Name That Movie Monday

Combine the holidays with my new calling in Primary and I'll admit that I'm having trouble keeping up with my blog. There just seems to be so much to get done! But, the holiday decorations are coming down in a day or two. And once we get the new year started in Primary my husband assures me we'll settle into a good routine and things will get easier.

In the meantime Movie Monday and Flashback Friday may be all you get for a week or two. Wait, that's all that I've been doing for a week or two, or three, anyway....

Today's movie I only saw for the first time on Christmas day. Well, we actually had to watch it in parts since the power went off in the middle of the movie and didn't come back on for about 7 hours. (Have you ever tried cooking Christmas dinner with no power? At least all the new toys were battery powered so they kept working!) It may be a movie that many of you haven't seen. But if you give it some serious thought I think that from the quote you should be able to guess it, even if you've never seen it. So give it a try!

I gotta get this spec up to the top of Mount Nool ASAP. Whatever that means. Probably Act Swiftly Awesome Pachyderm.

Give it a guess!

Here is your code to reward your guessing efforts: 545DZ9

Happy Monday!

Flashback Friday

Many of you have asked to hear more about how I fell in love with the wrong guy. Okay, not really. Nobody has asked. But, it all started a fateful New Year's Eve. And since we are nearing the New Year I thought I'd share that story today for Flashback Friday.

I dug out my old journal (the one I used to keep before I had kids. It's been years since I actually wrote it in!) and I'm just going to quote it verbatum, since it tells the story so nicely. Remember, when I wrote this I had only been home from my mission for a month and a half, and had high ambitions of a successful career as a news reporter before I even thought about "settling down."

Monday, January 1, 2002

Boy troubles. Yes, already! So, I think I am starting to have a crush on Mike. Bad news. We've emailed since I've been home, and talked on the phone a few times. My first clue that a crush was beginning to develop was that I noticed that each time I checked my email I would hold my breath, hoping that there was a message from him. And the first time he called me on the phone we talked for nearly two hours! But it gets better. Oh yes!

So, I sent him an email telling him that Andria wanted me to go to the single branch's dance and that I thought I would rather have a root canal. (side note, it was the dance I didn't want to attend, spending time with Andria somewhere other than a single's dance is defiantly better than a root canal!)

So-he called me Sunday Night and said he and Riley were going to plan something and did I want to come over.

So honestly my first thought was hey, I haven't seen Riley for a long time. This would be a perfect time to remind him how cool I am and get him to fall madly in love with me.

But my plan backfired, because I found myself having girly butterfly feelings in my stomach whenever I looked at Mike. Laughing a little louder at his jokes, walking a little closer to him. At times I had to remind myself that I was supposed to be flirting with Riley.

Then at one point we were writing down our New Year's resolutions to be burned on a big steel wheel (the symbolism escapes me) so I write something really shallow-loose 15 lbs. Well, Mike, after much coaxing, shared his. To stop chasing money and start chasing happiness. So I felt lame!

Then we were working out way through a wall of people and Mike is leader and he turns and grabs my coat sleeve so I don't get lost. My stomach did somersaults. Crazy! And several times during the night he would put his hand on the small of my back to guide me in front, and I would lose it every time.

Oh, I forgot to mention, we went to First Night downtown. And Mike bought my admission button and refused to let me pay him back and he paid for my dinner despite my insistence otherwise.

I think my New Year's Resolution should be to NOT fall in love!!!

Nicety or Necessity

I've already admitted that remembering people's birthdays is not a strong point of mine. I want to be a nice person. Really I do. But so often I fall short.

Christmas seems to be no different. I often fall short of all my good intentions.

Two years ago I was behind on getting out my Christmas cards, so I sent out New Years cards.

Last year cards didn't go out at all.

I likely won't be sending out any this year, either.

And I feel bad. There are people I think of and care about and want to let them know that I care about them and think of them. But just can't bring myself to stress about sending out Christmas cards. Because I feel obligated to write something personal on each card. And send pictures. Which most people will probably just throw away anyway. So I just don't bother.

I don't take gifts to my neighbors, either.

The year we moved into our home two of the neighbors who live on our street brought us treats. I thought that was kind, considering we'd only lived here 2 months and didn't know them well. But I was overwhelmed by a new house, new mortgage, and a baby on the way so I didn't reciprocate.

The following year a few more neighbors brought gifts. I still took nothing in return, thinking that maybe if I let enough years pass without taking something they'd just stop bringing us stuff and then I'd be off the hook.

That was 5 years ago. This year we got more gifts and goodies than ever before from our wonderful neighbors. In fact, the treats just keep piling in. 4 plates of goodies just tonight! It seems the less gifts I take out the more popular we become.

And my guilt is now really starting to get the best of me! I know I SHOULD send cards to long lost friends. I know I SHOULD take something to all my neighbors who have so kindly remembered us for all these years. I know I SHOULD have more of the spirit of giving.

But I just don't have the energy. Or the creativity. Or the sanity. Or the money.

My mother taught me better. Truly she did. She taught me to be kind and thoughtful and thankful and grateful.

So please tell me, how much is required when Christmas rolls around? What things are absolute necessities and what things are merely niceties? How do I keep the season simple while still letting others know I am thinking of them?

Name that Movie Monday

I know everybody has holiday traditions to get back to, so I'll make this short and sweet today. For your holiday movie guessing pleasure guess this movie quote:

Son: How do reindeer fly? They don't have any wings.

Dad: Fairy dust

Son: That's from Peter Pan dad.

Dad: Horns?

Son: Antlers!

Dad: Whatever. Their antlers give them, er there's a slip stream effect....the air going....if they move back...they're weightless!

Son: But if Santa is so fat how does he get down the chimneys?

Dad: He sucks it in like grandpa.

Son: What about people who don't have fireplaces, how does he get into their houses?

Dad: Sometimes believing in something means, means you just believe in it. Santa uses reindeer to fly because that's how he has to get around.

Son: But you believe in Santa, right dad?

Dad: Of course I believe in Santa, now please go to sleep.

Son: Dad, maybe you better leave some cookies and milk out. Just in case, okay.

Dad: Great, I'll just go preheat the oven.

Son: And don't forget the fire extinguisher.

Okay, so that wasn't short, but it is sweet.

And, my gift to you, a free movie code: EC22KP

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!


p.s.

In honor of last week's movie quote, do you want to see how Ralphie grew up?

Flashback Friday

I was feeling festive today and wanted to do a Christmas memory for today's installment of Flashback Friday. But I also wanted to let me dear husband off the hook, since he groans when Friday rolls around, wondering how I'm going to embarrass him this time.

So today I'm sharing pictures from Christmas 2000. This Christmas is significant because I spent it in Oroville, Washington as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

I LOVE Christmas on the mission! What better way to spend the holiday season than serving Him whose birth we celebrate!

I think getting new pajamas for Christmas is pretty traditional for most people. My mom kept that tradition alive by sending my companion, Kristin Lewis, and me matching pajamas.



Of course, this was my days of 35mm, and no view screen so I have lots of pictures of me with my eyes closed. Such is life!

Here is our Advent Calendar, all the doors open showing that it's finally Christmas Eve!



Here is me with all my loot. The church members in the area REALLY spoiled us!!!



All our Christmas cards. Wow, I felt loved!!!



Here is the aftermath Christmas morning. Lewis it talking on the phone to her family, basking in the warmth of Christmas (and Hot Chocolate)



Pretty furniture, eh?

These are the aprons and stockings made for us by Ethleen Timm. Our names our embroidered on the aprons, too.



I still wear the apron. And the stocking still hangs alongside the kid's stocking on our banister each Christmas.

And this is ALL THE FOOD we got.



I'm not sure if you can tell, but I've stuffed couch pillows in the front and the back of my pajamas to show what I was going to look like when I finished eating all that food.

Merry Christmas to you all!!!! May the true spirit of the season visit you each during this special time of the year.

Name that Movie Monday

Today I thought I'd give ya'll a break and do a totally obvious movie. Which means I am expecting a lot of responses. Ready?

You'll shoot your eye out.

I know you know it!

So to reward you for your movie knowledge here is your free movie code: 47J2L8

And, in unrelated movie news I saw The Dark Night this week and it was fantastically horrific. I had heard from several separate sources how truly terribly dark and evil Heath Ledger was as The Joker. But I still wasn't prepared for just how terrifying he was. If you like Batman you will love this movie! But don't let your young kids watch it!!!!

Flashback Friday

Today has been CRAZY as I try to get some Christmas shopping done. I even braved Toys R Us. Not my brightest idea.

So this will be short and sweet today-but I didn't want to let my faithful follower down.

Feast your eyes on this picture from Christmas the year Mike and I were engaged.



You can tell we're not married yet by the way we are looking at each other all googly-eyed. Ah, those were the days.

Thing 1 and Thing 2

Thing the first: I just looked out my back window and was surprised to see red Christmas balls hanging from the tree. Until I realized that they were really apples that we never got around to picking.

Thing the second: I have never been able to figure out why "My Favorite Things" is a Christmas song. What do raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens have to do with yuletide? I'm also always confused by 3 ships sailing into Bethlehem on Christmas day in the morning.

To sum up: Not all that glitters is gold, and sometimes red is really just a rotten apple. And as much as we all love Julie Andrews we think the Von Trapp children are even more annoying than the Osmonds.

Tricky

So, where you all tricked by yesterday's Name that Movie Monday? I have a confession to make. It was supposed to be tricky. It's not actually from a major motion picture. It's from a work out DVD. Because I was trying to be funny. Did it work? Am I funny?

The line is from Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred workout. For those of you who don't know who Jillian is (because I didn't) she is one of the trainers on NBC's The Biggest Loser. I've never watched the show but I hear from those that do that Jillian is the mean trainer. And after doing her workout I can believe it.

It's really a fabulous workout. Of course I hate it the entire time I'm doing it. But then again, my favorite part of any workout is the end.

Here is just a little taste of what you can expect if you train with Jillian.





So, there you have it. Go enjoy all your holiday treats now, if you can. Jillian will be waiting to make you a visit come January when it's time for all those New Year's resolutions. :)

Name that Movie Monday

It's a good thing I don't blog for a living. I'd never meet all my deadlines. I realized late Saturday night that I never wrote a Flashback Friday post last week. The day just sort of got away from me. We had a primary activity that was on my mind and that I was preparing for. Then afterward Adam insisted we put up the Christmas decorations. Blogging was the last thing on my mind. Thus you will have to wait until Friday for another trip down memory lane.

But today is Monday. And I have been diligent about my movie quotes. So let's get right to it, shall we?

For those of you at home who are looking for a modified version of a jumping jack, look elsewhere. I'm not gonna give that to you because I know you can handle it. I've got 400 lb people who can do jumping jacks, so can you.

Tricky, eh?

In other movie news, we did watch all 3 Pirate of the Caribbean movies last week. And I still don't like the ending of the 3rd one. Just for the record. But I do think that my favorite part of all 3 is the 3-way sword fight between Jack, Will, and Norrington in movie 2. Brilliant scene! I knew you would want to know.

AND, it's my dear Husband's birthday. He's 30 today. So if anybody has a fantasic movie to recommend I'm all ears.

Oh, and here is your code: 23MJT7

Now I have to change the laundry and wrap gifts.

Too sad, too true.

To all my bloggy friends....you know it's true!

Name that Movie Monday

Was it as hard for everybody else to wake up to Monday after the extended Holiday weekend as it was for me? I almost forgot that there were good reasons to look forward to Monday. Like another action packed edition of Name that Movie Monday.

Today being December the 1st we are in full-on holiday mode. Which means I'm feeling particularly generous today. Which means you get not one, not two, but THREE quotes from the SAME movie to help you in your movie guessing today. Too easy you say? Well, I'm just kind that way. I like everybody to feel like a winner. So, are you ready?

Character 1: This is either maddness or brillant.

Character 2: It's remarkable how often those two traits coincide.

Me? I'm dishonest. And a dishonest man you can always trust to be dishonest.Honestly. It's the honest ones you want to watch out for. Because you can never predict when they're going to do something incredibly stupid.

I think we've all arrived at a very special place. Spiritually, ecumenically, grammatically.

Give it your best guess!

And enjoy your free redbox movie: CC67M4

Now I'm off to find some more Mucinex, Sudafed, and Ibuprofen. Don't worry, you can't catch what I've got just from reading my blog. :)

Flashback Friday

I think this week, in honor of the holiday, we will do a Thanksgiving memory.

Mike and I spent our first married Thanksgiving in Lake Tahoe. Mike's mother's family was having a family reunion in that neck of the woods so we made the trek with Mike's parents, his sister Kim and her husband Andrew. Andrew's bother Allen also made the trek with us.

We got a 2 bedroom condo for the weekend. Mike's parent's took one room and Kim and Andrew slept in the other. Which meant Mike and I got the pull out bed in the family room.

Oh, and did I mention I was pregnant?

Well, the pull out bed was the most uncomfortable thing I ever laid down on. You could feel the bar of bed frame right through the unbelievably thin mattress. After about 2 minutes of laying on it Mike and I decided to fold it back up and try to sleep on the couch. That was kind of a joke, too. We pulled the chairs over and tried putting our heads on the couch and our feet on the chairs but the chairs just kept sliding away.

Needless to say, it was a VERY long night.

So, the following day we found a Kmart and bought an air mattress. A double decker one so it wouldn't be so low to the ground for the pregnant woman. It sounded like a good idea. There was just one tiny problem. The thing would NOT hold the air. And as the air would drain from it in the wee hours of the night it would force Mike and me into the middle of the bed. Then the bed would start to close in on us like a giant taco.

Of course, being pregnant, I had to pee all night long. And if you think a pregnant woman rolling out of an inflatable taco bed is easy, then you are wrong. I felt like a beached whale each time I tried to roll myself out.

To make matters even worse I was SO STINKING HOT that I eventually found myself sleeping in just my t-shirt. At one point I had to use the bathroom, again, and just didn't want to bother finding my pj pants. I rationalized that everybody was asleep AND that they were probably sleeping with their doors closed anyway, so I should just make a mad dash for the bathroom.

In the morning my brother-in-law Andrew told me he thought he saw a ghost in the middle of the night. He said he saw a white streak dash past his bedroom door. The streak sort of looked like me, but it was moving way too fast to a pregnant woman!

Lake Tahoe was beautiful but boy was I happy to see my own bed again!

Hope you all had a memorable Thanksgiving!

Name that Movie Monday

It's that time again! That's right wood-chuck chuckers, it's NAME THAT MOVIE MONDAY. And no, that's not your quote today, although I guess you can have extra credit if you know that movie, too.

I'll keep it short and sweet today. Ready?

"This is not worth $11.50 an hour."

Do me a favor today. If you don't know it, make something up.

And then go rent a movie at RedBox: 2MNC92


And, just in case I don't make it back here before then....Happy Thanksgiving!

Watch out ladies, he's taken

So my husband was a bit mortified by my last post. He said "Come on, I'm much better looking now, and much smoother."

So, in all fairness, I promised to post an updated picture of him. You know, vindication. Being the good wife that I am I promised to do so.



Or there's this one:



Here's one of his good side.



And now I must run, very fast! Before my blogging privileges get suspended.

Flashback Friday

So, as a relatively new blogger I keep having all these great ideas that I think are TOTALLY original. Only to find out they've been done like a million times.

See, lots of Bloggers out there have a themed day of the week. I think the first one I saw was What I'd wear Wednesday over at Growing a life. I thought this was a fun thing to do and so I started my own Name that Movie Monday.

I wanted to try another one, to kind of keep me blogging on a more regular basis. So I came up with this brilliant idea to post pictures or tell stories about things from the past. And I tried to come up with a catchy title.

Some of my rejects for weekly post titles include "Remember When Wednesday" and "So Long ago Saturday" and "Tell it like it was Tuesday".

I finally thought of Flashback Friday and thought it was brilliant. I was seriously patting myself on the back.

Until I realized that it's been done before. I Googled it and you know, there are entire blogs dedicated to Flashback Friday. And a flickr group, too. And various scattered bloggers around the blogosphere doing their own version of Flashback Friday.

But I am not deterred. So what if it wasn't an original idea. I'm going to do it anyway, dangit! But I found that many of the sites/groups promoting this idea want you to post stories or pictures that are pre-1985. And since I was only 6 in 1985 it kind of cuts out half my life (and all the truly interesting stories) if I limit myself to that time frame.

So, the rules here are that it can be from anytime in your past. Last year, or 10 years ago. Doesn't matter!

I'll probably even run with this same idea over at my other blog and post old baby pictures of the kids. Of course first I have to finish that 100th post that I've been working on for like oh a month!

So today it's a picture and a story. See, I've mentioned before that my husband and I have known each other since Jr. High. But did I mention that he took me Homecoming Sr. Year? Here's the proof:




What you may not know is that he only asked me because a mutal friend, Riley, coerced him into it. Here's Riley:




The gist of the story is that over the summer Riley had played a practical joke on me, that involved phony email address and a few post cards, that kind of went bad and he felt really sorry about it and wanted to make it up to me and make me feel good about myself blah, blah, blah. So he made Mike take me to Homecoming. Really romantic, right?

Of course I didn't know until years later that Mike only asked me out to ease Riley's conscience. He was a true gentleman about the whole thing.

In face, (and sorry honey, I know this is going to embarrass you) there is still one point of that night that I still vividly remember. I mean yea, we almost got killed by Chris's crazy driving. And we got locked in at the Red Butte Gardens. But the most memorable part of the evening occurred later on.

We were dancing (which is what we good Mormon kids actually did at High School dances. Crazy, I know!) And I don't remember what song was playing, or what we had been talking about prior. I just remember Mike saying, seemingly out of nowhere "I am the luckiest guy at this dance, because I'm here with you."

Little did he know 11 years later he'd be married to be and have 3 kids!!!!

The story starts to get really interesting if you know that, years later, I was trying desperately to flirt with Riley when I started to fall for Mike....but that's another story for another day.

So, I invite all who want to play along to post your own Flashback Friday. Pictures not necessary, but sure are fun. If you play along be sure to include the link to your blog in the comments below.

Happy Friday!

I missed my calling

I think I missed my true calling in life. In retrospect I think I should've been an actress. Because I am fabulous at acting like everything is in control and that I know exactly what I'm doing! Seriously, I have some Oscar winning performances!

I take the whole "pretend you know what you're doing" cliche to a whole new level. For instance, if I'm walking somewhere unfamiliar and I realize I just passed where I needed to be I utterly refuse to simply turn around and walk back to it. Because then others around me would know I don't know where I'm going, or what I'm doing. So I'll keep walking and find a round about way to get back to where I want to go, all in the name of looking like I know exactly what I'm doing.

I also manage to put on a graceful show of happiness and exuberance at places such as playgroup and church despite my nearly year and half year struggle with postpartum depression. I had two ladies from the neighborhood over today and was opening up to them for the first time about my struggle and they were shocked. And somewhat embarrassed. They kept saying "We've been your visiting teachers for 2 years now. We've been here in your home. And we had no clue!" Yea, because I'm that good at acting. Like I said, Oscar winning performances.

I figure this skill is going to come in handy in the upcoming weeks seeing as they have just asked me to be in the Primary Presidency at church. Yea, not sure who thought THAT would be a good idea. There are days that I barely tolerate my own children, and now they want me to hang out with other people's children for 2 hours every Sunday!

And so it begins again. I start acting like I know exactly what I'm doing. Because that's what I do best. Too bad it took me this long to realize how good I am at it. I think Julia Roberts got several million for her last film. I could use a million or two right about now.....

Name that Movie Monday

Here we go again. Seems like no matter how hard I try Monday always come around again. Which means you have to put up with me spouting off my random movie trivia. Because I can't help it. I literally think in movie quotes all the time. Which is actually quite sad. I need to get a life.

Sometimes the hardest part of picking a good movie is that there are so many good quotes in any single movie that it's hard to pick just the right quote. I had that problem with this week's movie. So many quotable moments. But I've narrowed it down to just one. Are you ready?

What do you think is going on here? You think this is vacation or something? Mom and dad's lives could be in jeopardy. Or worse, their marriage.

Just for kicks and giggles even if you have no idea what movie the line is from, just make something up. That could be fun, right?

And, since I know you really just stop by on Mondays for you free Redbox movie code I'll give that to you, too. 57DRW3

Now go do something productive. I will not be held responsible for causing unproductive Mondays.

Your funny for the night

I had a bad day. I mean a REALLY bad day. Like wanted to run away from home bad day. So, I needed something funny.

So, since the Name that Movie Monday movie this week was Music and Lyrics, and since I was sick on Monday-I took the opportunity to watch Music and Lyrics.

Which got me in the mood for 80's music and 80's music videos.

So I came across this and it was just too good.

Did you ever watch a music video and wonder what the heck it had to do with the song lyrics?

Then you will enjoy this.

First, the original 80's music video, with the original lyrics. You don't even have to watch the entire thing. I just wanted you to get the idea.





Because here is the literal version. And I do mean literal. Hope you enjoy, and that it makes you laugh as much as I did. (Or maybe it's not really that funny at all and I was just so desperate for a laugh today that anything dumb would've done....you be the judge.)




Okay, and this one is pretty good, too.

Sorry ya'll!

I detest that silly little word verification thingie that I'm forced to fill out each time I want to comment on somebody's blog. And so up until now I haven't had it on mine. I also wanted to allow comments from people who didn't have a blogger account. But the only way to turn on open ID comments is to ALSO allow anonymous comments. Which is LAME. I think I should be able to allow one type but not the other. But whatever.

So, up until this point I have had zero issues. No rude anonymous comments. No spamming. Life was great.

Tonight my brother called me and told me I had a problem. He had gotten 10 emails in the last minute or so of anonymous comments on my blog. And, unfortunately they were a bit crude. And so because there are people out there who think it's funny to set up some program to go out and spam other people's blog I have not been forced to turn off anonymous comments and to force you all to type in the fun letters to leave a comment on my blog. For that I truly apologize.

Please still leave comments though. They make my day.

Guest post

Okay, not really, but sort of. Too lazy, tired to write my own post tonight but this post over at a little blog called Lip Zip was just too funny NOT to pass along. So, go read her tonight, so I can go to bed.

Thanks.

Name that Movie Monday

I had to crawl out from under a rock to write today's edition. I'm actually really sick today. I mean, really sick. And it hit me out of nowhere. I was fine all day yesterday. About 10:00 I got a raging fever and chills and couldn't get warm. Ringing ears, achy body, coughing, puking. Yea, it was a long night.

My sweet husband stayed home from work today to take the kids because I just have zero energy today. But I dragged myself up long enough to give you today's movie quote. Because I know how disappointed all 3 of my readers would be if there was no movie quote.

Okay, fine I know you really only read my Monday post to get your free movie code. So I'll give you that, too.

Ready?

I am a happy has-been. Really. It's a very clear statement. I live in the past. Everything good I ever did was long ago so don't expect anything new or exciting from me now. Really takes the pressure off. Especially on a first date.

Okay, hop to it. And just because I'm feeling really generous, here is another clue. Too easy?

And, before I forget, your free movie code: LK43CE

Now I'm going to go crawl back underneath my rock. Stay healthy ya'll!

So what?

I just started following Anderson Cooper on twitter. To which you are probably saying "so what!"

And, it's your lucky day because I'm going to tell you so what!

Does anybody out there remember having to watch Channel One News in school? (I'll know how old you are if you say yes!) For those of you who are older than me, er I mean who missed out, Channel One is a news program that school kids are forced to watch on a daily basis. In exchange for agreeing to torture students to the program schools get free television equipment.

Anyway, I was forced to endure Channel One during second period from Jr. High all the way through High School! My Jr. High geography teacher even made us take notes on it! And gave us quizzes on it. (rumor has it that the math teacher got tired of the interruption and ripped the cable from the wall, making Channel One obsolete in her classroom. Ha! We all loved that math teacher!)

I am getting to the point, I swear.

See, in 7th grade the Gulf War was nearing it's end. Of course we didn't know it was almost over so it was on Channel One nearly every day. And you want to know who their war corespondent was? Anderson Cooper!

But it gets better. See, in the 7th grade I sat next to Sydney Jones in second period choir. And Sydney was sarcastic and rude and the the combination of the two of us together was dangerous. Despite my own dream of someday being a broadcast journalist we would constantly make fun of the Channel One anchors, saying they got stuck on Channel One because no real news station would take them.

We were especially fond of making fun of Anderson Cooper. Even back then he had grey hair and looked quite a bit older than the other trendy, young reporters and anchors.

We especially loved his trade mark red parka vest that he seemed to always be wearing. He'd be sitting in a trashy hotel room in Kwait and talking about how he has to keep the blinds drawn because it's so dangerous outside, and yet he sat there in his bright red puffy vest. We used to call him target boy.

Never in a million years did I dream he'd be a hot shot anchor of his own program on CNN. And have his own magazine. And a staff of underlings to twitter for him.

Because whenever I see him my first thought is always "target boy", and then I giggle to myself.

A little introspection

As I sad down last night and finally wrote out that check to the IRS I had a startling revelation.

See, I've always been a rule follower. Well, except in the 4th grade when Stacy Sumsion was my best friend and I lied to the teacher so I could stay in at recess because Stacy had an "in" note that day, too.

But other than during the 4th grade, I really am all about following the rules. I don't like to get in trouble. I have an inner need for authority figures to hold me in high esteem. So I didn't chew gum in class. I always turned my homework in on time. I knew all the answers in Sunday School. I kept my room clean. I have a spotless credit report. And I never speed. Well, sometimes I speed.

The point is, I realized that even though I was upset about being audited and owing the IRS money it really wasn't about the money. And it wasn't about the accountant who advised us and then wouldn't return my calls. I was mostly upset that I somehow feel like I have this big permanent black mark on my IRS record now. Feels almost like having a criminal record. Like the next time I try to get a job they'll be like "Well, you have an impressive resume and glowing reference letters, but you were audited once and so we had to give the job to somebody else." Or worse, I'll want to be the PTA president once my kids start school and will be denied. The board will say "I'm sorry, we can't have somebody who was dishonest with the IRS influencing the tender young minds of tomorrow."

Okay, I know it's not really like that. But that's how it feels to me. Like some auditor thinks I'm this horrible dishonest person who was trying to trick the IRS. I mean I hate paying taxes as much as anybody. But I understand it is a necessary evil and needed for society to run and I'd never ever in a million year purposefully try to be dishonest about paying mine!

My husband, who lives life by his own rules, just rolled his eyes at me when I told him my revelation. He said he didn't care what the IRS thought about him.

Thanks for the sympathy dear.

History in the Making!

You all thought I was going to start waxing philosophical about super Tuesday, didn't you. Well I'm not. I already climbed on my soapbox about voting and the political process and all that jazz. And while I still stand behind everything I said before, the point is, I already said it. And at this point if you aren't already registered to vote and planning on voting then chances are you're not going to. Even if I write about it here on my blog. Which all of like 15 people read anyway. (13 of which are directly related to me.)

So-instead I'm going to write about how utterly and completely excited I am about today's DVD release of Get Smart. I have wanted to see this movie since the very first trailer I saw months and months and months ago. But with 3 young kids getting out to see a movie in the theater is difficult. I laughed every time I saw the trailer, even though I had seen it many times before. I love the old tv series. And I love Steve Carell, in movies. (sorry all you Office fans. I just can't get into it.)

So, while you all stand in line to vote I'll be standing in line at Target to purchase my very own copy of Get Smart on DVD. (which promises 62% more laughs! More than what, I'm not sure....but that's what is says.) And while you're glued to your tv set watching the voting results trickle, feeling great frustration at all the people you voted for that didn't win, in I'll be watching Maxwell Smart and Agent 99 get into all sorts of trouble, and hopefully laughing hysterically!

Happy Super Tuesday to you!

Do you sparkle?

I posted a question on today's Name that Movie Monday and apparently everybody was so excited about the free movie code they forgot to answer my question.

So, I went to the trouble of getting you a video clip of the movie quote, and then I'll ask my question again. (still has a water mark across it because I'm still too cheap to buy software to rip my DVD's. Now you know.)




So, what makes you sparkle? I really want to know. If you've seen Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium, then you'll know what I mean when I say I feel like Molly right now. I'm in a funk, and I've lost my sparkle. So I'm really interested in knowing if any of you have ever felt the same way. Maybe you do right now. Or maybe you've discovered the secret to putting sparkle back into your life. Please share!

And, this has NOTHING to do with sparkling but a few weeks ago the Name that Movie Monday movie was A Beautiful Mind. And I went to the trouble that week of getting the movie clip of the quote but youtube was taking forever to process the video and so I just gave up. But today when I was uploading movie clips I saw that it was FINALLY processed. So, just for fun and because I took so long preparing it for you and never got to use it...here's your Beautiful Mind movie clip, too. Enjoy.

Name that Movie Monday: Special Edition

It's that time again! (Do I start every Monday post that way?) Well, that's because it really is that time again. To play Name that Movie Monday!

But today is a very extra special edition, dedicated to my sister. I don't want to steal her thunder, but she had a very important day on Saturday. So, first the quote, and then an explanation.

Today is so much a quote as it is a dialogue. But I didn't want to use real names and totally give it away, so boy and girl are talking here....ready?

Girl: Mutant, when you look at me, what do you see?

Boy: Really pretty eyes?

Girl: No, I mean, like, do you see a sparkle?

Boy: Now? Like glitter? On your face?

Girl: No, like, you know, a sparkle.

Boy: What kind of sparkle?

Girl: Like something reflective of something bigger that's trying to get out. You know what, never mind.

Boy: It might not be so much as a sparkle, maybe more of a twinkle?

Girl: Forget it.

Boy: A glint?

Girl: It's okay.

Boy: You've got that thing that you do with your hands.

Girl: That's a quirk.

Boy: A quirk's not a sparkle?

Okay, now what does this all have to do with my sister?

Well, on Saturday after she had dropped by to tell us her news my husband said to me, "She was glowing. Us guys, all we really want, is for our girls to always glow like that."

So my question to you today is this: Do you sparkle? Do you glow? And if you don't now, I'm sure at one time you did. So how can you get it back?

And on that note, here is your FREE MOVIE CODE: 67JFP8

And if you don't sparkle today-go out and do what it takes to sparkle again!!!! Because, as another character from today's movie quote movie said, "Your life is an occasion, rise to it!"

WANTED: Good Karma!

I'm not sure what I've done to upset the universe. But it seems to have it out for me. Now I don't really have room to complain. Nothing truly catastrophic has happened to me. But lots and lots of little, annoying things keep happening. And I'm wondering how to change my luck.

Today it was my glasses. I got new glasses just a few months ago. I had to get them because my old ones (that weren't really very old and that I actually really liked) turned up missing. I looked and looked and looked and they were just nowhere to be found. I'm actually suspecting that Harrison threw then away, since he has a propensity for doing that these days. I've pulled the phone and the remote control out of the trash more times that I can count.

Anyway, so I get out of the shower this morning to see that Harrison has my glasses. (Apparently in my glasses case in my drawer on my nightstand isn't secure enough to keep them out of his hands!) And he has already snapped the ear piece off. Yup, clean off.

Well, they are the only pair of glasses I have. So I loaded everybody up in the car and we headed to Costco, hoping that something could be done for my poor glasses.

The gal at the Optical Center just looked at me like I was crazy when I asked if they could be fixed. So then I asked if I could at least reuse the same lenses. Turns out they don't carry my particular frame anymore (at least at that location) so unless I can find another location that still has some left I can't reuse my lenses, either. And will have to buy a whole new pair of glasses.

So, if you have a little extra good karma you're not currently using would you please send a little my way? Thanks! I'd appreciate it.

Name that Movie Monday

Today's edition is going to be delayed. We're headed out the door to run some Halloween errands.

So check back later for today's movie quote and your free movie code.

It's later!!! I had no idea when I set out to run errands this morning that I was going to be gone so long! Sheesh!

So, here is your very delayed edition of Name that movie Monday.

Oh, and in case you didn't check back, the answer to last week's movie quote was A Beautiful Mind. Which, if you haven't seen, I highly HIGHLY recommend! I watched it again last week. It truly is amazing. It is simultaneously hopeful and heartbreaking. It's both depressing and uplifting. Seriously, you should watch it if you haven't. It's a movie, about all, about true love. And I don't mean chick flick movie kind of true love. I mean the real "for better or worse" kind of true love.

But enough about last week. You're here for a new quote. So, are you ready? Here we go! I think this one will be fairly easy.

Snakes. Why'd it have to be snakes?

Do you know it? I'll bet you do!

And, just for stopping by, here is your free Monday Movie code: 93NCA5

Now leave a comment with your best guess...I know you want to.

When it rains it pours

My title is not symbolic or metaphorical, although if you really knew what kind of week it's been you could mistake it for such. But no, I'm talking about real water pouring down through the ceiling in my office. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

The toilet in the hall bathroom upstairs has had a problem for about 3 weeks or so. Every 30 seconds it will randomly run for 5 seconds or so and then shut off again. It's annoying, and wastes water, but the toilet was still functional and there's been so many other things on our plate as of late that we've just ignored it.

When we got up yesterday morning Mike announced that finally fixing that annoying toilet was on his agenda for the day. But he was going to go out and try to get railing on the deck first.

At some point during the morning Adam uses the hall bathroom and apparently plugged the toilet. But didn't tell anybody. (In all honesty I'm sure he didn't know.) So, the toilet is now not only plugged, but it continues to run every 30 seconds. Which leads to disaster.

I head in to get a comb for Zoey's hair and the entire floor is flooded. Ug!

So we get the shop vac and go to work. Mike vacuumed 13 gallons of water out of the bathroom. 13 gallons of water!!! And it's not a very big bathroom!

Then we went downstairs to find water all over the office, too. Apparently the water had flowed into the duct work and was dripping from the vent and the light fixture in the office. All over paper work on my desk. On the keyboard. On the monitors. And there was enough water in the ceiling that some of the seams in the ceiling were starting to bubble, too. sigh.

So, instead of working on the deck (and it was a beautiful day outside and would've been perfect for working on the deck!) we spent the day cleaning and sanitizing the bathroom and office. (because it was toilet water that had gotten on everything, after all.) Lots of stuff just went straight in the trash, too. Plus I also had to mop the kitchen and front room as the shop vac sloshed water on those floors as we were taking it outside to dump it.

Oh the joys of home ownership.

Angst

I'm having a bad day, but having a hard time finding a playlist on my ipod to match my mood. I need some catharsis and I want something truly angry. Nothing in my music library seems to have enough angst.

And so I ask you, what's your favorite angry music? I need some suggestions!!!!!

Don't mess with the IRS!

A few months back we got a lovely letter in the mail from the IRS. It appeared we were being audited. Which was stressful. Especially considering that the tax year in question was the first year we went to an accountant. Our taxes at the point were beginning to get a little bit more complex and we wanted a competent professional to help out so that we could avoid things like, um, well-audits.

So we shelled out the dough to have our taxes prepared by an actual CPA. No H&R Block for us! We wanted the real deal.

So when the lovely letter from the IRS arrived in the mail I tried to contact our accountant. And he was apparently only works from January 1st to April 15th because he never returned any of my calls or emails. Meaning I completed my audit on my own.

I copied receipts and wrote up explanations and sent it on it's merry way to the tax man.

And then I tried to forget about it. Tried to will the auditor to accept my documentation and my deductions.

Today I heard back from the IRS.

It wasn't pretty.

Apparently my deductions were not valid. Which raised our income just enough that we no longer qualified for the child tax credit or something crazy like that. Plus, did you know the IRS can charge you penalties and interest on taxes you didn't even know you owed? It doesn't matter that there was no malicious intent on my part with the deductions I claimed. I wasn't trying to find a loophole or pull something over on the IRS. Tax evasion was the furthest thing from my mind! I was simply trusting my accountant, because, after all I was paying him good money to know the tax code.

Turns out that the IRS doesn't care. They just want their money. And the interest. And a little extra just for fun. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. Just pay the tax man! And then find a different accountant!!!!!!

Name that Movie Monday

That's right ladies and gentlemen. It's that time again! Time to test your movie trivia. You know how the game works. So, are you ready?


There has to be a mathematical explanation for how bad your tie is.

And, just because I'm feeling generous today, and because I like this line from the movie, too, here is an extra clue.

Classes will dull your mind, destroy the potential for authentic creativity.

Okay, I could go on. I actually find this a highly quotable movie... but I'll stop at 2. Don't want to make it TOO easy for you.

Can you guess the movie? Give it your best shot. Or just make something up.

But not before getting your free movie code:PK66H8

Happy Monday!

100

As promised-my 100th post. And 100 things about me. And no, I don't expect anybody to actually read all 100.

1. I’ve been working out a lot lately so when I see “100” I think of the Pilates 100.

2. I was always a good student, obsessed with getting an A

3.In high school I was a choir/drama geek

4.I graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Communications, with an emphasis in Broadcasting

5.I minored in History

6.I did an internship at a local news station with feature reporter Craig Wirth, who (at the time) was pretty much my idol.

7.I served a full-time mission for the LDS church in Spokane, Washington.

8. 9 of the 18 months I was on a mission were spent in a small town right next to the Canadian border called Oroville, Washington.

9.I worked for International Sports Broadcasting, the host broadcaster for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

10.During the Olympics I worked 10-12 hour days 7 days a week for 2 months.

11.The only famous person I met during the Olympics was Picabo Street (I wasn’t digital back then so I only have a 35 mm snapshot that maybe someday I’ll scan and post here.)

12.I’ve known my husband since we were in Jr. High, but never “dated” (we did go to Homecoming together Sr. year but only because a mutual friend coerced Mike into asking me.)

13.He proposed to me at the Old Point Loma Lighthouse on my dad's birthday.

14.He is only the second guy I’ve ever kissed.

15.We now have 3 kids

16.All 3 of my children were, shall we say, surprises

17.I used to LOVE Harrison Ford. I thought he was so dreamy. Even when people told me he was getting too old I remained a loyal, dedicated fan.

18.Then he really did get too old and hasn’t done any good movies lately.

19.My current Hollywood Heartthrob is Hugh Grant. Those dreamy blue eyes, British accent, subtle sense of humor….what’s not to love?

20.I love Cadbury mini eggs. I horde bags of them at Easter time to last me the rest of the year.

21.I detest spit up. It’s worse than poop. Because at least poop is contained in the diaper (most the time) while spit up can come unexpectedly and it goes EVERYWHERE. And even when you wipe it up the smell is permanently embedded into your clothes. I think I’ll bottle it and sell it as perfume so that at least everybody else smells as bad as I do.

22.I spent 5 minutes deliberating whether to use the word detest or despise in above item.

23.I am obsessed with buying Disney Pixar Cars toys for my kids. I mean it helps that they actually like them and play with them. But they would probably be just as happy with about half as many.

24.I’m a neat freak, although you would never know it by looking at my house. I LOVE things to be clean and picked up and put away. But try as I might the kids just unclean it as fast as I clean it. Although I think the “clean up song” is the one sung most often at our house.

25.I used to clean my bathrooms once a week, religiously. 3 kids and an extra bathroom later (we finished the basement, adding a bathroom) they now get cleaned every other week, most the time...

26.I fed the baby graham crackers for breakfast this morning. When I put him in his highchair for lunch I picked up the big pieces he had dropped on the floor from breakfast and gave them back to him for lunch.

27.I just put my ipod on random shuffle and here are the first 10 songs it played: (honest, I just let it play and typed as it did) Life is a Highway, Rascal Flatts; Here at the Mayflower, Barry Manilow; Who Needs Love Like That, Erasure: Swords Crossed; Pirates of the Caribbean Soundtrack; Aluminum, BNL; Elephant Love Medley, Moulin Rouge Soundtrack; Love will Come to You, Indigo Girls; We didn’t start the fire, Billy Joel; Take a Chance on me, ABBA; Beat of my Heart, Hilary duff

28.Doing the ipod shuffle was really fun and I’ll probably do it again sometime in future posts.

29.Sometimes I listen to Radio Disney even when my kids aren’t in the car with me

30.And I sing along!

31.I’ve been struggling with Postpartum Depression since my 3rd baby was born.

32.Without my George Forman Grill and my crock pot my family would starve.

33.I think cheesecake is the greatest desert ever invented

34.My favorite fruit is strawberries

35.When I make my bed I have to make sure that the opening of the pillowcases all are towards the middle of the bed.

36.My youngest two kids are both behind on their immunizations

37.My favorite color is green

38.I have planters warts on both my feet that I cannot get rid of. I even went to the podiatrist and had one of them cut out which was very painful and it’s back anyway.

39.I haven’t yet decided who I’ll vote for in this election

40.But I WILL vote, because I always vote. ALWAYS.

41.I registered as a Republican this year so I could vote in the last Primary but I don’t consider myself a Republican OR a Democrat and have never voted straight party ticket.

42.I want to write a book but haven’t decided what to write about yet

43.I did 4H for 4 years as a kid and was always in the sewing fashion show at the county fair.

44.But then I realized I actually really hated sewing

45.I love dancing and at various times of my life I have done tap, ballet, ballroom and folk dancing.

46.Now I just do crazy mommy dancing.

47.My kids find it really funny right now but will probably find it terribly embarrassing when they are older.

48.I once tried out for Ballet West’s yearly production of The Nutcracker. I made it to the final cut.

49.I really REALLY wanted to try out for the ballroom team in college but chickened out the day of auditions, convincing myself I was too busy with my obligations to the campus newscast.

50.Whenever the Community Education brochures come in the mail I consider taking the Scottish Highland Dancing class.

51.Someday I will.

52.I started making a quilt of all my mission dresses shortly after coming home from my mission.

53.But then I gave up and sent all the pieces I had cut out to my friend who finished the quilt for me.

54.Now my aunt is really into quilting and is really good at it and it kind of makes me want to try it again.

55.I am a chronic “over-packer” when I go somewhere

56.I have a special place in my heart (and my stomach) for specialty limeades at Sonic and Red Robin

57.I also hold a special place in my heart for Pina Colada Slurpees at 7-11

58. Scotland is my dream vacation.

59.But I really want to go to Egypt someday, too.

60.The ringer on my cell phone right now is Say by John Mayer Partially because I like the song, but mostly because I think it’s funny that my cell phone rings “say what you need to say, say what you need to say….”

61.I once took a blue water goblet from the buffet at the Paris in Las Vegas. Which was really difficult because every time I thought about slipping it into my bag the waitress would re-fill it with water.

62.But what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas so pretend you don’t know.

63.I hate being hot and I believe ceiling fans should be in every room and always be on high.

64.I didn’t go to my Sr. Prom

65.Half the furniture in my house is from Ikea.

66.I hate HATE scary movies!

67.I once stayed mad at my brother-in-law for several months because he dragged us to see Darkness Falls

68.My current camera is the Canon Powershot A80 that I bought almost 5 years ago. It's been a really great camera.

69.My next camera will be a Canon Rebel

70.I've seen The Princess Bride so many times I've lost count. And I don't think I will ever get tired of watching it. I guess you could call it my favorite movie.

71.The book is really good, too.

72.One of my "new favorite" movies is Dan in Real Life.

73.I really like the soundtrack, too.

74.My favorite Christmas song is "God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman"

75.Especially the Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan version.

76.Always the first thing I do when I walk in the door is take off my shoes.

77.I sometimes secretly let my kids play in the playland at McDonald's without telling my germ-a-phobe husband.

78.I am horrible at remembering people's birthdays. I never send cards or gifts. Just ask Jen (now am I forgiven for not participating in your birthday surprise?)

79.I make up songs. Sometimes it gets me in trouble.

80.My fingers are double-jointed.

81.I'm dying to take my kids to Disneyland, mostly because it's been so long since I've been. I love Disneyland!

82.I was 20 years old the first time I flew on an airplane.

83.I'm forcing myself to finally finish this post today so that I can still do Name that Movie Monday tomorrow.

84.I broke my right arm when I was in the 4th grade while playing on the tumbling mat after dance class one night.

85.I'm not planning on proofreading this before I hit the "publish post" button so if you find typos please just ignore them.

86.I have the uncanny ability when hanging up clean clothes to pull from the closet the exact number of hangers I need without counting clothing items or hangers.

87.I still believe in Santa Clause.

88.I play the piano, sort of.

89.Although I can watch a good movie over and over again I rarely re-read books.

90.Vacuuming is my favorite household chore.

91.I think the Dyson vacuum is the most amazing vacuum ever and now that I have one will probably never own anything else.

92.I refuse to scrapbook.

93.My first live concert was the Indigo Girls when I was in college.

94.I've only gone to the movie by myself once. It was Runaway Bride.

95.I've established a strict "no pets" rule at our house.

96.I started wearing glasses when I was in the 6th grade.

97.My first car was a '94 Mazda 626 with a sunroof.

98.I don't use an alarm clock. I've always had the ability to just tell myself what time I want to wake up in the morning, and I do.

99.Despite years of dance and gymnastics I can no longer do a cart wheel. But I can still stand on my head.

100. And I'm done!!!!

Name That Movie Monday

Are you ready for this week's edition of Name that Movie Monday?

I picked an easy one this week. It will be especially easy if you have kids. So enough chat already, let's get to the quote.

"And I'm packing your angry eyes, just in case."

Okay, ready, set GO!

Oh wait, but not before you get your FREE MOVIE CODE: 7CB23W


On a different note-this marks my 99th post on this little ol' blog of mine. And I've recently discovered that it is customary on your 100th post to tell 100 things about yourself. So, if you don't hear from me in a while it's because I haven't come up with a hundred things yet.....:)

A few things

Thing 1: I got my ballot in the mail today. And just so it doesn't come as a shock to you all....the presidential race is not the only thing we're voting on this election day. There are 32 things on my ballot, including a Zoo Proposition and lots of Judges who I have never heard of.

Thing 2: Got on the scales today. (bad idea!) And despite my uncounted weeks of working out (and I mean really hard!!!!) and not eating anything remotely fun I've still only lost 4 lbs. We won't talk about how much the hubby has now lost.

Thing 3: I still haven't called the agent representing the house next door. The sprinklers still come on twice a day for hours at a time....but it's just always at the bottom of my to-do list which is always too long for the hours allotted me each day.

Thing 4: I must be learning to focus my super power. Perhaps it was the tin foil hat. Because, today, out of nowhere, my ipod started working again! And there was much rejoicing.

Thing 5: The deck now has a floor. No stairs or railing yet, but a floor! Maybe it will be done before it snows after all! (although I don't have as much hope for the fence.)

So, to recap:

I have some homework to do about a bunch of judges.
I'm having ice cream tonight because, well, it appears as if NOT having it only results in me being ice cream deprived.
I'm contributing to the drought and will probably have to stop taking showers to make up for it.
Music will once again reign supreme at our home AND I need a cape and a secret identity.
And I can walk out my back door once again.


Now I'm going to go start a new book. Because I made it back to the library AND there is no baby in my bed tonight.

Disappearing trick

I'm a magician! I know how to make 3 hours disappear in the blink of an eye. Want to know how? All you have to do is open up your laptop after all the kids have gone to bed. Seriously. It's like a time machine. You start reading email and writing a blog post or two and suddenly, just like that, it's going on 11:00. 3 hours of your life gone, with nothing to show for it!

You see, apparently my pick for Monday's Name that Movie Monday was a bit harder than I thought it was going to be. Especially since I have watched said movie with some of my readers quite recently. But I guess nobody has seen it as many time as I have.

So, since I think it is a hysterical movie (of course I love British humor) I thought I'd do better than just tell you the name of the movie. I thought I'd share the movie clip with you.

Which turned out to be harder than I thought it was going to be. I thought I'd find it somewhere quickly on Youtube. But, I didn't. So then I thought it wouldn't be too hard to just rip the minute and half of video off my DVD. But I apparently have all the wrong software and nothing I tried was working and I was getting really frustrated. At that point I should've just quit and gone to bed. But then I downloaded some free rip software (which I didn't pay for, hence the "evaluation copy" watermarked across my picture. sorry 'bout that.)

THEN even once I was FINALLY able to rip the stinking minute and half clip I attempted to upload it to Youtube. But even when it said it was uploaded I would try to embed it on my post here and it would say video was no longer available!

After uploading it to Youtube twice with no success I finally gave up and went to bed.

But I of course couldn't let it rest. And I started all over again today, ripping to a different format. And re-uploading to youtube.

And now, too many hours of my life later, here is your movie clip.



Still don't know the movie? It's Sliding Doors.

And my final year of college and think my roommates and I rented it from Hastings at least 20 times! It was the every other weekend movie. (good thing it was one of the 99 cent rentals!) So it brings back a flood of memories for me every time I watch it. Oh, did I mention that none of us were dating? Yea, that probably explains why we had so much time for watching movies. HA!

I had like 3 other posts I was going to write last night, but it took me so stinking long that this post will have to suffice for now, because I hear the baby waking up from his nap and I have Halloween costumes to sew. If you are going through withdrawals from my lack of blogging lately just go watch the movie clip over a few more times. It took me a long time to prepare it for you!

And next week I'll pick an easier movie so I don't have to provide a clip. :)

Name that movie Monday

Today's edition is a tad late. I have been putting off the grocery shopping because, well, I really hate grocery shopping. As a result we woke up this morning with literally nothing to eat. So despite all my kicking and screaming we went shopping.

Which, of course took forever with 3 kids. And then I had to put it all away. And then I had to feed the kids lunch. And I should be changing diapers and getting them down for naps, but here I am, posting instead.

Anyway, I guess the first two were too easy. I'm not sure if today's is going to be harder, but I think it might be. But what do I know? Ready?

Come on! If you don't drink your fatty drinks, you'll never really achieve quality cellulite.

And, for everybody playing (and let's face it, even those who aren't because how can I stop you?) here is your Free Monday Movie Code for Redbox: DGM314

Give it your best shot! And even if you don't play at least come back tomorrow and tell me what movie you rented.

At Costco today I saw Ironman is on DVD now. I think that will be my movie pick of the day.

VOTE! No seriously, you need to vote!

Okay, I started this post on September 14th. And and I haven't finished it. And that's a BAD thing because it's a really important topic. And my guilt finally got the best of me and I said to myself that if I didn't even go to the effort of finishing this post how did I expect others to go to the effort of voting, which is what this post is all about. 

So, here I am, finally finishing it! And I'm using extra big font so you'll be sure not to miss a single word!

I'm not a political blogger. I read political blogs. I consider myself politically active. I have political opinions. I put signs in my yard. I have long heated political discussions with my husband. But I'm not a political blogger. I guess in some ways I'm just not willing to put myself out on the line like that because when it comes to politics no matter what my opinion somebody else is going to disagree with me. And I just like people to like me. And to read my blog.

So, what I won't be doing in this post is making political statements or telling you who to vote for. What I will do though is tell you that YOU MUST VOTE!!!!!

No, seriously. I really mean it. There is absolutely no excuse for not voting. None! Because they have made it SO EASY these days. 

Most states and counties now have early voting locations. You don't have to wait for election day, or stand in a long line. Just show up at an early voting location on your lunch break and get it done!

Or, my county even has a vote my mail program. My husband and I registered for it years ago and it's the best thing we ever did. My ballot comes to me in the mail weeks before election day. I fill it out at my leisure and then mail it back or simply drop it off at a polling location on election day. This way I NEVER  miss an election. I never forget. I'm never too sick or too tired or too busy.  I have 3 small kids. And I've stood in line with a stroller and crabby kids before just to vote. No more. All by mail.

But, even if you do have to stand in line with a stroller and crabby kids you still need to do it!

Even if you're in coma you can still vote absentee. I mean really. There just really aren't very many valid excuses left for not voting.

And don't tell me you're not voting because you don't like any of the candidates. Because that's just LAME. Do you really think that by not voting that some unknown candidate that you do like will appear on the scene and magically get elected? At the very least pick one or two issues that are MOST IMPORTANT to you and then vote for the candidate that agrees with you on at least those issues. 

All of you women out there especially ESPECIALLY need to vote! Do you know what brave women endured so you could have the right to vote? To throw that right away would be just selfish.

So vote. Seriously. You're on your computer anyway. Why not hop on over to Google and type in something like, oh, I don't know, Presidential Candidates, and then read what they have to say. And make a decision. And register if you haven't already. And then on Election Day get off your lazy behind and vote!!! (okay, I don't really think any of you have lazy behinds. And I'm not in the habit of ridiculing my readers because I really want you to come back again and again. I was just trying to make a point.)

And, I'm sure many of you have seen these going around. If you've watched them before, watch them again. Because they still make a valid point, and much more eloquently than me. 

NOW GO VOTE!!!!

Battery Blues

I think I've turned into a superhero. Seems I have this uncanny power this week of sucking batteries dry and then somehow passing on all that battery power to my children. Seriously. All my batteries are dead and my kids have an extreme excess of energy this week!

First my ipod bit the dust.

Next, the rechargeable batteries I use in my camera won't hold a charge. I charge them, put them in my camera, and 3 pictures later they are dead.

And this morning my laptop is having issues. I used to enjoy the truly wireless experience for up to 2 1/2 hours on a fully charged battery. This morning my battery died and my computer shut down (with no warning that I was at the critical battery point) after only a half hour.

Maybe with a little more practice I can hone my super powers so that if I'm going to go around sucking the power from all the batteries in my house that I can at least keep some of that energy for myself. I imagine that if I could it would be like those Comcast commercials where they can clean up the kitchen really fast by rubbing a little "high-speed" on their hands.

So this is a plea to all you super heros out there.....now that I've discovered my super power how do I learn to use it for good? Because otherwise I'm going to end up with a lot of dead electronics and super-hyped up kids.

Name that Movie Monday

It's time for the second installment of Name that Movie Monday. And this time I actually did come up with a prize for all participants! Well, okay, for all participants who live in a REDBOX market. I've decided to share my free Movie Monday code with all of you, you lucky readers you. (see, sometimes reading my blog does pay off)

Okay, ready? Here's your quote:

"There's a shortage of perfect breasts in this world. 'twould be a pity to damage yours."

It's more fun if you play along. So go ahead, give it your best guess.

And, as promised, here is your free movie code: LA45W7
It's good until midnight tonight. Watch, enjoy. But remember to return it on time or it's no longer free. :)

From fabulous to flat in 1 week

If you'll recall I wrote last week about my new fabulous bread recipe. I made it again on Monday this week with the same fabulous results.

Yesterday I made it again, and it was a complete disaster! It tasted like sand. I figured I must've accidentally left out an ingredient. So I threw that loaf away, washed out my bread pan and started another loaf. With similarly disastrous results.

What went wrong? I'm using the same recipe! I'm so confused!!!! Just when I thought I had it all figured out, I'm back to square one again. Sigh.

Anybody actually tried my recipe? Is it working for you? It is user error I have going on here? Or is my recipe somehow flawed...even though I used it twice with perfect results? sigh. Now what?

Summer of Cement

Apparently we started a new trend in the neighborhood. We were the first on the block to be visted by a cement truck.

About the same time a neighbor around the corner poured a new patio and pad for a shed, requiring another cement truck to come rumbling down our quiet street.

Then about a month later the house down the street wanted one of their own.

And this morning the neighbor just across the street had one just show up at their house to re-pour their RV parking strip.

And as long as it's the neighbors paying for it, I say bring it on! It's cheap entertainment for my kids. Right now they refuse to come down and eat breakfast because they are still watching the show.

Got to love the summer of cement!

How I love thee, let me count the ways.....

What you are looking at is a Vita-Mix. And if you have never heard of a Vita-Mix you are missing out. Don't make the mistake of thinking this is a blender. This is so much more!!!

Let me give you an idea of why I SO love mine. I'll do this by outlining my day for you.

First, you must understand that my kids are picky eaters. (Which they DIDN'T get from me, no matter what my mom says! She used to call me picky niki because I didn't like sweet and sour. Oh, if sweet and sour were the ONLY thing my kids didn't like.) Anyway, I have a hard time convincing them to eat fruit or vegetables. It's quite frustrating, to say the least. But, if I make them a milk shake they will drink it in two seconds flat. And here is the beauty of the Vita-Mix: it liquefies everything so I can throw in anything! This morning I threw in: An apple, seeds and all (the seeds have all the live enzymes that are SO good for your body!) Strawberries with the green stems still on. A handful of carrots. A little cabbage. Some spinach. A banana. And a little bit of protein powder for good luck. Try that with a regular blender! You'd have little chunks of apple and carrots floating in your drink. And I don't even want to think about putting spinach in a blender and trying to it homogeneous with the rest of the ingredients. But in my Vita-Mix, no problem. Everything is completely liquefied and you end up with a delicious and nutritious shake that my kids love!

After a quick rinse I filled it with wheat which I ground into flour so I could make a fresh loaf of bread.

For lunch I used it to whip me up a cup of Dr. Oz's Green drink. Which, by the way, tastes much better than you think it's going to. I actually enjoy it. Unlike green drinks I made in the past that I had to plug my nose to drink, all the while reminding myself that it was good for me.

After lunch it was onto fruit leather. I have Asian Pears rotting in my garage and I needed to do something with them. So, I pureed them in my Vita-Mix (once again, with seeds and skin) which is right now in my oven dehydrating. (post coming soon!)

As an afternoon snack we pulled out some frozen peaches and some fat free yougurt and the kids and I enjoyed a nice cold Peach Gelato. Yum!!!

And yes, I really REALLY did do all that just today! (and worked out, and went to Costco, and did laundry...wow!)

The point is that I'm NOT domestic and so if I did all this in one day you KNOW it's got to be easy, thanks to my Vita-Mix. Because there is no complicated clean up in between projects. And it just works so effortlessly. It's seriously the most used item in my kitchen.

Because that was just today. Tomorrow I may use it make fresh salsa and guacamole.

Or Pesto with fresh basil.

Or Pureed food for the baby because he still only has a handful of teeth.

Or Strawberry ice cream.

Or Tortilla soup.

Or a fat free vegetable dip with fresh garlic and dill.

Or fresh, homemade Peanut butter. (Choosy moms don't choose Jiff!!!!)

The list goes on and on and on.

And I'm not even getting paid to say this!

So, do yourself a favor if you haven't already. The next time the Vita-Mix guy or gal is at your local Costco go watch the demo. And after you've watched the demo and sampled all the yummy, fresh food do yourself a bigger favor and buy one. Yes, they are expensive, but YES it is SO worth it! Plus if you buy it at Costco it's cheaper and you get an extended warranty.

And I promise you will love it as much as I do.

Name that Movie Monday

So, I've decided to start a new weekly feature here on this little ol' blog of mine. Because, well, I thought it would be fun. Plus, Monday is Movie Day Do I need any other reason?

I like to watch movies. I mean really REALLY like to watch movies. Mostly because I wish I was making movies. And because I like to watch movies I also like to throw random movie quotes into my normal conversation, just to see if people notice. And because script writers work really hard to create witty dialogue and I sound funnier when I use what they have written.

So, here's how it works. I'll give you a movie quote. Some will be easy, some will be hard. (okay, who am I kidding, they'll all be easy.) Try to be the first to correctly identity the movie and leave your answer in the comment section. Don't cheat by looking at other people's answers. See if you can figure it out on your own.

Now, I'd love to say that there will be some fantastic prize for whoever is the first to correctly identify the movie. But, I'm not one of those bloggers who actually makes money off of my blog, so you'll just have to settle for feeling really special if you are first.

So, now onto the game! Here is your first every Name that Movie Monday movie quote.

"The thing is, a person's life is like a TV show. I was the star of The Will Show. And The Will Show wasn't an ensemble drama. Guests came and went, but I was the regular. It came down to me, and me alone. If Marcus' mum couldn't manage her own show....if her ratings were falling, it was sad, but that was her problem."

This one will be really easy for anybody who's been reading my blogs since the beginning. But don't cheat. Don't go look at the answer until you've made a guess!

Genius

No, not me. Well, maybe me. But that's not what this post is about.

I just downloaded the newest version of itunes and it has this new "Genius" feature. Has anybody seen this? It's supposed to create playlists from your music library of songs that it, the Genius, thinks "go great together." And then, as if that weren't enough, it also suggests new songs from the itunes store that would also go great with said playlist.

I haven't tried it yet because, well, I haven't purchased a song from itunes for awhile and, well, I can't really remember my login info. So I was wondering if anybody had tried it out yet and if it was worth tracking down my login info. Because I'm a really busy mommy/blogger and can't be bothered if it's not really REALLY worth my time.

Oh, and as long as I'm getting all geeky here....have you seen the new "I'm a PC" ads?

I'll admit, I'm typing this blog post right now on a Dell laptop....but I still think the Mac ads are WAY better. That's just my humble opinion.

Okay, enough geeky blogging for one day.