Grilling Goodness #15

It's time once again for some more of Tina's Grilling Goodness. Anyone is welcome to play, just don't forget to go back to Tina's and sign Mr. Linky so she can come check out what you had to say. And now, on with the Goodness...

1. Have you ever ridden a horse?

Yes; once, when I was about 13, my friends big sister took us to the park where we could pay to go on a horse ride.

Since I had never ridden a horse before the guy who picked my horse assured me this horse is the perfect horse for a beginner.

"He's very calm and gentle." He told me as he helped me into the saddle and gave me my instructions. Then he gave the gentle animal's rear a pat to send us on our way along the trail.

Just a few feet into the ride and several feet from the trail, my horse decided he was going to stop and graze. Nothing we did could get him to go any further than a few feet before he would stop again to graze a little more.

Gentle was right. This horse was so gentle he didn't want to move....or so I thought....

The next thing I know, this gentle animal turned in to a wild beast! He started bucking at the horse behind him and then took off running - FULL SPEED. We got the attention of every onlooker in the park, him galloping full pace and me holding on for dear life. I just knew this would be the end for me. It was like I was living out a scene from Urban Cowboy.

Since then, riding horses hasn't really been high on my list of things to do...

2. Have you ever run out of gas?

Nope, good thing they make gas-x ;)

Ohhhh! Tee-hee! Like, you mean have you ever let your car run out of gas?!?!

No, I have never done that either; however, there have been times where I have made it to the gas station on nothing more than a wing and a prayer.

3. How many different schools did you attend growing up?

Two private schools in elementary, until we moved at which time I went to the neighborhood elementary school. Then I graduated from the eighth grade and moved on to the neighborhood high school. That makes four!

4. Do you have, and use, a library card?

I love, love, love to read!

I could go broke buying books so I did finally break down and get a library card. However, we have since moved and I haven't gotten a new one yet. But don't you worry...I will have one soon. We have a wonderful library here!! The girls love it!!

5. Hand-wash or dishwasher?

Dishwasher

6. Does your alarm clock beep or play music?

My alarm clock beeps, ALOT! Me being a big fan of the snooze button and all ;)

7. Do you know how to roller skate?

Do I know how?? Yes

Am I any good?? No

Am I stupid enough to get on skates to see if my skills have improved any throughout the years?? HELL NO!! You aren't about to catch me on anything with wheels, where I could fall down and bust the concrete my butt.

8. What would you consider one of your biggest accomplishments?

Did I tell you about the time that I left Target without spending a single dime?? I'm just sayin' ;)

Grilling Goodness #14

Guess what time it is?!?!?

Yep, you got it!! It's time for some more of Tina's fun Grilling Goodness, which actually has nothing to do with receipts or even food - sorry to disappoint, mom; although, you should have realized if I was participating it must be a double entendre ;) I'm just sayin'

This is a Friday meme that my friend Tina came up with where she asks (a.k.a. "grills") us - us being whomever would like to play along - eight random questions from her noodle.

Okay, now that we've got that all cleared up... On with the goodness:

1. Do you like scary movies?

Absolutely! I love anything scary.

Unfortunately, they don't make very many good scary movies. I can't tell you how long it's been since I've seen a scary movie that's actually scary. *sigh*


Of course, it doesn't help that I'm not easily scared. I've been told that my 'scare meter' is off the charts so what might scare others is just silly to me.


2. What kind of cell phone do you have?

I have a blackberry pearl - very sleek!

And I'm waiting for someone to invent one with a checkbook feature - like a one stop shop for everything right there on one little devise - where you could balance your checkbook on your phone; effectively eliminating all those darn check registers that they never give you enough of when you order checks.... Think Green, people. Think Green. I'm just sayin' ;)



3. Do you have a passport?

Nope, no need for a passport when you never go anywhere - right? :(



4. Has anything sad happened in your life this week?

One of the seventh grade teachers at Sugars school passed away in her sleep last Monday night. While I did not know her and this didn't directly impact our family, it is still very sad. My prayers are with family and friends during this time of need.


5. Have you ever broken any bones?

According to the doctors I haven't.

I fractured my wrist once, when I was younger, playing smear the queer with the boys and I bruised my tail bone really, really bad when I fell down a flights of concrete stairs at work.

I also 'jammed' my toe when I kicked a tree stump, playing soccer barefooted - they said it wasn't broken; but, to this day, I don't believe that. My toe hasn't been the same since and I'm no longer able to sneak up on anyone because it pops every time I move it.



6. Did you do anything this week that you don't normally do?

Yes, I hope no one goes into shock upon hearing this news; but, I left Target without spending any money. *GASP!*

Can you believe it??

I got nothing, from Target: nothing, nada, zero, zilch.

Total Amount: $0.00!!

Someone call the Guinness Book of World records!!



7. What's the worst thing you ever had in your wardrobe?

Gosh Tina, what a question!

The fashion styles that I grew up with included, but were not limited to: Bell bottoms, Chic and Jordash jeans, Parachute pants, stirrup pants, anything neon, leg warmers (worn over your jeans), jellies, and banana clips.

I'm certain that through all of that, there have been several horrible things in my wardrobe. ;)


8. Did you have braces on your teeth?

Yes, I have the million dollar smile. I've had lots and lots of work done on my mouth - including four years of braces.

Grilling Goodness #13

It's Friday night and you know what that means.....Time for some more Grilling Goodness.

Feel free to play along, if you would like, and don't forget to go back over to Tina's and sign Mr. Linky to let her know you played. I'm sure she would love to hear what you have to say.

And now, on to the goodness:

1. What's your 'dream machine' - as in vehicle? Do you think you'll ever own it?

Throughout the years, as I've grown, I have had several different ideas as to what my dream machine would be.

For instance, when I was is my teens I thought my dream machine would be a Jeep.

Then, when I was in high school and my dad decided to surprise me by purchasing my first big old banana boat car, a Ford Granada, my dream machine was anything that I didn't have to sit on a phone book to see past the hood and I wouldn't have to veer to the left in order to turn right.

Not to sound ungrateful, but...you know what I'm sayin'? ;)

As a side note: I never actually had got to drive that big old banana boat car. Unfortunately - or fortunately for me, depending on how you look at it - that big old banana boat car was a lemon and never did work again, once he brought it home. So..... we traded it in for my second first car, an Oldsmobile Firenza - which I loved and named Phoebe Firenza. Whew! Dodged that bullet ;)

Later in life, as I approached my thirties, I had dreams of owning a Yukon so the hubs and I went out and bought one. Then his pay went way down and the gas prices went way up so we traded it in for something else.

Now, as I near the forties, my dream machine is anything that is paid for and I'm working towards that goal with my VW Jetta - that I absolutely LOVE!! My plan is to drive it 'til the wheels fall off, so I guess that also takes care of the second part of this question, huh? ;)


2. Can you water ski?

Hmmm?? Don't know....never tried.

If this question would have been posed to me about twenty years ago, I wouldn't have had a doubt in my mind that water skiing would be something I could excel in; but now, twenty years later and a few pounds heavier, I'm not so sure.

3. What kind of milk to you prefer?

How about chocolate milk ;)

4. Have any of your pet peeves 'gotten your goat' this week?

Oh yeah, that goat of mine is in constant abandonment. Do you think that means that I might need to loosen up a little?? Just curious ;)


5. How do you prepare your taxes? HR Block, Turbo Tax, by hand - or does someone else do it for you?

The thought of doing my taxes has always given me great anxiety. Until one day, many years ago, a co-worker referred me to the lady who does her taxes and we've been going to her ever since. That's not to say I don't still have some anxiety around tax time but it has lessened considerably. She's wonderful. I love her :)

6. Did you start a workout program this New Year?

I haven't joined a gym or anything crazy like that, but I am watching what I eat and plan on making an effort to find time to either work out on my elliptical or to play our Wii fit more often.

Wish me luck...

7. Do you have a certain meal that you cook each and every week?

Yes, I usually have the #2 with no onions at McDonald's.....

OH! you asked about a meal that WE COOK each week. Ha, ha, ha! Very funny, Tina!

8. When do you normally write your blog posts?

Usually in the evenings, after a long day of work, dinner and sixth grade homework.

Grilling Goodness #12

Another year has come and gone. I hope everyone had a Happy New Year.

As I'm sure you've noticed, I took a little blogging break over the holiday season - as did most of blogsphere ;)

I'm certain that I'll be back to the regularly scheduled program sometime in the next week and at that time I'll tell you all about our Christmas holiday in the new house - who knows, maybe I'll even have some pictures to share ;).

Until then, how about a little Grilling Goodness to start off the new year?!?!?

For those of you who don't know what the Grilling Goodness is all about: this is a fun little Friday meme that my friend Tina created, as a way to get to know you better.

Feel free to play along, if you would like; and after you finish, don't forget to go back over to Tina's and tell Mr. Linky - I'm sure she would love to hear what you've got to say.

In the meantime, on with the first Grilling Goodness of 2009 - Let the fun begin!

1. If you could have done something different in 2008, what would it be?

I wouldn't have waited so long to move. :) Have I mentioned how much we love it here??

2. What is something that you know will happen in 2009?

In the fall of 2009, my youngest (Spice) will begin kindergarten - also known as the highly anticipated 'big girl school'

[GULP]

Where did the time go? It seems like just yesterday we were awaiting her arrival and now she's a hard headed, full of spunk, can't tell her anything, little miss independent four year old.

3. What is something that you hope will happen in 2009?

It would be nice if I lost a couple of pounds or 20 or 30 or 60.....

4. Do you already have a vacation planned for this year?

If you count Friday - since that was the official first work day of the new year and I took it off, then yes. ;)

Other than that, I have made no vacation plans for this year; however, if anyone wins a trip to somewhere fabulous and is looking for a friend to take along, I'm sure I can make myself available.

I'm just sayin' ;)

5. Are you relieved that the holidays are over?

Yes, I must say, I am glad they're over. As nice a Christmas time is, it is also a very stressful time of year.

6. Did you make a resolution? Will you share it?

I resolved several years ago not to make resolutions, that way I don't get upset with myself on January 2nd when I fail to meet them ;)

So far, that's the only one I've ever been able to keep.

7. How old will you turn in 2009?

A lady never tells and a gentleman never asks... However, since you're not a gentleman and I'm not a lady....I guess it's safe to say that I will be 38 in '09.

Now, should this question have been about my weight....

8. What did you do to celebrate the New Year?

I brought in the New Year doing one of my favorite pass time activities.

Any guesses as to what it might be??

No? Alright then, I'll give you a clue.... It involves the bed ;)

Okay, yeah, so I fell asleep.

What can I say? I guess I'm getting old - Try as I might, as soon as Lawrence Welk cues the bubbles... I'm off to dream land.

Grilling Goodness #11

Guess what time it is??

That's right! It's time, once again, for some Golden Goodness.



Please feel free to play along and don't forget to go back to Tina's site and fill in Mr. Linky to let her know you played. I know she would love to hear what you have to say. :)



1. What pain reliever do you swear by?

I'm not a big fan of taking medicine. In fact, I'm so bad that I will walk around all day long complaining of a headache and it will never occur to me that I should take something until someone asks if I have.

DUH!!!

So I guess you could say there isn't one singe pain reliever that I swear by; but, when I finally do break down and take something, it's usually Tylenol.

2. Have you gotten up-to-date with a flat screen HDTV?

Nope, but if anyone would like to make a donation towards the cause, I would not turn it away. ;) I'm just sayin'!

3. Have you honked at anyone lately?

I'm more of a 'vocal driver' than a 'horn honker' (I've decided it's a genetic disorder that runs in my family.) so I'm more likely to cuss at you than to honk at you.



However, just the other day I honked at this man on the interstate. He was trying to be in my lane and his lane too. I had no where to go so I honked, he moved back over and I went along my merry way (away from him!)

4. What is your favorite household product?

When I think of household products, I think of cleaning and that is not something that makes me happy so I don't really know what my favorite household product would be but I guess we all know - thanks to Amy - that it isn't Endust. ;)

5. What is the earliest you've gotten up this week and why?

Around 5:30 or 6:00 - to get ready for work.

6. Do you travel out of town for Christmas?

Most of our relatives are right here in town so there is never a need to travel. We usually stay home and enjoy our time together.

7. Have you been listening to Christmas music? (Favorite?)

I listened to it the other day, when I was in the car with mom; does that count??

8. When do you exchange gifts with family?

We open our gifts on Christmas morning - usually at the crack of dawn, before even the birds wake, because of two excited little girls who can't wait any longer.

Grilling Goodness #10

Alright y'all, it's time once again for Tina's fun and wonderful Grilling Goodness. But, before I begin, I should first tell you all the story behind OJ's other glove - which I posted about here.

Sorry about that, it wasn't my intention to leave you all hanging but life had other plans and knocked me on my butt with a sudden illness that I have still not recovered from.

I'm sure you all remember a few Friday's ago, when OJ was finally being found guilty for yet another crime he committed and was sentenced to several years in prison - where many believe he should have been several years ago, but I digress...

So, that afternoon I was leaving work and right there on the ledge was one, single, leather glove and as I walked passed the glove I chuckled to myself as I thought, "Hey look! It's OJ's other glove."

Not one to keep my silly, sad and sometimes sick sense of humor to myself, I ran back in to snap a picture (because you know us bloggers always carry a camera with us in the event that we come across a story) so I could share with all of my blogging buddies.

And there you have it- the boring, and somewhat silly, story behind the glove.

Now on with the Goodness... If you are interested in playing to please feel free to do so. I know that Tina would love to hear what you've got to say. Oh, and don't forget to link back to her and also to sign your name on Mr. Linky to let her know you played. :)

1. How many Christmas parties have you attended or will you attend?

Well, if you count the office party, that would be two. We have an office party each year and then we also have Ms. Jewal's annual Christmas celebration. Not sure if those qualify as 'parties' but for the purposes of answering this question we'll say that they do... ;)

2. What is your favorite dish to take to a party?

Anything that is easy to make and doesn't require cooking. I usually take my world famous - okay so maybe not really known throughout the entire world but I haven't met a person yet who hasn't loved it - fruit compote.

I know, I know. The name of it isn't very appealing and being honest, it isn't a 'pretty' dish either but it tastes wonderful - and that's all that counts, right?

3. When you're at home and your feet are chilled, do you wear socks or houseshoes?

I have both. I'm really not much on shoes so it used to be that I would always wear my warm and fuzzy socks when my feet got cold - house shoes always seemed to make my feet sweat - but I finally found a pair of house shoes that I really like and so now I wear them whenever putting something on my feet becomes absolutely necessary.

4. What are your plans for this weekend?

My plans were wonderful. My weekend, notsomuch.

This weekend Tina was supposed to pick up Sara and they were supposed to head over to my new crib where Amy would also be visiting. It was supposed to be a day full of silly stories and much laughter. A day when wearing your Spanx would not be such a great idea.

Unfortunately, I got sick (as did Sara). :(

I didn't want to cancel because too much had gone into making this day happen - on both sides - so Tina and Amy still came to see me and we had as good a time as is possible with me feeling as lousy as I did.

But don't you worry, we will find a time - when all of our busy calenders are clear and our health is good - to meet up again; and that will be a day for Depends. ;)

5. What is the most expensive Christmas gift you are buying for your children this year?

My youngest is four years old and still very easy to please. Her gifts don't cost very much and I think the most expensive thing she's getting is a doll house.

My oldest, on the other hand, is twelve and has asked for a laptop this year.

6. Do you have a family portrait made each year?

Family portraits, no. But I did, once upon a time, take my girls to have their pictures taken every year. But that can get expensive and so my wonderful hubby bought me a nice camera one year and since then I have taken my own Christmas pictures of the girls.

Then, with the help of Shutterfly, I make the most adorable calendars each year, filled with fun pictures of the girls, for family and friends.

Doing this has saved us hundreds of dollars during the Christmas holiday's.

7. Do you drive your kids around looking for decorated homes?

When I was young, it was sort of a Christmas tradition for us to ride around on Christmas Eve and look at all the pretty lights.

Looking back on it now, I'm sure that was my parent's way of getting us up and out of the house so we would stop asking if it was Christmas yet. ;) And it did help to pass the time.

Anyway, we do look at the lights whenever we are out riding around but it's not something that we load up and head out with specific intentions of doing. Maybe we should though, both of my girls really enjoy looking at all the pretty lights.

8. What is your least favorite thing about cold weather?

How about the cold weather?!?! I guess you could say that I am not a fan of cold weather :(

Grilling Goodness #9

YAY! It's time for another round of Grilling Goodness. I looked for it last week but our hostess must have been busy eating turkey or something ;) *Sheesh!*

Click here if you would like to play too - and don't forget to go back and tell Mr. Linky that you posted. :)

1. Do you send out Christmas cards? Have you done it yet?

Christmas cards are kind of like dinosaurs, aren't they??

Once upon a time, long, long ago, I used to send Christmas cards every year. But as the years passed on and the cost of stamps went up, the number of cards sent went down, until they finally became extinct - replaced by the cost efficient "Free" e-cards.

Every year I get a Christmas card from my friend Tina. And every year I think how nice it was for her to think of me and I tell myself that I am going to start sending cards again; but then the next year rolls around and the sending of the cards gets overlooked - once again.

Maybe this year will be the year that the dinosaurs Christmas cards return (don't laugh, it could happen).

Please stay tuned to find out... ;)

2. When you cook chicken, do you cook a whole chicken?

When and if I ever cook chicken, I'll let you know ;)

3. What is your favorite Christmas movie?

Oh, this is a hard one...there are so many good Christmas movies and I truly love them all but my all time favorite has to be It's A Wonderful Life.

4. How often do you go to the grocery store?

I hate going grocery shopping so I usually try to avoid it whenever possible.

Most of the time, I'll try to hold off until the hubby gets back and then send him; but we usually have to go at least once a week - I might be able to stretch it out to once every two weeks, if I play my cards right.

5. Do you play games online?

Not really, but for a while there I was addicted to playing the games on Webkinz - don't judge, they're really fun!

6. Do you make your bed everyday?

Um yeah, sure. Isn't that obvious in this here picture that I took??

7. What is one of your favorite websites? (Hopefully this is understood, but please share only the G rated sites! lol)

G Rated, huh? Gosh, that really narrows it down for me....

And for those of you who don't know me...KIDDING!!!

There are many informative websites out there that I really, really like: dictionary.com and snopes.com are two prime examples. However, my newest, most favoritest website is

~~~ drum roll please ~~~

I first heard about this wonderful website by one of my favorite blogging buddy's, Mama Mia. I said I was going to check it out, but then I forgot. :(

About a month later, I was talking to another of my bestest blogging buds, Amy from In My Life, when she reminded me about it - at which point I ran right over to check it out and fell immediately in love!!

This is quite possibly the answer to a low budget, avid reader's prayer. If you like to read, I strongly suggest checking this one out.

8. What gives you the most laughter in life?

It's hard to nail this answer down to one single thing. Laughter is a key element in my life and I like to surround myself with as much of it as possible.

My husband, my children, my friends and myself; I am blessed with laughter ever single day by at least one, if not all, of these people.

Grilling Goodness #8

Last weeks Grilling Goodness was in honor of Tina's wonderful husband, Donald. It was Donald's birthday (Happy Birthday, Donald!) so she chose some questions that her readers could answer about their spouse, significant other, or themselves - however they wanted to play. Since I too have a wonderful husband, I think I'll answer my questions about him as well. Let's commence...


1. Sitting in front of the TV, what’s on the screen?
It depends, he is pretty eclectic about things he watches. Sometimes it's the History Channel or the Animal Planet. It could be some of those informative shows like, "How Did They Make That" or it might be something that makes you appreciate what you do like, "Dirtiest Jobs." Sometimes it's a music channel like MTV, BET or VH1; but here lately, it's Howard Stern. What is it about him that all men love anyway?? I just don't get it.


2. You’re out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad?
He won't be getting any kind of dressing because he doesn't eat "rabbit food." Usually, he will request a cup of soup instead of a salad; but if he must get a salad, he will order it with Ranch and give it to Sugar.

3. What’s one food he doesn’t like?
Good thing I'm answering these questions about the hubby, because this list for me could get rather long.

One food he won't eat, besides salads, is Chitin's - BLECH!! and who could blame him?? Certainly not me!

However, I will tell you about a story that he did one Thanksgiving, when Sugar was about two years old and would eat anything you put on her plate. He thought it would be fun to see if she would eat chitin's so he put some on her plate, right beside her dressing. She quickly spit them out and hasn't touched dressing since that day.

4. What is his favorite type of sandwich?
Any sandwich with a lot of meat on it.

5. What would this person eat everyday if he could?
Chicken wings. He loves chicken wings!!

6. What is his favorite cereal?
I guess you can add this to the list of things he won't eat. He's not much of a breakfast food eater, and doesn't eat cereal at all.

7. What would he never wear?
I'm going to go with a speedo. He would never wear one of those and if he ever did, I wouldn't claim him as mine...I'm just sayin' ;)

8. What is his favorite sports team?
Fortunately for me, he's not that into the whole sports thing but his favorite Pro-Football team is the Chicago Bears and he supports the U of M Tigers in college basketball.

Grilling Goodness #3 - #6 (The Cookout)

I just love playing along with my good friend, Tina's, Friday meme, Grilling Goodness, each week. Unfortunately, during our 'big move' I got a little behind and I kept telling her that I was going to have to have one big cookout to get caught up.

Well, it's Saturday night - what better night for a cookout?? So sit back, relax and enjoy some food for thought, as I get caught up on all of this Grilling Goodness. Some answers will be long, some short. Some will be funny, some notsomuch. But all will be mine. ;)

Grilling Goodness #3

1. What is your least favorite aspect of Election Year?
Everything! I hate election years. Both parties talk to much and make promises they won't keep - and they usually do all this talking during one of my all important television programs.

Not to mention, I am close to friends and family on both sides of the political parties so I get to hear it all.

ALL.THE.TIME.

It's enough to make a person wanna scream: SHUT UP! And put my programs back on.

I'm just sayin' ;)


2. What is something your spouse could do to make you feel special?
Ship the kids off for the night. Clean the house. Cook me a wonderful dinner. Run me a bubble bath and rub my feet.

Ahem, but Babe, if you're reading this... I have not given this any thought at all. ;)

3. Do you complain at restaurants or do you just tip less?
I don't usually complain. If the bad service was due to the waiter/waitress I will tip less. But most of the time I will put them on my do not return list and if it is highly likely that they will end up being blogged about.

4. If you had it to do over again, would you choose the same wedding date you had?
Sure, why not.

5. What kind of car do you drive?
Volkswagen Jetta (I heart my Jetta)

6. If you have siblings, are you close to them?
I have a brother. We are eight years apart. We were pretty close when we were younger (I felt like he was mine) but, as we have grown older, we have each gone on to live our lives and grown further apart in the process. This does not mean that the love is not still there; I love him very much and would do anything in my power for him but we just don't talk much.

7. Do you spend the same amount of money on each child at Christmas or just buy a certain number of gifts?
Usually, I try to get both girls at least one big ticket item and I make up the difference with the little fill ins. For the most, part the dollar amount is somewhere in the same ballpark. However, it is not always possible to spend the same amount for each child because of their age difference: Sugar is twelve and her gifts are more expensive than Spice, who is four. I could easily spend $300.00 on one item for Sugar and to spend that much on Spice it would appear that all the presents under the tree were for her.

8. What phrase do you find yourself saying all the time?
"Turn that TV down!"

I swear, sometimes I think the people in my house are all deaf.


Grilling Goodness #4

1. The World Series has begun...do you watch it? (and do you care who wins?)
Nope and Nope. I don't care one iota about baseball.

2. Is the inside of your car clean or 'garbage dump filthy'?
Depends on where you're looking. If you look in the front it will appear clean but if you should have to venture to the back you might find something scary.

3. Who is the next person in your family to have a birthday?
My babe. His birthday is exactly one week before Christmas; but I don't know why I'm telling you all this, because according to him it's a national holiday so this should be something you already know.

4. Do you wear glasses or contacts? (how old were you when it became necessary?)
Nope, neither (but it's possible that may change soon).

5. What is your major form of exercise?
Soon to be my Wii Fit. (Merry Christmas to me from me a little early - but you gotta get it whenever you can find it, because they don't stick around in the stores very long at all.)

6. What is something you could do to make your spouse's day easier today?
Finish unpacking and organizing things around our new home. I'm getting there, it's only been two weeks - don't rush me. Sheesh!

7. How much is gas where you are?
I saw a sign today that said $1.83 Wooo-hoo!!

8. What the furthest away from home that you've ever traveled?
Minnesota.

We went there with Ms. Jewal when Sugar was about two years old. Unfortunately, I didn't get to enjoy it very much because, on our second day there, I was in bed with a fever from a sever sinus infection. My sinuses don't do well in climate changes. :(

Grilling Goodness #5

1. Is there anything peculiar about the way you sleep?
Not unless you consider having a four year old lying on your back - as if you were a real live body pillow - peculiar.

2. Are you in with the fad...do you own something with giraffe print?
I have never been one to keep up with the fads...I like to be my own person.

3. What color do you have the most of hanging in your closet?
Black and Brown

4. In the spirit of all the candy that will fly around today...what is your favorite kind of candy?
Hmmm?? I wonder if this was the Halloween Grilling Goodness?!?! ;)
My favorite "Halloween" candy is tootsie rolls.

5. Is your thumb green or are you a plant killer?
Nope, no green thumb here. But I do have myself a lovely plastic plant in my turtle plant holder...

6. Do you have a crazy pet story?
How about the story of our pet turtle who ran away from home...that one usually gets lots of laughs.

Seriously, I had him outside in a container that he had outgrown so that I could clean his tank (there is a lot more work involved in having a pet turtle than one would think). Someone stopped by and we were all standing in the driveway talking to him. When I went back to get him and put him back in his now clean tank, he was gone - nowhere to be found and never to be seen again. :(

7. Did you ever tight-roll your jeans?
I'm just dying to know where this one came from..LOL! Yes, I believe I do recall tight rolling my jeans once or twice (but only when they were too long).

8. Does your family read your blog?
Yes, but they never leave a comment :(

Grilling Goodness #6

1. What is one of your 'must see' tv shows?
Medium. I LOVE that show. I MISS that show. When is it coming back on, anyway??

2. Do you have a facebook page?
Yep, but I almost never get on it (or on my myspace page). Guess I'm just to busy blogging. :)

3. How old were you when you got married?
25 the second time

4. What is one bad habit that you need to break?
Picking. I'm a picker (I shamefully admit).

I have always been a picker. If it's a picky, and it's on my body, it must be picked. But just so you know, I don't pick anyone else's pickies...only my own. 'Cuz that's just gross!

5. What is your favorite cold-weather activity?
Sleeping in the comfort of my big, cozy bed under the nice, warm heat of my electric blanket. Mmmm...snuggly

6. At church, do you always sit in the same area?
Mmm-hmmm.

7. What do you like best about blogging?
It used to be the telling of my stories and while that is still very therapeutic and I very much love it, I must admit that it has evolved into so much more than that.

Non-bloggers don't understand but blogville is like a tight little community. I can not tell you how many wonderful women I have met, and continue to meet on an almost daily basis, through my blog. It's wonderful!

8. What's the last funny thing you remember hearing from a child?
The other day, when I smelled something funky and I said, "Ewww Drake!", to which Sugar replied, "That wasn't Drake" and then walks her funky butt upstairs.

Grilling Goodness #7

Yay! It is about time that things got settled enough for me to get back around to some Grilling Goodness. I’ve got some catching up to... Soon to come, I’m going to have one big cookout. :) But until then, here are this weeks Q & A’s:

1. What’s the worst thing you’ve ever sent through the washing machine/dryer?
Oh my goodness! With Sugar and Spice as your children, all sorts of nasty/bad things have been washed around our house. Lot’s of money! We have the cleanest money of anyone I know. Lip stick, rocks, tootsie rolls, bubble gum, the list just goes on and on.

2. Do you do any of your Christmas shopping online?
Yes, I love the convenience of being able to shop online. No crowds. No one fighting over the last item. No standing in line. No driving from store to store looking for the years hottest item. AND during the holiday’s you can usually get free shipping. Online shopping rocks!

3. What are you looking forward to this Thanksgiving?
I love Thanksgiving. Any holiday that allows you to gorge yourself on good food without anyone looking at you like you’re the worlds biggest pig is a good one in my book. And to top it off, my husband is an excellent cook! He always cooks us a wonderful meal.

I know that many people go out and visit relatives on Thanksgiving; but I prefer to spend the day at home with my family. This year I am looking forward to the first of many Thanksgivings to come, in the comfort of our new house.

4. What did you do before you had children that you miss doing that you have children?
If my husband were answering this question, he would say that he misses sex.

Sorry, couldn’t resist. ;)

I, on the other hand, will say that I miss having a clean house. In fact, if I didn’t have to walk around and pick up behind the little tornado’s that wind their way all through my house – on a daily basis. Or nag someone to pick their things up 350 times before it finally got done, I would probably have more energy to grant my husbands wish for sex more often. I’m just sayin’ ;)

5. Do you have a fireplace? Do you use it?
For the first time in our togetherness, we do have a fireplace. It was not a must have but it sure is pretty. Like Tina, though, ours is gas and will probably never be used – except for by Santa.

6. Do medical shows showing surgeries and blood freak you out?
I LOVE ER. That is one of my favorite shows and I will be sad when it ends this season. :(

I can watch shows like that but I do not like watching the more ‘real’ versions of the ER - the ones that show all the gross stuff.

I don’t like to watch people being cut open or poked with a needle. In fact, I turn away whenever I get a shot too. *shudder*

7. How long have you lived where you live?
Two glorious weeks!


8. What is one of your favorite seasonal items?
Eggnog milk shakes at Mc Donald’s. Mm-mm Good! Yummy! (of course mine would center around some type of food, right? Ha!)

Grilling Goodness #2

It's Friday and you know what that means, or maybe you don't - I'm not sure; but, if you've ever been here before, then you know that my girlfriend Tina has come up with a Friday meme that she has so cleverly named Grilling Goodness. So without further ado....let's see what she's Grilled up for us this week??

1. What can cheer you up when you're feeling grumpy?

The obvious answer to this one is my children. They can do or say something so completely off the wall that it knocks Mr. Grumpy Pants right out - TKO!

A few other things that often help to send Mr. Grumpy Pants packing is talking to my husband, my mom or my friends and blogging. I have often said that blogging is completely therapeutic for me.

2. Give one feature that could make or break the deal if you were shopping for a new home.

Okay again, the obvious answer would be the cost or getting declined for the loan - I'm just sayin' that would definitely break the deal, dontcha think??

But on a serious note, if we were in the market for our 'final' new house - because if I ever get the opportunity to move out of my current house and into a new one it will be the last time - there are several lessons that I learned when we purchased our 'starter' home and ALL of the following criteria would have to be met before we signed on that dotted line:

1. All windows must open (and close - of course) and have screens.
2. Central heat and air is a MUST
3. The average cost of the utility bill in the winter and in the summer will factor into the decision.
4. The insulation level will be inspected.
5. We will also be paying someone to crawl under the house (if it's on a foundation) to ensure that there was never a fire in the master bathroom that they covered up by putting flooring over the burned wood and that the stand up shower is being held up by more than just the grace of God and the wall tiles.
6. If the crack head guy who is installing the ventilation system for the central heat and air, that we've already established is a MUST, is working in the attic and falls through the ceiling and they do a piss-poor job of patching it up - the deal is definitely off!

I could go on but I will stop now least you think we got screwed, bought a house fixed by crack heads, are complete idiots might actually be the stupid young, naive couple who bought a house like that.

3. What's the craziest thing you've ever let your children eat for breakfast?

The youngest loves to eat chips for breakfast - any kind, it doesn't matter to her - with her daily cup of chocolate soy milk. Yep, I let her. I sure do. I have no time in the mornings to argue with her about what makes up a healthy breakfast. If chips and chocolate milk make her happy and get me out the door on time, then sobeit!

4. If you are a 'watch what you eat' kind of person, share a meal or dish that makes it easier to diet.

I always watch what I eat - how else am I going to be able to make sure all those yucky ingredients aren't in there??? Ohhhh...you mean healthy eating *snicker* yeah right *snicker*

Okay, just so we're clear on this one Tina...This isn't a question. I'm just sayin'.

Good grief! First you don't ask a question, then you expect us to share a dish or meal with you....and not just any dish or meal...NOOOO you want a healthy dish or meal. Sheesh!

Well, since I don't really cook and I only watch what I eat to be sure I'm not putting something nasty in my mouth, I'm going to defer to one of Amy's scrumptious looking recipe's on this one. Just click on the link and pick the one you think you'll like :P

5. Is there something you used to do as a child that you would never let your children do now?

I once walked the pug while I rode on a skateboard, it was really fun! Looking back on it now, prolly not such a good idea...

But really, looking back on my childhood - there isn't much that I did back then that I would ever let my kids do now and don't misunderstand, it has nothing to do with me doing things that I shouldn't have. It's all about the times that I grew up in as opposed to how things are today. When I was young, I ran all over the neighborhood, all weekend long. I had to check in when the noon tornado drills went off and then I had to be home at night when the street lights came on. In today's world, these are things that my children will never get to experience!

6. If you have a daughter, are her ears pierced? When did you allow it?

Yes, both of my daughters have pierced ears and they were both very young when they got them done. Actually, I didn't take either of them to get it done because I didn't want to get arrested for assault when I punched the store clerk for hurting my babies. I figured having a mother at home to raise them was more important than sharing that experience with them - especially since they would never remember it and I would never forget it. Ya know what I mean??


7. Are you the only person in your house who changes the TP roll??

Yes, but I keep hoping one day it will catch on with other members of the household.


8. How old were you when you no longer lived with a parent(s) for the first time?

Eighteen - Little Miss Independent, couldn't wait to be on my own. Kids, if you're out there and you're reading this....SLOW DOWN!! Don't be in such a hurry to be all grown up and living on your own - it's not as fun as it seems. TRUST ME ON THIS!! And on the flip side of that coin...If you're...say...thirty or more...and still living at home with mom and dad....maybe it's time for you to check out what it might be like out there on your own. No hate mail please, it's just a suggestion.

Grilling Goodness with Tina and Friends

Last week I told you about a new game my good friend, Tina from Golden Goodness started where she throws out eight random questions and asks us to play along.

I also told you that she hadn't named her meme yet and that she asked her readers for suggestions. After bombarding her with several giving her a couple of suggestions - I'll bet I taught her a lesson about making such a request. HA! - she quickly chose the perfect name for her Friday meme and made a cute little button to go along with it...

See, isn't it cute?? (good job, Tina!!)

Alright, let's get this party started. And don't forget, if you want to play too, be sure to go over to Tina's post and fill out Mister Linky to let her know you played along.


1. Do you snort when you laugh?



Well, it doesn't happen often; but, on occasion, I have been known to let a little snort slip out when laughing really, really hard. I have also laughed so hard that tears have streamed down my face, I've laughed so hard that I've choked myself up, I've laughed so hard that I've given myself a headache, AND I've laughed so hard I've peed - just a little.



I LOVE to laugh.


2. Do you have any idea why we don't sneeze in our sleep? Wild guess?



Hmmm??? Good question, Tina! I have no idea why we don't sneeze in our sleep but I'm sure I will have to go Google it as soon as I finish this meme, thanks alot!

Who says we don't sneeze in our sleep?? Do you know for a fact that this is the case?? Some people talk in there sleep, some people walk in their sleep and my husband holds his breath in his sleep - I tell him all the time that he's not swimming. So, if all that happens in our sleep and we aren't aware, how would we know if we sneeze in our sleep or not?? I'm just sayin'..... But okay, you asked for a wild guess sooo... I'll say that it has something to do with the fact that our eyes are shut (because everyone knows you have to see the light before you can make a sneeze come out, right?!?!) and our brain is in sleep mode; therefore, it is not sending sneeze signals to our sneeze mechanism. There, that sounds good...right???


3. Do you give much thought to astrology?

Me being the typical definition of Virgo - if you were to look up the meaning of the word, you would probably see a picture of me.

I do not plan my life based on my horoscope but I do believe that the alignment of the moon and stars does effect the way people behave.


4. What is the most expensive thing you've purchased this year?

My Elliptical that I just had to have and absolutely love but don't use nearly as often as I should. *sigh*

5. What kind of shampoo do you use? Loyally?

Currently, I'm using Kirkland brand shampoo. I have no loyalty to any of the shampoos that I use. I think it's better for your hair if you switch them up. However, there are certain shampoos that I am loyal about NOT using...Finesse is one of them, my scalp HATES that shampoo!!


6. Whose music are you really diggin' right now?

I am a lover of music and I listen to almost anything. Right now, I am not listening to much music - too busy listening to my audio books.


7. What is your favorite thing about the Fall?

I like the relief from the sweltering heat and the colors. The colors are absolutely amazing!!



8. Do you have a GPS?

YES!!! And I LOVE her!!! Her name is Lola and she is my girlfriend. She has changed my life in ways that you could not possibly imagine. She gives me the freedom to go places I never would have gone prior to her arrival. I take her everywhere I go!

Let me ask you this...

My girlfriend, Tina at Golden Goodness, has started a new game where she throws out eight random questions and asks us to play along.

Right now her game doesn't have a name so she calls it Let me ask you this... but her questions from last week created such a buzz that she threw eight more at us this week AND asked us to help her come up with a name for it (HUGE MISTAKE!)

I have this obsession about work games. I LOVE to try and come up with cute plays on words and I can't quit until the winner has been chosen. I'm okay if I'm not the winner....but my brain just will.not.shut.up. until it has been told that the word game has ended...SOOOOOO, needless to say, I have sent her several submission and begged asked her to hurry up and decide on something before I go insane and take her down with me.

Anyway, I didn't play last week - not sure why, I just didn't (sorry Tina). So, I'm going to play TWICE tonight and maybe - hopefully - she will have a name picked by next week and a cute little linkey button for us to post along with it.

So here it goes...

Let me ask you this #1

1. Where do you fold your laundry?

A. In the den, on the sofa, where it continues to sit until it grows legs and walks to the respective rooms to be put away (or until it gets worn again which usually comes first).

2. Must you be sure the dishes are washed before you go to bed each night?

A. Nope, and neither does my daughter - whose chore it is to do the dishes. If I were to be sure they were done every night, she would NEVER get any sleep...

3. Do you use caller id to screen your calls?

A. Yes, absolutely. I do not answer calls from numbers that I don't recognize - and sometimes I don't answer the ones I do either ;)

4. Do you let the low fuel light come on in your car before you fill up?

A. Yep, don't know it needs gas until I hear that little bell.

5. Are you a registered voter?

A. Yes, I am but I guess I voted for the 'other guy' last time because I was so sick I didn't get to vote (I won't tell you if my choice won or not...I'll just make you wonder) BUT if I was on my death bed and it was voting day for a new mayor...I would drag my ass out just for the chance that my one vote might be the one to kick his ass out of office - but I don't feel strongly about that or anything.

6. Breakfast for dinner is one thing, but can you eat dinner for breakfast?

A. Can not eat anything but breakfast for breakfast - no matter what time it is. If it's the first meal of the day...it has to be breakfast.

7. Do you click on the ads you see on people's blogs?

A. No, sorry no time.

8. Do you just want to yell at smokers who are clearly standing within 50ft of the door at a restaurant?

A. No, I guess I don't even notice.

Let me ask you this #2

1. Rare, medium or well-done?

A. None of the above. I like medium well.

2. Do you plan to stay in the house you're in for the rest of your life?

A. I hope not, but with the way things are looking....the prospect of an upcoming relocation doesn't look very promising.

3. Why do you have the size bed you have?

A. I bought my King sized bed because I wanted more room to sleep comfortably, without anyone being right on top of me all the time; however, that logic didn't work. All I did was get more room for more people to sleep right on top of me in the bed.

4. When you buy milk, do you just grab a jug or do you look for the latest exp. date?

A. Always look at the expiration date. Milk is way too expensive to purchase without getting the maximum possible days from it.

5. Do you and your spouse go on dates? How often?

A. Not nearly as often as we should.

6. Do you like to play board games? Favorite?

A. Yes, love, love, love to play games. My most recent favorites are the Scene It games. SO FUN!!

7. Do you have a day each week that you sleep late?

A. If I could, I would seep late every single day. Sleeping is one of my favorite pass times; but, to answer the question, Sunday's are usually the days that I sleep in.

8. Do you wear shoes in your house or park them at the door?

A. I don't park them at the door, but I don't wear them in the house either - heck, half the time I don't even wear them outside. I go barefoot as often as possible.

There you go.. Two weeks of Tina's random eight. Let me know if you decide to play along - oh yeah, and please make sure to link back to Tina - since they are questions from her very own brain power :)

And most importantly...Have fun!