how do people do it

as I write this I have 3 loads of laundry to do, a kitchen to clean, 3 loads of laundry to put away, a sewing pile that has sat there for months, papers to organize, shirts that need ironed (and never will be--I'll just keep washing them until I can remember to take them out of the dry before they cool), a kitchen to clean, and that is just what I can see from where I am sitting.

BUT I am so tired. I don't know how to break out of this. Yes I know I am pregnaunt and sick, but still 10 hours of sleep a night and still needing a nap during the day...that is NOT normal.

I have been thinking alot about what my core desire is. I don't have one. I have all the "right" answers. I want to be a good mom, wife, house keeper and all that...but really nothing makes me full of passion.

People keep telling me--oh just wait and you will feel better, but how long do you wait?

How do you fall asleep at night when you just toss and turn? How do you wake up in the morning when you know it is going to be the exact same as yesterday?

So how do you find what drives you?
How are some people naturally full of energy--so much so that sleep is a bother to them?
How do people stay on top of life?

frustration

why do people go against something?



I understand being against something that is bad---child porno---violence---dog fights---and all that stuff, but why be anti something that isn't hurting anyone?





I posted a post on facebook about religion and I got some negative comment right away from someone who used to be a member of my religion. I understand you don't agree with the teachings (or else you would still be in it), but why do you feel like it is OK to attack what I believe.

just frustrated!

I am totally heartless

I found out a guy I knew in high school died this week.

I am heartless because it does not effects my life---this person hit on me (on facebook) one time right after I told him that my husband was due home any minute.

Since then I have avoided him and dreaded being online at the same time he was. Why I didn't delete his friend ASAP I don't know.

I feel bad for his family and the sadness they are going through, but really I am feeling a little relieved that I don't have to deal with him online anymore.

Go ahead judge me...I am totally heartless.

still another week

Yep--still here, but not alot of time to blog on vacation (so you would think I have MORE time to blog, but I am enjoying the no pressure--not even feeling guilty about not blogging!)

I will see you all in about a week.

:)

life will start again in 2-3 weeks.

Life has gotten the better of me lately.

I will return in a few weeks with more (hopefully) time on my hands to download pictures of all our adventures this summer and with more of my ranting and ravings! :)


Actually this week I will be preparing for the 24th...next week surviving the 24th...and then the next week going to Denver---so maybe mid August life will work again.

the earth has been covered in water

and we know that one day it will be baptized by fire--but HOW will that happen--

I think this is a good possible way---

This article is really long so I will sum it up.

The sun shoots off these solar flares all the time, but all of a sudden they have kind of stopped, making the sceintists wonder what will happen when the next solar cycle happens...

hum---

is this a sign of the times or just another interesting science fact?

If someone would have said 4 months ago....

I hear people say---

If someone would have told me 4 months ago I would be ___________, I would have laughed.

Fill in the blank---prego, single, married, running a marathon, and so on....

AND that last one (running) is where i want to focus on.

Recently I spent time with my sister-in-law's, sister in law. It was fun to hang out with her again and she looks great!

I asked what she has been doing---eating 3 small meals and running 2 times a day for 1/2 hour each time. AND THAT IS WHEN she said---"If someone would have told me I would be a runner 4 months ago I would have laughed."

So it gets me thinking--

There are A LOT of this I don't want to be doing in 4 months--belly dancing, singing in an opera--you know the normal things-- :)

But there are things I want to be doing in 4 months!

be in shape, having life figured out (ha ha ha ha), having a good plan of action for my days, decorated house, cleaned out upstairs, Sing once a month at the Italian restruant in Alamosa, write a small dinner theater to be performed somewhere, loose 10 more pounds, go with Lucas on the truck at least once, have a Korean Exchange Student, Have the girls baby books both 100% finished, Have my aprons made for my craft exchange, become president of the Head Start, Have a song list to sing at the Farmers Market and figure out how to do that, and the list could go ON and ON and On and ON....Maybe one day I will just sit down and write a list of all the things I want to do---but going on...

I have a friend who says that "goal Setting" doesn't work. We accomplish those goals we want to accomplish if we write them down or not. No one writes down "get a drivers license" because it is such a desire for us to be able to drive we make it happen....

BUT...

I am going to write down a few goals....sorry Jack.

1. In 4 months I will have fun a 5K--my first ever--this will be my starting PB and will have ran 2 other 5K (even if on my own) and will be that PB at least one of the other two times.

2. In 4 months I will have followed my "life outline" for 2 weeks and evaluate if it really does make my life better

In four months those are my two goals---I feel that many of my "sub goals" will be accomplished by following those two main goals.

I will run my first 5K over the 24th weekend.
The two week "life outline" will start when the girls start school again (hence the 4 month time line)

wish me luck!

good-bye for now

I feel that the internet is the largest addiction that I have in my life.I check blogs and facebook (along with some news) first thing in the morning and last thing at night (and sometimes countless times during the day).

I find great projects that I never do---I keep up to date with strangers--BUT I ignore my housework---my yard, my working out, and sometimes my kids till I have gotten "caught up" with my internet stuff---SO this summer I will ONLY be using my blog as a journal.

I am giving up facebook and blogging until my house/yard is more undercontrol and until I accomplish with my kids the FUN things I always want to do with them, but never do.

GOAL: NOT BE ADDICTED TO THE INTERNET, but still have it for resources (like today I looked up how to make daisy chain dolls--never knew!).

So wish me luck!

Good-bye (for now)....

People Actually read me!

So for a normal person I am not sure this would be so exciting---BUT for a person like me who lives in "nowhere town" (not insulting, just saying)---I am connected to the BIG WORLD.

That is one reason I do like to blog and do facebook, because I feel connected.

I don't think a movie will be made about my blogging efforts, but non the less---I have had TWO unknown people write a comment on MY blog! So exciting! Now honestly, one of them was because I signed up for her contest, but the other one I don't know at all. Really I am thrilled, but I will say (and sorry if you are reading this one)--one of the comment writers--I went and looked at her blogs that she follows--most of them were pretty boring! Computers this and that---I am sure it turns some people on (not sexually, but mentally), but I am NOT one of those people.


So for my two people who were brave enough to leave a comment--you have made my night, and I am sure most of my day tomorrow.

Apron giveaway--NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART!

Ha--so these are "adult" aprons--but so funny!



They are doing a giveaway from here---
http://aprongoddesses.blogspot.com/2010/05/do-you-have-dirty-dishtowel-youre-gonna.html
(still am not understanding the hyperlink and haven't played with it yet)
But you can win a free apron from here

--http://www.dirtydishtowels.com/

Go to their online store--so funny!


YOU CAN NOT ENTER THE CONTEST ON MY SITE--you have to go to the Aprongoddesses site!

Have fun!

Aprons and Hair

I had a friend call me and give me tons of awesome complements and then offer to help me figure out how to work with my hair!
YEAH!

So many of you know I was NOT born with a hair styling gene. It is natural is SO many females (and some males) to just know how to work with hair.

I still can't figure out what to do with a bobby pin. I know the basic, blowdry and curling, but beyond that and I am lost---My poor little girls!

So I am totally excited to learn about my hair texture, and all of that mysterious stuff that I would like to know, but need someone WAY smarter than me to teach me.

I will have to post some before and after pictures when I learn how to do great things with my hair!


----------------------------------------------------


I got a sewing machine for Mother's day and I am JUST NOW learning how to use it. I am so excited about it. I have been on an apron kick lately---which I know is kind of a waste of time, but I am LOVING it!

I have about 8 Aprons in various stages of "done-ness". I will post pictures when Iam finished with them...YEAH!

Shoes

Last night my crocs broke--I am so sad.
The sling part that holds the strap on has stripped out and can't be fix---

Yes I think Crocs are ugly, but man I love them! The only thing mine are NOT good for is--lots of mud-deep snow and rain--they come in through the holes on the side, oh and really rocky area's--But I did buy my used and most of the sole had been wore away, so maybe if I got a new pair I wouldn't feel the rocks as much----

Fast forward to today--I have now spent 1/2 hour looking at shoes that
1. I can't afford
2. Would never wear (because where would I wear them too?)
3. Don't even know if they would fit

BUT...

I really like shoes--maybe if I kept better care of my feet I would want to wear really cute shoes, but with dirt, mud, and lack of pavement in my area, sturdy good shoes work the best.

I looked up heeled ankle boots--I just don't know if I like them or not---or even what to wear them with---PLUS I don't think I am "fierce" enough to wear them.

Early Mothers Day Gift

I asked Lucas for a sewing machine for Mothers day!
Yeah!!

I couldn't wait--I went right out to Wal-mart (gasp! Wal-Mart--yes I know many of you dislike it Wal-mart--but it was either that or the other store where the cheapest machine is easy over $150.00) and got a Singer-the very basic one, but I don't need anything high tech!

I also had to "celebrate" by getting some fabric to break in the sewing machine--I will be posting pictures of my new purchase soon! With the machine, some extra do-dads like needles and bobbins, thread, bias tape, and the fabric I am really to start sewing--well I will be ready as soon I return the sewing machine I borrowed months (a year) ago from a friend--then I will be ready!
yeah!



(Yes Angie--I should be paying off debt, but I am weak--I REALLY gotta work on that! I thought of what you would say the whole time I paid for it!)

How I met your Father...

Lots of women are posting how they met their spouse so I thought it would be fun....



I am sure I have way more to type up so this might be a two--three--or even four part post.



First part---



I need to tell you a little about my "dating" history.



I didn't do it. I went to your dances, proms, homecoming, and I went on group dates, but when it came to one-on-one dating, it just didn't happen for me.

I was too awkward--too busy--and honestly too scared to date much.

The only guy I went on steady dates with was a Handicap guy that would ask me so we went. Always dinner and a movie---it was fun. Also there was no expectations of course so I could be totally free to be myself.

With anyone else I always felt like I had to be all prim and proper. It is funny to look back on now--I had some amazing guy friends who would have been great to date, but alas--I missed out. I think I "went out" as in going steady, with three or four guys and rarely held hands even. I think I have kissed (romantically) maybe 4 guys before I met Lucas. (Being in a theater group we would hug, kiss, and hold hands like you would with a brother or sister, nothing romantic at all-kind of like kissing your parents--normal for my crowd, a sore spot with Lucas, we don't talk about it much.-so I have kissed maybe 10 guys total.) I wasn't prude, I just didn't want to be one of those girls who had to have a guy all the time, so I was on the opposite end--never have a guy around.


BUT...I was fine with it at the time, and still am fine with my dating history.


so fast forward to college.

There were lots of cute guys, but if any one in my group (we had a good group of girls) liked the same guy I did I always told her to "go for him-you too would be cute" or "I like him, but I am not as interested as you--go for it!".

So our group got in the habit of going over the Institute building (the Institute building is a place where we take religion classes-not part of the college, but very important in our religion-no smoking, no drinking, just good kids having clean fun), to play pool or just hang out. One night I walked in and saw a guy who liked me, and I didn't like back AT ALL. I thought "great--this is going to be a long night".
But when I walked into the room where the pool table was I stopped in my tracks when I saw this amazingly goodlooking guy sitting in the corner. I litterally stopped walking and just stared for a few seconds.
He was leaning back in the chair he was in. He had on blue jeans, a white t-shirt, and I think a baseball cap. His facial hair was a little scruffy, but not unkept.
His friend (the guy who liked me), started introducing all of us to his friends. Daniel, Micah, and Lucas. Lucas was the hot one!
I thought--"great friends with C____ this guy is going to be a total idoit."
We stayed and played pool with all of them for quite a while. I totally fell for Lucas. He was smart, funny, charming, and so hot.
On the way home-of course we were talking about the guys--and one of my friends said-"did you notice how cute Lucas is?"
to which I answered "BACK OFF - HE IS MINE!" I was totally serious too. My friends all looked at me--this was NOT the normal Amy answer.

So the next night we went back to the Institute building. All day I had been thinking of Lucas and hoping he would show up again tonight....And he did!
We all played pool again and stayed up way to late. It was so fun hanging out with him. He wore a white shirt and blue jeans again, but he had shaved. still super goodlooking! and just as fun as the night before.

The next night I was so excited to see him--but he wasn't there--infact he didn't come back to the Institute Building for a week!

To be Continued.....

Garden Time---NOT!

I am SO excited because I have just let myself off the hook from doing a garden this year.

I know--where I live that is huge! A garden is a good sign of a Mormon women--well guess what--NOT this Mormon Mommy---not this year. I told Lucas that and he was 100% fine with it---but I am going to buy the food I would normally can and still can--infact, without a garden I will have more time to can more food--so I am REALLY going to try to can 2 years worth of some foods (green beans, carrots, ham chunks, turkey chunks, ground beef, tomatoes, corn, pickles, salsa, and more)--I am so excited!

I am devoted to getting my yard cleaned and with any extra money (Lucas's truck will official be all ours next week--and we will use it to pay down the debt we now have thanks to it, and other things--car/school) that we happen upon I am going to get my yard the way I want it.

I have NEVER really cleaned up my yard in the 5 years we have lived here so it is going to be a big job. The weather has been wonderful the past two weeks (when it is not snowing) so I have tried to work on it some daily, but I have maybe gotten 1/100 of it done. I have already filled 9 black trash bags full of yard trash--leaves, sticks, sawdust, and all that stuff. I haven't even started on the messy parts of the yard. YUG!

I have two huge burn piles I will have to burn just a little at a time--one great thing about living in the country!

I am working on a yard plan--I will fill you all in when it is done!

Lucky you

I have gotten some awesome books at the library lately! Yeah!! Last night I read 1 yard wonders--or things to make with just one yard of fabric! Love it!

BUT---I read a while ago ...

The Lucky Shopping Manual---

WOW. It had a lot of good "I should have known that-but didn't" information.

I will be going over my clothes section by section with accordance to this book.


The books has 14 Chapters...

1. skirts
2. t-shirts
3. tops
4. dresses
5. sweaters
6. jeans
7. pants
8. suits
9. bags
10. shoes
11. jackets
12. undergarments
13. swimwear
14. outwear


... and then special sections--
-Like packing for a weekend (which was great, but rarely am I gone for three days--normally I am gone a week or more!)
-Streamline your wardrobe!
-20 classic pieces to invest in.
-taking care of your clothes
-Lucky rules of shopping



So I will blog on each of these sections and what I have learned.



If you are NOT pear shaped--sorry you will have to read it yourself in order to find out more for you.


I was going to add a few tips I already learned, but I can't find my notebook---so you will just have to wait!

Good Feelings

I have good feelings about today--

BUT I HAVE TO SAY---I have bad feelings because I totally ignored Annie---I didn't mean to--I honestly was home for MAYBE 1/2 hour (and most of that was spent on the phone with Annie!) this whole day! Until after 9:00--SO other than a good day---that part STANK!

I was Super Busy, but was able to feel like I accomplished alot today. Those are good days.

I also like days where I get alot done at the house.

...Yes--I will brag a bit and add in EVERY detail I can inorder to make myself look the best as possible!

...But today I--

0. made Oatmeal for breakfast (instant--but still it wasn't cereal!)
1. Picked up the neighbor and took her and Sedona to school.
2. Came home -got all the trash PLUS my dirty, ripped up high chair out to the trash and cleaned up a bit.
3. Met with the Principle at Sanford to find out some information about Sedona. (nothing bad!)
4. Ran home, talked with Annie, made phone calls to get the Bob Keck dinner more organized.
5. Went to Lois's house (she is this AWESOME older women who has gone blind in her old age), and helped with her family history.
6. Went to Headstart--pulled out, and set up all the tables and many of the chairs.
7. Helped organize the items on the table for the groupings to be auctioned off.
8. Went to get Sedona from school
9. Went to return movies
10. Took the girls out to eat (it was yummy!)
11. Went back to Headstart---finished organizing the auction groupings
12. Took Pepper to a Friends
13. Help "run" the auction--I took names and amounts on the items won--I didn't RUN the auction.
14. Help put tables away (thank goodness someone else did the chairs--THANKS!)
15. Picked Pepper Up
16. Sweep the floor in the whole Gym
17. Drove a friend home
18. Went home--fed the girls a snack
19. Got them ready for bed
20. Blogged about it!

Ranting Again!

I noticed that I rant after meetings! I went to a meeting tonight and while there was a lot of things to discuss, but there is this one women who talks---and talks loud---and about HERSELF--and how hard she has it. I will agree 100% she has it tough!
She left an abusive relationship and moved out here where she knew one person and that person pretty much turned her back on her (according to her side of the story), so she has a little kid and is raising it by herself--no mom or dad for help, or any relatives, or anyone!
I don't think she is working, so I have no idea where she gets money (I am guessing her parents help her out--but I don't know).

Really nice women, but man or man! The meeting takes twice as long because of her---how do politly tell someone to SHUT UP! I tried to interup her (because she will go off for a while!), but that doesn't really work--

I feel the need to do something because she is wasting everyones (my) time! But it isn't really my place, but she has issues with the President, so we all just listen and talk when we can!

Any suggestions? Really just typing this is giving me a headache--so that is all I will type tonight



PS: I know my new "diet" starts soon so today I enjoyed a Whopper Jr! ok and part of a chicken sandwhich---I won't be eating those to often so I had to enjoy one last one (and since I am going to Alamosa at least once more this week---maybe I will have to enjoy one more!).

I am a loser--are you?

I want to play this game---my Friend Shelly is putting this on for herself and offered it to those of us who need it!!

So here are the details..right off of her blog...

Does anyone want to play "Biggest Loser" with me? I sound like a little kid trying to rally friends to play Red Rover or something. ("Come play at my house!!!") But I need my competitive streak to pull me through this stagnation I keep wallowing in.

The goal would be for us to track our calories (a minimum of 1200/day) and do some sort of daily exercise (aerobic and strength training combination). Then, each week we'll post our percentages lost.

So, here's the deal:

1. We start Sunday, so get yourself prepared.

2. Please let me know if you're interested so I don't feel like no one's playing with me (I hate being the loner kid on the playground). If you really aren't into it, that's cool. You can tell me that too.

3. We need to figure out what the Biggest Loser gets. The winner needs something. Right?

4. How long should we compete? Three months? More?

5. Take a before picture and at the end we'll do after pics. (You won't have to show them, but it will help us track our progress.)

Wanna do this??? Please???

----------------------------------------------------------------

I WILL be taking a BEFORE picture in the privacy of my own home--on my digital Camera--where it will stay!

ONLY when I am happy with the END picture will I post it.

I have never been too shy about my weight (except to my husband)--so all you virtual real people out there......

this is my before picture--True Aprons make anyone look a little chubbier, but I thougth this one was a good show of how wide I have before.

According to my Wii as of 15 minutes ago....

23.18 is my BMI

and I weigh 139 (I actually fluctuate about 5 pounds through out the month!)--so I normally weigh closer to 142.

GOALS: By the End of the Body Challenge---I want--

+To weigh about 127 at my heaviest times of the month (remember my body changes alot through out the month).

+Fit into size six clothes (and squeeze into size 4's maybe!) and have my "skinny clothes" box out of the closet.

+Loose inches from my body---Arms, tummy, hips, thighs, neck (double chin).

+Have a BMI of about 22

How will I accomplish this goal?

+eat health meals---Get the reciepes and ingrediance each week so I don't have to think about it!

+work out---I have an OLD spinning bike---I need to clean it up and drag it in from the garage and use it. I have the elipicale sitting in my bedroom (yes with one shirt hanging on it). and I have my workout video's and the Wii...plus I learned if I find songs that have a fun dance to them ---Singles Ladies, Thriller, and so on---If I put them on Youtube and dance for 1/2 hour I am sweating and having fun! I have the opportunity to work out, I just need to do it! If I pay for classes, or if I am getting a grade I work out regularly---maybe I will keep a jar (with the lid glued on--and every time I work out I pay the jar ($2.00)--then when I reach my goal I can use that money to buy new clothes/or a spa day---would that motivate me? I don't know---it is worth a try!

A history of Me and My Body

In high school I had all the normal body issues, but didn't know I had a great body. I had a four pack stomach (thanks to weight/areobic class) and though I was quite chest-less---I was slender and mostly toned. My eatting habits were horrible. Mostly I think I was a binge eater. I wouldn't eat for a day or two and then sit down and eat and eat and eat! I loved fast food and had it at least once a day (but Sundays). My mom made us great dinners, but I would always stop for fast food somewhere. The amount of money I wasted of food is sad!

In college I did gain about 5 pounds. I eat better, since I didn't have money for fast food, but I still didn't make good food choices. When Lucas was on his mission I gained a little weight, but not alot. Right before Lucas came home from his mission I was in a spinning class, which was the PERFECT exercize for my body---it focused on aerobics, but it was mainly done with the lower body---which thanks to my Itailian heritage--I gain all my weight in tummy, butt, and hips! Lucas said I had the best legs at that time.

My real body problems started when....suprise....I got married! I was on depro-vera (sp?)---which was so bad for me. Not only did I have emotional/mental problems when I was on it, I gain 25 pounds in 3 months. That was a ton for me! I lost all energy and hated to even try to work out in Phoenix. That was a difficult time for me in life in general. Lucas and I kind of just ignor our 1st year of marrage. It was that bad!

When Sedona came along I didn't loose weight fast, but in about 2 years I was almost down to 130...then I got prego with Pepper....and I have stayed at 140 since--which is about 2 years. now.

My eatting habits still are horrible. I eat all the wrong kinds of food, and large emounts of it! I often out eat Lucas--I know!

Some of the hardest things about my weight is (um hum..my excuses--which I will have to kick in the bottom--) I am kind of a single mom during the week--so if I work out it has to be with my girls, or after they go to bed, and I am beat by that time. AND working out outside doesn't really work where I live---we have seasons--they are as follows...

1. Winter (which is most of the year)

2. Wind

3. Misquotes

4. 2 weeks of beautiful weather

5. Winter

Those 2 weeks of beatiful weather is during harvesting time for the garden---

I don't mind so much running in the wind or with the bugs, but the girls--it just doesn't work with them! They are either complaining the whole time or getting eatten alive!

PLUS---I dislike working out. I was raised in a household where my mom bad mouthed working out---she hates it too--and even would bad mouth people who took time to work out.

So it wasn't the best enviroment to learn to enjoy taking care of ones body by workign out.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Eatting is hard for me. I LOVE to eat--that isn't hard, but eatting healthy is hard for me. I love my cream of mushroom/chicken and cheese, and pasta, and breads, and gooy foods--mostly all that stuff which isn't that great for you!

One of the problems we have in our house is the difference in Lucas and I eatting styles. Lucas has IBS--irritable Bowel syndrome--but instead of constipation his body gets ride of food too fast. His body doesn't have time to absorb the energy before the food is gone. He struggles with keeping weight, and gain weight (totally opposite of me). He was raised on milk from the cow--cream and all---and finds 2% milk drinkable, but not good.

So I try to cook high caleriey, high fat foods for him, and since I am not all that keen on cooking, I normally just eat right along with him. Yeah! Extra calories, extra fat---just what I need!!

So either I am going to have to start making two different meals---Which actually wouldn't be too often since he isn't home a ton---or just add stuff to his meal after I take my portion out.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

I tried weigh watchers, but I am just not good at counting calories---Annie if you are still reading this will you tell me that website you use to count calories?

Anyone have any tips/tricks/websites on keeping track of calories?

Are you going to join me? If YES--do you mind if I include us with Shelly's group, or do you want to be seperate?

happy healthy body coming soon!!

A wonderful call!

I have just go off the phone with a friend whom I haven't talked with since last year (and haven't really talked to in YEARS!). She called me for some advice!

Let me tell you how nerve racking that was! I was so scared I was going to give her bad information, but once I called down and really thought about what she was going through and saying I was able to give her some good (ok in MY opinion) advice.

I am so thrilled that she was AWESOME enough to call me and felt like we were still good enough friends to call and help each other out!! That really makes me so happy!

This women is amazing! I am NOT going to tell you who she is, but here are some ways she is amazing!

She has overcome some big things in her life and has NOT let them taint her. She has a smile and a hug for everyone! She is an amazing listener and truly cares for people! I often feel because she is so caring people take advantage of her--she told me tonight "after my last relationship I don't want to be a doormat." She is SO COOL! It hurts to think of her lonely, or in pain of any kind. She has an amazing relationship with her mom and is a support to her family! She often carries them (but don't tell them I said that :) ) She deserves to live the life of a young women and not be burred with so many heavy things, but you won't hear her complain! She is totally open. She will tell you how it is, and leads her life with an open heart. She is not worried about the life she leads or about the life you lead and if it makes you different--she is open anyway! I so admire that quality!

I always felt at ease with her-and as a self-conscience awkward teenager that is saying something!)--I think my one regret in our friendship is that we didn't become closer friends--I was often to busy in high school to really take time to nurture friendships.

The one thing I think she needs to know is that she is a beautiful person who deserves ONLY the best! She is as gorgeous on the outside as she is on the inside!

I think if a desire to help others smelled like cookies---she would smell like the whole Mrs. Fields factory!

A non rant blog-bad dreams!

I know that Annie is the only one who reads this blog so I really feel like I could say anything....but tonight I am not.

But I thought I better a non rant blog or else this could turn into an rant only blog quickly! NOT What I want.


Annie-you know the rest of this blog so you don't have to read it if you don't want too :)

I have bad dreams--a lot. and not like the dreams that you fall, or that a spider is crawling on your leg, but the type that wake you up so violently you are sweating and freezing cold at the same time. The kind where you think about it for days, weeks, years, afterwards.

My first really bad dream was silly--but to a 4 year old it was traumatic. My older brother was sprinkling potato chips into my sisters eyes and this was making her shrink. She was so small she fit in a shoe box--I went upstairs to find my mom --I know I was 4 when I had the dream because we lived in our old house--and she got mad at me for having a messy room. --that was it--my first bad dream.
Sedona's first bad dream was a giant chicken plucked my eyes out--scary! She was about 3 when she had it and still talks about it!

I had another bad dream last night. Honestly I am glad I don't really remember it well. My dreams normally 1. Deal with the end of the world 2. someone trying to kill me or my family.

Yep--very pleasant--makes me want to go hop into bed right now :(

Actually I think deep down that might be one reason I don't like to go to sleep--I hate bad dreams! But I love sleeping!

oh well--it is after midnight now--and I didn't fall asleep till after 2:00 last night (and had a bad dream and was awake for a while) so I am really tired--maybe I will only read for an hour-- :)

I like a place to rant!

I will write other things here besides my rantings -- I promise!

I had a parent meeting at my house the other night. It was fine, but my rant is the way meetings are ran!

HELLO! I guess I am lucky to have been raised in an area and in a church that has taught me how to run a meeting---FROM AN AGENDA, along with MANY other basic meeting suaveness.

How to Properly run a meeting (or any kind)

1. Have an agenda--Sit down before the meeting and at least type up (hand written works if you have no computer) what issues you would like to discuss!

2. If possible have a copy for everyone at the meeting!

3. Don't get distracted--stick to the agenda--and make others stick to it too...Saying things like "so is everyone clear on #3?" or "did we decide on a date or time?" helps bring things back into focus. Don't be afraid to get things back on track--if the meeting is just going no where--say "Alright, looks like we have done everything we can tonight--When can everyone meet next week to finish this stuff up?" (but not in a snobby or mean way-)

4. When you don't have an agenda you forget things (and details)...even with an agenda you will forget something!

5. Start on time--don't wait till that one person who is always 15 minutes late to --just start---and TRY to keep meetings to an hour or TWO at the most--IF you have to run longer than that you need another meeting. People can only handle volunteer meetings for so long. (and so often!)

6. Have drinks and snacks on hand---Water, cups, popcorn and such is perfect. It relaxes the atmosphere and gives people something to do when details are getting ironed out.

7. Don't talk about others--be professional--

8. Be prepared to take notes--have extra pens, pencils (and if you don't have an agenda copy for everyone--extra paper).

9. When talking about something--make specific assignments---saying "someone needs to order those" and then moving on DID not accomplish anything! Ask specific questions--"who would like to order those? When will have them ordered?" THAT is what works!

10. Don't be afraid to get people back on track---

11. Have a secretary---if you don't have one--take great notes (especially on who said they would do what) Give each person that attended a copy of the minutes and their assignments with in a few days of the meeting! (get email addresses if possible)!

12. Like I said before--don't have meetings too often, but don't do too few either. If you have major things coming up and having one meeting before the major event causes stress and over worked individuals--when things could have been faced and handled earlier!


I am really NOT mad at our PTA president because she is a young girl who has never been taught this--and that is not being afraid of her reading this, because I don't think she knows about it, and I really don't care if we are friends or not (thought I do think she is cool and very strong--single mom --22 with a 5 year old son--that takes guts and balls!).

HOW TO WRITE AN AGENDA

this is what our School agenda should have looked like....

3/23/10 (always put the date)

1. Art Auction
a. What will be auctioned
b. What will each class contribute
c. Individuals or Business that will donate?
d. Date
e. Location
f. Advertising

2. Continuation
a. Pictures in Cap/Gowns? Yes? No?
b. Who can take pictures?
c. Who will get caps?
d. Activity or program?

Get it? Not hard--just gives and and everyone else something to follow!

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I like Notes---I am a list maker--how did I learn this?

In 8th grade my teacher made us watch--"where there is a will, there's an A." The note keeping part has stuck with me all these years!! I suggest trying to find it and watching it--it might be alot of old info, but it was good stuff---make your teen-agers (grade 8 or older) watch it with you.

101 happy things

This is a great list--I stole it from another website--I had to change a few of them--enjoy!

coloring (yes, grown-ups can do it, too)
crisp cotton sheets
soft skin
old family recipes
the first daffodils of spring
sleeping in
an exercise endorphin high
window boxes
a perfect cup of coffee
a genuine compliment (giving or receiving)
the way babies smell
a handwritten letter
waking up in a good mood...for no real reason
singing in the shower
finding a couple forgotten dollars in your pocket
doing something nice for your neighbor
eatting out with a group of good friends
laughing
Kettlecorn popcorn from a vendor
playing a game

a bubble bath
swimming
an afternoon nap
street musicians
your favorite song
saying thank you
helping someone in need
old fashioned photo booths
fresh whipped cream
inspiring blogs
a glass of wine
rainy afternoons
the funny things kids say
a novel you can get lost in
finding the perfect piece of clothing...on sale
clean laundry
the wind in your hair
treating the person behind you at the drive-thru
sharing an umbrella
the smell of lavender
a long walk that clears your head
a bear hug
The Beatles
smiling at a stranger
eating with chopsticks (Chinese food optional)
butterflies
staying in your pj's all day
singing along to the radio and knowing all the words
fresh herbs
ordering in pizza
happy endings
flying a kite
puppies/kittins
root beer floats
holding open the door...
...or having someone hold the door for you
fountain soda
white, fluffy towels
sunshine
spending an afternoon at a museum/library
really great advice
green lights all the way home
the sound of rain hitting the windows
on the same side of a booth with your spouse
holding hands
a great hair day with no effort
building a fort with your kids
when someone falls asleep with their head on your shoulder (without drooling!)
fireflies
the perfect---anything!
blooming flowers on a windowsill
slow dancing
the smell of fresh-baked bread
cheesy, uplifting musicals

Great stories

the smell of gasoline
the cold side of the pillow
love letters
old friends...
...new friends
a pull-through parking space
a baguette -- crisp on the outside, airy on the inside
Singing at the top of your lungs
sitting at the counter at an old-fashioned diner
using your favorite dishes
reading your child a bedtime story
Girl Scout Cookies
flossing
kissing someone you love
the smell of mushrooms and garlic cooking
hot chocolate

Old Photo's
jumping in puddles
birds hopping on the sidewalk
Ella Fitzgerald
a spoonful of peanut butter straight from the jar
your softest t-shirt
a new magazine in the mail
fireplaces
having exact change
bacon and pancakes cooking on Saturday morning

Rantings of a town worker

I work for a small town as the Assistant Town Clerk--I am so high and mighty it is crazy!! Ok--I am like the man who cleans the low man on the totum pole...

We have about 1,000 people in our town. And they all think the town board is out to screw them over.

"I complained about this about two years ago and NOTHING has been done!"
Well yeah--they might have forgotten--they might have tabled it because it wasn't as important as something else---and GUESS WHAT!! The town had an election since then and only TWO of the original board members that even heard about your complaint are still around (which was brought to light by someone else since you were brave enough to do it yourself). Of course they didn't do anything---YOU didn't take action.

LISTEN UP PEOPLE---if you WANT your TOWN/CITY government to do something---be PROACTIVE.

Lets say you live on a busy street that is a main traffic run for high school-ers before/after/and during lunch and they run the stop sign at your corner.

1. If you can--Look up if your town has any rules/policies/ordinances/or regulations about the issue. Call your town clerk---or call around until you can find someone to help you. (for this issue it might be a police thing--)

2. WRITE DOWN THE PROBLEM-- Write your name, your contact information, what the problem is, what you have observed, and what you would like to have happen, and what could happen if nothing happens. IT MIGHT NOT GO THE WAY YOU WANT--but you are being helpful. EXAMPLE "Amy Larson 555-5711---The high School students at Windridge High School are running the stop sign at 2nd street and Elm. I have observed personally happening on a daily occurrence. I would like to see more stop signs placed on that street, police car patrol that area more closely, and/or that intersection made into a four way stop. I am afraid a car accident with deadly results will happen unless action is taken. Thank you, Amy."

3. CALL to get on the agenda--of course you might have to call around again to find out WHO does the agenda--most likely your town clerk (or they might have a public comment section--many times it is limited to TWO minutes). ASK how many board members there are (and then make about 5 (or more) extra for Town Clerk-to keep on record, the Town Cop (if needed) and anyone else who the board might think will be interested in having this.

4. GO TO THE TOWN MEETING--don't mail it it, don't tell a board member, don't even rely on the Town Clerk (or assistant) to pass it along. They have other things they are dealing with.

5. Be polite, but stern. If you are a push over---they will push you over---if you are rude, you set up walls--EVEN if what you are saying is true. don't say (Quote) "I know that people on the other side of town are getting there roads worked on--we pay the same amount of taxes, but we aren't treated as well. We know that people on that side of town are more well liked" WHAA WAAA WHAA! Really?! Whining doesn't work. We don't like THEM more than you---maybe we see that issue more in our face than we see your issue. We had NO IDEA your side of the road was flooded because so and so doesn't turn off their sprinkler--We are NEVER down that street! That is why it is called TOWN GOVERNMENT and NOT THE TOWN BOARD GOVERNMENT.

6. PLUS--don't stop as at church, at the post office, in the store, or show up (unless it is an emergency--like a wild dog, or crazy person --but really call the cops most of the time if it is THAT important!) at our door and expect us to remember everything YOU would like to have happen---"oh yeah, and could you bring up this.....which reminds me that needs fixed too...." I promise you --we won't remember, and EVEN if we write it down, we will LOOSE it before the meeting!!! WE have VERY busy lives outside of town board---we are volunteers-(well, not me, but them!)-not paid---so we don't think about it, and often don't work as hard at it as we should!

If you REALLY don't like the way things were handled--get involved---go to more meetings, write letters to the mayor weekly--(the Mayor doesn't really have voting power--just organizes the meetings and gives his two cents worth --which is weighted)--so write to the board members also.

Plus--Town Meetings take a LONG time--and there is always at least one totally long winded guy/girl on the board who has to tell you all about the way it use to happen/or the way it should happen! UGG---AND it is hard to get action---because normally by taking action you will tick someone else off and it starts a chain of NEW issues no one expected---THAT is NOT saying you should do anything--but just be prepared for a long wait--and bringing it back to the board over and over--

HECK---RUN FOR TOWN BOARD----

Ok--enough already---I know!

But there you go.

Amish Peace

I am listening to a book on CD called Amish Peace about how the Amish live.

I am really enjoying it--I would LOVE to go over the Amish families in the area and see how they live from the inside.

Don't they just seem peaceful-not calm (who would be with 12 kids running all the time) but peaceful? Part of that is attributed with having a slower pace of life--which they are proud of--we seem to try to cram as much as possible in a day, and not notice anything around us.

No I don't want to be Amish, but I want to know the mentality behind "you are rich enough when you can afford to leave things alone." I think that is the quote.

They live simply, they don't aspire for MORE, they are happy with what they have and are thrifty people.

Here I am with a room (house) full of stuff I don't need, don't use, and only brings thoughts of frustration!

What a good mental trait to pass on to my girls! Why do you need more when we can't keep care of what we have?

So I looked at my life

-toys--way more than needed

-furniture--good amount, but not what we need (I have three dressers in the girls room - one has only one drawer, one has only two drawers--not a good use of furniture!)

-clothes--way more than needed

-clutter--more than I need

-food--more than I need (I throw food away every week) Yes I believe in food storage and I will always have more than I need, but I need to plan menu's better so I don't throw away as much food!

So in EVERY aspect of my life I have WAY more than I need. So the hard part is getting ride of it---having the simple and plain mentality that it is just stuff--and needs to be pared down!

I know the Amish life is romanticized. Trust me, I don't want to live the Amish way--I know enough about them to know it is hard, long, work to be like them, and I love my modern technology (as I sit and type away on my computer, while running a fridge, freezer, heater, and radio, and most likely will use the TV as a babysitter this afternoon).

One thing they have said is--modern women wake up and are faced with 100's of pointless decisions daily --what to wear, how to fix my hair, make-up, what socks? shoes? Should I check my email now or later--and so on and so on! They take most of the time consuming/pointless decisions we make and get rid of them. They might have chores that take a long time, but "each task takes as long as it takes"--and you don't rush it--because they don't have their cell phone ringing, their fax machine going, a new message on facebook/twitter/hotmail/yahoo and a to-do list that never gets done--they simply don't live with the interruptions.

so while I am sitting here waisting the day away I am sure in the Amish community they are buzzing like bee's.

Two totally random pieces of information for you...

1. the Amish come to some of the parades during the 24th celebration--and not to be rude, but they totally have Hobbit feet--not hairy, but big and calloused. They hardly wear shoes and their feet show it. crazy!

2. In the "true" Amish community they try not to draw attention to themselves, so when you see something advertised overly as AMISH--you can guess it might not be pure Amish.

Guess I better learn something from those Amish women and get to work.

Organization alludes me again!

This is a statue by my Aunt --doesn't she just look peaceful!

I have moments like this--and I have moments NOT like this.

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So I asked myself what to I want to accomplish with this blog--other than a place I can "be myself".

I want to explore area's of my life that need improvement (which are MANY)

But of course I will mostly focus on being HOT, more spiritual (Heavenly), Happier (by working smart--like how I SHOULD be cleaning my kitchen instead of blogging, which wouldn't be more fun, but in the long run make me happier!), and of course a better homemaker--I have the skill and most of the knowledge, I just need the motivation and in some instantaneous the money.

I blogged (on my Larson blog) how I needed more energy. Thanks to my BFF (ha--that is so ghetto/snobby/middle school sounding!) Annie, she introduced me to One-A-Day Vitamin ENERGY vitamins and I love them!!

Maybe each week I will focus on some different part of my life, maybe daily---who knows.

I am starting to wonder if this blog will take over my other blog, because really these areas of my life---are---well---my life.

Today so far to help reach my goals--

1. worked out

2. Laundry going

3. some folded and put away

4. Exercise

5. Showered (but no hair or make-up has been messed with).

6. Dinner started for tonight and Tomorrow

So while I think of a plan for this blog you will enjoy the random ramblings of me!

So while I wanted to present an organized front, again I am not!

Enjoy the real me!

And so it begins...

-This is the first post--duh!

-This is my blog--my place to write my thoughts on being a hot----heavenly----and happy homemaker!!

Anything that I do/don't do to help me reach my desire of being a Hot Heavenly Happy Homemaker (HHHH) will be posted here.

I choose Homemaker, because to me that is more than a housewife. Because I am MORE than a housewife. I am an individual, a wife, a mother, a friend, a daughter, a leader, and so much more. A homemaker isn't limited to "wife" (not that wife is bad--it is not it gives me lots of joy--most of the time).

-I am reading a book that is teaching me about how to stop apologizing for being me! I am so concerned with other people---what they think, how they will feel, MORE than I care about what I feel and how I think. See I almost didn't tell you the book because I was afraid you would judge me---the book is "Co-dendant no more". so far it is GREAT.

-This is the place for me to be me.

-Mostly ramblings on my thoughts---so that I will stop blogging on my personal blog about this stuff--so if you really care I guess you will have to follow both blogs-

-but FAIR WARNING--what I write may (most likely) at one point or another make you mad/sad/or any other unpleasent emotion, but in this blog I really don't care. I would say sorry--but that would be defeating the point. so beware as you proceed to find out more about Amy and not just her happy "public" personality.

so now i am off to live up to the homemaker part of my life by cleaning my house in a mad dash (normally that is the best (and only) way that I clean). I will present my "Ultimate playlist" on my blog at sometime. These are songs that get my blood going and my body moving!

Till tomorrow (or later)