Just another manic monday (7/28/2008)

I heard my cell phone alarm go off this morning at 7:55, well Layla is supposed to be at school at 8am, so I threw myself out of bed and got dressed, woke her up got her dressed and headed out the door.

Thank god the school she's going to for smart start is just down the street and on the other side of 99, so we made it with a little bit of time for her to eat something. Well, this is not the point of me telling who ever happens to read this blog of mine. Probably no one :(

Anyways, I didn't park in the parking lot (to far to walk and we're LATE!) so I park up by the caferteria. I signed Layla in and explained to one of her teachers that I work tonight from 10-6am so she may not be here in the morning, we'll see.

Then I grab her a plate of breakfast, and turn around. Then I hear this guy (father of another student...totally should be employed at walmart, wait that would be high class for him, lets go with the dollar store or even better the goodwill store) and he proceeds to tell me that if I'm going to park where I parked and drive through the basketball hoop area where kids are walking to get to class, that I need to slow down.

You see, he wasn't telling me this in a nice way, he was basically yelling at me like I'm a child and I got in trouble for coloring on the wall with a crayon. He (if he had class) could of came up to me, and said "hey, do you mind slowing down next time?" But no, he proceeded to yell at me from about 10 feet away from where I was standing, let alone doing this in front of your child, my child and everyone elses child sitting there, watching this type of behavior!!!!

And the thing that throws me off is there was NO ONE walking to class or across the area where I was driving!!! Yes, had there been children, adults, other cars then YES I would have been driving slower, but that's not the point!! I was only going 10mph!!! I looked to make sure I wasn't driving too fast, I have to be super careful about the way I drive, more to come on that later. But I was totally not driving 25 or more like he probably thought I was doing. And he was in the freaking parking lot BEHIND a chain link fence, about 150yards away from were I was driving.

So, today being Monday, I have started off my day with a low class beat down over weight white trash trailer park living arrogant dick who thinks he knows everything and can intimidate others who he thinks are below him!

Best Wishes and Good Luck (7/23/2008)

So this saturday night is my 10 year high school reunion. I can't wait, I'm so excited. I can't wait to see girlfriends I gossiped with, the guys I passed notes back and forth with to see if he liked me too, being on the swim team with the only people I was ever comfortable wearing a bathing suit in front of, and some of the people I wasn't all that great of friends with back then.

The other night I got out my Senior Yearbook, and had to laugh at the name printed in little gold letters on the bottom corner of the cover. It says; Lauren "Yee Haw" Lilly. What was I thinking back then? That I would really go by that nickname for the rest of my life? I guess it's one of those things to look back on in life and laugh, and it surely made me laugh. It caused a chain reaction of memories from Senior year. The friends I had, the people I hung out with, the parties I used to go to that I wasn't supposed to be at, the crushes I had on classmates and other people I knew outside of school, the teachers I had and the ones I didn't care for. It brought back so many memories. Some not so good, some that were unbelieveable.

So I decided to open it and turn to the Senior section, which all of our pictures look the same. Black Tux for the guys and that black cloke thing they wrap around your shoulders for the girls. We all have a blue background and our name under our picture. Beside the names of the people I was friends with and hung out with or were acquainted with is a little asterik/star. Some of the people I have managed to keep in touch with, some I have no idea where they are or what they have been up to. Others I have no recollection of thier face or name. I have a few of them on my myspace page and now on Facebook, and I'm grateful for those websites. They have brought positive people I knew a long time ago back into my life.

I also had to take a moment and read what all my friends had to write in my yearbook. Most of them were the plain jane comments; "I had fun getting to know you our Senior Year, keep in touch" "Best wishes" "Let's hang out this summer at the lake" ....all the things you mean to do over the summer with your friends, but never really happen.

Then there are the ones that wish you the best future with your current boyfriend/girlfriend at the time of senior year/graduation. Yes I have a lot of those ones! The boyfriend I had during my senior year, well from Feb to the end of that summer...is the one they all wished me the best with and to make sure they were invited to the wedding. It's so funny to read now, and thinking if I would have actually invited some of them to my wedding if we had actually stayed together and gotten married. Probably not.

I have everything in place for the night of memories. The perfect dress, the shoes, the jewelry, a new haircut, my nails are done, I got a pedicure, my face is blemish free! Brad has a new shirt, jeans, shoes, now I just need him to shave!

The reunion is at Sierra Nevada Brewery, and I'm just so excited I don't know what else to say!

Rip Off (7/22/2008)

So I've been using layaway at Marshalls for a good 3 months now or so. I've had a total of 5 seperate accounts with them. One of them, which was done recently was a pair of heels for my upcoming 10 year reunion, they were really cute. Simple black patent peep toe slingback heels. Nothing fancy or expensive(Guess), just didn't want to pay for them at the time. I needed to wait till payday, that's all.

But then, last night at work, I saw a pair of heels that were basically the same thing, except they weren't slingbacks and they were a bit higher. Plus they were 1/2 the price of the ones at Marshalls. So I thought, you know...I'll cancel the layaway at marshalls and get these instead.

So I went to Marshalls today and this is what made me mad. Not only do they charge you a $5 non-refundable fee to create the account (which is fine) but they CHARGE you $5 to CANCEL your layaway at any point during the 30 days.

So un-neccesary! So I would've endend up getting only .25 back, which I was NOT going to accept, so I purchased the shoes, and then returned them right then and there!

I can see charging a fee to cancel if its after say a 3-7 day grace period from the orginal date of the layaway being created, or if it was never fully paid for. But it's just insane to do anyways. I was not happy, and probably will not be putting things on layaway with Marshalls after I pick up my last one.

Their companies policies are for the birds.

Benefits of being a woman (7/10/2008)

We get to flirt with systems support men who always return our calls, and are nice to us when we blow up our computers.

Our boyfriend's clothes make us look elfin and gorgeous. Guys look like complete idiots in ours.

We can be groupies. Male groupies are stalkers.

We can cry and get off speeding fines.

We've never lusted after a cartoon character or the central figure in a computer game.

Taxis stop for us.

Men die earlier, so we get to cash in on the life insurance.

We don't look like a frog in a blender when dancing.

Free drinks, free dinners.

We can hug our friends without wondering if they're gay.

We can hug our friends without wondering if WE'RE gay.

New lipstick gives us a whole new lease on life.

It's possible to live our whole lives without ever taking a group shower.

If we forget to shave, no one has to know.

We can congratulate our teammate without ever touching her butt.

If we have a zit, we know how to conceal it.

We never have to reach down every so often to make sure our privates are still there.

If we're dumb, some people will find it cute.

We have the ability to dress ourselves.

If we marry someone 20 years younger, we're aware that we look like an idiot.

There are times when chocolate really can solve all your problems.

We'll never regret piercing our ears.

We can fully assess a person just by looking at their shoes.

We know which glass was ours by the lipstick mark.

She's walking away with a smile (7/7/2008)

My little girl started her Smart Start Kindergarten readiness program today. It's so heartbreaking to see my little baby walking away from me and just happy as can be! I'm glad that she isn't the one that is crying because she doesn't want to be away from me, but at the same time it's sad that she is ready to be a BIG GIRL!!!!

This program is from 8-12pm Monday thru Friday for 4 weeks, and it will be just like kindergarten. Circle time, choice time, reading, writing, problem solving, recess...just like they do in school. She is so smart already, and was with Teagan in kindergarten most of the time, doing the same work she was, she shouldn't have a problem.

School will start on August 18th, and that's when it will really hit me I suppose. Both of my girls will be gone during the morning, and I'll be here all alone with my cats and that dang dog, Oliver. Teagan goes to 1st grade this year. It's all happening to fast! Maybe that's why I've been looking at all the baby stuff at work...wishing I had another to hold and cuddle with. But, that is out of the picture!

Soon enough, I'll be the one walking out the door to go to school! YAYYY!!! It's about time!

Buddhism: A 5 minute introduction (6/26/2008)

• What is Buddhism?

Buddhism is a religion to about 300 million people around the world. The word comes from 'budhi', 'to awaken'. It has its origins about 2,500 years ago when Siddhartha Gotama, known as the Buddha, was himself awakened (enlightened) at the age of 35.

• Is Buddhism a Religion?

To many, Buddhism goes beyond religion and is more of a philosophy or 'way of life'. It is a philosophy because philosophy 'means love of wisdom' and the Buddhist path can be summed up as:

(1) to lead a moral life,
(2) to be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions, and
(3) to develop wisdom and understanding.

• How Can Buddhism Help Me?

Buddhism explains a purpose to life, it explains apparent injustice and inequality around the world, and it provides a code of practice or way of life that leads to true happiness.

• Why is Buddhism Becoming Popular?

Buddhism is becoming popular in western countries for a number of reasons, The first good reason is Buddhism has answers to many of the problems in modern materialistic societies. It also includes (for those who are interested) a deep understanding of the human mind (and natural therapies) which prominent psychologists around the world are now discovering to be both very advanced and effective.

• Who Was the Buddha?

Siddhartha Gotama was born into a royal family in Lumbini, now located in Nepal, in 563 BC. At 29, he realised that wealth and luxury did not guarantee happiness, so he explored the different teachings religions and philosophies of the day, to find the key to human happiness. After six years of study and meditation he finally found 'the middle path' and was enlightened. After enlightenment, the Buddha spent the rest of his life teaching the principles of Buddhism — called the Dhamma, or Truth — until his death at the age of 80.

• Was the Buddha a God?

He was not, nor did he claim to be. He was a man who taught a path to enlightenment from his own experience.

• Do Buddhists Worship Idols?

Buddhists sometimes pay respect to images of the Buddha, not in worship, nor to ask for favours. A statue of the Buddha with hands rested gently in its lap and a compassionate smile reminds us to strive to develop peace and love within ourselves. Bowing to the statue is an expression of gratitude for the teaching.

• Why are so Many Buddhist Countries Poor?

One of the Buddhist teachings is that wealth does not guarantee happiness and also wealth is impermanent. The people of every country suffer whether rich or poor, but those who understand Buddhist teachings can find true happiness.

• Are There Different Types of Buddhism?

There are many different types of Buddhism, because the emphasis changes from country to country due to customs and culture. What does not vary is the essence of the teaching — the Dhamma or truth.

• Are Other Religions Wrong?

Buddhism is also a belief system which is tolerant of all other beliefs or religions. Buddhism agrees with the moral teachings of other religions but Buddhism goes further by providing a long term purpose within our existence, through wisdom and true understanding. Real Buddhism is very tolerant and not concerned with labels like 'Christian', 'Moslem', 'Hindu' or 'Buddhist'; that is why there have never been any wars fought in the name of Buddhism. That is why Buddhists do not preach and try to convert, only explain if an explanation is sought.

• Is Buddhism Scientific?

Science is knowledge which can be made into a system, which depends upon seeing and testing facts and stating general natural laws. The core of Buddhism fit into this definition, because the Four Noble truths (see below) can be tested and proven by anyone in fact the Buddha himself asked his followers to test the teaching rather than accept his word as true. Buddhism depends more on understanding than faith.

• What did the Buddha Teach?

The Buddha taught many things, but the basic concepts in Buddhism can be summed up by the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.

• What is the First Noble Truth?

The first truth is that life is suffering i.e., life includes pain, getting old, disease, and ultimately death. We also endure psychological suffering like loneliness frustration, fear, embarrassment, disappointment and anger. This is an irrefutable fact that cannot be denied. It is realistic rather than pessimistic because pessimism is expecting things to be bad. lnstead, Buddhism explains how suffering can be avoided and how we can be truly happy.

• What is the Second Noble Truth?

The second truth is that suffering is caused by craving and aversion. We will suffer if we expect other people to conform to our expectation, if we want others to like us, if we do not get something we want,etc. In other words, getting what you want does not guarantee happiness. Rather than constantly struggling to get what you want, try to modify your wanting. Wanting deprives us of contentment and happiness. A lifetime of wanting and craving and especially the craving to continue to exist, creates a powerful energy which causes the individual to be born. So craving leads to physical suffering because it causes us to be reborn.

• What is the Third Noble Truth?

The third truth is that suffering can be overcome and happiness can be attained; that true happiness and contentment are possible. lf we give up useless craving and learn to live each day at a time (not dwelling in the past or the imagined future) then we can become happy and free. We then have more time and energy to help others. This is Nirvana.

• What is the Fourth Noble Truth?

The fourth truth is that the Noble 8-fold Path is the path which leads to the end of suffering.

• What is the Noble 8-Fold Path?

In summary, the Noble 8-fold Path is being moral (through what we say, do and our livelihood), focussing the mind on being fully aware of our thoughts and actions, and developing wisdom by understanding the Four Noble Truths and by developing compassion for others.

• What are the 5 Precepts?

The moral code within Buddhism is the precepts, of which the main five are: not to take the life of anything living, not to take anything not freely given, to abstain from sexual misconduct and sensual overindulgence, to refrain from untrue speech, and to avoid intoxication, that is, losing mindfulness.

• What is Karma?

Karma is the law that every cause has an effect, i.e., our actions have results. This simple law explains a number of things: inequality in the world, why some are born handicapped and some gifted, why some live only a short life. Karma underlines the importance of all individuals being responsible for their past and present actions. How can we test the karmic effect of our actions? The answer is summed up by looking at (1) the intention behind the action, (2) effects of the action on oneself, and (3) the effects on others.

• What is Wisdom?

Buddhism teaches that wisdom should be developed with compassion. At one extreme, you could be a goodhearted fool and at the other extreme, you could attain knowledge without any emotion. Buddhism uses the middle path to develop both. The highest wisdom is seeing that in reality, all phenomena are incomplete, impermanent and do no constitute a fixed entity. True wisdom is not simply believing what we are told but instead experiencing and understanding truth and reality. Wisdom requires an open, objective, unbigoted mind. The Buddhist path requires courage, patience, flexibility and intelligence.

• What is Compassion?

Compassion includes qualities of sharing, readiness to give comfort, sympathy, concern, caring. In Buddhism, we can really understand others, when we can really understand ourselves, through wisdom.

• How do I Become a Buddhist?

Buddhist teachings can be understood and tested by anyone. Buddhism teaches that the solutions to our problems are within ourselves not outside. The Buddha asked all his followers not to take his word as true, but rather to test the teachings for themselves. ln this way, each person decides for themselves and takes responsibility for their own actions and understanding. This makes Buddhism less of a fixed package of beliefs which is to be accepted in its entirety, and more of a teaching which each person learns and uses in their own way.

My experience at church (4/1/2008)

So this last Sunday was my cousin Chloe's 11th birthday, and she chooses this day to be baptized.

Anyways, besides that...Chloe goes to the Seventh Day Adventist school in Paradise, which is fine, but at the same time, my family is not Adventist...For goodness sakes, I've started following Buddhisim!!! No one in my family was raised to believe in Him, or go to church regularly, but my aunt puts her in that school so she can be with the "In" crowd, and be snooty...It's a long story...and it raises my stress level talking about it...

So, I take the girls with me (only so they can see Grandma) to Paradise so I can "be there" for her when she goes through this "religious right-of-way"...so I tried counting after I noticed they were saying "let's pray", I couldn't count back that far, but I'm sure it was at least 12 times or so within an hour & half...

So the pastor, Tom does his thing with her being baptized, and then it's time for all the kids to go to "sunday school"...I walk with Chloe and her friends to the room along with Teagan & Layla, to make sure they understand they are to do what is asked of them by the adults and what not...I called Brad before I went back in and told him that this is freakin' ridiculous and that I don't want to go back in there...blah blah blah...

So I go in, and everything that is being said is going in one ear and out the other, I'm rolling my eyes, and not standing up when they are singing their songs and so forth...and I don't know what it was that brought it up, but the guy start's talking about the Tsunami and how some author did a study on different religious groups and why they think it happened...He said that the Buddhist's gave a "wishy-washy" answer and wasn't very clear on what they meant. Also that the Muslims said it was because the people over there weren't "repenting" and following His way and so forth...

That made me look up at him out of the corner of my eye, and just ROLL my eyes heavily!!! What the hell kind of crap is that? It was a NATURAL DISASTER!!!!!

Last night after thinking about it all, it kinda reminded me of that one Friends episode where Phoebe questions "evolution" and Ross flips out!!! Yah, that's how I sorta reacted, but not so engrossed in it that I keep at it.....

Does anyone else feel like this about that? Let me know!

My weekend in San Fransisco (10/23/2007)

So I was in San Francisco this last weekend, and it was amazing. I've been there countless times before, growing up in the bay area...but this weekend was special. As you know, my BFF Carissa ran a marathon. She did amazing. Her time was 4:22:37 and her miles were 10:01. The weather was perfect, a nice cool sunny 77 degrees. There were about 20,000 women running the Nike Womens Marathon, (with a few men thrown in there as well) and Team In Training raised 18.5 million dollars to help the Lukemia & Lymphoma Society. There were people from every state, and there were 11 countries represented as well. Even a couple from Alberta Canada ran with their 2 kids in jogging strollers! Talk about inspiring. It took almost a half hour for everyone to cross the starting line.

Carissa's mom and I were able to see her off at the starting line, and then to welcome her across the finish line 26.2 miles later! I KNOW we walked at least half of it, which is giving me the inspiration to do it with her next year. I might be doubting myself right now as I'm writing this, but I know I can do it, because you can do anything you put your heart into!

I can't wait to sign up, hopefully I'll be able to...this year the 1/2 marathon (13.1 miles) sold out in 10 hours! I need to save, save, save, save my money so that I can stay in the St.Francis Hotel on Powell Street right across from Union Square, and rent a car to drive down there! And of course, have lots of shopping money, because I was in heaven!!! I was surronded by Louis Vuitton, Cole Haan, Macy's, Tiffany's, Saks 5th Ave, Gucci and LOT'S MORE!

We got to ride a cable car, 2 blocks...that was fun. I want to ride it all the way from the turn-around and back again next time. I want to walk into Tiffany's and buy the necklace that I have wanted forever! I want to just blow thousands of dollars on ME!

Julie and I drove down Haight St, stopped on the corner of Haight & Ashbury, took pictures of course, so watch for those soon! After the marathon, we were on our way back to the car on Lincoln way...we definitly needed a cab, so we called the number for one we saw pass us buy, and while Julie was on hold, I FLAGGED ONE DOWN!!!!!!!!! That was one of the highlights that day, but certianly the best one!

We walked around and went into some shops on Haight street, the goodwill was fun! I was estatic to fine a REAL Dooney & Burke purse at a store called Wasteland (vintage/consignment store) and I got it for only $19.53!!! SCORE!!

On Fisherman's Wharf, we watched the sea lions of course, took some pictures. Sat on Forest Gumps Bench. Some guy scared the living daylights out of me by jumping towards me from behind some branches, while everyone around him laughed. (I was the "tourist" that wasn't paying attention to my surroundings so I was the easy target to scare!)

Got some wonderful chocolate from Girardehlli Square! Love their chocolates! We made our way back to the car and to the Moscone Center for dinner and some dancing! That was so much fun, Carissa & I had a blast!!!

I can't wait to go back and run the marathon myself!!!!

Dear President Bush (6/17/2007)

I thought this was funny, so I decided to share it with ya'll....Those of you that don't care for Bush, may like it more than I do....



Dear President Bush,

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's law. I have learned a great deal from you and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate. I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements of God's Laws and how to follow them:

1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not to Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?

2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?

3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness (Lev. 15:19-24). The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.

4. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord (Lev. 1:9). The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus
35:2 clearly states that he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself, or should I ask the police to do it?

6. A friend of mine feels that, even though eating shellfish is an abomination (Lev. 11:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this? Are there "degrees" of abomination?

7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle-room here?

8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?

9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them (Lev.
24:10-16)? Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair, like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws (Lev. 20:14)?

I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy considerable expertise in such matters, so I am confident you can help.

Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.

Amnesia (5/17/2007)

How do you know for sure if the one your with is the one your supposed to be with? How long does it take for that first love to disappear from our memories, or doesn't it ever go away? Are our first loves supposed to stay with us forever? Are they supposed to remind us of the things done wrong and hope that we learned from them? Why is it that I can vividly remember the relationship I had with him as if it was just yesterday?

Every moment we had together is a memory I will never forget.

How Dare You (1/11/2007)

How dare you walk into my life at the eleventh hour,
Causing confusion in my world and seizing the power
That I possess over the feelings I choose to have for a man,
You weakened my wall by holding my hand;
By being the man that I miss
And showing you care in just one kiss.

How dare you walk into my life through the back door and unannounced;
Leaving me dreaming of every moment
we've spent together and thinking of every ounce
Of desire I feel to have our souls connect in such passion that it's surreal;
To feel your heart pounding against my chest,
To be entangled in each other's arms,
My lips kissing your neck as your tongue explores my breasts;
Back and forth, up and down,
On the floor, in the shower,
'Til my head rests on your chest at the morning glory hour.

How dare you walk into my life and expose these thoughts that
I have buried for so long,
That I have been able to suppress
So that I may go on;

You've put me in a spot from which I cannot move,
You've made me vulnerable again,
'Cause you're so damn smooth.

How dare you do this to me,
But the next time you do,
Please knock,
I'll still let you in . . .
If you keep doin' what you do.

Ten with a Two

This reminds me of all my guy friends back in my drinking days...I myself have never had this experience, but it's pretty common!!!


Ten with a Two- Kenny Chesney

Last night downtown I was drinking the booze
Like it was going out of style
My whole head got light, I lost my eyesight
I ain’t been that drunk in awhile.

Along about 1 I spotted a queen
And I started to make my move
Aw, she was believing every line I was laying
Lord I was just too cool
Well, I thought I died and gone to heaven
But lord did I look like a fool
Last night I came in at 2 with a 10
But at 10 I woke up with a 2.

Chorous:
Last night I came in at 2 with a 10
But at 10 I woke up with a 2
I’ve got 20/20 vision when I ain’t drinking
But lord when I do I lose
I ain’t never gone to bed with an uglier woman
But I sure woke up with a few
Last night I came in at 2 with a 10
But at 10 I woke up with a 2.

Well, I made up my mind
I was never gonna find
Myself in that condition again
But here I sit on the same barstool
And just look at the shape I’m in
I done spotted me another queen
Sitting at a table alone
So I strolled on over and sat myself down
And asked if I can take her home
When she said yes, I thought I’d been blessed
But boy did I look like a fool
Last night I came in at 2 with a 10
But at 10 I woke up with a 2.

Chorous:
Last night I came in at 2 with a 10
But at 10 I woke up with a 2
I’ve got 20/20 vision when I ain’t drinking
But lord when I do I lose
I ain’t never gone to bed with an uglier woman
But I sure woke up with a few
Last night I came in at 2 with a 10
But at 10 I woke up with a 2.

Now you may laugh
But if you’ve got the cash
I’ll bet you 10 to 1 you have too...

Peace & Serenity

I will make it there in my life time. I have to, it's one of those things that I have to see in person to bring peace to who I am.

Top 10 toys, and thier histories

1. Lincoln Logs were invented by John Lloyd Wright, Frank Lloyd Wright’s son. The original instructions included a how to construct a replica of Abraham Lincoln’s cabin, but also how to construct Uncle Tom’s cabin.
2. Tinkertoys were invented after a stonemason saw kids being totally entertained by building things with pencils and spools of thread.
3. Hula Hoops have been around forever in various formats, but the “official” Wham-O toy was invented in 1958. The inventors promoted it by going around to various playgrounds and parks giving children samples and showing them how to use it. Something tells me two random men showing up in a park handing out toys wouldn’t go over that well today…
4. Sea Monkeys are real (and that’s what they look like). I always thought they were a scam because I never once saw living Sea Monkeys swimming around in their little plastic home. Not once. They were “invented” in 1957 by Harold von Braunhut, the guy who invented X-Ray specs. They’re really brine shrimp and are ideal for packaging as a toy because they enter a natural state of suspended animation in certain (shippable) environments. When kids release the “monkeys” into the prepared water, they “hatch.” The reason they’re so active (supposedly… I’m still bitter that mine never worked) is because one of the packets you dump into the aquarium contains a type of salt that increases the sexual activity of the little critters. Yep. Think about that the next time your kid is fascinated by Sea Monkeys.
5. Play-Doh was first sold as a wallpaper cleaner. How’s that for weird? You rolled it on the walls to remove coal dust.
6. Troll dolls were created in 1949 by a Danish fisherman who needed a cheap Christmas gift for his daughter because he couldn’t afford to buy anything. He used sheep’s wool for the hair. Thomas Dam’s dolls caught on; thus the original dolls were called Dam Dolls. I got in on the whole troll craze in the early ‘90s; I think they still reside somewhere in my parents’ basement. I remember some of their names… I believe Dud the Surfer was my favorite. That’s not a typo: Dud. Not Dude. He had his own theme song. I’m not entirely sure why I’m sharing this.
7. Slinky was invented by Naval engineer Richard James. He knocked a spring off of a shelf when he was working to develop springs that could keep ship instruments stable in choppy waters. The spring did what a Slinky does… it stepped down to a stack of books, then to the table, and then to the floor, where it righted itself into a cylinder. James knew it would be a great toy, and tests by neighborhood kids proved him right.
8. LEGO blocks were invented by Ole Kirk Christiansen, a master carpenter who lived in Denmark. The word comes from the Danish words LEg and GOdt, which together means “play well.” They later discovered that in Latin, Lego means “I put together.”

9. Raggedy Ann and Andy were created by writer and illustrator Johnny Gruelle. Ann was created as a doll in 1915 for Gruelle’s daughter – he reportedly named the doll after two books poems from a James Whitcomb Riley book – “The Raggedy Man” and “Little Orphan Annie.” Ann inspired Gruelle to write stories about her adventures, and in 1918, Raggedy Ann Stories was released. Her brother, Andy, showed up in 1920. I had a Raggedy Ann doll and she scared the crap out of me. Most dolls did. I had a porcelain doll once and I accidentally broke her arm, and I was convinced that she was going to kill me in the middle of the night for breaking her, so I kept her shut in the closet. To this day I have to have the closet doors closed when I sleep. Have I ever mentioned that my first horror movie was Dolls and I was in third grade? Let the psychoanalysis begin!
10. Sock Monkeys. The sock monkeys that we have come to know and love today – the ones made with Red-Heel socks – are thought to have come about in 1932. The distinctive red heel was given to the socks so customers would know they were getting authentic Rockford socks. When the Nelson Knitting Company discovered that their socks were being used across the country in this arts-and-crafts movement, they won the design patent for the sock monkey pattern and started including it in the packaging of their socks.
As you can see by my rants about Sea Monkeys and Raggedy Ann, these toys definitely dredge up memories (why are both of mine bad?). Share yours in the comments! Maybe we’ll do a follow up… I was itching to throw in Cabbage Patch dolls and Pound Puppies, but I was trying to keep the list more traditional.

I thought I loved you then

Songs play a big part in my life. Not so much the music, but the lyrics and the stories behind them. This happens to be my new favorite one, and both Brad and I looked at eachother and smiled that "I love you so much" smile and knew that we both felt that it described us when we met...so even though these lyrics are from the guys point of view, I can relate to it as well! Good job Brad Paisley!


Then by Brad Paisley~

I remember trying not to stare
The night that I first met you
You had me mesmerized
And three weeks later in the front porch light
Taking forty five minutes to kiss goodnight
I hadn't told you yet, but I thought I loved you then.

Now your my whole life
Now your my whole world
And I just can't believe
The way I feel about you girl
Like a river meets the sea
Stronger than it's ever been
We've come so far since that day
And, I thought I loved you then.

I remember taking you back
To right where I first met you
You were so surprised
There people around, but I didn't care
I got down on one knee right there
And once again, I thought I loved you then.

Now your my whole life
Now your my whole world
And I just can't believe
The way I feel about you girl
Like a river meets the sea
Stronger than it's ever been
We've come so far since that day
And, I thought I loved you then.

I can just see you
With a baby on the way
I can just see you
When your hair is turning gray
What I can't see
Is how I'm ever going to love you more
But, I've said that before.

Now your my whole life
Now your my whole world
And I just can't believe
The way I feel about you girl
We'll look back someday
At this moment that we're in
And I'll look at you and say
"And, I thought I loved you then."
And, I thought I loved you then...

Funny how songs relate to your emotions

There's gotta be something more
Gotta be more than this
I need a little less hard time
I need a little more bliss
I'm gonna take my chances
Taking a chance I might
Find what I'm looking for
There's gotta be something more
Five years and there's no doubt
That I'm burnt out, I've had enough
I could work my life away, but why?
I got things to do before I die
Some believe in destiny, and some believe in fate
I believe that happiness is something we create
You best believe that I'm not gonna wait
Cause there's gotta be something more

I ain't settlin'
For just gettin' by
I've had enough so-so
For the rest of my life
Tired of shootin' too low
So raise the bar high
"Just enough" ain't enough this time
I ain't settlin' for anything less than everything
With some good red wine
And my brand new shoes
Gonna dance a blue streak around my living room
Take a chance on love, and try how it feels
With my heart wide open
Yeah, you know I will
Find out what it means to be the girl
Who changed her mind
And changed the world
"Just enough" ain't enough this time

My week in a nutshell...

Today's posting is basically filled with random things from this past week!

Everything started out alright on Sunday...I worked my normal 6am shift and picked up 3 50Th Anniversary Barbies for $3.00 each!

(Sweet deal since they are normally $11.49!) I got one for my cousin's 12Th birthday at the end of the month, and one each for the girls. (Spoiled brats!) I don't remember much else about Sunday...it was just a day I guess.

Monday, ugh...I hate to even think about Monday! So I won't indulge details (it was that bad!) Although, I think I reminded my hubs how strong and mean I can get when I throw the kind of temper tantrum I did on Monday. Just how strong and mad was I? Look at the picture of my phone below:

No worries, though...I had a bright and shiny new one by Wednesday afternoon!

Tuesday was alright. A little stressed out still from Monday, still feeling like crap from my slight head cold and felt like I was going to loose my voice. Went to work, looked at the hottie I work with ;) Not too exciting, just alone with out my poor cellphone!

Wednesday was a little better. All the stress from the first part of the week seemed to slowly disintegrate and diminish after the rush of the afternoon (the only bad part of the day). (My phone came!) I called in to work, and was able to be home and watch the last 30 minutes or so of the elimination round of American Idol. I'm glad that Anoop was safe, but I'm still not hooked on him. I prefer Adam Lambert! ;)

Thursday was a little better. Although Teagan is getting into the habit of calling me at lunch time to bring her lunch because she doesn't want what they are having in the cafeteria! It was alright the first time, but by the third time...I was done with it, but the mommy I am, I took her lunch. Went to work, learned that the Killer Whale is part of the dolphin family and that my ETL-AP went to the same high school (many years ago!) as the 16 year old Jasmine from American Idol attends.

FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not only is it Friday the 13Th it's also payday! yay!! So, being it's Friday the 13Th, I believe that it is the reason for my horrible, terrible, no good week! I truly do because today has been easy as pie! I bought a new ring, a new book to read and a new movie!


As for Saturday...I work, and that's all I have planned so far! Hopefully the remaining of March will be good...somewhat!

27 days...and counting down!

The Hills - MTV Shows

I have neither

in•ten•tion
Pronunciation: \in-ˈten(t)-shən\
Function: noun
Date: 14th century

1: a determination to act in a certain way: RESOLVE
2: IMPORT, SIGNIFICANCE
3 a: what one intends to do or bring about b: the object for which a prayer, mass, or pious act is offered
4: a process or manner of healing of incised wounds
5: CONCEPT; especially: a concept considered as the product of attention directed to an object of knowledge
6 plural: purpose with respect to marriage


1mo•tive
Pronunciation: \ˈmō-tiv, 2 is also mō-ˈtēv\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French motif, motive, from motif, adjective, moving, from Medieval Latin motivus, from Latin motus, past participle of movēre to move
Date: 15th century

1: something (as a need or desire) that causes a person to act

10/19/2009

I don't know what made me think of the Nike Women's Marathon this morning, but I decided to look it up. Carissa choose this marathon to be her first one in her life back in 2007. I thought she was crazy and was surprised she was going to run the full 26.2 miles! This was her first marathon, so I thought she'd start with the half marathon, which is only 13.1 miles. (Not sure if I could even do the half!)I was so proud of her when I saw her cross that finish line and achieve a life goal for herself!


(Carissa is in this picture about to cross the finish line, she's behind the girls wearing white shirts!)

I followed in her footsteps about a year later, and even though it wasn't even close to being a full or half marathon, I ran in the 2008 Bay To Breakers. (Well, I ran the first mile and the last 2 miles...I walked the rest!)

Well anyways...The point of this posting is that the Nike Women's Marathon is in October every year. I wanted to do it last year, but I missed the registration deadline. And it's very hard to do. You have to sign up to be chosen by RANDOM DRAWING to become a participant. They only select 20,000 runners so to be chosen is only the beginning of the excitement that happens on race weekend! Over the past 5 years of this race, runners in partnership with Team In Training have raised over $80 million dollars, which makes it the LARGEST beneficiary race in the WORLD!

So, as of today I have only 4 days till March 4Th which is the day of registration to be chosen. I'm going to do it! I will go for the full marathon as well, so that I can feel that achievement that Carissa did...even though I'm sure she wasn't able to walk for a couple days!

And when I cross that finish line, I will be the proud owner of a Tiffany & Co. necklace that I will cherish forever and know that no one can tell me again that I would never be able to run a marathon! Cause I will have proof that I can and I DID!