RenderingRisch

Update It

2009-05-05T13:13:00.000-07:00

Hey Folks,

Don't forget to update your link to www.renderingrisch.wordpress.com

I'm still posting away, just at a different site!

Good-Bye

2009-03-01T14:59:00.001-08:00

to blogspot. I have caved to peer pressure. Actually there wasn't any pressure I just happened to check out other servers after her and her switched theirs and well I was persuaded. So visit me here and don't forget to switch the address on your readers and list.

Posting at www.renderingrisch.wordpress.com

Goodbye Thursday

2009-02-24T11:31:00.000-08:00

I have a date every Thursday night and my husbands not invited. Well, it's not that kind of date its a "girlish" night. My dear friend whom you can spy on here comes over every Thursday for gab, goodies, and videos (but mostly for gab). I always have such a great time hanging with her and I have to admit on Thursdays I find myself rushing my son through his night routine so I can have "girl time".

After having 2 kiddos in 18 months I have discovered the necessity of adult time. It appears Dave discovered the importance of this too which is why he began day shift this month (previously he worked nights 7-7:30). So now I have my partner home and awake during the evenings, which is amazing, but I must say goodbye to my Thursday "girlish" nights (don't fret we've decided to just move the time).

We chose to say good-bye to Thursday nights in proper form with m&m popcorn, wine, diet soda, and a show (I'm not sure that we ever got to the show part?).
Thanks my grigio friend...thanks.

Ethics

2009-02-12T23:55:00.001-08:00

are always an interesting topic come lecture day. How should the topic be introduced? How should it be discussed? What does it mean to be ethical? My conclusion was to ask them the same questions.

I spent the majority of class presenting various ethical dilemmas and allowing students to argue whether the situations were ethical or unethical and why. Lets say the day concluded with the decision not to leave my wallet unattended in my 8am class.

Here are a few of the "dilemmas" I presented...what would you do?

Do you have a responsibility to tell the cashier that she or he undercharged you?
Is it unethical for spouses of police officers to get out of tickets?
Is it ethical to smoke around children?
Do you have an ethical responsibility to leave a tip if your waiter provided "good service"?

Did you watch

2009-02-08T23:30:00.000-08:00

The Grammy's? what was your favorite performance? Coldplay was my personal winner!

Oh no you didn't

2009-02-06T20:59:00.000-08:00

I took the scissors,

I knew I should'nt,
no one was there,
I really blew it.
I closed my eyes,
I bit my lip,
I thought "heck it saves a trip."
I took the scissors,
it was late,
I considered stopping,
what an internal debate.
I started to back down
then recalled the economic state.
To save a buck,
why not try.
I took the scissors
I almost died.
They were everywhere,
but in my eyes
I should have know not to do it
I definitely don't resemble Jennifer Love-Hewitt.
Now here I am
surrounded by hair.
All I can do is stand and stare.
What have I done?
What was I thinking?
I'd rather lived another day constantly blinking.

*I'll be sporting this "pulled back" look for awhile!

In your opinion what's not worth saving a few dollars on?
for me its hair (bangs, color, style)

There's a Gardening Society

2009-02-02T13:00:00.000-08:00

Here in the Central Valley and they do some neat things throughout the year. Something they host annually is kind of like a fall festival and they have a bunch of interesting stuff going on. A couple years back I went and bought a bunch of gardening/cooking magazines for $1.

Yesterday we spilled sun screen all over the back of the car so in the midst of removing the carpet to clean up the disaster I discovered the magazines I had purchased(disclaimer: my car isn't THAT messy, I have a hidden department in the back where I placed & forgot them). I got to spend the rest of the day clipping out recipes I wanted to try and I was pretty jazzed. Anyway, I say all this b/c I'm interested to know what are some of the best recipes you've found in magazines? Oh, and no I typically don't read Sunset.

It's like a rush

2009-02-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

getting an amazing deal on something. I guess it's comparable to hunting but without the blood and loss of life (unless it's black Friday). I used to LOVE shopping, but there's not much time or resources for that these days so I've taken to the occasional hunt. Who hunts out there?

You know when you go to a store and you discover/stalk an amazing deal on some item/prey. You might go back a few times to check out the stability/resting place of the sale price and then it happens...the store/herd lets down/reduces its guard/asking price and *BAM* the items vulnerable and that's when you take aim and fire/grab & buy.

Well this last week I went hunting with a good gal pal and she'd been stalking a location and we swooped in and *Bam* I got a sweater that was originally $78.00 for $9.00!!!! So I had to take a picture of my prey.

What was your best kill?

(For some of you out there: please excuse the metaphor)

The Commercials are in 3D

2009-02-01T12:51:00.000-08:00

For the Superbowl. Okay I think it's just the commercial for Monsters vs. Aliens movie but still if you wanna catch it Vons (not sure if this is a statewide store for California?) is offering the 3D glasses for free. Go grab yours!

I know I'm sad,

2009-01-31T22:16:00.000-08:00

I know because I was at a wonderful party celebrating a friends 30th when all I could think about was my nice comfy bed. So here it is barely 10pm and I'm in my PJ's finishing up a movie and about to fall asleep at 10:11pm. Oh and the topper...Dave's already asleep! Yup...sad. What'd you do Saturday night?

She's coming SOON

2009-01-30T21:37:00.000-08:00

And I can't wait. I love her. dearly. My oldest friend (not for age but length) and honestly, more like a sister. We shared a jump rope at recess in first grade and I knew immediately that she was a "keeper". We are very different; as Ying is to Yang (well almost) but it works for us. There are a few people in life that I feel really known by and she's one of them. We've grown up together (literally). We've been there for first loves and hopefully last loves, for success and failures, for life and deaths, for pains and joys and it really is such a reassuring emotion that overtakes me just seeing her. I can't wait to hang. I can't wait for my son to dance in front of her and for her to meet my daughter. I would contend that when it comes to friends I have the BEST ones a girl could ask for, however, I kind of hope every person with friends feels that way.

I want to know

2009-01-30T11:00:00.000-08:00

What was the best gift you've ever been given?

I'm a practical gal so I tend to enjoy practical gifts (this is a new discovery for me). Which is why I totally feel in love when my mom gave me this for the new year! It may very well be the best gift I've ever been given.

Blondes have more fun?

2009-01-30T05:00:00.000-08:00

I don't buy the theory but I decided to give it a "try." Instead of paying $$$ to have this hypothesis tested I just went Here and did this.

Just click here and give it try for yourself (oh and you don't have to go blonde).

I find this really useful

2009-01-29T15:10:00.000-08:00

If you need some ideas for indoor activities. The weather is beautiful today, but Cookie carries some great suggestions for those rainy days. Hope you find THIS helpful for generating some ideas.

Do you use any websites for activities or fun ideas?

Good Morning

2009-01-29T06:09:00.000-08:00

Wait scratch that! Nothings good at 5am (it's an ungodly hour if you weren't aware). I know this b/c only a few kinds of people are up at 5am; insomniacs, those questioning their occupations, grandparents who go to bed at 7pm, and runners.

I'm not up b/c I'm running or "pre"running. Unless you count running away from children. Both my lovelies woke up simultaneously at 5am. I've concluded it's either; 1. a plot to strip mom from all sanity or 2. to take over the world, starting with insomniacs, truckers, grandparents, and runners. Take the runners first! Please.

An Ethical Dilemma

2009-01-29T05:30:00.000-08:00

Do You re-gift?

It's called impromptu

2009-01-28T18:45:00.001-08:00

For a reason and I spent the morning reminding my students why. I've heard quite a few speeches in my day and I can honestly say today's speeches were...well...umm...memorable. After listening to 60 some odd presentations today I felt compelled to compile a top 10 list of "signs" for my readers. "Signs" that your presentation may not be going so well, or in the case of a student "signs you may not be getting an A." This list is based solely on the speeches I heard today. Here goes;

10. You pop your gum with your back teeth while speaking.
9. Your conclusion is "Dat's all I gots."
8. You suggest becoming a drug dealer.
7. Your full presentation last 10 seconds.
6. You begin your speech with "dammit."
5. You forget what your speech was on before you conclude it.
4. You refer to a significant other as "boo" during your example.
3. You stop mid-sentence in your presentation and beg for another topic.
2. You grab your crotch and check the inventory in front of everyone before you begin.
1. I HAVE TO REMIND YOU TO REMOVE YOUR BLUETOOTH BEFORE YOU BEGIN.

Props to higher education. Some days you feel like your making a difference and some days you contemplate slamming your head against the desk.

Chubby Girl Vol.1.3 yr.09

2009-01-28T14:35:00.000-08:00

You know you're out of shape when you have to do the "pre" training to the actual training for a half marathon. Yup, you got it. I am so terribly out of shape that I'm even dreading the "pre" training; check it out here!

The Male Version

2009-01-27T13:59:00.001-08:00

Of Twilight!

I kid you not. My husband and a few of his buddies have been reading Vince Flynn books and apparently they haven't been able to put them down.

As stated by David; "I've read more in the last 2 months then I have in all of 2007."

My conclusion is that Flynn is the equivalent to Meyer's. Not that these authors should be polarized based on their sex or the majority of their readers gender. There is just a familiarity with my man's addiction to this book that I know so well. So in our house I heart Meyer's and Dave hearts Flynn.

Have/Do YOU read Meyer's or Flynn?

What you Readers Read

2009-01-26T05:00:00.000-08:00

It appears that my readers LOVE fiction...Yuck. Sorry (I love classic fiction but that's it). If fiction is so great I want to know what books your reading! So Spill. Make me a convert.

My last Template

2009-01-25T22:07:00.000-08:00

was too temperamental so it had too go. I don't do well with high maintenance. So I thought I'd try this one out. However, it doesn't want to post my poll so it's not showing signs of a lasting relationship.

Should it stay or go?

Chubby Girl vol.1.2 yr.09

2009-01-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

Saddle bags. Some of you know the reference, it's the extra thigh/low butt attaching itself upon our legs like a growth. Unless you carry a Jennifer Gardner frame you can relate in some form or another.

I'm not a tall person, I'm actually rather short. I make up for my shortness by carrying a "tall" personality...it's almost the female version of Napoleon's complex except I'm a bit less into taking over the world and more in tune with my insecurities. Speaking of lets go back to why I bring up Saddle bags.

Here's where my shortness becomes an issue for me. I've had a couple kids and well my weight would be appropriate for a 6ft supermodel. I am neither 6ft or a supermodel...perhaps you can relate?!

With my short mom complex I've decided to take a new route. I'm really good at working out as long as I have NOTHING else going on. If anything else could possibly distract me well, it wins over exercise. So I'm taking a new approach.

What is it? It's a marathon....Stop laughing. I kid not. I'm not crazy, I'm going to start with a half. If you know me you know I DON'T run! Why? because I'm prejudice against runners. That and I don't believe I or anyone else should be exposed to the ways in which my body moves when at a faster than stroll pace. But the saddle bags MUST go. Oh and word is that my h.s. reunion is around the corner.

Things I will NOT do while taking on a runner persona:

Purchase short shorts (if something is so short it has to be repeated well...count me out)
Buy running shoes over $80 (do we really have to purchase new clothes every time we try something out?)
Begin eating power bars (unless the words chocolate or caramel are involved)
make protein shakes (I don't do shakes unless Ice cream is an ingredient hence my chubby issue)
place a raw egg anywhere near my mouth
Begin using words like "BMI" or "Best time"(runner jargon is highly annoying)
blue tooth while running (who are you people? and how do you do that?)
run in the middle of the street (I don't have a death wish)
run in a sports bra (again, I am aware of my insecurities and I have my sanity still...sort of)

Ever have that elated

2009-01-24T13:53:00.000-08:00

feeling when you reach into a pocket of something you haven't worn in awhile and discover $1? Yea it was kind of like that but times a BILLION.

Look what I found when I hunted through my "storage closet"
What's your greatest find?

Defiance

2009-01-23T10:26:00.001-08:00

is overwhelming. For the love of my husband I decided to see it (well and daniel craig's not too shabby). Anyways, I didn't have an overwhelming drive to view this film. I was engulfed with unexpected emotion and response. About 40 minutes in Dave turns around and says "I LOVE this movie." My thoughts exactly. If you like grass root movements, underdogs, true stories, love, historical events, good overcoming evil, raw human emotion, and community/family you should see this movie. It's an extraordinary story. If a film could reveal and struggle with attributes of God by telling a tale this film is it. That's all I'm going to say about it. Now go see it!

Effects of a recession.

2009-01-18T17:50:00.000-08:00

There was this funny little thing that happen after I had my second child. I found it wise not to make meals that required too much preparation (i.e. more than hot water or butter). As such, I laid off some appliances in my kitchen without noticing. One item however, was "relocated" to a new department and given a different job title, that item was my kitchen aid mixer.

I was found out the other day by Her when I decided to make carrot cake cupcakes for Titus' 2nd birthday. After some nervous laughter I admitted that it had become the pacifier/thermometer/mylicon holder. Oh how our lives and kitchen have changed.

I was finishing

2009-01-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

my shopping at our local warehouse store. Since I have a household of 4 I now find it necessary to shop in bulk for some reason. Despite the fact that I have NO real pantry, limited storage, and really will never need THAT much relish...Costco still beckons me. I digress...

I was finishing loading my cart of over-sized, really great deals when I begin to approach the war zone. I refer to the checkout lines as the war zone. If I consciously try to select a line that will go quickly it is inevitable that I will stand in the slowest moving line or someone in front of me will forget something, lack a price tag, or not have the "correct" membership.

A war zone, because that's what's going on in my head (a war). It takes everything in me not to audibly sigh, growl, or grunt. And only the Lord, myself, and Psychics know what I'm thinking in those moments. I hate Costco lines they should come with ACE inhibitors. Not too long ago I entered the war zone only to find we were at peace. the line I selected wasn't short but it was fine and I wasn't in a huge rush b/c my kids were with Daddo (I refer to these breaks as vacations). Anyways I'm approached by a Costco representative (employee) who notifies me that this line is slow and that I need to go to the line 2 rows down with only 3 people. I say "that's okay I'm cool" but dude is persistent. I cave and the collape results in me waiting an additional 15 minutes while the cashier verifies that the costumer ahead of me is indeed related to the member. AHHHHHHHHHHHHH I'm pretty sure the persistant Costco rep ran away as soon as he saw me begin to shake my head while I watched the other line deminish.

So this ramble is all in an effort to exclaim "What is up with people?"

Today I'm at said store. I have both little ones with me. We have been there for at least an hour and I begin to walk directly towards a line. I'm talking to my son only to look up in time to see a lady look at me and zoom into the line. No words are spoken as we both stand in the SAME spot side by side. I'm ah struck. I am thankful my kids are with me. I'm really not a nice person sometimes. I say "is this the line?" refering to where she now stands. Her response "yeah, they're all super long...sorry" W#*% T&e *&^%!!!!!!!!

While she's speaking a heard of people line up behind her and all I keep thinking is..."she's really not going to let me go after cutting me off and seeing the huge line behind her."

Perhaps acknowledging her aggression and my exhaustion after seeing the line grow behind her would have moved her to a decent reply or action. Nope. Again...it's a WARZONE!

Thanks for saving me $100 in a therapy bill this week.

Any shopping stories? Anyone else have a magnet for the slow line? Anyone play the jerk on a bad day?

Yesterday I asked

2009-01-15T16:00:00.000-08:00

my students if they had watched the American Idol tryouts. Not a single student in either class had seen them. What's up? Are you watching the tryouts? Has the annoyance toward Simon, Randy, & Paula taken over?

And this is the moment

2009-01-15T05:05:00.000-08:00

that my heart melted. The other day I'm in the process of persuading my 2 year old that it is vital we wear clothes when he grabs his guitar and begins to sing to me. This is what he sang;

"Jesus love meee I know for beble
tell me SOOOO little one belong they weak he STRONGGGGGGGG!"

And my heart just melted.

You should wish her a happy day,

2009-01-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

Today is Her birthday and I just want to wish her a happy one! She is my favorite sister and always puts up with my mommy stories but those aren't the only reasons why I hope this year is a happy one. If you get a chance, stop by here and wish her a great day!

My sister, my opposite, my favorite, my friend.
I wish a year full of new beginnings and appropriate ends.
Of love and growth. And laughter and grins.
Stability and excitement. Worship and hymns.
I pray a home full of health.
A Fridge full of Food.
Marriage full of joy.
And continual funds for you.
Sister, so lovely, so honest, so true
May it be a year full of blessing, A year that's brand new!
Happy Birthday Big Sis!

I know I should work for hallmark...HA!

Hello Big Papa

2009-01-13T16:00:00.000-08:00

Upon playing with Titus' new Christmas toys he discovered that Mr. Potato Head had a strange resemblance to my dad (Big Papa).

Since Big Papa was in San Jose. Titus' referred to this potato as "big papa"

He talked with him in his little tent

and he gave him kisses

eventually he admitted that it was just not the same.

The real Big Papa

Helpful Hints

2009-01-12T12:55:00.000-08:00

For college instruction.

show up 1hr. before class to guarantee a parking spot, especially when passes are sold at a 7 to 1 ratio.
when there are no longer any desk or folding chairs available stop letting students walk in.
Do NOT buy coffee on campus. It was like a strange mixture of lukewarm tar and coffee grinds.
Bask in the fact that you can sit in the faculty lounge and pretend you can't see the 100 students located in the cafeteria on the other side of the room.
Know the students name. Do not refer to a student as "Landon" if his name is "Ladon".
Heels/pumps = terrible mistake.
Roll it. Despite all pride use a rolling bag.

That about wraps up what I've learned today. What about You?

just so you know

2009-01-12T05:00:00.000-08:00

I will be taking polls/surveys every month about my readers (you). Feel free to voice your opinion or give your vote. To participate just click the box to the right of my most recent post. Its located right beneath the "subscribe" button.

I'm not a snob

2009-01-11T07:44:00.000-08:00

At least not a blog snob. With all the recent updating on my blog I lost a few widgets. My "people I spy on" list was one of them. So if you used to be linked through my site or if you want to be linked through my site just let me know! I have a TERRIBLE memory and I am trying my best to recover my list. Also I would love to connect you to my site if you have a blog of your own and have never been on my list. Just let me know your out there. You can email me, my email is listed under Me.As.Risch or you can just comment under this post.

(I'm bears fan I can't be a blog snob)

American Teen

2009-01-10T23:33:00.000-08:00

Is a truly honest depiction of fears, thoughts, and dreams in a midwest high school. Even if your not into documentaries I would recommend you view this one.

I did not go to high school in the midwest nor did I even attend a public high school, yup I'm a private kiddo (shhh don't tell) and yet I found myself connecting with these teens. The documentary follows four teens (there is a quasi 5 teen but he's not soloed out) that fulfill your stereo-types.

The Jock; whose future hangs on the next game and his ability to maintain his sanity despite his high-pressure, elvis impersonating, vicarious living dad. The Geek; tragically uncool and unimaginably awkward, game playing, pimple popper, bando boy who longs to be noticed in a positive way, find his niche, and meet a nice girl. The "It" chick; vindictive, controlling, wealthy, athletic, pretty, and smart all of which exist to mask the immense about of pain and pressure she's experiencing at home. And finally there's Hannah (I know I used her name opposed to her title). I fell for Hannah. She's the Rebel; plays in a band (not the band), paints, lives with grandma, desperately wants out of her small town.

Each teen raised emotions in me as I watched. I wrenched in pain as they let me view their lives and crossed my fingers with each possible moment for success or maturity. If you remember your teen years, tried to forget them, or never really had them you MUST enjoy this documentary. I understand that these teens fulfill extreme stereo-types and are often not the normal experience, however, they do reflect a degree of truth for a specific demographics life and I found myself ever more thankful that I am NO longer 18!

Titus,

2009-01-04T20:47:00.001-08:00

He's turning 2. I don't remember turning 2 I don't remember 2 at all, but I know I will ALWAYS remember his year 2. The way he gives this sneaky little smile when he's about to be a stinker, eventually he'll figure out a way to hide what he's thinking. Eventually he'll stop seeking my approval to explore and discover the world. Eventually he wont call out my name when he can't see me. And eventually he won't be 2. So this year is special, as is every year of my children's lives.

I want to make sure I teach him a few things as he grows. below is several ideals I hope to pass on.

The process of loving and being loved by God is challenging, adventurous, euphoric, and real...very real. We can't live our spiritual life/relationship vicariously. This is a road of faith and we very often have clumsy feet.
We must touch. The "do not touch" phrase should be used for only certain situations; but the rest of life should be a "touch" sign. Titus fed a giraffe a while back and he was VERY uncertain. Those animals are crazy looking and I completely understood the uncertainty. He nervously touched the giraffes mouth to feed him a leaf and received the ultimate licking. In return he laughed and it was a gut laugh. Life should result in genuine reactions. laughter, love, forgiveness, joy, pain all real experiences that he shouldn't miss b/c we "do not touch".
Pain and suffering should be welcomed not avoided. I was timid in unexpected ways for a child. I was outgoing definitely an extrovert, however when it came to the possibility of failure, disappointment, or the unexpected I was often timid. I was afraid. Fear of experiencing any form of pain or suffering. He should know that loving people who may never love us back, riding a bike out of the cul-a-sac, pursuing secret dreams, and losing (whether it's a game, a loved one, or an expectation) are a precious part of life.
Success and prosperity can be defined in many inaccurate ways. Guidance with these should not be sought through popular culture.
Defending the defenseless matters. Defending yourself is overrated. I am finally realizing the roots/core to so many of my own defenses/defensiveness and I have a long road ahead of me. Perhaps he can save himself a few decades of work and live a life that matters much earlier.
How to be a good husband (from a women's point of view). Perhaps I'm trapping him into a specific identity and it may never be his path, but at least he'll know how to take care of himself. I promised to raise a young man who could cook, clean up after himself, do laundry, listen (actively) while giving meaningful feedback, yield his pride, and love. I figure it's a start and perhaps it will give me some favor with my future daughter-in-law.

I could go on but who knows how much longer this post would be?

So in return. Is there a lesson you wish you'd learned? Is there something you want to make sure you pass on (regardless of having children or not)?

Did I mention

2009-01-03T16:03:00.000-08:00

I'm also employed? Yes imagine that, I am paid to do something. The thought is quite riveting, well to me at least. Before I had my kids I got to dabble (1 semester & a couple classes) with instructing at the local university. Well I'm back. I return to work at a local community college in about 1.5 weeks and I'm terribly overwhelmed. Not in a bad way, so please no lectures. Overwhelmed with thoughts, ideas, syllabi content, and such.

After spending the afternoon reviewing educational laws and bylaws I started reflecting on more enjoyable areas of education. Below is a brief description of a few of my favorite instructors from college.
(please note I'm brave enough to post a picture w/ me 8 months preggo)
Please enjoy:

Dr. C = Chinese accent was incredibly difficult to interpret and read (no that's not a misprint). Favorite remark "You are my little lions, ready to roar, I shall teach you how."
Dr. D = Deaf and refused to use a hearing aid or interpreter. It was an incredibly interesting political science course. End grade = C
Dr. C (different one) = Last semester before retirement. Favorite remark, " All religions are cults, so pick one and prove it."
Dr. U = Sold me on communication as life. Favorite project: Select a topic that the majority of people in the room disagree with and now persuade them. Final project. Success = majority persuaded.
Dr. P = Continues to refer to me as Molly Shannon and shouts "superstar" whenever I'm in view.

What about you? who was your favorite professor, instruct, teacher? Stories Please!

The Following

2009-01-02T11:30:00.000-08:00

is a quote by Tolstoy, quoted in Foster's "Celebration of discipline" with additional comments by Krystin.

"Our world is hungry for genuinely changed people. Leo Tolstoy observes, 'Everybody thinks of changing humanity and nobody thinks of changing himself.' Let us be among those who believe that the inner transformation of our lives is a goal worthy of our best efforts."

I've returned to "Celebration of discipline" for a third time. My inner dialogue continues to repeat "back to the basics" whenever I contemplate my spiritual state. When I consider acts of love, respect, obedience, my inner voice continues to chant "BASICS".

The basics for me.... must fall into the foundations of truth that I adhere to. Basics are principles I know are true. I believe that if I don't truly wrestle with the "basics" of God, life and me, in the end I will miss every and any opportunity for depth and honesty in this life. Here are some of the basics as Krystin, that I am continuing to be called back to:

I am full of brokeness or as a good friend of mine says "I'm a hot mess."
God is good. This statement in itself causes more hope and frustration in my life then you could possibly imagine.
I am in desperate need of relationship. First with God, then with people. I tend to forget this. I tend to withdraw; spiritually and emotionally. I label this action as independence but it's probably more pride and stupidity.

These are a few of the basics for me. There are some more and some can get theological and others a bit raw but in the end they all kind of fall back into one of these three categories.

So instead of attempting to change the world, revive a nation, reform a healthcare system, or even perhaps be known as the "worlds best mom," as my mug says, there are some basics I need to resonate and wrestle with, not that I will not attempt any of the others.

It's this foundation that calls me to meditate, to seek, to listen, and most of all it's these truths that remind me that I'm on a journey. A journey that should repeatedly bring glory to God, change in myself, and overflow with acts of love towards others.

There you have it. A glimpse into my mind and a nice clear view of my dirty laundry.

photo-less

2009-01-01T18:54:00.000-08:00

For the next few weeks I will resign myself to generic photos and such due to my camera's deterioration. There have been many ideas I've wanted to share since my last post but I insisted on waiting for my camera to revive itself. After a few "laying on hands" attempts I have finally realized my camera is dying. However, I refuse to let my blog die along with my camera. This shall be no Shakespearian situation with that said the blog must go on.

My apologies for the boring images to follow.

I was not prepared

2008-12-18T10:00:00.000-08:00

for technicalities!

I said "Do not touch mommy's toy (gameboy)."

Technically he did not "touch" the toy.
He held true to the agreement (at least contractually).

However, his dino got in A LOT of trouble.

Chubby Girl

2008-12-17T10:00:00.000-08:00

Holiday No No List:

1. No baking, b/c really how many of those are going to make it into my mouth before I offer them to someone else? Umm at least 3.
2. Parties on empty stomachs. No matter how much you dislike a cheese log in the end you will reach for a cracker.
a. Cheese log eating is acceptable if you violate rule 4.
3. Considering the whole month of December as a "free" day. Oh you know what I'm talking about.
4. Rationalizing that you can have an extra glass or two of eggnog b/c you've put on 5 lbs (5 or 10lbs does not equal the ability to drink twice as much). Intoxication at any size can lead to trouble, especially around the holidays.
5. Caught talking or blinking on camera. These photos are always the ones people choose to forward in emails and there you are looking all crazy. My advise: threaten the person with the camera upon meeting and/or ask if you can "see the picture" and silently press "delete".
6. Not having backup gifts. There's always that one person who gives you a gift or your kiddo a gift that you were not prepared for. Despite the economical recession, the exponential credit card debt nationally, and the ever looming taxes due in 3 months you are now bound by obligation to reciprocate the gift. You better run to your gift closet.
7. Trying to put the Xmas tree topper on by yourself. Chubby girl + tree shape = complications.
8. Gingerbread Houses. Cute idea but heartbreaking for the little ones when they catch you making "renovations" on the house. The whole "downsizing the gingerbread home" conversation never sells them.
9. Pants that button. This is the time of year that I suggest sweaters and yoga pants. Hey no one questions it, b/c it's freak'n cold outside and lets be honest we're gonna break 1-4 on the No No list so why torture ourselves with buttons.
10. The biggest No No of all: Christmas Crocheted sweaters w/ decals.

who are the people

2008-12-16T22:51:00.000-08:00

in your neighborhood, in your neighborhood, in your neeeeigborhoooood?

I decided to tap into "extrovert krystin." If you haven't met her you really should. I find that if I try hard enough I can be pleasant and focused when talking to someone (this typically requires sleep and being childfree). Two things I rarely experience these days. My decision is in an effort to "commune".

I whipped up some peanut butter chocolate bars, wrapped them in little red boxes, tied a bow and plan to drag the kids out in the cold so we can get to know a few neighbors we haven't met plus reconnect with ones we have met.

I'm willing to admit that knowing your neighbors has some downsides to it, however in the long run it really is a good thing. And I'm a huge advocate for relationshipping/communicating so to stay true to form I wanted to do something that would encourage conversation. I believe food is essential to conversations. Plus the whole concept of loving one another has been something I'm working through. I will probably continue to work through this for the rest of my life but hey we all have our "things". I find the mantra "treating others the way you would like to be treated" helpful in my "loving others process" and I know if someone showed up at my door with sweets I would be deeply appreciative and if that "someone" was a she, and she had two small children I would be less inclined to assume something suspicious (like a request for a donation). I figure I will meet a few peeps and I will miss a few. Some will think I'm selling something or affiliated with a popular religious sect and hide, those are the neighbors I can't wait to met!

Mid Peanut butter Chocolate process

Trust me: they wont be so scary once they are cut into bars... I think.

Dear Santa,

2008-12-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

I would like world peace, kisses, a ball, and cookies for Christmas please.

Kindly,
Titus

This is my son's wish list to Santa (first one ever). he asked for the above 4 things (I may have "encouraged" the world peace). I tried to get him to wish for homes for the homeless but he really wanted the cookies. How about you? What's on your wish list?

First food

2008-12-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

did not go over so well. Honestly though, what was I thinking. Rice cereal is comparable to the adult version: rice cakes. We eat them b/c at times life requires it, but we never really enjoy them. Unless it's covered in cheese or labeled "bbq".

Before After

baby proof tree

2008-12-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

is a must. I have a 5 month old and a (almost) 2 year old and now I'm bringing in a very large tree with needles, decorating it with hooks, glass, shinny, and sparkling things and then telling them not to touch it. I consider that cruelty. If I was a kid I'd want to climb it, let alone touch the shinny, sparkling items that call out to my left and right hand.

As a "momma" I try to scope out "things that could injure my child" second by second and the Xmas (if your one of those people that hate Xmas b/c it takes Christ out of Christmas please look up the historical background to the use of "X") tree seems to scream "D.A.N.G.E.R." So I laid aside my desire to "dazzle" the tree and took an extremely practical approach...bows. I tied bows all over our tree this way if Titus takes off with one, big deal. Here's my tree;

She's Brillant

2008-12-12T15:03:00.000-08:00

And I'm not just saying that because she's my friend. If you haven't heard me brag about Holly well consider this your chance. She's one of those people you meet and you know they're destined for greatness. Her great contribution may or may not come from photography but I'll tell you what...
Holly + Camera Lens = Brilliance

She just posted our family photo's here. Please feel free to check them out.

Chubby girl post to follow concerning angles and photos.

It's like...

2008-12-05T09:10:00.000-08:00

Living with a drunk foreign exchange student. That's the best way to describe the day to day interactions I share with my almost 2 year old son. Over the last year my son has become highly communicative which I can only assume is one part biology and one part my fault. Titus is definitely MY son.

So back to my drunk foreign exchange student. Most of Titus' words are slurred, mixed with inaccurate other words, and said with a thick "baby" accent. I can usually understand at least 1/3 of what my son says but it

typically takes a LOT of guessing, interpreting, and asking to be shown. When Dave and I get jammed we result to "Show daddy/mommy" and we allow him to lead us to various locations around the house.

I can only suppose that with all this practice one day the Lord will lead us to opening our home to a foreign exchange student with a sobriety issue okay maybe not.

Dear Foreign exchange students,

Please don't hate me. I'm aware of your ability to speak fluently in several languages and my inability to speak fluently in one. My comparison was based on barbaric stereotypes.

Best Worst Movie Ever...

2008-12-03T17:29:00.000-08:00

We all have them. Movies we wish we'd never seen. I have a list of the worst movies ever. To be honest I'm glad I've seen some of them because they are so terrible I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it. some of mine include;

5. The thin red line (literally fell asleep in the theater)
4. Howard the duck (I lack the words...)
3. Cut throat island (Are you kidding me?)
2. A gnome named gnorm (There were a lot of things in the 80's that I felt were crack induced this one tops the list)
1. Sleepwalkers

I did not watch Sleepwalkers alone. WutheringIris and I went through a stage when we were about 16(ish) where we spent most of our free time watching horror films during summer afternoons and concluding we could have created a much more unpredictable screenplay. The only thing I could use to rationalize this movie was that Stephen King had nothing to do with the development of the film...but he did. I couldn't stop laughing while we watched and if you've ever seen my "uncontrollable laughter" in person you can imagine what the next 90min or so looked like.

(I have not included any sequels or trilogies since that only would have quadrupled the list. I also skipped out on decades prior to my birth b/c...well...there's only so much time in a day.)

So dish...What's the worst film you've ever seen? And why? Now's the time to clear your conscious.

It all started

2008-12-03T11:44:00.000-08:00

When my kids pediatrician asked if I had the flu shot. My reply "no I haven't had the flu in about 8 years."

There were other signs like the visit to my FNP who offered to give me the flu shot then. My reply "Nah I'll come back I'm a bit pressed for time". I believe it was all a set up.

Now I'm sitting in bed on a wednesday at noon, whining about my joints aching (despite the excessive about of advil I have consumed), and my head kind of feels like this:

DarkAges

2008-11-30T07:46:00.000-08:00

There was an "incident" with my template formatting so until it can be amended I will be using this basic layout. Boring but it does the job.

It was an 80's Party

2008-11-29T23:17:00.000-08:00

WARNING: This might be the most horrifying picture I have ever displayed.

It was a "Surprise, murder mystery, 80's themed, progressive dinner, birthday party" I was frightened at Dave's ability to fit right into that era (he resembled a Sadie Hawkins date my sister had in high school).

The Woman

2008-11-27T06:30:00.000-08:00

I'm "the woman" (an adaptation of "the man"). For Hub's birthday I fa-nangled my family and his into contributing to a gift of sheer awesomeness. We flew to Chicago and watched a Bears (his favorite NFL team) game. It was cold and by cold I mean, I lost feeling in my legs about 20 minutes after arrival. It snowed. For those of you in the central valley it's this very cold white stuff that lands on you and eventually melts leaving you even colder. But it was pure Awesomeness...Maybe next year I'll actually get SOMETHING on my birthday!

Outside of Soldier Field. He was so excited I was waiting for pant wetting.

Our seats. Decent not quiet nosebleeds.

Brightest Crayon in the Box

2008-11-26T08:25:00.001-08:00

I asked Hub to lock my car last night b/c my purse was in it. Woke up this morning and realized that hub left for work before unlocking car. Thus Car = Purse = Key's = Freedom. Today you know where I can be found...Home!

Turkey V. Ham

2008-11-25T22:27:00.000-08:00

It's a simple yet heated debate come holiday time. Which side do you eat on?

Turkey or Ham?

Rules

2008-11-23T14:06:00.000-08:00

Husband: "I can't wear a hat in church!"

Wife: "Oh, but you can wear a mullet?"

A Hippie, A Sniper, & A Pepper walk into a...

2008-11-01T23:41:00.000-07:00

My husband had a vision...it was accomplished.

yes those are real leaves attached to my child. Fortunately not real bullets!

Let us not forget that with every Rambo opps I mean sniper, comes a Hippie.

Oh and my "vision"

yes she's a chili pepper!

One more for good measure...

We survived the night with only a few falls, a couple meltdowns, some hair super glued together, and one tub covered in black & green face paint...can't wait till next year.

Photos provided by THIS fabulous wonderingwoman!

Thanks for the Cancer

2008-10-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

Last week was nurse appreciation week (day?). Since Hubs works at a local hospital he came home bearing gifts.

All the nurses at his hospital were given these mugs as a gesture of appreciation. Seems nice at first glance, until you read the fine print.

Fine print is so fine I will print it out again for you:

"California law requires this warning: This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harms."

hmm...not exactly the gesture of appreciation one expects, especially for a healthcare provider from a healthcare provider.

Hubs informed me that none of the nurses took these home except him and he said once I was done blogging to "toss it".

Secret Treasure

2008-10-19T22:00:00.000-07:00

The other day I turn around to see my son standing suspiciously by the fireplace. Upon further inquiry this is what I discovered:

Since my fireplace is "in progress" one of the boards merely leans on the fireplace frame (please note that I am not going into my mans project addiction at this time).

Titus discovered this leaning board and now has a secret hiding place.

When I looked closer this is what I found.

Good thing there's no late fees.

Intervention

2008-10-16T15:22:00.000-07:00

Last Monday Dave and I went on a "date night". Funny how one gets married and suddenly has to schedule romance and one on one time, seems ironic. So we're out at sushi and in a very tactful way my husband has a one person intervention with me. I come to find out that I need some "Krystin" time. I think the wording was more along the lines of "Babe, I think you need to let other people watch the kids a few times a week so you can go have some time to yourself. Maybe grab some coffee, read a book, get a pedicure."

I was in shock! The shock was more over the encouragement to spend money but really, I had no idea I was becoming crazy, grumpy, grunge mom. This whole time I thought I was taking some "me" time. I found out breast feeding while reading or folding laundry and watching the dvr at night doesn't count as "me" time.

So today this crazy, grumpy, grunge mom grabbed some coffee and cashed in her pedicure gift certificate without kiddos or multitasking. Well I guess drinking coffee, reading trash magazines, and having your feet rubbed is multitasking but I hear it's acceptable.

Movie Night

2008-10-15T11:10:00.000-07:00

So the other night Titus had his buddy Berkeley over for homemade pizza's and Curious George. The evening was full of food, yelling, and running. I'm not sure Berkeley will ever come back. We've discovered that Titus expires at 7:30 and then Crazy Man kicks in. "Crazy Man" throws toys, pushes, and runs in circles. I think the adults paid more attention to the movie then the little ones did.

Chubby Girl w.4

2008-10-08T15:40:00.000-07:00

So I'm getting my booty kicked on this Jillian Michaels "thing". But here's my dilemma: I'm in need of booty kick'n music...it's a must. I must have my booty kicked to the appropriate soundtrack. Here's where you can help: what music do you suggest? What artist get's your BP (blood pressure) pump'n?

(yes this is my son caught dancing, he likes to bust a move)

Breast Friend

2008-10-01T23:20:00.000-07:00

October is national breast cancer awareness month. Go ahead and consider me your breast friend because ladies I'm here to remind you to check your girls.
I may be lighthearted in terms but I am definitely not kidding when it comes to self examinations. Time to take a minute or two and practice prevention in a very simple way. Here is my post from last year included are links concerning self exams and breast cancer, as well as, statistics. So please find time to save some boobs and in return lives.

Chubby Girl w.3

2008-09-28T17:06:00.000-07:00

Wish Me Luck...

Public Enemy #1

2008-09-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

My mom gave Titus a doll that's "suppose" to teach him how to dress himself. He literally saw it and yelled "Noooooooo" and chucked it across the room. I think he'll warm up to it. HA.

FREE

2008-09-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

So I never got around to sharing any highlights of our family vacation last month. Well, I hope this doesn't come too late. We went to the great SLO farmers market and this was definitely the high point of the night for me. Thoughts????

Fort

2008-09-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

Some days I want to be this age again!

11:30

2008-09-24T22:52:00.000-07:00

It's eleven thirty at night and I'm spent. I've nurtured, protected, and entertained little people all day. In the process of being mom I've also managed to squeeze in some laundry and tidying and now I'm more then ready for bed. I wash my face, change my spit-up-on clothes and finish feeding baby girl and now I crawl into bed. Ah bed what a beautiful thing.

I crawl into bed after a day of children and insane heat looking forward to the comfort of my cool fresh sheets only I find THEM!!!

What are they? They're my man's LEGS on MY side of the bed. Oh it's like road rage only I'm in bed. I can't take it. He's asleep and he's sleeping diagonally. I ask, I kick, I swear, I lose my mind! I literally have to move his legs to "his" side. At this point my sheets are hot and I'm bothered. Honestly, it's probably one of my top 5 pet peeves.

When we first married he guised this sleeping behavior by saying he just wanted to "cuddle". I figured we had a queen and that's what married people did. HA. I got over that by umm week 2 of marriage. Eventually, we arrived and inherited a California King. My instant thought was "YES, no more hot sheets and legs on my side". I was SO wrong.

I realize this whole blog was about legs on my side of the bed, but I can't help it. It's something I didn't realize I cared SO much about till I experienced it...CONSTANTLY!!!

You? Pet peeves? irriatations? bed sharing rules? Spill...

(left: documented proof of my pet peeve before the "bed rage" kicked in)

Ah Hoy There

2008-09-19T20:27:00.000-07:00

So Today is national Talk like a pirate day (I kid not). So grab your garb it's time to freak out the kids. I say we parents have some fun with this. Let's end every sentence with "Ahrrrrrrr". Come on you know you want to...
Since Friday is almost over why don't we extend this holiday through tomorrow. You could dress up the kiddos, watch pirate of the Caribbean, or for those of you who family night it, you could make it the theme. This just seems like too good of a holiday to pass up.

(I just threw Johnny in for good measure)

Chubby Girl w.2.2

2008-09-19T20:00:00.000-07:00

(this was posted earlier and then blogger freaked out on me. so I apologize to those who commented and whose comments were erased)

Today I did manage to go to the gym again. Yes, I said again as in: I've been before. that's twice this week and I'm hating every minute of it.

General observations:

1. TV's on the exercise equipment? I'm at the gym right? not my living room

2. There's 2 types of people at the gym. The addicts and the new years resolutions.

3. Why do machines have to yell at me to hold the heart monitor. If I cared about my heart I wouldn't be in this position.

4. I went to a gym once that had a bar in it. Is that appropriate? better yet, is that legal?

5. I prefer the gym with a bar in it to the gym with the aerobic room windows.

6. what's up with aerobic rooms having windows? God forbid your late b/c you know you'll be spending the next 1hr jumping up and down by the window for the whole weight section to view.

7. why is there always a Tony working for a gym?

8. I think a tummy tuck may be easier and less cruel than the spin class.

9. Why do I always feel strangely uncomfortable when I do the hamstring workout machine (You know the one where you open and then close your legs).

10. I think if you stretch before starting a workout it makes you look like you know what your doing.

11. Nothing makes you look slimmer when your working out not even black.

12. Grey is not a good color to work out in..."hi pit stains".

13. If your belly goes one way and your body goes another that's generally a bad sign.

Left Behind

2008-09-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

okay I'm still cracking up as I type. I remember growing up with these books in my home. You know, during the "raptures tomorrow" phase in Christian society. Yes, these books were the foundation to my insecurity as a child/pre-teen. I was certain I had be "left behind" when I came home and my parents were not there or if I couldn't find them immediately. Oh, thanks LaHaye and Jenkins.

Anyhoo, I found out they were releasing a "left behind" game (I kid not). Below is a direct quote from the FAQ page;

"What is the level of violence in the game?
Our game includes violence, but excludes blood, decapitation, killing of police officers, etc. Our game is expected to be widely accepted by the mainstream and Christian marketplaces, just as they have accepted Star Wars games which are “T” for teen rated. We have taken great care to make certain that consequences for poor gamer behavior will adequately reflect the gamers actions. Accordingly, unnecessary killing will result in lower Spirit points."

Thoughts? Would you buy the game? Do you wish you thought of it?

September 11

2008-09-11T08:41:00.000-07:00

Today marks the 7th year since our nation experienced a travesty not uncommon in many other countries, but certainly unknown to us.

I'll never forget being woken up by a phone call, watching my parents frozen in front of the television, the eerie silence on my (then) college campus before class was canceled. More than anything I will never forget the feelings I experienced for the first time that day or the interest sparked in me toward national and world politics by those feelings.

How about you? Where were you when you heard about the planes, the Towers, the Pentagon, United 93? How has September 11, 2001 impacted you?

Bloggers Block

2008-09-10T09:26:00.000-07:00

I'm suffering blogger's block. I have a so much to say in my head but can't seem to get any down in a blog. I suppose I could use some help (in so many ways).

Chubby Girl w.1

2008-09-07T21:45:00.000-07:00

Thoughts this week:

Why do skinny people say they're fat or "gaining weight"? Don't they know that's annoying?
When is molten chocolate lava cake appropriate?
Can snoring count as exercise?
Mesh netting of any kind is not appropriate to wear unless in costume.
Shouldn't tee-shirts hang on you? shoot.
I really need to find a way to exercise....
I really wish I didn't just tell my dad I needed to find a way to exercise...thanks dad for the exercise ball...shoot.
I want a mans metabolism
was it really necessary of me to take my measurements? truth is hard.
I need a bike
If President Clinton could find time every morning for a run/jog I think I need to re-evaluate my schedule.
I really need to toss those jeans I've been holding onto since college.
Maybe if I go blond it will draw attention away from the rest of my body?

Confession: This might be my problem
Thanks hollyjones for leaving this behind.

Men

2008-09-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

For some reason my boys didn't want me to have a Cherry Zero Coke today!

I walked in to find that Titus had attempted to try his first soda today

Later I'm relaxing (first time all day) and I hear a "bam". I open the freezer to find this

David attempted to quickly chill a soda before work and forgot about it.

Now I have this to clean and no soda's left...I need caffeine

Life

2008-09-05T15:09:00.000-07:00

Next Tuesday I have to (or get to) share my life story with others. I received my degrees in communication but that does not equate to good communication skills. To be honest I am the fulfillment of "those who can't; teach". So I'm a bit nervous to put myself out there as I plan to do.

I'm sitting here reflecting on my life experiences and the people who shaped those and I'm wondering how in the world do I select just a few? How do I even know to the fullest what has shaped me? I'm not done living.

Nonetheless this made me remember some experiences I'd forgotten and some people l haven't spoken to in years. I was reminded of how much fun I had running around town with my h.s. friends in the middle of the night looking for toilet paper for "decorating" and how nervous I was to start my first class at college. So nervous that I was late and I tripped walking in. Okay maybe I could go on without remembering that one.

If there was one memory you'd want to remember forever what would it be and why?

a nice day for a stroll

2008-09-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

It was such a great day Monday we decided to take a little family walk.

Here's a view of our walk

Below: David thought he found a marijuana plant on the walk (of course)

The Destination (we have to have a destination)

The results:

Happy Kiddos

Do you subscribe?

2008-09-04T09:58:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure that I've ever given credit where credit is due? Tepid Coffee and Stale Muffins is my buddy and he often comes to the rescue when I'm in need of computer guidance (which is often).

Do you?

enjoy sarcasm
find simple explanations of computer stuff helpful
think the male perspective on parenting is interesting
need more witty conversation in your daily routine

Then you need to check out Tepid Coffee and Stale Muffins it's addictive. Shoot I'm even a subscriber!

Lunchables

2008-09-04T09:34:00.000-07:00

He tried the nacho one
the bib was a bit useless

Construction

2008-09-03T01:26:00.001-07:00

RenderingRisch is still under construction so hang with me. I will eventually get all the kinks worked out, till then just grin and bear it.

I lost some of my fellow blogger links in the midst of all this, so if you were one please let me know or if you want to be added let me know.

Thanks
RR

I've been bloated for 4 years

2008-08-31T23:22:00.000-07:00

I decided I'm just gonna put this out there. I have a problem. I've been bloated for 4 years. My "fat day" is turning into a "fat decade". Something must be done.

I don't know what possessed me to admit it? perhaps it's the late hour or the caffeine pumping through my system or even the second child I just brought into this world. Whatever the case for the courage, here it is.

I have been wanting to lose weight and mostly be HEALTHY since 2004 and have never seemed to manage it, well if you don't count the 4 months of pregnancy I spent starving myself, after which, I was left with a thin frame that seemed to disappear within weeks (b/c of pregnancy & a dyer need to live).

So I decided to use this site as a means of internal accountability. Your welcome to post your weekly thoughts on YOUR health successes and failures too. Once a week I'll confess via blog my successes, attempts, thoughts, and frustrations (I have plenty of those). I will not be posting my weight b/c I have no interest in public scrutiny or the image of your expression resulting from the shock and awe. Besides, I'm going to be the classic chubby girl now and say "it's not about weight".

My thoughts have often fallen on how I got so out of shape?

Yes, I'm aware that I just had a child but that only adds to the fuel of wanting to get back into shape. I'm not talking Heidi Klum shape (though a goal for some, I myself, am not 6ft, blond, a supermodel, or rich with a nutritionist, cook, and personal trainer). I figure it's a result of unhealthy eating, which I blame on my husband.

See a bad sign already, I'm not taking responsibility for my actions...sigh. But really it's his fault. He played a little football at a city college and needed to put lbs on (if only) so he would stay up till midnight with me eating mozzarella sticks and bbq wings with lots and lots of ranch. Eventually I caved and joined him, even though I wasn't trying out for a line backer position. I considered my actions social support. The weight gain wasn't immediate but it did create some new fat cells and a love for ranch dressing.

I'd like to also take this moment to blame college if I may. Though I graduated in 03 w/ my degree I strongly believe the stress from four years of cramming combined with lack of sleep created an exhausted 20 something woman who found the gym or any other physical activity undesirable.

And Finally, I'd like to thank my children. Carrying a human being in your womb makes it difficult to run (like I ever would), eat healthy (total cop out), or maintain any level of self control (I exaggerate my condition, don't tell my hubby).

So those are the 3 blames this Chubby girl likes to fall back on, but really I guess it's just been my choices. So I'm going to try to make some different ones.

Check back for updates and feel free to share your own struggles, successes, and secrets to health or a Heidi Klum body. And NO I will NOT be doing the no carb diet, if I had that kind of discipline I wouldn't be in this boat in the first place! DUH

Faker

2008-08-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

REAL SMILE

CHEESY SMILE

Talk amongst yourselves

2008-08-29T09:36:00.001-07:00

Sarah Palin

Vs.

Joe Biden

HELP

2008-08-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

Hubs going back to work and I'm starring at two children and realizing I'm out numbered.
I'm soliciting advice. I've joined the world of households with multiple children and I'm looking for information. Please share what you wish someone would have told you about having two + kids. What's been the biggest help? What you wished your knew before and even what your struggling with now.

Tonight was a lemonade night

2008-08-28T22:32:00.000-07:00

This kind of lemonade night!

How was your week?

Telemarketer

2008-08-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

8:45pm: *ring ring*

8:45:10
Me: "Hello" (slightly annoyed by the once again untimeliness of the telemarketer)

8:46
Telemarketer: "Hi this is Charles Manson from Datascension"

8:46 (and some change)
Me: "Are you kidding? Please don't call again my kids are asleep and...."(hung up on)

8:48pm
Me: "Did he just say Charles Manson?"

Bows

2008-08-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

So here's the proof. I'm not a bow and lace type of gal. I used to be until I was about 4 and discovered dirt/sandboxes. Since then its all been downhill.

Today I decided to create some shock and awe so here you go: Presenting Cor in Bows...

Here

and here

And Finally here!

WHAT DRIVES YOU

2008-08-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

NUTS???? So here's a little something for those of you who don't know. I HATE clutter. Next to Fake People and Filth it's in my top three. So here's the problem...My house IS clutter.

My house looks 1/3 daycare, 1/3 design to sell (before they've sold), & 1/3 laundry day.
So I've decided to do some Fall Cleaning.

I could act disgusted over needing to do this but truly I'm pretty excited. I love to tidy. I'm lame I know. So there you have it: Clutter drives me nuts. What about you?

Evil Trick

2008-08-25T13:01:00.000-07:00

Today I am having one of those "foggy" days. I woke up kind of feeling out of it and never shook the feeling. So around 10am I decided the best way to deal was COFFEE. A personal favorite of mine.

I brewed a nice cup of caffeine and sat down with an assurance inside that soon I would be up and going. I knew within moments I would be able to tackle the laundry, dishes, and floors, oh and the 19 month old and new born rolling around on the rug.

20 minutes go by and nothing....still foggy. hmm...I get up and walk over to the coffee machine for further investigation. and what do I find? DECAF!!!

Oh, it's gonna be one of those days.

Central Cali

2008-08-20T08:00:00.001-07:00

We're on vacation and to be honest I'm having too much fun to blog. so this is all you get and it's all I'm giving till I get back.

The sun is kind on the coast but I honestly believe it's b/c even the Sun is happier on the beach.
This may very well be the best vacation EVER.

What was your favorite vacation?

Dog Talk

2008-08-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

(image provided by postsecret.com)

So do dogs understand our language or just our tone? Huh!

Rise N' Shine

2008-08-18T07:00:00.001-07:00

Alright folks what time do you wake up at?

A Good Deed

2008-08-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

At least that's what I thought I was doing. I found myself visiting downtown the other day. There's only a few reasons you go downtown.
Reason 1: You work there.
Reason 2: you have jury duty, are on trial, in jail, need a certificate of some kind. In other words you have business to take care of.
Reason 3: You are either artsy or feux artsy and/or wanting to hang at full circle brewery (if you haven't been you should).
Reason 4: you go to a religious gathering down there (Cornerstone, 1st Presbyterian, AA).
Reason 5: Your working your corner or have the "other kind" of business to attend to. I digress...

So those are a broad 5 reasons but they cover most needs for hanging downtown. My reason was along the lines of #2 (I needed a certificate). So as I'm walking towards M street I have some change in my pocket and decide to help meters who have run out of minutes.

I always think to myself..."self, what happen to the days when people did good deeds just for the sake of helping out?" So here I am with extra change and empty meters. It makes sense, so I start pop'n coins in....Then came meterman.

Meterman was not happy that I was helping out. I didn't realize that he was just a few cars down from me until I hear "You know it helps the city". As in: you know it helps the city if people get tickets! OMG, you kid right? I'm being reprimanded because the city only makes 10 cents off my dime I deposited in a meter opposed to the $20 or so dollars that are made if these people conducting business are ticketed.

Where have all the good people gone?
Perhaps, they're the ones parking in handycap even though they don't have the proper license or in the fire lane to "just run in" for a second. Maybe they're just helping out?

Public Relations

2008-08-15T21:15:00.001-07:00

This might very well be a brilliant move by her PR team.
Thoughts? Optimism? Frustrations? Concerns? Apathy? share, share away.

I did a dumb thing

2008-08-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

I dropped my camera and now all my zoom photos look like this

If you know of a good camera let me know!

Confession

2008-08-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

I love list! I mean I REALLY love list... I make list so that I can check stuff off. I suppose it all has to do with my passion to be organized. I'm not the most organized but I have a vision that one day I will be.
Here's the beginning of my lists for our trip

PCH

2008-08-13T16:00:00.000-07:00

So we're leaving soon (but not soon enough) for our first full family vacation. We're staying on the California central coast. Best known for it's small town feel and relaxing environment! So why not bring along 2 exhausted parents, a toddler, a newborn, and in-laws?. We have plans to view Hearst Castle, go claming, build sandcastles and such.

Here's the deal: I'm looking for recommendations for activities, must sees, and restaurants. If you've got some send them my way! Heck if you've got some "must don'ts" send those my way too!

Ey ey captain!

2008-08-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

So my dear friend who just started blogging happens to have a husband. One of the most sarcastic peeps I know (probably why I appreciate him). Go check this skipper out HERE! Seriously Micah, with a blog name like that your just opening yourself up for comments! I'm presently biting my tongue and refraining my fingers from typing...

New Blogger

2008-08-12T16:22:00.000-07:00

So one of my dearest friends finally started blogging. I knew she would succumb eventually and she did. Go check her out HERE! Now!!! I mean it!!!

Catch 22

2008-08-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

I love Fresno for many reasons (I know it's a shocker). We have so many activities and things to do right in our own backyard. Fresno has great trails for walking, running, and biking. Not to mention all the lakes and for the real locals "the slew". Plus we have Yosemite just up the mountain and the beach only a couple hours away. We also have some great parks, a couple water parks, the zoo, ultimate Frisbee field, Kings river, white water rafting, golfing, and much much more.

Here's the problem, the Catch 22 if you will: It's too FRIGGIN HOT to go outside. that's right. we only get 2 decent weeks a year to live out all these activities before the air quality is considered unhealthy and the temperature peaks or drops. I've decided to push beyond the Catch 22. I refuse to let this "Catch" hold me back from activities (see I can be the optimist). So we took the kids to the Japanese Gardens in Woodward Park.

I walked away with a few thoughts:

1. Wow. There's a lot of Peacocks in Japan or at least in their gardens?!
2. The Gardens are beautiful and once again I'm astounded by natures true Artist.
3. Gardens only keep an 18 month old's attention for umm...10 minutes.
4. When it's 105 degrees outside and your surrounded by water your not allowed to go in that's considered cruelty.
5. I'm not an optimist and it's too FRIGGIN HOT to enjoy the town I live in.
6. People who jog through the park at 5am aren't actually stupid.

Just pulled it together

2008-08-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

After a $500 PG & E bill we decided eating out was on the back burner for awhile. Honestly, our biggest energy bill up till this summer was about $150 (ever). I know you can hate me later. Only we opened our bill this month to find a big surprise. I swore I heard evil laughter from the envelope as I tore that puppy open. The bill should have included a letter that read "heard you had another baby, congrats, thought we'd just add to the reality of your bills".

This leads to tonight's dinner. I refuse to go to the store till I have someone to help me (aka Mom) so I stood in front of my pantry tonight trying to conceive of something to make. hmmm...can canned corn and pinto beans count as a meal? Answer: in any other country but America. This left me with the anxiety of having to be kitchen creative.

I LOVE cooking but I don't love thinking of something to cook off the top of my head. My mom was always good with stuff like that but not me. I'm too structured. So knowing a run to the store was out of the question and still hearing the laughter coming from my PG & E bill I dove into my freezer.

The findings were frightful...really. ground beef from 2007, UM (Unidentifiable Meat), shrimp I don't remember buying, frost bitten popsicles, and orange juice concentrate. I managed to throw together a personal favorite we call Sunday Chicken along with a decent salad. I was impressed with myself to say the least.

How about you? What have you been able to throw together on a whim? What have you succumbed to consuming unexpectedly?

All good things come to an end

2008-08-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

I raved a few weeks ago about my affinity toward Mr. Bateman. Well since the new arrival joined us we have been a bit more withdrawn and much more stuck on the couch. So a good friend brought by Arrested Development and said "this is a must" and she was right. Both of us were addicted. we laughed and then laughed some more. there are few shows in life that one can watch and go "what the heck just happened"?

The series is over which is sad and boo on us for not keeping it around while shows like according to jim begin their 8th season. But there is an up side. All three seasons can be viewed consecutively and commercial free. And I hear there's talk of a movie (internal excitement welling up).

I do feel at this point a warning is necessary. If you feel that "friends" was too risque then this is not a show for you. You will not like this show. You should not rent this series. But when you get over that or when curiosity takes over....go laugh your head off!

I mean seriously, how do you beat a show whose narrator is Ron Howard? huh?

Go HERE to find out more about the show!