Patricia In Progress

Season ending.....

2012-01-10T14:45:00.000-08:00

On the professional front, I am coming within 2 months of my time here on assignment at Amazon. Over the past 9 months I have made new friends and learned new things. I feel as though I have worked hard, had fun and made a little history during this time. Part of me would love to return after my 3 month sabbatical and the other part of me wishes I was independently wealthy and could just come visit these folks from time to time.

On a personal level, I came to an impasse with my parenting and am learning that it is very hard to let go. Yes, my daughter has been away from home for the better part of 18 months, but the umbilical cord is stretched to the max. Watching her grown and venture out on her own and have grown up relationships and making life changing decisions without my help, MAN - it's been brutal. It's hard to not want to offer words of experience and wisdom, especially when you're not being asked for it. I just have to remember that I showed her what NOT to do and tried to do my best to direct her in the right direction. My hope is that she will have the attitude that she can do anything and that she will take EDUCATED and WELL THOUGHT OUT risks and to be alright with failures, because that is where you LEARN the most.

My husband and I are coming up on our 12th year anniversary and while we have had our share of bumps in the road this past year with health issues and death, I feel that there isn't anything that could come our way that we couldn't make it out on the other side. I have learned that love isn't really all you need, although it helps tremendously. You also need patience and compassion and humor and empathy. I have learned that it is extremely important to also be your spouses friend. Someone to vent to and lean on and laugh with, cry with. These are what build a marriage. I love you Alejandro Yanez JR, you are a beautiful man inside and out.

I thank you for your time......

How?????????????

2011-09-06T08:12:00.000-07:00

Do you tell someone you love more than anything that you don't want to do something that you already said you would do?

I am really struggling with this.

I don't want to go. I was uncomfortable in my own place with all of that negative energy and I don't want to have to go through it again at someone else's place either.

I am really struggling with this

Back to work...

2011-05-18T09:14:00.000-07:00

I have been back to work for a month now and it is marvelous. Things are going well and I am hoping that I can dazzle these folks over the next 9-11 months so that I can be brought on in a permanent capacity. Where am I working? Amazon.com in the Westlake neighborhood of Seattle. It is a wonderful area and the commute (by bus) is awesome. I am simply loving everything about my job so far. Even the learning curve is not as painful as some I have been through. The team is great and everyone seems to have the same sense of humor and personality as I do. I think I am one of the older members, if not the oldest of the entire group. Strange!

My college girl is doing great. She quit her job at the shoe store and is now working in an insurance office part time. She is very happy and I believe that it was a good move for her. Not one that I would have made, working for/with family is NEVER easy.

My husband is still an amazing guy. Over the past 5 months he has been going through some changes, albeit subtle. He has softened in his temperament and has become more loving (is that even possible). I am loving this new guy, with the old guy mixed in. Still working at Premera and ready to jump ship. Priming his resume and putting out his feelers. He is really doing research on his industry to see what he can do to earn more and be happier.

Well, we're all in progress and we are all moving forward. It is a beautiful thing.

Sometimes...

2011-02-17T17:06:00.000-08:00

family is not all its cracked up to be. I had a falling out with my older sibling about 8 months ago over MY daughter and a cell phone. Now, had the cell phone transaction taken place in a different order (by that I mean, talk to the girls parents) things would have played out very differently. Since they did not, I have felt for the past 8 months that I was owed an apology by a couple of people, #1 my daughter (she apologized profusely) and #2 my older sibling (for her lack of initiative in contacting said MINORS parents). Now, I am sure hell will freeze over and death and destruction will happen before I receive the apology I have requested. Which you know, I guess the relationship is not important enough for an apology and the silence is better.

Now, during a conversation with my female parental unit on Monday this very subject came up in a round about way. Female parental unit tells me in not these exact words, "oh, it's never your fault always someone else to blame". While I may not be the innocent in 90% of the cases, this particular event was 100% NOT ME. So SUCK ON THAT ....

You ask, "but why are you so upset about the cell phone?" Well, I will tell you. In January 2010 we entered in to a 2 YEAR CONTRACT with our current FAMILY CELL PHONE provider and in order to get out of said "2 year contract" WE (the child's parents) HAVE TO PAY $135. Or keep paying for the damn original cell phone until January 2012. So basically, we are paying monthly for a phone that is not getting used because we DO NOT HAVE $135 to have the phone turned off. Plus - MY DAUGHTER WAS A MINOR AND THIS IS A LEGAL CONTRACT SHE ENTERED INTO WITHOUT HER PARENTS CONSENT. I GUESS I COULD FIGHT IT FROM THAT ANGLE. SHE IS AN ADULT NOW - VOTING AGE ADULT.

So, seeing as how this incident reared its UGLY FREAKING HEAD in above mentioned phone with my female parental unit on Monday, I got very upset, VERY UPSET and requested that I not be contacted for a while. The loyalty of said FEMALE PARENTAL UNIT, clearly lies with the FEMALE SIBLING.

Keep in mind that I am clearly aware that all families suffer from one form of dysfunction or another, but I REFUSE to let it dictate who I am as a person. Blood may be thicker than water, but I would NEVER drink that damn blood.

Nanny, babysitter, childcare provider...

2011-02-12T20:48:00.000-08:00

whatever you want to call it - I am having so much fun! I registered with the Lullaby League Sitters - Seattle and have met some wonderful parents (no names will be mentioned). I have had the priveledge of watching 4 wonderful little girls over the past 3 months ranging in ages 19 months to 6 years old. It is a thrill I will just leave it at that.

I thought that my heart would never mend when my only child left home and while it is definitely NOT the same as having her home with me, these sweet little girls are filling a void. It is fun to dance, read and play games with them. It is fun to watch them giggle and twirl and show off.

I'd like to take a moment to thank the parents who entrust me with their precious children.

http://www.lullabyleaguesitters.com/

I am providing the link in case there are some parents out there that would like more information...

Me having fun at the Party City in Woodinville

Well into 2011...

2011-02-08T17:22:00.000-08:00

We celebrated the New Year with sinus infections and colds, were in bed early 10:30pm and woke up late the next day. I missed the Rose Parade, sad.

We also celebrated Alex's birthday by flying Madi home as a surprise and then had a dinner party @ the Japanese Steakhouse in Woodinville where about 27 of Alex's friends showed up to toast him and wish him another great year. After dinner, a few of us went to the Celtic Bayou in Lynnwood and saw Einsteins Relatives (a co-worker of Alex's) play 3 sets of cover tunes. They are amazingly good. We were also able to take some new family photos, I was very happy about this.

Madi is doing great in college. She is living with my mom in Fullerton and has a steady boyfriend and a new VW Beetle. She is also holding down a job at Payless Shoes and was just given a .30 an hour raise after 6 months. Congrats! We are very proud of her.

Alex is still working at Premera in Mountlake Terrace. I believe he hit his 2 year mark in October 2010. He is also maintaining his status as club President for Cascade Model Heli out of Snohomish and BarnOwls NW out of Seattle. He enjoys his time flying and putting together helicopters and planes and helping out his fellow club/non-club members with their toys as well.

What am I doing? Well, I will be on Obama's good graces for another 2 weeks and then my unemployment runs out. I am still searching high and low for a full time opportunity, but in the meantime I am providing childcare to a couple of my close friends who have infants and toddlers. I love the little ones they are so great and curious. Just this week I obtained my CPR/AED certification through the city of Bothell and I am really excited about it. Hopefully it will be just another + to add to my "nanny" repertoire.

I think that covers just about all that is going on in our family at the moment.

Cheers again to 2011!

Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas...

2010-12-23T22:09:00.000-08:00

I love you MJ! I miss you like crazy...We'll see you soon though. Enjoy your presents we sent you. I am having a Mocha Latte Cappucino Venti thing right now in your honor...

Happy Holidays from US 2 U.......

2010-12-03T16:32:00.000-08:00

Customize a digital greeting card

Holidays = giving, service, compassion...

2010-11-24T19:12:00.000-08:00

Well, the title of this post has my view my entire life. Today, I experienced NONE of that.

I called a "family friend" today to ask if they could drive me and my husband home from a tire store instead of having to wait 4 hours for our flat tire to be fixed. Now mind you, it's 26 degrees outside and the roads have been a bit icy over the past couple of days, but I DROVE MY PT CRUISER up Nike Hill and down the backside with a FLAT TIRE in these conditions, so I am pretty confidant that this so called "family friends" durable truck could have handled the commute. Now, I will not name names, but this "family friend" declined to help and I politely said thank you for "asking permission" from the powers that be, have a nice holiday and hung up. I WOULD NEVER, EVER SAY NO TO THIS PERSON OR THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS HAD THE SHOE BEEN ON THE OTHER FOOT. If you have the means to help someone THEN YOU SHOULD.

So, having no way to get home and wait out the 4 hours inside, my husband and I walked to the local McD's and sat for 2 hours. I got a blister, rolled my ankle on some ice and only to get back to the tire shop and find out they COULD NOT FIX MY TIRE, BUT NOT ONLY COULD THEY NOT FIX IT, I HAD TO PAY FOR A SECOND TIRE BECAUSE IT WAS EQUALLY AS "WORN" OUT. $283 later, alot of tears, a horrible realization that I can no longer purchase a plane ticket for my daughter to come spend Christmas with me, I am home.

Blister is bandaged and I have showered.

I have always been told that if you need help, ASK. Because if you don't ask, then people don't know you need help. Well, I asked today and the help was not extended. I wonder if they powers that be in my friends home said "why can't they call AAA or something?" Well, maybe we CAN'T AFFORD IT, MAYBE WE DIDN'T HAVE ANY EXTRA MONEY AFTER HAVING TO PAY $300 FOR TWO NEW TIRES.

So, in the spirit of the holidays and the season of GIVING, SERVICE AND COMPASSION - should you know me and consider me a friend, KNOW THAT I WILL HELP YOU IN WHATEVER WAY I CAN IF YOU ARE IN NEED. BE IT A RIDE, SHELTER, FOOD ETC, if it means that you would not have to suffer the elements or hunger or injury, than I am ALL IN...

Finding solace...

2010-11-13T01:14:00.000-08:00

In the most peculiar places. The smile of a 2 year old (or maybe even two 2 year olds). The eyes of my husband of 10+ years as he comes through the door at the end of a long work day. The text of my college daughter 1500 miles away. A framed photo from years ago. An old wooden pedestrian bridge in town. Two sleeping dogs. A good book. A semi-romantic dinner at a Japanese Steakhouse...

You can find it anywhere really. These are a just a few places I have found lately...

I realized this past week...

2010-11-09T15:07:00.000-08:00

That I have, all my life used past traumatic events as a crutch to prevent me from moving forward. While I will not go into detail on these events, I will say this...If you find that you are unable to move forward in life, love, business, mental and/or emotional, maybe you need to think about the past. Not dwell, but just try to pin point certain events that really impacted you, HAND THEM OVER TO GOD AND NEVER EVER, ASK FOR THEM BACK.

I find myself sitting here today at my computer, asking God to take these events and keep them. I want to be free. I want to feel free and today, for the first time in a long time I do.

I wanted to move forward and finally feel that it is alright for me to do so. I have asked for forgiveness from the one who give forgiveness, mercy and grace.

May you find your freedom in a likely place and be able to nurture and grow that freedom daily.

I have been blessed.

Fall is here...

2010-11-01T14:54:00.000-07:00

I love fall. It is my favorite time of year. I love the colors. I love the wind. I love daylight savings (Nov 7th). I love Thanksgiving. I love cooking that huge cajun bird for my family and enjoying time together. However, this year we will be a family member down. Our daughter has gone to college and we will not see her until the Christmas holiday. (that's ok)

Fall is also God's way of seeding the plants, trees and flowers that will grow in the spring. Nature is an awesome LIVING CYCLE. I never appreciated it when I was young. Maybe I just didn't understand it. I guess the older I get, the more I am learning to appreciate life around me.

Fall @ Bothell Landing

Alice Andreini - how incredibly sad

2010-10-04T01:16:00.000-07:00

http://www.ratemyprofessor.com/

I am incredibly sad for the students at the AIOC...I read some of the reviews on this teacher and going back 5 years, most of them are very harsh.

I think the students should be allowed to weigh in a TEACHERS review to see whether or not they are doing a good job and are a good fit. It is unfortunate that the administration sees this teacher as some sort of professional. The working world is harsh, but belittling and outright disrespect for others is just wrong.

Alice-if you're reading this or ever GOOGLE yourself, I hope you click the link and read YOUR reviews. Not as a slap in the face, but maybe as a "hey, people are saying this..." It might help you to become a better teacher/person.

Stick to the plan...

2010-09-21T14:54:00.001-07:00

this week I learned that for some people, sticking to the plan proves harder for some than others. I wish it were not that way.

In most cases, I stick to the plan if there are others involved (unless I get a migraine). When others are involved and sacrifices are being made and people uprooted, you really need to stick to the plan.

I miss the girl in the picture...Where did she go?

2010-08-24T15:21:00.000-07:00

See the girl in the picture (L)? That girl is my only child and her name is Madilyn. I have watched her grow from a small helpless baby into a beautiful and independant woman. A woman with her own dreams and goals. I am incredibly proud of the woman she has become, but I am heartbroken and sad that the little girl is gone. She left for college a couple months ago and while I wish her the best, I wish she would have waited a few more months. We used to talk everyday and text, but we don't anymore. She's got church, school and work, not to mention a boyfriend and new friends she is making everyday. As the mom, I feel less important as each day goes by. I know this is part of life, but it is so painful. Painful in a way that I wish every bone in my body was broken because it would probably hurt less. I miss her every minute of every day.

She is following her dream, wherever that may take her and I am praying her there. I wonder if she knows how lucky I have felt all these years being her mom. We haven't always seen eye to eye on things, but who does? Somehow we worked it out and were able to still love each other after the smoke cleared.

Maybe someday she will need her mother again, sooner rather than later.

Her 18th birthday is coming up and I was going to fly down and spend it with her. Things have changed and while they have NOT changed for the better, I wish her a wonderful birthday. I wish her a day surrounded by people that love her and wish her only well. Maybe she get everything her heart desires and more.

Empty Nester.....

2010-06-24T14:26:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been almost 2 weeks since my only child moved away from home. I have talked to her everyday either by phone or text. Modern technology will save me from this separation.

Her bedroom door remains closed, when I open it, it's empty. She took everything. I did run the vacuum in there really good and sprayed some air freshener as well. But it makes me sad that the room is empty. Maybe I will slap some paint on the walls and hang some curtains to liven the place up a bit. I know she will come home for a visit SOON (I hope) but, she is following her dreams and that is wonderful.

I couldn't be more proud of her.

6 Weeks and counting...

2010-04-27T11:49:00.000-07:00

I am not sure why I choose to torture myself with a countdown until my only child leaves home for COLLEGE. I just was thinking about it and realizing what an incredible human being I raised. She is smart, beautiful and caring and a million other things. She is ready! She will be brilliant!

I trust that God knows what he is doing, even though I don't.

Her prom dress came yesterday from Hong Kong and she tried it on, she looked beautiful. Her date is a LUCKY GUY!

Next week, she will receive her cap & gown, along with several other items we ordered back in January (I think). Graduation invitations & annoucements, a Class of 2010 Key necklace (she's really excited about this) and some other items related to the graduation process. I am anxious, but prepared.

My heart is breaking that my house will not have her laughter on a daily basis, nor will her friends come challenge me in a game of Scrabble. No slurpee runs after school or DQ Blizzards after youth group on Wednesdays. I will definitely miss those things, even though they seem small.

I will get to hear things, but I will most likely have to check Facebook or her blog to get the really important stuff. Of course, she will probably call me first.

I love her and have never been more proud of anyone or anything in my entire life. She is my greatest accomplishment and most prized possession that God has let me enjoy.

I recently read a blog...

2010-04-17T00:07:00.000-07:00

that darn near broke my heart. See a few weeks ago, my daughter had a friend of hers come to the house and pick her up for a birthday party at a mutual friends house. Now, I baked a cake and my daughter's friend came bouncing in my house giggling like a little girl. We talked about her upcoming birthday and my possibly making her birthday cake. She likes purple and blue and zebra prints. I could have easily made a rockin' birthday cake for this girl. Full of energy and fun. Well, we are now about 7-8 weeks from that very day, she dislikes my daughter with a passion and over some high school thing that will not matter in about 3 months. I have pictures of my daughter and this girl smiling and hugging each other. Calling each other nicknames and claiming to be BFF's. Now, I do not want to downplay the incident, but it was more than the incident that is upsetting. It is the aftermath and the bad mouthing and going public (like I am doing here). I am just feeling incredibly unsettled about this event and it breaks my heart to think that I had any part in the unraveling of a seemingly "fun" friendship.
I know that kids/teenagers/adults are always going to have their "spats" and will find a way to resolve it. I guess in this role, it was my job as the parent to let my child handle the situation the best way she knew how and deal with the fallout. However, I was not expecting the fallout to be so vicious and laced with foul language and name calling. I guess I hoped that hearing her apologize to this other little gal and take a step in a different direction, even though it hurt her to do so. I hoped that in time the incident and hurt feelings would mend themselves, but it didn't. It escalated into an unpleasant mess and now in an unwarranted attack, I have been dubbed a LIAR by said friend, who I welcomed into my home on more than one occasion. I did NOT lie and I only encouraged my child to not continue in the direction this event was going and to try to remember what was really important. To salvage whatever self respect she had left (since she did not handle the situation well) and cut her losses. I was only trying to get her to see the light at the end of the tunnel and move on.
Does that make me a bad parent? I think not. I think that I have done rather well and I do sincerely think that I have a kind and considerate child who would give the shirt off her back if someone needed it.
I admit that I probably shouldn't have said anything to begin with, but most MOTHER BEARS want to protect their CUBS from harm, evil, death, sadness etc...There is NO FAULT in wanting your child to be happy and have only the best things that life can offer.

To this friend that wrote this blog, to you I apologize for putting in my two cents where it did not belong. But you did not have to use words like, WHORE & LIAR. That was immature and unnecessary regardless of the emotions that you were dealing with at the time. Everyone is dealing with things in life at all times that they wish they didn't have to deal with; a breakup, a bad grade, a death, hormones, trying to fit in, trying to be different, trying to make a difference, unhappy home life. There are so many things that we as people have to deal with on a daily basis and the things that I mention previously, well they just add to everything.

We have all loved and lost someone. I most recently have lost my dad, my grandmother, my father-in-law and my aunt in less than 2 years. Not to mention I have been unemployed for 10 of the past 12 months.

We all need to be accountable for our actions and cannot presume to know what other people are going through in their daily lives. We just cannot know the scope of problems that others are dealing with. We just need to show compassion when and where we can. It is not always accepted or appreciated, but our actions will always be what is remembered.

So, the blog I read made me mad, sad and a couple of other different emotions and probably the person writing it was very angry. It seems as though they had a lot going on at the time and the incident itself might not have been as big a deal had the circumstances of the writers life not been in such turmoil and despair.

I just hope for the sake of others, people will realize that what they write affects others in ways that we may not expect. We may not get the reaction we expect from our readers that they had hoped, but we cannot hold them responsible.

It's almost time! Love & Pride

2010-03-10T22:32:00.001-08:00

So, this past few weeks has been a whirlwind of emotions. My one and only precious child has been accepted to an art school in California and will be leaving home at the end of June. My baby girl, my best friend, my coffee break, well my pretty much everything for the past 17 years will be leaving the nest soon and I am just not sure how to deal with that. I am filled with sadness and pride and anxiety and worry. I know she will be in good hands and she will be living with her grandma, but she won't be with me. I won't get to see her everyday and hear her talk about the things that are going on and about boys and friends. I have been putting on a brave face, but I am really sad inside and my heart is breaking. I know she will be happy and she's going to be doing what she has worked so hard for the past 5 years. I will just miss her incredibly and the internet and cell phones are just not good enough. Maybe this will encourage me to fly more (ugh) who knows. I just know that I will miss her everyday and hope that she gets all that she is hoping for out of this opportunity and milks it for all it's worth.

Still looking for employment.....

2009-10-30T13:21:00.001-07:00

Well, it has been almost 5 months since I was laid off from my job and it appears to me that this is the longest and hardest job search I have ever had to undertake. It used to be fairly easy for me to find a job. I would get calls even when I was working, they were waiting for me to become available. Now, well now I can't even get a call back much less an interview. I am constantly talking to my recruiters (4) and seeing what is out there and what the heck people are looking for. I haven't given up, but I have become very discouraged. I have even applied for retail positions and no luck there either.

I guess I will continue my search and pray that something comes up soon. Being down to a 1 income family is difficult at best and with all the things going on during this very important year of high school for Madi, things are proving tighter than even I imagined.

UGH!

Hellooooooooo

2009-10-10T22:44:00.000-07:00

Again, I must apologize for the time that has gone by since I last posted. Lets see...What has been going on??? Lots! Madi had a birthday celebration at the ice skating rink with about 18-20 of her closest friends, she really stretched this birthday out.
We went on a Leadership Retreat to Sequim, WA with the youth group from Eastside and it was beautiful. On Saturday, we had some free time and Madi and I and two of her friends went to the Olympic Game farm and saw some awesome animals. Buffalo, Bison, Llama, Deer, Elk, Peacocks, Bears, Lions, Tigers and then the usual farm animals, goats,sheep, chicken and a crazy looking rooster that looked like he imploded. It was great. We fed most of them bread through the car window and screamed our heads off when they would come through the window. It was fantastic.
I haven't done a lot of baking, however I did make these amazing cupcakes that I added some color to them so they were the color of pumpkins, they were yummy. I used cream cheese frosting to top them off.
Still on the hunt for a job, I was hoping that I would be able to find something fun to do, bakery, Target, Michaels something fun but no such luck...
Well, lots coming up in the next few weeks and then the holidays will be here before you know it. I am looking forward to them though. The winter season always makes me happy, I like the cold and the snow. To be bundled up and drinking coffee or cocoa, makes it all that much better.
Talk to you soon. Here are a couple of the sights from the Olympic Game Farm...Enjoy!

It's been awhile...

2009-09-17T13:26:00.001-07:00

Since I posted to this blog, I guess I was a little preoccupied with my life. So, I have made a couple of cakes since I last posted and I will put those pics up in a moment, although I do have a seperate cake blog now as well.

Madilyn has started her senior year of high school and gone to her first football game and had her senior pictures taken (fabulous!). She has also weathered boy drama and BFF drama and we seem to be on the upswing...Today is Madilyn's 17th birthday and I made a cake and took it to her at school so she could share with her friends. Tonight her dad and I will take her to dinner at Teddy's in Woodinville and then back home for cake! Yay for cake! We (dad paid, I shopped) took Madi on a shopping spree for clothes for her birthday and she got some really cute stuff. Very girlie stuff I might add. I feel as though she is really embracing her femininity lately and she looks just beautiful.

Alex will be taking a trip to California the weekend of September 25th to visit his brother for the first time since their dad passed away in July. They will be scattering some of his ashes near a place they used to go as children. I know this will be a hard trip for him to make, but I am praying that once he is able to say goodbye in this way, he will have some peace knowing his father is no longer suffering. He will also be visiting his dad's wife and her son and taking ownership/possession of some precious momentos from his childhood (pictures, fishing poles etc...).

I am still looking for employment but have been getting many requests for my cakes. Which really makes me extremely happy. I have 4 cakes I will be making & getting paid for in the next few months. A couple of people I have known for a while and a new lady I met who did Madilyn's senior pictures. Her son's birthday is in January and she has already commissioned a cake from me. YAY! Also in January, my friend Vanessa's twins will be turning 2 and I will be making a cake for their party. My next door neighbor Adrian, will have a birthday in November and she has asked that I make her cake as well. So, maybe this could turn into something.

Well, here are a couple of recent photos from things we have been doing...

My first tiered fondant cake! Wilton Course 3 Finale

2009-07-27T13:40:00.000-07:00

I am so proud, I don't know what else to say. It's a two tiered white cake with chocolate filling in the bottom and vanilla filling in the top. I modified the original idea, but with temperatures being what they have been, I needed to get out of my kitchen.

Thank you for all of your encouragement and kind words on all my cakes.

Enjoy!

More firsts on the cake decorating front...

2009-07-23T22:04:00.000-07:00

In the past couple of weeks I have learned a couple of new things and also made my first "CUPCAKE CAKE" (see photo)

In my last cake decorating class on Monday night we learned 4 royal icing flowers and I think for a first time, I did pretty well. However, they are time consuming. I wasn't crazy about the Pointsettias, those are well, difficult at best to even get it to look like a Pointsettia. The Easter Lily wasn't bad, but with practice I think I could make it look better. The Petunia (yellow flower) was good and even looked better with the Stamens on it. But the Morning Glory for me (blue flower) was my favorite. The Morning Glory has the most steps and uses four different colors and tips, but it looked the best when finished.

I also used three of my royal icing flowers on a mini-cake I made for my husband (although kind of girlie), he will enjoy it I'm sure.

The cupcake cake I did for an RC Heli event at the Cascade Model Heli Club in Snohomish this weekend (July 24-26). I mostly did it because the guys love baked goods and it was fun for me to try. It looks alright, however I will try again in the future to make something else with a more defined design.

Thanks for stopping by. Next week is my final for my fondant class, so I will have pictures of my TIERED CAKE on Tuesday...

Bye

My First Fondant Cake...

2009-07-13T21:22:00.000-07:00

So, working with fondant is pretty easy I found out. I was nervous at first because I have seen all the cake shows and sometimes it tears and gets bubbles, but mine didn't. It worked perfect the first time.

In looking over the web, I have seen several of these "package" cakes, all of which I am almost 100% sure are from the Wilton Method Classes that I am taking. My cake is round instead of square and I opted to not use the curls, although it might have made it a little more festive, I ran out of time. But here it is, my finished project and I am very proud.

Oh and by the way, it's filled with Strawberry Preserves at my hubby's request. So, this present is for him.

No cake next week for class, we will be making flowers with Royal Icing (fun). If I make any that are worthy of a spot on my blog, I will post them when I get home.

4th of July - Cupcakes & scared dogs

2009-07-04T17:35:00.000-07:00

So, Happy 4th of July America. Today is a hot day in Seattle and the suburbs...(Bothell)

I decided to go out on a whim and make some cupcakes (patriot style) for a fun dessert. Yes, I have been baking alot for a woman married to a diabetic, but he really appreciates all the cakes and stuff...Really! Most of the time I end up tossing 1/2 a cake or taking it to his buddies at the flying field, let them have it so it is not laying around the house. I am posting a photo since I am pretty proud of how they turned out, No they don't have sparklers or fireworks shooting out of them, that would be dangerous to eat. But they are red, white & blue (with a hint of yellow) and will be eaten over the course of a few days...

As for the scared dogs (dog, being Dakota). Well, she will find the farthest corner of the house where she feels there is no noise and curl up in as tiny a ball as she can and shiver like crazy. I feel so bad for her. 4th of July is NOT appreciated by all, especially in the canine family. I thought we could get her a sedative for just today and she could sleep through the fireworks, but the vet says it doesn't work that way. My poor baby will just have to suffer.

Have a safe and happy 4th ALL! Enjoy the fireworks shows in your areas and be SAFE!

TAADAA!

2009-07-01T10:27:00.001-07:00

GRAND FINALE - WEEK 4 CAKE DECORATING CLASS

2009-06-30T20:40:00.000-07:00

So, here it is in full color. Tonight was my final class for course 1 and I am very proud of my finished product. Here are some photos for your viewing pleasure. Next week I start course 3 (out of order yes) but it's Fondant & flowers, I am even more excited.

**The number 9 on the top of the cake is my wedding anniversary on Wednesday July 1...We made it to nine...WOOT!

A little of this and a bit of that...

2009-06-30T13:32:00.000-07:00

Even though I will be posting another blog tomorrow (cake class stuff) I was feeling the need to speak about the last three days without Madi. You know, it's fun only for about 48 hours and then when you are used to talking and seeing each other every day, it makes for a long 5 weeks. I know she is having a great time with her grandparents and cousins and friends, but I miss her. I know this will be her last summer to go "just for a visit". The next time she goes will be after her high school graduation and she will have decided to attend college in California (as expected) and we will have to say goodbye for a long time. Well, what will seem like a long time.

I am hoping that she will want to stay home, but I know that she won't. The draw of California has been there since we left on Christmas day 2001...That is her home, that is what she knows. She has blossomed here and made wonderful friendships that will hopefully last her whole life, but Fullerton, that is where her heart is.

Madilyn is a blessing, has always been that for me. Her smile is the greatest thing on earth and her tears, well they are mine too. She has made me the mother I am and helping me to become the mother I want to be. She has been my friend and helper and a great listener when I needed someone to talk to, even when she was out of her eliment, she listened.

Madilyn if you read this, when you read this; I love you more than anything on this earth (well, except your dad) and you have made me so proud to be your mom. I hope that whatever path you take in the future will bring you as much happiness as you have brought me as your mom. You are smart, funny & beautiful (a triple threat) and I know that God has great things in store for you. I won't say follow your heart, but follow the path you know to be right. It won't always have a blinking sign saying "THIS WAY", but you'll know in your heart and mind that it is right.

I love you and will always be here for you!

Love,

Mom

Send in the Clown (singular)

2009-06-23T20:41:00.000-07:00

So week 3 of my cake decorating class had us doing clowns...Not everyone wanted to do clowns so some did other things...I did the clowns - as creepy as it was I had fun.

Here is a couple of pictures of the finished product.

Week 3 also had us attempting a petal on the Wilton Rose - if I had to take a test on this - I WOULD SO FAIL!

Did you know????

2009-06-22T13:53:00.001-07:00

• Freezing cakes-a properly packaged and wrapped cake can be frozen for 2-3 months?

• Cutting frosted cakes-if frosting sticks to the knife; run under hot water and wipe off with a damp towel after cutting each slice. This will ensure clean cut pieces each time

• Wedding cakes – the average piece of wedding cake is 2 x 1 x 3 (if the tier is 3 inches high) small pieces

• Cake Uneven – use a waxed piece of dental floss and slice evenly through the top of the cake to remove the uneven/lumpy portion for a smooth top

Father's Day 2009

2009-06-21T22:47:00.000-07:00

It's hard to say exactly how much this day means to me. I did not get to spend it with my dad or my father for the matter, but I did spend it with the man in my life who is at the center of everything I am, my husband Alex. He is by far, one of the greatest guys I know and it was a wonderful day. It actually began at midnight, since my daughter and I can hardly stand to keep presents a minute longer than we have to. Madi and I got a couple of cards and she put together a beautiful photo album of her 9 years as Alex's daughter, it was just beautiful and I am pretty sure he was impressed and equally as moved as I was at the time and effort she put into to each page. It had the first photo of them ever taken together in front of my dad's house in Corona (Blueflag) and he was holding her. She was so small then, unlike the woman she has become. We woke up late morning and Madi and I fixed a breakfast fit for a king (King Alex). Pancakes, bacon, eggs and apple juice. We then went and did something for me and got some cake decorating supplies for my classes (which I thoroughly enjoy). Then we got home and while Alex loaded his truck with his RC Heli and radio, Madi and I cleaned up and we all went out to the flying field. Madi and I only stayed a couple of hours because I enhaled a "cottonwood" flying thing during a sneeze and my sinuses just freaked out. Alex was able to stay for a couple more hours. I made spaghetti (organic) for dinner with garlic toast. I waited until Alex & Madi were done with dinner and knew that they liked it before telling them it was organic. I am going to start to sneak those in there ocassionally until we can try to go all organic. Who knows, maybe we'll all be a bit more healthy.

I hope that all the dads out there had a wonderful day and were treated the way they should be treated all year, LIKE KINGS. We love you and couldn't do what we do without these men in our lives. I for one feel very lucky to have Alex in my life and the life of my daughter.

Waiting for Glenda the Good Witch of the West to pop out

2009-06-18T18:05:00.000-07:00

Cake Decorating Classes have begun...

2009-06-16T21:46:00.000-07:00

So, I am into my second week and I decorated my first cake. The icing I made from a recipe we were given in our course book (buttercream). It's pretty tasty. I tinted my icing blue so the design I chose would stand out more. My teacher's name is Beverly and she is a riot. I am in a group of 10 ladies, different ages and stages in life. There is a mother/daughter duo in my class and the daughter is very "testy" and easily embarrassed by her mother. Anyway, their banter is funny although it doesn't add anything to the class. There is a duo from India (I'm guessing here) and they were not there last week, but are sharing a course 1 kit. If I come into some money, I am going to buy another kit so they each have one. They talked amongst themselves only and smiled ALOT, which was sort of nice.

Well, here are a couple of pictures of my cake before and after decorations. I was very excited to get home and take pictures and share with you all.

**Next week we are learning a "CREEPY CLOWN" design...I can't wait!

Recent trip to California

2009-06-09T11:59:00.000-07:00

So, I recently went home to visit family and attend a memorial car show event in honor of my late step-father Dan. It was nice to see everyone but the pace they keep, I could never survive. They just go go go! I also realized that being away from them for so long, we don't have a lot in common and it was almost as if we were distant friends and the visit was really surface stuff. I was able to visit my sister's new STATE FARM OFFICE in Fullerton. It is a very nice office in a not so nice strip mall area. But there are new buildings going up and new businesses are popping up, so maybe in time the area will step up to the level of the local insurance office.
The car show was fantastic and I was happy that I was able to attend. For some reason, seeing all of those Corvairs lined up like they were, always makes my eyes well with tears. I get flashes of the beautiful memorial service when the club guys all drove their cars along side the hearst carrying my Papa Dan. It was awesome and heart breaking all at the same time. My older brother Tim, now shows off DAND62 and although it was not a contender in the car show due to the fact that the car is on the poster, I think it was the best! I still miss my Papa and know that he is well and playing golf somewhere else. Corvair Roger won a trophy (well deserved). Roger was a wonderful friend to my Papa Dan and I know that he misses him.
I was also able to visit with my brother in law and his three kids on Saturday evening. They came to my mom's house and we had pizza and played outside with bubbles and sidewalk chalk and the kids raced around the tree and up and down the street. It was great. I have lots of photos that were taken over the weekend and will be sharing them later.
Aside from the car show, I think my most favorite time was spent with my nephew Zac. He and I played many games of Scrabble and I think even though he didn't win, he has a new vocabulary and some awesome words that he can play in the future (QI & YURT). I love that guy, he has grown into this beautiful and sensative man and it was great to spend that time with him. I love you Zac.
I also loved spending time with my mom. The two of us together creates much chaos and laughter. We love to laugh and I love making her laugh. Thank you mom for making this trip possible. I will see you soon.

The only time I am at peace these days is when...

2009-05-29T19:02:00.000-07:00

I AM ASLEEP.

Whatever...

2009-05-27T13:11:00.000-07:00

So I am out of work once again. Story of my life. Be it the economy or migraines or PMS or whatever I cannot keep a job to save my life. I have had several (dozens) jobs in the course of my life and have never really found THE ONE! I don't know what I really want to do but it's not what I have been doing. I say that I don't like working which is true however I think if I found something that really made ME happy and made a difference in the lives of others I would be happy. I need something creative and ever changing...

Whatever happens happens I say...

Cake Decorating Classes...

2009-05-17T16:03:00.001-07:00

So, I have decided that I want to "get a hobby". My husband has his RC vehicles and my daughter has photography, texting, youth group etc...I decided that mine would be cake decorating.
I will be taking 4 courses that are 4 weeks each. So I am going to be making a lot of cakes....It is the Wilton course through Michael's, not a pastry school. Although I could do that down the line if I decided to pursue this as a career. For now I want to learn how to decorate cakes and create things out of fondant. I am super excited and looking forward making YOU a cake for your special event. Maybe even some "custom" cookies. You never know what I will be able to do after these classes.
So as I progress, I will be uploading photos of my works of art and ask that you grade me on them...
Who knows, I could have my own show someday!

Mother's Day

2009-05-11T19:27:00.000-07:00

What does it mean to me to be a mother?

It means that my heart will break twice as often as it normally would if I weren't a mother

It means that I will spend more on clothes then I would if I weren't a mother

It means that when I go shopping I will always be thinking of someone else

It means that I will truly know unconditional love at its purest and know that I have been given the greatest honor a woman can ever know

It also means that I will have a best friend for life even if there is a 10 year gap where my child is trying to figure out that I do know what I am talking about and that she can really count on me for anything...

I love you Madi thank you for making me the mom that I am and helping me become the mother I want to be...

Young & Dangerous Drivers....

2009-04-28T12:44:00.000-07:00

Or just a stupid blonde trying to make through the drive through at Taco Bell before the bell rings back at school...

I took a picture of this girl's car with my cell phone, but the thing is, she made an illegal Uturn, cut in front of a car full of boys on lunch break and then sped to the drive thru (in front of me) and we had to wait. I will be posting the photo later, just to get in a little public humiliation. I have decided that when people are driving and doing stupid things, I am going to bust out the camera and take their picture. It's my right!

Stay tuned for photo of this idiot later, after I figure out how to get the pic from my cell to the blog...

It's been awhile...

2009-04-22T22:07:00.001-07:00

since my husband was out of town and I had a weekend with just Madi...

We had a great time and did a couple of things the coolest was definitely the Sunday Ice Cream Cruise with Captain Larry onboard the Fremont Avenue Ferry...

While no one can ever replace my husband (ever) Madilyn is a fine substitute and I do love spending time with her anywhere...

I really want to be there for you...

2009-03-23T12:32:00.000-07:00

However, I cannot believe how hard you are making this for me. You have been there for me several times over the years and now it is my turn to return the gesture, not to make us even but because I have the right to be there.

Try to understand that your suffering is my suffering and that is just how it is when you are emotionally invested in another person.

Let me be there, Please.

Yes, I know what you're going to say...

2009-03-18T19:36:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am a tabloid whore...I eat up celebrity gossip like Pizza with extra cheese. Not that I set my clock by the celebrity world, but today I am saddened. Today we lost Natasha Richardson, daughter of Vanessa Redgrave and wife to Liam Neeson. I am sad for several reasons, the first and foremost is that her death was preventable, had she been wearing a helmet. Secondly, that she leaves behind a presumably wonderful husband and two beautiful sons, who will now have to live their lives without their mother. TRAGIC!

I loved Natasha because her beauty was simple and she kept her life private. She was never flashy and she played Lindsey Lohan's mother in the remake of the Parent Trap. I could never stomach the original, but loved what Natasha brought to the fold. Her beauty was timeless and she always seemed to have this grace about her when she was interviewed or was at a premier for her husband.

I urge the families of Natasha to bring to the forefront that safety measures could have saved her.

I do not wish to diminish their greif or mourning, I do not know their suffering. This is a tragedy. May they find peace knowing that she was beautiful inside and out and many are weaping with them today.

RIP Natasha

Too much stress...

2009-03-16T17:26:00.000-07:00

Who would have ever thought that by re-establishing a relationship with people could cause such an uproar of negativity and strife??? Surely not me. Although no one is perfect right?

I am just having a hard time with a lot of emotions that I am feeling right now over several things going on with my life in the immediate. I have never been very good at prioritizing and stress management has never been a strong suit. So as you can imagine, right about now that vein in my forehead is ready to rupture and I just want to break down and cry. Why you ask?

I want to cry because I feel helpless to help the people around me who are suffering with life or death illness

I want to cry because I cannot resuce those that need to be rescued from the situations that they are in (including me)

I want to cry because a band-aid does not fix all boo-boo's even though it may be a Pink Camo band-aid

I want to cry because my daughter is growing up so fast and I don't want to miss anything ever again (I'm sure I will, but really don't want to)

I am sad because I still want a baby, but I will be 40 this year and my hopes are fading (my eggs are old & few)

Well, that was only a few of the things that I am stressed about...

I think I will go take a nap (escape the worry for an hour)

I love my husband - Alex

2009-03-13T00:38:00.001-07:00

He is the greatest guy I know and also my best friend. He has all the best qualities you would want in a man and even more...If you can imagine that...

Brad Paisley Concert 2/28 was AWESOME

2009-03-01T12:00:00.000-08:00

I love my daughter, Madilyn Joy

2009-02-21T23:43:00.001-08:00

It doesn't pay to skimp on service and do certain things yourself...

2009-02-19T18:22:00.000-08:00

Example:

DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES TRY TO "HIGHLIGHT OR FROST" YOUR OWN HAIR WITH A STORE BOUGHT KIT, UNLESS IT IS A KIT YOU HAVE USED BEFORE AND KNOW IT'S SHORTCOMINGS...

Last night, Madi and I went to Target and I bought a t-shirt and some hair dye kit. Thinking OOOHHH honey highlights would be nice for the concert on the 28th...

Having never used the hair dye kit I bought EVER, I should have been a bit more careful about the disbursement of this goo on the top and sides of my head. Also, not being able to see the back of my head was not a good thing either.

Enjoy the photos for a laugh and in the future, pay the high priced salon the $100 to have your hair done professionally. I have been going to the same gal for about 3 years now and she would literally kick my butt to know that I did that on my own.

2009-02-14T22:59:00.000-08:00

So, we all know family pictures can be traumatic and ours is no exception. But with the threat of DEATH, from the family Patriarch (ME), all went well and we were able to get some good photos of all of us. I will have more to post later, but this is just a teaser...

LAME ASS DENTAL INSURANCE PLANS...

2009-02-12T19:43:00.000-08:00

Now, you'd think that they would be JOHNNY ON THE SPOT about money, coming in and going out.

Let's go back in time together...Say July 2008! My daughter and I go to the dentist to get our teeth cleaned. Yeah so it's been a couple of years for both, but my daughter is a ROCK STAR and has no cavities. I on the other hand, am a different story. They take some Xrays and refer to me to the PERIO-FREAKIN-DONTIST. Now, I go see this PROFESSIONAL and she proceeds to jab metal instruments in my mouth and makes me bleed profusely. BITCH! Any way, she doesn't clean my teeth during this 1 hour "consult". She tells me about heart disease and all this other stuff and I am just wanting to spit out the blood that is in my mouth. I spit, rinse and repeat like 5 times. So I am ready to make my appointment to come back and they tell me, we have to verify insurance and get approval for the "deep" cleaning. I tell them, I only have this AWESOME coverage until the end of the month. she says NO PROBLEM, WE CAN GET YOU IN NEXT WEEK, this is Tuesday the first week of July (2008). So, Friday rolls around and I haven't heard from the receptionist, so I call and she says, we don't have any appointments available for next week. SHE WILL CALL ME BACK ON THE 12TH OF JULY. OK super. Meanwhile, my daughter's had clean teeth for like a week and I am still waiting, with my bloody gums and heart disease. Well, July comes and goes. So does August, September and then MID-FREAKIN OCTOBER, I get a post card from these PROFESSIONALS, they say "CALL US TO SCHEDULE YOUR CLEANING FROM JULY". WTF!!!!

So, I don't call. My teeth are still dirty and now we are getting reminder calls from the dentist that it's time for my daughter to go in for her 6 month cleaning...YEAH!

TODAY, IN THE MAIL...I GET A BILL FROM THIS "PROFESSIONAL" FOR $82 AND IT SAYS THAT IT IS MORE THAN 90 DAYS PAST DUE. I HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS BILL AND SO I CALL THE "PROFESSIONALS" AND SAY HEY, WTF!. SHE PROCEEDS TO TELL ME THAT THEY JUST GOT PAID FROM OUR APPOINTMENTS IN JULY OF LAST YEAR AND NOW THE INSURANCE DID NOT COVER MY EXAM, WHICH BY THE WAY, I DID NOT GET MY TEETH CLEANED, NOR DID I GET A CALL BACK TO RESCHEDULE.

SO, I SAY TO YOU- IF YOU HAVE THE ABOVE INSURANCE LOGO ON YOUR MEDICAL CARD, BURN IT, MELT IT, GET RID OF IT AND GO WITH A REAL INSURANCE COMPANY....

Changing only 1 word????????

2009-02-02T16:37:00.000-08:00

Using ONLY ONE WORD! It's not as easy as you might think! Copy and change the answers to suit you and pass it on. It's really hard to only use one word answers.

1. Where is your cell phone? DESK

2. Your significant other? WORKING

3. Your hair? GOOD

4. Your mother? CALIFORNIA

5. Your father? CALIFORNIA

6. Your favorite? SEX

7. Your dream last night? NONE

8. Your favorite drink? TEA

9. Your dream/goal? BABY

10. What room you are in? PC

11. Your hobby? NAPPING

12. Your fear? NOTHING

13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? NAPPING

14. Where were you last night? SOFA

15. Something that you aren't? SKINNY

16. Muffins? BUTTER

17. Wish list item? LIPO

18. Where you grew up? OC

19. Last thing you did? TYPED

20. What are you wearing? CLOTHES

21. Your TV? BIG

22. Your pets? LAZEEBEEOTCHES

23. Your friends? FEW

24. Your life? CONTENT

25. Your mood? TIRED

26. Missing someone? NO

27. Car? CRUISER

28. Something you're not wearing? IUD

29. Your favorite store? TARGET

30. Your favorite color? PINK

33. When is the last time you laughed? MINUTES

34. Last time you cried? SATURDAY

35. Who will resend this? IDK

36. One place that I go to over and over? MIND

37. One person who emails me regularly? LAUREL

38. My favorite place to eat? PIZZARIA

39. Favorite shoe? SNEAKER

40. Most visited website? MYSPACE

Shopping with my hubby & the nosey old lady...

2009-01-29T17:44:00.001-08:00

So, this isn't recent but I was thinking about it today...

About 5 or 6 months ago, my husband and I went shopping for a new dog collar for our chocolate lab, she grew up. Who knew??? So we are shopping and looking around, since we are at the big Bullseye store and there is a lot to look at. So we get into this conversation and it's playful banter, you know what I am talking about??? JOKES MAN, COME ON...

So we head into the pet isle and I notice this 100 year old ghost lady has been following us for about 5 minutes, listening to the "playful banter"...I don't say anything to my husband who is continuing to jab at me and I am jabbing back...We are grabbing collars and shaking our heads no at each other, then it happens. THE 100 YEAR OLD GHOST LADY IS BACK, RIGHT AT THE END OF THE ISLE, BEING TOTALLY OBVIOUS AT THIS POINT. My husband holds up this BLACK STUDDED COLLAR, and I let it fly "I AM NOT GOING TO WEAR THAT FOR YOU"... There is a gasp from this 100 year old ghost lady and I busted out laughing because I am hearing the same GASP from my husband who was not in on little quest to freak out and quite possibly kill the 100 year old ghost lady...I moved in closer to him and told him and we both about croked with laughter...

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FOR 3

2009-01-25T02:00:00.001-08:00

SO THE BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR JEFF, JEN & ALEX WAS SATURDAY NIGHT AND I HAVE POSTED 3 OF MY FAVORITE PHOTOS...IT WAS AN AWESOME PARTY, STILL GOING STRONG AT MIDNIGHT WHEN I LEFT FOR HOME TO BE WITH MY DOGGIES...

25 THINGS ABOUT ME YOU NEVER KNEW...

2009-01-24T14:08:00.000-08:00

I know you didn't ask, but you must be DYING, absolutely DYING to know 25 random things about me. I am stealing this idea from HEATHER, so you can thank her. After reading, TAG! You're it! You write 25 things on your blog, or email them!

1. MY FAVORITE COLOR IS PINK, ANY SHADE
2. I HAVE 8 TATTOOS IN VARIOUS PLACES ON MY BODY, I HAVE HAD THREE COVERED UP WITH PRETTIER ART.
3. I LOVE PIZZA & APPLE MARTINIS (I COULD EAT PIZZA EVERYDAY & DRINK MARTINIS)
4. I KNOW HOW TO USE MOST POWER TOOLS, I CAN CHANGE THE OIL IN MY CAR TOO.
5. I HAD EPILEPSY AS A CHILD AND TOOK RIDALIN & PHENOBARBITAL
6. I LOVE COUNTRY MUSIC AND ALSO 80'S BANDS (DURAN DURAN, THE JETS, 5 STAR)
7. I HAVE NEVER BEEN ON A VACATION WITH MY HUSBAND, EVER!
8. I THROW AWESOME PARTIES AND WOULD LOVE TO OWN A PARTY PLANNING BUSINESS FOR ADULTS.
9. I WAS BAPTIZED AT AGE 9 IN BREA.
10. I WOULD LOVE TO GO IN A HOT AIR BALLOON SOMEDAY
11. I LOVE HOME IMPROVEMENT SHOWS (ALL)
12. I STILL WANT TO HAVE ONE MORE CHILD EVEN THOUGH I WILL BE 40 IN AUGUST 09'
13. I HATED SCHOOL WITH A PASSION AND DROPPED OUT IN 11TH GRADE....NOT THE BEST TESTIMONY
14. I CAN'T STAND REPETITIVE NOISES
15. I LOVE LOOKING AT OLD PHOTOS, ESPECIALLY THOSE FROM MY CHILDHOOD...:)
16. I LOVE MY HUSBAND MORE THAN I HAVE EVER LOVED ANY MAN IN MY LIFETIME AND HE IS GOOD IN BED! :):)
17. I LOVE BEING NAKED.
18. I LOVE CRAFTS
19. WHENEVER I AM SAD OR DON'T FEEL GOOD, I STILL CALL MY MOM FIRST
20. I WORKED IN A RESTAURANT WHEN I WAS ABOUT 20 AND GOT FIRED FOR TELLING A CUSTOMER TO GET THEIR OWN DAMN KETCHUP (IN MY OWN DEFENSE, THEY WERE CLOSER)...
21. I WOULD RATHER NOT EAT SEAFOOD EVER AGAIN IN MY LIFE
22. I LOVE SPENDING GIRL TIME WITH MY DAUGHTER, SHE IS THE GREATEST KID ON THE PLANET
23. I WILL INSERT MYSELF IN THE MIDDLE OF ANY CONFLICT JUST TO GET IT RESOLVED FASTER
24. I WANT TO GET MARRIED AGAIN ON MY 10 YEAR WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
25. I LOVE HAVING FRIENDS OVER, EVEN THOUGH I DON'T HAVE MANY, I LIKE TO ENTERTAIN AND MAKE PEOPLE LAUGH...I'M REALLY FUNNY!

HOLY MARY MOTHER OF GOD AND ALL THE SAINTS....

2009-01-22T16:47:00.000-08:00

So tomorrow is my husband's 45th birthday and we are in between pay periods and I have already spent my allowance. Not the sad part of this story...

So, I get an idea that I am going to MAKE him a laptop cover for his NEW mini laptop out of camoflauge fleece. Now I bought the material and I have a brand new sewing machine that I have never used. Mind you, I am not Caroline Ingalls nor Martha Stewart, but it's just a sewing machine not the Mars rocket. So the following is what occurred today as I was trying to set up the machine to just sew THREE STRAIGHT FREAKIN LINES...

First - I have to thread the BOBBIN (sounds porno), which I have no idea how to do. After 10, count them 10 failed attempts, I give up and wait for my daughter to get home.

Second - Daughter gets home, shows off MAD SKILLS THREADING BOBBIN, just like Grammie showed her. Grammie as in MY MOTHER!!!

Third - Everything is set up and ready to go, it all looks just like the pictures in the INSTRUCTION BOOK, that comes in 4 languages....

Fourth - I pin my fabric and chalk my lines to sew and I flip this and lower that and am ready to stomp the pedal to make it go...MY FREAKIN' FABRIC IS TOO THICK, 4 LAYERS OF FLEECE IS TOO MUCH FOR MY WEENIE MACHINE...

Fifth - SEND DISTRESS EMAIL TO MY MOTHER (GRAMMIE) FOR ASSISTANCE.

I call her and she tells me to take pictures of the machine and email them to her and she will call me back with further instruction...So the above are 3 photos of what used to be my sewing machine because I am going to smash it into 1000 pieces of plastic and thread...

So what have we learned from this lesson??? I am not Martha Stewart nor Caroline Ingalls

What could I have done differently or better??? Not spent all my allowance and bought him a stupid cover

2009-01-20T13:09:00.000-08:00

So yesterday January 19, 2009 Madi and I went to the Seattle Art Museum as part of finals week for her at school.

Who knew there was so much to see in this place. I am talking FASCINATING stuff and I COULDN'T TAKE ANY PICTURES. I was upset to the say the least, but in an act of rebellion, I used my cell phone so there was no flash...

Those photos will be published later...After they are edited for content...

It was a beautifully chilly day in Seattle, Sunday night it got down to 26 degrees and I was wondering if I was going to be able to get myself out of my warm bed to even go to a museum, let alone scrape ice off of my car windows.

Madi and I had a great day. I love spending time with that girl. I love when she is seeing something for the first time and the show of emotion on her face, it's priceless. There was this huge I am going to call it a robe, but it took up about 25 feet in diameter and about 6 feet tall, it was made out of all DOG TAGS...It was amazing...

There was an "ITALIAN ROOM" filled with dark woods and wine bottles for windows (you know how they only show the bottoms) and chatchkees. It was a beautiful room.

I am going to go back when I can spend more time and will definitely bring more money...

Planning...

2009-01-16T17:10:00.000-08:00

Somehow I thought planning my 40th birthday would be fun, until I got to the guest list. I realized that I have lived in this state for about 7 years and have maybe 4 friends that I have made, the rest belong to my husband. I got to thinking that my birthday would probably not be so fun with just 4 guests, so I have expanded my vision to include those friends of the spouse's that I have met and seen on a few occasions. That will make the party/event more fun. So maybe I have looking at closer to 25-30 people at the festivities, which suits me just fine.

So, I have my theme planned (LUAU) and I have already decided on invitations (message in a bottle) I just loved them...

I will keep you posted as more decisions are made.

Garbage...

2009-01-15T17:21:00.000-08:00

I hate, really hate my trash company...I live in Bothell, I have a Bothell address & zip, all my mail goes through the Bothell post office, my doctor's office is in Bothell...

So, wouldn't you think that when requesting trash service at the house, I would select CITY OF BOTHELL????????? ME TOO...

Well, don't do that. Apparently I live in UNINCORPORATED SNOHOMISH COUNTY, thus it costs more for them to pick up my trash then the folks across the road. $6 more to be exact.

Oh and don't ever have more than two bags of household garbage, WHY? cause they charge you an additional $3.95 for BAG PICK UP....

GEEZ, COULD THE FREAKIN' ECONOMY JUST GIVE ME A BREAK???

2009

2009-01-14T17:24:00.001-08:00

I turn 40, I AM NOT AFRAID.

9 year wedding anniversary, what do you get for that?

My daughter will be a Senior in the fall...

My Papa will have been gone 2 years

I will find a job that I like

I will learn to love myself for who I am

I will exercise more, cause right now I don't do anything

I will do at least one random act of kindness each week (regardless of how big or small)

I will get rid of 10 pairs of shoes and not replace them

I will take my dogs for walks (I can't say how many right now, just that I will)

I will find a church that I am happy at and go

I will make new friends this year ( I am off to a good start)