Sisters of a Different Order

Breakfast of Sassions

2011-09-26T08:29:00.003-04:00

So.... It's been awhile. I'm going to start blogging because I need somewhere to put my thoughts and I think I'm probably safe enough here, figure no one is reading. I guess I can check my hit stats lol- no clue if anyone is stills subscribed.

Things suck. Big time. I'm sick of things sucking, especially things I can do nothing about. "So I ride my own melt" as Troy Dyer from Reality Bites would say. My husband would say my problem is that I haven't been riding my own melt, or whatever, I don't even think that quote applies in the correct way exactly, but anyway, I'm riding it now. I'll have control where I can.

Which brings me to... dum da dum: Health

Honey and I began training for a 5K early in the summer. We just ran our first one on Saturday, I walked/ran primarily because I spent the whole early morning hours prostrate with a stomach bug. But I showed up and ran 2 of 3 miles, skipped about 3/4ths of mile 2... was apparently white as a ghost but got to see the triumph of my sister who, weeks prior, would freak out about running for 5 consequtive minutes and actually cried during her first 3 mile training run. This time she didn't cry, she smiled. I did want to cry though. I had really built that moment up and not being able to do it sucked. I almost felt like I had trained for nothing. But I didn't want to lose the drive, the momentum. So we came up with another goal.

HoneyBunch, Big and I are going to lose 5 lbs and run the Zombie Run 5K in 5 weeks, and we want to do it in 42 minutes. Currently I'm running about a 50 something to 46 minute 3 miler so at my fastest I still have to cut my time. Plus I'm battling some pretty painful IT Band issues, whatever that means. Actually it means the right side of my hip at the joint all the way down to my foot hurts. I got new great shoes and I notice my knees don't hurt much anymore, but my stupid hip does.

Sos anyway, what am I writing all this for? Mainly to post a picture of my breakfast. And because I thought people on Facebook would get sick of seeing pictures of every little thing I ate. So here is my breakfast.

Egg made in work microwave (crack egg onto little paper plate, salt, pepper, cover with another little paper plate-then cook for 3 rounds of 30 seconds at 30% power. The power of 3, let it be.) Atop that is a slice of lunchmeat. I almost wanted to lie and say it was just plain turkey. But the truth is...it's turkey balogna..so not as healthy. I had a craving, ok? Sliced tomato from my garden and it all rests atop a bed of 5 grain light bread. It's pretty decent. For snack this morning I will also eat a string cheese. I probably won't post that. That would be boring. But who knows... life is uneventful and the best thing that might happen to me today is that I get to eat a good piece of reduced fat string cheese. Beats being yelled at by hostel hotel owners (my line of work). blah. P.S. Spell check isn't working, please forgive me.

So it didn't actually begin until April 10

2011-05-07T12:46:00.002-04:00

I'm down 11 pounds. Here is a photo of what it looks like to lose 11 gross, fat pounds. The difference isn't huge, but I feel better every day.

Food should not be my friend.

2011-01-07T06:22:00.002-05:00

I have been doing so well during my first week of healthy living. I exercised. I ate lots of fruits and veggies and proteins. Drank loads of water. Got some good sleep. And then received some really awful news about a family in my neighborhood yesterday and proceeded to eat a sleeve of graham crackers last night. And I don't really even love graham crackers. So, there's that.

Vessel Schmessel

2011-01-05T08:31:00.001-05:00

I had a conversation with one of my sisters where she told me that Satan chose the weaker vessel to corrupt. I replied “Eve was framed!” but it had me thinking this morning about how "full of it" that statement is when you look at people today. I mean, I think any woman who is married can attest to the fact that there is no bigger baby than a man when he doesn’t feel good. Am I right?

And let’s take a look at all the myriad of stuff we women/mothers have to do in our life, take care of and deal with that men don’t have to. Even when we are sick ourselves. If they had to deal with what we do, could they? How many of you ask your partner why something wasn’t done or taken care of and had the answer be “I didn’t think of it.” I mean, do we have to THINK for them too???

I don’t mean to be ranting, but I have 3 kids and I had some “help” getting them ready for school before I headed off to work my full time job this morning. I am nearly ready, my hubs (who isn’t going to work today, mind you) was in charge of getting them together so we could leave, and when I come into the living room at 7:30 the boys are just sitting in front of the TV and he’s putting Snitchy into the High Chair with a banana. I was like “WHAT are they doing?? It’s 7:30!” then I got them on task, got us out of the house, get Snitchy dropped off and the boys to school by 8am.

We are NOT the weaker vessel. Maybe in physical strength, but really, that hardly matters.

Well, to end I’m going to end this gripe fest by sharing a new band that I totally LOVE and saying I love my husband very much, even if sometimes he bugs me by falling asleep while I'm talking to him.

Un-Frumping

2011-01-04T09:01:00.002-05:00

A couple weeks ago a caregiver walked into my office and saw a picture of my son sitting on my desk. It had been taken a few years ago when he was almost three. Along with that picture are a couple others that show him as he is right now at eight years old. She walked over to it and said "Oh, what a nice picture. Is this your grandson?". And that's when I made the decision to un-frump.

It's not as though I have boring mom hair, or even wear mom jeans. I try to always look nice, but that isn't the same as always looking cute and trendy. I want to be fashionable. I want to look good. I want to look like my kid's mom, not his grandma. And I don't want to be a frumpy mom.

I had already decided to get in shape before that day. I want to have energy for my kid. I want to put on clothes without being stressed out because nothing fits quite right. I want to be active with my family who skis, bikes, etc. I want to do those things with them. I don't want to hang out in the ski lodge reading because I'm too embarrassed by my weight or my abilities. I want to live life to it's fullest. So I have been eating well. Making good, healthy choices. Reciting my mantra "Whether you eat, or drink, whatever you do, do it for the glory of God". I'm pretty sure God's not the biggest fan of Big Macs and fries. And I'm pretty sure he wants me to look good.

I'm going to live more intentionally in every area of my life. And that means in how I dress too. I don't think that's frivolous or shallow. It is all a part of being my very best. And during the weight loss phase, I don't want to invest a lot of money on clothes, but I do want clothes that fit me well and look good. That's why I'll be closely following Kris at A Thrifty LA Life. She is only allowing herself to spend $365 on clothes in 2011. And she is only shopping at Goodwill. Go check out her site and see some of her really cool outfits.

And So It Begins

2011-01-02T07:44:00.000-05:00

189 fat pounds. I'm the girl in this picture. My goal is to be a much smaller, healthier girl.

My plan: Stay away from pointless foods. What value is in crackers, chips and pasta? There is no nutritionally redeeming factors in those types of foods.

I'm cutting out sugar. I feel so much better when I don't eat it. When I do eat it, I crave it. And sugar is the devil.

I am eating good proteins, veggies (I love a yummy salad!) and fruits. Cauliflower is one of my favorite vegetables and it is so much better for me than a baked potato or pile of noodles any day. And it's delicious with a little salt and pepper. Maybe some parmesan.

Increase water intake. I want my skin to look better, and this will help with that as well. Get more sleep. I think we tend to overlook the value of good, solid rest.

Move my body. This one is tough. I don't have a lot of extra time, so my goal is going to be reasonable. Whether it's walking the dog, or doing Jillian's 30 Day Shred, I need to exercise three days a week.

I can do this.

UnFrump

2010-12-30T18:24:00.004-05:00

2011 is the year of good health for me. I don't care if I am ever skinny. I just want to feel good in my skin, instead of self-conscious and frumpy. I want my face to be fresh and clear and radiant. I want to have good energy. I want my eyes to be bright and focused, instead of looking tired. I want to laugh more, live more intentionally and have a deeper relationship with God.

I want to put on an outfit every day that is stylish and cute, instead of just throwing on clothes that match and look professional. I want to accessorize. I want my hair to be shiny and healthy. I want to develop closer friendships with people who share the same morals and values and humor as I do, and let go of the ones who drain me.

I'm putting together my plan and will occasionally come here to sort it all out. Happy New Year!

Novel in a year: Exercise 5

2010-09-21T08:37:00.005-04:00

I've been thinking about writing a lot lately and my darling husband got me a book called Novel in a Year. So I decided maybe I'd blog it.

This exercise is the first real exercise in the book. Its very easy and basic and all it says is to write about an accident you had. It says not to worry about making beautiful prose, but try to get in as much detail as you can. It also suggests what you write about you might be able to use for a charecter or in your book at some point.

Feel free to follow along and take part yourself. If you decide to do your own just post a comment here with a link back, not that I think anyone is actually still reading the blog. lol

So here goes!

Exercise 5: The Waterfall

It was my senior year of high school and I was spending a little time with my boyfriend Gavin. We decided to drive to a nearby park that had a bridge and a little waterfall and just hang out for awhile. It was a cold spring day and the ice and snow hadn’t fully melted yet. The little park was plopped rather oddly in the middle of a residential neighborhood with homes surrounding the perimeter, rather nice homes actually.

We parked his red chevy malibu and walked to the bridge where we stood and talked about things I no longer remember. He was feeling playful so he lifted me and set me on the edge of the railing and pulled me close into a hug. Then, still feeling playful I assume, he faked letting me fall. The railing was not flat, it was a rather thin bar and his motion caused me to slip. I looked at him frantically to pull me up, I was now hanging almost upside down by my knees above a large waterfall.

Gavin, who wasn't a large boy, he was about 5 feet 7 inches and probably weighed around 140, if that. While I’m describing I might as well tell you he had beautiful blue eyes, fair skin with rosey cheeks, white blond hair that hung in his eyes in a grunge style and a goatee that he had dyed black. I thought he was the most beautiful thing in the world.

Gavin desperately tried pulling me up, he leaned way over and kept me from falling, but only for a moment...because I think he leaned a little too far over and the result was both of us toppling over the bridge and down the falls.

I remember thinking as I rolled down the water, “no way am I falling down a waterfall” but there I was rolling in the water, seeing bubbles and hearing the roar in ears. I still remember the swirling water as I fell.

I don’t remember the impact. The water at the bottom was shallow, I think it may have been to my thighs, but that detail is hard to remember. I just remember I made my way to standing somehow.

I had landed in the water closest to the waterfall and Gavin landed a few feet in front of me. His back was to me and he was screaming my name, looking all around him for me. I remember wondering why he kept yelling my name, I was a little confused. I managed to call to him and he turned and ran to me. He checked me over and I insisted I was ok. He helped pull me out of the water and we walked back to his car, both of us wet and me limping. I couldn't’t help it, I laughed the whole way to the car because all I could think about was what we must have looked like to the person living in the house across the street.

Gavin was unamused and felt horrible. We drove home and I snuck downstairs and changed out of my wet clothes, I didn’t want my mother to know for some reason. It wasn’t till at least a few weeks later that I told her, a very large bruise had developed on the inside of my right knee and it had lost its feeling. Turned out the fall had done some nerve damage and to this day that area still feels a little strange.

I often think there must have been something protecting me since I don’t know how I missed hitting my head on the large rock in the middle of the waterfall, at the top, or hitting my head at all for that matter. Here is a picture of the bridge I fell off of

Eat Pray Love Barf

2010-08-19T13:07:00.002-04:00

I'm just sayin'

Running Up that Hill

2010-01-30T09:40:00.002-05:00

Twisted path, originally uploaded by Sister Sassy 919.

I ran! I did I did I did!! I didn't go very long or far but what matters is that I did it. And it already has me walking past the cinnamon rolls to grab a banana. Sweets:0 Sassy: 1 YAY!

I remember when I first tried to run (and remember, when I say run, I mean jog really), I started out with the goal of running for 10 minutes. The next day I went 20 minutes and the day after that I saw I was almost to 2 miles so I started running for about 30 minutes and going 2 miles. That probably seems pretty slow to most people, but I'm a novice and I'm short and I'm overweight, so I have always been happy with that. Today I went for only a mile and it took me about 18 minutes, but thats ok. I'm just happy I did it.

Before, when I'd run, it was the time I did my best thinking. The music beating in my ears, the pound of my feet on the treadmill- I figured out my plot lines and did soul searching. It was the best. I really hope it can be that way again. I would like to run 3 times a week, that would make me feel pretty accomplished.

Right now my treadmill is in the mechanical room of our basement. I run looking at the water heater. Not pretty. I think I'm going to get a poster to put in front of me so I can pretend to be running outside. And maybe I'll stick Kspins face to my right so I can make believe she's pushing me along when I get too tired to keep going. Well, whatever I do- it doesn't matter so long as I keep running and start getting in better shape.

And now, for the newest song on my workout mix, Running Up that Hill

To Anyone Who Cares...

2010-01-29T21:44:00.002-05:00

Welcome to my Snitchy, she is precious and I love her! I love my boys, but there really is something about having a daughter. I often find myself feeling like its she and I against the world. I'm surrounded by loud loud loud boys and I just want to run and hide somewhere with her where I can coo and smile at her while sniffing her toes. I love the smell of sweaty baby feet. I LOVE IT! And she squeels and is so happy to see me when i come home. And when I finally get home from work I miss her so much I just want to lick her face. I'll eat her up I love her so!

So thats all.

My Bloggy Friends

2010-01-29T21:33:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to say that there were a lot of people who read and commented here that I referred to as my bloggy friends. I want you all to know I miss you and think about you even though I don't have the time to read and comment on your blogs.

Life is hectic, I am tired. I live in a state where 1 in 10 people are unemployed, our company has budget shortfalls, my staff is cut in half... So I stress out a lot and thus distract myself by watching tv or just staring off into space.

But I haven't forgotten you :)

When was I so smart and how come I'm not anymore?

2010-01-28T10:26:00.001-05:00

I’ve been feeling pretty crappy about my self image lately, none of my clothes fit and I’m tired and have been so busy I haven’t had much time to exercise. I’m currently wasting my Weight Watchers monthly pass- go Sassy! So all around getting myself back in shape isn’t going well.

Yesterday I clicked on the Health Schmealth category for the blog and began reading. And you know what? I was kind of smart. The things I said and talked about made a lot of sense and it was also really great to just read about how good I felt after I ran. I have been nostalgic for running as of late and last night just really hit home with how much better I feel, eat and sleep when I have a good run.

But it’s SO hard to get up in the morning when I go to bed late and take care of a 4 month old through the night. Not sure how to fit the running in. Maybe Kspin will read this and tell me, she runs and has 4 kids-that’s one more than me.

I think I just always need to be prepared to run if I find myself awake at 5:30 and feel fairly rested, like this morning. I thought about it. But the treadmill wasn’t set up, I didn’t know where my sports bra was or my running shoes, so I just went back to sleep.

But…maybe, just maybe- if that stuff had all been in place, I may have run. I guess I’ll never know but hopefully I will find out in the not too distant future.

The Last Week of September

2009-12-20T08:44:00.004-05:00

So here's a quick update that involves some very interesting things.

Who remembers the Marriage Meltdown post? Well, Marriage Meltdown happened on September 18-worst.day.ever. But our Hilliversary happened the very next day on September 19th-best.day.ever! A year after Marriage Meltdown day JimmyEw and I got our vows renewed and were both baptised. Really great day and very special-that was Sept 21st. (I couldn't get pics to upload :( )

Now get this. Both my sons were conceived with help. I had to do two rounds of clomid with my oldest and one with my second. Getting pregnant for me isn't easy. I've probably taken 100 pregnancy tests in my life-all negative. Then last January I realized my boobs hurt, which was weird. Then I realized that my period was due the day before. Not a big deal since I skip all the time and have no schedule whatso ever. But I like to drink Diet Coke sometimes so I told JimmyEW I was going to test in the morning. He rolled his eyes and told me not to waste the money-but since I had a test from the dollar store I ignored him. Next morning I peed on a stick (actually I peed in a plastic baggie and used a dropper-gross I know, but those dollar store ones are cheapie) and guess what? POSITIVE! I called JimmyEW into the bathroom and we just stared in awe. I mean, we were actually planning to try a 3 months later, but to have gotten pregnant by accident was very strange.

And now comes the best part! She was due 2 years after the Marriage Meltdown to the week! My darling girl was born on September 25 at 9:25 am. 9/25 at 9:25, pretty cool huh? She came out screaming and wide eyed! Apparently its unusual for a c-sec baby to be born with her eyes open but she was.

So far she is my easiest baby compared to the other two. She is beautiful and sweet and even though she has her crying jags late afternoon/early evening- I know I can get her under control-not something I was able to do with Kiki or Boogs.

She has a beautiful name but Boogs has named her Snitchy, she's his snitchy girl. So now I have Kiki, Boogs and Snitchy lol.

Wanna Know Whats Funny?

2009-12-16T19:50:00.002-05:00

Whats funny is not that I'm typing one handed while holding a baby, nor is it the fact that Sister HB asked me if we could change the colors of the blog after seeing me post one time (hi, too much pressure). No, whats funny is that I just filled out a form saying I'd participate in a research study that involves me actually having to mail something.

If you knew me you'd understand why that is funny. But since you don't I'll tell you. I never mail anything. Ever. Anywhere. It just doesn't make it to the post office. I have the best of intentions, really I do. But I just can't seem to get things into the mailbox.

The other day I was going through some boxes from our move, I looked at JimmyEW and was like, "Wow, here's a card for someone who's father died" we figured out it was for a friend who's father died at least 3 or more years ago. There was also a congratulations card, thank you cards and the birthday card I got for my BFF for her birthday LAST year. But guess what? I found that last card in time for her birthday THIS year. So I packed her up a box of 4 cards, 3 thank yous and one birthday along with a gift her her baby girl that is 6 months older than my baby girl- and put it in the mail!

No really, I did! And, get this, she got it ON her birthday!! She was really surprised since my stuff almost never makes it to her or I forget. But she knows I love her and forgives me my flaws. She's a good friend like that.

So, here I am. In the retail season from hell, three kids of which one is an infant that cries a lot- and I managed to get to the post office :) Sassy wins, retail season can suck it!

btw, I'm still eating cookies. oh well.

Is Anybody Out There...?

2009-12-14T20:26:00.002-05:00

Just nod if you can hear me? Is anybody home?

Love Pink Floyd! What I don't love is that I need to stop eating cookies and chocolate and need to get off my ass and start working out. Or, the very least- STOP EATING Cookies!!

Anyone out there? You who used to read us? Remember our 8 week challenge? I need to do that again. But its SO hard. I just had a baby 2 months ago and I'm working and running kids back and forth and Jimmy works a schedule from hell and its almost Christmas which equals double hellacious schedule. But, sigh, I am uncomfortable and have gained probably 5 lbs in the last week just because I am eating my feelings.

make me stop! I just need to make it till Christmas-I will be so angry if I gain a bunch of weight.

Oh my Goodness. We got a dog.

2009-06-01T10:36:00.003-04:00

He is just a lover. And he's huge. And he poops. A lot. But Logan digs him, so we'll deal.
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Butterfly Effect?

2009-05-13T13:22:00.001-04:00

If you could go back in time and change something, would you? Would you go back and try to make things different...better? II wonder if I would I go back and save a boy who was 13 when I last saw him. And would I be saving him for him, or for me? Maybe both. I have always felt like I failed him, I wanted to save him, protect him and yet I was only 18, I didn't know what to do or how to help. So I left and I didn't look back, because looking back was too hard, too troubling and too hopeless. Its hard looking at the things you know you can't change, watching helplessly as someone you care about makes mistakes or is used and abused.

I have to remind myself I was only 18. I was only 18. But i knew. I knew better. I knew that growing up in that house could easily destroy him like it did his brothers. Or the very least crush his spirit and kill his ambition. And now, 15 years later this boy hurts and has tried to take his own life. I guess I can't call him boy, he is no longer that bright eyed 13 year old I knew. But I can't help wondering, could I have saved him from it all? And if I had, would it have made his life better, or worse? Would it have completely changed the path I was on in my life.

Thats the hard part, there is never a way of knowing what could have been. Mulling it over is an exercise in futility. You just have to faith that all things happen as they should.

Photo Challenge

2009-02-04T08:52:00.000-05:00

I was tagged by Helena for this, I thought it sounded fun. This is what you do and this is who I'm tagging.

1. Open the fourth photo folder of your computer.
2. Choose the fourth photo in that folder and publish it in your blog.
3. Explain the photo.
4. Challenge four bloggers to do the same.

I will challenge Ashlee, Kspin, Saint Seester and Jen-have fun!

This is Kiki around 2 1/2 (wow, the same age Boogs is now)-unfortunately its a fairly boring shot, but he is sitting in our entryway wearing a sweater with a polar bear and his boots. I'm guessing he was putting them on thinking he'd go outside, not sure. You can see our carpet is actually clean and white in this shot. This was taken the first winter after we moved back to Northern Michigan from Chicago. We are now in our third, and coldest winter since being back. Looking forward to seeing what everyone else puts up!

Its too bad the picture to pick wasn't the third, because Boogs breaking into the box of Smirnoff is a much funnier shot!

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Pledge Not To Consume Month

2009-02-03T08:32:00.001-05:00

This month my wonderful Church is challenging us to pledge not to consume for the entire month of February. Here is what they have to say about the whole thing...

THE AVERAGE AMERICAN SPENDS LESS THAN ONE HOUR A WEEK IN RELIGIOUS OR SPIRITUAL TIME AND MORE THAN FIVE HOURS A WEEK SHOPPING.
As we reflect on faith and economy this year, we want to explore how we can move beyond the economy of money and live out of an economy of faith. February is our designated 'Pledge Not To Consume Month' (it is the shortest month).

The two simple guidelines are as follows:

1.) Don't buy anything new except food/toiletries for the month - just the absolute essentials (gas, mortgage, bills, etc.).

2.) If you really 'need' something, is there a way you can you borrow, barter, or even buy it used?

Feel free to 'customize' your month experience: Can you refrain from eating out for a month? Can you skip the dopio mocha-foo-foo drink? What about iTunes? Books? Shoes?

Is there something you will 'need' to buy in February (Valentine's Day reminder) that you might be able to buy now, ahead of time?

Make sure to visit our Facebook page to groan, offer support or flame the church for this insanely stupid idea. Share your stories, ideas, experiences, feelings with each other.

How many times have you went to Target to get some deodorant and come out with a $5 movie, a new pair of shoes and some pop tarts? I know I have! Its so easy to buy and less easy to save.

So the Sassys are attempting to do this, however we already consumed a meal out which technically is breaking one of the suggestions. I think Jim and I will have to come up with a plan of just sharing our weekday lunch date in my office, he'll have to deal with that (he hates eating at my office). So does anyone else want to jump on this band wagon with me? I'd like to figure out how much money we save at the end of this month with not going out and not buying random junk and share it here. God knows I already have too much random junk, I don't need more.

I think it would also be a good time for the Sassys to downsize a bit and simplify. It would seem these two go hand in hand.

I'll probably pop in here periodically to update on how we're doing with this and see if anyone else has decided to join in the spending free month. But until then, happy February!!

So...Yeah...

2009-01-22T19:07:00.003-05:00

I guess someone likes us so we were just informed we were in the running for the best mommy blogger award at this site So go vote. A coffee cup and link love depend upon it.

Aside from that, I got very angry today at a driver. And because Sister Big told me we need to blog more, I'm going to rant for a second.

First, yes, I admit I was on my phone. But I was driving slowly through a parking lot. I had just driven up a row and had begun turning left. While I was turning left a guy in the next row over turned very quickly right and drives quickly toward me.

I think for a moment and figure-hey, if I stop and wait for him I'm going to be blocking him and traffic and force him to pass me on his left, in the lane that goes in front of the store. So I continue my turn. However, car continues to drive quickly at me, going very fast and with no intention of stopping. He does stop as I complete my turn, and yes I was driving slowing. When its snowy in Northern MI I drive very slow-even in a parking lot. But I wasn't crawling. Just not speeding around.

So I look him like "Uhh! What the heck are you doing??" and he mocks me, he pretends to be a ditzy girl on a phone. I was sooo mad! I wanted to scream "Buddy, my talking on the cell has nothing to do with you tearing around a parking lot! Clearly I shouldn't be on the phone, but dude, its no reason to sherk responsibilty for being an A-HOLE. I would have gone after him but his passenger was an old lady and I had this thing about old poeople. So just stewed about it.

And had I not been on the phone, I would have done the same thing. I had the right of way since he was not there when I turned.

Jerk.

And there is your blog for 2009. Enjoy lol :)

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New Music I LOVE!

2009-01-01T11:29:00.000-05:00

I mostly do these posts because Sister Big says she likes them and it points her to new music. These songs are all music discoveries from listening to the Pandora Music Network online.

Most of these songs listed here were found while listening to a station I created from the Twilight soundtrack.

First, my new favorite. Iron & Wine. They did the song played during the slow dance between Bella and Edward. The movie has a slightly more pop version than the one that appears on their album. Both are good and I haven't heard a song by this group that I haven't loved!

Flightless Bird:

This is my other favorite by them: Freedom Hangs like Heaven

Now I take you to Great Lake Swimmers. I really love this band, their soothing vocals and music just make me feel peaceful. This is called I Saw You in the Wild, its my second favorite song by them because I couldn't find my favorite song on youtube (I Could be Nothing)

And now The Frames. I found the song by Glen and Marketta on my Twilight Station and realized he is the same guy from the movie and soundtrack Once. I'm going to post two songs here, one from each.

First, by the Frames. I really dig this song. They are a band from Dublin and they play a great live show according to my BFF who went to see them this fall. I also have their album Setlist (borrowed and imported thanks to my local library) and I can tell they are a great live band.

Then the best song from Once, Falling Slowly. So beautiful and haunting and I believe it won an Oscar.

and finally Sufjan Stevens, whom I introduced on my last music post. He sings very mellow soothing songs and if you listen to the lyrics, many of them are about God and Jesus. This one is In the Devil's Territory and I swear I recognize it from a movie. Can anyone tell me which one? I thought perhaps it was on the Juno Soundtrack but I guess not...

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Shut Up Kennen!

2008-12-30T14:03:00.001-05:00

I’m not what you would call a true football fan. I like to sit on the couch and read a good book while I listen to my husband explain the game to our son as they watch it on tv. Logan likes to ask his daddy never-ending questions and Tom has the patience of a saint. So, it works out pretty well.

When Brett Favre retired, my six year old son was very disappointed and had to call his Aunt Dianna to commiserate. Apparently she does follow the game and was able to grasp the importance of that phone call. I just dialed her number and went about my business of baking brownies or painting my nails. Or watching Project Runway reruns on Bravo.

Anyway, when Logan learned that Brett signed to play with the Jets, he declared war on him and the entire team. He now despises them with a passion that I didn’t realize was possible in his sweet little soul.

The last couple of days at work, I have been surrounded by football talk. It began when we were discussing the sadness of our home team: the Detroit Lions. They are a sad lot.

It then progressed to a knock-down, drag-out debate about who is the better player: Brett Favre or Tom Brady. I voted for Brett because he is cute. And because Tom Brady cheated on his baby mama. Those are really all the reasons that I need.

But the annoying guy I work with (that would be Kennen) (who only has one good eye and probably isn’t the best judge) disagrees with me and my friend and basically believes most people will as well. So I am asking you to set the record straight.

Who do you like better? Brett Favre or Tom Brady. Thank you
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Zombie Boogs

2008-12-24T16:42:00.004-05:00

First of all- Happy Holidays to everyone!!!

Secondly, just thought I'd share that Boogs has been suspended from daycare because of his craving for human flesh. He has become a biter. My nephew says he has the T-virus and be careful, and indeed a Toddler Zombie Apocalypse would be the worst kind.

But I think he is free of the T-virus and is just using the biting as an outlet for his crabbiness since his dad has been kidnapped by Santa Clause and been forced to make toys 6 days a week. And what I mean, is he is a slave to retail so he hasn't been home and I have been extra crabby and tired.

Since Boogs got the boot, we had to find alternate daycare. Enters Uncle Tom, who happened to be available the week before and after Christmas. So now Boogs goes to Uncle Tom's every day. I thought this was a short term fix, allowing Boogs a little one on one attention that would calm his craving for human flesh. But I'm afraid it will backfire.

Now, when ever I talk to Boogs about going back to school his answer is always, "No, Uncle Tom's house." He likes going to Uncle Tom's so much I'm afraid he'll be like the homeless person committing minor infractions to be thrown into the big house for 3 meals and a bed. Only he'll bite some poor kid and Uncle Tom won't be available and then who knows what I'll do.

So that's what's up with the Sassy Family. Hope all is well with you-enjoy the holidays and your family!

Oh, and if you haven't visited Amazon.com for free holiday music downloads, do it now. There are a lot of really fun and cool bands on there.
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Well I feel like a Dilweed

2008-12-10T11:47:00.001-05:00

When I was talking about Twilight I made the comment that Jacob was a fresh faced kid who had been recruited off the rez. I SWEAR I heard that, like, on NPR or something. I probably should have done my research though.

Apparently Taylor was the same boy from Sharkboy and Lava Girl and has been acting for years. Didn't live on a reservation but may have been chosen during the casting call for Native Actors last January. I don't know. Anyway, wanted to put that out there so people didn't think I was a total moron.

You Know Its Bad When...

2008-12-04T20:41:00.004-05:00

You find the soundtrack commentary of a movie more riveting than the movie itself. I had the misfortune of watching Queen of the Damned... something I saw when it first came out, but forgot that it was pretty bad so rented it again (calm down, I only spent .50).

The movie may have been fine if it had done a decent job of following Ann Rice's story, but it didn't. You could tell it didn't when the guy from Linkin Park tried very hard to say something nice about the movie but could only come up with "In the movie Lestat is a Rock Star and that's what it was like in the book..." Yep, that's about it.

The thing I hated most was that they had Marius as his maker and got the Marius character all wrong. And they made Jessie a big dork as well as having Lestat make Jessie, and I think it was Mael who did it after she nearly died at the concert. But I'm fuzzy on that one, its been years since I've read it but I think it may have been my favorite in the Vampire Chronicles.

But, seriously, it had a great soundtrack. The dude from Korn did it and because he couldn't sing because of some contractual issues, he had his musical peer group do it for him. And Aaliya sure did have a wicked cool walk as Akasha, the Queen. Here's a clip, but be warned --near the end she rips the heart of the vampire out and eats it. ...But not in a scary way... lol

Books into movies are seldom as good as the original thing. Another book into movie I thought sucked bad was Golden Compass. Just plain bad, they changed things with no discernible motivation for doing so and they ended the movie just before the book's climax. Weird. If you've read the book, don't waste your time on the movie.

Now, one movie that I thought was better than the book was Practical Magic. This is one of my favorite movies of all time. Its about sisters, love, overcoming the past and kicking evil ass! The soundtrack was excellent as well, see below for a great Stevie Nicks/Sheryl Crow song. But the book...forgettable. I remember finishing reading it after I saw the movie and thinking how much better the movie was. There are scenes that still give me chills, a gazillions times of watching later.

And why am I ranting about movies right now? Because Boogs is nearly asleep on the couch after having puked twice, I'm sitting in the dark when I need to be working on Christmas gifts for this weekend and I have to go potty really bad but am afraid the moment I do will happen to coincide with the third bout of puking. So I'm trying to distract myself. Hopefully I didn't distract you from anything good.

Enjoy Stevie Nicks!

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Helping a Sister Out

2008-11-27T08:37:00.005-05:00

I'm not the cookiest of sisters. I know how to do basics, but my kitchen is sorely lacking in kitchen type equipment and I've not had very many occassions to make any special or big meals. But since Jim now has the job with hours from hell, we now find ourselves alone on the holidays with me as the sole cook.

So I find myself with a Turkey, and no real clue how to actually cook it. I mean, I have a general idea, but I really want it to taste good. Winging it may not do the trick. Plus my $3 pan just confuses me.

Bewildered and looking for a consistant turkey cooking how to's on the net, I logged into Facebook and declared my ineptness. And guess who came to the rescue? Jen! She kindly offered me a phone call and a quick "how to" session to get me cooking with confidence. Thanks Jen!

She also emailed me a recipe for gravy, which I know will be uber helpful and very tasty. Jim loves his gravy!

This year I'm trying something i saw on Biggest Loser this week. It was Rocco's recipe, who I'm guessing is a Food Network guy, but not sure.

Healthy Version - Heba

2 tsp Olive oil
3 cups celery, chopped
8 ounces figs, approx. 20 figs
3 cups onions, chopped
2 teaspoons thyme
2 teaspoons marjoram
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon sage
3 teaspoons black pepper
1 lb. Jennie-O Turkey italian sausage, browned (remove from casings)
1 lb. Ezekial Whole Grain bread crumbs cubes for stuffing
2 Eggs
16 ounces low sodium chicken broth

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

2. Sauté celery and onions in olive oil, add browned sausage and all the seasonings. Simmer three minutes.

3. Put bread cubes in a large bowl. Add the beaten egg and egg whites. Stir in sautéed vegetables, parsley and figs. Add enough of the chicken broth to moisten. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

4. Transfer stuffing to prepared baking dish. Cover baking dish with foil.

5. Bake stuffing 25 minutes.

6. Remove foil; turn oven up to 375 and bake stuffing until top begins to brown, about 10 minutes longer.

So, good luck to all the turkey makers out there, and stop by Jen's blog to read about her 24 pounder ;) Thanks Jen!

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Twilight!

2008-11-24T18:55:00.007-05:00

This weekend the husband and I traveled down to Ft. Wayne to get our broke down car, then back to MI to spend some time with my family. Sister Redd and Sister Big had a nice little get together organized, Sister Aquanetta came over and we had a little early Christmas. It was great fun!

After we left the party and put the exhausted over stimulated kiddos to bed we headed out to watch the much anticipated Twilight. We both read the series and LOVED it. LOOOOVED it!

I had pretty low expectations for the movie. I mean, Cedric Diggory is Edward Cullen? Come on. And Rosalie looked ALL wrong. Not to mention that Jasper looked like something out of a weird Johnny Dep movie (I don't know which one). Besides, in the one trailer I saw I felt like Bella's acting was not so great and...so I wasn't expecting much. Add that to the little Facebook review from my Cousin-in-law that she was disappointed.

Maybe that low expectation was why I loved it so much! Like LOOOOOVED it! I loved the books but I was all about Team Jacob. I just had a hard time getting Bella and Edward's relationship. It seemed so... intangible to me. I understood and felt more compelled by her relationship with Jacob (through most of the books).

But for some reason in the movie I could see the draw, the chemistry and pull they had toward each other much more than the book. Not that I lack imagination, just I think they did a good job with the directing/acting I guess.

I thought Jacob was great. He had only a small part, but I found his acting fresh and real. Of course he's a boy plucked right off the rez, since there aren't many young native actors out there, so he couldn't be anything but fresh. I'm really looking forward to seeing more of him in New Moon, which they have already bought the rights for and are getting ready for production.

The Cullens looked...fine. They all looked like they were originally dark haired, dark skinned people wearing too much white face paint and bad blond wigs. And, whats up with Jasper's hair? Seriously. Besides Jasper doesn't utter a word in the movie...unless I missed it completely. Of course he may not utter a word in the first book anyway now that I think about it. It has been a few months since I read that one.

Alice was totally cute and I think I found Emmet the hottest of all the vamps...except for James, who I found pretty hot. But evil.

Anyway, I really loved the movie.

Oh! Just remembered which Johnny Dep movie! Jasper looks like the blond twin of Edward Scissorhands. Don't you think?

Uncanny!
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Apparently I Cannot Be Trusted

2008-11-20T17:49:00.002-05:00

I cannot blog about all the crazy things I can't be trusted about. Just that through my infinity thoughtlessness, I accidentally spill secrets.

For instance, person number 1, we'll call him Martin, tells me that he has gotten a moonlighting job at the local Dunkin Donuts making donuts. He doesn't want anyone to know because he's embarrassed that he has to stoop to such a place as Dunking donuts. I say, "no biggie, I won't say anything" and go on my merry way.

Weeks pass and I'm walking past Dunkin Donuts with my friends Louise, we're chit chatting about how we love their ooey gooey special chocolate donut and wondering how many Weight Watcher points it would be. I exclaim in a moment of short sighted brilliance that Martin can tell us!

Louise looks oddly at me and asks, "why would Martin know?".

My eyes widen and suck in my breath sharply, realizing I just told Louise that Martin is making donuts on the graveyard shift. I swear Louise to secrecy, even though she thinks donut making is a perfectly respectable side job, or main job even.

Then, to make it worse, Martin has this big meeting, Martin is uber nervous about it, pacing hallways and mumbling to himself- nervous. While Martin is at his meeting Louise walks in and asks if I know how it went. Just then I get a text from Martin.

"Lets See!' I say reading the text aloud.

"It didn't go well. I'm really upset. Feel like I'm having a panic attack. I'm heading to the hospital. Please keep this between us-"... I look up at Louise wide eyed...

"...Oops" I stutter.

Louise looks at me and shakes her head. Again, I find myself swearing her to secrecy. How do I get myself into things like this?

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You're Kidding Me, Right?!!

2008-11-19T18:43:00.004-05:00

That is what I shrieked when I weighed in and they told me I was down nearly a pound. I was loud, shrill and am sure I didn't sound pretty at all. I probably made an ugly face too. My co-worker that went with me chuckled, the lady who was weighing me offered to change it to reflect a gain if I wanted, but I declined. I was happy.

Its silly how little I know about what I'm eating when I don't follow the rules. I just guess and do my best but am always anxiety ridden when I go to step on. If I would just follow the plan I'd be golden.

And now, because I lost a certain amount, I lost another food point. This means I have less room to cheat and fall off the wagon...no wiggle room if I find myself passed out against the wall covered in turkey and gravy next week.

Therefore I must workout. I need to get my butt out of bed so I can run and earn myself more food. Run to eat. Maybe I should get a carrot to hang in front of my face. Funny, huh?

But I feel good about the loss, and I know I feel better when I run so I just need to do it. Running makes me feel like Rainbow Bright on crack. Obnoxiously happy.

And, you know what? I am finally within 5-9 lbs of weighing less than or equal to my JimmyEatWorld. I say less than or equal to because I'm not sure how much Jim weighs anymore. He better not have lost weight because I'm telling you, when I weigh less than Jim I am throwing a serious party. It'll be the I Weigh Less than Jim party! It may be the first time in our history that I weigh less than him, except for maybe when I first met him, but he was skinnier then than now, so maybe not.

Now, before I go I have something less fluffy on my mind. How many of us hate our bodies? And how many of us have daughters? And how many of us degrade our bodies in front of our daughters? I don't, because I don't have daughters, but I also don't do it in front of my sons. I don't want them to think its ok.

I just heard on NPR today that 53% of 4th grade girls say they hate their bodies. With all the messages around them saying they don't look good enough, their mothers shouldn't add to that, even if they are only degrading their own body. Mothers are their role model, they set the stage.

While I was stranded in Ft. Wayne I had quite a bit of time to read the book The Uglies by Scott Westerfield. Its about an America of the future where you have massive plastic surgery to make you "Pretty" and perfect. People eat what ever they want and don't think about being fat because they know when they turn 16 they'll be pretty. Afterwards there are pills to purge the calories they eat.

When the girls in the book find an old fashion magazine from our time (300 years prior, I think-they call our period "the Rusties") they see a very skinny girl who looks almost like a "Pretty" but too skinny. They determine that she must have the disease they learned about in school where people don't eat because they thought they were fat. They were horrified at the picture and proof of this disease because they couldn't imagine that such a thing ever existed. They thought their teacher made it up to make the Rusties seem more crazy and sad.

But how wonderful would it be if we could be horrified at the thought of eating disorders existing. Nice huh?

Now don't get me wrong. The land of the Pretties is not all great, it has its sinister side too. Like what happens when one girl decides she doesn't want to turn pretty. You'll have to read to find out what happens when she goes against the grain.

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Crash, Tumble...Groan...Ugh...

2008-11-17T17:22:00.001-05:00

Thats me after I fell of the horse, or wagon, or broke down Aveo fondly known as "the orange car". Fell off hard onto a ground cushioned with cookies, donuts and mashed potatoes.

These last few weeks have been pretty bad eating and exercising wise. I like to blame things on other things. Sprinkle it around so I can have some excuse other than the fact that I suck.

so here are the many excuses I've been rehearsing for my next weigh in:

1. Election party. I was so excited that I just ate cookies and chips all night long! Its one time in 4 years, how do you expect me not to eat cookies and chips?

2. Weekend away with my BFF! I had to eat out, I tried to choose smartly, but every outing with her since we were 14 has included large quantities of candy. And I mean large. And together we find ourselves hiding the goodies so we don't keep eating ourselves sick. The only thing is that she's skinny and pregnant and can get away with it. I can't. GRRRRR!

3. The last day of my weekend away began with Orange Car falling apart. Seriously, I don't know what any of this means but this is what happened. Tensioner broke off, spun the broken serpentine belt into the timing which went all wacky and blew the valves in the engine. Apparently there was no cover on the timing. The mechanic guy said he's never seen anything like that before. So I was stranded at Firestone all day Monday eating Dove chocolate, reading Uglies and feeling pretty sorry for myself. Good news is that even though we are 1000 miles over warranty, the guy was able to get it covered. Phew.

4. No groceries in the house because I spent all my money trying to fix a car that is still sitting in Ft. Wayne. That leaves a lot of full fat, not good for you things like hot dogs and noodles.

5. I'm too damn lazy to get my ass out of bed to run, when my tired running ass is running beside my warm cozy bed with my husband in it-its just too much. Bed, treadmill, bed, treadmill....bed....This morning I did choose treadmill though. Go me. (eye roll)

But really, its because I didn't plan and I can't make excuses. I just need to do it, and stop being stupid and exercise some self control. We did get some groceries last night and that makes me happy, I had salad for lunch...and some really yummy chocolate cookie bar I didn't mean to eat. And hopefully I won't fall further off the wagon when I feed the homeless their nighttime snack of Root Beer floats tonight. ...Must not partake...

Oh well, at least I ran this morning.

Head Games with Sassy

2008-11-16T11:33:00.005-05:00

If you read this post, then you know that I worry about keeping the kidlets busy during the long Northern Michigan winter. Not a ton to do in our little town in the winter, aside from winter sports, and because I live in a shoe box I've been worried about our social structure degrading into crazed cabin fevered cannibals.

So I've been trying to come up with projects and I decided to do one that is dear to my heart. Heads. Remember how I love to do head? Why not do heads with the boys? ! Light bulb!

I gathered what pathetic magazines I had, which turned out to be a stack of Inc magazines and a hodgepodge of Parents/Parenting/Baby Talk and other mama freebies. Not the greatest for finding good bodies.

My best friend and I have done heads since high school, and from years of doing heads I've discovered you find the best bodies in entertainment/Fashion magazines and such. If you want some great heads to use I like Newsweek and Time for that, lots of politicians and world leaders. I still remember one of ours from the early 90's that had George Bush Sr. presenting a shy sweet Bill Clinton with a flower. One of my favorites.

Today Boogs and Kiki were inducted into the illustrious Sassy past time of Heads and they rose to the occasion. They had fun, I had fun and we created something fun. I used their heads and and the heads of my best friend's two boys. We used what ever bodies I could find in my sad magazine stack. Where were Honey Bunches old People Magazines when I needed them?

Next time we do Heads we'll have Logan over and use his head to create some fun scenes. See below for their big fun.

So far today, Sassy Family: 1 Cannibals: 0

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Halloween Morning Musings

2008-10-31T05:49:00.007-04:00

I know I was going to pick a winner for the music and feelings contest, and I still promise too, but I need to just wait until after Halloween and things calm down.

Halloween isn't something I grew up celebrating, because of the cult you know. During school parties you'd find us sitting outside the office coloring something. It was the devils holiday so we would turn our lights off and refuse the persistent trick or treater candy. . And Every now and then we'd get tp'ed. But oh well, right?

Personally, I could care less about the candy or the going door to door. That didn't really appeal to me either way. But more than anything what I wanted to do was dress up. I wanted to be someone else for a night, to pretend and look glamorous or exotic. But no. By the time we exited our cult I was too old to try to get away with dressing up unless I was lucky enough to be invited to a party.

But I'm not letting that stop me this year. I don't care, I'm dressing up. I was going to wear an old boring renaissance dress but in the middle of the night I decided that I'm going to go as a Hogwarts Witch. I have a cape that I have safety pinned the Hogwarts School Banner to, I have witchy shoes, I have Hogwarts socks (Slytherin and Griffindor, I hoping to find a matching pair but if I only find one of each then I'll just be a confused Hogwarts witch). I even have a broom and Scabbers the Rat.

The boys are being Batman and Robin and Jim is going as a super foxy Vampire. Yum! Sorry if that just made you throw up in your mouth.

I also just got my hair cut for the first time in a year. The last time I got it cut was during the infamous hair show that left Sister HB fuming. I stuck around and got a great do with awesome color, but I didn't keep it up.

So yesterday I went in and had the girl there do whatever she felt like. I really dig this chick, I would totally make her be friends with me! She lives kind of far away or I would try to trick her into coming over one day. Not that I have to force all my friends into an unwilling friendship, I just find people sometimes don't have the time to make new friends...sigh...

So here's my hair and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

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Contest!!

2008-10-19T20:29:00.005-04:00

"Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." Berthold Auerbach

I like this quote, It reminds me of when I was a teenager, standing in church and feeling muddled and hopeless about my boyfriend, who was a psycho. Dating a psycho causes much muddleness by the way. Everything seemed to be in shambles and I was feeling an awful depressed funk.

That was until we began singing Morning Has Broken by Cat Stevens. Something about that song just washed everything away and I felt noticeably lighter. It changed my mood completely. It washed my funk away.

Years later before walking down the aisle to wed darling Jim, I held hands with my two best friends and sang the song Closer to Fine by the Indigo Girls. Singing that calmed me and gave me the peace I needed to go down that aisle without being a mess of nerves.

I find that I gravitate toward music that speaks to me during my current phases of life. It gives me food for thought, it lifts me up or commiserates in misery with me. Music is my friend.

So, now to the contest. I have recently download about 15 new songs that I really like. You'll find some of them on this post and if you like the feel of the music, then please consider entering my new contest. Although I have the distinct feeling that Sister HB would say they make her want to slit her writs. But let me tell you, there will be some very fun and uplifting Regina Spektor songs in the mix, so don't worry too much.

To enter all you need to do is write in the comments about a moment when music helped you, healed you, hurt you, or inspired you to do something amazing. Tell me your most interesting story about music. I'll leave this open for a week, and then I'll go through and choose a winner.

Good luck!

Saturday Exploring

2008-10-19T09:38:00.005-04:00

This is the view from where Boogs goes to school, its about 2 miles from our home. Nice view seems slightly wasted on a daycare-but hey, here there are nice views everywhere.
After taking the above shot, we headed downtown to the Farmers Market and spent our only cash on a bag of tiny little apples that were perfect for kids. Then we headed across the street to the marina. Here is Boogs looking for fish. We saw a GIANT one swimming by, that in my opinion, looked a little mean. I wouldn't want to swim with that guy.
Then we walked down to one of our favorite little beaches. Kiki and Boogs thought it was funny to kick the water and nearly fall in. When Jim stopped them, Boogs threw himself in the sand in protest.
Afterwards we attempted to take some pictures. They didn't cooperate with the smiling and looking at the camera, but finally with the promise of skittles, I got them to both at least look at me.
Then, after nap we went exploring at the Historic Barns by the old State Hospital. Jim found a track and they were intently trying to discover what sort of animal left it. Kindred decided it was a fox, then walked over to a hole next to the fire hydrant and declared that one as belonging to an elephant. That made us laugh.

This is the first time in three weeks that Jim has actually been home on the weekend. So we try to make the best of it by enjoying the beautiful fall day.

The above picture is a little pool near a creek that we stopped at. This is just before Boogs walked right into the creek, falling into the water up to his thighs. He cried and asked for a towel, which we didn't have. We had been walking for about 15 minutes at that point, so I took out Kiki's fleece coat and turned them into makeshift pants, then we trekked back to the car.
After getting new pants, socks, and shoes we went to the park by our home and had some last minute fun. On the way home we detoured, rented Incredibles and Iron Man and I made dinner for the boys. Jim and I were looking forward to a juicy hamburger, but as I began cooking I discovered we had no burger. So I quick made the boys food, went to the store and gathered stuff for Sundaes. When I got back they had Chocolate Peanut butter Rice Dream with caramel sauce, with Reeses Cereal, Gummy Bears, and Reeses Pieces. Yum!

Iron Man was excellent, the burger that we ate, with rice cheese, was excellent, my Coke Zero was Excellent and spending time with Jim for once was the most excellent.

Hope everyone's weekend was just as fun!

Tell No One

2008-10-11T20:08:00.005-04:00

I recently saw this movie at our quaint and beautifully restored downtown theater. I had learned about this film, like I learn about almost everything I know about, from NPR. They were doing a review of it and talked about how, although this is a French film, that it has caused quite a following. This is unique in that Americans as a mass are not known for their appreciation of foreign films. Its notoriously difficult for a foreign film to do well. This film was a blockbuster all over Europe in 2006 and took until recently to get US play. I'm SO glad I was able to see this in the theater!

The premise is as follows. French doctor's wife is murdered then out of the blue, 8 years later, he gets an email from a women who looks like her on a surveillance video. She warns him to "tell no one". Hence the title. The rest of the film follows him trying to discover the details of her death, uncovering some secrets, and trying to outrun the different people chasing him as he tries to unravel the email and figure whether his wife is alive, or if its a cruel trick.

This movie was excellent! Its mystery, suspense and will even cause you to laugh out loud. At one part Jim and I actually cheered!

So go see it or rent it. Its probably one of the better movies I've seen in a long time.

Now, tell me about little gems you've discovered that you think are under appreciated films. I have a bare Netflix queue that needs some attention.
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www.rescuesassy.com

2008-10-06T08:25:00.001-04:00

Winter is a coming and I live in a shoebox.

Jim works the most during these next couple of months and with the weather outside being frightful as it moves into November...I'm going to need some serious help. What is one to do with two VERY active boys who live with you in a shoebox? Seriously, If I don't come up with sanity saving ideas, we just might end up eating each other, and although Boogs is plenty meaty... Kiki just doesn't look very satisfying. Sigh....

So, the place I live doesn't have any Kids Gyms or stuff like that, we basically have a Burger King playland and snow. If I had more space I'd organize play group weekends or have stations of fun stuff. But I don't. Here are the few ideas I do have.

1. Children's Museum pass. I think this is $75 and I'm not sure I want to spend that much, plus with two of them by myself..not sure how easy it would be to chorale them.

2. Saturday Morning Matinee. Our local old timey theater plays children's movies Saturday mornings for .25. We do this almost every week except when the movie is scary, like Spiderwyk and Beetlejuice.

3. Eat each other. I have BBQ sauce and a slow cooker. This one is my last resort.

So, what are some ideas for the space challenged shut ins? I need help, or Ashlee just might discover a family of half eaten Sassy's living in her basement after all.

New Songs Saturday!

2008-10-04T10:18:00.002-04:00

Hi all. The hiatus here has obviously extended beyond Summer. The weather has changed and now I'm busier than ever! How does that happen??

But I thought I'd take some time to share some great new songs I've recently downloaded, discovered via Pandora.

Mad World by Alex Parker. This is a fan video made from Buffy the Vampire Slayer footage and I picked it because I LOVE THIS SERIES!! SO good, so funny and so smart.

Let Go-Frou Frou. This is a Final Fantasy Video, I just picked it at random.

Make this Go on Forever-Snow Patrol. And an X-Files video, another show I LOVE.

Sufjan Stevens, The Dress Looks Nice on You (ignore weird barbie doll thing.)

Colorblind by Natalie Walker

This song is probably my favorite new discovery. Its by Cat Power and I love the sound of the music and her voice, its mesmerizing to me.

Thats all for now. I have to go to do a fun fire truck thing now. Clue me in to some new favorites of yours!

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Renewed

2008-09-24T20:06:00.004-04:00

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Spiraling Addiction!

2008-09-13T21:50:00.003-04:00

We're out of control. I think that my darling husband, the one who rarely reads fiction of his own volition, was just possessed by a heart thumping dramatic teenage girl. Not that he's acting like one, just reading like one. He began reading twilight, finished it last night. Before I let him move on I did something mean. I made him read the last section of the book, which was the first chapter of the next one.

Boy was he mad! He hasn't stopped reading New Moon...well, purposefully at least. It is now 9:52 pm, roughly 24 hours since he picked it up and he just finished New Moon! This does not happen. It usually takes him at least a week to read a book, but typically longer.

I am not so lucky. I am only a little more than halfway through Breaking Dawn, and let me tell you the first half was so intense that I almost had to go online to look for spoilers so I could stop stressing about it. And I don't do crap like that. I don't even read the back of the book covers because I want to be completely surprised. So my near want for a spoiler was very out of character.

But I powered through and now that I'm more than half way through I have finally come to a place I feel like I can stop without constantly worrying and wondering.

Good books... understatement.
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When I Should Be Working...

2008-09-10T19:20:00.005-04:00

Sometimes I sneak out to the river behind my office (which is the very same river behind Sister Honey Bunch's of Oat's office) and just breath and take in the beauty that surrounds me. When was the last time you took time to really smell the roses?

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The Drawback of Reading the Twilight Series

2008-09-08T12:06:00.001-04:00

Is that now that I'm dreaming about Vampires based on this series, I don't know how to freaking kill them! Its really frustrating, especially since I'm a human and I have hordes of vampires coming at me. Vampires I can't stake, throw holy water on, flash with UV Rays or burn with garlic.

There is simply no way for a human me to kill them. I guess I'm going to have to learn to turn into a werewolf or something.

I'm really enjoying these books, I'm blowing through them at a pace abnormal for me. I was taking a shower last night and thinking, if I could, I'd read in the shower. During the few minutes when I let the conditioner sit on my hair.

And now I have vampires on the brain, not in a scary way though. But I couldn't help but wonder, when my car alarm mysteriously went off two separate time in the middle of the night, and I walked out into the dark night in my PJ's to see what was up....was it just a ploy to lure me out there. To test my defenses, or lack there of?

I didn't get jumped by a vamp or anything else that goes bump in the night, but I did find out that my neighbor wears bright blue tight underwear briefs to bed. Lol! I think he was sleepy enough not to be embarrassed.

So, go out and read these books. I'm only on Eclipse, but I'm loving them all. I'm even making Jim read them, against his will. But I don't feel badly while I watch him chuckling and laughing out loud as he reads. When I catch his eyes he tries to complain, but I can see he really is enjoying himself.

Happy Monday!

Oh, and because I was going to say something that was triggered by Kspin's Friday blog, its really nothing though. I guess it fits since she is the one who finally made me decide to read these books, I'll throw this in too.

With school here, I was dreading making lunch for the boys every night. Sister HB has complained how much she hates it, I already hate making my own lunch, add two more to it and I was sure it was going to suck.

But oddly, I enjoy it. I actually find pleasure in putting their lunches together and watching their excited faces as they grab their lunch bag for school. They feel so grown up now.

Sister HB assures me that I will grow to hate it, she liked it at first too. But I'm hoping she's wrong, I don't need another chore added to my daily life.

Daycare Woo Hoos!

2008-09-06T08:24:00.004-04:00

Well y'all may know about many of my daycare woes, like here and perhaps the one I unpublished about Daycare Diva. And of course there was the crack about me always feeding them Chicken Nuggets.

This week Boogs started a new Preschool based Center. We were obviously nervous. Why wouldn't we be when Diva always notified us that Boogs spent a lot of time in time outs-other parents always commented that when they saw him, he was in time out. And when I'd ask every day how he'd done, she'd answer "...better..." in a high pitch inflection that suggested that he was barely better.

So imagine our surprise and joy when they told us that he was great! They like him even. That was one of my big complaints about the other place, I just didn't think Diva liked him. They said he is really good, very lovey and wonderfully social. They think he's so cute because he runs up to greet each parent when they come. He's doing beautifully! I couldn't be happier.

And Kiki. Well he is in love with preschool. We got him into the one right downtown three days a week. I've been stressing though. I kept him at Diva's for another two days just having faith that preschool would suddenly have an opening for him full time. On the days he went to Diva's, he was NOT happy. He wanted to go to school. So on Friday, when no spots for full time had opened up, I talked to Boogs's school to see if they could take Kiki other two days a week. They said sure.

But, Friday morning while I stared zombie-like at my computer screen, the Preschool Teacher called me.

Me- Blah blah, this is Sassy.
Teacher- Hi Sassy, this is Preschool Teacher. I'm calling to make your weekend.
Me- Really?? (expectant pause)
Teacher- I'm calling you to offer Kiki a full time spot!
Me-Really!! OMG, I'm SO happy!! Thank you!!
Teacher-Actually I bumped a couple other kids off the list since I knew how desparate your situation is.
Me- You are SO getting a good Christmas gift this year!

Then I called Jim and Kiki. Jim was happy and Kiki screamed "OH!" and threw his arms up into the air (according to Daycare Dad). Today is Saturday and he wants to know why he's not going to school. He's kind of pissed at me.

So everyone is happy, I'm way less stressed and all is right with the world.

Oh, and because Kspin triggered some thoughts on the topic, I'll post something tomorrow. Of course her post is much better than mine, mine isn't all exciting. Just something I found very interesting.
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Through Rose Colored Glasses

2008-09-03T13:49:00.002-04:00

For more wordless Wednesday click here

9021NO

2008-09-02T22:30:00.002-04:00

Hi. My name is Sister Honey Bunch and I am a Beverly Hills 90210 addict.

I was beyond thrilled to learn that there was going to be a 90210 spin-off. As much as I loved my relaxing summer, I anxiously waited for it to come to an end. I wanted to catch up with Brenda and Kelly, of course.

Today I picked Logan up from school. We took Kiki to the beach. We ate dinner. We read a couple chapters from our book and finally. Finally. It was time for Tom to put Logan to bed and for me to sit on my comfy couch, drink my diet Coke and watch my show.

Oh, with the disappointment. Within the first five minutes certain activities occurred that even the formerly-trampy Kelly Taylor would not have participated in. And where before, some of the parents were in the entertainment industry, the new parents are in the Porn industry. This is not their mother's 90210, I can assure you.

I lasted all of 20 minutes with this new and improved version and don't expect to go back. Unless Dylan and Branden make a return to compete for Kelly's heart. Then wild horses couldn't keep me away.

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Finding What Was Lost

2008-09-01T09:08:00.003-04:00

I used to see everything as a potential picture. While I was in High School and College, it was like I saw the world through the lens of my camera. If there was something there that looked interesting, I'd snap a picture. Back then, with film, I'd be careful to not waste.

And on the occasions that I forgot my camera, or Sister 7 was in possession and refused to give it to me, I have memories of lost pictures that I was never able to take. Like the everglades reflected off the murky Floria water, or the woman holding her baby and walking along the train tracks with a toddler following close behind. Lost photos.

So you'd think I'd know enough to carry my camera with me where ever I went. Not so. You see, as life goes on and you go through the motions of your life, you leave your passions behind sometimes. They seem silly, wasteful or not worthy of the effort or money. I'm not sure what happened to mine, mine was probably more about money involved in film purchase and development. But I stopped looking for photographs in the world around me.

Until now. However I've not gotten back in the practice of taking my camera wherever I go. But I refuse to have missed appointments with potentially great pictures. Or not great pictures even. I don't care since I have my new Digital SLR.

This is one picture that I nearly missed. Its not totally amazing or anything, but I'm still glad I snatched it. I saw this on the way to Daycare, the sun was rising and the area was filled with a smoky haze that covered the ground.
It looked particularly striking over the water. So after I dropped my boys off, I ran home for my camera. That day I had forgotten my cell phone or I probably would have taken the shot with my phone and been satisfied.

This is the same shot with a Infrared Film effect applied. Infrared is one of my favorite effects to use.
And here was another shot I nearly missed. But luckily I at least had my phone. I ran through the water and had Aunt Honey stay near them in case they toppled off. I really wanted to capture this moment since JimmyEW was working and I knew he'd really want to see this.

What are some things you loved that you let get lost? Perhaps you can find your way back to them? What is life if you don't have something that you love that is yours alone?

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Who Can You Trust with Your Kids??

2008-08-30T08:28:00.003-04:00

As we know, I'm a freak and a worrier. I can't help it. My chief goal in life is to get my children to adulthood without dying or being seriously permanently injured. I feel like something as awful as that happening to them is unlikely, but what I do worry about is their being victimized....

I know when I was in college the stats were 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 10 boys would be sexually victimized by the time they reached 18. Scary. I'm not trying to scare you though. But this is what I know- most of the attention to this is focused on protecting your children from adults...but what about other children?

I feel 100% comfortable with the adults in my children's lives, but not the kids. I don't know the other kids at daycare or school and if they are receiving inadequate supervision, something can happen.

And stuff DOES happen. When I worked in social work I met little kids who did very serious things to other children. Not just innocent play, I promise you. And it's important to know that if a child does perpetrate, its because, most of the time, they are a victim of someone else. They need help.

The reason I bring this up is because I learned that there is some serious lack of supervision at Daycare and some innocent but inappropriate things did occur when my kids were in their care. I'm not worried, I know nothing bad happened to my children. This time. But its time for a very un-fun phone conversation with Diva. And I am now relieved about the decision we made to pull them.

So, have you had that discussion with your children, on who can touch and see their privates and who can't? Have you told them this applies to other children too? How did that conversation go? Do they know its ok to say no to someone, including other kids even if they are afraid it will hurt that kid's feelings? I just did. Sucks doesn't it.
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Pre Kchaos

2008-08-29T05:13:00.006-04:00

I guess its official... I'm old. I have a kid that goes School. Ok, its only preschool, but its still school.

Last night we went to the open house. The school he'll be going to is an older building without A/C ...many places up here don't really have A/C anyway, but the day was hot and muggy and sitting in a windowless auditorium doesn't make for happy kids.

The principal, who seemed to be trying hard to be interesting, made me want to slit my wrists. She would not.stop.talking.

I looked around at the other parents of mostly 3-7 year olds and thought to myself that this woman wasn't too perceptive about her audience. As evidenced by the fact that as soon as she paused and finished one section, nearly everyone stood to leave... but she wasn't quite done yet. We all left anyway.

Seriously though, I'm happy Kiki is in a school at all! Preschool enrollment has been a nightmare. I signed him up in May for a school that is near downtown and where Logan happens to go. I was 38 on the list, guess I waited too long. But the teacher assured me it'd be fine.

Logan's school wouldn't be able to tell me for sure if he got in until August 16, so they said. Suddenly it is the week before school starts and I STILL don't know. I call and get myself put on the list for the other school downtown. Central Grade School-I was 3rd on the waiting list.

Finally the teacher at Logan's school told me she didn't think she had any openings for him, but then Central Grade called me and offered me M, Tue, Th full days. I snapped them up in hopes of getting him a spot the other two days. Daycare Diva said she probably has room for him to go to her house the other two days till November.

I was going to have him go to the new Center Boogs is going to, but when I was there I saw a little bully on the playground and I decided I didn't want poor Kiki to have to figure out two hierarchies of bullies. I wanted him to just have to learn one. So I decided to keep him at Daycare Diva's till he can get full time Pre-K at Central. I think it is a good move and best for him, even if its not convenient for me.

But to be honest I sort of didn't want him at Central because I consider it to be the "rich school" ... I hate to say that I have one major prejudice, however unfair, about the rich. Here the "numbered streets" have the huge old Victorians and million dollar homes. This school is nestled amongst those numbered streets.

While at the open house, Jim admitted that while I was trying to figure out how old we were compared to other parents, he was trying to figure out which ones were the rich ones. lol. He said he overheard one woman saying, somewhat out of place, "Well we live on 6th street" in a conversation about pick up. He thought it seemed purposeful on her part, and the teacher didn't respond. Oh, and 6th street has probably THE most expensive homes. But I'm not worried about it anymore, the school seems really great and I liked his teacher a lot. I think it's because I went to a school with a good amount of rich kids and HATED EVERY SECOND OF IT.

A bonus of him going to Central is that one of his little girl friends from Diva's is going to be going there. She ran up to him last night and fearlessly took his hand in hers. They walked all the way to the preschool room hand in hand and chatting happily.

It was so sweet I had to snap a picture, while walking-so it's blurry.

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Cloudy blue goodness

2008-08-27T15:17:00.003-04:00

Well, this was my Wordless wed. I sucked earlier because I sent it from my phone, which made a bunch of dumb broken boxes. Bummer.

Quirkines

2008-08-27T09:14:00.000-04:00

every time I have to take an extended bathroom visit, mostly when I'm home alone with the kids, I wonder how many kids get seriously injured when their parents are using the potty?

Ack! Am I the only freak out there??
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Perfection!

2008-08-26T07:09:00.002-04:00

Me, Jim, fire, beach and a good book. What more could I ask for on a birthday?

Sorry for being so MIA, I haven't had much to say and didn't want to clog your reader with needless junk. Thats what email is for, lol.

But let me remind you, summer is almost over! Did it get away from you before you had time to do something you significantly enjoyed? If so, you have a little time left. Go do something wonderful special and fun with someone you love. Even if its just for a few hours.
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Yeah... I didn't feel like folding laundry

2008-08-25T22:05:00.004-04:00

So I did this instead. It's Kspin's fault though :) ...too good of a reason to put off folding. Couldn't pass it up. I mean, who could deny a perfectly good reason to waste time??

Not sure if this is coming out right, but here is the list of questions. Just go to Big Huge Labs and choose Individual URLS.

Then go to www.flickr.com and type in the answers to the questions below. Viola!

1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food?
3. What high school did you go to?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. Favorite drink?
7. Dream vacation?
8. Favorite dessert?
9. What you want to be when you grow up?
10. What do you love most in life?
11. One Word to describe you.
12. Your flickr name. (kid version: favorite animal?)

below are the links to the photos I used, to give credit.

1. Some of Me, 2. My Pico de Gallo, 3. Ouch! This Can't Be Good!, 4. Meeting the pregnant princess of the forest, 5. montage_eric-schweig_uncas.jpg, 6. June 24, 2008 - Water Fountain, 7. Rossbeigh Strand (HDR Test #1), 8. 4-in-1 Pie!, 9. Angels Pilot, 10. Friends silhouetted, 11. IMG_8118, 12. Y2D074: I'm Done.

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Deafening Quiet::Painful to Read Poem

2008-08-24T22:50:00.004-04:00

My beautiful Kiki is visiting grandma
and I miss that bugger like crazy.
Boogs went for a little bit
long enough for Jimmy and I to get lazy

sun, fun eating
sleeping and other things

and now I just miss the noise he brings
The constant questions
the nonsense sounds emitting from his mouth
Nugget...noodle, poop and whatever comes into his head.

And now you've reached the end of my drunk poem...
hope it didn't make your eyes bleed.
It's all fun and games until someone gets a bloody eye

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Airborn!

2008-08-16T13:23:00.003-04:00

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I Have Lost All Joy...

2008-08-13T13:55:00.003-04:00

In Food. Which is ok, because I shouldn't find my joy in food. And I'm not being entirely honest. I do enjoy my food still and I do pick a day where I indulge and eat something I really really want to, so I don't feel deprived the rest of the week.

But more and more I'm looking at what I eat and thinking... I'd rather not waste my calories on this thing that I won't love. I'd just rather not eat at all. This has led me to eat a few bites of a sandwich and throw the rest of it away,saving my calories for some ice cream later. Lol!

Its not because I'm dieting and can only eat bland food, its not. Its just that I have been a very poor planner lately. I know what I like to eat and what I can eat and I make the mistake of being Big Dumb Lazy, and not getting stuff ready.

So, I plan to be a better planner, to make sure to get food I enjoy and to actually write down my points this week. And I'm going to continue to find joy in watching the kids play, Boog's new language explosion, the clouds in the sky, Kiki Splashing in the water, reading a great book and snuggling with my husband. Now that is joy!

Oh, and I did lose another pound! That makes me just a smidge away from 15. I think I'm getting the hang of this.

Adventures in Bloggy Friendship

2008-08-11T06:48:00.002-04:00

Awhile ago I met bloggy friend for the first time IRL. Here is the post I wrote worrying about if she would like me and what I should wear, just in case you forgot. I planned on writing about it right afterwards, but frankly I haven't put much effort into writing here and I wanted it to have my full attention and effort.

So I met...drum roll please, Jen of A2EatWrite, (the crowd cheers). I've always really liked Jen. For one thing I feel she and I share some similarities socially and politically. And she also always has something really insightful to share in my comments. She's a quality commenter, not a comment whore like I sometimes can be. And, she gave me the great idea of making Apple Cinnamon Pancakes, a Sassy Family favorite!

Jen was visiting in a town nearby and she suggested we meet. I was game, Sister HB had other commitments, but I'm not a shy girl so I jumped at the chance. We made plans and she sent me a head shot so I would recognize her. She called my office to declare she was in my parking lot and I tip toed out of work to go on a Bloggy Friendship Adventure!

I had been debating where to take her, since she is a foodie and I wanted her to have a great...whats a scientific word for taste? I guess its Gustation? So I wanted her to have a great gustating experience. I am doubtful gustating is a word. But oh well.

We decided to go to a new local tea bar that serves all organic vegetarian cuisine and locally grown/made tea. Its kind of my new favorite place. The atmosphere is laid back, warm colors splash the walls and there are little tables, couches and window seats to lounge on.

Jen got something orange to drink, while I went for something green. They were very pretty and tasted good.

I don't remember now what she had to eat, I have a feeling I pressured her into getting the Smoking Greens Sandwich. Imagine grilled whole grain bread, gooey melted smoked cheddar cheese, avocado, spinach, onion and sunflower seeds. Soooooo good!

But I forgot to get a picture.

I spent a good hour or more enjoying great conversation with her. We talked about blogging, about families, politics, religion and all sorts of stuff. I had such a good time talking to her that, afterwards, I found myself thinking about all the things I meant to ask, but forgot to. She was just as great IRL as she is in blogworld. Are you all horribly jealous! I would be! :)

I hope that she'll find her way back here some day and be able to go to the 2nd runner up restaurant with me. We can share the fresh warm pita chip platter with the homemade pico, homemade hummus and the melty Jarlsberg cheese. Jen, all you have to do is call!

Here we are before we left the Tea Bar. Aren't we cute? Perhaps I can make it down to her neck of the woods and buy her that Cheese Delight I talk about so she can gustate all the ingredients and tell me how to make it.

And there you have it. I give Jen 5 our of 5 stars for being a great Bloggy Buddy!

Who's next? :)
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The Invisible

2008-08-10T08:18:00.003-04:00

I saw this movie recently and I think it is wonderful. The story itself is compelling and the characters are complicated. You find yourself feeling compassion for everyone involved. The timid loser friend, the distant unfeeling mother and even the villain. And you find yourself wanting things to happen that you know logically don't make sense. But you want them all the same. It keeps you wondering how the movie really will end, how they can possibly end it and make the ending you want.

The best part is, I think this trailer doesn't ruin the movie. Today I think trailers give away EVERYTHING. Though, if you watch the movie you'll notice the part with the old man has been cut. But this trailer gives you enough to get a feel for what the movie is about and still be surprised when things happen.

Can I add that its way too early and I've already been awake for a few hours now. ugh...

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I Don't Think I Have This Mom Gig Down

2008-08-09T09:59:00.002-04:00

Today I have two birthday parties to go to for the kids. These are honestly the first parties we've been invited to aside from Logan's. I don't even know what to do.

The parties have a time frame, like 11-1pm. Does that mean I go and stay the entire time or is it more like an open house? Are there organized activities? What if Boogs is the only 2 year old there, what if Kiki is the only boy? What if I don't know anyone and just stand around over dressed or under dressed.

Which comes to my big question, WHAT DO I WEAR?

Wow, I'm so clueless about stuff like this. Oh the pressure!
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The No Scream Parenting Method

2008-08-08T07:43:00.000-04:00

And when I say scream, I'm talking about me not being that screaming woman. You know who she is...
....
Thats right. Harriet Olsen. Oh, the shudder I feel when I think that I may be like that woman. Her constant screaming and her poor hen pecked husband. I was always afraid of becoming her.

My Boogs is a challenge. He is strong willed, spirited, full of energy, emotional AND he's a tad behind in talking. Doesn't = pretty.

I find myself yelling at him constantly and angrily. I yell and he yells back, I yell louder, he yells louder and cries. It's hard to tell who the two-year-old is. That'd be him.

So after finally deciding that positive reward seems to work way better for him, in fact, punishment of any kind doesn't even make him blink. So we began a sticker chart with certain tasks and reward magnets. He seems to like that, but he was still being very challenging.

Finally, a few days ago, I decided I was going to go 2 weeks without raising my voice at him. And I don't know if its like a placebo effect, where I just imagine it- but it seems to be working. He seems to be less frustrated, and doing less naughty type things. But he's also easier to refocus to non-naughty activities. AND, for some reason, I just feel better and less pressure. Just knowing that I'm not allowed to yell at him seems to make things easier on me. I can't explain it- but maybe you can :)

Equal Opportunity Assassinator

2008-08-07T21:47:00.003-04:00

Raymond Hunter Geisel, 22, was arrested by the Secret Service on Saturday in Miami and was ordered held at Miami's downtown detention center without bail Thursday by a federal magistrate.

A Secret Service affidavit charges that Geisel made the threat during a training class for bail bondsmen in Miami in late July. According to someone else in the 48-member class, Geisel allegedly referred to Obama with a racial epithet and continued, "If he gets elected, I'll assassinate him myself."

Obama was most recently in Florida on Aug. 1-2 but did not visit the South Florida area.

Another person in the class quoted Geisel as saying that "he hated George W. Bush and that he wanted to put a bullet in the president's head," according to the Secret Service. To read more, click here

At least he's not being partisan about it, right? Eye roll. I'm really curious who'd have to win for this guy to not want to kill them. Maybe he has a "boys don't hit girls" mindset, but somehow I doubt that.

I'm Not Something to Eat!

2008-08-07T07:44:00.001-04:00

That was Kiki's funny and angry exclamation after Boogs bit him. So simple and so true.

Speaking of eating, I was a scaredy cat this week. I DID NOT want to weigh in. I debated using my get out of jail card-a skip a weigh in pass. I had decided to not weigh in, I was going to skip it. Even though Jim told me to do it.

But this morning, oh wonderful morning, on a whim I tried on a skirt that is a size smaller than I wear...and it zipped all the way up! So I tested the scales and was down another 1.5 lbs for a total of 13.8! So all is well in Sassyland.

Anyone else almost hide for fear of failure, only to be pleasantly surprised? Don't you love that feeling!
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Beach Crack

2008-08-06T06:57:00.000-04:00

Another wordless Wed wonder.. (you can't even spell out the word Wednesday, JimmyEW says to me. What-eva) however, I probably didn't bother to remember to sign Mr. Linky in the morning. And.. not so wordless. But I love this shot!
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Our Callous Society

2008-08-04T14:09:00.001-04:00

JACKSON, Miss. - Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman was injured in a car accident late Sunday night and is in a hospital in

Regional Medical Center spokeswoman Kathy Stringer said Freeman, 71, is in serious condition. The hospital is about 90 miles north of the accident scene in rural Tallahatchie County in the Mississippi Delta.

...When one person tried to snap a photo with a cell phone camera, Freeman joked, "no freebies, no freebies," McFerrin said.

Its disgusting that someone cared so little, had so little respect, that they tried to snap a picture of a gravely injured man while he was being extracted from his car. Sad commentary.

I like Morgan Freeman, I do hope he pulls through.

Where the Hell is Matt?

2008-08-02T23:12:00.004-04:00

And who the hell is Matt? Not sure, but they showed this little piece before the free outdoor movie (Back to the Future) in our little town's Film Festival. I really found this piece moving, people are people where ever they are. And many of them don't know how to dance, lol. But look at the fun and joy they have! It makes you really see, we're really not all that different. In the root of it... I just wish... sigh.

So here, enjoy and smile.

Go read more about Matt here.

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Clouds

2008-08-02T08:15:00.005-04:00

Lame title, I know. But I'm out of ideas. Anyhoo, Today's photo hunter theme is clouds. Personally, I LOVE clouds. I always have. When I was a little girl stuck in a car ride from Michigan to Florida with nothing to entertain myself, I'd watch clouds and make up stories in my head from the shapes I saw.

I could lay on my back for hours and watch clouds.

Last night there was a storm blowing in, the clouds looked amazing. Huge black clouds in front of white clouds with rays of sun shining off of them. I tried to take a picture with my camera phone (below) but I hate my new stupid phone and I accidentally deleted the good one-this one is ok.

For more photo hunts, go see tnchick.com.
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Thursday Thin-down: Using friends to stay motivated

2008-07-31T11:36:00.001-04:00

Today I went running with Kspin. Running with her makes the world of difference for me. I'm encouraged by her to keep going when I feel like I can't take another step, even if its simply watching the bouncing of her pigtails as she goes. She smiles beside me and tells me to keep my eyes forward, and I do. I don't look at the ground beneath my feet or look for mile markers, I just keep my eyes forward.

Sometimes she is just a little dot on the horizon and sometimes she runs extra slow so I can catch up with her. I like Kspin. Does it matter that all this takes place in my head while I'm running on a treadmill? Perhaps she should get herself a PPO, my behavior is a little stalker-ish. Am I the only weirdo? Are these relationships all becoming a little too real and will Ashlee wake up someday to find I've actually moved into her basement while she slept? How can I say?

In case you're still mulling about whether I'm a total wacko lacking IRL friend and you missed the point of the part above, it was just to say I'm back up and running again. Its been nearly 3 weeks since I last run and wow, it wasn't easy to jump back on that horse. I think that all my muscle disintegrates if I miss running...just turns to goo. But I think that the running helped me a bit on my weight loss this week, down 1.2. I celebrated by gaining it all back in a single meal! Lol. Not really, I stayed within my realms, but I had good food and more Ice cream. I'd been feeling deprived and I needed a nice splurge. But now I'm back doing well and running again.

See you next time.

It's Sistah HB in Da House!

2008-07-30T20:19:00.007-04:00

I just got an email from my mom. She sent me a picture of her from 1966. She's standing in front of the house she grew up in, and ya'll? She looks fabulous? Is that blouse not delightful. Tom's BFF Tim Gunn would definitely approve.

At the time this picture was taken, my mother already had five young children. And I wasn't one of them. Which explains the not-yet-content look on her face. Can you see it? Because it is most certainly there.

My mom knew there was something bigger and better to come into her life and it would happen the very next year when I was born. Apparently I didn't complete her either, though. Which accounts for Sisters Seven and Sassy.

I just take pleasure in knowing that I am in her favorite. Oh, who am I kidding? Despite her denials, we all know she has always loved her boys best. They didn't cause her as much worry as us girls. Goody-Two-Shoe Jerks.

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Sad Forclosure

2008-07-29T19:58:00.003-04:00

I saw this article today, its quite sad. But frankly I'm surprised this is the first family to lose their Extreme Home.

"More than 1,800 people showed up to help ABC's "Extreme Makeover" team demolish a family's decrepit home and replace it with a sparkling, four-bedroom mini-mansion in 2005.

Three years later, the reality TV shows most ambitious project at the time has become the latest victim of the foreclosure crisis.

After the Harper family used the two-story home as collateral for a $450,000 loan, it's set to go to auction on the steps of the Clayton County Courthouse Aug. 5. The couple did not return phone calls Monday, but told WSB-TV they received the loan for a construction business that failed."

I work for a company that provided services to one family (not the one mentioned in the article) and what I heard was that the receiving family was getting a lot of harassment from the community as not being "deserving" of such a home. They were getting hate mail and everything.

Aside from that, he described the house as incredibly impractical. The tween girl's bedroom didn't even have a closet.

Aside from that, these homes are huge and the maintenance and taxes has to be astronomical. It seems like a great and wonderful thing to, I don't know how much sense it makes to take a shack into a mansion with all the bells and whistles.

But then again, if I could get out of teeny tiny condo into mansion, I probably wouldn't think much past the front door. Taxes and electricity might not even cross my mind until after the first bill.

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High Stakes Negotiation

2008-07-28T07:06:00.000-04:00

Sometimes with this guy I feel much like the high stakes negotiator. Not the kind that is trying to get Yahoo to sell itself to Microsoft, but the kind trying to gently coax the jumper in from the ledge. One false move and he bolts.

And that is how I found myself chasing him down wearing nothing but my underwear and a T-shirt. Nice. It was 8am so I am hoping that most people were still asleep, but if not they got to witness my bare ass running through the grass after my 2 year old.

oh the joys of Toddlerhood.
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Anyone missing a post?

2008-07-27T15:23:00.006-04:00

I temporarily have taken down a post just to make sure that it doesn't get in the wrong hands. Although I am semi-anonymous Sister HB is not at all so it is possible that post could hurt feelings. so... until I do a little research it will be offline. Not that anyone will be missing anything, because it wasn't that well written and was a rant written in a time of worry and frustration.

Anywhoo... I went to church today to coordinate a thank you coffee hour for the church that lets us meet in their space. It was nice. I met this WONDERFUL older woman who just turned 85 spent, and several minutes talking with me about nice the guest pastor was (our pastor filling in for theirs).

She told me how she was having a hard time turning 85 and being really old. But our pastor framed things for her in a way that made her feel better. He said something about people being on the perimeter of the circle, but they are still inside the circle. I'm not sure what it was in reference to since I was helping set up. But she had joy on her face and seemed so happy to have gotten that from him that it doesn't matter.

She was just lovely. She also said she was used to smaller churches and felt a bit lost in their church since it has grown so much. I suggested that maybe she could stop by and see us some time.

Other than that I have a day planned of going to our church service then roasting marshmallows with HB's family.

What are you doing with your Sunday?
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Horny Nuns?

2008-07-25T07:04:00.001-04:00

Are you kidding? This was a nice little search term that let someone to our blog.

3.03%

honry nuns

Since I made Sister HB change her category Making of a M(i)L f (i'm spacing it out so people won't find it in a search) to something else, we stopped getting the dirty sisters hits. Usually we just have a lot of "hairy sister" searches, but the nun one made me laugh out loud.

Also a lot of dieters looking for the nutritional content of an Elephant Ear.

What has been your weirdest search term?
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Why I think I gained: Thursday Thin-down

2008-07-24T08:55:00.001-04:00

Need I say more? But seriously, the "hot dog" was skinless Turkey Kielbasa and only 3 pts, but omg, can you say SODIUM? Why did I not think about it? And the night before weigh in! I woke up feeling bloated and knew I wasn't going to be happy. Up .4 lbs. But when I expressed my concern at the meeting a girl who has reached her goal said she NEVER will eat a Lean Cuisine the night before weigh in because the sodium causes her to gain a lb in water weight the next day.

So I am not discouraged. After all, I ate fruit for dinner one day this week!

In this week's meeting people were talking about their concern with having to "eat this way" the rest of their life. I certainly don't plan to diet the rest of my life, but I don't think you need to. If you live feeling deprived, how can that work? I'm a big fan of a controlled week and then well planned managed splurges an specific days. And WW really can work that way, you get your base points and then you have 35 weekly points that you can spread out during the week, or eat all at one time for one beautifully indulgent meal. That is what I like to do. A lady who lost something like 200 lbs, mentioned was that you eat 21 meals every week, if you have a couple mess ups or indulgences you still have plenty to do well on. It just has to be planned.

So even though I gained .4, I am pretty sure it was water weight since I did keep very good track of what I ate...unless it was because I over estimated the points when I ate out, which means I could have eaten way under my points-that would do it too. But I'm sticking with the sodium as the culprit. And so that is why I allowed myself 1 scoop of Cookie Monster Ice Cream (cookie dough and Oreos in vanilla) from the Nations Best Ice Cream (per Good Morning America) www.mooomers.com . It was good and worth my dinner of watermelon the other night.

So, other "dieters" out there. How do you plan to make your changes more a lifestyle change than a "diet" that you grow to resent? Those who have lost, what was the big "ah ha" moment for you? Do tell.

Wordless Wed: Reality Break

2008-07-23T10:59:00.001-04:00

Another fun HDR experiement. Hope this isn't too creepy for you you. For more, check out www.wordlesswednesday.com

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Ack!

2008-07-22T08:20:00.001-04:00

This month has been the month of meeting people I "know" but have never met. Or people who know me, from the blog and friends, but I haven't met them ever. But it has been fun and I do plan to blog about it, when I feel up to it.

But right now I'm going to talk about my lunch disaster. I was meeting a person who is friends with my sister, who is a blog reader so knows quite a bit about me (Hi Amanda!) but I have never met her. I saw her briefly on Sunday and liked her immediately. She was visiting from Texas and not leaving until Monday late afternoon. Since I figured she'd be watching Pokemon all day with Logan while HB worked, I thought she might like to meet for lunch. Actually, she and my niece Rachie Roo (who has moved past juice boxes and on to beer) would be watching Pokemon together, so a little lunch time excursion might sound like fun to both of them.

I sent Amanda a list of restaurants that were nearby and let her pick, then met them there for lunch. But not before browsing the menu with my WW buddy and deciding what to pick.

Sister Sassy: What should I pick from here that would be 10 pts or less?

Co-worker chick: Dude, you're screwed. I suppose you could get the Cherry Chicken Salad without the Feta and the walnuts...but then you're not getting much for your money. And there's the whole problem of dressing.

After going back and forth I decided on a turkey sandwich, no mayo and a cup of soup. But when I get there the only soup they have is corn chowder!! Monkey Wrench!

So then the waitress cast a spell on me with a Buffalo chicken wrap special. It was a half sandwich so I got that with the side salad. But...I have a suspicion she gave me a WHOLE one. Not a 1/2! And you know what? I ate it. All. Stupid.

So this is where I find myself Monday Night. Sitting here, having used all my daily points, a couple of my weekly points and having to weigh in on Wednesday. To compensate I am eating Watermelon, grapes and carrots for dinner. Of course I do have a main course, its only 1 pt, but it should satisfy me.

YUM.
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Same Road, Same Rules

2008-07-21T08:44:00.001-04:00

I'm all for people conserving energy, and I'm all for the healthy benefits of people biking to work or wherever. Truthfully, if I could bike to work I would. But I can't see pulling a trailer with the kids to daycare 2 miles, then biking my butt to work the other 5 miles. Its not that far, but I'm still fairly out of shape. And there's HILLS! I don't think I've EVER biked up a hill in my entire life. I'm the sort that has to get off and walk up.

This morning while I'm driving and chatting with JimmyEW who is driving as well (we are both using our hands free sets btw) I hear a little "beep beep" from his end. See, Jim has a problem, he's a chronic honker. Although he says he does it for mostly safety purposes, I know he's doing it sometimes to say, "Hey, dude, stop being a dumbass". As if that driver has been waiting for just the right person to point out to them they aren't such great drivers. But I love Jim in spite of his horn habit. So when today I heard a honk, I chucked.

"Oh no" he declared defensively, "I had to this time. It was a stupid biker. He had a no-walk and it was green, I was going 40 and he wasn't paying attention. I would have T-boned him! (He may have said T-bar...I'm not sure about collision lingo).

Thats when we start griping about how bikers share the road with us but don't seem concerned about following the rules. Like four way stops. Or like the two biddies who were riding the wrong way on a one way street. I'm going, one way, driving on the left side of the one way road and they act like I'm supposed to move out of their way! Not only is that rude and stupid since I'm a big car and can't dodge and weave out of their bicycle's way, but I HAD TO TURN LEFT! Hence, driving in the left lane. They even said something like, "move out of our way." I was astounded. I excused them by deciding they were tourists and were unaware of the one way status. But who knows.

And don't get me started about how nervous bikers made me in Chicago when they would whip in and out of traffic or fly past me just as I was about to open my door. There were a few times I felt quite lucky I had seen them zipping up from no where, otherwise I might have been an unhappy party to a bad accident.

I often see them blowing through stop signs too. That irks me. Its fine and all, but what happens the day that someone isn't paying as much attention as they should be? That biker has no chance against a car, it would be pretty ugly and very sad.

Of course I would never act out on my frustration for the lack of rule following. Like the guy in CA who passed a couple bikers and then slammed on his breaks, sending one biker through the rear window of his car. That man has some serious anger issues.

In response to this incident the bikers have organized, they have a bill of rights even. I scanned it, I didn't see the right to get pulled over by cops for blowing through a stop sign though.

If you're a biker, don't get me wrong. I am only seeing this from my perspective. I invite you to share your rude offish car driver stories. And I also acknowledge that many of you are very responsible bikers. I just wish the bikers I see would follow the same rules or stay on the sidewalk.

Thursday Thin-down: Breaking past the 10th lb

2008-07-17T09:14:00.002-04:00

Finally....finally....FINALLY I broke past my 10 lbs of weight lost. I had been hovering, going up a .5 lb and down 1 lbs for about 3 weeks. It was really frustrating me. Truthfully, it wasn't that the system wasn't working, it was that I (that is bolded, underlined and italicized just so everyone can see how much blame I'm accepting here) wasn't working. I knew how to do this, but I couldn't seem to keep it together with all the traveling, the holidays and the festivals in town.

And when I say festival, I mean a week long onslaught of over 500,000 tourist we fondly call "Fudgies" (because they always buy fudge) swooping into town and turning it into a high traffic Chicago neighborhood overnight. It really is quite something. And when I say festival, I really mean festival food. Like cherry pie, corn dogs, ice cream and elephant ears the size of a pizza! I'm not kidding, THE SIZE OF A PIZZA!

You try walking around holding onto freshly friend doughy goodness covered with cinnamon and sugar without taking little bites here and there. So yes, I partook of elephant ears on two occasions, but I took note of it and wrote it down.

In WW you have to count everything and so I did eat that stuff but I wrote it down. And this week I lost 2 lbs. The biggest thing I did, which I haven't at all been diligent about, is I've written down everything that went into my mouth. Now, aside from that day I did this:

Taken from my journal
Dinner: Chicken Fajitas
3 corn tortillas
Chicken Fajitas
Rice and Beans
Tortilla Chips
Guacamole
1 small piece of Cheese Cake
Big fat guess of 30? All my weekly points? No clue, but it's ok, I will run tomorrow.

I did very well. I had my one pig out day, but it was actually the night after I weighed in and the rest of the week looked more like this.

Breakfast:
1/2 English muffin
Morning Star Veggie Sausage
Lunch:
Roll up: Flat-out bread with Hummus (did you know I eat my weight in hummus every week?), lettuce carrots and thin slice turkey meat
100 cal pack of Popcorn (helps fill me up)

Dinner:
BBQ Chicken Leg (big one)
Salad with croutons and Light Ranch Dressing

Dessert:
Weight Watchers Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sundae. These are really yummy.

Not that you wanted my menu. But really, truly, I get it finally! I know writing it down was important, but I'm laaaaaaaaaaaazy (can you hear the whine there?). But writing it down made me loose 2 lbs this week and now I'm down 11.4 and plan to be much more deliberate about my weight loss experience. Writing it down made me stop guessing and keeping track in my head and caused me to make choices to skip dessert or to put back part of a serving of something so I could have dessert lol.

And most importantly, its not about deprivation, its all about planning. Who else is working on weight loss? It seems me and Jane are on the same Weight Watchers schedule. She lost this week too :).

Unexpected Beauty

2008-07-16T09:18:00.002-04:00

Through Liquid Glass, originally uploaded by Sister Sassy 919.

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Summer Camp Failures Part I

2008-07-14T20:34:00.005-04:00

Well, it's time to interrupt my summer hiatus to make an announcement. My reputation as a not-so-together mom is fully intact.

I had hoped to make some minor improvements over the summer vacation and attempt to impress the teachers and parents at Logan's school come fall. However, that will not be happening and I have given up the dream.

Logan is attending a day camp this summer while I'm at work. The camp has very flexible guidelines, because it is summer after all. They have only a few requests for the parents. And try as I might, I don't do a very good job following through with them.

For instance, the Field Trip Shirt. This shirt is vital to trips off-site as it allows the camp counselors to identify children in their charge. Can you understand the importance? Because I can.

However, I am the mom who takes her son to camp on field trip day without the field trip shirt. Last week my child showed up in his olive green shirt. He did not blend in at all.

When we arrived I apologize to the counselor for my failure as a summer-camp mom. She nodded her head and kindly pointed out that not only was Logan wearing the wrong shirt, but the one he had on was backwards. Oh what a proud moment for me.

And you would think that experience would have taught me a lesson, but it didn't. Because two days later I did the exact same thing. Only his shirt was on the right way that time.

It seems you can't teach this old dog new tricks. Try as my poor husband might, what with his lists and reminder calls and prayers and all. You (and by "you" I mean my husband, the school, camp counselors and doctors offices) just have to embrace me for who I am and know that I do my very best every day.

Also? I make up for my shortcomings by bringing extra toppings on Ice Cream days. And really what's more important? An aqua blue matchy-match shirt or extra chocolate and carmel? That's right. We all know the truth, now don't we?
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Slacker Sunday

2008-07-13T13:01:00.003-04:00

Holy Cow, two posts in one day? Especially when we haven't been putting much effort in to post. I know, I know. I'm breaking my own rule about not wasting posts. Not to mention its a Sunday and not many people even read Sunday. But I just thought I'd share that I'm a total slacker today.

I have a lot of laundry I could be doing, and a dishwasher I could unload, but right now its nap time and instead I'm going to lay on the couch listening to my Pandora station inspired by the soundtrack from the motion picture Juno (great flick! not just for chicks, Jim LOVED it. He is my Paulie Bleeker!) So I'm just going to lay back, read and chill with some tunes.

This is the book I'm reading. Well, I can't say I've spent much time reading it. But I'm ready to hunker down and spend a few hours doing nothing but. Its called Dreamhunter and its a Young Adult book I picked because I was in a hurry and we had to leave the library. Plus my kids are loud. I really wanted to read the Uglies. I heard about this series on NPR, where you know I get most of my information, and it sound really great. All the books in this series were out so I grabbed Dreamhunter instead because it was in the same section and close at hand. Plus I do like the title.

I'll let you know how it is. So far its interesting enough, but I'm not in deep enough to have a real idea of what its going to be like.

Happy Sunday again, what are you doing today?

I'm a bad business decision

2008-07-13T09:43:00.008-04:00

When JimmyEW and I lived in Chicago we got our cell phones. We went with a company that had a good price and gave us Nationwide coverage since I was going back to Michigan a lot.

We liked them so when we moved from Chicago we kept our same cell company even though they didn't have a local service provider in Northern Michigan.

I also liked keeping the old phones and numbers for another reason, which was that having a number with a Chicago area code helped me in my job.

See, every now and then I get photographers who flake out on me, don't return my calls and deliver half the work. Of course having such a great work ethic comes with a keen ability to dodge phone calls from area codes you do business with. So the Chicago area code helped me trap those dodgers and ask them uncomfortable questions.

Recently, however, I have had to change companies. See, suddenly my service stopped working. I checked to see if I owed money, but I didn't. It was quite odd. So I called them and what they told me was that Cell Company had made a business decision to drop me because I'd been roaming for two years. I replied that I had a Nationwide plan and that roaming charges didn't apply. Their reply was that although I wasn't charged roaming, they were sent a monthly bill by Local Company who's towers I used. Apparently I was costing them a lot of money, hadn't I recieved a letter in the mail?

Well duh, I pretty much ignore my mail, so I have no idea. I told the lady they could have at least sent me a text message telling me I was being cut off. I would have gotten that.

Life without a cell phone has been interesting. Before, the only time I'd call friends to chat was while I was driving to and from work. I know, bad me, but I used my ear piece. So I barely talk to friends right now.

Also, I had to hold anxiety at bay when I was away from phone contact for about 5 hours while the kids were at daycare. What if there was an emergency??

Then, the SNAFU's of all SNAFU's. Poor Jiller and Frankenstein got locked out of HB's house without their cell phones. (Really they weren't locked out, HB just has the door from hell that you have to kick down swat team style to get in. I am NOT exagerating either, you have to kick the door in. But they didn't know this).

After waiting for 2 hours for HB to come home, poor Jiller and Frankenstein went to the local grocery store and called Sister Big who called me and I had JimmyEW take my keys to let them in on his way to a dinner date. About 45 minutes later I get another call that they are still locked out. I then had to call the restaurant where Jimmy was with his friend and have the waitress go hunt him down.

"really tall, really thin guy. I mean he's really tall and really thin" apparently they went right up to him and said "Jim?".

He came to the phone and I screeched at him for not letting them in. He proclaimed the deadbolt was locked and we only have a key for the knob. I said fine, bye, hung up. Wished we had our cell phones, wished Jill and Frankenstein had had their cell phones so they could have called us earlier. Called Sister Big, talked smack about HB's door and hunted down the number of Tom's in-town friend.

I called to get Tom's cell number since HB wasn't answering her phone. I knew Tom would. I get his friend and they start repeating Tom's number to me...then it occurred to someone that perhaps they should hand the phone to HB who was AT THEIR HOUSE! I guess the HB family just happened to be there. So I had her call Sister Big and then Sister Big called and told me that the door was NOT locked and it was just really stuck. Could I go over and get them in?

It was about 7:00 and time for the boys to go to bed but I only live 3 miles away so I got the boys ready and headed to the door...only to realized I'd given JimmyEW my keys!!

I call restaurant again, explain they need to find really tall, really thin guy and get him on the phone. Again, would have liked a cell phone. He reminded me we had a spare car for the van so I hustled the kids out and went to HB's house.

When I got there I tried opening the door, I threw my shoulder into even. I tried three times to open the darn thing. I was certain it was locked. HB told me the spot of her hidden key, but before I went to search I tried one last time. Took my foot and kicked as if I were a cop kicking in the door of meth lab...except meth labs are prone to explosions so maybe they don't kick those down. Crack then, a crack house door.

And the sucker opened! Sister Sassy saves the day!

I took some sidewalk chalk and left a message for Jiller that everything was all good, wished I had a cell phone again so I could call them and not have to scratch a hasty vague message on the driveway, and went home. Wow, how did society survive without cell phones? Actually...I did survive without one. But I still like them and want them.

Fast forward two weeks. JimmyEW and I sign up for local service and order our phones.

I chose the Samsung Muse with a 2.0 megapixel camera and mp3 player.

Jimmy wanted the LG Glimmer but no way we're paying $200 for a cell phone, so he ordered the orange LG Scoop. He hates flip phones.

The phones came in the mail on his birthday and guess what. They sent his scoop, but instead of sending me my Muse, they sent this.

Thats right, the Glimmer. I glared at him, handed him the Glimmer and said "Happy birthday". I took his stupid Scoop But I kind of hate it and it has a crappier camera so I've sent it back and am having them send another Muse.

I know, that was a totally long boring story, but its Sunday and I'm trying to put off housework. It worked! I've done NO laundry so far today, lol!

Tune in tomorrow or sometimes this week...(its summer so I'm not adhering to schedules) for my lunch date with a fellow blogger. I've been putting this one off because I want it to be good and I want to spend real time on it.

Happy Sunday!

Beach Balancing Act

2008-07-12T08:47:00.004-04:00

This week's photo hunt theme was support. I really wanted to find a great picture of someone offering emotional support but I couldn't really think of one I had on short notice. I could have taken one had I planned better, lol. I do have a great shot of one sister holding her boobs together, but I didn't think she'd appreciate me posting that.

So instead I posted a shot of Kiki standing in the water, his weight supported by a large rock, arms flung out to help his balance. I like the shot and of course I think he's darling.

Happy hunting!

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I Guess I Have a Thing for Unicorns. So sue me.

2008-07-11T07:39:00.005-04:00

I've always been the girl who likes to know what she's getting and loves to get what she knows she loves. Reading all the books by a particular author, ordering the same meal at restaurants and re-watching movies I love.

When I was a young girl I somehow saw the movie Legend and I was enamored. Sister 7 would groan every time we went to the video store and I came home with this movie. But I loved it. And I still love it. I wanted to be Lily (played by Mia Sarah). She's beautiful and carefree, a bit spoiled and very human. Humans make mistakes and she makes a grave mistake then spends the rest of the movie trying to fix this terrible mistake.

I found her so amazing and loved the defiance she shows while with the Prince of Darkness. She laughs in his face and taunts him, she was fearless. To me she seemed so strong and in control. And of course the movie is about true love, trust and love conquering all.

Obviously I own the movie AND the soundtrack thank you. I mean, what's not to love about Tangerine Dream?? I even did my college level photography final (a slide show) using the very end of the song below. "Sweet songs of youth, the wise, the meeting of all wisdom. To believe in the good in man". My project was was a commentary on industry vs nature as told by portrait photographs. Not to brag, but it was kick ass. I got an A. But I digress. Or rather, I post some code below so you can enjoy a little Tangerine Dream.

Here is one of my favorite scenes. I always wanted that dress, I think I could fill it out a bit better than she did :)

I also loved the movie The Last Unicorn. I remember watching it in the theater as a very small girl. Great movie and even better soundtrack...as long as you skip the ones that are sung by Mia Farrow. OUCH!

I fell in love with the group America because of this movie...sadly I do not own this soundtrack. But if you find me watching this movie you'll notice I know all the words to all the songs.

Well, thats all I have for today. I know its not much, but hey, its what I've got ;) Have a great weekend everyone!

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Rewind!

2008-07-10T08:48:00.003-04:00

Today I'm posting one of my first few posts. It was probably one of my better ones but I also have some new thoughts on it.

Here you go, from January 2008

Truly, how many bloggers are out there this week writing about how they're going to turn a new leaf and make new changes in their lives for the new year? They're going to get a better job, make more money, lose weight, what have you. Most of us go strong for a few weeks then throw our resolutions to the way side. So this year my resolutions will be tracked periodically here with my good Sister Honey Bunch by my side and maybe a reader or two.

So this year's resolution is (drum roll please)

Prepare For Rain

What does that mean? Well I watched a little movie that had an excellent story (however mediocre to bad acting) and that movie was called Facing Giants. It's a faith based movie surrounding good old southern football but what I took away from it was how faith can change your life. Now I've always been a girl who's had a strong faith, I call it my "Semi-Charmed Life" and my favorite part of the bible has always been the part about the woman who had been bleeding for an insane number of years and she goes to touch Jesus robe thinking if she can just touch it she will be healed. And Jesus does heal her saying "You faith has healed you".

My Semi-Charmed life has always been activated in times of crisis and turmoil. Things slide by and I survive by the grace of God alone. I have always had faith in his ability to protect and care for me but I've never thought of faith in him just plain taking care of me before the crisis comes. Prepare for rain is a whole other level of faith.

This comes from a story in the movie this guy tells the Football Coach. It's about two farmers who pray to God for rain during a drought, both farmers put it in God's hands but only one farmer goes out and prepares his field for the rain, which farmer do you think trusted God more?

So I have more resolutions, but this year I'm going to prepare that they will come to fruition this time. So here they are:

1. Find joy in my body
2. Eat better and exercise more
3. Get a homestead.
4. Read the bible all the way through
5. Get that Tattoo
6. Write in this blog and have fun with it.

Preparing for rain doesn't apply to all of these but my husband and I have already decided to start packing so we'll be ready to move when it does rain and I think I'll buy a pair of dream pants for when it rains. The rest I'll just track through here. So whether you care or not, here it is!

Hmmmm.... well, I sort of stopped preparing for rain and instead decided to take joy in any moment regardless of rain or shine. I like the whole concept but since then I've really decided to focus on living the day I'm living and taking joy in that day and not looking for the "What About" down the road. I'm choosing to be happy in my life now and take joy in that life and stop living with my head in the clouds. Because, its really all about the journey.

But I have done 1,2, 5 and 6 on my list. Thats a start :)
Have a super Thursday!

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Room to Nowhere

2008-07-09T08:47:00.003-04:00

Room to Nowhere, originally uploaded by Sister Sassy 919.

This photo is a product of a happy accident. I was trying to do an HDR photo merge to fix blown out windows and grabbed two different shots by accident. I LOVE the result.

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Where I Was Today...and Saturday

2008-07-03T16:33:00.003-04:00

The Mouth of Platte, originally uploaded by Sister Sassy 919.

This was taken after taking a canoe trip down the lower Platte you end just before it dumps into Lake Michigan. I waded out into the river to take these shots, it was up to my chest but it is so beautiful!

In case you can't tell, I'm standing in the river, near the end, looking across a little sandy stretch between me and Lake Michigan. On the right side you can see part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes.

It was JimmyEW, niece Jiller and her boyfriend Frakenstein. She had such a great time on Saturday that she and Frank drove back up late last night to enjoy it one more time.

The weather was cool and the air chilly, but when I waded out into the river to shoot this the water felt warm and inviting. The temperature was actually warmer than the air.

I do have to say, Canoing with JimmyEW was a bit different than with Sister Redd. Although he was good at steering and all... he was no Sister Redd. She and I rocked it, he and I ran into land masses and other boaters. But I have to say, most of the collisions with boats was purposeful on Jimmy's part. He was trying to take out Jiller and Frankenstein.

At one point Frank stood in the canoe and began serenading Italian style. It was magnific!

So... I didn't run at all this week, but I canoed twice. That counts for something, doesn't it?

Have a happy 4th, I'm out of here!

Enjoy the shot!

This Brings Me Great Joy

2008-07-02T12:55:00.002-04:00

It's no secret that I loves me some Beverly Hills 90210. Nor is it a secret that I was giddy-GIDDY!-when I learned that Jenny Garth signed on to star in the NEW 90210 series.

You can imagine then, how I fell to my knees in praise when I read the following story in people.com.

Shannen Doherty in Talks to Return to 90210

The Peach Pit just got a whole lot more interesting.
Shannen Doherty, the bad girl of ’90s Hollywood, is in talks to reprise her role as good girl Brenda Walsh in the Beverly Hills, 90210 spinoff, EW.com reports.

Doherty, who was reputedly difficult on set and frequently clashed with her costars, was fired from the original show in 1994.

Currently, the main things standing in the way of the return of Brenda Walsh would be her demand for more money and to be clued in on the plotlines of The CW’s new version of the primetime teen soap.

“She wants to know what the story is going to be first,” EW.com quotes a source as saying.

Others returning to West Beverly Hills High School in their former roles include

Tori Spelling, 35, and Jennie Garth, 36, with whom Doherty, 37, allegedly once engaged in a fistfight. –Michael Y. Park

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What About Everything?

2008-07-02T06:16:00.001-04:00

Each Girls Weekend, the ladies over the age of 18 are supposed to submit a song that speaks to their life in the last year. Its a good way to know what was going on in a person's life and to learn from their insight.

Many of the songs this year were wonderful both musically and lyrically. I'd like to see if each sister would consent to sharing their song and their meaning, but until I get an ok or nokay from them, here is mine.

This is one of the songs I picked for this year's Girls Weekend. This is a live show at VA Tech, I get the feeling that it was soon after the shootings. The song is called What About Everything by Carbon Leaf (you may remember Grey Sky Eyes by the same band).

I chose this song because to me its about being happy with your life, don't live life for the "what about" but take joy in your days and moments because you, for the most part, are not in need. And it has a good beat.

Enjoy, and feel free to pretend I tagged you about your favorite song and the meaning it held for your life the last year. If you take part, say so in the comments and I'll come take a listen :) This could be fun!

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Everybody Move on...there's nothing to see here...nothing...to see

2008-07-01T15:47:00.001-04:00

Well... sadly the sister family all were eaten by angry mama Robins...or group of hungry gators while canoeing. Or maybe it was giant fresh water clams.... or we were kidnapped by mountain men who were off on their annual Mountain Men get together. They go canoeing, roast marshmallows and look for new women to kidnap and take home to mom. Or something...

The weekend was FABO, but will have to wait a bit to get digested and regurgitated on the blog. I've been SO tired this week from staying up late and getting up early and hours of rowing. And the up coming weekend is making want to cry, all the driving with kids and such. So it may be next week before you get to see the fun from the sister's weekend and hear the wonderful lunch date I had with a bloggy friend.

Something fairly interesting did happen today. Poor Kiki woke with a fever yesterday and didn't seem quite 100% this morning so I brought him to work with me for a minute. I have an empty office that is connected to mine and I just stuck him in there at the desk and let him color. A few minutes turned into 3 hours! He did such a great job, he colored everyone pictures and I think the President of the company might give him a job! He'll probably end up making more than I do...

Take care all of you!

Sisters Saturday

2008-06-28T08:23:00.004-04:00

Sisters weekend 2008 is well underway. I braved a Hitchcock experience as I tried grilling the meat. Unfortunately some birds have made a nest beside H.B. door and my presence cooking was NOT welcome. I may have pictures of the Robins trying to take me out, dive bombing my head, me duck walking from the house the grill to the shrieks and laughter of my sisters. I wasn't scared. ...ok, just a little. Saint Seester's mom screaming "West Nile" kept playing in my head.

We had great music, someone won a gift card, everyone probably snored, I didn't shave so i slept alone downstairs and no one woke up hung over. But no one really got drunk either. I'm thinking that might come tonight.

If the boys ask, we're just talking about our periods. And we sort of did, we talked about the Annuale Sketch from SNL. FUNNY!

Today is canoing, take some bets on who will tip.
Happy Saturday!
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Oh The Pressure of a Title

2008-06-27T09:23:00.003-04:00

I interrupt this bloggy break to talk you about a few important issues. And I know that Sisters Blog hasn't been on a break, but I have. Please tell me you've noticed that I haven't been around much. Because even though it's summer and I'm doing very important things like watching Flipping Out on Bravo and drinking beer on the deck with my husband, I have really been missing you all.

And I'll be back soon. That is my plan. But first I need to figure out how I can blog while riding a tube behind our boat, taking Logan to swim lessons and trying to keep up with the weeds in my garden. And the rabbits, who seem to enjoy tormenting me year after year. They are so lucky I don't set a trap and lay in wait for them.

Anyway. Tonight begins the Sisters Annual "Let's Get Together and Talk" weekend. And it's not just for our sisters, but for all the girls over the age of 18 who are related to us. Which probably doesn't mean you, so give up the dream.

This year, I am the hostess. Which terrifies me because Sisters Big and Mary Elephant hosted the first two years and the bar was raised mighty high. I finally decided to not even attempt to achieve their level of food deliciousness. And that is a very good thing for whomever hosts next year, because ya'll? I'm lowering the standard this weekend. And for that, I am mighty sorry.

I needed to communicate some vital information to the Sister Family so that they would be adequately prepared for the weekend. Sassy enjoyed the back-and-forth emails so much that she asked to post them. And since I usually do whatever she tells me to, here they are for your entertainment.

And lurkers? We see you here every day. Don't be afraid to comment and tell us what you're doing this weekend. Sassy and I are pretty nice. Well, I'm pretty nice. With Sassy, it just depends on the day. Oh, I kid. She's almost always nice. Ya'll have a good week end and I'll be back soon.

Sister HB:
Here's the deal:
You arrive Friday. Be prepared to eat, drink and be merry. We'll listen to our CD, talk, drink some drinks, talk some more. Swing in our new swing. Mom will weed my gardens. We'll have a fire in the fire pit. Feel free to roast a marshmallow. Remember that I am not the cook that Dianna and Robin are, but I have the best of intentions.

We'll draw names to see who sleeps where. Although Tom already called "Top Bunk" for Rachel because he figures she weighs about "a buck ten". Apparently the rest of us are lard asses. And he means that with all the love in the world.

If you have a request to sleep alone, let me know. I can make that work. If you want to sleep on the boat and pretend you're all exotic, I can do that too. Whatev.

I have five pillows. You do the math. If you like a special cozy blanket please bring that. If you need me to spoon you to sleep I'm open to that as well. I'm the hostess with the mostess.
Please remember that the master bedroom and master bath have not been remodeled. Or decorated. They are ugly. Be kind.

Saturday morning, I will prepare a delicious breakfast. Shower, shave shit. (Sorry, I just had to say that.) We need to leave my house by 10am. Did you know we're going on a canoe trip? Try not to be hung over, mmm'k?

We'll arrive at the Platte River. They'll show us how to canoe and not tip. Some of you will tip though. It's gonna happen. Deal with it. Then a guy will follow me down to our destination where I will drop off the tahoe and food. Please don't let me leave without distributing beverages for our 3 Hour Tour. Really it's 2 1/2 hours. Should we have a cooler in the canoe as well? Talk to me about this one, people. Do we want just water, diet Coke, and juice boxes for Rachel? Or also some adult beverages for the canoing portion of the day?

At the end of the river, we will arrive at sugar sand beaches of beautiful Lake Michigan. Don't forget your swimsuit. There will also be some yummy food for lunch. And by "yummy" I mean "edible".

We'll relax, watch Sassy swim, talk some more. Go back to my place and get ready to go out.
That night, we do the Progressive Dinner-Traverse City Restaurant Style. We'll start at Cafe Habana. We'll end at Poppycocks. We may go somewhere to listen to some music and watch Jill dance. Because she's cute.

Sunday. Get up. Please leave. Kidding. Relax, drink coffee, eat some bagels and fruit because I aint cooking. Then get out of my house already.

Any questions? Any suggestions? Can't wait to see you.

Sister Big:
Oh all right. I'll come; I've got nothing better to do. You can spoon me, feed me, heck, you can even spoon-feed me!

We have to pick up "Buck Ten" from GR airport at 11:00, stop by the Barothy Lodge for a look at a place for a family reunion, swing by Crystal to look at a barn, then we'll be in Traverse City. ETA: 5:30 p.m.

See ya Friday.

Rachie Roo:
"Buck twenty-eight" here.

Mom, why are we going to a barn? Sister HB, I don't really like juice boxes, although I do appreciate the offer. Can't wait to see everyone!

Sister Sassy
WHo do I get to snuggle? Can I just go home and climb in bed with Jim, then go back? Because I'm afraid of rachel falling through the top bunk on top of me.

And HB forgot to mention the pageant that Kiiki, Logan and Boogs are putting on. That is right before Dinner on Friday.

HB: Does anyone have advice about canoe beverages?

Sassy: YOu can get one of those floating coolers-I'll suggest lots of water in the hot sun

Rachie Roo: agree with the water suggestion.

HB: Where does one find a fancy cooler like that?

Sister Sassy
uh... I'd try a store. Duh! But seriously dude, the water in the river should be cold, we can throw them in a mesh bag and hang them in the water to trail alongside our canoe. LIke a fish net but not for fish... Like a beer net, or coke net.

HB: You got a net?

Sister Sassy
You got an itch to bug me? lol, jk. I have a red mesh laundry bag belonging to Kiki. That could work if I find it. I'm sure Logan has something similar.

Sister Big
The net idea is an awesome one. That way we don't have to worry about tipping and losing a cooler. A couple of nets is even a better idea. Three hours in a canoe on the water can make one thirsty.

Sister Sassy
I have my big red net laundry bag for drinks for my canoe. We have a cooler- its skinny though so it doesn't fit a ton.

Sister Redd
I WANT ADULT BEVERAGES!! I DON"T CARE IF THEY ARE N A NET OR NOT AND WHERE DO I xxxxxxx

Sister Sassy
If I'm sharing a bed, does that mean I have to shave my legs?

Sister HB
Sassy- You're sleeping with me and your legs better be silky smooth. I don't want to be scraped when you roll over in you sleep.

All: Does anyone have a small cooler? I have one, but I think we should use two for the beverages. They'll float, so if we tip save the drinks, then your partner. In that order.
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Eat Your Own DAMN CAKE!

2008-06-26T07:27:00.004-04:00

Monday I was really grouchy...extra bitchy, but not in a finger licking good way. Ok, that is a KFC reference so try not to think beyond that.

Being grouchy and being a girl who eats her feelings doesn't make for good decision making around food. Working is a great way to get far away from my refrigerator and exercise some control over what goes in my mouth.

However, the boss man brought in PLATES AND PLATES of CAKE! I walked in, saw it, groaned and tried to hide it across the room near the coffee pot (a place I never go). Stupid cake. I'd walk by and hear, "Sassy...oh Sassy, you know cake makes everything better."
and, "Sassy, did you know I'm chocolate?"

Bastard cake!

I did resist thankyouverymuch! However, I wanted to go into his office and yell "EAT YOUR OWN DAMN CAKE!"
...however... I am a hypocrite. I have been known to pawn off the unwanted sweets on my helpless co-workers. Like the time I walked into my co-workers office with a brick sized rice crispy treat and declared if he cared about me at all he'd eat half of it for me. Does that make me bad?

UPDATE

On Wednesday my boss brought in cookies. He came into the main area and someone asked him who brought them in, Co-worker chick says, "I don't know but I'm getting tired of looking at them." (did I mention she is the one doing WW with me?). My boss looked sheepish and talked about how good they were and how they had so many sweets at his house.

"Eat your own cookies, we're not eating them for you!" I said to him, pointing angrily and scowling. He looked at me kind of funny but didn't take the cookies back.

Stupid cookies.

Later I took a bite of one, big cherry chocolate chunk cookie and then cried for help.

[14:27]Sassy: HELP
[14:28] Sassy: I took a bite
[14:28] Sassy: I have a big cookie here and I took a bite .
[14:28] Sassy: but I need to not eat anymore
[14:28] Sassy: throw it away!! I must throw it away. I want something sweet and I grabbed a cookie!
[14:28] Sassy: shit
[14:29] Sassy: I should throw it away right now
[14:29] Sassy: it is calling my name
[14:29] Sassy: I might take another bite
[14:29] Sassy: should I...??
[14:29] Sassy: oh....Cookie, lovely cookie... ohhhhh....cookie.... drool
[14:31] Sassy: ...you want half?
[14:32] Co-worker chick: ok, calm down
[14:32] Co-worker chick: you took a tiny bite
[14:32] Sassy: I know. But I don't want to WASTE IT
[14:32] Sassy: lol

Just after, co-worker chick came in, took the cookie and threw it in the garbage. Sure, I wanted a cookie and I felt slightly deprived. I took a bite of a completely different cookie at home then discovered that it didn’t taste very good. So I spit it in the sink and wondered if those calories counted.

Finally, after everything was finished that I needed to finish for the day, I sat down with a WW Mocha Fudge Sundae, only 3 points and OH SO GOOD! Finally Satisfied!

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Does this make me really pathetic, or just a little pathetic?

2008-06-25T13:11:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow I'm meeting a bloggy friend and I"m very excited... unfortunately I feel a bit like a girl getting ready for an outing with a friend who is male who she really likes so she wants to dress with care and look good, without being overly obvious.

I was hoping my co-worker could help me with this problem. Thank God for interoffice IM or I'd be lost.

{10:15}Sassy: I'm excited to meet my Bloggy Friend tomrrow, tell me what I should wear. I want to look cute- I feel like a little girl

[10:15] Sassy: But what do I wear to meet my Bloggy Friend?

[10:16] Co-worker chick: i think you should wear clothes

[10:16] Co-worker chick: a bathing suit would not be appropriate

[10:17] Sassy: You are such a dork

[10:17] Sassy: lol

[10:17] Sassy: I'll have Jim pick something out for me then

[10:17] Co-worker chick: i am a dork

[10:18] Co-worker chick: this may come as a huge surprise...but i don't remember what clothes you have

[10:18] Co-worker chick: i am not Ms. Chic...she probably has your closet memorized

[10:18] Sassy: .... :(( you don't check me out each day?

[10:18] Sassy: I like your green capri pants

[10:18] Co-worker chick: you cannot have my pants...back away

[10:19] Co-worker chick: did you wear a brown shirt yesterday?

[10:19] Co-worker chick: straight across the bosom?

[10:20] Co-worker chick: you wore a different one recently that i thought was a bit too tight yet...i think it was blue...

[10:20] Co-worker chick: no skirts because you don't own a slip

[10:21] Sassy: Bloggy Friend might like my underware thankyouverymuch

[10:22] Co-worker chick: someone is a bit touchy today and just might have to walk to lunch.

[10:22] Co-worker chick: anyway...i liked the brown one

[10:22] Sassy: the brown shirt that you thought was too tight?

[10:22] Co-worker chick: no...i think that one was blue

[10:23] Sassy: the shirt that you thought was a little tight was a brown one that was right under the boobs and sort of peasanty looking... at least you said that to me. You're not talking about the shirt that makes me look pregnant, are you?

[10:24] Co-worker chick: lol

[10:24] Co-worker chick: i don't know

[10:24] Co-worker chick: i told you...i don't really pay attention...i thought it was dark brown, cut straight across, and scrunchied

[10:25] Co-worker chick: lol...maybe

[10:25] Sassy: that is my preg shirt

[10:25] Co-worker chick: i like that one

[10:25] Sassy: ...thats disappointing

[10:25] Sassy: lol

[10:26] Co-worker chick: wear your little sandinista outfit

[10:26] Sassy: thanks, I just don't like feeling like I look pg. is it because you like to check out the cleavage?

[10:26] Co-worker chick yeah...because i have none of my own and want to look at yours
[10:26] Sassy: you are pretty lacking in the booby area

So... she was no help. I guess Jen will have to just like me for who I am. But I'm pretty sure she'd do that anyway. I'm SO excited to meet her!

She gave this to us today, :) I'm supposed to give it to others, but since I am at work I'll have to do that tonight.

Life's a Beach!

2008-06-25T08:12:00.001-04:00

For more Wordless Wednesday, click here

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The Gift of Delusion

2008-06-24T06:10:00.002-04:00

Forgive me if this post is less than eloquent, I wrote it in the time it took to cook my microwave dinner. But hopefully you'll find it interesting.

I was trying to fall asleep late one night, and as I often do, I turned the radio on to my local NPR station. The show I encountered actually ended up keeping me awake because I found it so interesting.

It was all about liars. They studied people who they thought would be compulsive liars, they actually decided that temp agencies would be the place they would go to find these people figuring these people would turn up there at some point. Probably not having been able to keep their lies right and having gotten fired I guess.

So they found a handful of people who answered the questions in a way that suggested compulsive liar. Then they got these people to submit to a brain scan to see what was wrong with their brain. Often people with other ...disorders, have some malady in their brain that shows.

What they found was quite a bit different than they expected. They didn't have a malady, but they actually had more connections, more "white stuff". They were able to think on their feet better, come up with stories more easily.

That was pretty interesting, as was the story of the con woman, but what I found most interesting was the piece on people who lie to themselves. They looked at people who are able to weave a little veil in front of whatever is going on so they don't have to acknowledge it. Like the person who ignores the sign of a cheating spouse.

But the interesting part was that they found that people who lie to themselves more are happier people. It works as a buffer, its an inoculation against reality and depression. So it should not be surprising that people who are more realistic are also more often depressed. They see the things they've done, things not working out, the pain and suffering in the world...and it makes them sad. Delusion is a gift of sorts.

I was telling this tid bit to a friend of mine and she said she had heard something similar, but that it was regarding specific unnamed political parties. The one party was more depressed than the other and it was explained that the happier political party was happier because they failed to see injustice as injustice...and I guess their responsibility to fight injustice? I didn't really have the gumption to read this entire article, I don't even know if it was the one my friend read, but it was interesting all the same.

But if you're going to waste your time clicking on the link, click the Radio Lab link instead, you'll probably enjoy it more. Its about as good as This American Life!

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Yeah, His Eye Aint Always So Queer

2008-06-23T05:29:00.003-04:00

My lovah (AKA my husband Tom) and I were walking out of the grocery store yesterday afternoon. We were chatting about our fabulous weekend and what we needed to do when we got home.

Pretty much he was planning on grilling our dinner (as he should) and hanging our new 2-person swing (AKA the lovehs swang) .

I was planning on watching him do those things with a nice refreshing beverage. Then we were going to take Logan out for ice cream.

I happened to glance over at Tom and saw that my husband....the man who has given me such savvy fashion advice...was wearing two different sets of plaids.

A large-plaid shirt and smaller-plaid shorts.

Oh. Mah. Gawt. I don't know that I'll ever listen to him again.

And also? Can someone please tell me why my lashes have suddenly refused to curl? Seriously. These bad boys are STICK straight. I looked at my eyelash curler and it doesn't appear to have been tampered with. I look like I took a straight iron to my lashes. I'm afraid I might poke out Logan's eye when I give him some snuggles tonight. Seriously.
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Sunday Films:Stupid Teenage Girl Edition

2008-06-22T07:24:00.002-04:00

Ashlee's blog got me thinking about some of my favorite movies. And I don't mean the kind that change your life and make you see the world in a different way, but the kind that you watch every single time it comes on, no matter what you're doing. I'm that way with one of Ashlee's favorites (check her blog to see which one). And here are a few 0thers I LOVE. Don't judge me too harshly, all of these except the first one, involve a small amount of stupid and or catty teenage girls!

Practical Magic. I love this movie, I love the sister theme, magic in today's world and the whole love story line that comes in. I loved it soo much that I bought the sound track and don't skip past the Shania Twain song (no offense to any country fans)

Pleasantville is also a great movie, this one has its hidden meanings and lessons but is also a really fun watch.

Bring it On, which is a just really funny. I said not to look at me like that!

Ok, bear with me on this one. Its actually pretty funny. The girls dress up as pregnant Betty Dolls to rob a bank when the captain of the squad gets knocked up and needs to make a life for her dim wit boyfriend and baby to be. Sounds pretty horrid, the trailer doesn't do it justice, its quite funny. Or it was when I was in college. But hey, while I'm going with the cheer theme I thought why not? So think about renting Sugar and Spice

"I've seen yams that have more going on upstairs than those two" this is said by Dave Foley, playing Bob Haldeman about the two main characters in Dick. This movie is a MUST SEE. It's about two stupid teenage girls who become the downfall of the Nixon administration. The best is Will Ferrell and Some Guy From Kids in the Hall who play Woodward and Bernstein. They sort of hate each other, Bernstein is always trying to get in on what Woodward has going on, Will Ferrell at one point yells at him "Get away! You smell like cabbage!" OMG, SO FUNNY! The trailer has a stupid 30 second commercial right before it starts, so just be patient.

visit videodetective.com for more info

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Fish Ladder

2008-06-21T08:29:00.003-04:00

Fish Ladder, originally uploaded by Sister Sassy 919.

Here's this weeks Photo Hunt, Water. I really like the pattern of the water as it falls. I took this picture while doing our big Geocache hunt I told you about here.

For more photo hunting go to http://tnchick.com/

Mish Mash

2008-06-20T07:51:00.005-04:00

I hadn't planned to post anything today. I was supposed to be sleeping in and having a nice day off with my family. But work has gotten crazy and deadlines need to be adhered to so I came in to do one small thing.

...unfortunately that one small thing isn't here for me to do! Oh, you don't know how mad I am about that. I was counting on this person to get their stuff in, talked to them right before I left. I had such confidence that I didn't check from home before I came in to take care it, because, I was certain it would be here.

....wrong. So I'm wasting time waiting for him to call me back, I'm giving him 15 minutes.

Aside from that its Feeling Fit Friday...or something like that. I lost another lb and then had a very large dinner, well, not large for me a few months ago, but large for me now. It was interesting to see how I felt after eating the amount of food I used to eat. I decided that I wasn't going to do that again. So I'm almost at 10 lbs, I'm hoping next week will be my 10 lb loss to say.

Also, you know you're in trouble when blogland makes its way into your dreams. Last night I was chilling with Valerie and Ashlee. And although I know what Ashlee looks like, in my dream she looked like one of the other daycare moms. We were in Alabama and since when I lived there I didn't enjoy it much, Alabama was made up of nothing but rock quarries.

I'd see a lake and run to it only to find it was just a mirage on a rock quarry. Valerie kept disappearing when I'd try to find her and poor Ashlee was having major ...women-type problems. That was weird.

JimmyEW was with me and we were staying in a Hospital for some reason. I was trying to take some photographs of these ancient Mexican American families but he kept taking my camera from me. It was making me so mad.

So anyway- the hospital came from watching the movie Bucket List last night. Really good flick about finding joy, friendship and deserving/undeserving/faith sort of things.

Alabama- came from a comment I made on another blog last night, and because Valerie lives there. So does Seester, right?, but I guess she was ditching us in my dream

and meeting bloggy friends came from the fact that I might be meeting one of you next week, I'm not saying who right now because I will of course blog about it...and I'm not certain it will happen. But I'm hoping it will

So, happy Friday. Cross your fingers that the little slacker gets his stuff in. GRRRRRR!

JimmyEW, I'll be home soon-promise.
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Sugar and Beer. That's What I'm Talkin' 'Bout.

2008-06-19T07:09:00.001-04:00

I haven't been into this here blawg lately. You see, it's summer. And I have other things to do that must take priority over writing random stories about my kid calling me Super Mean and my husband's very queer eye.

Like buying Logan sugar cereal for his first. time. evah. Well, not his FIRST first time. Sister Big saw to that a couple years ago when she gave him Cocoa Puffs for breakfast one morning. It was the best day of his life and he speaks of it often.

To celebrate the end of a hard year in kindergarten and his very first summer vacation, Logan wanted cereal that has a) sugar, and b) a toy. Because I am such a nice mom I complied.

However, I found the cereal with the least amount of sugar sold at the grocery store. And, I made the house rule that he must wash it down with a couple slices of bacon. I don't want the kid to bounce off the walls after all.

We also decided to let Logan stay up a little later at night. My thinking was that he would sleep in a little later in the morning. Which has long been a dream of mine. And apparently a stupid one. The kid's awake at 6:30 am on the dot. Each and every single day.

Which is why I celebrate summer in my own way. Sitting on my front porch with my husband. Drinking beer. And that's all I'm gonna say about that.
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Come Play With Me! The Creepies

2008-06-18T08:22:00.002-04:00

Come Play With Me!, originally uploaded by Sister Sassy 919.

This is the scariest picture I think I've ever taken. It reminds me of the movie Demonic Toys. Good thing I know this is the sweetest boy ever.

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