Chocolate the Other white meat

Yay!

2009-09-22T13:11:00.002-05:00

I have a new option - I can text in blog posts...granted they'll have to be short but it's something right? I'm trying to figure out if I can blog on my new phone.

oh that's right you don't know about that do you?

Well, a week ago my cell phone decided it hated me. It would tell me that it was unable to charge or it would say it was charging but when I unplugged it, it would continue to say 'charging' but I'd never actually get it charged!!! So I bought a new phone. It's an LG Triton. Has a touch screen and a keypad!! YAY!!!

So yeah, I'm playing with that a lot ;)

This week!!!

2009-09-08T07:00:00.002-05:00

So today I have no classes! Our teacher has canceled for this week, both today and Thursday. He is my teacher for two of my three classes which means I will only have one class this week! This means that today I can finish up doing schedules for everyone and planning out our menu stuff. Speaking of which, I have to tell you about this:

I have already made a dinner menu for the rest of the month! I will be doing schedules for everyone for the rest of the month as well, even though they will be subject to change depending on if events come up that weren't planned for way in advance!

Today I am going to work on that and scrapbooking! I have to finish a book for Kris' dad and I have to finish my mom's calendar for school, *blush* I'm a little late on that one! I am also going to work on laundry and all that good stuff, I will be back tomorrow with a good story for you about people in my class!

Sunday is here...

2009-09-06T02:52:00.000-05:00

Well, Sunday is upon us and a new week follows after the holiday on Monday (Labor Day in the US at least). The kids had a good first week back to school, we've the schedule figured out a bit better. The first day was kind of frantic because only two of the three can ride the bus home because the middle schooler isn't allowed to anymore because they make the middle schoolers walk if they live in town. Yeah, it's annoying but we realized that by the time she gets let out the other two are already home off the bus and having a snack. Which means I can drive up and pick her up if it's too cold for her to walk.

However, I think this week I'm gonna make her walk. It's good for her right?

I will try to get back into a routine here I miss posting.

SOOC ~ Playing with the camera

2009-09-05T08:29:00.004-05:00

So we were playing around with the camera in LegoLand and trying to get good pictures of the miniature Chicago that they had there. In doing so we (I can't remember if I took this or if Kris did ;) ) got this funky shot!!!

Mute Monday - Light

2009-08-31T14:51:00.003-05:00

Picshures from our vacation ;)

Graphic Crash, UK, Dangers of texting while driving PSA

2009-08-26T19:22:00.001-05:00

SCHOOL!!!!!

2009-08-25T13:05:00.001-05:00

Mkay so today was my second day of classes, first day of these particular classes. College is so fun ;) I have Accounting 3 on Mondays and Wednesdays and Cost Accounting and Managerial Accounting on Tuesdays/Thursdays. I also am taking 1 online course this semester - Macroeconomics.

I already have homework :( But I'm going to enjoy my on campus classes....Macro, well, it's a needed class so I'll make it through.

How are ya'll doing?

Mute Monday - Dark (moods)

2009-08-24T14:51:00.003-05:00

Getting ready....

2009-08-20T13:01:00.002-05:00

Well, I posted a few days ago that we were counting down to several events! Tonight is my daughter's meet the teacher for the incoming 6th graders at the middle school! After that we are driving them down to my in-laws to drop them off for the entire weekend. Then tomorrow morning we are getting up and I am heading to Curves at 7am, coming home and showering and then we are leaving!

Don't call me, I won't answer. Don't email me, I won't get it till late Sunday night, I'm so excited!!!

I have spent the last two days getting laundry done so that when we get back EVERYTHING is ready to go and I won't have to worry about anything because when I wake up Monday morning I have to go to Curves, come home and shower and then head to my first class of the semester!!!

Between loads I'm working on a couple posts for ya'll to read over the weekend. I'm trying to get back to daily posting....

Tackle It Tuesday - Curves and Weight Watchers!

2009-08-18T19:09:00.002-05:00

Well, so last week I did my tackle as WW and now this week I'm doing it on Curves. I failed miserably...well, not miserably....I only went twice last week. Got once in this week already and plan on going the next three days as well, so we'll see.

On the up note, I lost 2.8 pounds this week giving me a total of 4.1 pounds lost in the last two weeks!!! YAY ME!!!!!

I need to write my measurements down from Curves tomorrow morning so I can input them in the online program that WW has. They'll do a chart for that as well.

Mute Monday - Rock!

2009-08-17T09:03:00.003-05:00

Back to School Soon!!!

2009-08-16T08:39:00.002-05:00

So the kids and start school in the next couple weeks. I've been working on getting stuff together for them but of course you're never done ;) Today my mom and I are making a Costco run to pick up some snack stuff for their lunches and the every day basics that we use in larger quantities.

How's your school shopping going? Would you like some free stuff for back to school? Then go ahead and check out 5 Minutes for Mom's Back to School Giveaway event!!!! I am linking back there to send people over and to get myself entered in ;) I am looking forward to the event going on, it started yesterday and goes thru the 28th. Goooo check it out!!

Thinking about things...

2009-08-13T12:53:00.002-05:00

Wow, it's August 13th. I have 11 days til I start college again, I have 10 days until Kris and I celebrate 11 years together, I have 8 days until we leave for our anniversary getaway, I have 7 days until we go to my oldest daughter, Shyann's Meet the 6th Grade Teachers Middle School Picnic, I have 5 days until I go to get my hair done again and I have 1 day until I pick up Ciara, my middle daughter from camp. She's been there since Sunday and I hope she's ok, she's the more nervous of my children.

I have a lot on my mind lately about what God wants from His Children, specifically Kris and I. I am hoping that I'll be able to sort it all out over the next few days and get back to you on it.

Totally stolen from Troll ;)

2009-08-12T07:45:00.000-05:00

So I found this on The Troll Report yesterday: a simple yes or no meme...my favorite kind...

Been arrested? No
Kissed someone you didn’t like? Yes
Slept in until 5 PM? No
Ran a red light? Yes
Been suspended from school? Yes
Experienced love at first sight? yes
Totaled your car in an accident? yes
Been fired from a job? yes
Fired somebody? no
Sang karaoke? Yes
Pointed a gun at someone? No
Done something you told yourself you wouldn’t? Yes
Caught a snowflake on your tongue? Yes
Kissed in the rain? Yes
Had a close brush with death (your own)? Yes
Seen someone die? No
Played spin-the-bottle? Yes
Smoked a cigar? Nope
Sat on a rooftop? No
Smuggled something into another country? Not unless crossing the imaginary border into Canada while canoeing on the Boundary Waters trip counts
Been pushed into a pool with all your clothes on? Yes - pushed and picked up and thrown in
Broken a bone? No
Skipped school? Yes
Eaten a bug? Not on purpose
Sleepwalked? No
Walked a moonlit beach? No
Rode a motorcycle? Yes but I wasn't driving
Dumped someone? Yes
Lied to avoid a ticket? No but I have batted my eyelashes
Ridden in a helicopter? No
Shaved your head? No
Made your boyfriend/girlfriend cry? Yes
Eaten snake? no
Marched/Protested? no
Had Mexican jumping beans for pets? No
Puked on amusement ride? almost
Seriously & intentionally boycotted something? no
Been in a band? no
Been on TV? no
Shot a gun? Yes
Skinny-dipped? no
Ridden a surfboard? no
Drank straight from a liquor bottle? yes
Had surgery? no
Streaked? no
Taken by ambulance to hospital? Yes
Passed out when not drinking? No
Peed on a bush? no, must be a boy thing
Donated Blood? Yes
Grabbed electric fence? no
Eaten alligator meat? no
Killed an animal when not hunting? yes I have hit several deer
Peed your pants in public? No
Snuck into a movie without paying? No
Written graffiti? No
Still love someone you shouldn’t? no
Been in handcuffs? no
Believe in love? Yes
Sleep on a certain side of the bed? yes

Tackle it Tuesday

2009-08-11T07:35:00.003-05:00

Mkay my tackle-it Tuesday is a little different. I didn't need to tackle a house project, or a porch project like the guest tackler at 5 Minutes for Mom but I took on a different task.

Last Tuesday I went to Weight Watchers. I hate diets. HATE THEM. But I digress.

I went to weight watchers, weighed in and about died. I know it's not right to ask women their weight but I need ya'll to keep me accountable so I'm sharing it anyway. Now most of you have seen pictures of me and will try to tell me *no way* but for real when I stepped on that scale I tipped it at 171.2 lbs. Mhm all those numbers are right, in that order.

My tackle it was to keep track of my points, which is the system WW uses instead of counting calories and all that. They take into account the fiber, the fat and the calories to figure how many points each food or meal is worth. Every day this week I have stuck to my points. With the exception of yesterday. However, there are a handful of extra points that you can use if you have a special occasion or if you're like me and craved a Jr Whopper with cheese and a side of onion rings yesterday. Hey, at least I went with a small onion rings and drank water instead of soda, but again, I digress.

So, I will find out at tonight's meeting what my gain or loss is and I will post it as an addition to this post mkay? Mkay.

*****************EDIT: I lost 1.4 pounds putting me at 169.8!!!! YAY for weight lost!!!

Next week's tackle it Tuesday will be the same thing basically but with the added of twist of tackling going to Curves to exercise at least 4 times ;)

Mute Monday: John

2009-08-10T06:28:00.002-05:00

Mute Monday over at The Troll Report for this week is John. I picked a Johnny instead ;)

Girl Scout Camping...

2009-08-09T01:13:00.000-05:00

So the girl child closest to the camera yesterday is leaving today for girl scout camp. She's very nervous because she'll be gone a week without her sister or any relative. She's never done anything like that before. I'm so proud of her for wanting to do it.

Her sister went a couple weeks ago to the U.P. of Michigan for camp and had a great time, came back much more mature and I think a bit taller. I am hoping for the same results with this trip.

Think of Kris and I as we drive the two hours one way and two hours back ;)

SOOC Saturday....

2009-08-08T09:32:00.002-05:00

So we go to Chicago for a fun family trip and the preteens still can't smile. >.<

For more SOOC photos go visit Mel over at Slurping Life

Thankful Thursday

2009-08-06T06:20:00.000-05:00

You get bullets today because there are so many things:

~ I am thankful that Kris is feeling a bit better, that all his tests came back good and that God is our Healer.

~ I am thankful that we have insurance that allows me to go to the doctor this afternoon and get my knees checked out.

~ I am thankful that said insurance will pay if I need surgery, shots or anything else to make my knees stop hurting.

~ I am thankful that there are only 25 days, 17 if you don't count weekends, until the kids go back to school.

~ I am thankful that there are only 17 days until I start school.

~ I am thankful that I have blogger to come back to in order to blog again.

New Month, New Start

2009-08-05T08:17:00.003-05:00

Mkay, so it's not exactly the beginning of the new month but my goal is to get back on track with blogging here!

Yesterday I started back to Weight Watchers, Rhen over at Yes, They are All Mine decreed that she was going to lose her baby weight so I decided I should do the same, granted my baby is 5+ years older than hers but still. I also won't post pictures like she did...Not happening. Love you Rhen but no.

So Weight Watchers started last night, this morning I am drinking my last soda (oh gosh what I am going to do for drinks?) but I am putting that into my points (Weight watchers keeps track of points which takes into account dietary fiber, calories and fat grams - you get so many points a day) and I've had a nectarine and I'm snacking on veggies. This is going to be hard until the kids go back to school because they like lots of different snackies that have higher points than I should eat.

Tomorrow I go see the doctor about my knees and then Friday Mom and I are going to go and sign back up at Curves. I think between the two I should be able to lose weight pretty well. This should be interesting though. Pray for me ;)

Harrumph.

2009-07-29T11:39:00.001-05:00

Well, I miss blogging so I will just be posting here for now again I suppose. I was really looking forward to having a bit more freedom and such with my own domain but I think it's better to stay put.

So tell me how ya'll are doing? I'll have to go around and comment on everyone's pages so that you know that I'm back here!

I hate new things.

2009-07-18T20:02:00.002-05:00

Mkay I quit. I cannot figure out how to do my own domain blog thing. I tried going thru wordpress.org with gatorhost, I tried godaddy's blogcast, and now I'm frustrated, pms'ing and cranky. So yeah. You haven't heard from me in a month, most of you probably don't even bother to stop by anymore, and yeah I'm pretty much done. It's been a good ride, and I appreciate all ya'll.

Book Review and Free Book Giveaway!!!!

2009-06-08T08:15:00.002-05:00

Ok, so this book is not for the weak of heart by any means. It's an interesting look at sex, drugs and the European view of American lifestyles. Everything from why cannabis was villanized and outlawed in the 30s to 9/11 fears and beliefs from a Dutch perspective.

If you are interested in winning your own copy you can do two things, first you can post here for 1 entry and second you can link back to this post on your own bloggy about it. Then come back here and let me know that you did so I can enter you a second time. The winners will be announced on Friday. I have two books, my copy and a copy to give away but as I'm trying to keep my library to a minimum number these days I'll give away both!!!!

So the book review...Visions by Jean Koning is a book about a Dutch artist felt that his own behavior was beginning to mimic the American way of life rather than European. He talks about smoking pot which he has researched exactly why it is that cannabis is illegal in the U.S. and it is very interesting indeed. He also talks about sex and religion.

A profound discussion is included about how he felt about 9/11 and his family. He and his wife and child were flying from London to New York on the 5 year anniversary of 9/11 and had this to say, "There have been enough victims. Worldwide. Let's all just stand up, drop everything we do and start screaming - worldwide - IT HAS BEEN ENOUGH!!!" He believes that the fear that Americans continue to thrive on is ridiculous and needs to stop, the fear that is worldwide now about the terrorists needs to stop.

Overall I enjoyed this book, very interesting look into the life and times of Jean Koning.

Remember to post here for your chance to win a free copy or link back from your blog!!!

Author Interview - Stephen R. Meier "Katka"

2009-06-05T07:56:00.002-05:00

I wrote a review on Wednesday about his novella, "Katka" and now today for your reading pleasure I have an interview with him!

Q 1. What made you decide to write a Novella rather than an actual, longer novel?

A. Two reasons, one the story was originally a screenplay that I adapted, and two, and the most important, I don't think people really read anymore. I don't know if the world is suffering through a major phase of ADD, but I feel like more and more people just sit at home and watch TV.

Q 2. Do you plan on writing a sequel?

A. Haha. I never planned on it, but I have been asked that question so many times now, that it crosses my mind, and i've played with a few scenes.

Q 3. What prompted the setting in Prague?

A. I used to live there and it was inspired there.

Q 4. Who is your favorite character in Katka and why?

A. Simona, by far. She is a Tsunami with legs and attitude. But really because she is every guy's dream and nightmare....the list goes on and on.

Q 5. Who was the harder character to write?

A. Wow, i'm not sure about this. Truthfully, no one jumps out. They were all very fun to write.

Q 6. Where did the idea come from for this novella?

A. From waking up one morning in one of the hotels in Prague and getting off on the wrong floor of the elevator,and walking dead smack into a Mail Order Bride Conference!

Q 7. Do you have future plans for more novellas or novels, or do you have a project in the works?

A. Yes, Yes, and Yes. First off, I have two other stories, Suicide Blonde and Four Days in November almost finished. Then I want to publish my first novel, Teaching Pandas to Swim. And lastly, a European Production company has picked up Katka to be made into a movie.

Q 8. When and Why did you begin writing?

A. At a very young age and because my father used to tell me and my brother stories at bedtime every night. I truly feel like my dad had the first Harry Potter stories, but just never wrote them down! Damn! Anyway...i did it because i always loved reading and being able to escape into different worlds or places.

Q 9. What kind of books do you read, are you reading anything interesting right now?

A. I read a lot of Fiction, like Palahniuk, Welsch, Hornsby. And right now i'm rereading The Odyssey by Homer.

Q 10. Do you have anything you want to say to your readers and/or other writers?

A. To writers, just keep writing. At least a page a day. And to readers...keep reading! And thanks for your support.

Thanks to Stephen for your time and I look forward to your upcoming stories and novel! Again, I reviewed Stephen's book on Wednesday, you can check it out here - "Katka" and you can find his book on Amazon.com here "Katka".

A Book Review - Katka by Stephen R. Meier

2009-06-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

I wasn’t sure at first if I would enjoy this book. It’s so short! But not really, it’s 107 pages, so it’s short for me (How long was the last Harry Potter book? Yeah I read that in one day) However, I really enjoyed this book and while Stephen could have stretched it out to a full length novel I was very impressed with his character development of Gavin, Katka and Simona.
The novella is set in Prague, Gavin, an American visiting the city to get away from his troubles in the US has run into this woman, Katka, who he is very attracted to. They wind up together and seemingly in love. However, when they team up with Simona to begin a scam of mail order brides things take a turn. Gavin ends up alone with Simona and decides to keep up the mail order bride business to earn some big money but he wonders if he could ever fix the mistakes he’s made with Katka. I was drawn to this book even though it’s gritty and tough with an undertow of things that some people would never do but greed can make people do crazy things.
Well written and nicely laid out and played out I am giving this book a top rating and can’t wait to read more by Stephen R. Meier.

Check it out at Amazon.com, "Katka" by Stephen R. Meier