I can, too

Devastation.....

2010-09-02T05:07:00.000-07:00

So, a truly horrible tragedy occurred two days ago that I just can't seem to get over. I broke a nail. Now this might not seem to be a big deal to many people, but anyone that knows me knows the struggles I have overcome concerning my nails. I used to bite them until they bled. Then I wore artificial nails for years and damaged my nails so horribly that I didn't think they would ever be okay. And now they only seem to grow for about one month out of the year. And so I have one chance to have long, polishable nails. They were all 10 long and beautiful, and I had a wonderful french manicure. and then I was opening up a package, and one of them not only broke, it nearly tore off half of my finger. It broke so low that it was bleeding. It was very hard not to cry. So, here's to hoping that it will grow out quickly and I can have another shot at a french manicure since I spent $50,000 on the supplies.

I have 45 fans in my fan club! I find this exciting, because I was all set to be sad about only having 3 or 4. But apparently there are people who will join anything they get an invite to. I heart those people. I did invite my bff from Cali to join, but he said he was too busy doing family stuff. Sounds to me like an excuse to not admitting to being a fan of me. Someday he will give in, because I know that you can only ask someone something 8 million times before they either give in or throw a stapler at you.

Last night I had dinner at Zam-Zam's. He tricked me into eating mock duck. It was actually pretty good. But I don't think it's eating fake duck that makes me gag. It is the thought of eating real duck. And had me tricked me into eating real duck, then he would have been cleaning up my puke and would have found he had one less member in the Zam Zessin Fan Club. I will not EVER eat duck. NEVER!

I should maybe get some more work done......or go on facebook. One or the other.

A fan club? For me?

2010-08-30T08:34:00.000-07:00

My bff Zam has created a facebook fan club for me. At this moment I have 34 fans. If I'm counting myself. Can you even believe that Zam-Zam would bestow such an honor on me? Pretty sure that he is starting it now so that when I am a famous actress he can say that he started the very first club to wprship my talents. Or he was bored.

We are having a 2nd trailer park reunion at the legion. Pretty sure I'm going to get drunk. Especially since I haven't for months and months. And yes, I grew up in a trailer park. And I am very, very trashy. Or not.

I went to a Vikings pre-season game last Saturday night with my sister, Zisa. And I only had to watch Favre play for the first half. Still not a fan, but I haven't said one bad things about him tso far this season. It's not his fault he sucks. And that I hold a grudge. I had the company seats: lower level, row 16, 40 yard line. Best seats in the house!! You wouldn't want to be any closer. And the row in front of us was partially empty, so Zenny, who has season tickets in row 999999, came down to sit by me. Haven't seen her for ages, so that was great.

My dryer broke. There is no heat it in, but it does work with cold air. Which doesn't really dry anything. So I went over to my dad's yesterday to use his washer and dryer. His washer and dryer are electronical and extremely complicated. I think he told me that with all the options and choices available, there are 279 different ways you can wash your clothes. My washer has a "start" button. I did 5 loads and watched 2 movies while I was at his house. At least I have clean clothes.

Ok, off to see if somehow I got a 35th member in my fan club.

Another addiction.....

2010-08-26T05:01:00.000-07:00

I'm beginning to truly believe that I have a problem with addictions. Lip gloss, chai tea, Facebook, and now my blackberry. I never really thought I needed one, but when it was time to upgrade my Gravity, I decided to go the blackberry route. And now I can't put the stupid thing down. It provides me with 24/7 access to the internet (meaning facebook, of course) and is so easy to text and e-mail on. Although it doesn't make chai, it does allow me to purchase lip gloss with 2 clicks.

And to make matters worse, Zam got a blackberry last week. So now I spend 27 hours a day blackberry messaging with him. And he told me about a really cool app I could download that would make the blinking light change colors when certain people call or text me. So now when Zam and Zalyssa text me, the light blinks in a cool pattern called "disco". I freaking love this phone.

This phone is both the best and worst thing that has ever happened to me. With both Zam and ZarahZou having gone from a set amount of texts to unlimited, I am now spending an outrageous amount of time texting. I used to average around 200 per month. My number is now more than 10 times that. Not nearly as many as MissZalyssa's 12,000, but I'm working on it. I may need to have the phone surgically removed from my hand.

And yes, I could even blog from my phone if I wanted to. So I have no excuses for not blogging.

Autumn.....

2010-08-23T04:40:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that summer is almost over. This has been one of the best summers I can remember in a very long time. But, on the other hand, it is also the summer that I became certifiably loony toons cuckoo clock crazy, so maybe not?? I have learned a lot about me these past couple of months. And I have also learned that I have the best friends that anybody could ask for. When I really needed them, they were here for me. And that is despite the fact that all the drama I was going through was completely my fault. They listened, they didn't judge (to my face), and they offered the advice that I needed to hear. So, ZarahZou, Zosie, and Zam: I zove you all. Thank you!

This is also the summer that I met my bff Zam. I am so grateful for all of the times you listened to me whine about the mess I created. And you didn't hold my bad choices against me. I love knowing that I have multiple people that I can really count on, and I'm not sure if I've felt that before.

Then, of course, there are the things that led me to a near breakdown. And I'm a little bit sad that I lost a few people that I found out I couldn't trust or count on. So, to the boy who looks like a goat, coffee guy, and ex-therapist-guy: I don't regret to have met you, but I most certainly regret that I trusted you all with my inner-most thoughts and dreams and feelings. Maybe I was too forthcoming with personal information? Or maybe I just am that naive? If nothing else, I will no longer immediately trust or believe the new people I meet. I have always been pretty good at judging people's character. Until you 3. and it sucks to get so completely f*cked over 3 times in 2 months. But I think going through these situations has helped me to find myself. And I am not nearly as cuckoo clock as I was in June. And yeah, maybe it's all the prescription drugs. Or maybe it's just the experiences I had that made me see who I am and who I want to be. Although the drugs are certainly nice. ;)

And so, I am ready to bid adieu to summer and move forward into the fall. Fall means football and it means it is almost time for college basketball. Even with Favre as the quarterback, I am looking forward to an excellent season. I'm going to the game next Saturday, and even though it's pre-season, it's still exciting. And with the good news that Mbakwe will be playing for the Gopher's, I can not wait for the first tip off. It is going to be a great basketball season!!

So much to look forward to..........

And the Oscar goes to.....

2010-08-20T07:24:00.000-07:00

Um, Me! I am making my off-off-off Broadway Debut in a community production of Peter Pan. And because my reputation proceeds me, I didn't even need to audition! Plus, I know people. I have the most stage time of anyone. And I'm playing the most important role. I will soon be known as the actress that played Fluff the Sleeping Cloud. With 2 whole lines, within the first 5 minutes. I spend the rest of the time sleeping on stage. This is perfect for me! After we wrap up the production, I'm moving to Hollywood to audition for a starring role opposite Jake Gyllenhaal. Or not.

I gave up my virtual fish on facebook in order to devote more time to practicing my lines. You'd think I would be able to remember 2 sentences. But, not really.

Tomorrow is pedicure playdate day with my friend ZarahZou. She is also the costume director for the theater. And she is playing the mother and a pirate. And my favorite 5 year old friend Josh is playing little Michael!

After my pedi, I'm driving up to the northernest most point in MN to pick up MissZalyssa's bestest friend who moved up there after graduation. They haven't seen each other in weeks, so it is imperative that I drive 4 hours to pick her up. I am such a good mom!

I have a new bff. And since he might be reading this, Hi!! to my new bff in CA!

It's United Way time. And as co-chair, I'm soliciting donations. So if my loyal reader has anything else she wants to donate, please let me know.

Still sick....

2010-05-30T21:11:00.000-07:00

this cough just won't go away. It's after 11, I should be in bed. But I can't sleep and the coughing is driving me crazy. Plus I now have a sore throat. Ugh! It is getting so old. and I still have nothing to really blog about.

I have a lot on my mind, but it is not appropriate for this type of forum. Or any type of forum, for that matter. I'm just really mentally exhausted. I could really use a vacation. But I have used up so much PTO with being sick. I've never taken off so much work in such a short period of time. But sitting at work coughing is terrible. and then everyone comes up to me to ask if I'm okay. Geez, I'm just coughing.

And now I've written 2 paragraphs about coughing. This should be a very interesting blog. It used to be a funny, intelligent and witty blog (in my opinion). And now it has become quite lame. And for that I'm sorry. I promise that as soon as I feel better, I will post a blog that will make you AGU. or GOL, whichever is your thing.

Today I spent 6 hours on facebook. 6 straight hours. Is that not pathetic? That is 6 hours I will never get back. And I didn't really accomplish much on facebook, either. Except I did get my fish fed. And I iced a couple of rival mafia people. What a nice Sunday!

I'm very glad I don't have to work tomorrow. Another day of rest! Hopefully tomorrow will be the day I wake up not coughing!

Ok, back to facebook......

Good intentions.....bad follow through......

2010-05-29T06:32:00.000-07:00

I had very good intentions to blog regularly, but I just haven't had much to say. Plus, I've been really sick. I don't think I have ever been this sick before. I've been to the doctor 3 times in 2 weeks. I'm on antibiotics and have 2 different prescription cough medicines, but it is not really helping. This sucks! Not sure how much longer I can go without sleeping through the night. I wake up coughing at least 5 times a night. I'm so tired. But I just can't sleep. at least I have a 3 day weekend to hopefully rest.

I have not been able to exercise for 2 weeks. I miss walking, but I just can't quit coughing long enough. And I feel woozy-ish. Going for a walk would probably not be a good idea if I'm going to pass out a mile from home.

I now have a house full of teenagers. 3, including MissZalyssa. Two teenage boys. It's crowded, but comfortable. The two boys are very good kids, they just really needed a place to stay, and maybe some positive guidance. Yeah, I'm probably not qualified for that. But, I'll try.

There is not much else going on in my life. I've only had one pedicure so far this season. ZarahZou suggested a couple days, but family obligations prevent those days from working for me. I think we have a date set, but I need to make the appointments. I forgot. All of the drugs I'm taking to make me get better are making me quite forgetful.

Ok, I am going to try to go back to bed.

Nothing to say.....

2010-05-04T05:50:00.000-07:00

It's hard to blog when you have nothing to say. And I don't feel like I have anything to say. Good thing that won't stop me from trying, huh? My free time is currently being consumed by a quest to lose weight. And Facebook. I sort of have an addiction to Facebook. I spend hours (and hours, sometimes) a day feeding my fishies, icing people on mafia wars, and lurking on people's profiles. I also, with the help of a couple of enablers, started a cult. Because cults are way cool. It's actually turning out to be not unsuccessful, and it amuses me greatly. I am also greatly entertained by new fbf (facebook friend) Sam. He has a quite hilarious page about referring to conditioner as cream rinse. It makes me AGU (audibly giggle uncontrollably) sometimes.

Saturday is my first pedicure of the season. CAN! NOT! WAIT! I really need one, I have had to resort to polishing my own toenails. And this will be the first ever appointment booked by ZarahZou, so we are not quite sure if it is for 2 people with 2 feet at 9 am, or 9 people with 2 toes at 2 pm. I guess we will see on Saturday at 9 am. That means I have to get up at 7 am. On a Saturday. But a pedi is totally worth it.

I tried to get drunk last Saturday night to help me sleep since I've been sick and unable to sleep. But even after 52 quarts of vodka, all I had to do was pee really bad. And I felt a slight bit tipsy-ish. But not drunk. that made me sad.

A week ago I had beautiful fingernails. But, sadly, 4 of them have met their demise. Is it pathetic to cry over broken fingernails? Because I am. They were so lovely. And now they suck.

I'm out of things to say. But I am blaming the large quantities of cold medication that I have consumed. As soon as I am no longer eating Sudafed by the handful I will try blogging again.

Where there used to be a blog.....

2010-04-23T08:46:00.000-07:00

there is now an empty space. Well, not an empty space really since all the previous blog postings are still there. I don't know why, but I just haven't felt like blogging. and I've always got something to say, so I don't know what's going on. I still don't feel like blogging. But I am anyway. I thought I would share one of my most favoritest po-ems in the entire universe, since it's a little how I'm feeling right now.

The Puppet

The music is soft
yet it is deep
it is slowly begininning to seep
into the inner most thoughts I keep

He hits the piano, his fingers leap
from note to note and key to key
It's hard to believe he's playing for me.

But he is.
Or so he said
by now he's got control
of my head.

I will do
whatever he may say
I am his puppet,
it is me he will play.

~jw 1991

New BFF.....

2009-10-26T07:41:00.000-07:00

Sorry, google. You've been replaced. Google and I have been best friends for the past 5+ years. Google has been able to help me with everything from phone numbers to funeral appropriate dressing. But in light of the fact that I'm sleeping less than 3 hours a night, I've had find a replacement best friend. My new BFF is Sheer Cover light/medium concealer duo. Yes, a few more syllables than google, but it definitely comes in handy in covering up the dark circles under my eyes. I'm not sure what I'm going to do when I run out, because I am not buying a best friend that costs $22. The one I have came in a kit for $25 for 12 pieces. hopefully I can find a concealer in my price range that works just as well. But I doubt it.

This past Saturday I helped ZarahZou move practically across the universe. Her new house is quite cute. And much more conveniently located. She's right down the road from the Mall of America. That would be awesome! My entire body hurts from the physical exertion. I carried at least 3 boxes, so it's understandable why I would be in so much pain. And I got a really nifty "Moving Day Swag Bag". It contained a jar of Olay Pro X wrinkle cream. I am using it around the eye area, hopefully it will eliminate the deep lines under my eyes, and maybe even help with the dark circles. Thank you, ZarahZou.

Saturday night I went to see Always....Patsy Cline. It's a 2 woman play about a lady who loves Patsy's music and then gets a chance to meet her and become friends. It was one of the most entertaining shows I've ever seen. It was quite funny and the music was beautiful. I'm so glad I went. But I've Had "Crazy" stuck in my head since the show. her music is so wonderful.

I've started Christmas shopping. So far I am done with Alyssa's stocking and my m-i-l. I still have some shopping to do. Oh, and I'm done with ZarahZou's either birthday or Christmas present. Probably birthday because it may be sacrilegious to give her this gift for Christmas. So I should probably get started on her Christmas present since I am 23% sure what I want to do, and 187% sure that it probably beyond my skills/motivation. I guess we'll see if I can work it out. If not, she is getting something I find in the back of my closet or garage.

Ok, work to do.

I'm so dizzy, my head is spinning....

2009-10-20T06:24:00.000-07:00

I'm wondering if I set a record today for the most OTC pills taken by a non-drug addict? I'm so freekin' sick (Thanks Zindy). So this morning I took: 1 claritin (Allergies), 1 Mucinex (for my extra mucus - ewww), 1 multi- vitamin (cause I do every day), 1 flax seed oil pill (for my triglycerides), 2 sudafed (decongestant), 2 fish oils (cause my dr. told me to), 4 advil (cause I have a headache), and 6 vitamin c's (cause I can). That is a total of 18 pills. I'm really, really, really sick. And I'm feeling whiny. And tired. And dizzy.

I got 4 inches cut off my hair. For probably the first time in 10 years I do not have any layers. And I'm not sure I like it. I think I might need the layers for volume. It took me over 30 minutes to get my hair to look "wash and go". And I think it might make my face look fat(ter). But I'd like to grow it all out with no layers. Hair is so complicated.

In case anyone (besides me, of course) cares, Dusty Rychart commented on one of my blog postings - from July of 2006. http://zenniezou.blogspot.com/2006/07/my-dusty-autograph.html I just now noticed it when I was re-reading some of my past entries. Not sure when he commented, so I'm not going to respond to the comment. My Dusty autograph is my third most prized possession, the first two being my child and my mom's anniversary ring. I got the autograph by mailing him the picture to Australia and then he signed it and mailed it back to me. My 4th most prized possession is the envelope that he mailed it to me in. While that may seem to some people to be a pretty lame prized possession, it doesn't have much competition. The only other things I own are lip gloss and hand bags. My fake Kate Spade is #5, followed by my authentic Coach scribble tote at #6. I guess if I was making a list, my Dooney & Bourke is #7. My wedding ring comes in at #8- does that make me terrible? I would rate my marriage at my #2 most prized intangible possession, being a mom is #1. If I lost the ring, I'd still be married. I guess ZickyZou is stuck with me. The ring is much less important than the marriage.

MissZalyssa really wants to go to the Jingle Ball concert. She should probably have chosen a better time to ask me. Right now my head is spinning and I feel like crap. The thought of 10,000 teenage girls screaming makes me want to throw up. The thought of spending at least $50 per ticket makes me want to throw up even more. And the concert is at the Xcel. Driving in St. Paul = throw up. Maybe she'll get tickets for Christmas, because I'm such a good mom.

Ok, back to work......

Favoritest is my favoritest word.....

2009-10-14T05:10:00.000-07:00

I found a bottle of my very favoritest lotion while cleaning out my bathroom closet. It's from Mary Kay and is called Kisses by Candlelight. They retired the scent about 4 years ago, so this bottle is OLD. I decided to use it anyway because it smells(ed) so wonderful. So today I smell like 1/2 cinnamony-vanilly yumminess and 1/2 rancid. I hope when people get close to me they only detect the cinnamony-vanilly yumminess. I wish they'd bring the lotion back so I wouldn't have to smell half rancid.

I have a good tip for anyone who commutes to work. If you leave 10 minutes late for work because you just had to feed your virtual fish, there is a good chance you will arrive at work late. I don't actually know this from experience, but I'm guessing that's the way it works. Two days in a row. So if your virtual fish need fed, get up ten minutes earlier to take care of them to avoid being late.

I decided to wear my glasses today, since I did make an agreement with my eye doctor that I would only wear contacts half the week and I'd wear glasses the other half. So I got dressed and was certain I looked great. My hair was perfect, my remnants of acne scarring was exquisitely covered up, I acheived the perfect level of skin evenness, my eyes were expertly lined in a deep purple-plum.. then I put my glasses on and my hair turned into a ratty mess, the scars showed, my skin looked blotchy and pale, and my eyes looked racoonish. This is why I don't wear my glasses more often, they make me look terrible. So I applied an extra coat of blush, because that fixes everything.

I gave in to temptation and bought a new pair of pants so I would have something to wear. They are not a size 8, although I did try on the 8's. And I promptly returned them to the rack for a size (or 2) larger. Someday, hopefully soon, I will be able to wear an 8 again. I can't believe that just one year ago I was wearing an 8. I also can't believe what a huge difference 10 (or 15) pounds makes. But because I'm so undertall, and tend to gain weight in the midsection, 15 pounds is two sizes. Not really fair, but entirely my fault. Eat less, exercise more. And I really am trying to do just that.

I wish I lived with someone who could give me fashion advice. When I ask "Does this look okay", the Zalyssa-monster tells me "Yes" just so I'll leave her alone. And ZickyZou says "You look great in everything you wear" because he thinks I'm fishing for a compliment. But I'm not a fisher-person, I just really want to know if the colors and styles coordinate and if if the top looks a little bit sexy or a lotta bit trashy. I never ask unfair questions like "does this make me look fat". I have a scale to answer that question. I want to know if I match. I'd like them to be more helpful.

Ok, work to do......

5-0!!! Rock On!

2009-10-11T13:23:00.000-07:00

Even with Favre, the Vikings are 5-0! This has been a fantastic season so far. I'm trying really hard to not get too excited, while still trying to be helplessly and hopelessly optimistic. It is so fun to see them win.

So just 2 hours after I posted my last blog entry, I received the company newsletter. I know I'm avoiding writing about work, but this is only semi-work related. So anyhow, there was an article about communication and vocabulary. I won't go into the whole article, but it said that people that tangle words come across as silly. So I assume that goes for people that make up and use words such as electronical, clothesetically, and wonterfullerific. When I told the writer that his article offended me, he seemed to have gotten a little offended. I wasn't really offended, but he may have been. So I hope he knows I think his article was excellent, and I'm sorry if he was unhappy with my comments. I thought my vocabulation-extraordination was part of my endearing charm, but maybe it does make me silly. I can accept that. Anyhow, he's a good-article-writer-guyer, and an all-around-good-guyer, and I don't want him mad at me. And I wonder if he has any idea how hard using spellcheck is for me. =)

Last night I had the house to myself. Zalyssa was at her dad's house and ZickyZou went some kind of hunting. So what did I do? I cleaned my facebook virtual fish tank. then I cleaned other people's virtual fish tanks so that I could get more money to buy more fish for my fish tank. I am officially the LAMEST person I know. I could have gone out somewhere, or watched a movie, or even read a book. Instead, I cleaned online fish tanks. And now the very next question is - why did I start another online thing when I hardly have enough time to take care of my real life, let alone mafia wars and bejeweled blitz. I haven't planted in farmtown in at least 2 weeks. Do I need a fish tank to take care of?

Ok, I have laundry to do and a treadmill to walk on.

Friday.....I'm in love

2009-10-09T05:44:00.000-07:00

Not only is it Friday, and I'm blogging, but I have started to reestablish my infatuation-relationship with the English language. I don't think we'll get past the honeymoon stage, but for today I'm in heart with it. I have always wanted to use the word thwarted in a sentence where it fits. And now I finally have one. It is one of the coolest words ever because of the thw combo. Yes, you may call me a nerd or whatever other name you feel suits me. it is a very multipurposeful word.

Anyhow, my plans about letting the bank have my house have been thwarted. My adjustable mortgage rate has adjusted. To 4.375%. I expected it to remain stable or even adjust UP to the current rate. But, no, it goes down. I cannot walk away from 4.375. It's too good of a rate. So I'm thinking we are going to be stuck in this house for at least another year. Our payment went down over $100 and now the payment is less than the rent would be on the rental I was looking at. My dreams of a swimming pool have been thwarted. And I got to use thwarted twice (or 3 times?) in one paragraph.

Another word I have been liking is electronical. I'm not sure it's actually a word, but it sure sounds cool. Maybe it will catch on.

I'm quite clothesetically challenged at the moment. I'm pretty sure I made up the word clothesetically. Nothing in my flipping closet fits me. I need to lose 10 pounds if I want to wear pants this winter. And since pants are typically not optional at work, I am increasing my workouts. Yes, I could wear skirts, but those don't fit either. It's been a long six months, and I'm okay with only gaining 10 pounds with all the stress I've been under. But don't you think I should have lost weight with all of the hardcore 5k training? And I am now walking 2-3 miles at least 5 times a week. I can't run right now because I'm waiting for the PAINFUL shin splints to heal. One of my poor shins still hurts. But at least I finished a 5k in a semi-decent time. The plan is to do another one in April, and then a 10k next September. This should allow ample time for my shin to heal. The time goal for April is 35 minutes. That should be no problem. Maybe a marathon is not so far-fetched. Or maybe it is. I guess we'll see.

I still have not changed my mind about Favre being a whiny crybaby, but I will say that if he gets me a ring I will apologize to him on my blog and take back 62% of what I said about him. Or maybe 68% if the game is a blowout.

I have to make a heart wrenching decision about what to do with my hair. I'm due for a trim, but do I just trim or do I cut. I don't know if I'm ready to go with a new style, but I would really like a change. I have not colored my hair for a year and I am very happy with the natural color, even though some people don't believe that it's my real color. But now what do I do with it style-wise? Do I grow it out? Or cut it all off? I'm so torn and confused.

I can not wait for the start of the college bball season. If I was counting, which I'm not, I would say that we're about 35 days, 12 hours, 14 minutes, and 11 seconds away from the season opener. But since I'm not counting, the time is not exact. I could be off by a few seconds. I

Back to work.....

Two in the same week!

2009-08-22T21:45:00.000-07:00

Maybe blogging will become a regular thing again. lol I spent the day in Becker at a family reunion. We have one every year, my moms side of the family. Kinda weird without her being there. But I'm glad we went. Lots of food, it was very hard to eat just a regular amount, especially from the dessert table. I could eat brownies all day. But I just had one. And next year, I get to be on the reunion planning committee. I am very good at committees.

I forgot I had an ipod, but I do. And I decided I should use it. So as I running/walking on the treadmill, I pulled out the pretty hot pink ipod. I know a lot of people say that they like all types of music, but I when I say I do, I really mean it. My ipod (thank you MissZalyssa for loading it) has such a wide variety of my favorite cd's. Nirvana, Hole, Poison, Martina McBride, Wilson Phillips, George Michael, Foreigner, Elton John, Everclear. It is a good mix of all of my fav's.

I finished my 3 miles in 44:10 today, so I am certain that I will be 5k ready next month. I was so tempted to take today off, it is Saturday and you shouldn't have to exercise on Saturdays, right? But then I remembered that it is not strictly for exercise, and that if I don't do it today, tomorrow will be that much harder. And plus what if I really need a day off sometime?? So I ran/walked and am glad I did.

I'd like to spend the day on the couch tomorrow in front of the tv, but I think I may need to go to the grocery store. I hate to get dressed for such a quick trip, maybe ZickyZou will stop and pick up a couple things? That would be so nice of him. And he's such a nice guy (as I type, he's looking over my shoulder).

Okay, it's midnight and I'm tired.

Yes, I know I still have a blog...

2009-08-20T19:53:00.000-07:00

I have not blogged in what seems like forever. But I haven't really had much to blog about. My life has been consumed by two things - my mom and work. All of my time and energy has been focused on those two things, and neither are topics that belong in my blog.

But now that I am starting to get back into what is the new "normal", I'm planning on blogging a lot more. Something exciting- I am going to be doing my first ever 5k in September. I have no doubt that I can finish it, I've walked many more than 3 miles, I'm more focused on finishing it by hopefully running/jogging the whole way. Thank you, ZarahZou, for asking me to do this with you. This has been an excellent way to both focus on something positive and get a lot of exercise. I have been on the treadmill every night trying to get myself ready.

Sometime down the road I am planning on volunteering for a hospice program. I'm not ready yet, but eventually I know that it would be a really rewarding experience to visit with patients that are in hospice. I'm thinking that by the spring I should be able to do this. It would be wonderful to be able to give back something to the program that offered so much to my family.

ZickyZou and I are strongly considering moving to Minnetonka. We could rent a place with more room than we have now, for less than our mortgage. And since we both work in Minnetonka, we would save a total of 80 miles per day in commuting. At first I was hesitant about an apartment, but really what is the difference between an apartment and a townhouse? I think home ownership is way overrated. Every time something breaks, we need to pay to fix it. We've spent $1000 on our furnace over the past 3 years. I am okay with renting, and if we made a list of the pro's and con's about moving, there are way more pro's. The money savings, the commute, gas, and we would definitely go with a place that has a swimming pool. and a work out room. Then we wouldn't have a treadmill and an elliptical machine in our living room. We won't be making any moves until the spring, but I'm thinking that it makes the most sense to start packing.

So the Vikings signed Brett Fav-re. I've never been a big fan of him, and that has not changed. I could write pages about my objections to signing him ( like that he's 78 years old, he flip-flops more than I do after a pedicure, and his name is pronounced wrong) , but it's just not worth my time. Maybe later.

Ok, it's way past my bedtime......

It's been a while....

2009-06-26T09:21:00.000-07:00

Thanks for being my first...

What an odd, and funny, statement to hear from a T-Mobile level 3 customer care representative. Lol. I called because Miss Zalyssa's new phone, an LG Xenon, would not send or receive picture messages. Since it's an out-of-network phone, they need to program it for T-Mobile. Aside from one representative who asked if I really needed to be able to use my phone at my home, I have had nothing but positive experiences with T-Mobile customer service. She could not find the phone in her system because it is relatively new. We chatted about the phone for quite a while, it's a pretty cool phone, a touchscreen slider. then she was able to get it programmed and MissZalyssa is now able to take pictures and e-mail them to herself so she can post them on myspace. The level 3 rep ended the call with "thank you for being my first" because this was the first Xenon she had set up. It was funny.

MissZalyssa had to leave her boyfriend for the weekend because she is going up to a cabin with her dad and his family. And Zemily is going with. It was sad, and funny, to see Zalyssa and Zryan say goodbye. I'll miss you *kiss-kiss*, I'll miss you more. lol He's a good kid, very polite and nice. But I'm not sure if I'm ready for the Zalyssa-monster to have a real boyfriend. I'm getting old. I'm thankful for the hilarious fact that she won't even let him near her bedroom because it's such a mess. And she has no desire to clean it, so he may never see the inside of it. That's a good thing! I never thought I'd be glad she had a messy room.

I'm slightly miffed that the T-Wolves did not draft Stephen Curry. Actually, slightly miffed is an understatement. I'm downright cranky and p*ssed. He can score. And he's hot. Super hot. At least they were able to draft 182 guards. Whether the motivation behind drafting every single available guard was to trade or not, passing on Curry is, in my opinion, a huge mistake. Even if my opinion is based mostly on his level of hotness. And Rubio has said he doesn't even want to play in MN. What if we wasted a draft pick on a player we can never sign? On paper, their draft choices aren't terrible. But in real life, we need to rebuild. and we need a franchise player, a face for the team. Curry would have been perfect. At least I'll save money because if Curry was on the team, I'd have gone to a few games.

I'm sad about Michael Jackson passing away. He is THE greatest entertainer ever. He was accused of many horrible things. A jury acquitted him. It's all now between him and God. I am not going to debate whether or not he was guilty, but I am going to state that if he was not guilty, that only added to the torment that he was already going through based on his childhood and teenage years. His music has had a great impact on so many people. He was truly the King of Pop. And his poor children.....I am praying for them, and also that Michael has found the peace in death that he never experienced while alive. So, I end this with some lyrics to my favorite MJ song - "Heal the world, make it a better place, for you and for me and the entire human race. There are people dying, if you care enough for living, make a better place for you and for me".

March Madness Begins......

2009-03-08T08:28:00.000-07:00

I find it very interesting that I can post a review on toysrus.com, and if I type in my password it can automatically add it to my blog. Pretty cool. Not totally sure that I want the review on my blog, but it does make it look like I've been blogging more than I have. Plus, it accounts for the time I haven't been able to blog- I've been wii-fitting.

I am totally addicted to bejeweled blitz on facebook. This is even worse than mobsters on myspace. I will let myself play for one week, and then I will need to give it up. It is sucking up too much of my time.

I'm very disappointed that the Gophers lost to Michigan yesterday. That game could be the deciding factor on whether or not they make it to the tournament. It has been an excellent season, and I'm really glad that I got to see a lot of good games. And the win at Wisconsin - WOW! And the WI Sweep, that is *almost* as good as a one-and-done in the dance. Not quite, but still pretty awesome. And next year......I don't like wishing time away, but I can't wait until next season. And there is always the Big Ten Tournament. Maybe they can win it all. Wouldn't that be awesome?

It is my most favoritest time of year. Non-stop basketball. I just watched the womens Big Ten Tourney. MN lost their first game. They had a decent season, but didn't play very well in a game that could decide their NCAA Tournament fate.

Ok, enough about basketball. I am going to do the breakfast dishes and then maybe clean my house. Well, at least the living room. But first one more game of bejeweled blitz.

My Review of Wii Fit with Balance Board for Nintendo Wii

2009-03-06T07:14:00.001-08:00

Toys R Us

The hit combination of Wii Sports and the Wii Remote brought golf swings and tennis serves into people's homes. Now Nintendo turns the living room into a fitness center for the whole family with Wii Fit and the Wii Balance Board. Family members will have fun getting a core workout, and talking abou...

Excellent workout!

zenniezou Minnesota 3/6/2009

Pros: Fast Setup, Easy To Use

Describe Yourself: Casual Gamer

You can get a REALLY intense workout with the step program and boxing, or you can keep it light with the balance games. The yoga is fun and has improved my flexibilty. I alternate the wii fit with my eliptical machine every other day, and that works great. This would be excellent for someone just starting to exercise, and it's great for someone like me that has exercised 5 times a week for years.

()

#45

2009-01-07T08:52:00.000-08:00

So, I started playing a stupid myspace game called Bloodlines in order to get $25,000in Own Your Friends money. I have managed to get a couple of people very angry at me because apparently I have breached vampire etiquette by attacking the same person more than 3 times. I am only trying to reach stupid level 12 so that I can get the stupid money. and I attacked the same person because I finally found someone I could beat, what with my clan of 1 and my one pair of fangs. whatever. I am on level 11 after 2 days, and I plan to hit level 12 tonight and then I can delete the app and be done with it.

I am halfway done with the third Twilight book. Wow, is it good. I can not believe how into these I am. In case anyone cares, I think I am leaning towards Team Jacob. I think I know that it is not going to happen for Jacob and Bella, but I wish she's reconsider. If he wasn't a vampire, I would think that Edward is a slight bit psychotically-stalkerish-controlling, as sweet as he may be. But, what do I know?

So,I just realized that Colton Iverson (Gophers) is wearing #45. Now, aside from the whole cutesy "Colt 45" thing, my issue with this is that HELLO, there is already a #45, and he can not be replaced. Dusty is, and always will be, #45! Iverson is a perfectly acceptable player, but Dusty Rychart is a large part of the reason that I am a gopher fan, watching him play was inspiring and fun. Plus, he's hot. How can someone else be #45? Did Dusty approve this? My Dusty autograph is signed with #45, and it is a picture of Dusty wearing his #45 jersey. My autograph is now more worthless than it was 10 minutes ago. Actually, to quote a post on Dusty's website "Value is in the eye of the beholder". So to me it is worth eleventymilliodollars! but it has now been devalued by Colt 44 (which sounds fine to me). This is a travesty. Anyone care enough to start a petition?? I would, but I'm kinda lazy. But if someone else starts one, I will definitely sign (provided that they send me a link and I don't have to fill in my name, address and date of birth- that's too much work).

I just ran spell check. Apparently stalkerish isn't really a word??? Someone should start a petition for Merriam-Webster to get that one official. It's a good word.

Ok, back to work......

I heart boys who sparkle...

2009-01-03T17:52:00.000-08:00

I am just about to start reading the second book in the Twilight series. I am excited, even though MissZalyssa told me that it is boring. What does she know?!?! The Gophers won today, they are 13-1. Woo Hoo! That makes me happy. It is so much fun to see them winning. Tubby Smith is a fantastic coach. This is such a change from the past few years when watching them was almost painful. I guess this year is my reward for all of the heartche being a gophers fan has caused me the past few years. I hung in there, and now I am THRILLED!

I am trying to become an expert at Guitar Hero. I'm a long way from moving off the easy setting, but eventually I may be able to move to medium. I can get 100% on Misery Business by Paramour, and I have done a handful of songs missing only 1 note, but then I tried BYOB by System of a Down, and I have a long way to go before I can move up.

I'm waiting for Zickyzou to leave so that I can take a nice long bubblebath with New Moon (the Twilight book). Then maybe I can go to bed early since I have to leave tomorrow at 10 to get my oil changed. I spent today helping MissZalyssa with school.

I took a personality test at mypersonality.info or something like that. I'm an ISTJ. I think the letters stand for introverted, sensory, thinker, and judging??? I don't know, but it was all true.

Ok, bath time.....

23.....23......23.....23.....23.....23....23

2008-12-23T06:47:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's December 23rd. But the 23's are also something much more significant. Important enough for me to actually blog about. I am so freekin' excited. The Gophers are ranked #23!!! I was tempted to print out the poll and sleep with it under my pillow. Not only is Tubby Smith the coach, but we are winning. 10-0!!! We just beat the #9 ranked team in the country. Who, sadly (boo-hoo), dropped to 19. My only wish now is that Blake Hoffarber was oh, say 7-10 years older than he is so that I could have a crush on him. While it would be perfectly legal for me to think he's hot, he was born in 1988, and that just seems wrong.

On a different note, we (meaning MissZalyssa & I) just watched the Get Smart movie. Holy freekin' hilarious. It was one of the funniest movies I've ever seen. We were both rotfloao. At some parts we were laughing so hard we could hardly breath. I recommend it. I didn't expect to like it, and I thought it'd be dumb. But it was very, very funny.

2 days until Christmas. Tomorrow I am baking the bars to take to my sisters house. I am excited about making them. Maybe cause I'm super hungry right now. I could have breakfast, but that would require me leaving my desk. And I'm lazy.

I just finished re-reading Digital Fortress by Dan Brown. Good to quite good. I am now reading Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult. I just started it, but it seems like it will be good.

My big plans for my Christmas vacation include watching The Stand and redeeming myself at Trivial Pursuit the 80's edition. When I play with MissZalyssa, I go through the questions and try to find ones that she has a chance of answering. And she usually gets them right, so she ends up winning. Since I lived through the
80's and she was born in 1992, I figure she deserves a bit of help. Next time I am going to not let her win.....She also beat me at the Simpson's Clue game. That was luck on her part.

Ok, I should probably get back to work. I just wanted to make sure the entire world knows that the Gophers are # freekin' 23. And that I would think Blake Hoffarber was hot if I was under 23.

Hmmmm...

2008-11-29T17:11:00.000-08:00

Just trying to figure out why I've been such a bad-blogger-keeper-upper-person? The only real answer is that I'm lazy. I'd rather watch tv or exercise. Plus my life is sooo boring.

Last Saturday I went to the legion. I drank too much. Way too much. I even danced. Except I can't actually dance. I puked. A lot. I had fun. I'm planning on doing it again, except I'll skip the last 2 gin & tonics. I was fine with 3 beers, 3 vodka/cranberries and 1 vodka/cranberry/sour. It was the stupid gin & tonics that got me drunk.

I cooked a most-excellent Thanksgiving dinner. I'm a pretty fantastic cook. And I have tons of leftovers. We are going to be eating turkey for at least 2 weeks. Yippy to no cooking.

I didn't want to do any Black Friday shopping, but around noon I decided to run to Walmart to get milk and bread. I spent $150 and was able to cross nobody off my Christmas shopping list. But I did get a couple of really great stocking stuffers for ZickyZou & the Zalyssa-monster. Plus, I decided to jump on the bandwagon and I bought the Twilight book. I'm about to start reading it. It better be as good as everyone says. I'm just torn about starting it right now because I am watching the movie Lorenzo's Oil, and it is rather fascinating. I like the whole science part of the movie.

Ok, I'm going to finish the movie and then maybe be trendy and read this book. Zalyssa finished it in a few hours, she actually stayed up late reading a book. First time ever....

Tonight!

2008-10-21T06:32:00.000-07:00

Well I guess it's a brand new day after all
Every time we hear the curtain call

Yes, tonight is the New Kids on the Concert. I am way freekin' excited. I have been listening to my greatest hits cd and feeling nostalgic. I so remember why I hearted New Kids. The music, while very cheesy, is excellent. I still love every song. And I still love Joey McIntyre. I feel so junior high, but I've been waiting for this night since we first started talking about buying the tickets in March. They want on sale in June, so I have known I'm going for 5 months! That's almost half a year. It better be worth the wait.

I'm still trying to decide what to wear. This shouldn't be such a hard decision. I'm also debating about leaving work early. But I have tomorrow off so I have to get some work done. Not much being done today, just listening to my nkotb cd.

Ok- work to do so I can leave on time!

Sundae???

2008-10-19T07:16:00.000-07:00

I'm really feeling like I'd like some ice cream. It is 9:00 on a Sunday morning, I haven't had breakfast, and I'm sitting around in a bathrobe and slipper socks. And all I can think about is ice cream. Maybe I should have some real food first. I think for breakfast today I will have my very last Nutrisystem blueberry panacke (package says makes 2-3, yeah, right!) topped with fresh strawberries and banana. And maybe some milk.

I made chili yesterday. MissZalyssa said it was the best chili she's ever had. But she wasn't sure if it was because the chili was super good or because it was the first time that she had chili topped with sour cream. She loves sour cream. I thought the chili was most excellent. I am a very good chili-cooker-person.

I got an invitation to a Halloween party at the heating and cooling fixing place that I have on retainer. MissZalyssa was reading the invitation and then she said "OMG, that is so gross". OK, what's so gross? "They are eating a horse". Now, I had already read the invitation and don't remember reading that. So I asked her what she was talking about. "They are serving horse devours. What are horse devours". So I think for a second. And then another second. Then I crack up. I mean I really crack up, the kind of laughing that makes tears run down your face and you get out of breath. Then I explained that they are having hors d'oeuvres. So then she asked why it's spelled like "horse devours". And for once when I said "it's French" I was actually correct.

I am on level 137 on Mobsters. That makes me feel sad about all the hours I've wasted playing that stupid game. It is so flipping pointless. And it's the same thing over and over. Fight some mobsters, do one of 3 missions, buy a property, do missions again, buy a massive missle thingy. Repeat. Reapeat. Repeat. It's getting kind of boring.

Ok, I'm going to go make those pancakes (right after I fight a couple mobsters).

...or not.

2008-10-09T12:48:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been awhile. I'm a bad-blogger-keeper-upper. But since very few people read this anyway, does it even matter?

Weight Watchers update- Last Saturday I got my 25 pound award. This Saturday I will be returning it since I am certain I have gained at least 25 pounds this week. A donut, 3 pieces of pizza, 5 pieces of licorice, 3 (or 4 or 5) mini candy bars, lots and lots and lots of applecrisp. It's been a bad week. But I am accepting responsibility for my errors in judgement and am moving on.

I really, really, really wish that George Michaal wasn't such a freakazoid, because I am listening to my The Best of George Michael 2 disc set, and I love him, the songs, his voice. So why does he have to break the law so much??? I think that Father Figure may be on my top ten all time favorite song list. That list has been in the works for months. When I started the list, there were about 100 songs on it. I'm trying to get it down to 10. Anyhow, I really like Father Figure, and I think it may be the sexiest, romanticist, tragicist, lovelyist, dramaticist, beautifulist song ever. Or it could be perverted and about child molestation. I'm going with option A and to the critics, I say take the song at face value and don't over-think it. I'm going with the crime part referencing homesexuality (not an illegal type of crime, but one that some people may see as a moral crime) and the tiny hands signifying that the singer is stronger than the person he is singing to (therefore, he is not singing to a child). Why do people have to try to turn something beautiful and innocent into something creepy? I heart George Michael.

The biggest problem I am having with the list of my favorite songs is that I really love so many songs. How do I choose just one song from Madonna or Elton John? Impossible. So I left Madonna off the list and went with The One by Elton. It is the second most sexiest, romanticist, tragicist, lovelyist, dramaticist, beautifulist song ever. My goal is to finish the list sometime this year.

I'm cranky. I am having lots of people-relating issues.

I'm having an issue with someone that is suffering from an overinflated self-image. People that think they are more important then they actually are really bug me. I'm not going to name names or give details.

There are 2 people that are being rather negative towards my weight loss success. They are purposely trying to sabatoge me and they constantly ridicule my healthy food choices. They tell me that I exercise too much and that they don't have time to exercise. Then they complain that they can't lose weight. Then they shove a donut into their mouth. Then they repeat the entire process, but this time they add that it's unfair that I have lost weight when they haven't. Then they have fast food for lunch. Then ice cream for lunch-dessert. Then they repeat that they can't lose weight. Ugh!

Ok, time to go home.....

I heart vanity sizing....

2008-09-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, so the last time I weighed 150 pounds, I wore a very comfortable size 14. That was in 2001. Today at 150 pounds I can comfortably wear some size 10's. At my goal weight in 1999 I could barely fit into 10's. When I lose 10 more pounds to get to goal this time, I will likely be comfortable in 8's. Apparently some manufacturers made these changes to make women feel better about their pants size. Yeah, well, all it really does is frustrate me because now when I shop consignment, I need to try on items because I don't know if it's a 2008 size 10 or a 2001 size 10.

My weigh in on Saturday was not bad. I lost another pound for a grand total of 22.2. Or 42.2 depending on where you want to start counting from - my top weight or my joining weight watchers weight. I celebrated by having a small popcorn and a large diet pepsi at the American Idol concert. Thanks to my wonderful cousins for giving me the ticket. Unfortunately, another cousin had to get sick in order for me to go, but I wish her a speedy recovery. The concert was excellent. I really like Jason Castro. I enjoy the folksy-relaxing type of music he sings. But I also REALLY like David Cook. He is rather hot. I had fun and it was nice to get out.

Speaking of getting out, I have a pedicure scheduled for next Saturday. I really like pedicures. I also like getting together with Zarah-Zou, so combining 2 of my favorite activities is a win-win. I am thinking I'd like to go with a light pink color this time. I went from Lincoln Park After Dark (a dark black-purple) to Redipus Oedipus, which is a pearly pink - dark red. So I am thinking either a mauve or a light pink. hmmmm..... decisions.

I am getting so frustrated with the myspace mobsters game. I keep getting my azz kicked and all my money is going to equipment upkeep so I can't buy any more properties to make more money. I am (embarrassed to admit) that I am on level 61. That proves that I am pathetic and I have no life. But now I'm rather stuck since I can't win any more fights because I don't have enough equipment. I can't buy more because my money is being sucked up. I guess the only answer is to quit playing???

Next Monday is my one year anniversary. Hard to believe that I've been married for a whole year. We are going to celebrate by going out for Mexican. And I am going to eat the whole basket of chips and white dip. Well, I'll eat chips until the white dip is gone. I don't want any chips without the white dip. And then I am going to have a cheese enchilada. and I'm going to enjoy it. While I completely realize that nothing tastes as good as being thin feels, the white dip comes close. Plus, isn't that what my 35 weekly flex points are for?

Ok, I should probably get some work done....

I heart stickers......

2008-08-19T06:39:00.000-07:00

So I haven't blogged for awhile because I just haven't felt like it. I don't really want to write about serious issues, and since I am dealing with a serious issue, it's been easier not to blog. But since real life is not going to just go away, I will have to deal with reality sometime. Just not in my blog. I want it to be light-hearted, maybe even slightly humourous. So, therefore, I shall not address any real issues and concerns. Because I don't want to and I don't have to. Maybe once I sort out my mind, I can write about my mom's health. So just because I don't write it doesn't mean that it is not on my mind every waking hour.

So, moving on, I should probably note that my heart has been shattered in my fantasy life. I hate, hate, hate my addiction my websites like mncriminals.com. I have been trying hard to stay away, and it's been months, but I went there today. And I entered the name of my most favoritest basketball player ever. The basketball player that I have been lusting after for freaking 10 years. The only man I would ever drop everything and run away with. My one and only true love (besides, of course, my husband). So, anyhow, his name came up with a violation. Turns out my dream man got himself a dwi in June. I know that plenty of good people get dwi's. Just not the people that I am planning on living on a secluded island with. I thought he was smarter than this. He's freekin' loaded, no reason he should be behind the wheel risking his life and the lives of others. I'm not quite sure how to deal with this. 10 years of dreams and fantasies down the drain. I suppose to some people, a dwi isn't a major deal-breaker. But to me(maybe because of my families history with alcoholism??) it just might be. He's 30. He's lived in 7 different countries. He should be old enough and responsible enough to figure out a back up plan. Maybe I can get past this. Or, maybe I should grow up and get over my crush on some guy I'll likely never meet (although I do have his autograph). The end.

Saturday night I went to the Tokio Hotel concert. Wow! I was not (and might still not be) a huge fan, but something about being that close to the stage was amazing. I was probably 7 rows away from the stage - it was standing room only. I got water thrown on me by either Bill or Tom (I don't know who's who). Zalyssa and Zemily were one row away from the stage. They swear that Tom or Bill made eye contact with them. They had a blast. We split up so that they could get closer, and the certainly did. I have never thrown more elbows at minors in my entire life. But people kept pushing into me, and it was really making me mad. I had to yell a couple of times because there was a kid a couple people in front of me that kept getting pushed into. I think I scared people because I was the only person that had foot room, leg room, and plenty of elbow room. And I got a thumbs up from the kids parents. But, memo to the guy dressed all in white that was missing a tooth that was pushing the heck out of me trying to get in front of me: 1) the all white didn't work, you look dumb. 2) You spit in my hair when you talked because of your missing tooth. Not cool. Rather disgusting. A sign of dumbness 3) I hope the elbow in the ribs left a mark. I'm pretty sure you are dumb.

I am very glad I went to the concert. It was an excellent experience. And Tom and Bill (or is it Bob) are pretty hot, and they are totally over 18 so it's okay for me to say that. I never thought I'd dig the androgynous look, but it's working for them. And they do a great performance. I may buy a cd. Or I may not. I'm getting old for celebrity crushes. And since I may have ended my fantasy affair with the b-ball player, it would be unwise to replace him with 2 rockstars not even old enough to drink.

Oh, my weigh-in update- total lost as of 8/16 is 19.4 pounds. I have changed my weigh in meeting day to Saturday mornings at 8:15. That seems to fit in better with my newly redesigned life. I hate getting up that early on a Saturday, but it's the only way I can work it out to be able to help my mom with breakfast on Saturdays. So, I guess I gotta do what I gotta do. I would really like to hit 20 pounds on Saturday. Then I get a sticker. I like stickers. They make me happy. When I hit 20 pounds lost, I will officially be only 12 pounds overweight. 12 pounds away from the "normal" bmi. I started with an obese bmi, so I am making progress. But it will be nice to be normal. And hopefully healithier. And in a smaller size. Ok, that's it for now.

I'm cranky....

2008-07-20T08:29:00.000-07:00

For the first time ever, I almost started crying in the dentist's chair. I was in for my routine 6 month cleaning. I mentioned that the crown that I had gotten in December on the tooth that I got root canaled last September was extremely sensitive to hot and cold sometimes. The doctor said that I shouldn't feel anything in that tooth and she immediately ordered an xray.

Good news- the tooth that I had the root canal in is minorly infected. The tooth behind that tooth is really infected. And I need to have the wisdom tooth that is behind that tooth removed. Can we say eleventy-million-dollars. Nice, huh? I heart the dentist. No, I double-heart the dentist.

So, I get to go and see a specialist to see what the "plan of action" is. Lovely.

I really wanted to hit 10% at Weight Watchers. I did not. I am 1 pound away from 10%. I did, however, lose 16 pounds. So now everyone knows how much I weigh. Oh, well. Whatever. Does it really matter if everyone knows how much I weigh? They can simply look at me and tell that I am not at a healthy weight. Not a secret. I am 16 pounds away from my WW goal weight.

Ok, I am going to the mall to return some pants that I ordered on-line and they are TOO BIG. Unbelievable. Nothing is ever too big for me. Until now...

I'm very sad....

2008-07-04T18:15:00.000-07:00

I just got a very sad e-mail from Zenny, who was my best friend in the entire world for all of junior high and high school and for quite a few years after that. Her mom, who was one of my favoritest people in the world, passed away. I really, really loved Ann, she was a most excellent person. I got to do so many great things that I would not have been able to do without her. Going on the field trip to see the murals in Minneapolis, picketing when the post office was on strike (I still remember "Working for Runyan gives us bunions" or whatever it was that we chanted as we marched), going to Tybee Island in GA.... There are so many fun memories. I'm glad I have those.

The memorial service is on my birthday. There should be a rule against funerals on your birthday. You should never, ever have to feel sad on that day. With this happening on top of knowing that we are going to start looking at assisted living facilities for my mom, I am very sad and could really use a pedicure. ZarahZou, when is the next Saturday you are free? Not that a pedicure will cure what ails me, but it would be an hour where I could escape from reality. I could use a break from real life.

2008-07-02T13:54:00.000-07:00

I'm back from my vacation. It was so hard to come back. I had so much. We did so many fun things- Epcot, Universal, Islands of Adventure, Cocoa Beach, and an outlet mall. I went to an outlet mall and didn't even buy myself anything. Unless you count a smoothie at TCBY as buying myself something. I did buy misszalyssa her very own Coach handbag. It's a swing pack, and was on super-sale for an excellent price. I was quite tempted to buy myself one. But I just can't justify $71 for a bag that is too small to carry.

The plane ride down there was very TURBLUENT. I was certain that the end wasnear. It felt like someone picked up the plane and was shaking it side to side and up and down. I was quite terrified. But we made it through.Florida was HOT! and HUMID! I sweated (which apparently isn't a word???) a lot. One day I wore misszalyssa's Hollister shorts and tank top. I never thought I'd be able to squeeze myself into Hollister, but I did, and I think it looked ok. Not great, but ok.

Too bad I had to come home. I like vacation. At least I only have a 3 day work week thanks to the 4th of July. I like 3 day work weeks. I got started back on counting points yesterday, and I even walked on the treadmill. Very hard to do after 8 days of undisciplined eating and no structured exercise. I can't wait to see how much I gained when I weigh in tomorrow night. I will be okay with a gain of 3 pounds. But no more than that.

I find it quite ironic that the same person that was making fun of the people who ran down to the cafeteria for "FREE DONUTS" is eating Jimmy John's for lunch. I don't want to spoil the fun for anyone, so I invite you to go to Jimmy John's website yourself and check out the nutritional information of any of the sandwiches. Any of them. They are all equally as bad. Many of them are equal to or exceed my full days allotment of WeightWatchers points. You'd think that a vegetarian sandwich would be a healthy choice. Not true, unless a healthy choice has 640 calories and 36 grams offat. So I could have 3 "unhealthy" donuts or a "healthy" vegetarian sandwich. Hmmm......

I have a stye in my eye...

2008-06-19T20:16:00.000-07:00

Of course I have a stye in my eye, I am leaving for Florida in 4 days. My vacation would not be complete without a major disfigurement. I am currently holding a hot compress to my eyelid and praying.

I had my weekly weigh-in tonight. I am .2 pounds away from 15 pounds lost. Two tenths of a pound. Sooo close. And I had no clothes I could take off to assist me. I won't be going next Thursday since I will be on vacation, but maybe the week after that I can hit the 15 pound mark.

In happier news, the Big Ten Network and Comcast reached an agreement!!! This is frickin' fantastic. Yippy for being able to watch the Gophers in my own house!!! It almost makes me feel better about having my vacation ruined by an enlarged eyelid.

Ok, it's late....

3 cool things....

2008-06-05T19:23:00.001-07:00

Ok, first cool thing. I went over to ZarahZou's today to meet her adorable little baby girl. She did not name her rudolphtherednosedreindeerfionahonker. Zarisol is just the sweetest little thing, and made me briefly contemplate the possibility....But, no. No more.

Next cool thing - when I went to my Weight Watchers weigh-in, I wanted to lose 2 pounds to hit the 10 pound mark and get another 5 pound sticker. I not only hit the 10 pound mark, I am halfway to another 5 pound sticker. My total weight loss to date is 12.8 pounds. woo-hoo.

3rd cool thing- I am for surely going to the New Kids on the Block concert. We have our tickets. 16th row. Just close enough for Joey to hear me screaming. I listened to the Hangin' Tough cd on the way home from ZarahZou's. Since there was a detour, it took me like an hour and a half to get home, so I had plenty of time to listen. I still know all the words. I'm ready. I just can't decide what to wear.

I am having a problem with deoderant residue build-up. How in the h-e-double-hockey-sticks do I get it off my armpits. I have tried regular soap, exfoliator, shampoo, dish soap, laundry detergent, and face wash. Maybe I need to try some bleach and a bristle pad???

Ok, I am going to have my 4 point snack and then I'm going to bed. I really like that I am on a "food plan" where I am able to eat this close to bedtime guilt-free. As long as I plan right, I can save enough points for a decent snack, and I like that. I heart food. But I also think I would heart being at a healthy weight. So combining the two things I heart would be awesome!

My friend, the scale....

2008-05-24T16:10:00.000-07:00

At my Thursday weigh-in, I was very happy to find out that my total weight loss for two weeks is 8.6 pounds. I am only 1.4 pounds away from 10 pounds! I am not mad at the scale this week. Usually I hate the scale. Now I have only 23.4 pounds to go. Woo-hoo!!!

I also found out that I may be getting a $250 bonus for getting my CISR designation. I was reading the employee manual and it said that, so I asked about it and it looks like I will get it! Free money! Right in time for my trip to Florida. Only 4 weeks to go! I can't wait.

Tomorrow morning I am getting up at 7:00 so we can drive to North Dakota. It's about a 7 hour drive. We'll drive down there, go to a graduation party for about 3 hours, spend the night in a hotel and then get up at 7:00 Monday to drive 7 hours home. I like being in the car for 14 hours in 2 days. I packed a bunch of 2 point bars and snacks so that I have super Weight Watcher friendly things to eat. I am getting good at planning ahead.

There is an awesome ebay seller who sells really cute shoes. So far I have bought 4 pairs from her. I just got a super cute pair of brown sandals. I have been looking for sandals like this forever. And they were brand new. I also got a couple pairs of nearly new Naturalizer sandals for super cheap.

I am making a pizza for dinner. 1/5th of the pizza is 9 points. I have 13.5 points left for the day. But how do I figure out 1/5 of the pizza??? I can cut it in 6ths. But how do I cut it in 5ths?

Ok, the timer is going off.....

The weigh....

2008-05-16T08:59:00.000-07:00

Last night was my first Weight Watcher's weigh in. I was very happy with the results. I lost 5.8 pounds the first week. Almost 6 pounds is a significant amount, in my opinion. I am pretty good at losing weight. I just wish I wasn't even better at gaining it back. I keep telling myself that this time it will be different because I'm more devoted, more dedicated, more inspired. But I start every time with those same thoughts. But maybe this time will be different. Plus, I'm really too broke to buy food, so that will certainly help. Weight Watchers is so easy, so I can't understand why I have had such problems in the past staying on track. It really is simple - you have a set amount of points for the day. When the points are gone, you are done eating. And I even had enough points to have a piece of cake on Mother's day. Oh, well. 5.8 down, 26.2 to go.

I'm starting to get really tan. And Florida is getting closer and closer. 5 weeks. I can't wait! I could really, really use a vacation. I like vacations.

So, are New Kids on the Block going to bring their tour to Minnesota? Because I'd really like to see them in concert again. It's been, um, a few years since I was 14 and attended my very first concert. I was convinced that Joey McIntyre was going to marry me. Things didn't exactly turn out as I had dreamed they would, but I guess my current reality is better than my junior high fantasy. Plus, he's not really as cute as I thought he was back then. And he's not nearly as successful in real life as he was in my dreams. Oh, well.

I got a new garbage can for the kitchen. It is much better than the old one. Only problem is that now I have 2 garbage cans in a kitchen that was hardly big enough for 1. I really need to clean my house, starting with the kitchen. The old one needs to go. Why am I so lazy and unmotivated? At least I'm wearing semi-clean clothes and I almost even brushed my hair today. I have some issues to work on. I'll start tomorrow.

Next Sunday I am going to North Dakota for my nieces graduation party. I can't believe that she's graduating high school already. I used to babysit her when she was 3 years old. Time flies. It is going to be challenging to stay on Weight Watcher's while going on a trip like this. Even though it's only 1 night, there is still so much to deal with. We are leaving at 7:00 in the morning and stopping for breakfast. So I need to plan for that. Then we'll be stopping for lunch. And then dinner. Then breakfast the next day. And maybe lunch. And I want to stay as on-track as possible. This is going to take some planning and motivation.

Ok, back to work......

Third times the charm?!?!?!

2008-05-11T16:29:00.000-07:00

So I joined Weight Watchers again. This is the third time. Hopefully this time it will "stick". I know what to do, I just don't know why I have such a problem doing it. I am very good with walking on the treadmill and drinking water and eating vegetables. But why do I have to undo all the good by eating cake and candy and garlic bread and other junk?

We had a Mother's day lunch at my sister's house. We grilled WW-friendly turkey burgers on low fat buns w/ low fat garlic-dill mayo. Very, very good. And I made a most excellent broccoli-cauliflower salad w/ fat free mayo. Yum! Alyssa made a cake w/ a fat free tapioca and fresh strawberry center. It was excellent, but it cost me all of my WW points. Oh,well. It was worth it.

I know that I should be walking on the treadmill, but what if I just don't want to? I guess I get to do it anyway, huh? Maybe I'll get an elliptical machine? But where would we put it? We are kind of way out of extra room.

MissZalyssa and I went to Great Clips to get our haircut on Saturday. It cost me $52 for 2 haircuts. The girl who cut my hair managed to convince me that I need this $15 bottle of heat protection stuff. She told me that I have excellent hair and that if I protect the ends, it will be even more healthy and beautiful. How could I say no to that?

Ok, I have some dishes to do, laundry to fold, and an appointment with my friend, the treadmill.

And the winner is....

2008-04-30T15:14:00.000-07:00

Me, of course. I win. I started a new contest. It's called "Let's go to the grocery store and see who can spend the most money without actually buying anything". I just spent $50 and left with hardly anything. Some banana's (which must be $17.59 a pound) and a couple of items that were 10 for $10.

I am very excited that I am going to see Kathy Griffin in October. Yippy!

Secret memo to ZarahZou- when do you want to get a practice pedicure? It's probably a good idea if we get lots of practice ones before I go to Florida so that I can make sure I know how to get them. What if I forget?

My dentist sent me a very nice courtesy reminder that I haven't paid my bill yet. That was so thoughtful of them. Memo to the dentist: I can't pay my bill right now because I'm too busy giving all of my to the grocery store in exchange for a couple of banana's and a tub of sour cream.

I'm selling my pink Coach on ebay. I'm kinda worried because the bidding is only up to $23.50. It's worth about $70-80, but I'd like at least $50. But that's the risk you take when you start the bidding at $.99. I hope it goes up.

Ok, I'm going to do the dishes. I like doing the dishes just about as much as I like paying the dentist.

I'm not really a waitress,,,,

2008-04-27T12:22:00.001-07:00

But I do have really pretty toes. "I'm not really a waitress" is the name of the OPI nail polish that I have on my toes. I got my first pedicure of the season yesterday, and it was most excellent! I like pedicures. After the pedicure, ZarahZou and I went to a Chinese buffet for lunch. I like Chinese buffet's, too. It was an excellent day. I also got my Pampered Chef products. it was almost like Christmas. I got so many fun things. I can't wait to use them.

ZickyZou thinks I'm brilliant. He told me so about 50 times. We went out for Chinese Friday night. Like I always do, I dipped my egg roll first in the spicy mustard then in the sweet & sour. He told me that it looked disgusting. I told him it was most excellent and to try it. He did. And he liked it. And told me that I was absolutely brilliant for inventing it. And he told me a zillion times over the rest of the night how brilliant I am. It's the little things.

I'm going back to Weight Watchers. The third time might be the charm. Hopefully. I'd really like to lose 30 pounds. But I'll settle for 25. I weigh about what I weighed the first time I joined WW. And I was able to lose 25 pounds. too bad I couldn't keep it off. This time I am more determined.

I'm selling my pink Coach pebbled leather handbag on ebay. It's going to be hard, but it's time to let it go. Plus I need to $$. So, I'm off to take pictures of it.....

Tator tot hotdish

2008-04-22T15:54:00.000-07:00

Tonight I made tator tot hotdish. Even thought ZickyZou doesn't really like it, it's something that both me and princess enjoy, so every so often I make it. And since I rinsed off the 93/7 hamburger and used 98% fat free cream of celery, it isn't terribly unhealthy. Except that the tator tots are my favorite part. And there is enough elftover that we can have it again on Thursday (we are having chicken tomorrow night since I already took it out of the freezer) and maybe even some left for Friday!

Last Friday night ZickyZou and I went to the Twins game. It probably would have been fun (awesome seats) but they lost. And plus ZickyZou promised to catch me a Justin Morneau home-run. Except the Twins didn't even score one run, let alone a home-run. That was sad. But it was a nice night out.

Next Saturday morning I have an appointment for my first pedicure of the season. I am meeting ZarahZou at the beauty school so we can both get our feet made pretty. Then we can go out to lunch and show them off. I miss e-mailing with her everyday. (sniffle...sniffle). But today I spent my work day learning about the quadratic equation. I am now a semi-expert on -b - the square root of b squared times 4 times a times b over 2a. I hope that's right since I've been chanting it to myself for the past 4 hours. I now think I know semi-enough to teach it to my daughter maybe. Except she doesn't want to learn it. And I really wish that someone would give me an example of how it applicable to real life. Plus, it doesn't make sense to me how a math problem can have 2 answers. Oh, well.

I just finished reading Duma Key, the newest Stephen King novel. It was actually not bad. I expected it to be crazy. I read Lisey's Story and couldn't believe that the brilliant guy that wrote The Stand wrote about Lisey. But, Duma Key helps him redeem himself. I just started the newest book by Harlan Coben, but I can't remember the name. It's okay so far, but I think I need to read something lighter next. Maybe I'll re-read a Shopaholic book.

MissZalyssa wants to get a job so that she can get another cat. I don't think that Tabby-Wabby would appreciate that. She doesn't even like that we live here, I can't imagine how she would feel about another animal.

Ok, I need to go over to my parents house to help my mom with something. Then the treadmill......

I hate my treadmill....

2008-04-02T18:54:00.000-07:00

I just had to say that. It works perfectly fine. But it makes my feet hurt and it makes tired. If only it would make me skinny.....I just saw an ad on myspace that said "Are you fat? Take this quiz to find out". Do people actually click on that crap? I don't really need an on-line quiz to tell me that I need to lose weight (I have my doctor for that). Do you type in your height and weight and then SHAZAM! it tells you if you're fat? Brilliant. I wonder if you have to put in you credit card # first.

Saturday zarahzou and I are co-hosting a Pampered Chef party. I am rather excited because I am going to make my favorite taco dip and I have been walking extra on the treadmill so that I can eat it and only feel slightly guilty. It's no wonder that I hate my treadmill. I have walked for 60 minutes a night, 4 (sometimes 5) nights a week for a month. I have eaten around 1500 calories most days, 1800 a couple of days. I have lost .5 pounds. Yes, that is half a pound. at that rate, I am going to walk 5,865,432 miles before I lose 10 pounds. And my doctor suggested I lose 20 to even consider going off the blood pressure medication.

Misszalyssa wants a new ipod. Since I just bought her a new phone, I told her that she needed to find a way to pay for it. She is returning her new Juicy Couture swimsuit (that I know she really wants to keep) and she is selling a bunch of stuff on ebay. Hopefully she'll get enough $. Selling stuff on ebay is a pain in the azz. But it's a good lesson for the princess - having to give up old stuff to get new stuff.

I just finished a book called "Damaged" by Cathy Glass. The book is very well-written, but the subject matter is extremely disturbing, especially since it is a true story. It's written by a lady who is a foster care provider and it's about one of the children she took in and the horrific abuse that the little girl suffered before being placed into foster care. When I finished it, I was deeply disturbed and sad. I read the whole book on Saturday because I couldn't put it down. I wanted a happy ending. But I don't think that there is truly happy ending for a child who is put through so much.

I also just finished "Honor Thyself" by Danielle Steele. It was okay. Just another Danielle Steele book. They are pretty much all the same. I am now reading a double novel by Harlan Coben. I think I may have read at least one of the two books before. Good thing my memory is shot. I can re-read a book and not even know it.

Zomeone that I e-mail every single work day, usually at least 100 e-mails a day back and forth got in trouble for sending me e-mails. I'm sad without being able to e-mail her. I told Zickyzou that she got in trouble for e-mailing me. He said that it was dumb she got into trouble. Then I told him how many e-mails we usually send and he said that we should both get written up. But the funny thing is, I get more work done when I'm e-mailing her than when I'm not. When I am e-mailing her, I have to stay at my desk and work super fast. When I'm not e-mailing her, it's easy to get up and walk around and talk to people or to get side-tracked and be doing something off of the computer.

Ok, it's 9:10 and I want to go to bed early.

March Madness!!

2008-03-16T14:22:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year- my favorite time. Hours upon hours of basketball. The only thing that could make it better would be if the Gopher's were going to the dance. They should make it to the NIT, and they did have a decent season, so I'm not totally disappointed. And there's always next year.

My house is almost clean. Nick and I just finished a 3 hour marathon of scrubbing and vacuuming and dusting. There is still plenty left to do, but we got a lot done. We are cleaning in anticipation of Easter dinner. I'm making lasagne, ham, homemade mac & cheese and green bean casserole. I can't wait.

Last week Alyssa decided that she wanted to become a vegetarian. I decided to semi-join her. I will gladly eat veggie burgers and fake chicken patties for dinner, but there is no way in the world that I'm swearing off steak. I am willing to completely give up chicken and pork, but there is nothing better than a huge slab of steak, somewhere between rare and medium-rare. So, we ate vegetarian every night last week. Maybe we'll become healthy.

Tabby-wabby can be quite the bratty-watty. She knows how to get treats. I've told her 10 times today that she wasn't getting any more treats. So what does she do??? She lies down right behind the computer chair so that it can't be pulled out because she thinks that that is going to get her a treat to get her to move. It worked. This time.

Ok, the selection show is about to start. That's the real kick-off to March Madness.

I heart ebay!

2008-02-16T07:35:00.000-08:00

I booked my trip to Orlando last week. June 23-30th. That is a long ways away, but it should give me enough time to lose 20 more pounds. That's my goal. But I'll accept 15 because I'm an underacheiver.

I just bought all of my Florida shorts off of ebay. I just got three pairs from the same seller (2 Old Navy's and a DKNY) for $24.50 total. Then from another seller I got 2 pairs of Old Navy's for about $15. That is 5 pairs of shorts, and the exact amount I need for my vacation. I'm happy with my purchases. And I have like 4 sleeveless tops that I got from Kohls on clearance for $4 or less each. I think I'm ready to start packing.

Last night I watched 2 movies and the new episode of Degrassi. I watched "A Mighty Heart" with Angelina Jolie. It's the story of the journalist Daniel Pearl who was kidnapped and beheaded in Pakistan. It was very good, but so sad. I also watched "28 Weeks Later." It freaked me out. I was watching it in bed, and Nick was leaving to play video games with my brother and he asked me if he should turn out the light. I asked him to leave it on. I love scary movies. This one was excellent. It kind of reminds me of "The Stand", but you don't get to kow the characters as well in a movie that's only an hour and a half long.

Today is "date day". Nick and I are going out to lunch and then we are going to a movie. We are going to see "Jumper". We were going to go shopping for a treadmill, but I just got a coupon in the mail for 10% off next saturday at Sears. And since that's where we were going to go.....

I redid my bathroom last week. If I get time, I'll post pics. It's certainly different that the turquoise and line green that it was. It is not floraly and pink. I think I like it better.

Ok, I suppose I should go throw in a load of laundry. And maybe start getting dressed.

I have a couple of confessions....

2008-02-06T19:16:00.000-08:00

1) I'm getting really bored with blogging. This is my 145th post. That's a lot. I'm not saying I'm going to stop, just that I am running out of htings to say.

2) I have a pair of pajama's that have teddy bears on them. And I like them. A lot. They are warm and comfy and cute. And probably more appropriate for a 5th grader.

3) Losing weight is hard. Sometimes I want to quit struggling with it. I think I'd be very happy if I ate donuts and garlic bread every day. But, I know that it's probably not worth the health risks. That doesn't mean that I can't dream of a life without having to worry about every single thing I shove in my mouth.

4) Someone (I'm not going to mention any names) gave me a Starbucks gift card for Christmas with a notation that it should be used only for chai tea lattes. Well, since I am trying to break the chai tea habit and I still wanted to use the gift card, I used it for vanilla lattes instead. Sorry! But I did really, really, really enjoy the vanilla lattes.

5) It makes me very excited and very happy that Tubby Smith is the coach for the Gophers. I mean VERY EXCITED. Tubby Smith is our freaking coach! That is so cool. He's a legend. And he's coaching at Minnesota. It's going to take me a few seasons to get used to that. Maybe after he wins the national championship here it will finally sink in. I have not been this excited for Gopher basketball since Dusty Rychart wore maroon & gold. Go, Gophers!!

6) I just ate half a bottle of tums because I have really bad heartburn from eating a piece of spicy italian pizza. Perhaps I should have listened to the little voice saying "pizza is not the best option for dinner. you should eat healthier".

Okay, and finally #7) I am going to bed at 9:30. I think I'm adopting that as my new bedtime.

Is it Sunday already???

2008-02-03T18:16:00.000-08:00

This weekend has gone by way too fast. I wish weekends were longer. I did do a lot of stuff, but I would like more time to sit around and do nothing. Friday I read a book. Saturday afternoon I went to ZickyZou's grandma's birthday party. That was fun. I love celebrations that center around food. Then I met my sister at the movie theater and we saw Untraceable. Very good, but it kind of freaked me out. I was slightly afraid to go on the internet when I got home.

Today I spent most of the day at my parents house screaming at the tv. First the gopher's men's team got stomped on by Wisconsin, then the women's team let Ohio St walk all over them. There was a lot of yelling going on.

Now I'm home, watching the "big game". I want Randy Moss to win. ZickyZou's grandma is a big Randy fan, too. So both her and I got lectured at about what a bad person he is. Hello, that is why we like him. He wouldn't be any fun if he didn't cause trouble.

Okay, I'm going to go watch the 4th quarter. Then I must shower and go to bed. Good night!

Green Bay....

2008-01-19T19:30:00.000-08:00

I'm torn. I can't decide if I want Green Bay to go to the Super Bowl, if I detest them and want them to self-destruct, or if I even care. Well, of course I care, I have numbers for the game. But do I CARE? And why is this such a dilemma for me?

Me and ZickyZou went to see Juno today. Very, very good. Very funny.

MissZalyssa and I went to Target to order her birthday cake- Hannah Montana. I can't believe that she is going to be 16. Friday night me, her, her friend Zemily and my sister Zisa are going to Benihana. That's where the Zalyssa-monster wanted to go.

I went to Turnstyle today and bought the cutest pair of pants of $7. However, they are just a little bit to big so I am going to gain 5 pounds so that they fit. A size 4 is supposed to fit me, so they are obviously missized. I have a serious sizing problem with my clothes. A size 4 is way too big. A size 2 is like trying to squeeze into a toddler size. There is no size in between. What am I supposed to. And I only dream that my dilemma is between a size 2 and a 4. I hate clothes.

I went to JC Penney and bought a bra on that was on clearance. She charged me full price. I didn't notice until I got into the car and was looking at my receipt trying to figure out how I spent $65. So I go back in. And unlike at most normal stores, they can't do returns or price adjustments at the front registers, you have to go back to customer service. Nice. At least I burned an extra 1000 calories walking the 17 miles back to customer service. But I got my $22.41 refund. And I have a really nice bra.

I am putting off working on my closet. Screw cheap shelves that fall down. And screw clothes that don't fold themselves.

Ok, I am either going to go to work on my closet or go to bed.

Only four episodes left....

2008-01-08T18:26:00.000-08:00

and then I have completed watching the entire O.C. series. I can't watch any episodes tonight because I have to watch the Biggest Loser and Law & Order: SVU. But, tomorrow night I may be able to finish it off. This makes me a little bit excited and a very bit sad. sniffle....sniffle.....

I have added a New Year's resolution to my list. I am going to break up with semi-expensive beauty products. I am going to try really, really, really hard to not buy any more philosophy or bare escentuals. Except I need to continue using philosophy supernatural foundation and bare escentuals bisque for concealer, but that's only because they have really helped my skin. But I am done with pro-activ. and amazing grace. and all of the yummy 3-in-1's. This is going to be hard. But it is necessary. And I'm ready. Plus, I have enough stockpiled to get me through to at least May.

OK, I'm going to go finish watching TBL and I still have to figure out what I'm wearing to work tomorrow.......

Wednesday?!?!

2008-01-02T17:12:00.000-08:00

It's already Wednesday. I rather like having a day off in the middle of the week- it should make the work week go so much faster.I had an excellent New Year's eve. Ryan, Marissa, Summer, Seth and I hung out, along with the rest of the Cohens and Julie Cooper-Nichol. Yes, they are the characters on The O.C. I am on episode 16 of season 3. What am I going to do when I have completed watching the entire series?

I realize that my New Years resolution of reducing my chai tea intake was perhaps a cop out to avoid choosing an actual resolution that could make me a better person. But I really don't feel like working on things like how I should be less judgmental or that I should be nicer to people. And losing weight isn't something I want to use as a resolution, because I've been working on that for years. I'd rather work on something where I can visibly see the results and chart my progress. I can give myself a gold star every time I pass a Starbucks or Caribou and don't stop in and give them the equivalent of an hours salary in exchange for a latte. Maybe next year I will work on my character flaws.

Today I am wearing the bracelet that my sister brought me home from New York. The one that she thinks is authentic Tiffany just because it's stamped "Tiffany & Co." She says the guy she bought it from on the street said he bought them in a wholesale lot and that they are real. I hope she didn't pay more than $15 for it, because although it is a very cute bracelet, it is very "inspired by Tiffany", which equates to a fake. But it is very pretty.

According to the T-Mobile rebate website, they are going to honor the rebate I submitted for Princess Zalyssa's sidekick. The guy at the store told me that I could not get the rebate because I did not sign up for the $20 per month internet plan. The rebate status on their website says that I have "qualified" and the check is pending. I won't hold my breath until I have the check in my hand, but I am pretty excite about the prospect of an extra $50.

Ok, off to the O.C........

I resolve to....

2007-12-31T19:02:00.000-08:00

I am going to work on the chai tea latte addiction as my new years resolution. I think I did well last year with the kicking of the lip gloss habit - I only bought 4 or 5 (or so) new lip glosses all year! So this year I think I can quit the chai tea's. This will be despite ZarahZou enabling me with a wonderful Christmas gift of a Starbucks gift card. She also gave me like 7 or 8 mostly used gift cards. $.63 for Target, $.47 for Caribou, $.72 for Super America, a 2 minute calling card. I heart ZarahZou. She's hilarious. She made me laugh a lot. Semi-used gift cards are the next hot thing.

Anyhow, back to the chai tea thing. It should be fairly easy to kick the chai since I have a completely new addiction. That would be watching The O.C. I used my Christmas money (thank you, favoritest mother-in-law ever) to buy all 4 seasons. I could either buy all 4 seasons packaged together in a cute little plastic case for $135 or I could buy each season individually in cardboard cases for $20 per season. As much as I wanted to spend the extra $55 for the plastic case, I opted to purchase each season individually. Since last Wednesday I have watched the first two seasons- that would be 51 episodes. And I worked Thursday, Friday and today. I am Obsessed Completely. I didn't start watching the show until the season finale of season 1, but I watched every single episode after that, so I am just basically re-watching what I've already seen. Am I pathetic or dedicated? I should note that it is 9:00 on New Years Eve and I am taking a break from watching to check my e-mail.

ZickyZou and I pretty much spent all weekend in bed recovering from very bad colds. But it worked out well because he could watch the tv and I could watch The O.C. on the portable dvd player with headphones. Sad?

Ok, enough about Californyaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh.

My Christmas was most excellent, except for the whole being sick part. I'm almost better now, but Nick just started being sick. He thought I was faking how sick I was until he caught it. I told him to stay away from me, but he didn't listen. Shouldn't he know by now that I am always right?

I am going to start season 3 since it is only 9:15. I can get in 3 episodes before bedtime. Except season 3 is the last season with Marissa. I'm not sure I want to live through this one again. Merry New Year!

100% done Christmas Shopping!

2007-12-19T16:15:00.000-08:00

Yippy! I just bought my final gift tonight. I am very excited. Now if someone would just wrap the presents for me......

I also finished selling my stuff on ebay. On $242 worth of stuff, I am profiting about $3.62. If I continue at that rate, I can retire in the Year 3000 when the Jonas Brothers 7th album comes out and goes multi-platinum and outsells Kelly Clarkson. And now that stupid song is stuck in my head again.

I am now considered a regular at the post office. The clerk lady told me so. I guess that's what happens when you go there every day for a week & 1/2. If all the ebay people would pay at once, I could ship everything at once. Oh, well. I like waiting in line.

Jamie Lynn Spears being pregnant kinda makes me feel ill. I'm really not too happy about teen pregnancy being glamorized. Being 16 and pregnant is not really something to be proud of. It's not exactly an accomplishment. Oh, well. To each his own, I suppose.

Ok, now I really need to go and wrap some presents......

77% done Christmas shopping.....

2007-12-16T18:19:00.000-08:00

I spent 4 hours today going to 2 different Walmarts, Old Navy, a bookstore, and Sears trying to finish up my Christmas shopping. Now I just have some hard people left. I won't say who is case they are reading this. I'd hate for them to think that they are one of the "hard" people. I wish they were all as easy as MissZalyssa and that they would give me a list telling me exactly what they would like, where to get it, how much it costs, and that they will love me forever if I get it for them.

I'm very tired, but it's only 8:30. I'd hate to end my weekend early by going to sleep. I still have 2 hours left of my weekend. I wish that weekends were 3 or 4 days long. If I ever run for president, that will be the first change I make. I bet that if that is on my platform, I will win. Too bad I'm too lazy to actually run for office.

People that win ebay auctions and don't pay for them right away make me cranky. The sooner you pay, the sooner I can ship and get the stuff out of my house. I'm trying to get rid of stuff, and waiting for your payment means I have to keep the junk of my bedroom floor for longer.

I think I'll go lay in bed and watch tv. that's almost like going to bed early, but it is also keeping my weekend just a little bit longer. Good night!

That stupid Longaberger pen...

2007-12-14T18:51:00.001-08:00

Ok, so I still feel guilty about stealing the pen from the basket party. I know she would have told me I could have it if I would have asked. It was a REALLY nice pen.

Anyway, some kid came to the door selling the Star Tribune. The last time we got the paper 7 days a week, I ended up recycling 72 pounds of unread paper. So I told the poor kid no. He tried a hard sell, he gets a savings bond for college, I'll save the world, feed starving children, etc, etc. But I stood my ground. No more paper. We get the paper on Saturday and Sunday. That's plenty of paper for us. So he gives up and asks me if I will fill out a quick card thing so that he can prove he talked to me and that I said no. Ok, fine. I can do that. He gives me his little clip board and pen. I try to fill out the form, but his pen doesn't work. Instead of doing the smart thing and saying "see ya, bye", I said I'd go get a pen. The first one I could grab is the really nice Longaberger pen. So I filled out the rest of the form, and told him he could keep the pen so he would have one that worked. That good deed officially absolves me of any guilt I felt about stealing the pen in the first place since I gave it to some kid fundraising to save money to adopt orphans or whales or something. But I miss the pen already. I liked that pen. It was such a nice pen.

All I want for Christmas is a Longaberger pen.

And on that note, I am off to re-heat dear husbands dinner and then he is going to give me a foot massage because he loves me. And I love foot massages. This arrangement works well.

Michael Jackson.....

2007-12-10T17:48:00.000-08:00

I was just thinking today how big of a superstar Michael Jackson would be if he had not gone psycho. Some of my favoritest songs ever are by him, and I still enjoy listening to his music. I'm sad that he is a criminally insane psychotic lunatic, because I would really have liked him to continue to make music.

I listened to "We are the world" tonight on the 80's music channel, and that's what made me think of MJ. I love that song, too. My exercising time goes really fast if I am switching back and forth between the 80's, the 90's and adult Top 40. I love that my tv plays music.

I have no idea what I'm wearing to work tomorrow. I have a lunch with some sales reps. I suppose I should dress nicely. On days when I want to dress nicer, my hair never turns out. I had a good hair today when I didn't really need one. Not fair.

Ok, I'm going to shower and try on half my closet.

Some things that bug me....

2007-12-09T17:14:00.000-08:00

I was looking at the myspace profile of the little brother of this girl that I used to go to school with. He is probably 26-28 now. Here is what I know: He wants a nice girl, and he don't want no golddigga or playa's. Nice, especially since he works part time at the grocery store, drives a 94 Ford Taurus and lives in his mom's basement. Not that there is anything wrong with that combination, but I'm pretty sure that he's not exactly Kanye West. I can promise him that girl's are not lining up to steal him $7.50 an hour (before taxes). So, note to "this kid": if you really want a nice girl, be a nice guy. And use semi-proper grammar, including the er's at the end of words. Girls want a nice guy that can hold a conversation.

Another thing that bugs me: I've been saving this expensive bar of soap for the last few months with the intention of using it on an occasion where I felt a little stressed out and wanted to do something nice (and cheap) for myself. So I decide tonight's the nice to pull out my bar of CLEAN Ultimate soap. I guess I set my expectations too high because I was rather disappointed. I expected to have a truly uplifting experience. It smelled like and felt like a regular bar of soap. Shouldn't a bar of soap that costs $10 be something special?

Okay, final thing that bugs me: Some idiot forgot to add the electric bill automatic deduction to her checkbook. The electric bill has been taken out of my checkbook on the same day of the month for the past year and a half. It is not a surprise. So, I sold some of things on ebay and I thought I was rich. I'm not. But at least I'll have lights.

I still have not listed the Dooney & Bourke Signature Tassel Tote on ebay. Could my hesitation be because I really want to keep it? Ok, off to read my book. I am currently reading P.S. I love You by Cecelia Ahern. Very good so far. I think when I finish this, I'll try to finish Missing Mom by Joyce Carol Oates. That is the only book that I have had to put down because it was truly disturbing me. I have read hundreds of scary novels and not been disturbed. But this one isn't really scary in a monster/supernatural way. It is a drama, but it just hits me in a place I guess I don't want to go. I had to stop reading. But I think I want to try it again. It's going to take me a while to get through P.S. I Love You, so I won't have to decide what to read next for about a week.

Good night!

My car is smart....

2007-12-06T15:31:00.001-08:00

You gotta love your car when it is smart enough to tell you that you have "low traction" when you are driving on solid ice. Like I couldn't figure that out for myself. Does anybody actually depend on their car for trying to figure out whether or not it is slippery out????

I just got a check from Mr.Rebates for $62.02. I got that much money just for buying things that I would have bought anyways. And I have at least $25 pending. I heart mr.rebates.com.

Tomorrow night is KDWB's Jingle Ball concert. I want nothing more than to be closed in with 50,000 screaming people. At least I get to see Avril Lavigne in concert, and that has always been a dream of mine?!?!?

I know I should be exercising right now. But I don't want to. and who's going to make me?

I went to a Longaberger basket party last night. I spent $62 on 4 candles, so in defiance I stole a Longaberger pen. I'm sure the hostess would have told me I could have it if I would have asked, but it wouldn't have made me feel victorious had I gotten permission to take it. But is it really stealing if she would have given it to me? I say not. Plus, didn't she kind of give it to me when she shoved it at me with the order form and catalogs? Does anyone (besides my sister) spend $82 for one little basket? The prices are insane.

Ok, now that I feel guilty about the pen, I have to go exercise.

EEEEEEEbay.......

2007-12-04T19:08:00.000-08:00

Someone just paid me $22 for an item that I got as a free gift with purchase from an online store. That rocks! I wanted to ship it out today, but the stupid snow caused my stupid commute to be a stupid 2 & 1/2 hours. 2 & 1/2 hours to go 22 miles. Good thing I'm comfortable talking to myself and that I find myself really good company.

I bought a super cute Dooney & Bourke handbag for myself for Nick to give me for Christmas. But I am not 100% certain that it is the right handbag for me. I am considering selling it on ebay. I could probably profit $20-30 on it because I bought it on sale. But I like it. Such decisions.....

I am reading a really good (but disturbing) book called The Handmaid's Tale. I will not write a summary of it here, but I do suggest that everyone read it. It's quite good. But scary. Lots of what if's.

Does anyone want to lend me some motivation so that I can send in the rebate card for my new cell phone and get $50 back? You'd think $50 would be enough to make me quite delaying. But I guess I'm lazy.

Ok, I am going to bed. I am not even going to watch the new Law & Order SVU because I am exhausted.

Kitty's, and T-wolves,and Vikings - Oh My!

2007-11-18T14:16:00.000-08:00

Ok, so we got a new cat. Her name is Tabby, and she is a very good kitty. And she likes me. She keeps crawling up on my lap while I'm trying to type. It's rather cute.

I went to the Timberwolves game last night, they lost. But MissZalyssa is planning on becoming a basketball groupie. It's in her genes. ZarahZou, you missed out on a great game.

I just got back from the Vikings game. They won. But we parked liken 987 blocks away from the dome, and when we were leaving it was raining and very, very cold. My hands are still frozen.

I really should be cleaning my house in anticipation of the millions of people that are coming over for dinner on Thanksgiving. At the very least I should take the leftover Halloween candy off the couch. But that's just so much work. I'd rather do the dishes. So that's what I'm going to do.....

Time to let go....

2007-11-11T14:45:00.001-08:00

Ok, I decided that I needed to have a resolution for the start of the college basketball season. This season I pledge to try to let go of the (illogical) bitterness I feel towards former MN coach, current MD coach Brenda Freese. There is no REAL reason for me not to like her. I was just watching the MD-OK game, and she is pregnant with twins. How can I harbor bitterness towards someone who is about to have twins? Yes, she is a very successful coach and recruiter who abandoned the MN team. But, that was a few years ago and I need to get over, everyone else in the world has. So, Ms. Freese, good luck to you on the babies, but may you lose every basketball game.

I tried sushi....

2007-11-05T14:37:00.000-08:00

and I didn't die. MissZalyssa had an extreme fascination with buying sushi from the Target deli. So I finally gave in about bought her the California Roll for $5.00. I tried a piece, and it wasn't awful. It wasn't actually good, but it wasn't terrible. Not certain I'd eat it again, but she liked it. I guess that that is what's important.

I got a flu shot today. They make it so easy to get one at work. A nurse comes in, you just show your Medica card and then they shot you int he arm. So now I won't get sick all winter, right? Does the flu shot ward off sinus infections and colds? It should.

I'm getting a pedicure on Saturday. I like pedicures. Yes, it is winter. Yes, it will probably snow tonight. But I am still wearing flip=flops and getting a pedicure. I like pedicures. Plus, just cause it's almost Thanksgiving is really no excuse to not have beautiful toes.

I am debating about getting ready to maybe get started on making my Thanksgiving grocery list. I wish someone would do that for me. I don't mind the cooking, but the planning is just so hard.

Ok, I am going to go have my nutri-dinner.....

I have two major problems....

2007-11-01T15:24:00.000-07:00

and they are not very funny, so don't laugh.

First, I think I am addicted to Chai Tea drinks from Starbucks. Chai Tea Latte's, Chai Tea Frappachino's, Chai Tea whatevers. I love them all. And at over $4 a drink, this addiction is nearly as bad as coke. Is there a support group for quitting Starbucks? I am going to need to get a part-time job to support this bad habit.

Second, I really think I like the Jonas Brothers. Not in like a "they are so cute way", but in a way like "every song they sing is catchy and cute and gets stuck in my head". Is that bad? I'm 30-ish and I like listening to a teeny-bopper boy band.

First Gopher's game of the season is on tonight. Allegedly I supposedly can watch it on-line. I hope that is true. I would be sad to not be able to watch the start of basketball season. I heart Gopher's basketball.

Ok, I have to super-exercise a lot tonight to burn off the calories of my Chai Tea Frap. It only has like 7000 calories, so 18 hours on the elliptical shall take care of it.

Best of Both Worlds.....

2007-10-23T06:59:00.000-07:00

I can say, without a doubt, that Hannah Montana can not sing. Wanna know how I can say that? Because I went to her concert. Me, her, and 17,000 screaming girls. I called Ticketmaster 4 hours before the concert and was able to score 3 tickets on the second level diagonal to the back of the stage. They were actually not bad seats. We could see right on to the stage and we were right in front of the screen. We got to the Target Center at 4, because that's when the website said that Will Call opened. Except it didn't open until 5. The gates opened at 6. Lots of waiting. Worth it for the girls, not so much for me. They had a blast. $30 t-shirts, $4 bottles of water, a $10 plastic fake backstage pass.... YIKES! At least I got a deal on parking because we got there before event parking started.

Speaking of waiting, we got to the Mall of America at 8:30 yesterday to see the Jonas Brothers. We got our wristbands, but we has to wait in a little sectioned off area so we could get a good spot for the 4:00 concert. So, we sat until 1:30. Then they said we all had to stand up. So we stood for 3 hours to see a 15 minute concert. We were very, very close to the stage. But it was a lot of waiting, a lot of standing, and a lot of pushing. Pretty much after 1:30 you could not leave to go to the bathroom or anything. I did leave the sectioned off area three times- once at 9:00 to get coffee and donuts for breakfast, once to go the bathroom and see where it was so that the girls could go, and then I went to get lunch at 12:00. Pizza Hut. Yum. It was a very long day, but the girls had a blast. If I am not the best mom in the world, I don't know what else I could do to get the title.

Ok, me and ZickyZou are about to leave to pick up our new car. We got the very last automatic Ion Quad Coupe in the Twin Cities. It is storm grey, and does not have all of the features we hoped for. But it does have 0% financing for 6 years. You can't beat that.

I'm not very good...

2007-10-14T08:07:00.000-07:00

at blogging consistently anymore. It's been about 3 weeks since I blogger last. I'm going to blame it on my new work schedule (8:00-4:30), zalyssa going to school on-line, my newly married status, oh, and I'm lazy.

Last week was United Way week at work. I won a $10 gift certificate to the deli by my work. Awesome. I also won a tea cup and saucer set. Not quite sure what is going to become of that.

Last Tuesday I took the day off to get some errands done. I went to the Social Security office to change my name. I also went to the credit union to update my account. Then I met a friend for lunch. She brought her baby, and he was sooo good that it almost made me think that I could handle one of my own. If I could get a guarantee that I could get a baby that easy going (and cute!) I'd be all in. Lunch was great. I love lunch at the Olive Garden.

Yesterday I watched the Gophers blow a 3 touchdown lead. Lets see what the Vikings can do today. I'm not feeling optimistic.

Any volunteers to come and clean my house? I am 100% caught up on laundry, but everything else is a cluttery mess. I should go get some of it down.

It only took me 7 hours

2007-09-20T18:54:00.000-07:00

to get Zalyssa's new ipod set up. The stupid computer would not recognize it, and it made me so mad that I stayed up until midnight trying to get it to work. Then I came home tonight and spent more time on it. I have never been so happy to get something to work. I almost started to cry i was so excited. I finally tried unplugging the printer and using that usb port. It worked!! Yippy.

But I did not have time to exercise tonight. I am willing to sacrifice the 7 pounds I am destined to gain overnight by skipping a night of exercise.

Next week I have continue ed classes Mon-Thurs and then on Friday I am playing golf for the United Way. I hope we don't embarrass ourselves. But, we probably will.

It has been a long week. I am ready for the weekend. I think on Saturday I am going to go to the dmv and update my name on my license. Then I can change my bank account. Then maybe not next week but the week after I will go down to the social security office and update that. I've heard that I should get there early and bring lunch. Nice!

Ok, to shower and then to bed.

Mrs. ZickyZou

2007-09-12T16:26:00.000-07:00

I am now officially Mrs. ZickyZou. I haven't posted in awhile because I have been so busy getting ready. And I just changed my work schedule so I have 2 hours less at home every night. But I get to drive MissZalyssa to school every morning, so that makes it worth it.

The wedding was beautiful. Everything went as planned, and that is always good when it comes to weddings. Now I just have to go through all of the name-changing. I think I'll type up a form letter to send to the numerous credit card companies. That should save me some time.

Ok, I ordered the Zalyssa-monster pizza for dinner. It should be here any second.

A pre-nup????

2007-08-27T14:09:00.000-07:00

So, Zicky-Zou had his bachelor party Saturday night. One of his friends from work, a thrice-married, quite jaded guy, advised Zicky-Zou that the best thing he can ever do is not get married. And if he does get married,he needs a pre-nup. Nice idea, except our net worth is negative $217,232.We have assets of about $3.68. Somehow I think if we went to lawyer and tried to get a pre-nup drawn up that listed items like three-32 ounce bottles of philosophy body lotion, a bic razor, and half a bottle of hairspray we'd be laughed out of his office.

I have lots of money invested in hair and body care products that will probably be gone in 5 years when we get divorced. And I would guess the value of ZickyZou's X-Box decreases daily. Somehow I don't see us fighting over empty bottles and used video games. The only joint purchase we have is a $77 tv we got on clearance when we pooled out Christmas money from his grandma. And since it was his grandma, he can have the tv if it still works in 5 years.We are not the type of people that pre-nups were designed for. Plus, I make more money. Shouldn't I be insisting on a pre-nup to protect my Coach and Dooney collection? Maybe the judge will award him alimony of $1.72 a month.

Ok, enough about divorce. We are not even married yet. Two weeks! Seems rather surreal.My bachlorette party was great, except the toy party lady never showed up. I hope she wasn't in a fiery car crash since I have been cursing her existence. Actually, I should be glad she didn't show up because she probably saved me a couple of hundred dollars. I didn't "need' anything anyway, although I was looking forward to buying some more shaving cream. I love that stuff.

I had a blast at my party, even without the toy party part. ZarahZou was a most-excellent bartender. She made lots of fruity pretty drinks. I didn't get "trashed", but I did get a tad bit tipsy. And a couple of people that I have not seen in years and years came. That was really fun. It was nice to see them, I am very glad they came. Zheresa and Zamy have not changed one bit in the past 15 or so years. They look they same. It's hard for me to comprehend that someone (Zheresa) that I used to go trick or treating with has 4 kids! We are officially and certifiably ADULTS! Sometimes I feel younger, but then I remember that I have a 15 year old daughter and a mortgage.

And now I have enough alcohol leftover to have an official "liquor cabinet". Except I don't have a cabinet. But I have plenty of alcohol. If I ever need a drink, I have a little of everything. Yesterday Alyssa and I made nonalcoholic apple and watermelon martini's. Yum. And I made her a Tequila Sunrise, sans tequila, of course. She was impressed with the drink,and I got to explain density to her.

Today I got a phone call from another person that I have not talked to since high school. Zenee used to live across the street from me from about the time I was 5 until I was 14. She slept over at my house numerous times and we spent lots of time together. I haven't talked to her forever so it was really nice to hear from her.

Ok, time to make my nutri-dinner....

Over two weeks

2007-08-15T20:01:00.000-07:00

since I last wrote an entry. Wow! What is happening to me. That is unacceptable. I have just been so preoccupied with things- my dad was in the hospital, I'm getting a root canal (and I had a killer toothache), school clothes shopping, family picnics, oh, and wedding plans. So much to do, so little time.

It's past my bedtime, but I get to sleep in for about 45 minutes tomorrow because I have a dentist appt. at 8:00 am to finish my root canal. And I get to pay $250 to get it done. What a treat. A trip to the dentist and an increased balance on my visa. But, good news- by charging it on my amazon.com visa I will have accrued enough points to get a $25 amazon.com gift card. What a deal.

Family picnic in Becker on Saturday. And I get to make two dishes, my parents and my own. I am soooo lucky. Plus I don't even get to enjoy any picnic foods since I am on nutrisystem. I did decide to make my bachlorette party an exception and I plan to consume at least 2500 calories worth of tequila. I'm not making an exception for the picnic since there will be other picnics in my future. There will not, however, be any other bachlorette parties in my honor. So I need to drink. A lot.

I just had the best dessert. Nutrisystem chocolate-chocolate chip pudding. It was so good. Some of the food is really, really good. For dinner tonight I had green pepper steak w/ rice. I didn't expect to like it, but it was surprisingly good. I dumped it over a plate of cooked frozen broccoli, cauliflower and carrots. I am eating so much cooked broccoli. I still don't like it, but when you dump a dinner over it, it tastes like the dinner's sauce. I have lost nearly 14 pounds so far. I am very excited about that. 14 down, 26 to go. Too bad the next 14 won't be quite as easy. Or maybe they will be??

Ok, my laundry is done so I should go fold my clothes before I go to bed. Need to be well-rested for the root canal.

We set a date!!!

2007-07-31T18:32:00.000-07:00

I know, about time, huh? Especially since I've been planning the bachlorette party for 2 months. Anyhow, the date is September 9th at the Chapel of Love in the Mall of America. We got the least expensive package and get to have 12 whole guests (as opposed to half guests). And following the ceremony, dinner at the Rain Forest Cafe (Zalyssa's choice). I ordered my dress. Actually, I ordered two dresses since I have no idea what size I'll be in September, hopefully a size 2, maybe a 4. But I'll settle for a comfortable 12 or a tight 10.

I'm having pretty good luck with Nutrisystem. Most of the food has been pretty good and I haven't been hungry. I expect that tomorrow (which will be 2 weeks on the plan) I'll have lost about 9 pounds. 9 down, 26 to go. At two pounds a week, that's only 13 more weeks. Very doable.

I'm still trying to figure out my reaction to the KG trade. I so want to be happy for him, this is his chance to get a ring. And he's such a fun player to watch. But, I also want the Timberwolves to win, and trading away of of the best players EVER just doesn't seem like the key to winning. But, what do I know?

Ok, time to shower. Then I get my nutri-snack. Not sure what to have tonight- BBQ soy chips (which are really, really good), Nutri-chocolates (also really, really good) or a nutri-chocolate crunch bar (again- super good). So many choices.

Super Saturday!

2007-07-28T11:29:00.000-07:00

Today is Super Saturday and a benefit is being held in The Hampton's to raise money for ovarian cancer. And this year QVC is participating. I just got a killer deal on some philosophy products that will make perfect Christmas or birthday presents for a couple of people. Awesome! philosophy at half-price!

Ok, since I started Nutri-system I have lost almost 7 pounds. I am very excited. Some of the food is excellent. I had another awful thing- the orange-cranberry breakfast pastry. It tasted and smelled like feet. For real. And I truly thought it would be one of my favorites. Oh,well.

I finished the new Harry Potter book. It was very good, but I am a bit disappointed that it is over. I wanted it to keep going.

Ok, I need to go to the grocery store and get more zucchini. I have been eating tons of it. I didn't even really like it until I started frying it with peppers and garlic. Now I think it is fantastic.

Has it really been 9 days...

2007-07-24T15:25:00.001-07:00

since my last blog? wow, doesn't seem like that long.

I started Nutrisystem. I have been strictly following the program since the 19th. So far, so good. Most of the food has either been really good or tolerable. Only really NASTY thing was the turkey with balsamic vinaigrette. Holy nasty. Like really, really bad. It sounds good, but it is bad. I even semi-enjoyed the tuna casserole that people on the website told me to not even bother opening. I fried up a bunch of green peppers, red peppers, onions and celery and mixed it in. it tasted like peppers. Not sure I'd want it again, but it was edible. And I have already lost 3 pounds. I have given up my goal of losing 57 pounds by September. I'll take 15.

I went to see Hairspray with ZarahZou. She had popcorn (and was nice enough to skip the icee) while I ate cucumber slices and a large diet coke. Note- large diet coke is way too much to drink in the first half of a movie. I think this may be the first movie I have gone to where I didn't have popcorn and an icee. And I didn't die or anything. The movie was really good, but I think I like the original better.

I am for surely getting married in September, but we still have not chosen a date. We decided to go to the chapel in the Mall of America. Cheesy? Yes. But it is a good middle ground between a real wedding and going to the courthouse. We are just waiting for my sister to book her airline ticket. She has exactly about 2 more days before we just choose a date and if she's here, she's here. I'd like her to be there, but we can't wait much longer.

Nick wants to go see The Simpson's this weekend, but I just don't know if I can do another movie without popcorn. I may be better off skipping it. I'm sure he can find someone else to go with. Plus (is this sacrilegious) I don't really care one way or the other about the Simpson's. Kind of a take 'em or leave 'em kind of thing.

Ok, I should go make dinner for my starving child.

Zennieland....

2007-07-15T13:32:00.000-07:00

I got the most bestest birthday present ever from ZarahZou. She made me a game (modeled after CandyLand) called ZennieLand. It is the most hilarious game ever. The game cards are all relevant to my life and people like Dumbledork and other people I work with. I almost hyperventilated at work while reading some of the cards. It is the most thoughtful gift I have ever received, and I know she spent hours and hours working on. How am I ever going to top it? Thank you very much, ZarahZou, I absolutely love it.

I am going to start Nutrisystem just as soon it is delivered. My wonderful dad purchased it for me. I really, really hope that it works. I will be religiously following the plan. Please let it work! On a semi-related note, for the first and only time I remember, I lied to ZickyZou. But since it was about how much I weigh, does it really count as a lie? I'd like to want to tell the truth, but the number is just too high. Maybe when I am at my goal weight of 112 pounds, then I will tell the truth. Actually my goal weight is 150. I would be quite happy there, i think. that is still higher than the recommended weight for my height, but I think 150 would be fine. We'll see how well this huge investment (it costs $300 for 5 weeks) works. And since it wasn't my money, I'll feel too guilty to not religiously follow the plan. I brought my scale home from my parents, so now I can weigh myself.

Ok, i am going to finish my laundry.

$17 for a movie??

2007-07-14T10:25:00.000-07:00

That's how much I spent to see Harry Potter. But it was worth every penny, even if we had to sit in the third row and my neck hurts. It was a really good movie. I recommend that you see it in the theater.

I just got back from getting my oil changed. My dad changes it for free! Yippee for free oil changes. That saves me tons of money. Plus he checked my tire pressure and filled my windshield washer fluid.

We got our marriage license in the mail so now we can get married any time we want within the next 6 months. It was very weird to see how my new name will look. Zennifer Zynn Zartinez. That's going to take a lot of getting used to. I've had the same name for as long as I can remember.

When I woke up this morning at 7:00 am, I heard the clickety-clacking of the computer keyboard. I went downstairs to see what was going on, and MissZalyssa was typing away. I asked her what she was doing up already. Silly question- she was still up and hadn't gone to bed yet. She finally went to bed around 9, in my bed where it is nice, quiet and clean.

I had the best breakfast ever. An egg (eggbeaters, of course), pepper and onion quesadilla. It was soooo good. I think I'll have one tomorrow morning, too.

Ok, I am going to go and watch a lifetime movie. That is my new favorite past time.

Please stop calling me....

2007-07-11T18:26:00.000-07:00

I do not know who you are, but your early morning calls to my cell phone are driving me insane. When my child is away, I need to leave my cell phone on for emergency purposes. An emergency is the only reason I want it to ring at 4:00am. Call me all you want around noon, but not when I am supposed to be sleeping.

You are quite lucky I am so lazy and poor, or you'd probably either be in jail or in the hospital. After our discussion this morning about you asking me if I saw your "naughty pictures", I could either march myself down to the police station and file a report or I could pay the $14.95 to get the phone # report and get your name and address and send the hired help over to visit you.

The new show on NBC "The Singing Bee" is pretty lame. I really wanted to like it, but I just am not getting it. It feels kind of choppy or something. So tonight I am trying "Don't forget the lyrics". I hope it's better, I love singing. I have also been watching "The Next Best Thing". How could they not move Dolly on. I think she as the best of all of them. .

Ok, back to the tv and exercising. I love exercising.

Transformers....

2007-07-08T13:25:00.000-07:00

more than meets the eye.......the only thing really wrong with this movie is that they never do the theme song. Otherwise, the movie is awesome. It got a bit long, but it is really good- awesome special effects.

I am currently waiting for my birthday dinner to finish cooking- pepperoni pizza from Papa Murphy's- yum! Nick go time ice cream for my birthday- Sticky Toffee Cake from Haagan Daaz. We saw it advertised in a magazine and it looked soooo good. Except I was kind of mad because it was the ice cream that won a contest on the food network- except I had not seen the conclusion show yet. So the advertisement ruined it.

Today would be perfect if only it were Saturday. I could use another day off. I like days off. Last night I went to bed at 8:00. And I woke up this morning at 7:00. Hopefully I can go to bed early tonight.
OK, pizza is almost done.

Do you recognize this cell phone #?

2007-07-04T11:12:00.000-07:00

763-482-1311??? Whoever it belongs to better have a GOOD explanation as to why they not only called my cell phone at 4:00 in the morning, but why they sent me the most obscene picture message I have ever received. The phone woke ZickyZou up, too and he was not pleased. Very few people have my cell phone #, so unless one of those few plastered it on the bathroom wall, I can't explain why someone so stupid would have it. And, if by chance this guy googled his own number and got to my blog- you have a very small penis. I should know since I've seen pictures of it. But I'm more pissed that you woke me up. I should be able to sleep through the night unless there is an emergency. And I doubt you were calling to tell me someone I know died.

Ok, now that we established I was not happy with my early morning wake up, I shall move on to happier things. Like that in just a few shorts hours we are having Indian Taco's. Yum. Except there may be a slight problem for me as I have recently started taking the new (fda-approved) diet supplement Alli. It is way spendy, so it better work. If nothing else, the "treatment effects" as they call them give me a really good incentive to not exceed 15 fat grams per meal for fear of devastating, uncontrollable things happening in my gastrointestinal tract. The guide that came with it warns of sudden, oily leakage. How gross is that. But since I have so much money invested in it, I have a very good reason to eat healthy. I am just sad that I will be limited to one small piece of fry bread. But I can eat all the lettuce and tomato that my (fat-craving) heart desires. Lucky me. If it works, it's worth it. Plus I got a Target gift card from my sister for my birthday that I used to pay for part of it.

I really should repaint my toenails. Zindy told me that they made look like I was jaundiced. I tend to agree. But they are such a beautiful yellow.

Ok, time to go get dressed so I can start frying the bread shortly. Happy 4th of July!

It's Sunday...

2007-07-01T10:38:00.000-07:00

and it's 12:30. ZickyZou just got out of bed. I've been up since 8. So far I have made breakfast 3 separate times (me, zlyssa, and zickyzou), brought 2 whole bags of shoes up from the entry closet to my bedroom closet, started the dishwasher, drank 5 glasses of water, and watched a Lifetime movie. Now I am on break.

When I was at the credit union on Friday, the bank teller lady had the nerve to ask me if my handbag was fake. I am currently carrying the primary color Coach Scribble tote. That is rather an insulting question, dontcha think? It's real, I swear, I have the receipt. So now I am wondering if everyone assumes I am carrying a fake and trying to pretend it's real? It is real, I am just not sure I like it so much anymore if people think it's fake.

And on the subject of fake handbags, a lady at work brought in a bunch of fakes to sell. I am just not sure as to what my stance is on "designer inspired" handbags. I will admit that I have a fake coach and a fake spade (which is my favoritest handbag ever), but I also have a wardrobe of real bags and they are so much higher quality. But when I carry one of the real ones, do people think it's fake? And do I care? Should I care? Is buying a fake handbag the equivalent of downloading music and movies illegally (which I am adamantly opposed to)?

ZickyZou is ALLEGEDLY going to Sears today to get the new garage door keypad. He swears he is. I'll believe it when it is in my hands.

I invited my parents over for dinner on Wednesday, I am making fry bread tacos. So I better get started on cleaning the trashcan I call my house.

Friday night....

2007-06-29T20:21:00.001-07:00

and I am home alone again. ZickyZou is fishing with my brother and I just dropped the Zalyssa-monster off at my parents house so that she could puppy-sit tomorrow. Since I just got home from dropping her off at 10:15, does that count as going out on Friday night since I did go out???

I am very tired. I was going to take a shower, but maybe I'll just wait until tomorrow. I washed my face and am doing a Biore pore strip instead. I'm waiting for it to dry so that I can remove it and peel away all my blackheads. So gross, but so satisfying.

If I was writing about work on my blog, my blog would include a lot of swear words directed at one person. But since I am not writing about work, I have nothing to say about Voldy. Oh, and Dumbledork is the biggest dum-bass ever. ZarahZou, if you are reading this, remind me to tell you the stories about Voldy and customer service and Dumbledork and the waiver of subrogation.

I just got a most excellent shipment from qvc today. On easy-pay celebration day, I ordered philosophy micro-delivery peel (awesome), 32 ounce bottles of senorita margarita and melon daquiri 3-in-1's and a product I have never used before called the present clear make-up. It is allegedly supposed to make pores and lines invisible. I guess we'll see. My greatest thought is that it is going to make me break out. but, we'll see. I bought it on 5 easy monthly payments, so it is practically free. and qvc has a 30 day money back guarantee. the only way I can lose is if I break out and can't get the acne back under control. That would suck. I can't wait to wash my hair with the margarita scented stuff. except first I must finish off all the open bottles of other stuff.

ok, time to peel off the biore and then I am going to bed.

For my next adventure....

2007-06-28T19:11:00.000-07:00

I will be reading Breakfast at Tiffany's. I've seen the movie, but have never read the book. The movie is supposed to be only "loosely based" on the book, but I hope it's just as good. Holly Golightly is the 1960's version of my favorite shopaholic, Becky Brandon (nee Bloomwood). I'm hoping to love this book.

When I win the lottery (or become an ebay zillionaire) the only conditioner I am going to use on my hair is philosophy's amazing grace. Wow does it make my hair soft and shiny. I wish I could afford to use it everyday, but over $1 an ounce is just too much for my Suave budget. Thank you to QVC for having such fabulous and affordable kits available that allow me to have 8 ounces of conditioner every 3 months.

I am very sad that New Kid on the Block have not yet accepted my myspace friend invitation. I want to be their friend.

I heard on the radio that the Spice Girls are reuniting and going on tour. If they do MN, I am going. Won't that be a blast? I feel bad not taking Alyssa when she was 8 or 9 or however old she was when they were here. I'm willing to make it up to her now. Her best birthday party ever was when we played "Pin the Spice Girl on the stage" and the Spice Girl pencil drop where the prizes (that everybody won) was Spice Girl pencils. I was an awesome mom. All that was missing was the concert.

My new ceiling fan is installed. We have light in the "dining room". Awesome.

OK, I am going to go to bed early. I'm tired.

Wow! It's been a long week...

2007-06-27T20:09:00.000-07:00

It is way past my bedtime, but I haven't blogged in over a week. Lots to say, no time to say it. My mom is doing much, much better. She is out of the hospital, still not sure exactly what happened, but she is doing better. Spending a couple of nights in the hospital with her left me exhausted. And I really don't think I have never been so scared in my entire life. But she is doing better and I am very thankful for that.

My dad halfway installed my new ceiling fan. He is coming back tomorrow to put on the light fixture thingy's. Now that the fan is up, I'm wondering if I should have went with the wood colored instead of white. Oh, well. too late now. It will match the beautiful track lighting in the kitchen, so at least it'll be tacky-coordinated.

My sister's myspace talks about Paul Bunyan, except she spelled his name Bunion. I found that to be very funny. But then I went in and corrected it for her because she is my sister. I am having a lot of fun with myspace. I just changed my song to Geri Halliwell's Look at Me. Because I'm a drama queen if that's your thing baabeee, I can even do reality. I love that song, even it makes me even more dorky than I already may be. I would like to think that it is just because I have extensive musical interests. Or I'm a dork. You choose.

I wish that I had not decided to no longer write about my job. I have a list of complaints that no one but ZarahZou (via e-mail) will ever hear. But since she is probably the only person that reads my blog, it would be redundant to type them all again anyway. I've tried to get other people to read my blog, but they just don't want to. I know Zalyssa comes in and skims for any references to her so that she can get mad at me for something legitimate, but other than that, I doubt I have any other readers , although everyone is welcome.

Ok, it is 10:20 and I am tired.

8:00 pm on a Saturday night...

2007-06-17T17:00:00.000-07:00

and where was I??? In bed. I was so tired that I went to bed super early Saturday night. Then I was able to get up early this morning and get some house cleaning stuff done. I love doing laundry:)

I went to my dad's house for Father's day, we grilled hamburgers and carrots and potatoes on the grill. They turned out most excellent. I am most impressed with my grilling ability.

Yesterday I returned the light that won't fit into my ceiling fan. My dad said it might be cheaper and easier to just buy a new fan that already has a light in it, so I'll look into that. And he did some searching on how to fix the garage door keypad. We can buy a new keypad thing for $40. Any guesses on what ZickyZou is doing this week?? If you guessed going to Sears to buy the new keypad, you win.

All but one of my ebay auctions sold. I didn't make a ton of money, but I am going to come out ahead by a couple of dollars. And I relisted the other item for practically free, so maybe someone will bid. I have to go to the post office tomorrow to mail 3 packages.

I still need to figure out what I'm going to wear tomorrow. You;d think going casual would make getting dressed easier. No such luck. It is so hard to choose clothes because I have to be so careful of the shoes I choose because my feet hurt so bad all the time. I guess I'm getting old or something.

OK, off to my closet....

My life on the Z list....

2007-06-13T19:19:00.000-07:00

Here's the garbage can that is still on backorder. I really

wish that it would get back in stock and ship to me.

It will absolutely complete my beautiful kitchen. Thank you ZarahZou for helping make my kitchen awesome. You and a trash can are all it took!!! (And your paintbrush.)

I just started watching Kathy Griffin: My life on the D list. I really, really like this show. She is hilarious. She swears a lot, but she is so freekin' funny. I think I might buy the first season so I can watch that.

Carlos Silva just got a complete game shut out. This is way cool, especially since the last time I saw him pitch he gave up like 18 runs in the first inning. I'm glad he was able to do this, and the twins win.

I would be very, very happy if someone would bid on my ebay auctions that do not have bids. Please. Please. Please. I am practically giving the items away, and if they don't sell I still have to pay ebay fees. I have lost so much money on the last couple of auctions, please someone buy these items.

Ok, bedtime...

Music & Lyrics....

2007-06-09T10:36:00.000-07:00

I just finished watching Music & Lyrics. What a cute movie. I love Drew Barrymore.

I decided to go with a coral paint for the kitchen. And today I went to Target and bought new rugs that are coral, beige and green, so hopefully that will draw all the colors together and make it look like I have a semi-clue about decorating.

I just lost money selling something on ebay. That sucks! I paid $16 for a bottle of philosophy pure grace lotion ($34 retail). It sold for $21.99 + $5.00 shipping. Ebay fees of about $1.00, paypal fees of just over $1.00, shipping costs of $6.20 + .65 for delivery confirmation, .99 for the shipping box. Ok, I made a $1.15. But it took me 20 minutes to list the product plus 15 minutes in line at the post office. Nice. philosophy

I am making enchilada's for dinner. I may very likely be the only one home at dinner time. ZickyZou went fishing and I think Zalyssa is going to the Father Hennepin Days carnival. WE are going to be eating enchilada leftovers for 20 years. Good thing I like enchilada's.

Ok, I am going to list some more items on ebay. I have a lot of ground to make up if I am going to become a millionaire.

I slammed my finger in the door...

2007-06-04T19:28:00.001-07:00

and it freekin' hurts. It bled for an hour. I think I might lose the nail. this is what I get for being in a hurry and trying to do 18 things at once.

I am going to be rich. I listed on ebay a bottle of philosophy shower gel that I got for free as a gift with purchase, and the bidding is already up to $8.50. I'll probably lose about a dollar on shipping because I am only charging $5 and it will cost that much to ship it plus I had to buy a box, but I am going to be RICH! I love selling gift with purchases. Free money!

I spent $100 at Target picking up milk. I do not recommend stopping there for milk. They way overcharge. And what is it with the new $100 Target service fee. It used to cost me $40 to pick up milk. Inflation sucks.

I have a half day of vacation on thursday to go paint shopping. I am considering taking a half day wednesday, too. Would that be terrible? I had the day from hell thanks to my favorite reps and my most excellent wonderfulist dum-bass manager. I could use some time off. I'm just scared I'll use up all my paid time off and then I'll get sick and have to take days off without pay. That would be very bad.

Ok, time to shower and then I'm going to bed.

Thank you, ZarahZou!

2007-06-03T16:47:00.000-07:00

On Saturday ZarahZou and I got pedicures. very nice! we went to the beauty school, so thee cost was rather affordable. And my toes are a very pretty iridescent hot pink color. very fun looking. except one of my toes got a little smudged cause we went shoe shopping. I only bought two pair (I think ZarahZou got 3?).

Then we went back to my house and primed my kitchen. That's why me title thanks her. she did 95% of the work. she is very, very nice. and she has volunteered to help me paint next weekend. I am super glad she is my friend. not just because she is helping me paint. I was glad she was my friend before saturday, but now I'm gladder because she's so nice. This week I'm going to go shopping to find the perfect color. I find a sample of a beige that I really like, but I want to see if I can find a similar color, just a tad more coraly-pinkish, I think.

I've been very bad about posting new posts. Partly cause I'm lazy and partly because zalyssa spends so much time on the computer.

I listed new things on ebay, so maybe I'll be a zillionaire sometime soon. I hope so.

Ok, I am going to watch the mtv movie awards.

Moving day....

2007-05-19T18:55:00.000-07:00

In honor of ZarahZou moving into a new house, I decided to do some rearranging. I moved "the library" from the living room up to my bedroom. Moving one bookshelf probably doesn't sound like a lot of work, but it took me a couple of hours. Carrying stacks of books up the stairs, at least 20 trips. Then carrying the book case. Then when I got it up to my bedroom, I had to move stuff around to make it fit. Then I had to perform surgery on it with my super-handy drill. One of the sides needed to be re-connected. Then I had to put the books back. Then I moved the kitchen table, moved the loveseat a bit, then I finished reading "The Woods" by Harlan Coben. WOW! It was very, very good.

I love my new purple vacuum. It is so cute and so light. And it picks up great.

Monday is my follow up appointment with the doctor to see if my cholesterol has dropped. I can't wait to find out if my flax seed/fish oil/metamucil diet is working. I'll be rather disappointed if it is not.

Ok, I am going to watch Law & Order since I have the house to myself. ZickyZou is working on his dad's car, and Zalyssa is at her dads. So the house is all mine.

The house to myself....

2007-05-12T13:36:00.000-07:00

ZickyZou went somewhere with his brother. MissZalyssa went to the Twins game with her friend Zashley. I have the house to myself. Except I have to make the broccoli salad, cut up the strawberries, and do a bunch of other stuff to get ready for tomorrow. We are going over to my parents and grilling steaks. Yum!

I am very, very mad at stupid Mr. Zristopher Zawks, my sisters ex-husband. They are both being stupid. His new girlfriend is telling my nephew that his mom is stupid and other things like that. Mr.Zris is telling my sister, Zeryl, that she is lying about it. I don't really care what the real story is, all that is important is that all 3 of them (Zris, Zeryl and Zapril) need to GROW UP! and act like adults. The most important person is the equation is the child. Love your children more than you hate your ex. My nephew is four years old, he should not have to deal with the name-calling and the fighting and tension being caused by this situation. Yes, I know it's hard. I've been there.

I got up early and got my hair cut. Just two inches off the back, the ends of the layers and bangs. Looks exactly like it did, but shorter. I like that.

Okay, I have about another hour and a half to myself. I'm going to take a nap. Or watch for my daughter on tv.

Rory said no!!

2007-05-08T19:11:00.001-07:00

I'm very very sad that Gilmore Girls is coming to an end. The whole story reminds me of Alyssa and I, except I'm not beautiful like Lorelei, and my daughter probably isn't going to Yale. I can't believe the show is ending. And I can't believe that Rory said no when Logan proposed. It would have been so perfect. I really hope that Luke and Lorelei get back together before it all ends. That is two shows I have lost in the past couple of months.

I have over $30 in my mr.rebates account. I am super-rich. Except I'm going to get about $2 taken back because I'm returning 2 pairs of capri pants because they look silly on me. Too long to be capri's, too short to be pants. But then I bought a new purple vacuum cleaner, so I'll get $3 back.

I'm going to finish watching SVU. Good night!

Alternative to lip gloss....

2007-05-02T17:24:00.000-07:00

Last night before I went to bed I drank some fruit punch. I woke up with a nice, bright red kool-aid mustache. I always thought that it was the sugar in kool-aid that caused the staining. But I was drinking a sugar-free crystal light-type zero calorie drink. Next time I am using a straw.

I got a $15 rebate from paypal. I love free money.

I have almost $20 in the mr.rebates account because I may or may not have bought a new dooney handbag. I am not admitting to anything other than having a penchant for nice handbags, and having one heckuva collection.

A very small part of me wonders who is getting kicked off Idol tonight. A very large part of me does not care. An even larger part knows that I should be on my treadmill right now, and not typing this.

The Twins are up by 2. There are very many quite nice looking players. What a fun game to watch.

Ok, I must either walk or go on the stepper. Exercise is a good thing, right?

Yogurt covered raisins...

2007-04-30T15:38:00.000-07:00

Generally speaking, I don't like raisins. But I went to Aldi on Saturday and bought some, and they are very, very good. Very bad for you, but they taste good.

Disturbia is a super good movie.

I ordered some philosophy foundation from skinstore.com. 20% off, free shipping, a ton of free samples, and the shipping was super-fast. Next time I am in need of some philosophy products, skinstore.com will be my first choice. This was my first purchase from there, I read about it on the qvc bulletin board. Oh, and an 8% rebate from mr.rebates. Since I wanted to buy the foundation anyway, and it is the same price wherever you go, this was an AWESOME deal.

I wish I could find a way to motivate myself to list some items on ebay. I have a ton of stuff, it jsut takes so much time.
Plus I need Zalyssa to help me use the camera, as I am totally inept.

Last year at this time we were packing and getting ready to move. We have been here for almost a year. Time flies.

ok, I am going to exercise before it gets too late.

100!

2007-04-27T19:13:00.000-07:00

This is my 100th post. woo-hoo!

Yesterday ZarahZou and I sent 100 e-mails back and forth while we were at work. She is fun to talk to.

Tomorrow I think that ZickyZou and I are going to go see Disturbia. I want to see the movie, but I REALLY want an icee. and popcorn.

I just finished a book called "Three Dog Life" by Abigail Thomas. It is a memoir, the story of her life after her husband gets a traumatic brain injury. It was sad, but I am glad I read it. Now I get to read a fun book, so I chose "The Good Wife Strikes Back" by Elizabeth Buchan. I'll start it after I finish my 100th post.

I love Mr.Rebates. I have over $7.00 in pending rebates. Had I been using it for the past two years, I'd have a million dollars in rebates. I keep forgetting to use it.

I am deciding if I want to get up and get my haircut tomorrow. I'd much rather sleep in.

ok, off to start a new book.

My 99th post...

2007-04-26T18:41:00.000-07:00

Do I get an award for that? I would like an award. Sunday is my 9 year anniversary at my job. Do I get an award for that?

I am going to switch purses and use my super-cute Coach scribble tote. The dooney is going in the closet. I love it, but I want to switch it up a bit.

Why do cashiers think I want to talk to them? When I go to the grocery store, I really just want to pay for my items and leave. I don't care that it has been busy, you like broccoli with cheese on it, and that you don't like listening to talk radio. I am sorry that you are lonely, but just because I look friendly does not mean that I am. I am reserved and talking to people I don't know gives me panic attacks. Do I need to wear a sign that says not to talk to me? After I don't respond to your first comment, and glare at you when you keep trying, please take the hint. if you knew how stressful my day at work was, you would see that I really want just quiet. Please.

That's it. Good night.

Memo to.........

2007-04-24T16:59:00.001-07:00

TV Program schedule deciders: If you want me to watch your show, do not schedule it for the same time as the only other program I watch. I refuse to decide between Gilmore Girls, American Idol and the Twins game. Therefore, I am writing in my blog.

My Neighbors: When you play your music so freekin' loud, I have a hard time explaining to my child why she needs to be polite and keep hers down. She is a child. You are allegedly adults. Kindly lower the volume before I scream, non-stop, all night long.

My supervisors: Nothing really to say to you today. Except that I, for one, am not fooled like some people are when you try to fake like you have any clue what's going on.

My closet: why do you keep shrinking my clothes. that's not very nice of you.

That's it. Have a good night.

Memo to.........

2007-04-24T16:59:00.000-07:00

another challenging book...

2007-04-16T19:05:00.000-07:00

Ok, so after I finished "I am Charlotte Simmons", I decided I needed to read a couple of chick lit books because Charlotte Simmons was so serious. So, I read Shopaholic & Baby, Hide by Lisa Gardener and Step on a Crack by James Patterson. The last two aren't necessarily "girl books", but I think that anything you can read in a few hours is not very challenging.

So, I decided next I would read "The View from Delphi". Wow! It is very intense. It takes place in 1955, I am not certain that they ever give the date, but there are references to Rosa Parks having just refused to give up her seat on the bus. It is the story of a white woman (Hazel) and her black maid (Vida), although I am not certain maid is the correct word, she is more of a housekeeper/babysitter of the lady. Generally I wouldn't point out their race, but the story is about their differences and their similarities. They have both just recently lost children in very different ways, and it's the story of how they eventually become friends. It's really hard to read some of the name-calling, as the "n" word is used a lot. And there is a lot of disregard of other people. It is very good so far, very well written.

To preserve what little sanity I have left, I am not going to write about my review. I'll just say that I "Meet Expectations". And the sponge that I use to wash out my sink meets expectations. Interesting.

Ok, I am going to bed.

If you call the fashion police...

2007-04-14T18:40:00.000-07:00

I am so going to get arrested. My current attire consists of blue crochet slipper-socks, an over-sized t-shirt (no bra) and thin white carpi pants with bright purple underwear. You can so totally see them through my pants. and my hair is up in a towel, I have a scrunchy on my wrist and a bobby pin on my shirt. and after I washed my face, I didn't take off all my mascara when I washed my face. I feel pretty. But at least I smell good because ZickyZou told me so.

We just got back from going out to linner (the meal for when you skip lunch but it's too early to be dinner). We went for chinese. I had my usual cashew chicken -chicken with cashew nuts, as it is listed on the menu. Any reason they need to use a longer name than necessary? ZickyZou had some kind of spicy scallop dish. it smelled like fish. I really wanted him to get the cashew shrimp (shrimp with cashew nuts), but he was dead-set on getting something from the spicy section.

Then we went and saw Blades of Glory. There were some really, really funny parts. It was a good movie.

Then we went to the grocery store. Exciting news - Cub has 35 packs of water. I figure that a 35 pack will last longer than the 24 pack. Unless we drink more water because we have more water??? Only problem is that I can't lift the 35 pack. ZickyZou will have to go to the grocery store with me once a week so he can lift the water. Except he throws gross crap in the cart. Tonight he bought "Shrimp chips" from the asian foods section. All I can say is ICK! No, I have not tired them. I have no intention of trying them. They would, however, make a nice treat for ZarahZou. Only problem is that I will touch the bag so I can't bu them for her unless Zick is with. So, maybe next week???

The Twins are up 12-2 and it's the top of the 8th with 2 outs. Think they can win?

On Monday I have part 2 of my review. I am quite certain that I will not be part of this dept for much longer. Said it before, I'll say it again. Neville is an idiot. My objectives for next year- phone calls instead of e-mails because we don't need to have written correspondence because my managers always take my side; implement three ideas to provide better service to the agents and insureds because I certainly need to create more work for myself; and find two new markets to explore. Ok, I strongly believe that I provide the best service I possibly can with the tools and time I have available. and where am I supposed to find new markets. I asked neville if everyone had such impossible objectives. he laughed like I was joking. I told him that I would consent to having those be my objectives, but I felt there was no possible way for me to meet said objectives. I also told him I felt I was providing excellent service. then he came up with this scenario:

Every day at 6:15 I stop at Caribou to get a cup of coffee because I need to be to work at 6:20. Every day for a year I go there and spend $5. Caribou is open from 6:00am - 10:00 pm. Once day I need to be to work at 6:05 so I stop at Caribou at 5:58. (They open at 6). I see employees walking around in there, so i pound on the door and ask for coffee at 5:58. Don't I expect them to give me coffee at 5:58 even though they are not open until 6:00? That would be excellent service. I told Neville "no, I would not expect them to open up just for me even one second early. the sign on their door says 6-10, following those hours is good service. If I got there at 6:15 and they were not open, I'd be pissed, but I don't feel that I am important enough for a business to open early for me". Then I reminded him that there are plenty of times that I stay late to finish a quote or something. He seems to feel that the coffee shop should open early for me. I disagree. I asked him if he was advising me to come in at 6:28 every morning. We ended at a draw, he thinks I should be selfish enough to feel that the world should revolve around me, I tend to think that as long as they are open at 6, and willing to make me a cup of coffee at 10:02 every once in a while, then we're good.

The entire meeting was similar to that. I had to bite my lip to keep from screaming or crying. I am not feeling like I am getting a huge raise. That hardly seems fair since I am doing twice as much work as some people, and 20 times as much work as others. Apparently that is unimportant. I guess we will see on Monday how soon before I seriously explore other options. I know that I am good at what I do. I also know that not meeting impossible objectives equals no raise.

It's philosophy day in qvc, so I made myself feel better by purchasing the supernatural foundation, the 32 ounce pure grace 3-in-1 and the 32 ounce pure grace firming body emulsion. I'm much happier now.

Ok, I am going to go and choose the next book I am going to read. goodnight!

I like Sanjaya...

2007-04-10T19:10:00.000-07:00

and that is really all I have to say about American Idol. I think Sanjaya is awesome.

I really don't have much more to say about anything. I hate my job, I have a headache (think the 2 are related???), I'm reading a good book, I drank 14 glasses of water today. That's it.

I'm going to take a shower and go to bed. Good night!

Born to shop....forced to cook

2007-04-08T14:01:00.000-07:00

Zalyssa and I went out to the Albertville outlet mall yesterday. I bought myself the cutest dish towel and pot holder. They say "Born to shop, forced to cook", and they are sooooo cute.

I also bought myself a Coach primary color scribble hangbag. I won't say how much $, just that it is an investment piece. It is so cute, but it is not an everyday handbag, just something you would use for special occasions.

I also bought some new artwork to hang in the kitchen and living room. I think I am just about done with the decorating and am ready for new carpet. I have no wall space left.

We had a most excellent Easter dinner. I made a 65 pound lasagna, ham, green bean casserole (yummo) and garlic bread. And carrot cake. Zalyssa helped- she made the green beans, the cake and a marshmallow-fruit cocktail salad. When everyone left I just threw the dishes in the dishwasher on the hot water pots and pan cycle. I hope that cleans them. My house is sparkly clean, the dishes are washing themselves, I am stuffed, the only thing that would make today better would be if I didn't have to go back to work tomorrow. Why didn't I take two weeks off???

Ok, I am going to go and sit on the couch with ZickyZou for a couple of hours.

"I am Charlotte Simmons"

2007-04-05T17:57:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm not Charlotte Simmons, but I did read a book with that title. It was quite excellent. Combining my two favorite things - college basketball and reading- how could it get any better?? And I have just started Shopaholic and Baby, I should be done with it before I go to bed. I can't wait to find out whether or not Becky Brandon nee Bloomwoods husband is cheating on her. And is the baby a boy or a girl??

I returned home safely from my trip with a beautiful new handbag. We stopped at the outlet mall and I got the cutest purse at Wilson's. It's turquoise and so so so cute.

Our vacation was great. We went exploring in Superior and found a Dollar Store, Walmart, Kmart and Target. And we ate at Applebee's twice. (I highly recommend the shrimp skewer salad on the Weight Watchers menu- yum). I found 50% more free bottles of V05 tea therapy conditioner at the dollar store, so I bought 7 bottles. We swam, sat in the hot tub, I watched Ohio St get their backsides kicked, I read, relaxed. Glad to be home, I have lots to clean to get ready for Easter dinner. Conveniently Nick has to work on Saturday, so all the cleaning falls to me. Nice.

I did get ZarahZou some treats, but I did not have as much getting them as I expected because Zalyssa's friend Zemily didn't quite get the whole "my treat" thing. I suggested we find some rocks in the parking lot to bring to ZarahZou, and she said "That's dumb, why would you bring your friend rocks?" Uh, because I can. I suggested we collect the crumbs from the bottom of the toaster, again "That's dumb". Duh- that's the point. Then she asked if ZarahZou would prefer a Superior keychain. I told her that anybody could get a keychain, I want things that nobody else would think of. Then Zemily told me that ZarahZou probably doesn't know anyone else visiting Superior right now, so she wouldn't get another keychain. I was getting annoyed. She ruined the spirit of treats. So, I found a couple of things, but didn't want to spend to much time looking for fear that I would throw Zemily down the stairs.

Zalyssa, Zemily and I went to see "The Reaping" today. Very good.

Ok, that's it for now. It's 8:00 and I haven't even made dinner yet.

Post # 91

2007-03-27T18:57:00.000-07:00

Do I get an award or something? 91 posts, and not one of them says anything important. Except the one where I wrote about my thong showing at the grocery store. That was pretty important.

Nothing much to say today except- 3 working days until I go on vacation. YIPPY! I am very excited.

Oh, and ZarahZou agreed to paint my walls for cheap- she just wants food. and she didn't even say what kind. I'll invite her over, have her do all the work, and then feed her a bowl of Honey Bunches of Oats, since no one else in this house will eat them.

I am just kidding. If she helped me, I would make her something fabulous. Or even better, take her out someplace. I would be forever grateful.

Why is it that I can not go to Target without spending $100. $100 is the new $40. That's all it used to cost me. Now I spend $100 and leave with NOTHING. Today I bought some water ($4.50), some fabric softener ($3), and bread ($3), but they charged me $93.47. Oh, and I got two new pillows for my coach, and garbage bags. And Alyssa bought some barrettes. But that's it. Except for the space heater that was on clearance for less than $7. Geez, junk that I don't need adds up quick.

Ok, off to watch Law and Order SVU. And the Purdue/NC basketball game. Go Big Ten!!!

I'm getting new carpet!

2007-03-25T16:52:00.000-07:00

Ok, so originally Nick said no to new carpet. But then when I told him I'd pay for it myself, he conceded, and so now I can get it. Except now we really need it. I decided to paint the stairway and laundry area. The laundry area went fine, the stairway did not go so find. I spilled a lot of paint. Probably half a gallon. We woke up early on Saturday (9:00 am) to install the kitchen tile. We took a 20 minute break and got done at 3:00. Then I decided I'd start painging the laundry area. Then the stairway. I took a half hour break at 5:30. Around 9:00 I started to get mad that I was still painting. That's when I started getting sloppy. Around 10:30 I said "screw it" and started cleaning up. That's a long day of working. And I still have one more coat to do on two walls. But since I can't lift my arms, it's going to have to wait. I am so much pain.

How much would I have to pay ZarahZou to come over and reach the part of the ceiling I couldn't reach? I just needed about 3 more inches. I made such a mess with the paint. But at least I get new carpet.

Next weekend we leave for our "vacation". I'm excited to get away, even if it is only to Wisconsin. I'm also very excited to get a whole week off work. Except now I am going to have to spend a day painting.

Ok, off to finish my laundry!

I think I'm okay....

2007-03-20T17:31:00.000-07:00

I really thought I wouldn't be able to get into the whole March Madness thing, but then Duke lost and I laughed and then I knew that whatever was going on- I'm going to be fine. And the Maryland women's team is down by 20 and I am down-right giddy. Why, you may be wondering, do I think it is okay to find amusement in other people's misfortunes? Well, Duke and MD losing is like either of the Mr. Iowegians falling down the stairs. I don't really wish them bodily harm (usually), but I'd sure get a kick out of their arms flailing and their girlish screams as they tumbled down.

I am not entirely sure why I don't like Duke. I think it has to do with them being so dang good most years. Being a Gopher's fan is hard work. And it can be heartbreaking. And watching Duke succeed year after year just really sucks.

And Maryland, well, I have nothing against them personally. I just don't like the coach. I used to really like the coach before she walked out on the Gophers to go to MD. And she is a pretty good (that's the best I can do) coach and recruiter. And she let us all down.

I watched Dancing with the Stars last night. I am undecided on whether or not I will bother watching next week.

I am watching American Idol right now. I am voting for Sanjaya just because I can. I don't particularly like any of the contestants. And Paula scares me. Sanjaya hasn't even sung yet, but I still know that's who I'm dialing in for.

I spent $130 at Target on a gallon of milk and some notecards to send my sister. I recommend not shopping there if you just want to pick up a couple of things. I swear that a year ago a gallon of milk was only $40. Inflation!

I am hosting Easter dinner, if anyone chooses to come. I invited my parents, my Godparents, and my brother. ZickyZou is supposed to invite his parents and his brother. Let's see if he does. I asked him over a week ago to changed the burned out headlight in his car. And I am still driving around with one headlight.

I don't really want to talk about my bracket, but ZarahZou is doing quite well. I think she is a closet college basketball fan. Or else she's psychic. Or else she's really, really lucky.

Ok, MD is still down by 15 and there are 10 minutes left. Make it 17.
Go Ole Miss!!!!

Anyone know how to fix a garage door?

2007-03-12T16:21:00.000-07:00

Ok, my garage door is not broken, but the keypad is. It will not open the door. There is nothing wrong with the door because it opens with the opener and the wall opener, just not with the keypad. I did the logical thing and changed the battery, but that didn't help. Just another crisis in the ongoing saga of me trying to be a homeowner.

I am really enjoying "Lisey's Story" by Stephen King. At first it was really hard to get into, but 250 pages into it I am having a hard time putting it down.

It's March Madness, and I am having a hard time caring. I seriously think I might be suffering from depression or maybe sun deprivation or something, because for the past 10 years + this has been my favorite, favorite, favorite time of the year. Like better than Christmas. I so loved the thought of hours upon hours of college basketball, the brackets, the high school tournaments. This year I only watched about 15 minutes of the selection show. On Selection Sunday, I read a book. What is wrong with me? Am I outgrowing basketball? I hope not. Maybe once the tourney starts, I'll be more into it.

I bought underwear in a package today. I don't recall ever having underwear in a package since they had cartoon characters on it. But I got 7 pair for $6.49. That is an awesome deal, even if there is no lace or flowers.

I rented The Departed. I probably won't get around to watching it for a few days, I love NO LATE FEES. And I have had only had to pay a $1.25 restocking fee a few times. I am terrible about returning movies. But I rent so many that I think I deserve to keep them a couple of extra days. We have the on-line Blockbuster thing and in addition we also probably average 8-10 rentals a month.

Ok, I am going to exercise since for dinner I had a piece of fried chicken from the Target deli. It was most excellent.