Virtual G.N.O. - R.I.P. Holden

My first memory of finding a book and devouring it as fast as I could was "The Catcher In The Rye". I was 16. This book wasn't required reading. I can't even remember now why I wanted to read it. All I can remember is that I bought it with my mom on Friday night and started reading it Saturday morning. I stayed in bed until I was through. I've read some amazing stories since that day but this story, on that day will remain the best book adventure I've ever been on. It changed my view and it changed my path. Thank you J.D. Salinger.

Let's embrace all that we love and admire and have a fantastic Virtual Girls Night Out!

*New to the Friday night blog-hopping party? Here's what you do: Check out this VGNO post then sign the Simply Linked guest book below with your blog name/blog link. Visit fellow bloggers that have signed in by clicking their blog link. Leave some comment love with a message of "Happy VGNO!" Go blog-hopping!*

Time For Some Tunes!

Jamie Cullum "Please Don't Stop The Music"


Love this boy! I can't wait until his show here on March 22nd!

Time For A Cocktail!

Sneaky Pete
Ingredients:
1 oz Kahlua® coffee liqueur
1 oz rye whiskey (Get it? Rye. Yeah, I'm like that)
4 oz milk

Directions:
Pour kahlua over ice. Add milk and rye whiskey, stir, and serve.

Interesting. Very interesting. I'm up for it!


Time For A Party Game!

We've played this before. It's fun.

Librarian Alter Ego

If your first name begins with letters A - E, your first name would be: Bubbles. Follow the chart to see what your Librarian's Alter Ego name is.

First Name=
A - E: Bubbles
F - J: Cookie
K - O: Pepper
P - T: Honey
U - Z: Pebbles

Last Name=
A - E: Featherbottom
F - J: Ivanabee-Queen
K - O: Rhea-Listik
P - T: Anitacocktail
U - Z: Mona-Lott

I'm Bubbles Ivanabee-Queen! OK now, let's see your Librarian's Alter Ego.


Giveaway Time!

On my Review site I'm holding a giveaway for Triaminic Thin Strips. If you would like to be one of 3 lucky winners head over here and enter. Ann Again... and again Reviews.


OK now, go have fun! Sign the Simply Linked guestbook below to join the Virtual GNO. Visit those that sign-in. Go blog-hopping! I would love to meet your blog friends so post A LINK to our party on your blog and have them join us. Send our party into Twitter world. The more the merrier! That's what it's all about. (That, and the Hokey Pokey :-> )



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What Would You Do?

So today I'm not feeling so hot. Head cold. I have my first appointment with a trainer at a popular chain of gyms. I've had to reschedule this appointment once before and I didn't want to put it off again so I did my best to get there on time.

I was in the #$%@! parking lot for such a long time I was losin' it. This lot had no Out. All you could do was make it to the 4th level and hope that there was an unused "Reserved" space to make a 3-point turn to head the other direction.

Finally I found a spot then headed into the gym. I signed in with a clerk and said this was my first time at this gym. I then said I was meeting my trainer, oh, let's call him “Apollo”. She called for “Apollo” to come to the desk. While I was waiting I asked the clerk if I could put my bag in the locker room. She gave me vague directions and off I went.

When I came back the clerk’s were busy talking about other employees and I was left waiting and looking at all of the items the company was trying to sell me. After a while I asked the clerk to call "Apollo" again, she seemed to not remember calling him the first time. When my new trainer came running around the corner he saw me and asked "Ann?" Yup. It's me.

At this point he tells me that he had talked to my husband and was told that I was sick and wouldn’t be able to make it. Apollo pointed to the clock and said that when it’s 15 minutes past appointment time the appointment is considered cancelled. It was 11:15. I told him yes, I am sick but, I didn’t want to cancel since I had done that the week before. And then I told him I was here just in the locker room putting my bag away, didn’t the lovely clerk tell him that?!?

He was already into another session, or something, and apologized for the confusion. Then he shakes my hand and says “Nice to meet you by the way”. Yeah. Whatever. He offered to call me and reschedule.

My head was pounding and I needed to blow my nose so badly that I headed to the locker room, grabbed my bag and bolted out the door.


I'm venting. But I was (I guess still am) so pissed!

Acceptance

I looked in the mirror and actually scared myself. It was one of those pull-your-head-back-and-scream "Yikes" thingys. Not good.

Where are my eyebrows? When did I put purple marker under my eyes? Just how much grey hair do I have?!?

I spent a good part of my Saturday afternoon watching QVC's "Day of Beauty". I was looking for a magic potion, something to rid my face of it's ills and send in out into the world looking 10, 15, 20 years younger. I actually did buy some products from Philosophy, but they weren't make-up items. (I absolutely love the smell of their lotions and cleansers.)

I won't stop searching, but I must accept this:

I am the lines on my face.
I am the days, weeks, years that are shown.
The happiness and sadness, the shock and the awe.
This is me.
Breathe, Laugh & Be Grateful.

Virtual GNO - Would You Rather...?

Since the beginning of the new year I have been on a big, huge clean out of the house. It began with my new obsession, the T.V. show "Clean House". My house doesn't look quite as horrific as the "before" homes on that show, but the amount of stuff we have is just ridiculous. I'm taking a break from my dirty & dusty clean out for a Virtual Girls Night Out!

*New to the Friday night blog-hopping party? Here's what you do: Check out this VGNO post then sign the Simply Linked guest book below with your name/blog link. Visit fellow bloggers that have signed in by clicking their blog link. Leave some comment love with a message of "Happy VGNO!" Go blog-hopping!*

Time For Some Tunes!

Fanfarlo "Harold T. Wilkins"



Time For A Cocktail!

Love Junk
Ingredients:
1 oz. Vodka
3 oz. Apple Juice
3/4 oz. Peach Schnapps
3/4 oz. Midori Melon Liqueur
Directions:
Pour into a high ball glass and enjoy!


Time For A Party Game!

Would You Rather...?

VGNO participants, come up with your own "Would you rather...?" question. Mine is: Would you rather be able to read your husband's mind, or have him read yours?

Why did I come up with this?!? I don't want either option!!!

What are you going to come up with?


Now go mingle at our Virtual GNO. When someone shares their blog link go visit them. Leave a comment. And when your blog is visited, go visit your guests blog. Keep the party going. And invite some of your blog pals! Come back though, it's a party!




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Shake Weight

There is no way that I could actually use this machine. I'm sure it works and I would like the way my arms looked but, I would be laughing so much while holding this thing I would probably drop it on my toes.



At first I thought it was a joke. Nope. Here's the site: ShakeWeight.com. (Let me know if you get one!)

"Do The Scary Face"

We've been going through a big clean sweep for the new year. Feels good.

I found a pile of papers that I was ready to toss in the shreader and recycle. I had to pause when I noticed all the papers had stories written by Lily in her sweet, little 8 year old hand-writing.

I believe this one's a song.

Scary Face

"I am in the woods far from the neighborhoods.

It's very dark. I had to say Clark.

I see a face along the chase.

Do the Scary Face. Do the Scary Face.

I wish I could so I should.

I should be brave. I can't live in a cave. The cave is a scary place with a face.

Do, do the scary face."



She's so talented!!!

I think I'll keep these stories for a while.

Virtual Girls Night Out - Calling All Angels

Time's are tough. There is heartache every where you turn. Time for me to turn off the news and lose myself in the blog world with my blog pen pals. Time for a Virtual Girls Night Out!!!

*New to the Friday night blog-hopping party? This is what you do: Check out this VGNO post then sign the Simply Linked guest book below with your name/blog link. Visit fellow bloggers that have signed in by clicking their blog link. Leave some comment love with a message of "Happy VGNO!" Go blog-hopping!*

Time For Some Tunes!

Train "Calling All Angels"


Hope. Help. Don't give up.

Time For A Cocktail!

Angel's Wing

Ingredients:
1/2 oz Brandy
1/2 oz White Creme de Cacao
1 tbsp Light Cream
Directions:
Pour ingredients carefully, in order given, into a pousse cafe glass so that they do not mix. Serve without mixing.

I'll be floating after drinking this heavenly mixture. Yum!

Time For A Party Game!

When the World is falling down I need to be reminded of what I'm thankful for so let's play... "I Would Like To Thank". List 3 people/things/situations that you would like to thank.

1) I Would Like To Thank... my family for being some of the coolest, most supportive, people I know.
2) I Would Like To Thank... my car for starting every time I turn the key.
3) I Would Like To Thank... my husband for working so hard for his family!

Your turn! I can't wait to see what you come up with :->


Heart-Shaped Rock Project - Update!

It seems that our lovely little gem has gotten lost in the holiday shuffle. Good thing I've found another Heart-Shaped rock at the Oregon Coast so we can continue on with our blog-hopping/video project! (Read more about it here). If you would like this little gem to head your way so you can be a part of our VGNO Heart-Shaped Rock blog-hopping project e-mail me at annharrisonATcomcastDOTcom.


OK now, go have fun at our Virtual GNO. Sign in with Simply Linked to join our party. Visit those that sign-in! Go blog-hopping! And I would love to meet your blog friends. Post A LINK to our party on your blog and hopefully they will join us:-> Have fun!

*If you are looking for a way to help those in need in Haiti, please visit Salesforce.com. They will match your donation to Red Cross and World Vision.



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Roll Call!

***Due to advertising obligations this post has been moved here: Ann Again... and again Reviews ***

A Thousand Words Thursday - This Girl Gets Around

I guess this is what happens when my 9 year old asks "Where's the camera?". I found an entire story line of Barbie On Parade on our disc. (I just might make a little video and share)

To join in the fun of Jen's A Thousand Words Thursday visit her site Cheaper Than Therapy.

Hurt

The negativity of it all really gets to me. Crushes my heart.

I should be stronger by now.

I have known my child for 12 years. Her behavior hasn't really changed in those 12 years. She's always been intense, and often times, wearily negative. Her grouchy mood isn't due to all the wonderful hormones rushing through her body. Actually her attitude is the same, only now she's louder and taller!

I try to stay in the moment of her bad mood. Try to figure out if there's some way to get her through it and have it be over and done. Try to help her learn from it so it won't happen, or won't be so bad, the next time something triggers the emotion. But I have a terrible habit of going to the extreme with my imagination. What if she completely loses it and hurts someone, her little sister, herself.

I wish my mind wouldn't go there.

I'm just so tired of it. I've spent practically her whole life trying to find ways to make things easier, or better, for her. I feel that nothing has worked.

My heart hurts.

Blank

I got nothun'

A lot is flooding through my head but I just can't bring myself to write it down.

Blah

Virtual GNO - 2010 & Big Bird's My Leader

Maybe my 9 year old watching "Clean House" with me isn't the best idea. Her first realization that her desk was a bit messy, and that she should clean it up, was a plus. I thought 'Yes! We're on the right track.' But now? I think I'll have to scale back on her viewing time. Last night she said to me, "You know, I really don't like this carpet. It's too rough. And the couches in the other room? *shaking head* I think we need some new ones". I'm not kidding. (I agree with her though). While I contemplate her latest redesign idea let's get started with our first Virtual Girls Night Out of 2010!

*New to the Friday night blog-hopping party? This is what you do: Check out this VGNO post then sign the Simply Linked guest book below with your name/blog link. Visit fellow bloggers that have signed in by clicking their blog link. Leave some comment love with a message of "Happy VGNO!" Go blog-hopping!*

Time For Some Tunes!

Pete Yorn "For Us"

Pete Nice lyrics

Pete Yorn - "For Us" Video - Pete Nice Music Videos

Music Videos by VideoCure

I don't blame that little birdie one bit! So-o-o cute.

Time For A Cocktail!

Velvet Hammer
Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz. vodka
1 oz. crème de cacao
1/2 oz. cream
Directions:
In a shaker half full of ice, pour in 1 1/2 ounces of vodka, 1 ounce of crème de cacao, and 1/2 an ounce of cream. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Too many of these during remodeling projects and I might be talked into having my kitchen floor painted red! ... wait... I already did that... um...

Time For A Party Game!

"I Did What?!?"

Here's how you play: Pick the appropriate phrase and use that to make the subtitle of your Virtual GNO post. (Or any post) It's hysterical!

Pick the month you were born:
January-------I kicked
February------I loved
March--------I karate chopped
April----------I licked
May----------I jumped on
June----------I smelled
July-----------I did the Macarena With
August--------I had lunch with
September----I danced with
October-------I sang to
November-----I yelled at
December-----I ran over

Pick the day (number) you were born on:
1-------a birdbath
2-------a monster
3-------a phone
4-------a fork
5-------a snowman
6-------a gangster
7-------my mobile phone
8-------my dog
9-------my best friends' boyfriend
10-------my neighbour
11-------my science teacher
12-------a banana
13-------a fireman
14-------a stuffed animal
15-------a goat
16-------a pickle
17-------your mom
18-------a spoon
19------ - a smurf
20-------a baseball bat
21-------a ninja
22-------Chuck Norris
23-------a noodle
24-------a squirrel
25-------a football player
26-------my sister
27-------my brother
28-------an iPod
29-------a surfer
30-------a homeless guy
31-------a llama

What is the last number of the year you were born:
1--------- In my car
2 --------- On your car
3 ----------- In a hole
4 ----------- Under your bed
5 ----------- Riding a Motorcycle
6 --------- sliding down a hill
7 --------- in an elevator
8---------- at the dinner table
9 -------- In line at the bank
0 -------- in your bathroom

Pick the color of shirt you are wearing:
White---------because I'm cool like that
Black---------because that's how I roll.
Pink-----------because I'm NOT crazy.
Red-----------because the voices told me to.
Blue-----------because I'm sexy and I do what I want
Green---------because I think I need some serious help.
Purple---------because I'm AWESOME!
Gray----------because Big Bird said to and he's my leader.
Yellow--------because someone offered me 1,000,000 dollars
Orange--------because my family thinks I'm stupid anyway.
Brown---------because I can.
Other----------because I'm a Ninja!
None----------because I can't control myself

** 'I did the Macarena with my science teacher sliding down a hill because Bird Bird said to and he's my leader' **

Your Turn! I can't wait to read your post.

OK now, go have fun at our Virtual GNO. Sign in with Simply Linked to join our party. Visit those that sign-in! Go blog-hopping! And I would love to meet your blog friends. Post A LINK to our party on your blog and hopefully they will join us:-> Have fun! And Happy New Year!!!



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New Addiction

So I've discovered we have the Style Network on our cable. How long has this been here? Why didn't I know this?!? It's probably best that I didn't know because now I find myself spending too much time watching T.V. Namely, the Style Network.

"Clean House" with Niecy Nash. Oh-my-gawd! Love this show!!! I truly believe that this show should include a therapist who specializes in Hoarders. These homes are messed up. This isn't a simple "Oh, I don't like to clean." This is "I'm emotionally disturbed and I need help."

Something else that goes through my mind; is this real? Can there be so-o-o-o many people who live in piles of clothes, papers, dishes, well... crap?! I mean, every-single-house they show starts out looking the same way. An explosion of stuff all-l-l-l over every single room of a home. It's just crazy. Could there be a "Clean House" Clutter Designer and all of these people are just actors? And the Design team is really just pushing their own name brand of home decor/home organizing systems conveniently available at Lowe's? (I'm just guessing.)

Well, if this is just a put on don't tell me. I'm mesmerized and I don't want to be disillusioned.

A benefit of this show for my home is that, while I'm talking to the people who live in this mess of a home (I know they can't hear me, don't you worry. You do it too!), I start looking around at items on my shelves and my stack of papers and start picking them up and tossing them out or putting them in the Goodwill pile. As much as I love Niecy Nash I don't want her yelling in my face about the crap surrounding me.

Oh! What's this pile of coupons doing in this drawer? They're all out dated?! I wonder what else I have around here? If you don't hear from me for a while send the "Clean House" search party.

Trying A New Outlook

We're home from spending cozy days and nights at a beautiful "cabin". Central Oregon has some of the most breathtaking, peaceful, majestic surroundings. You just can't believe that what you are seeing is real! It must be a movie back drop. But no, these mountains and trees really do exist.

It is so hard to come back from a clean, gorgeous home to a house that's filled with dirty laundry and pet hair balls in the corner. (I try to keep up, but I feel it's all against me!)

I dreamt of saying, 'Rob, let's sell our house and move here. Right now. I'll home school the girls and we'll have a beautiful life'. And I love that dream, however I was noticing that this gorgeous home that we were borrowing, although tastefully decorated, had no personal touches. No symbols of an actual family that lived there. And that made me re-think my home.

I enjoy having family photos on the mantel. I love our collection of scrapbooks on the bookshelf. And the pet hair? That I'm not that happy with, but the joy that our pets bring my family is something I can't deny and I can feel that happiness in our four walls.

My girls are growing faster than I like. And someday my complaints of a "dirty house" will be long gone. I'm going to focus on the life that is happening all around this little house. It may drive me crazy sometimes, but it's worth it.