Katherine Heigl Hates Balls

Yes, it's naughty.  And yes, it's silly.  But I needed this laugh today.

Katherine Heigl Hates Balls from Katherine Heigl     

Thanks Katherine!

Timothy Hutton Was My Deal Breaker

I remember getting my first small locker in middle school.  I felt so grown-up, like I had so many important items that I just couldn't possibly carry them all so I had better place them in my very own secure spot.  Nice.  I had a shelf for my Bonnie Bell Lip Smacker and my Love's Baby Soft.  You know, the really important items. 

In High School a lot of serious thought went into who you would share your locker with.  Oh the drama if you picked one friend over the other!  Sharing a locker is the equivalent of "moving in together" so decorating proved to be a lesson in give-and-take.   I clearly remember needing to have a picture of Timothy Hutton on my locker door - circa 1980, "Ordinary People".  That was a deal breaker for me.  Take me, take my Timothy.  (He's currently filming the TNT series "Leverage" in my city of Portland, OR and oh how I wish I could find him and have him sign that same pic!)

Since I've recently found my diaries in the attic, all of the emotions of that young age are flooding back.  *gulp*  It's pretty funny.  And also very pathetic.  If only my current life were as simple as my youthful diary entries about lockers.

My To-Do List

Check list for the month of December:

• Participate in the school's Holiday Bazaar sharing my wonderful Scentsy products
• Family outing for Christmas Tree
• Plan birthday party for soon-to-be 11 year old daughter
• Make invitations and get party supplies
• Decorate house in wonderful Christmas vibe
• Plan birthday party for soon-to-be 14 year old daughter
• Make invitations and get party supplies
• Plan family birthday party
• Host 3 birthday parties
• Remind all couples I meet to plan, plan, PLAN their 'Due Dates' wisely
• Remind myself to be grateful that my exhaustion comes from caring for my family that I love
• Have a Merry Christmas ;->

My First Big Move

I'll never forget what it was like moving to Connecticut.  It was the first time that I had moved outside of my home state of Oregon.  I was leaving my family, my friends, and heading to a new life with my fiance.  The fact that we had only known each other for, maybe, 5 months wasn't important.  I was 25 and my fiance - now husband - was 29, so we weren't some "crazy-kids".  However, it can seem pretty crazy when you put it in print.  (And if our girls do the same thing I would probably lose my cool!  Thus concludes another entry to the journal of "Ann Makes No Sense".)

Any hoo....

Rob and I had shipped some things ahead and decided to travel with some of our belongings by car.  By a tiny, yellow 1979 Toyota Celica Hatchback car that had been dubbed Barney.  The name was destined by a chance drive-by, or more a "drive-over" of a little plastic Barney Rubble doll. Rob saw something in the road one day, drove over it, backed up - driving over it again - then picked it up.  Barney Rubble remained the cars dashboard beckon the rest of the cars days.

Our cross-county move to Connecticut was seen by most as a test of our relationship.  "Will they survive the trip???" I get it.  It does sound crazy.  Like I said, if our girls do the same thing I really don't know how I'll take it.  But it never felt odd, or wrong. It felt just right.  Still does.  But next time, we'll call Connecticut Movers  so we can have a view from the back window. It's funny how highway patrol can "sneak" up on you.  Oh, have I not told that part of the story?  Next time :->

The Dumbest Product Ever

You would think this was a Saturday Night Live commercial.  But... well, no. 

"Forever Lazy"

*My 13 year old asks, "Has America really come to this?".  My 10 year old says, "America is running out of good ideas."  I say, 'Thank You' to my sister for sharing this infomercial with me!

Do You See It?

While in the process of making pumpkin pies for our Thanksgiving dessert I was stopped by the shape my eggs had decided to make.

I do believe my pies are going to turn out all-l-l-l-l-l right.

Keep Smiling!  Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Did I Show My Girls An Unsuitable Video?

I know not all of my parenting choices are the best.  Whose are?  I guard things from my kids.  I don't feel the need to have them grow up too fast. I don't let them wear clothes that dip too far down (or ride too far up!).  When it comes to the movies I approve of I'm sure some parents, along with the groans I hear from my soon-to-14 year old's-friends, think I'm prudish.  Oh well.

So regarding my history of what I think is right or wrong for my 13 and 10 year old children, I know that not only allowing my children to watch this video, let alone being the one to introduce it to them, threw many for a loop.  I think the video is funny.  I don't see much harm.  But now I'm finding some parents don't agree and have called me out and said I've shown my girls something "unsuitable".  Hmmm.

Not that anything can be undone, but I'm wondering, what do you think?

LMFAO "Sexy And I Know It"

Are my girls scarred for life??? ;->

Something Fun To Do With Your Hands

It's the little things.

Yes, I can be awe struck by large, beautifully designed buildings, like the Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai.  Or, appreciate the stunning blend of cables and steel that create the St. Johns Bridge in Portland, OR (I'm lucky to have it in my backyard ;-> ).  The sheer mass of these structures catch my eye and make me say 'Wow'. 

But there's a functioning design that made me so happy, and even embarrassed my kids a little bit with my giddiness.  Have you checked out the Dyson air blade hand dryer at Costco?  (Have I embarrassed myself by sharing how much fun I think these are?)

I feel like Tom Hanks in "Big" when he starts jumping on the big piano.  If there's any way to make drying your hands fun Dyson has found it.  After washing my hands I was looking for the hand dryer and saw, what I first thought, was some kind of electronic garbage can hanging on the wall.  I stood over it for a while and saw the illustration for a hand.  Looked around some more and saw "airblade hand dryer".  Um, ok, I'm going in.

You put your hands into the machine and blasts of warm air whip the water right off!  You slowly pull your hands up and out, then naturally check your hands to see if they're really dry.  (They are.)  Other visitors came over to see what was going on and started playing with it too.  I was so happy I wasn't the only one who likes interesting "toys".

Yep, for me, it's the little things.

Are Anti-Bullying Campaigns Really Working?

With almost weekly reports of children taking their own lives because they couldn't withstand the bullying at school or on-line I get beyond frustrated.  I hear the stories and cry and cry.  I feel for the child and for the parents having to deal with the enormous loss.  I hear of anti-bullying campaigns that include school assemblies, addressing the need for tolerance and appreciation for the differences that make us who we are. I keep hearing about various programs to stop the taunts and violence toward our children by our children and yet, again, I hear of another who couldn't take the bullying for another moment and commits suicide.

These anti-bullying programs aren't working!  It seems to me that no matter how many times particular children can be told that they are wrong for ridiculing, mocking, terrorizing their fellow classmates they could care less and continue their behavior.  It seems to me bullying behavior will never stop.

Instead of our energy being focused on anti-bullying campaigns, mutual appreciation, etc. I want more energy put into programs to help our children become stronger about who they are, programs to help increase self-esteem.  Programs to help those that feel powerless find their tribe so they can see/feel they are not alone and therefore can withstand the taunts and terrors of the bullies and show their tormentors that they just don't care what is said to them and/or about them.  To have our children feel that they are worthy and strong.

I'm not saying to ignore the bullies.  I want them to be called out, I want them to have to stand on the stage at an assembly and tell the crowd what they have been doing to a fellow classmate(s).  I wonder how they would feel, owning up to their behavior.  The bullies parents should be there to hear it as well.

If anti-bullying campaigns are working, I would love to hear success stories.  I want to hear about someone who used to be so cruel had attended an assembly and changed their behavior to become a force for good.  Are anti-bullying programs working?  Or, are they more of a support group for those that are trying to survive a devastating loss.

Virtual Girls Night Out - I Took It Off!

(*the video is starting automatically tonight.  scroll down to pause, if you like*)

I made a change today.  Nothing too "out there" but something that was just enough to make a difference.  I had 7 inches cut off and added some bangs:

 Ta Da!!!

My 13 year old isn't too hip to the change but my 10 year old likes it.  (I did it for me, so I'm not heart broken if I haven't won over the crowd.)  I say this is a perfect excuse to get our Virtual Girls Night Out started!

*The Virtual Girls Night Out is for those that don't have a chance to get out of the house but still want to "hang with their friends". So, make yourself a cocktail, put on something cozy and have fun. Leave a comment to let us know you stopped by. We'll visit your blog and say "Happy VGNO!"*


Time For Some Tunes!

The world is going mad.  Mad I tell ya'!  We might as well listen to some music and enjoy the ride.

Seal "Crazy"



(Darn.  Had to delete the video.  But it's a good song!  Hum it ;->)

Time For A Cocktail!


Crazy Cocktail
Ingredients:

2 oz Malibu coconut rum
1 - 1 1/2 oz DeKuyper Raspberry Pucker schnapps
1 - 1 1/2 oz melon liqueur
2 oz Mountain Dew lime soda
4 - 6 oz pineapple juice

Preparation Instructions:
Combine all ingredients together in a collins glass filled with ice cubes. Stir well, and serve.

Um... that does sound crazy.  (It actually kinds of scares me) Perhaps the melon liqueur, raspberry schnapps and pineapple juice.  I can handle that.  Cheers! ;->


Time For A Traveling Heart-Shaped Rock Update!

We are getting back in the grove with our little gem.  It's currently at Nicki's place "Diaries of a Neurotic Non-Trad", then it's heading to Kent, WA to visit Renee at "Until Something Shiny Comes Along".  I've recently received interest from Texas and as far away as Australia.  How cool is that?!  Malaysia is coming up soon. Wow.  Our little heart-shaped rock sure does get around.  Lucky duck!

Check out the sweater (I'm calling it a sweater) that Tracie has made for our rock.  This is how Nicki received it!  Just fantastic.

This is such a fun blog photo project.  If you haven't signed up, think about it.  It's pretty painless.  We have 17 stops left to go on our list and I would love to add some more.  Share this with your blog readers, perhaps they would like to take part in the Traveling Heart-Shaped Rock Project.  Click here for the info.


Alright dear blog friends, have fun at our Virtual Girls Night Out.  If you stop by, leave a comment so that I (and our other guests) can visit you as well and say 'Happy V.G.N.O.!' :->

Everything In Its Place

Alright, I get the message.  When I open my cupboard to search for my favorite spice from Seattle Market Place and not one but two spice containers tumble out, it's time for me to get things organized and get a better spice rack.  (And the fact that this is not the first time to happen adds to my realization as well.)

A friend of mine redesigned her kitchen and part of her new organization were some spice racks that I really liked.  One had the spices in a spinner and each spice had a dial to grind it to the size/taste you were in the mood for.  I thought that was pretty cool.

Something I've had my eye on for a while is the design of a magnetic sheet that hangs on the wall.  You then put your spices into round metal containers that have magnets on the bottom and clear lids.  It just looks so cool and would completely take away the "jars-tumbling-onto-my-feet" situation disappear. (Mmmm... do I see an item for my Christmas wish list? ;->)

So, do you have a favorite spice rack style?

Looking For Fun With The Rain

Being that I live in the Pacific Northwest it seems my neighbors and I are always looking for ways to make the rainy days more enjoyable.  We’ve got great bookstores, music venues and pretty cool museums.  We live with moisture falling from the sky more often than not and that's all there is to it.  

To look on the bright side, one of the many positives is that you can find the prettiest umbrellas and rain boots in just about every store.  I love the umbrellas that look like giant flowers.  So pretty!  And kids (young and old) can find rain boots that look like ladybugs, frogs, tigers, etc.  Hey, we need to do what we can to perk things up when the skies are grey and the rain feels like it just won't stop.

There's one house accessory I've been seeing that is so cool.  Instead of a typical enclosed gutter downspout, there are new designs called gutter rain chains.  Some designs look like copper flowers that have been stacked and held together with copper chains. The rain drips down through the flowers, down the chain and into your down spout or rain barrel. It's just a perfect design to add a touch of something different for those of us that need to add more fun to our rainy days.

Trying To Figure Out A Dream

So, about this dream I remember from last night; I'm living in a community that was enclosed under a bubble of blue skies and sunshine.  When I looked up I knew it wasn't a true sky, but I didn't care, it was beautiful.  The homes were a Craftsman Style (my favorite - nothing at all like my house or the houses in my neighborhood) and there was a cluster of tall trees and a sweet, little playground.

I was walking to, what I understood to be, my home.  It was a populated area and the people that were walking toward me were some that I know in my awake world.  They would start a conversation with me but continue to walk in their direction making it necessary for me to turn around if I wanted to hear them.  They would keep walking their way, I would keep walking mine because I wanted to get to my house.  They just kept talking and walking.  Me, just walking - away.

This happened about three times.  I remember one person being a child from my daughters school.  The next person was the Principal from school. I can't remember if I recognized the third person.  All I know is that I kept thinking, 'If these people really wanted to talk to me why do they keep walking away?  I'm not going to stop what I'm doing if they just keep walking away.' 

I kept walking, up a slight incline, looking at the beautiful sky and wanting to be in my pretty home.

Hmm...

What's it all mean?

Jimmy Fallon Brings Back The Doors

Late Night w/ Jimmy Fallon "Reading Rainbow"

This boy is truly gifted. 

Good night moon.

Guilty Pleasure

Yes, I admit it, I like to decompress by playing video games on-line.  I mean come on, it's fun!  My favorites are the story games.  I know that some people love word games but I like to download games where I'm in situations, trying to beat the clock with my awesome salon management skills or scouring the picture looking for hidden objects.

My daughters like to play games on-line as well.  They want to purchase every game they see, but I've found the best way to go about that situation is to download the free trial and, once the trial period is over see if they even remember how much they wanted to buy the game in the first place.  (I guess it could be called "The Whining Factor".)  Most of the time they forget about the game, then go on to something else.  Well played mom ;->

I'm sure there are more productive ways to decompress.  I could be cleaning the attic, organizing closets or working on those scrapbooks that are in dire need of updates.  But hey, we all have our guilty pleasures.

Do Yourself A Favor - Watch This

Erato "Call Your Girlfriend"

(Swedish group Erato doing a cover of Swedish pop star Robyn's "Call Your Girlfriend".)

Virtual Girls Night Out - Get Your Eleven On!

Once in a century.  Can you believe it?  Once in a century the date 11 - 11 - 11 happens and here we are, livin' it.  Did you do anything special at 11:11 am?  Or pm?  Today is the National Observance of Veterans Day.  I think it's pretty special to have this holiday fall on the date of these magical numbers.  Let's start celebrating and get our Virtual Girls Night Out going!

*The Virtual Girls Night Out is for those that don't have a chance to get out of the house but still want to "hang with their friends". So, make yourself a cocktail, put on something cozy and have fun. Leave a comment to let us know you stopped by. We'll visit your blog and say "Happy VGNO!"*

Time For Some Tunes! 

Schoolhouse Rock!  "The Good Eleven"

As far as I'm concerned Schoolhouse Rock was right there with my "formal" education.  I learn/retain things so much better when they're put to music.


Time For A Cocktail!

We are a Marine family, so this is very fitting.

Thirsty Marine
Ingredients:
2 oz.    Orange Juice
.5 oz.   Peach Schnapps
.5 oz.   Southern Comfort
.25 oz. Triple Sec
.25 oz. Vodka
.5 oz.   Jagermeister

Directions:
Mix together with crushed ice in a glass. Garnish with mint leaves.

Cheers!


Time For A Question!

What do you have planned for this day honoring Veterans?  Have you done anything special for 11-11-11,  A.K.A. "Nigel Tufnel Day" ? Time to spread a little Spinal Tap love.

"These Go To Eleven"

These Go To 11! - Funny bloopers are a click away

Alright dear blog pals, have fun at the Virtual Girls Night Out.  Leave a comment to let me know you've stopped by.  And visit those that have stopped by as well. Be sure and say Happy VGNO!

Happy Marriage Secret Revealed!

While reading our local paper a story titled "75 Years of Love and Trust" caught my attention.  The couple married in 1936, he was 18 she was 17.  (*gulp!*)  Their answers to the questions of "what makes a long, fulfilling marriage?" were sweet. One answer in particular strikes me as a perfect:

Q:  What is your secret to a long and happy marriage?

Him:  "There's a little secret to that, and most people don't know it.  You're the head of the household.  She's the neck that turns the head!"


I like that.

The Oregonian 11-10-11

Compliment?

While out with friends last night I was told, "If you hadn't told me your age, I would keep thinking you look like a tired 30-something."

Um... I think I'll take that as a compliment.  ???


45 baby!

Some Cousin Bonding Over Broadway

Guest post written by Carolyn Black

I was really excited when I learned that my cousin Jennifer was going to be living just a few hours away from me. We were extremely close when we were growing up, but then we went our separate ways once we went off to college. It always made me sad because I wished that we had gone to college together. Now we're making up for lost time!

I planned a day trip to New York for us because we're not that far away from there anyway. When I was online looking up some attractions for us to go and see, I ran across the website Hearingaids.miracle-ear.com. After I Looked through them a little bit, I decided to go and get fitted with some hearing aids.

We decided to go and see the Broadway play War Horse while we were in the city. I'd heard so many great reviews of it so I thought it would be a great bet. And it was! I think my husband would have really enjoyed it actually. So I'll just have to take him to see the movie of it when it comes out later.

Bring On The Mama Bear

We are 3 months into the new school year and I'm hearing a little boys name too often, as in "So-and-so is so mean!"  This mama bear of a 5th grader is not happy.

My oldest is in 8th grade and, regarding her class, something has been going on every year since 1st grade.  So I've been involved with those kids, around that group, they know me.  They know that when I come to sit-in on a class something's up. They're older now and a majority of them are respectful but, there are those that need to be little jerks sometimes.  That's fine, I remember being 13.

Regarding my youngest daughter's class they've been pretty good.  It's basically a sweet group.  However, now it seems with the delightful growing years, they are finding their inner jerk and sharing it with the world, or better yet, with the girls of 5th grade.

I've been aware of this kid for a couple of years.  He is not harmless. 

You hope that the parents would catch on after hearing about their "troublesome" child over and over again in the past.  But they haven't.  I have given up hope that they will now, so it's time for me to make some noise.

*GROWL*

Just Keep Moving

If I can just keep moving my mood definitely improves.  My problems don't go away but when I exercise my stress level lowers and I feel better - for a bit.  (Which makes me never want to get off the treadmill! ;-> )

It may sound funny, but one thing my daughters and I like to do is hang out at a sporting goods store and try various fitness equipment.  My favorite machines come with fans.  If I hadn't experienced it I would think it was a joke but there really are machines that come with fans that blow on your face while your stepping away the calories, and stress.

I'm making my fantasy Christmas Wish List and including a step machine and a folding treadmill.  We have such little space in our house that a murphy bed would even be a good idea for us!

So tell me, do you have a wish list started?

Crap

Have we done something to anger Transmission Gods? 

2 summers ago we had a car repair nightmare - on vacation 200 miles from home and the transmission went out on Robs Isuzu. (Beginning of story is shared here.)

3 months ago our trusty (meaning "old") family van made its last outing with us when the transmission repair cost was more than the cars worth, so in for a trade it went.  (The girls are still not forgiving us for this.  They hate change.)

Now today, or better yet a couple of weeks ago, our new-to-us 2002 Honda Odyssey starts having trouble shifting into second gear.  Yesterday lights even came on and off to the side of the road we went, searching through the manual to see what it all meant.  Which was our way of delaying what we already knew, this thing needs to go the mechanic and will cost us what we don't have.

It's just so crappy.  I don't understand. 

Crap.

Virtual Girls Night Out - The Rock Is Back!

Hello, hello my dear blog pals.  How has your week been?  I have no idea of what has gotten into me but I'm on a path of moving my body (treadmill) and writing more (this blog and the review blog).  Just a few months ago I was feeling really down and ready to give up blog communication.  But I honestly didn't want that.  Now, I'm not really sure how things have come together this way, however, I seem to have some kind of groove going that is good.  I'm not going to question it. I'm just goin' with it and hope it stays! ;->  Time to party at our Virtual Girls Night Out!

*The Virtual Girls Night Out is for those that don't have a chance to get out of the house but still want to "hang with their friends". So, make yourself a cocktail, put on something cozy and have fun. Leave a comment to let us know you stopped by. We'll visit your blog and say "Happy VGNO!"*

Time For Some Tunes!

The Goat Rodeo Sessions "Atta Boy"

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Yo-Yo Ma, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer & Chris Thile - "Attaboy"
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor & Satire Blog Video Archive

One of the most wonderful pieces of music I've ever heard.  (Hey Nickel Creek fans, isn't this terrific?!)   

Time For A Cocktail!



Manuka Flip

Ingredients:

• 1 part 42 Below Honey Vodka
• 1/2 part Benedictine
• 1 part pear juice
• 4 figs, finely chopped
• pinch of cinnamon
• half an egg yolk
• nutmeg for garnis

Preparation:
Muddle the figs and cinnamon in a cocktail shaker. Add the vodka, Benedictine and pear juice. Fill the shaker with ice and add the egg yolk. Shake vigorously (moreso than usual to ensure the egg is thoroughly mixed). Strain into an old-fashioned glass. Garnish with a dusting of nutmeg.

Honey vodka?  Delicious :->

Time For The Traveling Heart-Shaped Rock Project!

Our little "gem" continues to blog hop it's way from Mary's "Kyooty Center" in New Brunswick, Canada to Orlando, FL stopping at Tracie's place "From Tracie".  (Do you see it?  It's in the middle of the center heart.)

Wow.  I encourage you to visit her blog and check out her pictures with the rock.  Just wonderful!!!  She is such a sweetie and I'm so happy that she gets to send the T.H.S.R.P. on to Nicki at "Diaries of a Neurotic Non-Trad" in Webster, NY. 

Would you like to participate in the blog photo project; Traveling Heart-Shaped Rock Project?  Click HERE for the details :->


Alright dear blog pals, have fun at the Virtual Girls Night Out.  Leave a comment to let me know you've stopped by.  And visit those that have stopped by as well. Be sure and say Happy VGNO!

Can You Say This?

"I was once afraid of people saying, Who does she think she is? Now I have the courage to stand and say, This is who I am."

- Oprah Winfrey

This is a goal of mine.  

I will work on accepting myself, in this way, daily.

And I just can't resist

"I yam what I yam"

- Popeye

Get A Second Opinion!

What is it with the heart these days???

Last October my dad's wife passed away on the operating table while undergoing a procedure to insert a stent into a heart valve.

About 3 months later, my dad discovers that he needs to undergo the same procedure.

This was not an easy time for our family.  So much distance had come between us and then - boom! - we were being tested on our measure of compassion.  What were we made of?  Well, with the amazing guidance of my uber-fantastic mom we proceeded to take care of business and dad.  (We still are. Everyday a different step in the journey.)

Now comes the news that my mother-in-law is to undergo a procedure for her heart.  What the heck is going on???

Let this be a lesson on listening to your body and don't let a doctor tell you, "Oh, you're just getting older and this is what it feels like."  Deal with it, basically.  No and no.  My mother-in-law knew that she didn't feel right and finally got a second opinion.  She found that she has an enlarged heart and will need to have surgery.

Can you imagine if she had stuck with the first doctor's prognosis???

We are thinking positive thoughts, saying prayers and staying focused to a healthy life after her procedure.

Listen to your "little voice".  It's hardly ever wrong.

Remains of the Day

I'm sure I'll be finding wrappers tucked in sofa cushions and discarded under their beds for days.

Hope you had a wonderful Halloween!