Cyber Monday (Tina K Style)

Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday~  there's always a good reason to shop!

Let me entice you with some FABULOUS Cyber Monday deals that will rival those seen on Black Friday and will also help you support Small Business Saturday.

On Black Friday I was at a Vendor Fair displaying my Thirty~One goodies and also added a line of products to my At Home Party line of things I love and need to peddle. 

So, here are my deals:
READ ALL THE WAY TO THE END FOR THE REALLY GOOD STUFF!!

Thirty~One:
visit my Thirty~One site (www.mythirtyone.com/99114) and place any $31 order (don't forget the fantastic Customer Special when you spend the $31, get one of the Cinch Sac, Flat Iron Case, Soft Wallet, All in One Organizer or the Zip Up Pencil Pouch for ONLY $5!

Perfectly Posh:
Perfectly Posh (www.perfectlyposh.us/365) is running a recruiting special right now, thru midnight, sign up to be on my team for only $79!!  That is a $20 savings and trust me, people want this stuff!! 

My Personal Sales:
Thirty~One:  Qualifying orders must be at least $31 in retail dollars (not including shipping or tax)

Place an online order before 6pm and I will send you a coupon good for 1 Half Price Item in the Month of February!! + get in on the 10pm AND Midnight bonuses!!
(Coupon sent to you once your order ships via US Mail)

Place an online order before 10 pm and I will send you a coupon good for 15% off any item in the Month of January + get in on the Midnight Bonus!!
(Coupon sent to you once your order ships via US Mail, coupon only good thru me)

Place an online order before Midnight and I will send you a reimbursement check for your Shipping Cost!!(Check sent to you once your order ships via US Mail, coupon only good thru me)

So...realistically, if you place an online order now (before 6pm CST) for a minimum of $31, you will be receiving in the mail from me:
A Coupon for 1 Half Price item in the month of February
A Coupon for 15% off any item in the month of January
Your Shipping Reimbursement Check

As if that weren't good enough, don't forget I also signed up to share Perfectly Posh!

Perfectly Posh is a new line of Pampering Products.  Indulgent and fun- all made with the very best ingredients.  All items are made in the USA and are Gluten, Paraben, Animal Product & SLS - FREE!!!

Here is the Deal on the Perfectly Posh site:  Qualifying orders must be at least $30 in retail dollars (not including shipping or tax)

Place an online order before 6pm and I will send you a coupon good for 1 Bombinator Bath Ball (Choose from 3 flavors) + get in on the 10pm AND Midnight bonuses!!
(Coupon sent to you once your order ships via US Mail)

Place an online order before 10 pm and I will send you a coupon good for 1 LipShot Balm (Choose from 2 flavors) + get in on the Midnight Bonus!!
(Sent to you once your order ships via US Mail, coupon only good thru me)

Place an online order before Midnight and I will send you a reimbursement check for your Shipping Cost!!(Sent to you once your order ships via US Mail, coupon only good thru me)

Helping me start my Perfectly Posh business before 6 pm (CST) will net you:
A Coupon for 1 Bath Bombinator
A Coupon for 1 LipShot Lip Balm
Your Shipping Reimbursement Check

So What Are You Waiting For??

GET SHOPPING!!

And don't forget to call me and schedule your parties!  I can help you de-compress from the holidays and organize your newly-filled homes!

www.mythirtyone.com/99114

www.perfectlyposh.us/365

Being Thankful

Sitting here, I am thinking about how I have seen so many challenges in my friends lives lately.  And I've seen some in my own, nobody's perfect.
But it really makes me think about what I have and reminds me to be thankful.
And appreciate what is in my life.

Today, I think I will share what I am Thankful for:

-A Home -
I am thankful to have a place to call home.  I am thankful that the roof over my head is solid.  I am thankful that my home is large enough to hold guests.  I am thankful that the house I live in, is slowly becoming a warm, welcoming and inviting home.  Not because we are unwelcoming people, but because we are filling it with homey, cozy, and comforting things and memories.  

- A Vehicle -
I have had the same vehicle now for going on 6 years.  This is pretty much a record for me.  I think because I bought it new, I didn't inherit any 'issues' or 'character'.  It was all acquired on my own!  I am thankful that said vehicle starts every morning when I want to leave.  I am thankful that it is large enough to carry my children to their various activities.  I am thankful that it is small enough to get ridiculous gas mileage.  I am thankful for the Character she has acquired over the last 6 years.  Nothing fancy like my old cars (no ashtray that is stored under the drivers seat, no garbage bags over any of the windows, no duck tape...anywhere, wipers that work, brakes that work, and a transmission that works!)

- A Job -
Now everyone has gripes about thier job.  Don't get me wrong, I definately have my gripes just like everyone else.  And I know everyone always says, "You should be grateful to have a job to go to".  And I am.  But I am also very grateful to work for the company that I do.  There is a lot to be said for Employee Appreciation.  And GE is great at it.  It is wonderful to be rewarded for a job well done.  And by rewarded, I actually mean rewarded.  Movie days, Lunches, Gift Cards, Game days...all of these things (and a few more) are things I get to do, courtesy of the wonderful company I work for.  But they are not just given away either, we all must work towards these rewards.  And working well is what we do.

- Children -
As I typed this, I was thinking to myself, "what the hell are you thinking?!"  But, really, I am grateful to have children.  There are so many people who want to and just can't.  I truly am Thankful that I was able to produce 1 of my own and inherit another. 
I am not so grateful for all the heartache and headache that go along with them sometimes.  But on the same coin, I am grateful that I do have the heartache and headache that go along with them.  If I didn't have that, I wouldn't have children.  How on earth I was blessed with such a wonderful daughter is beyond me, and now I have 2, and I love them both dearly.  Even when they are lazy, even when they talk back, even when they push the limits and even when I want to strangle them.  I am Thankful for them.  And love them more than chicken.

- Pets -
Yes.  Pets.  I've never really been one for "Furry Animals".  So when I got a cat for Addie, this was a HUGE step out of my comfort zone.  And when I met Deron, he had a stinky, old, bad-mannered dog.  And I hated him.  Like not even really disliked, but really hated. In fact, at one point, I told him "It's me or the dog!"  He simply smiled and said "You'll learn to love him"  and I did.  Brew was there for me through some very difficult times and I was able to have that unconditional love and companionship that he so freely offers.  And I love him very much.  I love all of our pets, but Brew will always have a special place, cause he broke me.
We also have our very own Jake (above mentioned cat) back at our house now and couldn't be more happy about it. 

-My Health-
There are so many people fighting for their health, and fighting for their lives.  And I'm not.  I am in relatively good health, no big issues.  And for that I am thankful.  I am grateful to wake up every morning, and I am thankful that I am able to take in great big breaths and walk and talk and use my limbs.  I think this is the thing that most of us take for granted.  Watching people wilt away is heartwreching.  Thank you God, for letting me wake up today, and face the day.

Some Truths I've Learned

You know how there is "Something to be learned" in every day?
Well, here are a few things I've learned:

1 - It doesn't matter if you set the Peanut Butter cups in my line of vision or not.  I will find them and I will eat them.  All of them.

2 - If you ask me to do something for you, the best way to ensure it gets done is to remind me every few hours.

3 - When I put on pants, if I have to jump up and down like a goomba to pull them over my hips, they most likely will not close.  So the whole jumping up and down thing, is just for exercise.

4 - When I stick my hand out the window of the car, and wave it in the wind...you know, like when you were a kid and your hand would 'ride the wave' of air...yeah, it makes my Chicken Wings flap.  I quit doing that.

5 - Stick with something if you really want it.  When you stumble down a stair, you get back up and continue to walk down the rest.  Not throw yourself down the remaining stairs.  Don't let a bad day, or a derailing event get you down.  Get back up and walk down the rest of the freaking stairs. 

Organizing Utility Tote ~Yes, You Need One!!

If there is 1 product in the Thirty~One catalog that I recommend to EVERYONE at every party, it would be the Organinzing Utility Tote...and wouldn't ya know it, it's the October Special!!

Having issues with the uploading of pictures...I still don't really know how to work this Blog thing...Aaannnyyywaaaaays....it is very versitile.  I have seen it used as:
Gym Bag
Diaper Bag
Cleaning Supplies
Emergency (natural disaster) Kit
First Aid Kit
Car Activity Pack
Laundromat Pack
Beach Bag
Family Fun Night Kit
Gardening Gear
...and many, many more!

Time is running out to get this wonderful item at such a low price.  The October special only runs thru Monday, October 31.  Check these out on my website http://www.mythirtyone.com/99114/ or send me a message via Facebook, email (tmkelly1981@gmail.com), or call / text me (319-651-0761) to get your order placed before time runs out.  These make wonderful gifts as well!!

Available in 10 patterns (check them out on my website http://www.mythirtyone.com/99114/)
Black
Black Parisian Pop
Black Tailored Stripe
Circle Spirals
Garden Bloom
Harvest Floral
Paparazzi Dot
Pin Dots
Windsor Bouquet
Winter Wonderland

As always, personalization is available for only $7 more!!

Fried Green Tomatoes

I made fried green tomatoes yesterday for Deron's Grandparents, and they were delicious.  I LOVE fried green tomatoes, the food.  But, I also love the movie. 

Does anyone else remember that movie? With Kathy Bates and Mary Stuart Masterson and Mary Louise Parker and Jessica Tandy (who you are never really sure if she is Idgy Threadgood or not even though her name is Ninny!)

I remember when it first came out, I was 10.  Me and Alicia thought it was the best movie ever, not really sure why, cause at 10, that's a pretty heavy movie.  We watched it all the time.  Maybe because we taped it (hahaha, remember having to "Tape" something....ahhhh, the days before DVR!) off of HBO, that made it cooler or something.  We used to love those free preview weekends.  If we had cable, cause sometimes we didn't, we never had more than just basic, so those free weekends were like Heaven!  Anyways, we watched it so many times, the video tape wore out. 

And....my kids both love this movie and will watch it anytime it's on TV.  So, I think it's just the movie, not the fact that we thought we were cool.  Although we were. 

So many things have been bringing back some wonderful memories for me lately.  And, this is why we are reliving this time of my life.

I remember Alicia and I would play 'restaurant' all the time.  It was always called The Whistlestop Cafe, and we served Fried Green Tomatoes.  Except that I think we really served cereal and spagettio's and just thought we were master chefs.  I do remember that we used to say, just like in the movie, The Secret's In The Sauce!  That was why our spagettio's were far superior to any others you had previously tasted. 

I also remember other times, we served tuna salad sandwiches, Macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese and scrambled eggs.  And now I think about that....what the hell was my Mom thinking!!!  I don't even trust my mostly grown kids in the kitchen to make Ramens and she was letting us make halfway gourmet meals!!  It's probably because back in our day, we were responsible and diligent and aware of our surroundings.  Kids today are irresponsible, forgetful and just in general spacey.  I'm just kidding, my kids aren't ....oh wait...

Anyways, getting off track.  So, these memories that have been flooding me lately are good memories and bad memories and in between memories.  But they are all memories.  And I have to remind myself that everything that happens in your life, makes you who you are.  Whether they be good events, bad events, or just plain old events, it's shaped me into the person that I am today.  And all except for about 3 days a month, I'm a pretty awesome person. 

A friend said this to me last week, and I love it...take it with you:
"I always knew looking back on the tears would make me laugh but never thought looking back on the laughs would make me cry"

Here's to making more memories, and reminicing on the old ones...Cheers!

Nummy, Nummy Jambalaya (and good for you too!)

Discovered a DELICIOUS recipe this weekend, and I just have to share. 
If you like Jambalaya, you will love this!

1 lb cubed, cooked Chicken breasts
1 lb sliced, cooked Sausage.  (the recipe called for spicy andouie, but I used a turkey sausage ring instead)
1 lb cooked, peeled and de-veined shrimp
1 28oz can crushed tomatoes
1 large tomato, diced
1 small onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced (I used a whole green and half a yellow...don't tell Deron!!)
1 cup celery, diced
1 cup fat-free, low sodium chicken broth
2 tsp dried oregano
2 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp hot sauce
2 bay leaves
2 Cups cooked or 1 cup uncooked brown rice

Combine all ingredients except rice in Crock Pot.
Heat on High for 3 hours.
At 3 hours:
Either serve over the 2 cups cooked rice
OR
add in the 1 cup uncooked rice. 
If adding rice, cook on low heat for an additional 30 minutes. 
We added it in and it was even better the second day. 

Twas delicious!!  And my family ate vegetables...YAY!!

Wheww-eeee...What A Weekend!

Whoa!  So, this weekend has left me praising Lazy Sunday, and it's only 10 am!!

Friday afternoon, I get a call from Deron.  "Somethings wrong with your dog."  She's been having some "tummy troubles" this last week...I do believe a direct result of her eating the people food I asked him not to give her...but that's not the point.  She was seriously having some tummy issues on Friday, breathing funny, and really not acting like herself.  So of course I rush home.  She greets me at the garage door and sits right on down while I fawn over her.  I think it was the mommy lovin that made her get better so quick.  She was still acting kinda off all weekend, but at least her tummy seems to be back to normal, and her breathing...well, she's old...she has all kinds of breathing issues.  I need to remember this and not freak out about every little thing.  But I love her very much, and I am glad that she is feeling better.  Yesterday, she stepped in the 1 heater vent in our house that doesn't have a cover on it, and just sat there, with her leg stuck for who knows how long, til I saw her and lifted her out.  What a trooper!

Friday night, Deron and I were treated to a NWC (Night Without Children).  Addie stayed with a friend and Mariah was at work...and we actually LEFT THE HOUSE!!  I know!!!  I'll wait while you catch your breath...........................................ready...................................ok.  I know, I was a bit thrown off as well!!  And, guess what we did....wait for it.... we went to see the remake of Footloose!  AHHHHHH, I was so filled with excitement!!  The movie was great.  It stayed so true to the original, it even uses some of the same lines.  And Willard, well, it's kinda creepy how much the new Willard, looks like the old Willard.  Even some of the "costumes' are the same.  Ren still wears a tie to his first day of school, and he still shows up to the dance in the Maroon blazer.  I did notice that the man who plays Ren's Uncle Wes does look an awful lot like my Uncle Tom, even kinda talks like him.  But seriously, go see this movie.  It is an homage to the original, not a horible remake.  On the radio on the way home the announcer was talking about new movies coming out that day and says, "Footloose is the movie you are being dragged to right now if you have a woman in your life."  Ahahahahahahahaha, we laughed all the way home.  Oh, and at home, Deron made Steak and Crab Legs for dinner...perfect evening!

Saturday, we got up and got right to work :)  Went and got the lighting for the new flip house, went home to get the car so we could drop the van off at the shop, get the van to the shop to find out the engine is blown and necessary repair shop can not see it until Monday, take van home.  This stinks more for Deron because it is the One Call van.  Shoot, huh!

 I spent a lot of time (and way too much money) shopping for food and toilet paper.  On the plus side, I got a great deal on bread.  I always hate to make that extra stop at the Hostess Outlet, but dang it is so worth it!  Our family goes thru so much bread it's a Wonder (hahaha, I crack myself up) we don't own a bakery.  I spent $15 at the bread store and left with 2 full bags.  At the food store, this would have only covered about 1/4 of what I bought.  The girls like when I go there too, cause I buy the Brown Sugar Cinnamon bread.  And I will only buy it there, cause it's too expensive otherwise :)

I think I got slipped some Betty Crocker pills yesterday as well.  I made a delicious Crock Pot Jambayala, and also got a dozen jars of apple pie filling done.  We have apples coming out of our ears.  It was great to find a recipe that called for 6 pounds of apples, I actually only have about 10 apples left sitting on the counter.  This of course will go up after we make our daily gathering, but for now, I am going to enjoy it!!

Deron asked me to go out in the tent with him last night.  Awwee, how sweet.  He said, "it's a great way for us to spend time together",  I said "but we can't talk", he smiled.  So out we went, I brought my cell phone and played some games, he watched for the deers.  We heard quite a few, and he saw them (I was sitting below the "window"), but all were to little.  So, we just keep fattening them up and hoping Mr. Trophy and Mrs. Dinner will pass thru our backyard.  Keep your fingers crossed, I've already made the room in my freezer. 

We finished off the night with a nice fire in our fireplace.  So nice, that I refused to go to bed.  It was so cozy and comfortable on the couch with the fire....ahhhhh, I want another one today.

So it is Sunday.  Mariahs horses have become Escape Artists.  Saturday and Sunday morning both, we got up and they had gone off on an adventure.  At least they don't go far, and they are fairly easy to catch!  I still gotta go pick up the long lost 10 year old in our lives, that child has such a booming social life, I think I may be jealous a little bit!!  And gotta head back to the store to get the items I forgot yesterday.  Seriously, Deron requested 1 thing for today.  Lays potato chips, sour cream and french onion soup mix.  His Sunday football dinner.  I remembered the soup mix.  Bad Girlfriend.  And I also forgot Q-Tips.  So, off I go complete the forgotten errands of yesterday. 

I am hoping and praying that today I will be able to sit down and enjoy a nice Sunday with my family and maybe, just maybe the Vikings will be able to pull off another win.  Please oh please let this happen!!

You know, reading back over this, I doesn't sound like the exhausting weekend that it was.  Oh well, take my word for it.  Or...even better, come rub my feet and I'll tell you how wonderful it feels, that is the true test :)

Making Little Changes

I would like to share a change in my life that has made me very, very happy.  I feel like a satisfied customer, and I feel like my needs and wishes have been listened to and met. 

We made the switch from Netflix to Blockbuster.  And have never been happier! 

When I signed up for Netflix back when I still lived in my apartment, so like almost 10 years ago, it was only $5.99 a month.  And I got all the DVD's I wanted, what a deal!  I didn't have cable and all Addie wanted to watch was Blue's Clues, so it was perfect.  And then they raised the price.  When I lived in my trailer, so approximately 5 years ago, it was closer to $10 a month.  And as time went on, they added the feature of streaming movies, so when we got a Wii, this was awesome, and the price creeped up to about $15 a month.  When we lived on C St, we thought about cutting Netflix, it was an unnecessary item...no, we stayed, for the sole reason of streaming movies. 

Well, since we have moved to the boonies, and we have internet cables that were built along with the invention of the internet (ie, we have barely a step up from dial up) we are unable to stream movies in less than 16 hours with all the buffering and refreshing that happens.  Twas time for a change. 

I started looking at the Blockbuster program.  Dad had it, I remember JJ telling him that it was the same thing except that you had a brick and mortar to exchange.  I wasn't really into that at the time, I thought Netflix was the best thing under the sun. 

This summer, Addie and I went in to the store to rent The Sandlot.  Turns out they have this great summer program where you pay $8 and can rent unlimited family films all summer.  It was awesome.  And for every regular priced movie (new release) we rented, we got a coupon for a free $0.99 movie.  What a deal!  We had a Shrek marathon for $1 this summer (including popcorn and soda)...boo yeah Couponers Rule!!

Anyways, so I did a bit more research on the online program, and it is perfect for us.  They don't offer streaming movies, which it totally ok since we can't watch them anyways.  What they do offer more fits our needs:
A Lower Price
Video Games
New Releases
Unlimited In-Store Exchanges

So, needless to say, the switch was made.  And at the risk of sounding like a commercial, you should make the switch as well!

I need to VENT!!

Venting is healthy right.  So, I've been told.  Well here it goes:

My Job ~ While I love my job, I am less than impressed with a few of the folks who work at my job.  Without naming names or job duties, this will be quite difficult to get my frustrations across.  So let me just say this...have you ever had a conversation with a brick wall?  Same concept here.
*I will say this... If there was someone who you repeatedly gave the same instruction to.  Someone who you answered the same question to daily.  Someone who you thought was seriously just not capable of performing daily functions...this starts to wear on you.  And I am seriously WORN OUT!!

My Car ~ I have finally discovered that the old saying "Once you pay it off, it's gonna fall apart" is so sadly true.  I have always had used cars, bought straight out, no payments, just my POS from the get go.  Ok, so maybe I had something to do with them falling apart, BUT my point is this...I bought my current car with only 17 miles on it.  It had no "pre-existing" conditions.  It was brand new, and ran like a dream.  Now, Ol Blackberry is 6 years old...and starting to age....not so gracefully.  There have been normal wear and tear things, and since I travel long distances more often than most folks, there is quite a bit of wear and tear.  So last Friday, the God awful wretched sound coming out of that thing was terrible!!  I called Deron and told him it sounded like my car was being stabbed.  Turns out, it kinda was.  Stabbing can cause death.  My car was dead.  He so graciously replaced the alternator....and then the battery.  And then she started again.  So now, I just need to invest in Oil stock or something because I also need new tires and also I need that thing that holds the tires together.  Donations will be accepted. 

My House ~ This is tricky.  I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE where I live.  I am not so fond of the amount of work it takes to clean it up.  Had we moved into something that hadn't been touched before, this would be different.  Everything would be created by us, put where it belonged, and maintained from the start.  But we didn't, we moved into something that was once beautiful...and then hadn't been touched since.  Cleaning up someone elses mess has never been something I enjoyed doing.  Ask my children.  There were once wonderful gardens filled with beauty.  Now there are dead spots where I had to kill the everything to control the weeds.  There was once a wonderful, playful pool.  Now there is a half filled leaf catcher.  There once was a sturdy, clean, sanitary structure where one could park a car and also work to repair small things and store items without fear of insects or rodents taking up habitation inside.  Now there is a dilapitated, stinky, hay filled, dirt floored, spider infested, tree catching, craphole where I park my car and run inside cause I can't bear to look around at the nastyness that it has become.  I am praying that a wind storm comes and knocks that hovering tree right on top of it and squishes it all to heck.  Then maybe I can have a nice new garage, with a lovely breezeway connecting to the house, and nice clean cabinets and a working space and some cubbies for storage and a nice floor made from anything but dirt, and without a creepy underground lair.  Really is that too much to ask?!  Get on it Wind!!  Mama needs a new garage. 
I realize that everything takes time.  But that is not what I want to hear right now....so, moving on.....

My People In My Life ~ I am not fond of some of the people in my life right now.  Specifically, a few people.  But again, at the risk of "giving it away", I will tell those people all to themselves and leave the rest of you guessing if you have ticked me off.  Most likely you haven't.  I am just in a really crappy mood, and I am mad at those who say pretty much anything that resembles something stupid.  And yes, I am the only judge of what is stupid and what is not. 

My Clothes ~ With my habit of "Shape-Shifting", I no longer have anything that fits me "just right".  I have tons of stuff that makes me look like I am a drowning rat.  I have tons of stuff that makes me look like I ate a tire.  I have tons of stuff that makes me look like I'm trying to be a "hip mom, who isn't really good at fashion, but dang she tried hard and still looks ridiculous".  I have tons of stuff that makes me look like a Libraian, and not the Hot Kind.  But I have nothing that I really like.  Or anything that really feels good.  Or anything that really looks good.  So, when I stand in the closet in the morning, I pull out the same old things.  I think the folks here at work know what day it is by the outfit I'm wearing.  We are on a rotating schedule.

My Body ~ It's falling apart.  Last night as I was encouraging Addie to jump off the roof of the garage, I couldn't do it myself, because I was afraid of hurting my knees and ankles.  Really!?  When did I get so old?

Oh well, I guess I do feel better!  Thanks for listening.  And I am sure I will feel better about all this in the morning :)

Crazy Times at the Kastner Farm

I love my family.  We are just a bunch of Crazy Nut Huts, and we sure know how to have a good time.  Here are a few photos from our Cousin Day, that turned into Family Day.  Nothing better than Family Day!

Ok, so I uploaded the pictures in no specific order, so the cooresponding captions, are not in time order either. 



Campfire, there was even some Magic Spruce in there to make the flames blue.  I gotta get me some magic spruce!



What a Handy Dandy Flipper you have there Nikki!!  Grandpa is so creative.  Now you can golf AND flip your burger!!



Grandma DID NOT like the wine we were drinking!!  And yes, there is wine in the Gatorade bottle...only because we lost the water bottle...twice!



Worked out that our Fun Day was on a very special day as well. 

Hide N Seek in the bushes.  I got a phone call and the caller whispered "are they still looking?"  they must have been hiding for quite a while!!



Mooooommmmm....Kjeren's eating a giant pickle!




Me and Addie and Kjeren and goofy Larry chillin by the fire. 




Scribblish = Telephone Pictionary!!  One of my favorite games EVER, and turns out it's a real game.  Whoa!



Ummmm....and the game Things.  Yes, this was a good, good laugh to be had by all!!




I learned how to do the "Man Walking Down The Stairs" trick.  And threw in a few "Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain"  Just before I told Grandma to "Shut UP!" cause I thought she was Casie.  And yes, I can say that to Casie, just NOT my Grandma!



Casie and Larry.  He said that he was NOT Superman.  Superman wears his underwear on the OUTSIDE!!  Can you believe it?!



Trina Bean and I setting up some tents.  The ground was so hard over there that we both bent a few stakes!




Trina aka Pack Mule

 There was quite a few inside jokes made this weekend as well.  And I will post them, just so I can laugh again...and again...and all over again!  Don't worry if you don't get it, it's cause you're not cool, I mean Kastner :)

 RANDOM COUSIN NIGHT WORD VOMIT

Swipe, swipe pass!!!

Peter Peter pumpkin cheater!!!

I don't know if you wanna call me sexy if you know who this is!!!

Flick your cherry an throw it in the can!!!

Casie's word is SKEESY!!!

I had to suck my saliva so I didnt F*#$ING lick it!!

I was at 66%, i'm gonna consider that charged!!!

Hold your breath, if you go down we'll tap you!!

I could wooommmp that!!!

Throw a load on!!!

oh and how do we remember all this...."wait, text that to me!"

Are you kidding me?!?!?!

I finally came on here to write about something, and wouldn't you know it, I forgot what I was going to write about!!  I did notice that I had 1 post thru the entire month of September (excluding this one obviously!).  I guess I was kinda busy.  Here's a recap of my September....

Mariah was in an accident on September 4, one of her friends was driving and in a hurry.  She was blinded by the sun and missed a stop sign, putting them in a ditch.  The good news was that everyone was ok.  Mariah and 1 friend were taken by ambulance to the hospital to be looked over and get a few stitches.  The driver was able to walk away with no injuries.  There were a few lessons to be learned that morning:
Slow Down
Wear Your Seatbelt
I think there may have been a few more, and I think they were learned.  There are a few lingering injuries with Ry that we are keeping an eye on.  Just this morning, she was complaining of blurry vision and she continues to get migraines.  Hopefully, a visit to the Dr will get some answers. 

Brittany in the hospital, takin it like a champ.  She said it made her look Bad A$$



Ry, after her stitches, I spared you the nasty of the before pic!

So then, after this happened, Deron and I went on a lovely Salmon fishing expedition in Kenosha, WI. 


Deron caught a biggun

  


So did Jamer




And we got to see the Nina and Pinta replicas, that was pretty awesome!



Just a few pics from our trip.  It was great!  The weather was cold and windy and nasty and we were the only fools from our harbor who went out on either day.  There were times when I was certain that the boat was going to overturn...I learned quick that as long as the Captain wasn't freaking out, I shouldn't either.  By the end of our second session out on the mass that is Lake Michigan, my arms were like jello.  Not sure if anyone else knows that I have absolutely NO arm strength, like really, NONE.  So, reeling in these giant fish out of 200 feet of wicked water, was a chore.  Don't get me wrong, it was awesome, just really hard!

The following week was followed by long hours at work and lots and lots of practice for my Project Presentation.  Lots and lots of long hours, and a brutal presentation.  I have never been so nervous to give any kind of presentation like I was for this one!!  I had the shakes, sweats, butterflies (aka dragons), all the usual stuff, but when it was my turn, they all went away.  It was wierd!!  But I did get compliments, and some good feedback, so I was relieved.  Now, to finish out the month strong at work...September 30 marks my departments end of year.  My department of 3.  Needless to say, September is a crazy month (and probably not the best time for vacation!!)

The Next week was spent tying up loose ends for the Walk to Defeat ALS on Sunday, September 25.  Final numbers are not in yet, but we are close to our goal.  This year seemed to go much smoother than in the past, it was a great day!  As in the past, we had nasty weather all week, and on Sunday, the skies parted and the sunshine was upon us.  Thanks Dad!! 



For the 2nd year in a row, Addie got to play with Sheltered Reality (who by the way are amazing, you should book them for your next event!!)...except this year, there were also some other special guests




Just 1 of the many raffle baskets, Hand Painted Amazingness from my cousin Casie Kastner, hand painted ceramic frame and the other ALS Awareness loot was a huge hit.  The raffle baskets and quilt auction (I can't get the quilt photo to upload which is really a shame because it is pretty awesome!) brought in over $1000 on Walk Day!!

The Walk is always a great time, we had a larger number of teams this year also which was incredible.  And Addie's Girl Scout troop was on hand to help out.  Addie actually did a little presentation of her own, telling her troop about what ALS is and why it's important for us to Walk and why it's important to help out.  She also did AWESOME!!

So, this will bring us to this week.  Well, last night I kicked off my new business Thirty~One with an Open House.  We had a larger turnout than expected, and it went pretty well.  I still need to spend some time working on my "Organization Skills" (hahahaha, I know everyone who has known me will laugh at that!!)  But for real, I've been so busy with everything else in my life that this kinda crept up on me!  Tonight, after I get the grocery shopping (that I haven't done in weeks) done, and after I mow (last time for the summer, but also the first time this month!) and after I finish up the laundry (that I started last Friday) and after I shave my Dog (because I thought I could cut her hair...just FYI...I have no future as a groomer!!)...I will spend some time getting this new business organized.  I have a little time before my first party, so I'm not stressed about it...YET!

So, there you have it, September in a nutshell.  I'll do better in October.

My New Venture - Thirty-One

Because I didn't have enough in my life to keep me busy, I have also decided to branch out and try another adventure.  Please welcome your Soon To Be Certified and Official - Thirty-One Consultant. 

This isn't a company that I just found out about either, so this was not a rash decision.  I've been "collecting" Thirty-One products for over a year.  I've given them as gifts, I've bought pretty much the entire catalog.  And I use the products every day.  I am a walking advertisement for my friend, Kristi, who I am signing up under.  Seriously, I give out her business cards like you wouldn't believe. 

So, I figured, why not hand out my own business cards.  Walking around with my purchases sparks all kinds of conversations in the oddest places - grocery store, bank, school, zoo.  Seriously, people stop me and ask where I got my purse or cooler or suitcase.  And I would tell them and hand out Kristi's card.  I think it's high time I start sending out my own cards!  Especially to the lady in the Hy-Vee parking lot who asked me about the cooler, and then proceeded to stick her hands in my trunk and fondle all the other bags and totes I had in there.  She is the kind of people I'm talking about!

My official Debut will be on Tuesday, September 27 (2 days after the ALS Walk, cause I work best under pressure).  Within the first 45 days, I will need to hold 4 parties in order to earn my starter kit money back and get the other amazing sign up bonuses. 

So my question is....who's comin with me?  Who wants to help me get started on the right foot, but hosting a party.  There are 4 kinds of parties and all are very low key, no pressure shopping opportunities.

-In-Home Demo - this is the style most common.  I will come to your house and show the products, talk about them and give you ideas of what you can use the items for.  This is the best style if you want to have high sales and earn more free product as a hostess. 
-In-Home Open House - I will come and set up shop on your table, put your snacks somewhere else :)  This is great if you are new to your home, what a great way to show off that new house!  All the items are out to see, feel, and ask questions about.  I'll offer suggestions and talk about products asked, no big long spiel.
-In-Home DIY (Do It Yourself) - I won't come to your house for your party, but your guests will!  I'll ship you a package with some demonstration products, catalogs and order forms.  You invite your friends over for a Girls Night In and do the work for me!  Inside the original package is a box to ship the products and your orders back to me, pre-paid, no cost to you. 
- Catalog Party - also very common, and super easy to do.  Take a few books, hand them out, get some orders and earn free product. 

You know when you are at an in home party and the consultant has you play a game.  And wham, suddenly you are the lucky duck who has to have a party next, even if you have no interest.  I don't ever play the games where someone is forced to book a show.  I don't ever play the recruiting games either.  Why...because as a guest, I hated them. 

I believe that if I am doing my job, you will see how great the products are and want to book your own show to earn them for free.  I believe that if you are at a point in your life where you are looking for something else, and you think Thirty-One might be for you, then we can have that chat.  So there seriously is NO pressure.  I will however sing the praises of the products and the company until my face turns blue. 

You can access the catalog here: http://www.thirtyonegifts.com/catalog to check out these items that have me so excited; but don't order anything from there....at least not yet!  If there is something you see that your mom / sister / boyfriend / grandma / best friend / cousin / nephew / etc can't live without, contact me, we'll get it ordered at my debut.  And if you see something you just can't live without, contact me to set up your show to get your stuff for FREE. 

I do want to share a few of my favorite products real quick:

This would be the Hang Up Home Organizer - LIFE SAVER!  Pockets for everything, the "windows" can easily double as a white board. Since I can't get the pic to upload, I will just tell you that the pockets are very versitile and functional!   Use them to hold mail, coupons, school papers, church papers, bills, calendar, menus, school schedules, pretty much everything that is clogging up your counter space or kitchen table, gather it up and stick it in here.  Still accessible, but organized and out of sight.  This thing is awesome.  And an organized persons dream come true! 



Rolling Tote - Hostess Exclusive Item - Comes with a telescoping handle that hides inside a zippered pocket when not in use.  The bag itself is HUGE.  And the nice thing is, it doesn't look huge.  Addie and I took this on our Zoo trip and fit both of our clothes, our bathroom bag, a pillow and 2 pairs of tennis shoes.  Oh and did I mention it's on wheels!

These are just a few of the items I'm in love with.  I'll show you more later.  

The Best Twice Baked Potatoes You Will Ever Eat Recipe:

Dear Mandra~
I am going to share with the world the basics of your famous recipe...only because those were the BEST twice baked potatoes that I ever had in my entire freaking life!!

The Best Twice Baked Potatoes You Will Ever Eat Recipe:

9 medium size baking potatoes
1 container Top The Tater
1 C shredded cheddar jack cheese
1/4 C half & half
Huge Scoop Butter
8 green onions, chopped
1/2 lb bacon, cut into tiny pieces and cooked
(don't use the Oscar Meyer bag o bacon bits, it's not the same!)

Bake the Potatoes, cut in half, cool slightly and scoop out insides.
Put the shells directly onto a foiled baking sheet.

Add to potato guts:
Top The Tater
half & half
Butter
mix with hand mixer to smooth out the lumpy-bumpy-ness

Fold in:
Bacon
Green Onions
Cheese

Mix with spatula until well mixed. 
Salt, pepper, garlic salt to taste.
Scoop potato guts mixutre into Potato Shells.
Top with additional shredded cheese. 
Bake in a 325 oven for about 20 minutes, til heated thru and cheese melts. 

I only modified this just a slight bit, so if you really like it, thank my BFF Mandra. 
Loved these when she made them and had a hankerin last night.  Even ate some leftovers for breakfast this morning.  Twas Amazing.  Ohhh, yeah, and it's only 162 calories.  So, eat a few, you'll need to bulk up for winter, might as well do it with something that tastes like this :)

How I Spent My Saturday

Last Saturday was an eventful day.  I will spare you the minor details, and only fill you in on the highlites. 
Honestly, one of the best funnest days I've had in a super long time!

Woke up and was going to go to work, decided not to.  I cleaned the house instead.  And then I hung up some pictures.  And worked in the garden and burned some yard waste and trimmed some branches.  And went thru the shopping ads and made my grocery list comparing sales and coupons and all that good stuff.  After that I ventrued out to the stores...

I did pretty good.  I think that I am going to start putting my "coupon savings" amount into a jar.  I could possibly finance a new car by next year! 

And I refilled the wine rack.  This is where the story "really" starts :)

So, I open the first bottle.  I'm home alone.  And cutting up the fruit and veggies I bought at the store.  Me and the dogs are singing along to the tune in my head and we're having a gay old time. 

Before I know it, Mariah comes home with a new friend.  I like this girl, she seems nice, I hope she comes back.  They hang out a bit, and then leave again. 

And I'm all alone again, me, and the dogs, and my wine.  So, I crack another bottle. 

Then Deron comes home.  He's been working all day and made plans for us to go 4-wheeling with some friends.  This sounds like fun.  I'm excited.  He tells me to get ready, they'll be here soon. 

I decided that this would be the best time to clean the pool.  And I do.  I spent quite a bit of time out there, vacuuming, and scrubbing, and just plain old lolly-gagging and swimming and having a great time.  Before I know it, I have splashed out quite a bit of water and Deron is hollering that I need to get my butt ready or they will leave without me.

I place the hose in the pool to top it off and head inside to prepare myself.  I put on a skirt, tank top and flip flops.  Yes, this is the appropriate gear to go 4-wheeling in.  Usually.  Not so much today.

We stop down by the river and do a little fishing.  We caught a couple of turtles.  And 1 bit me.  No fish though, they weren't biting.  The bait or me.  We hang out instead.

see, it's fun and relaxing

The river is pretty low.  Like....super low.... and there is alot of mud.  This is fun.  Yes. 
We cruise along a ways and find a nice spot where we can actually get to the island.  It's great, we tootle around a bit out there and start to make our way back to shore. 

"First one to get stuck is a rotten egg"

Man, we stink!  We got stuck first.  Tried to get out the right way, I even offered to get my "extra weight" off  so it might glide over the mud.  No such luck.  Stuck like a pig.  So we get off and look to the left for assistance...and wouldn't ya know it....they are stuck too.  Well, Shit!

Luckily there is a wench attached to Deron's wheeler.  I crawl to shore, and by crawl, I literally mean crawl.  Sinking in mud up to my thighs, my arms and legs take turns sinking and getting pulled out as I crawl out of the mud bank.  Got the wench hook thingie all hooked up and here they come out of the mud.  Huh, that almost looked easy!  Oh, but guess what, some parts have melted, can't turn it back on.  Damn. 

So, those strong, manly men push this wheeler over to the other, hook up the wench hook thingie and pray there is enough juice left to pull the other one out.  There is.  We're all good.  Tow Rope, check.  Hook 'er up, we're outta here!

We get towed home and after a quick rinse and install of better parts, we are off again.  This time, to dinner.  Can I just tell you how much I love that we can ride the 4-wheeler "out to eat".  Ahhhh, country livin!

Oh and remember how I stuck the hose in the pool to refill....yeah, I forgot about it until Sunday morning.  So, I might be holding a fundraiser soon for a new well pump since I am trying to wreck the one we have!

I have no pictures of the mud debacle, nor any pictures of the turtles that tried to take my fingers off.  Oh well, use your imagination.  However funny it is in your mind, is probably how funny it looked in real life!

Anyways, the reason I am sharing my last Saturday story with you today, is that tomorrow, we won't be doing that. 

ALS Season

This here may require some 'splainin. 

There really is no season for ALS.  But in my house there is.  And it's fall. 

In the fall of 2005, my Dad was diagnosed with ALS
In the fall of 2008, my Dad passed away from ALS
In the fall of 2009, the 1st Cedar Rapids Walk to Defeat ALS

And each fall following, we have the Walk and we also have the Anniversary. 

And also if you are familiar with my job, you will remember that end of year is also in the fall. 

STRESS CENTRAL

I am the Walk Committee Chair for the Cedar Rapids VOLUNTEER Walk to Defeat ALS.  I work with a wonderful group of women and 1 lonely but lovely man to put this shin dig together.  It is a lot of work.  There is absolutely no down time when it gets to be crunch time, and guess what time it is now!

The 2011 Walk is coming up on Sunday, September 25.  This will be a spectacular day!  It gets bigger and better every year and this year I am especially looking forward to the entertainment that has been lined up.  We have a fantastic logistics team that has really exploded us into a Fun Filled Family Entertainment Bash! 
Check out these links....
http://www.sheltered-reality.org/test/index.html - Sheltered Reality Drumline
http://www.christ-rocks.com/ - Bobby Colquhoun
and much much more!  We will also be welcoming Mr. Schucks, Ricochet, Linn County Royalty, and many more special guests and activities. 

Walk Day is a great time, and it's usually an emotional day, not gonna lie!

In 2009, for our first walk, it was A LOT of work.  Like seriously, we had no idea what we were doing.  As walk day approached, we started to get pretty nervous.  It had been raining all week.  My Grandma and Grandpa Kelly had come down to be a part of the walk started in honor of their son, and they had brought Eden with.  We had all of Dad's GrandGirls (well, at the time, there are 3 more now) there to cut the ribbon during the Opening Ceremony.  And wouldn't you know it, on Sunday morning, the skies parted and we had SUN!  It was chilly, don't get me wrong, it was October, it was definitely chilly.  But, we had sunshine all day long.  Thanks to Dad and another committee members Mom.  They were probably up there in Heaven hi-fiving each other over what awesome daughters they have.  Watching the families that were there and the people laughing and having a good time, it was pretty amazing.  But, I did spend a major part of the Walking Portion of the day curled up in Deron's armpit crying.  Couldn't help it.  It was a beautiful day.  And it was a beautiful occasion.  We had made it happen.  And know what, it rained the whole next week too.  We just got that 1 day of sunshine.  But it was a good day.  We were able to raise $25,000 that first year.  It was a pretty amazing feat to raise that much for the first year of a volunteer walk.  We're RockStars!

Last year, in 2010, the walk blossomed into something even bigger and better than 2009.  I guess everything gets better with practice...hmmm....wonder where I heard that before!  Again, we had an amazing day.  We moved the Pre-Walk Festivities inside the stadium and had all kinds of entertainment, vendors, guests all along the concourse.  We had live entertainment to watch, we had raffle baskets to peruse (including some pretty awesome contents - airplane and race car ride alongs, salsa dancing lessons, wine tasting parties, just to name a few!)  And as far as an emotional day, it was alright.  I was doing great, and then Dad's Video Tribute started playing on the big screen.  I said good bye to the friend I was chatting with and turned to walk back towards the main area of the concourse, stopping here and there to check out the big screen.  And then I saw Addie.  She was running towards me, full speed, tears streaming down her cheeks.  And then I couldn't hold it in anymore.  We sat down right there in the middle of the concourse and cried together.  And when it was over, we went and got some balloon animals, and all was right with the world again.  In 2010, we ended our fundraising season at just over $48,000!!!  Almost double the first year, it was a blessing to have that many people so dedicated to helping those living with ALS!  The CR Volunteer group played a part in a lot of great things that happened to the ALS Community in 2010.
*Support Group - was established and now meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month.  It is a great place for anyone touched by ALS to go and just be ok with ALS, or mad at ALS, or get gardening tips or make friends.  This group has helped me cope tremendously.  And at first, I thought it would be hard to see other people as they progressed with the disease.  But it's not.  Well, it's hard in a way.  But it's not dragging me down to complete sadness about the fact that I was robbed of a Dad.  It's actually nice to meet these folks, and to be able to help them and just be there for them.  I have learned a lot from these folks about bravery and determination. 
*The ALS Association, Iowa Chapter - named Chapter of the Year!!  They are Awesome all on their own.  With our help, the Iowa Walks were a HUGE success and they earned this honor!
*The Assn, was also able to hire an additional Patient Services Coordinator.  Having another body on hand to go and meet with these families.  And advocate for them.  And help them understand what's coming.  And help them understand that there is help.  There are now 3 wonderful women who travel to meet these families.  And there could be no better thing!

2011 is looking like its shaping up to be quite a Rendavoux!  We have challenged walkers to raise an absurd amount of money, and have even bribed them with an iPad.  In the end, it will all be worth it.  With an official fundraising goal of $40,000, I think that southeastern Iowa is ready to blow the pants off that goal and surprise everyone with how much they are willing to help!!

2011 is also a great time to start attending if you haven't.  Think about it.  Join my team, or start your own, or just show up and volunteer.  I even have the Friday before and Monday after off, so come on down, make a vacation of it.  We can all do our part. 

First Day of School (yesterday)

The first day of school was yesterday.  It was very sad.  I was not allowed to take anyone to school.  I waited for the bus.  And I took the picture.  And then I went to work.

And then I brought some "forgotten" items to school so I could check in on my baby. 

Yep, I'm that mom!

5th Grade Band

So, a couple weeks ago, they had 5th Grade Band "Try-Outs".  All the kids who wanted to got to go try out the instruments and see what they all felt like and sounded like and all that good stuff. 

I made Addie go.  She didn't want to.  But I told her that at least we had to try them, then if she still didn't want to do band, then she didn't have to.  So, I signed her up; and she got mad at me. 

I told her all about our family's rich history in band, and how important music is to our every day lives, and how the band kids sometimes get to go on trips to really cool places, and how in the marching band you make so many friends and I won't make her get a summer job if she is in the summer marching band, and all that good stuff. 

So last night, at Open House, they handed out the Instrument Recommendations (what the teachers think would be your childs best bet based on what happened when they tried all the instruments).  Addie, well, she got the Tuba. 

And we thought she might.  At try-outs, this was pretty much the only instrument that she was able to make a sound with.  And at try-outs I was really sad for her.  I felt like it went too fast, maybe if I would have done this with her beforehand, she would have been able to make noise and she could have made beautiful music with the flute or clarinet.  But she didn't really seem to care.  And Deron talked me down.  And I let it go. 

But that still didn't change me trying to change her mind about Band being cool.  Honestly, I tried my darndest for 2 weeks to get her mind changed, in my not so subtle ways.  When watching TV, I would point out how the music in the background "really makes this show good, huh?".  And how in the car with the radio off, she actually had to listen to me speak, wouldn't it be nice to have music to listen to instead of a naggy old mom.  And even when we overheard the High School drumline practicing, her face lit up, and we watched a little bit.  And, wouldn't it be great to be a part of that. 

Yeah, not so much.  It's not that band isn't cool.  It is.  A lot of her friends are going to be in band.  And she says that isn't why she doesn't want to.  She just doesn't want to.  I ask her why.  Just because I don't want to.  You know me, that's not a legitimate answer, so I press.  Why, why don't you want to be in band.  And again...Just Because. 

And you know what, I have to accept that.  She doesn't want to.  She doesn't have the interest in music that I thought ran thru her veins.  She loves music on the radio and in movies and on YouTube and everywhere else.  She just doesn't want to be a part of it. 

I asked if it was because of the instrument try outs and the Tuba.  Because we can always get something else, the Tuba is just a suggestion.  Nope.  No interest. 

So then last night, again, I try.  And tell her how awesome it would be to play the Tuba in band.  Another kid in her class also had the Tuba recommended.  Nope.  Still no interest. 

I'm a pusher, obviously, so I keep pushing.  And finally she blows up.  She just doesn't want to be in band.  "And I went to the stupid try-outs like you wanted me to and tried them all out.  And I just don't like it mom.  I don't want to be in band.  Maybe I'll try choir next year.  But I don't want to be in band."

Damn.  I lost.  My only hope at a reason to go to a band concert....gone. 

I guess I'll just have to wait for 6th grade Choir.  I sure hope she doesn't change her mind before then. 

Fat Addendum

Here is a brief addendum to the first post of the day regarding my fatness. 

I generally eat small portions. 
I eat 5-6 times a day.
My dinner plate is never a small portion.
I don't eat a lot of sweets.
I will not turn down Ice Cream.
I will also not turn down any kind of cake.
Or Peanut Butter M&M's.
During my "Monthly Visit" I crave salt.
And peanut butter, and chocolate, and salt. 
And I ususally give in.
I almost never drink milk.
But do enjoy Yogurt when I want a good sweet treat. 
I'm not real active. 
Activity consists of gardening, swimming, and walking my dog about a half mile at night.
I like vegetables and have no problem eating them.
My family does not like vegetables and has problems eating them. 
I take Gummy Vitamins every day.
I'm hungry ALL THE TIME.
I drink 8 glasses of water at work every day.
I don't drink much water at home. 

I'm sure there are other questions that you will ask yourself about me or to me, hopefully, this is a good starting point. 

It's NOT your clothes that make you look fat...

I read this quote, and it hit home.

"It's not your clothes that make you look fat, it's your fat that makes you look fat."

Not sure who said it or where I read it, but I read it.  And then I looked down.  At my belly that is starting to protrude further than my boobs.  And the cellulite that I never had on my legs before.  And at my chicken wings that are progressively growing into real people wings for me to fly with.  And I feel my chins starting to block me from looking any further down. 

On Sunday morning, Deron and I went golfing.  I wore a tee-shirt.  I wore a t-shirt because it was my Dad's 3 Stooges golf shirt and I think it is appropriate to wear this since I havent' been golfing since he took me to hit some balls while I was pregnant with Addie.  This is the reason I am telling myself on the outside.  And this is truly legitimate, I did want a part of my Dad with me. 

It's also because I have started to choose t-shirts over anything else.  Because they hide the fat better.  That is what I tell myself anyways.  There is always some kind of reason why a t-shirt is better than a tank top or a fun cutesy top; and it always is covering up the fact that I look like a house in anything that I wear and I think that a t-shirt will cover it.  And then I remember that I look like a house....even in the tee. 

So what to do about it?  This is where I struggle!!  And I need suggestions and motivation...please.

I went home yesterday and cleaned out the pool a bit, and made dinner, and laid down on the couch to watch TV.  By 6:30, I was beat.  Seriously, I was laying on the couch at 6:30 counting down to a legitimate time to go to bed.  And then it freaking hit me.  Here is a great reason why I'm expanding. 

I got up and tried to walk on the treadmill.  It's broken.  So, I wander around looking for Mr. Fix-It, procrastinating this whole exercise thing.  I decide to give the Wii a try.  Stupid...Stupid...Idea

Last time I used the Wii Fit, I set up a profile.  Complete with goals and weight and BMI and everything.  This was also the First time I used the Wii Fit. 

Since that first/last time, I have raised my BMI, and am now in a higher "overweight" category.  I've also gained 18 pounds.  That was in January.

Smack me in the face, why doncha!  (I think at this point, I will clarify that I am not huge.  I am really a normal size when you look around at people.  However, I am not healthy, and I know what I feel like when I am healthy, and that is what I compare it to).  To be healthy, and have a good BMI, I need to lose approximately 30 pounds.  I figure out what 30 pounds would be, and remember what I felt like at 140...so 40 pounds is what I now want to lose.  Or at least strive for.  I am happy anywhere in the 140-150 range.

There are a lot of games on that Wii Fit!!  I did some Hula Hooping, some Bicycling, some Running, some Step classes, some Yoga, some Skiing...all kinds of stuff.  Before I knew it, 30 minutes had passed. 

Mr. Fix-It did his thing on the treadmill, and I was able to get in an additional 20 minutes walking on there while I watched Raymond last night.  It's not so bad if you're still watching TV. 

So this is where I need help.  What are some other things that I can be doing at home?  I'm doing all the normal stuff, gardening, mowing the lawn, raking, walking the dogs, etc.  What am I missing?  What else can I squeeze in while I'm at work? 

Not only do I want to lose the weight, for like a million and 12 reasons, but I want to keep it off.  I HAVE to be healthier!  Medical problems are arising every day, and more than half of them would fix if I had a healthy body. 

What are some lifestyle changes that you or other people have made to make it work....and stick. 

I can lose weight like no one's business, I've done that repeatedly.  It's the keeping it off that's the hard part.  HELP!!!  How do you do it? 

Please keep in mind that I am SEVERELY out of shape.  So even the walking and the Wii that I did last night, was very overwhelming and I am really sore today.  I can't jump into any kind of seriously rigorous workouts or anything like that right away. 

Should I start by concentrating on my food?  Conquer 1 thing at a time?  Once I lose a little bit by eating better and walking, then I think my body will be more receptive to the harder workouts (I did buy the Insanity Program off a late night infomercial, and I did take it out of the box). 

Anyways, any tricks, suggestions, motivation, ass kicking you would be so inclined to deliver would be greatly appreciated.  And by putting this out there, I am hoping that I will be held accountable.

Oh, and PS, I quit the Burpee challenge on Day 12. 

What's Goin On

There is nothing in particular that I have to write about today.  That is not to say that there is nothing going on in my life.  There are in fact many things happening, but nothing in particular is getting today's entry devoted to it. 

Let's start with my children.  One is 16.  And acting like it.  The other just left for a week at Summer Camp.  A week away from home, with NO COMMUNICATION. 
I don't want to talk about my children anymore.

How about we talk about the dogs.  That is usually a great conversation.  Oh, except yesterday, I came home from bringing the youngest spawn to camp and find that one of them has gotten sick.  All over the back living room.  And my entire house reeks of it.  Guess who cleaned that up. 
I don't want to talk about the dogs either. 

Deron.  Let's talk about Deron.  He makes me happy.  Except yesterday, when he thought he was Invincible Man and flipped the four wheeler and shredded his self like a 16 year old kid.  And made me have a mini heart attack.  He's fine.  A little swelling, a little gravel, a little heart attack never hurt no one right. 
Let's not talk about Deron either. 

Work.  Always a bright spot in my day....bwahahahaha....that was a good one.  Actually today at work will be great.  Employee Appreciation is super huge here and we are rewarded for doing a good job...completely foreign concept to most of us, I know, it's taken me years to get used to it....anyways, today I am going to the movies for the afternoon, courtesy of GE, and courtesy of a great team of folks who work in this building and are not afraid of meeting and beating challenges laid before them.  I'll enjoy my movie.  And popcorn. 

I'll tell you the rest later. 

TCRG - Growing Weed(s)

It would be really glamourous if I were to grow Weed; I mean, it looks like that every time I see them investigating drug murders on CSI.  Oh well, if you've known me much, you would know I am not glamourous.  Nor do I strive for a glamourous lifestyle. 

So, I will stick to growing WeedS, since I seem to be quite competent at that.  And it doesn't require any fancy equipment.  I already have every thing I need!

So, here is what my fountain looked like a few weeks ago, remember?

It's coming along nicely.  Here is what it looks like today:

Progress is happening, slowly, but surely, progess is happening.

If I weren't so darn good at growing weeds, this wouldn't be such a chore. 

These are the update of spraying the rock gardens with the 2,4D.....twice.....

This is right beneath the fountain, gotta do some pullin







Ah, the other side of the path.  Portions have been pulled, portions are waiting to die more.  This was all rock at one time.  And then I let the weeds grow, and then it looked like the prairie.  The end result here (future tense) will be a butterfly garden with milkweed and wildflowers,  Addie has a "beginner kit" we're putting in when it's ready.