Spirit Phoenix: The Fire Deep Within

Updates and Idiots

2012-01-27T08:00:00.001-05:00

I've been meaning to get back on here and post something. We moved from a laptop to the iPad and it's sometimes a little difficult to the on a screen. I'm getting better, but if you see major glaring typos that's why.

I think my life is finally getting back to normal. We had Squeaker in Sept. and it's been one thing after another since then. We had Halloween/ Samhain. Then Thanksgiving, Yule, and Christmas. Plus two really bad colds/ flus that ripped through our house. Now the Hubs is doing inventory at work. So after this weekend, everything should be finished and we can go about life as usual. Just with an added bundle of joy.

Luckily, I haven't had anymore issues with the Angel Baby and her potty training. And she's getting more used to having Squeaker around. He's discovered his tounge. It's quite cute actually. He will be chewing on his fists and suddenly he's holding his tounge with his fingers. So hilarious.

Not much new to report, really.

Except a funny / really? type of scenario that happened at work the other day.

So I work at a university. In an all graduate department. So we're not talking about some 18 year old idiot here. This idiot was at least 23 or so. Still an idiot age to many of us, granted.

Anywho, we've been offering more and more online courses. And of course, they fill up super fast. Like within a week of registration opening. This idiot decides at the last minute that he needs to get into a full online course. Now in this situation, we always refer the student to the professor. If the prof is willing to give you an override, we'll put you in. Keep in mind that it's already two weeks into the semester as well.

So this student comes to the professor teaching the course and says "I need you to drop someone from the course and put me in the class. Because I have a job and need the course for my position."

Really?!?!?!?!?

REALLY?!?!?

You have the balls to ask that the professor kick someone else out of the course. Someone that registered with enough time to get into the course. But because you have a job that somehow makes you better than them and therefore you deserve to get in the course.

Puh-lease.

The correct route would have been to just ask if the professor would allow you in the course and then give your reasoning.

I was very happy that the prof laughed at the request. Granted it was over email so the poor delusional individual was unable to see just how idiotic his request really was.

You know, just because you're the center of your Mommy and Daddy's universe doesn't mean that you are at the center of everyone's.

Idiot.

The Day from Hell

2012-01-09T08:00:00.001-05:00

**************WARNING***************

If you can't handle stories involving little children and their issues with potty training. Or stories about cleaning up bodily fluids. Don't read any further.

Seriously.

************************************************

Last Saturday turned into the day from hell. It started off like any other day. And seemed to be one of the better days as of late. Until we got home after dance class.

Angel Baby fell asleep in the car. It happens all the time. No worries, I scooped her up, and plopped her into her own bed. She's done this many, many times before. Well, she comes downstairs about a half an hour later with an armful of clothes.

Now my little Angel Baby has turned into quite the fashionista. She will change clothes about thirty times a day if you let her. So I again, didn't think anything fond it. Until she dropped the bomb on me.

"I pooped in my pants."

Now she's learning and she still has accidents from time to time. I'm still not overly worried. We'll just clean her up and go forward.

Now I offer her lunch and tell her that she has to have a nap. So after lunch we're going to have a nap. No worries.

I get her into bed, read her a pre-nap story, ask if she has to use the bathroom, (no she doesn't), and I proceed downstairs with the Squeaker to nurse him.

I hear her rustling around upstairs. And I start to smell something horrible.

I put Squeaker aside, luckily he's now passed out in a food coma, and head upstairs.

Oh. My. God. Of all that is Holy.

My lovely little Angel Baby has pooped her pants again. And this time she tried to clean up. I know I should praise her for being Little Miss Independent. But when you come into a bathroom with shit smeared all over her, her clothes, the floor AND the walls. It's very difficult not to lose your mind.

I managed to clean her and the bathroom up. And I was very proud of myself. I didn't raise my voice. But oh my, did it take work. After getting her cleaned up. Again. We headed downstairs. She proceeded to fill her pants a few more times. She also smeared poo on the walls again. This time I caught her before she coated the entire bathroom.

And my little Angel also told me that I had to clean up her toys, not her.

Again, patience tried. And won. Whew, I'm doing well here.

She is now upstairs, hopefully passed out by now. And all I can say is, thank God, the day is almost over!!!

I think I deserve a medal for this.

*Note: I realize that she was probably not feeling very well, which probably played a big part in me not losing my cool.

Adjusting to Two

2012-01-05T20:47:00.004-05:00

No. I'm not dead. Just learning how to juggle two children. It's been really interesting, let me tell you. The Squeaker is just as sweet as he could be. My little Snuggle Buddy. Probably the easiest baby in the world. But you add a three year old to the mix and boom. Crazy hijinks ensue. My Angel Baby has had moments of being my Devil Child. She'll act out when I'm holding Squeaker. I know it's an attention thing, but it's still hard to deal with.

But now after three and a half months with the new baby, we're finally starting to come to a sort of equilibrium. She's starting to understand that he isn't going away. And become used to the idea of sharing Mommy.

Hope you all had wonderful holidays. Samhain/Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Yule, Christmas, New Year's. Never really thought about it before, but there are sure a lot of holidays squished together at the end of the year.

I haven't really been on blogger much since my last post. I'm hoping to start catching up with all of you again. Now that things have settled down.

Nice to be back.

Introducing my Little Squeaker

2011-09-29T16:00:00.002-04:00

Here's my little Squeaker. He's such a loving, bundle of snuggles. Here he is passed out on Mommy. He was born on Sept. 18th. 9.3lbs. 20 inches, blue eyes and strawberry blong hair.

Hope you are all doing well. I'm playing catch-up with all your blogs.

Updates on the Pregnancy

2011-09-08T08:00:00.000-04:00

So, I had an ultrasound last Friday to check on the progress our Little Man is making. (I think his nickname is more likely to become "Dude".) He's measuring at 8 lbs. Give or take a pound. Yeesh. I thought he'd be smaller since I'm retaining less water with him than I did with my daughter.

Yesterday I went in for my checkup. They scheduled me for a C-section on the 22nd if he doesn't come by then. Oh boy, I hope he does. Since in the next 5 days, I have to go to the doctor's office/hospital /lab 3 times. Ugh.

Apparently, the doc and the ultrasound tech are worried about my fluid levels. Amniotic fluid for those not in the preggers vocab know. So, I had a non-stress test yesterday morning. Should have taken 10 minutes. Took an hour because my "Little Man" wouldn't stop moving. Note: He hates to have things on my belly. So I have to go to the hospital on Saturday for another non-stress test, the Ultrasound lab on Monday for another ultrasound and back to my doctor's on Tuesday for another non-stress test.

I sat down with the Dude after my appointment and told him that he needs to come, because I don't want to spend all that time running from appointment to appointment. Maybe once he realizes that every time I have to run, it's more seat belt uncomfort-ness for him, he'll get fed up and just come already.

Keep your fingers crossed.

Nearing the Finish Line

2011-08-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

So, I'm now at 34 weeks. The little man is measuring quite large. So, in a week and a half I will be having an ultrasound to check on his size. My doc wants to see if he's really big, if I have more fluid, or if it's half and half. After that we'll decide on delivery methods.

I'm somewhat ready for him to get here. Just a few more things I have to check off my list. And we'll be good to go.

In other news, I signed up my daughter for dance. It's a tap/ballet combo and it's for 8 months. Yep. 8 Months. Luckily, if she hates it, we can drop out at no extra cost. But the funniest thing happened the other day. We were buying her ballet and tap shoes. The sales lady asked my daughter to point her toes when she had the ballet slippers on. And my daughter looked at her and pointed to her toes. It was almost like she was thinking....

"Um, my toes are right there. Why do I need to point to them?"

After a minute or so she figured out what we were trying to get her to do. Such is the mind of a two and a half year old. LOL.

And my Angel Baby finally moved into a big girl bed. She now is sleeping in a full size bed. I'm so proud, but yet sad that she's growing up. I guess this happens with all milestones. Though, to be honest, I was really excited when she got out of diapers...and started sleeping through the night.

Updates, Gripes and Pleas

2011-08-05T08:00:00.001-04:00

Okay, so I'm alive. Everything is going well with the bun in the oven. I'm now at 32 weeks and I'm ready to have this kid already. The Hubs, Wee One and I went and visited family on the other side of the country last month. It was fun, but exhausting. Though I have to say, my daughter is a great traveler. At 2 1/2 I figured there'd be some screaming, crying, carrying on. Something. Nope. She was an angel both going and coming back. In fact, she got a lot of compliments from our seat neighbors after each flight to tell her what an angel she is/was. Relief on my part. And let me tell you. Squeezing my 7 1/2 month pregnant self and a 2 1/2 year old into an airplane lavatory. Oh my goodness! Talk about tetris-ing yourself. Having to figure out where to put her, and shimmy my way around. Ugh. Thank goodness we only did it a few times. Pull-ups are a great relief!!!

Now on to the gripes.

For Goodness sake people....don't comment on any pregnant woman's belly in the following fashion.

"You look like you're going to explode."

"You look like you've eaten way to many ____."

"Are you going to deliver any day now?"
"No. At the end of September."
"Twins? Triplets?"
"No. Just one."

Or when I say the end of September. Then you tell me there's no way I'll ever make it. And look like I'm a crazy person for not going into labor right then and there.

My doctor and I aren't worried with my progress. I realize I tend to carry everything low and in the front. So I looked like I was full term (for most average women) at 5-6 months. Every pregnant woman is different. Back the fuck off!!!!

I swear, I've been blowing it off. No rude comments back. But the next time a person decides to comment on my size, or tell me how I'm just deluded and that I'm really 11 months pregnant and why haven't the Guinness people called me yet, I'm going to fucking lose it!

Really.

In fact, the only comments that I really enjoy.

"You look adorable."

"You are so cute."

Something along those lines. I don't usually like to be called adorable or cute. But when I feel so gigantic already, then have to deal with random rudeness from idiot fucktards, I will take it.

So, a plea to all of you out there that might think to comment on a pregnant woman's belly.

99.9% of the time, you shouldn't say a single word...unless you're hoping for suicide by proxy.

.1% of the time, you compliment the pregnant woman.

And that .1% of the time should only happen when there's a woman, like me, that is so obviously pregnant that there's no way she could just be gaining weight.

The Wisdom of Gaia

2011-06-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

Many of you may have seen this on Leeanna's site "Can We Have a New Witch? Ours Melted" yesterday.

I just had to repost!!!

Great News!!!

2011-05-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone, I have some amazing news. I've been playing this close to my chest for a long time now and figure that I can finally tell everyone.

I'm 20 weeks pregnant!!!!

I'm having a little boy!!!!

So, we are all of course very excited. This time around, I'm not worrying so much about how I'll be as a parent. Now I'm worried about how my daughter will handle a new baby brother. So far, she kisses and hugs my belly. Saying "Hugs and kisses for baby brother." So that's good. But at other times, I'm wondering if her new affectionate nature, is a response. The Hubs said he was very affectionate as a child so it could be a personality thing.

Don't get me wrong, I love all the unprompted "I love you, Mommy." and "Mommy pretty." comments. My heart just melts when I hear it. I'm just hoping that it's here to stay and not something temporary. Well, granted it probably won't happen when she's 13. But hopefully it will stay for a while.

I had a wonderful Mother's day. I got flowers from my mom. And a "World's Best Mom" coffee mug with a brand new Keurig coffee maker from my Daughter and Husband. Though the coffee maker is apparently for both Mom and Dad's day. No biggie for me. Cuts down on the shopping I have to do in June. ;)

So what are you all up to? Any big news for you?

Lately...

2011-04-27T08:00:00.000-04:00

I've been reading: The Trouble with Magic, A Charmed Death & Mermaids in the Basement.

Enjoying all the "Happy Mommy's" from my amazing, little daughter.

Visiting family.

I'm happy that despite the rain, the temps seem to be going higher and higher.

Trying not to get sucked into yet another tv show (True Blood) by my Hubs.

Listening to The Ragbirds.

Playing Angry Birds on my Nook.

What have you all been up to?

Early Birthday Gift

2011-04-14T08:00:00.001-04:00

So, my birthday isn't until the end of the month. But the Hubs and the Wee One went, out Sunday afternoon and bought me my birthday present. Now, I wasn't expecting it. In fact, I didn't realize they had left the house last Sunday until the Hubs mentioned they went to Costco. (Granted, I was out of the house from 10:15 - 3pm.)

Anyway, the Hubs mentioned that he bought the Wee One a book. She told me it was a Tinkerbell book. Or rather, "Daddy. Book. Bell Bell." Which means the same thing in 28 month old speak. Turns out they left it in the car. I told the Hubs I'd go get it. No worries, right?

Well, the Hubs left my present on the front passenger seat. I played it off. But he asked me point blank at dinner that night if I'd seen it.

"Yes. But I'll be surprised." (For the Munchkin's sake. Since we don't get birthday presents for each other anymore. The Daughter does. She pays the other parent in Smiles, Hugs and Kisses. LOL)

So later that night. Hubs gives my present to our daughter. She comes running out to me, saying "Happy Mommy Birth. Happy Mommy Birth." And is so excited.

I of course play along. And she snuggles up next to me on the couch and eagerly watches me open it.

What is it?

Why my Nook Color that I wanted. I had to go plug it in. So I took it into the kitchen and when I came out without it, my Daughter starts crying. I soothe her and try to explain that it has to be charged in order to work. After some time, she calmed down.

Needless to say, the whole thing was very cute. And I've been addicted to my Nook ever since. I'm still not sure how all the bells and whistles work. But, I'm having fun, nonetheless. And I bought this cover.I wanted one that had a few pockets, had a closure and was only a bi-fold. I was a little sad to see that they only had black. No flashy colors to choose from. But alas, I took function over style. Maybe sometime in the future they'll come out with Style and Substance.

So, anyone with a Nook want to explain the LendMe feature?

Books and Friends

2011-04-01T08:00:00.004-04:00

I just finished reading The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen. And while it was a good book, I don't think it was her best. It got me to thinking though about friendship and what true friendship really looks like.

The book focuses on a small town in North Carolina. The main character Paxton is the President of the Women's Society Club and she's always striving to be perfect. The other main female character is Willa. She's from a family that was wealthy in the beginning, but lost their fortune when the logging trade dried up.

Anyway, they both went to high school together, but weren't friends. One night while driving home late, Willa sees Paxton in trouble and comes to her rescue. After that, Paxton can't figure out why Willa hasn't spilled the beans to everyone in town. She thinks Willa must be planning to use this information against her at a later date. Willa is very confused by this, since it's not how she operates.

But to be fair that's the only kind of friendship Paxton has ever experienced. At the end, Paxton comes to understand what true friendship is, and she sums it all up in this quote " One way or the other, Paxton knew that those who decided to stick with her would be her true friends. The others would just be scenery."

I've dealt with a weakening or loss of friendship over the past year. And it's been weighing on my mind. I sat down a while ago and really thought about who I could lean on if I needed to. And it turns out that I don't really have many.

I'm talking about:

calling at all hours of the night/day

being there for them when they need me

being able to talk about whatever and knowing they won't spill the beans to anyone

them being there for me

helping each other out

listening to problems and automatically knowing to offer advice or agreement

being willing to drive to see me, just as much as I drive to them

I also include the usual talking about whatever and joking of course. But just to have one woman that you can always go to, to talk about whatever, whenever, is amazing.

I have that.

I do.

It just surprised me that it wasn't originally who I though it was. And I'm so thankful that I have both of them in my life.

Jeanie & Mom - you are both all sorts of AWESOME!

Kindle vs. Nook Color

2011-03-29T08:00:00.002-04:00

Okay readers, I need your help. Do you have a Kindle or a Nook Color? I know all the differences between them, and I'm honestly leaning more towards the Nook Color. But I want to know what you think.

This:

Or this:

Winner of my Ostara Candy Giveaway

2011-03-22T08:00:00.000-04:00

Okay, so there were three commenters on my last post. So, I put in your three names and drew the winner.

Dun, dun, duuuuunnnnn.....

Lilac Silverfox of My Wiccan Ways!!!!

Congratulations sweetie!!!

BTW, Lilac is participating in the Welcoming the God blog party and her guest post is today!!!! She's got a great entry about Quetzalcoatl. So check her out. She's a new blogger, but she's doing amazing!!!

Ostara Celebration and Giveaway

2011-03-20T08:00:00.003-04:00

Happy Ostara to all of you visiting from Confessions of a Country Witch's blog party.

I thought I'd share something fun with all of you.

Just keep in mind that you will want a very SMALL chocolate rabbit. We celebrated yesterday and it was a ton of fun. A bit of a sugary, sweet overload, but fun.

The Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Chocolate Rabbit

1. For this ritual, you'll need the following:

•A bag of jellybeans
•Marshmallow Peeps -- chicks, bunnies, etc.
•A chocolate rabbit for each particpant
•A glass of milk for each participant

Arrange your ritual supplies on your altar so they look pretty. Kids can do this -- typically the chocolate rabbits end up in the center, surrounded by an army of Peeps and several rings of jellybeans. A quick note -- you might want to perform this ritual well in advance of mealtime, or all the kids will be too full of candy to eat a real dinner.

2. First, give everyone present a handful of jellybeans. Point out the different colors in the jellybeans, and what they can represent. As you call out each one, eat the jellybeans in that color. Feel free to be a bit goofy. Say something like:

Behold, little jelly eggs, small symbols of the season,
How we adore you!
Green is for the grass that springs from the land! (eat all the green jellybeans)
Yellow is for the sun shining above our heads! (eat all your yellow jellybeans)
Red is for the tulips that grow in our garden! (eat your red jellybeans)
Pink is for Aunt Martha's new Easter hat! (eat your pink jellybeans)
Purple is for the crocuses that sprout along our driveway! (eat the purple ones)

3. Continue this until all the colors are gone -- if you really want to have some fun, make the kids take turns naming off the colors and what they mean to them. When they're all gone, call out:

Hail! Hail! to the mighty jelly bean of Spring!

4. Next, hand out the marshmallow Peeps. As you do, say:

Behold the Peep! The Peep is life, brought back in the spring!
Little Peep chickens, we honor you! (bite the Peep chicks)
Little Peep bunnies, we honor you! (bite the Peep bunnies)…

Continue this until the Peeps are all gone -- it's probably a good idea to limit each kid to just two or three Peeps at the most. When the Peeps have all vanished, call out:

Hail! Hail! to the mighty Peeps of Spring!

5. Finally, distribute the chocolate rabbits. Say:

Behold the great chocolate rabbit!
As he hops through the land, he spreads joy and happiness!
O, how we adore the chocolate rabbit and his great big chocolate ears! (eat the rabbit's ears)
Praise the chocolate rabbit, and his delicious chocolate tail! (eat the rabbit's tail)
Honor this chocolate rabbit, and his chocolate hoppity legs! (eat the rabbit's legs)
He is a wonderful rabbit, and he is special indeed! (eat the rest of the rabbit)

When the rabbits are all gone, say:

Hail! Hail! to the mighty chocolate rabbit of Spring!

6. Give everyone a glass of milk, and raise your drinks in a toast to these three symbols of the season.

To the jelly beans!
To the Peeps!
To the chocolate rabbit!
We drink in your honor!

Drink your milk, and sit back to enjoy the sensation of being stuffed with ritual candy.

What You Need:
•Jelly beans
•Peeps
•Chocolate rabbits
•Milk

And look, you can win everything you need for this ritual. So all you'd need is the milk.

To enter the giveaway you need to be a follower of this blog.

That's it. Just comment below. And make sure that you have an accessible email address.

The drawing will be held Monday, March 21st.

Send Prayers and Energy to Japan!!!

2011-03-11T09:18:00.002-05:00

Oh my god!!! The devastation that has hit Japan is enough to make you sit down and start rocking back and forth catatonically. Please send whatever thoughts, prayers, energy, whatever to Japan and now possibly to Hawaii!!!

March Inspirations

2011-03-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

I'm so looking forward to March. I can't even begin to tell you all how much I can't wait for this month to get fully underway! Well, maybe it is already, and I'm just late to the party. Who, knows.

Anywho,

I'm inspired by the rain that has been coming. Granted, I'm not a sloppy mud person. But I do appreciate the fact that it's no longer cold enough to snow. Bring on the warmer temps. And warmer temps = skirts and dresses. Yay!!!
Ostara.
We're going to be doing our backyard this year. Patio, fire pit?, the works. I'm looking forward to lazy summer days sitting on my back patio drinking lemonade and reading a beloved book.
I'm hoping that in addition to doing our back yard, I can get the front flowerbed going. I have some ideas, so we'll see if we have the time and more importantly the funds to do it. If nothing else, I'll always have my kitchen windowsill garden.
St. Patrick's Day. I love the Corned beef and cabbage and carrots and potatoes of it all. Mmmm.
And of course, Fat Tuesday today!!! Come on everyone, get your Mardi Gras, Paczki grove on!!!

Come and Celebrate the God with Us

2011-03-03T08:00:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone,

No, I'm not dead. Thankfully. I fought that nasty cold and then to reward me, another cold decided to come party. Luckily, I've been cold free for the past two or three weeks. Phew. Let's hope it continues, (keeping my fingers crossed.)

Anywho, I decided to celebrate the upcoming spring by participating in the "15 Days of Welcoming the God" Blog Party hosted by Confessions of a Country Witch and Domesticated Gypsy.

I am learning about the God in my new Circle now and I'm really surprised by how connected I am to him. I haven't focused on a male deity for...yea, don't think I ever really have. So, it's been a breath of fresh air. Anyway, let's all visit the party for some much needed masculine energy.

I'm doing Ostara. Though my post isn't focused entirely on the God. AND, I will be doing a giveaway for it. So stay tuned.

The Joys of Laryngitis

2011-02-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

Yes, my friends. I have developed laryngitis from this nasty fucking cold. The joys are numerous. To name a few:

* My 2 year old daughter doesn't acknowledge my flailing arms when I'm trying to get her attention. I've reverted to clapping, stomping and slapping walls like a crazy person. And then the only one who comes running, is my husband, who thinks I've had some odd accident.

* Random people whisper back to me. Thinking it's a conspiratorial game of sorts.

* My Mother hangs up on me, thinking my voice issue is due to bad reception. I have to call her back and say, "My voice sucks, don't hang up." really fast, hoping she'll hear and understand me.

* When going to order lunch yesterday, I think. Oh, crap. How can I get food? I have to pathetically ask a (very sweet) co-worker to order my lunch for me.

Why?

2011-02-01T08:00:00.001-05:00

Why is it that:

* When my daughter gets sick, she's sick for a day. While I'm sick for a week?

* When I take a nap, our stupid first response radio alarm thing goes off? And not for anything today. For a weather watch for tomorrow night. How does the weatherman know that far in advance when he can't usually tell me when it's going to rain?

* When I'm sick, I feel guilty for canceling everything?

* When I'm sick, there's nothing but shit on tv. But when I'm healthy, all the good shows and specials are on?

* When I'm sick and can barely talk, my dog acts out more than usual?

* When I'm sick I'm bitchy?

My Dear Blog,

2011-01-31T16:31:00.002-05:00

I'm sorry I have been remiss in posting to you. While you are my sanctuary, I just haven't had the need/desire to write. Very selfish of me, I know. However, I am working on bettering myself. I promise. I just don't seem to find enough time in my day to post to you as regularly as before. I'm sure I'll come back and be more regular one day. Hmmm, I wonder if there's a blog fiber out there?

Anyway, I haven't forgotten you, my wonderful blog. I've just been fliting around lately. (And getting over a cold.)

Love,
Me

What I've been doing...

2011-01-14T09:23:00.006-05:00

Since I've been gone I've been up to a few things.

* Konad and Shany Nail Art Stamping. I used to do my nails all the time, but got out of it for a few years. Now with this fun system I can't wait to try new ideas and patterns.

* Cooking. In fact, I tried out making a rainbow cake. But it didn't turn out all that well. I think since I made it from scratch and I over stirred. But check out these awesome cupcakes.

* Working with the Wee One and the potty. Yep, she's all interested in it. Which is great since then we can stop buying diapers. But I don't think she's going to master it anytime soon. No rush.

* Taking a bit of an internet fast. Just trying to cut down on how much I'm online. It was getting a little out of hand.

* Working on my spiritual path. It's wonderful to be able to finally focus on that part of my life.

What are you all up to?

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE YULETIDE

2010-12-20T12:00:00.000-05:00

Twas the night before Yuletide and all through the glen
Not a creature was stirring, not a fox, not a hen.
A mantle of snow shone brightly that night
As it lay on the ground, reflecting moonlight.
The faeries were nestled all snug in their trees,
Unmindful of flurries and a chilly north breeze.
The elves and the gnomes were down in their burrows,
Sleeping like babes in their soft earthen furrows.
When low! The earth moved with a thunderous quake,
Causing chairs to fall over and dishes to break.
The Little Folk scrambled to get on their feet
Then raced to the river where they usually meet.
“What happened?” they wondered, they questioned, they probed,
As they shivered in night clothes, some bare-armed, some robed.
“What caused the earth’s shudder? What caused her to shiver?”
They all spoke at once as they stood by the river.
Then what to their wondering eyes should appear
But a shining gold light in the shape of a sphere.
It blinked and it twinkled, it winked like an eye,
Then it flew straight up and was lost in the sky.
Before they could murmur, before they could bustle,
There emerged from the crowd, with a swish and a rustle,
A stately old crone with her hand on a cane,
Resplendent in green with a flowing white mane.
As she passed by them the old crone’s perfume,
Smelling of meadows and flowers abloom,
Made each of the fey folk think of the spring
When the earth wakes from slumber and the birds start to sing.
“My name is Gaia,” the old crone proclaimed
in a voice that at once was both wild and tamed,
“I’ve come to remind you, for you seem to forget,
that Yule is the time of re-birth, and yet…”
“I see no hearth fires, hear no music, no bells,
The air isn’t filled with rich fragrant smells
Of baking and roasting, and simmering stews,
Of cider that’s mulled or other hot brews.”
“There aren’t any children at play in the snow,
Or houses lit up by candles’ glow.
Have you forgotten, my children, the fun
Of celebrating the rebirth of the sun?”
She looked at the fey folk, her eyes going round,
As they shuffled their feet and stared at the ground.
Then she smiled the smile that brings light to the day,
“Come, my children,” she said, “Let’s play.”
They gathered the mistletoe, gathered the holly,
Threw off the drab and drew on the jolly.
They lit a big bonfire, and they danced and they sang.
They brought out the bells and clapped when they rang.
They strung lights on the trees, and bows, oh so merry,
In colors of cranberry, bayberry, cherry.
They built giant snowmen and adorned them with hats,
Then surrounded them with snow birds, and snow cats and bats.
Then just before dawn, at the end of their fest,
Before they went homeward to seek out their rest,
The fey folk they gathered ‘round their favorite oak tree
And welcomed the sun ‘neath the tree’s finery.
They were just reaching home when it suddenly came,
The gold light returned like an arrow-shot flame.
It lit on the tree top where they could see from afar
The golden-like sphere turned into a star.

The old crone just smiled at the beautiful sight,

“Happy Yuletide, my children,” she whispered. “Good night.”

Reposted from I'm Not Wiccan, I'm a Witch's blog.

Enjoy your Super-duper, Magickal Yule! What with the full moon and an eclipse tonight!

Favorite Christmas Songs Part Trois

2010-12-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

Remember back in the day...well actually I don't since I wasn't born yet. But do you remember seeing this great version of Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth with David Bowie and Bing Crosby? Well it's been redone by Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly.

Here's a refresher for you.

David and Bing's original version.

New "Hilarious" version.

Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy with Will Ferrell & John C. Reilly from Will Ferrell

So which one do you like better? I'm kinda diggin on the new one. But the original will always have a warm, fuzzy place in my heart.

Soft Gingerbread Cookies

2010-12-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

This is by far the best gingerbread cookie recipe I've found. I found it on some recipe site a few years ago. It's my staple for the Holiday Cookie swaps. And so far most everyone likes it! Feel free to share.

2 1/4 c flour
2 tsp. ginger
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 c margarine/non salted butter softened
1 c. sugar
1 tbs water
1/4 c. molasses
2 tbs sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift together flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then stir in the water and molasses. Gradually stir the sifted ingredients into the molasses mixture. Shape dough into walnut sized balls, and roll them in the remaining 2 tbs sugar. Place the cookies 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet, and flatten slightly.

3. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

The recipie says it makes 2 dozen. But I can stretch it to 3.

Enjoy

Favorite Christmas Songs Part Deux

2010-12-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

Okay, so on with the cheesy videos but great songs. Sheesh Mariah....you're singing about how the only thing in the entire universe that you would ever want/need for Christmas is your boyfriend, stud muffin, boy toy...and all you show in the video is you.

Maybe it's you singing to yourself in the mirror. Then it makes sense. All you want for Christmas is yourself.

Oh well, it's a great song, even if the video sucks.

Hope you are all doing well. I'm really glad the weekend is over and we're into the week. I had to deal with the Wee One and the Hubs both puking. Ugh. So gross. I really hope I don't get it....so far I'm okay. But we'll see. Keep your fingers crossed.

Favorite Christmas Songs

2010-12-03T08:00:00.001-05:00

So I thought I'd share some of the wonderful Yuletide joy that I've been experiencing with a fun Christmas music video. This is one of my favorite songs. Yes, it's cheesy and quite hilarious. But I can't help it. I have to sing along at the top of my lungs.

Such hilarity...such hair....

Keep your eyes peeled...there's more to come.

Black Friday

2010-11-26T08:00:00.001-05:00

So what are you doing today? Have you been up since last night camping out in front of your favorite store? Are you one that just salivates over getting to the store first, getting all those early bird deals?

Or are you like me?

I refuse to go shopping on Black Friday. There's a reason it's black. Sure the retail version of the story is that it's the first day of the year that the store operates in the black. But me. Pssht, my definition is that it's the most congested, least holiday-ish, most selfish day in the shopping year. Ugh. People pushing, yelling, shouting, all the cars, traffic. Yuck. And all to save a buck or two. Or quite possibly spend more than you thought you were because of all the "amazing" deals on shit I don't need.

I'm visiting friends and laying low today. Just doing my part to make it a little happier for all you Black Friday fans.

Have fun whatever you decide to do.

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T08:00:00.001-05:00

So what are you thankful for this year?

I asked myself that question today. Hmmm. Well, of course, there's my husband, daughter and extended family, the friends that I've gotten closer to, old friends that I've reconnected with. Of course, there's always the family and friends that pop in my head when I say this. But what else? Anything?

What am I thankful for?

I'm very happy that the Hubs and I are both employed.

That I've decided to put myself more in the fore-front. And I don't mean selfishly. I mean, I did the 3-Day walk this year. I trained, fundraised, and dealt with blisters. But I gained so much. I learned how much strength I really had. I pushed myself to walk every single step. And I did it.

I've recently started on a new spiritual path. Not exactly new, more of a more structured path than I was on before. It's refreshing to have people to talk to about my faith on a weekly basis. Plus I'm thankful that I have an understanding husband. And we can discuss our different faiths, and come to an understanding that we are both on different paths, but going in the same direction.

I'm thankful for the Holiday Season this year.

I usually wait until the week or two before Christmas before I even start to shop. But this year, I've already gotten quite a head start on it. And I'm the one putting Holiday music on in the car. Rather than running screaming from it (remnants of my time in retail).

I'm thankful that I have such a blessed and full life.

I can say that this year and truly mean it!

Family and the Holidays

2010-11-24T08:00:00.003-05:00

Luckily, I've gotten past some of the typical fights, snits, and drama that can occur during the Holidays. But if you haven't had that fortune yet. You might want to check out a great article on Shine.

Essentially, it's how to avoid the holiday family fights. Specifically, how to handle the following types of people:

The "Constructive" Criticizer
The Slacker
The Cheerleader
The Exaggerator
The Martyr
The Passive-Aggressor
The Over-Sharer
The Whiner
The Bully
The Busybody
The Pontificator
The Gossip
The Emotional Wreck
The Grinch
The Drunk Uncle

This is obviously hilarious. But it does have some helpful tips. And please, people, avoid being any one of these. ;)

Election Day

2010-11-02T13:00:00.001-04:00

Did you vote?

I don't care which way, for whom or what you voted.

Did you vote?

All Hallow's Read

2010-10-29T17:00:00.002-04:00

Okay, so Neil Gaiman has this great idea. Give someone a scary book on Halloween.

You can find out all about it here.

Hmmm, now I just have to figure out what to give. Hopefully someone will give me one. If not, I'll just buy one or check out out of the library for myself.

I think I'll get this one to give and maybe to get if I don't get one from someone.
And yes, Joey from Friends had it right. This is a freaking scary ass book. If you like, shove it in the freezer when it gets too much. ;)

New Bracelets, Pagan Music and Aprons

2010-10-28T12:00:00.001-04:00

I've been so busy crafting lately. In fact, I finished my peacock braclet and another one called "Flame". I have a photo of it here. I took it on my phone, so it's not the best photo ever.

I'm getting ready to start on my third loom bracelet and getting new ideas all the time. I just love it when my Creativity is working overtime! In fact, my Mom and I are going to open an Etsy store soon. We have the store name and everything, just have to make stuff to sell. ;)

Here's a Giveaway at Witchy Gumbo. She's giving away this awesome "Domestic Goddess" apron to one of her lucky followers. Check it out here.

Just an FYI - Leathra over at Confessions of a Crafty Witch has a review up about the pagan musician S.J. Tucker, and she's hosting a giveaway for S.J.'s latest cd! Check it out on her site! I had never heard of S.J. Tucker, but she's an awesome musician. She's got 6 or 7 cd's. And her Blessings cd is all pagan music. Great songs. Especially her Come to the Labyrinth. I love these lines at the end.

"When all our sorrows cauldron into one,
be reborn, this Samhain night"

Perfect for this time of year too. ;)

Feel free to check out the giveaways, but don't hope for much. ;) I'm planning on winning them both. Just so ya know. Hee hee.

Surprise Blogger Swap

2010-10-19T08:00:00.000-04:00

Okay ya'll, so I decided to join in this fun Surprise Blogger Swap that Jamie over at This is Me; Consequently. decided to host. And last week I received my wonderful surprise package from Lisa at A Southern Belle Misplaced in Michigan. And she sent me such cool stuff.

As you can see, I got a journal, notecards, two candles, a raven figurine and a fun little Blessed Be pillow (which is now hanging on the knob of my china cabinet).

The raven is the centerpiece on my table and I'm looking forward to lighting the candles which smell all wonderful and Autumn-y.

I've been up to a whole host of things lately. I had the week off last week since the Hubs is out of town for work. Which has really sucked ass. I miss him so much, as does the Little One.

But while I was off, not only did I visit a bunch of people, I also took this awesome bead class. I don't know how many of you bead with a loom, but this lady I took the class from had an awesome idea and invented her own loom which has less work overall. Anywho, here's the first part of the project. Well, I'm finished with all the beading. Now, I have to wait for the next class to figure out how to finish the bracelet. But here's my hard work in all it's glory!

I can't wait to finish it so I can

1. wear it.
2. start another one.

Things that Make me Smile

2010-10-04T08:00:00.000-04:00

To lift my spirits up I've been doing the following lately.

Playing with the Wee One. Her laugh definitely lights up my day!

Snuggling with the Hubs on the couch.

Making jewlery. (Specifically using sead beads.)

Making my Halloween Costume. Part of it looks like this but sparkly. I had glitter everywhere!

Getting back into daily oracle/tarot readings.

What are you up to?

Good Thoughts for October

2010-10-01T08:00:00.001-04:00

I'm sending warm wishes and happy thoughts to everyone for the month of October. Let's hope it's better than September!

Surprise Blog Birthday Giveaway

2010-09-30T08:00:00.001-04:00

So, it's been one year since I started this blog. It's been a little hit or miss lately, but I've really enjoyed my little corner of the blogosphere. It's interesting to look back over the year to see what I was dealing with, worrying about, or enjoying 365+ days ago.

Of course, I'm still enjoying being a Mommy! My little angel is the light of my life. Everyday with her is a beautiful day! And I swear I can't have a day where I don't hear her laugh. Happiness!

The Hubs and I are in a wonderful spot right now. Enjoying each other's presence and really sharing our life together! Talking and having deep conversations! He really is like a cuddly blanket. Comforting, protecting, and perfect!

In the interest of sharing my wonderful blog birthday, I thought I'd have a Surprise Birthday Giveaway! And the winner....drum roll please.....is....Mary from Moontides and 7 other blogs! This woman is such a blog superpower. She keeps up 8 blogs and each one has it's own theme. Definitely check her out. She is a wealth of knowledge. And you may remember she is the only interviewee that I've had. You can check out our interview here.

You may be asking yourself, "Hmmmm, why did Mary win? Well, I compiled all the comments my lovely readers have sent for the last year and Mary had the most comments. Therefore, I decided to show a little love to the one who's shared the most love with me this year.

I will post what I've sent her after she's gotten it. After all what's a surprise if you give it away.

Hope you are all doing well! I know, I've enjoyed reading all your wonderful posts for the last year!

Here's to many more years together!

Cheers!

Oh. My. God. When will it end?!?!?!?

2010-09-16T08:00:00.000-04:00

Hello Blogosphere - land,

Yes, I am alive. I was able to successfully beat the sniffly, sneezy cold that my daughter ever so graciously gave me. Of course, she had it for an afternoon, while I selfishly held on to the virus for about 2 weeks. Silly me.

Anywho, I get over the icky cold and then classes start. Yes, for those that don't know I work at a university. So, needless to say Fall semester is insanity in its purest form. People that didn't register back in March want to get into a class that has been closed for months. People that didn't think ahead and decided to apply two days before classes start, one of those days is a holiday mind you, and they want you to work miracles and not only process all their materials, admit them, register them, and quite possibly take all their classes for them. No I'm kidding, but only on the last part. People, if you decide to go to college, please keep in mind that there are many people that have to view your materials. We are not instant coffee. And by no means, are we going to help move your materials along if you berate, scream or treat us as though we are out to get you. "You get more bees with honey."

So, I had a very insane day before classes started, huge conference that I had to help out at, a student employment fair that I needed to be at as well, and get all my usual work done. All of that, and I made it out of the office and into my car right at 5pm. Woohoo!!! Got home at 5:30. Even more of a woohoo!

I decided to take an early shower and work on some stuff from the office after the wee one went to bed at 8. Plus, I knew my in-laws wouldn't be over for another half hour or more to drop the little bundle of joy off. So, I'm golden. I throw dinner into the oven, run upstairs, shower, dress and head back downstairs just as my phone rings.

It's my in-laws. The Wee One has something not quite right on her bottom. But don't freak out, it's something that should be looked at, but don't freak out.

So, they get to my place. I look at it. It's definitely something that needs to be looked at. I don't freak, but we take the Munchkin to the Urgent Care like 2 miles from our house.

They say it's an abcess, nothing they can do except give her a shot of antibiotics and a prescription. Plus tell me to schedule an appointment with her doctor for the following morning.

Great, insanity at work and I have to take a day off. Okay, anything for the Wee One, but I'm sure not looking forward to the plethora of things building up. So, we get an appointment with her doc. He says, let me give you a different prescription and you need to go see Pediatric Surgery to have this taken care of. So, I call Ped. Surgery. They don't do abcesses. I have to go to Ped ER. Okay, fine. I go, they say yep, it's an abcess and it's more than likely MRSA. Oh my god, I'm going to lose my shit here.

So, they operate, give me yet a third prescription for something stronger than the others, and send us on our way home. Mind you we have to come back on Thursday morning to have her IV taken out, (since they wanted to give her another dose of the antibiotic via IV in the morning as well as check on her.) So, this antibiotic I have to give is every 8 hours. No biggie I thought, yeah, it is a big deal when you have to get up at 2:30am to shake this crap, dose it out, get a new dressing ready, grab 2 drinks (one she likes to negate the icky medicine taste, the other water to rinse her mouth from the first one.) and a diaper. Then go up, wake up the Hubs, wrangle the Wee One into letting us give her the medicine, take of her diaper, clean her, take off the dressing, let the area dry, replace the dressing and put her diaper and pj's back on. Ugh.

So luckily the Hubs, was off Thursday. So he takes her back to the ER and I meet them (took a few hours off.) They ask me to follow up with the doc on Sat. morning, give her another dose of antibiotic, remove the IV and send us on our way.

Friday, I have to stay with her since no one is going to be able to wrangle her like Mommy and ask my Wonderful Sister-In-Law to come and help me. Then, call the Doc's to get her in on Sat. All good.

Saturday, I go in with her and the Hubs. Doc says it's healing nicely, and that unless things start to backslide, he won't need to see her again. AWESOME!!!!!

And then it's pretty quiet until Tuesday. I got the lab test results back. It was Staph, but luckily not MRSA. However, they said that it was good that she was on the last prescribed medicine since the other two wouldn't have worked.

Needless to say, it's been a crazy time trying to get back into the swing of things at work. But hopefully all of this is done for a while.

And then she woke up yesterday sneezing and with a runny nose.

Goddess help me!!!!!!

Sick and Tired

2010-09-02T08:00:00.000-04:00

Ugh, the Wee One decided to share again. So I've been fighting a cold for the last week.

Hope you are all doing fine.

Lavender Dreams by Domestic Witch

2010-08-19T08:00:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone! Now's the time to get your lavender on.

Check out Domestic Witch's AWESOME Lavender Dreams Giveaway!

Things I Learned at the 3-Day

2010-08-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

The 2 most common words are: Thank you.
The 4 most common words are: Thank you for walking.
Kindness is everywhere.
You will be brought to tears for a bag of ice or a quick icy dunk of your bandana.
If you feel it is too hot outside, just go into a port-a-potty for a few minutes. When you come out it will seem as though the world is air conditioned.
Blisters are common and will heal fast enough.
The last mile of the day feels like 5.
Negativity has no place here. You worked hard training and fundraising. Why spend your walk whining? Besides, whining causes blisters.
After walking 16 miles with someone you just met, you can call them a true friend.
I will never forget when my daughter ran towards me and into my arms.
A wonderful sight is seeing all different people walking. Short, tall, old, young, etc. Everyone walks. Because we walk for those who cant.
Everyone deserves a lifetime.
Yes, I will do this again.

Excuses and Updates

2010-08-06T08:00:00.000-04:00

Hello my lovely and neglected readers. I'm sorry I haven't been posting lately. It's been a crazy summer. I'm sure many, if not all of you are also busy. I know it's not much of an excuse since you've managed to keep me updated with the goings on in your life. So, we'll leave it at, I just haven't been inspired to post.

But life, in spite of me not posting, has been moving on. LOL.

I've been training like mad for my walk. Plus, making sure I have all my gear. And you may think that making sure you have clothes, shoes, blister kit, socks, sun block, etc isn't that big of a deal. And you would be right. Except for the fact, that I have to walk 20 miles in them. And the last place you want to deal with:

* a shirt that has a rubbed your underarm raw
* sunblock that has caused an allergic reaction
* having to go to the bathroom from something you ate or drank
* any other random thing that can go wrong

is when you're at mile 8 and have a long way to go. So, it's been a form of self discovery for the last few months.

Plus, the other odds and ends you have to organize just to get away for a few days.

I'm hoping that I'll be up to posting more soon. But I thank you all for sticking around. Enjoy your weekend!!!

FINALLY

2010-07-15T16:53:00.003-04:00

The Idiots over at BP finally figured out how to stop the leak.

Too bad they were 85 days, 16 hours and 25 minutes late.

WTF?!?!

2010-07-15T12:00:00.000-04:00

Why is it that the only time my smoke alarm goes off it's when I'm in bed?!?!?

The time before this one, all of the fucking alarms on our upper floor went off at the same fuckin time!!! WTF?!?!? And of course, it was like 1:30A.M.

Nothing like hearing constant high pitched beeping all over the fucking upstairs.

Needless to say Hubs and I flew out of bed. Sniffing the air like freaks, stupidly flinging all the doors open and, of course, not finding any smoke. Then we have to go to each, individual alarm and reset it. And this wasn't just a push the button and be done with it.

Nope.

We had to remove each and every alarm from the ceiling. Unplug them. And replug them in.

Poor Little One woke up and wasn't too happy.

Finally got everything fixed. No idea what set it off.

Then this morning. Our lovely smoke alarm went off this morning at 5:30am. Which I guess I should be happy about. Since I only had 15 minutes left before I got up. But still. 15 minutes of sleep is a big-fucking-deal in my book!

And I should be thankful that this time it was only two alarms that went off.

Plus, we only needed to push the restart button.

Then after the Hubs and the Little One are off and out of the house. The fucking thing goes off again!!! So, I climb the ladder again. And this time, I smell something.

The IRON.

I love my Husband dearly. And I'm happy he doesn't like to walk around looking like a crumpled mess. But, Sweetie, isn't all that great at keeping the IRON on the proper setting for his clothes.

So, we have this black, tar, cement on the bottom of it. He claims that you can't unplug it (It's an auto shut-off.) or it won't finish cleaning. And that's why it's there.

Whatever.

So, I unplug the iron. Reset the alarm. And hop in the shower.

Get out, and again. The fucker goes off.

WTF?!?!?!?

So, I climbed up the ladder, yet again. And dismantled the fucking thing.

I'm hoping that I'm done with it for a long time. Well, after, I plug the stupid thing back in tonight. Ugh.

Stomach Death Flu

2010-07-12T12:00:00.003-04:00

So, I was all set on walking this weekend. And I mean walking.

I was going to walk two loops around Kensington Metropark on Sat. and on Sunday. Four loops. 34 miles.

But alas. No dice.

My Wee One came down with the Stomach Death flu on Thursday night. Puking and pooping up a storm. Poor thing. She was sick all day Friday and her fever finally broke around 4am on Saturday. Needless to say Mommy and Daddy's immune systems were taxed to the limit after that. So lucky us, we ended up with it. Ugh. Damn Bastard virus.

At least the Hubs set up Netflix from the Xbox, before he came down with the illness from hell.

So now here I am, 5 pounds lighter and finally able to move. (I didn't realize how hard puking is on your body. Especially now that I've hit 30. And that I'm not drunk while doing it.) Here's to a new week. I hope we didn't infect anyone else. And I'm hoping to get more walking in. Wish me luck!

Whew

2010-07-08T08:00:00.008-04:00

It's been a hot few days.
Lately you can find me:

Walking. Man oh man it sucks walking in this heat. But who knows what the weather will be like in August, so it has to be done.

Drawing. With sidewalk chalk. The Wee One's newest and most favorite thing to do. She will get the chalk bucket and try to open the door to go out to draw. So cute.
Reading. Finally read The Girl who Chased the Moon. Great read. Really. If you haven't read it. Go immediately to your local library or bookstore and pick it up. Now. Go.

For those of you left. I've also been going to all sorts of family affairs. In fact, my Mom and Step-pop threw my Step-bro and I a surprise birthday party. (Our birthday's are 6 weeks apart.) Though it took me like 3 hours into the party to realize that it was, in fact, a surprise birthday party.

Cut me some slack though.
1. My parent's throw a big party at least once a year already. And they told me it was a summer party.
2. They didn't say "Surprise".
3. It was 2 months past my birthday.

Other than that, not much else is happening. Hope you are all staying cool and enjoying your summer.

Catch ya on the flipside.

Disconnected

2010-06-23T12:00:00.001-04:00

Lately, I've been feeling a bit ehh. It's sort of a fog I guess. I haven't felt inspired to do much of anything. I obviously haven't been blogging. But even more surprising to me, I've taken a sidestep on my spiritual path. I've done a better job this year celebrating holidays with a ritual and for Litha?!?!? Nothing. I even forgot it was the Solstice until I heard it on the radio on my way to work. Then in the evening I couldn't even bring myself to do anything other than have a Sam Adams Summer Ale. I swear I feel like I'm behind a cloud or veil half the time.

Yesterday, I started to feel a bit more like me. I went grocery shopping, got a butt load of stuff done at work, made homemade lemonade, gave the Wee One a bath, read a bit and hung out with the Hubs watching some Food Network and the History Channel.

I hope this is a turning point for me. Let's hope it was just dregs of vertigo from the cruise.

Vacation....

2010-06-16T12:00:00.003-04:00

Back and recuperating.

Details to follow.

Memorial Day Weekend

2010-05-27T08:00:00.000-04:00

This weekend we will be innundated with sales, family, friends, cook-outs, beaches, sun and fun. But please don't forget to remember the true meaning behind the holiday.

We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies.
- Moina Michael

Monday is Memorial Day. I will be celebrating it with my family and honoring those who have given the greatest gift to our country. Through their struggles and sacrifices we have recevied so much!

MIA Explained and My Darling Little Banshee

2010-05-25T08:00:00.001-04:00

Ok ya'll. I know I've been a bad blogger. But oh well. I've been keeping up with everyone else's blogs. But for some reason, I just haven't had much of a desire to blog. I guess a lack of ideas, time and just being lazy has blown up here.

Well, everything is going well in my little corner of the universe. The Wee One went to the dentist last week. I was really glad that her Daddy took her. I was so embarrassed at the state of her teeth. Don't get me wrong, I ~~attempt to~~ brush them every morning and evening. But for some reason whenever I try to brush her teeth my little angel turns into a toothbrush sucking, squealing, crying, banshee. I don't get it. Why would anyone think brushing your teeth is such a horrific process? And since she hates, HATES getting her teeth brushed, I haven't been able to get them as clean as I would like. And therefore, she has a shadow on the upper part of her front teeth. I don't know if it's from lack of brushing, her teeth are naturally two-toned (highly unlikely) or her vitamins are staining her teeth. Hell they stain everything else in the world, why not her teeth.

Well, luckily, our dentist has a daughter just like ours and he instructed us to have one parent hold her down so she can't move a muscle. And then have the other parent brush. The downside is that I feel like I'm torturing our little angel. But the upside is that when she shrieks in protest, it's great access to her front teeth.

Update on My Birthday Giveaway Extravaganza

2010-05-14T12:00:00.000-04:00

Okay, I told you all that I would fill you in on what Sara and Dawn received in their giveaway winnings.

Here's the loot as it looked upon arrival.

And here's what was inside all the lovely packages.
Toblerone chocolate bar
Saunders Swiss Dark Fudge topping
Lay It On Thick hand lotion
Nag Champa incense
Variety Puzzle book
Mini Sage Smudge stick
Matches
Handmade Feather earrings (by one of my employees)
Mini Moleskine sketchbook
London Jeans tote bag
Calendula seeds
Handmade Scrying mirror. (Made by moi out of a picture frame and black paint.)

So, again, congratulations to Dawn and Sara!!!! (Go visit their blogs, they are wonderful & inspiring bloggers!!!)

Great Ideas on a Small Budget

2010-05-13T12:00:00.001-04:00

I've been trying to make more and more things at home instead of buying.

Examples:

1)I made bread and cookies with my awesome Sis-in-Law a few weeks ago. Man, nothing like fresh bread. In fact, I don't remember bread being eaten so fast in my house before.2)I'm making some potions/waters rather than spending a butt-load of money for it. (Butt-load, such a strange turn of phrase.)

3)I made a quick batch of Arnica Salve for my aforementioned Sis-in-Law who unfortunately twisted her ankle really bad while helping a drunk friend.

Arnica Salve
Dried Arnica flowersOil (I've used Olive and Avocado before. The main thing is you want something good for the skin. No canola or vegetable oil here.)

Essential oil for scent. I used a little lemon essential oil this time, though I've also used lavender too. Whatever works and seems as though it'd help.1) Place Arnica flowers in a small crock pot or pan. (I have a "Little Dipper" crock pot that I always use just for potions/salves/etc.2) Steep the Arnica flowers in just enough oil to cover. You can steep for as long as you want, but the minimum should be at least two hours.

3) Strain flowers out of oil.

4) Pour oil back into pot. Add essential oil (if necessary) and beeswax.I've found that 2 parts oil to 1 part wax works well. But it depends on how smooshy/oily/hard you want your salve.

5) After wax melts, you can pour into a heat safe container. I find that 4oz glass jars work really well.

And this is another quick and easy tip that I plan on stealing.

Are You Sure it's Not a Full Moon?

2010-05-11T08:00:00.001-04:00

Oh. My. God.

It's been crazy the last few days. And I mean full-moon, insane asylum crazy.

There have been moron's at work.

Me: I'm sorry, if you wait until the last minute, I can't help you. No, asking me the same question fifteen different ways won't change my answer either. I'm sorry, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but the universe doesn't revolve around you. Yes, I know your Mommy always said you were, but she lied.

Seriously, I've talked to my boss about performing a hex-break or cleansing here at work. I just have to do it when everyone's gone or I'll get some really strange looks. (Not that I don't already, lol.) Though I could just shout at them "The power of Christ compels you." And spray them with my Holy Water. LMAO.

Funny story, I went to buy supplies last weekend for the cleansing and I told the Hubs everything I bought, Camomille, Iron Filings, Nails, Floriday Water and Holy Water. He was quite surprised about the Holy Water. And syas to me, "You just slide right through the faiths don't you." I would've explained that Holy Water is just as potent in Spellwork as in the Christian faith. But I didn't feel like launching into the whole discussion.

I'm even making my own War Water, just in case the Holy Water isn't enough. Plus, it's good to have on hand anyway. I'm using Iron Nails, (additional Iron Filings to help kickstart it) and rain water. (Trying to get some from a thunderstorm. Should have some luck today and tomorrow.) Then you just let it sit and oxidize. When you need it you have it.

Back to the craziness.

This morning I asked for 2% milk (in a half pint) to mix in my coffee. I'm trying to cut calories, and if I can get rid of the cream that'd help right? Well sure, except the milk tasted like puke. No really, you know that horrible taste you get after you spew chunks. Yep, that's it. And when you add it to your coffee, your coffee then tastes like coffee flavored puke. Seriously, not a very nice way to start your day.

But thankfully, that's nothing a little bite of chocolate can't solve. Need it to cleanse the palette. I know, I'm full of excuses to eat chocolate. Just one piece, honest. And a big glass of water. Which is probably better than my 32oz coffee. I just hope I don't get another caffeine headache. Then again, enough chocolate will solve that too. ;)

Hope you're all doing well. I'll post a regular post tomorrow.

The Element Encyclopedia of 5,000 Spells: The Ultimate Reference Book for the Magical Arts

2010-05-06T12:00:00.002-04:00

A few years ago I bought this book Element Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells and boy let me tell you it's got an insane amount of great information in it. If you ever wanted to know how to make Holy Water, Dove's Blood Ink, Goofer Dust, Graveyard Dirt, etc. All the recipes are in here. Plus there's all sorts of spells on pretty much anything you can imagine.Excerpt Spell:

Five Eye Spell - (Banish the evil eye)
Five pairs of glass beads, each pair in a different distinct color, are required for this amulet. Dizzying colors dazzle the Evil Eye.

1. String the beads in a double row.
2. Arange them in a circle.
3. Post or wear.

A lot are this simple, some require odd ingredients and yet others are more complex.

The weird thing is, when I bought the book you couldn't get it through the US version of Amazon. Apparently there was some issue. You can still buy it from random sellers. But it's now been reprinted. And the Reprint of Element Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells is available through Amazon. It was reprinted in March 2009 and since I haven't seen an actual copy I don't know if there have been any additions/deletions or corrections, but I'm sure it's just as handy to have in your collection.

Book Review: Heaven and Earth

2010-05-03T17:15:00.000-04:00

I guess I'll actually be reviewing both Dance upon the Air and Heaven and Earth. I mentioned earlier that I was re-reading this trilogy by Nora Roberts. But I never mentioned what the storyline was about in the first book.

Dance Upon the Air
This book gives a bit of the background for the three novels and focuses on Nell Channing. She's on the run from her famous husband who is abusive. She lived in California and ends up in New England on Three Sisters Island. (Hence the trilogy title.) She needs to come to terms with what happened to her, face it head on and possibly fall in love (with the handsome Sheriff Zack Todd). If she doesn't face her tormentor the island will crumble into the sea.

Now Three Sisters Island is named for the three witches that legend says conjured up the island as a way to escape the witch hunts in the late 1600's. Well the three sisters (Air, Earth and Fire) end up falling apart. Air falls in love with a gorgeous man and they leave the island. She has a few kids with him, but he ends up killing her. Earth can't stand that her sister didn't defend herself and wants justice so she ends up going against her beliefs of "Not causing harm" and kills him. And at the end Fire is alone her two sisters end up dying/leaving and her husband ends up leaving as well.

Heaven and Earth

This book focuses on Ripley Todd. She's lived on Three Sisters her entire life. She's deputy sheriff on the island and has turned her back on her gift for the last 10 years. She has to work through her issues with her gift, her friends and the "yummy" Dr. MacAllister Booke (Paranormal Science) who's come to the island to speak with Mia Devlin (the resident witch and bookstore owner.)

Ripley's story also parallels Earth's story from 300 years before. Ripley needs to mete out justice without harm and if she doesn't the island will topple into the sea.

I really like both of these books since they deal with magic and family and friends. Plus besides being a quick and fun read, they just remind me of the inner struggle I had in coming to terms with my own spirituality. Do I believe? What do I believe? What does that mean if I believe? Am I really that strong to face my beliefs, fears, etc.?

I'm currently reading the last book Face the Fire which focuses on the last member of the three Mia Devlin. I'll post a review on that as soon as I finish.

Witch, Please

2010-04-29T12:00:00.001-04:00

(borrowed from GreenWoman then from moonfirewolf then from Kelly)

Here are the things I don't care about :

I don't care what the name of your religion is.
I don't care what the names of your gods are.
I don't care how old your religion is.
I don't care if your great-great-whatever grandmother passed down your famtrad Book of Shadows under the watchful eye of the Inquisition.
I don't care if an entire civilization worshipped your Goddess for ten thousand years.
I don't care if you made Her up based on manga or Tolkien or a dream you had.
I don't care where you place your altar.
I don't care which direction you call Earth.
I don't care how psychic you are.
I don't care if you're smarter than me.
I don't care why you eat meat, or don't.
I don't care how many shields you think you need.
I don't care how your childhood trauma made you a powerful magickian.
I don't care if you spell "magic" with a k.
I don't care if you were an Atlantean Magus in your last life.
I don't care if you're brand-spanking new.
I don't care how much you hate Christians.
I don't care how many degrees you have.
I don't care if people call you "Lady" or "Lord."
I don't care if you're King of all Londinium and wear a shiny hat.
I don't care if you can read minds or light candles with your breath.
I don't care how the world owes you a living.
I don't care if you've been studying the Craft for thirty years or thirty minutes.
I don't care what your totem animal is, especially if it's a wolf, raven, or unicorn.
I don't care if you can trace your lineage back to Gardner.
I don't care if you think I'm a moron, fraud, or basket case.
I don't care how many books you've read.
I don't care how much or how little money you have.

What do I care about?

I care that your religion has made you a kinder, more compassionate person.
I care that you can hold down a job.
I care that you're growing past whatever happened to you as a child or last year.
I care that your gods help you become stronger without coddling you.
I care that you are willing and able to adapt and change as your life does.
I care that you care about the Earth.
I care that you care about someone and something outside yourself.
I care that you practice your religion with devotion and reverence.
I care that you respect others' paths.
I care that you never stop learning.
I care that you can conduct adult relationships with respect and understanding.
I care that you get how hilarious life is.
I care that you know when to ask for help.
I care that you realize that someone will always be smarter, more powerful, and more together than you.
I care that you realize it doesn't matter, because tomorrow you'll be smarter, more powerful, and more together than you were yesterday.
I care that you have reasons for everything you do, even if those reasons are purely intuitive.
I care that you can admit when you're wrong.
I care that you know you're both a tiny speck in a vast universe and a rare, precious jewel in the darkened sky.
I care that you're making a difference.
I care that you know when to speak and when to shut the hell up.
I care that you are seeking a relationship with Deity and with Nature.
I care that you are healthy.
I care that you're contributing to your family and community.
I care that your capacity for love and joy increase with every passing year.
I care that you believe in yourself.
I care that you're doing the best you can.

Crazy Wisdom Tea Room

2010-04-28T12:00:00.002-04:00

I stopped in to one of my absolute all time favorite stores yesterday. Crazy Wisdom Tea Room in Ann Arbor, MI. It's just one of those magical places where you can find just about anything.

I ended up getting a few things. A book about Isis, A Mandala Healing Kit, a really, really cool book named The Rose Labyrinth, a silver ankh, and a chakra flower pendant. It's really pretty. Actually looks like this one, but with a clear center stone.

This store is such a cool place. You can go in and find any book on any new-age/paranormal topic. Native American, Goddess, Egyptian, Sufism, Vegan living, Yoga, fiction, etc. Not to mention the extensive tarot and oracle deck section, the incense and stone sections, to name a few. Then once you finish your shopping you can head upstairs to the tea room. Order a pot of tea, maybe something to munch on and snuggle up with your new treasures. Or you could sit with a friend and watch the world pass by on the street below.

Plus, they have a Tea with the Fairies that I'm going to take the Wee One to when she's a bit older. And apparently the Fey are as enamored of the place as I am. After all, the decided to take up residence.

There's a whole Fairy Door tour in the city, you can watch a little snippet by the artist himself below.

For those interested you can check out all the locations and a little bit more about the fairy doors here.

30th Birthday Extravaganza Giveaway

2010-04-26T12:00:00.000-04:00

Whew! Last weekend was a fun but very alcohol soaked time. I was doing okay on Saturday evening until everything hit. But apparently I was my usual happy-go-lucky self. Which is better than the alternative.

Though many props to my wonderful, amazing and patient hubby who pulled over, cleaned up and put me to bed. I hope he'll never have to do that for me again. Ugh.

That said, here's a pic of me from the start of the evening. Luckily, there's no photographic evidence of the end of the evening....well that I'm aware of. ;)

And without further ado......

Drumroll please.....

So the winner with the most entries is Sara from Sara's Organized Chaos. Woot Woot!!!

And the winner drawn at random is Dawn from Domestic Witch. Rock on chica!

Congratulations ladies. I'll be in touch with you to get you your gifts.

I'll post later what the giveaway winners won. I'd kind of like them to be a bit surprised at some of the things they'll be receiving.

Giveaway Reminder

2010-04-23T17:15:00.000-04:00

Here's just a friendly reminder to post any of your Random Acts of Kindness or Easter Eggs. You have until 11am tomorrow to enter.

Crocs + A Sleeping Foot.= Accident Waiting to Happen

2010-04-22T21:11:00.003-04:00

Okay so a few summers ago. Back when Crocs were fashionable. I know, I know. Scary thought. But anywho, it was the off-time in my office, so not many people were subjected to my awful fashion trend.

So, I go in to work and am checking my email with my legs crossed. I'm in there about a half hour or so. Then my boss is free. So I stand up to go see her. I figure, sure my foot is asleep but I've had no worries walking on it before. No worries right?

Wrong.

I ended up tripping over my foot. I heard a pop and flew out of my office.

My poor boss hears me yell and looks up to see me fall out of my office. Yes. Fall out of my office.

Of course, she and the other secretary come running to see me. I'm fine. My ankle is a bit sore, but not too bad. Not broken or anything. Which was a relief.

After about 10 minutes I decide to walk to the nearby pharmacy. While walking (in the rain mind you) I'm thinking to myself. Man oh man. My ankle's starting to stiffen up and it's starting to really hurt. (Dur. you just flew out of your office woman.)

I walk in to the pharmacy to get an ace bandage and a heat compress. As soon as I get up to the counter to pay I take a moment to look down at my ankle. It's the size of half a grapefruit. I, being the wimp I am, start to feel like I'm going to pass out. So I sit down next to the counter and breathe.

It's taken 3 years to get my ankle back to looking like normal.

Moral of the story. Don't wear crocs. But if you do, take it from me, don't walk in them with a foot that's asleep.

McAfee FAIL

2010-04-21T20:59:00.002-04:00

So today at work, I'm on the phone trying to help someone and I get a pop up box that tells me my system is automatically shutting down in 30 seconds. A half second later I get a warning from McAfee saying there's a virus alert.

I immediately shut down my computer with the power button. I've had my share of scares with viruses and I know enough not to click on anything.

I start up my computer again and the same thing happens.

A few seconds after the second start up, my boss comes to my office, notices my computer and walks away saying, she's got it too.

I turn off everything again and I run out of my office asking if anyone else is getting the same message.

Turns out that it's stupid, fucking, McAfee geniuses that decided to send an update that attacks a benign file that's required for Windows to operate. And of course, my computer as are many others in my office set to automatically download any updates.

Fucking mess. That's what happened. My office and many others came to a complete standstill. Wouldn't be so bad, if not for a few things:

1. There are no longer any processes that are done completely non-digital.
2. The last time I backed up my computer was about two months ago.
3. It's one of the worst times for my office to have this issue.

However, all is not lost. I did have a few good things happen because of this:

1. My boss sent me and the other secretary out to lunch with some cash.
2. I was able to clean my office.
3. I was able to finally get to some much needed filing.
4. I finished my book.

So I guess it wasn't all a FAIL. I just hope that the problem is easily fixed. I really don't want to have to replicate two months worth of work.

Favorite Book: Dance Upon the Air

2010-04-19T12:00:00.000-04:00

Every spring I find myself coming back to this trilogy of Nora Roberts. It's a quick read, and I know exactly what's coming. But there's just something comforting in re-reading a well-loved book.

I love the theme of magic that runs through this trilogy as well as some of her other trilogies. In fact, there are three sets that I try to read every summer. The Three Sister's Island trilogy, the Key books and the Garden books.

Such a wonderful way to ring in the season. A good book, a nice cup of tea and a snuggly spot to while away a few hours.

What's your favorite book that you absolutely have to read each year?

Also, don't forget about my giveaway. You have until this Saturday at 11am to get your entries in. There will be two winners. One for the most entries. (You can do multiple random acts of kindness.) And one chosen at random.

There are a few Easter eggs or random things to do that can give you more entries. (Hint - check my giveaway tag. It might clue you in on an egg that no one's gotten yet and is really, REALLY easy!!!)

RIP - My Boo!!!!

2010-04-15T08:00:00.003-04:00

Metamorphosis

A caterpillar asked God, "What happens when I die?"
God replied, "Have you seen the butterfly?"
The Caterpillar, "Yes, do I have to die to become one?"
God said, "No, not really. A part of you dies, but another, stronger part of you continues to live - it just changes forms."

Author Unknown

My sweet cat Magnum (Boo, Bud, Mags) has passed on. He was my confidante. We got him when I was 13 and he helped me through all my trials of growing up. Whenever I was upset at my family or friends. Had boy troubles. Problems at college. You name it he was there to help. A sweet purr, a snuggle and life was just a little easier.

I know you missed your sister Chelsea. And now, you two are off on your next big adventure. Though I'm sure Chels isn't too happy to have to share you with Skipper.

Together again!

I know you'll visit me from time to time. Thanks for sharing your life with me. I LOVE You!!!!

Birthday Memory #1

2010-04-14T12:00:00.000-04:00

For my 10th birthday I had a slumber party. It was a blast! I ended up getting a whole slew of stuff from my friends. I remember getting two copies of Paula Abdul's Forever Your Girl album that year. But the most interesting for this story was the gift of Debbie Gibson's Electric Youth perfume.

I can't remember how long I had that stuff. I swear it sat on my dresser for a year or two. I wasn't a girlie-girl really. So I never used perfume.

Anyways, when my brothers and I would goof around. I would occasionally to spray them with it. It annoyed them and it was just sitting there.

A few months after that first spray, I ended up having it taken away by my mom. Apparently my brother decided to chase us around with the spray. However, he didn't realize that the person in the bathroom was my mom. So he thinks he's all clever and decides to start spraying a cloud of cheap, stinky perfume in front of the door. Out walks Mom.

Mom - Choking on the ghastly stench: "Why does it smell like a brothel in here?"
Bro - Still spraying it in front of her: "I don't know."
Mom - Not buying it: "Give it to me."
Bro - Still spraying and denying the existence of said perfume: "What?"
Mom - Still not buying it and wondering just how stupid Son thinks she is: "What you have in your hand."

Needless to say, I wasn't really upset at losing it. Besides, it made for a great story.

Loving my LUPEC Sisterbroads!!!!

2010-04-08T12:00:00.001-04:00

Okay, so I'm a member of a lovely group of women called LUPEC. Which stands for Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails.

It's such a fun group. You get together once a month, one Lady hosts. She comes up with the theme, drinks, appetizers, everything. You come dressed according to theme and try out some cool retro drinks and get to hang out with a bunch of fun-lovin Chicas! Plus, you get to come up with fun Drink nicknames. Mine is "White Lady." And if everyone's hosted a meeting or to switch things up you go on "Field trips" to bars. To release the drinks you love back into the wild!

This weekend...well tomorrow night to be exact. My sisterbroads and I are going to hightail it out of town for a Cottage weekend trip to celebrate out 1st year anniversary!!! We've been doin this for one full year ladies. And it's been a blast so far!

For those of you that aren't in LUPEC, it's not difficult to start a chapter. You can always comment here and I can give you the 411.

And since I'll be away all weekend, I don't know what sort of internet access I'll have. But don't forget about my birthday giveaway, remember the person with the most entries gets one of the two prizes!

Hummingbird Cake from The Girl Who Chased the Moon

2010-04-06T12:20:00.009-04:00

Some of you might know this, some might not. But Sarah Addison Allen has written three books. All of her books contain magic and food. Sometimes together.

Anywho, my Sister-in-Law and I made one of the cakes that she mentioned in her new book The Girl Who Chased the Moon for Easter Sunday.

Hummingbird Cake

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 eggs, beaten
1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
1 can (8oz) crushed pineapple, well drained
1 cup chopped pecans
2 cups chopped firm ripe banana

Sift flour, sugar, salt, baking soda and cinnamon together. Add eggs and oil to the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon until ingredients are moistened. Stir in vanilla, pineapple and pecans. Stir in the bananas last. Spoon the batter into three greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in 350 degree oven, or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn onto cooling rack. Cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting.

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

1 pound cream cheese, softened
4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a standing mixer, mix the cream cheese, sugar, and butter on low speed until ingredients combine. Increase the speed to high, and mix until light and fluffy. Reduce the speed of the mixer to low. Add the vanilla, raise the speed to high and mix.

Alternatives

We changed a few things in the recipe. Instead of:

2 cups of Sugar in the batter. We used 1.5 cups of Agave Nectar. (Even though Agave is a low glycemic index sugar we used it more for personal preference.
1 1/4 cup Vegetable Oil. We used 1 1/4 cup Applesauce (I just had an issue with that much oil.)
4 cups of powdered sugar for the frosting. We cut it and did 3 cups powdered sugar to 1 cup powdered milk. (This was to cut the sweetness of the frosting.)

I really liked the cake! It was very, very good. I was a bit surprised that it's a three layer cake. And it was really dense. Or maybe our version was since we swapped out ingredients. If anyone else makes it, I'd love to hear if your's was dense or not.

I unfortunately was out of it when we were making this and forgot to take a completed pic. But it was very pretty and very tasty!

Here's a little Easter Egg for all of you for my Giveaway. If you have any great ideas for recipe alternatives. Like the ones I mentioned above, you'll get an extra entry in my giveaway for each that you post here.

Dying Eggs

2010-04-05T12:00:00.000-04:00

I hope you all had a great holiday weekend. I know I did. I think the Wee One did too. I know she loved finding all the Easter eggs and having her first ever Pink Bunny Peep. Oh boy did she like that! I'll have to keep an eye on her with sweets, I can just tell. ;)

Last weekend was a mad rush all over the place visiting with all the different family groups. This was one of the many events we did this weekend.

Here's the crew dying Easter eggs on Friday.

And here's the result of our labor.

The Sis-in-Law and I had a great idea of what to do with the cracked eggs (hard-boiled of course). We made Egg Salad sandwiches for us all to eat. And yes, the Wee One loved it. Not that I'm surprised. She likes so many different things.

30th Birthday Extravaganza Giveaway

2010-04-01T08:00:00.008-04:00

I will be turning 30 this month. So to celebrate, I figured I'd spread the birthday lurve to my lovely readers! Therefore, I will be giving:

London Jeans denim tote bag

Variety Puzzles magazine

Toblerone chocolate bar

Saunders Dark Chocolate Fudge sauce

Moleskine mini journal

And more !!!!!

Way to get it:

You must follow me and mention it below.

You must have an email address or blog address so I can contact you if you win

Additional ways to get it:

Blog about it and post blog address in the comments section of this post.

Do a random act of kindness for someone (borrowing a great idea from Domestic Witch.)

Find some of the easter eggs in my blog.

Specifics:

There will be two count them TWO winners!!!

I will award the prizes on April 24th.

One will go to the person that has the most entries.

One will go to a person chosen the old fashioned way. (Names in a bowl and chosen by the Wee One.)

International Readers should feel free to join in. I will ship anywhere.

Spring Cleaning

2010-03-31T08:00:00.001-04:00

Okay, I'm happy to say, March has been such a great month for me! February finished a bit off, but I was able to rally back in March. I'm feeling so stable, confident and centered now. It's really remarkable. I don't think I've felt this way in years. I guess the getting up off my ass and doing things is really what I needed.

In March, I:

Finished all my necessary fundraising. Now everything I get it just frosting!
Got caught up at work for all of 1 day. ;)
Saw Alice in Wonderland and went shopping with my Sister-in-Law. Such a great flick!!!!
Hung out with Domestic Witch for Tea and Shopping!
Hung out with Mom, the Wee One and the Ostara Bunny. ;)
Helped out a former advisor by interviewing a few Greek Chapters.
Read tarot for people other than friends and family.
Did an Ostara ritual.
Went to a few birthday parties.
Went to a baby shower for my cousin-in-law.
Had a blast with LUPEC sisterbroads at our monthly meeting.
Had a Pure Romance party!
Made brunch for my family.
Held my first Blog giveaway!!!
Really started training for the walk.

So as you can see, March was a rick-rollin good time!!!

**************************
Never gonna give you up.
Never gonna let you down.
**************************

Sorry, back to the topic at hand.

April should be more of the same! I can't wait. I've got quite a few things lined up. So stay posted!

White Zinfandel and Posting

2010-03-30T17:00:00.001-04:00

Okay, I decided to take it easy last night. I made dinner and then kicked back, surfed the net, watched American Pickers and Pawn Stars (great shows). And didn't post here. So, to my regular readers. I apologize. But I really needed to break.

Hope you are all doing well out there in the blogosphere, and of course in the real world!

Here's a glass on me.

Cheers!Oh and be sure to keep your eyes peeled here on the 1st. I'm not doing an elaborate April Fool's. Instead, I'm doing something better! ;)

Susan G. Komen 3-Day

2010-03-29T08:00:00.000-04:00

I did it! I raised the $2300 required to walk! I did it. Whew! Now I can focus on getting all my gear. Shoes, team shirts, sporty fanny pack thing, socks, team jacket, etc.

It feels like a weight has lifted off my shoulders.

Sorry, I've been MIA for the last few days. Not only did a friend of mine donate $100 to me. But I also helped out at a team fundraiser at the Red Wings game on Friday. Our 50/50 raffle raised almost $1000 for our 3 Day Team!

Then on Saturday I had a Pure Romance party and my lovely PR Rep. not only gave me the standard 10% of free product and a gift, but she also gave me 10% of the total show earnings in a donation to the walk! Which put me over my total!!

Yay! Just think, I was so worried, I'd end up having to pay all $2300 out of pocket. And now, I'm finished and I haven't even been fundraising for 3 full months yet. Weird!

I'd love to thank everyone who helped by donating time & money. Big shout-out to my step-bro for hosting a Poker Tournament for me. As well as the Hubs for putting up with all the time I've put into this so far.

Now I just have to keep walking!!!! So if anyone wants to help me out in that regard. Let me know if you want to walk!!!!

These are the Things that Make Life Worth Living

2010-03-25T12:00:00.000-04:00

I recently stumbled across this great article called 101 Small Pleasures You Can Enjoy Everyday.

And it got me to thinking. Besides the daily grind that makes up life. There are things out there, small things that make life fun.

I have to say I agree with all of them. But some of my faves are:

Coloring
Handwritten Letter
A novel you can get lost in
a long walk

Some I would add are:

Dancing in the rain
The allure of a new journal (doesn't this one just look like the perfect place to store your secrets?)
Leaving messages for friends and family with Sidewalk Chalk
Handing out flowers to strangers/random people

What about you? What makes your life more sparklier, spunkier, pizzazzier. LOL.

Graphology Analysis Thing

2010-03-24T12:00:00.003-04:00

Thought I'd post this. I saw this on Pagan Culture and she saw it on Fever.

I decided to write out the rules instead of typing for more fun.

So there you go. Sorry the lighting is off. Don't know what's up with that.

Anywho, apparently my handwriting means (according to this site) that:

Your t-bars join with their stems quite even and accurately. This indicates that you do not have a bad temper.
You dot the 'i' carefully every time directly over the stem. This shows that you have a strong attention for detail. You could be a nitpicker or a perfectionist, and you will likely have a good memory. (Don't do it carefully, just happens that way.)
Your 'g' looks like a 'figure 8'. This means that you are very flexible. You don't get to tasks right away and wait to 'get around' to doing them. When you do get around to doing your tasks you may do them along with other things at the same time.
The frequent breaks in-between your letters indicates that you are gifted with insight that enables you to understand and interpret without effort. You sense when you are on the right track and when you are not. You have hunches and may be quick to sense sincerity or insincerity in others.
The lack of loops on your 't's and 'd's indicate that your feelings aren't going to be hurt easily. In fact, you are not sensitive to criticism at all. You can be objective about the opinions of other people and accept or reject these opinions without getting emotional about them.
The upward slant of your handwriting indicates that you are an optimist! You really do believe in positive outcomes and can snap out of disappointment quickly. Your cheerful attitude makes work more enjoyable and stimulates the morale of those around you.
In your 't's, the relatively even weight of your 't-bar' to the stem indicates that you have moderate willpower. Your goals are a little clearer in your mind. You can decide what action to take.
The lack of loops you have at the bottom of your 'm's and 'n's indicates that you don't worry about things. You're confident in yourself and your decisions.

If you do decide to do this. Let me know in the comments area. I'd love to see what your handwriting looks like.

Lazy Sunday Movie: Soapdish

2010-03-23T12:00:00.002-04:00

Maybe I should change the title to Lazy Movie. Since I don't usually go online on Sundays. I'll have to think about it.

Anywho, this is a great little piece of 80's hilarity. It's got quite the cast: Sally Field, Kevin Kline, Elizabeth Shue, Robert Downey Jr. & Whoopi Goldberg.

The premise is what happens behind the scenes at a Soap Opera tv show. You find out how everyone acts off screen. There's sex scandals, big secrets, drama and scheming. Pretty much everything that can cause wacky hijinks.

If you can't find it on tv or netflix it anytime soon. It's available now on Hulu.com. I know, I've become a Hulu pusher. But it's a great site.

Happy Ostara!!!

2010-03-20T08:48:00.003-04:00

Hope you are all enjoying the first day of Spring!!!!

Here's a big blown kiss to you and yours from me and the Wee One...oh and the Ostara Bunny! ;)

Beautiful Blogger Award....Me??!?!?!? Really?!?!?!?

2010-03-18T08:00:00.002-04:00

My first ever award! Wow! I feel so special. Squee!!! Thanks Dirgesinger so much!

Rules:

1. Thank the person who gave you this award.
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Pass the award along to 15 bloggers who you have recently discovered and who you think are fantastic!
4. Contact the bloggers you've picked and let them know about the award.

Seven things about myself:

1. I wear a men's belt. I wear belts as a utilitarian purpose (most often) and therefore, need a belt that will fit around my hips. Plus, this way, I can get a reversible belt and only need one instead of a black and a brown one.

2. I've been told that instead of thinking outside of the box, I don't even know the box exists. I think this is a true statement about me. But I don't always try to reinvent the wheel.

3. I refuse to swim in lakes or any body of water where I can't see the bottom. I'm terrified that something's going to reach up and grab me or bite my legs off. Blame a random viewing of Jaws as a child.

4. I don't like choker necklaces or turtlenecks cause I feel like I'm choking. Hmmmm. Maybe in some previous lives I either drowned in a strange accident or was hung/choked/strangled.You know, I really need to get that past life regression done.

5. My right foot is almost a full half size bigger than my left foot. Which is why I love slides, flip-flops or slingbacks.

6. I LOVE eyeshadow. The bolder the color the better. In fact, Panacea81's youtube videos always make me smile. And she inspires me to go for my dreams.

7. I watch WAY too much tv. Fave shows: Glee, The Mentalist, RuPaul's Drag Race, Project Runway, Mad Men, & Daily Show. I rely on dvr or else I'd never see them. Though with training for the 3-day, I'm happy to say I'm outside more and more!

The 15 dear bloggers: I know this award has gone around to many people that I follow, plus I already did a tag earlier this week. So, if you already got this, don't worry about reposting it. (unless you want to.)

Sobeit @ A Herbal Journey & A Witch's Daily
Mary @ An Inner Journey: The Moon, Mythology & You & Moontides
Lea @ Arcanium, USBos & Writing Magic
April @ Cafe of Dreams
Erin @ Chaotic World of a Single Woman
Jess @ Confessions of a Book Hoarder
Leathra @ Confessions of a Crafy Witch
Anastasia @ Deep Inside my Broom Closet
Dawn @ Domestic Witch
Moonwolf @ Howling at the Moon
Wild Witch @ I'm Not Wiccan, I'm a Witch
Katie @ Katie's Epic Tale
JennyMac @ Let's Have a Cocktail
Luna @ Luna's Blumen
Mother Moon
Magaly @ Pagan Culture
PJ @ Seens From the Backs of My Eylids
Sara @ Sara's Organized Chaos

Okay, so it's 18. So kill me. I love you all! You really brighten my day with your posts!

Lazy Sunday Movie: Clue

2010-03-17T08:00:00.002-04:00

Yes, it's again a Lazy Sunday Movie review on a day that isn't Sunday. Oh well. Deal.

This is one of my all time fave 80's movies. Clue. It has an all-star cast with Tim Curry as Wadsworth the Butler.

The plot is interesting. Six characters are invited to dinner: Mrs. White, Mrs. Peacock, Ms. Scarlett, Mr. Green, Col. Mustard and Prof. Plum. While there they all discover that they are all being blackmailed and you find out what they did or are accused of doing.

One by one, people start dying. First it's Mr. Boddy. Then the Cook. Then all hell breaks loose and it's pandemonium. Who's the murderer? You gotta watch it to see.

This movie has great lines and is actually pretty good for being based on a board game. And one interesting thing, when the movie came out it had three different endings. Depending on which theater you went to you might end up seeing a different murderer. However, if you get/rent the dvd you can opt for the random ending or all three.

"No. Communism was just a Red Herring."

"The key is gone! "
"Never mind about the key, unlock the door! "
"I CAN'T UNLOCK THE DOOR WITHOUT THE KEY! "

And Happy St. Patrick's day to you all! Slainte!

Tag....You're It

2010-03-16T08:00:00.002-04:00

There's a new game of tag hitting the blogosphere. The lovely bloggette Anastasia from Deep Inside My Broom Closet tagged me.

The rules go like this:
Open your first photo file
Scroll to the 10th photo
Post the photo and tell the story behind it
Tag five more peopleI took this picture during the summer of 2004 (I believe). I went to a Alumnae-Active picnic hosted by my sorority at Metro Beach metropark. I took a walk and saw this guy just sitting here above the water. I just remember thinking.....how in the world did that horsey get there. So I had to take a pic.

I tag:
Domestic Witch - Her blog was one that inspired me to start my own.
Moontides - Mary's always got great stories about her life.
Sara's Organized Chaos - Though I'm a bit scared to see what she'll share, it should be very interesting nonetheless.
Luna's Blumen - I'm so impressed with her Random Kindness acts this month.
USBoS - Lea was one of my first blog friends after I started my own blog. I'm really intrigued with her spiritual journey.

Beware the Ides of March

2010-03-15T08:00:00.001-04:00

Caesar:
Who is it in the press that calls on me?
I hear a tongue shriller than all the music
Cry "Caesar!" Speak, Caesar is turn'd to hear.

Soothsayer:
Beware the ides of March.

Caesar:
What man is that?

Brutus:
A soothsayer bids you beware the ides of March.
Julius Caesar Act 1, scene 2, 15-19

Beware the ides of March. Keep your wits about you. I know I will on this gloomy, rainy, icky day. So sad that I have to go to a funeral today too.

Giveaway Winner

2010-03-13T11:28:00.003-05:00

The Wee One just picked the winner for my giveaway!

And without further ado.....Luna!!!! You've won the beautiful pearl and crystal necklace. I'll be getting your contact information from you soon!

Congratulations!!!!!

Dancing to George Strait

2010-03-12T12:00:00.000-05:00

So I'm planning on ending my day with a twirl around the living room/kitchen with the Hubs to this song.

I just love George Strait. I was recently reminded of this great song after reading Anastasia's blog Deep Inside my Broom Closet. You should check it out. She's got some great insight and her blog is just fun to read.

And a funny story about the song and my wedding. I had a really small ceremony. It was in a conservatory and only 60 people or so fit. So we had family and close friends there, then invited a ton more people to the reception. Well, since not everyone had seen my dress (with train) I decided to leave the dress un-bustled for our entrance. After we were introduced and had all the welcomes, toasts, thanks and such finished, I took off for the ladies room to get the dress bustled. I told the Hubs that I would be right back.

A half our later after much swearing, the help of three different ladies (Mom, Chris and some random lady just swearing at my dress) I came back. Well the Hubs was so relieved to see me. It kinda played out like this:

Me: "Whew, thank goodness that's over."
Hubs: "I thought you hoped in the limo and were making a break for Old Mexico."
Me: "Wouldn't Canada have been closer?"

So, now every time I hear this song I think of that story....and my Wedding and my Hubs. So, all in all a great song with great memories attached to it.

Reminder: You have until 11am tomorrow to enter my giveaway.

The Gift of an Ordinary Day

2010-03-11T08:00:00.001-05:00

My mom sent me this video. And I had to share. It makes me realize that I can never take one second of one day with my family for granted. It's all so fleeting. Fleeting, but beautiful!

And it makes me think of this song by Darius Rucker History in the Making.

Enjoy every single moment with your family!

Clarifications and Books

2010-03-10T17:00:00.002-05:00

Okay, just to clear things up. I've been told, by a little birdie, that some of my entry conditions are a bit confusing for my giveaway. I updated this on the original post, but here it is for everyone else.

You get:

1 entry for being a follower.
1 entry for blogging about my giveaway and posting the blog address.
1 entry for every person that moseys over to my blog and participates. They must, however, mention your name. Otherwise, I wouldn't know who to give the extra entry to.

You can enter via the last two ways as many times as you want.

Ok, whew. I hope that clears things up. I apologize if it's confusing. I too don't always like to blog about giveaways and I don't want anyone to think that's a requirement. Thanks to the little birdie!!!

*****************************

Books. I recently have started reading a few old series. I read the first book of the Caroline B. Cooney Vampire trilogy and the first two Kelly Blake: Teen Model books back in the day. Well, now I have the complete series for both. Obviously they're not classic literary works, but it's interesting to read them now and to reflect on how I felt reading them 18-19 years ago. (Man I feel old now.)

In fact, I did a book report on The Cheerleader in 7th grade. Wow, does that take me back.

Are there any books you used to love as a kid? I have been meaning to re-read R.L. Stine's Fear Street Saga (Really Trilogy). See if they're really as gory as I thought.

Many Times, Thanks

2010-03-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

I have to send a big, huge, ginormous thank you shout out to Luna and Sara! They helped me see things in a better light.

I have a tendency to have knee-jerk reactions sometimes and it helps to have people there to give different perspectives.

So muchas gracias to them! Be sure to sign up for my giveaway. You have until Saturday morning.

Updates: Movies and Giveaways

2010-03-08T08:00:00.004-05:00

I saw Alice in Wonderland on Friday. I loved it!!!!!

The movie picks up where the last Disney movie left off. (The animated one.) Alice is having nightmares and can't sleep. She comes to the conclusion that her adventures in Wonderland are all just a dream of hers.

Fast forward 10 years later. She's still having nightmares and doesn't like to conform to standard Victorian norms. She ends up going to a garden party and finds out that it's really her surprise engagement party. While at the party she sees the White Rabbit and runs off to follow him. Down the rabbit hole she falls. This time though, you hear voices saying that she's not the right Alice, that the Rabbit screwed up.

The rest of the story is about what has happened to Underland (the correct pronunciation of the place) since the Red Queen (Queen of Hearts) has run unchecked for so long. Alice must choose what to do.

The last sentance "Alice must choose what to do." Has always been the reason for Alice in Wonderland being my favorite fairy tale. She gets herself into trouble and instead of being like all the other "Disney Princesses" she doesn't rely on Prince Charming to rescue her. She figures things out all herself. It's a feminist message in a fun, if trippy, package.

On to the Giveaway update. I posted on Saturday that I was having an Ostara/Easter giveaway. A few updates.

If you follow all the rules on my previous post. You would have at least three entries. Possibly more depending on how many people you get to follow the third entry format.
For those of you, like me, who have sensitive ears, the earring hooks are sterling silver.
Remember you have until Saturday morning to enter.

Ostara/Easter Giveaway

2010-03-06T11:10:00.006-05:00

Ok, I've decided to do my first giveaway! Yay!!!!

Here's the deal, one lucky person will win this pink and blue pearl/crystal necklace and earrings. Complete with ivory organza bag.

To enter:

Follow my blog.

For extra entries:

Blog about it on your blog. Include the blog address in your comment.
Get someone else to follow or blog about the giveaway. They must put your name in their comment for you to get credit. (Each of you will get an extra entry.)

Eligiblity:

You must have a valid blog or email address so that I can contact you.
My international readers can participate.

I will choose a winner by random draw on March 13th (around 11am). I'll draw the winner the old fashioned way, since that's how I roll. I'll mail out the necklace and earrings during the following week, so that those who want to wear/gift them for their Ostara celebration can!

Winner will be chosen next Saturday, March 13th.

(I reserve the right to change the rules at any time.)

I'm Late...I'm Late...

2010-03-05T08:48:00.003-05:00

for a very important date.

Yep, I'm going to see Alice in Wonderland in 3D this afternoon. I'll let you know how it is. I'm so excited. I LOVE Alice in Wonderland the books and the Disney movie. Even the made for tv movie with Whoopi and Martin Short.

Book Challenge 2010 - Dracula by Bram Stoker

2010-03-04T08:00:00.001-05:00

Ok, as some of you might know, I signed up to do a Book Challenge for 2010 back in November. I finished one of the books a while ago and thought I'd review it for all of you lovelies!

I listened to Dracula by Bram Stoker. Honestly, I don't think I could have finished the novel if I had actually read it. The book's format really would have annoyed me. See, it's written as a bunch of letters, diary entries, and memos. So it's kind of a different way to read. The first part of the book is Jonathan Harker's experience in Transylvania. How he goes there. How he meets Count Dracula. And how he gets stuck there.

Then the book moves to his wife Wilhelmina (Mina) Harker's diary. And her day to day occurences at home with her friend Lucy. Who's trying to figure out who to marry. Then Lucy comes down ill. And her friend Dr. Seward (former suitor) can't figure it out so he sends for Dr. Van Helsing.

Eventually, the group figures out that Count Dracula is a vampire. That he turned Lucy into one. Jonathan was tourtured by Dracula's female entourage. And they must kill Dracula before Mina turns into a vampire herself.

Honestly, it's a good book. And quite interesting to learn about the Vampire mythology. But it's slow moving at some points (beginning specifically). So, I don't know if I'd recommend it to anyone to read. Listen to? Of course, especially around Samhain/Halloween.

Have you read/listened to it. What did you think?

Warm Bed

2010-03-03T08:00:00.001-05:00

It was so hard to leave my warm bed behind this morning.

I'm sure we've all had mornings like this. You wake up, have to get your day started, and all you want to do is roll over and snuggle up in the covers. The world is cold and your bed is warm.

Yeah, that was my morning.

And no, the bed here isn't my bed, but it's one I'd love to stay in all day!!!

Birthday Giveaway @ Sara's Organized Chaos

2010-03-02T08:00:00.004-05:00

So ladies and gents. I happened to trip over a fantastic blog last week. Literally, I tripped over it when I was surfing. I have the strained wrist to prove it. I'm fine really, and I was pleasantly surprised at the blog in front of me.

Sara from Sara's Organized Chaos is turning 28 and to celebrate she's having a giveaway of all her favorite things. (I get an extra entry for blogging about it.) So, if you're so inclined, go check out her blog. It's a ton of fun to see what mischief she's been up to.

In fact, beautiful, lovely Sara has given me an idea. I'm turning the dreaded 30 this April. Ugh! So, I'm thinking I might do something like this. We'll see.

New Month, new beginings.

2010-03-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

It's March. February is finally over! Thank goodness. Last week was a rough one. And luckily, everyone I know is doing much better.

This week promises to not only be warmer, but should be a lot lighter in feel.

As for updates, my poker tournament went really well! I surprised myself and placed 5th out of 18. I didn't win any money, but we did raise $350 for the 3-Day walk! Whoohoo!!!!! I'm just slashing that $2300 to pieces bit by bit!

I've got a tarot reading booth at an expo on the 21st, selling 50/50 tickets at a hockey game on the 26th and emails to send out. I'm hoping that by the end of March, I'll have finished all my fundraising and can really focus on my training. Which I'll hopefully get to start on, again, this week.

It's supposed to get into the 40's this week! I can't wait, everything needs to thaw out/melt/warm up/sprout!!! And this year, I have a major reason to get out an enjoy the spring! If I don't train and callous up my feet, I will be in pain later.

I don't like pain.

I try to avoid it when possible.

So this spring, it's out and about with the wee one and the dog. Though preferably not together (unless the Hubs is out with me).

What're your plans for March?

Poker Tournament

2010-02-27T09:47:00.001-05:00

Today, my lovely brother is hosting a Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament for me. This is to raise money for the Susan G. Komen 3 Day walk.

I'm pretty descent at it, but any additional good poker vibest will help immensely!!!

Here Comes the Sun

2010-02-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

Ok, I decided that today was going to be different. I woke up, took advantage of the hubs, made a big breakfast, bought coffee and fruit for the office. I'm bound and determined to see the sun, be the sun and embrace the sun!

Really, the choice I have is to wallow and feel crappy. Or look on the bright side of things and be happy.

Today, it's a sunny day (even though it isn't outside.) I know that things might not change overnight, but I'm arming myself with positivity!

Enjoy the musical sunshine of George Harrison

Unease

2010-02-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

There's something in the air. I don't know what it is, but something is coming.

I know too many people that have relatives that are in the hospital. I've been feeling off and something isn't quite right. And to top it off the weather has gone bat shit crazy.

Do you feel it? Is it just typical February gloom or is it something else?

Captain Eo

2010-02-24T12:00:00.000-05:00

When I was a little girl (7) my parents took my brother and I on a quick vacation trip to Disneyland. While there we went to Tomorrowland and saw the 3-D movie they had showing. Captain Eo!!!! I don't remember much about the movie, only that it had Michael Jackson in it with some Muppet type characters. And that I kept trying to grab things that looked as though they were floating towards me.

In fact, a few years ago I bought the very poster that's pictured here. I should probably get it framed.

Well, those of you that never got to see it, or like me want to relive your childhood. Disneyland is re-releasing the movie. Apparently it started a few days ago.

And if, for some reason, you can't make it over/down/up/etc to Sunny Cali, you can watch it (albeit in regular vision) here.

My Love/Hate Relationship....

2010-02-23T08:00:00.004-05:00

with a snow plow.

Okay, I'm all for the majestic beauty of freshly fallen snow. I mean come on... look at this gorgeous picture. All Mid-westerners have seen such beauty. But alas, all too often it turns into this icky, gray, slush crap. Which is why I hate February so much. I get my snow fill about January 4th. Then I'm done. I want no part of it. Ugh! Though, let me tell you, it's very pretty when it snows so much that I don't have to go to work! Alas, such was not the case yesterday.

I decided to skate out of work early. Thinking I could go home and relax a bit, maybe work out on the stationary bike for a bit, watch some olympics and have dinner ready for Hubs and the Wee One when they got home.

Yeah, not so much. When I got home I discovered the the lovely snow plow that oh so wonderfully cleared the roads, cleared them right into my driveway. So, now I'm hoping that I can make it into the garage, yes I've gotten stuck in my driveway more times than I care to admit. Luckily, I was in the SUV so I was okay. The sedan wouldn't have a chance.

Of course, all thoughts of relaxation flew out the window. I had quite the task of snow clearing in front of me.

To make a long story short, I cleared the driveway of all the wet, sloppy, gray, icky mess in just under an hour. Made dinner. And took a nice toasty, relaxing shower. All before 7pm last night.

Quite the productive afternoon, and yes, I did get my workout in. But could we please, please be done with the snow?!?!?!

Lent

2010-02-18T08:00:00.001-05:00

I know I should have posted this yesterday, but oh well. I'm posting it today.

Now, I know many of you know that I am not Catholic, however I do observe Lent. Albeit not in the traditional way. I do it to see if I can. It's a matter of willpower for me. This year, I'm giving up sweets....unless I've already worked out a half hour before. And that's a half hour for each sweet. Again, I realize this isn't a traditional thing. But it's a way for me to eat healthier, and possibily work out more. Granted, once my training for the 3-day Walk starts I'll have no problem here.

So, do you celebrate Lent? I saw a great history piece on Domestic Witch's blog today. And in my research on the history of Lent found out that many Christian denominations don't follow it, primarily for two reasons.

1. It's not in the Bible.
2. It was originally a Pagan holiday/idea.

I'm surprised at the latter since they most definitely celebrate Christmas and we all know that Christ wasn't born on Dec. 25th.

Stats you can't do without...

2010-02-17T08:00:00.001-05:00

The
population of this country is 300 million.

160
million are retired.

That leaves 140 million to do the work.

There are 85 million in school.

Which leaves 55 million to do the work.

Of this there are 35 million employed by the federal government.

Leaving 20 million to do the work.

2.8 million are in the armed forces preoccupied with killing Osama Bin-Laden.

Which leaves 17.2 million to do the work.

Take from that total the 15.8 million people who work for state and city Governments. And that
leaves 1.4 million to do the work.

At any given time there are 188,000 people in hospitals.

Leaving 1,212,000 to do the work.

Now, there are 1,211,998 people in prisons.

That leaves just two people to do the work.

You and me.

And there you are,

Sitting on your ass,

At your computer or smart phone, reading jokes.

Nice. Real nice.

Valentine's Day

2010-02-12T08:00:00.002-05:00

So what are you getting your special someone for Valentine's Day? Do you have a Valentine?

I don't know what I'm doing yet, but I have a cute idea in mind. I think both my big and lil Valentine's will enjoy it!!!!

I'll post some Valentine pics on Monday to share with you all.

Hope this weekend is everything you want it to be.

You Bettah Werk!!!!

2010-02-09T17:00:00.003-05:00

Cue the music!

Covergirl....put the bass in your walk....head. to. toe. make your whole body talk....

I am so excited one of my favorite shows is back for Season 2! Yep, RuPaul's back to find America's Next Drag Superstar.

I love this show. It's like (America's Next Top Model + Project Runway) dipped in Drag = RuPaul's Drag Race.

LOVE IT!!!

You can watch the entire first season or the second season on Tuesdays (after Monday's viewing on TV)

At least check out a promo or two. It's a blast to watch. Especially to see all the transformations. You get to see each contestant in and out of drag. So to see these men become beautiful women is amazing! Just goes to show how much they want this, since they put so much time into looking FABULOUUUUS!