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Friday, March 30, 2012
Easter Egg Dying Ideas
Thursday, March 29, 2012
The Jackpot is Still Up For Grabs
Winning the lottery would be a dream come true. The $500 million lottery prize keeps growing and is at an all-time record high. The jackpot is the largest in U.S. lottery history. No one has matched all the numbers in Tuesday night’s drawing so the stakes keep getting higher!
Having an extra few thousand (or even million) dollars in my piggy bank would be welcomed with open arms. However, I must face the fact that the chance of actually winning the large sum is slim to none. Today before I left for work I caught a couple minutes of Good Morning America, according to lottery officials, the odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are estimated at about 1 in 176 million. The odds of winning any of the Mega Millions prizes are approximately 1 in 40.
The estimated jackpot is based on national sales up to the time of the drawing. In the last drawing, in which there was no jackpot winner, almost 2.9 million tickets won Mega Millions prizes.
Everyone here at my work pitched in $5.00 at a chance to win the jackpot. Most people I have talked to said they participated just because they would feel horrible if we won and they decided not to play. What would you do if you won the lottery? I know the chances are very slim but it is nice to fantasize about. I could not begin to even think of what I would do with that sort of money. I am sure I would do a lot of traveling and help out my family – oh and a shopping spree would be top of the list. I will worry about the rest of the answer to that question when I hit it big- fingers crossed!
Did you buy your lottery tickets?
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Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Rowing...An Amazing Sport and the Best Thing I Ever Did!
About six years ago, I was driving across one of our glorious bridges with one of my best friends Sue and I peered down at the river and there were the boats. I made a comment to her about how cool it looked and she said that she always thought the same thing. For about a year, she and I always talked about it until one day, she called me up and told me that she looked in to it and they have a winter session starting in a couple of weeks. Without even thinking about it, she and I signed up!
Its five years later and she and I are now on a Master’s Rowing Team for Three RiversRowing Association based on Washington’s Landing. We fell in love with it from the first indoor practice. Once we hit the water for the first time, we were even more hooked! It’s the most amazing sport for several reasons…
Total Lost: 6lbs
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Monday, March 26, 2012
The Joys of Housework
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Friday, March 23, 2012
I'm Sweating the Small Stuff... I'm Sweating it ALL!
It’s been a while since I have talked about wedding stuff, but unfortunately, I am not much further along than my last update. My dress came in, but I haven’t even decided on bridesmaid dresses yet. Our next big items on our to-do list are cake and flowers.
I’m feeling really behind. REALLY behind! The days are flying by, and there just isn’t enough time. Honestly, I’ve seen Nick for a total of 6 hours over the last two days. Our schedules are busy, and it seems like I just can’t cram any more into my days. When do I even make time to think about wedding planning?
I looked over my wedding to-do list the other night, and reality set in. I need to light a fire under my own ass. I need to get things done – and soon. I forgot all the small detail stuff – flowers for the cake/cookie tables; programs; my something borrowed, blue, old; a bouquet toss bouquet; makeup; hair! And the list goes on and on. Wedding planning is a full-time job all of its own.
A year and a half ago when Nick and I got engaged, it felt like our wedding date was forever away, and I had TONS of time to plan. Well holy crap, apparently, my time management skills flew out the window on this one.
It’s crunch time. I need to get myself on a schedule to complete __# of wedding tasks weekly. (Maybe I’ll start with an attainable number, like 1.)
Tonight, my MOH and I are planning to construct a detailed, prioritized list of all the things I have left to do. We are going to sort through magazines, peruse The Knot, Pintrest, Etsy, get creative, and by the end of the night, I sure as hell better feel good about all this planning.
So many brides “looooove” this and miss all the planning. I, for one, am stressed out and not having fun. Nope, you heard me, this isn’t fun. It’s stressful trying to plan the most fun night of your life, and trying to guarantee it will be the most fun for everyone else too.
Help me out here ladies – how did you organize, prioritize, make it fun?
Thank God I’m only getting married once. This stress alone is enough to avoid divorce and the chance of having to do it AGAIN.
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Thursday, March 22, 2012
First cut of the grass...in MARCH!?!
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Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Someone is Always Watching
I guess celebrities must be immune to the law. Imagine if we did some of the things that celebrities like Brittney Spears or Lindsay Lohan have gotten away with. This morning I heard about this story where Beyonce thought it was a bright idea to ride in the back seat of a car while holding her baby instead of putting it in a car seat.
News flash Momma Beyonce, celebrity status does not protect you or your newborn in the case of an accident! I just don’t understand why anyone would travel in a car with a newborn baby with no car seat. I can understand some of her actions from shielding her baby from the paparazzi, but I don’t understand why she has gone to such great lengths where she is now putting her baby’s life in danger.
According to safekids.org, children up to the age of 9 and up to 100 pounds should be in a car/booster seat. I know before I was born the laws were more relaxed. No one had to wear seat belts, people could ride in the back of pick-up trucks and insurance was recommended, not required. Now the laws are much different and stricter. So why does Beyonce feel that she is above the law?
Celebrities aren’t stupid (or are they?), they know that someone is always going to be watching. They have to be careful with their every move. I hope that Beyonce learns her lesson and is embarrassed by all of this.
Here are some pictures I found online, what do you think?
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Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Spring has Sprung!
So now that spring has sprung, it’s motivated me even more on my whole Weight Watchers adventure. Last week I shared with all of you that I had officially started the Weight Watchers program and that I successfully managed to lose 3.6lbs in the first week. Last week (week two of the diet) I didn’t do quite as well. I had to travel for my “big girl” job so I was forced to eat on the road. Thankfully though I had my Weight Watchers app on my phone and was able to calculate my points when we were at a restaurant to figure out what I could and couldn’t eat. On Sunday, I just couldn’t resist a chocolate milkshake. It was a beautiful warm day here and I really felt like I deserved it after the absolute craziness that we had to deal with Saturday night at my bar. Can I just say that St. Patrick’s Day is the worst day of the year to be in the bar business?! Hence why I decided it was okay to have the milkshake. Anywho…by the time my official weigh in came around yesterday, I was nervous that I actually put weight back on. The good news is that I didn’t. I managed to lose 1.4llbs and I’m officially at 5lbs lost over the course of two weeks. Now I just have to really start focusing and working at this diet. Not only is bathing suit season just around the corner but shorts, cute skirts and tanks are back in the daily wardrobe. No more bulky sweaters and pants to hide my chub!
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Monday, March 19, 2012
So Much To Do
Me and the fam in Canaan Valley |
I'm not coming down on my mom, well, maybe a little, but it's more about me as a mom and my kids these days.
My husband and I both work. My kids' schedules are insane between speech and occupational therapy, and faith formation classes. And we have a puppy that I swear requires more attention and caring than a newborn!
I think I'm a pretty good parent--weaving fun into our weekends be it with hiking, playtime at the park, going out to eat, going to the movies or science center or zoo. We have our fair share of fun. Yet, my darling mini-mes are ungrateful to say the least.
I swear, I must have heard "I'm bored" from my six year old 25 this weekend. He spent more time than even a mediocre mom would allow on the computer. Then to the iTouch, then TV. It was beautful out. We were washing cars, playing in the yard, etc. He didn't want any of it.
Then, he decides he wants to go to the park, so my husband takes him (it's literally four houses away from my house). He sees some of our neighbors there. He plays with them. Then, it is time for dinner. He comes home, inhales his dinner, takes his shower and then asks to go back to the park. We say no because we have planned outdoor movie night in the backyard. He cries. He never gets to go to the park. Blah, blah, blah. Waaaa, waaaa, waaaa. I settle it simply by saying "you should have been raised by your grandparents."
I did what my parents wanted. Always what my parents wanted. Don't get me wrong, we did trips to the amusement park, vacations, etc. but the "little things" didn't exist. There wasn't time. They didn't make time. We were raised that we, as their children, entered their lives, not the other way around.
I swore I was gonna raise my kids in a similar manner, but with a bit more fun. And we do more fun, but my kids have come to expect it and it isn't appreciated. That's where I have failed them and me.
I will try harder to ignore my children. I will try harder to not give them everything. I will try harder to let them be bored...a lot. This may make me sound terrible, but boredom is the gateway to creativity. My sister and I played some awesome things. I was always making up stories in my mind. Imagining the future, the past, everything. I was, what some would have deemed a dreamer. I wasn't living it, so I had to dream it.
Every parent wants to give their child what they didn't have. And I want to give my children all the attention that there just wasn't time for in my growing up. But, I need a break from all the fun...or maybe just a drink!
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Saturday, March 17, 2012
These Irish Eyes Are Smiling
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Thursday, March 15, 2012
Two Words
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Wednesday, March 14, 2012
I Hate Stink Bugs - The Bastards!
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Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Visual.ly
Furthermore, Visual.ly is teaming up with third parties and brands to offer other data feeds to users, for example sports statistics from ESPN. Eventually users will be able to make their own themes and templates, easily allowing the average users the needed tools to make an eye-catching infographic.
I recently experimented with the new Visual.ly Create feature and noticed some limitations. Showdown-style infographics comparing Twitter followers aren’t very useful to anyone who is not connected to the social media field. Don’t get me wrong, these are fun for sure, but the capabilities only go so far.
Think about every boring report you have even written, Visual.ly will soon allow you to easily produce a visually captivating graphic that can illustrate all of your data. Want to learn more about Visual.ly and its capabilities? First, sign up for an account; it is free by the way! In your search engine, type in Visual.ly and it will take you there. I tried to make a hyperlink for all of you but the web address doesn't seem to be linking-friendly. Have fun exploring!
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Monday, March 12, 2012
Am I Bathing Suit Ready?
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Friday, March 9, 2012
Copy Cat
I know, I'm just reposting. Copying, if you will. No original material from me today. But I'm sick. The sick like I get once every two to three years kinda sick.
Read. Enjoy. Take it with you.
Apologies To The Parents I Judged Four Years Ago
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Thursday, March 8, 2012
Leaving The Past In The Past
First a little background...in high school I had a terrible relationship with a boyfriend. It is one that I am not proud of and one that I don't want to be reminded of. Several weeks ago, I had a friend request from this old boyfriend on Facebook. I declined it. Then again this past weekend, I had a friend request from him again. I ignored it. On Tuesday, I had a message from him that said "I just wanted to apologize." For one thing, if you are going to apologize, please say what you are apologizing for. Needless to say, the friend requests and the message have all been ignored.
It isn't that I haven't gotten over the relationship or am still dwelling on the past. It is because that particular part of my life doesn't have a whole lot of good memories. I would prefer if he wasn't privy to pieces my life even if it is through the superficiality of Facebook. I have no desire to reconnect or mend fences.
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Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Sounded Like a Good Idea
So, it looks as though I have been tricked into getting in shape to run the Pittsburgh Marathon Relay this spring. I say tricked because my best friend and fiancé are running, and I feel like I should too – especially because we are running for charity, and we get a medal!
However, I hate running. It makes my lungs hurt, it makes my legs hurt and it gives my shin splints. I’m not a fan. I’ve never experienced a “runner’s high,” and probably never will. I run for a mile as a warm up to whatever exercise I may be doing, and then I call it quits.
But here I am, all registered to run 3.5 miles, which happens to be the shortest leg of the race, because clearly, I am the most out of shape.
After I get back from my vacation (which I am SO looking forward to going on tomorrow), I am starting my regimen. Perhaps some Couch to 5K to get me in the spirit?
BUT, as I mentioned above, my team, so rightly named “Sounded Like a Good Idea,” will be running for charity.
We are running as part of the Animal Rescue League's "Paws Over Pittsburgh" team. The ARL's mission is to provide temporary shelter, food, medical attention, and comfort to all abandoned, neglected and injured animals brought to us by the community; to restore lost animals to their owners or seek new homes for them, and educate the public about humane care of animals with a goal of reducing overpopulation. An animal lover myself (as many of you know from my posts), I know how important organizations such as the ARL are and all of the good that they do, which is why we've chosen to run in support of them. Help us come to the animal's rescue!
Our team has a donation goal of $500. Click here to help my team and donate to a GREAT cause!
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Tuesday, March 6, 2012
I Hate School Buses
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Monday, March 5, 2012
Fudgy Chocolate Chip-Toffee Bars
These are delicious! Every time I make them I hear rave reviews. These will be a hit with your family and friends, I promise!
INGREDIENTS
½ cup LAND O LAKES® Butter, melted
2 cups graham cracker crumbs (32 squares)
1 bag (8 oz) Heath® Bits 'O Brickle® toffee bits (1 1/2 cups)
1 roll (16.5 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated chocolate chip cookies
1 bag (12 oz) Hershey’s® semi-sweet chocolate baking chips (2 cups)
1 can (14 oz) Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 tablespoon LAND O LAKES® Butter
1 teaspoon McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Spray bottom only of 13x9-inch pan with Crisco® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray.
2. In medium bowl, stir 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 1/2 cups of the cracker crumbs and 3/4 cup of the toffee bits. Press mixture evenly in bottom of pan. Refrigerate about 15 minutes or until firm.
3. Meanwhile, let cookie dough stand at room temperature 10 minutes to soften. In 2-quart saucepan, heat chocolate chips, milk and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat, stirring frequently, until chips are melted and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Spread mixture over cracker crust.
4. In medium bowl, break up cookie dough. Mix in remaining 1/2 cup cracker crumbs with wooden spoon until well blended. Crumble mixture evenly over chocolate layer. Sprinkle with remaining 3/4 cup toffee bits.
5. Bake 25 to 35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely, in refrigerator for about 2 hours. For a firmer bar, refrigerate 30 minutes longer. For bars, cut into 8 rows by 4 rows.
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Friday, March 2, 2012
Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss
Well, today is the great Dr. Seuss's birthday and I can't think of a better way to help celebrate than to participate in Seussville Read Across America. Random House and the National Education Association encourage everyone to spend some time today and read to a child. Click here for more information and for some cool materials to help you celebrate this special day!
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Thursday, March 1, 2012
Non-Judgemental
Ahhh, Lent. Similar to New Year's Resolutions, except this one only lasts 40 days and you have the wrath of God to contend with. Yet, most cheat or fail or don't do anything at all. That's fine. I get it. Why make a change, either big or little, that isn't going to last longer than six weeks? I understand that Lent makes it attainable, but if you are giving something up, it typically isn't something that is good for you--drinking alcohol, eating sweets. You never hear of someone giving up exercise or saying "I'm gonna spend LESS time with my family." Those are things we strive to do more of.
When I was growing up, I would give up all sorts of stuff. TV, candy, the radio--I grew up in the pre-PC era, so that wasn't an option. My Comodore 64 wasn't something that was give-up worthy! My mom never gave anything up. Still doesn't. She always said "I'm just going to try to be a better person." I would laugh. What a cop out. I remember thinking, she's already a good person.
Now that I'm, ahem, older, I get that. I didn't give anything up for Lent. I'm trying to be less judgemental. I don't think I'm all that judgemental anyway, but I wonder if that is akin to the person you meet who emphaticcaly says "I'm not hard to get along with." When, in reality, they are impossible to get along with!
I have personal circumstances that I believe make me more open to the when's and why's of things going on around me, but I still carry negative thoughts and judge, if even in my own head. A person dressed shabily meandering down the street. The young mother buying cigarettes with her baby in hand.
I'm trying to remind myself that we all have crap. A ton of crap at times, to deal with. And we all deal in different ways. Maybe the shabby dressed man is just that...not homeless, not a loser, just not as vain as the rest of us. Or maybe he is disabled. Maybe that young mother is trying to quit smoking and has cut back and on the brink of kicking the habit altogether. Maybe she isn't the baby's mother at all!
We automatically see a quasi-negative situation and think the worst. What would happen if we thought the best? Gave people the benefit of the doubt? I've learned in my life that I can't judge. I'm judged everyday on aspects that I try to append and make better, or on circumstances I have no control over. I dont' like it.
What gives me the power or right to bestow that judgment on someone else?
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