And now a word from our "weird files"

Ok so, I like Barbie.  Always have, Always will.  I thought it was a travesty when they gave her a reduction, and changed her face.  But no worries I will be fine.  Now whenever you go to any toy store or department store, you see tons of options of Barbie and Barbie tribute dolls, Hannah, High School Musical,  I Love Lucy (one of my favs), holiday Barbie, beach Barbie, wheel chair Barbie, Veterinarian Barbie, and many many more.

Recently on a trip to Walmart I found the funniest one to date, probably ever...  Barbie Birds, you know from Alfred Hitchcock movie, where everyone was mauled by birds!  It was a movie anniversary tribute doll.  I went into laughing histerics right there in the store.  There was Barbie stuck in a box with a bunch of crows pecking at her.  You have to wonder a little bit what were they thinking!  I bet it is slightly concerning for kids, I mean if birds can attack Barbie, who has everything, and can do anything, then what chance does the rest of us have.

My other thought is how exactly is she keep that calm face, and carry that great purse; and why isn't she running, and why is her hair still in-tack!  Not only does she have a great stylist but, she almost looks as if she is strolling to her corvette, on her way to Barbie Macy's to go shopping, and flicking at them as if they were harmless flies.

The only thought that comes to mind is... Barbie is one tough broad!  I mean think about it, she is being held captive in a box, being attacked by killer birds, and she doesn't look fazed one bit.  Another reason why I want to be Barbie!

Financial Peace... the experience

Dave Ramsey has been a blessed discovery in our lives, and during veterans day, they gave a way to all veterans a free 16 week course to the Financial peace online class! My husband and I are both veterans of the United States Marine Corp and I am excited to start this session.

I decided that I will be posting my experience of taking this class on this blog, now I won't be posting the class, however I will be posting the experience as I process this new direction in our lives. I am excited that we will be able to teach this to our daughter so that by the time she becomes an adult, she will have a strong foundation to begin her life.

Last Night... Dinner fiasco

Well last night was hilarious. I say hilarious because I decided that I was not going to stress about it, my first little hurdle in my mission of not letting everything stress me out, especially little things... cause really there are much better things to stress about.

So, summer is coming to an end and I decided to call my sister and her family over to barbecue and hang out. I decided to slowly roast some pork, teriyaki chicken thighs, corn, baked beans, orzo and fresh tomato salad, and a cake. Thankfully I decided on slow roast, because I went out to the grill to turn it on, and no flame... shoot!

I convinced my sweet hubby to fill the tank, did some prep, when he returned, I hooked it up and still nothing. Oh boy, so I start fooling around with it, finally asked my hubby to come out, and he does the same, nothing! I start to panic a little thinking if this doesn't start soon, my roast is out the door and I will have to go get more chicken.

My husband points out the 800 number on the grill, and as a last digit effort I decide to call. The woman who answered seemed very nice, but her accent was so thick I had no idea what she was saying. I was grateful when she transferred me. The man who was also very nice walked me through a ton of troubleshooting, and in the end determined that it was the regulator.

So there is no time to do anything at all, so barbecue chicken turned to fried chicken, and slow roasted pork happened in the microwave with plastic wrap, now that might sound bad... but it was not at all, everyone loved it. So all in all the day ended well.

How has technology affected me positively

How has technology affected me in a positive manner.  Let me start, as always, with a story.  You see I don't consider myself a cat person I have had 2 in my entire life.  One as a child and one now...  You see as a kid I begged my Momma for this kitty, and she was beautiful all grey with black patterns all through her fur.  I kept her inside all the time, I loved it... till I had to clean that litter box!  But I muscled through it,  she slept on my bed, followed me everywhere, and filled that litter box.  ugh!   gross, I hated it and when I forget to fill it.  Not only was I grounded but I still had to clean the overfilled disgusting thing.  

So needless to say, I never asked for another!  Somehow I found myself many years later with a cat, and yet the same problem.  Now I really love this cat.  But I really don't love cat droppings...  Years ago they started advertising the automatic kitty litter pan!  You know clip the lid on it when its full and dump it.  I have been foaming at the mouth for one of these forever but it is hard to justify on a tight budget, $100 for it.  In the back of my mind I kept thinking what if I do get it, and its not all what the hype is all about.

Well one day at a thrift store they had one $6, I nearly ran with it to the counter.  The lady said "oh... someone can use it"  I went on about how I had been looking for one of these for years, and how excited I was for my lucky find.  She then asked what is was I told here.  She laughed and said well we had that in the back for over a year and didn't know what it was, we almost threw it in the trash!

I nearly fell over.  Needless to say this thing is awesome!  I know you might have thought that I would say a cell phone, or ipod; which these things are truly fabulous things in my world, but the Automatic cat box is the bomb-diggity!  

How do you use Menu 4 Mom's

I have to say I have really gotten into this pre-made menu stuff.  For me the key is too not get crazy modifications or changing the schedule is okay, this is huge growth for me people.  (sigh... I miss the non-neurotic,  oh well version of me I remember being less stressed)  Anyhoo FOCUS!

I like the schedule and with my recent awesome gift from my family of the ITOUCH!  YEAH FOR ME!  (I named her Brae... you know like Braeburn APPLE, I am so clever!)  oops FOCUS!  You see what I do is email myself a copy of the menu and the grocery list and open it in Brae (my itouch), and tada! I just turn it on flip the through the pages and shop.  

I have saved paper and I don't have to worry about forgetting my list.  yeah for technology.

Back in the saddle again!

Our local In-shape is opening an "express" gym by Winco.  So they had a $19 per month special.  For now we can go to all their gyms, but after express is built we will only be able to go there.  But really I am not a swimmer, and the child care is always filled with really little kids so my daughter will only stand for that for so long.  

So every morning I will be back on track and heading for more weight loss.  I know this time next year I will have met my goals and then re-evaluate whether I want to sign up for more.    My hubby has signed up too, so for as long as we can stand it we will go together.  

I am ready and looking forward to going back... I missed it!

Come join me at Expressions 2009 on Art in Visalia

Art in Visalia because a community centered on art is a community centered on its future Shelley Huff Shelley Huff has invited you to the event 'Expressions 2009' on Art in Visalia!   Hello all, Mark your calendars for the latest Mental Health Art Exhibit, Expressions 2009. Time: May 12, 2009 to May 31, 2009 Location: Government Plaza North Organized By: Barbara Templin Event Description: The Eighth Annual Mental Health Art Exhibit, "Expressions 2009" will be hosted by Tulare County Health and Human Services throughout the month of May. Entries are open to children and adults who identify themselves with the mental health community, or those in alcohol or substance abuse recovery. Participants may display art, poetry, and sculpture. Family members and providers are also encouraged to participate. Artists from the Expressions Project of Huff Art Center will be featured. Reception will be held on May 12 from 5-7 PM at the Government Plaza North, 5957 S Mooney Blvd. Visalia. For further information, contact Barbara Templin at (559) 592-3941 or email at oasisvisalia@yahoo.com See more details and RSVP on Art in Visalia: http://artinvisalia.ning.com/events/event/show?id=2890686%3AEvent%3A121&xgi=0cV1TG2 About Art in Visalia A social networking site for artists and art enthusiasts, in the Visalia CA area.   To control which emails you receive on Art in Visalia, click here

Art Trail Tonight

Tonite join us for a stroll in beautiful Downtown Visalia for the Visalia Art Trail.  On the art trail you will find beautiful artistic baskets, stoneware, metal work, paintings, masks, and more all from local and regional artists. The Visalia Art Trail is an on-going, FREE to the public, tour of local art venues on the first Friday of every month from 6 pm - 9 pm.  

Visalia Art Trail takes place on the first Friday of each month. Art is displayed from 6 p.m. until about 9 p.m. There is no admission charge--it's free for everyone. You may find information on www.visaliaarttrail.com.  Prepare yourself for this creative journey as you explore downtown’s art side!

Additionally, there are several spots where you can rest from your browsing and enjoy some snacks, some coffee and dessert, or a glass of wine.  Downtown Visalia offers many options for a perfect evening.  Maps are available online.

If you have any questions regarding participation or as a hosting venue/artist through the Adopt an Artist program.  Please contact Shelley at  info@huffartcenter.org

Huff Art Center

www.huffartcenter.org

Sundstrom Studio Art Show

Art in a show in Elderwood at the Sundstrom Studio. 37736 Rd 197,
564-2331 for info. There will be some refreshments and food to enjoy
the artwork & live music by.

Fellow artists are:

John Sundstrom, sculpture-paintings
Varian Mace, watercolors
Steven Louis Ball, paintings
Toni Best, gourd/weaving art
Jeri Burzin, photography