tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82187683418109907932023-06-15T10:45:21.693-07:00Mae's Monkey Biz"Imagination is More Important than Knowledge"
-Albert EinsteinMariann Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346218473065327147noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218768341810990793.post-18561674477176661232011-03-15T19:55:00.000-07:002011-03-15T19:55:01.609-07:00Bakin' or BaconAngelina and her bacon. I knew she liked it, but I had no idea she LOVED it. We went out to dinner the other night, and they had unlimited bacon pieces, and Angelina was in Heaven! <br />
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The very next day we went to Trader Joes and they were sampling....<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Yep you guessed it <em>BACON</em>!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The other morning I was getting ready to bake, and was getting the ingredients ready. I told her I needed the "Bakin' Soda." But I said it with a twang....and this was her response</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>"Bacon, did you say Bacon? I love Bacon!"</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I really wish I could play a recording of her saying it. She said it fast, ran it together, and was just too precious. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Just a short story for you tonight!</div>Mariann Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346218473065327147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218768341810990793.post-47341362584268075172011-03-14T22:19:00.000-07:002011-03-14T22:19:09.319-07:00All Or Nothing…Why?<span lang="EN"> <div style="text-align: center;">How come it seems so many of us have the mindset of All or Nothing? That if you can’t do it all, you won’t do anything at all?</div><div style="text-align: center;">I for one has a bad case of this. In just about every aspect of my life. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- If I don’t get everyone done in the day that I wanted to, I feel like I did nothing at all.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- I manage to eat healthy for 3 days straight, I have one bad snack/meal, and I feel like the last 3 days don’t matter.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- If I don’t have time to sew 4 wallets, I don’t even bother sewing 1, (Which I do have time for)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- If I’m thinking a two mile walk is too hard, I don’t even start with the first mile.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This morning I knew I wanted to wake up and exercise. I decided the night before that I would pop in my Walk Away the Pounds Dvd. I had it all set in my computer so all I had to do was push play. When I first started walking I felt good, motivated, and proud that I was actually doing it. As it had been a long time since me and Leslie Sansone walked together.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I get about ½ way through the workout and was contemplating going for 2 miles. I felt the need to push myself, that the one mile was too easy. Although it was harder than I remembered it being but I was beating myself up inside by telling myself I NEED to be doing more.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The One Mile Announcement came and I was done, I reached to shut it off, and even more I pushed the stop button I was talking myself down. Feeling guilty that I didn’t push myself harder. Once again forgetting the fact that I had exercised and I went the Full Mile. Never giving myself enough credit.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am putting a stop to this TODAY!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I had a long list of “stuff” I wanted to get done today. I won’t bore you with the details, but the normal cleaning house, laundry, dishes, ect. What I wanted to get done, and what I actually did get done are two different things, as I’m sure most of you understand. Yesterday I would have put myself down for not getting everything done, and feeling that in turn I didn’t do anything all day. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But TODAY, I keep reminding myself what I DID do all day. Woke up, exercised a full mile, made French toast for Me and Angelina, cleaned the kitchen up while I did that. I even made burritos to freeze for later quick meals, 20 of them! I played Just Dance on the Wii with Angelina, she did some home school work. Started a load of laundry, and am blogging now. So in the end who cares if the bathroom didn’t get cleaned today, it will be there tomorrow. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I ask you, what is more important…</div><div style="text-align: center;">A Clean Bathroom, or a game of Pretty Pretty Princess?</div><div style="text-align: center;">I challenge you to keep the All or Nothing Mindset at bay. If your like me, its pretty easy to feel guilty…but end this with me TODAY!!!</div></span>Mariann Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346218473065327147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218768341810990793.post-25483675417378546682011-03-13T11:02:00.000-07:002011-03-13T11:02:42.514-07:00Teaching: The Thin Line of Sharing too Much<span lang="EN"> First of all today I wanted to start out praying for the People of Japan. I have distanced myself from the news coverage on purpose, I just can’t bare to watch, but what I can do if pray for them. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><em>Its just unbelievable!</em></div><br />
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I live near the Seattle area of Washington State. We have been expecting “The Big One” for many years now. What shook Japan, could very well and probably will shake here someday. Such an unnerving feeling, imaging preparing for something like that, not knowing when it will hit, but knowing that it will. <br />
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-So what do we do? <br />
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We don’t prepare.<br />
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Its like I’m telling myself, if we don’t talk about it, don’t make a plan, or prepare, it won’t happen. But I know this to be untrue. I feel like I might jinks it, and how awful is that?<br />
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While I was out this morning, Angelina was watching the news with Daddy. She asked me if Daddy called to tell me what happened in Japan? She said there was an explosion and lots of water crashing boats cars and buildings. <br />
*Update: Turns out she was watching coverage at Grandma and Papa’s house yesterday.<br />
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I was forced to have a short conversation about what happened. <br />
Earthquake under the ocean floor, shook the ground, made the water go “crazy.” <br />
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-Tried to keep it on a 5year old level. <br />
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I told her that we need to keep those people in our thoughts and prayers, lots of people are hurt and don’t have a house now. <br />
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<em>“Why…did someone take it?”</em><br />
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<em>-No, when the ground shook it made if all down, cracked the house.</em><br />
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<em>“Oh that’s ok, Phineas and Ferb will drive there to fix it!”</em><br />
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(Which was yes the cartoon she was watching at the time of this conversation. <br />
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<br />
So at that point I ended the discussion, but I know deep down I need to talk to her more about this. Not so much as what happened and is happening in Japan, but more so what could happen here. <br />
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But this is where I’m torn. I want to<strong> share</strong> with her, but not<strong> share</strong> too much. I don’t want her to be scared about it happening here, I want her to not worry. And to keep me from worrying as well.<br />
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I think we will take the next couple of weeks and slowly dabble in the much need conversation, and most importantly fill the tub we have for our emergency earthquake kit, which embarrassingly is<strong><em> empty</em></strong> at the moment.<br />
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I know a lot of people that read this blog aren’t local to me, but if you are…are you prepared? How did you teach your child(ren) about Earthquakes and not scare them?<br />
And if you aren’t local…how did you prepare for other disasters, ie…Hurricanes, Tornadoes, ect.?</span>Mariann Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346218473065327147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218768341810990793.post-90412169841609082712011-03-12T22:46:00.000-08:002011-03-12T22:46:47.531-08:00Just Let ‘Em In<div style="text-align: center;">I think we can all agree that a big reason driving can be so frustrating is that people think they can just cut people off. That they are all High and Mighty and can just “sneak in!”</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have a suggestion to end this…that is to,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <strong><span style="color: red;">Just Let ‘Em In!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
I was driving around running errands alone the other day. Not a care in the world cause lets face it I was alone! I was in stop and go traffic on a road that surrounds a mall. There was a white SUV in the middle turning lane waiting to get into my lane. I watched the following unfold…</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The driver inched forward, and had ever right to maneuver in front of the Black SUV which was in front of me. The black SUV had other plans apparently, cause he wouldn’t let the White SUV in. </div><div style="text-align: center;">This is where I sat back and wondered why? Why not let that SUV in? We were in traffic, barely going anywhere, everyone needed to give and take, but the Black SUV thought other wise. (Maybe the High and Might mentality.) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The White SUV continued to inch forward and the Black SUV did the same, not budging. Then the inevitably happened, the White SUV was running out of space, gunned it and basically was forced cut off the Black SUV. Of course the Black SUV got mad, revved the engine and laid on the horn. All the while I’m sitting back shaking my head still wondering why?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am not condoning what the White SUV did, but they were forced to do what they had to, considering they were out of road. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So going back to my suggestion, the Black SUV should have just Let Em In…agreed?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lets take a look at all the feelings that arose in those very few min that past.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Frustration<br />
Anger<br />
Aggression <br />
Embarrassment<br />
Guilt<br />
Feeling Annoyed<br />
Irritated</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Many of those I’m sure both parties involved were feeling.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
And who knows what those feeling led to in the next minutes. It could have set them both up for continued frustration through out their day. All because someone wasn’t willing to just take a turn, and Let ‘Em In.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I encourage you the next time you are driving, in traffic or not, be that nice guy, slow down, motion, wave, and Just Let ‘Em In. And by all means SMILE while you do so!</div>Mariann Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346218473065327147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218768341810990793.post-47151216065503308322011-03-11T14:54:00.000-08:002011-03-11T14:54:37.518-08:00To Smile Or Not<span lang="EN"> There seems to be a debate on just how many muscles it takes to smile, verses how many muscles it takes to frown. Some say,<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">-22 to Smile, 37 to Frown</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">-13 to Smile, 33 to Frown</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">-17 to Smile, 43 to Frown</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">-14 to Smile, 72 to Frown</span></div><br />
Although the exact number of muscles used is unsure, I think we can conclude that smiling takes less energy than frowning. <br />
Indeed it is important to exercise as many muscles as you can, but I for one would rather perfect the few it takes to smile instead.<br />
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Charles Darwin was among the first to suggest that we are capable of changing our own moods just by the simple act of smiling. Facial Feedback Hypothesis “*states that facial movements can influence emotion experience.” Now that is some exciting news! <br />
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Just imagine you are at the next staff meeting, bored as always…now imagine yourself forcing a smile. Facial Feedback suggests that you will now enjoy your meeting, you will actually contribute and share your amazing ideas, everyone will listen, and you will get a pay raise. All because you smiled! Now how easy was that?<br />
At first glance you may think that I’m exaggerating, a Smile will not get me a pay raise…this is of course unless you have “that kind of boss.” <br />
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With a Smile you are<br />
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Happier<br />
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Which makes you more approachable <br />
you easier to talk to<br />
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more friendly (and who doesn’t like Friendly?)<br />
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You will have more confidence,<br />
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Maybe even enough to present your ideas that you just know will work.<br />
Which in the end may lead to a pay raise. <br />
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Who would you enjoy being around, listen and talk to, and potentially give a raise to….<br />
Someone who Smiles or Frowns?<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">-I think I know which you’d choose!</div> <br />
Have you ever watched a person yawn? What usually happens next…your yawning yourself. The same is true when you see someone smiling….You Smile Yourself!!!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta;"><strong>Lets change the world</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta;"><strong><em>One Smile at a Time!</em></strong></span></div> <br />
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The last couple of days at work I challenged myself to make sure everyone that leaving my store leaves with a Smile. There are some tough cookies out there, and even a tickle probably wouldn’t produce a smile. But I find more often than not when I share a smile, most share one back.<br />
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So my challenge for you is to go about your normal day, however that may be, but today SMILE all day long!!! I dare you to come back tomorrow and try to convince me you didn’t just have one of the BEST days ever!!!<br />
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I will leave you today with a favorite quote of mine,<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>“Your Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile”</strong></em></div>- The movie Annie<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">*Wikipedia definition</div></span>Mariann Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346218473065327147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218768341810990793.post-3093173472638275092011-03-10T20:29:00.000-08:002011-03-10T20:29:10.757-08:0040 Days 40 NightsYesterday was Ash Wednesday and Angelina and I were able to attend Mass with my Mom. We went to the Church where my sister was married in, that's already been over a year ago. Father Brian, truly an amazing Priest. <br />
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At the 9:00 mass, the School Children attended also and even read the readings to us. That in itself made it extra special. During the Homily, Father told a story geared towards the children, and in simple terms for them, shared with us that during this season of Lent..., <br />
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<em>there are things that we need to survive, </em><br />
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<em>somethings are nice to have but not necessary, </em><br />
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<em>and there are things that we need to add into our lives to make us better Christians. </em><br />
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It was put in such a beautiful way where the children understood, but also the adults in the room understood as well. <br />
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I know God has a plan for me, just as he does with everyone. And its almost like a secret, or present under the Christmas Tree, you just want to know what it is. You want to make sure your on the right path, you just want to skip to the "best" part, you want God to just tell you already. <br />
But part of the journey is...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em> the journey itself.</em></strong> </div><br />
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Imagine skipping to the best part of a movie or book, without the beginning the "best" part won't seem that good after all. I want to begin to see my journey as the best part...the best part of what? That I'm not sure, but I want the best to be the best that is can be! So to reach that I have to walk and take baby steps.<br />
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During this time of Lent I am going to start taking those steps. I know we are taught that Lent is a time of fasting, giving up something.<br />
Most people I know will give up something unhealthy, <em>chocolate, sweets, pop, coffee</em>, ect. <br />
And all those are wonderful things, each time you want to reach for it you will remember why you are giving it up to begin with. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">That's the important part. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> For me this during this season I want to become closer to God, and instead of "<em>giving up</em>" something, I'm choosing to</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em> Give Myself</em></strong> something. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">To grow as a Christian and a better Me. I am not 100% sure how I am going to go about this, but I'm sure God will lead me in the direction that is right for me!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WhbdzBaK63w/TXmk6iAcvBI/AAAAAAAAAJo/q-yWwoo_iBg/s1600/IMG_20110309_100803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WhbdzBaK63w/TXmk6iAcvBI/AAAAAAAAAJo/q-yWwoo_iBg/s320/IMG_20110309_100803.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Angelina and Me after Mass with our Ashes</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Mariann Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346218473065327147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218768341810990793.post-887559108401448522011-02-12T22:43:00.000-08:002011-02-12T22:43:16.400-08:003rd Message From All CashiersI'm pretty sure most cashiers are worried about getting robbed, and if not I guess I'm alone and should change the title to this post to "A message from Me" But none the less....<br />
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THE Worst time to be reaching into your pockets is just after you hand me your cash and my till flies open. <br />
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You'd be surprised as to how often this happens. <br />
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Now you are informed...carry on now!<br />
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:-)<br />
*High Five if you agree!Mariann Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346218473065327147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218768341810990793.post-33616509153332871052011-02-04T14:34:00.000-08:002011-02-04T14:34:44.916-08:00Broken HeartsOh bummer I can't find where I found this craft at, if I find it I will add it in. I changed things up a bit to fit Angelina who is 5, but the root "game" was thought up by someone else.<br />
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Angelina knows how to count to 100 and can say each number by looking at it. We are moving on to actually reading the numbers in word form. Starting slow with 1-10. To help her with this we made our Broken hearts.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xzvGJFpaJks/TUx-otHsrPI/AAAAAAAAAJg/YQ9mzhxKypM/s1600/DSC_0269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xzvGJFpaJks/TUx-otHsrPI/AAAAAAAAAJg/YQ9mzhxKypM/s320/DSC_0269.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
As you can see I cut out 10 identical hearts. One side of the heart I drew the number, on the other side I wrote the number out in word form. Then I cut each heart into a broken heart. I was careful to cut each broken heart out the same as I knew she would just try to match each heart as in a puzzle, and I really needed to her be paying attention to the actual word. (With me on this?) She was really excited to try something new, and even played it three times in a row.<br />
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The first time I put all the words in a pile, then all the numbers in another. She took a number the had to find the word. We did it the opposite way next, then I mixed it up on the third time. She was so proud she showed Daddy right when he got home. <br />
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Just thought I would share this idea, it was quite simple and a lot of fun, never mind a learning tool!!! Happy Friday Everyone!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xzvGJFpaJks/TUx-4gr3_QI/AAAAAAAAAJk/gJnkBPD6G5A/s1600/IMG_20110203_104915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xzvGJFpaJks/TUx-4gr3_QI/AAAAAAAAAJk/gJnkBPD6G5A/s320/IMG_20110203_104915.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Mariann Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346218473065327147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218768341810990793.post-12296519107621202822011-02-02T19:39:00.000-08:002011-02-02T19:39:03.225-08:00Go Fish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xzvGJFpaJks/TUojRjtcJgI/AAAAAAAAAI8/JxPXxFkhGDw/s1600/IMG_20110202_192103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xzvGJFpaJks/TUojRjtcJgI/AAAAAAAAAI8/JxPXxFkhGDw/s320/IMG_20110202_192103.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Today I thought I would play a little game with Angelina. She loves to play Go Fish, ever since her Aunt Kelli taught her how to play.<br />
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Even though the game Go Fish is educational in itself (knowing your numbers, matching skills, plus the taking turns, winning losing aspect as well), I decide to shake things up a bit.<br />
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I cut 26 index cards in half, and wrote out the alphabet in Upper Case and Lower Case. Then I mixed up the cards, and we play Go Fish by asking each other for the Match to each letter. Angelina loved playing the new game. After two rounds of that we made up a new game and instead of asking for the actually letter name, we asked each other using the Sound of each letter. <br />
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This also helped me in knowing what we need to work on more. A little side note: The first game I won...(hard to let someone win in Go Fish, lol) the second game she won...and she immediately suggested playing again to "break the tie" :-)<br />
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Just thought I would share a cute easy craft with an added game in the end! Enjoy!Mariann Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346218473065327147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218768341810990793.post-58191684957702694882011-01-22T19:51:00.000-08:002011-01-22T19:51:59.009-08:00A Perfect Mix of Business and Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xzvGJFpaJks/TTuhuTzf8KI/AAAAAAAAAIg/xr2-e7wNvQ4/s1600/IMG_20110122_125145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xzvGJFpaJks/TTuhuTzf8KI/AAAAAAAAAIg/xr2-e7wNvQ4/s320/IMG_20110122_125145.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Many of you guys saw this on my Facebook Page (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/profile.php?id=535661363">Facebook Me</a>) I posted it after we arrived at the park, and captioned it "Business first, now play time" And it was exactly how our day went. Like the title of this post, it truly was the perfect mix of business and fun!<br />
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We had a couple of errands to run, and a bill to pay, then it was off to the park. It was a beautiful day, it sure seemed like it had been quite some time since we had seen the sun here. Angelina was a good sport at all the stores, knowing we would soon be running around and playing on the toys. <br />
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While watching Angelina play and run and laugh, I leaned over and gave Mike a kiss...(tmi??) And I told him I love days like this. <br />
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Next up are some pictures that I took at the park with my phone. Enjoy!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xzvGJFpaJks/TTuk0iDH2WI/AAAAAAAAAIk/wSBwKz29SrI/s1600/IMG_20110122_131547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xzvGJFpaJks/TTuk0iDH2WI/AAAAAAAAAIk/wSBwKz29SrI/s320/IMG_20110122_131547.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bird that we didn't know what it was...any ideas?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xzvGJFpaJks/TTuk8dlKggI/AAAAAAAAAIo/SdDujKAVksw/s1600/IMG_20110122_132915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xzvGJFpaJks/TTuk8dlKggI/AAAAAAAAAIo/SdDujKAVksw/s320/IMG_20110122_132915.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She LOVED the "big girl" swing</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xzvGJFpaJks/TTulCbq3RYI/AAAAAAAAAIs/cQWL8wSTKXA/s1600/IMG_20110122_132943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xzvGJFpaJks/TTulCbq3RYI/AAAAAAAAAIs/cQWL8wSTKXA/s320/IMG_20110122_132943.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really hard to take a swinging picture with a phone camera that has a delay lol</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xzvGJFpaJks/TTulKzTepdI/AAAAAAAAAIw/9ZT_7VvnWhw/s1600/IMG_20110122_140054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xzvGJFpaJks/TTulKzTepdI/AAAAAAAAAIw/9ZT_7VvnWhw/s320/IMG_20110122_140054.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We tried to be funny, and pretend she was reading over this boys shoulder </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xzvGJFpaJks/TTulOJNzmGI/AAAAAAAAAI0/gC_3B2BzmXQ/s1600/IMG_20110122_143531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xzvGJFpaJks/TTulOJNzmGI/AAAAAAAAAI0/gC_3B2BzmXQ/s320/IMG_20110122_143531.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A friendly competition of Checkers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Mariann Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346218473065327147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218768341810990793.post-38757140351095120752011-01-20T07:48:00.000-08:002011-01-20T07:48:53.045-08:00Feeling Hunger Vs. Feeling ThirstyCan any of you tell the difference between Feeling Hungry, and Feeling Thirsty? Its very hard to separate the two, and maybe impossible. <br />
<br />
This past week we have become more health conscience. On Monday I watched a documentary called The Beautiful Truth, and it added to what I already knew about the healing properties of fruits and vegetables. (I would love to write a blog about the documentary and about The Gerson Therapy, and in the future I will) To sum it up in one sentence, its about Max Gerson and his "findings" on how eating solely fruits and veggies can heal the body from the common cold to cancer. If you like documentaries and enjoy learning, I highly recommend The Beautiful Truth.<br />
<br />
So anyhow...many of you know that I have diabetes. And where as I am getting a tad better, I am still far from where I need to be. (Side note, I lost another 2.8 pounds) :-) On Monday after Mike was home from work, we took a trip to the fruit market that's about 2 miles from our house. Extremely close if you ask me. We purchased a handful of different fruits and veggies, and when we got home we dusted off our Jack LaLanna Juicer, and had our very own homemade juice. I will admit the first one wasn't very tasty. We had added too much Kale to the mix. LOL But we juiced again last night and it was much better! MUCH better!<br />
<br />
Now that we have that tangent taken care of, lets go back to my original question. Hunger Vs Thirsty, a fine line! <br />
<br />
I noticed this first hand the last two days. Especially last night. Here's my story...:-)<br />
<br />
Yesterday I was very busy around the house, cleaning laundry, errand running, dinner making, ya know the basics right? All this and I was forgetting to drink my water. I had fixed Stuffed Peppers for dinner, which were so delicious by the way!!! Not 20mins after dinner, I felt hungry pains or hunger pangs rather. I was, you are not serious I just ate dinner and now your hungry? But then I remembered how busy my day was with the lack of water, and I knew I was just thirsty. I got a bottle of ice water, chugged it, and what do you know?! I wasn't "hungry" no longer.<br />
<br />
So I will leave you with a challenge...next time you think you feel hungry, think back and see when was the last time you drank water! :-)Mariann Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346218473065327147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218768341810990793.post-11738155832135516572011-01-06T21:42:00.000-08:002011-01-06T21:43:08.518-08:00How Do You Classify A Day of Nothing?I texted Mike (Hubby) this morning...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">"Do U mind if I do nothing today? :-) "</div><br />
His response:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Lol I don't mind at all! As long as you are enjoying your day off!"</div><br />
This is one of the many reasons I love him! So now here is my question, How do YOU classify a day of nothing? <br />
<br />
<u><strong>Nothing</strong></u><br />
<br />
No Dishes<br />
No Laundry<br />
No Shower (Yes this is true I didn't take a shower today)<br />
No Work<br />
No Cleaning<br />
Pretty much nothing in the way of improving the living quarters<br />
<br />
<br />
But now let me list the things I Did Do<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Did Do</u></strong><br />
<br />
Woke up :-)<br />
Took care of Angelina's needs all day (of course)<br />
Went to the fabric store (No I wasn't alone this time) lol<br />
Got materials for a couple of projects<br />
Made two coin wallets<br />
Straightened up the living room (Not actually cleaning but cleared the room)<br />
Teeny bit of grocery shopping<br />
Kept updated with Facebook<br />
And am writing my blog<br />
<br />
<br />
So all in all it wasn't a day of "nothing" per se! A very fun relaxing day. But now I have my work cut out for me tomorrow. Mount Laundry needs to be dealt with! <br />
I apologize for no blog last night. If you are a friend on facebook (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/profile.php?id=535661363">My Facebook Page</a>) then you would know that I was having issues with Blogger. Hope to have two blogs up tomorrow! Got some exciting news!!! Happy Almost Friday! :-)Mariann Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346218473065327147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218768341810990793.post-74905720369136173352011-01-04T23:40:00.000-08:002011-01-04T23:40:02.408-08:00Yet Another Issue I haveDoes anyone remember the 2nd post I wrote? The one about journals, and how often I buy new journals but yet never journal? <a href="http://maesmonkeybiz.blogspot.com/2010/08/keeping-journal-at-any-age.html">Heres A Reminder</a><br />
<br />
Well I am this same exact way with new Day Planners. I bought a new one about a week ago, and have yet to write in it. I think the reason why is that I don't want to wreck it, or make a mistake. But who cares...its Mine!!! LOL<br />
<br />
So tomorrow I'm breaking it out and writing it in! So if you want your birthday in my new planner, give it to me!!! :-)Mariann Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346218473065327147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218768341810990793.post-37157790549275345002011-01-03T22:58:00.000-08:002011-01-03T22:58:45.241-08:00I Feel Lighter TodayAnd there is a very good reason I feel that way! I weighed in 2.8 pounds lighter this morning! I was so surprised and excited to finally see the scale go down! It was motivation for the whole day let me tell you!<br />
<br />
What's even better is I really haven't done anything different this week. Other then, eating more lettuce with dinner and occasionally for lunch. Drinking more water, and probably most importantly not sitting myself in front of the computer as much. Oh yeah and a few Cardio Max Dvd workouts thrown in :-)<br />
<br />
So I'm here to tell you with little changes, and just being more aware, things do start to move! LOL <br />
<br />
Sorry for the late and short post today. Its 11pm, and its freezing in my house, I'm off to bed where the heater is plugged in and on! Night Night All!Mariann Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346218473065327147noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218768341810990793.post-29316268777979514972011-01-02T17:14:00.000-08:002011-01-02T17:14:06.983-08:00Helping My Sister With Her ResolutionOne of my sister (Kelli's) resolutions this year is to <br />
<br />
<em>Bring a lunch to work, instead of buying. </em><br />
<br />
Which I love. Buying a lunch everyday can get expensive and not as healthy. She saw my bag I sewed the other day and loved it. She wanted one for herself, and it would be her new Lunch Bag. Two <span style="background-color: yellow;">of</span> the fabric from my post yesterday was for her. I worked on it last night and was able to finish it up for her today. She hasn't seen it yet! She requested a few changes to the bag, or rather add-ons. A longer pocket on the inside, big enough for a fork or spoon. (Which is a great idea) A way to close said pocket, and she wanted to somehow be able to close the top of the whole bag. The pocket, I added a snap, and I added two strings of material to tie the bag shut on top. I am very pleased with out it turned out!<br />
<br />
While I was sewing her bag, I was sewing an extra bag with the same pattern. (With out a snap on the pocket) I was tossing around the idea in my head about maybe giving a bag away on my blog. What do you guys think? Good idea? Would you guys use a bag like this? Let me know what you think!!<br />
<br />
I'm off to work tonight, but then coming home and hoping to start the bag for my Mom!!!Mariann Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346218473065327147noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218768341810990793.post-5826279340227846252011-01-01T20:46:00.000-08:002011-01-01T20:47:07.671-08:00$1 MistakeI should make a rule that I can not go to the fabric store alone!<br />
<br />
Some of you might remember my post about the material for my quilt. Here is where I typed about it, <a href="http://maesmonkeybiz.blogspot.com/2010/09/mistake-to-laugh-about.html">Click Me</a><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN">Today I headed to the Fabric Store (yes alone). I was so excited after making my bag yesterday, my mom and sister really liked it too. I was going to surprise them with a bag of their own. I went into the store hoping for a sale, I mean who doesn’t right? I went over to the cotton section and I see a sign…All I saw was,<br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">$1.00</span></strong></div><br />
I’m thinking, Wow its just my day today, $1.00 a yard, SCORE!!! The next hour was spent picking out fabric. I picked out my moms bag, my sisters bag, and 2 others to just make for fun! Also Mike has been wanting me to make him a quilt…and at $1.00 a yard, yeah I picked out 4 different patterns! They were beautiful, but manly. Imagine how hard it is to find material for a Man’s Quilt. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> <br />
<br />
I’m heading up to the cutting counter with 12 bolts. I was getting 1 yard of each to make it easy. The store was so slow, 2 ladies were cutting my material. We were just chatting away, and I know I mentioned at least once, “This is such a good deal!” So off to the check out counter I go with my 12 yards of different fabrics. Super excited to get home as soon as I can to get started!<br />
<br />
The nicest lady there was ringing me out. (I’m very lucky I had a nice one, you’ll soon find out why) And I can barely see the total as she working, as its only on her screen, but even far away I could tell it was a pretty high total. But I just figured once she hit “Total” the sale price would override the regular price. She hits total on her screen, and says “That will be $86.blah blah. (After I heard $86 I tuned out the change, lol) I about fell over, $86!!! I asked her, “Aren’t these on sale…*pointing to the back where the signs are* She then says “Oh yes mam they all rang up…” (Wait for it, wait for it!)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">$1.00 <em>OFF</em></div><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">One Flippin’ Dollar Off. That’s what the sale was!!! Not what I was thinking! I guess I had my blinders one when I walked in, and got so excited! I was so embarrassed, you have no idea. In cases like this, they more then likely will make you buy it. You Cut It, You But It! This is where I got lucky. I apologized and explained what I thought it was, and told her how embarrassed I was. She was very nice about the whole mishap, and even asked “Do you want any of it, or do you just want to forgo the whole order?” I felt so bad, embarrassed (Did I mention how embarrassed I was?!) and guilty, I knew I had to buy something! So purchased 4 out of 12, and instead of $86.whatever, it was $20. I paid as quickly as I could and ran out of there. <br />
<br />
It amazes me that I even thought it was only $1.00 a yard, that would be an amazing sale! Steal of deal if you will! I should have known better.<br />
<br />
I am going to wrap this post up with a quote…<br />
</span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">“If its too good to be true, <em>Read the Fine Print!” </em></span></div></span>Mariann Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346218473065327147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218768341810990793.post-46299012896874299262010-12-31T17:19:00.000-08:002010-12-31T17:19:37.704-08:00Sew Much FunHehe Like the subject?! I know this is post number 2 today but I just had to share!!<br />
<br />
A little background. When I go into work I carry two water bottles and a snackie, plus my purse. One water bottle has ice and goes at the register with me. The other one goes in the freezer to enjoy on my break, with my snackie of choice. Last night I decided to try using a gift bag to carry all my stuff in, and it worked like a charm.<br />
<br />
Sew...today :-) I make a little baggie for myself. Its the perfect size I wanted...and was fun to make. Just had to share!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xzvGJFpaJks/TR6AbDaS1qI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/nDs16BBCrMw/s1600/DSC_0504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xzvGJFpaJks/TR6AbDaS1qI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/nDs16BBCrMw/s320/DSC_0504.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The bag In Use</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xzvGJFpaJks/TR6AgA59xgI/AAAAAAAAAIU/kR1DXzecEZ0/s1600/DSC_0506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xzvGJFpaJks/TR6AgA59xgI/AAAAAAAAAIU/kR1DXzecEZ0/s320/DSC_0506.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Laid out flat</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xzvGJFpaJks/TR6Ak8lWktI/AAAAAAAAAIY/GF-Mku3gT9U/s1600/DSC_0510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xzvGJFpaJks/TR6Ak8lWktI/AAAAAAAAAIY/GF-Mku3gT9U/s320/DSC_0510.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Close up to show detail</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xzvGJFpaJks/TR6AprOM7II/AAAAAAAAAIc/GQujDWSXsNc/s1600/DSC_0512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xzvGJFpaJks/TR6AprOM7II/AAAAAAAAAIc/GQujDWSXsNc/s320/DSC_0512.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And it even has a pocket</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">5 bonus points for anyone that recognizes the material :-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(This was left over from the quilt I made, when I ordered WAY too much material) </div>Mariann Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346218473065327147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218768341810990793.post-73799464503257731632010-12-31T17:04:00.000-08:002010-12-31T17:04:38.823-08:00Happy New Year To YouThere are 7 hours left until 2011, what are you plans?<br />
<br />
In one hour I will be at work. I will work a 4hr shift, then head to my parents house where Mike and Angelina will be. Then I'll have 2hrs there until we Ring In the New Year!<br />
<br />
I get excited for ever new year, but for some reason I am really excited about 2011!!! <br />
<br />
<br />
Everyone have a safe and happy New Years Eve tonight! Hugs!<br />
<br />
The Tripp Family!Mariann Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346218473065327147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218768341810990793.post-56015844362577222132010-12-30T16:53:00.000-08:002010-12-30T16:53:46.740-08:00Bob Harper Gives Me EnergyI feel great today! And I haven't been able to say that for a while now. That's a blog in itself for another day though. lol<br />
<br />
We had had Chinese Food for dinner last night. (My favorite!!!) After words I felt awful. My energy was zapped, I could barely keep my eyes open, and ended up just being lazy on the couch. I am so done feeling this way! I knew I had to find my Cardio Max Dvd! And I did just that! I laid it on my laptop last night ready to be put in this morning.<br />
<br />
It was tough I won't lie, but 30mins of exercising gave me so much energy today it was crazy!!! Meeting up with Bob again tomorrow morning for sure!!!Mariann Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346218473065327147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218768341810990793.post-54850884561679540232010-12-29T21:04:00.000-08:002010-12-29T21:04:52.607-08:00Wordless WednesdayOk well sorta "wordless" I can't write a blog without words hehe!<br />
<br />
I am an aspiring photographer, and children and people are what I love to photograph. Twice a year we purposely get the grandchildren together to take a picture. Just happens that Nov (for Christmas cards that my mom sends out) and July 4th. The following picture is this years Christmas Card! Out of 100 photos taken, we had 3 to choose from. Whew its hard, but I love it!<br />
<br />
The next picture is the one that my sister and her husband sent out for Christmas cards this year. Yes I took theirs too. :-)<br />
<br />
And the last one is Angelina on her birthday while we were out shopping. I used it for our Christmas Cards this year. And the very last one is her being the spunky girl she is! Enjoy my Wordless (LOL) Wednesday!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xzvGJFpaJks/TRwSNv_-mqI/AAAAAAAAAIA/F-56w0JqJqg/s1600/DSC_0442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xzvGJFpaJks/TRwSNv_-mqI/AAAAAAAAAIA/F-56w0JqJqg/s320/DSC_0442.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xzvGJFpaJks/TRwSaMbSumI/AAAAAAAAAIE/bc2sXdFQpjg/s1600/DSC_0233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xzvGJFpaJks/TRwSaMbSumI/AAAAAAAAAIE/bc2sXdFQpjg/s320/DSC_0233.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xzvGJFpaJks/TRwSibpoS4I/AAAAAAAAAII/8d0Urjac0Mg/s1600/Christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xzvGJFpaJks/TRwSibpoS4I/AAAAAAAAAII/8d0Urjac0Mg/s320/Christmas.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xzvGJFpaJks/TRwSzSMiuFI/AAAAAAAAAIM/g_PGqnP8Hb0/s1600/DSC_0302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xzvGJFpaJks/TRwSzSMiuFI/AAAAAAAAAIM/g_PGqnP8Hb0/s320/DSC_0302.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>Mariann Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346218473065327147noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218768341810990793.post-37015504967771713472010-12-28T12:18:00.000-08:002010-12-28T12:20:10.490-08:00Work Hard Yesterday, Play Today<span lang="EN"> We have been super busy since last Wednesday. With working, getting ready for Christmas, last min shopping, present wrapping, and just general living. LOL Because of all of this, the whole cleaning has been neglected. Sure the dishes were being done, meals were being made, and garbage taken out, but that was the extent of it. And we loved every min of it!<br />
<br />
Yesterday, Monday, Angelina and I managed to get the house back in order while Daddy was at work. It took all day, but surprising to me it was actually fun. I guess being so out of order, it was refreshing to get everything back together. <br />
<br />
Now to back track a bit to Christmas morning. Mike, Angelina, and my Mom and Dad, bought me a brand new Sewing Machine!!! All my sewing projects I have done have been on my moms old machine. (She bought a new one for herself years ago, kept her original one, and that’s the one I have been using.) It still works for the most part, but sometimes will not for no reason at all. You can run it for a while and it will eventually get back on track, frustrating when you in the middle of a project. <br />
<br />
Christmas morning I unwrapped a Kenmore Sewing Machine, and was so very excited!!! And now guess where it is currently? Still in the box. And now you maybe asking why, if I was so excited, is it still in the box untouched? Well go back up to the subject! I worked hard yesterday, so I could play today!<br />
<br />
If I don’t get all the “work” done before I “play,” I feel guilty the whole time and don’t actually get to enjoy the fun. To wrap this up, as soon as I hit the<em> publish</em> button, I am off to go unveil the Sewing Machine! <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><strong><u>*Today’s Question*</u></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">1.) What was your most enjoyable Christmas Gift, you either received or gave? (Often times I enjoy seeing others open their gifts more than I enjoy my own. But not this year! LOL)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">2.) Are you like me in that you have to get things done before you can play?</div></span>Mariann Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346218473065327147noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218768341810990793.post-69280697937611210172010-12-27T16:20:00.000-08:002010-12-27T16:20:52.654-08:00A Job I Want to Love<span lang="EN">I received a text from my sister earlier today as she was arriving at her job. <br />
<br />
“Uggg I gotta wk till 9...<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">L</span> lol”<br />
<br />
(She was scheduled till 7, they reworked the schedule and added two hours to her shift) My response to her was,<br />
<br />
“Woot 2 extra hours, Hopefully it will go fast!”<br />
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As I was typing, <em>Hopefully it will go fast</em>, a thought popped in my head. I am always saying, I hope tonight <em>goes fast</em>…I can’t wait until I’m <em>off</em>…This night needs to go <em>quickly</em> ect. It got me thinking about a “What if…”<br />
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What if I had a job that I<span style="color: red;"> LOVED</span>, a job I looked<span style="color: red;"> forward</span> to, a job where I wished time would <span style="color: red;">slow down</span> so I could <span style="color: red;">enjoy</span> it longer?<br />
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Maybe some of you already have my “What if dream” and if so I would love to hear about it. What job do you have, why do you enjoy it so much?<br />
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But for me, I’m not quite there<strong> YET</strong>.<br />
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*Disclaimer* as many people I work with might read this. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> Me not enjoying my job has nothing to do with the people I work with, the company I work for, or the customers I serve. I just want <em><span style="color: red;">more</span></em>, I want to feel like I<span style="color: red;"><em> make a difference</em></span>, I want to be <em><span style="color: red;">rewarded</span></em> in what I do, (in a financial sense, but more importantly in an emotional sense…that what I do actually matters and helps others) Sure I can be a nice, helpful, cheerful, cashier, but in reality most customers will buy that same item from a Crabby McCrabberson cashier. What it boils down to is...<br />
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I believe I deserve to have a job that <br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">I enjoy</span></strong>, <br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>am good at</strong></span>, and <br />
quite honestly able to <strong><span style="color: red;">change a few lives</span></strong>! <br />
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High expectations yes, but I will find this Job!!! I deserve it!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><u>*Today’s Question*</u></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you could have any job in the world (without the need of money/schooling ect) </div><div style="text-align: center;">1.) What would it be,</div><div style="text-align: center;">2.) Why do you believe you would enjoy it,</div><div style="text-align: center;">3.) Besides Money or Schooling, What is stopping you from having this said job?</div></span>Mariann Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346218473065327147noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218768341810990793.post-35110041430942581482010-12-26T22:58:00.001-08:002010-12-26T22:58:21.901-08:00Sneak PeekStay tuned for more info!<br />
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LOL<br />
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Exciting things are about to happen!!!! I have missed this blog and more importantly all of YOU GUYS!!!<br />
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Much Love!!<br />
MarMariann Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346218473065327147noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218768341810990793.post-90584962492298235222010-11-18T21:42:00.000-08:002010-11-18T21:42:07.003-08:00Time To Be HonestI debated on starting a new blog, which was why I was away for the last couple of days. Just trying to figure out things, and deciding on what I am going to do next.<br />
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I came to the conclusion that I'm going to just stick with one blog, be honest, and besides keeping up with one blog will be easier than having two. <br />
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I feel a lot of the time I am not 100% honest...honest with myself. I am speaking of my weight issue, health issues, and my all around happiness. I spend a lot of time pretending that I don't have a weight issue, by eating whatever I want to, not fully accepting my Diabetes, and allowing myself to have bad days without feeling guilty. <br />
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My Weight:<br />
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For someone with the wealth of information that I have about health, clean eating, Non Processed ect. you would think that I would be skinny Mini. But that is not the case. And you want to know why? Cause I don't practice what I know. I preach and share with others what I know, but in turn don't follow my own advise. I often think, Who would follow what I have to say when I look the way I do?...Taking Health advise from a Fat girl. I want to change this!!! I want to inspire others by my actions not my words!!!<br />
I try to act like I do not have a weight issue when I am around others. By this I mean, I usually eat what I want, even though I know I shouldn't. Cause Heaven For Bid someone know that I'm on some sort of diet. But really I have to face the fact, just looking at me they know I have a weight issue. I guess I just have to get over it. And besides, why do I feel that being on a diet is shameful? When really I am helping myself become healthier. So I should be really shouting it from the roof tops!!! <br />
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I Am Diabetic<br />
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I know I have shared my story of being diabetic on my blog before, but thats about as far as it goes. Again I was feeling shame. That I let myself get so out of sorts that, that was what caused my diabetes. That is was my fault, and that I am a bad person for not realizing earlier that I had a problem. <br />
The other night I was checking my blood sugars at work on break and a fellow co-worker "caught me" and asked if I was diabetic cause they were too. And it was the first time I shared that with anyone. I don't plan on yelling this from the roof tops, but I am not going to feel any shame! Checking my blood sugars shouldn't be embarrassing, it shows that I am taking control!!! I just have to remember this!<br />
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Everyone Has a Bad Day<br />
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I have to remember this. I feel extreme guilt when I have a bad day. It goes into the evening, apologizing to my husband, then I go to bed feeling this way, and wake up still feeling guilty. Guilt that I didn't show enough attention to Angelina the day before, not cleaning as much as I should, not fixing a healthy dinner, ect, and thats not a good way to start a day off! So I am done feeling this way. Who cares if I through in corn dogs for dinner, at least we ate. Who cares if I didn't vacuum the kitchen and bathroom floors, the dust bunnies aren't going anywhere. And Angelina's needs are attended to, and she still loves me even though I didn't play that game she wanted to. I just have to let myself have a bad day once in a while, right?<br />
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Even though I have always been honest on this blog, it was time to get honest with myself. I have a long road ahead of myself, but I refuse to stop the journey! A rest stop here and there, but I must keep going. <br />
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I have a feeling that this blog is going to turn in the direction of my weight loss and getting my diabetes in control. Please let me know if you would like to see me start a new blog for just that purpose and keep this blog the way its started! Mariann Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346218473065327147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218768341810990793.post-52223378000242243672010-11-12T17:06:00.001-08:002010-11-12T17:06:29.759-08:00Its FinishedThe Quilt that is!<br />
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I finished it this morning after what happened last night. Here are a few shots of it...and yes I am already cutting out another pattern....this time PJ Pants for Miss Angelina!!!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xzvGJFpaJks/TN3kdYbvtmI/AAAAAAAAAH4/Yu_d1yPmGqI/s1600/DSC_0144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xzvGJFpaJks/TN3kdYbvtmI/AAAAAAAAAH4/Yu_d1yPmGqI/s320/DSC_0144.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>Mariann Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346218473065327147noreply@blogger.com0