My names Nella...Sal Moe Nella! Ugh!!!

Not that I'm whining....but I've been ill all week. Most probable cause...Salmonella. Stupid peanut butter! Stupid person who ate the peanut butter diet dessert! But hey, on the bright side...diet desserts do work; I've lost 3 lbs in the past 2 days alone! Not that I recommend anyone else trying this.

I consumed all of 400 calories yesterday. Woohoo! Maybe I'll hit that quota again today....maybe not. I'm just glad what is consumed is now staying put. Oy!

As luck would have it, my husband has an important dinner Saturday night. One of those fancy dress-up take your spouse out to eat with the boss affairs. This could prove interesting, as I can't even look at solid food at the moment. The thought of eating makes me gag, convulse and just spaz in general. Yep, I should be a real crowd pleaser! I'll try to position myself as close to the big guy as possible- to make a good impression. ;)

All I want right now is just to stay curled up in bed. Sleep. No dress up. No dinner. PLEASE no dinner!!! For the love of all that is good and decent...DON'T MAKE ME EAT!!!

Anyone who has any advise on how to overcome this in a hurry-please share. As it stands now, I'm trying to think of classy, descreet ways to pull this off. Like a large handbag to stick my hurling head into...something that matches my shoes, of course Dahling! Good times!!!!

Flower Power

I took these pictures a few months ago before the cold weather descended upon us and decided to stay. This is a corner of our backyard. I've interspersed the rose bushes with blue point junipers (which you can't see above the flowers yet.) I also planted salvia and edged the front with stones. Not what a professional would do, I am sure. But hey, it works for me! You know what also works for me? Looking at these pictures of pretty living things on a cold, cold, cold day.

It cheers me up. Keeps me optimistic that warmer days will return.

Maybe you'll overlook the fact that these were taken by a person who doesn't have a clue when it comes to photography.

Maybe, (despite my lack of know-how) these photos will bring a smile to your face.

Put sunshine in your heart. Make you stop for a second and try to smell the roses. Imagine you can almost feel the softness of the petals between your fingers. Smell the fragrance in the air. Remember...Spring will be here again soon.

Maybe this just works for me. I'm easily amused. In which case, I now return you to your previously programmed season already in progress.... Friggin' Cold Lady Winter-The sequel!

Mastiff Mania...are you tough enough?

As you all know by now, we have two English Mastiffs. Two dogs this size seems kinda crazy to some people. Add the factor that BOTH of our Mastiffs are still puppies and 9 out of 10 folks will agree it is crazy indeed. Then add cold weather to the mix. Cold weather which mandates that these girlies spend all their time in the warm indoors. Two large frisky pups indoors looking for some way to pass the time....I may have to throw in my hat and agree-we may be a tad bit loco! But I wouldn't have it any other way.This is gorgeous Ella.She weighs in at 110lbs at 7 months. She is our serious girl. Strong, reliable, stable, loving. A true perfect example of the breed.

This is Harlow:

She is the flip side of the coin. Goofy, silly, playful and a host of issues. But we love her dearly. (She weighs in at 124lbs at 14 months old.)

These two girls are as close as can be. They are almost always together. (Usually digging up my landscaping...but I digress.) Today however, they are just lounging upstairs side by side. The following is a smidgen of how they are spending their "snow day"...

They start out lounging/napping side by side. Then, one of them tires of just lounging, and decides it is time to "frolic". Can you guess which one usually starts the Mastiff Wrestlmania 99% of the time? If you guessed the goofball Harlow....

Well, you'd be wrong. Because Harlow is many things; but, she's a lover not a fighter! She never starts the madness. She will just simply succumb to peer pressure. Yep, it's little Miss Ella that starts the craziness around here. Today I had my camera out and caught the action. Let's take a peek shall we?....

This is the girls just resting together. Been napping for awhile. Then Ella awakes and gives me that look. She is looking for some playtime. A little excitement. It's too cold to go outdoors. Must look for fun from within. And she knows just where to find action indoors....

Honest to goodness, this is how it starts...the STARE DOWN tactic! Harlow will usually turn the other cheek. As demonstrated in above photo. But Ella, she's determined to play a game. A game we like to call "STRANGER DANGER." Practice for the real deal. So Harlow succumbs ...DING! DING! DING! Round 1: (Note: for any of you who want to HEAR the action, just go turn on the National Geographic channel. Find some show with Grizzly Bears growling and attacking. Turn up the volume and then continue reading this posting. It's the same exact sound...TRUST ME!)





So the grizzly bear sound ensues. They get "mouthy" with each other. Actually, they play well together. Each will take her turn playing the "victim" or "underdog" if you will:

Here Ella is the portraying the defenseless girl... "Help me! Help me!!!" Then Harlow takes her turn:
"Help me! Mad Dog!!! Maaad Dawwggg!!!"

At some point, they always tire of laying in the same spot and take off chasing each other. To anyone who isn't familiar with mastiffs, this sound is equivalent to a herd of elephants stampeding through your house.

So just to keep you abreast of the action, we having barking. We have grizzly growling and now we have stampeding elephants thrashing through the upstairs. (Just another normal day around here.) In fact, I've jokingly told Ricardo: "If we were out in the woods and heard a bear, we wouldn't be scared. All of us would just assume it was one of our dogs." Yep, now that we have become "desensitized to nature," I think it best that we never venture far from civilization...ever! But then I will find any excuse not to go camping, so maybe I'm not the best judge on this issue to begin with.

Now where was I? Oh yes, Round 2. After the "chase scene" comes the cornering. After Ella corners Harlow, she will start chomping on her neck like a great white shark after her prey:

This little girl is intense. She goes for the juggler:

Harlow, ever the patient soul, tolerates this well. Truth be known, she's not the least bit scared. And for good reason. They can turn off the wrestling in a split second if you ask them too. Then they resume their sweet disposition. But today we're after footage of what would happen if push came to shove.. The serious showdown. Two heavyweights in the ring practicing for the main event. "The main event" being what WOULD happen IF a stranger entered their turf.

Just look at the intensity and focus in this little girlie's face! Oh I pity any fool who stumbles across our threshold unannounced. Why, only a fool would want to tango with her! This English Mastiff, grizzly bear, elephant, great white shark crossbreed...she's a freak of nature! Are you a nature lover? Are you a thrill seeker? Are you tough enough to take on this pup?!

Are you brave enough to enter our domain unannounced or without proper welcome? Or as Ella succinctly paraphrases it: "Care to dance with the devil in the pale moonlight?" LOL!

America the Beautiful Indeed!

I'm a wee bit tired. I just flew back from the inauguration in Washington...and boy are my arms tired! (ba- dum clang! Thank you! I'll be here all week!) Okay, so I didn't actually GO to the inauguration....but I made it as realistic as possible. I turned off the heat, opened all the windows, bundled up and had the boys stand impossibly close to me. Every once in a while I'd have one of them elbow me or give me a nudge, just to make it feel a little more authentic. Like I was actually standing in the crowd watching history being made.

I've never been to Washington D.C. before, but I really want to go one day. These are photos I took off the televison. (Gotta love high- def! ) I don't care which party you are for, or if you don't follow politics at all...don't you think our capital is beautiful?! I felt a real sense of pride seeing all the important buildings! Also, I think the architecture truly is beautiful!

And the flag themed banners draped here-love it! (Maybe it's cause they remind me of my boots!;)

I especially love this photo! Look at the Lincoln Memorial in the background...and just LOOK at all these people! The crowd alone is impressive! The fact that this many people are all coming together, to witness history is even more impressive!

I can't stand to be in a crowd...claustrophobic! But it was an impressive sight. And can you imagine having to SPEAK to a crowd this large?!!! My teeth would be chattering, my knees would be weak, I'd be hurling and having to potty every 2 seconds! But look at this:

Didn't even phase our new president! He is one cool cucumber! Calm, cool, collected and in control! I really like him! I think he will be amazing!

And together as a couple- perfection! They are so dynamic! They're young, ambitious, empathetic and united in their love for each other as well as this country. And I think that is beautiful! I'm glad I got to witness this inauguration, even if it was just on television. Here's to hoping the next 4 years bring many good things to all of us, as individuals and a country as well!

Krazy for Krispy Kreme

I have always had a sweet tooth. (Actually, mine is sooo bad that it is technically sweet teeth...;) My sweet tooth has always been and will always be my downfall. I'm ashamed to admit: under duress- I would spill all kinds of secrets I was privy to for fresh baked chocolate chip cookies. THAT is what kept me out of the CIA...ha ha ha! Okay, that and IQ scores...but I digress!

Although I have long liked donuts (jelly being my fav) I never truly fell in LOVE with donuts until a few years ago. When we moved into the house where we live now, we discovered there was a Krispy Kreme store 20 minutes away. Long being a donut freak, loving husband Ricardo started occasionally picking up fresh baked Krispy Kremes on the weekends. We're talking fresh off the assembly line folks. Yummmmm!!!! We partook of these tasty little treats this weekend. Yep, I was a baaaad girl!!! And I don't regret it! In fact, I'm sure I'll do it again too....I may need to join some sort of support group!

For those of you who have never tried the Krispy Kreme donut- they are heavenly! They are addicting! Remember the commercial with the bird running around yelling..."I'm cookoo for Coco Puffs!" Well, "I'm Krazy for Krispy Kreme!!!" In fact, they inspired me to write the following poem of love....

KRAZY FOR KRISPY KREME...

Krispy Kreme... I love you so!!!
Though you turn my thighs into dough.
And my belly button... is now a donut hole.

No other donut has this power over me!
I love you in glazed, chocolate or creme.
I'd rather eat you, than Lean Cuisine!!!

Bits of frosting lingers on my lips,
Soon it will migrate to my hips.
Then the scale will give me fits!

Swimming season will soon be here.
It is causing me some fear!
Will I need to be ROLLED out there?!

Off to workout. Yep, I've been naughty!
But NEVER doubt my love for you.....
and your good friend Latte!!!

written with love on 1/19/2009
by....(burp)...Stacy D. Briefing

New Exercise Routine

As mentioned in a previous post, I have been trying to lose some excess lbs in 2009. Although I have been working out hard, I feel as if my progress has plateaued. So, in an effort to jump start some continued weight loss- I am entertaining different workout regimens. Here is the latest workout routine in my arsenal. A beginner workout with the fitness ball. I think this should really get the lbs just melting right off as well as increasing my flexibility. I highly recommend giving this a try:

Random Thoughts n Tidbits

Here are just some random things that have happened to me this week and thoughts that have ran through my mind. None of this means anything, nor will it change your life. But as the subtitle says, "amusing anecdotes and irrelevant information"....





Sunday I went to the grocery store (as mentioned in one of my previous posts) I bought a bounty of Lean Cuisines. ( I mean a ridiculous amount!) As both my beloved Ricardo and I are attempting to eat healthier and lose a few lbs. While loading all my dinners on the runway belt, an elderly man behind me said: "Looks like someone is trying to lose some weight this year." I replied, "Yes! I have to lose 30 lbs before my doctor's appointment tomorrow. Do you think this will work?".... I promise you, he laughed so hard I thought he might need medical assistance. It was so sweet. (No, not that he might need medical assistance...that would be cruel!!) It was the way he laughed, it reminded me of how my late Grandma would laugh when we said something shocking in her presence..."Oh My!...Ha ha ha..." was always her response. Anyway, I think I brightened his day; and he made mine. I love to say things that shock people....in case you hadn't noticed.;)





Yesterday, I was wearing my velvet track suit. (You know the kind I'm talking about.) I had to go outside and do my all time favorite chore (La Poopa Scoopa). I didn't want to dirty my nice jacket, so I took it off and put on an old sweater. ( I'll spare you the Gorey details in between...no need to thank me!) When I was done, I came inside, took off my sweater and hung it up. Then I took my velvet jacket off the other hanger and put it back on. Is anyone else having a childhood flashback here?! It was truly a Mister Rogers moment! I laughed so hard. And then I started singing "could you be mine...would you be mine...won't you be my neighbor?...Hello Neighbor!" (I know....issues! But sometimes it' the little things in life that get you through the day.)





Last night, I was commenting to Ricardo how hard it has become to get the extra weight off. I feel as though I have been knocking myself out, and in return have hit a plateau. Dear, sweet, beloved Ricardo replied: "Well, that's what happens when you get old. It gets harder to lose the weight. So you're not only fighting stubborn pounds, you're fighting biology." LOL!!! I love my husband dearly, but sometimes when he speaks; I'm reminded of the Keith Whitley hit..."Yeah, you say it best....when you say nothing at all...." Oh well, he keeps me humble!:)



And lastly under the category of WTF...beloved Ricardo also informed me at lunch today that he weighed in this morning. He announced he has dropped 10lbs since SUNDAY!!!! 10 lbs in 4 days??!!! Who knew he was retaining so much water?!! ;)(NoteHe isn't even working out, just gave up Cokes and is doing Lean Cuisine!!!?!!!) Oh well, good for him! I'm happy to hear it!... I'm not bitter at all!!! In fact, I could do better than 10 lbs in 4 days if I really wanted to! I COULD drop 180 lbs in just one day.....but then I love my dear, sweet, husband too much to let him go! ;) Ohhhhh ha hah ha!!! Sorry, that smacked of sarcasm didn't it? Really, honey...I'm proud of you!!! Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go hurl...

Dreaming of Sweet Summertime!!!

Burrrrr! It's cold today ladies!!! The wind whips right through you....well not right through you, that would mean you're a ghost. I'm not a ghost, although I've been told my memory can be haunting. (Ahhh ha ha ha-thank you I will be here all week!)









Many of you are probably wondering if this is a ghostly apparition I caught on film....close!

It definately freaks me out! It's almost as bad as seeing a ghost....but I digress.

Now where was I, oh yeah....this cold weather has me dreaming about summer. Longing for summer actually. More specifically, longing for our summer vacation destination. Poolside. My family and I don't take getaway destination vacations. We don't need any road maps We just simply walk out the back door to our own little vaca getaway.Right now, it is just taunting us when we look out the windows! But in a few short months we will be swimming in it's depths, lounging in the chairs, soaking up the sun and acquiring a lush bronze tan.

Then I will no longer be faced with THIS horrendous road map on a daily basis. The one that depicts little lesser known towns like: Vericose Valley, Effects of Pregnancy Villa, Strain from weight gain Isle, and Aging Sucks USA!!!

That's right, this disgusting ghostly appariton/road map is my LEG! YUCK!!! Don't worry, I feel like hurling too!!! But the good news is, you will PERHAPS be able to forget this ghastly vision with time and plenty of alcohol!!! As for me, it follows me EVERYWHERE I go! Day after Day! Year after year! I don't mind it so much in the summertime when the tan helps conceal it.- I can almost forget it for a few months out of the year. But in the wintertime, it just taunts me mercilessly. Reminding me of youth long lost. The effects of aging and childbearing. I'm not saying I would change anything. I wouldn't . I would travel the same path. Honest!

But, I must say sometimes, in the depth of winter, when I look in the mirror....it's enough to make me channel my ol' friend "Ricky Bobby" and yell...SWEET 6lb 8oz baby Jesus!!!

Sorry, if I offended anyone with my outburst. I'm just trying to "keep it real" as PDub would say. Perhaps in the process, I even made everyone feel a little better about their own bodies. Or not. But I hope I did. Not that I'm implying any of you have need to feel better about your bodies. You don't. I'm just saying, things could be worse. (I am the example of that! THAT is my point!) And on a closing note, I will gladly pay for any meal you might have hurled while reading this post. ( Unless it was something expensive. that cost more than a nickel for example...then all promises are null and void!)

Have a good day! As for me....It's"vericose" to drinking time here, gotta run! (LOL!!!)

The Power of the Boot...

(Sorry today's posting is late! I was up late last night and then had an appointment this morning.)

I am happy to report that there will be no calf nuts served for dinner tonight! Sorry Tracy!! (Love your idea though! You are my inspiration!!!) Also, happy to report there shall be no outsourcing. Ima, your idea worked like a charm! (Thank you!) I highly recommend these boots girls! Although, uncomfortable to wear.... I must say, they achieve some pretty impressive results!

Platform boots....$36.95

Ability to render your husband of 15 years speechless.....PRICELESS!!!

A Musing... and Conversations within a Marriage

My marriage is strong. My husband and I converse openly about everything. We joke togther, etc. He loves to say things to see my reactions, as I do back with him as well. Normally, I don't share any conversations or personal details about my marriage. However, this is the exception. This is an honest to goodness conversation that took place in our household today.

I was getting ready to walk out the door and head to the grocery store. My dear husband, Ricardo was downstairs with me. We had just finished adding any last minute items needing purchased to the list. Then, he announces this:

Ricardo: I have made up my New Year's Resolutions.

Me: Good for you!

Ricardo: I've decided I'm going to lose weight and have sex a minimum of 3 times a week.

Me: ...giggling...

Ricardo: Baby! I've come to you first with this proposition.

Me: I support you baby! Look, I'm going to the store to buy you Lean Cuisines as we speak.

Ricardo: Baby! What about the other? You're not gonna make me outsource are you?!

Me: (laughing and pushing him away as I head out the door) Baby, talk to the hand! (no pun intended;) I'll be back.

End of conversation.

So I'm at the store replaying THAT conversation in my mind. When, THIS conversation we had 2 weeks ago pops back into my head. Ricardo and a friend went to a certain eating establishment where they have hot waitresses and good wings. Upon returning home, Ricardo told me about his luncheon.

He said the waitress flirted (shamelessly) with them. She sat d0wn beside him when they placed their order and touched his leg with her hand . Then she kept putting her hand on his friend repeatedly every time she came to the table. Ricardo, SAID he scooted over when she touched him; to convey he wasn't interested. Said friend, supposedly loved the attention lavished upon him. Ricardo asked my opinion on this matter.

I responded by saying: That I cannot judge the actions of anyone. I was not there. Had I been there, I guarantee that waitress would not have been touching MY husband. That she was probably just doing it to earn a bigger tip. As for me, I just try to conduct myself in a manner that shows respect for myself, my husband and our marriage. And THAT is all that I can control.

NOW I'm wondering if one conversation has anything to do with the other? Was I too quick to dismiss the restaurant thing? Is my husband doing the whole diet, get in shape, for unknown reasons?

And "outsourcing?" What does he mean exactly?! The possibilities and punchlines are endless for a mind like mine. For instance, WHERE does one go exactly to outsource? The most logical answer: Thailand of course. (I'm thinking Bangkok.) But, then my husband doesn't have the time or money to travel abroad. So does that mean a foreign dignitary will be coming to live with us? Some 21 year old exchange student perhaps? Or is he considering "buying American?" (um...so to speak.)

All this in my head AND grocery shopping too. (Can I multi-task or what?!) I love my husband. I trust my husband. Life is good. I am not willing to taking any chances when it comes to my marriage however. So tonight, I will be taking my dear friend Ima's advice. I will be putting on my Mamma Mia boots and showing my husband why there is no need for "outsourcing." I will be supportive of his resolutions (as OUTLANDISH as they may be!) Get ready Ricardo...you asked for it! I'm about to show you why it is best to not cross union lines.

And if THAT doesn't work. Tomorrow I will be taking my dear friend, Tracy's advice. I will log on to Pioneer Womans site. Download her "calf nut" recipe and serve it up for dinner. She thinks this will get the message across loud and clear what would happen if he were to seriously consider "outsourcing". That Tracy, always good for a laugh!

Apologies for the Profile Photo

Everyone who knows me knows I have a LOT of quirks/phobias/or "issues" as I call them. But I honestly, don't have a lot of things that I actually hate. I'm just not wired that way I guess. Or maybe, it's because I have soooooo many issues that there isn't much room left for hating things.( but I digress.) But today, I had to do something that I hate, to avoid the other thing that I hate even worse.



I had to get up early this morning...7:15. I'll wait for you to quit laughing..... But, I'm serious! For me 7:15 is EARLY!!! Too early! I'm a night owl. If you want someone to stay up all night, I'm your gal. Early morning...not so much! I usually wake up around 9AM. I only get up early if it is something REALLY important. So if I ever agree to meet you before 10:00 AM, you can bet you're pretty important to me!!!



This morning I had to get up early for a hair appointment. On the surface, it doesn't sound too important; so, you're probably wondering why I would get up that early. Well, I do it so I don't have to do the other thing that I hate even worse...waiting! My hairstylist starts at 9AM. If you are not first on her schedule, be prepared to wait. Twice, I have waited an hour past my scheduled appointment because she was running behind. So, every 10-12 weeks I FORCE myself to get up early, for the sake of vanity. Because, I don't have all day to sit around-and a good stylist is hard to find.



I had the alarm set for 7:15 because it takes a good 20 minutes for me to finally roll out of bed. (Honest.) Then, I throw on my clothes, let all the dogs out, feed all the dogs, let all the dogs back in, grab a power bar and head out the door at 8:15. I don't drink my normal 21oz of coffee-so I'm half dead until I get back home. And then, I'm tired and off all day. But it's worth it. Nothing quite like freshly highlighted hair. Oohhhhh! Aaaahhhh! So shiney! So sparklie!!! So natural looking! (wink, wink;)



Anyway, to make a short story long, (because I'm good at that!) I thought, since I had "fresh hair", I would post my photo today on the blog. You will note, that although I will get up early for the sake of vanity, I will not put on makeup that early!!! I would rather walk around looking like Scagerella than have to get up even earlier to spend 15minutes on makeup. So there you go....issues!



My eldest, loving ol blue eyes, said he would take my picture for me. He loves cameras. So I sat upon my zen spot. My relaxing area in the house. The area that I usually sit and have my morning java. As you can see, there is no java. And NOTHING about this photo is relaxing. Comical-yes. Relaxing-no!





Ricardo calls me the dog lady. EVERY where I go, the dogs follow me. Cesar Millan would definately agree that they view me as their pack leader. Which if fine and dandy. But with 4 dogs, this is what it looks like on any given day around here. Not a lot of peaceful photo opportunities. And without my morning coffee, I was too tired to rope and wrangle them all outside. Besides, it's cold out there today! Burrrrr!!!



So this is what you get with a camera and four dogs inside. Bless you blue-eyes for even trying to take photos under these conditions!!! A less patient person would have just walked away in disgust. LOL! As they say...if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. And that, is just what I did. I surrendered and joined in the craziness. Which is why THIS:

photo is now posted on my profile! I think it truly depicts the goofiness that surrounds me. I guess you are indeed the company that you keep! ha!

Perhaps I'll post another photo for my profile in the future... On a warmer day... When the dogs are outside. But this will just have to do for now. LOL!!

A Bedtime Story told by yours truly: Ima Jo King

Whew! What a day I've had. Busy, busy, busy. Stacy asked me to fill in for her today, and I'm just now getting around to it. Since I'm so late posting, I thought I would share with you a little bedtime story that was passed on to me rather than one of my regular funnies. So go put on your jammies and make you some hot cocoa. When you are all snuggled up and comfy, you can continue reading this post. Go on girl, we got time...


Jack wakes up with a huge hangover after attending his company's party. Jack is not normally a drinker, but the drinks didn't taste like alcohol at all. He didn't even remember how he got home from the party.

As bad as he was feeling, he wondered if he did something wrong. Jack had to force himself to open his eyes, and the first thing he sees is a couple of aspirins next to a glass of water on the side table. And, next to them, a single red rose!! Jack sits up and sees his clothing in front of him, all clean and pressed. He looks around the room and sees that it is in perfect order, spotlessly clean. So is the rest of the house. He takes the aspirins, cringes when he sees a huge black eye staring back at him in the bathroom mirror.

Then he notices a note hanging on the corner of the mirror written in red with little hearts on it and a kiss mark from his wife in lipstick: 'Honey, breakfast is on the stove, I left early to get groceries to make you your favorite dinner tonight. I love you, darling! Love, Jillian' He stumbles to the kitchen and sure enough, there is hot breakfast, steaming hot coffee and the morning newspaper.



His 16 year old son is also at the table, eating. Jack asks, "Son. what happened last night?" "Well, you came home after 3 A.M., drunk and out of your mind. You fell over the coffee table and broke it. Then you puked in the hallway, and got that black eye when you ran into the door." Confused, he asked his son, "So, why is everything in such perfect order and so clean? I have a rose, and breakfast is on the table waiting for me??" His son replies, "Oh THAT... Mom dragged you to the bedroom, and when she tried to take your pants off, you screamed: 'Leave me alone b*tch, I'm married!!"



Broken Coffee Table $239.99

Hot Breakfast $4.20

Two Aspirins $.38

Saying the right thing, at the right time: PRICELESS!!!


I don't know about ya'll, but I think this story would make an excellent commercial! Are you listening Mastercard/Visa people?!! LOL! Hope you enjoyed your bedtime story. Sweet dreams and see you next week! Until then, remember if you can't set a good example; be a horrible warning to others!!!

Yours truly,
Ima Jo King

Help Save the Daily Planners!!!

I'm all for the comforts of modern technology. I enjoy the big screen t.v's, computers, cell phones, etc. I can't say as I can understand how to work them all... or at all. Perhaps you noticed the obvious when you read my blog. No fancy gadgets, no truly custom features. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy all the bells and whistles! Truly I do. It's just, I just can't stand having to read directions to figure out how to install and work things. I don't have the time or patience. I can't don't and won't-that's how I handle modern technology. Whew! That felt good. Now it's out there. Now you know. However, that being said, I am all for someone showing me how to operate, program or install it. I guess I'm just a visual person. (That sounds soooo much better than weird, hopelessly behind the times and mentally inept.) Yeah, let's go with "visual."



Also, I think some things are just better the old fashioned way. For example, I enjoy the written word. I love to read books. Hold them in my hand. Feel their weight. Get paper cuts when I turn the pages. However, I would never even consider reading a book online; sorry, just not the same. I found it hard enough to give up the actual newspaper and go to reading it online. Yet, I felt guilty about not having time to read it everyday. Even though I recycle, that is a lot of trees needlessly giving their lives. But, a newspaper is not like a book that you can read over and over. So, I conceded on that one.



A perfect example of old fashioned and better that way is the "daily planner." I'm sorry. I know that you can put things on your computer. I also know that you can add all your activities and appointments on your cell phone. But, it's not convenient. I like to be able to pull out my planner, open it up, and see a a glance what I have going on at any given time. I'm not always at my computer. And if I'm on my cell phone, I can't pull up my calendar. (My husband says you can do it....but that would require me figuring out how to put someone on hold while I upload/download/find my calendar. Chances of me being able to do that and then actually get back to the person I was talking to are pretty slim. Okay, their nil!!!)


Today, I went to my local Wallyworld while I was out and about. I looked everywhere for my new 2009 daily planner. I checked office supplies, I checked the card section. Couldn't find them. Finally, I had to ask for help. (Not an easy feat in Walmart...finding someone who works there and will actually help you, but I digress.) The associate pointed to where they were. On the end aisle spot in office supplies. There was only one small shelf. About a 2x2 square space. The associate said they don't really carry alot of them anymore. Supply and demand I guess.


Well, this is causing me some alarm. I'm a wee bit angry. I have heard that anger is just fear that is exaggerated or misdirected or some such thing. I believe it. My anger is simply from fear that I will one day have to find another way to organize my chaotic life. That there will soon be no such thing as the "daily planner." That is will go the way of the rotary phones. So yes, I am really not angry-I'm afraid. And my fear is at a level orange people!!! I love my daily planner. I NEED my daily planner. I CAN'T to give it up! I... WON'T! My daily planner is like a monkey on my back(although a highly organized monkey)....I'm addicted. Plain and simple. So, they can't ever quit making daily planners!!!

With no more daily planners, what would my alternatives be? A full size calendar worn around my neck? Resorting to writing all my appointments on my body in ink? And if so...then, should I use pen ink? Or, if it is something important and I want to remember it always-should I have it tattooed on?! You can see my dilemma. Surely, there is one or two of you who understand what I am feeling. Is the end of the daily planner in sight? I sure hope not! I'm gonna dig in my heals on this one. Yep, if I have to wear my Mamma Mia boots all the way to the high courts I will! Somethings are just worth keeping. Even if they are helplessly antiquated, outdated, bulky, and not practical anymore.....Like me for example! :)

Home Improvement..(Arrr, Arrr Arrr!!)

During Ricardo's vacation, we were able to knock off a couple of home improvement projects that had been on our list for awhile. It's every man's dream to do home improvement while on vacation right?! ha! Ricardo and I are do it yourselfers. Not because we are great at it. Not because we find it thrilling to accomplish it. Simply because, if we waited until we had the money to have things professionally done... well, we would still be waiting. And waiting, and....well, you get the idea. :)





So, here is the projects that we have accomplished. We are gradually redoing all the baseboard in our home. We are transitioning from 2" baseboard to 5" baseboard. You might ask, "What is the big deal? Why?" Well, I like the looks of the taller baseboard. Also, besides being prettier, it is more practical. Because it is taller, there are a lot less dings to the wall when you are vacuuming or scooting furniture around. Take a look at the difference:



Ooh la la! Momma like ahh ! Momma like ahh a lot!!! So this week we replaced the baseboards in the downstairs powder bath. Here are the before's :

And here are the tools of the trade: (I am sure that the professionals have several more in their arsenal. :)

And here is the final product:

Another item on our to do list- installing this cabinet in the powder room. As you may have noticed from the above sink, there was no storage. None. So now we have this nice little "head banger" hung right above the commode. I think it is nice to have items that guests might need tucked behind doors....like aspirin, for when they hit their head on this cabinet. ha!

We also redid the baseboards in the upstairs media/game room. (And the adjoining hallways.) Now the Hollywood couples can be displayed in the glamorous way they deserve.





Here is the adjoining hallway. (The walls are all brown hue in color, however this one side appears greenish in this photo. Just didn't want you to wonder why we had one green wall. ha.)

I really like the results of our labor this weekend. Something else I also really, really like , is the new TV stand we got during Christmas break. All wood, mahogany stain with scroll work. We found it online (craigslist). It was a store display model. Also-they were moving; so we got it for $199. Quite a markdown. I couldn't be happier! Isn't it lovely?! It has a few scratches on it, but who cares? I think we got a heck of a deal!!! Also, may I say: "I love Craigslist!" You can find anything you need there. One man's junk is another man's treasure!

And the last project on our list is the shelf above my kitchen windows. Ricardo made this lovely item for me. I didn't want heavy drapes or valences in this area. I really enjoy the natural light that comes through. I think it looks lovely and clean.





Course, I haven't knick-knacked it out yet. Here is the shelf Ricardo also made for me in the adjoining family room. I like the symmetry between the windows now. Your eye just flows easily from room to room. Well, not your EYE... your vision flows. If your eye flowed, THAT would be a problem. A big problem indeed. But I digress.)

And this has nothing to do with anything. But I thought it was worth mentioning. A tip you might find useful one day. Here is our kitchen table before:


And here it is now, turned about 1/4 a turn. Sitting on the diagonal. It makes my kitchen look much roomier now. I've heard tile on a diagonal will give the appearance of a larger room, but I didn't know the same applied for furniture. I must say I like the added appearance of space. My kitchen needs all the illusions possible when it comes to roominess!


(Go ahead, scroll up and down a couple of times to check out the difference. I'll wait.....I don't mind. Truth be known, I can amuse and entertain myself for hours!)

So anyhow, that is our project completion for this week. (You can see now, why I didn't have time to wear my boots! ) If we were to have had someone come in and do this, I'm sure it would have been oodles more than the small amount we spent. Perhaps it would have looked a little more "polished" as well. But, I love the outcome of all our projects so much. Thank you Ricardo!!! You are wonderful!

Course, this guy isn't "so much-ah impressed. His expression says that he is sooo over it. Oh well, you can't impress everyone.

Speaking of over it, hope I didn't bore you to tears with this posting . If so, I apologize. Now if you will excuse me, we're tired from all this work. I think Wii need a break! :p

Christmas Vacation Activities

Well, today is the first day back at schoolwork this year...ugh! Today is also Ricardo's first day back at work after an 11 day vacation...ugh! Christmas vacation flew by entirely too fast. We did manage to have some fun though.

Normally, my boys spend most of their time together. They are pretty close. Peas in a pod, Ying to Yang, etc. They just truly enjoy each other so much. This is them playing Nintendo Ds together this week. So sweet.

But they also have their alone time. Cause, no matter how close you may be; everyone deserves a break now and then. During Christmas vacation, Ricardo scheduled a fishing trip with a guide for him and Blue eyes. It was a half day trip to catch catfish and learn some tricks of the trade so to speak. The guide was really nice. He even let ol blue eyes drive his pontoon boot. Talk about being in heaven! Blue eyes gets to drive our boat alot, but he enjoyed driving this one even more.

The fishing was pretty slow. But you know what they say, a bad day of fishing is better than a good day at work/school. They did catch two catfish though. This is the biggest catch of the day.

I think it is safe to say, that the fishing trip was a success. They might not have caught a lot of fish, but they had a great time. Wonderful memories were made.

While blue eyes and his dad were fishing, brown eyes and I went shopping. That's every little boys dream right?! ha! Actually he had a good time, as he got to pick out toys. He even picked out a toy for his brother. So thoughtful.

After our shopping trip, he played a little golf. (wii golf, that is.) I was running up and down stairs doing laundry. On one trip up, this is what I found:

LOL! Standing on the table to golf! I couldn't help laughing. Then I looked at the wii screen, the golfer was standing on a hill. Talk about becoming one with the game!

See all the toys and dogs surrounding him? Guess that is what them mean when they talk about the "hazzards" in golf. Ha!

He was having a grand ol time! As the game went on, the shots became a little more......unconventional, shall we say. I've never seen the pros hold their clubs like this before, during or after a shot.

Course, then came another hazzard. Mom said it was time to turn off the game. This is the reaction that I was met with:
I wonder if Tiger's parents ever got this look when it was time to put up the clubs?!!!

I'll have more tomorrow with Ricardo and I's vacation projects. We were pretty busy ourselves. I didn't even get a chance to wear the boots THIS week. But I'll have photos soon...very soon. :)