Back to the grind.

Today I had to go into work. I was totally bummed because I really wanted to take the day off for Graem's birthday. In fact, when I came home she had a horrible belly ache and ended up not eating. She didn't even want to do her birthday cake.

You know she's sick when she asks to go to bed...

Cold feet.

My feet are freezing. I don't have any good snow boots and so typically I wear my clogs or I wear my hiking boots. But my hiking boots aren't dress enough to wear to work. Maybe I'll look at some polo boots. Not only are they stylish but they look warm too!

Now I just have to find a good deal...

Playroom.

Well we're doing it. We started dismantling the playroom a few days ago and now we're working on painting it. Shawna did the electrical work and then we finished painting the ceiling today. Shawna did the first coat of trim this afternoon. I think she might get to the other side of the room tomorrow. We're going to take it slow and do it good instead of driving ourselves crazy trying to get it done.

Hopefully we'll be able to get it done over the next few days!

It's time.

I typically wait way too long to buy glasses. At this point my lenses are totally scratched and the frames are totally out of adjustment. I'm looking for a few pair of cheap glasses that I can buy and alternate.

I'd love to have a few trendy pair that are colored and coordinate them to what I'm wearing. I've thought about going online and looking at the opticals but I'm scared that I might get the wrong measurements, etc.

Tis the season?!

I'm looking for a good gift for Shawna. Typically, if she wants or needs something she just goes out and buys it. I think she's set when it comes to clothes and she's the one that actually buys everything for everyone!

Maybe I'll just buy her the second toilet for the bathroom. I know it sounds drab but she really loves house stuff. OR...I might even splurge and get the playroom carpeted!

Bro?

I'm still looking at what to get my brother for Christmas. We talked about getting each other the charge pads so that we can drop our electronics on a single pad and they can get charged.

But he might also want a football gift! He's never really been into sports but this year he's really started getting into football!

I can just see him in front of the television watching his favorite team wearing one of those tacky football jerseys!

I'm guessing he probably doesn't get many NFL games in Singapore!

It's just ThursdaY?

This week has gone so slow. Tomorrow is the annual Christmas party at my work and we have yet to get gifts. I'm hoping to find something good but I haven't had any luck!

Maybe Shawna will find something over the next few days.

Saturday we're going to check out the chowder festival and then we're having dinner with friends.

Sunday I hope we can just rest. I think Shawna has intentions of PAINTING.

Give me gold, please!

One thing that never loses it’s value is us silver coins! Even when our stocks are floundering you can always look to buy gold coins and precious metals to maintain their value.

US Gold Bureau offers silver, gold, and other precious metals for delivery or they will make arrangements to have your metals stored privately and securely at a bank or depository.

I didn’t realize this but US Gold Bureau is an industry leader. They sell gold in two forms: coin or ingot. The world demand now exceeds the supply demand for gold - which makes it a pretty smart investment.

Especially with the economy doing so poorly and people losing all of their investments with the stock market!

Maybe a day or two?

I asked for quite a few days off of work but I got shut down. We have so much work that I can't just turn it down and not do it! Plus, I get tons of work done when noone's in the office and when I'm not getting tons of calls.

SO....Shawna's able to take off for the holidays and do kid time and I'm going to try to take off some time and spend it with the kids.

I know I'm going to be sucked into helping Shawna paint the playroom...I can just feel it!

We love TV!

We absolutely love our 52" Samsung HDTV. We got it a few years ago and it's performed perfectly!! I wish I could say as much about the Samsung Blu-Ray/Home Theatre package we bought....Grrrr.

We purchased a 32" Sony Bravia for the bedroom and the picture quality isn't as good and it just doesn't look as sharp.

I'm a true Samsung TV girl and would recommend them to anyone!

Weekend?

This weekend is a biggie!

We're going to head out Saturday to pick up a tree and decorate it. Shawna is taking the kids Saturday morning to music class and I'm going to put a few hours in at the office. Then we're going to meet up for lunch.

After we get the Christmas tree up we're going to try and take the perfect Christmas photo. SHould be interesting!

Get up on the...

nano vapor reviews! I'm all about reading reviews these days. In fact, I've been looking into some supplements to help with weight loss because I don't want to do pharmaceuticals like I did last time.

I want to stick with an all natural remedy that will help with the process and not throw my body out of whack.

Plus, I really have the philosophy that no small pill can help you change your habits.

The good thing about my dieting is that I feel the need to get healthy and right now I've built up momentum and have the strength to do it!

All work...

little play.

So these days I've been going into work at the regular time coming home at regular time and then after I put the kids I've been putting in another 2-3 hours of work.

I'm exhausted. But...I'm trying to set myself up so that I can actually take a few days off for the holidays.

Then I'm guessing Shawna will put me to work doing housework.

Damn.

Up 10.

I stepped on the scale when we returned yesterday and was shocked that I'm up 10 pounds. I shouldn't be shocked because I ATE SO MUCH. But I am! It's always so easy to gain and so hard to lose.

At some point I might consider taking fat burners for women. Shawna was on fat burners a few years ago and they really helped her lose some unwanted weight. Not to mention, it went pretty fast and didn't take too long!

Glee!

Can I admit that I love Glee? It's a pretty good show and we are backed up on a few episodes. Tonight's our television catch up. We had netflix and of course I had a DVD that we had already watched.

I think I might have to run out to the grocery store after this to pick up milk. Why can't we have a maid, lawn boy, maintenance person, and personal shopper on staff around here?!?!

Stop it already!

I can't believe that I'm 35 years old and have acne! What's up with that? It typically acts up when it's that time of the month. I've thought about going to the doctor and getting some acne treatments but I figure it's really not that big of a deal to have the occassional zit.

I am sure it is just a matter of time before the girls start getting zits and I have to buy them Oxy pads and cream!

Too much work.

This morning I went into work EARLY. I thought about actually staying late today but I'm whipped and figure I just need to go to bed early tonight and head back to work early tomorrow morning.

It's a good thing that Shawna's had a slow work week because things at my work are C-R-A-Z-Y!

Interesting...

When Shawna was working in healthcare I was always interested in the different items they had around the assisted living place. They actually had point of care carts.

Whoever invented the idea is a genius.

I miss the days of going and hanging out with the old people. The interesting thing is that I could probably go tomorrow and there would be a whole new group of older people that would act very similiar to the old folks that lived there five years ago!

Everybody's doing it.

One thing that never loses it’s value is us silver coins! Even when our stocks are floundering you can always look to gold coins and precious metals to maintain their value. I really love the new American Gold Eagle Coins that are out.

US Gold Bureau offers silver, gold, and other precious metals for delivery or they will make arrangements to have your metals stored privately and securely at a bank or depository.

I didn’t realize this but United States Gold Bureau is an industry leader. They sell gold in two forms: coin or ingot. The world demand now exceeds the supply demand for gold - which makes it a pretty smart investment. That's why it's a great idea to buy gold coins!

Especially with the economy doing so poorly and people losing all of their investments with the stock market!

We're OUTTA here!

Right now I'm trying to finish up some work because tomorrow is going to come FAST. I have my sleeping consult to go over my results and hopefully they'll give me the infamous machine to help me breath at night! Then we're going to go to Graem's thing at school and off we go!

Here's hoping that we survive a 10 hour drive with these two children!

Speakers!

Years ago we purchased some sweet speakers for computer. It made all of the difference in the world and it turned the computer into a surround home theatre too!

I was shocked to hear that most computers these days come with great speakers! In fact, our friend purchased a new HP and it came complete with these awesome speakers and even a bass box!

Too much.

I put in a pretty decent week of work. But I still have more to do. I plan on going in a few hours Sunday. I hate having to break up my weekend because typically Sunday comes around and it sucks Sunday night when the weekend has flown by.

At least we'll be heading out Tuesday and have a good five days or so ... away from everything!

Old.

I'm getting old. I admit it. I'm 35. I think I might start looking at covering up my gray hairs because it's just too much to try and pluck them every day. I might want to also look into the best wrinkle cream!

My friend started using it around her eyes and it was amazing how it helped with the eye wrinkles and even some of the little wrinkles around her chin.

I need some! PRONTO.

Help?!

Mama needs some help!

Just a few weeks ago I noticed that 2 of my 10 stocks weren't doing so hot. In fact I almost died when I realized that I lost $2,000 in one day of a very bad stock market.

Now I'm looking to diversify my portfolio and invest in things that are more solid and have a positive history.

Gold bullion has always been a strong metal. In fact, I think it's time to buy gold bullion when I get my retirement match from work.

US Gold Bureau is one of the biggest and most trusted distributors of the precious metal. They have been around for years and have a great reputation in the field of precious metals.

This is just the thing I was looking for.

God knows, I can't take too many more of those days where I lose $2,000!

So much for the hoidays!

The holidays are harsh for me! In fact, the last time I hung out with my relatives I gained 8 pounds. Since we're going to North Carolina next week there's no doubt that I'll gain even more weight!

I might look into quick weight loss pills because I need a few weeks to get down to my base weight before Christmas hits and I am surrounded with delicious food and treats!!

TV night!

Tonight we're hanging out watching and watching television. We have tons of laundry that we're trying to get done and Shawna's blogging. I'm getting ready for my out of town meeting tomorrow.

Where is Friday?

Too much work.

This week I did so many hours. I'm exhausted and tomorrow I have another out of town meeting. I keep telling myself that I just have to get through this week and then I'm home free next week!

Then it's off to North Carolina! It's going to be so much fun to spend time with family and eat the good food!

Let the games begin!

So we've already purchased the appliances for the kitchen. They're sitting in the garage! We are moving to the dining room next. We're painting and changing the fixture.

Then we plan on renting the house out for Cornell and Ithaca graduations. WIth the money we get we're going to be able to do the kitchen!

I've been looking at undermount sinks and I can't believe how expensive they are!

I went to mrdirectint.com and found the perfect sink for around $100! The same undermount sink that I saw at a local vendor was over $400!!!

YAY FRIDAY.

Tonight we're doing spaghetti and meatballs and having a campout on the floor. I think we're going to start up a fire and do the tent and sleeping bags in the living room.

I think it's going to be fun and Shawna can sleep on the couch!

Friggin' kitkats.

Are dangerous when you have a big ass leftover Halloween stash.

I ate over 4 of them and I now think I'm going to barf.

Me *heart* gold!

That's all I hear about these days. On the radio, on television.

Just a few weeks ago I noticed that 2 of my 10 stocks weren't doing so hot. In fact I almost died when I realized that I lost $2,000 in one day of a very bad stock market.

Now I'm looking to diversify my portfolio and invest in things that are more solid and have a positive history.

Gold bullion has always been a strong metal. In fact, I might buy a gold coin or two when I get my retirement match from work.

US Gold Bureau is one of the biggest and most trusted distributors of the precious metal. They have been around for years and have a great reputation in the field of precious metals.

This is just the thing I was looking for.

God knows, I can't take too many more of those days where I lose $2,000!

Work.

I have tons of work to do and right now I'm just not motivated to do any of it. It seems like the weekends go by too quickly and most Mondays I sit at my deck and feel like I didn't achieve anything!

That's why I feel like if i clean the gutters out and hang a door I will have been productive.

Trees.

So I wanted to chop down a few of our trees because they keep driving leaves and pine needles into our gutters. BUT...they wanted $1,600 to cut down the trees. Seriously?

I wish I were a little less scared of the chainsaw and could just do it myself. Three of the trees are pretty small and far enough from the house that if I messed up nothing tragic would happen.

The big daddy is located pretty close to the house - that's the one they wanted $900 to take down!

Protect yourself.

This winter I know that the kids are going to get sick. It is really inevitable. Every winter the kids get a cold and then it runs it's course throughout the whole family!

I've thought about putting vinyl gloves on the kids before they leave the house but I'm not sure that's going to fly!

I am going to pick up some hand wash and wipes and make the kids wipe their hands before and after they get out of school!

CareCleaningandProtection.com offers a wide variety of items to help clean and disinfect! PLUS, they offer free shipping if you buy $50 or more!

Grey's Anatomy.

WE're watching it now and I can't decide if I like this format. I guess it's different and it's something new. But I miss the old Grey's and want more juicy stuff.

Next show is Desperate Housewives!

A little printing!

Goes a long way.

At work we're looking at getting some marketing materials. I've looked at catalog printing and it's expensive! I've been able to look online and find some good deals.

More than likely we'll go with a company online because all of the companies local want three times more!

Got to love shopping locally and getting robbed!

It's Sunday already?

This weekend we got so much done. We cleaned the house - SPOTLESS. WE're doing laundry, we painted a room, and we had a fabulous Halloween.

What more could I ask for?

OH YES, did I mention I'm getting a bonus?

Hells yes.

Hair.

Why is it when you get older you get hair where you don't want it and lose hair where you desperately need it?!

I have tons of hair and I even have to get it thinned out at the hairstylist. Shawna doesn't have such good luck!

She's started looking at best hair loss products and I'm pretty sure she's going to start using products because her hair is really thinning on the top.

I was wrong.

We did get the right "Clash of the Titans". I can't tell if I'm going to like the movie or if it's going to be stupid. The effects seem pretty decent but I'm afriad that this is going to get old.

Plus, I'm exhausted and this couch is hugging my body and taking me to another place called sleepyland.

Big muscles!

When I was younger it was so much easier to make muscle. In fact, I spent a summer moving rocks back and forth (making $5/hour) and I had HUGE arm muscles and some pretty nice legs too!

These days my muscles are tiny! Maybe it's the fact that I don't workout or maybe it's just that Asians have a harder time building muscles.

I've thought about hooking up with a muscle building supplement but I just haven't found the right one. Plus, I'd want to do it as naturally as possible.

Every night...

at 10:30pm Emmy starts crying. It's really like clockwork. She's done it since she's been a baby. Maybe she's peeing or she has a nightmare at the same time every night.

Has anyone ever had this experience with their little one?

If so, let me know!

Oldie.

Our neighbors are all old. Next door our neighbor told us that she had a good day because she was able to use both hands to wash her hair. Poor lady.

I've noticed that I have started getting wrinkles and gray hair and I'm not happy about it!

In fact, I might consider best wrinkle creams to help out with the wrinkles.

As far as the grays go...maybe it's not so bad having salt and pepper hair. At least if I leave my wallet at home I won't get carded at the grocery store.

Too many commercials.

We rented Clash of the Titans and I swear to god they have 30 minutes of previews before you even get to the movie and when you have two kids and a job and start the movie at 9:24pm you don't have a chance in hell to actually be able to stay awake for the movie.

Now that I've seen all of the previews I'm exhausted and heading to bed.

Maybe I'll be able to stay up tomorrow and watch the movie.

Of course, I'll probably have to watch all of the damn previews again.

Gold, gold, gold.

That's all I hear about these days. On the radio, on television.

Just a few weeks ago I noticed that 2 of my 10 stocks weren't doing so hot. In fact I almost died when I realized that I lost $2,000 in one day of a very bad stock market.

Now I'm looking to diversify my portfolio and invest in things that are more solid and have a positive history.

Gold bullion has always been a strong metal. In fact, I might buy gold coins when I get my retirement match from work.

US Gold Bureau is one of the biggest and most trusted distributors of the precious metal. They have been around for years and have a great reputation in the field of precious metals.

This is just the thing I was looking for.

God knows, I can't take too many more of those days where I lose $2,000!

A little guilt.

Tonight we missed Emmy's daycare meeting. It's really not like us to miss these things. We're just exhausted. The kids have been super needy and Shawna was doing the lawn, the kids were starving, and we still had to put them to bed by 7:30.

We'll really try to make more of the events as they come up.

We're doing it!

Right now we're working on the bedroom. We're painting it a nice deep purple but it looks blue in the evening! We're going to paint all of the trim and ceiling bright white. Then we're adding 6 panel doors to the bathroom and close and the brushed nickel hardware.

We plan on getting a new down comforter and get a white cover. I think it's going to look really great when we get done...

If we get done....

Lookin' good in the neighborhood!

I have recently reconnected with my grandma and it was so great to hear how everyone was doing. Plus, since we don't have much family out there any family we have...we really need to work harder on making connections.

The last time I was in Phoenix I was 19 and went for my grandfather's funeral. I know...bad.

Now that I have kids it is not the easiest trip to make.

I am sure that cosmetology school in Phoenix is quite popular and if you know what I mean....we aren't the prettiest girls on the block!

That is why I am glad that there are places like RegencyBeauty.com! They offer classes around the United States and have some of the world famous clients that walk the runways!

This blog post was based on information provided by Blogitive. For more information, please visit Blogitive.com or contact Regency Beauty Institute – 10217 North Metro Parkway West – Phoenix, AZ 85051

Moes.

Tonight we went to Moes and had a nice little dinner. The good thing about Moes is that we get in and out of there quickly and they have kid's nights on Tuesdays and so the kids get their faces painted and typically we eat for about $14.

Heck, these days you can't even eat dinner at home for less than $20!

Tomorrow we'll go back to home cooked meals with our CSA and defrosted chicken.

Ugh...

Well, Graem is in her room and I hear coughing and sniffling. Of course, this is after a major fit because Emmy was looking at her. Ugh.

Supposedly, she went to the nurse twice today with cold symptoms but didn't have a fever so they kept her at school.

Tomorrow I might have to keep her home if she doesn't feel better.

I need help with...

good investments?

Just a few weeks ago I noticed that 2 of my 10 stocks weren't doing so hot. In fact I almost died when I realized that I lost $2,000 in one day of a very bad stock market.

Now I'm looking to diversify my portfolio and invest in things that are more solid and have a positive history.

Gold bullion has always been a strong metal. In fact, I think it's time to buy bullion when I get my retirement match from work.

The United States Gold Bureau is one of the biggest and most trusted distributors of the precious metal. They have been around for years and have a great reputation in the field of precious metals.

This is just the thing I was looking for.

God knows, I can't take too many more of those days where I lose $2,000!

I need to lose it!

I totally have the baby bulge from when I was pregnant.

A few weeks ago I read about how to lose belly fat fast. I figured I might be able to drop a few pounds before going on vacation.

Of course, that was futile because all we ate was salted pork and I think I gained around eight pounds.

I've thought about joining the local gym because they are running specials and I can get a membership for only $10 a month!

Working.

This is Shawna. I'm just hanging out watching television and Margot is working! So much for a nice relaxing night.

Between the two of us we take turns on who works at night. However, it is almost nice when we both get stuck with tons of work to do and we can be in the same room, have the television the background and enjoy working from home!

pOp.

I used to be pretty obsessed with picking nose blackheads.

I'd get really excited when I saw one and then after I picked it I was bummed because it wasn't all I ever hoped and dreamed!

Shawna gets them pretty bad and you can pinch her nose and get a hole bunch of them at once.

Totally disgusting! I love it.

Broke.

We spent way too much money over vacation. Between the $500 rental car, the $200 of unanticipated parking that we had to pay for, the $50 gas that it took to get us to and from NJ...ugh.

So to say the least, we'll be eating spaghetti for the next week or so.

Then there's the trees we need to get cut, the fireplace that we need to get cleaned, and the furnace that we need to buy.

It's always something!

Smokin'

Shawna loves her cigars. In fact, when I was six weeks pregnant we went to London and one of the first things she did was smoke a Cuban cigar.

It was a rite of passage for her and something she *had* to do in order to mark it off of her bucket list.

Of course, if I ever saw her smokin' a cigar when I came home from work I'd kill her. Then I'd probably get sick from the smell!

Does it ever stop??

So Shawna's been doing the laundry all day today. I swear I walked in the basement and was shocked to see that she had probably 14 loads of laundry! I guess that is what happens when we wash the sheets, comforters, and go a week or so without laundry!

We've also done two loads of dishes today too!

Boy, I can't wait to see our new water bill...

I need clothes!

I've been looking at nice dress clothes and I've narrowed it down to a few stores that I can shop from. Of course, the things that I like are super expensive and we don't have a whole lot of options here in Ithaca.

I used to love vintage t shirts when I was in college.

I miss the good ole' days when I could roll out of bed put on a tshirt and jeans and be on my way!

Achey, brakey, back.

My back is killing me!

Today I went bike riding with the kids and ended up cleaning out the garage. Talk about a much needed thing to do.

Shawna stayed at home while I went bike riding and finished painting the back of the house.

I think we only have the one side to do and we're completely done.

To say the least...it was a productive weekend!

The miners

So we've been watching coverage on the miners that they are lifting out and it's amazing everything that goes into securing their safety.

I was shocked to see that they had used compression stockings to help with the blood flow and reduce the risk for them getting ill.

Last night when I was watching the first miner come up it was so exciting to see and to see his little brother and mother crying. I'm so glad that they're safe and there's a happy ending to this very scary and long story.

#3.

Cryptic post but.

Must find good IF benefits.

Will probably be a year or so.

We need more money.

Fish.

Yes, we have fish.

We still haven't figured out why in the hell we spent over $50 for the fish tank and why we got suckered into having three fish.

I'm shocked that they're still alive and Emmy hasn't knocked over the tank and killed them.

It was over too fast...

One of my first memories of death was when I was in high school and got a call in the summer that my friend, Rob, was in the hospital with liver failure. Rob was on acne medication and supposedly over the course of a few months it had damaged his liver and caused major damage.

I went to visit Rob in the hospital and he was orange. He was on the transplant list but he was 16 and, unfortunately, the transplant didn't happen. Rob died. He was 16.

I've read recent reports of the Accutane Lawsuit and although I'm not sure this is the medication it was on...it could have been.

At 18 it was hard losing a dear friend and I can only imagine what his parents and sister felt.

I feel like the only way that these pharmaceutical companies are going to make better and safer drugs is if we demand it as a consumer.

We're back!

We had an amazing time in Canada.

I had a great post noting the details but blogger ate it and I just don't have the heart to write the whole thing over again.

Maybe another night.

Now I have to watch the miners get rescued!

New glasses, please?

I have had my glasses for close to four years. They've been through absolutely everything and at some point I really should buy some new ones.

I went to the local optical and was shocked at how much he wanted for new frames and lenses. I have gone locally for years because the service was good and the selection was pretty decent.

The most recent time I went to the optical I was put off by the way I was treated. It was packed and the owner was anything but friendly and accomodative!

Getting glasses for me is a real treat and I deserve good customer service! Many times that's what I pay for!

I've looked online and the place that keeps coming up is Zenni Optical. THey are ranked #1 on the internet. Not only are they recommended for having great customer service but their prices and styles can't be beat!

There's actually a bulletin board where opticians and optical owners go on and they talk about being upset about the new surge of online opticals. They feel that they're losing out of money and losing clients. SO, they're trying to charge to give readings so that people stay with them. It's just outright dishonest.

Maybe I'll just ask Santa for a new pair of eyeglasses and call it a day. I'm way too practical and this gift might just put my birthday gift of a toilet and trash basket to shame!

It's almost time...

to go on vacation!

ONE MORE WORK DAY!!

Of course, there's so damn much to do. Shawna's doing laundry right now and then tommorrow is packing and then cleaning the house.

Then we have to get the cat prepared for us leaving which is a total even.

Know of any good investments?

I do!!

Just a few weeks ago I noticed that 2 of my 10 stocks weren't doing so hot. In fact I almost died when I realized that I lost $2,000 in one day of a very bad stock market.

Now I'm looking to diversify my portfolio and invest in things that are more solid and have a positive history.

Gold bullion has always been a strong metal. In fact, I might buy gold coins when I get my retirement match from work.

US Gold Bureau is one of the biggest and most trusted distributors of the precious metal. They have been around for years and have a great reputation in the field of precious metals.

This is just the thing I was looking for.

God knows, I can't take too many more of those days where I lose $2,000!

The daycare.

Can I just say that we really do love Emmy's daycare? It's been such a positive change for her and she's doing awesome there.

OF course, we're getting to the point that it costs a fortune and essential at the end of the day Shawna gives most of her paycheck to daycare...but I think we're doing what's best for our kids!

Guilty mom.

So is it bad that I feel horribly guilty for missing Graem's field trip tomorrow? They're going to the apple orchard and not only am I sending her without either me or Shawna but she also has a gimp leg.

Poor kid.

Bad mom.

Help?

Mama needs some help!

Just a few weeks ago I noticed that 2 of my 10 stocks weren't doing so hot. In fact I almost died when I realized that I lost $2,000 in one day of a very bad stock market.

Now I'm looking to diversify my portfolio and invest in things that are more solid and have a positive history.

Gold bullion has always been a strong metal. In fact, I think it's time to buy gold coins when I get my retirement match from work.

US Gold Bureau is one of the biggest and most trusted distributors of the precious metal. They have been around for years and have a great reputation in the field of precious metals.

This is just the thing I was looking for.

God knows, I can't take too many more of those days where I lose $2,000!

Just a few more days...

We are leaving for vacation Friday and I couldn't be more ready and less prepared! This week is going to be a killer but I know once I'm on the plane Friday morning it's going to be O.K!

Of course, traveling with children is going to suck and I know that I'm going to be eyeing the alcohol the whole way!

So strong.

I've been thinking about joining the gym for over a year now and Sunday is my 35th birthday and I feel more than ever ready!

I've also looked at hooking up with a muscle builder so that I can gain muscle faster.

Then there's the whole aspect of eating better and less....

Boy, there really is a lot to this whole dieting thing! I know I've got to make the time though because if I don't this ole' body isn't going to keep working!

Where's the love?

or at least the sun!

It's almost pitch black outside. I know that it doesn't matter since I'm at home but I would appreciate a little bit of sun every once in a while.

This weekend we're suppose to have one day of sun and one rainy day.

Guess what day we had planned to paint the house?

How old am I, again?

This weekend is my birthday. I'm turning the big 3-5. Old. Seriously.

I can't believe I still have acne! Every once in a while I get a pimple and although it's nothing to write home about it feels ridiculous!

I think I might look into the best acne product. Because at the age of 35 you really shouldn't have to worry about the mountain growing on your face.

Instead, you have wrinkles and gray hair to worry about!

The bus.

We're still trying to figure out if the bus is right for Graem. She's on it for more than 2 hours every day! At first she enjoyed the adventure but now I think she's grown board of the idea and even more board of sitting for two hours with nothing to do!

We might do it in the afternoon so that it can give Shawna an extra hour or so of work and one of us take her in the morning.

Or we might have it where Shawna picks her up on Tuesday and Thursday from school and then we drop her off M,W,F at school.

I just hope she isn't forgotten if we're inconsistent!

A little something, something.

Every once in a while I feel motivated to lose weight. I actually get inspired to call up the gym and see how much their rates are and ask if there are any promotions.

Then I think to myself "when will I ever have time to go to the gym?"

The answer: NEVER.

That's why I'm thinking about thermogenic fat burners!

I have had friends that have tried fat burners and they've really helped jump start their diets. I figure once I get started I'll be fine...it's just taking the first step!

The yard...

This evening I think we're going to try to mow the yard and put away all of our outside stuff. It seems like fall is totally here and today we have an 80 degree day and I'm sure it's probably going to drop to 40 degrees again overnight!

Shawna keeps putting our herb garden in and outside and you just see a trail of basil throughout the house!

Thanks, honey.

When I met Shawna 14 years ago she gave me lip herpes! I had the worst outbreak EVER and had to go on medication.

About once ever three years I get a fever blister and it's not too bad. However, I'm always looking for cures for herpes!

I try to stay away from the prescription stuff because it's expensive and, honestly I don't know if it works very good because it still takes the same amount of time for me to heal!

Naptime.

So I'm sitting here and trying to nail out some blogging and Emmy is fast asleep! We went to Mama GOose and Indian food for lunch. She ate a ton and then wanted to come home and eat icecream!

Then she asked to go to bed. I put her in her nap bed and within 10 minutes she was fast asleep!

Princess?

So we've been having a hard time finding Graem a size 8 princess dress! She's a HUGE kid and typically they just don't sell these beautiful princess dresses for bigger kids!

Maybe we should look at a prom dress! I'm sure she'd love the idea and anything with glitter, sequins, and tacky colors and she's in love!

Then again....I don't want to think of my little girl going to prom. Maybe I should try to sign up now to be a chaperone!

I'm ready

Let's go!

We leave in a little over a week to go to my cousin's wedding in Canada. It's been a long time coming and we made the reservations last April! Of course, we had a list of things we wanted to finish before going and I have a feeling we might get through painting the house but there's no way that we'll also have the bathroom done too.

I think we need at least one more person in this relationship to do the handy stuff...

Old

I woke up this morning and I swear I feel like I'm in high school again. My face has about 10 zits and I have no idea where they all came from!

I think I might need to look at www.bestnightcreams.net and hook up with some of their creams!

Not only do I need something for the acne but since I'm aging I also realize that I'm getting smile lines around my eyes and I know it's just a matter of time before my whole face starts sagging!

Poor mama!

Mama needs some help!

Just a few weeks ago I noticed that 2 of my 10 stocks weren't doing so hot. In fact I almost died when I realized that I lost $2,000 in one day of a very bad stock market.

Now I'm looking to diversify my portfolio and invest in things that are more solid and have a positive history.

Gold bullion has always been a strong metal. In fact, I think it's time to buy gold bullion when I get my retirement match from work.

United States Gold Bureau is one of the biggest and most trusted distributors of the precious metal. They have been around for years and have a great reputation in the field of precious metals.

This is just the thing I was looking for.

God knows, I can't take too many more of those days where I lose $2,000!

A little exercise...

goes a long way!

That's why having a pull up bar in the new bathroom really isn't a bad idea. It would be out of the way of other household stuff and the kids really aren't spending much time in our bathroom/bedroom anyway!

Not to mention, we could probably do a handful of chinups each morning before we start our day. Not only would it work our arms but it would also help with starting our morning metabolism!

Potty girl.

Emmy is doing so good with the potty. In fact, she has been going once a day in the potty for the past week or so. The other night she stayed up late with us since she kept keeping Graem awake and at 10pm she said she had to go to the potty.

She sat there and nothing. Then both of us had to go to the potty and since one bathroom is down we moved her off the potty. Within 4 seconds she had peed on the floor.

Darn.

Mad reader...

Shawna's been a crazy reader lately! Over the past week she's finished off two books and as you know...those can get expensive!

Even with the Kindle and the pretty good discount for electronic books it can be a $20/week habit!

I guess it's better than buying the trashy magazines and recyling them at the end of the week or a carton of cigarettes. Really, there can be worse habits than reading?!?!

Not much longer...

and we'll be with family in Victoria! I'm really excited to travel and to see my brother and everyone.

Plus, just time away from work with the kids and Shawna....YAY!

Alex and Dom are also getting married so it was just meant to be that the weekends coincided and that we'd be on that part of the world during their special time.

Can't wait...the countdown begins!

This weekend..

we're pretty jammed packed already.

Shawna has to work Saturday til about 1pm. She will start at 9am and then hopefully get back in time.

Then L's going to come over and watch the kids and we're heading to the theatre and lunch with the Jasons! It should be a nice getaway and much needed.

The next on our list...

After we finish doing the outside of the house, the bathroom, and the basement...we're moving on to our master bedroom.

I would love to get some matouk linens and comforters. We purchased a comforter from them a few years ago and it not only looked good but wore very nicely too.

I think we're going to go with a nice light brown for the bedroom and I'd like to get a light creme/blue ensemble.

This will more than likely turn into a winter project when we have more time and money!

Is it Friday, yet?

Seroiusly it's been a friggin' long week. I'm exhausted. I feel like I work all of the time and it's not like we are even coming out ahead!

We still have to touch up the outside of the house this weekend and I still have an unfinished bathroom.

Damn...when can we have enough money where we can just hire these shit jobs out?

Gold please.

One thing that never loses it’s value is us silver coins! Even when our stocks are floundering you can always look to gold coins, and precious metals to maintain their value.

US Gold Bureau offers silver, gold, and other precious metals for delivery or they will make arrangements to have your metals stored privately and securely at a bank or depository.

I didn’t realize this but US Gold Bureau is an industry leader. They sell gold in two forms: coin or ingot. The world demand now exceeds the supply demand for gold - which makes it a pretty smart investment.

Especially with the economy doing so poorly and people losing all of their investments with the stock market!

The house to-do.

Outside:

Mailbox
2nd coat of paint
Mulch beds
Take down trampoline and bring inside outside toys
Extend deck
Cut down 3 trees

Inside:

Finish bathroom
Paint bedroom
Replace doors
Paint dining room
Knock down wall in kitchen
Paint kitchen
Re-floor kitchen
Paint garage entry way
Refloor garage entry way
Paint playroom and closet
Refloor playroom and closet

Now if we just had a third wife/husband that could do this on the side we'd be in good shape.

Bug strips.

SO I bought these bug strips in hopes that I would be able to catch all of the mosquitos are making me crazy.

I put one in the living room and one in the dining room.

Wouldn't you know it that the fattest mosquito just landed on one....

And just flew right away.

Damn.

Any good advise out there?

Mama needs some help!

Just a few weeks ago I noticed that 2 of my 10 stocks weren't doing so hot. In fact I almost died when I realized that I lost $2,000 in one day of a very bad stock market.

Now I'm looking to diversify my portfolio and invest in things that are more solid and have a positive history.

Gold bullion has always been a strong metal. In fact, I think it's time to buy gold bullion when I get my retirement match from work.

US Gold Bureau is one of the biggest and most trusted distributors of the precious metal. They have been around for years and have a great reputation in the field of precious metals.

This is just the thing I was looking for.

God knows, I can't take too many more of those days where I lose $2,000!

Monday again?

This morning I woke up early and went into work. I have so much on my plate right now and the only way I can stay ahead is putting in extra hours before and after work.

Of course, there's still the balancing act and it's pretty hard trying to figure out how to get everyone's needs met.

Including my own!

So tired.

This weekend we nailed out painting the house.

Yes, the whole house. Our friends came over and helped us do it and without them it would have been numerous fights and I'm guessing we probably wouldn't have even finished the front!

The house looks incredible and totally like a new house. It's amazing what a few coats of paint can accomplish!

Rain, rain, go away!

It rained all weekend. IN fact, that's all I remember is rain! It stopped long enough for us to have wine club Saturday but continued to rain through the night and into Sunday.

Maybe I can blame my demotivation on the rain...

To say the least...the bathroom is still unfinished and I am uninspired.

Next weekend we're having a painting party at 2pm and I'd love to be able to get the first coat up on the house!

Sorry second child.

The other night I was looking at photos of Graem and we were so good about capturing each month of her life!

My friend uses slide shows to capture her kid's growth each month and actually emails the link out to friends and family.

It's nice .. pictures, music, and even video!

I'm going to try and make a real effort to document this time because I know too well that it goes by so fast!

What did we do?

We moved back in March and since we've been here they busted up a druggie house down the road and a neighbor's car got stolen!

We're now in the market for good deadbolt locks that we can put on our back door and even our deck door!

Who would have known that you move into little town Ithaca and all hell breaks loose.

Maybe we should have stayed out in the country after alL!

Almost done?

We really don't have that much to do on the bathroom and I'm hoping in the next week or so that we'll be able to finish it up.

The tile work looks pretty good. Shawna gave up on using the little damn spacers and you can kind of tell.

We will probably start painting tonight and they do fixtures and radiant heating tomorrow.

I can't wait for this to be done!

A little PHilly Phun.

THis weekend we went to PHilly to visit Shawna's friends. I was like the dad and took the kids while the girls giggled and drank too much!

It was fun though. We spent most of the time in the pool and it was nice to be away from Ithaca!

The girls are getting so big and they're a lot of fun right now.

Of course, now it's Monday and I'm back at work.

When on when will I have another vacation?!