My Dulce Life

NEW BLOG.....

2011-12-08T12:36:00.003-07:00

So there are going to be A LOT of changes in the future. I just want to blog about most of them. I am starting a new blog. http://jamieink.wordpress.com/

Hopefully this new one will make me want to blog!

Look for the Australia vacation post. Coming soon!

S&!T People Say to Me

2011-04-01T08:51:00.000-07:00

"Am I dressed too slutty for Black Angus?"

Horse Shoe

2011-03-17T15:01:00.002-07:00

I have NO words.....

S&!T People Say to Me

2011-03-17T08:34:00.002-07:00

I am starting a new type of post. It's 'S&!T People Say'. I over hear a lot of things, especially in my line of work. Very random, random things. These will completely be taken out of context. I love it!

Today's:

"It is about as interesting as two porcupines mating." - M

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-16T13:55:00.001-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-09T13:07:00.001-07:00

Just the Right Amount of Wrong

2011-02-02T08:48:00.013-07:00

Remember this commercial:

The $3.9 billion Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is Las Vegas’ newest casino/resort. It features a 100,000-square-foot casino, 2,995 rooms, 36,000 square feet of shops, 10 restaurants and a buffet, the Marquee nightclub, a 43,000-square-foot spa and three pools.

Ryan and I just got back from Vegas. Our Disneyland. We gambled....played poker (seen some poker stars btw), gambled more, ate, gambled. You see where we are heading.

Our highlight of the trip was to visit The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. And how did they blow through $3.9 billion? Oh... on CHANDELIERS! They were everywhere. Even in bathrooms. I hate using the term "sexy", but that is exactly what this casino is.....sexy. The center piece of the casino is this breathtaking three story chandelier. The chandelier, which took about a year to complete, combines more than 2 million crystal beads and three bars within a 10,000-square-foot space. The 65-foot tall fixture is made up of large crystal curtains combining layers of string that work to create a semitransparent skin around the interior. Like I said.....just the right amount of wrong.

Enjoy a tour of the Cosmopolitan through this photo gallery:

The lobby. Two story high video pillars that greet people.

The AMAZING chandelier.

Next time you are in Vegas.....stop by The Cosmopolitan, Aria and Wynn/Encore. These properties will blow your socks off!

Summer Cruise ~ The Epic

2011-01-27T14:10:00.013-07:00

My mom, invited me on this amazing cruise this late summer. We also tagged along with step grandma Shirley and her daughter, Marie. This was my 2nd cruise. This truly was an amazing trip. The ship alone was worth every penny. I am just amazed on how this ginormous ship can stay afloat (I leave the engineering to the hubby). We set sail from Miami and our ports were St. Maartins, St. Thomas and Nassau, Bahamas.

The Ship ~ NCL's Epic

Epic is an understatement. This ship was massive. It is one of the largest at sea. It made it's maiden vogue just two months before we set sail.

Specs:
Overall Length: 1,080 ft / 329.5 m
Guests: 4,100 (double occupancy)
Cruise Speed: 22 knots

The ship featured 20 restaurants (freestyle....one of them was teppinaki), 3 water slides, an Ice bar, Blue Man Group, Cirque Show, Legions in Concert, Casino, rock wall, bowling and other activities. It even had an escalator and the largest chandelier at sea!

Here are a few photos that I stole off the net of the ship.

What our cabin looked like. Super roomy! Huge balcony.

Here are my photos of the trip....

Us in St. Maartin. It was the first day on land in 3 days. From left to right: Grandma Shirley, my Mom, Jill, Me, and Marie. The first stop in St. Maartin...we took a submarine to the reef and saw tons of fish and jelly fish. We also saw starfish and even a few turtles! St. Maartin is half Dutch and half French.

Our ship is St. Maartin.

What I woke up to....the first day of LAND. I NEEDED to get off ASAP!

I coxed my mom into eating sushi. Well, got her drunk first, then talked her into eating sushi for the first time. First stop was to teach her how to use chopsticks. She was happy when she was able to pick something up.

She looks terrified to eat the sushi. I started her off on Cali roll, Shrimp Tempura, and Spicy Tuna. For it being aboard a cruise ship....it was quite tasty and fresh!

Baby stingrays at Atlantis in Bahama's.

Saw Shark at Atlantis in Bahama's.

Atlantis in Bahama's. It was AMAZING there.

Amazing glass installations around Atlantis.

My mom and I on the beach in St. Thomas. MY FAVORITE part of the trip. Well the food was right up there....but this beach was amazing!

See how crystal clear the water is. I snorkeled. Yes, I snorkeled and LOVED it. (Remember this blog: Jamaica freak out moment). I feed the fish dog bones. There was hundreds of fish and just a beautiful day. Water was perfect. I swam and snorkeled for hours. Even seen barracuda fish and didn't freak out.

Iguanas around St. Thomas.

Ice Bar fun!!! Yes, the entire bar was made of ice. It was freezing....I had no socks or pants for that matter.

We had one major snag coming home. Our plane was delayed 7.5 hours. OMG! Sitting in a Ft. Lauderdale airport for that length of time....when you are tired and unburnt and just want to get home. Poor Grandma S. She was super sick. Plus, when we arrived in Phoenix, they had another 2 hour ride home. They didn't get there until 4:30. We were all up for 26 hours.

We all had a wonderful time. Even after the delay. It was great time to spend with my mom. I was very lucky I got this great opportunity!

Oh, and I got to knock off tons off my 101 list!

Introducing Mr. Tristan

2011-01-26T15:08:00.003-07:00

Ryan's sister, Amanda gave birth to a perfect little man named, Tristan Jackson! He was 8lbs, 21 inches. He was born on Friday, January 14th.

He is the cutest baby. Seriously, he is adorable! Tons of hair. Welcome to the world little man! And yes, I will be that obnoxious auntie that will kiss you way too much and send you horrible sweaters!

By the way....his little chin. It is the same chin and Ryan and Amanda. So.....chances of our kid having that same chin is quite large.

The top Yahoo searches of 2010 are:

2010-12-01T11:15:00.001-07:00

The top Yahoo searches of 2010 are:

1. The Gulf of Mexico oil disaster

2. The World Cup soccer tournament

3. Pop singer Miley Cyrus

4. Reality TV star Kim Kardashian

5. Singer Lady Gaga

6. Apple's iPhone

7. Actress Megan Fox

8. Singer Justin Bieber

9. "American Idol"

10. Singer Britney Spears

Really people? That is what you are searching for? Good gawd!

Day 3 - Your first love

2010-10-28T12:57:00.002-07:00

Let me set the scene for you......
First day of high school. I am a scared little freshman (I mean....really little. I could fit into girls clothes still). I was wondering (probably lost) down the hall and I seen him....the crowd parted and revealed Jeremy. I was instantly obsessed with him. He was in one of my classes. It was a science class. I also had a friend in that class as well. So the teacher on the first day started to assign partners. I was PREYING Jeremy, Jeremy, Jeremy....Autumn would be good to, but PLEASE, PLEASE let me be with Jeremy.

"Ok, Jamie B......your partner is.......Jeremy," said the teacher.

There is a Gawd!!!! I am sure I was grinning from ear to ear. Autumn's partner ending up dropping to class and she became our partner as well.

Jeremy and I actually became really good friends all through high school. Even with a boyfriend, I still had a massive crush on him. I was tormented by his girlfriends (in-which I helped him out by getting them....we were "friends").

The craziest thing I did was he gave me a stick and a leaf one time....I actually kept it. For years. I just got rid of it when I moved in with Ryan. AN EFFING STICK and a LEAF! I kept in since freshman year.

Day 2-Meaning behind your blog name

2010-10-27T08:40:00.003-07:00

Dulce is "sweet" in Spanish. I was thinking of names for my business and knew I only wanted one name for it and 4 to 5 letters. I started putting words into a Spanish/English translator and one of the words was sweet/dulce. I loved it!!!

The down side....Dolce (sweet in Italian) is a name of a high-end salon in the valley....they get us confused a lot. I still wonder how many people call the salon looking for invitations? I still get people say Dolce....like the salon? I'll just stop by some time. Uh.....no!

Back to the name. I am very uncreative when it comes to words. VERY. I use creativity all up on design. I have nothing left for the written word. I originally wanted this blog to be all about my life and business.....but now, I just want to focus on my life. My sweet life with Ryan and Tivo.

Day 1-Introduce, recent picture, 15 interesting facts.

2010-10-26T10:05:00.003-07:00

Tomorrow = One week in my book! =)

Day 1-Introduce, recent picture, 15 interesting facts.

I am 30 years old, an Arizona native. I got married to Ryan, 2.5 years ago in Las Vegas, Nevada (which is the same place he proposed). We have the CUTEST dog in the world named, TiVO (yes, like the DVR). We adopted him almost two years ago. I have a BA in graphic design and will be receiving a certificate in website design very, very soon.

This photo was just taken on my cruise to the Caribbean. Sorry for the windblown hair.

15 facts - I am not too sure how "interesting" these are:

I am an Arizona native
I still grew after high school...around 2"
I am a whore for Chipotle....eat it several times a week
I can roll my tongue like a taco and crease it in the middle
I have two tattoos and my navel is pierced
One of the tattoos was done by my uncle
Did archery as a kid
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday
Love to play poker (Texas Hold 'em) online or live
I am tongue tied
Lived in a haunted house
Have have 6 different families. My mom's adopted family and biological family, real dad's family, step dad #1's family, step dad #2's family, in-laws.
I LOVE board and card games
I am obsessed with textures. Paper, clothes, other sorts of textures. I just walk down the street with my hand out....touching and feeling everything.
My eyes change color throughout the day

30 Day Blogging Challange

2010-10-19T14:25:00.002-07:00

I saw this on a few of my blogger friends (Amber & Jenni). Since I am incredibly boring...I hope this spices things up!

I'll start tomorrow!!

Day 1-Introduce, recent picture, 15 interesting facts
Day 2-Meaning behind your blog name
Day 3-Your first love
Day 4-Your parents
Day 5-Your siblings
Day 6-A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 7-Favorite movies
Day 8-A place you've traveled to
Day 9-A picture of your friends
Day 10-Something you're afraid of
Day 11-Favorite tv shows
Day 12-What you believe
Day 13-Goals
Day 14-A picture you love
Day 15-Bible verse
Day 16-Dream house
Day 17-Something you're looking forward to
Day 18-Something you regret
Day 19-Something you miss
Day 20-Nicknames
Day 21-Picture of yourself
Day 22-Favorite city
Day 23-Favorite vacation
Day 24-Something you've learned
Day 25-Put your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs
Day 26-Picture of your family
Day 27-Pets
Day 28-Something that stresses you out
Day 29-3 Wishes
Day 30-a picture

Dulce has some news......

2010-09-22T15:22:00.001-07:00

Check it out here.....

Hand Leash.....Really?

2010-09-15T08:38:00.002-07:00

This would creep me out on so many levels.
It is a hand that is attached to a leash so you can "hold" the hand and walk your dog instead of holding the effing leash. WTF is wrong with people? The sad part is.....I am sure they sold MANY. I can’t think of any better way for you to set up an insanity defense for any crime you may commit in the future. Yes, it will look that weird.

What do you think? Would you use it?

The Bees Got Evicted

2010-09-09T15:01:00.005-07:00

We have/had a little......ok BIG bee problem. They decided to build a very nice bee hive in the wall of our home. We gave them an eviction notice.

100 pounds of honey, 15,000 bees. It took them about 6 months to build.

Jamaica

2010-08-22T20:55:00.001-07:00

Due to me starting the blog several times.....it is posted below the Adam Carolla blog

Dulce's New Blog

2010-08-20T13:05:00.002-07:00

Dulce has a blog! Click here.

This is where all the biz stuff will go.

I am trying to do DIY projects, graphic design stuff - print/web, wedding trends, small business stuff. Check it out and subscribe!

Blogspot will be personal stuff!

Adam Carolla

2010-08-19T15:29:00.004-07:00

#35 - Go to a comedy club.

Ryan and I went to see Adam Carolla (radio host, tv host, writer, actor, comedian) at the Tempe Improv. I like Adam. He is smart and extremely funny. Adam Carolla is Ryan's man crush. Yes, Ryan has a man crush and it is Adam Carolla. Ryan idolizes the man. Thinks everything he does or says is funny. He started to do stuff, because Adam does it. One major thing Ryan does, because Adam does it is run red arrows. If the light to go straight is green and you want to make a left hand turn, but it has a red arrow.....Ryan goes through it.

Adam started off the show with his radio segment, "What can't Adam complain about?". Adam can complain about EVERYTHING. EVERYTHING! He had people in the audience shout out things. The first was Make A Wish Foundation. He brought up some good points about them. Also someone said cake. Any one who listens to Adam, knows he LOVES pie. Really LOVES pie. He started to argue that birthday cake is a germ encrusted thing. I completely agree now. Think about birthday cake. You bring it out with cheap, made-in-China figurines that you know no one washed. Then you have candles that everyone "blows/spits" out. He is SO right. Birthday cake is gross and I will not have the flu/cold smeared cake any more.

Adam put on a great show, complete with visuals and his famous stories. Most of all, he doesn't rub his success in your face, he shows how hard he worked to get where he is at. He even showed us his earnings for the last 20 years. BTW, his earnings went from $250 to over $2 million with several goose eggs in between. I wish Adam the best of luck and many more years in entertainment!

Jamaica

2010-08-18T14:03:00.016-07:00

Ryan and I went to Jamaica at the end of June (yes, I well aware that it is at the end of August). I started this post probably 5+ times.

Jamaica was BEAUTIFUL! Green stuff for miles and miles. Coming from Arizona, you forget how much of the world is GREEN! There was an hurricane that went over the country the day we landed. We missed it completely, no big deal, except the humidity the next day was a bear. I was not prepared or use to that. We would walk less than a block and be drenched with sweat. Nice and romantic!

When we got off the plane, we were asked by the locals if we wanted purchase weed. As did all of our bus drivers. On top of that, they drove like manics! I haven't figured out if China drivers or Jamaica drivers scared me most.

You also find out VERY quickly about "island time". So a "30-minute drive" will be two hours. Always add at least an hour to their time.

We stayed at an all-inclusive resort, my first. We drank, ate, drank and swam all day, every day. They were not cheap on the drinks by the way! They were mostly alcohol with a little mixer.

**Recommendation** for an all-inclusive resort, bring a large portable plastic mug. They fill the drinks in little plastic cups. I was told this, but didn't know what type of mug to bring. Also, men will need to bring pants with them for dinner.

We had several restaurant that we can go eat at. Each one had a theme. I think Ryan and I liked the authentic, Jerk Chicken Hut the best. It is what Jamaica is famous for. On the road sides, where ever you go, there are jerk chicken huts set up every where. You just pull up, al la McDonalds, and get a quarter of a chicken that was grilled on a barrel-turned-BBQ. The best food you will have!

We pretty much stayed at the resort. We left once to go zip lining in the jungle. We had a blast. I think there was 9 lines. I was mrs. scardy pants, but I truly had a great time. I just wish I had bug spray.
On our way home, our bus broke down. In the middle of no where. As you see in the photo....Ryan's BlackBerry still worked. Oh joy!!! He can't put it down for a second.
I did go snorkeling once. It was my second time ever. I FREAKED OUT! (Both times actually.) I am really not a fan swimming in the ocean. My first issue is, I am a nose breather. I can't breath though my mouth. Second, I have and issue with getting hurt. I am not scared of sharks, but I am terrified of something stinging me.

My first experience, My foot hit a bag or something and I panicked and was started going under water....completely forgetting how to swim.

Jamaica experience was not too far different. I was kind of doing ok, until I seen a jelly fish. OH.MY.GAWD! I freaked. FREAKED! I swam in the opposite direction of the jelly fish....which so happens to be over the top of Ryan. Poor guy, I pushed him under the water. He told me later that there was like 10 of them...I only seen one, but that was enough. I did continue on. I was proud of myself. I really tried. My heart was still beating as loud as it possible could. I didn't think it could get worse, until we went to the reef. That was nice, pretty, fun fish, oh, by the way, INCHES from me. They were covered in SEA URCHINS. They sting. I don't want to touch. I am glad I did it. There was unique fish and some really different formations I got to see. I love the ocean, I just don't want to be in the ocean. If I ever go again.....I'll need blood pressure meds.

Overall, it was such a wonderful vacation. A very relaxing and I enjoyed myself very much. Food was decent, the alcohol was plentiful, the locals were nice. The best part, I got to spend an entire week with my husband!

I loved it! Yeah Mon!

The jelly fish bay. It is also the same spot where I accidentally pulled off my bathing suit bottoms if front of a rather large crowd. Yes, I had a few drinks by then. Yes, it was only 10am. Don't judge.

Our rooms. Little cabanas of 36.

View from our cabana. Super close to the beach. We had a really good spot.

Our open air lobby.

What’s Your Sign? Er, Blood Type?

2010-06-24T10:31:00.002-07:00

The Japanese have long paid attention to blood types for clues to personality, the way we, Americans turn to zodiac signs. The craze is generally traced back to a 1916 treatise by Kimata Hara, a doctor, linking blood type to character.

Blood Type Meanings:

Type A

People with blood type A have a deep-rooted strength that helps them stay calm in a crisis when everyone else is panicking. However, they tend to avoid confrontation, and feel very uncomfortable around people. A types are shy and sometimes withdrawn. They seek harmony and are very polite, but all the same feel that they never really fit in with others. A types are very responsible. If there is a job to be done, they prefer to take care of it themselves. These people crave success and are perfectionists. They are also very creative, and the most artistic of all the blood types, most likely because of their sensitivity.

People with blood type A are also likely to be considered classic "type A's": stressed and conscientious.

Type B

People with blood type B are the most practical of the blood groups. They are specialists in what they do. When they start a project, they spend extra time understanding and trying to follow directions than others might. When they are doing something, all of their attention is focused on it. They tend to stick to a goal and follow it through to the end, even if it seems impossible. They tend to be less than cooperative, as they like to follow their own rules and their own ideas. They are individualists. B type people pay attention to their thoughts a little more than their feelings, and therefore can sometimes seem cold and serious.

People with blood type B are often considered more relaxed, freewheeling, and unconventional than other types, although not necessarily to an unacceptable degree.

Type O

People with blood type O people are outgoing, energetic and social. They are the most flexible of the blood types. They easily start up projects but often have trouble following through because they give up easily. They are flighty and not too dependable. O types always say what's on their mind. They value the opinion of others and like to be the center of attention. Also, people with O blood are extremely self-confident.

Type O, the most "average" blood type, is considered the best type in Japan.

Type AB

People with blood type AB are hard to categorize. They can have characteristics on both ends of the spectrum at the same time. For instance, they are both shy and outgoing. They easily switch from one opposite to another. AB people are trustworthy and responsible, but can't handle it when too much is asked of them. They don't mind doing favors or helping out, as long as its on their own conditions. People with this blood type are interested in art and metaphysics.

AB is considered the worst blood type. In predictability-loving Japan, they're loose cannons. They also like to set their own conditions and reserve the right to drop out when things don't meet their expectations. They're known to be sensitive and considerate—at times—but it just isn't enough to balance out the flaws in this blood type. For a while, some companies tried dividing their employees into work groups based on blood type, and no one wanted to work with the AB group.

A is most compatible with A and AB.

B is most compatible with B and AB.

AB is most compatible with AB, B, A, and O.

O is most compatible with O and AB.

My blood type is B.

Checks off the old 101 list in 1001 days

2010-06-21T10:54:00.003-07:00

I have a HUGE one I just completed. Read 15 Fiction Books - DONE!!!

Go me! Coming from a person that HATED to read. I now love it and a huge source of entertainment. I am really trying to cut down my TV watching. But, then again, I did name my dog, TiVO (BTW, he is the cutest and best dog EVER!). Work in progress.

The last two books that I read/listen to was. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks and 1st to Die by James Patterson.

The Notebook: Well lets just say that I am not a fan of love stories. Maybe I am jaded, but it wasn't that special. It is a great love story, I will give you that, but I wasn't captivated by it. I wasn't excited to find out what happens. I did see the movie, but I didn't remember too much about it.

I think I need action packed books to hold my attention.

1st to Die: Loved it! It is the first book in the Woman's Murder Club series. Once you think you know who the killer is...Patterson gives you another twist. Good book! I am currently on the 2nd book and it's not as good, but still was excited to see what happens next. I should be finished with it today.

I did a few other items as well. In two weeks, I'll mark off a whole bunch more!!

101 things in 1001 days

2010-05-21T09:54:00.002-07:00

# 47. Read 15 fiction books (13/15)

I just finished the 4th book in the Harry Potter Series - The Goblet of Fire. I thought it was good. All the twists and turns and unexpected plots. It held my attention and as all books, I hate to see them end. At least this is a series and I have a few more to look forward to!

101 List Progess....

2010-05-14T09:53:00.002-07:00

#47 - Read 15 Non-Fiction Books.

Two down.....One of them was a MONSTER! 1074 pages.....wowser for sure!

Under the Dome, by Stephen King.

Plot: A town gets cut off by an unknown "dome" and it deals with how people behave when they are cut off from the society they've always belonged to.

First off....I REALLY enjoyed this book. SK wrote this book with many different narrators. After all, he introduced an entire town of characters to us. With everyone being the narrator, the readers can find out exactly what that person is going through and thinking. Also his or her's take on the "dome" that surrounds their sleepy little town in Maine. SK even had a woodchuck, dog and even children be a narrator for a bit. It was a perfect way to introduce such a large cast of characters. You are able to keep them straight, bond with them and enjoy their views about the dome. I know some people criticizes SK's writing, but he can really talk the people. He can tell a story like no other. Plus with Under The Dome, you have no clue if it is military, aliens or bio that is causing this "dome" around this town. With SK writing it, it could be all three! The town also starts to divide into two groups. You got your heroes, your villains sides........what side would you choose?

Also, this book, SK attempted to write it in the 70's.

FANTASTIC book! There are rumors that it is going to be a 14-mini series on HBO. It will be fantastic and with 14 hours, I think they can keep true to the book and the characters. I can not WAIT to see who they cast! If you read/listened to the book......who would you cast?

Blaze, by Stephen King under the pseudonym of Richard Bachman - Trunk Novel

Plot: A "good natured," Blaze criminal steals a baby.

I did like it and I really started to get into in about 1/4 way through. Was it the best novel? No, by I really liked Blaze and I wanted only the best for him. I bonded with him.

This novel was also like Under the Dome, SK started writing the story along time ago. Even before Carrie. He started thinking about it and wanted to updated it. It took him a really long time to track down the 100 page story, typed on a typewriter.

#40 - Get all As For a Semester

I did it!! All A's! Model student am I.

#41 - Build a website portfolio

Done, I just need to make it better.

Tag, I'm It!

2010-05-03T12:47:00.003-07:00

M ya has tagged me!

Here are the rules:

1) Go to your photo files, select the 8th photo folder
2) Select the 8th photo in that folder
3) Post that photo along with the story behind it
4) Then challenge 8 blogging friends to do the same!

It's the TiVO!!! It was probably taken the first week we adopted him. SOOOO CUTE! He just got neutered, so he had a cone around his neck. He would run in the backyard, scoop up dirt and rocks in the cone. It made the edges so rough and scrappy. Then he would run into our legs with the jagged edged cone. It hurt. We were ALL excited to get that thing off. Plus, he was FINALLY able to get a bath.

Here is a full version photo of what he looked like with the cone on. Just the cutest dog, EVER.

99 Things

2010-04-28T15:46:00.003-07:00

Instructions: Copy the list, bold the ones you’ve done

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a thunder and lightning storm
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen the Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie - I have been in a commercial....does that count?
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been a passenger on a motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Got a tattoo
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

54 out of 99....not too bad!

Yup, That's My Husband!

2010-04-27T08:28:00.003-07:00

We know how anti-photo radar Ryan is. He has protested at the state capital, courtrooms. He has given statements at the capital and been interviewed by house representatives. He has been interviewed by newspaper and television reporters (even Wall Street Journal). He is an advocate for his cause. He believes they are unconstitutional. He believes in his his right to the first amendment. And no, he has NEVER received a photo radar ticket in the mail.

This is what my husband is up to yesterday.
He stood in-front of the camera so no one got tickets yesterday (read article here). BTW, he has video of the camera flashing and NO cars around. He also has video of the camera going off and cars NOT speeding. So think again if you think the cameras are ok. You might say, "oh, I never speed and I don't have to worry about that." Think again. The malfunction rate on the cameras is HUGE!

If you want more information in the war against photo radar and why they are unconstitutional, here is a list of sites Ryan is apart of:

http://www.photoradarscam.com/

http://camerafraud.wordpress.com/

http://fireredflex.com/ (BTW, I designed and made this site....go me!)

Happy 2nd Wedding Anniversary

2010-04-26T08:02:00.006-07:00

Today, I married the love of my life in Las Vegas, Nevada. It has been a great two years!

Thanks for putting up with me Ryan.

Solar Power - Happy Earth Day!

2010-04-23T10:11:00.006-07:00

Happy Earth Day (well yesterday, I never got to finish the post)!!
In heart of Earth Day, I want to introduce our solar panels! We used ACDC Solar Power. Ryan is now a sales rep. Please let me know if you have questions and I can forward them along.

Our first month, we saved $59.00. Plus, our excess production gets rolled into a usage credit that will be applied toward future use. On-peak production gets applied to on-peak usage, and off-peak production gets applied to off-peak usage. A vast majority of my usage is off-peak, so I don't expect that I'll ever have an off-peak credit. In the winter and spring, I am likely to produce more on-peak electricity than I can use. When the summer comes and my usage increases substantially, my production credit will be applied. My savings for April were pretty small, but the 358kWh of extra production will definitely help in June and July! I expect that the April figures showing a bill of about $90 will be about the lowest that my bills will ever be. This figure includes many base charges and fees that will probably not or cannot be reduced (transmission fees, meter read fees, taxes, etc.).

Ryan started a website.....I need to redesign it. iwentsolar.com

I really need to design it!!!! Poor thing has no design skills, but to his credit, he has asked me for months to design it.

I am 30, Can I Still Like Twilight? Is That Allowed?

2010-04-21T08:58:00.003-07:00

Good bye twenties......Hello thirties!

So yesterday I turned 30. I might not be happy about it, but what can I do about it? I think finally, 30 is an age I feel. Most people think they feel much younger than they really are. I however, have always felt much older. I always felt 30.

What do I do in my thirties???

I started off by throwing myself a party. A big one. I loved it. Except for my neighbors having a huge @ss wedding next door, beside the point, I had a great time.

Since I am too lazy to get the photos off my camera, I am steeling them from Mya.

My invites turned out fantastic. I used this paper for the outside shell that felt like "skin". I had a pretty bow that enclosed it. Here is the invite inside.

Miranda from Creative Cakes and Pastries made me my beautiful Sex and the City themed cup cake tower. All the cupcakes were martini themed flavor. I am in the process of designing her site. Check back in a few weeks!!!

I did purchase a very cute dress, but opted for casual. I wanted to be the princess....just not me!

So this will mark off my list: #38: Throw myself a 30th Birthday Party!

I also got a cookie bouquet from Cathie! AMAZING! And flowers from Ryan and Tivo. It was a great day!

101 list

I am still making progress....slow, but making progress!

#47. Read 15 fiction books (10/15)
I finished Duma Key by Stephen King. FANTASTIC! I am going to give the same line Ryan told me when I asked what the book is about. He said: "It is about this man who is an artist, moved to Duma Key." WTF?!?!?!? What kind of description is that? Well, I have no other description, there is no way to tell you what the book is about without giving anything away. Read it, you will see. It definitely has a Stephan King twists and turns.

I am currently reading Under the Dome by Stephan King and Harry Potter #4 (Goblet of Fire).

A few others that I completed was make a new friend, use cloth bags, and say yes. instead of no.

Vegas Weekend

2010-03-19T12:41:00.002-07:00

Ryan and I met up with his sister, her husband and his parents in VEGAS! I love me some Vegas action!
I deposited back all but $20 that I took out, so Vegas gambling wasn't too bad. But, I also didn't do too much of it.
We had a great time. It was fast, we ate yummy food. We stayed up way too late. We had a great time.

One of my highlights of the trip was seeing the new casino Aria at City Center. GORGEOUS! Just breath-taking. All of the details were just really, really cool. They had a waterfall that was the entire length of the building. Like I said, breath-taking! The ceiling, the floor, all of the art work. Even the door hinges on the bathroom doors was cool. I was so impressed! Plus, they have lots on non-smoking tables. A huge plus! Gambling was not too shabby there either.

We also went and seen Zumanity (also on my 101 list - #36) at New York New York. I really like all of the Cirque du Soleil shows, but I really was not a fan. Maybe O ruined me, but Zumanity just wasn't impressive as the rest. BTW, if you do see it, do not see it with parents. Thank GAWD I was given this advice early on. There are toys and a certain moments of self pleasure involved. Not very good to see it with the parental units or your pastor.

2010-03-19T08:38:00.003-07:00

Happy Friday!!

BTW, my FAVORITE sushi place, Stingray opened another restaurant. In the Biltmore (24th Street and Camelback). I am a happy girl!

Back to the list....

#47. Read 15 fiction books: 2 more down!

Finished the 3rd Harry Potter book: The Prisoner of Azkaban. I can see why HP got so much hype. I do like the books and I will def. be sad when they are finished. They are easy reads and JKR really is able to build a character and captivate and audience.

Finished Stephen Kings - Just After Sunset. It is a huge collection of short stories (Stephen King's short stories are other authors novels). I liked some, others I thought would make fantastic movies. N was my favorite. I was about this therapist and we hear his notes on a patient called N. N has developed an obsessive compulsive disorder from a rock formation. Great story. There was another one called Hell Cat. Defiantly a work of S. King. I also really liked A Very Tight Place. After listening to the author notes on why he wrote this story (about port-a-johns), he really wants his readers to learn his fears and what motives him and his ideas. I was also really surprised by Stephen King's stories that are "normal". No horror, no crazy stuff. Normal stories.

5 Questions Friday

2010-03-12T13:00:00.002-07:00

1. How much time do you spend on the computer a day?
At least 9+ hours. If I have school, it is about 15 hours a day.

2. Will you pay for your children's college or raise them to pay for their own way?
I would like to help them out. They need to work for it. They will appreciate it so much more and maybe get a better understanding of how the world works.

3. Have you ever been in a car accident?
One. I wasn't driving.

4. What is your favorite book?
Twilight series.

5. Do you make your bed everyday?
Yes and no. Ryan is still fast asleep when I leave, he usually straights it when he gets up. Yes if we are both up.

Ten Guilty Pleasures

2010-03-05T15:36:00.002-07:00

Question #1 got me thinking......What is your 10 guilty pleasures? Please share yours!

Downloading free books on my Kindle / Computer. I refuse to pay for books.
Nachos / Chips and salsa. LOVE them. I can eat them for every meal.....and I have!
Chipotle. Some say I have a sick obsession with Chipotle. Just because I eat there 4+ times a week doesn't mean I need an intervention or anything. I just REALLY like Chipotle bowls.
Watching reality TV, mainly competition shows. My favs are Amazing Race, Project Runway, Survivor, Real World.
TiVO - The puppy. LOVE him. I spend too much money and I mother him WAY too much. I just really love my doggy! He brings me happiness and joy.
TiVO - The DVR. My life would be boring and lifeless if it wasn't for the wonderful electronic. My second favorite electronic I own! (1st: Computer; 2nd: TiVO/TV; 3rd: Microwave.) Technology is wonderful.
Vanilla Oreos. Enough said!
Going to restaurants. I love them. I prefer to eat at them. I wish I could go every day. I prefer a restaurant meal WAY over home cooked meal. Even Grandma's!
Paper. If you know me, you know I have to have the best and I criticize all the crappy paper.
When the orange blossoms bloom. It just brings happy feelings. I try very much to do what I can to smell them.

5 Questions Friday

2010-03-05T15:16:00.003-07:00

Haven't done this in a long time!

1. What's your guilty pleasure?
It has changed a lot since I have gotten older. Use to be vegging out on the couch all Sunday, watching TV, pigging out on nachos. Lately it has been books. I like to read books from my Kindle and hate to be interrupted. I forget house cleaning and the needs of my husband and pets.

2. What is your favorite TV series?
Dexter. LOVE that show. I also REALLY LOVED Six Feet Under. What is up with me with serial killers and death. Not to mention Michael C. Hall starred in both of them. Sick, sick mind I've got.

3. Can you speak any foreign languages?

I can barely speak English.

4. How many pairs of shoes do you own?
A lot. Enough said.

5. What's your favorite kind of M&M's...peanut, almond, straight up regular, etc.
PEANUT BUTTER M&Ms!!! Hands down. I can suck that packet down in seconds. It should be an Olympic sport!

March Updates

2010-03-02T17:54:00.003-07:00

Slacker...I know!

First off, my step grandfather, Wayne passed away two weeks ago. His funeral was on March 22nd. My poor grandma is DEVASTATED and that makes me devastated. I hate to see the ones you love in pain.

Since they come in threes...

My brother, Ryan's dog passed away. She was his world and a super cool dog! Smart as hell.

Then my step dad, Jeff's grandma passed away. She was 99 years old, just shy of her 100th birthday. She lived a very FULL life.

GLUTTON FREE DIET

I went on a glutton free diet. The goal was to eat zero flour / wheat / barley / rye for one month. I failed miserably. I have a list of about 65 ingredients that I can not eat. They are in everything. I was set up to fail. I was doing great for 6 days but when I went to the funeral, I would have starved. I stared up again for 5 days and then went to a Mexican food restaurant and failed again. Come on....you can not put YUMMY chips and salsa in front of me and expect me not to eat them. Again, set up to fail.

My goal was to see if I felt better by not eating wheat. Did I feel better? Yes. Will I continue eating a glutton free foods. Nope. I can't. I hate the way I feel, but I can't starve and I zero will power to not eat the foods. I am going to cut down drastically on the wheat and try not to eat them Monday - Friday.

101 LIST IN 1001 DAYS.

Just because I am a super slacker on the blog, doesn't mean I don't do tasks!

#7 - Try 10 new restaurants.
Was...something, Sushi. I couldn't find their website. I am sure they don't have one. It was on 67th Ave and Happy Valley. Not a fan. The food was ok, but it was HORRIBLE service.

#7 - Baby's Steak and Lemonade on 83rd ave and Union Hills. FANTASTIC! They have great sandwiches and lemonade is to die for. Great service. Will go back!

#21 - Take a vacation outside of the US. BOOKED! We are going to......drum roll please.....JAMAICA this summer! I am so EXCITED!

#38 - Plan my 30th birthday party. I am getting very excited. I got my cupcake cake planed. Ordered the paper and ribbon for my invites.

#42 - Build a website portfolio
#43 - Build a promotional site. I started them....I am on the right path.

#45 - Renew my passport. DONE! Horrible photo though. I look like a drug mule.

#46 - Read three non-fiction books
#47 - Read 15 fiction books
I was told that Marley and Me is a true story, so I am going to delete one, and add that to the non-fiction books. I however finished a few more (LOVE MY KINDLE). Harry Potter #2 - The Chamber of Secrets - LOVED it. The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King - Great story. It was about a little girl who gets lost in the woods with a Stephen King twist. UR by Stephen King - It was good, a little slow start. It was about Kindles a Stephen King twist! =) Right now I am reading Harry Potter #3 and a collection of Stephen King's short stories.

Other than the stuff I told you above....I have been going to school. I am really liking web design! I have been REALLY busy with Dulce stuff. Ryan and TiVO are rock stars!

Mother of all Updates....

2010-02-09T09:14:00.004-07:00

Wow. How fast has the time FLOWN by since the holidays. I have been meaning to give updates and share photos that I took with my new camera. Well now it is February 9th. Photos are still on the camera or on my desktop. You all will get the mother of all updates with no visual stimulation.

TiVO

Our dear, sweet little boy. His adoption birthday was January 2nd. Yes, that is right TiVO has been with us for an entire year! TiVO is 2 now! We have watched him grow up so much and learn so much since he as come to live with us. I loved every minute of it. I think we lucked out by getting such a sweet dog (well, he snaps at me when he is cuddling with Ryan.....we are working on coexisting on the couch). We hired a trainer for TiVO.....actually we hired a dog trainer to train us. He is doing SO well!!! Our first visit, we worked on walking with a leash, next to us. Not pulling so hard that it knocks us over. We also worked on "place" and "sit and stay". He gets assigned a "place" and he can't move from it until we tell him to do so. Ringing the door bell, treats on the floor, playing with his beloved Lucy the Goosey.....he has to say in his place. He is doing quite well! This weekend, we are doing session #2. I think this counts as #20 - Teach TiVO a trick or behavior!

Ryan and I also took TiVO hiking - #17 on the list! We hiked in Thunderbird Conservation Park. Five miles of nature....up hill. It was on New Years Day, the place was packed and TiVO liked the rocks so much....he forgot that we are suppose to be hiking. We will not be taking TiVO for a 5 mile hike again.

Ryan

Ryan is super busy with real estate and all of his numerous projects. He has become a huge activist in Photo Radar (check out his website). He has been quoted and interview for magazines, news paper and TV. He is also doing quite nice on his diet. Lost weight, working out, sticking with his diet....I am very proud of him. Just changing a few bad eating habits, I have also lost 4 pounds!! We are tracking our progress with Wii Fit.

I am trying to keep this short and sweet.

101 in 1001 day list
#17 - Take TiVO hiking - Done!
#20 - Teach TiVO a trick or behavior - Done!
#96 - Give money to a random street musician - Done! Mya and I seen him while walking to lunch. He liked to talk. Cool musician though. He was playing the Native American flute. BEAUTIFUL! I like Native American art and def. can bond with the heritage.

I went to two new restaurants (sad thing...I did more, I just can't remember). Kabuki in Westgate. It is Japanese and Sushi. LOVED it. It is my new Stingray of the West! Also went to Revo Burrito on 32nd street and Camelback. Very good. I thought they we trying to be Chipotle. Furthest from it. Very good and very swanky.

I also hammered out three books. Lovely Bones, Gingerbread Girl (Stephen King) and Harry Potter (#1).

School
I am back in. Major drama with that, but I am in.

Dulce
Wow! It is taking off. I had the bridal show Booth at the beginning of January. Mya....the fantastic friend she is, helped me. Again, no photos, but you can see hers on her blog. Also, the clothing line was launch, but I am going to have a whole new post about that.

Also, my step Grandpa, Wayne is not doing so well. It is very sad seeing someone who was taking care of himself, to not remembering his wife or kids and having being taken care of 100%. I don't do well in these situations.

I am really trying to keep this short. I will post more about my life and Dulce soon. I have other updates and challenges (note: I am going gluten free).

My Holiday

2009-12-28T10:28:00.002-07:00

I had a very nice Christmas this year. Relaxing and drama free! I loved spending it with my husband and family.

Christmas Eve
We went to my Grandma's home. She makes this FAB dinner. I look forward to it ALL year. She makes this incredible prime rib with all the yummy side dishes that go along with it. LOVED it! This year we did a white elephant exchange however, our family did not get the memo on the $5 price limit. So it was a little crazy with that part. With all the jokesters in the family....I thought there would be more "funny" gifts. Jeff (stepdad) gave an "old geezer" box. It was full of stuff older people might need. Canes, creams and stuff I don't want to imagine! It was so funny!

The rest of the evening was spent exchanging gifts, drinking and telling funny stories. Great, great night!

Christmas Day
I woke up to what has become a great Christmas morning tradition. Jeff makes this INCREDIBLE breakfast burritos. The sausage was fresh (literately....they bought a pig at the fair and had s/he butchard). Yes, that's right. Two fantastic meals right in a row. Then we did our next tradition....stocking suffers!!!! My parents go ALL out with these. Some useful, some, the same tradition every year. Any case, we love to do that. They gave me a WONDERFUL camera for Christmas!!

#60 - Buy a new camera on my 101 list! So I get to mark that off!!

Ryan's Parents gave me Wii Fit. Another fabulous gift that can help with #87 - loose 8 pounds. Great gifts padres!!!!

Ryan gave my an incredible gift as well. A Kindle. It will help me with #46 and #47. He is the best! I made out so good in the gift department this year!!!

My mom cooked a fabulous lunch. Super yummy with ham (yes, from the same pig) and all the yummy sides. Fantastic meal #3 right in a row.

After that, we went back over to Grandma's home to play some Wii bowling. I kicked @ss.

Overall, I had a WONDERFUL holiday. I am glad I got to spend it with my family, well except TiVO, my furbaby. We gave him special treats and a new goose toy. He LOVES it. I never seen him act this way with a toy. He has not put it down since he got it.

Hope all of yours was just as wonderful!

Christmas Wish

2009-12-22T12:46:00.003-07:00

Good friends are hard to find, harder to leave, and impossible to forget.

With this thought, I wish you a very Merry Christmas, all the Happiest Holidays and all the luck the New Year could possibly bring to you.

List Progress....

2009-12-22T12:35:00.002-07:00

#7 - Try 10 new restaurants (3/10)
Latte girls and I went to Sauce. It is owned by the same people of NoRTH. Fox Restaurant Concepts did not let me down, I loved it. I was reasonably priced (one pizza and two drinks it was $15). Great atmosphere, great service, fantastic pizza.....you can't ask for anything more! I give it 3.5 stars out of 4.

# 12 - Cook 10 new dishes (1/10)
I made shredded Green Chili meat in my slow cooker. It was delish and I will cook it again. Great for parties as well!

Recipe:
1 Chuck Roast (any size)
1 Small can of green chili
1 Small can of jalapeños
1/2 cup of water
1 onion (if you want)
Season with cumin and other stuff

Cook on low for 10+ hours.
Take the meat out and cut the fat and shred the meat.
Season with more cumin and anything else you want to through in the pot.

#97 - Use my cloth bags for shopping (4/15)
Used my bags twice this weekend!!!

Five Questions Friday (I know it is Monday)

2009-12-21T10:46:00.004-07:00

1. Which boygroup did you like most in your teens?
I was in LOVE with New Kids on The Block.

2. Do you do Christmas cards, letters, photos, nuthin', all of the above?
Last two years I did photo cards. This year I made my own (see below post).

3. If you could meet one celebrity who would it be and why?
Martha Stewart. She is such a pro at EVERYTHING! I would love so much advice on cooking, baking, stationery, decorating and especially business stuff. LOVE MARTHA!!

4. Favorite thing to cook with (i.e. stainless, non-stick, Dutch oven, microwave, debit card...or, perhaps, a cauldron, etc.)?
Debit card!!! LOL! Love me some Chipotle! I do like to use my Crock Pot. I just wish I knew more recipe (Hint: I would like you to share some recipes please!)

5. What is the one thing you wear the most, besides your unmentionables?
Jacket. I am always wearing one. Yes, especially in the summer. It is 115 degrees outside and 72 inside. A little too cold for my liking.

#47 - Read 15 fiction books - Marley & Me

2009-12-16T10:58:00.006-07:00

"A dog has no use for fancy cars or big homes or designer clothes. Status symbols mean nothing to him. A waterlogged stick will do just fine. A dog judges others not by their color or creed or class but by who they are inside. A dog doesn’t care if you are rich or poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull. Give him your heart and he will give you his. It was really quite simple, and yet we humans, so much wiser and more sophisticated, have always had trouble figuring out what really counts and what does not." - John Grogan on Marley the dog.

I just finished Marley & Me by John Grogan. Holy water works with the eyes.

Marley & Me was a wonderful book. I smiled, I laughed, I cried and I learned so much and realized that a relationship with a dog is absolutely wonderful and can add so much joy and love to your life. A must read, but with a box of tissues!!

Another book I read awhile ago was The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. GREAT book! Another must read. Especially for dog lovers. It was in the point of view of the dog, Enzo. Crazy, I know, but still worth every word. It was the first book after Twilight, that I found interesting and couldn't put down. To this day....I still talk to TiVO as if he knew what I was saying.

“In Mongolia, when a dog dies, he is buried high in the hills so people cannot walk on his grave. The dog's master whispers into the dog's ear his wishes that the dog will return as a man in his next life. Then his tail is cut off and put beneath his head, and a piece of meat or fat is placed in his mouth to sustain his soul on its journey; before he is reincarnated, the dog's soul is freed to travel the land, to run across the high desert plains for as long as it would like.

I learned that from a program on the National Geographic channel, so I believe it is true. Not all dogs return as men, they say; only those who are ready.

I am ready." Enzo, The Art of Racing in the Rain

Both of these books will yes, make you cry. But they will make you love life more and cherish the little things. Good or bad. They make you love your pets more and make them more apart of the family and your life....not to mention your heart. They make you feel grateful for the time you do have with man's best friend.

Go read both books and go adopt a best friend of your own. Arizona Animal Welfare League / SPCA is a great place to start!

101 Things in 1001 Days - Progress!!

2009-12-15T09:39:00.003-07:00

#65 - Buy a "As Seen on TV" Item - Completed!

The only bad thing is, I bought it as a white elephant exchange item....so I can't say anything yet due to the blog stalkers in the family. It is half gag gift / half real present. I can't wait for the reaction....good or bad.

#4 - Send out Christmas cards for two years - 1/2 #67 - Make cards for friends and family instead of buying them. 2/5

I made all of my Christmas cards this year. I think they turned out super cute and fun! The theme colors were fire engine red with light green and matching envelopes in metallic paper. They have a little bow in front in the belly band. They turned out cute I thought. And yes, that is damask at the bottom. I like it and I am not afraid to admit that I heart damask!

Sorry about the quality of the photo. My camera has gone to electronic heaven. Hopefully I get my camera for Christmas!!! (Which takes off #60 - Buy a new camera. I totally forgot I had that on my list.)

#97 - Use canvas bags instead of plastic 2/15
Yay! I used them again! I need to keep one in my glove box so even if I run into Walgreens, I can use the bag.

Honest Scrap

2009-12-14T13:02:00.002-07:00

I was given the Honest Scrap Award by Mya. So this means I have to share 10 Honest Facts about me, and then pass the torch to 7 other bloggers!

I usually sabotage most of the things I really want to do/accomplished. I don't want to fail, so I fail-on-purpose before I really get an opportunity. (Like the triathlon and school)
I am very sad that my dog, Tivo like Ryan more. I wish he treated us equal or at least pretended to care a little bit about me.
I find myself very odd that my two favorite shows of all time are Six Feet Under and Dexter (and it is not because I am a Michael C. Hall fan). It is all about death and horrible family dynamics.
I wish I was more motivated to do more stuff and get stuff accomplished. I have no clue why I am so lazy. I wish I can be more like Ryan.
I don't like leftovers and much prefer any restaurant food to a good home cooked meal.
I feel stupid when it comes to grammar, spelling and pronunciation. I can't do any of them and I don't know why. It makes me feel very ashamed and stupid. When people point it out to me....of course it is better and I need to know what I did wrong and maybe correct it. But a big part of me gets my feelings hurt and makes me feel sad and ashamed.
I HATE my hair and thighs.
I hold grudges.
I like to cry when I am driving home from work.
I wish I fit in more at work and had "friends", but I just really don't like a lot of the people I work with.

So I am not going to pass along to 7 people, however....I would love for 7 people to contact me and share their 10 Honest Facts!

Five Questions Friday

2009-12-14T12:55:00.002-07:00

I know it is Monday.....somehow I always remember Five Questions Friday on Monday. It should be changed!!

1. Does Santa wrap the presents he leaves at your house?
He left them....I think I will do the same when I have children.

2. When is your "big" Christmas celebration...Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? Tell us about it...
Christmas day. On Christmas eve, we would get to open one gift. However, I always masterminded the process of finding out what all the gifts were under the tree. I pretty much knew what 80% of them were. So when it came around Christmas Eve, I would open up one I really wasn't sure about.

I still to this day try to find out what the gifts are. I am REALLY trying VERY had not to cheat this year. Doing good so far!

3. Are you big on keeping tradition every year?
I really like going to my Grandma Shirley's home on Christmas eve. It is so much fun, plus she makes this INCREDIBLE dinner.
4. Do colored lights or white lights tickle your fancy?
I like the simplicity of white lights.

5. Do you decorate outside your house for Christmas?
Not at all.

#53 - Give out a “just because” gift to a friends/family

2009-12-09T10:17:00.002-07:00

#53 - Give out a “just because” gift to a friends/family - COMPLETED!

I gave my BFF, Cathie an embellished business card holder. I know it sounds wierd, but I like business card holders and it usually isn't something people buy for themselves. Plus, she is just starting her own marketing business. GO CATHIE!!!!! The card holder is totally her. It is pink glittery thing with an embellished crown on it. I found this holder....it is not exact, but close.

I got it at Nostrums Rack! I also bought one for myself. Purple with a fleu de lis. LOVE THEM!

Another update on my list. Use my cloth bags for groceries. I had them in my car for over a year and only used them a few times. Even in the rain, I took a minute longer to get them out of my trunk. Let's just hope this is a new trend for me! Oh, Target gives you $0.05 back per bag. Every bit helps!

#7 - Visit 10 New Restaurants - NoRTH

2009-12-07T10:10:00.002-07:00

#7 - Visit 10 New Restaurants.

Ryan, Cathie and I went to NoRTH. I LOVED it. It is fancy-pants Italian food. It is owned by Fox Restaurant Concepts. They created several restaurants in the valley and around the US. They are known for their upscale - modern designs that also translate into their food. A few other restaurants are Sauce, Olive and Ivy, Zin Burger, True Food, Wildflower and a few others.

I had their risotto with scallops. YUMMMMMMY! I wanted to be a person at Hells Kitchen. They always have risotto on their menu and I have never had real risotto before. My only complain was that the scallops was not cooked the way I ordered them. I ordered them medium and they came medium-rare. Ryan and Cathie very much enjoyed their meals. I give them 4 out of 4 stars!

5 Questions Friday

2009-12-06T12:14:00.003-07:00

1. Favorite gift you are GIVING this year? I/we are not doing much this year (parents, In-laws). So I am going to say TiVO getting doggie behavior lessons. I am really wanting to buy blankets and sweatshirts for the homeless or care packages for the troops. That will be a great gift!

2. How many parties are you attending between now and Christmas? Not very much this year - three.

3. What is your favorite Christmas song? O Holy Night

4. Who was your favorite elementary school teacher and why? I don't have one that sticks out at all. I liked 3rd grade....but it wasn't because of the teacher. I liked my friends.

5. If you had a choice to live in any other period of time (other than now) what era would you choose and why? I would have liked to live in the 60's as an young adult. The music, the culture, the art, the drugs. I would have liked it.

101 Things in 1001 Days....Progress!

2009-12-01T11:11:00.007-07:00

I have slowed down a bit, so I need to get focus!

#7 - Eat at 10 new restaurants. I have given up on Ryan participating in this, so I am going to "modify" my list to me trying 10 new restaurants. I am sure it is not allowed.

I went to K Sushi Bar Grill in Glendale with Mya for her belated b-day! I had such a great time with great people. The sushi was actually good and fresh. (I am kind of bratty when it comes to sushi....once you eat at Stingray....it is super hard to eat anywhere else.) The server lady was equivalent to the Soup Nazi from Seinfeld. She yelled at us....we were scared. So I give K Sushi 2.5 stars out of 4!

Next new adventure will be: revo burrito in the Biltmore. Looks like it's the next Chipotle (my fav btw)!

#46 - Read 3 non-fiction books. I finished I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell by Tucker Max. Funniest book that I EVER read. My stomach got a work out for sure. After I was finished reading, I swear I had a six pack from laughing so much. The book was all about Tucker's life as a drunk, arrogant, walking STD a-hole that beds more women than I have ever heard of. He is about the rudest person on this planet, but loved every word! He is a person I would like to have known at 22 (the age in my mind that he is stuck at). I would have had such a great time listening to his crazy drunk ass stories. They truly are unbelievable. Just read the "Famous Sushi Pants" story and you can tell where the book is headed. He started a website years before the book: TuckerMax.com. You can check it out and read some of the stories. There also is a movie coming out soon.

#47 - Read 25 non-fiction books. I just finished A Touch of Dead by Charlaine Harris....Sookie Stackhouse series, AKA True Blood. It is book 10 and yes, I did read all 9 other books. This book is several mini stories within the series. It tells about the "gift" that Neill gave her or Claude's bar. It wasn't bad. I still crave more.....but hopefully it will hold me over until May when the final book comes out.

Next, I started: The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold.

#77 - Pay off my auto line-of-credit. With the help of my generous, intelligent husband....I am finally able to pay it off this week!

#78 - Open a savings account and start saving for a new car. I am planning on putting away a car payment every month. So in 3-4 years....I'll have enough for a new car without owing on it.

5 Questions Friday

2009-11-20T14:16:00.002-07:00

1. Are you a Black Friday shopper?
Negative! I can't even stand Wal-Mart on a Saturday morning.

2. What was your favorite childhood toy? (Think Easy Bake Oven, Cabbage Patch Kid, Shrinky Dinks, etc.)
I really liked my Barbies and Dolls and playing "house" with them. I did have a Cabbage Patch Kid that I really liked.

3. Favorite Christmas movie?
A Christmas Story. "You'll shoot your eye out!"
4. What is the "must have" item on your Christmas list this year?
I REALLY want a Kindle or some other brand.
5. Do you go all out with decorations or do you keep it simple and classy?
Simple and classy!

ABCs of Jamie

2009-11-20T13:46:00.003-07:00

I stole this off of Jenni's blog. She always has the cutest posts!

A - Age: 29 (makes me sigh each time I think about it)
B - Bed size: King
C - Chore you hate: Laundry
D - Dog's name: TiVO
E - Essential start your day item: A shower
F - Favorite color: Purple, but lately it has been gray
G - Gold or Silver: Silver (or white gold)
H - Height: 5'2
I - Instrument you play: None....at all
J - Job title: Graphic designer
K - Kid(s): None, just TiVO and Gage
L - Living arrangements: I live with my husband, 1 dog and 1 fish
M - Mom's name: Jill
N - Nicknames: Jame or hey you
O - Overnight hospital: Once when I was in an accident. I spent a few days. I have been to the hospital for other reasons.
P - Pet peeve(s): smacking gums or chewing with your mouth open or slurping drinks.
Q - Quote from a movie:
"Can I go to the bathroom?"
"Don't belong."
"Don't belong?"
"No, don't be long." - Whole Nine Yards
R - Right or left handed: Right
S - Siblings: 1 brother. I had a step sister and a step brother
T - Time you wake: 5:20am
U - Underwear: Yes of course
V - Vegetable you dislike: Peas
W - Workout style: Uhhhhhh? What is that you called "workout"? I don't understand the term....[looking it up in the dictionary] Aghhhh, yes, workout. Nope! Don't do it.
X - X-rays you've had: I whole bunch on my head and lungs and other parts of my body.
Y - Yesterday's best moments: Yesterday I had a day from hell. It was a horrible day! So finally getting home at 9pm and seeing TiVO and Ryan made my day.
Z- Zoo favorite: Monkeys! They are always so lively and funny to watch.

Betty Rocker

2009-11-16T15:35:00.004-07:00

There have been eight paintings commissioned to date. But did you know Betty Crocker wasn’t a real person? Well, at least not one person. Instead, she was a composite of several of the company’s Home Service Department members meant to represent a motherly image. Over the years portraits have been commissioned to update her look with the times.

Bakerella made a quiz out of the portraits. So, let’s see how good you guys are at guessing.

Above are eight Betty Crocker portraits. Place them in the correct order from oldest to newest. You can go on Bakerella's website to answer the questions. The winner will win the new iPod nano … in rocking red of course. Betty likes red.

5 Questions Friday

2009-11-16T10:16:00.003-07:00

I was so busy this weekend....I didn't get a chance to do the 5 Questions Friday.

1. What is your favorite "eat" on Thanksgiving?

I love me some mash potatoes and brown turkey gravy. I am not talking about the instant powered potatoes.....it want the ones with the occasional lumps of potato. I drowned my potatoes, turkey and stuffing in gravy. I also heart my grandmother's banana cream pie. I am very stingy when it comes to this pie. I HATE sharing it! I want the WHOLE pie for myself. I do and have thrown a monster, 3 year old type of fit when someone comes in-between my pie and me.

Thanksgiving is all about sharing....except when it comes to my pies!

2. What is the name your best girl friend and the best trait about her or how you met (or heck, both!!)

Cathie. She is such a giving person and puts everyone ahead of herself. She is also extremely intelligent and very driven. I met her in college.

3. What would you say is one of your "weirdest" quirks?

I smell everything. Seriously everything well, except poop. No go smell for me.

4. What is your favorite genre of music? (Hip hop? Classical? Rock? etc.)

Alternative, rock, soft-rock.

5. Are you a Night Owl...or an Early Bird?

Use to be a night owl. Now that I am old and have to wake up before the sun is up....I am becoming an early bird. Getting old sucks!

5 Questions Friday is provided by: http://fivecrookedhalos.blogspot.com/

Will this be in my near future.......

2009-11-13T09:56:00.001-07:00

Will this be in my near future.......

Details coming soon!

5 Questions Friday

2009-11-06T15:40:00.003-07:00

Jenni did this on her blog and I thought it was cute and good way to get to know each other. You can go on the blog at the and add your link to share your answers with the bloggers (its not working for some reason....post next Friday).

1. What is your dream job?
Kind of in it (graphic designer). But I would LOVE to open a bakery. I can't bake and I can't cook, but some how.....bakeries have been a dream business. Think Sprinkles.

2. What song could you play over and over?
Yellow Ledbetter by Pearl Jam. Great song, plus you are trying the entire time to figure out what the heck Eddie Vedder is saying.

3. Do you prefer to talk on the phone or text (or email)?
Email, but if I don't respond to it right away, then I forget.

4. What is your must have beauty product?
Chap stick and moisturizer. I like the Oil of Olay with spf in it.

5. What is your favorite Michael Jackson song?
Sorry....not a huge fan.....but highly respect the guy and defiantly an artist.

#88. Donate blood - Completed!

2009-11-04T13:08:00.002-07:00

Yay!!! I was eligible. I was worried about everything, but over all, a million questions later, They had to test my iron levels, and they said I could donate! Hopefully they can use my blood.

#88. Donate blood - Completed!

Walk to Save Animals

2009-11-03T13:32:00.002-07:00

Arizona Animal Welfare League and SPCA (http://aawl.org/) is my favorite charity for animals. They do so much work for homeless animals and abused or injured animals. This event is for the whole family, 2-legged and 4-legged. They will have several vendors out there. Lots of activities for kids and pets as well as shows. Ryan and I volunteered last year. This year we are going to do a little of both, walk and volunteer. I want TiVO to get photos with Santa.

Hope you all can make it and support AAWL / SPCA!!

Last year at the Petsmart walk, TiVO made out with a crap load of free stuff.

Walk Info: http://aawl.org/AAWL_walk_2009/Default.asp

You can sponsor Ryan, TiVO and I by going to: http://aawlwalk.dojiggy.com/denkes

WHEN:
Saturday, November 14th 2009, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE:
Tempe Town Lake at Tempe Beach Park (Map)

WHAT:
2K or 5K Pet Walk to raise money and awareness for the Arizona Animal Welfare League and SPCA. The Walk features exhibitors, demonstrations, food and activities for the entire family.

WHY:
For over 38 years, the AAWL / SPCA has helped thousands of homeless animals find their forever home. This is made possible with the help of our friends and partners just like you!Your participation shows the community you care and helps save animal lives.

Betty Crocker on Ryan's ass

2009-10-30T09:13:00.003-07:00

I have the need to get all "Betty Crocker" on Ryan's ass.

I asked him to order me Martha Stewart's cupcake book. Will I make any recipes? Probably not or I'll make one and it will be an absolute disaster and never open it back up. But I have a strong desire to bake something. I am OBSESSED with bakeries right now. I just want to go out an buy one. Why? I have NO clue. I can't bake. I can't cook. But I really would love to do it.

Yes, I might be bat sh!t crazy.....the docs are looking into that.

Birth of the Internet - Uttered It's First Word Today

2009-10-29T13:51:00.003-07:00

It was 1969 and a busy year for making history: Woodstock, the Miracle Mets, men on the moon -- and something less celebrated but arguably more significant, the birth of the Internet.

On October 29 of that year, for perhaps the first time, a message was sent over the network that would eventually become the Web. Leonard Kleinrock, a professor of computer science at the University of California-Los Angeles, connected the school's host computer to one at Stanford Research Institute, a former arm of Stanford University.

Forty years ago today, the Internet uttered its first word.

To read the entire interview with Leonard Kleinrock: Click Here

This is pretty cool because we read about him in school and studied it. The nerd in me thinks this is a really important day in our history.

Items #56 and #57 Checked Off! Cake Pops!

2009-10-29T08:42:00.002-07:00

# 56. Bring in donuts for no reason to share at work
# 57. Bake and decorate a cake

#57 - So I decided that I am going to make cake pops!!! They look so easy to make. Found out how to make wedding cake pops and cupcake pops. Well, as all my baking stuff goes.....disaster! I found out what I did wrong at least. Hopefully next batch goes better.

#56 - I decided to give my co-workers the disasters of #57 for halloween. They are editable at least.

I will try to improve this technique. After all, I still have to complete #44 - Become self efficient as a stay at home mom and make my same salary (build a freelance business). Cake pops are the new cupcakes!

Happy 100th Post!

2009-10-29T08:39:00.001-07:00

Happy 100th post!!!!!

100th post - 101 thins in 1001 days. Coincidence? I think not!

#28. Take three spontaneous day/weekend trips

2009-10-27T15:32:00.002-07:00

# 28. Take three spontaneous day/weekend trips. Yay.....I completed a third of a task! Ok, I know I can't mark it off, but it is a biggie.....especially for me. I plan vacations.

Ryan and I along with his parents, Dave and June went to southeastern Arizona to Kartchner Caverns.

History:
In 1974 two cavers Tenen and Tufts were exploring the limestone hills at the base of the Whetstone Mountains. In a sinkhole they found a crack where warm air flowed out signaling the existence of a cave. They explored and found themselves in a pristine cavern. Over a period of four years they secretly explored the cave. In 1978 they told the property owners James and Lois Kartchner about their amazing discovery.

These caves only became publicly known in 1988 when the property was purchased by the Arizona States Parks in order that they were preserved and open to the public in a controlled way.

My Review:
LOVED IT! I have been wanting to go for YEARS now. We decieded to go to the Big Room tour. I would like to do the other tour sometime as well.

We started our tour at the informative Discovery Center which told us about the history of the cave and how the formations were formed. We then joined our guide for the tour. Passing through various airlock doors we entered the cave. The cave average temperature is 75+º F with 99% humidity so it felt like walking into a sauna.

The cave is home to several very unusual cave formations. One feature is a soda straw stalactite 21 feet 2 inches long which is one of the world’s longest. Also the cave has the most extensive deposit of brushite moonmilk which is a reaction of bats guano (poop) with the cave minerals to produce a white crystal. The cave is also the area for the first reported occurrence of “turnip” shields formations that look like small turnips and the occurrence of “birdnest” needle quartz formations.

Our guide was excellent in explaining how each of the different formations were occurring and also explaining the work the Arizona state was doing to preserve the caverns in as pristine state as possible. We now understood why there was no cameras, videos, bags, water etc allowed to be taken into the cave.

In two weeks, they are celebrating their 10th year anniversary. I would have liked to go to their celebration.

http://azstateparks.com/Parks/KACA/

My favorite formation: Bacon or Sheets

We also when to Tombstone, Arizona. We walked around the shops and toured the courthouse museum. I was bored out of my mind. I would like to go back when I had a better attitude and wasn't so exhausted. I just wanted to go home.

The Day Zero Project - 101 in 1001 days

2009-10-22T19:22:00.007-07:00

The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organizing and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

My Day zero Project starts October 23rd, 2009 and ends on August 5, 2012.

MY LIST

Family
1. Finish our wedding album
2. Finish scrapbook of wedding
3. Get pregnant (Way after my 30th Birthday)
4. Send out Christmas cards (0/2)
5. Visit a church
6. Get a family professional portrait
7. Try 10 new restaurants with Ryan (0/10)
8. No takeout for an entire week (0/5)
9. Learn to make 4 different sauces (0/4)
10. Host Christmas or Thanksgiving
11. Slow dance with Ryan
12. Cook 15 new dishes (0/15)
13. Attend a concert
14. Remodel / Redecorate Living room
15. Remodel / Redecorate 2nd guest room (Baby’s room)
16. Remodel / Redecorate Powered room
17. Go hiking with TiVO
18. Bake a treat for TiVO
19. Surprise Ryan
20. Teach TiVO a new trick or behavior

Travel
21. Take a vacation outside of the U.S.
22. Visit New York City
23. Visit Los Angeles
24. Go to 4 new cities (0/4)
25. Go somewhere tropical to swim in the ocean
26. Take a cruise
27. Have a girl’s weekend
28. Take three spontaneous day/weekend trips (0/3)
29. Attend and participate in the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas
30. Go to a theme park
31. Visit an aquarium
32. Go to at least one of the Seven NATURAL World Wonders (Mt. Everest, The Great Barrier Reef, The Grand Canyon, Victoria Falls, The Harbor of Rio de Janeiro, Paricutin Volcano, The Northern Lights)
33. Learn to say “thank you” in ten languages (3/10)
34. Hot Air Balloon Ride
35. Go to a comedy club
36. See a play / show live
37. Ride Phoenix’s light rail

Just for me / because
38. Throw myself a 30th birthday party
39. Get a website design degree
40. Get A’s for 2 semesters (0/2)
41. Take a non-course class
42. Build a website portfolio with eight sites (0/8)
43. Build a promotion site
44. Become self efficient as a stay at home mom and make my same salary (build a freelance business)
45. Renew my passport
46. Read three non-fiction books (0/3)
47. Read 25 fiction books (0/25)
48. Learn to knit
49. Knit something
50. Go to a day spa and get the works
51. Get Scuba Certified
52. Paint 4 new paintings (0/4)
53. Give out five “just because” gifts to friends/family (0/5)
54. Host a dinner party for friends
55. Host a game night for friends
56. Bring in donuts for no reason to share at work
57. Bake and decorate a cake
58. Say yes when I rather say no 10 times (0/10)
59. Do something with my wedding dress
60. Buy a nice camera
61. Fix Chinese iPod
62. Get a reading from a psychic
63. Do something by myself (i.e. dinner or movies – NOT lunches)
64. Accessorize my outfits for work (0/30)
65. Buy an “as-seen-on-TV” product
66. Carve a pumpkin
67. Make and send cards to my friends/family at least 15 times (0/15)
68. Make a new friend
69. Stop cussing for seven days straight (0/7)
70. Learn a new board game or card game

Money
71. Win a poker tournament
72. Make a will
73. Make Ryan make a will
74. Make a financial will list
75. Once pg, start a baby savings account
76. Buy lottery tickets twice a week for a month (0/8)
77. Pay off auto LOC
78. Open a special account for a new car and contribute monthly (0/17)
79. Pay down half of student loan

Blog
80. Blog at least once a week for 52 weeks (0/52)
81. Re-design blog
82. Inspire someone to do a 101 in 1001
83. Blog about each task completed (0/101)

Health
84. Take a multivitamin for 30 days (0/30)
85. Go to the gym twice a week for 10 weeks (0/10)
86. Take a class at the gym once a month (0/12)
87. Lose eight pounds

Random acts of kindness
88. Donate blood (if doctor allows it)
89. Volunteer for an organization (0/3)
90. Bring food to a homeless person
91. Send a care package to a soldier
92. Buy items to donate to shelter (i.e. blankets, formula)
93. Donate food to local food bank (0/3)
94. Purchase Christmas presents for a needy family
95. Pay for the car behind me in the drive-thru
96. Give money to a random street musician

Going Greener
97. Use my cloth bags for shopping (0/25)
98. Blog about our solar panel bills to inspire some to get solar panels
99. Start a garden

100. Celebrate day 1001
101. Make a new 101/1001 list

For more information, visit Day Zero Project.

If I have inspired you, please let me know (after all, it is one of my list items).

Some common goal setting tips:
1. Be decisive. Know exactly what you want, why you want it, and how you plan to achieve it.
2. Stay Focused. Any goal requires sustained focus from beginning to end. Constantly evaluate your progress.
3. Welcome Failure. Frequently, very little is learned from a venture that did not experience failure in some form. Failure presents the opportunity to learn and makes the success more worthy.
4. Write down your goals. It clarifies your thinking and reinforces your commitment.
5. Keep your goals in sight. Review them frequently, and ensure that they are always at the forefront of your thinking.

Deep Fried Butter Anyone??

2009-09-25T13:02:00.002-07:00

Fair officials in Texas have announced the eight edible finalists for the fifth annual Big Tex Choice Awards, where vendors cook their way to victory in a battle for the best dish.

Green Goblins: Cherry peppers packed with spicy shredded chicken and guacamole, battered and deep fried. Topped with queso.

Deep Fried Butter: Pure butter whipped light and sweetened with choice of flavor. Placed in dough and deep fried on a stick.

Twisted Yam On A Stick: Spiral-cut yam fried crispy, rolled in butter, dusted with cinnamon and sugar.

Fernie's Deep Fried Peaches & Cream: Peaches coated with batter and deep fried, sprinkled with streusel and cream. Served with raspberry sauce.

Texas Fried Pecan Pie: Pecan pie battered and deep fried, drizzled with caramel sauce and topped with cream and chopped pecans.

Country Fried Pork Chips: Thin pork loin seasoned, dipped in corn meal and deep fried. Served with ketchup or gravy.

Sweet Jalapeno Corn Dog Shrimp: Shrimp coated with sweet and spicy batter, deep fried and served with spicy glaze.

Fried Peanut Butter Cup Macaroon: Peanut butter cup wrapped in coconut macaroon, fried and dusted with powdered sugar. Ice cream scoop optional.

Past winners include Chicken Fried Bacon and the Fried Banana Split.

Walking on Glass and Fire Story....

2009-09-22T12:17:00.003-07:00

I was asked by Mya to tell the walking on fire and glass story.

In the "Awesome Girl Award" post, number 2, the question asked what my favorite memory is. These are hard questions usually, but there is one day that really sticks out at me when I think of individual days.

It was a day that I thought I could take on the world. It was a day that I never felt better about myself and my life.

The day started out with me car shopping. I wanted to buy myself a car for a graduation present from college. I went with my then employer "Steve"* (*name was changed) and my BFF, Cathie. I bought a brand new car that day. BRAND NEW....under 50 miles on it. It was cute and I was so proud of the car. Steve and Cathie spent all day with me and finally got my car. Steve had a friend that was having a "party", but I knew it wasn't a normal party, it was some sort of self esteem party. I was exhausted, but after all, he wasted an entire Saturday with me at the car dealership, the least I could do is go to his friend's "party".

The "party" was as weird as I though it was going to be. They did these activities. First they gave us a wooden board and had us write all of our fears on it. They they wanted us to karate chop the board....blah blah blah. Us breaking the board had some sort of symbolism, I don't remember. I didn't partake in karate chopping. No need to break my hand. It would never get rid of the fears. Then they did this weird thing with an arrow where you can break a wooden arrow with the soft spot on your neck...right above the collar bone. Again, no braking arrows with my throat.

Then the glass came out. She put a long sheet down and spread the glass over it. A few people walked across the glass. I thought about it and it really seemed really cool. They didn't cut their feet. So, I did it!! I walk across the glass and back again. I DID IT! I was so happy for myself that I walked across the glass. It was a high that I never felt before. It was a great feeling. I felt I could really take on the world. My life was going to be OK.

They had us do other stuff, again.....I didn't participate in the crazy activities. Cathie did not participate in any of the activities. Steve did a few things.

Then they had us go into the back yard where there was a HUGE bon fire. All I can think about was the fire department coming at any moment. How do you explain what you where doing? They had us throw our boards with our fears into the bon fire. We were burning our fears.

Thinking that was it, oh no, it was not over. Out came musical instruments. I know what you are thinking, because I was thinking the same thing.... "What the hell are these for?" They started going through the fire with shovels and placing the burning coals in a pit. They had all of us walk around the coal pit and play the music and chant and clap our hands. Barefooted of course. Finally people started walking across the fire. Everyone claped their hands. I was really impressed with the people who did it. Each time the circle would come around to the part where you crossed the fire pit, I would chicken out. I didn't want to ruin my high with the glass walking. That was crazy enough. Fire walking? I am not that crazy.

Then all of a sudden.....I went across the fire. I WENT ACROSS THE FIRE. I didn't think about it, I just went across the hot coals.

I will never be able to explain how I felt. I was truly on top of the world. I have NEVER been so proud of myself. NEVER. None of my accomplishments put together, would ever amount to what I just did.

I finally got Steve and Cathie to go across them. They too felt how I did.

This was in the fall of 2003.

Possibly the Best Website of ALL time...

2009-09-21T15:04:00.004-07:00

People of Walmart is possibly the best website in the history of websites. I think I died and gone to white trash internet heaven. The sad part is that these photos are are an everyday thing at Wally World. Makes me feel WAY better about myself.

Just a sample of white trash at it's best:

Thanks Ashley for sending me this AMAZING site!

Awesome Girl Award

2009-09-21T09:22:00.004-07:00

Thanks Mya!

1. Favorite smell: Orange Blossoms in the spring or rain

2. Favorite memory: Watching Ryan, when our fathers was reading our hand ceremony at our wedding or when I walked on fire and glass.....I thought I could take on the world!

3. Favorite breakfast food: French Toast

4. Favorite comebacks: Whatever

5. Favorite season: Spring

6. Favorite writing utensil: Fat liquid ink pens

7. Favorite Ice Cream: Strawberry cheese cake with lots graham cracker crust

8. Favorite Quote: "It is better to be hated for who you are, than to be loved for who you are not," unknown.

9. Favorite Coffee Accouterments: Cinnamon Dolce Latte

10. Favorite Day: Saturday because I feel like my weekend isn't over yet.

I pass my award on to: Every girl reading this! Copy and paste it in your blog or reply to me.

My First Ultrasound!

2009-09-10T11:21:00.002-07:00

I had my first ultrasound yesterday. NO SILLIES! Not for what you are thinking. There is no peanut growing inside my uterus! They did an ultrasound on my abdomen. I rather enjoyed the ultrasound. The little rolly thing was very soothing and really helped my stomach. I was in a lot of pain and it really helped relieve some pressure. The room was dark and a good temp. It was just a very relaxing 15 minutes. I wish I got to stay longer.

The doctor will get my results in a few days. The tech wouldn't give me any results, but did say she seen some stuff that the doc will be interested in.

On Monday is my biopsy on my intestines and other stuff inside me. They will also get photos of my intestines and colon. NOT excited about the process or the stuff that goes on the day before. I am on an ALL clear liquid diet Sunday. What the HELL am I going to do? No Chipotle? I might just die. At least I will loose a few pounds. Fingers crossed anyways.

School Update: I dropped short bus class after the first day. Seriously don't need to be learning how to turn on a computer. So now I am taking a Database class, Web design 1 and a Flash class, online. I am really liking them and learning something at least. Today is my first quiz! I even studied! Shocking I know.

And then the fight started...

2009-09-02T10:29:00.002-07:00

My wife sat down on the couch next to me as I was flipping channels. She asked, 'What's on TV?' I said, 'Dust.'

And then the fight started...

******************************************

My wife and I are watching "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" while we were in bed. I turned to her and said, "Do you want to have sex?" "No," she answered. I then said, "Is that your final answer?" She didn't even look at me this time, simply saying, "Yes." So I said, "Then I'd like to phone a friend."

And then the fight started....

******************************************

Saturday morning I got up early, quietly dressed, made my lunch, grabbed the dog, and slipped quietly into the garage. hooked up the boat up to the truck, and proceeded to back out into a torrential downpour. The wind was blowing 50 mph, so I pulled back into the garage, turned on the radio, and discovered that the weather would be bad all day. I went back into the house, quietly undressed, and slipped back into bed. I cuddled up to my wife's back, now with a different anticipation, and whispered, "The weather out there is terrible." My loving wife of 10 years replied, "Can you believe my stupid husband is out fishing in that?"

And that's how the fight started...

******************************************

I rear-ended a car this morning. So, there we were alongside the road and slowly the other driver got out of his car. You know how sometimes you just get soooo stressed and little things just seem funny? Yeah, well I couldn't believe it.... He was a DWARF!!! He stormed over to my car, looked up at me, and shouted, "I AM NOT HAPPY!!!" So, I looked down at him and said, "Well, then which one are you? "

And then the fight started.....

*****************************************

My wife was hinting about what she wanted for our upcoming anniversary. She said, 'I want something shiny that goes from 0 to 150 in about 3seconds.'

I bought her a scale.

And then the fight started...

******************************************

When I got home last night, my wife demanded that I take her someplace expensive...so, I took her to a gas station.

And then the fight started...

******************************************

After retiring, I went to the Social Security office to apply for Social Security. The woman behind the counter asked me for my driver's license to verify my age. I looked in my pockets and realized I had left my wallet at home. I told the woman that I was very sorry, but I would have to go home and come back later.

The woman said, 'Unbutton your shirt'. So I opened my shirt revealing my curly silver hair. She said, 'That silver hair on your chest is proof enough for me' and she processed my Social Security application.

When I got home, I excitedly told my wife about my experience at the Social Security office.

She said, 'You should have dropped your pants. You might have gotten disability, too.'

And then the fight started....

******************************************

My wife and I were sitting at a table at my high school reunion, and I kept staring at a drunken lady swigging her drink as she sat alone at a nearby table.

My wife asked, 'Do you know her''Yes,' I sighed, 'She's my old girlfriend. I understand she took to drinking right after we split up those many years ago, and I hear she hasn't been sober since.'

'My God!' says my wife, 'who would think a person could go on celebrating that long?'

And then the fight started...

******************************************

I took my wife to a restaurant. The waiter, for some reason, took my order first. "I'll have the strip steak, medium rare, please." He said, "Aren't you worried about the mad cow?""Nah, she can order for herself."

And then the fight started...

******************************************

A woman is standing nude, looking in the bedroom mirror. She is not happy with what she sees and says to her husband, 'I feel horrible; I look old, fat and ugly. I really need you to pay me a compliment.'

The husband replies, 'Your eyesight's damn near perfect.'

And then the fight started.....

NEVER LIE TO YOUR MOTHER

2009-09-01T08:13:00.001-07:00

Brian invited his mother over for dinner. During the course of the meal, Brian's mother couldn't help but notice how beautiful Brian's roommate, Jennifer, was. Brian's Mom had long been suspicious of the platonic relationship between Brian and Jennifer, and this had only made her more curious.

Over the course of the evening, while watching the two interact, she started to wonder if there was more between Brian and Jennifer than met the eye.

Reading his mom's thoughts, Brian volunteered, 'I know what you must be thinking, but I assure you Jennifer and I are just roommates.'

About a week later, Jennifer came to Brian saying, 'Ever since your mother came to dinner, I've been unable to find the beautiful silver gravy ladle. You don't suppose she took it, do you?'

Brian said, 'Well, I doubt it, but I'll send her an e-mail just to be sure.

So he sat down and wrote:

Dear Mom,

I'm not saying that you 'did' take the gravy ladle from the house, I'm not saying that you 'did not' take the gravy ladle. But the fact remains that one has been missing ever since you were here for dinner.

Love, Brian

Several days later, Brian received an e-mail back from his mother that read:

Dear Son,

I'm not saying that you 'do' sleep with Jennifer, I'm not saying that you 'do not' sleep with Jennifer. But the fact remains that if Jennifer is sleeping in her own bed, she would have found the gravy ladle by now.

Love, Mom

LESSON OF THE DAY - NEVER LIE TO YOUR MOTHER

Solar Panels

2009-08-31T08:39:00.002-07:00

We are getting solar panels for our house! I am very excited!

Ryan is now selling them for his friends company. The process takes awhile with the permits and engineering plans, but in the end, they are going to ROCK. Look at us being all 'green'.

If you are wanting more information about getting solar panels installed for your home or office, please contact me and I'll forward the info to Ryan. There are a ton of government rebates and tax intensives right now. BTW, Arizona has a law out that no HOA can deny you getting solar panels on your roof. That is great news.

First Day of School

2009-08-27T09:37:00.004-07:00

Last night was my first day of college....again. It is weird being back and starting all over again. I missed out on college campus life the first time around, so I think I'll get my fix with the community colleges. They have a student union where everyone is hanging out, playing pool and eating in the cafeteria. AIPX was like a office building and barely had vending machines. So I am liking the college campus life!

I had several questions going into school like "Do the kids wear backpacks?" "Do the kids all carry laptops?" Questions like that. I have been out of school for a VERY long time have have no clue what the "kids" wear/act.

The class it's self is just stupid and the biggest waste of my time. I feel like I rode the short bus to school. My first homework assignment is....no joke....was to set up a gmail account and email myself and the instructor. NO JOKE. I am telling you.....short bus! The only challenging thing about this class will be if I can stay awake for 3 hours. Most of the people in the class feel the same way. However....there are some people that I think have never turned on a computer before in their lives. On top of that....they sat by me. So the entire time I am having to show them how to do something so simple as "right-click" or how to change a password or how to go to the "start" menu. They had no clue how to delete a folder or go to a directory folder. I don't have patients for that. It took this one lady and HOUR to change her password. AN HOUR! WTF! I told her that her password needed to be 6 characters long. She asked..."what's a character". It was like that for an hour. The teacher was even getting frustrated. Finally he said that he would create one for her so we can move along.....well that bit him in the ass later when she had to reboot. She knew NOTHING!

The next two classes will at least be very challenging for me and I'll learn something from them. More than how to "right click".

BTW, I got my backpack all ready to go several weeks ago. Like what you did when you where in elementary school. I am a dork.

Test Results Are Back......

2009-08-24T08:29:00.002-07:00

....And they are all a big fat negative!

Talk about a disappointment. Don't get me wrong, I am happy that I don't have Celiac Disease or liver/kidney failure. I just want to know what is wrong. I have been to the doctor 3 times now in my life and with no answers, just a heck of a lot more questions.

One thing we are doing is an experimental treatment. I guess they just found out that there are serotonin levels in your digestive track, like in your brain. Hence, "butterflys in your stomach" saying. I might have a lack of them or too much of the chemical.

I am NOT happy with the side effects of the drug. I hope my body starts to adjust. We will see where this treatment is taking me. So far, no help.

Was that the last piece of pizza.....EVER?

2009-08-19T13:54:00.002-07:00

So, most of you know me know that I have stomach issues. Lots of them. The docs don't really know what is the matter, so the chalk it up to IBS. It is a "catch-all" disease if they have no clue what is going on in your stomach.

I finally had enough. I am tired of the sever cramping and the bloating. When I talk about sever cramping, I am talking about falling to the floor, fetal position, sobbing. I do this several times a week. It drains me dry of energy and even self-esteem. Not to mention all the embarrassing times I have had with "IBS".

I finally went to my doc and said enough is enough. Find out what I have.

14 blood tests later (over a pint of blood drawn.....I am use to it). I am hopefully going to get some sort of answers. Whether I like them or not.

I am pretty sure it is an auto-immune disorder that prevents me for eating wheat and wheat-glutton. Who knows.....I'll I know is I have been stuffing down the pastas because after today, I might NEVER get to eat pasta or breads ever again. Anything with flour or wheat and several other ingredients that I will no long get to share with the world.

Pity party for one!

I decided to share my journey with you all. I have no clue who reads this blog, but I don't want to hid this from people, which is my usual responds. I want to help. I wish I had people tell me to go to the doctors, here is my symptoms. It is a VERY embarrassing subject, but I need to talk and not feel ashamed for what my body goes through to get rid of the foods I eat. It is not my fault (maybe my gene's) but not my fault.

Wish me luck!

NEW WEBSITE!

2009-08-01T18:12:00.002-07:00

Finished designing my website!!! I am a proud mama!! This is my first website that I designed and it happens to be mine.

Please check it out and let me know if there there are any errors - Spelling, grammar (by-the-way, I just misspelled 'grammar', told you I was horrific), technical. I haven't checked it out on other browsers yet.

There still is a lot more work to be done, but this is a fantastic start. (I would like to direct you to the cute favicon.)

http://dulcecreative.com/

In other news, I decided to go back to school. I would like to get a website design degree. I think with a BA in graphic design and a AAS in website design, I will be marketable. Plus, web is the way to go.

Thanks!

Entering the Crackberry World

2009-07-12T15:59:00.003-07:00

Yes, I might be going over to the other side and getting a Crackberry. The new tour just came out today and it looks really cool.....I am just wondering if it is for me. If I use all the features and get my money's worth.

So, I need your help. Is the Crackberry worth it? I would LOVE to get an iPhone, but since I would rather have no phone than go back to AT&T (OK, slight bit exaggeration).

Help me decide:

Blackberry Tour
Blackberry Storm
Blackberry Curve
Omnia I (would LOVE to get an Omnia II, but they are going to be over $500 bucks....effers)
LG Touch
LG Dare

or another suggestion for Verizon service.

8 THINGS

2009-07-09T15:09:00.003-07:00

My friend, Jenni did this on her blog and thought it was super cute.

8 THINGS I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE NEXT YEAR:

Traveling
Business started in full force
Watching TiVO grow up
Advance my career
Ladies World Series of Poker
Redecorating (we just have to get Ryan on board)
Getting Solar Panels
Maybe TTC

8 THINGS I DID YESTERDAY:

Worked
Finished a book
Worked on my brochure
Made San Diego plans
Looked for a new cell phone
Watched Real World and SYTYCD
Played with TiVO
Made Rice Krispy Treats

(I lead a very boring life)

8 THINGS I WISH I COULD DO:

Lose weight by not doing anything
Win the lottery
Get really good at poker
Have own a kick ass invitation company
Travel more.....I am not saying Vegas....Africa or some tropical island
Go sky diving
Move to a crazy large house (with the winnings of the lottery)
Have no debt

8 SHOWS I WATCH:

Dexter
Amazing Race
Survivor
Project Runway / Fashion Show
Poker
The Office
Law and Order: SVU
Without a Trace

8 FAVORITE FOODS:

Prime Rib
Chipotle Bowl
Twice Baked Potatoes
Chicken Parmesan
Pizza
Cinnamon Sugar Toast
California Rolls
Spicy Tuna Rolls

8 PLACES I’D LIKE TO TRAVEL:

Africa
Tahiti
Australia
Turks & Caicos
Alaskan Cruise
Italy
Sweden
New York City

8 PLACES I’VE LIVED:

Safford, AZ
Cottonwood, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Glendale, AZ
Peoria, AZ

I Am Sick

2009-07-01T09:34:00.000-07:00

I think I am coming down with baby fever. Crap. Not the best time.

Dulce

2009-06-16T13:00:00.007-07:00

I am SO excited for all the changes that Dulce is making. SOOOO excited. I am motivated! I have a goal in mind. I have lots of plans for the future of Dulce. This is not one of those things (like the blog and the triathlon) that I start and never finish. I have a goal in mind. It is my future, as well as my family's.

The kick off of the new and improved Dulce was the bridal show last Sunday. The Arizona Bridal Fashion Debut is HUGE. Over 600 exhibitors and well over 3000 brides and families.

HUGE. The day is so long. I want to give a BIG shout out to Mya. She rocked it and she helped me out big time. THANKS MYA!!!

I am also going to steal her photos of the booth. I just haven't had time to do this blog at my own computer. I sit down have have a million other things to do.

So new future, new look for Dulce. I have changed my color and theme. The colors are grey, white and a pretty light bluish, greenish color. Very clean look. I am thrilled. I am currently redesigning my website. Yes, I did say me! I couldn't be more thrilled about it. I feel like I can take on the world...one code at a time. It is a learning process for me, but I am doing it. Here is just a mini screen capture of part of the site.

Some of the new features of the site:

Professional photos!!! (being taken as I write this)
Slide show of the invites
Latest projects
Graphic design page
Apparel page
News updates about Dulce and the world of paper, design and invitations
I am also going to start a new line of stuff. It is in the line of the invitations, but a surprise! It is going to be cool and some thing fun. More about this in a month or two!

Other things for Dulce are new brochures.....hence the pro photos. I have also joined Association of Bridal Consultants.

With the new line coming out, the new website, new designs, new look and new associations, I truly hope Dulce can be where the company needs and should be.

You know you are old when...

2009-06-09T10:08:00.002-07:00

...you can no longer donate your eggs anymore.

The age limit is 28 if you where wondering.

Straitjackets and Shock Therapy

2009-06-05T08:05:00.004-07:00

So TiVO has issues. So we though....how can we help our little man? Of course, straitjackets and shock therapy since he is batsh!t crazy!

We got TiVO a head collar harness thing. When we take him on walks...he pulls so hard. All 30 pounds of him really is hard to control. I am sore afterwards and walks are so not what I was thinking about when I wanted dog. They are just not fun with him. Of course we live in a bunny haven. Bunnies are EVERYWHERE! Right now is full swing of the season and we see around 40 bunnies per walk. TiVO is hyper drive. He just pulls and pulls.

So one walk with the head collar....he is a completely different dog. No more pulling....well, because he can't. Miracle! A nice dog on a nice walk. Best $9.50 I ever spent! He does go in these crazy spouts where he wants the head collar off. He whales around and around on the ground. We just stop and wait for these episodes to finish. We did see his friend on walk #2..... Jesse James the Labrador (BTW, his older siblings are famous. One of the dog food brands used their photos for a marketing campaign). Usually TiVO likes Jesse James, TiVO walks up to him and swats him in the face. Then he attempted to attack Jesse. Like I said, batsh!t crazy!

We also purchase a shock collar. This was difficult to me. I was now a protective mother. I didn't want to shock him. I cried like a little sissy girl that I am.

TiVO is OBSESSIVE with the bunnies. He is attacking them in our bushes. He is destroying them. Do you remember the lump that we found? It was due to him chasing the bunnies inside our huge bushes. He is costing us a lot of money. Plus his is getting filthy. He comes in after bunny hunting in the bushes and he is covered in leaves, sticks, dirt and bugs. Of course he shakes inside our house! Lets not even go there with the sap. He is also digging. I am so done with is destructive behaviors. One hand, it is his natural instinct to dig and hunt, but on the other hand, between the vet bills and landscaping fees....I am done.

By the way, he has never caught a bunny.

So, the shock collar was introduced. At first, we told him no and buzzed a loud tone. If he didn't stop...we shocked him. I thought it would be a lot worse. I thought he would cry, but the shocks didn't phase him. He just had a one track mind...... BUNNIES. Eventually we turned it up and he felt it. He was scared of the bushes for like 24 hours. Then back to bunny hunting. Another dose of shock therapy with be prescribed this weekend.

Have You Been on This Blog??

2009-06-04T07:14:00.003-07:00

This has to be the best blog out there. I laugh so hard with every post! At the same time, I kind of feel bad for the guy. Twilight Widowers Anonymous

This guy has a wife that has to be the most obsessive Twilight fan out there. I REALLY like the saga, but this lady goes way over the sanity line. It is a must read blog.....I promise it won't disappoint. So if you are a fan or can't stand Twilight....you will be rolling on the ground laughing.

By the way.....he calls Edward: Pretty McSparkle! That has to be the best line.

Kudos to you, Mr. Twilight Widow!

Inaugural Rant & Rave

2009-06-03T07:13:00.003-07:00

Rant - People Who Hate AZ, That Are From Another State:

I am so sick of people who move to Arizona from another state and hate it here. Complain every second about how bad Phoenix is. Every little thing that happens, they compare it to AZ. "We don't do it like that in Boston." Uhhhhh ok, move back! They hate the drivers here. My rebuttal, how many Arizona natives do you know? Exactly, they are far and few between. Phoenix is made up of ppl from around the country, just like yourself.....so AZ drivers are not bad drivers....it is all these other a-holes from "So-Cal" or "Jersey" that move here. They complain about EVERYTHING! How there is no culture here, how the buildings look a like, how hot it is here (hey, dumb @ss, it is PHOENIX DESERT, what did you expect? Hawaii temps all year around?), how bad the education system is (ok, it is bad), how people are rude (again....AZ natives are a rare breed). Don't even get me started on the snow birds!

Overall, Arizona was established in 1914. Most East coast states was explored by Europeans in the 16th century. That is a vast difference. Yes, we had many settlers before that, but we don't have the two hundred year old libraries and the "culture" that you all want. We do have plenty of culture here....you just have to be open minded! Have you been to the Heard Museum? Exactly. you should check it out. You should start to call AZ home. I know you have lived here for the last 25 years and still not think of it as home. If you hate it here so much....why stay for that long? Why did you move here in the first place? Exactly....your beloved state isn't the best either. I am so sorry you hate it here. I wish you could love it as much as I do or just leave and take your negativity with you to your beloved state!!!

While I am on the So-Cal and No-Cal thing.....you drive me crazy! Your stickers stretch across your entire back window of your truck. I ask when you moved from Cali....your reply "When I was 3." WOW! You are representing a zip code that you are no longer tied too. OK! That is why we live in America. You can put what ever you want on your car.

Another think I hate about trucks....is those stupid bull ball things you hang off your hitch. You are NOT cool. You are a WT a-hole! Rant over.

Rave - Twilight Saga:

I know. I might be slightly obsessed, but Twilight has done so much for me. It got me into reading. I really, truly love the saga. I am now re-reading all the books. I was reading Twilight and Midnight Sun together. It is nice to slow down and pick up parts that you forgot or didn't understand. Also, big help with the characters on knowing them better. I wish Midnight Sun would be finished. I truly loved that draft.

So thank you Stephenie Meyer! You got me to love books and love to read. You also created an unbelievable love story that we can all relate to one way or another. However, you have ruined me for all other books. Nothing compares!

Way Too Long!

2009-06-02T07:29:00.002-07:00

It has been WAY too long since I blogged. It irritates me because I have SO many ideas. I have countless photos of meals I was planning. I have the top 5 list that I haven't done in so long. I also haven't done my rant and rave blogs. I have been wanting to do them since I started the blog. Hopefully I get better, but my life is pretty boring!!!

So for right now, update time!

Ryan and I's one year anniversary was on April 26th. We had dinner....we talked. It was nice. We are hoping to plan a vacation soon. Hopefully one that doesn't include bed bugs!!

Again, here is a mini slide show of our wedding photos: http://chelsea-nicole.com/slideshows/jamie_and_ryan/ The photos were taken by the VERY talented Chelsea Nicole Photography.

Since it has been little over a year, I have to decide on what to do with my dress. Check out Chelsea's Trash the Dress sessions!

So now it is business time. I really started to think about the future and what I need to do. Babies will be coming in the next few years and I started to think about daycare and all the other expenses. Even in the immediate future, I don't feel my job as being secure.

So now it is business time! I am in FULL swing. I wrote down all the negatives that went along with the invitations. I was not making any money. They were SO much work. I hated wasting my entire weekend on the invitations. My machine was slicing through the paper. So all those negatives, I turned into positives! I know what works and doesn't now. So with that being said......I am going to make my business a full time job. I am hoping within less than a year, I can make enough to live off of. Support my future family. I am very excited! I have a great product.....I just have to be a better business person.

I have the bridal show in a few days. I am VERY excited about. This will be the testing grounds for the new prices and the packages. I am in the works for developing a sustainable package as well that uses soy ink. The metallic paper I use is recycled, but the thermography printing, well lets just say it not the best for the enviroment. Not the worst though!

Ryan and I have been playing a crap load of poker lately. We are doing pretty good. Ryan is reading poker books, I do what ever I feel the right move is at the time. We are developing our bluffs and action moves. World Series of Poker, here we come! We are LOVING it. I did pretty good in my last tournament. Out of 50+ players, I was 9th PLACE! Go me!

TiVO is just a great dog. He is still a little puppyish, so he gets into trouble alot. His fasinations are with the bunnies at the moment. And of course Ryan. He just looooovvvveeeesssss Ryan! Ok, I might be slightly jelous, but at the same time, I am happy he has found such a great home with us and loves us as much as we love TiVO!

So this blog is starting to sound like one of those letters you get with Christmas cards. Rant and Rave blogs, next!

Happy Earth Day!

2009-04-22T09:01:00.005-07:00

So I am not the most 'green' person around, I am a print graphic designer for gawd sakes. I do try to do a few things to help reduce my carbon foot print. I also do lots of stuff that are against the no-nos of the 'green' world. I hope I can balance stuff out, if not, maybe you can suggest a few tips for me. Here is the good, bad and the horrific planet killer stuff I do!

GOOD: I use recycled paper for my invitations.

BAD:
LOVE my plastic water bottles (BTW, don't suggest to drink filtered water. I won't do it. I don't like @ss water. I also won't drink Arrowhead water.....again @ss water. It was bottled here in Phoenix. I don't like the @ss water much!).

GOOD: Ryan (now I) invested in a plastic recycle machine. One-of-a-kind in the United States.

BAD:
Since we live in the "county" and not the city, they don't offer a recycling program.

GOOD: I am too lazy to wash my own car (hey, I save water by either 1: not wash it at all or 2: I let the pros do it.....they use less water).

BAD:
I use airsol hair spray. I am sorry....it just works better for my hair. On a good note, I hardly do my hair.

GOOD: I wash our clothes in cold water.

BAD:
I like long hot showers.

The list could go on and on. I do try. And I think if everyone "try's", I think we can make the world better! Happy Earth Day!

Ryan Was On TV!

2009-04-22T08:39:00.002-07:00

Ryan did an on air TV interview for his website: PhotoRadarScam.com about the photo radar vans. http://www.kpho.com/video/19244971/index.html.

He looked good. I just wish the HORRIFIC florescent green trash can was out of site. That thing is hideous!

He is getting a lot of publicity lately about the site. He was on a few radio talk shows in the last few days.

I wish this was helping him get a j-o-b!

New Business Plan!

2009-04-07T08:38:00.002-07:00

So the invitations was a love / hate relationship. I really LOVED the idea of them.....hate the idea of putting them together. It got to the point....I would just freak out of the idea getting a client. Overall, I wasn't making money on the labor side of it. I did a spread sheet (which I hated in itself...Ryan made me do it....fought him every step of the way). The hours I spent, the drama. I just wasn't making money.

So my new plan is to market them as DIY (Do It Yourself). I will provide all the supplies....the brides will put them together themselves. I will only market ones they can do and need very little guidance.

I am very stoked at my idea and hope that I can make this profitable. Make them enjoyable again.

Off to make a business plan and pricing sheet!!!!!

Best April Fool's Joke!

2009-04-03T12:47:00.003-07:00

The best April Fool's joke got played on Ryan. I couldn't even come up with a better joke than the one that was played on him.

It was 5:30am and he comes busting in the bathroom while I was in the shower. He just kept saying that he was SO MAD. He was really fuming. I am sure if they did a blood pressure test on him, it would be extremely high.

Ryan gets alerts on his Black Berry when a story breaks on Photo Radar. There was a story that was just published about Photo Radar Cameras and how Phil Gorden (Phoenix's mayor....biggest a-hole out there) approved to place 350 new cameras around the valley with Federal stimulus money. I asked him how can he approve such a thing if he is just the mayor of PHX? How the Governor would allow that....knowing she is against them. He said there was a 1-800 number to call to get more details.

He called the number of course.....APRIL FOOL'S!

Heeehhhheeee! Best joke ever played on him!

**TiVO Update**

TiVO is fine. He had some sort of "foreign object" inside of him. His body was just producing a layer of stuff to protect him from what ever was inside of him. It could have been a bee stinger or cactus needle, anything.

Wall Street Journal, Valium and Lumps - Updates

2009-04-02T10:34:00.003-07:00

First off.....Ryan was quoted in WALL STREET JOURNAL! How cool is that! He has been working SO hard on Photo Radar Scam dot com. He has researched the subject and put together a pretty neat website. It has articles that have been published, ways to get around photo radar cameras and what to do if you received a ticket. He is VERY passionate on the subject. So if you are for or against the cameras, go on and read the articles! You need to get informed on the subject!

To read the Wall Street Journal article, click here! Yay for Ryan and Photo Radar Scam dot com!

On to me. On Tuesday I started my teeth process. LONG story about my dental issues, but I am finally starting the process. It is going to take about 2.5 years to complete, more money than I have, but in the end, I am going to be extremely happy and have the smile I wanted when I was 9.

Tuesday's appointment was better in one way, bad in another. I have extreme anxiety when it comes to dentists. Tuesday's appointment was going to be a biggie. I received Valium and nitrous oxide (laughing gas), not to mention I just ate Chick-Fil-A. I guess they don't go well together and lets just say I had nothing left in my stomach after the appointment! The good news is, the first appointment went well. I only remember bits and pieces. I am in pain. My teeth at the moment are EXTREMELY sensitive and have to drink out of a straw. Hopefully the soreness goes away soon.

Here is a quick schedule of what is to come (without going into detail):

Tuesday's: Removal of bridges, Gum and other teeth check, minor restoration
Beginning of May: Semi permanent bridge on, minor gum restoration
Middle of May: BRACES! I can't believe I am getting braces on again. I should be a better patient as an adult than I was as a teenager know-it-all. The braces will be on for around one and half years to two years....possibly longer.
After braces: Start the implant process. Titanium rod / bone, you get the picture. Possible bone graph.
Implant part two: More drilling, more drama. Gum graph.
Implant part three: Rod extender.
Final: Dentist will put on the final crowns and bridges.

Ok, so I went into detail. Freaked everyone out. It is not going to be pretty. PLEASE bare with me for the next few years. I'll be under construction.

On to the lumps. So our fantastic dog, TiVO has a lump on his side. It has grown in the last few weeks. I am worried. I hope it is nothing. Ryan is taking him to the vet this afternoon. Poor little man! I'll update later on.

TiVO has been really good. We (actually Ryan) installed a doggie door. He loves it. He sticks his head out all day. He doesn't use it often, just sticks his head out.....looking/sniffing around. He also like to torture the baby bunnies by running them off each time they try to feed. The crazy bunnies are still staying put.

No-Theft Day

2009-03-26T07:56:00.003-07:00

Let's all of us citizens take a vow to not steal for one whole day. We already have a Smoke-Free Day, a Secretary's Day, a Mother's Day, a Grandmother's Day and Valentine's Day. Let's have one more holiday: a Don't Steal Anything Day. The benefits will be immediate: There will be bumper stickers that read, "I didn't Steal Anything Today." The Hallmark cards will have their usual holiday bumper crop and, best of all, the huge flow of unfilched cash will send the economy soaring.

This holiday will only work if it is observed by big thieves, not just small fry. Cookers of books, Ponzi schemers, scrupleless traders, and accountants addicted to drugs and gambling will need to observe the day as much as petty cashiers, banking clerks, parking-meter attendants, coin-laundry collectors, slot-machine operators and traffic court judges. Not everyone will observe — just like not everyone stops smoking on Smoke-Free Day — but if enough people try, the results will be palpable.

Theft-Free Day will get better every year until we can eventually expand it to a Theft-Free Week. Imagine! A whole week during which no one steals anything. Hard to imagine, I know, but everybody used to smoke, too.

I know that I'm a dreamer, but what if we had a whole Theft-Free Month, like Poetry Month? April is traditionally Poetry Month, but there is no reason why it shouldn't double in the future as Theft-Free Month. Well, I'm not going as far as to suggest that everyone should observe a whole month without ripping anything off — that's probably a bit visionary. Certainly, professional thieves will be exempt: That's their job, after all, and they have enough problems with something called the law.

Still, even if we left out the people who make a living at it — muggers, bank robbers and the like — it would still be something if all the rest of us so-called law-abiding citizens — regular folks like Wall Street tycoons, CEOs and just-plain professionals, contractors and workaday drudges — would take our hands out of the till for a day, a week or a month. We would simply quit taking bribes, faking receipts, padding expense accounts and inflating budgets for that short time.

I know that a certain amount of thievery is built into the general economy and accounted for, but it's gotten out of hand. If it doesn't work and it wrecks the economy instead, we can just go back to Poetry Month. - Andrei Condrescu

Texas Hold'em Nicknames

2009-03-19T11:27:00.002-07:00

Here are a few of my favorite poker derivative nicknames for your pocket cards in Texas Hold'em.

Single Cards

A: As-Nas, Bullet, Spot, Mastercard, Eye, A of spades: Death Card or Tax Card
K: Cowboy, Knight, Monarch
Q: Cowgirl, 2 Titties, Dame, Slut
J: Boy, Jackel, Valet, John, J-Boy,
10 (T): Dime, Bo Derek, Big Casino
9: Niner, 9 of diamonds: Curse of Scotland.
8: Fat Lady, Snowman
7: Beer Card, Hockey Stick, Mullet
6: A Boot, Sex
5: Five Spot, Nickel
4: Boat, Four Spot, One Legged Ace
3: Crab, Trey
2: Deuce, Duck, Dewey, 2 of spades: The Curse of Mexico

Pocket Card Nick Names

AA: Eyes of Texas, American Airlines, Pocket Rockets, Snake Eyes, Black Aces: Banditerna, Red Aces: Visine
AK: Big Slick, Big Ugly, King Aurthur, Korean Airlines
AQ: Big Slut, Mrs. Slick, Anthony & Cleopatra
AJ: Apple Jacks, Ajax, Black Jack, Hijack
AT: Bookends
A9: Rounders Hand
A8: Dead Man's Hand
A7: Slap Shot
A6: Mile High Club
A5: High Five
A4: Transvestite
A3: Ashtray
A2: Acey-Ducey, Little Slick

KK: King Kong, Gorillas, Knights, Cowboys
KQ: Royal Couple, If wins: Marriage (suited) or Mixed Marriage (off suit), Doesn't win: Divorce (suited)
KJ: Bachelor's Hand (off suit), Starkey and Hutch, Kojak
KT: Big Al

QQ: Ladies, 4 Tits, Bitches, The Prostitute
QJ: Maverick
QT: Cutie, Q-Tip

JJ: Brothers, Fishhooks, Jaybirds
JT: TJ Hooker

TT: Dimes, Audi

99: Pothooks, Wayne Gretzky, Popeye's

88: Snowmen, Racetracks, Two fat ladies

77: Mullets, Hockey Sticks

66: Route 66, Boots

55: Speed limit, Presto

44: Luke Skywalker, Black Fours: Dark Force or Darth Vader

33: Treys, Crabs

22: Ducks, Quack Quack

You can see all of the nick names at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_poker_hand_nicknames

Quote For Thought

2009-03-16T10:55:00.000-07:00

“The difference between a boss and a leader: a boss says, ‘Go!’, and a leader says, ‘Let’s go!’”.

E. M. Kelly

2009-03-12T08:42:00.003-07:00

Wow! Some much to update on/not enough time. I have/had some many ideas about my blog. I just don't seem to put it all together like I wanted to. These last few weeks have been long and I wish I kept up more on the blog. I have tons of ideas.....I just don't seem to execute them properly. So instead, I'll give you a mini update and go from there.

Ryan and I just got back from Vegas! We were in a $100,000 Black Jack Tournament. We could have been better in the tournament. We keep learning and growing our skills in black jack tournaments. Ryan did great in the gambling world. He came back with money. SCORE! Me, AKA The Cooler, well, I lived up to my Vegas nickname. Walked up to a craps table..... "7". Bad. Ryan bet against me (hoping I would roll 7s). He didn't win. I just have BAD luck sometimes and effects the entire table around me. The Cooler, I cool down hot tables. It is an old superstitious casino thing.

Ryan surprised me with tickets to go see Le Reve (which means “The Dream” in French) at Wynn for our "February Gift" (we don't celebrate Valentines day...we call it February day). LOVED it. Cirque du Sole never lets me down! It is our 4th major show we have seen in Vegas.

I have also been reading TONS lately. I never really read books, as you can see from my grammar - HORRIBLE!

I just finished the "Twilight" series by Stephenie Meyer. First of, I am OBSESSED (Ryan reading this right now is probably thinking "obsessed" is an understatement). I think about the characters NON stop. I have dreams about it. I compare my life to the stories and characters. I am telling you OBSESSED!! I am just in love with the idea of love that is shared with the main characters, Bella and Edward. It is so rare to find love like theirs.....it is making me obsessive. I know, I know, it is just fiction. It is a story about vampires for God-sakes, but I am just so fascinated by the impossible love story. I want more Stephenie Meyer. I WANT MORE! Don't leave me hanging in this Twilight hangover today (I just finished Breaking Dawn yesterday....the 4th book). I just REALLY want more, I am showing signs of withdrawal today.

Hopefully, I'll get over it and get back to reality. I have my Edward....I have Ryan.

Kudos to Stephenie Meyer, a local Valley resident for making such a fantastic series. I am just starting on The Host today, I am sure you won't disappoint. At least the book is for Adults, not teens.

I also finished The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. FANTASTIC! I also really got "emotionally" involved with the book. It just changed my entire point of view of Afghanistan and why our troops are fighting for the citizens of Afghanistan. Khaled is a fantastic story teller and he make you want more and make the characters so alive....with emotions and feelings. I wish him the best of luck and I hope he produces more literary work and spread the word and charity to help the true citizens of Afghanistan. Help share the pride and the true meaning of what it means to be a Afghani citizen.

Other recent books was The Reader by Bernhard Schlink. It was good.....I just never really got into it, but it was good. I am sure I will like the movie more. I haven't read the last few pages, that might change things for me. Rosemary's Baby by Ira Levin. Very good! Another movie that I would like to see. I am also reading Confessions of a Shopaholic at this time.

Look at me! A little bookworm! Do you remember when you where in school and you got "star" sticker for a button? Once you filled all the spaces, you got a free personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut. I wish I had that now. I could really go for a pizza right now.

Now that I bored the few readers I do have, I'll update more later.

The case of the Blair Witch Rock Pile: Solved!

2009-02-11T08:47:00.001-07:00

The mysterious case of the Blair Witch Rocks in my backyard has finally been solved. There were these very bizzare rock piles forming in my backyard. Several little piles of rocks that didn't belong there. Every once in while, another pile would form. It just wasn't making sense. I didn't think Ryan was doing that. Who has that much time on their hands to go get the rocks, bring them in the corners of my yard and pile them in these mini piles of rocks. Each time I would discover another Blair Witch pile, I was getting more and more paranoid, my mind was wondering in all direction.

Well the mystery has been solved. Case closed. Paranoid thoughts over. Ryan and I left to go for a walk with TiVO and the second we open door, our neighborhood kids was on our front porch. Dressed in camouflage, with some type of weapon. Uhhhhhhh WTF are you doing on my property? Hiding? If they are that bold to do that, I am sure they would go in our backyard and do crazy stuff, like Blair Witch piles. So I asked Ryan about the rock piles. After a year (did I mention at least a year) of my mind running and crazy thoughts would merge. I finally ask my husband about Blair Witch rock piles.

"Oh, those piles, I did them." Ryan said casual.
"Uhhhh, really, why....WHY?" A entire year of emotions built up.
"I find the rocks that don't belong in the yard, stack them, and keep meaning to go pick up all the rock piles."

Blair Witch Rock Pile Case: Case closed.

'What Dog Breed Are You' Quiz

2009-02-09T14:44:00.003-07:00

Labrador Retriever
The Caretaker

Your family is what makes you tick, and you never "flea" from an opportunity to hang out with the whole gang. A family picnic complete with hot dogs, deviled eggs and a refreshing swim in the lake is hard for you to stray from. Your sparky temperament and dogged intelligence mean you are not only a blast to hang out with, but great to work with as well. Your close pals appreciate your patience and forgiveness, knowing you'd rather let sleeping dogs lie than dwell on the mishaps of the past. Your dashing good looks may one day lead to a modeling career, if only you can tame the unfortunate clumsiness that sometimes causes you to go flailing from the catwalk.

TiVO Afraid of His Water Dish

2009-01-27T15:07:00.003-07:00

This is what we have to go through everyday and night! He is getting better though.

Petwalk

2009-01-27T09:45:00.007-07:00

The Petwalk in Tempe was a lot of fun. Over whelming, but lots of fun. TiVO had a blast! I think it is good for him to get out and meet other dogs. He was intimidated by them I think, but he just wanted to check them out, then he could have cared less about them. After the first mile and half (it was a 5k walk), he was done. Just laid down in the grass. We stopped several more times. Poor guy, he was just pooped!

I am glad that several thousand people turned out for this great event. Lots of money was raise to help out animals in need.

Ryan and TiVO after the 5k. I am lingering in the background.

My grandma just adopted a dog from the Sedona Humane Society. His coloring looks a lot like TiVO. Hopefully they will start to adjust to each other soon.

Three Weeks with TiVO

2009-01-23T10:19:00.005-07:00

TiVO and his bones. LOVES them like he LOVES the bunnies.

Daddy.....give me the ball. PLEEEEESSSSE give me the ball.

Please? I'll be good. I want the ball.

What is it going to take for you to give me the ball? Want me to dance? Here is a little dance for you. Now give me the ball! (Yes, TiVO does get on his hind legs.)

Oh, crap, the ball went into the pool. Now what?

Belly rub time!

Old photo with his cone still on and pre-groom, but I just LOVE the heart on his nose.

Wow. I can't believe it has only been three weeks with little TiVO! He has been adjusting and getting more comfortable by the day. He goes outside more without us. He goes in different rooms without us know. Ryan and I are enjoying his independence. We are learning things about him all the time. We found out that he is scared of so much! He is TERRIFIED of his water dispenser. We have to hug him and pet him and encourage him to drink his water. This is all day and night. He barks at objects, like vases, ceiling fans and our George Foreman Grill. He is slowly getting better.

TiVO has also discovered the bunnies that live in the backyard. His life's mission is to get one. He spends hours with his nose to the ground, on the hunt for bunnies. He has now eating the grass and digging holes because they are flavored "bunny".

Last week TiVO and I went to Wags for Wishes. He had a great time and I wish he was able to participate in activities, they they included him to be off the leash. Not going to happen. He also got groomed. They butchered him, but they were sweet to him. I can't wait until the hair grows out.

This week, the three of us are attending PetWalk.

We are so lucky to have TiVO apart of our lives. We love him so much!

Inaugural PetWalk

2009-01-20T15:07:00.004-07:00

Join AAWL / SPCA for the PetWalk

You can sign up to be on team AAWL/SPCA or be an individual walker and raise money for AAWL/SPCA or another shelter of your choice. AAWL/SPCA is the oldest, no-kill shelter in Arizona. The shelter facilities provide a temporary home for nearly 2,000 dogs and cats every year, offering medical and behavioral treatment for those in need.

You can also sponsor Ryan and I by clicking here.

100% of proceeds from AAWL/SPCA designated Walkers goes to AAWL/SPCA

Click here to join the AAWL / SPCA Team

When: Sunday, January 25th
Registration begins at 1pm, the walk begins at 2:30pm
Where: Tempe Town Lake

This is the first-ever PetSmart Charities PetWalk! PetSmart Charities funds programs that assist animal welfare agencies in their life-saving work across the United States and Canada. The PetWalk will raise money for the local agencies we support and the thousands of homeless pets they help find loving homes for every year.

The inaugural PetWalk will be held on Sunday, January 25, 2009, at Tempe Town Lake in Tempe, Arizona. This event is more than a walk; it is a festival to celebrate the love we have for pets as well! It will be a fun-packed day with lots of activities for children, adults and pets.

Click here for more information on the walk, including registration forms and donation forms.