2011

Yahoo had 2011 horoscopes here is mine, I'm an Aquarius.

Year 2011 Overview
A series of breakthroughs in consciousness happen for you in 2011. Slowing down those genius synapses may not be an option (yeah I have lots of genius synapses with my pregnancy brain), but with so much mental exuberance, why would you want it to stop? Imagine the onslaught of six planets all occupying the mental sector of your horoscope at the same time. And the fact that the planets will be in Aries -- one of the feistiest, go-getter signs of them all -- only adds fuel to the fire. A sense of urgency dominates the scene. You won't put off tomorrow what you can do today. Could the planets possibly be any more conducive to productivity? (Oh good! I'm going to be productive!)

Of course sleep could be an issue in that case, but you'll have so much energy you won't even notice the deprivation (ok we definitely know sleep deprivation is in my future. They think I'll have energy and won't notice it?). If you're a writer, this is by far your most prolific year (oh get ready readers!). Words easily just spill right onto the page. Regardless of your chosen profession, you'll have your hands full with communication and correspondence. You're learning all about the power and pleasures of the mind with daily life becoming a thrilling education itself.

Another keynote of 2011 is a radically spiritualized approach to money and possessions. Don't be surprised if you're suddenly inspired to give it all away just to tap into the lightness of being (yeah that house we just bought? ah, give it away!). Any residual materialistic tendencies seem to lose their importance once Neptune takes up residence in your money sector this year. You'll be inundated by Neptune's compassionate and empathic teachings over the next 14 years. You'll feel more for those who have not and may even devote more of your time and energy to helping those in need (like my kid?).

Year 2011 Career
Fame and success just have a way of finding you -- especially over the past 14 years (uh? really?). In fact, you often take for granted how popular you are because there is always a part of you that dwells alone in your thoughts away from the crowds that follow you (are they referring to my blog followers?).

Christmas 2010

Well I've been trying to catch up on everyone's blogs and it sounds like you all had a wonderful Christmas!

Hubby and I had a wonderful Christmas as well. I loved having Hubby around for a 5 day weekend. Between his 50 hour work week and buying a house and living with the parents I felt like we were able to reconnect over the holiday.

His first day off was Christmas eve. We did some errands and stuff around the house. Picked up a take and bake pizza and played wii with my dad. My parents got us for Christmas morning this year so we had some bacon and put cinnamon rolls into the oven and started opening presents. Our little one that is due in April got a lot of presents. I'll blog about it on the baby blog. Hubby spoiled me as usual. The two presents I got him are lost in storage. Wife of the year here people! Then it was off to the in laws.

The in laws were waiting for us to get there to start opening presents. They also spoiled us. Then a few people came over for Christmas dinner. Brother-in-law got a kinect so that was fun after dinner. If you play kinect make sure there is a lot of room to play. Brother and his friend kicked each other and hit the ceiling fan. Dangerous!

Boxing day Hubby had to help his dad with the leaves for like 2 hours so I took a nice hot shower and pampered myself. Then there was a lot of football watching and left over prime rib sandwiches. Then we went bowling! I didn't do too good but I got a few strikes and had fun.

Monday we drove back to my parents house and unloaded all our presents. In the evening we went to my aunt and uncles house for their family Christmas. I loved getting to see my little "newphews". One spit up on me. The other one got a car that he was obsessed with. He likes to tell you all the words he knows and says hi a lot. I think he loves me cause I say hi back and listen to him show me mommy and daddy 10 times. The best part was after dinner when he got cookies. He went crazy!

Now Hubby is back to work and Dad and I have the week off. We ran some errands today and are doing chores around the house. By we I mean my dad is vacuuming and trying to show me how cool the vacuum is. We got the same one for Christmas. I don't plan on using it. That's Hubby's job!

Christmas Miracle!

You might remember a post I did recently about a blogger who has been through way too much pain this year. There are many people I pray every night that God will bless them with a child. Summer is on that list. She and her husband have done ivf, I believe, 5 times unsuccessfully. Head on over to her blog for a Christmas miracle and congratulate her!

Things no one tells you

Hubby and I were sitting at the mortgage lender's office again the other night and I made a joke that we should write a book telling people when in their lives they should do things. This past year we have said several times, "I wish someone would have told us that?!"

For example, I know pregnancy isn't the easiest thing to control, but our advice is to get pregnant at the beginning of the year. That way you only have to meet your insurance deductible once because you have all your doctors appointments and the labor in the same year. Don't be like us and get pregnant in August and then move and switch insurances and have the baby in April. We've had to meet the deductible a few times, so instead of just paying $500 out of pocket and then a percentage the rest of the time we have had to pay $500 a few times. Learn from my mistakes people!

This one isn't that big of a deal but if you wait to buy a house until you have filed for your taxes jointly for two years, then you won't have to worry about your maiden name. We are having to give the mortgage lady stuff from 2008 before we were married and my tax stuff was in my maiden name. Just a pain in the butt.

I don't know what the rules are country wide but in California there are all these new rules for buying a house that was flipped. The house we are buying was bought at a foreclosure auction and then fixed and put back on the market. At first we thought that would be better than dealing with a foreclosure bank owned property, but we didn't realize there would be extra hoops for us to jump through. So just a warning to those of you looking at houses. You can email me for more details if you would like them. Just wish when we were looking someone would have told us.

The HVAC guy looked at the heater today and got it working for way less than worst case scenario. Hubby and I are pretty happy about it. I think we are going to continue to go forward with buying the house. Some of the things that need to be fixed are because the house was built in 1997.

Busy busy!

So we have been at the mortgage lender's office two nights in a row now. It sucks. There is so much to sign and we have so many questions as first time home buyers. They have turned the lights out while we were there both times.

Last night after signing and talking for like an hour and a half we met up with my parents and their friends at Chili's. One of my mom's best friends passed away 5 years ago in December. Her favorite restaurant was Chili's and her favorite drink was the El Nino. It was nice to catch up with my mom's friends. I am sure Betty was there catching up with all of us and is so excited that my mom is going to have a grandbaby.

Tonight we are going to Hubby's cousin's for dinner. It has been a long time since we have seen her and her family. We get to meet the latest edition to the family, her new baby boy. Plus I have to pick her brain for decorating ideas since she used to do interior design.

Saturday is the home inspection. I think we are going to tag along with him while he is looking at things so he can also kind of teach us how to work everything because I have no clue how to work sprinklers and stuff like that. Then the in laws are coming down to check out the house. Then we are going to Sacramento for a nice dinner with the in laws and some other family friends.

Sunday we are decorating cookies with my cousins. I haven't seen my cousin's little one in too long and we might get some pictures of both of us with our belly bumps.

I love this time of year getting to see all our friends and family. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend as well!

Escrow!

Holy moly! If you all feel like I hit the fast forward button, imagine how I feel! I mentioned yesterday that we had put an offer on a house. Well we are in love! with this house and REALLY wanted it. So when the seller countered lower than our max we ACCEPTED! So we are now in escrow which means we have a ton of stuff to do. But instead of boring you with all the checks we have to write and inspections we have to have done, let's talk about our beautiful house!

So, imagine you are driving down a quiet neighborhood street. You pull up in front of an adorable green house with a porch and a palm tree. Dad says the palm tree could be a pain later but we love that there is a little piece of San Diego in front of our house. I also am obsessed with the porch. I have always wanted a porch. You walk in and there is what we will be using as our formal living room. The first thing that catches your eye is the beautiful wood floors. Then your eye is drawn in by the marble gas fireplace. As you continue your tour you walk through the formal dining room. You can walk out the slider to the back deck. Of course you can't miss the sparkling blue water of the pool. Yes, we bought a house with a pool when we are expecting. We'll put a fence up, don't worry. You can go back in to the house at the lower level. That is where we will have our family room. There is also a full bathroom so we can use that room for guests once another little one needs a room. The laundry is also inside in that room. There is a two car garage with a separate door for each car so it gives the cars a little elbow room. The garage has built in cabinets which are important to men I guess. Now lets go back inside and up a few stairs to the kitchen. The lovely granite counter top kitchen! There is also an eat in kitchen with a bay window. Next on the tour you go upstairs. On your right is the master bedroom. It also has its own porch. Huge walk in closet. Double sinks. A shower with a tub. Then there is the kid/guest upstairs bathroom and the two bedrooms upstairs.

I know, it sounds amazing right?! It is! We are so excited. Keep your fingers crossed that the inspectors don't find anything major!!!

Pregnancy announcement

I wanted to give fair warning since I know it can be difficult for people that are trying to read these announcements.

Hubby and I are thrilled to finally be able to announce we are expecting a handsome baby boy April 27th!

Now you know why I haven't been sharing much lately!

I also wanted to let you all know we put an offer on a house and we are supposed to hear back tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed for us! I told you guys we had A LOT going on!!

Hope on over to the now public baby blog for all the details!!!

Still alive

Finally feeling like I've caught up on things here after the move. Everything has been CRAZY! Tomorrow we have to get the Christmas tree decorated and take pictures for the Christmas cards. I know I'm way behind! Can I have an extra week this December? Ok, now on to catch up on all your blogs!

J.O.B.

I fully intended to participate in the 12 days of christmas blog challenge but things are just too crazy right now with the move.

Here is what I had so far for Day 1 Christmas/Holiday traditions

I have a love/hate relationship with one of our traditions. It is a tradition in our family that I help put all the ornaments on the tree. I love putting the Christmas music on and looking through all the ornaments and spending that time with my parents. There are just so many ornaments and it’s hard to find enough room on the tree!



I think I blogged last year about Hubby’s family tradition of watching A Christmas Story. I had never seen it until last year and I love it. I love being part of their traditions.



I love the Christmas morning traditions of opening stockings, having breakfast and opening presents. We do that at both houses and its double the fun!

I forgot to mention in my other post that I haven't found a job in Nor Cal yet. I am definitely looking and just thought I would put it out there on the blog cause you never know who might know of an opportunity. If anyone knows of anyone hiring in Roseville, CA area let me know. I'm looking for full time Mon-Fri work. I have experience as a receptionist and in customer service. I'm also considering substitute teaching again. Any info would help. Thanks!

The deets!

I can FINALLY fill you in on the details of our move! Some of you may know that we currently live 545 miles from my parents and even farther from Hubby’s parents. We moved far away for the job Hubby got when he graduated from college for several reasons. We had no idea we would be in Southern California for 4 years. It was difficult to be away from our families and most of our friends. There were weekends that we didn’t see any friends or family. I have always said I don’t know if our relationship would have taken the path that it has if we hadn’t been alone so far away. I love where we are in our relationship so I definitely have no regrets.



An amazing opportunity we hadn’t planned for came up recently for Hubby to transfer to a job way closer to my parents. Since it was our plan to move back to Northern California eventually he jumped at the opportunity. Of course Hubby was offered the job. Who wouldn’t want him to work for them? So, long story short, we are packing up the bunny and the 800 sq ft of stuff and moving to Sacramento area! I’m so excited to do a Nor Cal blogger meet up! I’m also excited to be close to family and wonderful friends. I don’t know if there will be any more lonely weekends. You might remember I have a lot of aunts, uncles and cousins. It would probably take me a year to go see all of them, but I’m going to try. Thinking about trying to see everyone kind of stresses me out, gonna need to get a planner going just for scheduling visits with friends and family. But the stress of moving and trying to see everyone is so so worth it. I don’t think it has set in for either of us that we are really going back home.



We will miss a lot of things in San Diego. We have made great friends and become closer to some we already had. There are some wonderful places to eat here and obviously beautiful weather and beaches. Plus the little things like our favorite checker at the grocery store and the guy that hooks us up at the car dealer.



Now on to Friday Fives!



1. Describe your IDEAL Saturday.

Waking up feeling rested. I think I finally figured out I need like 9 hours of sleep to feel rested. I usually get about 8 on weekdays and I have the hardest time getting out of bed. Thursday we took the day off to get stuff taken care of for the move. We went to bed at 10 and planned on getting up around 7:45. I think around 7 or 7:15 I was up yaking away to the Hubby. I still like just laying in bed though. Last weekend I fell asleep around 8pm and got chatty around 6am. I think I talked his ear off for about two hours and then he finally got up to make breakfast. I love him so much! But for an ideal Saturday how about I wake up rested in a four seasons and our breakfast is being brought to our room. That happened on our honeymoon.


Amazing! Probably the rest of the day would include a yummy beach front lunch and dinner some where.

2. What’s your favorite Thanksgiving dessert?

Hold onto your jaws people. I don’t like pumpkin pie. I don’t like anything pumpkin, except the seeds. There have been many thanksgivings where my only dessert was cool whip. Totally ok with that. If someone super loved me and wanted to bring a special dessert just for me they would bring a chocolate mousse pie. My mother in law’s chocolate pudding pie works too.

3. What’s one of your favorite Thanksgiving traditions?

My family goes around the table and shares what they are thankful for. It has lead to hilarity some years but usually warms my heart. Hubby says his family doesn’t do this. Have I told you how amazing my in laws are? When we have thanksgiving with Hubby’s family my parents get to come too! I remember the first year his mom made a toast saying she was glad my parents and grandpa could join them that year. I remember it started a string of toasts and there was an awkward one from someone. I think awkward moments might be a tradition at their house. I can remember a few. The best was when we were all sitting around the table and Hubby’s grandpa asked me if I lived close to Hubby in San Diego (uh yeah we lived together. People have said he knew this but I don’t know if he did). So I just replied yes, I live close to him. My dad and another family friend at the table were dying trying not to crack jokes and laugh. The best tradition is pigging out and being surrounded by love right?

4. Who does the cooking?

Depends what house we go to. My mother in law pretty much rules her kitchen and the bird. Hubby’s aunt usually helps and other ladies bring things. My mom, aunt, and cousin have hosted and cooked for thanksgivings in the past. There was going to be a tradition of the newest bride had to host and cook thanksgiving but my cousin didn’t host it one year but I think she “cooked”. I may have to host in a few years! Scary!

5. Do you shop on Black Friday??

Heck no. Please see #1 and #3. Thanksgiving is about eating and spending time with your loved ones. I’m not going to cut any of that short so I can get crap cheap. The love and laughter is what I will remember when I’m 90 not the deals I got. Plus I like about 9 hours of sleep.

Hola!

I was reading old blog posts today. I can't believe how few times I have posted in November! Sorry friends! We have A LOT going on. I can tell you that we are moving. I'll fill you in on the rest of the details when I can.

We let our furbaby, Blue the bunny, play and chew on boxes we get from Costco. It usually isn't a problem. It is hard to tell him which boxes he is allowed to chew on right now though. Poor little guy thinks he is in box heaven.

I have been reading everything! Don't forget about me!

Man gifts on sale until Nov. 13th!

I have started holiday shopping! I thought I would share with you all what I just bought for Hubby for Christmas. He doesn’t read the blog so don’t worry. I know how hard it can be to come up with good ideas for gifts for the men in our lives. Plus, I bought stuff that is on sale this week at target so you gotta go out and buy it now too! How many of you have blu ray players? We love ours, but never buy a movie if it isn’t on sale, those things are expensive at full price!

My brother-in-law and husband have a very similar sense of humor, probably because they are brothers. So when bil tells us about a movie or tv show that is funny, we usually put it on our list. Last year he told us we had to see Couples Retreat. Have you seen it? So funny! I put it on a Christmas list for Hubby awhile ago. (Funny story: I found the list in my wallet when we were driving one day and started reading it out loud because I didn’t know what it was, stupid!) Anyblonde, I frequent the target sale ads and was so excited to see that the blue ray Couples Retreat was on sale for $14.99! The sale price lasts until the 13th so don’t go on Sunday thinking it will be on sale!

When I went to grab the movie, I noticed there was a little coupon stuck to the movie that said you could save $4 right now if you bought Role Models, 40 year old virgin, knocked up and some other movie I think. I am notorious for getting home and having those little coupons still stuck to my items. I always forget to use coupons. But there was no way I was going to forget to use this one. At first I was thinking well we have 40 year old virgin and knocked up already, oh well. Then I looked at Role Models. I don’t remember the previews for it but Paul Rudd is in it and I love me some Paul Rudd. Plus it was at a temporary price cut of $13.

So when I got to the register the girl removed the boxes from their prisons and I pointed out the coupon to her (are they trained to ignore those coupons?). Come to find out the coupon expired in March. She gave me the $4 off anyways because, hello, how am I supposed to know when it expires when it is in a cage? I told her they should go take the coupons off if they are expired. I’m sure she’ll get right on that. PLUS, did you all know that if you use your target card you get 5% off right away? I love that! So you should head on over to target and pick up those funny movies! I don’t know how much Couples Retreat is regular price and the bunny and I already wrapped the presents. But I am proud of myself for bargain shopping.

Hubby got home when Blue and I were wrapping and I told him not to look. I was so excited that I had already started Christmas shopping. Then Hubby said, “Are those for my birthday?” Uh… oops! I totally forgot about his birthday December 2nd! FAIL!

Dilemma

I have a dilemma. #1 I had to spellcheck the word dilemma. #2 I want 3 cds and I don't want to wait until Christmas for them! Normally I would put cds I want on my Christmas list if they were coming out in November. This year is a different story.

I am dying to get the new T Swift cd. I finally talked the Hubby into letting me get the non Target exclusive one and when I went it wasn't on sale anymore!
I love me some Mariah Christmas music. So excited for her new cd. But I start listening to Christmas music before Halloween! No joke, we carved pumpkins the Friday before Halloween and played Christmas music while carving them. I'm glad my friend appreciate my love for Christmas music. I need Mariah's new cd asap!

The third cd is Ms. Simpson's new Christmas album. Happy Christmas comes out Nov. 23rd and will be sold at Macy's and macys.com. You think I can preorder it? We all know I'm JS's fan club co president!

Day of Silence

I wanted to post this last night but got busy. I have read Summer's blog for awhile now. I think I have only commented one time. I am amazed every day by her strength. She has had more heartache than anyone should have to go through in a lifetime. I don't know how she has the strength to open her eyes in the morning. But she does and she shares her gorgeous smile and outlook on the world with everyone. She lost her Daddy too fast, too young, and during a year too tough. Summer and her family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Is your blog fake?

I can’t remember which blog I follow had a post mentioning this post http://www.stratejoy.com/2010/10/the-internet-is-fake/ this week. Let me know if it was you, so I can give you credit. It came up in one of my many conversations with Neely this week. She did a post about it too. So let’s go there. Is your blog fake?

When I read the post, my immediate reaction was, oh my gosh, this is so true! But then I thought about it and it isn’t true. When I started this blog I didn’t know where it was going to go. I started reading other blogs and making connections with people. I found other newlyweds that posted all 200 of their wedding photos. So I plastered my face all over this blog. I think to me it was like facebook with strangers. I mean, I had a beautiful wedding and obviously the more people that see the pics and tell me I’m pretty, the better I feel ;).

But I have to be careful. I think in my first post I don’t say my maiden last name. My Dad has always been careful when it comes to what you put out there on the internet. I try not to put on facebook when we will be away from our apartment. I have been burglarized enough thank you. I don’t do the home tour posts because I don’t want people to know if we have nice things. Probably shouldn’t have posted about what brand my engagement ring is.

My point is, now that I have put my face on this blog, I can’t be 100% honest. I don’t know who is reading this blog. So I don’t post things I wouldn’t want my employer to read. I don’t post things I wouldn’t want my family to read. I don’t post things I wouldn’t want a potential psycho stalker to read.

You want me to post pictures of my apartment messy? Well I usually don’t let my friends and family see it that way. You want me to post pictures where I think I have a double chin or a gummy smile, where I have zits or look fat. Its probably only fair since Hubby says my anniversary post was a montage of bad pics of him. You want me to post when I’m in a bad mood or had a fight with my husband? Personally, I don’t think people want to read about that stuff. I don’t want to be a Debbie downer.

Isn’t it kind of human nature to be fake? Like I said, I don’t let my friends and family see my messy apartment. I put makeup on and I buy nice, flattering clothes. I think there is an argument to be made for women to be honest with each other. If we all stop pretending we have got it together and be honest, maybe society’s expectations will lower. I loved a couple posts I read from some mom’s of newborns that were completely honest about how their babies cry a lot and they are tired. I guess the idea is let’s stop pretending we have perfect angel babies.

But I have to give you all credit. I think you keep it real. I think for the most part the blogs I read are not fake. A lot of you have been through tough times and shared it with us. I’ve shown you a before picture of my closet. Would you like me to tell you its kind of gotten back to that? We talk about our bad habits. I show you pics of the adorable bunny but I also let you know he poops a lot.

Most of us are adults. I think we have all figured out by now that no one is perfect. But the best part about the blog community is you can share your struggles and there are people there to support you.

Saturday Funny

I missed Friday Funny. I was napping.









Do you guys read comics anymore? We don't get the newspapers but I still like to read the comics. There is a great website called comics.com where you can save your favorite comics. One of my favorite is the strip Pickles. Here are some funny ones from this week.

Lol! I hope you guys enjoyed a giggle too!

Is there something in the water?

Ok, it is official. This is the year of break ups. Not only have relationships in my real life that I thought would last forever ended this year. All the celebs we know and love are breaking up. First the sextuplet parents, which I was totally ok with. Then Melinda and Danny, who haven’t been on a reality show together in awhile so we don’t really know how their relationship was going. But the latest break up that is breaking my heart is a couple that we have seen argue, fight, and renew their vows. That’s right; VICKI AND DONN ARE GETTING A DIVORCE!!!!!!!

If you are a real housewives of orange county watcher, you have seen Vicki and Donn go through their ups and downs. But last season they renewed their vows and really seemed to be doing better!

















What happened? There was this smooch last spring.



Vicki has always been flirtatious. After 16 years of marriage, I’m guessing Donn knew that. Her bff and co star, Tamra filed for divorce in January. Maybe she had some influence?

There has to be something said for putting it all out there for everyone to see though. We’ve seen it time and time again. For some reason people keep putting their lives out there for all of us to watch. What do you think people would say about your life if you were on a reality tv show? I’m guessing people would think I was boring and wouldn’t watch. But I think that’s a good thing.

Tag you are it!

The dvr twin tagged me.

1. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go? I have a pretty long list of places I want to travel to. Tahiti , Italy , Spain , France , Ireland , Australia , North Carolina , TEXAS to visit Neely!, Seattle , New York , Greece (I don't know why blogger put spaces in between the words and the commas but I'm not fixing it) etc.


2. If money was not an issue what career would you have? The one I went to college for, teaching. They don’t get paid well and it is one of the toughest jobs out there, but I would give anything for my own classroom. I think I might have changed my mind to stay at home mom.


3. What is the one show you must watch every week? Depends Fall or Summer. Summer is SYTYCD. Fall I would have to say GLEE! My new favoritist show ever! Oh and HIMYM.


4. What is your all time favorite movie? Billy Madison. I can recite the whole movie. It starts with suntan lotion is good for me.


5. Who is the one person you know you can count on (excluding significant others and family members)? It is probably a three way tie between my three best friends. I know I can call any of them to talk whenever I need them.


6. What is your biggest vice? Is it bad I have to google what a vice is? Wikipedia says it is practice or habit that is considered immoral. Since I never do anything immoral I’ll go with the more minor usage definition just a bad habit. Ok, now this might be tmi or whatever but some lady admitted it this week on Oprah and I KNOW I’m not the only person that does this. I am trying really hard to break this bad habit, but I pick my zits and scars. I know it’s terrible for me and luckily I don’t have acne scars. Sorry if I made you cringe!


7. What is your biggest guilty pleasure? Geez Neely! Where was your mind when you were writing these questions? Hm, I know some of you watch Teen Mom with me and even Neely watches the Challenge. Maybe cheese fries? I think I had some in June. Maybe just all the bad for me food I eat. I begged Curtis to let me get onion dip the last weekend. I ate every last drop of that stuff!


8. What is on your bucket list? My problem with bucket lists is I feel like it is a list of things you MUST do before you die. I’m not really into making long lists like that because honestly I feel so blessed and have had such a great life. To me I guess I think if I make a list and then get hit by a car tomorrow people will be sad I didn’t get to check off my list. Like the song “If I Die Young” says, “What I never did is done.” The only thing I would be bummed about not getting to experience if I got hit by a car tomorrow is having a baby. So I have one thing on my bucket list and it is to be a mom, only if it is for a minute. I want to leave this Earth knowing I left a child behind.


Ok, on to my questions and the people I tag.

1) What is your earliest memory?

2) What is your biggest regret?

3) What is the best vacation you ever went on?

4) Who do you strive to be like?

5) Where is your favorite place in the world?

6) When are you happiest?

7) Why do you get up in the morning?

8) What order do you brush, floss and swish in?

I tag:
Jen
Crazy Shenanigans
Ash
Caroline
Lil' Woman

Which Halloween candy is healthier?

I saw this article on realsimple.com I thought it was pretty interesting. It is which halloween candy is healthier fun size vs fun size.

Reese’s peanut butter cups or snickers- snickers

Peanut m&m’s or skittles- peanut m&m’s

Twix or kit kat- kit kat

Candy corn or tootsie rolls- Though you would need to eat 26 pieces of candy corn to rack up the same number of calories—140—as in 6 Tootsie Rolls, both candies contain artificial color and flavor. Vegetarians should go for Tootsie Rolls, however, since candy corn contains gelatin (an animal by-product).

Butterfinger or york peppermint pattie- my guess peppermint pattie, I was right

Starburst or jolly rancher- jolly rancher

Smarties or sweetarts- smarties

Milky way or payday- probably payday even though I wish it was milky way, oh I was wrong! Wahoo!

Almond joy or mounds- almond joy is my guess. It’s a tie.

Bubble yum or tootsie pop- I will guess bubble yum since you just chew it. Correct.

Carmel apple or candy apple- I’ve never had a candy apple so I’ll guess carmel ? Oh, I was wrong candy apples are healthier.

Recap of anniversary weekend

Ok, we had the most amazing time celebrating our anniversary. Blogger is annoying and posted my pictures in the opposite order, so we are going to Tarantino it, ok?


These are the flowers in the lobby of the hotel we stayed at. Aren't the gorgeous! I love them.
Seals at Seal Beach in La Jolla, CA.

Our view at breakfast at the hotel in La Jolla on Monday the 11th.

Dessert at the Melting Pot. It was our first time, no one ever told me they give you rice krispy treats and cheesecake to dip into the glorious chocolate and peanut butter yumm!!!!!

The Melting Pot was so fun. Hubby totally surprised me. When we were pulling in the driveway I saw the sign and said, "Melting Pot?!" Hubby convinced me we were going to Flemings steakhouse, we almost walked in the door and he said, "Psych!" We went to the Melting Pot!

First course was cheddar cheese! Yum!

The view from our room in the hotel.

Can you spot the dolphin fin? There were a bunch of dolphins playing in the waves at lunch. It was the most amazing thing I have ever seen. Magical day!

Lunch in Del Mar, CA at Poseidon.

The roses Hubby brought home for me.

Our wedding champagne flutes.

We made it to the one year mark!

One year ago today, I married the most amazing husband ever! He cooks people, like really good every night. I shouldn’t really have to tell you more than that. Technically, I am supposed to do the dishes since he cooks, but he rinses and puts the dishwasher dishes in the dishwasher! I know; you can pick your jaws up off the floor. He motivates me to get my butt off the couch and exercise. He introduces me to new foods. When we met I liked chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese. Now I eat broccoli and squash! He is my best friend, my personal comedian, my everything.



This first year of marriage has been a crazy one. It started with needing to drive off to our honeymoon destination and having lost the keys. Somehow they got thrown away and he and my dad found them the day after the wedding while going through the trash! The next day while driving down the coast we experienced the storm of the century and our short lives flashed before our eyes as boulders rolled in front of our car. The rest of the honeymoon was magical.




Once we came home with all the amazing presents we realized we needed a bigger apartment. So we moved!



We spent our first Thanksgiving away from our families, never doing that again! Had our first Christmas together. Spent Valentine’s Day with my mom who was visiting. Celebrated each other’s birthdays. We went to his brother’s graduation in San Francisco . Went to our dear friend’s wedding and the little place card had Mr. and Mrs. H on it. We celebrated his dad’s 50th!

Hubby has an elaborate surprise getaway planned for us this weekend. I love asking him if he is excited and seeing his eye light up. I know it will be amazing if he is that excited! I will really try to take pics and post all about it.

10/10/09

This is what I wrote in my wedding journal the night before our wedding:



"The rehearsal went great! I guess my dad didn't know he had to say anything! (I meant during the ceremony, the who gives this woman away part or whatever) Oops! I hope everything goes as smoothly.



Rehearsal dinner was great. Got to hang out with everybody at the ranch. M and S (my in laws) made a great meal. A lot of people from (Hubby's hometown) and on the H's side came, so that was fun.



I am really tired. I need to get some sleep for the big day!"

You can read more about the rehearsal here.

TRAGEDY!

When tragedy strikes I have to blog. Tonight, while watching The Challenge (I think Cutthroat I can't keep up) on MTV I was so excited to see Melinda. She was on the Real World Austin season. She is drop dead gorgeous and the handsome guy from Boston, Danny, won her heart that season.

Could they be any cuter? Danny proposed to Melinda on the reunion special for their Real World season. Danny was on The Challenge Fresh Meat 2 and spoke of highly of his marriage to Melinda.

Sweetsies. So I see Melinda, I get excited. I see Brad and Tori are still together. Where is Danny? Or there is some guy with a hat on, must be him. Melinda gets picked to be on a team and starts talking. She says, "I married Danny from my season Real World Austin... and we are now going through a DIVORCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Are you kidding me? Do these people not know how much I care about them? Clearly I care more than they do about each other! First every couple on the Bachelor breaks up and now Real World couples?!!!

Brad got "wifed up" by Tori and I guess I won't hold my breath with that relationship! I mean I knew when Jen and Brad broke up that there really was no hope, I almost shed a real tear for these people!

PS I realize this is not an actual tragedy but if you read my blog you shouldn't have high expectations.

Commencement: Part One

I recently started reading Commencement by J. Courtney Sullivan because it is the second book in the blogger book club. So far enjoying it. So if you are reading it to I would love to hear your comments. These are some answers to questions about Part 1. I don't think I give anything away so you could read this and see if its something you would be interested in reading.

1. I identify the most with Celia. I definitely wasn’t engaged when I went away to college like Bree, I hadn’t lost my mom like Sally, and am not into protests and feminism like April. Celia was kind of just a normal girl with a normal family going off to college.



2. My freshman year of college was pretty similar to these girls. I wasn’t at an all girls school, but there were 5 girls living all in the same area and we became friends quickly. All the talking and getting to know each other and the parties reminded me of my college experience. Unfortunately, do to some circumstances out of my control, two break ins and meeting the love of my life, I no longer speak to any of those girls. My girls are my friends from high school. They were the ones in my wedding part.



3. I think I would have to say Bree has changed the most. She went from being engaged to a guy to being with a woman.

Chasing a phenomenon

I love when Harpo interviews authors. When I turned on Friday's Harpo and heard she was interviewing JK Rowling, author of the Harry Potter books, I thought about turning it off. I think most of you know most of my life I have strived toward the goal of one day teaching in my own classroom. When I was student teaching in a sixth grade classroom I picked up a Harry Potter book and tried to start reading it. I can't remember how many pages I gave it, maybe 100, and I gave up.



I am glad I didn't turn that interview off. JK Rowling is an amazing woman. As I said before, I love to watch interviews of authors. I love to hear how they came up with the idea for their book. Stefenie Meyer's phenomenon was created from a dream. JK Rowling had the idea for her phenomenon while riding a train. I know there is a part of my heart that is an author. It is in my blood. My grandfather wrote stories, my father wrote stories, and my uncle has written books that may one day be a phenomenon. But I don't think the idea for a book will ever come to me. Do you all also hope the idea will come to you?

As I said before, I was glad I watched that interview because JK Rowling is amazing. Her life story of being a depressed poverty stricken single mother and now the only billionare author. There was a point in the interview where Harpo and JK talked about what it is like to have so much money. Kind of interesting but not a reality for most of us.

The discussion they had about Michael Jackson always trying to chase the phenomenon of the Thriller album was very interesting. JK and Harpo have realized they can't top their seperate phenomenons. They are both at the place where they are ending that part of their lives. Does Harpo have to mention her network every day? We all know about the network Harpo!

I might give Harry Potter another try.

O' Christmas Tree

If you follow me on twitter, you know I lost my hobby lobby virginity this week. Hobby lobby is uhmazing! Since this is our first year in our house we need a ton of Christmas decorations and hoblob (I can call it that now right?) had all their Christmas stuff 40% off!!! Hubs was not so excited that I spent $100. I think he was also a little bummed that I picked out stuff that we will have for the next 50 years without him. And he's a control freak woman that has to have an opinion on all home decor!

This brought up my Christmas tree anxiety. I knew I wrote a post about it before but I couldn't find it. I started to write the post again. I searched for pictures of trees that I liked and for reals started to title it the same and then I saw you could search for posts and found it. So for newcomers or if you missed it before, why I have Christmas tree anxiety...

10/3/10 We have started looking into buying a house. Buying a house to me means painting and new couches and a dining room table. It also means a big pretty Christmas tree! Growing up my parents had a Christmas tree that has so many memories on it. Anything that semi resembled an ornament went on that thing. I'm not kidding you. You know those candy containers that have a string on top? Yeah that's an ornament at our house. An eraser? Definitely! We laugh and have a great time every year putting the ornaments on the tree together. You always have to be careful not to squeeze the Oliver and Co. ornament because one year it played it's little song non stop and spent Christmas in the closet.





Hubby's family does the micellaneous ornaments too. Not quite to the same extent. But we've talked about what our tree will look like and he wants one with memories like our parents have.





Well, I don't. I think the compromise might be two trees. I want a designer tree. I love the trees in the department stores that are all on color scheme and have no personalization. That's what I would put in front of the living room window at our new house. We can put the crazy mish mash tree in the family room or something.





It is hard finding pictures of designer trees I like. I finally found two after about an hour searching I think.




The compromise was I took the white lights I bought back to hoblob and got colored lights.

10 days until our 1 year wedding anniversary!

I'm so excited for our anniversary! I wanted to put wedding pictures in the header. Do you like the new look of everything? I do!

Trying some new things.

Yesterday when making the grocery shopping list we wanted to pick a new recipe to try. I think we forgot we had the William and Sonoma Weeknight Cook cookbook. So we busted it out. We decided to try Spiced Chicken and Rice on Sunday night. It has ginger, lemon, and curry seasoning. I know Uncle Chris, are you surpised I tried it? It was a fail. Hubby didn't like it. I wasn't much of a fan either. I might have tried to like it if he liked it.

The menu for the rest of the week is as follows:
Monday: chicken salad
Tuesday: calzones
Wednesday: Ravioli- we are trying the chicken and mozerella ravioli from Costco
Thursday: TACOS
Friday: baked potatoes with grilled onions- they were SO good last week!
Saturday: manicotti- I was surprised when Hubby mentioned having it again when we were at the store. I love me some pasta!

5 ? Friday

I am participating in Beth's 5 ? Friday!

1. What’s your “comfort food”?

*These don't look that good. The ones I make are really good! Sprinkle a little garlic salt on them too! Yumm!

The first thing that came to mind was cheese fries! I used to make cheese fries for snack like every day. God bless my high metabolism. I have to list more though cause I love some food. Tacos, pizza, chicken nuggets, etc.



2. One thing that’s on your mind right now?



Now? Cheese fries. Thanks.



3. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?



I think my favorite quote: “Don’t cry because its over, smile because it happened.”



4. If you found $10 today, what would you do with it?



Go out and buy some of the fall yankee candle company candles that Neely told me are on sale at Target.



5. What is your least favorite thing to clean in your house?



Um, can I say everything? I get so discouraged cleaning because the clean lasts for like a day and then there are dishes again and stuff on the mirror.

Introducing my new favorite phrase- Douche Canoe

*Anyone know where I heard Douche Canoe from so I can give them credit?

I have seen a lot of people posting what their fall TV schedules will be. I think I have already convinced you all of my TV addiction. When the dvr died a few weeks ago I added Glee to the list. I don’t know why I didn’t do this earlier. I have since seen the NPH episode and the Gaga episode. I am a total Gleek now. I cannot wait for the Britney episode! My dvr twin and I are considering adding Running Wilde to the line up. Hubby wanted to add The League. It is a show about guys playing fantasy football. Hubby, you have four football leagues and one baseball league. You want to watch a show about it too? But this is not the point of this post. If you want to see the list of all the shows I had on my dead dvr go here. The point of this post is for you to also read my comments about the people on the show Raising Sextuplets. If you are too lazy, I said, “I haven’t seen this show in awhile, maybe they got smart and decided to not be on TV and turn into Jon and Kate.” Or something like that cause guess who is the Queen of lazy, yours truly.

Well, I don’t know if anyone watches this show, but they didn’t decide to stop taping. Their show was on WE this summer. They decided to pack up their six kids and take them across the country from both sets of grandparents for a job the husband might get. It was painful to watch. Every week I would yell at the TV and tell them they were stupid and they should listen to their parents who were devastated that they were taking their grandchildren away from them. The mother of the children, Jenny, is amazing. You can tell she adores her children. The father, Bryan, is a douche canoe. If he is the only one at home with the kids he ignores them or has a neighbor kid watch them. His wife knows this and has said on the show she doesn’t really trust him to watch their children. Every wife’s dream, right?

One point that I think shocked a lot of the viewers was when they were packing their house up to move and the grandparents and kids were all kind of getting in the way. Bryan lost it and decided all the kids needed to leave. He starts picking up kids and ranting and raving. One of the kids was being held by Jenny’s mom. I don’t know exactly what happened if the kids was scared and clinging to grandma or if the kid got caught on her necklace but Bryan was trying to grab the kid and grandma was saying I’m trying to give them to you and he screamed give me the kid and yanked the kid away. It was scary.

This couple obviously has issues. They go to a counselor on the show and they discuss his rage. I think some of their problems involve the grandparents. I think that is why they moved away from them. On Sept. 11th, Bryan was arrested, “on suspicion of domestic violence while visiting family in Camp Verde , Ariz. , threatened to "flatten" his father-in-law and screamed profanities while in the presence of his 3-year-old kids, according to the police report. And, per the cops, Masche continued to refuse to play nice until he was confronted with the threat of a Taser zap. Masche at first refused to let the arresting officers cuff him, yelling "I didn't do anything!" and firmly folding his arms in front of him to prevent them from getting at his wrists, the report states. Finally, one officer told another to deploy his Taser, after which Masche wised up. Sort of. " Bryan complied prior to the Taser being deployed," the report continues. " Bryan was then assisted back to his feet (that’s my favorite part, what happened there?) and escorted to my vehicle where he was secured. While in my patrol vehicle, Bryan continued to be belligerent." Wife Jenny Masche told the police that the belligerence started when she informed her husband that she was going to visit friends in Phoenix , while he wanted to take their children to Lake Havasu City .” Source eonline.com Uh, really? You get that pissed off about this? Dr. Phil and I have a real problem with this, “ Bryan started yelling and using profanity in front of the kids, Jenny said, and also threatened Jenny's father when he tried to intervene. The incident remained verbal and never got physical, the report says, but firearms (?!) were present in a nearby vehicle and Masche was becoming "more aggressive" as the fight dragged on. Bryan , 32, has pleaded not guilty to three counts of domestic violence involving disorderly conduct and threats, as well as one count of resisting arrest.” The part of this article that kills me is this, “‘We have totally brutal fights," Jenny told People in 2009.” You used the word brutal when talking to a magazine? If you used the word brutal to a friend I would be concerned. It must be really bad.

*You do all that is mentioned above and this is your mug shot? Congratulations you are a douche canoe! I told Neely if he was my husband I would give him something to smile about.

At what point do you take yourself and your family off of TV? It can’t be easy having 8 kids or sextuplets. I guess that is why these shows are so popular. Have you seen there is another family with a show on after Kate Plus 8? It’s called Quints By Surprise. Aren’t we all aware that multiples are a possibility with invitro now? Why are these people putting themselves on TV? Are you watching? I’m not. My heart can’t handle falling for these sweet children and then watching their parents fight or get divorced.
One website I found said that physical violence is estimated to occur in 4 to 6 million intimate relationships each year in the United States . So maybe with reality TV being so popular the odds were very high that it would end up on TV.

On Monday night, another reality star was arrested for domestic violence. “Simon Barney, who filed for divorce from Tamra earlier this year, was arrested for domestic violence and faces arraignment Tuesday. Sheriff's deputies also placed an emergency protective order against him. Simon Barney allegedly threw a dog leash at her, police say. Apparently Simon went to his ex-wife's home to return the dog he was watching. According to the victim, he threw a retractable dog leash at her, she lifted her arm in a defensive move, and it struck her wrist." Source people.com. Everyone that watches Real Housewives of OC knows that Simon is another douche canoe and a control freak.

That statistic I shared earlier is pretty astonishing. I pray no one has to suffer from domestic violence and if you or someone you know is suffering that you get help for yourself or them. There should be some kind of screening process. The part that makes me sad is producers probably know that these people are freak shows and are choosing to put these canoes on TV for ratings.

So excited for our menu this week!

Saturday: Manicotti
Sunday: Chicken and rice
Monday: Chicken salad
Tuesday: Calzones
Wednesday: Baked potatoes
Thursday: TACOS!

For me, pretty much Wordless Wednesday

All questions should go in comments. I will answer via email.

Before:


After:

My genius facebook theory

My friend that had met his soulmate. They were perfect for each other and never fought posted this on his facebook. "Hi gorgeous. I hope your having a wonderful day at work. I love you so much!!" Two weeks later they broke up.

"Your amazing and I love you:)" Posts like these appear cute and nice.

What you may or may not know is that these usually happen after a fight.

My friend S and I always talk about what people post on facebook. I was telling her about a fight I witnessed between a couple one day and she said, "All I see on facebook are all these lovey posts."

That was when our theory was formed. When we started thinking about it we realized this happens a lot. That first post, I commented on it saying "our theory is that cutesy couple posts like that are from couples that just had a fight. And when someone posts my gf/bf is the best or whatever stupid stuff as their status update too. Problem relationships. But you know I am sickened by how perfect for each other you guys are and that you are just that cute. But you love my theories."

Imagine my shock when I found out they weren't so perfect for each other.

But I was proud that my theory held up.

So stop posting that stuff on facebook. We all know you just got in a fight! Plus S now thinks its bad luck too.

The Real World: Venus vs. Mars

I'm not here today! Head over to The Real World: Venus vs. Mars were I have the honor of doing a guest post about how the economy has affected my relationship. I'm sure it has affected all your relationships too, so stop by and leave some comments!!! Thanks you wonderful blog readers and thank you Shelle for posting my ramblings!

Discussion Questions 21-35

I am participating with the Book Beginnings and Bookends book club blog. I am reading The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes by Diane Chamberlain and answering the discussion questions they post on Mondays. So far I really like the book. If you don't want the book ruined for you don't read these posts.

1. Do you think Tim is the one sending the money?
Yes I think Tim is the one sending the money. I don't know how he is getting her address. I assume through SCAPE.

2. So far, there's been a lot of discussion on CeeCee/Eve and her choices. What choice(s) would you make differently from her?
Probably wouldn't have even gotten involved with Tim.

3. What do you like about Jack? Are there things about him that you don't like?
I love Jack. Nothing to not like about him.

4. What are the differences between CeeCee/Eve's relationship with Tim and Eve's relationship with Jack?
Jack seems to really love Eve and isn't using her like Tim was.

5. Do you think Eve is to blame for Cory's fears? What could she do, specifically, to help Cory feel like less of an outsider?
I guess she sheltered Cory too much. I think the idea to get her counseling is a good one.

6. Do you think Eve appropriately answered Cory's questions about her father? Do you think Cory will question her father more as she grows older?
I think Eve answered the questions apporopriately. I think Cory will have more questions as she gets older. Maybe questions about her father's parents or brothers and sisters.

Top Two Tuesday!

My dvr twin came up with the topic for this week's top 2 tuesday so I had to participate even though my indulgences are super lame!

Top 2 Biggest Indulgences!

1. Going out to restaurants

Hubby and I love good food. We probably spend $150 to $200 a month at restaurants. So we definitely don't over indulge but that is probably our one area Suze Orman would suggest cutting back in.

Look its a baby Hubby and baby Megs circa 2005. I thought I would post a litle flasback for ya. This is Hubby and I after about a year and a half of dating. My parents took us to Hawaii. I believe this picture is us at the famous Duke's. I know I'm a spoiled only child, deal with it. Hubby was the first boyfriend they spoiled. You know the saying, when you know, you know. It works with parents too. They knew.

2. Cable TV

You guys all know I'm addicted to the tv and can't live without it. I told you guys they weren't too exciting but these are two things we spend a chunk of change on that we could obviously cut back on. But I don't want to live with out my dvr!

I couldn't find a picture of my watching tv or sitting on our couches. So here is me on my cousin's couch. That's my "nephew" about 2 years ago! He doesn't cuddle like that anymore :( he's a big boy but he likes to play with me cause I change the settings on his toys to spanish cause I'm weird.

Discussion Questions for Chapters 11-20:

1. Where do you think Tim and Marty are at this point in the story?

I have no clue. Maybe still in Jacksonville? I don't think they will give up on getting Andie set free.
2. What were your thoughts as CeeCee was helping Genevieve deliver her baby?

It was pretty graphic. I tried to read through it quickly. I had a feeling Genevieve was going to die and CeeCee would have to take care of the baby.
3. After Genevieve died, what would you have done with her baby if you had been in CeeCee's shoes?

Well, it would be pretty crazy if I was in that situation. I guess CeeCee did the best thing should could given her situation.
4. Why do you think CeeCee/Eve is still holding onto hope that Tim will come for her?

She loved him deeply and thinks he feels the same way for her. Its romantic if he comes for her.
5. How do you think Eve will establish her new identity in Virginia?

Sounds like she is going to work at a diner.
6. What do you think of CeeCee/Eve now after she has gone through with the kidnapping, the delivery of the baby, the escape, and the relocation?

I still sympathize with her. She got herself into this situation and has done the best she can to survive.

WEDDING: First Dance

We danced our first dance to Dave Matthews Band's song "Steady As We Go". We weren't one of those couples that "had a song". Before I was engaged I had a converstaion with my good friend Nicole about how I thought this song was a possibility for our first dance song. She said she had thought it would be her wedding song. Another option was Tim McGraw's "My Best Friend". Hubby and I had danced to that song at his cousin's wedding. Nicole said she thought we were more of a country couple. I played that song for Hubby after we were engaged and planning the wedding. He wasn't really a fan. I also played The Fray's "Look After You". It had been my ringtone for Hubby for a year or so. He wasn't a fan of that one either. He liked the third pick, Dave Matthews Band. We have been to a DMB concert together too and I love the lyrcis. Nicole had a boyfriend when we got married, but I texted her and told her we were using that song and we laughed about it at the wedding. She can still use it some day!



Any place you wanna go,
Know I'll be next to you.
If it's treasure baby you're looking for,
I'll search the whole world through.


So if your heart rings dry my love,
I will fill your cup.
And if your load gets heavy girl,
I will lift you up.


Troubles they may come and go,
But good times be the gold.
So if this road gets rocky girl,
Just steady as we go.