Fairytales and Margaritas

Random Thoughts Wednesday edition

I always have these random thoughts swirling around my mind.  Each one not enough for it's own post, yet enough that I feel the need to tell someone or get it out of my brain!

The Kissing Game- This is Jocelyn's new favorite thing.  She gives me a kiss then says, "Another one!", I oblige, then "Another one!", etc.  It's so funny because she thinks it's the funniest thing EVER.  She giggles like a maniac the whole time.  And we have to do it really fast.  Sometimes she changes it up and yells, "Nose kiss!".  Now, to her, a nose kiss means a lot of different things.  Sometimes it's an Eskimo kiss (rubbing noses), sometimes she wants to actually kiss my nose and sometimes we're supposed to kiss like normal, but mash our noses together at the same time.  But, any way you slice it, this is the funniest thing in the world to my two year old right now.  And it makes my heart melt because I know that she's going to grow up and not want to play the kissing game anymore.  Or at least this version of it!

I tucked in my shirt today!  Ok, maybe that's not exciting to some of you, but to me it was a momentous occasion.  See, I don't think I've tucked a shirt in for years and years.  When you're pregnant you NEVER tuck your shirt in (or at least I hope you don't).  Then after you have the baby you have a little extra weight hanging around and skin, oh the extra skin!  So, I've just gotten used to wearing things that didn't need to be tucked in.  Not like muumuus or anything, just shirts that look fine without tucking.  But, I'm actually within 3 pounds of my pre-pregnancy weight from Robert (YAY me, and I know I'll never get back to my pre-pregnancy weight from Carissa which was 95 pounds and I'm fine with that) so I decided to wear a shirt that looks best tucked in.  And I kindof like it.

My average savings on groceries and the like this week was 70%.  I paid $6 total at CVS and ended up with 4 bottles of Aussie shampoo and conditioner, 2 tubes of Loreal face wash, 2 Soft and Dri deodorants and 2 bags of Chex mix.  PLUS, I got $18 in Extra Care Bucks back.  Extra Care Bucks are just like gift cards, so they actually paid me $12 to take that bag of stuff! 

We had a potluck lunch at work this week and it made me realize how much I'm going to miss these girls I work with.  I've been at this office for almost 5 years and with the court for over 8 years.  It's definitely going to be hard to say goodbye.  If laughter is the best medicine, I'm going to need a new prescription when I leave.  I was laughing so hard I had tears coming down my face.  I really treasure these friendships that I've made.  And I know that I'm awful about keeping in touch with people and that makes me sad.

We had a hell of a storm last night.  I seriously thought my windows might break and our 5 year old tree in the yard might uproot and fly away ala Wizard of Oz.  I have NEVER been in a storm like that!  This is Arizona!  We have monsoon rainstorms for one period each year and that's it!  I'm pretty sure the winds were over 50 mph and the thunder was LOUD and the rain/hail sounded like it was going to break my windows.  All this at 2:00 a.m.  Needless to say the kids woke up and freaked the heck out.  I think they thought the "end" was near! 

Some random plugs

Remember Matt?  Well, he has a new shirt shop.  You can see the widget in my left sidebar (the one that says, "I'm a flower in the Garden of Awesome"  along with some flowers.  Check it out, it's pretty funny.  Also, there is going to be a memorial walk in honor of his wife, who's birthday was September 17.  Each person is supposed to walk in their respective location and timezone, so that there will be 24 hours of walking in honor of Liz.  Isn't that great?  Sign up to participate!

Also, my friend Emily has just started a blog for her t-shirt business.  She's been making and selling shirts for awhile, but has just started the blog.  I LOVE her shirts.  They're so cute and unique.  She can design ANYTHING you want.  We've got Mickey Mouse ears shirts for Xander and Jocelyn, a flocked Princess shirt for Jocelyn and a Daddy's Little Ghoul shirt for Jocelyn.  But, seriously, she can come up with anything you want.  Check her out!

Also, my other friend Heather makes the most adorable bows.  We have quite a few of them (unfortunately Jocelyn will not keep them in her hair, YET), but they are great quality.  And, she can make anting you need.  She can match clothing or themes too!

Yikes!

I take a few days off and my reader goes crazy.  Sorry, but I just marked all 191 posts as read.  So, if I missed you giving me something or a post about how great you think I am, please redirect me!  :)  Actually, to be honest, I'll probably end up reading them anyway.  As soon as you post something else I'll read that and then scroll through what I missed.

In other news, please pray again for my friend with breast cancer.   She got some not so good news and could use all our extra prayers.

Also, my background check still hasn't even begun.  They told me it could be months before they even start!  Patience is not my strong suit, so this is really hard.  But, on the bright side, I have a job now and I'll have one then, so no worries.

I thoroughly cleaned the whole office last week.  File cabinets, bookshelves, our kitchenette and storage room.  It looks like we barely even "live" here because I got rid of so much clutter.  My boss says I must be pregnant.  I tell her to shut her mouth!

We actually had a date night on Sunday.  It was so nice.  My husband's best man and his wife came to town from Chicago.  We had a really nice time just hanging out with them.  I wish they lived closer!

And, sometime I'm going to have to share my super deals from this week.  I don't think I've admitted how frugal I am on here.  But, let's just say that I spend quite a bit of time each week clipping coupons and coordinating sales and coupons and this week I got some awesome deals.

Oh, and I've got a lovely political post to throw up as soon as I get the time to get down on paper my rambly political thoughts.  (Let me just admit that this is the FIRST election that I've actually paid attention to and not just voted the party line.  So, I am well versed in the whole politics arena, NOT!)

Um, your headlights are on

Ok, seriously, this really bugs me. 

How can a woman not know that her nips are sticking out?  I have to tell you this is a huge pet peeve of mine. 

Ok, sure, part of me is probably jealous because I'm not very well endowed in that area.  But, c'mon. 

I just walked past a co-worker who had on a light blue shirt, with a nip accessory.  And I'm not a guy!  I wasn't even looking.  But, there they are, staring right at me!  How do you look away?

I just don't understand how you can't tell.  I don't wear thin bras (read: mine are padded), so I haven't been in that situation, but can't you tell?  Seriously?

Its distracting dang it! I once had a boss that was ALWAYS cold, I swear.  I couldn't even concentrate on what she was saying because I always wanted to tell her that she looked like she was competing in a wet T-shirt contest, without the water.

Ladies, do us all a favor and wear thicker bras!

(Wow, right after a deep post, I move onto this.  Wonder where my daughter got her ADHD from?)

I *Heart* the USA

Man, oh man.  I'm such and Olympics junkie.  I just love to watch all the sports, winter and summer.  I love to hear the "backstories".  I love it all.

I think part of it is just seeing these kids (and sometimes older people, GO DARA TORRES!) get to that top level.  They train and train and have these hopes and dreams and just to make it there is wonderful.  And when they win and they cry and just can't believe it.  It makes me so proud of them!  Even though I don't know them. 

And to see all these countries come together in one place, even though they don't "get along" is amazing.  The patriotism and the pride are just cool to watch.  Every time they have a medal ceremony I tear up.  Whether it's the Star Spangled Banner playing or some other national anthem.  I just love it all.

But, the best part is the backstories.  Like the story of the little boy that walked in with the Chinese team.  He was buried under rubble in the earthquake, yet went back in to try to save his classmates.  To see that little child next to Yao Ming was really moving.  Or the story of the now German gymnast (who's 33!) and he son with leukemia.  She lived in Russia and their were no facilities to treat him.  So, she reached out to people she knew in the gymnastics community and they sent her to Germany where her son received treatment and is now in remission.  Those are the stories that just touch my heart.  That in spite of all the struggles these people have, they keep pushing on and never lose hope or lose track of their dreams.  We could all learn a little something from them.

So, enjoy the rest of the games, it'll be awhile before we see them again!

Random Thoughts Friday

Thanks for all the well wishes!

More on the job:  it's the one I applied for in February.  The government takes a LONG time to process things!  I'll be working for the Department of Homeland Security (same as Robert, but in a different job and different location).  I have to go through a background investigation that typically takes 1-2 months.  I applied because my boss now (the judge) will be retiring in 18 months.  I technically work for her and it would be up to the new judge if they'd like to keep me on.  Many times they bring their own staff to the position, so I didn't want to chance it.  Plus, judges can be a temperamental bunch and I didn't want to take my chances in that area either.   What really appeals to me about this new job:  the benefits (I'll be a fed, YAY!), the promotion potential (in 5 years I could be making more than twice what I'm making now), the flexible schedule (I'm hoping I could possibly work 4 10's), the ability to take vacation time whenever I want (I currently have to take time when my judge does), the change, the ability to retire at 53 (I'll have 20 years in then!).  What I'm going to miss:  the wonderful group of women I currently work with (I'll be working with mostly men), the ability to go out the lunch (my new office is in the middle of nowhere), my comfort zone (I've been here eight years and know my job and the people).  Overall, I'm excited and a bit nervous because the new job involved quite a few aspects (budget, human resources) that I haven't had a ton of experience in.

I am on vacation all of next week.  But, here's the kicker, the kids are in school (except for Monday)!  YAY me!  I may keep the little ones home from preschool on Wednesday, but Tuesday and Thursday are mine, all mine.   I'm going to do some sorting at home (my photo/scrapbooking closet), but then I'm going to the movies BY MYSELF (Forgetting Sarah Marshall or Baby Mama?) and getting my nails done and maybe walking around a store or two BY MYSELF!!!!  It will be so nice.  I tried to get my hubby to play hooky with me one day, but he's trying to work some overtime to pay off bills, so I don't think he's going to.

Then on Friday I'm going to Phoenix to visit my parents.  The ones that didn't come down last weekend for their granddaughter's 2nd birthday.  Whatever!  I'm actually meeting some of my online/real life friends for dinner on Friday.  Then hanging at my mom's on Saturday.  I may even stay Saturday night so that I can visit the only Steve and Barry's in the state on Sunday.  Think it's worth it?

Right now I'm trying to figure out where to go for lunch.  I'm trying to not spend too much and eat semi healthy, but nothing sounds good.  Suggestions?

See No Evil, Eat No Evil?

So, we all know that I'm trying to eat healthy.  They say to let those around you know so that they can encourage you.  Well, everyone at work knows.  To the point that when they ask if I want to go out to lunch they quickly add, "somewhere healthy".  They're so sweet!  Usually I'll look up the menu online and figure out what I'm getting before we go.  So, one of my coworkers brought me this article the other day.

It's about the new law in New York City that says that chain restaurants must post the calorie count of each food in the same size and font as the price. 

My take:  Hooray!  I would love to have the information posted.  That way I don't have to look it up online and it will be readily available.  Plus, sometimes you think something is a healthy choice, yet find out it's not that healthy. 

Also, I think it forces restaurants to start serving healthier items.  It says that Starbucks is finding it sells out of their 80 calorie cookies moreso than anything else.  Why don't the restaurants take this as a sign that people want to eat healthier and cater to that?

But, some are criticizing it.  Saying they don't want to have the calorie count shoved in their face when they go out to eat.  And it's making them angry!  I say that's ridiculous!  If you chose to eat something high in calories, fine, that's your choice (I still make that choice sometimes, Island Fire Burger from Sonic, yummmmm).  But, to get upset because you are actually aware of how many calories you're eating?  Or to say that it ruins your dining experience?  I just don't get it.  One woman even asked for a menu without the calorie counts so that she would feel more comfortable eating.  Seriously?

I think part of this goes to personal responsibility.  People don't want to be forced to admit that THEY made bad decisions.  Just like the people that sue McDonald's because they're obese.  They can't admit that they KNEW the food wasn't good for them, but chose to eat it anyway. 

With this new law people are being forced to be aware of what they're eating.  There is no more claim that they "thought" they made a healthy choice.  Maybe it'll prevent some of those crazy lawsuits.

Or maybe some of these people should watch Supersize Me.  That movie will scare you off of fast food quick! 

(Don't get me wrong.  I don't care if you're skinny or fat, I don't care if you eat fast food or not (I do all the time), I don't care what YOU eat, that's your choice.  But, I don't think you should be allowed to sue a corporation for "making" you fat or unhealthy.  YOU choose what to put in your own mouth.)

The Royal Family

Did anyone watch the Barbara Walters special last night on the Royal Family?

Very interesting!  I'd love to hear what my friends across the pond thought or think about the Royal Family.

I guess I've never much thought about it.  I loved Princess Di, but never really thought of how the whole government over there works.  (I'm not a big social studies person, AT ALL.)

But, watching the special got me thinking.  What exactly does the queen do?  Seems like not much.  I didn't realize that it's actually a democracy, but with a monarchy also.  Weird. 

On the show they showed how the elected folks and the appointed folks have this whole "show" that they do.  And all the ceremony that is held for every little thing.  Very interesting.

But, I also found it interesting that they spent $72 million dollar for the royal family last year!  YIKES!  I don't think that'd happen in the US!  And a lot of people were protesting, saying that they wanted the royal family out and their taxes to go to other things likes nurses and such. 

I guess I just don't understand exactly WHAT the royal family does.  Are they basically the public relations people for the country?  They have all the lavish dinners for other country's leaders.  But, the Prime Minister is actually the one that runs the democracy, right?

Someone please explain it to me.  I find it very interesting, yet so different from our country.

So. Far. Behind.

Ugh! I'm so far behind on posting. I have awards piling up (thanks friends) and memes to do (um, yeah, thanks). But, I have been doing my Christmas baking. I made 30 loaves of bread and tomorrow will make fudge and truffles and holiday bark and rum balls. Then, next weekend, I'll make a ton of cookies. And we're going on The Polar Express on Thursday and Friday and we're having a Holiday Open House on Sunday. So, yeah, I'll see you when I see you.

But, I am currently watching the Saturday Night Light Best of Will Ferrell (who is my favorite), so I'll leave you with my favorite bit of all time. Enjoy!

I scream...

for my ice cream. Soft serve, that is.

Why can't I find soft serve ice cream anymore? Is it a regional thing? We ALWAYS had soft serve in New York. We even had frozen custard. But, in Arizona (which you'd think would be the ice cream capital of the world) I can't find soft serve for the life of me. Everyone serves Dryers. Hello, I can buy that at the grocery store myself. And don't even get me started on Dairy Queen. THAT IS NOT ICE CREAM, IT'S ICE MILK. I used to work there, I know. They make it with milk, not cream, BIG difference.

I actually let my hard ice cream melt before I eat it. I don't like to bite my ice cream, I like to lick it. Am I old fashioned? Does no one do soft serve anymore? Am I completely out of touch with the modern world?

I really miss getting a swirl cone. That is one of my comfort foods. Especially with chocolate sprinkles.

Sorry

Sorry for the lack of update. I am hurriedly preparing for our trip to Disney. My stupid costume didn't work out, so now I'm going as myself:

And that's what I had to settle on after driving to every Halloween store in town. At least I'll match Snow White (J) and Dopey (X).

We will be gone until the 11th. We're doing Disneyland for 5 days, Mickey's Halloween Treat on Thursday night, the aquarium on Sunday and Santa Monica Pier on Monday. I doubt I'll check in. I don't know if the hotel has free wireless and if not, I'm certainly not paying $14 per day for it. Maybe I'll find a Starbucks.

The wedding was a blast. It was weird seeing my tough brother get all dressed up and get sappy. It was loads of fun. My cousins are a hoot. We danced the night away. Although I was reprimanded for acting childish by my husband. I'll post pics when we get back.

And a parting thought: Who in the world invented thongs? And why do men find them so appealing?