative side - particularly in the professional world. A plain, non-ridiculous color, a nice french manicure...leave the neon and butterfly designs to the teenagers.  Toes, on the other hand, are fair game to get cRaZy!

I'm a pink and white french manicure girl. It is one of the things that have helped earn me the title of "high maintenance" from my husband and mother. I like my manicure...it makes me feel a little more put together when, quite frankly, I'm rarely ever "put together".  Recently, I have added a little something. Color.  What's that? Yes, a touch of color.  The first time I did glittery silver. The last time, a glittery blue on the request of my boy.  And this time, I'm purple.

Now this is one kind of nail art I can handle!  It is really growing on me.  The touch of color infuses a little personality into the standard manicure.  If I ever feel so brazen as to try holograms and tiger stripes on my nails, you'll be the second to know... :)

C.

It Could Have Been Avoided

One of my besties, Christina, and I decided it would be a fun idea to take our kids (who happen to be only 2 weeks apart in age) for a fun day at the Natural History Museum. After all, it is spring break  We had this planned well in advance (because that's how she rolls).  But much to our dismay, the day unraveled quickly.

We met and drove a caravan to the museum but got separated a little along the way.  Upon entering the parking lot, I sent this text, "It's packed!" Onward to the underground parking.  I got super lucky and snagged a spot that someone was backing out of.  Christina, on the other hand, was not so lucky.  After circling all possibilities, she was skunked out. Meanwhile, I was inside waiting for her and it was pretty much elbow-to-elbow in there. I don't do well with crowds. I'd be curious what my actual heart rate does in the midst of seas of other humans. I suggested we try something else and she agreed.

After returning to the parking garage, it took some time to get out. As I not-so-quickly learned, they had since put up a sign that the garage was full.  No doy! It was a complete shit show! We met at McD's and planned to check out a new place, Jump City.  I was pretty certain it was open. We go to there...

Closed. *%^) REALLY?! Strike 2. Now what? Jumpin Jordy's...even though the last time this place was spoken of, it was because a child my son knows broke his arm. GRRRRREAT! We are now about and hour and a half into the trip but we go to place #3.  Jumping castle place is open...and ready to steal your money! In addition to the 6-yo's, we also had the baby (15 months) in tow. $5 to get that little monkey in. Um, ok. Their idea of a $5 admission for a tiny toddler is a crappy little area with squishy junk they don't know what else to do with. Not fun and even the baby knew that! He just wanted to run his mom rampant! The older kids had a good time until....

Kaylin fell on her rump. Sloan got a raspberry on his forearm. Kaylin got a raspberry on her leg. Sloan was told to spit out the gum he found (it wasn't ABC thank GOODNESS). Sloan had a collision with another child which leveled them both. Death. Destruction. Armageddon stuff.

The kids had a fun time but all the hurt could have been avoided if not everyone in Denver and the surrounding areas planned a trip to the museum...Uhg. Oh and I taught the baby the joys of dipping.  Fries. Ketchup. Just the things aunties are supposed to do. WUAHAHAHAH!

C.

Pinterst Project - #3: DIY Coasters

At one time I thought I would make gifts for Christmas.  I thought, "Oh! Coasters would be great!" Then my husband politely confirmed my wonder if people even used coasters anymore - nope. Shoot.  I guess I'll have to shelf that idea for a bit.  Then at a crafting night at Tara's, Brittny's project was making custom coasters.  Hot damn! Game back on!

I never really needed coasters of my own UNTIL I got new end tables! Back during the makeover that was one of my buys.  And I do NOT want these puppies getting scratched up or water marked.  No ma'am. Bring on the Pinterest...

Supplies: mod podge ($4.99), tile ($3.97 for an 8-pack), scrapbooking paper ($.16/sheet - I got 2), foam adhesive dots ($2.99 for the mega variety pack), pencil, scissors, paint brush, straightedge (in my case, an outlet cover that was in the 'junk' drawer).

As it turned out, I didn't even need the straightedge because I needed rounded corners to match my tile. I could have gotten less expensive tile but I didn't like the sides of the ceramic/porcelain tiles.  These tumbled ones that I got had a better profile. I ended up tracing the tile and then free-hand trimming it down because it needed to be smaller than the face of the tile.  Otherwise, there was overhang. I should note right about now that I didn't actually READ how to do this...I winged it based on what I heard at the end of the table where Brittny was sitting while she did hers. I realize now it probably wasn't the best plan. Ok...I got the paper cut out.

Next comes the 'feet' of the coasters.  Like I said before, I didn't want my tables to be scratched.  I got the foam dots because I couldn't find what I was really after so I used something I thought would work well.  I now have extra crap if my son ever wants to make 3D art.  These actually worked really well!

Step whatever I'm on - Mod Podge (MP). I put a coat down on the tile first.  I let it dry just a little - enough to get tacky - and placed the paper down one tile at a time. After all the paper was on, I went back for the next layer of MP.  I noticed that the edges were sort of coming up a little (because I hadn't made my layer on the tile far enough to the edges) and bubble in the center, so I had the bright idea to roll it with a rolling pin.  All this did was pull the pattern off a spot on one tile and make another one dirty looking.  UHG! Tiles: 2, Chantel 2. If you aren't following, that meant I had two I needed to redo.  Luckily I had extra tiles! I ended up doing three top coats of MP - I hope that is enough! 

All in all, they didn't turn out terrible.  Being the project perfectionist I am, I'll probably try it again. There was some bubbling in the paper but it isn't horrible. I need to be more patient between coats of MP.  Testimony: Crafting is not my strong suit when it comes to waiting for things to dry! Just go ahead and fast forward me the end of the 15-20 minutes I need to wait!

C.

Pinterest Project - on hold!

Well doesn't it figure that I'm ready to do my project - I got the rest of the stuff I needed today - and there is still something missing.  I regular household item that I thought for SURE we had....

...a ruler.  So I guess this one will have to wait til tomorrow-ish. So I did what any sane "crafter" did - I made cupcakes. Oh, and I'm hardly a crafter.

C.

What Happened to Being Nice?

Here in Broomfield, Colorado we got several inches of fresh, heavy, wet snow. I didn't clear it off the sidewalk yesterday because it was mega windy and all would have just blown back in my face. So today was the day.

V had already done some of it - paths to the cars. It was my turn to do the rest. After sizing up the situation, I notice that our neighbors to the left and right had their sidewalks done.  No surprise...they BOTH have snow blowers. So I take a moment, with my plastic shovel in hand, and curse my neighbors on the inside. Would it have killed either of them to help a fellow neighbor by being nice and run their little snow removal machine a few extra feet to get our sidewalk?? I would think not.  It wasn't that cold today (I shoveled in shorts and winter coat) so hmmm. I was more than moderately annoyed. 

Granted, they are not required to handle our walk. We are perfectly capable and happy to do it. So it may seem that my rant is a bit contradictory. My beef is really how unwilling others are to lend a helping hand. I can tell you with certainty if we ever spring for a snow blower, we'll handle the block.  Why? Because it doesn't seem like that much effort to run a machine up and down the pavement. If you are going to bother to get the thing out, you may as well make it worth your time. At least that is my opinion.

At the end of the day, I got it taken care of and went a step further to clear out the gutters so that the melt had a free path down the road.  But guess what I didn't do?  I didn't clear out the gutters in front of my neighbors.  Why? Because moving ice with a mere shovel is zero fun...plus I was mad at them.

C.

3 Marbles

In true Chantel fashion, I decided to do something today that made little to no sense. I thought, "Sure, I can do this! It will be fun!" Hmm...it was fun, don't get me wrong.  But man, I am tired! In the middle of the rampage, I texted my A.P. to ask her how many marbles my whole insanity mission was worth - 3 marbles.  Hell yeah! Ok...game on!

7:50a - get out of bed
7:52a - get dressed
7:55a - start car
8:00a - kiss family goodbye
8:01a - brush off snow
8:07a - leave driveway
8:15a - check in at BCC for Zumba
8:20a - start class
9:15a - leave class
9:30a - call husband on the way to PDRC
9:32a - get off phone because roads are slick
9:40a - check in at PDRC
9:45a - start riding stationary bike with the interactive crap that makes you steer
10:23a - get off bike and check in for Zumba (again)
10:30a - start class
11:35a - leave rec center

What was I thinking??  This - that I'm a bit fluffy and I want to be twiggy. I've been off one plan for a few weeks and needed a kick start to get BOTH back on track.  I've managed to maintain the marble minimum (with the exception of last week - I asked for a mulligan due to a week-long headache and A.P. graciously granted. I was one short) but I want to start maxing it out.  I knew how I could get two fantastic workouts - with Zumba.  I've never doubled up on same-day classes only an hour apart.  The cycling in between was a way to kill some time. I didn't run because I forgot headphones and I cannot run without them. It just doesn't work for me.

I will say that filling the morning with workouts really helped my mental health as well as my physical. I just needed to focus on doing something good for my body and it paid off for my brain as well. When you feel good on the outside, you feel good on the inside.  I desperately need a massage from all the stress I've had lately but I hope to get that in the coming week.  In the meantime, I hope to make a habit of kicking my own ass!

P.s. - Thank you Keri and Michelle for braving the storm!!

C.

The M&M Show

"What the..?"

"There is a car outside with cones on it!"

It's quitting time which means it is time for me to wrap it up and go home!  Several others had left before me per the norm.  I am usually leaving the building alone due to when I get off.  No big whoop..I was just ready to go!  But yesterday I got a little something special. My friends, Matt and Mandy, had left me a parting gift.

Introducing: Orange Rhino! Yep, that's my ride.  The little angels made use of some construction cones in the parking lot and dressed up mi coche real nice. I have to say that I laughed! What turds! A good old-fashioned Friday prank.  I must say that I've never really been pranked in my 30-something years of life.  My brothers being mean to me doesn't count.

I appreciate some good hijinx.  I also appreciate Mandy giving me something to write about! I'll tell you - that one on the top was a bugger to get down.  Cones are awkward. Cheers to you, M & M! You're keepers!

C.

Bad, Chilis...BAD!

Wednesday night. Usually a Zumba night for me but my little precious talked me into going out to eat with his dad and him since it was a benefit night for his daycare.  A benefit night is where a portion of the proceeds from indicated sales goes back to the school.  I think the real reason he wanted to participate is so that he could see a friend or two outside the confines of a school house.

We arrived at approximately 7:30p.  There was a group there waiting then us.  We got on the list and humbly took our buzzer.  A two-pack and a four-pack came in behind us and also got their buzzer.  We wait and watch. The two-pack got seated...at a four-top. Hmmm...ok. Then the four-pack got seated. Alright...now this is starting to get bunk. My husband approaches the hostess and asks WTH! (politely of course) and she tells him that she just buzzed us.  False...she just notified our buzzer but it wasn't vibrating. I take the thing to her and ask if it is is supposed to vibrate.  "Possibly." Huh?  Sorry. Possibly? No, honey. Either yes it does or no it doesn't. Not possibly. And if the answer is yes, which is suspect it is, don't put it back in the stack like you did because it is BROKEN!

We are guided to our table which happens to the one closest to the kitchen.  We got to view the filth on the floor! We are soooo lucky! We sit down and it smells like stale beer (gross) and V says it smells like B.O. (also gross). A new four-pack got seated in the table in front of us and their server was promptly there to take their drink orders. Timer started....it took 4 minutes for our server to get to us and take our really complicated drink order - 2 waters and a kids pineapple juice. Five minutes later we got them. Before we ordered our drinks, we wanted to verify that our total would be applied to the school. "Do you have a coupon?" "No, we just got emailed a flyer." "Oh well, you'll need that so we can attach the receipts to it." "Can't we just show you the flyer on our phone?" "Let me check..." A. You know people are coming in for this thing. B. Are you really going to deny the proceeds generated from their sale which they wish to be contributed to the school based on an absence of a piece of paper?! OMG.

He came back and said that it will go to the school. Now we order.  We didn't get anything complicated - kids grilled cheese, an appetizer sampler, and tacos. Some time has passed and the table behind us got two separate appetizers (because apparently they have a new rule there that only one dish gets to come out at a time - or so it seemed.  We were right there to see all the server traffic) and we had yet to get anything. Twenty-five minutes in the kiddo finally gets his meal. At the 30-minute mark, we get to eat. I will note this - once Sloan got is food, he sat back in his seat. I told him to go ahead and eat and he said, "But it is polite to wait so I'll wait." AWWW!  We're doing something right! I told him that was very polite and kind of him but he could go ahead and eat. I knew he was starving!

Our food was sub-par to say the least. Both V and I had crunchy chicken - it shouldn't have been. WAY over-cooked. V got a top-off of his water from another server. I did not, nor did I get one from ours. Needless to say we did not get dessert. I made sure to write the name of the school on our receipt so that they could get the $.03 or whatever minuscule amount that was determined to be a "proceed".

Next time, we'll just give the school our donation.  It will save on a bad night, gut aches, and my son solidifying how poor the service is by saying, "Yeah, Chili's is horrible. I never want to come here again." Epic fail, Chili's.

C.

You Can Call Me a Flower

....if you want to. :)  Nothing super spectacular today.  Nothing really to reflect upon.  I did, however, arrange some flowers that I pieced together from the supermarket.  Lavender roses and white hydrangeas and a sleek white vase - said the a long A...I'm not fancy.

I think this is just so simple and pretty.  It looks like it should be in a Victorian room.  I don't have any of those so my dining room table will have to do. Step aside, Red Roses! Make way for your colorful cousins.

C.

Jam On It!

Last night was a "marathon" workout.  Well, hardly a marathon...I've done one of those. Those are WAY hard! This was more like marathon fun with a workout mixed in.  It was Streetlight Studios Zumba Jam.  At this little event, there is dancing, food, drinks, and this time, blacklight tomfoolery - scheduled for 4 hours.

I was late. No surprise there.  I work far away from where I live and play and traffic was being a butthole which made for my more-than-fashionably late entrance. Luckily I saw Olivia pretty quickly and then it was game on!

I met Olivia and Courtney in class a bit ago but we were fast friends.  I just think the world of these two!  If I wasn't friends with them I would hate them a little because they are just effortless beauties - even while breaking a sweat! But beyond that, they are so fun, sweet, and down-right great. 

 I did as much jamming as I could within the time I had...after all, I had 2 marbles to earn! It was some good fun and I wouldn't have wanted to be there with anyone else - well, one was missing. :( CG.

We're all a little pooped today. Some big news was shared with me about one of these pretties and I'm sooooo happy for her!  Although, I shall not be drinking anymore water. Nope.  Too risky. ;)

C.

The View for a Talk

The other day a dear friend went on a trip...but I was unsure where the heck she was going! She posted her arrival at an airport in St. Louis which prompted my question, "Where u headed?"  Her response, "I'll text you!"

Since I'm an impatient person, I texted her first...while I was on lunch. She told me where she was and what she was up to. I asked her to please not die - "Please don't get murdered." I'm paining the picture that she was in a dangerous place.  She was not and besides, she is a big girl and knows how to make smart decisions! But this simply curious text turned in a little more...

She and I used to 'talk' everyday.  That's all we had since we are 1000 miles apart. She has been out to visit me a couple times - I even drug her behind through some cold mountain mud in the form of a Warrior Dash! I do love her dearly - my sister from another mister you could say.

But recently, we have drifted apart.  It certainly wasn't intentional but I recognized it because I've really missed her. As I was sitting in my car, staring out my windshield as I ate my lunch and continued to text her, I said it, "...I feel like I have no idea what's happening with your anymore...we never talk. I'm to blame for that..." I have become so caught up in my own life and stresses that I've let some of my friendships fall by the wayside. Of course she was quick to take some of the blame on herself, but she shouldn't have.  This one is mine to shoulder. But I made a promise to be better...which I intend to keep.

Life is hard.  It is difficult to nurture all the relationships that make one feel whole...unless you are a hermit and don't like people. Then I would think it would be a bit easier.  But that's not me.  I'm true to my species and need to have a social outlet. I like the people I know...strangers are a different ball of wax. I hope that those that are really important to me know it...even if I become absent sometimes.  <3 you, Stephanie!! xoxo

C.

SOOOO Not Diet Friendly

I built it. I ate it. No regrets....double-vanilla ice cream, Hershey's chocolate syrup, crumbled Trefoil Girl Scouts cookies. Bam. Done...

...and done. My headache needed its medicine.  Bug off, Diet Fairy.

C.
 

Schmucky Love Story

It all started over 13 years ago - Boy meets Girl.  Boy and Girl strike up a friendship. Boy and Girl become workout buddies. Boy starts to win the heart of Girl (even though he had some neato 80s hair). Boy and Girl share first kiss at park. Boy and Girl use the interwebs to chit chat with instant messaging as their love grows. Boy helps Girl move....but not to his place. Girl practically lives at Boy's house for a year. Girl also falls in love with Boy's children. Girl finally moves in with Boy. Boy proposes. Girl says yes. Boy and Girl get married. Mr. and Mrs. learn they made a mini and prepare for the arrival. Mini arrives and the family is finally complete.

Add some tricky situations, a few dogs and cats to the mix, a break up and get back together, some fun, some fear, and an only-just-begun, and I present to you our love story. It has been nine years since we tied the proverbial knot. I would be lying if I said that it has been all tulips - a lot has happened between our four lips, butterflies and sunshine. But I would also be lying if I said it has been all burnt toast, flat tires, and misery. The truth of the matter is that we have been on an interesting journey together consisting of victories and momentary loss, project success and some not-so-favorable results. No matter what we are doing or how hard it is to look each other in the eye, we find a way to work it all out in the end.

Every relationship takes work. Some days the work is effortless and other days it takes a little more coaxing. There is always give and take. Somehow, he and I have figured out what works for us. Mutual respect and honor, sharing some laughs, and knowing when to let it lay.

I do things that make him crazy. I'm lucky he is willing to put up with me. I thank my lucky stars to have found my partner, forever teammate, and true love. Life is what you make it...and I'm happy to have made my life with him. After next year, we're gonna have to start using our toes to count the wedding anniversaries...I'm gonna have to start getting winter pedicures! :P

C.

Ain't That Just a S*%&!

Just a quickie...

My office building is located near a fabricated series of ponds in which many water fowl have made a home.  It is littered with goose year-round. Well, two little fellas (or could have been female - I can't tell them apart) were in a tizzy today!  The two of them stormed the building and were pecking and goosing loudly at whatever they saw in the reflection of the glass.  It was likely themselves. They are dumb creatures.  They were in such an uproar that one defecated on the premises. Then #2 made a #2! Twin deuces...super threatening. They did not stop their goosing at that though...they carried on for a good 5-10-1/2 minutes until they finally turned their backs and walked away. 

Lesson learned - when pooping at your enemy doesn't do the trick, just turn on your heel and walk away. Cooler heads shall prevail.

C.

Makeover: Part 2

The transformation is complete. My living room is ready for the thrift shop cover shot! It is impressive how a little paint and some new accessories can really change how a space looks. As I said earlier, it was long overdue. The previous color was drab but this new color is quite refreshing.  It gives the living room a new spring in its step....which is appropriate since it is called "Spring walk".

I got some new throw pillows - two of which S has called "the coconut pillows", a new ladder shelf, new area rug, freshened up the wall decor, and spruced up the crown molding. I was able to score a couple deals so I at least didn't completely break the bank.  I did, however, lose out on a piece of furniture that I hesitated on.  I saw the sucker on Thursday and it's gone today, Sunday.  I suppose I didn't need it that badly. But gosh it sure would have been nice to have a new something to put stuff in! 

Here is a (poorly executed) comparison shot:

I left space for expansion on the "photo gallery". I actually planned ahead! :)  I think the dining room is next.

C.

Just a Little Show

What's better than spending time with your family on a lazy Saturday afternoon?  Spending time with one of your besties! It was questionable considering the weather conditions, but much like any other time, the storm was pumped up much bigger than what we actually faced.  Onward with plans! Christina and I went to see "Catch Me If You Can - The Musical" today.

I haven't ever seen the movie and may not have been able to follow the story had I not read the show program prior to curtain time. I'm glad I made use of that time...you know, after I got in trouble for taking a picture in the theatre. Because apparently taking a self-portrait with your friend is strictly forbidden! I have some nerve. The show was entertaining for sure.  As Christina and I discussed afterward, we were both in agreement that there were a bit too many musical numbers.  It seemed like the whole show was sang. For me (and I think she agreed) I need a little more 'play' in between the 'musical'. They definitely had a full cast of singers at the wings! But who knows, maybe I'll start breaking into song whenever something is about to happen...might keep people on their toes!

Being the girls we are, we were quite envious of the ladies on the chorus line doing all the sassy dancing (and singing). Put me through one of their workouts - just one should give me their legs, right?

I'm just glad that I got to sit by her for a few hours.  I haven't seen much of her lately and dangnabit I've missed her face!

C.

Makeover: Part 1

It is time...time for change.  So as we have done in the years past, we decided it was the weekend to make the change. The last time we made a change was back in 2003 - coinsidentally during a blizzard (and we have a big storm coming tonight). At that time, there wasn't much to speak of as far as style in the room. We fixed that but now the color on the walls needs to go. Other decor items need to be refreshed in a big way. I have outgrown a lot of what I did ages ago. And since it is our anniversary weekend, what better way to spend it than doing a home improvement project?

Now, there wasn't anything WRONG with the living room.  It had just been lived in and we have grown weary of what we have been seeing day in and day out over the past 10 years. About a year and a half ago, we got new furniture.  That is a step in the right direction!  But nothing else really matched the updated digs.

I've been thinking about what I want to do with this place for quite sometime. And trying to get my husband on board with my vision can sometimes be a task in and of itself...

Side note: after moving all the furniture out and using our dining room table to hold things, there was nowhere for us to eat out lunch.  I made the suggestion of pretending we were newlyweds in our new house and were forced to have a picnic on the living room floor but that just earned me a sideways look...it's all good.  I'm not very good at playing imagination - just ask my 6-year-old.

Back on track...Color.  I had been torn between a blue scheme and a green scheme.  I was leaning toward green and after picking out an array of 'greens', I finally narrowed it down to three options - a light, medium, and dark.  I left the final decision to the man.  Together, we picked the light for the ceiling and the medium for the walls - "pale cucumber" and "spring walk". Doesn't that sound just nice? I still got some blue into the room...I'm a Libra.  Decisiveness is not one of our strong suits.

I'm looking forward to finishing this puppy up!

C.

King Candy

On the radio last night they were talking about a candy list released by Buzzfeed.  It was "19 Types of Candy That Should be Wiped Off the Planet." I found this intriguing so I went to the list myself.  It is clearly missing some biggies.  And there are others where I'm all like "What the..??" I'm taking it on...

1. Black Jellybeans - agreed.  These are awful and should never EVER be in the mix.  If you are one of those people that like licorice, buy some anise and put in your tea.

2. Laffy Taffy - wrong. This should not be on the list.  Where else are you going to get super cheeseball jokes?  The internets? Maybe, but it isn't as fun. Plus the candy is just plain good.

3. 3 Musketeers - wrong again. This is a candy bar that is all fluff and nothing else is needed! Not to mention the many different methods of consumption.

4. Dubble Bubble - this is the worst gum on the planet.  It is always hard and has only a mild bubble gum flavor that lasts about 7 chews. I get more from the flavored junk the dentist uses.

5. Dum Dums - I could take 'em or leave 'em. They are a nice, sweet treat in a pinch but I think it is a cop out when my kid gets a bag full of them on Halloween. I break off the stick when I eat one because it always swells up and becomes a nasty piece of paper. That is just sick.

6. Good and Plenty - never had them. There is probably a reason for that.

7. Runts - if these cease to exist, I probably wouldn't even notice. I liked them at one point in my life...

8. Rolos - what??  No way. What is not to love about these??  Chocolate. Caramel. Bite size. Enough said.

9. Milk Duds - ok, so these are the same ingredients as Rolos BUT these crappy things stick to the teeth and are really difficult to eat. I don't think I've ever had a 'fresh' one.

10. Junior Mints - um, no. These are delish little bites of heaven that melt in your mouth. Mint and chocolate were meant to be married.

11. Bulk Gummy Bears - I don't like gummy anything. Lose 'em.

12. Bit-O-Honey - isn't this another really REALLY hard and difficult to eat candy?  Why must candy makers make this stuff break our teeth? Either make it softer or don't make it at all.

13. Raisinets - don't need them.

14. Lemonheads - gross. Halt production.

15. Flavored Tootsie Rolls - OMG! These are one of my favorite non-chocolate candies on the planet! I don't know what it is about them but I always get excited when I see them. I think banks should replace their crappy Dum Dums with Flavored Tootsie Rolls.

16. Tootsie Pops - don't you DARE try and put that owl out of business. This sucker saved my arse during my first tattoo.

17. Dots - these are as bad as gummies. Next.

18. Chunky Bar - what is this??

19. Strawberry Hard Candies - these are only good when they have that syrupy filling.  I get a little bit disgruntled when I'm duped by a completely hard one.

Now the ones that I think they missed are:

1. Circus Peanuts - while I remember my mama loving to get these, they taste bad, are a really unnatural color, and have a weird texture. Sorry, Mom. These gotta go.

2. Necco wafers - Y.U.C.K.

3. Conversation hearts - there is only one that tastes decent - white.  All the others are what you give someone you DON'T want to be your Valentine because they taste awful.

4. Crunch bar - True story: my boss bought a giant bag of snack-size candy over the holidays to serve as little "pick me ups" and I was no stranger to this bag.  I avoided the Crunches like the plague...and clearly I wasn't the only one because there were like 50 left when everything else was gone. They are garbage.

5. Whoppers - I do not understand these. First off, malt? Ew. And it is sort of a rip off considering there is very little weight to them and they dissolved instantly.  Just give me your money instead.

Now, if you know me, you know I love sweets which includes candy.  My favorites (in no order) are Reece's of all kinds, Payday, Twix, Kit Kat, Almond Joy, Sour Patch Kids, Boston Baked Beans, Snickers, York Peppermint Patties, Mr. Goodbar, Take 5, Turtles, Peanut or Almond M&Ms,Cadbury Creme Eggs....now I want candy.

...And I want Cherry and Bubb back!

C.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/josephbernstein/19-types-of-candy-that-should-be-wiped-off-the-planet



Keep Calm...

Keep Calm and (fill in the blank)...

I've seen countless versions of this little saying. The original says "carry on".  Let's face it - it is not always easy to keep calm.  I, for one, have been known to get a little excited and animated when I'm not being listened to or 'heard'. Calm leaves the building with haste. But there is one thing that always makes me feel good...if only for a moment - dessert! Enter the present I got today from DonAnn!

This just makes me smile!  1. It is pink! 2. It has one of my favorite desserts on it. I don't think I could ever put that disgusting coffee stuff inside this pretty little thing.  I've also come to the conclusion that I need a spot for my cupcake-gear. The collection is growing! And despite what one friend says about them being "child cakes", I think cupcakes are the best thing since sliced bread.

But I will admit that I like the sounds of Bob's new red mug - "Now Panic and Freak Out"...that is usually what happens. :) Thank you, DA!!

C.

#500!

Holy mother of monkey milk I've reached 500 followers on a Pinterest board!!  What does this mean???  Nothing really.  But it is so exciting! Somehow it adds validity to my sense of style - I mean, strangers want to see what I like! Yes, yes I know that some people don't really 'follow'...it was by default when they clicked "follow all boards". BUT, the vast majority of those that see this board are folks I don't know.

I still get excited when anyone repins something I pinned.  On this particular board, one outfit has been repinned (from my pin) 3200+ times! Now, I also have food boards, home boards, fluffy boards, and word boards. (somehow I see a Seuss rhyme coming...) Regardless of where I put it, it makes me feel good that someone else likes it enough to keep it on one of their boards!

Now, I realize if you are not on Pinterest this makes little to no sense. Pinterest is a social-networking site which enables you to save things from the internet for future use/share with your 'followers'. You never have to "speak" to another person on this site.  Pinning is communication enough.  That may be one of the reasons I like it so much.  Not to mention if you ever need an idea on something to do, or how to so something, or tricks on how to get a stain out, you can find it here.  Dare I say it is better than the Google in some respects? You really have the world of blogging at your fingertips - as long as it is tagged correctly/smartly.

If I were actually able to own all the clothes and accessories I pin onto this "Dream a little wardrobe dream..." board, I could probably own a small country if I traded it all in and would need a closet the size of my entire home to house it all. It is called a dream for a reason...if nothing else, I get some great inspiration on how to dress better!

Pin on!

C.

Captain Contradiction

In the days of yore (like 2 years ago), I used to go to this place called Red Rocks Amphitheatre on Sunday mornings fairly regularly.  No, it wasn't for concerts.  It was to use the many, seemingly endless, case of stairs/bleachers. This is a place where many people come to punish themselves with the free fitness equipment.

The thing that I forgot about this beautiful site is that you already need to be fit just to make it from the road to the bottom of the theatre. Crap! This is only the beginning...

So I managed to get my plump behind up the first set. I should mention that the stairs were still covered in what had become ice from the last storm.  No one shovels these bad boys...imagine THAT workout! I spotted Ashley - my RR buddy (among other things - I do heart her!) - and head her way. Let the humiliation begin.

I'm not sure how many trips to the top I managed but I will say that I wasn't able to complete each run the way I wanted.

About an hour after arriving, it was time to pack it in.  The legs were shaky.  Good.  The toosh had a little burn.  Also good.

I got home and needed to go to the market to get some food for the girls and thought I would pick up something for dinner as well. V said that he would get lunch in the oven - leftover Beau Jo's..contradiction #1.  I kicked my ass at RR just to ruin it with crusty, cheesy, delicious pizza.

At the store, my cart was full, FULL, of contradictions! I bought soup - mostly 'light' but there was one regular. Chips - one bag of baked Doritos and one bag of Lay's Dill Pickle (made the regular way). Bananas and kiwi paired with a box of 'deluxe' mac and cheese. Do I HAVE any self-control? Not with food.

And finally, I decided to do a second workout for the day. It was a sweaty 30 minutes and I was feeling good...contradiction in wait? I've asked for ice cream. Bah!!

C.

Roll Call

Dahlia? Woof (here)! Magnolia? Woof (here)! Lily? Woof (here)! Chantel?.....Chantel??.....Bueller? Bueller??

I've been absent for the past couple of days. For my loyal friends/readers, I am sorry. :(  And for my stated resolution, I intend to get back on track. :)

For the past couple of days, I have been doing some soul searching - trying to decide what the right move in a particular facet of my life will be.  Unlike the game of chess, the wrong move could prove a monumental mistake that effects more than just myself. In chess, the recovery from a wrong move can be a little easier...not to mention at the end of the day the queen is made of wood or marble and the king just stands there like a fool.  No harm. No foul.

There are certain buttons in the human psyche that need to be pushed/nourished.  Luckily, my husband had this to say, "...Sloan and I are proud of you, love you, and value you." I definitely needed to hear that...well played, Spouse, well played.

I'll be back tomorrow with something a little more enjoyable to read! xoxo

C.

Gut Check

My gut usually doesn't let me down.  I need to learn to trust it - it tells me when I need to make a #2, when I'm going to be sick, when I'm full, when I'm empty, and when something just doesn't feel quite right. Yesterday and today were no exception...the barometer was right on.  I should go do something that takes wicked accurate gut-checks. JS.

~C.

True or Fate

On the radio the other day a man wrote in telling about his plans to play with some money that he and his wife had saved over the past four years. The money was their in vitro fund.  You see, the couple had not been able to conceive on their own and this was the next step.  The thing about the savings is that it was only about half of what they needed for the first try. Bummer, right?  Well the husband's idea was to go to Vegas and put all their money on Red - the wife's favorite color.  His thought - if it hits, we are meant to have a child.  If it misses, it is not meant to be. Oh and I should mention that the wife was not aware of this plans.

Fate: 1. something that unavoidably befalls a person; fortune; lot. 2. the universal principle or ultimate agency by which the order of things is presumably prescribed; the decreed cause of events; time. 3. that which is inevitably predetermined; destiny. 4. a prophetic declaration of what must be. 

I'm not sure how I feel about this thing called fate.  "Things happen for a reason" people say.  "It's in God's hands" others like to say. To some degree, I agree with this thinking. But when I really think about it, you can call every moment in life 'fate'. Never mind how hard you work at something. Never mind how you orchestrate you life to go 'as planned'. Never mind getting a wild hair in your behind and doing something unusual.  If something happens to throttle your progress, well "it just wasn't meant to be."  But who gets to decide what or was not 'meant' to be? Does that mean you give up on your dreams because shit happens? And on the flip, all your hard work pays off! The credit just goes to some universal being, God or otherwise, for making it happen?

Some things are certainly out of our control.  You do all you can and your future lies in someone else's hands. I think that fate can play a part in some aspects of life but it takes work to make it go any further.  So many times people just want things to fall in their lap.  No work involved...no effort. And when it doesn't, well 'fate' just gave them a excuse to be lazy. Take control of your own destiny.  Stop relying on some universal magic fairy dust to get what you want in life.

I promise that Vegas would not have the prophetic declaration of having the man in the story win.  It doesn't match their business plan. Which means this 'fate' thing would have to play one against another. He won the bet. But as we all should know about conception, there is still no guarantee.  I wish the best to them and hope they get what they wish for - children are amazing additions to the world. But if, God forbid, their one shot doesn't work, was it not meant to be after all? Everything in life is a gamble. Risks are inherent in our nature. Just be prepared for the consequence without pinning it on fate.

C.

The Many Faces of S

WARNING!  MOM BRAG!

The kid is good at taking pictures.  I never realized his true potential until I saw these shots. He's got something in this blood - Performing? Acting? Modeling?  Whatever it is, I am sure he will find his place in front of people somehow.  Thank you, Jennifer!!

 

C.

 

 

The Day After...

Yesterday was called a "blizzard" by the weather people. I think that was a bit of an exaggeration. It snowed.  It was a little windy.  Hardly a blizzard in my opinion. Sure, we got 8 or 10 inches of the white stuff and sure, I didn't want to go out an drive in it.  But c'mon. Those meteorologists sure to have a way of making much to do about a little snow.

I had the distinct pleasure of moving this crap around - while wearing my husband's snow boots. I don't have any - fail.  This wasn't the light and fluffy sort of snow.  No, ma'am.  It was the heavy, awesome-for-snowball, kind. And since we are a bit old-fashioned, I got to use a shovel. Oh, how I long for a snow blower. My neighbor, who apparently got one, didn't bother to go beyond her invisible property line either.  Not surprised.  This is the same lady that never, and I mean NEVER, mows under the split-rail fence that serves as a property line between our lawns. Somehow that is my job. But I digress...

The kiddo joined me for a bit while I was shoveling. He was having a ball! I wish I could play "imagination" correctly...I usually mess up the details.  I had to send him in after about 30 minutes because the wind was just biting at our cheeks. I was getting a bit tired but wasn't done yet. I was just glad both cars were in the driveway.  I would have wanted no part of digging around a car in the street. I gave myself a marble since it took me 45 minutes.

Fast forward to today...sore back! Luckily I used my arms and other muscles enough that it didn't make my lower back sore. My shoulders were a bit taxed yesterday but are fine today.  My trapezious and lattisimus dorsi are the sore ones.  I'm pleased to know that 1. they are still there, 2. I worked them out.

Blizzard. Psh.

C.

Totally Cheating

I would first like to say that I did earn a workout marble today.  That being said, I ruined it with letting my inner fat kid come out and play. (Cheat #1 - diet) I'm a big carb lover. Huge. And it goes without saying that it is harder for me to tell which consumes more of my carb budget - pasta or sugar. I'm a big giant sweets fiend. I suppose it's no wonder I have a partnership in a cupcake bakery.

Cupcakes...which go back to cake...which goes back to cake batter.  Oh delicious, raw cake batter. There is little better in this world.  It is a miracle that I manage to get any in the oven. But it doesn't stop at cake batter for me.  There is also cookie batter.  And brownie batter. And ice cream. Then some sweet genius finally put cake batter and ice cream together. Sweet Baby Jesus - heaven on Earth! But the anty keeps getting upped with countless cake batter creations. It was time for me to try something I've seen - cake batter rice krispy treats. Oh. Yeah.

I made them. (Cheat #2 - used boxed cake mix) They are good.  Not as good as I was expecting but it could be because I got a nice little bellyache from eating the batter from the cake batter cookies I made as well.  The baked cookies were not delicious. I would rather have a sugar cookie.  I know. I just said that.

The shit show didn't stop at the RC treats.  I also added a bit of Ben & Jerry's....there may have been chocolate covered potato chip clusters in the flavor. Maybe. I did exercise some restraint and only got a little bit (1/4c perhaps) from the cardboard container. I was only able to eat half the treat too...

I guess the diet might be working.  I can't handle this crap like I could about 4 weeks ago. I should probably double up on the workouts tomorrow to make up for it. That might make two of my A.P.s happy.

C.