The Dog Days of Summer Bloggy Giveaway is Here!!!

***This giveaway is now CLOSED.***

***I will announce the winner by 5PM EST***

Since I LOVE Giveaways & Prizes, I just could not pass this one up! Today is the first day of the Dog Days of Summer Bloggy Giveaway! They already have 307 giveaways posted!! Holy moly! That is heaven for me. So in the spirit of the game, I am offering up a little prize of my own.

I am giving away a Storyteller Photo Book Creator retails for about $25. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this post by Friday, July 27. I will draw a winner @ 5PM EST. That's it. Easy Peasy. Please be sure to leave a valid email so that I can contact you if you win. This contest is open to both bloggers & non-bloggers. But unfortunately, I can only ship to US addresses due to the high cost of shipping. Sorry :(

If you would like to participate in more giveaways head on over to Rocks in My Dryer and take a look at all the great giveaways. Fun!

** While you're here, please sign my guestbook at the bottom of the page**

Barbie is that you?

Growing up in the 70's I had a gazilion barbies. They all looked identical, mostly all blonde with a few brunettes. Pretty much wholesome looking except for the tini tiny waists and the big boobs. Oh, and they were all on their tippy toes! Unfortunately, that is what most of us aspired to look like. But aside from the perfect body idea, there was nothing wrong with Barbie. Really.

Today I saw a commercial for the new 2007 Barbie Top Model. Ok, I was not very happy with those gawd awful Bratz dolls. Now, Barbie has hopped on the bandwagon. I have seen little girls at the mall dressed like little Bratz. Make up & all. When I say little, I mean 7 or 8. No where near the age to wear make up and dress like that. So now, I should probably expect to see them dressed & made up like these Top Models!

They come with full make up & streaked hair. Plus you can make them walk just like Miss Hilton! Oh, joy! Barbie, what have you done to yourself????

Cry Baby

I took Kat, my freaking 18 year old, to the pediatrician today. She needed a check-up & her immunization record to register for FIU. So we sit in the waiting room full of babies & toddlers for a while. Then we are taken into a room to wait for the Dr. in total we waited for an hour and a half! Lucky for the doc, we like her. My girls like her. If it were up to them, they would go to her forever. in any case, I'm sure that I have commented on how much I hate making appointments yet not being seen anywhere near that time, so I won't go into that.

So while we are waiting you hear tons of screaming, hollering & crying. I jokingly ask her to please not cause a scene when the dr. sees her and act like a big girl. When the dr. walks in she does a quick check up and sends her to the lab, where they prick her finger. She then gets three shots and starts crying! Funny thing is, she never cried when she got shots when she was younger. Plus, she donates blood every 3 months or so. Go figure! She came out of there with 4 Elmo band-aids, but I have no proof because she would not let me take a picture!

Doing the Happy Dance

I haven't been blogging much. I have been making my daily Target runs since Saturday. Hunting down Patio stuff. I LOVE Target sales. I bought one new set @ 50% last week. But today my manic dedicated hunting paid off. I went in at about 9AM but patio stuff was still at 50. So I stroll around getting junk necessities and head towards the registers. Suddenly, I see a parade! A parade of flatbeds full of patio stuff rolling towards the registers with the store manager as the Grand Marshall. So I follow. The GM,was buying all the stuff!! So I ran back towards patio and it was all at 75%!!! And the best part..... I was the only one there!! I was in heaven. I got another set and a few other things. It's the little things that make me happy. I am still on a hunt for new cushions, but tomorrow is another day and I will be there bright and early.

I will post pictures soon.

They're Baaack!

The yucky frogs are back. We get a few months reprieve every year but then they come back in full force. Today I walk out and there were 3 floating in the pool. Danny has to scoop them out because I won't get near them. With my luck they are only playing dead, then they will jump out at me.

I am open for suggestions on how to get rid of them. Obviously the pool water kills them, but not all of them are stupid enough to jump in! "Oh, and I've heard it all before. "Don't try to rid yourself of the frogs. They eat the creepy crawlies" Blah, Blah, Blah! I don't need frogs to get rid of bugs. That's why I pay Orkin. I HATE frogs! I love my yard. I want to be able to enjoy it.

Kristyn Michelle

Today would have been my daughter's 16th birthday. Kristyn was my 3rd baby. She was a cutie patootie. She was a happy baby. She rarely cried and was usually smiling. My sweet baby girl was called to heaven too soon. She was only 4 month old. It was very unexpected. We lost her to SIDS. A piece of my heart is gone & I still miss her dearly! I will miss her till the day I die.

A CHILD OF MINE

I’ll lend you for a little while
A child of mine, God said
For you to love the while she lives
And mourn for when she’s dead.

It may be six or seven years,
Or forty-two or three.
But will you, till I call her back
Take care of her for me?


She’ll bring her charms to gladden you
And - should her stay be brief -
You’ll have her lovely memories
As a solace for your grief.


I cannot promise she will stay
For all from earth returns,
But there are lessons taught below
I want this child to learn.


I’ve looked the whole world over
In my search for teachers true.
And from all beings that crowd life’s land
I have chosen you.


Now, will you give her all your love?
Nor think the labor vain.
Nor hate me when I come to take
This lent child back again.


I fancied that I heard you say
“Dear Lord, Thy will be done.
For all the joys Thy child will bring
The risk of grief we’ll run.


We will shelter her with tenderness
We’ll love her while we may -
And for the happiness we have known
Forever grateful stay.


But should the angels come for her
Much sooner than we planned.
We’ll brave the bitter grief that comes
And try - to understand.”


~Author Unknown

It's getting hot in here!

So for all you whiners out there complaining about the heat where you live,

I just wanted to let you know that Miami has you all beat!

Although we are hot as hell, Danny insists on heading up to Orlando because his cousin is there from NY. What that means for us is going to jam packed theme park, sweating like pigs, and being among other cranky, sweaty pigs! The girls and I are so over theme parks but Danny is as I have always said, my third child. Looks like this one won't be growing up any time soon!

**Oh, and if you haven't already done so, please sign my guestbook at the bottom of the page. Thanks!**

Ouchies!

I went to the dr. yesterday for a check up. She loves to schedule me every 3 months or so, for fun. It's all about the billing! Anyhoo, I have not been in since October. I feel fine, plus I don't think I need to go so often. It's pointless. Even my cardio dr. says so. But I guess my primary dr. was mad that I hadn't been billed seen in so long, that she ordered labs done. So I go in today and they take out 5 freaking huge tubes of blood! I was not a happy camper!


To complete my day, I had an appointment with my dentist. Who, as I've probably mentioned before, is one of my best friends. He normally does not hurt me. He has a gentle touch. Today, it HURT! I don't know why. Maybe because I was missing so much blood??

The average adult has about five liters of blood living inside of their body, coursing through their vessels, delivering essential elements, and removing harmful wastes. Without blood, the human body would stop working.
Blood is the fluid of life, transporting oxygen from the lungs to body tissue and carbon dioxide from body tissue to the lungs. Blood is the fluid of growth, transporting nourishment from digestion and hormones from glands throughout the body. Blood is the fluid of health, transporting disease fighting substances to the tissue and waste to the kidneys.



I need to add that lack of blood must makes me cranky! He hurt me & I pinched him. Hard!


Note: It says that we have about 5 liters of blood. Five years ago I had a medical crisis where I bled for about 20 days. Mind you, this was one month after my heart attack. My above mentioned primary doc did not seem to think that there was a problem. On day 20, I could not sit up without passing out. I was really pale and my skin looked translucent. I went to the ER on the truck with flashing lights and was told that my hemoglobin was at 5. Normal is 12 I think. I needed transfusions but my veins were collapsed so they had to go through the jugular. My paramedic husband almost passed out at this point. In any case, I received about 7 pints of blood which equals roughly about 3 liters. So that means that I only had about 2 liters flowing through my body and my primary felt that I should go relax at the beach! I am very blessed that my heart continued chugging along even though there was not much there to pump. According to my cardio, that was the biggest stress test of my life.

Donate blood, I am a living to testament that it does save lives!

I'm a Bad Blogger

Everyone says that you should update your blog regularly. I haven't. Maybe it's because I haven't had anything to write about. Probably means that my life has been more boring than usual. I've been home most of the week. Not much going on. The girls have been busy though.

That's what I miss about being a mom to little ones. Although sometime it was quite hectic, there was never a dull moment. I was always busy & on the go. Now, they rarely need us unless it's for a ride. Athough as of today, Kat is a licensed driver! OMG! Although she is way past the legal driving age (she's 18) I'm still not ready for that! Go figure! Remember, I was the psycho mommy who had her kids in car seats till they were busting out. Then the boosters till they were about my size. Ok, I'm exaggerating, but not too much! I admit that I have always been quite over-protective of my kids. Oh, and riding in the front seat? Get out of here! That didn't happen till they were about 13 or more. I even had a dream once that Kat was driving, from the back seat!

I've come to the conclusion that I need to find friends my age! Now that my girls are abandoning me, I need other people to hang out with. Go to lunch, catch a movie, etc. I can't always count on Danny for that. Problem is, most people my age are not at stage in life that I am. The ones that I do know, have younger kids. Not teens/adults. Mabe there is a Match dot com for friends? LOL! I must sound so needy about now, I probably am!

Anyhoo, in other news, I know this girl who just startd taking that new diet pill Alli. She will be my guinea pig. See how it goes for her. I don't think that I like the thought of walking around pooping my pant! I want a magic pill! I want to take it one day, be thin the next, then go and eat my cupcake!

Remember to visit 5 minutes for Mom 's 4th of July Bash through the 4th. Pinks & Blues girls is also holding a Summer Bling contest, they are giving away Swarovski jewelry to one lucky winner!

Fourth of July Giveaway(s)

The girls over at 5 Minutes for Mom are having another great giveaway. Actually, several giveaways! It's a 4th of July Bash! From now until July 4th, they will be posting various contests. To enter the contests you just need to comment on each contest post and link back to them. Easy peasy! So be sure to visit every day and comment on each contest that you would like to enter.

WW- Wordless Wednesday

Click to Enlarge

Firefighter's Prayer

When I am called to duty,

Whenever flames may rage,

Give me strength to save a life

Whatever be its age.
Help me embrace a little child

Before it is too late

Or save an older person from

The horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert

And hear the weakest shout

And quickly and efficiently

Put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling

To give the best in me

To guard my every neighbor,

and protect his property.
And if according to Your will

I must answer death's last call

Bless with Your protecting hand

My family one and all.

I have had a very sad day today. The news from SC certainly hits home. A bunch of stuff starts running through my mind. I can only imagine what the families are going through. My thoughts & prayers are with each & every one of them.

Maybe I should build an Ark!

Yes, we needed the rain. Yes, we are in the midst of severe water restrictions. But for crissake, give us at least a tiny break! It has been raining every day for over a week. I don't mean a little sprinkling. I'm talking full blown, thunder & lightning monsoon type rain! I hate thunder. I also hate lightning. Our pool is over flowing & the yard is full of mud puddles. Fortunately the drainage system in our area is pretty good though, so flooding is minimal. At least for now. Along with the rain comes mosquitos & horrendous humidity once the storm passes. Yuck!

Here is a quick clip from my upstairs window.




Father's Day was a bust as we were stuck at home because I refused to drive around in the storm. But Danny was ok. We gave him full & total control of the remote. I hope all daddies enjoyed their day!

Throwback Thursday

The girls over at Pinks & Blues Girls have started posting Throwback Thursdays pictures. In their words, "to post old pictures that make us laugh, reminisce, and - let’s face it - recall some questionable fashion choices!"

I decided to post a couple this week because a) I came across a few pictures & b) Because they don't make me look that bad, yet I can still make fun of the others in the pic.

So without further ado...

Talk about throwback, this picture is circa 1970. This is me & my brother I was about 3 he was 2. Can my dress be any shorter??? For crissakes mom, what were you thinking?? You could probably see my ruffled undies from behind! And what about my brother? He looks like a little old man with his bow tie, matching socks & white shoes!!!

This second picture is only a year older. Around 1971. Looks like my skirt got a tad bit longer. I had those cool pom poms on the side of my socks. My poor brother still looks like a little old man, but he is rockin' those striped pants. And what about my mom? Don't you just love the psychadelic pant suit? I guess that the 70's had big hair too! That updo added about 5 inches to her vertically challenged body. That rusty swing set would tip over whenever we would swing too hard. We thought it was a riot and would jump off befor it fell!

Let me know if you post your Throwback pictures so that I can take a peek!

Oh, and while you are over at Pinks & Blues Girls, be sure to check out their new contests. They're giving away a Stroll-o-meter & a new pink Juicy Couture t-shirt. It sounds like a great prize for moms with little ones. I'll be sitting this one out, since I WON the last contest! (Insert evil laugh here)

Happy Thursday Everyone!

Double Digits!

I just realized that my countdown to our Hawaii trip has gotten down to double digits! 99 to be exact! Wow! Where has time gone?? I am so looking foward to this trip. Everything is booked including our inter-island flights. Which, by the way, I just realized that one of them is on a prop plane! I don't think I am quite ready for that! I may just book another flight and lose some $. Not sure yet. We'll see.

I think that my eyes are getting old. I was at the opthamologist about 5 months ago. Although I still have 20/20, he said to expect to need reading glasses by the time I'm 42. That's in less than 2 years. Well, I'm having trouble with small print. It is starting to look blurry. I mean, this happened from one day to another. I'm hoping that my eyes are just a tad bit tired. I don't want to wear glasses! I'll fight it every step of the way!

Shut The Front Door!!!! I Won!!!

I have just been notified that I won the Think Pink contest over at Pinks & Blues Girls blog! Oh My Gee! As I have mentioned a gazillion times before, I NEVER win anything! So now my girls & I can share the super cute summery Dooney & Bourke handbag & other goodies! Yahoo!

Head on over to Pinks & Blues Girls and take a look around if you haven't already done so. Check out my moment of glory for yourself! LOL! They have a nice blog and host awesome contests! While you are there wish Barry (their
dad/husband) a Happy Birthday!

Thank you Audrey, Jane & Sharon for hosting this contest!

My Simple Blog Story

I got this from Kailani, who got it from Chili of Don’t Try This At Home. Instead of a regular tag our it, it was turned into a group carnival. So why don't you join in. Write our blogging story then sign theMr. Linky here.

I'm jumping in a bit late in the game, but better late than never. Right????

Tell Your Blogging Story

How did you start blogging?
I honestly don't remember. I know that I read a few blogs and figures that this would be a great way to journal my days.


Did you intend to be a blog w/a following? If so, how did you go about it?
No, not at all. Like I said, I was just documenting my day to day life. Mainly for me. I'm so happ that I have made a few blog buddies in the process.

What do you hope to achieve or accomplish with your blog? Have you been successful? If not, do you have a plan to achieve those goals?
I never really had any goals, per se. My one goal was to keep up with the blog. With a few exceptions, I have done that. So I suppose that my goals have been met.

Has the focus of your blog changed since you started blogging? How?
Not at all. It's still just about my own sometimes boring life. But it's my life and I like going back and seeing what I was doing & thinking on certain days. I LOVE contests & that is one thing that I have been sharing on my blog lately as well.

What do you know now that you wish you'd known when you started?
I only wish that I had decided to start blogging earlier.

Do you make money with your blog?
Nope, don't know how to do that.


Does your immediate or extended family know about your blog? If so, do they read it? If not, why?
Well, my daughter snoops around sometimes but not often. My husband knows about it but does not read. My mom is constantly lost in cyberspace. So I guess that the answer is yes to knowing about it & no to reading.


What two pieces of advice would you give to a new blogger?
I am a fairly new blogger. I have only been blogging for a little over a year. My only advice is JUST DO IT! I am totally clueless and through trial & error, I have gotten my blog into somewhat acceptable shape. I haven't changed much, since I don't remember how I did it in the first place. :)
Also, if you visit someone, just say hi and let them know that you are visiting their "home". Comments are quick and easy & brighten peoples days.

Don't forget to sign my new Guestbook at the bottom of the page!

I would love to see who visits.

Mouse for Dad?

5 Minutes for Mom is hosting a Father's Day Contest. You all know how much I love contests! The winner of this contest will receive a Rocketfish™ Twister Wireless Laser Notebook Mouse. Danny will be especially happy with this cool prize. So head on over and enter for your chance to win. Don't worry, I don't mind the competition! :)

New toy! Please play!

I have a new toy! Something which once again, I stole from someone else! This time, the victim is doodlebugsmom.

Scroll down to the bottom & sign my guestbook. Just want to see who my blog buddies are! Whether it's your 1st visit or your 101st, please let me know you visit. Pretty please?

Borrowed (stolen) Meme

For lack of anything better to post, I decided to steal this from Valerie.

1. Elaborate on your avatar.

I don't think I have one. Or do I? Is it that little picture on my profile? If it is, then it's just me!

2.What's your current relationship status?

Married with children.

3. Ever have a near-death experience?

Depends what you call a near death experience. I don't think I saw dead people or a light or anything like that. BUT, I did crash after my cath to put stents in my heart. Internal bleeding & stuff. Got 3 pints of blood. Then 2 months later, I almost bled to death after being ignord by the dr. Got 8 pints of blood that time. Thank God for blood donors!

4. What is the name of the song that's stuck in your head right now?

How to Save a Life, The Frey. I Must be missing my Grey's Anatomy!

5. Name a celebrity you would marry?

Today?

Patrick Dempsey

6. Who will cut and paste this meme first?

Not sure, maybe Mari?<br>

7. Has anyone ever said you look like a celebrity?

When I was in college everyone said that I looked like Susanna Hoffs from the Bangles. Walk like an Egyptian.....

8. Do you wear a watch?

Nope

9. Do you have anything pierced?

Just my ears.

10. Do you have any tattoos?

Nope. Would never get one either.

11. Do you like pain?

Huh? Hell no! Who likes pain? Hence the reason for no tattoos!

12. Do you like to shop?

Uh, ... yeah!

13. The last thing you paid for with cash?

Can't remember.... I rarely use cash.

14. The last thing you paid for with credit card?

Groceries

15. Who was the last person you spoke to on the phone?

Danny, he can't stand being away from me! LOL

16. What is on your desktop background?

My Girls

17. What was the last movie you watched?

The Painted Veil on DVD

18. What was the last book you read?

The Millionaires by Brad Meltzer

Yet Another Fab Contest!

Man oh man! These ladies are on a roll! Pinks & Blues Blog is having another contest for another FANTABULOUS prize that the girls & I can all share. Except for the size small panties though, my booty will not fit in those! So sad! Anhoo, head on over to their blog and check it out! While you are there, check out the rest of their blog and keep the doggy Bismarck in your prayers. Our Krystal was very much a part of our family and when she got sick, it was VERY hard on all of us.

Class of 2007

Well, Kat is officially a High School Graduate! She graduated Cum Laude with a Superintendent's Diploma of Distinction. We are ver proud of her!

The ceremony itself was as predicted. A zoo. Making matters worse was the weather. Torential rain & wind. The location where the ceremony was being held was horrid. We were not able to drive up to the front to be dropped off. We had to park 2 blocks away, and WALK in the pouring rain! Hair & make up on everyone was ruined. Our feet were muddy. We all looked like drowned rats! And we had umbrellas, imagine if we didn't!

They ask that you hold your applause an yelling till the last name is called. As a courtesy to other parents, that may not be able hear their child's name over the yelling. That doesn't stop anyone. There was yelling, hollering, stomping and even air horns. I did hear her name and actually was able to see her walk up to receive her diploma, so I was happy.

'Tis the Season

Hurricane Season that is. It starts today. I woke up to rain and it has not stopped. We just saw on the news that there already may be a sub tropical system out there. Oh joy! That is the number one reason that I hate living here. From now till November we will be "watching the tropics". we are supposd to have a real active season this year. I believe it too. Last year was pretty slow and according to the media, we are due for a big one. Not looking forward to this at all.

Graduation is tonight. Hopefully we won't get drenched!

Contests Rock!

I have another contest link on my sidebar. The contest is being hosted by pinksandbluesgirls This time the prize is a Dooney & Burke handbag and as an added bonus they are including a Dream Angels Heavenly Eau de Parfum purse spray from Victoria’s Secret. So click on the link above or in my sidebar and enter before June 1st @ 8PM EST.

With three girls in the house, we will definitely get alot of use out of it. We have all our fingers and toes crossed. Good Luck to all!

Happy 17th Baby Girl!

Born: May 29, 1990

6:45 PM

9 lbs 11 oz!!!!

The weekend has been quiet and uneventful. We had a family BBQ on Sunday w/cake for Kari. We went out for dinner to Benihana on Monday for Kari. Today? I don't know, I'm sure she has something up her sleeves. She insists on celebrating her Birthday month!

Martha's Way or Maxine's?

I got this in my email and it cracked me up. Simply because I can totally be Maxine! Although, If you ask my friends, they will say that I am so Martha! In a way I guess. I am a perfectionist when it comes to party planning & stuff. I love to bake and prepare party food, but I HATE regular cooking! If there is an easy way to get things done, I am all for it!

Martha's Way:
Stuff a miniature marshmallow in the bottom of a sugar cone to prevent ice cream drips.
Maxine's Way:
Just suck the ice cream out of the bottom of the cone, for Pete's sake! You are probably lying on the couch with your feet up eating it, anyway!


Martha's Way:
To keep potatoes from budding, place an apple in the bag with the potatoes.
Maxine's Way:
Buy Hungry Jack mashed potato mix , keep it in the pantry for up to a year.


Martha's Way:
When a cake recipe calls for flouring the baking pan, use a bit of the dry cake mix instead and there won't be any white mess on the outside of the cake.
Maxine's Way:
Go to the bakery! They'll even decorate it for you.


Martha's Way:
If you accidentally over salt a dish while it's still cooking, drop in a peeled potato and it will absorb the excess salt for an instant "fix-me-up."
Maxine's Way:
If you over salt a dish while you are cooking, that's too bad. Please recite with me the real woman's motto: "I made it and you will eat it and I don't care how bad it tastes!"


Martha's Way:
Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks.
Maxine's Way:
Celery? Never heard of it!


Martha's Way:
Brush some beaten egg white over pie crust before baking to yield a beautiful glossy finish.
Maxine's Way:
The Mrs.Smith frozen pie directions do not include brushing egg whites over the crust so I don't.


Martha's Way:
Cure for headaches: take a lime, cut it in half and rub it on your forehead. The throbbing will go away.
Maxine's Way:
Take a lime, mix it with tequila, chill and drink!


Martha's Way:
If you have a problem opening jars, try using latex dishwashing gloves. They give a non-slip grip that makes opening jars easy.
Maxine's Way:
Go ask that very cute neighbor if he can open it for you.


Martha's Way:
Don't throw out all that leftover wine. Freeze into ice cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces.
Maxine's Way:
Leftover wine??????????? HELLO !!!!!!!

Graduation

One week from tomorrow, my baby graduates from high school. I still remember her pre-school graduation vividly! For crissake, I still remember the day she was born like it was yesterday!

So on June 1st, I will join thousands of other people @ the arena to hopefully be able to at least hear my daughter's name being called. That is not a misprint. Although hers is the first graduating class from that school, they still have over 500 seniors. Take that and multiply it by at least 4 family members each plus faculty & staff and we are probably looking at about 3000 bodies. Next year it will be worse, Kari has about 700 kids in her graduating class! Oh, joy!

Gigot

Have I mentioned that I LOVE my DVR?

When I was little, I saw a movie called Gigot. I must have been around 6 or so. It was the first movie that ever made me cry. That was early indication that I am a sucker for sappy movies. I haven't seen it in many years but I remember most of it. After searching all over for it and since Blockbuster does not have it, I was about to break down and buy an off market copy from Ebay. I did a quick title search on my DVR and Viola! It is now set to record on May 31st on Fox Movie Channel, which I did not even know we had! That makes me very happy.

Another old movie which I liked as a kid is "The Trouble with Angels", fortunately BB carries that one and I should be receiving it soon. Seems like I am in some sort of Nostalgia funk! I just watched the entire 1st season of Family Affair.

If you have never seen Gigot, I HIGHLY recommended it! Just have a box of Kleenex handy!

What Will I Do....

...for the next 4 months? I HATE Summer TV! All my shows are ending this week and my TV addicted self will not have anything to watch. It is not going to be pretty.

I am really liking the song at the end of last night's show. Keep Breathing. Is it any wonder that I like it? Breathe is my word for this year. So far, I have only forgotten a few times.

T.G.I.F.

A. A . A . D . D .

I just got this in my email and thought I would share. It's a tad long, but so funny (and true).

(Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.)

This is how it manifests: I decided to water my garden.

As I turned on the hose in the driveway, I looked over at my car and decided my car needs washing.

As I started toward the garage, I noticed that there is mail on the porch table that I brought up from the mail box earlier. I decide to go through the mail before I wash the car.

I lay my car keys down on the table, put the junk mail in the garbage can under the table, and notice that the can is full. So I decide to put the bills back on the table and take out the garbage first.

But then I think, since I'm going to be near the mailbox when I take out the garbage anyway. I may as well pay the bills first.

I take my check book off the table, and see that there is only 1 check left. My extra checks are in my desk in the study, so I go inside the house to my desk where I find a can of coke that I had been drinking.

I'm going to look for my checks, but first I need to push the coke aside so that I don't knock it over. I see that the coke is getting warm, and I decide I should put it in the refrigerator to keep it cold.

As I head toward the kitchen with the coke, a vase of flowers on the counter catches my eye-- they need to be watered.I set the coke down on the counter, and I discover my reading glasses that I've been searching for all morning. Then I decide I better put themback on my desk, but first I'm going to water the flowers.

I set the glasses back down on the counter, fill a container with water and suddenly I spot the TV remote. Someone left it on the kitchen table. I realize that tonight when we go to watch TV, I will be looking for the remote, but I won't remember that it's on the table, so I decide to put it back in the den where it belongs, but first I'll water the flowers.

I pour some water in the flowers, but quite a bit of it spilled on the floor. So, I set the remote back on the table, get some towels and wipeup the spill, then, I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do.

At the end of the day----the car isn't washed, ----the bills aren't paid,----there is a warm can of coke sitting on the counter,----the flowers don't have enough water, ----there is still only 1 check in my checkbook,----I can't find the remote, ----I can't find my glasses,----and I don't remember what in the world I did with the car keys! Then, when I try to figure out why nothing got done today, I'm really baffled, because I know I was busy all day long, and I'm really tired. I realize this is a serious problem, and I'll try to get some help for it, but first I'll check my e-mail.

Don't laugh-- if this isn't you yet, your day is coming!!! P. S. I just walked outside and SOMEONE LEFT THE WATER RUNNING IN THE DRIVEWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is soooo me, it's not even funny! I will run upstairs to get something, then stand in the middle of my room tryin to figure out what i went up for. Pretty sad.

Screen Shots

I really suck at this screen shot thing. This is the best that I could do, and none of them are very flattering. The 1st one looks like Botox gone bad on me. These are shots from our Price is Right adventure. Remember that at that point we had been awake for about 37 hours and spent the night on the sidewalk.

The last picture is me telling Justin to pick #2 while everyone else said #6. If he would have listened to me, he would have won a "New Car!"

I thought that Danny was the only one who doesn't listen to me!

No Wonder We're FAT!

Danny & I have spent the entire weekend EATING OUT! We have been literally wobbling around all weekend. Yes, we actually only ate one meal each day but they were not tiny meals. We were solo all weekend except for Mother's Day. On Friday, Kat was at prom & Kari was babysitting. We went to one of my favorite restaurants in the whole wide world, Houstons. They never dissapoint. Their filet mignon is fantastic & the loaded baked tater is to die for.

Then on Saturday, the girls were at the beach so Danny dragged me around to Lowes, Home Depot, Costco.... Yuck! Then we ate at Sweet Tomatoes. Yea, I start off ok with a nice salad but then I go and get a bowl of chili and add cheese & sour cream. Then chase it down with a bowl of Potato soup. Fortunately the bowls are tiny.

Mother's Day, we were all together. Yahooo! Plus we added my mom & stepdad to the mix. We headed out to the beach at around 6PM and had dinner at our 2nd favorite place, Carraba's.
EVERYTHING, here is great and I always have a hard time choosing. I had the Sirloin Marsala which was fantastic. Plus 2 glasses of Italian Sangria & dessert!!!
We had a very nice evening and it's always nice to drive around the beach at night.

So is it any wonder that my rear is as big as a house????

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all mommies!

There are times when only a Mother's love

Can understand our tears,

Can soothe our disappoints

And calm all of our fears.

There are times when only a Mother's love

Can share the joy we feel

When something we've dreamed about

Quite suddenly is real.

There are times when only a Mother's faith

Can help us on life's way

And inspire in us the confidence

We need from day to day.

For a Mother's heart and a Mother's faith

And a Mother's steadfast love

Were fashioned by the Angels

And sent from God above.

'All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my mother."

Prom Night

After all the headaches & mishaps, she is finally off at prom. We had hair trouble & traffic getting back home. So she was running late and I only had time for a couple of quick pics, which came out pretty bad. Hopefully they will take lots of pics tonight.

Things have certainly changed alot since my proms. We were way more into our prom. We made plans months in advance. These kids decided what they were oing to do within the last 2 weeks. Plus about 80% of the class is going solo. I would not have been caught dead at prom without a date. They seem to prefer it that way. I do admire their confidence & independence though. I hope they have fun and most of all, stay safe.

I shall now settle in for my sleepless night!

How hard can it be??

He can NEVER replace the roll! I know it may be a bit difficult for a man brain. But I have given him step by step instructions several times!

I guess it's a good time to repost this. Although it has been on my fridge for years, he has yet to sign up.

New Evening Classes For Men!
ALL ARE WELCOME.

OPEN TO MEN ONLY

Note: Due to the complexity and level of difficulty, each course will accept a maximum of eight participants.Sign up early and get a discount on registration...

The course covers two days, and topics covered in this course include:

DAY ONE

HOW TO FILL THE ICE CUBE TRAY

Step by step guide w/slide presentation

TOILET ROLLS, DO THEY GROW ON THE HOLDERS?
Roundtable discussion



DIFFERENCES BETWEEN LAUNDRY BASKET & FLOOR
Practicing with hamper (Pictures and graphics)



DISHES & SILVERWARE, DO THEY LEVITATE/FLY TO KITCHEN SINK OR DISHWASHER BY THEMSELVES?
Debate among a panel of experts



LOSS OF VIRILITY
Losing the remote control to your significant other - Help line and support groups



LEARNING HOW TO FIND THINGS
Starting with looking in the right place instead ofturning the house upside down while screaming - Open forum



DAY TWO


EMPTY MILK CARTONS, DO THEY BELONG IN THE FRIDGE OR THE BIN?
Group discussion and role play



HEALTH WATCH, BRINGING HER FLOWERS IS NOT HARMFUL TO YOUR HEALTH
PowerPoint presentation



REAL MEN ASK FOR DIRECTIONS WHEN LOST
Real life testimonial from the one man who did



IS IT GENETICALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO SIT QUIETLY AS SHE PARALLEL PARKS?
Driving simulation



LIVING WITH ADULTS, BASIC DIFFERENCES BETWEEN YOUR MOTHER AND YOUR PARTNER
Online class and role playing



HOW TO BE THE IDEAL SHOPPING COMPANION
Relaxation exercises, meditation and breathing techniques



REMEMBERING IMPORTANT DATES & CALLING WHEN YOU'RE GOING TO BE LATE
Bring your calendar or PDA to class



GETTING OVER IT, LEARNING HOW TO LIVE WITH BEING WRONG ALL THE TIME
Individual counselors available

Wicked Weather

I HATE lightning & thunder! Scares the crap out of me! We desperately needed the rain though. We have been under major water restrictions here. I don't mind the rain. I don't even mind the wind. But thunder & lightning makes me scream. Danny took the picture by the way, I was probably hiding in the closet!

This awful weather with tornado warnings started at about 7:30 PM last night. We had just spent a beautiful day out by the pool. I had just showered and settled myself in to watch the finale of The Amazing Race. At exactly 7:58 PM the satellite goes out and we (I) freaked. Danny had to go look for our hurricane TV that was somewhere in the garage. So we watched the 1st half of the AR on a 5 inch black & white tv. I had been rooting for Danny & Oswald all along so I really didn't care who won (since I didn't like either of them), but I just enjoy this show.

I have become such a TV junkie! Aside from AR, my must see TV shows include Grey's, ER, House, Desperate Housewives, Brothers & Sisters and I have really gotten into October Road.

I'm ashamed to admit this, but I als watch The Bachelor. I have yet to see a girl who is not attracted to the bachelor. Huh? I mean, who cries over a guy that they have known for 1 day. And out of 20 some odd women, there is not even one that is not attracted to him? I, personally would not have been attracted to any of the bachelors at first sight. I guess people will do anything for a shot at 15 mins of fame!

What the H-E double L???

We have been on last minute prom shopping duty. Got the dress, can't find the shoes. We were in Nordstrom's today and jumped on the PERFECT shoes! Flipped them over and almost passed out! $425!!!! What on earth are they made of???




While there, I saw a pair of shoes that reminded me of the 80's. Remember the jellies? Available in a rainbow of colors and could be had for about $5 a pair. Made your feet sweat like crazy, but whatever. Seems like they are making a comeback. Well, some creative soul decided to jazz 'em up a bit and sell them to those who have $$$ to burn. Here is the pair that we saw today, wish I would have thought of it first!

We still have not found prom shoes for Kat. Prom is Friday. She may have to go barefoot. Or I can always bedazzle a pair of Target Jelly Shoes!

On Flying...

Since I am now an expert flyer (Ha!), I have decided that I need to fly on a private plane from now on. People annoy me! The babies don't really bother me, because they don't know any better. It's the adults that drive me insane! Here are just 3 examples.

Complaint A: If I take the red eye, I hope to be able to sleep. I don't need to listen to your entire conversation from 10 rows away for the freaking entire flight! Along the same vein, if you want to watch your movie on your laptop, headphones help you hear it without having the volume way up. I know that they probably just want to share the movie with us, but I just want to sleep! My crappy foamy earplugs don't help much.

Complaint B: How many times during the flight can a person open & close the overhead? Oh, and if you have so much crap that it doesn't fit in the bin that corresponds to your seat, check the damn thing! It's so not fair that we have to go in search of a bin to put our one bag because you stuffed all your crap above our seat. It also is not right that you keep coming by and leaning over poor Danny to get stuff out. And when you do drop a bag on his head, at least have the courtesy to apologize! Grrrrrr!

Complaint C: When the crew asks everyone to be seated (for the 10th time) so that we can take off, that means YOU! The only one standing in the middle of the aisle! The one that everyone is staring at!

Looking back on what I just wrote, I realized that I sound like a major pain. I'm not. Really. I guess that I just can't deal with being stuck in a tin can in the first place, so everything is amplified X 1000.
I just need to be rich and pay for my own private plane! With a bed!

Have I mentioned that I LOVE Contests???

Although I never really win anything, I love entering contests. There's always a possiblility. In my case. it's right there along the lines of say, maybe catching a leperchaun or when pigs fly... stuff like that. But this giveaway is just way to good to pass up. Who can resisit an IPod Nano and chocolates on top of that???So head on over to 5 Minutes for Mom and read all about it! They're going to have several giveaways, so keep checking back. I also have the icon on my sidebar.

Jet Lagged but Happy!

We're back! Just got off the red eye from LA and there is a reason why they call it the red eye! You should see ours!

Anyhoo, quick recap. Never say never! We arrived in LA @ 11PM on the 25th. As we are driving to our hotel we see a ton on homeless people sleeping on the sidewalk. We soon realize that they are not homeless, they are just lining up for The Price is Right. We check in to our hotel and I walk over with Danny to settle him in on the sidewalk. All I have to say is that these people are pros. They had tents, sleeping bags, chairs & comforters. We had a picnic blanket. I went back to the room to get some sleep but only for about an 1 1/2 hours. I felt bad for Danny, so I joined him in line. It was FREEZING! The guy next to me (Justin) was totally prepared. He had a bag of tricks loaded with helpful stuff including stuff to keep him warm. I rolled myself like a burrito in my blanket and lay there till 6AM when they started handing out numbers. We had #103 & 104, so 102 people were in line before 11PM. Long story short. We did not get called to come on down but Justin did and that was exciting. It was a VERY long day but it was an absolute BLAST! I am so glad that I was able to see it live before Bob retires. Now I can check that off my life list. Heck, I've been wanting to do this since I was 7!!!

The show airs on May 14th, you might see me or Danny making total jerks of ourselves! The pictures above are not very good, but you get the idea.

We also spent 3 days in San Diego and did all the touristy stuff there (the Zoo, Balboa Park, La Jolla, Coronado Is. Then back to LA, where we went to the Comedy & Magic Club which was really fun and Jay Leno was headlining.

And of course, it wouldn't be a visit to the West Coast if I didn't sneak in at least 2 visits to In-n-Out! Yum!!

We had a really nice time. Froze to death most of the time and by yesterday morning, I was feeling it. Loaded up on Comtrex & Riccolaaaaa! Hope it helps.

Leaving on a jet plane

I woke up this morning with a major case of morning sickness! No, I'm not prego. I just feel like my tummy is all in a knot and I'll barf any minute. Danny attributes it to nerves. I'm not a very good flyer. I have to take an Ativan & a Benadryl so that I can fall asleep. It's a 5 hour flight so for the sake of sanity, I need to be conked out. Remember, I got on my first flight a year and a half ago. I'm still learning. Plus, Danny doesn't like my nails embeded in his arm too much!

We leave at 8PM our time, arrive at 11PM Pacific Time, and Danny gets in line soo after for the "Fabulous 60 Minutes Price is Right!" :)

Pet Peeves

I must have a gazillion pet peeves. People might think that I am easily annoyed but I'm not. Honest. It's just certain things that bug the heck out of me. I found this site and although there are alot of repeats, I found myself saying "yep, I hear ya!".

Although I can probably fill a book with all my peeves I will limit myself for your sake.
Here are 3 of my peeves :

* People who can't wait their turn. Whether in line or in traffic, they try to cut in front of you one way or another. I also hate whe I am standing in line and the person behind me is literally on top of me! I like to step back and step on them on purpose. Ooops, I'm sorry! You shouldn't be on top of me you idiot!

* Store employees who do not acknowledge your presence with a simple hello. Along the same vein, they slam your change on the counter and don't even say Thank You.


* People who do not understand what a STOP sign is, especially a 4 way stop. I hate it when people attach themselves to the bumper of the car in front of them and just swing on through.

That's it for now. What are your pet peeves??

**** Oh my, how can I forget my major peeve. Women who pee all over the toilet seat! Yuck! A little common courtesy for crissake!****

I am such a sap!

Everytime I watch these movies I cry like a huge baby. Funny thing is, I don't know if I cry more during the movies or the commercials.

Today I watched Crossroads. Although I like to think that I am a forgiving person, this is a tough one.

Prom Headache

Kat & I went shopping for prom dresses today. Originally we were going to have a dress made but the seamstress' arthritis is acting up so she is not working. We decided to go see what's out there. We found that there is not much! The store bought dresses aren't very well made plus they are very expensive. On top of all that, since Kat is vertically challenged like me, we would have to pay to get it altered as well. So we came home empty handed and now we are on a mission to find a seamstress that can make her dress in 2 weeks. It doesn't help that we are leaving to California on Wednesday, so we need to get this done by Tuesday.

Now for a quick parenting rant. While we were at lunch, we had to sit through our meal with the kid at the table next to us running around and crawling under tables. At one point he found a piece of bread under another table and ate it. Then he almost tripped the waiter who was holding a tray loaded with food. All the while the parents did nothing totally oblivious to the angry glares from everyone around them. They just sat there perusing the menu. I am a mom, my kids were little once upon a time... they NEVER did anything like that.

I am off to watch the Amazing Race. Still rooting for Danny & Oswald, they crack me up!

I Dream of (being) Jeannie

I have lost 5 lbs in 2 weeks. Doesn't seem like much to me, but everyone says it's the "healthy" way to do it. I want instant gratification! I don't want to wait months & months before I can fit into my clothes. I wish I could twitch my nose or blink my eyes and voila! And while I have that power, I'd blink myself a whole new wardrobe as well!

The withdrawl headaches are gone and I'm not feeling as weak anymore, so that's a good thing. I'm not a good dieter since I'm not a very good eater. I can't for the life of me eat if I am not hungry, so that small meals 6x a day thing is out. I don't eat veggies, so about 90% of the diets are out. I also don't eat eggs or seafood. While I'm at it, I don't like Mexican, Sushi, Indian, Thai or Greek. Actually, I don't like much of anything. I'm basic meat & potatoes kind of gal, with an occasional Italian adventure. And of course, cake!

Anyhoo, there's another contest at 5 Minutes for Mom. They're giving away one of those cool digital frames that I can't afford! Check it out! I LOVE contests!

I'm so cold!

I woke up to 53 dgrees F. I was FREEZING! Just the other day, I was laying out sweating my bum off at about 85F. No wonder Kari is getting sick. Weird weather patterns yet again.

Yesterday's news was shocking & terribly sad. I got a headache watching & thinking about the victims & their families. Just as I get headaches & heartaches thinking about our troops on a daily basis. I know this post makes no sense, just my ramblings of disgust.

I also want to link you to Heather. She really needs our prayers right now.
Bloggers are getting together to send Heather and her family some love! Jada and BooMama have organized a day of love for Wednesday, April 18th. Please read BooMama’s post all about the special day.

On a lighter note, Haley is hosting a contest for a Coach bag just for fun. Be sure to check it out and even if you don't want to enter, just say Hi.

Psycho Mommy on Board

One week & 2 days before we leave for California. I always get a bit anxious around this time before a trip. Not only because of the flight but because I am leaving my kids. I can hear my friends now. "Stop fooling yourself, they are not kids. One is an adult. Blah, Blah, Blah" They are my kids, my babies. I still worry and miss them.

Danny & I try to take trips on our own at least once a year. Actually, this only started about 7 years ago or so when the girls were a bit older. Not when they were really young. Except once. We went on a weekend cruise when my oldest was only one and I was pregnant w/ my 2nd. Highly recommended by everyone for "alone time". Actual time away 2 1/2 days. We spent a major part of the cruise talking about the baby to each other & to whoever would listen! People were probably hiding from the psycho parents. It got to the point that my arms literally hurt from not holding her. We were laying out on this beautiful private island, having yummy (virgin) froo froo drinks. This bahamian lady walks by selling some necklaces & stuff and trailing behind her is this tiny baby girl about my daughter's age. If they thought that I was psycho before, they had not seen anything yet. I begged Danny to ask her if I coould hold the baby. I'm actually telling him to give her money to let me hold the baby! I remember that I was practically crying. Psycho I tell ya! He wouldn't do it, but could you imagine!

At this stage, I still miss them when we're apart but I'm not that extreme! The girls actually like when we leave because my mom comes over to stay with them. They prefer her cooking. Only because she actually does cook! So it's a vacation for them too.

Wicked Weather

Holy Cow, it's been a very yucky day. I hear that it has been worse up north. The wind has been insanely strong for this time of year and the rain ... Well, I really can't complain about the rain, because we were in desperate need of som. We are under severe water restrictions here and the rain sure helps alot. These weird weather patterns worry me though. Doesn't look like we're going to have an easy hurricane season.

After 2 weeks without a Diet Coke, I gave in and had one. That's not so bad is it? Weekends & Diets just don't mix. Especially since everyone is my family is a saboteur! I have no will power whatsoever!

Maybe I Should Buy A Bike

Not for exercise. Not for fun. But for transportation. Holy Crap! I am paying between .70 & .80 cents per gallon more than I did less than a month ago! For me, I think that is about $12 more per tank full. When is this madness going to end??? You think I can ride my bike through something like that?????

I need to find a nice bike horn.

Come on Down!!!!

When I was about 7, I started watching The Price Is Right. I would play TPIR games on paper with my cousin. Yeah, we used our imagination back then... imagine that! Anyhoo, the big prizes back then were always fur coats & cars. PETA was probably picketing on a daily basis! The car price always started with a 3 or a 4. I can't even paint my house for that price today!
I used to love this show and I still watch when I get the chance. It's on at 11AM here for crissake! I have always wanted to go see TPIR live. And who knows, maybe I can be one of those that wins a host of fabulous prizes on TPIR! But first I have to "come on down" and not trip and fall on my face!


I just got tickets to a taping while we are in California! Yahoo! or maybe not. From what I hear people are lining up as early as the day before. We arrive at 11PM and the tickets are for the very next day. I booked a room for one night right across the street. So what we are going to do is this. The minute we get to the hotel & check in, I go to sleep and since Danny loves me so much he is going out to make the line. I have never in my entire life slept on a side walk. I have never made a line for concert tickets or X-Boxes, and I know I won't be able to now. so while he does, I will get some shut eye. According to him, he doesn't go on vacation to sleep, so there ya go! Maybe he will win all the fabulous prizes!



The rest of our trip will be spent mainly in San Diego. We have never been there so I hope it is a good choice!

Diets Suck!

I decided to try the Fat Flush Plan, because supposedly a) it works & b) you're supposedly learning to eat differently. Well, I can't do it right. I'm trying but I don't eat eggs, seafood or veggies. I tried to force down eggs and I couldn't do it. I also bought & made a spahetti squash, that's another no go. I also am having a hard time eating all the times that I'm supposed to. I don't really care for food much, just give me cake! Seriously though, I am doing great with my water consumption PLUS I have not had a Diet Coke in 7 days! So for that I am proud of myself! Aside from my Diet Coke withdrawl headache the first 2 days, I feel fine. I haven't had a real "sweets" cravings yet but there is still time, that is my one weakness.

We leave for California in 2 weeks. At that time all bets are off. I do not diet on vacation! So, it seems like I will be doing Phase 1 after vacation too!

In other not very interesting news but outrageous enough for me to mention. We are in the process of finding a company to paint our house. We found this company at the home show which claims their "coating" lasts a lifetime and prevents, mold, mildew, cracks etc. The sales guy was here for a freaking 3 hours!!! First number he gives us is 27K! What the heck?? He then says that we get 25% off from the home show. Yahoo! That brings us down to aboout 20K. When he saw that we weren't biting, in typical "car salesman" style he says "Let me call my manager and see what he says. Comes back with $14,800. No go on that. He finally said rock bottom $12,900. You know, Danny thought really hard about it because it sounds like a good product with a lifetime guarantee (although it's double what it would cost to just paint) plus they have a 1 yr interest free plan. But when Danny asked to let us think about it and go over our finances, the guy says that the price he gives us is only good for today. Oh well buddy, you just wasted 3 hours! He would have saved so much time by giving us a price from the beginning! Plus I hate it when they beat around the bush, just give me the real price from the get go! 27K? how would I tell Kat that she can't go to college because we need to "coat" the house???

Spring Break Comes to an End

Although technically it is the girls' Spring Break, reap some benefits as well. I don't have to drag myself out of bed and drive them to school. I get to sleep an extra hour or so and that makes me happy. On the other hand, every thing around here goes back on schedule. I have been slacking on stuff that needs to get done around here and I usually am good about getting it done. Routine can sometimes be good.

It's been a lazy week, but it's time to get back to normal. I layed out by the pool trying to even out my farmers tan that I aquired at the Ellen taping last week. It didn't help much. I guess SPF 30 decided to wor for once. By the way those 2 white hills in the picture are my knees!

What Should We Do???

Well, we have our air fare, hotel, and car rental. I was hoping to be able to go to see "The Price is Right" and a studio taping of "Ellen" but it doesn't look like either one will happen. We don't know what we should do. We will be there for 5 days. On our last trip we did Disney, Santa Monica, Malibu, Rodeo, Hollywood, Queen Mary, WB Tour & Getty Center. Does anyone have any other suggestions on fun things to do & see? We are considering driving to San Diego for a day but we're not sure yet. I don't generally like to spend my vacation time shopping, I do enough of that here.

What's the World Coming to???

I just read this and started thinking of what I was doing in 5th grade. I can guarantee that it never came close to that! I'm not saying that in 5th grade I did not like boys. My mom claims that I came out of the womb liking boys. I never thought that boys had cooties or anything like that. Actually, I was probably already wallpapering my bedroom with Shaun Cassidy posters. But this is outrageous! I cannot even imagine being the parent and being called in for that!

California Here We Come... Again!

We couldn't pass up this deal. Spirit was having another $9 sale plus we had a $40 voucher so in the end we didn't pay a penny plus they issued us a seperate $6 voucher! I don't know how that happened. All I know is that we both are flyin for FREE! I LOVE that word! We are going for 5 days on April 25th. One of our last minute things. Already booked a car just need to find a place to stay. We also want to try to go see The Price Is Right before BB retires and maybe get into a (smaller) taping of Ellen. One of the highlights of our West Coast trips is the availability of In-n-Out burgers! Yum. I am very easy to please. Cheap date, dontch think?

In other news, I finally booked our air for Hawaii in September. We are flying Hawaiian from LA. Was very happy to hear last night that they have the best record of on time & baggage handling.

For a person who did not get on a plane until well into my 30's, (Actually, I first got on a plane for my 39th birthday! ) I have already taken 8 flights since 10/2005 and 2 were on commuter planes! It still takes an Ativan & a Benadryl plus my noise cancelling earphones. But at least I'll see the places that I want to see before I die. I have seen Vegas, The Grand Canyon, Sedona, NYC, Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada, San Fran and spots in between to LA including Yosemite. Hawaii, God willing, in Sept. is on the top of my list, as is Europe. The latter will have to wait though, because I am not quite ready for transatlantic. Hawaii would have been long but we fly to LA for a few days first since I'm such a wimp!

So are any of you wimpy flyers like me? What do you do to relieve the fear & anxiety?

We are home! There is only so much I can take of all four of us in one hotel room with one bathroom! Plus, I have nowhere to kick Danny out to when he starts snoring! I did suggest that the louge chairs out by the pool looked quite comfy, but he did not seem to agree. Needless to say, I am kind of sleep deprived.

We went to the Saturday taping of Ellen's show. We got there around 11 AM and were able to chill in a lounge to about 1PM. At this time, they took us out to where the show would be taped. When I say "out", I mean "OUT". The show is taped outside. We sat there for a good 3 hours. I have a killer "farmer's tan", actually a burn on my right side, since that is where the sun hit me directly for 3 hrs. They were kind enough to give us water bottles, since I'm sure they didn't want a bunch of dead bodies in the audience. Whoever said that women don't sweat, that they perspire, flat out LIED!!! Thank God that I didn't forget my deodorant! The show was fun. There were tons of people. I would venture to guess about 1000 including the stand-by folks. I'm sure that I would enjoy a studio show better. The guests were John Cougar Mellencamp & John Stamos (Uncle Jesse) who is still yummy looking.

We were each given 1 year annual passes. Although I had sworn off theme parks, I hate to look a gift horse in the mouth so we went to the parks. If it were up to me they would have been on Ebay already (they each retail for $180) but Danny is a big kid. He doesn't mind the heat, the lines & the cranky people. So I see us going back several times before they expire. Oh Joy!

We watched the Mardi Gras Parade & caught a ton of beads! We didn't even have to flash anything! That would have been a scary sight though!

I'm happy to be home. I love my bed. Oh, and I hate 4 hour car rides!

*** I forgot to mention that the show airs on Wednesday. She has some really funny clips which almost made me pee my pants! Plus if you see a lady in a green top with white polka dots (looks like a maternity top), that's me!***