Whatever you make of it

In My Lifetime...

2009-03-13T19:44:00.000-07:00

In my lifetime...
I have done a few things. Here is a list of things to do in a lifetime. Those ones in bold black are the ones I have already done. I stole this from a friends blog . . . happy reading.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis (yes...3rd grade SMILE camp)
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped (never -- this will never get crossed off the list.)
12. Visited Paris (in high school would love to go again)
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning (unfortunately)
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping (?)
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run (in the park if I remember correctly, but I think still counts)
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors (How far back?)
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language (well I took French and Spanish)
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David (perhaps... can't remember if it is in the Louvre, if so than I think I have)
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight -attended a couple of parties, and had to walk there so perhaps it counts ;0
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted (charicature sp? and painting in Paris by Sacre Cour)
48. Gone deep sea fishing (No thank you)
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie (commercial once when I was younger)
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business (kind of did a partial atempt at Mary Kay years ago, what was I thinking)
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia - no but would like to
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies - I think so but not sure
62. Gone whale watching - grew up on the coast so yes, but not on an actual boat trip
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy - yes strawberry shortcake doll, now Braelee plays with it70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar - yes and its disgusting
72. Pieced a quilt - all the time lately obsessed with baby quilts
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job - kind of but I would like to think it was more mutual, and they sucked
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone - I think a toe once but not sure never had it looked at
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car - yes just a few months ago.
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper - yes but don't really remember all of them
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox -yes, horrid had them in my ears and up my nose. Yuck!
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous - walked off a plane with Scottie Pippen, once. Didn't have the guts to talk to him though; does that count?
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one - yes my dad almost 2.5 years ago
94. Had a baby - yes, Braelee she is coming on 2
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake - do they really swim in it?
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Cave Tubing in Belize

Whatever

2009-02-19T21:02:00.000-08:00

It has recently come to my attention that my vocabulary has become quite redundant. Apparently people have noticed (and alerted me) that "whatever" should be my theme word. After much consideration and careful observation I will indeed confirm that "whatever" is a word that often exits my mouth. Once I came to the realization that I said this word quite regularly I have began to embrace it. After analyzing the data I have decided that "whatever" is a quite fabulous word. It can be taken and used in so many different contexts it may be far superior to many other words. The reasons that I enjoy using it often,is when I would like to seem indecisive, non-committal, and ambiguous. If someone asks you whether or not you would like to have lunch sometime you can respond with "sure if you want or, whatever." This quick response portrays some eagerness to attend however doesn't appear overly available and needy. Another example for the use of "whatever" is when you are willing to accept any answer or object without showing favoritism or preference. Ex. "Do you want Chinese or Italian?" By answering "whatever" you are allowing the other person to help with the decision making, therefor not coming off as a bossy, opinionated, pushy person that has to have their way. :) And lastly my most favorite reason: using the word "whatever" to really annoy someone. It is great, you are in a conversation/heated discussion with someone, they are being a total ass and instead of carrying on with the ridiculous banter you just look at the person and respond with "whatever" and walk away. They are left mid sentence annoyed to realize that you have just walked out on the discussion and they have not yet "won" the argument. You now have the upper hand and didn't really have to do anything. Fabulous! It is a passive aggressive way to say "go fly a kite" without having to officially "go there" ;) So you are able to maintain your gutter free lingo without compromising your passionate feelings on the subject. Beautiful. Hopefully this has been enlightening or at least mildly entertaining. And the next time you don't want to seem over eager or don't feel like arguing without actually giving in, just respond with "whatever" and know that you have made your point with one simple word. For those of you that I often say this to; no worries it is most often just used out of habit not of malice or ambiguity.

Spring is just around the corner

2009-02-14T20:24:00.000-08:00

All the sudden I have had the urge to begin spring cleaning. The other night I cleaned out my closet and purged a large bag of clothes. Still could stand to loose a little more. Why I hang on to things I can't fit into I will never understand. If by some miracle I am able to fit into them in the future; they will most definitely be out of style. So what is the use. I have also had the need to reorganize my craft area. Which actually occupies my time instead of actually creating. Complete waste of free time, but I can not do anything in a cluttered area. Yuck! Lastly I have put on a list to organize my junk drawers and closets, clean the windows, dust and hopefully paint my bedroom. Not sure what color would like to do something different but will most likely play it safe with some sort of earth tone. (can't get out of my rut) By the time I accomplish all of this it will most likely be spring time. But, my hope is to start early and get it done. Most will all have to be done during nap time so better get started soon to take advantage of the free time without a tail.

The cookies that almost were....

2009-02-11T21:13:00.000-08:00

So Sunday afternoon I was rather ambitious thinking that I have been wanting chocolate chip cookies and since I keep craving them I should probably just make some instead of wasting my money buying ok store bought cookies. However, I made one batch of cookies and then had to abandon the dough to the fridge in order to make dinner. (I had a toddler whining at my heels, well rather my thighs but who's measuring)
After precisely wrapping the bowl and placing it on the top shelf of the fridge I went on my merry way through the rest of my evening. However, once the sun went down and my sweet tooth awoke and roared it's ugly head. I found myself headed to the drawer grabbing a spoon and eating the cookie dough straight from the bowl. Now normally my rational for this is that cookie dough is so rich that I will usually only it one spoon full; which is equivelent to one cookie. So somehow I have envisioned that this is an acceptable way to eat cookies, because for sure I can't eat just ONE baked cookie. I inevitably end up eating two or three. So this has to be a more logically conservative way to consume my cookie calories. Now this thoery would work if I stuck to one spoonful. However for the last three nights I have found myself not just having one spoonful but perhaps two or three. And let me just clarify this theory would also work if i kept to a normal sized spoonful. But no, these are heaping piles of dough that spill off the sides, and in no way would this actually constitute as a single cookie under most common peoples standards. Someone needs to check me into the Betty Crocker clinic ASAP. I am fully aware I have a problem; and isn't admitting half the battle. I am truely on the path to recovery. Now what are the other nine steps? If anyone can help I would greatly welcome the suggestions. Until next time... If are curious my keyboard has a little chocolate on the keys right now. :) Just joking

Some days I shouldn't get out of bed

2009-02-09T14:49:00.000-08:00

Some days I just should of stayed in bed pulled the covers up and tried to block out everything. I don't what triggers this kind of day. It seems to start like any other and then I enter work; someone looks at me wrong, says the wrong thing, whatever. Then I feel like smacking them and of course throughout the day I try and get out of the funk, but inevitably I am pulled back in feeling more annoyed and less pleasant by the minute. (okay, am I ever really pleasant :) ) But still I am posting this in hopes that if I get my annoyances off my chest it will cease to exhist. Heres to hoping! I still have about three hours to go until the end of the work day, and yes I am posting this at lunch. I am not that much of a slacker.

2009-01-27T20:24:00.000-08:00

I admit I have become increasingly more lazy as the time goes by simple things that I always used to do are now being left undone. (i.e. makeup on the counter, dishes in the sink, clothes on the floor) I don't quite know why, all of which are things that drive me crazy. But I some how can not find the energy to care. I don't quite know why I don't just put the things away as they are used (makeup if it is in the drawer is eventually pulled out of the drawer by little hands, so I keep it on the counter out of reach) however it drives me nuts to see it there. I also have become lazy with my projects/hobbies. I don't really remember the last time I pulled out the camera and took a picture. That is bad cause I am usually picture crazy. No scrapbooking or sewing has been done for quite a while, even when I have the opportunity to I don't take advantage of it. I have become a bump that cannot dislodge from my overly sized overly comfortable couch. WTH I need to get some sort of motivation for something. Any ideas? Hopefully it will come to me soon. In the mean time here's hoping.

The change

2009-01-20T20:34:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to say like millions of other Americans I am so glad to see the change we are about to undergo. It is long over due and a great step for our country. Can't wait to see what the future will bring. Go Obama!!!!

There is something to be said for being home alone

2009-01-11T20:23:00.000-08:00

Okay so I have to admit that the one upside of being home sans husband is the fact that if I clean something up; tada... it stays clean (with the exception of Braelee, but that is to be expected) It is a little nice not to constantly go around picking up after everyone for a change. It is a tough trade, but the lack of conversation doesn't really make up for the cleanliness. But what are you gonna do.

Ho hum of the everyday

2009-01-07T21:29:00.000-08:00

Some days it is hard to keep up with the routine. Get up, get ready, get braelee ready, off to sitter, off to work, work all day, pick up braelee, get home, dinner, bath, story, bed, clean up and anything else I have energy for. (did I forget to mention we leave the house about 6:45 and don't return until 6:30-7 at night) Makes me tired once Wednesday night rolls around and I realize that indeed tomorrow I need to leave the house by 5:45 am (ridiculous) The best part of all is that this will remain the routine for the next two months. Yeah... Any who just thought I would gripe about my daily routine for a few. I know that by no means am I the only one on this type of schedule, but what the heck. And for a side bar why is it that every night I get stuck behind some jack&*( that wants to drive 45 miles an hour when I have a hungry toddler and a reasonbly tired driver behind the wheel. Go figure. Well heres to the mundane in and outs of everyday in the life of me. Cheers!

Good bye 2008

2008-12-31T21:51:00.000-08:00

Another year comes to a close and yet it feels like I blinked and the whole thing flew by. This year was quite mellow compared to the last few. However, it still went by too quickly. Isn't that odd how each day can seem to drag on endlessly. Stuck to the same routine counting down the minutes until tomorrow comes, hoping that it will bring some much appreciated rest, alone time, or relaxation (however that never seems to happen). Yet as we look back somehow the weeks and months seem to be a blur, quickly passing by barely allowing us to capture the moment. 2009 I hope brings many new adventures as well as time to relax and enjoy family and friends. I have not made any new years resolutions, because as many of you know once I call it a resolution it is sure to be broken. However, good luck to those of you who do... Best wishes and looking forward to 2009, bring it on!

SHOOT !

2008-12-28T20:54:00.000-08:00

Okay, for those of you who know me well can attest that if I feel passionate about something, someone, or some situation I have been known to use a few choice phrases or words. However, with a walking sponge and recorder I have deffinately scaled back my sailor slang and only use appropriate language. So it came as a shock the other day when Braelee was at grandma's house knocked over a set of wooden nesting angels and cried "shoot." We all had to laugh and weren't sure if we heard correctly. She continued to use shoot if something didn't go the way she had planned all weekend long. (I wasn't aware that I said shoot all that much, I know of one instance when I used it infront of her and she repeated me, but I didn't know it would stick so soon) Needless to say my days of shooting the $%^& are over. :) Not that I will miss it.

Out to brave the weather

2008-12-23T00:21:00.001-08:00

After several days of being stuck in the house(something I don't do very well, but have kept rather calm about lately) we are going to brave the weather and try and head to the cost tomorrow. I think once we get south of Salem should be okay. Should be interesting considering the fact that we dont' have chains. (may get some before heading out tomorrow, luckily les schwab is about 1/2 mile away. Well any who, wish us luck as we head out for the holidays.

Bed time not such a welcomed occasion

2008-12-18T20:43:00.000-08:00

Lately bed time is a struggle, on a normal night we do bath, stories, and bed. However, lately i put Braelee to bed she is fine for about 10-15 minutes and then she decides to throw a fit until someone (usually me) comes to the rescue I have to sit with her until she falls asleep and then carefully put her back in bed. Thought it was going to get easier soon. I think we are teething so that is always fun. However, one plus is that she was able to nap amongst noise today. I got home today only to find her sound asleep on a bed of pillows on the living room floor. We had to snap a few pictures of this rare occasion.

Who are you?

2008-12-17T21:41:00.000-08:00

Ok I tried the quiz who are you most like Jackie Marilyn or someone else and this is what I came up with. Crazy how after two questions it is pretty spot on with most things.

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are a Marilyn!

You are a Marilyn -- "I am affectionate and skeptical."

Marilyns are responsible, trustworthy, and value loyalty to family, friends, groups, and causes. Their personalities range broadly from reserved and timid to outspoken and confrontative.

How to Get Along with Me

* Be direct and clear
* Listen to me carefully
* Don't judge me for my anxiety
* Work things through with me
* Reassure me that everything is OK between us
* Laugh and make jokes with me
* Gently push me toward new experiences
* Try not to overreact to my overreacting.

What I Like About Being a Marilyn

* being committed and faithful to family and friends
* being responsible and hardworking
* being compassionate toward others
* having intellect and wit
* being a nonconformist
* confronting danger bravely
* being direct and assertive

What's Hard About Being a Marilyn

* the constant push and pull involved in trying to make up my mind
* procrastinating because of fear of failure; having little confidence in myself
* fearing being abandoned or taken advantage of
* exhausting myself by worrying and scanning for danger
* wishing I had a rule book at work so I could do everything right
* being too critical of myself when I haven't lived up to my expectations

Marilyns as Children Often

* are friendly, likable, and dependable, and/or sarcastic, bossy, and stubborn
* are anxious and hypervigilant; anticipate danger
* form a team of "us against them" with a best friend or parent
* look to groups or authorities to protect them and/or question authority and rebel
* are neglected or abused, come from unpredictable or alcoholic families, and/or take on the fearfulness of an overly anxious parent

Marilyns as Parents

* are often loving, nurturing, and have a strong sense of duty
* are sometimes reluctant to give their children independence
* worry more than most that their children will get hurt
* sometimes have trouble saying no and setting boundaries

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at

2008-12-15T14:57:00.000-08:00

I remember when birthdays used to be an exciting time. You went to bed anxious awaiting the next day to see if you felt any different the next morning. (you of course didn't, but at least it was your day) Now as an adult there really is nothing special about a birthday. It is just like any old day, same as yesterday, probably the same as tomorrow. Perhaps there still is that expectation that maybe today will be special, but inevitably reality sets in and one realizes it's just 24 hours and everything will repeat again tomorrow. The only bright side is you can eat cake and not feel bad about it. (However, now that you don't live at home you will probably have to make your own. ;) )

2008-12-13T23:02:00.000-08:00

The other day we revisited the 80's in our own little living room version of flashdance. We had the onesie/leotard the socks and legwarmers, and the moves you can't forget those moves. Braelee actually does a fine impression of running in place. (she likes the noise it makes on the floor) I just thought it was too cute and deserved to make it on to film/memory card (now that no one uses film anymore) This is also a commemorative day because I am finally back on line, able to use a computer without the impending question: "are you almost done?" or having to wait 2 hours before I can log on, hopefully this means I can get back into the "cyber world" I have felt so unconnected. Crazy considering that I can access email from my phone, but it just isn' the same. So, I would like to just say "Welcome back self, the internet has missed you!"

Simple Entertainment

2008-11-23T16:30:00.000-08:00

I think we all long for the days when we could simply be entertained with a box or perhaps a new pair of boots. We had such a day yesterday when Braelee found pure entertainment putting on and off her rubber boots. (still a little too big) However, she was able to clumsily make it around the house until bedtime when she was forced to take them off. It got me think about how I wish it were that simple to entertain myself, not that it is that hard. But, it made me long for a simpler time when I could find sheer joy in the simplest of things.

I have finally taken the plunge

2008-11-20T20:23:00.000-08:00

Ok...I have currently decided to give blogging a try. Not sure if it is for me but hopefully will prove to be an interesting process none the less. I promise to not ramble about my mundane daily mishaps and experiences. I strive to create witty commentary on the quirky nature of my surroundings and give insightful discussion of my daily observations. Of which I have many. To those of you who care to read thank you and I hope to not dissapoint.