the days go on...

Cheese & Veggie Quesadillia

2012-02-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

Well, I have been on a little bit of a Mexican kick for lunch this week and that has prompted me to make a lot of different quesadillias for lunch.

Today I opted to use the following:

Shredded Mexican cheese
Sautéed mushrooms
Fresh salsa or pico de gallo

First I sautéed the mushrooms and salsa in the pan to warm them up (there is nothing like having hot and melty cheese and cold veggies when eating a quesadillia, unacceptable.

When they are done warming up I transfer them to my shell that is already waiting with cheese generously spread on it, add the top shell and transfer back to a dried skillet.

I let the shell warm up and cheese melt for about two minutes and then I carefully flip it over to warm on the other side.

Once warmed up on both sides I transfer it to a cutting board, cut into triangles and serve hot with some sour cream.

Makes you want to try it now, right?

These are good for breakfast with eggs and sausage, lunch or add meat and more veggies for a dinner option.

Honor Heritage Sweepstakes

2012-02-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

In celebration of Black History Month, Coca-Cola® is offering Dollar General customers a chance to win a family trip for up to 10 people to the 2012 Essence Music Festival® presented by Coca-Cola. The Essence Music Festival – which takes place July 6 through 8 – is the country’s largest annual African-American music and empowerment event.

The Honor Heritage Sweepstakes is part of Dollar General’s Black History Month celebration, the first of several Dollar General initiatives honoring “Every Day Heroes.” The year-long program will honor community heroes – from the firemen and veterans to teachers and caregivers.

Along with the trip to New Orleans, shoppers who purchase qualifying products may also be eligible to win instant prizes, including $50 and $25 in Live Nation® Concert Cash®. For a chance to win, Dollar General shoppers can check their receipt for a special code upon purchasing qualifying products. For complete sweepstake rules, visit www.dollargeneral.com. The sweepstakes ends on February 26.

The Days Go On has one Black History month prize package to give away which includes: Olay® Firming Night of Olay Cream, CoverGirl® LashBlast 24 Hour Mascara, Febreze® Auto in Linen & Sky scent, a Dollar General calculator and a key chain.

To enter to win the prize package please leave a comment below stating what Black History Month means to you. I will close the giveaway on 3/1/2012

Proctor & Gamble provided me with the links included above.

Trying to Move Forward

2012-02-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

The last 72+ hours have been pretty unbearable and extremely agitating as well as agonizing. It is amazing how you can have feelings for people and those feelings are crushed over and over again by the same people, time after time.

I am sure that my feelings for a friend a little over a month ago aren't going to go away any time soon, but it bothers me to know that I can't have a friendship with someone that I felt so close with.

Next comes the man I dated, that I previously hurt, who accepted me back into his life (and his children's lives) and then I couldn't manage to make him happy and vice versa so last week that relationship ended. Now I am lost without him around. I know he wants a friendship, but I am not ready for that yet, but yet I want to spend time with the kids and his family - it is so maddening.

Now there are a couple of friendships that aren't really going in the direction that I would like them to be going. I realize that my way of doing things is not always the "right" way, but like a friend told me today, I have to make sure that I am healthy and happy, in turn those friends will be happy and healthy and that is what matters. I guess I expect certain things out of my friendships, just like everyone and sometimes things don't mesh in friendships and relationships and you need time, space or to just move on.

On top of crazy friendship/relationship issues I am having issues in other areas of my life that I am not at liberty to write about, but know that it is making me sick to my stomach day after day and I am not enjoying it one bit.

For those that read this blog and know me, you know I am a pretty outgoing person and a very social person. I can't go anywhere without finding someone to talk to, or someone I have something in common with. My mom, sister in law and I were talking about this over the weekend and my mom agrees, I am just like my dad in that respect. She recalled us being in Florida as a family and my dad would run into people that he knew, she said it was just something that she had to accept and be okay with.

Something else that you may or may not know about me is that I am very ADD. Now, I am diagnosed as bipolar and one of the bipolar traits I exhibit regularly is ADD. I always have to be doing something and have a very hard time sitting still and concentrating on one thing. For example, right now I am watching (well listening) to Good Company, my iPod is next to me (just in case someone plays Words with Friends or some other game) and my BlackBerry is on my charger behind my head - oh yeah and I am typing on my laptop. Maybe this is techno overload, but it is me and I like it.

Now, I don't neglect my daughter, my cats, my bills or apartment or my family and friends because I am attached to these devices, but sometimes I think that I don't really get all I can get out of a conversation, television show or whatever I am reading because I am distracted. I used to call this multi-tasking, but in recent years I find that I really am distracted and unless I make lists and stay organized with my planner I am useless.

The thing that also bothers me is I am teaching my daughter it is okay to behave like this and I can't justify yelling at her for having her nose in her iPod when I am the same exact way and her dad is just as bad with his gadgets and such.

Where I am going with all this is that I am trying to better myself and move forward with those who want to move forward with me. I am working to make sure that I am cooking healthy meals, going to the gym at least twice a week and doing something each day that I want to do.

I am working to realize that I need friends, but what I need more of are close friends who love and understand me for who I am, not who they want me to be or want me to fit into some type of mold that they have created. Each day I try to reflect on my day and what I could have done better and work hard the next day to do better. I want to put myself in relationships that are good for me and the other person and aren't stressful or difficult.

Let me leave you with a few quotes that have really made me think lately and maybe they will make you think as well:

"People come into your life for a Reason, a Season, or a Lifetime

When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do."

"There comes a point in your life when you realize:

who matters, who never did, who won't anymore and who always will."

“Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.”
― Mother Teresa

“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another:

"What! You too? I thought I was the only one.”
― C.S. Lewis

Purex Triple Action Liquid Review

2012-02-08T07:30:00.000-05:00

We all have to do laundry - right?

You have to have clean clothes - right?

Why not use a detergent that that will get your clothes clean, fresh smelling, bright and of course beautiful looking!

I was sent a sample of Purex Triple Action Liquid a few months back, but I was finishing up using a HUGE bottle of another detergent. This week I ran out of detergent and decided now would be a good time to try out my sample bottle of Purex Triple Action Liquid.

The first test was my daughters clothes. She is 13 and you wouldn't think her clothes get smelly, but she sweats and she is in school all day, so sometimes they come home with a funky scent. She is also only with me 15 days a month, so I don't wash her clothes as frequently as I wash my own. Well, I washed two loads of her clothes and they came out of the washer smelling great (I didn't add softener so I could get to experience the Mountain Breeze scent) and after I dried them they still smelled great and were very nice looking.

The next test was towels and sheets. I am a huge proponent of my towels smelling good the first time I use them as well as my sheets smelling great when I crawl between them at night. Purex Triple Action Liquid passed the test. They smelled great and looked nice and crisp when I took them out of the dryer.

Since then I have used the detergent on my clothes as well and it definitely passed the test.

Just like all of Purex's current detergents, it is specially formulated to work in traditional and High Efficiency (HE) washers. This ensures high quality no matter what kind of washer you have.

In my personal opinion Purex is a great product that can be used for all types of materials and leaves your clothes smelling and looking great.

For a free sample go to http://freesamplepurex.com

You can also connect with Purex on Facebook & Twitter

“I am a Purex Insider and help spread the word about the Purex® family of laundry products. As an Insider, I receive sample product and incentives in exchange for participating in brand related activities.”

Homemade Mac & Cheese

2012-02-07T10:03:00.001-05:00

Alright, my daughter and I love mac & cheese, period. Now, there is nothing wrong with Kraft, but it is really only good for when mom isn't home and she can cook on her own.

When mom is home I am charged with making my extra special dinner that is loved by my teen and her friends.

Ingredients
One box of elbow macaroni
One cup 2% shredded cheddar cheese
One cup 2% shredded mozzarella cheese
Two tablespoons sour cream
One half cup queso sauce (any brand and flavor you like, we use Trader Joe's)
Salt & pepper to taste

Boil water, add salt to taste & pasta, cook to package directions.

Drain, but do not rinse pasta

Return pasta to warm pot

Add shredded cheeses and stir to pasta

Add sour cream & queso and stir until all mixed together.

Add salt & pepper to taste & serve

Finding Nemo 3D - Coming Soon

2012-02-07T09:30:00.000-05:00

Okay, how many of you out there know the address that they use in Finding Nemo? I know I do and my daughter does. Funny it is supposedly the second most known address by children other than their own!

In case you didn't know what that address was it is:

P. Sherman

42 Wallaby Way

Sydney, Australia

Now we as a family have seen Finding Nemo on the big screen and with Disney on Ice. I actually do look forward to seeing this again on the big screen in 3D and Disney looks to deliver again when Finding Nemo returns to theatres for the first time in 3D September 14th, 2012.

I for one can't wait to see Dory and Nemo make their way through some amazing adventures!

You can catch a glimpse into the trailer here:

You can also find out more about Finding Nemo 3D on Facebook!!

Pixar Animation Studios’ classic “Finding Nemo” returns to the big screen in Disney Digital 3D™, introducing a new generation of family audiences to Nemo (voice by Alexander Gould), Marlin (voice by Albert Brooks) and Dory (voice by Ellen DeGeneres)

Activity Sheets ~ The Secret World of Arrietty

2012-02-06T11:11:00.000-05:00

Don't forget, The Secret Wold of Arrietty opens on February 17th!

Check it out on Facebook!

Press Release ~ Into the Woods ~ Disney

2012-02-05T10:30:00.000-05:00

ROB MARSHALL SET TO DEVELOP “INTO THE WOODS” FEATURE FILM WITH DISNEY

LUCAMAR Productions Inks Multi-Year First-Look Deal With The Walt Disney Studios

Rob Marshall is set to direct a film adaptation of the acclaimed Broadway musical “Into the Woods,” featuring Stephen Sondheim’s original music, for The Walt Disney Studios, to be produced by Marshall and John DeLuca through their production company LUCAMAR Productions. James Lapine, who wrote the stage musical with Stephen Sondheim, will adapt for the screen.

The project is in development under a new multi-year producing deal between Disney and LUCAMAR.

“We are thrilled to be collaborating with Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine on this extraordinary and inspiring work,” said Rob Marshall and John DeLuca. “We are greatly looking forward to continuing our creative and rewarding relationship with Rich Ross, Sean Bailey and the ever supportive team at Disney.”

“Rob Marshall brought his signature flair to ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’ with tremendous results and he is the perfect person to bring ‘Into the Woods’ to the screen,” Studio Chairman Rich Ross and President of Production Sean Bailey said in a statement. “We’ve loved working with Rob, and this is a great start to our collaboration with LUCAMAR.”

Rob Marshall most recently directed Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” which earned over $1 billion at the global box office and is the #8 highest grossing film of all time, the #3 film of 2011, and Disney’s biggest overseas release ever. It was the first “Pirates” film to be shot in 3D and the first major production at any studio to be shot in 3D on location. Marshall’s critically acclaimed stage musical adaptation “Chicago” (2002) grossed over $300 million worldwide and was nominated for 13 Academy Awards, winning six including best picture, with Marshall earning a nomination for best director. It also won the Golden Globe for best comedy/musical. His other feature films include “Memoirs of a Geisha” (2005), winner of three Academy Awards, and “Nine” (2009), which was nominated for four Academy Awards and five Golden Globes. Marshall is a four-time Emmy Award winner and a six-time Tony Award nominee, including choreographing and co-directing the 1998 Broadway revival of “Cabaret.”

“Into the Woods” weaves together the story of several of the most beloved fairytales (Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel) into the original story of a Baker and his wife who try to reverse a curse on their family in order to have a child, exploring the consequences of the characters’ wishes and quests and their desire for “happily ever after.” With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book and direction by James Lapine, “Into the Woods” earned 10 nominations at the 1988 Tony Awards, winning three including best score and best book of a musical. The 2002 Broadway revival won a Tony for best revival of a musical.

Sondheim and Lapine’s other collaborations include 1984’s Tony-winning “Sunday in the Park With George,” which won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and 1994’s “Passion,” winner of four Tonys including best musical. Sondheim has won eight Tony Awards, more than any other composer, as well as several Grammy Awards and an Academy Award, while Lapine has earned seven Tony nominations for direction and is a three-time winner (out of four nominations) for best book of a musical.

LUCAMAR most recently produced the film adaptation of the Broadway musical “Nine,” starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Nicole Kidman, Penélope Cruz, and Marion Cotillard, which was nominated for four Academy Awards and five Golden Globes. LUCAMAR also produced the star-studded, NBC television event “Tony Bennett: An American Classic,” which won seven Emmy Awards, the most of any nominated show that season. The company is headed by co-presidents Rob Marshall and John DeLuca, with Michael Zimmer serving as director of development.

Marshall and DeLuca are represented by Kevin Huvane and Brian Siberell at CAA and Michael Gendler of Gendler & Kelly.

Are Juju Bands Right for Your Newborn?

2012-02-04T10:00:00.000-05:00

I am way past having a young child, especially a baby, unfortunately both children that I have had spent their first weeks in the hospital so I didn't have to experience the loss of the that little stump that is there after they cut the umbilical cord that then creates a belly button.

I had never heard of belly binders until I was contacted by Juju bands. In the text that follows they explain in very easy to use terms what one is and how they have created one that looks to be a wonderful addition to your new addition.

Baby belly binders have been used throughout the world for centuries. This traditional practice has been used by the Hawaiian Filipino, Latin and English cultures since the early 1800’s. An early version of the abdominal binder from the 1800’s can be found at the science museum at http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/broughttolife/objects/display.aspx?id=92523

Baby belly binders are used for multiple purposes. First, it helps to keep the stomach warm and that reduces colic. It also functions as a covering to keep the diaper from rubbing against the umbilical stump, thereby reducing friction and irritation. Lastly, it keeps the stump dry after cleaning and protects it from urination. This helps reduce the likelihood of infection.

The stump is tissue that remains attached to your baby's navel (umbilicus) after the umbilical cord is cut at birth. The stump gradually dries and shrivels until it falls off, usually 1 to 2 weeks after birth. It is important that you keep the umbilical cord stump and surrounding skin clean and dry. This basic care helps prevent infection. It may also help the umbilical cord stump to fall off and the navel to heal more quickly.

In additional to the known medical uses for baby binders, there are some old customs that are still widely used by many cultures today. One old custom involves using a baby belly binder around baby’s belly to help baby achieve a perfect “innie”, as opposed to the “outie” appearance, where the navel is protruding. In some cases, a coin is also placed on the navel before the binder is wrapped around the waist in the belief that it will “hold the abdominal contents in”. There is, actually, a medical explanation for this. It is common for a newborn to have weak abdominal muscles, as well as abdominal muscles that are not fused in the center (the umbilical region), hence the abdominal or umbilical hernia. These muscles normally grow in strength and size in 3 to 4 years, allowing the muscle to fuse, and the hernia or the hole to close. If you are concerned about your baby having an umbilical hernia, consult your pediatrician. (Courtesy of Smart Parenting)

Julio Guerra and Julie Acevedo know the importance of the long-time tradition of baby belly binding and have created the Juju Band. The band comes with an adjustable Velcro strap that is baby approved. It is soft, safe and easy for any family to use. The piece is handcrafted and simple, perfect for the on-the-go and busy family dynamics seen today. Juju Bands also have a cotton layer that is machine washable.

For more information visit http://jujuband.com

You can also find them on:

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

Smorgie iPhone App

2012-02-03T09:54:00.000-05:00

Going out to eat with a family can be difficult. Keeping track of who likes what restaurant, everyone's dietary restrictions and everyone's likes and dislikes is hard if you can’t find the list you have it written down on.

Smorgie is a new free website and app to help you keep track of all the going out to eat information you need. Search for and save restaurants into lists.

Organize lists by dietary restrictions, places fun for kids, places fun for mom or any other category you can think of.

Leave notes about what’s okay to eat and what’s not, is it family friendly, or is it better for parents.

Share lists with friends, babysitters, grandparents, or anyone else making the dining decisions.

Smorgie is also great for planning girl's night out, meeting spots, and road trips.

You can also get suggestions from other parents and people with like tastes on where to go and what to eat.

Smorgie is free and can be used online or on your iphone. Click on the picture below or try them out at www.smorgie.com.

Yoplait Lactose Free Yogurt

2012-02-02T09:09:00.000-05:00

If you or someone you know lives with lactose intolerance, then chances are you're familiar with the words, "no, thanks" or "I'll pass" when it comes to dairy. Now, just in time for Lactose Intolerance Awareness Month in February, the millions of Americans who suffer from lactose intolerance are free to say "YES" to the goodness of dairy with new Yoplait® Lactose Free.

Inspired by the Yoplait yogurt we know and love, the new Lactose Free comes in four delicious flavors - Strawberry, Peach, French Vanilla and Cherry - and contains 50% of the Daily Value of calcium, with vitamins A and D in every cup. 99% fat free, Lactose Free contains no artificial sweeteners and can be used in some of your favorite recipes - like chocolate creme brulee and raspberry cheesecake.

For the millions of Americans with lactose intolerance, avoiding dairy may help minimize uncomfortable side effects, but did you know avoiding dairy can have unintended health consequences? According to the National Institute of Health, when dairy is avoided, there are lower intakes of calcium and vitamin D in the diet, both of which are important bone building nutrients often found in dairy. Avoiding dairy can create higher risk for osteoporosis.

I love yogurt, but I am not lactose intolerant, however my daughter went through a phase many years ago where we had to drop the lactose from her diet and this yogurt would have been great for her!

Visit Yoplait.com for more information.

Pillsbury Valentine's Day Cookies

2012-02-01T08:55:00.000-05:00

Nothing says lovin' like something from the oven, so it's the perfect time to make freshly baked sugar cookies for your Valentine! This February, Pillsbury is helping you bake your way into the hearts of loved ones with a delicious and warm way to say "be mine."

Pillsbury makes it easy to share the love with new Ready to Bake!TM Valentine Shape® Cookies, now featuring some of your favorite Disney® characters. Festive pre-cut cookies make it easy to show your Valentines they're special.

We made Minnie Mouse sugar cookies last night, but the kids ate all of them before I could get a picture of them!!

Whether baking for your loved ones or with them, celebrate the holiday with your family's favorite Disney characters including Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Princesses Belle, Cinderella and Tiana! Plus, Pillsbury cookies are quick and convenient, fresh from the oven and ready to enjoy in only 8-10 minutes.

Get started on baking your sweetie some sweet treats soon, Valentine's Day is right around the corner!

To check out the fun new designs, visit www.Pillsbury.com or check out Pillsbury on Facebook and Twitter.

The Avengers Global Twitter Chat - TODAY!!!

2012-01-31T08:30:00.000-05:00

Marvel Studios announced that they will be sponsoring a Global Twitter Chat on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 11 a.m. (PST) with cast members and the director of their highly anticipated action-adventure “Marvel’s The Avengers,” opening in theaters on May 4, 2012. The 30-minute live tweeting event features writer/director Joss Whedon and cast members Tom Hiddleston and Clark Gregg.

Fans around the world will be able to participate in the Q&A on Twitter by using the @Avengers handle and the #Avengers hashtag. Participating fans will have the opportunity to see a 10-second tease of the 30-second Super Bowl spot that will air during Super Bowl XLVI on February 5 on NBC. They will also have a chance to answer “Avengers” trivia for a chance to win “Avengers” prize packs.

International fans will be able to submit questions for the talent in their native language through a global translation tool provided by Ortsbo.com. The chat will be moderated by Marvel’s @Agent_M.

“Marvel’s The Avengers” is the Super Hero team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, NickFury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins.

Starring Robert DowneyJr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, JeremyRenner and Tom Hiddleston, with Stellan Skarsgård and Samuel L. Jackson, and written and directed by Joss Whedon, “Marvel’s The Avengers” is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since.
“Marvel’s The Avengers” is presented by Marvel Studios in association with Paramount Pictures. The film is being produced by Marvel Studios’ President Kevin Feige and executive produced by Alan Fine, Stan Lee, Jon Favreau, Louis D’Esposito, Patricia Whitcher, Victoria Alonso and Jeremy Latcham. The film is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

Follow @Avengers on Twitter for more details.

Creativity

2012-01-26T22:58:00.000-05:00

I am really having a hard time, I am not able to be creative lately and that is really getting on my nerves. I just can't seem to find the time to pull out my scrapbooking stuff or craft things. I really thought that once I moved into my apartment I would find the time and make the space to do just that, but I was really wrong.

Right now there are blank spaces on my walls, I need to find things to go in those spaces like pictures, art or something. I just sit here and look at the space above my tv and think "I need to put something there."

There is a huge empty wall in my kitchen that is just dying to get something on it, but I need to decide what color I even want my kitchen to be. It is edging towards black and white, but I am thinking I want to add some other color to it as well.

I just feel like my creativity is being stifled, I don't know how to explain it.

I can't manage to write anything creative, say anything exciting or intuitive or decorate anything exciting. About the only creative thing I can do is cook and lately I just don't want to even do that. I don't get what is going on.

I am working and then coming home, making dinner, taking care of my daughter, doing laundry and housework and then I am finally sitting down on the couch to do a few things online and if I am lucky I can read a book, magazine or watch a few shows I like on television. I can't find enough hours in my day to pull out my scrapbooking or card making stuff.

Now, I do try to keep up with the photoblog I am a part of (http://photographicstate.blogspot.com) and I try to write either on here or in my journal, but I am finding that I am unable to express my real feelings on my blog because all it does it hurt everyones feelings. Even with doing both of those things I am not really able to be "creative" I am more just going through the motions.

There is this great website called Pinterest and I love it, but all the awesome ideas on it make me really want to start trying thins or getting a crafting group together. Then I sit down and start to try and plan it or get ideas rolling and BAM! I am overwhelmed with all kinds of other things. It just doesn't get easier does it?

I don't know the answer to how to find more time to be creative, but I do know that I need it. So, for anyone listening that has the power to add an 8th day where my Facebook, email and Twitter aren't going off constantly, kids need nothing and work is closed for the day, please take matters into your own hands and do so! Thank you!

Being a Mom Rocks

2012-01-20T09:27:00.002-05:00

There are some days that I don't love being a mom, today is one of those days. I woke up early because I had to be at work early. My plan was to take my daughter to school and then head to work to spend my day with my boss doing a ton of catch up.

Plans change.

My daughter woke up with a sore throat and was losing her voice and her throat was red. Okay, I am one of those moms that refuses to allow her child to go to school and possibly infect the entire middle school population, so I opted for her to stay home. Now, for those that know me, you know she is 13 and pretty smart, but I am still not to keen on being 45 miles away with her home alone.

Now, I called her dad and asked if he could watch her, he had to work too. I asked if his wife was available to watch her, she said that she was babysitting two small kids and didn't want them to get sick, so there my daughter stays. Home. Alone.

Apparently she says it is all good because she has an iPod, laptop, TV, Netflix, food and the cats. I suppose when we were kids we stayed home alone with a lot less and did okay. Please, someone, reaffirm that I made the right choice here!

Okay, so as I am getting ready to go my boyfriend calls, his eldest daughter missed the bus because she went back home to get her lunch. Okay, I get that a lunch is important, but don't schools nowadays have at least a sandwich and milk available to students if they forget their lunch? I am just saying that I think that schools need to convey to students and parents what they offer should a child forget a lunch or something.

So, as we are talking I realize that there is no reason for my boyfriend to drive from downtown Cleveland back to Wickliffe when I am heading that direction in a matter of minutes. So, I offer to drive his daughter to school and then head on to work. This is awesome and totally works out for all parties involved.

I drop her off, start to head towards work and realize that my boss is running late so I stop and have a beverage at McDonalds and make use of their wi-fi for a little bit.

Head off to work where plans change again. I am off with the boss to a cooking demo for the afternoon. So excited. I love getting to do new things and meeting new people.

My sick daughter went back to her dad's after he got off work, she said she still had a sore throat, but no fever, so the plan is for her to go and see her dad for the night.

After work I jet off and pick up my friends daughter and it takes us an hour to get home when it normally would only be like 20 minutes. I really do hate snow and the fact that plows did not salt in advance of this 'clipper' that was supposed to happen.

That sweet little girl and I get home and we make some yummy cheeseburgers, fries and for dessert - drumsticks! We played a little Go Fish and then watched some TV and crashed.

I gotta admit even through all that happened I love the kids I am around and love spending every waking minute with them. Don't get me wrong, I do need my space, but being a mom totally rocks.

Financial Decisions & Budgeting

2012-01-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

Up until now I have mostly been blogging about my life and I look to continue to do that, but I really want to blog about things that have meaning and substance. When I saw that a Twitter friend had a need for a guest blog post regarding budgeting I jumped on it.

I am one of the worst culprits of not budgeting money well and over-spending. There, I said it. I have a very limited budget. I live on a set income each month due to medical issues I have and that amount never really fluctuates, it is what it is and unless I have the opportunity to work a little here or there I am just stuck with what I have.

I have a two bedroom apartment, car that is paid for (yet needs monthly maintenance) and a 13 year old daughter that I have ½ the time. There is my situation plain and simple.

So, let’s take my monthly income and I can show you how I survive each month. Keep in mind that my income is after medical cost is taken out, so health insurance is already paid for.

Monthly Income

$1,098 – Social Security/Disability

$300 – Additional Income

$250 – Part-time work

So, for those of you keeping track that is a total of $1,648

Monthly Bills

$585 – Rent

$32 – Cable

$50 – Visa

$45 – Phone & Internet

$40 – Electric (fluctuates, but that is the six month average)

$125 – Car Insurance & Renters Insurance

$90 – Cell Phone

So, we are at $967 worth of monthly expenses, so that leaves me with $681 each month for the following:

Gas, groceries, car maintenance, school stuff for my daughter, Turnpike replenishment, saving some money, life insurance every 3 months, cat expenses, doctor copays, haircuts, prescriptions ($28/month), laundry ($3 to wash/dry one load), toiletries, paper goods and cleaning products. There is all of that plus making sure that my ever growing child has clothes and shoes that fit, going out to eat once in a while and possibly a movie or entertainment. It all adds up and at the end of the month I am left with pennies. I admit, sometimes I bounce a check or overdraw my bank account, probably because when I have money, I spend money. I don’t spend it on much for myself or on big ticket items, but I am a sucker for Trader Joes, Earth Fare and Whole Foods. I love Kohl’s sales and I can’t get enough of certain types of coffee for my Keurig.

So, I have spent a fair amount of time talking to friends and family about budgeting a little better because apparently budgeting also about taking into consideration those little things. They suggested the following:

· Couponing ~ now I don’t object to cutting coupons, but let’s be honest, I live in a small apartment and unless someone wants to build me some shelves for my kitchen I am not going to be buying things in bulk each month, it just isn’t going to happen folks.

· Visiting a website called Mint ~ this came from a guy friend of mine who is big time anal retentive about his money. You can link Mint up so that it pulls from your bank statement and you can see what places you are spending money at each month and what you are spending it on. So if you are hitting Mickey D’s every morning and spending $3.00 it shows you what percentage of your income goes towards that.

· Another website called ~ MyMoney and this one is from the government and is geared towards people that are on Medicare or in my case on disability and have a limited income. It helps you find a site that will be able to help you best.

· I find that writing a spreadsheet in Excel works just fine or I have also picked up a monthly bill/budget tracker at my local Target or Wal-Mart to help me keep track of each months bills so they don’t get lost in the junk mail pile or better yet, never get opened.

· Check with your local bank. A lot of banks like PNC, Chase and Bank of America will help you out and have online programs built into their online banking that you may already have access too.

· Here is a listing of some other websites that can help you budget money. Just know that any site you use is at your own risk and even if they are secure, there is always a chance of something being leaked:

o www.wesabe.com

o www.quicken.intuit.com

o www.budgettracker.com

So, as a single parent with a single income you can see how hard it is for me. I have learned that there are just some things we are going to have to start going without.

· Movies ~ if we really want to go we have to go on $5 days/nights. Also, there is no buying popcorn and pop, it is two hours that is possible.

· Fast Food ~ not only is this a healthier option it is a smarter option. I am the queen of a Starbucks run when I can make a cup of coffee at home, I also love bagels, but I can toast one at home just as easily. When I stop doing these things I shave between $20 - $40 off sometimes per week – that is a lot of money.

· Excessive Driving ~ I have found that if I drive around to too many places too often I use gas that I just could be saving for other important events.

I am just embarking on my budgeting adventure; I have a lot more to learn and a lot more to save. I wish all of you the best of luck when it comes to saving and budgeting. It is a hard road to go down, but in the end it will all pay off.

Reality Bites!

2012-01-09T21:11:00.000-05:00

So, after a long day of very long, emotional and very difficult conversations with people I came to some hard realizations about myself.

There are a number of words my friends have used to describe me:

Kind
Outgoing
Funny
Smart
Sensitive
Sexy
Beautiful
Sweet
Caring

Then in the same breath I have been called:

Liar
Mean
Cheater
Hateful

So, I sit here tonight and think about all these adjectives that have been used to describe me in the last week or so and I try to sort out what has been said and which I chose to believe and what traits or adjectives are really true and just.

I guess when I really reflect on on all those words and the definitions of each of them I realize that I can embrace each of them fully. I have my positive attributes and I have those that aren't so positive, but at the end of the day they all make up who I am and without a lie now and again I wouldn't be able to be kind to others because I wouldn't know what it is like to hurt others and if I didn't have a little bit of hate in my system I wouldn't be able to be sensitive to the needs and wants of others.

I am a mom, so I know what love is, it is what happens each time I look in my daughters eyes. I also know what it means to be in a room full of people and to feel so lonely that it hurts. When I look at myself in the mirror though I see anger, hurt, fury and sadness. I see ugly, pathetic and a disgrace. I see a woman who has been to hell in back (much because of poor decisions that I have made) in so many ways and a woman who has not only broken hearts, but one that has had her heart broken as well.

I have found that true friendship is really hard to come by and the saying that make new friends, but keep the old for one is silver and the other is gold is a really meaningful saying. I have some people in my life that have known me for years and sometimes I feel like they are the ones that treat me the worst. It is the new people that I meet, that I am honest with immediately that treat me with respect, dignity and truly care and are genuine when it comes to sharing opinions and ideas.

I appreciate and love my old friends, but I know that making new ones is really what you need to do in life. You need to keep friendships fresh and interesting. Make sure you take time to really get to know the person you keeping friends with and what they like, don't like and what common interests you share.

I have many years ahead of me and the few years that have past don't mean anything if I can't be a good friend to those I choose to surround myself with. It doesn't matter what words people use to describe me those are their words and their choice, not mine. I don't have to let their words identify me, I can make my own identity anytime I choose.

These are a few...

2012-01-08T21:25:00.000-05:00

These are a few of my favorite things...

I decided that I really needed to take some time and think about the things that make me happy each day, so here is a list that I compiled of those things. The ones I list aren't like raindrops on roses or whiskers on kittens, they are real like awesome things that make me who I am. Let me know if you like them too, I love to hear what others think or better yet, tell me your favorite things :-)

#1 ~ Samantha
She is the light of my life and the joy of each day. There isn't a moment that goes by that I don't think of her, what she is doing, how she is feeling and when I get to spend time with her next.

#2 ~ Blackberry Bold
Okay, I know that this may sound superficial compared to the rest of my list, but these are MY favorite things and I must have my Blackberry with me at all times. It is my connection to the outside world and my very special inside world.

#3 ~ Home
I have lived on my own before, but then I had to make some changes and lived with family and friends for a few years. Now I have my own apartment, furniture, decor and it is my taste and my own personal space.

#4 ~ Food
Yes, I said it, food is one of my favorite things. Maybe I should be more specific and say cooking, baking or entertaining, but what the hell, it all comes back to food. I can't think of a better thing to do each day than make breakfast, lunch and dinner for myself, family and friends. It makes me happy to share with others and I can share my joy and talents by cooking and entertaining.

#5 ~ Nature
One of the reasons I chose the apartment I did was because I was surrounded by the Cleveland Metroparks. I can see trees when I look out my balcony and a beautiful sunset on most days. I can go to the park, take a walk and if the Strongsville park gets boring there are a dozen more nearby.

#6 ~ Nikon
Yes, my camera is awesome and it is always with me. I love to take pictures of family, friends, food and anything else I can think of. It makes me happy to take pictures and share them with others.

#7 ~ Jeans, t-shirts & hoodies
They are my wardrobe staple. There is nothing I love more than wearing a comfortable pair of jeans with a great shirt or hoodie. I can make myself still look nice and be comfy at the same time.

#8 ~ Sports
Yes, I am a sports nut, I am from Cleveland and I love my sports. Football, baseball, hockey, soccer, basketball whatever, I love it and will watch it and will play it as well if possible.

#9 ~ Creativity
Creativity is everywhere and as I live and breathe I will embrace it and use it. It can be music, photography, cooking, writing, crafts or anything else. I want nothing more than to share my talents with others and spend time with others making things and being creative.

and my last favorite thing is....

#10 ~ Life
There have been days that I don't feel like living. Like when I can't walk or get off the couch or days when I have a horrible migraine, however at the end of the day I am pretty happy that I have a wonderful life that is all my own in its special way. I wake up each morning, breathe and smile. Sometimes that smile doesn't last long, but it doesn't matter how long it lasts as long as I do it. My life is my own and I cherish it and all that comes with it.

Did you mean what you said?

2012-01-06T22:37:00.001-05:00

Okay, it is Friday, I should be over some recent events, but I just can't get some of them out of my head, what the hell is wrong with me. Why is it that I can't shake a relationship that I only had for three weeks? Why is it that I miss someone so much that I only knew for a short period of time?

I thought that I had cried all I could cry, I thought I could be sad as much as I could be sad and I thought by keeping really busy I would get over it a lot faster, but that is not the case. It has taken every ounce of strength to not text, call, email, Facebook message or Twitter message. I am working very hard to respect the fact that this friend is working to have a good life with their family and unfortunately I don't fit into that mold.

It was strange, in the last three weeks I found myself able to open up, share, listen, be honest, care, love, believe in myself and look myself in the mirror and realize I am special and smart.

Not in a million years did I think I would find someone that I paired up with intellectually so well and no matter what I said or he said there was mutual respect, trust and caring.

Now I sit here day after day and I start second guessing everything. I wonder if anything we talked about and things we shared were true and honest, if my feelings were really genuine or if it was something else I dreamed up and if the one intimate moment we shared meant anything at all.

I have always had insecurity issues that are related to choices I have made in my past, the way I have been previously treated and so many other issues that are way to long to list. Now I am having a hard time deciding if feelings I have towards others are true, taking a chance at dating and making it through my day without looking at my phone a million times or having my heart jump every time it dings.

So, as I sit here tonight and try to pat myself on the back for my accomplishments today and the fact that I cooked a damn good chicken curry dinner for myself, I start to wonder about myself as a friend and if I ever will find what I am looking for in a partner.

When our friendship ended I was told to remember to not settle, in fact we told each other that all the time. What if I am settling by not having the one person (other than my daughter) in my life that made everything else bearable, easy to understand, funny and ever so delightful. Will I ever find that person again in someone else? Will I find someone to read my writing, understand my passions, talk to me about anything, listen to me cry, laugh with me or share the same interests as I do? I mean what friend of yours do you share 99% of the same interests with? I can't think of any that I have until I met him a short while ago.

I just want the joy and happiness that he brought to me each day, even if it is in limited doses.

Okay, well it is late, I am going to stop now while my eyes are still dry and put myself into my bed.

Tell it to me straight, that is all I ask

2012-01-05T17:08:00.001-05:00

I know I have been writing about all kinds of personal problems I have been having (sorry, had to get it off my chest) and not about good, wholesome and encouraging things (you do want to read that stuff - right?) So after the day I had today, it only seemed appropriate to write about some good things that happen in my life.

The first good thing has to be PMS. I know a lot of women would have to disagree, but I must tell you, I like it. It gives me a reason to cry, yell, pig out and be very comfortable in sweats on a daily basis. So, for all you men out there, us women may pretend to dislike and curse PMS, but the reality of it is, it allows us to get a way with a ton of stuff, so we milk it for all it is worth.

Had a meeting with my boss today. Now, most of you would say "oh, that sounds bad" and me, I would normally say "a meeting, those suck", but I like who I work for and I like what I do, so I knew that she would be frank and honest with me as I would with her as well. It ended up well, mixed in with some criticism was some compliments and a damn good burger and garlic fries to go along with the company and conversation.

Okay, this isn't really a complaint, just more of me stating a fact. My daughter needs help dressing herself. Yes, she is 13 and in 7th grade, but she just chooses to do her own thing and dress however she chooses and I'll be damned if she matches one day a week. I mean do blue and black match? Do you really need to wear your boots with your outfit every day, even if they are sweats? I appreciate a friend saying that maybe my daughter is just setting her own trend and rocking her own style, but she doesn't have to watch her go off to school each day and wonder if the teachers embrace her independence or think that I, as a parent, don't care what my child wears!

As I am sitting her typing this I am amazed at what awesome cats I have. Yes, I said cats. They love me unconditionally, but a little more when I feed them, and they are very entertaining. I love waking up and seeing them next to me and I especially love how they really dislike sharing me with anyone :-)

Okay, so to make the title of this post make sense I should say this; I really appreciate when people tell me things honestly and in a straightforward fashion because that is what I will do in return. Whether it is me telling you how I feel when I am PMS'ing, what I think about my job, friendships, relationships and yes what I think about my daughter and cats!

I suggest to anyone reading this to take some time, analyze how you deliver information and also how you receive it. It will make everything in your life a whole lot better and it will make each relationship you have stronger.

The good, the bad and the ugly

2012-01-04T18:06:00.001-05:00

The last 72 hours has been hell for me in one way or another. I had a man that I thought loved me tell me we can only "be friends", I had a man that I really cared for tell me that we "can't be friends" and I have had a plethora of other crap going on that can only be defined as "stupid bull shit".

I don't know what is going on lately. I seriously thought of myself as a good person. I know I am not perfect, I know that I am not gorgeous and I know I am not the best catch that there is out there, but I know I am a happy and loving person and that I will love the person I am with forever and be loyal and caring.

I love being a mom and being a friend is so important and at the end of the day I won't settle for second best, I only want to marry my best friend.

Life has been throwing curve balls at me for a very long time and I am about sick and tired of it. I am sick of the crying, sick of the heartache, and most of all so tired of the broken hearts that aren't just brought on by men, but women as well.

Something in this crazy world that I have learned is that karma is a bitch as well as payback. I think that everything I have ever done wrong in my life has come back and decided to bite me in the ass at some point over the last month or so.

No matter what, I plan to keep on holding my head high, believing in love and know that one day I will find the one I am supposed to spend the rest of my life with. It may not be today, it may not be tomorrow, but it will happen at some point and I just have to be open to it happening.

I am sad that I lost a good friend, but I know that he is on his way to a happy and healthy relationship with his family, I am mad that the one man I thought I had a second chance with will only be my friend and I am happy that I do have some great friends in this world who have helped me accept myself and sincerely like myself when I look into the mirror each day.

So, now what do I do?

2012-01-02T23:52:00.000-05:00

So, we are just a couple of days into the new year and already there is drama in my life. It just surrounds me I think. I know that I ask for it in many instances, but in others I really just wish it would go the hell away.

It takes a lot for me to admit when I am wrong and when I am in a situation that I clearly have no business being in. I have managed to do this not once, but twice in the last six to eight weeks.

There is really no excuse for it. Yes, I can probably find some way to spin it and blame it on my bipolar disorder and yes, I can probably blame some of it on others that were involved, but the bottom line is that it was me, I allowed myself to make poor choices, I allowed myself to get involved with people who I clearly should have stayed away from and I let myself get hurt as well as hurt others both directly and indirectly in the process.

My boyfriend that I had up until shortly after Thanksgiving came back into my life recently. I am not sure why he is back, but he is. (Trust me, it is an interesting story, but not for right now) Right now we are just able to talk to each other and support the other as friends and parents. The thing is, I really hurt this man and that is what caused our breakup. I wasn't getting enough excitement out of our relationship in many different aspects so I chose to have online relations with another man, who coincidentally was dating someone. I was caught in what I did and I paid the price by loosing my boyfriend, his children and his family. I was totally in the wrong, there was nothing I was going to say or do that would bring him back to me. I cared for him and while I didn't know where we were going as a couple, we were there for each other through good and bad. He was there when I woke up one morning and couldn't walk, he was there when I had a temperature of 102 and could barely move, he spent many of nights up with me crying because I was failing financially and didn't know how to fix it. He is a good man, one that deserves so much more than what he has been given in life.

Following our break-up I went on a few dates, but nothing really came of that. I tried some internet sites and I had an internet friend suggest a Facebook group. The group was a little risque, but I was intrigued and for anyone that knows me, I am always looking for a little bit of wild.

I met a man that I was immediately drawn to for no other reason than the illusion of who he was. His Facebook page didn't say much and he was really non-descript when it came to our initial conversation.

As funny as it sounds, once we got past the initial "hello, my name is" we instantly connected and became friends. It was like I was talking to someone who had known me my entire life. Other than a few things, like my dislike of ketchup, we liked all the same things, had all the same interests and shared a lot of the same viewpoints.

The kicker in all of this....he is married. Why is it that the person that I have so much in common with, share so many interests with and mentally am connected with is married, and not just married, but there are two young children as well.

Well, we have continued to talk at length, it was like we were drawn to one another, there is no other way to explain it. He helped me make some decision and listened to me vent and I did the same for him. We had coffee and met up a couple of times and stupid me fell for him. I fell for him in a way that a single woman should not fall for a married man, but I couldn't help it. It started out as one thing and then for me (and I thought for him), turned into something else.

I assumed maybe it was just the excitement or the danger or being around and talking to someone I shouldn't, but in my heart and mind we really connected. I could list so many things that we have in common and so many nights that we stayed up for hours talking about sports, family, work and whatever else came to mind.

Well, that friendship I think has come to a close today. He told his wife we had been spending time together and what his feelings were as well as how he felt regarding their marriage and everything went down the crapper immediately. She posted things about me on Twitter and Facebook and my only saving grace was that I saw it immediately and was able to delete it before people started asking questions or more importantly my daughter saw it.

I am a wreck. I am lost. I keep crying and then I think that maybe this is for the best, but then I go right back to how I felt about him and that I finally thought I had someone that I connected with about everything so that there would be no arguing, fighting or deceiving.

I do have friends, don't get me wrong. Some are closer than others, but I do have friends. My friends are realistic, tell it to me like it is and don't hide things from me. I, in return, don't always do that back. I am good at hiding things, not telling the whole truth and skating by with as little information as possible on some occasions. It was different with him, I could and did tell him anything and everything.

Well, it was late when shit hit the fan so my options of friends to call was slightly limited. I ended up texting the boyfriend that broke up with me because I went behind his back and electronically cheated on him....yeah, that sounds like the person you go to when you are crying. What the hell was I thinking.

Well, he hit me with a hard dose of reality and kind of put me into my place. He made me realize that I am not always right and that my actions have now hurt more people plus myself in the process. He sat up and listened to me and he let me cry. I ddin't like some of what he had to say, blaming my choices on my bipolar disorder and I wasn't too keen on the fact that he made me feel like even more shit than I already felt, but at least he listened.

With all that being said, I am still up crying, I still don't know what has happened to the man I 'thought' I had fallen in love with and I am more confused than ever about my ex-boyfriend being back in my life.

I know people come and go out of our lives and that we are all put here on Earth for a reason. I just wish my reason for being here and being a part of others lives was a little more clear and concise. I am that person who will always do for others and take my interests or ideas and throw them on the back burner. I just want to be able to be surrounded by others who want to spend time with me, share in common goals, interests and ideas and love and care about me for who I really am as a person.

As I sit here I am not sure how to conclude this blog entry, I do know however that the words of this song are very important to me and over the last week or two I really find them hitting home more and more.

Final Post of 2011

2011-12-31T14:36:00.000-05:00

So, 2011 has been a very long and trying year for me. I have learned alot about myself and how I want to continue to lead my life going forward.

In February of this year I was awarded disability for my migraines, neuropathy and bipolar disorder. This was such a huge blessing in so many ways. It allotted me the opportunity to move from Wellington back to Strongsville into a place of my own, something I haven't known in over three years. It gave me the opportunity to drive again and purchase a car. Most of all it has given me the chance to give my daughter a wonderful life where I am close to her, she has her own room, freedom and the chance to build long lasting friendships going forward.

2011 was a rough year medically for me. I kind of had to let my migraine treatments go by the wayside for a number of reasons. Fortunately they have let up to a point. I still have horrible ones, but I am learning to manage them and work through them a little bit better. I went through a ton of testing this year though to find out why I was having such problems with my legs and hands and coincidentally the answer also explains why I have a hard time digesting food. While I am happy that I have a basic answer the treatments I went through this year have sucked to say the least and am not thrilled about how the current one is working. The good thing is that I still go see my doctors and we are working towards an answer and for me that is a good thing.

One big thing that happened to me this year was I realized a lot about my bipolar disorder and how it not only affects me, but it also affects those around me. I have learned that not taking my medication properly or at all causes major problems and those problems just compound other situations that go on in my life. In order for me to have healthy relationships with those around me I have to make sure that I am healthy and that will mean taking all my medications as directed and not messing that up. I now associate my joy and stability with doing the right things in other areas of my life.

This year brought about a few dates and one short lived relationship that while I loved those children with all my heart, I didn't feel the same way about their father and thus the relationship ended. This year also brought some new friendships into my life and I have really learned what the meaning of a true friend is. Not many people will drop everything to be by your side, but I needed that a few times this year and I was lucky enough to have some great friends that were able to come help. Towards the end of this year I met someone, a person that I have this amazing connection with and it feels like we have known each other for years, but yet it has been such a short time. It is like they know me and I know them and we can finish each others sentences and know what the other is thinking and say it first. Pretty interesting, especially since I have friends I have known for 15+ years and I don't know if they know me the way that this person does. Regardless of how long I have known anyone I am blessed to have some great friends and knowing that they are a part of my life is awesome.

This year I was lucky and took Sammie to Chicago to see my friends Rachel and Eddie. It was amazing and so much fun. I can't believe how much fun we had sight seeing and just goofing around. Rachel is just like the little sister I never had and I can't wait to make it to her wedding at the end of June!

My family and I are at least all on speaking terms and I have had the chance to talk to my dad a little more lately, but when it comes to his significant other I have no say or chance in hell to rectify that situation and it makes me sad, but at the same time why should I have to apologize for who I am and what I have done in my life. All those things have made me who I am today and I am proud of who I am. My mom and brother are about 30 minutes east of me now. This is kind of sucky because mom isn't close to watch Sammie when I need her to and we don't get to do family dinner every week, but at the same time it gives me the opportunity to live more independently and not rely on them for help all the time. It was easy to do that when they were her and now I need to take responsibility for myself and Sammie, after all, I am 33.

So, I have been on Facebook and Twitter this morning and I am not surprised about everyone stating what their goals are in 2012 and asking people if they resolutions. I spent some time this morning thinking about that and if I was going to set any specific goals for the next year and what they may be. After thinking for a while I concluded that they aren't any different than the ones I had for 2011 other than I have a few more tools and resources available to me to get things done.

So, maybe in 2012 I think I would like to be a little more accountable regarding my goals so I am actually going to publish them and see where that takes me.

Goals for 2012

Be a good mother and build a lasting relationship with my daughter

Work to be a better sister and daughter while building better relationships with my mom and brother

Learn how to be a friend who understand the give and take that is needed for a friendship to last

Learn new and healthy recipes to feed my family

Continue with school

Go to my doctors appointments, be honest with my doctors and take my medications

Blog or journal at least twice a week

Read one book a month

Not be afraid to try something new

Use the elliptical or treadmill at least three times a week

Enjoy each day of my life

I chose these goals because they are attainable yet challenging. Part of me would love to put up there "fall in love" or "lose 30 pounds", but I chose to use goals that help me to lead a healthy lifestyle and work to be a better person. Don't get me wrong, I would love to be in a relationship and yes to lose 30 pounds would be awesome, but I think when we as a society decide to set goals we need to set ones that we know we can reach and if we can't reach the main goal then we need to work to set smaller goals to reach the larger one ~ make sense?

I don't necessarily want 2012 to be the best year ever because if it is then every other year that follows will just be a disappointment to me, so instead I want 2012 to be a magical and fun year along with one where I learn a lot and get to share my experience, strength and hope with others.

I wish you all a healthy and happy 2012.

~ Jody

The Secret World of Arrietty

2011-12-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

‘Like’ THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY on Facebook at:

http://www.facebook.com/SecretWorldOfArriety

THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY opens in theaters everywhere on February 17th, 2012!

Residing quietly beneath the floorboards are little people who live undetected in a secret world to be discovered, where the smallest may stand tallest of all. From the legendary Studio Ghibli (“Spirited Away,” “Ponyo”) comes “The Secret World of Arrietty,” an animated adventure based on Mary Norton’s acclaimed children’s book series “The Borrowers.”

Arrietty (voice of Bridgit Mendler), a tiny, but tenacious 14-year-old, lives with her parents (voices of Will Arnett and Amy Poehler) in the recesses of a suburban garden home, unbeknownst to the homeowner and her housekeeper (voice of Carol Burnett). Like all little people, Arrietty (AIR-ee-ett-ee) remains hidden from view, except during occasional covert ventures beyond the floorboards to “borrow” scrap supplies like sugar cubes from her human hosts. But when 12-year-old Shawn (voice of David Henrie), a human boy who comes to stay in the home, discovers his mysterious housemate one evening, a secret friendship blossoms. If discovered, their relationship could drive Arrietty’s family from the home and straight into danger. The English language version of “The Secret World of Arrietty” was executive produced by Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall, and directed by Gary Rydstrom. The film hits theaters Feb. 17, 2012.

Do you have an Elf on the Shelf?

2011-12-15T08:30:00.000-05:00

I personally do not have an Elf on a Shelf, but I know many do. I came across some great websites that have hundreds of ideas about where to put your Elf and the crazy things your Elf can do!

http://www.elfontheshelf.com/

http://blossombunkhouse.com/2011/11/08/101-elf-on-the-shelf-ideas-2/

http://elfontheshelfideas.com/

http://pinterest.com/chandlerjandk/elf-on-a-shelf-ideas/

http://mycrazysavings.com/2011/12/100-ideas-for-your-elf-on-the-shelf/

http://todaysmama.com/2011/12/elf-on-the-shelf-ideas/

I would like to see what ideas my readers have.

Please take a moment and comment and share some of your ideas!