Random Thoughts By Our Mommy

Dream catchers

2011-02-08T13:40:00.000-08:00

So the other day when I was driving along, I saw a dream catcher hanging from someone's rear view mirror. Is it me, or is this just wrong. Ummmm, we shouldn't be sleeping while driving so why would someone need a dream catcher in their car. It is supposed to catch bad dreams and I hope that you are not dreaming in your car. Graduation tassels make more sense than a dream catcher.

Ebay...it isn't what it used to be

2010-10-21T06:06:00.000-07:00

So with the new baby coming, I was looking at ebay to buy some clothes for her. Might as well buy used to save some money and they are in & out of them so quickly, why pay full price? Well, according to a lot of the sellers, why not pay more than retail? Seriously, $12.49 with free shipping for one Carter's sleep n play? Now, it may be NWT, but I can haul my cookies over to 1 of 3 Carter's retail stores within driving limits to get a brand new one, that I could return if I wanted to and pay $8.00 for it plus tax (making it around $9.00). And then, if I buy $40 worth of stuff, I can use my 20% or 25% off coupon...so I could get 5 new sleep n plays for $30-$32 plus tax new from the store, or I could get 3ish from ebay that says "NWT" but who knows if this household has a smoker etc. Not to mention, I could head to BRU, JCP, Target, Walmart, the Carters website etc and get them there too for less than ebay. I think that the sellers are delusional on ebay to expect to get that much money for them...or maybe it is the buyers that are delusional or just lack the ability to do research before they buy it off ebay.
In the end, I really don't think I should be paying much more than half for something used, and I will just avoid any post that says "NWT"...they can keep those baby clothes:P

Sunglasses and cell phones

2010-10-05T05:41:00.000-07:00

Is it me or is it impolite to wear your sunglasses and talk on your cell phone while checking out at any retail store. Having worked in retail, it always rubbed me the wrong way when people would walk up to me while talking on the cell phone. Seriously, unless it is an emergency, either tell the person to hold or that you will call them back. It really is just common courtesy. When people used to check out while talking on their cell phone, I used to not talk to them, treating them the same way they were treating me. I would scan their items, then point to the display where the total was being displayed, sit there and wait for their payment, shove their crap in a bag and send them on their merry way.

The sunglasses thing doesn't bother me quite as much, but I always try to remember to take mine off when I am not in the sun to talk to someone. For instance, a bank drive thru. I like to make eye contact with the person I am talking to, so I take off my sunglasses to show that person that I am talking to them and not to my kids in the back seat. I think making direct eye contact makes your point more valid and follow that with a smile, and things tend to go your way more often than not.

NO, I am not having twins

2010-09-08T05:43:00.000-07:00

Seriously, strangers need to keep their mouths shut. Asking my due date is okay, but then telling me how huge I am and the fact that it looks like I am having twins because I still have a month and a half left is just plain rude. Maybe I should just bitch slap you and then blame it on the hormones. Next time you might think twice about opening your huge mouth and saying something that isn't a compliment. Remember, if you don't have anything nice to say, than don't say it.

So I jumped on the bandwagon

2010-08-21T05:31:00.001-07:00

I finally read the Twilight Saga and I don't know why I waited so long. I love stories about vampires. I own all the seasons of Buffy and Angel, have read a lot of the spinoff books, and watch just about every newer movie about vampires. I have to say, I LOVED THEM. I am going to buy my own copies of the books so I can re-read them 100's of times. I know that the movies aren't any where as good as the books, but I am hoping to liquor my husband up enough some night to at least watch the first 2 movies since the 3rd one has yet to be released on DVD. I am looking forward to seeing them regardless of their "quality". I hope the last 2 movies (since they are splitting Breaking Dawn) in two are the best since they were able to hire a better director. Breaking Dawn was my fav of the books with Twilight and Eclipse tied and then New Moon. There are no losers in this series though. I loved all of them. I hope someday my little girls, when old enough, will enjoy them as much as I did!

Get in the damn turn lane

2010-07-11T05:48:00.000-07:00

It really really bothers me when people ease their way into the turn lane. Hello, it is there for you to get all four tires into so you don't block traffic behind you while you wait to make a turn. Don't just mosey over there and then leave part of your car in the other lane only to block everyone behind. Get your ass in gear and get your car over there. It is there for a reason. And what irks me even more is when you start braking A LOT before you are even in it, especially those turn lanes that are practically a mile long. You WILL have plenty of time to break once you are over there so please just wait those few extra seconds before practically slamming on your brakes.

Pedestrians and sidewalks

2010-07-02T05:33:00.000-07:00

Why do some joggers find it necessary to jog on the road when there is perfectly good sidewalk to use? I know that I will get some flack for this one, but really people. Would you rather get hit by a car than use the sidewalk? I totally get that you have to run on the road when there is no sidewalk, but when there is one, use it. It really bothers me that I have to look out for you when there is a specific area (ie sidewalk) for you to use. What gets me even more is when you decide to not only run on the street, but run "in" the street. Can't you at least stick close to the side of the road and not be in the middle of the lane? My advice is if there is a sidewalk use it.

Orgainic vs the other stuff

2010-06-27T03:46:00.001-07:00

So in effort in trying eat healthier and safer, I am slowly switching us over to primarily organic foods. My husband & I were talking about it and it just seems so strange that non-organic is the "normal" one to buy and you are a snob or weird-o when you buy organic. Why is that really? Because of the price? Well, think twice people. We eat organic because it should be the normal. It is healthier for you and believe it or not, most of it tastes a whole hell of a lot better. Is it more expensive? Unfortunately yes. But if it means that my family is healthier, than by all means, I can find ways to cut back on other stuff in order to raise and maintain a healthier lifestyle. Here are some articles outlining why we choose to do this:

Hidden Hazards in Conventional Fruits and Vegetables

7 Foods So Unsafe Even Farmers Won't Eat Them

What Produce Should I Buy Organic?

4 Ways To Reduce Pesticide Exposure For Kids

Please, Thank You, Your Welcome

2010-06-19T05:55:00.000-07:00

How hard is it to say these 3 words, you ask. Well, for some people it seems to be like pulling teeth or some kind of other torture. My 2 & 3 year old say all 3 of these "phrases" better than a lot of adults that I know. I rarely have to even "coach" my 3 year old to say please anymore and I almost never have to coach him to say thank you or your welcome. My 2 year old is the same way. I really think that a lot of parents have forgotten the art of manners. As my husband says, there is no application for becoming a parent, yet I really think that there should be. Am I the perfect parent all of the time? Of course not, but I strive to become a better one everyday. It is the hardest job in the world (being a parent). Teaching my children simple etiquette isn't that hard. Heck, it is one of the easier lessons to teach children. Last kind of person I want to raise, is someone who won't hold the door for someone with their hands full, pushing a stroller or someone that is in just general need of assistance. Not that hard to teach people!

So back to the road tests

2010-06-14T05:43:00.000-07:00

Other than the usual, no blinker, no complete stop at a stop sign, no lights on when wipers are on etc, here is a reason people need to be re-tested every so often.
So at Costco the other day as I was leaving, a smaller sized sedan type car was pulling into a handicapped parking spot. Thank goodness I was no where near them because they obviously got the gas mixed up with the brake and drove right over a cement parking spot wheel stop (or chock to use the "professional" term). Then, they proceeded to gun it to back over it and then sped out of the parking lot. They were obviously completely embarrassed and ashamed of what an ass they were. There were at least 20 or so witnesses all standing there with their jaws dropped. You could see the paint on the cement.
People like this are what make driving to be very unsafe. The last thing I need is to be stopped at a red light when some old fart behind me forgets which pedal is the gas and which one is the brake and rear-end me with my 2 & 3 year old with me and me being almost 5 months pregnant.

Road test

2010-05-31T13:16:00.000-07:00

I really truly believe that all drivers should have to randomly take the road test every few years. I know that the elderly get a bad rap for being horrible drivers, but I think that teenagers and college age kids are just as bad. Between rolling through stop signs, not using blinkers and not having your headlights on when your wipers are on, I think I yell at more drivers for these simple reasons than cutting me off or not doing my standard "5" over the speed limit.
I will save my rant for the handicapped driver at Costco for a later date...

Zombie Apocalypse

2010-05-17T14:26:00.000-07:00

I know that I am not the only crazy person that thinks about it. Ya know, it may happen some day. I tend to sit and think about how we can zombie proof our house and how long we could live on the food that we have on hand. I just hope that when it does happen, the zombies are more like the "Shaun of the Dead" zombies and not the "28 Days Later" or "I am Legend".
We have already decided that the basement would be our best place to hid out (except there is no bathroom), but secretly I picture us barricading the whole house, especially the first floor despite all the windows. I figure we would have a little time, so Dennis can spend the time blocking all the windows while I run to Menard's and grab all of the shelf stable food possible along with any tools that can be used as weapons. I would probably stop at the local gas station too! Lots of low nutrition, but shelf stable foods there (not to mention beer:). And screw paying for it, we are in the middle of a zombie apocalypse.

O vs. 0

2010-02-08T12:37:00.000-08:00

I wish people would learn the difference between the letter "O" and the number "0". In all honesty, so many people are horrible at the English language, I choose to ignore most grammatical mistakes, but this is one that really bothers me to no end. When you give out your phone number, zip code, or even if you are counting, use the number and not the letter. Seriously, how hard is it to say zero instead of "oh". If I were to take it to heart and dial the letter "o" on the phone than that would be a 6 and not a zero.
I also strongly dislike it when verification codes has an "o" or a "0" in it. For example, when you need to type in an authentication online (and if you don't know what I mean, than forget it) Most sites will put a slash through the circle to indicate it is a zero, but if I use the wrong one and it locks me out, so help me, I will probably never go to your website again (i.e. trying to post on blogspot, send message through FB etc.)
So people, if you live in an area with a zero in the zip code, say zero and not oh. In my mind, you just look more stupid if you don't....
Now I know I am not perfect, but I strive to do as well as possible and try to learn from my mistakes.

Jelly Beans

2010-01-02T06:05:00.000-08:00

I always wonder if I am the only person out there that LOVES buttered popcorn Jelly Belly jelly beans. They are by far my favorite ones. It is obvious that I am not the only one that loves them because if I were, than they would stop making them. My husband thinks I am crazy for loving them, but I think they are the most creative and delicious flavor out there! Nummy Nummy Nummy!

Food Allergies & Going out to eat

2009-12-26T14:05:00.001-08:00

So for those of us who have food allergies going out to eat can sometimes prove to be a nightmare, be it a restaurant, a friend's house or a relative's house. So my son is allergic to cinnamon and I am allergic to tree nuts....making ordering deserts a nightmare sometimes. However, I have a friend who is allergic to carrots. Yes people, carrots. Well, one time, a VERY long time ago, we went out to eat and she ordered a salad that had no mention of carrots on it and lo and behold, it shows up with shredded carrots. Well, she explained to the server that she was allergic to them, and we got the eye roll and she said they would make a new one. Well, they obviously didn't because immediately upon taking a bite, she broke out in a rash (contact dermatitis) so it was very obvious that they just picked out the carrots. Idiots!

So let this be a lesson to all servers out there: if someone tells you are allergic to something, believe them and take care of the problem. Don't just fix it, completely replace it.

Dryer Sheets

2009-11-27T04:30:00.000-08:00

I once read a tip about dryer sheets. They really are twice as big as you actually need them. Rip them in half and they will last you twice as long. Although sometimes when you have a HUGE load or material that carries and transfers static cling real easily, I would still recommend using a whole sheet, but for the most part, a half a sheet will do ya. One box of dryer sheets could easily last you a whole year. I know it isn't that much money, but in this economy, every penny counts!

The Man Lean

2009-11-23T14:03:00.001-08:00

This is what I call it when a dude is driving a car and is leaning so far to the right that it looks like he is sitting in the middle. Why do guys lean like this? You almost never see women doing it. Is it their huge wallet making them do it? It looks absolutely ridiculous. Can't be good for your posture let alone future back and hip problems. Do they walk with a severe lean too? Seriously guys, sit up straight like your mother always told you to.

Selling items on eBay/Craigslist

2009-11-14T05:03:00.000-08:00

Lately I have been trying to buy more things used. Kids only play with toys for a few years and then they outgrow them. My one gripe about buying things used is the pictures people put up. I understand that Craigslist puts limitations on the size, so that doesn't bother me. If I am interested in the item, then I will ask them to send a larger picture so I can see more detail on whether or not the item is in good to great condition. I HATE it when people use stock photos. If they have enough time to find a picture on the internet, download it, save it to their hard drive, then upload it to Craigslist, than they have enough time to take a picture of it and post it or email to the person interested in it. I had inquired about 2 items that were for sale on Craigslist and I had asked the seller to email me some pictures of the items she was selling and the only thing she did was send me more stock photos. How am I supposed to know whether or not her dog chewed on some of the pieces or if the paint is wearing off. Thanks, but no thanks. I will pass. I would rather buy it new than waste my time driving out to your place only to say that I don't want it since it looks like someone took a meat cleaver to it.

Shopping carts

2009-11-11T04:34:00.000-08:00

I wish people would just walk the extra 20 feet to return them. We wonder why American's are seen as being lazy. If you can't walk to return the shopping cart, then yes, you are lazy. I purposefully always park right next to a cart corral since I have kids so that way I don't have to leave my children sitting in the car alone. If I can't park next to one, than I either leave the cart in the store or run my ass off to return it.

E-rewards

2009-11-08T04:21:00.000-08:00

I always wonder if anyone else ever uses them. It is a great website where you fill out online surveys and receive "dollars" towards "gifts". So for every $50 in e-rewards surveys we fill out, we get a $25 giftcard to Game Stop. There are other things you can put it towards, like Borders Bucks, Airline Miles, magazine subscriptions etc. We usually earn about $75 - $100 in giftcards to Game Stop each year and since we buy used games, it usually gets us about 6 games! Totally worth it. So go check it out!

coffee grounds

2009-11-04T08:10:00.000-08:00

They really bother me when they end up in my coffee, they actually make me gag. I always hate it when my last swig of coffee is a mouthful of grounds. It is probably why I dislike Starbucks so much. The last time I went there and got a coffee, the bottom was filled with grounds. ICK!

Bread crumbs

2009-11-03T08:05:00.000-08:00

I used to buy my bread crumbs. What a ripoff they really are. All you have to do is save your bread ends (preferably whole wheat), put them in a paper bag (like the ones you used to bring your lunch to school in) and let them dry for a week or so (I usually forget about about them for a month). After that, just put them in a plastic bag and smash away. I use a meat tenderizer on mine. And voila, bread crumbs. And if you need the Italian seasoned one, add some dried Italian seasoning and a little Parmesan cheese and there ya go! Easy peasy!

Lemon in the water

2009-11-02T13:07:00.000-08:00

Why do servers insist on always putting lemon in water? I know that 50% of the people out there like it, but what about us that don't. It is a waste of a perfectly good lemon wedge. So in all reality, don't put lemon in anyone's water unless they ask for it. I was a server for 10+ years so I know.

Why do they bother...

2009-10-28T14:08:00.000-07:00

and put blinkers on cars if people aren't going to use them? I really appreciate the people that seem to be apparently coming to a stop for no reason only to make a right or left turn. HELLO people! You don't even have to remove your hand from the steering wheel to turn it on! For good practice, use it when no one is around when you are turning. It may turn into an automatic response someday. And for those of you who have your blinker on perpetually, maybe you should check what speed you are going and then you would see that your blinker is on instead of indicating that you are making a right turn into the corn field!

Windshield wipers on means

2009-10-26T10:05:00.000-07:00

you turn your headlights on. Why can't people get this simple rule of the road! If you turn your wipers on than just use your left had to flip on your lights! It really isn't that difficult. Heck, you will even burn a few calories doing it! It is not like you are trying to negotiate world peace, just a little common courtesy to all of the other drivers on the road that actually do turn theirs on!