Alison Purple

Purple Vacation

2011-08-21T15:25:00.000-07:00

I love this purple bike! Please include the lavender in the basket and on the back tire.

This picture is lovely and makes me think of Europe....which then makes me think of traveling. I will be traveling next week for a vacation with my lovely family and then to work in NYC.

I am super excited to be able to spend a good chunk of time with my 1 year old and my family without work and daycare. I may do a post or two from the East coast. So, come back and check it out.

My Birth Story - Part 3

2011-08-15T17:02:00.000-07:00

I went into the high risk doctor's office about two weeks before my due date. My blood pressure was still high and I had gained 7 pounds in a relatively short period. My hands and feet were pretty swollen. He and my OB decided that I should not be working at this point. So, I ended up working from home trying to relax and keep my feet up. (Relax is the key word here...I COULDN'T RELAX! Because of my damn wrists and legs) I kept saying, ugh...I can't wait until this baby is out so I can sleep! Friends would say that I was crazy and I better enjoy my rest now because once the baby is here, no more sleep for me! I knew better than that. No one understood the annoying and uncomfortable experience I was having. I knew I would at least be more comfortable to sleep...I might not get as much sleep but...quality versus quantity! The high risk (HR) doctor kept trying to get me to go into the hospital for induction. I saw my OB a few days after that and he too was abiding by the HR doc, saying that if I haven't had the baby by the end of the week, I needed to be induced.

This scared and infuriated me. I did NOT want to be induced! I had heard all of the horror stories about it and more than not ended up in a c-section. I wanted to have baby naturally! This was my fear...appearing before my eyes.

I held the docs off as long as I could because my tests were still showing no signs of preeclampsia. I ended up going in one week and two days prior to my due date. Baby hadn't really dropped and I was not dialated and wasn't really soft either. So, we went into the hospital at 7pm that night and was given cervadil, vaginally, to soften my cervix. That took 12 hours and no change! (Just what I was worried about) The next morning, they started me on pitocin. (I was not happy at all! AND I had to be hooked up to monitors as well as baby...didn't want that either!) I couldn't even get on my yoga ball with all that crap. NOT my plan. We went all day with nothing...a few little contractions but not enough to notice much. Around 6pm, my OB came in to check my cervix. Still barely dialeted to 2 cm. They tried breaking my water...didn't work. I started to have some relatively strong contractions about 8pm and Haize, my doula, ended up leaving to get some sleep before all hell broke loose. Hubs tried to sleep a little too.

About 10pm that night, I started having some pretty intense contractions and back pain. I woke hubs up and said,"Baby, I can't do this by myself. This hurts too bad! Please call Haize. If she doesn't get here soon, I am going to have to get an epidural!" I started vomiting because I was in so much pain. I was up to 16 on the pitocin when I believe 20 is the highest. My water ended up breaking. (What a weird feeling! It was like I had to pee and couldn't hold it in. It just kept gushing out. All I could think about was what a relief that I was a hopsital and not at home or in the car. That was alot of water!) After my water broke, baby moved from being low down to right up underneath my right boob. I thought - he is NOT coming out. He isn't ready! Haize came back and massaged my feet and my back. She said this seemed like transition labor. I knew I couldn't be so lucky.

The nurses kept coming in to check my bp and the baby. Pax couldn't stand that monitor and he would move around to avoid it. At one point, they couldn't find him. I knew he was fine but they called my OB and he said because I still wasn't dialating to take me off the pitocin and let me rest. I knew this wasn't going to end like I wanted it to. This was about 5am and around 8am, my OB checked me and I was barely dialated to 3 cm! After all of that...still no real movement! He informed me that since my water had broken that I had the choice of getting the epidural and getting back on pitocin. Hopefully, the epidural would relax me enough that baby would drop and start coming out. My other option was to have a c-section right then. I asked him to give me some time with my husband and Haize. I was crying so hard! This was my fear standing before me. NOOOOOO! is what I wanted to scream! I knew if I took that epidural, nothing was going to happen. I knew in my heart that Pax wasn't going to come out on his own today because he WASN'T READY! I didn't want to get the epidural and go through all of the pain of the pitocin and end up hours later having to have a c-section.

So, I decided to have the c-section. My OB was great. He knew how much anxiety this caused me. I was petrified. Seriously. I was scared of everything! He went and scehduled the section half an hour from that point. (This was good because it gave me less time to think) I asked so many questions before I went in. I made it clear that I had to have Haize and my husband in the operating room and that once my husband left the OR with Pax that Haize had to stay with me. They all agreed.

Unfortunately, I had to have the spinal by myself. I was wheeled into the OR which was really small, bright and cold. They had me sit on the edge of the bed leaning over while the anesthesiologist prepped my back for the needle. She stuck me with it and this electric pain shot down from my pelvis to my right leg. I yelled "ow, ow, ow". She asked where I felt the pain. Did it again, and I felt the same thing but on the other side. At this point, I was having a conversation in my head. "I am going to tell her she had her chance of getting it right the first time and the second time...that's it. She is done! No more chances!" But then I said to myself, "How the hell am I going to get this baby out?!" So, I stuck through it...no pun intended. Finally, she did what she needed to do and then frantically and firmly said "Lay down, now". So, I had to lay down really quickly before the numbness kicked in and I was paralyzed. They transferred me to the other bed and put the blue curtain up so I couldn't see. However, I remember my best friend telling me about her c-section and how she could see everything in the stainless light above her! So, of course, I did the same. I told them I could see, and they said there wasn't anything that could be done.

Hubs came in and so did Haize. I saw him look over at my insides when he walked in. He was freaked out too but he was trying to be the awesome calm, support husband that he was. He held my hand and just stared into my eyes. All of a sudden, the OB said "Do you want to see your baby?" We both started crying immediately. I heard Pax cry and I couldn't believe I had my baby! All of a sudden I had my baby! After all of the owrry and anxiety and pain...our baby was here, just like that. I watched as they cleaned him off and listened to his cry. I wanted to hold him so badly that I couldn't think about the fact that my insides were being cleaned and washed off and my organs were being placed back into my stomach! Once, Pax was cleaned and hubs cut the umbilical cord, I held my angel! I did not want to let go of him. Unfortunately, he and hubs went to the nursery to do whatever they needed to do. While my OB was sewing me back up, he said that Pax had the cord wrapped around his neck and he was face up. He said there was no way he was going to have come out naturally. (Just as I suspected) Had I waited another week, he may have been ready then...but at this point, my baby was healthy and safe and that is all that mattered.

I had to go to recovery after that and I was shaking uncontrollably, which I was told was due to the medication in the spinal. They said there was an order for demerol that would help. I asked for half of the ordered dosage and I found out she gave me the entire dosage! When I was about to leave, they scared me into thinking that the spinal pain medicine would wear off and I would be in some serious pain, so I should take the shot of demerol into my thigh. So, I did.

While I laid on that bed, "recovering", all I could think about was trying to get my legs to move so I could see my baby! I just wanted to hold my baby! Finally, they wheeled me down to my room. They told me that Pax had to have formula in a bottle because his blood sugar was really low, which is said to be typical of babies of gestational diabetic mothers. I wasn't happy that he didn't get my boob before the bottle.

Once Pax was brought in....which I do not remember at all because I was so doped up! ...I have seen the video of me explaining to him that it must have been really scary coming into this bright place after being cozy and warm inside my tummy. I wanted to put words to his experience.

For the next few days, I felt like I was in la-la land...still doped up for at least wo days after the surgery. I stood to walk and felt extremely dizzy. Because I had so many people helping me with Pax, the fact that he slept all the time and the fact that I was still so doped, I didn't really comprehend what had transpired. That I had actually given birth. I was having a really difficult time breast feeding because Pax had a high pallette and could feel my nipple, I couldn't get him to latch. (I will save the BF information to another day).

We stayed in the hosptial for a total of 5 days. As soon as we walked into our house, the hubs and I just started crying. We couldn't believe we had just brought home a baby, our baby and we were now responsible for him. It was so strange but lovely. All I wanted to do was protect this little angel that grew inside my belly.

A year later, that is still all I want to do. Protect him. I can't believe how much I love him and that it is even possible to feel so much love for someone. He amazes me everyday.

Happy Birthday, my sweet angel boy. You are amazing!

My Birth Story Part 2

2011-08-11T14:33:00.000-07:00

The continuation of my birth story....

Somethings I forgot to mention yesterday...

All throughout my pregnancy, I was working full time in TV, working as a Marriage and Family therapist trainee and going to graduate school full time. I graduated just before I had my son. I was slammed!

At 12 weeks, when we went in for the NT ultrasound, we were asked if we wanted to know the sex of the baby. I would have liked to have waited but the hubs didn't. And he would have played games with me the entire pregnancy if I had not found out...so we found out. I KNEW we were having a girl! Nope...the tech said you are having a boy. I actually argued with her, telling her I was for sure having a girl. Then then doc came in and was checking out the baby via ultrasound and he says "So, you are having a BOY?!" He showed us his little peter...and I couldn't argue any longer. Now, what to name the baby BOY?! I had a million girl names picked out and NO names for boys. Boy names were really hard for me. Our last name is a very generic color and I was insistent that his name was not generic. It needed to stand out. I didn't want five million Jack "Purples" in his class. We went through so many names...and nothing stuck. I ended up running into a friend that I used to work with whose partner was pregnant with a girl and they had had all boy names picked out. So, I said, "Help me!" I told her I liked the name "Pax" because it meant "peace" in Latin and hubs and I are both high anxiety peeps. I wanted to somehow project calm and peace onto our child so he didn't have to experience the world with so much anxiety. But hubs didn't like Pax alone. So, I had proposed "Paxton". He couldn't get the actor, Bill Paxton, out of his head. So, ugh! I stopped trying for a while. She, my old co-worker, said "We just interviewed a "Paxson" for an internship." OMG! I thought for a minute and then fell in love with it. It was different and not too different that people would think we were crazy parents. Hubs liked it too! And that was that! Paxson, it was!

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So, at 5 months, we changed OBGYNs and I ended up really liking my choice. I think I still would have preferred someone a little more towards the holistic side, but all in all, I liked him.

I continued to see the high risk doctor, whom I grew to LOVE. I actually begged him to deliver my baby. But he stopped doing that years ago. I had to have an ultrasound every 2-3 months and check in with my bp and weight. I still had not gained a pound and baby was looking fantastic. About 8 months in, we got a bit freaked out. I started to gain a few pounds (which was water weight - because I started swelling) and my bp started to go up a little. Still, wasn't enough to put me on meds. We saw the 3D pic of baby and his cheeks were HUGE. The doc said to us "Oh, look at this bruiser." So, I started to freak a bit about the research on babies of gestional diabetic moms and saw they can be big. (With my eating disorder, this was a major concern for me). The doc reassured us that if I continued to eat well and avoid sugar and carbs, everything would be fine. So, I did. The doc praised me every step of the way saying I should be blogging about how to eat as a pregnant woman because there is such a stereotype of how the pregnant woman gives herself permission to eat and gain weight when it isn't always necessary. I am still blown away by how "clean" I ate. I did have to up the dosage of the diabetes medication at about 8 months because my sugars were increasing, which is said to be typical around this period. But I was determined NOT to take insulin shots! DETERMINED!

I walked for at least 30 minutes at least 4 times a week if not more. Hubs and I
really began to love that time together. We would walk every night when we got
home from work. And after being very pregnant and working two jobs, plus school
and schoolwork, I was BEAT! But, I pushed myself to walk.

Throughout my pregnancy, from beginning to end, I had, what some would call
restless leg syndrome. I don't know what it was...possibly anxiety transformed into
this energy that I had to kick out of my legs. Anytime I would attempt to relax on
the couch or sitting, etc this energy would start running throughout my legs. I felt
like I had to kick to release it and it wouldn't stop! It was so freaking annoying. I
was so exhausted and I couldn't relax because of this damn energy running through
my legs. Seriously, it lasted the ENTIRE NINE MONTHS! I, also, started around 5
months to have pregnancy induced carpal tunnel in my wrists. This gradually got
worse as the months went on. Not only did I end up having to sleep with a circular
body pillow, I had to wear wrist braces on BOTH wrists at night because my hands
would fall asleep otherwise.

One night, I was getting into bed, which was NOT an easy task being that I had this
giant belly, a giant pillow that I had to position myself in and the stupid wrist braces that wouldn't allow me to bend my wrists. Hubs said to me, you know a year after the baby is born, we have to start trying for baby #2! "HAH!" I said. "Do you see me? I will decide WHEN we start trying for baby #2". I had to get through this
pregnancy first and I don't know that I will want to do that again, I thought. He was
crazy as hell in that moment. Are you freaking kidding me!?

Anyway, the wrists got so bad as did the energy in my legs that I could hardly sleep
at night. We would go to bed at night and I would have to come out and lay on the
couch and watch TV. It was awful. My wrists got even worse. I had to sleep with
ice packs on at all times or my hands would ache. They were always numb by the
last month...day or night. But at night, if the ice pack got warm, my hands and wrists would ache so badly that I wouldn't be able to take it. I would cry at how much pain I was in.

For the last month and a half of my pregnancy, I was seeing the OBGYN every two
weeks-1 week, the high risk doc every week and then I had to start having NSTs
(non stress tests to check the baby's activity)done at the hospital every week. It
ended up being three times a week toward the end. Like I had any extra time in
my life! I DIDN'T. I don't know how I made it work. The schedule was exhausting,
let alone being 9 months pregnant. Baby was always active, so I had no concerns.
The fact that I had to be in the hospital was super scary at first. I had so much
anxiety about being in a hospital, it was insane. The NSTs actually helped reduce my
anxiety. This was great for the actual delivery day. I would have less anxiety about
being admitted to the hospital because I had been so often, I was used to it.

Three weeks prior to my due date, the high risk doctor wanted to induce me for
fear that I was going to develop preeclampsia. So, I began a 24 hour pee test. I had
to pee into a huge gallon plus bottle for 24 hours so that the hospital could test my
urine for the protein that is released when a woman is preeclamptic. The test showed no signs of it. The doctors continued to check me every few days.

Enough for now...didn't mean to write a book

More to come....

My Birth Story - Part 1

2011-08-09T13:03:00.000-07:00

My son will be a year old this week. The time has flown. Yet so much has happened. And oh, how my life has changed. (These are all such typical phrases...but it is all so incredibly true) Motherhood is....so much, I can't even begin to put words to the meaning. I thought I would start this week by sharing my pregnancy and birth experience.

Before I was pregnant, I would hear other mother's birth stories and would automatically fill up with anxiety. I was so scared to be pregnant and to give birth. I was afraid of what it would feel like to have a baby in my tummy and to have to push that baby out. And oh, don't EVEN talk to me about a C-section! I didn't want to hear any details of that. It TOTALLY freaked me out. I have an insane amount of anxiety around health, hospitals and surgeries. I knew that once I was pregnant, I would eat incredibly healthy, take care of myself like never before and was going to be absolutely natural in everyway possible. No medication for me! No epidural, and I was for sure having this baby vaginally!

When hubs and I found out we were pregnant, it was Christmas morning. I hadn't had a period since November, but that wasn't unusal for me. (I have polycystic ovary syndrome) So, we waited to take a pregnancy test until Xmas morning. Hubs and I waited quietly for the digital test to read the verdict..."Pregnant" appeared on the test and we both gasped! I immediately started crying. I had so many emotions going on. I was petrified! I was ecstatic! But the fear outweighed the excitement. There was no turning back. I was going to be pregnant for ten months! That was that. I was so freaked out. We scheduled an appointment with the OBGYN right after the holidays. He, of course, confirmed the pregnancy. And so it began.

I hired a doula, who was my newly found neighbor. If I didn't have high blood pressure to start off with, I would have elected to do a home birth. Having a doula was a must for me. I needed someone to be available to answer questions, ease my mind and help me through the process of pregnancy and delivery. Haize, my doula, was there and did all of those things. In the end, she became so much more to us than our doula.

I had to watch my blood pressure. I stopped taking the medication because it wasn't safe for the baby. So, I tried a medication that was supposed to be safe and my blood pressure dropped in the middle of the night. (I ended up having a minor panic attack after this) Needless to say, I nixed that one. I began doing things holistically...no medication to see if I could. I was able to keep my BP down with my eating choices (and the 2nd trimester helped because apparently, the blood pressure goes down during those months). At three months, my OBGYN wanted to have the NT ultrasound done to check for genetic defects, etc. The usual doctor he refers to was booked up, so he found another doctor that he spoke very highly of...he happend to be a high risk perinatologist. I went there expecting to have the ultrasound done and that be that. Nope. He must have assumed I was there for high risk as well, because I was given a no sugar diet to prevent gestational diabetes and lower blood pressure, he put me on vitamins and baby aspirin for the bp and I was to see him every so often. He told me I shouldn't gain any weight. (Ok, I was freaked out by this visit - I did not want to be treated like a high risk pregnancy)...I did end up getting gestational diabetes) I was able to avoid insulin shots by taking a small dosage of medication and of course, watching my food intake was the BIGGEST part of all. I did not gain a pound. This doctor became my favorite because he wanted me to try holistic healing first before medicine. He believed diet could change most things that I encountered. And he was pretty much right on. I ate so well, I was amazed by it all. (If you used to follow me a while back, you will know that I battle with an eating disorder - binge to be specific)I couldn't believe how I was able to eat so well without binging. Everything for my baby. He must have the best!

This was me at 5 1/2 months pregnant.

About this time, I went to my OBGYN and a conversation about C-sections and epidurals began. I said something about wanting to avoid an epidural and he asked why. I told him because I wanted to do this naturally. He smirked and said "Epidurals are good. We don't want you screaming in pain." Nope. Not the person I want delivering my baby and forcing me into an epidural because he didn't want to hear me scream! I would be pushing a baby out, asshole! Of course, I am going to scream! That is normal. This was when I switched from my scientific, medicine minded OBGYN to one that was more willing to give me other options than medicine first and not so quick to resort to C-section.

Ok, whew...that is enough for now...I will end here for now and follow up tomorrow with more of My Birth Story.

Purple Post

2011-08-04T20:36:00.000-07:00

Purple Door or Red Door Contemplation

2011-07-28T20:43:00.000-07:00

Ok, I think I have decided that I should keep my red door. It just needs to be repainted (as does my entire exterior). Here are a few shots of my front porch area. Look at the red and then the purple...what do you think?

You see, I have an awesome red bottle brush in the front yard that cozies up to the house. It matches the front door.

Some Purple Love

2011-07-18T13:44:00.000-07:00

Photos via Pinterest. Click on the pictures.

Purple Door Contemplation

2011-07-14T22:50:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon purple doors this evening. I currently have a red door leading into my house and I have always loved it and loved the red. It really brings in good energy. However, the paint is chipping so we need to repaint. But, after seeing these purple doors...I am really contemplating painting the door purple! I am just curious to see if it would match the style and Plant foliage. I may just take a pic of the front of my house so you can help me decide.

Hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July!

2011-07-05T19:56:00.001-07:00

It Seems to be Slowing

2011-06-27T16:23:00.000-07:00

I mentioned earlier that I wasn't sure when I should stop breastfeeding. Well, it seems that I don't get to make that choice. My milk is slowing down dramatically. I went almost six hours today before I pumped and only got 2 OZ. That's it! Usually I would get about 3-6 or more ounces in one pump session. My son has been feeding for fewer and fewer minutes recently and I thought he was just not wanting milk. Maybe it is because I am not producing enough. This makes me sad...

My son will soon be 11 months and I was really hoping to breast feed him until 2 years old. But I was determined to do it at least a year and then see how it goes from that point forward. I am a bit sad about the fact that I don't get to choose. Maybe, Pax is the one choosing. Maybe, he has been weaning himself which has caused my milk to decrease or maybe I wasn't producing enough...It's like the chicken or the egg...I don't know which happened first. But it doesn't matter. I am not in control. I wanted to make the decision. (Geesh, I sound like I am a teenager...) I think I am sad that it is all coming to an end and I am not ready for it. He is growing up and almost a toddler...I don't know if I am ready for that either. He is my baby. Sometimes, I want to keep him that way. But, of course, I want him to grow and thrive and be awesome in life!

I am also worried that Pax won't get enough milk from the bottle. He is supposed to have 24 ounces a day until he is a year old. I don't know how to do this, this way...bottle feeding...it is weird. But I guess that is what motherhood is like...constantly changing and learning as you go. And having lots and lots of feelings about all of it too!

I'll keep you posted on when the boob mobile officially closes. It is coming soon.

The Pax Man

2011-06-23T13:53:00.000-07:00

If you follow me on Instragram, sorry for the repeat photo. I just can't stand the cuteness. ; )

Babysitter Anxiety

2011-06-22T15:58:00.000-07:00

My husband and I have been talking about how much we need a babysitter for our son. We need some time to ourselves. Don't get me wrong, we have friends that have been extremely gracious in offering their time to us for free! And we have taken them up on their offers. But enough is enough. Pax is 10 months and we can't keep asking our friends to watch our son for free. We need a regular babysitter that we can call on whenever we need them. So, I told my husband that I would put some feelers out to try to find someone who is recommended by friends. ...I haven't done that yet....

I am consumed with anxiety over it....ok, maybe I am being a little dramatic. But, I have lots of anxiety about it. I want to ensure Pax feels comfortable with the person, which to me means, we will have to arrange "playdates" with the sitter before I feel comfortable leaving him alone with said sitter. That, right there, creates this nervousness in my tummy. But first of all, we have to find someone...I have to trust this person with my house, my dogs and MY SON! This seems so hard to do. I haven't been able to find people to watch my dogs! (With the exception of friends and only a certain few at that.) How do I do it with my child!? I WISH I had family members close by, but, alas...I do not! (Even then, not sure I would feel any more comfortable...but that could be a post all in of itself.)

I know there have to be tons of moms out there that have experienced this same anxiety. Please offer your advice and stories on how you overcame.

A Purple Post

2011-06-21T21:58:00.001-07:00

Organic, Healthy and Best of All....Homemade

2011-06-16T21:54:00.000-07:00

I made organic, black bean soup for the family and for the baby. That makes life a bit easier, right? It was yummy and most of it lasted longer than a week. I used sprouted black beans from the farmer's market and boiled them in chicken broth. (All ingredients - organic) While the beans were boiling, I chopped some yellow squash and carrots - all peeled. I steamed them with a little olive oil and pepper. Once they were cooked completely, I let them cool a little bit and tossed them into the blending bowl of the Baby Bullet and pureed.

I pureed the cooked black beans in the blending bowl. I also added boiled, organic chicken breast. However, for the adults, I just chopped the chicken instead of pureeing.

I chose to keep the different purees separate for Pax's first taste to how he liked the black beans and the chicken. I would hate to have mixed everything together and him hate it! Then it is all a waste. But, he loved it and I ended up mixing it all together as black bean soup.

The plate and spoon are from Whole Foods.

Blink your eyes and everything changes!

2011-06-14T19:53:00.000-07:00

Pax recently turned 10 months old. We were beginning to get concerned about the fact that he wasn't crawling yet. He would do this pivot thing where he would sit up, then go onto all fours and sit again. That is how he gets around. Pivoting....it was quite funny.

He was born with torticollis, described as a twisted neck in which the head is tipped to one side, while the chin is turned to the other. Doctors said it was due to his positioning inside my tummy. It wasn't terribly bad. We had to go to the physcial therapist and work with him at home. He got over it.

With regard to the not crawling thing, we took him to the PT again to make sure it wasn't a problem that he wasn't crawling yet. She started to think the torticollis may be affecting his right side, causing it to be weaker. So, after a solid hour of him crying while we were working with him, we left the PT office and I was frustrated as was he. So, needless to say, we have been working hard trying to get him to do the exercises that she gave us. HE HATES IT! Cries so hard! I HATE IT!

But, there is a silver lining....the day he turned 10 months, he had only gone to the PT that one time AND HE CRAWLED! Now, he is everywhere and into everything! We just so happened to have babyproofed the DAY he started crawling. Whew! Blink and everything changes....I am a very proud mommy!!

Healthy, Organic and Homemade

2011-06-07T21:43:00.001-07:00

I always knew I would make my child's baby food even before I met him. Healthy, organic and homemade meals are just what I wanted to ensure my child would eat. The fact that jars of baby food can sit on the shelf, not refrigerated, for months always freaked me out a bit. In addition, I wanted to start teaching healthy eating habits early. I know, baby's food choices change...but I am making every effort to shape his healthy eating choices now. The best part of making Pax's food is watching him enjoy it...and I know exactly what is in it. However, there are times when I give him organic store bought baby food. Often, I will test out certain foods or textures with store bought baby food in an effort to save on money and not to be wasteful. I also use Plum Organics, which has straight fruit, no additives. (I actually really love this stuff...really tasty!) Preparing fruit tends to be a bit more difficult with certain ones, peeling skins and losing most of the fruit...

So, enough is enough, right....get to the food. Ok. For dinner and the week's worth of meals, I started with fresh corn and snap peas from the farmer's market and my neighbor, who happens to be in the organic fruit business (She picks and delivers fresh, organic fruit from a local CA farm - GoodLifeOrganics).

I, of course, washed the veggies, cut the corn off the cob, shelled the peas and tossed it all into a pan to sauté. I added a little olive oil and pepper. I sautéed until transparent and relatively soft.

Once cooked, I put it all into the Baby Bullet to puree. (OMG, I can't tell you enough how much I LOVE the Baby Bullet!). I let the corn and pea combo cool a little in the larger bowl, then pureed it all with a little water.

With the Baby Bullet, you receive little bullets and blending bowls for storage as well as freezer storage trays. I poured the succotash into the little bullets and some into the blending bowl and let it completely cool before closing the lid and refrigerating. (if food is placed into a fridge in a sealed container while hot, it will spoil)

I always taste the food before I feed it to Pax. This one tasted particularly yummy! I could have eaten it all myself. Needless to say, my son agreed! He loved it.

It really is super easy to prepare baby's food. I made this meal and it lasted the whole week. I did make additional sides to pair with the corn succotash...those to come next. ; )

Purple Post

2011-06-07T14:11:00.000-07:00

Wanna go sailing?

2011-06-02T14:59:00.001-07:00

How about this!? My step father built this incredible sailboat for my niece. Yes, he BUILT it all by his lonesome. Pretty awesome. Thought I would share.

The Purple Label

2011-05-29T17:19:00.001-07:00

My husband and I were shopping at Trader Joe's and couldn't find the wine we were looking for. I was dying for this Cass Syrah that some friends brought over one night for cards. I didn't really think TJ's would have this wine but I was hoping. We couldn't find any wine that we knew we liked. So....I thought let's just buy wine with a purple label! {Since purple is my choice color} I knew it was probably not going to work out. But, we did it anyway.

The above pictured wines are the ones we purchased, based solely on the purple label and the fact that they were under $5. We tried the Spanish one first.

This Spanish screw top wine was by far, the worst of the three. So horrible, that we poured it down the drain. The label said it was a good, smooth table wine with hints of raspberry. I did taste the raspberries but it was a longshot to say this was smooth.

The second attempt was the Purple Moon. I loved the name and the label. I was hoping for good taste, too. We tried this one with our friend who is like Mikey...he likes everything he tries, pretty much.

Well, "Mikey liked it..." (I may be dating myself here, not sure.). This wine was better than the first. I was able to finish the glass. However, it was not good enough to finish the bottle. It was a Merlot but very tannicy.

I was holding out hope that the third bottle was going to faire better than the first two. This wine had more potential as it was a Pinot Noir, which I love, and from Oregon.

Yay! This one was, by far, the winner! We shared this one with our couple friends that brought over the yummy Cass. Both the men liked it alot. My girlfriend and I thought it was alright. The flavor was good, good smell but it was really hot. Hot as in alcoholy...strong alcohol flavor. However, we drank the entire bottle. So, not a bad pick from TJ's, if you are into Pinot's.

As we all know and I confirmed....The moral of the story is, don't buy wine based on the label. Being that the wine chosen for this tasting was all under $5, it was worth playing the game.

When is it time to stop Breastfeeding?

2011-05-21T11:04:00.000-07:00

I have been breastfeeding my son for 9 months. I was determined to breastfeed before he was born. I ended up having a C-section. Pax had low sugar when he was born due to my gestational diabetes. The nursery gave him sugar water or formula while I was recovering. In addition, Pax had a high palate so my nipple needed to go far into his mouth for him to latch. We had a really difficult time getting him to latch. I went an entire month pumping his every meal and giving it to him in a bottle. I cried and cried because I wanted this so badly. I wasn't able to have the natural birth that I so desperately wanted so I was more than determined to get him to latch. I worked with numerous lactation consultants until finally, he started latching more regularly. I felt like I had accomplished something major. It was such a rewarding feeling. I was breastfeeding! I love it. I love the bonding that has happened between my son and me. It is such a special time between us. I don't know if I will be able to let it go...whenever it that time is.

Throughout these 9 months, Pax would bite down on my nipple with his gums and it hurt. I would firmly tell him "no"...but it continued...infrequently. Well, now he is getting teeth. He has one bottom tooth and two top teeth that are coming in. He has started biting more frequently. It effing hurts! I have tried numerous things to get him to learn no to do it.

Not only are we dealing with nipple biting, but my milk supply seems to be dwindling a bit. I pump at work and normally pumped 8 or more ounces in two sessions. I am now doing about 6 ounces in two sessions. Pax is eating three solids meals a day. Is he weaning himself off the boob?

I don't know if I am ready to not breastfeed..........

Lavender Lemonade

2011-05-19T21:33:00.000-07:00

It has been almost two years...

2011-05-16T15:58:00.000-07:00

Wow. Where to start? It has been close to two years since my last post. I thought often of coming back to the blog world. But, for some reason, I continued to resist. Alot has happened in the time I have been away. The reason I left the blog world was to finish my studies in grad school. I have since graduated with my Master's in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. I also received a minor in Co-occurring disorders (substance abuse). I was, also, promoted at my job in the TV world. But nothing compares to the birth of my son.

This past August, my hubby and I celebrated the birth of our first child. My son's birth has been the most amazing experience ever. I never would have imagined I could love someone or something so much. I miss him when he is sleeping. I miss him when I am at work. I want to kiss him constantly when I hold him. He is the best thing to have ever happened to me. I know people say that all the time after having a child. It never truly resonated with me until now. I was able to stay home with him until he was 5 months old. I am now and have been back to work and have mixed feelings about it. I love my work, but I would love to be a stay at home mom.

I plan to get back to blogging amongst everything else I am doing! I hope to be religious about it. I have been thinking of revamping the theme of my blog. So changes may be on the rise. Keep an eye out.

Here is my 9 month old son, Paxson.

Amethyst Neanderthal

2009-08-02T20:04:00.000-07:00

Wow! Finally a post, huh? Well, I wanted to post my latest piece of jewelry. Amethyst and Chalcedony. I love the colors. {Of course, it contains purple!}

This item is available in my etsy store for only ONE WEEK. After that week, if it has not sold I will be putting in the store with all my other jewelry.

I hope everyone is doing well...I have been missing from the blog world. Will be back soon! Miss you all.

My little herb and veggie garden Part 2

2009-07-06T13:02:00.000-07:00

{My garden now}

A couple of months ago, I showed you my little herb and veggie garden. Well, we have had some hits and some misses. My strawberry plants produced some very sweet and tasty strawberries. However, the worms liked the sweetness quite a bit so the worms ended up winning out with the strawberries. The zucchini over took the little strawberries as well. Wow...those zuccs have sprouted up like weeds, as have the roma tomatoes. The worms have been eating the lower tomatoes as well. Next year, I will be using the topsy turvy tomato planter.

I am so excited to show you my first zucchini from my little herb and veggie garden. It is soooo big! I am just giddy over it. We ended up grilling it for the 4th celebration. It was super yummy. We also had my little Roma tomatoes with the burgers!

{I took a picture of the zucchini next to a full size bottle of wine so you can see how big the zucc is!}

I hope everyone had a safe and fun filled July 4th!

Dude, it is that bad? The Greatest Freak Out Ever....I think it may be.

2009-06-26T21:23:00.000-07:00

You have got to watch this video. This kid's parents cancelled his World of Warcraft game account. His brother taped his freak out episode. Dude....so bad but so funny!

Dream House

2009-06-20T11:25:00.001-07:00

It has been a LONG time since my last post. I haven't been feeling very bloggy lately. {is bloggy even a word?} Since my last post, I went on vacation to my homestead {North Carolina}. It had been 2 and 1/2 years since I had visited...needless to say, my mom was super excited to have me home. She is building her dream home as we speak. They should be moving into it in July or August. IT IS HUGE!!! My step father is an architect and designed it. He cut down the design twice to reduce the square footage. BUT IT IS STILL HUGE...almost 6,000 square feet! He based the design on the Karen Blixson museum in Africa. That house was in the movie Out of Africa. My mom and step dad went to Kenya on a trip a while ago and visited this house and FELL IN LOVE with it. So my stepdad designed his house based on it.

{Karen Blixson Museum in Kenya}

In an effort to save money, they didn't use the stone as in the Blixson house. Also, my stepfather increased the size of the house too!

This picture is taken from the back of the house.

Most of the house in on the first floor. This is only a three bedroom house! All the rooms are very spacious, though. Each room has it's own bathroom. Two bedrooms are on the second floor along with an awesome open playroom...not just for kids, but adults too. There is an elevator in the house as well. And you should see my mom's closet. Ladies - you would die for it! HUGE with built-in shelving and attached to the bathroom with it's own little dressing area.

I continue to ask..."Ummm, why didn't you build this house when I was living with you?" The reply is usually, "You can come live with us now!" {It is big enough...}

We also visited my hubby's family while in NC. I will leave that to another post....we went shooting guns....super scary to say the least.

It is nice to be back!

Awkward Family Photos

2009-05-12T12:00:00.000-07:00

I found this blog and I couldn't even handle it. So here's a shout out to Awkward Family Photos.

Should we call Ghost Hunters???

This one is completely inappropriate. But - I had to post it.

You have to check out this site http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/ for more absolutely hysterical photos.

My gift to myself

2009-05-11T17:04:00.001-07:00

Yay!!! When I received my tax refund, I decided I would get my self a little something before the rest of the money went to savings. I custom ordered this fantabulous ring from Lisaslovelies (this links to her blog). I have bought quite a few of her pieces over the years....all of which are fantabulous.

This stone is pretty amazing. It is seraphinite. It's properties are pretty amazing too. I am a huge crystal and semiprecious stone nut. I truly believe in their energy and the potential for healing. {especially if used during meditation}

This information is brought to you by http://www.skylineminerals.com/Seraphinite.html.

Seraphinite which is the gem variety of clinochlore has
silvery chatoyant fibers much like charoite. It is difficult to
say now who gave this “Angel” name to the stone, but they
say that it helps to contact angels and communicate with
them.

SERAPHINITE is said to be the PREMIER HEALING
STONE OF THIS AGE! It is strongly recommended for the
strengthening and activating of all chakras. This stone is
also believed to cause old patterns of disease or imbalance
to fall away. This creates a space for new patterns of well-
being to form. Seraphinite is healing for nerves and brain
cells.

I totally need a manicure.

I am in love with it! Thanks, Lisa!

Wednesday's Who Gets the Boot from American Idol?

2009-05-05T20:23:00.000-07:00

Man o' man. I had a lot of feelings about last night's Idol. The fact that none of the contestants were able to rehearse their songs prior to the show really screwed things up...and I believe screwed some of the contestants. There is a huge difference in practicing with an empty house and then in front of a packed house. The acoustics are COMPLETELY different....which is why Danny and Kris couldn't hear themselves. The audio mix wasn't right and they weren't wearing their ear pieces. SUCKY!!! Anyway...I will get on with it!

Adam was the best of the night, however, I wasn't a big fan of the performance. His voice sounded great, as always, but it was kinda lame - if you ask me. To me - the worst of the night was Danny. First of all, "Dream On" was the song that booted Michael Johns from the competition last year...doesn't that teach you ANYTHING, Danny? I guess not. That last note from Danny was painful - to say the least. Dude - if you can't sing that high - DON'T! I didn't think Kris was as bad as Simon thought. Kris was waay better than Danny.

However, according to last week's votes and the performances last night...the bottom 2 will be...

Danny

and Kris

And as much as I HATE to even put it writing and attach energy to it....

Kris will leave the competition.

God, I hope I am WRONG on this one! I want to see Kris and Adam in the final!

My Stepmother's Breast Cancer Update

2009-04-28T15:21:00.000-07:00

I have some great news to share! For the past 16 or so weeks, my stepmother has been going through some vigorous chemotherapy. She had one type of cancer in the right breast and a different type of cancer in the left. {To refresh your memories - she had a double mastectomy} I am happy to announce that Thursday will be her LAST chemo session! I know it will be such a relief to her. Her white blood cell count has been excellent throughout chemo. Needless to say, we are very excited.

After Thursday, my father and stepmother are going to celebrate...my hubby and I are going to celebrate in LA too!!

The next step will be for my stepmother to undergo surgery to test the lymph nodes on the left breast. {They tested only the right breast nodes prior to chemo} If the left side is clear of cancer then she will have radiation on the right side only. Of course, if the cancer is in the left side, then radiation will cover both sides.

The radiation is supposed to make her really lethargic. I believe that will be a piece of cake comparatively. Fingers crossed!

My stepmother has been a real trooper through everything thus far! She is constantly looking at the bright side. My father has been the best nurse to her as well. {He was always the best to have around when I was sick...of course my mom was best too!}

Oh happy days!

Wednesday's Who Gets the Boot from American Idol?

2009-04-21T19:17:00.000-07:00

Hehehe...I have gotten quite a few laughs for doing these posts. Clearly, it is the only one I have been doing lately. Just remember you cynical peeps out there - I work on the show and am flooded with American Idol. So - I am always choosing my bottom three and sharing with my coworkers. I'm usually pretty good at picking the person to go and at least two of three that will be in the bottom. So - I like to strut my stuff a bit. ; ) I have to say, this year has been a little more difficult to call. Not sure if it is the talent or what...or maybe I am just off my game.

Anyway - let's get to it. Tonight's Idol was better than I expected it to be. Last week when Simon used to the save and stated next week is Disco week - I was not excited to hear the song choices. I am tired of these themed shows. THANK GOD - most of the contestants shook it up a bit and took us away from disco, even though they had to sing a disco song.

I loved Adam and Kris! I have to say, I enjoyed Matt, too. Not sure if America will, though.

Last week when Lil was safe and Matt was the one to potentially leave the show, I was totally bummed! I am so tired of Lil not choosing songs that do her voice and style justice. This week was NO DIFFERENT! Lil is definitely in the bottom this week. So is Anoop - basically because that performance was lame and he isn't as charasmatic as the rest of 'em. And unfortunately, Matt will, more than likely, be joining the two - completing the bottom three. Although, I have the strange feeling they may not have a bottom three this week because two are leaving. Just speculating...

And the lovely contestants leaving Idol this week will be....................................

Lil
&
Anoop

Really sorry to see my fellow North Carolinian booted BUT - unfortunately, I think it is time.

*photos are from idolonfox.com*
*I do not know the results, only guesstimating*

Wednesday's Who Gets the Boot from American Idol?

2009-04-14T22:07:00.000-07:00

Last night's show was kind of "eh" to me. No big deal...except for Adam's performance of "Born to be Wild". I am so tired of the song and he made it TOTALLY entertaining. Bravo - Adam!! Yet again!

The bottom three for me was really easy.

Allison is kick ass! However, I didn't really like her version of the song last night. I don't believe she deserves to be in the bottom - but I think America will think so.

I love me some Matt, but again he isn't picking the right song.

Lil is pissing me off! How many freaking times does she need to be told what to sing? And how many times will she continue to sing bland songs over and over again? YO - LIL...SING MARY J!

And going home will be.......

LIL!

*photos are from idolonfox.com

*I do not know the results, only guesstimating

Results of the Economic Crisis

2009-04-08T18:30:00.000-07:00

Why does money have to rule the world? And why is it that whenever I don't have any, I need so many things? I wish we could go back to the barter and trade days and forget money! Money is evil.

When will this economic crisis end? I am ready, now. My husband's employer cut all the employee's hours back...and we are really feeling the hit. Barely scraping by. It is frustrating. The thing is...my hubby graduates in May and will be looking for a career changing job. I am hoping with all of my power that he gets a job quickly. Then we won't be in such a pickle.

It is time for a hair appointment and new summer clothes both of which I can't afford right now. My dogs were in dire need of a grooming. Kayla's hair was so long and super shaggy and Gus's hair was just plain long. In efforts to refrain from spending any extraneous money, we decided to make an attempt at cutting their hair. Sounds pretty easy, being that my dogs are little ones...HAH! Not so, people, not so. First of all, Kayla is the most gentle and trusting dog ever. She was doing everything in her power to get away from the clippers...especially around her face and legs. I think the noise freaked her out more than anything. Finally, she realized that scary sounding thing wasn't going to hurt her. It took AN HOUR or more - just to cut the hair...does NOT include a bath. I have to say, I am impressed with the job we did. Not so bad. Now, she looks really, really tiny.

Before:

Kayla after:

Gus....oh boy. He tried EVERYTHING to get away from those clippers. He was trying to scoot away on the towel {we had underneath to hold all the hair}. My husband had to cradle him like a baby so I could at least get the long hair on his belly and chest. He absolutely did not want me touching his legs. We shaved and shaved his body...but his hair is super thin that it appeared to only be thinning the hair NOT taking the length off. UGH! So - we lost all patience and gave up on poor Gus and the clippers. He "allowed" me to use the scissors around his face and legs. So I did...YES. I chopped the shit out of his legs. {Didn't cut him...just butchered the hair}. Needless to say, he doesn't look very good. But it suits his crazy, rambunkous personality. And makes us laugh!

Gus after...check out his leg.

I am tempted to try this again. On Kayla...it isn't too difficult. Gus...well...he may return to the groomer.

Wednesday's Who Gets the Boot?

2009-04-08T09:12:00.000-07:00

I have to say, last night's performances were much better than last week's! I thought Adam and Matt pulled out some fantastic performances. Two of the bottom three should be a pretty easy call...but you how these things go.

My bottom three:

I think Anoop did well, however, in my opinion he is not as good as the rest. It is very possible that the public is still not connecting to Allison or Matt. Even though their performances were HOT last night...America could be screwing things up and putting either one in the bottom tonight.

So who is going home tonight???

I think it is time for Scott to say "goodbye".

We shall see.

*photos are from idolonfox.com

*I do not know the results...only guesstimating*

The Juice

2009-04-01T20:50:00.000-07:00

I used to juice quite a bit. For some reason I stopped and then completely forgot about doing it. My friend's wife happened to make juice for a bunch of us in class on a Saturday. It brought back the spark for juicing!! Thanks, Fatima!

One of my favorite juicing recipes {given to me by Fatima and slightly doctored by me} is
3 carrots
4 kale leaves
2 celery
3 fuji apples
1 lemon
1 red pepper
sometimes a little bit of stevia

It is soooo yum and sooooo good for you! In one of the pics above I did not have the red pepper so I added cucumber and sweet potato.

Wednesday's Who gets the Boot?

2009-04-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

Last night's Idol wasn't all that it was cracked up to be. You would have thought being that the contestants had the choice of iTunes hottest downloads - that more of them would have really shown up and blown us away...nope. I was really bummed.
My favorite performances were from Kris and Adam. Adam is just crazy. I seriously just cackle at him. Kris...is too cute! I am really starting to like him. And I always like Danny.
As far as who is in the bottom three....jeez...I have so many to pick from...
Lil {Girl - seriously...pick some Mary J!}
Scott {I thought he did WAAAAy better than usual...but I think he may have already fallen to low to come back.}
Anoop {I LOVE him because he is from my homestead...NC baby! But he picked the wrong song}
Megan {I just don't get it....GIRL pick some Duffy and be done with it!}
Matt {I LOVE HIM and can't believe he doesn't have a recording contract already...but dude...you gotta pick the soul songs!}

I think Lil could be a shocker in the bottom or even Matt again...BUT...I am going with my gut on this one...and saying that the bottom three will be...Megan, Scott and Anoop.

I think Megan is going home. {I know I said this last week...and I am not sure this week either...BUT - I have to choose someone.}

*photos are from idolonfox.com*

*I don't know the results...only guesstimating.*

May seem little - but this was big for me

2009-03-31T14:26:00.000-07:00

I am about to embark on actual face to face client sessions. I have been in grad school obtaining my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. {to be a psychotherapist} Beginning in May I will be seeing clients. {Crazy!}
From the beginning of school, I knew I wanted to do my training in Co-occurring Disorders {or dual diagnosis - which is usually clients dealing with bipolarity, anxiety, shizophrenia, etc and substance abuse...OR eating disorders = two issues co-occurring at once...hence dual diagnosis}.
My mind went all crazy when I met one of my teachers, teaching Post Modern/Narrative. Post Modern is the newest theoretical orientation in which to treat clients. If you want to learn more about what Post Modern actually is click HERE. This teacher heads up the Post Modern training and he is so incredibly supportive and passionate. I love him!
So...I started really trying to figure out which one I wanted to do. I kept thinking...I really want co-occurring on my resume. There isn't another school that offers this type of training. But I finally met the teacher for the co-occurring program...she was cool aside from the fact that she hates Post Modern and sort-of bashed it. {Lots of judgment...don't really need that in a supervisor at this point...}
I had my interview with both program leaders. I chose Co-Occurring as my first choice. After the interview, I played it back in my head constantly. I realized all my anwsers surrounded Post Modern. I thought, "hmmm...maybe I am subconcsiously telling myself that my heart is lying with Post Modern." Also - as I have mentioned in previous posts, I am really struggling with pleasing others before I please myself and worrying too much on what other people think to determine who I am. I think this would have been somewhat of a problem if I was supervised by the leader of the Co-occurring program at this early stage in my learning. So - I realized, after much back and forth debate in my head, that I will attempt to change my priorty from Co-occurring to Post Modern and see what happens. That is what I did.
Big step for me! The easier thing would have been to do the Co-occurring program and have the supervisor who embodies the traits of others in my past which seem to be more comfortable for me...and make every attempt to please her instead of looking within and being the therapist that I want to be.
Because I chose what I wanted in my heart instead of relying on my head, I feel very comfortable in the possiblity that I may not get it. At least I did what I wanted to do. I took a different path from what I would normally and feel really GOOD about it!!

Thursday's Who gets the boot off Idol?

2009-03-25T23:13:00.000-07:00

Who will be leaving American Idol tonight? This week is going to be a tough one to call. Last week I didn't quite have all the bottom three members - BUT I had the eliminee correct! {That is the part that really matters...}

This may be the week that I completely miss call...I am not definitive on my decision...{I haven't been on many decisions in my life lately, either}

I am going to say the three people in danger of getting the boot are Scott, Megan and Michael.

I still feel like Scott has a grip of fans that are really holding him in the competition. I think the public wants to hear something else...perhaps one more attempt. So - I think he may be in the bottom - but ultimately safe.

These two...I think these two are the ones in real danger. I am almost at a toss up between which one will go. I think Michael has one more week in him - like Scott. Megan is going home!

We shall see.

*photos are from idolonfox.com*
*I do not know the results...only guesstimating.*

My little herb and veggie garden

2009-03-23T15:29:00.001-07:00

We have had our house for almost three years now. Every year I try something different when it comes to planting herbs and or veggies. I tried planting them in pots...they died. Because I never remembered to water them or because the pots didn't drain well. I have tried starting the seeds in the house...again...I would forget about them.

I have been wanting to plant them in the ground where the sprinklers would regularly water the garden. But the problem I battled with in my head was the fact that I didn't want to rip up the grass to do it. You see, when we bought the house the backyard contained a pool in the middle, a garage on the back side with concrete coming from the driveway straight back to the garage and two little patches of "grassy" area. I mention "grassy" area lightly. The fact is the people who owned the house prior to our purchase rented it out...often to people with large dogs. They said the dogs would ruin the lawn. So - they opted for really expensive (I am serious here) astroturf. They spent $10,000 on astroturf! But - I have to give them credit...because it really did look and feel pretty much like grass.

Of course, the FIRST thing we did when we bought the house was to rip that astroturf up and install a sprinkler system. {You see in California EVERYONE has a sprinkler system....but back in NC- where I am from...YOU water the lawn.} Also - I thought to rip up the concrete in front of the garage as well to cut down on the concrete and make the year a bit more soft and pleasant for our little Yorkies. {and so they could have more of a place to pee}. I love it!!

So because of all that, I hated to rip up any part of the grass. BUT this year - we did it! {a small area}
I wanted to put the garden here {below} for two reasons. 1. the area gets great sunlight and great water. 2. the plants would grow and cover up that heinous vent in the house.

I realize the plants may get too big and overtake some of the others. But I don't expect that all the veggie plants will do well...and also - I may be able to part with a tiny bit more grass to make the garden a tiny bit bigger.

HOW cute is this picture. My husband added the Buddha next to the garden. {It was in the back of the yard more in another flower bed.} And one of our little Yorkies, Gus decided to chill in the sun by Buddha. So cute!

This last picture is of the entire area of the yard in fron of the garage. This is the area that we ripped up concrete. If you look closely enough you can see the pavers we added in the event we decided to drive our cars back there...then the grass wouldn't get ruined. {In the back corner - the large plant is an artichoke...it gets SOOOOO big every year! The rest of the plants are different types of rose bushes.}

Serious Questions, With Serious Answers

2009-03-18T11:46:00.000-07:00

Some serious questions with some serious answers! I found these on ...lovemaegan and thought the questions were really good. I had to post them with MY answers.

Would you do crystal meth if it were legalized?
No. Never. It is a bunch of chemicals that you would smoke and put in your body! HELL NO! I don't even like having to take medication.

Abortion, for or against?
Pro-Choice ...all the way!!! The government has NO part in making this type of decision for people.

Would the country fall if there was a woman president?
Seriously!!?? NO!

Do you believe in the death penalty?
This is a toughy! Sometimes yes. But I hate that is has to be done.

Do you wish marijuana would be legalized already?
Yes. Yes. YES. Weed is illegal BUT alcohol and cigarettes are legal! Something doesn't make sense here. People have died directly because of cigarettes and alcohol. Weed gets a really bad rep. It would also help the environment and be excellent for medical purposes.

Do you believe in God?
I believe there is some larger power...but I do not know if it is "God" necessarily. I am spiritual but not religious.

Do you think same sex marriage should be legalized?
YES.YES.YES. Come on....who are WE to determine who is worthy of equality. That is NOT up to us. EVERYONE is equal and should have the same rights!

Do you think it's wrong so many Hispanics are moving to the USA?
No, not at all. However, I do wish, for fairness, that everyone moving to the US would be doing it legally.

A 12 year old girl has a baby...should she keep it?
Nope.

Should the alcohol drinking age be lowered to 18?
Noooooo. Alcohol is extremely dangerous... it's 100 times more dangerous than marijuana. There are so many people suffering from alcoholism...we should outlaw it, actually. {Not that it would stop the people from drinking...but perhaps the amount of people drinking would decrease.}

Should the war in Iraq be called off?
Yes.

Assisted suicide is legal...do you agree?
If they are dying and in pain and if that's what someone wants no one else should make that decision for them.

Do you believe in spanking your children?
If necessary and safe! A child should ONLY be spanked on the butt.

Would you burn the American flag for a million dollars?
Hell yes. It's fabric. We can get another one.

A mother is declared innocent after murdering her 5 children in a temporary insanity case...what do you think?
This one is hard as well! IF she truly was deemed clinically insane, I would want her to have treatment and possibly remain in a safe environment, never to have children again....AND never to be without medication.

Tag, if you like?

Wednesday's Who gets the Boot?

2009-03-18T04:00:00.000-07:00

As I have mentioned before, I work on American Idol. I have to toot my own horn by mentioning that I am usually pretty darn good at predicting who will get the boot each week. So - I have decided to put my picks in writing each week. Every Wednesday, I will predict who will leave the Idol show based on their performances on Tuesday night.

Let's get on with it! It was the Grand Ole Opry theme this week.
Adam Lambert definitely had a strange performance...but he was totally entertaining with his Middle Eastern rendition of Ring of Fire! I laughed the entire time! {Cackled, actually} The folks in the middle of the country and in the south may find him not so...and could cause Adam to fall into the bottom three {if they have a bottom three this season}. But I don't think he will get the official boot.

Out of last night's performances, I think the worst performances {which doesn't necessarily mean they were bad...just the worst of the bunch} were Michael Sarver and Alexis Grace...with the possibility of Scott MacIntyre being thrown into the mix.

I think Michael's story and the fan following that he has growing will help keep him here a bit longer.

Scott falls into this as well. He is blind and has such an amazing story and such passion in his music that I think he will get enough votes to stick around.

Well, that leaves us with Alexis. I do not think she has picked the right songs for two weeks in a row...and honestly, I think she has gotten a bit of an attitude or ego that may rub people the wrong way. I do not think she will have enough votes to keep her around.

Alexis is the one to get the boot.

We shall see...

Danica Patrick on Steriods??

2009-03-16T07:36:00.000-07:00

One of my friends works for FOXSports.com and made a video with the possibility of posting it to the site. Two of my friends are acting in it, Jamie and Timm, and one friend filmed and directed it.

Check out the craziness of "Danica Patrick on steroids"

Rocky Balboa and all the other bad movies

2009-03-13T16:24:00.001-07:00

Seriously?? How is it that soooooo many bad movies get made? And why is it that I HAVE to watch ALL of them for work? Can't I get a really good movie that I HAVE to watch? COME ON!! I have had to sit through the following bad movies since last January {for work purposes}.....AND let me express the fact that when I say I have had to sit through the movies - I mean MULTIPLE TIMES per ONE BAD MOVIE!

Are We There Yet? {I asked myself this question numerous times throughout the movie}
Are We Done Yet? {OF COURSE - I asked myself THIS question throughout as well!}
Rocky Balboa
An Unfinished Life
Zoom
Benchwarmers {wasn't AS bad as the others}
Freedomland
Little Man

The only ones that were tolerable were Perfect Stranger and Next.

I am currently sitting through the horrible Rocky Balboa for the second time. Sly - you need to put it to bed. It is OVER! And I am OVER IT!

It really makes me angry that these movies were even made. Who was the idiot to first of all write the movie and secondly - who thought "oh yes - I will give you millions of dollars to make this stupid ass movie"? I would like to know who they are. I would also like to meet them and PUNCH THEM IN THE FACE!

What's in my MJ bag?

2009-03-09T14:53:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder what people carry in their purses/bags? Apparently, many people do because they started a "what's in your bag" tag and last week {or longer... i haven't had a chance to get around to a post}...lovemaegan tagged me for the "what's in your bag" tag. She tagged me because {if you remember} I recently did a post about some bags I had fallen in love with... {some of which I could afford and some that I couldn't}... anyway, I finally chose one and wanted to post about how much I love it!!!

You can see in these pictures how the light affects the color.

My choices were between a Badgley Mishka and this Marc Jacobs. I could not pass up a PURPLE bag, no siree! Purple is my favorite color. And this bag is purple!!! AND I LOVE IT!
What I love most {other the fact that the color is purple} is the turnlock on the outer pockets.

And the black an white MJ logo on the inside...so cute!

It is really big - but doesn't really look as big as it actually is. There is a inside zipper pocket {along with the 2 open pockets}. On the outside, as you can see below, is a big zipper pocket and then the two lower pockets that open with the turnlock. It is made of leather...buttery soft! Seriously.

Here is what is in my bag right now...

{click to enlarge}

What's in my bag?

Treo cell phone
blackberry for work
badge for work
Stride gum {THE BEST!}
a bottle of 400mg Ibuprofen {i get the worst freakin' "time of the month" cramps
bluetooth headset {you can't drive with the phone at your ear in CA anymore...}
Weight Watchers Dining out book {lost 16 pounds BTW}
my dirty ass Coach wallet
mineral face powder {Jane Iredale}
Stella McCartney parfum {love it!}
Tide to go pen {can't leave home with it}
Lip glosses
Floss
tampons {ONLY 100% cotton}
Little bag of xanex and ativan {in case of a panic attack...which has been known to happen too often}
and of course...my keys.

oooops - the BEST part - I actually forgot to do...until now...I have to tag someone!!!

I am tagging my bloggy friend, La Belette Rouge

My Truth? One baby step at a time.

2009-02-26T09:37:00.000-08:00

Wow...I have really dropped the ball on maintaining my blog. My apologies. I have been so busy with work and school that I haven't been able to think about blogging. I am missing reading your blogs as well!!

In my free moments, I have been doing some soul searching. It is interesting...so have my friends. Perhaps it is our ages that allows us to take a deeper look inside ourselves and our willingness to see our own faults...all in order to become the best "me" possible.

I want complete inner peace. That is my ultimate goal. In trying to obtain that inner peace, there are some issues {some that I am aware of and some that I am not aware of as of yet} that I need to work through on a conscious level as well as an unconscious level.

I have been taking baby steps to changing old thoughts, beliefs, and rules that either were taught to me as a child or I created for myself. Those beliefs, thoughts or rules that were taught to me as a child may not have been "my truth" and may not fit with my "true self". It is now that I need to work through those and determine what is "truth" to me and what was my parents' "truth".

It is very important to me to find out who I really am, what I truly desire, what I like and what makes ME happy. I have been living my life for others approval instead of living my life for ME! When I was in college, I remember saying to myself and to others..."I don't care what people think of me. If they don't like it, fuck them." This was a wall I built up around myself to protect me from being hurt and feeling vulnerable. {What is soooo wrong with being human??} In the past few weeks, I have realized "Boy - I was really lying to myself". Many things I do in my life are done with the hope of recognition from others. I HATE THAT! I think I was not sure of who I was...I was who others thought I was.

Now, my baby step right now is to pay attention to what it is that makes me happy, what it is that I WANT. I am trying to hush the critical judge that I have invented {he lives in my head and talks to me ALL the time! Trying to make me feel I can't do it unless it is perfect. "SHUT UP" - I say!} The questions I will ask myself for the next while as I move through life will be "Who am I doing this for? What do I want out of this?" My motto for the next while will be "If I am true to myself, that is ALL that matters - NOT what others think. " {A statement I used to THINK I believed in...until I woke up} This statement will also hopefully work towards diminishing the critical judge's voice and help me to live my life withOUT the need for perfection.

One baby step at a time...

My CrushCrushCrush

2009-02-12T10:49:00.000-08:00

So, I have a huge crush on David Cook. The American Idol {sounds so lame!} Disclaimer: I am NOT one of those crazy Idol fans that you have seen on you tube. I just tend to get crushes on cute people with TALENT! I work on the show and literally ran into him a few times last season...well, he ran into me! So, needless to say, I saw him often and even during rehearsals. His album released and even I was skeptical that is wasn't going to be as good as I had hoped....I just had that feeling that maybe he was better to watch than to listen to. So, I purchased the album to see for myself. Ever since then, I can't stop listening to it! It is one of my favorite albums right now! I am totally addicted to this one song, "Bar-ba-sol". This is the hardest rock song on the album. {Not to say that it is "hard rock"...just the hardest one on the album...} Anyway, I love it!

Check it...

LA Sushi Giveaway

2009-02-10T12:50:00.000-08:00

If you are planning to visit Los Angeles OR currently live in Los Angeles, then you need to check out this giveaway! For referring bloggy friends to Dear LA Concierge, you will be entered into the giveaway for a gift certificate to Midori Sushi in either Sherman Oaks or Encino, CA. Go check it out!

A New Edition

2009-02-05T11:18:00.000-08:00

Yay! Finally, I have been able to complete this scarf! I love it. Like the ones I have made recently, this is SUPER SOFT! You wanna cuddle up with it and go to sleep. It is thin and long...but not too long. 60 inches long and 3 inches wide. Black, Pink, Grey and White...

It is now up in my esty shop.

Also - I wanted to let everyone know that all jewelry in my shop is on sale. Buy one, get the second pair for half off!!! {Please email me ahead of time so I can ensure you do not pay full price for the second pair. dearalison@gmail.com} This sale lasts until next Saturday, February 14th. After that, all jewelry will be removed from etsy as I am selling it in a boutique salon.

And I leave you with a little New Edition:

Laughter is the BEST medicine!

2009-02-04T11:51:00.000-08:00

Hey, friends. I am super busy right now...I have multiple posts planned out - but no time to take the pics for the post...my apologies.

But - what I do have is two hilarious videos for you. The first one is a kid who just had some dental work and was apparently given the "gas". HILARIOUS!!! And a quick one.

This next video has been around for me and my friends for at least six years! We STILL laugh hysterically at it. It may not be your type of humor...WE think it is HILARIOUS. Japanese song with English sound alikes...I think...so funny! I don't even think I can explain this...just watch, SUZUKISAN!

The ONLY reasons why we miss BUSH {Hilarity!}

2009-01-29T08:00:00.000-08:00

David Letterman's Top Ten Reasons we will miss George Bush.

Cancer Update

2009-01-28T12:09:00.000-08:00

My stepmother had her first bout of chemo on Tuesday of last week. I spoke to her after the session and she was in excellent spirits. No major reactions to the chemo as of yet. She doesn't quite have the appetite that she did before. But my father and stepmother are both taking advantage of that! My father has already lost SIX pounds! He is so cute. He only prepares what she wants and he only eats that too. He isn't drinking any alcohol because she can't. He even offered to shave his head when my stepmother begins to lose her hair. However, my stepmother quickly stomped on that idea. She said "Oh no you won't." I told them that he could just buy a matching wig...

Anyway - as you can see - they are in excellent spirits about all of this. They are great role models in dealing with something as serious as cancer - something that could potentially take your life.

She has her second bout of chemo next Tuesday. Doctors say that session of chemo will probably initiate my stepmother's hairloss. But - don't worry - she told me she has already bought some really cute wigs. I told her to send me pics.

I wish good health and happiness to all of my bloggy friends.

These shoes are made for walkin' - or are they?

2009-01-27T13:21:00.000-08:00

I happened upon these shoes and just about died. I tried retracing my steps to figure out who the designer is, etc...but to no avail. I couldn't find it again. I think they are hilarious. Quite a statement...

Badgley Mischka or Marc Jacobs?

2009-01-25T17:52:00.001-08:00

This weekend I went to see my love, Jimmy Choo at Nordstrom. The bag I was lusting over is not what I envisioned it would be. {Thankfully, so...being that I can not afford it.} Whew! What a relief. Now, I can erase that bag from my mind and move on to ones that are in my price range.

Now, I am contemplating over two. One I have seen in person and the other - online only. I tried going to visit the stores that sell it - but they only have it online. My thought is - if I decide to purchase the online bag - I can always return it if I do not like it. So - it is down to these.

Badgley Mischka Platinum Connie Hobo in black

OR

Marc by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Faridah in purple

I know I said I wanted a black bag - but the black ones are more expensive and my favorite color is purple - so why not!? Plus - I like the way it looks in purple.

Here are my thoughts on these bags....the Badgley Mischka one: I wonder if I will like the gold hardware in person AND I wonder if the chain strap will annoy me. MAYBE it won't be a big deal...or MAYBE it would. {That is why I wanted to see it in person....} And the Marc Jacobs - I wonder if it is enough hardware for me...I tend to like funkier bags and if they are more traditional, I tend to like more hardware....

Contemplation....

Oh, Jimmy...I need you!

2009-01-21T11:14:00.000-08:00

It is time for a new handbag. I tend to be extremely picky in choosing my handbags...and so I should be since I usually spend between $200-400 on them. {That is cheap for some of you, I'm sure...but that is pricey for me.} I usually go for Isabella Fiore because she is a bit funkier than most designers. This time around I am wanting a black leather {super soft} realtively classic looking bag but with more silver hardware. I am not a gold hardware person...but my current bag has gold hardware.

Anyway - I found this Jimmy Choo handbag {Riley} and I can't stop thinking about it! I am in love, really.

I have looked on Bluefly and Ebay for MUCH lower prices on this bag. No such luck! The lowest price I have seen was on ebay for $789 - STILL TOO MUCH. Anyone know any other resale or major discount sites where I could find this bag? I am beginning to think I will have to wish on a star to be luckily enough to find this bag at the price I want.... *sigh*

I love you Jimmy Choo!

The Curious Case of who?? Gump? Button? Huh?

2009-01-19T09:50:00.000-08:00

Around the holidays I mentioned in a previous post about seeing the movie The Curious Case of Benjamen Button. It was pretty good, very long, and I said it could wait to be seen on DVD.

I am sure you have heard people in the media comparing Benjamen Button to Forrest Gump - because it was written by the same writer! There are soooooooooooooooo many comparisons it is sickening.

Well, you know I work on this show and the producers created this trailer that aired this past weekend. This is FANTASTIC and COMPLETELY on point....as I have seen BOTH movies. Also - keep in mind, there are MANY more comparisons than what is in this trailer...For Benjamen Button footage, they could only use the footage out of the trailer {for legal reasons} and of course, any footage from Forrest Gump was ok to use as it is on DVD.

Check this out!

Hello, World. Here I am!

2009-01-14T09:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to me! I was born thirty-three years ago today. My parents tried for quite some time to conceive a baby. For some reason it wasn't easy for them. They were actually going to adopt when they found out they were pregnant with little ol' me. I was a blessing to them. Little did they know how much trouble I would be....hehehehehe.

I was supposed to be born on February 14th - Valentine's Day, but I came out a month early. I was born 4 pounds and had yellow jaundice but obviously, came out of that ok. My father used to carry me around with my tiny head in his hand and my body down the length of his forearm.

I never cried when I was a baby. My grandmother {Oma} used to think something was really wrong with me. I guess I just saved all my tears for when I was a teenager and an adult!

I always loved celebrating my birthday. However, it always sucked having it right after Christmas. I would and still do get Christmas/birthday gifts OR the birthday and Christmas presents would be given at the same time. I wasn't able to celebrate my birthday in school and have cupcake parties - because we were NEVER in school on my birthday. When I was in college, I would warn everyone a month prior - that "next month is my birthday!!!" During the month of January - IT WAS MY BIRTHDAY! I celebrated the entire month. "Oh but you have to come out with us....it's my birthday month!" Once we went out for my b'day and had pitchers of ten CENT wine!!! Yeah, you know that was the GOOOD stuff!

Times have changed. I celebrate my birthday for ONLY a week now. : ) Today for my birthday, I took the day off from work! Probably the BEST b'day gift I could have given myself. {especially - because I HAVE CLASS TONIGHT! BOOOO!} Our usual group of friends are going out for sushi on Saturday night. I am looking forward to it.

How about some vegetable soup?

2009-01-12T15:54:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I made vegetable soup when it was 85 degrees out! I love making veggie soup...it is healthy, great leftovers, and super easy! Especially if you use a crockpot...I thought I would share my recipe. My friends love it and really love the broth, too.

28oz. can of crushed tomato {preferably the Italian brand - they taste waaay better}

32oz. Swanson's Chicken broth

15oz. can of lima beans {if you like them}

1 cup of chopped asparagus

1 cup of chopped green beans

1/2 a chopped onion

3 medium red potatoes peeled and chopped

1/2 cup chopped carrots

parsley

salt

pepper

2 cloves of garlic {anyway you want them...chopped, sliced, or minced}

1 pound of ground turkey or beef {OPTIONAL...sometimes my husband and I need a bit of protein}

1/2 cup of raw spinach

Brown the meat {if you chose to add it}...I add some of the onion here too. I add a little pepper and salt on the meat. Combine the canned tomato, chicken broth and all other ingredients into the crockpot {or pot}. Add the spices to taste. Cook on high until the veggies and potatoes are tender {it takes a few hours in the crockpot...you can prepare it in the morning before work and leave it on low all day long}.

If you happen to be on Weight Watchers - it is only 4 points!!!

I hope you enjoy it!

A Breast Cancer Update

2009-01-08T15:28:00.000-08:00

My stepmother and father just returned from seeing doctors at Duke. After my stepmother's masectomy, the pathology report showed the left breast had a different type of cancer than the right breast. However, the cancer in the left breast had not spread {so they think}.

By the way - the Duke doctors said they would have done the surgery differently by taking more lymph nodes for testing since two of the five nodes that were tested during the surgery had cancer cells.

Duke also said my parents should go through with the chemo and follow it with radiation for 5 weeks. So - they are going to do the chemo in their hometown and do the radiation at Duke.

I am not sure when the chemo will start...but I am nervous for my stepmom...I have seen how terrible the patient feels while taking chemo. AND I HATE that I am across the country and not able to help out. I feel completely helpless. My dad tried to make me feel better saying that calling and checking on everything was wonderful. But - I still want to be there.

For those bloggers out there who have had to endure chemo, would you mind commenting on your experience?

I was searching for something last night...

2009-01-06T13:25:00.000-08:00

It all started with a plane crash that I was in and do not really remember the crashing part...just getting up with everyone and realizing we all made it safely. I had to go to this office/hotel type suite to pick up my baggage...strange, right? I was looking all over for my bags and realized someone took my dog! I leave my purse and run around trying to get my dog back {Kayla, by the way}.

FINALLY, I have Kayla. But NOW - I can't find my purse - and I still haven't gotten my baggage. I talked to so many people trying to find my purse and my luggage. My wallet was in my purse!!! I mean, my i.d. is in there! I was freaking out!

A former coworker walked by and I told her what was happening and she said something like "Oh, don't worry - you don't need that." At first - I was like, "Of COURSE I DO!" Then I thought for a moment and scared shitless, I asked her, "Did I die in that plane crash?!!" She nodded her head "yes".

I started screaming {the kind of scream you have when you are dreaming and no one can hear you}. I tried replaying all the moments I spoke to people when I was searching for my luggage and purse...came to realize - we ALL died in the crash.

Then I heard the beeping of my alarm.

A part of me died last night. I think it was a good thing.

Why I LOVE facebook

2009-01-05T14:42:00.000-08:00

Because people post pictures like THIS of you.....

Check out my perfectly manicured bangs......

And THIS one...the 90's frizz look...

Starting Fresh

2008-12-31T11:59:00.000-08:00

So we are quickly approaching 2009...a year of many changes {which is really exciting}. We will have a black president! My husband will graduate with his Masters and embark on his new career. {VERY EXCITING} We will start trying to have a baby {towards the END of the year} and hopefully we will economic change as well. So, in getting ready for the new year I felt it extremely necessary to revamp my closet. You see...when we bought our house - almost three years ago - my closet was poorly designed. The lower rack was soooo low that my SHIRTS hit the floor of the closet. And being that I am only 5'2" tall - the top rack was waaaaaayy to high for me to put regularly worn clothes. So for almost 3 years I have suffered with this disorganized way of space closet. I wish I had thought to take a BEFORE picture....but I didn't. On my vacation, I realized "oooh, I don't HAVE to pay someone to fix this. We can just move the rack up and I can add a shoe rack underneath. Well, that's is what we did! I still need another shoe rack to go under the other side of the closet - the trunk is FULL of more shoes! Mind you...this isn't as organized as I would like it to be...I need Maegan to Maeganize it for me : ) {She is ooober organized} BUT IT IS LIKE A BREATH OF FRESH AIR!!!! After my hubby and I finished putting it all back together I just sat on my bed and he came back into the room and saw me. He just laughed and said " Are you admiring your closet?" OF COURSE! I was sooo excited!

The little things that make us happy.

Any resolutions for the new year??? I typically do not like resolutions because I never stick to them or they lose the appeal. But this year I am making a few fun resolutions.
1. I intend to DDR {dance dance revolution} MORE
2. I intend to play more games that involve body movement. {Make exercise FUN}
3. I plan to attack the negative thoughts {or disordered thoughts} that run in my head regarding eating and exercise.

and that is it. How do you feel about resolutions? Do you have any?

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Bye, Bye 2008!

Kick ass Xmas Presents

2008-12-30T12:58:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a merry holiday. Ours was very low key. We went to see The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Christmas night. Shockingly enough, I never really knew how packed the movie theaters are on Xmas! We went to the Archlight in Sherman Oaks and almost EVERYTHING was sold out or only the shittiest seats were available. So, we went to the cute little movie theater down the street from our old apartment complex. We were able to get into Benjamin Button {packed like sardines, in that tiny theater, mind you!} The movie was 3 hours long....it was good...but there were definite areas that could have been tweaked for a better movie. I will not say anymore in case anyone plans to see it. I suggest renting it....so you can get up whenever you want...being that it is THREE hours long!

The gifts I was given this year were AWESOME!!! My husband really hit the nail on the head this year and got me ALL THINGS ME! Many of the gifts were from Viva Terra which sells eco-friendly items. I highly recommend this site for your own pleasure or gift giving! I LOVE IT!

These are air plants that do not require soil! You just run the individual plant under the water and then shake off remaining water and plop them back into the rock. They are so awesome!

The little green curtain and bamboo rod were also a gift from Viva Terra. This is our master bathroom. The sink area and shower/toilet area are separated. We removed the door between them to open up the space when we bought the house. So - these curtains add a nice bit of privacy and coziness to the bathroom. I LOVE IT!

My husband also got me this salt lamp. It is said to purify the air.

And lastly, Moon Chimes for the back yard. These chimes are fabulous!! They are porcelain which means they have a low tone to them. Not annoying - but rather soothing. I love these too!

Then he really surprised me by picking out this lamp for our bedroom - all on his own! And I love it! {This is NOT a Viva Terra item}

I have to say...the dogs had a great Christmas too! After we gave them their toys, they came trotting over wanting more....Kayla is in the front and Gus is behind her. You can see their pile of toys behind them. We were all spoiled rotten this year.

Wahoooooooooo!

2008-12-22T12:28:00.000-08:00

Yay! Folks, it is almost Christmas! I am so excited. I have completed my first semester of grad school and feeling pretty darn good about what my grades will be. I am thinking I may have gotten a 4.o...there is just one class I am unsure about. So, needless to say, I am feeling like the weight of the world has just been lifted! I only have to work two and a half days this week and then free time! Oh - I can't wait!

Free time also means more posting!!! I have neglected my poor blog for the past few weeks. So - I am looking forward to posting on my vacation. I will be staying in Los Angeles for the holidays. Which means....NO TRAVELING!!! Whew! Christmas time travel {not timetravel...although THAT would be cool - for sure!} is absolutely exhausting and completely frustrating...especially when traveling with two dogs and flying from LA to Raleigh, NC and driving an hour to Chad's family and staying there for three days. Then driving an hour and a half to my mom's and staying there for three days...THEN driving SIX hours to my Dad's in South Carolina. And of course, we have to get back to Raleigh in order to fly home...so - another 5 hours! IT IS TOO MUCH. But - we will be doing it next year.

I hope everyone has a safe and Happy Holiday! Stay tuned for some "free time blogging" this week and next!!

In the Christmas Spirit?? I am!

2008-12-14T15:57:00.001-08:00

I love Christmas time! It is my absolute favorite holiday. We were finally able to get our Christmas tree and decorate and I love it. We scaled back this year due to the economy and its affects on our finances. It is a smaller but CUTE tree!! We also rearranged our furniture differently this year. I really like it better. I feel like we have more room with the tree.

Here is the outside of the house. I really tried multiple times of the day to take these pictures and these pics are the best of the bunch.

Our little Christmas tree. This is typically where our dining table is.

This is our dining table that I moved in front of the window where the purple chair usually is.

Merry Christmas!!

The Life of Alison Update

2008-12-11T14:53:00.000-08:00

Good news, yet again! My stepmother had a good report today. She had some cancer in one of the tested lymph nodes and none in the other. They are going to go through chemo to be safe. That won't start for another 4 to 5 weeks. Doctors want to ensure her scars have healed prior to beginning chemo. So we are feeling really good about all of this!

I have been stressing out!! I have a final exam in one of my classes this Saturday. When I look back at my notes as I study, I feel like "What the hell??!! Where was I when I took these notes? I don't remember taking these at all!" So - I initiated a study group tonight....hopefully, I will get some relief. Next week is going to be insanely crazy as far as school work goes. I have two exams and a research paper due on Saturday. But then after that - I WILL BE FREE for a few weeks! I can't wait. I will feel like my normal working self.

I haven't even gotten my Christmas tree yet and that makes me sad....I LOVE CHRISTMAS SO MUCH! We have decorated the outside of the house. {Pics to come} But - the tree really puts me in the Xmas spirit! This Sunday - we are getting the tree and decorating. So exciting!!!

So - today I was really bummin' out because of my school stress and financial stress. My husband's job at the restaurant isn't doing as it normally does and he has only 5 months left of school before he graduates. Soooo, needless to say...I'm stressed! So - I pulled up these two videos for some stress relief. You may have seen them before - but they always makes me smile.

Happy Friday from Charlie Brown

2008-12-05T15:27:00.001-08:00

I wish to be a part of this party! This is how I feel today! Enjoy - Happy Friday

So far Cancer Free!!

2008-12-04T13:48:00.001-08:00

I am soooooo excited to say that my stepmother's surgery went well. The PET scan showed NO SIGN of cancer!!!! They tested some lymph nodes from the side in which it was positive the cancer existed. One node contained cancer and the other did not. The surgeons took a few more samples. We will know offically whether or not there is any remaining cancer in about 3 or 4 days.

THANK YOU ALL for your support, prayers and positive vibes! Obviously, it has been a HUGE benefit for my family.

I am sooooo relieved!

I will let you all know the offical word as soon as we know. Also - stay tuned for a Xmas decor post coming soon.

Stepmother Cancer Update

2008-12-01T13:00:00.000-08:00

I wanted to thank you all for your comments on this post. I love the little family of bloggers we have. You guys are great!

Many of you wanted me to keep you updated. My stepmother had a PET scan done this past Friday to determine whether the cancer has spread or NOT. We will know the results in a few days. {Please keep her in your prayers!!!} She is having surgery on December 4th to remove both breasts.

We are remaining POSITIVE that she will be CANCER FREE after the mastectomy!

Your positive vibes, thoughts and prayers are welcomed and GREATLY appreciated! THANK YOU!

Turkey Day Photo Update

2008-11-30T10:20:00.001-08:00

Wow! It has been a while since my last post! My apologies. I hope everyone had a delightful Thanksgiving. We had a little unplanned Thanksgiving this year. My mom was supposed to be here but decided to come another time because I am so busy with school. So at the last minute, we had a few friends join us. We had a good time. The Cowboys played and KILLED the Seahawks! {That is why you see Chad and me in Cowboy gear}

The smallest turkey I have EVER made! I usually make at least double this size. This was a 9 pound turkey {and honestly...not that tasty}

I made green bean casserole {a staple}, sweet potato casserole {a must}, turkey {given}, stuffing. Hiroko made lagsagna, Chinese drumsticks, and apple pie. YUMMY!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

We HAD to have a "Kid's Table", right??!! Every Thanksgiving does! Hopefully, at other "Kid's" Tables they aren't drinking wine. ; )

As we were about to sit down for Thanksgiving lunch, out walks a PINK poodle! Our neighbors dyed their poodle PINK!!!

Chad, Gus, and me...look at that little puppy face!

And I have to end by saying what I am thankful for this year...

I am thankful for
my husband and my dogs
my family
health
my friends

Happy Thanksgiving!

Prayers and Positive Vibes Needed!

2008-11-19T15:02:00.001-08:00

My family received some shocking news yesterday. My stepmother was diagnosed with breast cancer! The type of cancer is one that can spread to other parts of the body. I truly believe in my heart that it has not spread. But, PLEASE send positive thoughts or prayers for her that the it has NOT spread and can completely be removed.

Thank you!!

New Back-Up Dancer??!!

2008-11-18T08:09:00.000-08:00

Hilarity! Did you see SNL this past weekend??!! Well, if you didn't Justin Timberlake made a guest appearance. H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S!!! In an earlier Beyonce post of mine, I asked whether that guy should take over for her...well, now - I am wondering...just add Justin as one of the dancers and that guy....WHAT a SHOW it would be! Check it out!

Happy Tuesday!

Misunderstood

2008-11-13T15:35:00.000-08:00

Dear Blogfriends,

Do you ever feel alone in the world where no one truly understands you...not your family, coworkers, no one?? Do you ever feel that others' feelings are more important than yours? That is how I am feeling today. {not to be self-pitying...just honest.} I am in some emotional pain and feel like no one really gets it. My husband gets it more than anyone else...thankfully! I have expressed myself as clearly as I know how to and still it is like what I said is not heard. It is very frustrating! I feel like my pain and hurt is not worth feeling if I keep getting made to feel like my feelings burden others. {and THAT is the way I have dealt with my feelings all of my life..."don't feel, because YOUR feelings affect others negatively"...BUT that is why I have turned to food - because I don't feel so as not to hurt others - but then I end up hurting myself...} I should just keep my feelings to myself and deal with them alone...but then I have to put on a face that every thing's alright.... I HATE lying...I always say - my best quality is honesty and my worst quality is honesty. And honestly, WHY should I have to deal with them alone...when no one in my life deals with their feelings on their own...a bit of unbalance here...
oh well....I am READY to get back to my funny self! I miss her!

Sincerely,

~painfully frustrated

Me-Me-Me Monday & An Award Received and to GIVE!!

2008-11-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

There is more to the story. Please join us as we continue with Me-Me-Me Monday.

A commonality between the Scottish (Taggart, 2005) and Anglo American traditions (McGill & Pearce, 2005) was alcohol. McGill and Pearce (2005) stated, “Cocktails before dinner, wine with dinner, and an after dinner drink may be regarded as gracious living, a matter of pride, not an embarrassment” (p.527). This was and still is true for one side of my family as we have alcohol at almost every dinner.

I learned not to deal with my feelings for many reasons. Because of this, I developed an eating disorder to cope with those feelings, that is still with me today. I believe, due to our English culture, that our family was raised to keep the feelings and problems contained within the family (McGill & Pearce, 2005). We rarely expressed our feelings within the family, but to express those inner most feelings or problems with outsiders was inappropriate.

Our manners were always more important than the feelings we experienced (McGill & Pearce, 2005). My stepmother was insistent upon my manners being just right. Whether it was church or a social gathering, I was required to dress and act appropriately. Again, feelings were not really discussed. My feelings were buried so deep within I never realized that most of the time I did not even know what I was feeling. Two years ago, I began therapy for an eating disorder and gained a much better understanding of what it means to feel and express one’s feelings. My husband’s experience of not feeling was quite similar to mine. We plan to make every effort possible to change this within our own family. Perhaps, this is the reason I majored in acting. As an actor, I portrayed a character and was allowed to express my feelings, whatever those feelings may have been. Having a safe place to unload the deeper, darker feelings was extremely freeing.

Personally, I enjoyed the opportunity to gather this information. I realized my English culture provided my family with many traits and traditions that I contributed to the Southern background.

This concludes "My Story {Human Diversity Style}". I hope you have enjoyed getting to know me a bit better.

Because of my "Me-Me-Me Mondays", Maegan awarded me with the "Superior Scribbler Award". Thanks, lady!!! I am glad to know at least one person has enjoyed this little series. ; )

And NOW for my winners!!!! I love this part!

To TWO Super creative and HILARIOUS bloggers: Tales from the Trailerpark AND Tales from the Vinyl Village

To The Pep Rally for his reocurring "Grandma" posts and Chapters. {By the way - this is loveMaegan's hubby's blog...}

And last - but not least I Kicked Cancer's Ass for just being so inspirational! I love her!

Congrats guys!

Gay Rights, Solar Energy, society, Pink, Bo Burnham and Britney!

2008-11-07T09:21:00.000-08:00

Blossoming Tree is having a giveaway...and she posted about the things she is tired of...as I was leaving my comment I realized how much I had to say about what I was tired of. So - post away, right?!

Things I am Tired Of:

~People disregarding simple human rights to gay and lesbian couples {This really pisses me off! I guess some people need to feel "better than" SOMEONE}

~The government not taking a SERIOUS interest in converting all Americans to solar energy

~People telling me what to do...{get off it, I am an adult and for the first time in my life...I don't want to listen to anyone!}

~High and Mighty people

~Society trying to eliminate emotions {they believe all women should act like men - emotionless}

Well, I could go on and on and on....

Would anyone like to add anything?! What are YOU tired of?

I have to leave you with three songs that I can't get tired of...and they aren't classics for some reason...Some of these you have seen before on my blog...

I didn't really like this song at first, but now - I can't get tired of it...not yet at least.

Boy, do I love gifts!

2008-11-05T14:17:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago I happened upon a very cool blog, Fifi Flowers Design Decor. What a talented chick! She had a giveaway and I won!! Yesterday, I received my gift. They are cards with Fifi's floral artwork on the cover.

These are so cool. I love everyone of them!

This one is quite graphic, Fifi! ; ) What does it look like to you??

Thanks, Fifi! I am so happy to have been the chosen recipient! Please go check out Fifi's blog. She has such a cool style. And she is having another giveaway - the gift will be the chosen person's choice of picture, painted Fifi style!

VOTE and SALE

2008-11-04T09:13:00.000-08:00

Today is the day to remind!
Don't forget to vote today, folks! I am sure you are hearing this everywhere...So GO, DO IT!

And due to the fact that I have been so busy, I haven't had the time to end my sale in my etsy store. So, the sale continues until Friday, November 7. Get busy and buy now!

What are Your Halloween Plans???

2008-10-30T22:10:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!!!! And Happy Friday! What are everyone's plans for Halloween?

Let me tell you....I am soooo excited about mine! Instead of dressing up and going to a party, which is usually what happens, Maegan and her hubby and me and my hubby are hanging low key and watchin' GhostHunters LIVE! I, know - we are such dorks!!! But I am excited. I am sure we will get a little Rock Band in before the "show"!! {Hint- hint, Maeg...or should I say PEP!} I have class the next morning at 8AM - so this is perfect!

What are your plans???

Here are some little videos to get you in the mood!! Have a fun time!!

This is a partial video of the Thriller dance segment! I loved this video!!!!

This is the Indian version of Thriller....hilarious and NOTHING like Thriller!!!

Beyonce's stunt double!!?? What??

2008-10-30T11:11:00.000-07:00

OMG! Hilarious! Perhaps this guy should take over for Beyonce???? Any thoughts?

A Little Pinkie for a Thursday

2008-10-30T09:02:00.000-07:00

I am in love with Pink's song "So What". Sorry, the video is a bit fuzzy...someone from Pink's team must have disabled all the embeds on youtube for the official videos.

Enjoy!

Why I Can't Wait for Fall

2008-10-24T15:57:00.000-07:00

Do you have certain items of clothing that you can't wait to wear? And you HAVE to wait because the weather is quite right for it? When we were in Arizona, we went shopping and I bought some new shoes! I love me some shoes! I bought two pair of boots and if I could have afforded it, I would have bought another pair. I absolutely can not wait for fall so I can wear these boots.

True Religion ankle boot
{colors: tan/mustard, purple suede with hot pink stitching}

Jessica Simpson
Black knit boot

When I put these JS boots on, I couldn't believe how incredibly comfortable they were. Especially with the knit! OMG! I can't wait to wear them!!

I wanted to buy the brown/tan JS boot {same style}...I have to wait!

What are you waiting to pull out of closet when the weather is right??

What about ME

2008-10-22T21:48:00.000-07:00

What do you want to know about me? If I don't answer the question in our mind, then ask me. Maybe, I will tell you, or maybe not....try it we shall see. Anyway....Vanessa @ Designs by Vanessa tagged me to reveal 7 random or weird facts about myself.

So here goes....

1. I used to dance, sing and act.

2. I am certified to practice Reiki.

3. I am a hippie at heart.

4. I have a thing for crystals and their energy.

5. I would love to live in Sedona, AZ. {If I could find work there....}

6. My stepbrother is actually my blood cousin. {No incest involved people!!} My father married his cousin's ex-wife {her child was my cousin and NOW my stepbrother too!}

7. I consider myself to be non-partisan and place my vote based on the person running for office. NOT whether they are of this party or that! In this year's election, I am going with OBAMA! He may be alive a little longer than McCain. And could you imagine, President Palin??!!

That's it folks!

I am tagging these bloggers because I want to know more about them....

Tales from the Trailerpark - now I would like some seriousness, please missy!! ; )
Indefinately definite...
Glass Pony
Spittin' (out words) Like a Llama
MadeByGirl
Welcome lovelies!
pink o'clock

It's fun!! Here are the "guidelines"...you can change it up if you'd like.

- be sure to link back to the person who tagged you
- Share 7 facts about yourself, juicy & strange facts
- Tag 7 people at the end of your post with links
- Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment for them on their blog

One of THOSE Days

2008-10-21T12:06:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have one of those days where everything you do is WRONG and makes you feel like shit? I am having one of those days today, actually a spillover from yesterday. I feel so bad about myself and I can't shake it. It stems from the eating disorder....I think to myself, get stricter on what you're eating, don't eat sweets, and go walk after work. {Excerise became punishment for me after gaining weight...I felt like I was being punished for gaining weight so I was "sentenced" to exercise.} I have been able to get past that aspect of punishment by walking after work, between sitting all day at work and then coming home to sit some more while I study. I enjoy taking the 20 minute walk on evenings that I don't have class. {Huge improvement!} But, now the food thing is getting played out a bit more than it has been.

Recovery from an eating disorder is not a constant incline, there are dips and valleys throughout. Ultimately, the dips and valleys dip less than before and become more infrequent. I haven't had a dip in a while {which is good} but now I am in one. When feelings get too unbearable, food helps me to cope with those feelings {it takes time to break those old coping mechanisms, more often than not I can allow myself to feel those feelings to get through it...}.

Yesterday, I said to myself, I am going to eat well {which I normally do - on a regualr basis, but with a combination of healthy eating and a dessert...} so, I did really well most of yesterday. {There were doughnuts, cake and candy in my office all day yesterday.} After lunch, I was reading something and got offended on a deep level. WITHOUT even THINKING, I went to the last, smallest piece of cake...of course, afterwards I felt like such a failure and worthless.

I have realized that when I choose something {career, food items, eating healthy, eating what I want, shoes, most things} the other thing that I didn't choose looks better to me. So - I always feel like I am deprived no matter what I choose! {So incredibly frustrating!} I am learning to tease out that jumbled ball of shit and challenge those beliefs.

It is a hard road ahead of me, but I am determined to get through and prevail! Sometimes, I don't think it is possible...but then the light flickers inside and I realize I CAN DO WHATEVER I WANT, IF I REALLY WANT IT! So, I just have to pay attention to my feelings and allow myself to experience those feelings without judgement and then food won't be an issue. Sounds really easy...

To Wet Your Willy

2008-10-20T21:29:00.000-07:00

This week is going to be a busy one! I have my first exam this weekend coupled with a quiz and some research grids due. I am super stressed out. I haven't taken an exam in well over TEN YEARS! {Wow, that makes me sound old...} Anyway, I am hoping to post daily, but I don't know if that will be possible. I wanted to give you a little something to keep you interested in the meantime.

Please enjoy yet another lil tid bit from Lil' Bill O'Reilly....

The Real Sarah Palin Please Stand Up!

2008-10-19T14:43:00.000-07:00

Did anyone see SNL this weekend? The Amy Poehler rap was hilarious! I could watch this over and over again, laughing my ass off at THE REAL Sarah Palin!

Please enjoy!

Unbelievable Bullshit!

2008-10-17T13:49:00.000-07:00

Have any of you seen this? Boy, does this infuriate me. The fact that our country can stoop this low is stomach turning! I understand racism is still in effect, unfortunately, but this is fucking out of control! As a matter of fact, ALL racism is out of control...In this day and age, we need to realize that just because someone is of a different culture or ethnic background, doesn't mean they are wrong or weird or anything else, but slightly different. Everyone's cultural background makes up who they are and what the fuck is wrong with that?!?! This stupid bullshit needs to STOP!

The following article is from ABCNews.com

Local GOP Group's Mailing Shows Obama's Face, Watermelon, Ribs, Fried Chicken on Food Stamps
October 17, 2008 8:17 AMNitya-->
The Press-Enterprise in California reports that a recent newsletter of the Chaffey Community Republican Women, Federated, in California, envisions a President Barack Obama putting his face on food stamps, surrounded by a watermelon, ribs and a bucket of fried chicken.

"Obama talks about all those presidents that got their names on bills," reads the newsletter. "If elected, what bill would he be on????? Food Stamps, what else!"
The president of the GOP group, Diane Fedele, says it "was strictly an attempt to point out the outrageousness of his statement. I really don't want to go into it any further. I absolutely apologize to anyone who was offended. That clearly wasn't my attempt.
"I didn't see it the way that it's being taken. I never connected," she says. "It was just food to me. It didn't mean anything else."
The story also says, "Fedele said she got the illustration in a number of chain e-mails and decided to reprint it for her members in the Trumpeter newsletter because she was offended that Obama would draw attention to his own race."
- jpt

Heartbreaking!

2008-10-16T23:12:00.001-07:00

I usually don't post things like this...but it really breaks my heart. They way our animals are treated is horrifying. In lieu of refusing to eat meat, you can help STOP animal cruelty by clicking on these links below. For those living and registered to vote in California, you can vote YES on Prop 2 to help this cause. Please take a moment to read this letter I received to day from the Humane Society.

Dear Alison,

Hens jammed six or eight to a tiny cage. Animals with open wounds or body parts trapped in the conveyor belt. Workers twisting the necks of sick and injured hens, then throwing them while still alive to languish and suffer on dead piles.

It’s beyond sickening. According to an undercover investigation released this week by San Francisco’s KGO-TV and the group Mercy for Animals, all these atrocities took place at California’s largest egg factory farm over the last two months. This so-called farm, Norco Ranch, keeps 8 million birds in confinement -- about 40 percent of hens in battery cages in California.

It gets worse. This factory farm is overseen by MoArk, LLC, which happens to be the largest funder of the agribusiness front group fighting The Humane Society of the United States’ efforts to pass California's Proposition 2.

If approved by you and your fellow voters in California, Prop 2 will be the greatest victory for farm animals in U.S. history. It would ban the cruel confinement of hens in battery cages, pigs in gestation crates, and calves in veal crates throughout California -- and help improve the lives of 20 million animals. And a win in November will lead to nationwide reforms in how farms raise animals for food.

MoArk has a history of animal cruelty violations, and this is the latest example of appalling conduct by the company. MoArk and Norco together have funneled more than $850,000 into the campaign to defeat Prop 2.

That’s why I’m writing you again today with this urgent request: Will you stand with us to ensure that companies like Norco and MoArk can’t continue with business as usual in California's factory farms?

Please make a special donation to the YES! on Prop 2 campaign today.

The opponents of Prop 2 have told us all along that they treat their hens humanely. I guess we’ve found out (yet again) what really goes on when they think no one’s watching. To make matters worse, as you read this, ads funded by Norco and MoArk are being aired in California, spreading deceptions and lies about Prop 2.

To counter their scare tactics, the YES! on Prop 2 campaign desperately needs donations to keep our ads on the air through November 4. Don’t let animal abusers win in California this Election Day -- we’re the animals’ only hope and we can’t let them down. Please join us in making history. Donate to help pass Prop 2 today.

Thank you for all you do for animals.

Sincerely,

Wayne Pacelle
President & CEO
The Humane Society of the United States

Yay! We are back!

2008-10-14T18:00:00.001-07:00

Hi, everyone! We are back! We had such a fun trip. Today is actually our anniversary. Eight years ago, we said "I do". I love you, baby! : )

The game was so much fun, even though we lost. After the game, that night we attempted to go to a German restaurant for dinner {the hotel concierge told us about a few German restaurants...we had asked for no chain restaurants} but there weren't any restaurants that weren't chains and we never saw any German restaurants! So we ate at the Yard House. The food was ok. But it didn't matter, we were exhausted anyway from all the emotions we experienced during the game. Monday we went shopping in Old Town Scottsdale and at Fashion Square. We bought lots of stuff. We were even able to get some Christmas gifts!!
We had the BEST pizza in the world there for lunch. We had dinner at another chain restaurant, because Arizona must not know what a good restaurant is! It was a great trip! Here are the highlights....You can click on any of the pics to enlarge them.

Chad in our cute little hotel room. I totally recommend staying at the Residence Inn, Marriot. The little studios were adorable with a full size kitchen {stove, full size fridge, and cookware} - not that we did any cooking. The hotel was only a mile from the stadium. So we were able to walk. It was such a beautiful day, too.

The game was crazy! It definitely was an awesome game to see in person. Unfortunately, we played a terrible game throughout, but it was a nail biter, for sure! At the kickoff, the Cardinals caught the ball and ran in back for a touchdown. I was sitting there like "What the fuck just happened?!" We ended up {in the last 2 minutes of the game} tying the Cardinals which took us into overtime. THAT was an amazing play and SOOOO exciting. That was when I lost my voice. Chad and I went fucking crazy! {At least we got our money's worth by going into overtime - it lasted longer} Dallas got the ball at the beginning of overtime. Tony Romo broke his pinky finger during the first play of overtime. The remainder of Dallas' ball possession, Romo couldn't hold onto the ball because of it. As Dallas was punting the ball to the Cardinals, a Cardinal blocked the punt {by breaking his fucking foot} and ran it in for the touchdown. GAME OVER! I couldn't believe it. I seriously thought it was an illegal play! We were sitting right there at the end zone and saw the whole thing. Thanks to the MFing Cardinals for breaking our punter's foot and keeping him out for the remainder of the season!

The weather was so incredible. This was a little pond on our way to the stadium from the hotel.

As we got close to the stadium, more fans were walking with us. It was so exciting!

The University of Phoenix stadium...pretty amazing!

My hubby on our walk to the stadium.

I am SOOO excited! {hehehe} and Chad is killing me here!

Here you can see how awesome our seats were! And the stadium was amazing! Check out the Cardinals fan looking at the camera. He was a royal pain in the ass throughout the game! Of course, he was surrounded by Dallas fans. But in the end, all was well. We shook hands with him when the game was over.

Before the game started the boys ran down to say "hey" to their fans and stop to say a prayer. Unfortunately, that prayer wasn't answered in any fashion. Romo, breaks his finger, Felix Jones injures his hamstring, PacMan Jones is suspended, Sam Hurd gets injured again, we lose the best punter in the NFL due to a broken foot and WE LOSE THE GAME!

I love this photo, Tony Romo, Patrick Crayton, Deon Anderson.

Boys in a Huddle

{Some crazy Dallas fans sitting by us}

{This photo looks like a television screen...}

Kurt Warner, quarterback for the Cardinals

Wade Phillips, coach, who is probably heartbroken over how many players are injured and unable to play! He better tear those Cowboys a new asshole after the way they played this game!

An idiot Dallas fan runs on the field during a timeout during overtime and OF COURSE, was cuffed and removed from the field. Seriously, what did he think was going to happen??

Grimaldi's Pizza - Seriously, the BEST pizza I have EVER had! I lived in NYC, where the pizza is ALWAYS yummy. Being in LA, you can't find pizza as good as NYC. You may be thinking, "it's pizza!" Yeah - it is, but this is too DIE for! The crust is thin, the cheese (a combination of mozzarella and ricota) is laid on first, then a drizzle of the BEST Italian sauce, topped with mini pepperonis and a few leaves of basil. So freakin' good.

Happy Anniversary, Baby! I had a wonderful time on our trip! I love you so much.

Love Bites?

2008-10-10T22:04:00.000-07:00

Have you ever said to someone, "You are so cute, I want to bite you"? Or maybe, "I love you so much, I want to bite you"? I am killing myself over here trying to figure out the psychology behind why we may say those things. There is a psychological reason for it and I can't remember! Can anyone help out here?

8 Years with the Cowboys!

2008-10-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

My husband and I have an anniversary approaching next week. On Saturday we are driving to Glendale, Arizona to celebrate 8 years of marriage! Yes, we have officially made it past the seven year itch! Whew! On Sunday we are going to our first pro football game - Arizona Cardinals vs. the Dallas Cowboys!! GGGGGOOOOOOOOOOO COWBOYS!!! We are so excited! We haven't been to Glendale or Phoenix before either. Hopefully, we will have time for a spa visit. I am in desperate need of a massage! It will be so nice to vacation away from school and work for a few days. We will be back in LA on Tuesday at some point. I'll take lots of pictures so I can share our anniversary with all of you! Tuesday is our actual anniversary. Everyone watch the Cowboys game and ROOT FOR THE BOYS!!!

Here's a little video to get you through the weekend. Meet Lil Bill O'Reilly. {I apologize in advance if this offends anyone.}

Tunes for Thursday

2008-10-09T10:53:00.000-07:00

I can't stop groovin' to this Jason Mraz song. It kinda makes me ready for action. {TMI : ) }
I love it.

Life with an Anal Retentive Husband

2008-10-08T13:03:00.000-07:00

Do you any of you have an anal retentive husband or partner? I DO! Although, he is anal about most things and others he isn't. It is strange. When I want to clean the house, he just wants to sweep the floor and be done with it. I HAVE to sweep the floor and then mop it...and once I start I get a bit anal and can spend a good hour on just ONE room.

Anyway - we are talking about my husband NOT me. There are good points to his analness...

1. I NEVER have to do laundry because it HAS to be done HIS way. And folding HIS clothes, FORGET IT! He has to fold his T-shirts a certain way {HIS T-SHIRTS, people!!!} and his socks have to be tied a certain way {socks, seriously??}.

2. If I don't feel like doing the dishes, I can just leave them until the morning and he will do it as soon as he gets up! {Every morning!} Needless to say, he does the dishes most of the time. : )

3. If I don't want to pick up after myself, I can assure you that everything will be picked up for me by the next morning. This includes the little piece of paper that I have made notes on and need to keep...he throws it away! I have gotten in the habit now of telling him "Hey, baby. Look over here, I NEED THIS PIECE OF PAPER! See? Please DO NOT THROW it away." Sometimes he is listening and sometimes not...

4. I can ALWAYS count on him to have checked all the doors before going to bed to ensure they are locked. SO, I always feel safe! Last night we ran to Bed, Bath and Beyond to buy a crockpot. After he turned the alarm on and we ran out the door, I said "You don't need to lock the top lock. We will be right back." I looked over, he had already locked the bottom AND the top lock!

5. I NEVER have to worry if he left a window open before leaving for work. THAT WOULD NEVER HAPPEN...Are you crazy! Just this past Sunday, we were going to the market for some groceries and were going to be gone about 30 minutes. It was such an awesome day outside, we had all the windows open. He kept asking me, "Do you think we should close the windows? Do you think it will be okay?" All the while he was getting bursts of anxiety each time he would ask. So, I said "I think it will be ok. I mean, we are only going to be gone for like 30 minutes. But, I know you will feel better if we close them." So we what do you think we did, we closed them, OF COURSE.

I like his analness mostly. Our house always stays picked up and straightened. But there are times like THIS MORNING when I want to shake him up a bit and tell him to RELAX!

This happens quite often...I have my hair dryer next to my sink in the bathroom {which I use daily}, I unplug MY toothbrush every morning in order to plug in the hair dryer. I usually dry my hair a bit and then check my email and dry it again, just before I leave. This morning I went in to finish getting dressed and to dry my hair for the last time. I turned the dryer on and nothing happened! Then the plug comes tumbling down. I said "DAMNIT, Chad!" He just laughed. {We have had THIS conversation over and over. "Let me just get out of the house before you feel the need to unplug the hair dryer, ok?"}

Last night I was reading for school and I left the book on the coffee table because I knew this morning, I was going to grab it and put it in my bag to take to work {God forbid!}. I was getting ready to grab the book when I noticed it wasn't there...With exasperation, "BABY! What the hell did you do with my book??!!" Again, he started laughing and said "I put it on the bookshelf." "Come on, baby. Seriously! I planned this out. I KNEW I was going to take it to work with me today. THAT'S why I left it on the coffee table!"

With these stories, you would think I am a complete SLOB and he is constantly cleaning up after me! NOT TRUE! I am very tidy...this just shows how anal he is... : )

Two funny things that he does that I, of course, have to make fun of are...

EVERY time he gets into his car, he checks to make SURE all switches are their OFF positon. {Reminder: he JUST did this BEFORE he got out of his car...you would think he would remember that when he got out of the car everything was OFF...But NO - he has to check it again!} Whenever he drives my car and I get in to drive the next day...my radio is OFF.

Secondly, I will put a DVD (for example) on the table - in a specific place. I will come back to it and he has moved it slightly! It HAS to be in JUST the RIGHT spot. Hilarious!

Living with an anal retentive husband makes for lots of jokes and quite a bit of frustration. But, of course, I love him - anal or not!

Security with a Personality

2008-10-07T12:20:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, I work for a network on a studio lot. We have security guards at every end of it, too. I have never experienced so many insane personalities from security guards until now. We have the "Likes to get in your business guard", when you pull up to the gate, he will tell the car behind you everything he knows about you! Once, I was on the phone {which I make every attempt of getting off BEFORE I approach the guard - just so I am not rude} talking to my best friend in North Carolina when I got to the gate. We were having an intense conversation and he starts yelling to her about me, asking her name, and then trying to talk to her...Of course, my Southern upbringing and all, I just laughed it off. But - in my head I was like "WHAT THE FUCK! Get OUT of MY business!!!" To top it all off {the straw that broke the camel's back}, a few weeks ago I was ordering lunch at our studio truck trying to figure out if they had potato salad to go with my grilled chicken and he stopped by and whispered something in my ear. I didn't hear him and asked "what?" He said "you could get a salad". I was totally taken aback that I didn't know what to say. As the minutes went on the angrier I got! {LEAVE ME THE FUCK ALONE and GET A LIFE, JACKASS - is what kept running through my head!} The next time I saw him and he tried to talk to me, I said "Oh, no! Don't EVEN try to talk to me, NOW!" I haven't spoken to him since....I'm still pissed. Maybe I should tattoo my forehead with "Mind Your own Business, asshole."

Now, let's talk about the "Love is ALL you need guard"...THIS guy is bizarre in his own right. Everytime you drive up to the gate, it is like he plays a game with himself to see how fast he can take your badge and swipe it, then give it back. I am always thinking, "Did I seem like I was in a hurry??" One day, he started to tell everyone "God Bless you" everytime he handed your badge back. {I think he ended up getting into trouble for that one, since not EVERYONE believes in God on this lot} After the "God Bless you's ", he started "I love you!" I was soooo taken aback by this one, because I felt like I had to say it back to him....BUT I DON'T EVEN KNOW HIM!!! So then it got even more uncomfortable because I never knew what to say back to him. I think I started turning my music up louder so as to appear that I didn't hear him. He is always giving compliments to everyone...THAT is nice and I don't mind that but sometimes, can you just say "hey" and get on with it!!??. Apparently, he used to be a gangbanger...maybe he was saved by God.

Security with a DEFINITE personality! At least we are safe, right?!

Just a Reminder

2008-10-06T13:52:00.000-07:00

I am super busy right now and apologize for not having any good posts lately. I promise I am working on a good one that I will hopefully post in a few days.

Until then, I just wanted to remind everyone that I am having a sale in my etsy store. I have put quite a few items on sale with some really good prices. The sale ends at the end of this month! Go check it out before it's too late!

For example: These cute little earrings are only $8.00.

A Little Laughter for the Weekend!

2008-10-03T09:58:00.000-07:00

Boy, do I love Fridays! Friday means that I only have to focus on school and NO work. Sometimes I wished it meant I could focus on ME and nothing else. Sometimes, I feel like I do and do and do for others and noone does and does for me. Not that I do for others in order to have someone do for me....it is just that I give so much of myself that I begin to feel empty. It is tiresome sometimes. WHOA! Totally got sidetracked with that comment. We will save that for another blog post!

We are here for some laughter for the weekend! Last night I did my usual taping for the show I work on. The guest was Bo Burnham. Yeah, I know, I had not heard of him either. He is an 18 yr old theatre student who decided to write some songs and post them on youtube for his brother and friends...well needless to say, he blew up! Now he has possible movie deals and touring around with his songs. I thought I would share those songs with you. They may take you by surprise....

Enjoy! Have a Grrrrrrrrrreeeeeaaaaaaaattttt Weekend!!!

Gimme Somethin' to Blog About....

2008-10-02T13:22:00.000-07:00

I am having a creative blank! I thought to myself, self...why not go directly to the blogging world and ask what they want me to blog about?? SO - Is there anything you would like to know about me? Any questions you have? I am also contemplating posting a portion of one of my papers for grad school...it is all about my family's ethnicity and background...lots of personal family information. Let me know if that would be of any interest to you.

"Dear Alison" me...I am ready for the challenge!

Seriously, I can WIN a FREE Handbag!!???

2008-10-01T22:17:00.000-07:00

I hoped over to ...loveMaegan's blog when I saw "Win a Free Handbag". She said to click the link and I did. Of course, I had to check it out! I chose the bag I liked and submitted my email address. There were three other options in order to up your chances of winning and I chose to blog about it to get the most entries! Seriously, I can WIN a FREE handbag??!!

Click this link to win a FREE handbag!

Introducing the Softest Scarf!

2008-10-01T14:00:00.000-07:00

I just recently sold my last scarf on etsy, {I did a post about it}. It was the original softest scarf ever. Don't worry, folks! I have made yet another one from the same blend of yarn. It is a bit different from the last. I LOVE it! It is so cute with the blue and white stripes. All I can think of is it would be perfect for Kendra from the Girls Next Door. {my own craziness, I know}. Seriously, it is the softest scarf I have ever seen or felt. I really love this yarn. Check it out.

A Recycled Post {Pun Intended}

2008-10-01T08:00:00.001-07:00

I posted this a while ago, before anyone was reading my blog. I thought I would share it again with my blogger friends. This is horrifying and needs to be shown to everyone! We really need to adjust the amount of plastic we use. Please watch this video. It is only 6 minutes.

Please try to limit your plastic use. It seems difficult, but it is definitely possible! I have limited my plastic use tremendously within the past two years.

For a plastic bag substitutes check out ...love Maegan's Be Smart Be Green company. She makes some kick ass designer canvas bags. The bags are awesomely durable and can hold soooooo much! Plus - they are really cute!

For plastic bottle substitutes, look to the right of my blog. You will see the "I Want" section from Amazon. The SIGG bottles are excellent. They are aluminum. Check them out.

To Complete My Meditation Dream

2008-09-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

Leave it to me to find new obsessions that cost over ten thousand dollars and constantly creep into my mind!
I am IN LOVE with this Modern Cabana. As I mentioned in an earlier post about my Meditation Dream and all the things I want to have to help create the space for my meditation, I do not have enough space in my house to have a meditation ROOM. Solely devoted to meditation and yoga. I believe the energy would be perfect if the only items in the room where related to yoga or meditation and brought positive energies. Such a peaceful, calm and relaxing space that completely promotes meditation...ahhh, I am getting relaxed just talking about it. Anyway, this modern cabana is the ANSWER! {except for the fact that it would cost me more than sixteen THOUSAND dollars!} Let's just forget that number, shall we? Just enjoy your imagination as you peak into my meditation room beside my pool, in my back yard.
aaaaahhhh. oooooommmmmmm.

Even the Mantis is Praying

2008-09-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

On Saturday my husband and I were having lunch together before I had to go back to class. As I was leaving he spotted this Praying Mantis on one of our bushes by the front door. It was so amazing, I had to catch it in action.

It is funny....my husband ALWAYS wants to take the pictures...always! He HAS to HOLD the camera! I went inside to get the camera. Thinking to myself, I KNOW he going to put his hand out for me to give him the camera. So, as soon as he did that, I said "No, I knew it, I knew it! I am going to take some pictures and then you can have it, because I have to go to class." I took some pics and then handed the camera off to him.

Unfortunately, he took the best picture of the praying mantis! Damn it! Here it is. I love it! The PM looks so calm and peaceful.