Seriously? Is this my life?!?!?

(singing) my life just hasn't been the same...Baby if I ever get the chance again I would sacrafice...I gotta let you know I feel so weak without your touch...I never thought that I could ever love a man so much...I gotta let let you know I think we are destiny..I'm goin crazy...I need to be your lady...from the moment that I met you its been so damn real...I'm fallin so deeply...

I had that song in my head. Can you say old school. LOL I have been hearing a lot of these older songs lately. Kinda takes a person back ya know.

Ok, on to my BOTD (blog of the day). Seriously, I swear this happens to me all the time. My boss told me that I missed my calling after I told him about yesterday's elevator story. Geesh. Someone else today...a complete stranger in the cafeteria at work...hello people...the freaking cafeteria? Really? (sigh) Another grass is never greener story. Except this time I had 45 freaking minutes to listen to this chick whose name I never caught and quite frankly I think I will start bringing my lunch to work. I think I will also wear a trenchcoat and wear sunglasses. Dark ones. Ok. So this girl proceeds to tell me her complete life story. I do not take joy in other's people's problems. I don't mind listening...if I know you and you are my friend, but perfect strangers...come on. I think they tell a person they don't know because they don't have anyone else to tell. Obviously if you tell someone you know then it is no longer a secret. Right? Right. This doesn't just happen to me at work, or in the elevator...it happens in restaurants, dressing rooms while standing in line, the grocery store...I swear sometimes I just want to turn around, say Seriously? and walk the heck away! My lunchtime chick proceeds to tell me that she thinks she is having an affair. What? What is it with affairs lately? It's like being pregnant...either you are or aren't. There is no grey area. Right? She tells me that she isn't sure she wants to be married. She has been married for almost 3 years. Ok- they are supposed to be in like newlywed stage or something right. So, I'm thinking....what the heck. Heh. Maybe she didn't love this guy to begin with. She loves this guy at her office. Ok- don't dip your pen in the office ink! Get YOUR OWN INK!!!!! Geesh. Office affairs. I swear every day lately seems like Days of Our lives. (sigh). Anyway, she tells me that she thinks he feels the same way. WAIT! Thinks? She thinks he feels the same way? What is wrong with this girl. She has not done the deed YET but she somehow feels emotionally attached to this guy. (rolling my eyes) From here I just listen and don't utter another word because I CANNOT believe what I am hearing. MORON! UGH!

People seriously...do not tell me about your mental affairs. I don't wanna hear it. I don't wanna know. Either stay with your husband and work it out or get divorced. It's simple.

Until next time.....follow your mother's advice and DON'T TALK TO STRANGERS!!!!

The Affair

I was telling my husband this story earlier. I know a girl, well, I don't KNOW her because I met her in the elevator but she let out her soul today. She met someone at work. She said he is funny and handsome and everything she thought she wanted in a man. I say thought because as the old saying goes, we always think the grass is greener on the other side. She really likes him and she said she has been mentally involved with him. She is married. She proceeded to tell me that her husband travels for work and when he is in town he works long hours. Really? Do I look like a therapist? Hello...I don't even know this chick. (Sigh) So, I tell her that she is still having an affair. Even if it is just mental or emotional its still an affair. She is still "cheating" on her spouse. I told her if she is unhappy then she knows what she needs to do. She thanked me and got out of the elevator. Whew! It was a lot information from the 13th floor to the first floor. I hope I never have to do that again! Anyway, the point is that we take vows when we get married and we need to honor those vows. Flirting and other emotional behavior is not acceptable when you're married. Don't do it. Don't get caught up in that hot mess. The grass is NEVER greener on the other side! Geesh.

Until next time....don't get stuck in an elevator!

Controversy and Toddler Beds

At what point do you know for sure that your child is ready for a toddler bed? Is it when they try to crawl out of their crib? Is it when they won't sleep in their crib anymore but they will sleep anywhere else? Is it when they turn 2? When? Your thoughts would be helpful on this issue.

On to the controversy. How do you feel about the military lifting its Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy? Now, I am not one to pass judgement and I certainly was not put here on Earth to do so. On the surface I get it. The stigma attached to miliary men is that they are strong, rough, tough men. They are not homosexual and if, just if they are then it is left unsaid. I asked someone today how he felt about it and he brought up some very good points. He said that we used to live in a time where it was actually against the law for a black person to marry a white woman. It was legal to hang a black person from a tree and make a Sunday picnic out of it. It was against the law for blacks to ride the same bus as whites and drink out of the waterfountains in white neighborhoods. So let's think about homosexuality as a whole. No, the Bible doesn't condone homosexual behavior, but think of this: is it right for a child to be raised in a home with heterosexual parents who mentally/physically abuse each other and then get divorced? Isn't the principal of a relationship to love, nurture, bond, and build upon all of your best qualities? Who are we to say that a lesbian or gay couple can't raise children in a home filled with love and nuturing? I mean think about those scenarios. I get it. I get what it is at face value. But this is 2010 people. Churches all over the country are losing members because they are still preaching to their audience as if June and Walt are still sleeping in different beds. The audience now is culturally different. We might not all agree with what others do or how they live their lives, but shouldn't they have a chance with God and family? I mean there are still churches that have a "dresscode". Well, a person can believe in God and also not be able to afford a shirt and tie. Everyone should be allowed in church. Basically what I am getting at is to look below the surface and find the real root of your issues. I know a man who has been married, divorced, biracial relationship, with biracial children who were miserable together and now the kids are in therapy. He was also in foster care for eight years of his life so he knows what its like for no one to care about him or love him or nuture him. I also know a couple (2 women) who love each other and have a son. That little boy is so loved. Is it wrong? Is it right? You tell me. Tell me your thoughts.

Until next time....YOU be the JUDGE!

SHARK

This is totally worth talking about. Ok, I don't know too many people that LOVE to iron. I have been talking about getting a steamer for a while now. So today, I bought a Shark steamer (clothes steamer)! It is soooooo awesome and so easy! I absolutely heart my Shark! Everyone should own one. Its fabulous!

Until next time....just Shark!

Success

Success can be defined in many ways and it means different things to different people. I feel I have a multitude of successes. I have a wonderful husband, great kids, cute pets, a great job, a supportive family, and awesome friends. I feel successful in my relationship with God. I just feel successful overall.
Courtney had a great soccer game today. They played against the Purple People Eaters and won 2-1! She was pretty excited. She played a great game today. The team really brought their hustle today. I took her to do a little school shopping. And last night she got to do some fabulous shopping with Grandma Marian.
Courtney, Kaci, and I were on our way to Kohls and we saw something that made us crack up. Now, I am not judging and I know everyone has their own style, but.....ha ha this guy (Asian guy) was strutting his stuff down Crenshaw Blvd in a grey Adidas running suit with PINK stripes. Clearly this was a woman's running suit. It was hilarious and he topped off the outfit with orange and white tennis shoes. I don't know if it was funny because of the outfit, his demeanor, or both! But it made us smile and chuckle.
Kaci got a pretty bad boo boo yesterday. She tripped on the patio and smacked her face right on the cement. She scratched the tip of her nose and upper lip pretty good and bit the inside of her bottom lip. She ended up fine, but it looks yucky. However, next week we are starting potty training!!!!!! YAY!!!! I think she's ready. Her new pottie sings and gives out stickers! LOL. I'll keep you posted.
Kyle is doing great in school. He wants to see about testing out of Algebra 1 and going into Algebra II! Smarty pants! His room is next on the list for a makeover!
Remember when Nintendo was the thing? I don't know what just made me think of that.
Only 17 days until my person and her fam come to visit! Yippeeeee! Disney here we come!
Oh, and I'm down 44 pounds! Yay! Go me!
Well, I think that's all for now! Until next time...
TO SUCCESS!

Sunday

Sunday's are great days! Today I am finally going to a much needed hair appointment at an Aveda salon. Here's the great thing. My visit is half off today! Because I am a first time customer to an Aveda salon I get 50% off! So, instead of the visit costing me $200 it's only $100!! That is exciting news for a Sunday!

It's a beautiful chilly morning in So Cal. Tomorrow it's back to work! My boss is finally going to be back in the office after being out for surgery. Bring on the work load!! LOL It's gonna be busy!!!

I posted a few pics last night that are edited. The program is called Picnik. You can use just the general settings or for $4.95 per month you can have ALL the features. I opted for the $4.95! It's a fun program but it takes for ever fo each individual picture. I'm getting the hang of it.

On the kid front. Kaci loves the new Mott's Juice. It's apple and carrot and it's 2 1/2 servings of fruits and veggies per serving. Whew! Last night I grilled Teriyaki chicken, made string beans and rice in the rice cooker. Kaci devoured 2 bowls!!! She LOVED it! Finally something other than Cheeze-Its and apples. YAY! Tonight it will be pork loins, corn, and probably some fried rice for Kaci.

Courtney had her first soccer game yesterday. It was intense. These girls mean business. They lost 3 to 2 but overall it was a good game. Next game is next Saturday at 10:30. Im totally looking forward to it! YAY! I think she is going to have a slumber party with a couple of the girls from the team. I figure we will just do pizza, ice cream, movies, and games. Should be fun! I hope the girls can come.

Only 23 days until my person and her family come to visit!!! YAY!!!! I am so excited to see them! I am sending them to Universal Studios (with Courtney) while I work and then Friday we are headed to Disneyland!! Woot Woot! They are gonna get some real mexican food. AND I get to enjoy Brad's kick butt breakfast. Yes, I realize they are going to be on vacation, but I HAVE TO HAVE Brad's breakfast!!! YUMMMY! It's gonna be a great visit. I sure wish they could stay longer!

Then my friend Heather is coming out later that month. It will be nice to see her. We keep in touch via text and phone calls, but it is so much nicer to visit in person!

Let's see, then hopefully Steph will be out to visit in November and Mara and her husband too at Thanksgiving! I love having visitors. Now, if I can just get Erin to bring her little one out! That girls desperately needs a vacation!

Well, that is all I have for now. School starts tomorrow for Courtney and I am back to the office.

Until next time....

Picnik

For those of you who do not have FB here are some pictures that I have been working on... The program is called Picnik (available on the internet). Now, I don't claim to be a photorapher, but this is really fun!!!

Miracles

Surely last night I thought God placed a miracle in front of me. Kinda. It was a 6 hour miracle with only 2 small sidetracks. Ever since we have moved again and Rick is absent for the time being it has been really hard to get Kaci back in her groove. Many restless nights and many nights of her not wanting to be in her bed. So last night I went back to the old routine of putting her to bed right after her bath (and her teeth brushing). She fell asleep last night in 6 minutes...literally. She woke up for a few minutes around 9:30 so I covered her back up and she went back to sleep. I heard her for about 10 seconds around 11 but I didn't even get up. THEN at 1:40 am she woke up just cryin her little head off. Needless to say, we were up until 3:00 am. Well, I had to get up at 4:00 am so I just brought her to bed with me. She slept until almost 7. I was at the office by the time she woke up and Great Gma Reta was there with the kids. Seriously? So, tonight I am trying the same tactic. She hasn't been so easy to get to sleep tonight. She keeps waking up. I know as soon as my head hits the pillow she is gonna be up. What the heck is a mom to do? Clearly I cannot let her scream forever. At the same time she has to get used to HER bed. She used to have a ceiling fan at our house in HI. I think I will hang something from her ceiling so she has something to look at if she wakes up. (Thanks AT for the idea!) Otherwise, its just going to be a constant battle. I don't want her sleeping with me forever! I love her, but I'd like my bed back.

On to other news. Courtney's soccer scrimmage is tomorrow! We are all going to be there to root her on! YAY! Pics to come! We have to be to the firld at 8:30 am. Scrimmage is at 9:00.

I had another great week at work! YAY!

Only 25 more days till my person comes to visit with the fam! Disney is gonna be a blast!!! Woo Hoo!

I'm really looking forward to all of my visitors!

I'm off to read Chasing Harry Winston. Thanks Heather!!

Until next time, remember, the journey is the reward!

No flashy title...

Yes. It IS 5:50 am and I am already at the office. Poor Kaci. She heard me getting ready this morning and she woke up. She is so tired. I felt so terrible when I left her this morning. She was saying momamamamama and crying. It just breaks my heart. I really wish she would be blessed with sounder sleep. She is such a sweet baby.

On a happier note I have been working out 7 days per week! Yup! All 7 days. I am trying to reach my goal of 5 miles runs by 1 January. So far I am at a little over 2 miles. I am addicted to cardio. I always "make" time to workout, even if I am exhausted. I have been eating healthy for a long time and now I feel soooooo guilty if I give in to a craving. Beh! I am feeling really good!
Courtney starts school on 13 September. Kyle started yesterday and low and behold he took the wrong bus home. Geesh! Seriously! LOL Courtney's first soccer scrimmage is this Saturday and her first real game is next Saturday! I am looking forward to that!

Well, I guess I better get to work.

Until next time...

Wal-Mart

Let me start off by saying that I hope all of you are having a fabulous Labor Day weekend! Enjoy the long weekend!

I am not usually a frequenter of Wal-Mart although you can find some good deals there. I had been looking for a grill and since we don't do a TON of hosting now that we aren't in Hawaii I just wanted something small. I did have a few requirements: a condiment basket, tool hook, and it had to be a gas grill. NO MORE CHARCOAL FOR ME! SO, I found one at Wal-Mart. The Char-Broil brand. It's a reputable brand and the price was very reasonable. It was $85.00 and they will assemble it for free. So, I took them up on their free assembly offer. I went to Wal-Mart today to pick it up. All the way there I was dreaming about grilling my steak kabobs. I picked up the grill and te propane tank (also very reasonable at WM) and drove home. It's only 4:00pm so I had some time to prepare for grilling. Yes, there is thought and preparation involved. I get the thing out of the van and roll it to the back patio. Then BAM! A punch in the gut!!! The darn thingwasn't even put together right!!! RARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR! In order to "fix" it you had to take the whole top apart. UGH! I had to of course, go all the way back to Wal-Mart. Eddie, the manager was very nice and he said I could pick it up first thing in the morning at 7:00 am. That is exactly what I am going to do.

Of course I am bummed about not grilling kabobs, but it has been a great day nonetheless. I got to catch up with my friend JF and it was so good to talk to her. Washed the linen - it's clean sheet day! My favorite day of the week. Vacuumed the house. Cleaned out the fridge. Did a few other loads of laundry and worked out. Gotta get that BOOM BOOM POW! Now, I have to run back to the store for the beloved Hershey's syrup for my delicious vanilla bean ice cream that I am going to thoroughly enjoy later with a movie. I am hoping to relax at some point. Maybe while I am sleeping!

Also, I have been on the hunt for new tennis shoes. Good ones. Ones that don't hurt my feet since I wear heels all week long. I went to the New Balance store and bought some. I even spoke to a shoe specialist. Yes, I said shoe specialist. I have worn New Balance before and really liked them but they are kinda pricey. Well, I have ran in them the last 2 days and my feet have been killing me. SO, of course I called the store and spoke to the nice youg man that sold me the shoes. He was very nice and said I could exchange them no problem. So, I need to do that too. Maybe on Tuesday. I don't think they are open tomorrow.

Other than that not to much else is going on. I am hoping next week is going to be as awesome as this ast week was. YAY! Again, have a safe, fun, and happy weekend.

Until next time....

Jammin

WOW! What a week! It was my first week on the job with America's best of the best. I'm sure you can figure out which organization I'm talking about! For those close to me, you already know! I have a really hard-working,gung-ho, super cool boss! I've had the honor of meeting some of the worlds best crime fighters!I feel so lucky and blessed! It has been a really great and exhausting week.

It's Friday and I am spending the evening watching Camp Rock 2 The Final Jam. It's actually a good movie! Lot's of singing, dancing, and jammin!

I took Courtney to get some new schools for shoe and decided to go with New Balance for this years tennis shoe. What an awesome shoe! She's wearing a woman's 6 1/2! She loves her new shoes. (And even I got a new pair!)

There has been some CRAZY traffic this week on the 405! Stalled gas truck and two three-car accidents! Luckily they weren't too bad.

I'm looking forward to a relaxing three day weekend! Have a safe holiday everyone!

Until next time!

Delightly Exhausted

I can honestly say that I am happily exhausted. My new JOB ROCKS!!! I love where I work and I am so busy. I have a kick butt boss! We are like two peas in a pod. I also like all my coworkers. I can't really say much more than that. But WE are fighting crime and kicking some major butt! (fist-pump)!

My life has been a whirlwind. All of it is good. Well, minus the fact that I woke up exactly one hour late this morning and still managed to make it to work on time. Minus the gas tanker stalled on the 405 and the three car accident also on the 405. I yi yi. And no one can just dribe past. They have to slow down and stare at whatever is going on. Like geesh..just go to work already!

Oh- side note. I think I may have gotten my friend hired on where I work! Yippee! Nothing like working for the feds.

I have so much more to blog but I am way too tired. So...

Until next time....