A Southern Transplant

Lilies and Lobsters...WWTKW

2012-02-15T08:47:00.000-05:00

Welcome to We Want to Know Wednesdays Q&A

Hosted by Mamarazzi, Queso and Crazymama

The wonderful Mamarazzi's asking the questions this week....a Love themed WWTKW! Go read her entry this week-it made me laugh OUT loud at work (people stared-I kept laughing).

{1} How was your Valentine's Day?
{2} What is your favorite flower? Did your honey get them for you?
{3} Was Valentine's Day a big deal when you were a kid?
{4} Did you put up any Valentine's Day decorations? (bonus points for a picture)
{5} Do you have any Valentine's Day traditions?

1. How was your Valentine's Day?

Eh. The actual day kind of sucked. Steve-O had to work a basketball game and didn't get home until 8:00. Jeanio had ...er...a (WARNING: TMI) lice issue that I worked on all day for three days ( those things are little b#tches to get rid of, no joke!)....B-lette was grounded for being a mouthy middle schooler. And I had a crazy day at work.

However, we celebrated our Valentine's Day on Saturday. Steve-O made lobster tails and mussels, we drank wine, and exchanged presents. He gave me the best card ever-it is so funny. And I got Gamecocks fuzzy socks and a pair of Gamecock boxers. I love them!!! So, our early V-Day was a sucsess.

{2} What is your favorite flower? Did your honey get them for you?

My favorite flowers are Lilies of the Valley (also the flower of the month of May, and that's my birth month). When I was a little girl, I would find them growing wild underneath our deck...Oh I love them. They smell fantastic.

Taken from: http://gypsymagicspells.blogspot.com/2011/05/lily-of-valley-magick.html#Label1

Steve-O didn't bring me flowers for Valentine's Day. He does bring them to me on random occassions, which I love so much. It's a nice surprise!

{3} Was Valentine's Day a big deal when you were a kid?

OMG, yes! Valentine's Day was second only to Halloween as far as the best school days! I loved decorating my mailbox and exchanging valentines with the other kids. And my grandparents always came over for dinner and brought a Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake. So yes, HUGE deal!

{4} Did you put up any Valentine's Day decorations? (bonus points for a picture)

Ummmm, a wreath for the door....I think. That's about it. I wore a pink sweater yesterday-does that count?

{5} Do you have any Valentine's Day traditions?

Only a couple! Steve-O and I always cook a lobster (we name him Clyde ever year, too) at home. We usually wait until the kids go to bed to cook. It's a lot of fun. We always get the kids a little box of chocolates and a valentine, too. Nothing fancy, but just a little something!

I cheated, this is from our Maine trip last summer, but it will do!

So, there you have it. The LOVE WWTKW....

On a side note, I was going to post this yesterday, but ahem... I had to comb out Jeanio's hair.

I wanted to take a minute to say I love you to my Steve-O...not just on Valentine's Day, but absolutely every day. We may not be perfect people (Thank God!), but we are perfect for each other. I am filled with joy everytime I think about spending my life with you. Thank you for being my husband.

Just Who Am I???? A Link Up!

2012-02-13T18:05:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday! Today, I'm linking up with http://www.acompletewasteofmakeup.com/! Check her out, she's funny, and has two weekly link ups! So.

Hello, my name is Martha (chorus: "hi, Martha...")! I am relatively new to the blogosphere. It's great here. And ever so addicting! I work in insurance compliance. It's like saving the world...red pen style...I kid. I have lots of hobbies, like wine (see here for my latest foray into that particular obsession), food, travel (I can find the best deals...really-I'm quite talented at searching for them), Pinterest (Oh, my sweet obsession), Polyvore (how did I ever survive without you??), and Gamecock Football. Go Cocks!

This is me:

I have four kids, a daughter, Jeanio (almost 10), a step-daughter, Anator (just turned 11), a son, B-lette (almost 12), and a step-son, the Red Head (almost 13). They're great. Exhausting. Irritating on occasion. Downright infuriating other times. But they are also sweet and smart, and are growing up to be great human beings.

I also have a dog, Nutmeg. I love that animal. She's awesome, and doesn't talk back. Literally-she's only barked a handful of times. We run together. She runs much faster than I do, but I can outlast her on distance.

I am also married to Steve-O, who I met on match.com (yes, it really works....with caution...and lots of trial and error). We got married at his parent's house on Lake Murray in 2010. It was the best day ever. He is a girls' high school soccer coach and teaches AP Government and Economics. He plays soccer every week, and can fix anything.

See, Best day EVER!

I like to blog about....well, everything. Funny things happen to me, my kids, my husband, or the whole family all the time. And what better way to enjoy those situations than to put it out on the world wide web for everyone to see and laugh about?? Seriously, go read this or this. I promise, you will laugh. I also want to keep track of them for future ~~blackmail~~ stories about the kids when they bring home their significant others. Pay back is a bitch, as they say!

So here is me, the short version! I'm happy you've stopped by-and I promise if you stay, I'll keep you entertained!

Frozen Beef Roast and Sprouting Onions-WWTKW!

2012-02-08T08:36:00.000-05:00

Welcome to We Want to Know Wednesdays Q&A

Hosted by Mamarazzi, Queso and Crazymama

Yes, it is HUMP day (really-where did that name come from? I really don't like it), which means it's WWTKW!!!

The ever-fabulous Mamarazzi, is asking the questions this week and I think they are my favorites so far....

{1} What is for dinner tonight (bonus for sharing the recipe)?
{2} Share something you are currently looking forward to.
{3} What are your thoughts on re-gifting?
{4} How often do you rearrange your furniture?
{5} Share a picture from your cellphone or camera

So here we go: She asked, you will now know!!!

{1} What is for dinner tonight (bonus for sharing the recipe)?

I actually can answer this one!! Dinner is already in the making....Love you, Crockpot. We are having what I lovingly refer to as Dinner Thrown Together Because We Have No Time, Haven't Gotten Groceries In a Long Time, Kids have Art, Massive homework & Soccer, Martha will probably work late, and Steve is Busy Coaching. Here is the recipe:

1 Frozen Beef Roast that you have to cook rightnow because it's getting freezer burned. (unthawed of course because you forgot to pull it out of the freezer too)
1 Bag of Stir Fry Vegetables because you don't have any other mixed veggies
1 Onion, sprouting since it rolled underneath the potatoes and you lost it
10 Red Potatoes about to turn because your mother dropped off an entire bag of them, after you bought a 5 lb. bag at the store.
Can of Beef Broth-just in case it boils dry, which Steve-O assures me it will do even though I know it won't

Throw all of it in the crock pot. Add salt and pepper. Turn on low. Come home and dinner is done.

{2} Share something you are currently looking forward to.
Gladly....In T-Minus 12 days, we are embarking on a 5-Day Caribbean cruise with our minions. We make a stop in the Cayman Islands and then another in Cozumel, Mexico. I can't wait-I need a vacation like crazy! The kids are looking forward to it too, and this will be the first time they've ever been to a foreign country (except Canada, but that doesn't really count). Hello, poolside and umbrella drinks....aaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhh!

{3} What are your thoughts on re-gifting?
Hmmm, I think it's a great idea, especially if you know someone else would love what you were given. However, I usually forget that I'm saving something to re-gift, and end up buying a gift anyway.

{4} How often do you rearrange your furniture?
Back when I was a single momma, I used to rearrange my furniture allthetime. By myself. Just for the heck of it. I liked the change. Nowadays, I never rearrange my furniture....not because I wouldn't like to, but because Steve-O hates it. So I just buy new accessories and stuff instead. And that satisfies my creative spirit.

{5} Share a picture from your cellphone or camera

YAY! I can actually do this!!! I got my "fixed" phone back yesterday. Here is one of my most recent ones, and it's just so sweet. I love my Nutmeg....and Steve-O too.

So, there you have it. WWTKW-go! Link up-it's a lot of fun!

Effervescent Cold Relief and Wine Country

2012-02-06T15:19:00.000-05:00

Hello, all y'all peeps! Don't mind me, I am just not with it today. At all.

This weekend was delish and fabulous. My Steve-O turned 42 (the answer to life, the universe, everything):

Taken from Graphjam

Now, he really has all the answers (smartass!). He got some great presents, especially this one from me, except it actually shows the score 70-33 for WVU:

Taken from amazon.com

Then Friday, we hightailed it up to Statesville to enjoy a weekend of wine tasting, good food, and no ~~minions~~ kids. We stayed at the Clichy Inn. It was beautiful. And our innkeeper, Lori, was so nice and helpful. And let me tell you, she made the best stuffed french toast ever. YUM.

We stayed in the Whitefriar Room, complete with a fireplace and a balcony. It was gorge. We were met with a bottle of champagne as well, which, for me, is a double bonus!

Here are some pictures, for your ~~envy~~ enjoyment.

We had dinner at a local pub downtown called Delaney's. Sad to admit, we got traditional fare: wings, beer, and cheese fries. But wouldn't you know, they were the best damned cheese fries ever.

The next morning, we were off relatively early for wine tasting. Yes, it was way before 5 pm. No, this didn't stop us or limit us in the least.

I learned some things whilst gallivanting around North Carolina wine country, and by Gosh, I am going to share it all with you!

Lesson #1: Varietals

North Carolina has several varieties of grapes: V. vinifera, French-American hybrids, Labrusca-type grapes and Muscadines.

What this means to me: more wine deliciousness to try and love.

Taken from Visit NC Wine

Lesson #2 Tastings

Wine tasting is fabulous and very entertaining. Start off with whites, move to reds, and cleanse the palate in between. A "spit" bucket is available if needed.
What this means to me: Spit bucket??? are you kidding me!!!! Spitting is a bad habit.

Taken from wineaccessory.com

Lesson # 3: Pacing Yourself

According to one pamphlet on wine tasting, you should only try one or two wineries a day. Pace yourself-and savor your favorites to better appreciate the flavors.
What this means to me: We only have one day! Hit'em ALL! Rest is for the WEARY! Don't stop! Who cares about that ringing in your ears!? Winos never say die!

Lesson #4: Eat something

Many areas have great fare as well! Make sure you eat something to counteract your tastings.
What this means to me: Well, it was probably not the best idea to only eat the crackers they give you to cleanse your palate.

Taken from Paris Breakfasts

Lesson #5: Camera Shy

There is a reason why I usually don't take my camera places where wine is involved. It can be a little....risky.
What I learned: When an equally travelled tasting couple volunteers to take your picture, you should immediately say yes and pose next to oddest thing around and if you can, throw up the Hook'em Horns sign....Because that's how we roll. (I don't even like Texas...where is this coming from?)

Final lesson #6: Rest and Relaxation

Despite all planning, prepare yourself for the unexpected.

What this means to me: Wake up on Sunday feeling a bit "ruuuhhh", but realize it is completely unrelated to your wine extravaganza the day before. Instead, realize your nose looks like Rudolph and you can't go 3 seconds without sneezing. Immediately invest in your "I'm sick and have to go to work" war chest:

And that, friends, is our foray into NC Wine Country. I highly recommend that you go-it is a lot of fun.
I feel like death today. At least it's wine unrelated.

Minions and Chores....WWTKW

2012-02-01T08:35:00.000-05:00

Welcome to We Want to Know Wednesdays Q&A!

Hosted by Mamarazzi, Queso and Crazymama

Crazymama is asking the questions this week and here is what she wants to know...

{1} Fantasy style, money is no object, if you could pick one type of help which would it be? Why?
A. maid
B. nanny
C. personal chef
{2} What is your least favorite household chore?
{3} What is your least loathed (or favorite) household task/ daily chore?
{4} What is your favorite cleaning supply? Do you have any magic cleaning tips to share with your readers?
{5} What is your usual housework avoidance activity? Besides playing along and linking up with the fabulous Mamarazzi, Queso and Crazymama for we want to know Wednesday?

1. Hmmm, if money was no object, I think I'd rather have D.) a housekeeper (ALICE!) because he/she'd clean and cook and run errands. But a maid definitely if D is not an option. I am so thankful that we have a cleaning lady who comes in twice a month....but would love a maid to straighten up after my ~~minions~~ kids everyday!

Taken from tvacres.com

2. My absolute least favorite chore is actually a combination: folding and putting away laundry. There are no words to describe how I detest that chore. It takes too long, it's never ending, and well, it's just too organized for me. I have to remember where things go....ugh.

taken from http://basketbawful.blogspot.com/

3. My favorite daily chore is cleaning up the kitchen while cooking dinner. My mom always taught me to clean as you go so that the end mess isn't as overwhelming. Anyway, since I adore cooking, I don't mind the upkeep. Although, emptying the dishwasher is a no-no for Martha. The ~~minions~~ kids do that because that's almost as bad as folding laundry!

4. My favorite cleaning supply ever is Murphy's Oil Soap. I loves it! It cleans just about everything (except glass-I tried this once when I was little and my mom grounded me), and it smells fantastic. It's also not a harsh product (98% natural, baby!). In fact, a vet once told my in-laws to use it as doggie shampoo, and they've used it for years-so that's Nutmeg's bath soap, too. She has a beautiful, shiny coat and smells wonderful!

taken from http://quinbyhardware.com/

5. Lately, I'd have to say my chore-avoidance is "Oh, sorry, I've got to go on a run/hit the gym/do my workout DVD". Otherwise, I'd say I'm pretty good at the pass-off. As in, assigning what needs done to one of the children. It's a lot easier that way. They think Steve-O and I are slave drivers.

So, how about you??? We Want to Know this Wednesday- so link up! Spill your guts!

Tampons: A Limerick (Maybe TMI-I'm Just Warning You)

2012-01-31T19:54:00.000-05:00

Hey, Hey, Hooray, Hooray,

Just gave all my tampons away...

It's a great day today!

So. I am 31 years old and momma to four. That's a helllalotta kids (granted that only two are naturally mine). But seriously. CRAPton of kids-12, 11, 11, and almost 10. To say that I'm exhausted by all of their school work, projects, sports, art classes, chores, and general upkeep would be an understatement.
Don't ever get me wrong- I adore all four of them. They are all unique, smart, artistic, kind, and loving. Anyone ever hurts them, they're goners.

Anyway, a few months ago, I went in to the doc to schedule a tubal after much thought and discussion with Steve-O. Ultimately, we decided that our Nutmeg was enough baby for us. I'll just have to borrow someone else's baby....and then give it cries, poos, pees, spits up...you know the drill.

While I was there, I read about a procedure to make your period go away. Since I was already planning on having a tubal, I was immediately ~~obsessed~~ intrigued because well, I freaking hated that monthly thing. I went to my doc and asked him ten quatrillion questions...and signed up for surgery. No problem, easy going, easy recovery!

After a few months, I finally decided that it was time.

I gave my leftover tampons away today-never to return. BWWAAAHHHHAAAHHHAAAAAA!

Here's to not ever having to carry my purse the ladies' room EVER AGAIN!

Pure Chaotic Insanity and Other Family Happenings

2012-01-29T13:09:00.000-05:00

Happy Sunday! I wish it was still Friday evening-this weekend is going way too fast!

Steve-O and I took the kids to Great Wolf Lodge in Concord, NC Friday and Saturday. The kids absolutely LOVED it. As for Steve-O and I, it is not the kind of place we'd normally choose, but seeing the kids happy made our day!

One note: it is SUPER expensive! My suggestion: order in! And stay away from the extras!!!

Here are some pictures:

Anator and Jeanio look pretty good with wolf ears.

Blackmail for B-lette, super cool (?) middle schooler

Blackmail for Red Head too, while I'm at it.

The water park was great. I loved the Tornado slide thing. It was bad ass. So was this:

and

And just for fun:

After check out, we went to Concord Mills Mall. The boys went to Bass Pro Shop (uggh), so the girls and I went to Burlington Coat Factory. I'd forgotten how much I love that place. I bought a bunch of earrings and some Betsey Johnson sunglasses for $20. NICE. Steve-O and I are going back up there next weekend on the way home from North Carolina wine country (HELLO HEAVEN!). I am so buying more stuff. Because I obviously do not have enough stuff...LOL.

On a side note, my Incredible 2 is a POS. I can't charge it anymore and the screen is cracked. It ~~annoys~~ infuriates me to no end. See, that's me after trying for the 18394667667676 time to get that damned thing to charge....

Source: demonlamp.com via Matt on Pinterest

So if I don't respond to comments or Tweet a lot in the next week, this is why....I have to mail it in.

UGHHH.......Well, that's all. Enjoy the rest of your weekend, I know I will!

It's OK

2012-01-26T07:00:00.002-05:00

Linking up again with Neely from A Complete Waste of Makeup to vent about things that I think are OK!

It's Ok.....to sit around in pajamas for most of the day because taking a shower is just too much work for the moment

It's Ok....to want to make plans to go out with Steve-O since we didn't have kids at home over the weekend, but then change my mind and want to stay in

It's Ok....that I was really excited about presenting a project proposal to my boss and my team

It's Ok...that I've been super excited about working out lately

It's Ok....that I cried a little bit when Jeanio left for the Daddy Daughter dance:

It's Ok....that I am way more excited than the kids to go to the Great Wolf Lodge this Friday!

It's Ok....that I wish I could give Steve-O his birthday present today...but I will wait, I guess

It's Ok....that I am still plugging along on blogging and hoping for more readers! Please share me!

So, what's ok with you today? Link up!

Honky Tonk Woman.....WWTKW!

2012-01-25T12:28:00.000-05:00

Welcome to We Want to Know Wednesdays Q&A!Hosted by Mamarazzi, Queso and Crazymama

Yes, folks, it's that time again...time to link up with WWTKW! Today's questions come from Mamarazzi. Go read her blog-it's hilarious! This is also the SECOND time I've written this very blog post, since my computer is being ridic and deleted half of my post. Rawr.

{1} What is your favorite room in your house and why? Bonus points for a picture.
{2} What is your favorite time of day and why?
{3} What is your favorite genre of music (or band/singer) and why?
{4} What is your favorite "go to" snack? Is it something you keep on hand?
{5} What is your favorite form of exercise or way to keep moving?

1. My favorite room is my great room. We finally bought a new couch that-get this- actually fits all of us! The room isn't fancy, but it's just cozy. Fireplace, my beloved books, pictures of the family, and it's open to the kitchen so we can all visit during dinner prep.

This is our great room, and Jeanio and Steve-O!

2. I don't have a set favorite time of day. It changes depending on the day. Today, the morning has been my favorite. I've been super busy and motivated (I have a presentation at 2 pm!). Some days, the hours after the kids go to bed are the best because Steve-O and I can relax and spend some time together. And other days, it's the time before dinner when we're all hanging out in the kitchen!

3. Oh wow. This is a tough one, Mamarazzi! I love music. All kinds, really. Folk, bluegrass, classical, opera, country, classic rock, pop...you name it. Except hard-core rap. Not much of a fan. My favorite performers EVER, though, are the Rolling Stones. I LOVE me some Mick Jaggar. I saw them in concert at Duke University in 2005-amazing. My favorite song ever is "Honky Tonk Woman"....classic!

4. My favorite non-diet food is cheese. I LOVE cheese. I could eat cheese all day, every day. But since I am trying to eat low cal, my new favorite is a banana. Portable and chock full of all kinds of healthiness! I have two of them in my work lunch box every day. If I kept cheese on hand, I think I'd weigh 1909705706264642836289 pounds.

5. Well, since I'm on a total weight loss kick, I am in to a ton of exercise now. I do Zumba, Brazil Butt Lift (Beach body), weightlifting, cross training, and running. I'm actually pretty excited: my company is sponsoring a group of us in the Surprisingly Cool 10 K in March. I am stoked!

Well, that's all I've got for today...except I wanted to share one thing with you all:

See that? After three years of stress, hard work, and all that comes along with that, I have moved...to an office! Yes, my OFFICE! I moved in yesterday. It's my first office ever-all cubicles before this! A special thanks to my boss for making it happen. I have the best co-workers ever!

Missing two new co-workers who are also awesome, and yes, that is the REAL Heisman trophy from this year.

So, happy Wednesday! Enjoy it!

Death by Feta (Cheese, that is...)

2012-01-21T14:13:00.000-05:00

I don't know if y'all know, but I've been on a diet since the beginning of January. Weight Watchers, actually. I love it. If any one is on there, my screen name is mar_lea if you want to be diet buddies there! I've lost 7 pounds already (well, as of last Sunday-I only weigh myself once a week), 3 inches and a cup size (that part sucks). #flatasaboard

devilsthumbproductions.weebly.com/

I digress.

The recipes and foods you can eat are really amazing. And flavorful, even without the fat...although I miss cheese, my heaven, so much.

Source: neoretro.tumblr.com via Robert on Pinterest

So here's one of my improvised omelets based on a Weight Watchers recipe. According to the Recipe Builder, it's 2 points! WHOOT WHOOT!

DEATH BY FETA

What you need for one serving:

1/4 Cup Reduced Fat Feta Cheese, crumbled

1/4 Cup Eggbeaters

1/2 TBSP Chives, chopped

Paprika

Salt and Pepper

Cooking spray

Spray skillet with cooking spray and put on medium heat. Mix eggbeaters, chives, and salt and pepper in a small mixing bowl. Add to skillet and allow eggs to firm up. Add feta cheese, and fold over half of the omelet. Continue cooking until the eggs are no longer runny. Sprinkle with paprika.

Enjoy!

TAG! I am It...

2012-01-20T13:41:00.001-05:00

Tag I’m IT!

I’ve been tagged by Brittan from A Babbling Brunette. Check out her blog, it's super cute!
The Blogger Game....

The Rules (because everything has to have them!)

1. You must post the rules.

2. Post eleven fun facts about yourself on the blog post.

3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and then create 11 new questions to ask the people you've tagged.

4. Tag 11 people and link them on your post.

5. Let them know you've tagged them!

11 Fun Facts About Me!

1. I am on a serious mission to lose enough weight to fit back into my prom dress. It sounds crazy, but it’s a half size smaller than my wedding dress, so I figured why not push myself?

2. My dog, Nutmeg, is Steve’s and my only baby. She cuddles with us all the time-she is so spoiled. The kids are okay, too, but Nutmeg doesn’t talk back.

3. Although I am now over 30, and need to remember the elasticity of my skin is a fleeting thing, I forget to moisturize my face almost all the time. Even though I have products I love. And I forget sunscreen too-which I know is REALLY bad.

4. I am absolutely, totally, completely afraid of heights. The scariest moment of my life thus far was the first hill on the Millennium Force at Cedar Point. Check it out-scary, isn’t it?!

5. My favorite book ever is Crime and Punishment by Fydor Dostoyevksy.

6. I get nervous when I walk into the TSA Security checkpoint even though I’m not doing anything wrong.

7. I built a website for the girls’ soccer tournament he directs all by myself! I also linked it to Facebook and Twitter. GO me!

8. I love to take naps on the weekends, but I usually feel guilty if I do because there’s always so much to do around the house.

9. We are on a strict budget, but we have a cleaning lady who comes every two weeks. I would rather go without my cell phone than her. And she is awesome.

10. Steve and I basically fell in love at first sight, and he is one of the only men I’ve ever called the first time. I couldn’t wait to talk to him, and broke my “guy calls first rule”.

11. Steve and I had our first date at a sushi place and then we went to a movie. I don’t remember what I had for dinner or what we saw, but I remember exactly what he was wearing.

My Tags:

Well, I don’t know many blogging people. So I’ll tag Amanda, my dear friend from Bonner Place, Mamarazzi, since she has so kindly allowed me, blogger novice, to link up with her We Want to Know Wednesdays!, and Chels at C'est La Vie who links up with WWTKW also, Brianne from Chaos Lives Here because she gave me one of my first comments ever, Nadine Hightower from All Along the Hightower because she's hilarious! and Angel from Confessions of a College Angel because she was one of the first members of my site who I didn’t know in RL! Join in, folks, it could be fun!

A Babbling Brunette’s Questions for Me!

1. What are your favorite boy and girl names?

2. What is your dream job?

3. Do you use Twitter? If not, what the heck not? :)

4. If you could visit anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?

5. Are you a mac or a PC?

6. How many speeding tickets have you gotten?

7. Do you prefer the mountains or the beach?

8. What is your favorite snack?

9. What's your ideal date night?

10. What's your favorite thing about blogging?

11. What do you do during your "me time"?

1. My favorite girl name is Rebecca. It’s my sister’s name. When I was a little girl, I knew a girl in pre-school named Rebecca and I was beyond jealous of her name. I begged my parents to change my name to Rebecca. Instead, they named my sister Rebecca. I was so ~~disappointed~~ pissed.

My favorite boy name is Brad. It was my Daddy’s name. It means “Broad Meadow,” and for whatever reason, I find that comforting. Not to mention, my Dad was an amazing man and I miss him all the time.

2. My dream job is no job. No, really. I love to work, yes. And I love my job (co-workers are awesome). But if I could be independently wealthy and not work, I would volunteer at the kids’ school, sit on community boards, organize fundraisers, you name it. I’d also travel more.

3. I have a Twitter account. I use it VERY sparingly because I just don’t get it.

4. If I could visit anywhere in the world right now, I think I’d go to Fiji and stay in one of those amazing over-water bungalows. I’ve been really stressed lately with work stuff, I could use a beach vacation in paradise.

5. I’m a PC. I would be a MAC person if that’s what I had. I’m not really particular, so long as the technology works.

6. Knock on wood, none. I got pulled over once because I forgot to turn my headlights on coming out of a gas station. The cop pulled me over less than half a block from the gas station exit…overkill. I’d have noticed before too much farther.

7. I prefer neither because I love them both for different reasons. There is nothing more beautiful than springtime in the SC/NC mountains, like up at Lake Jocasee ( a must see if you live in SC or NC and have never been there). There’s also nothing more beautiful than watching the sunset over the water at the beach, or feeling the sun beat down on your back listening to the waves on the beach. I couldn’t possible choose between the two!

8. Cheese and crackers. I die for them. Oh, how I miss them. Dieting sucks.

9. My ideal date night is a fabulous dinner at one of our favorite local eateries, like the Butcher Shoppe, Pietanza, Anakai Sushi, Stonefire Grille, or such, with a nice glass (or two) of wine. Then off to the Vista to bar hop or hang out with friends.

10. I love learning about how other people handle life’s crazy situations. I mean, we all are in this together, and it’s nice to know I’m not the only one in similar predicaments. I also love to read other’s blogs about fashion, food, and beauty tips because I am always on the lookout for something cool.

11. Me time??? Well, honestly, I don’t get a lot. Usually, my “me” time includes a glass of wine and a nice hot bubble bath and a book. I also LOVE to go thrift-store shopping by myself. I find more interesting buys that way!

And here are MY questions for you!

1. If you could go back in time to your 16-year-old self and tell them one thing about what to expect from the future, what would it be and why?

2. What song creates the strongest memory for you and why that song?

3. If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would purchase?

4. What age has been your favorite age to be? Why?

5. Would you want to go back and be that age again?

6. Do you have a favorite outfit? What is it?

7. What do you think is the most overrated product for women out on the market right now?

8. What’s your favorite perfume?

9. If you could afford a summer house and a winter house anywhere in the U.S., where would they be?

10. What’s your favorite recipe?

11. What made you decide to start a blog?

Five More Minutes....We Want to Know Wednesdays

2012-01-18T12:15:00.000-05:00

It's that time of the week again, folks! Linking up with my hosts, Mamarazzi, Queso and Crazymama

for WE WANT TO KNOW WEDNESDAYS!

{1} Which of the following phrases characterizes how you live your life?
a. You only live once
b. test the water before jumping in
c. stability is the key to life
{2} What were you doing the last time you had a really good laugh?
{3} Who is the last person you hugged?
{4} What song always makes you happy when you hear it?
{5} What's the first thing you thought about this morning?

1. Which of the following phrases characterizes how you live your life?

I’d love to say C, but I am really not that organized! Honestly, it’s more like A. I don’t do insanely crazy things, but I do tend to rush headlong into things and then think about consequences (good or bad). Fly by the seat of my pants, if you will….and that’s ok. Steve-O is a C so he keeps us grounded.

2. What was I doing the last time you had a really good laugh?

Oh wow. I laugh all the time. Really. I think the best laugh I’ve had lately was at work yesterday when one of my co-workers commented on my Squirrel blog. She started laughing, so I started laughing. It was one of those things that I ended up with tears in my eyes. I LOVE laughing like that.

3. Who is the last person you hugged?

My Steve-O. But I was kind of angry with him at the time, so I need to give him another hug as soon as I get home. I was in a bad mood this morning-running super late, and got pretty annoyed. I think I need a vacation to de-stress and have some quality time with my Steve-O.

4. Oh my. SO many songs. I love the Chieftains. They remind me of being a kid since my parents played them all the time. Not to mention that Irish music is just phenomenal. I love it. But, then again, I also love ELO’s “Mr. Blue Sky.” How can you not love that song? It reminds me of sunshine and blue birds….yes. GREAT song.

taken from Amazon.com

5. The first thing I thought of this morning was, and I quote, “Nooooo, it cannot be 6 already!” I’ve been so terrible lately about getting out of the bed. I can say that is the WORST time of the day, bar none! It’s been cold and rainy here lately, and gloomy makes me sad. Maybe that’s it. Or maybe I’m just lazy and want to sleep in as long as humanly possible.

taken from http://cheezburger.com/TemplateView.aspx?ciid=2509956

We Get In Touch with Our Inner 'Neck and other stories

2012-01-15T19:26:00.000-05:00

So tonight, my Steve-O is cooking dinner.

This is what we are having:

Source: eol.org via Martha on Pinterest

Yes, that is a squirrel. And just how did squirrel end up going from that to this, you ask?:

and then this:

Well, that's easy. I married a man who seemingly looks like a normal guy. Smart, well-educated, well-spoken. No joke, he is a secret 'Neck. For real-his neck is very red. I mean, he will even off road in a Honda!

I don't mind too much because damn, he is sexy in camouflage hunting clothes.

See, here's a picture of him with the girls before deer hunting:

Super hot. I told you!

However, it would never occur to me to hunt squirrel. Or eat them. They are annoying little creatures who run out in front of my car...but he and Red Head and B-lette have taken up squirrel hunting in the woods around the house. B-lette got a new pellet gun for Christmas, and it turns out, those are really good for ~~blowing away~~ shooting squirrels. And because the boys are sofreakingproud of themselves, we have to eat them. And since I am a great Southern momma, I will eat what my boys brought home....

Wish me luck. I am a leeeeetle nervous. I mean, they are rodents, right????

/media.photobucket.com/image/up%20dug%20squirrel/eagle2586/Squirrel1.gif?o=2

http://iceage.wikia.com/wiki/Scrat

And of course, I can't sign off without my personal pop culture favorite:

Bon Appetite, or whatever....more like "C'mon an'git it!"

Um, Whahht?

2012-01-13T10:36:00.001-05:00

I think I need to start my own link up on UHHH WHHHHAAAATTT?! stories. Crazy things constantly happen to me or members of the family. For realz. And then I have to share because it is hysterically funny, and I get to laugh at myself. Always makes me feel good!

So last weekend, My Steve-O had to drop Red Head off at his mom’s house after the boys’ flag football game. Red Head and Anator had a couple of out of town friends over there, too. I rode along just to get out of the house for a while.

Steve-O’s ex lives in the house that he built, which is about 400 yards from railroad tracks. The kids play out there a lot (and before you freak out, they are extremely cautious…no worries).

Red Head got out of the car, and Steve-O talked with the out of town friends Girl a bit since he’d not seen them in a year or so. They are about Red Head’s and Anator’s age. The Boy OTF was outside playing on the tracks, and we’d seen him walking down them when we drove over.

We headed out. Crossed over the tracks about two miles down on the way home. Steve-O saw Boy OTF walking down the tracks about a half mile down, and….get THIS…decided to DRIVE DOWN THE SIDE OF THE TRACKS TO SAY HI.

Ok. Have you ever SEEN the rocks they side railroad tracks with? Let me show you….(only they ARE BIGGER)

Taken from http://www.pixelperfectdigital.com/free_stock_photos/showphoto.php/photo/5863

Let me also show you what Steve-O was driving:

Taken from http://cars.mitula.us/cars/2004-honda-civic-ex-sedan

Yes. NOT a truck. And NOT four wheel drive.

I ~~yelled at~~ told him it was a BAD idea. The incline was about 60 degrees-I thought FOR SURE we’d tip over. We did not. No. Instead….we got stuck. In VERY deep granite rocks. In MY tiny little Civic.

Taken from http://www.weshipyourcar.com/changing-nationwide-travel/

Thankfully OTF Boy was close, and Anator, Red Head and OTF Girl were running to meet him. Steve-O drove, and we all pushed, sinking into granite rocks the whole time. After about a minute of pushing that damned car, smelling the lovely scent of burning tire, the poor Civic moved. We made it!

We drive the half mile down the tracks and pulled into the road. And that’s when it started RAINING rocks from my undercarriage. The car rattled and sounded ILL. I thought for sure the rocks had popped my new tires.

Steve-O pulled the car over four times to check the tires and the rumbling. Once we made it home, he crawled under the car and pulled NO JOKE-25 MASSIVE granite rocks from the suspension…. MY driveway looked like this:

taken from http://www.techno-fandom.org/~hobbit/pix/rt11a/

My car is still running funny.

And I only have one thing to say:

Taken from http://hillarytoldyouso.tumblr.com/

It's Ok!

2012-01-12T13:40:00.000-05:00

Linking up with Neely from A Complete Waste of Makeup today! Feeling kinda irritated with life in general today, so my creative juices are not flowing. But you know what?

...

It's OK....

....That I ranted to my awesome co-workers about injustice this morning!

....to be really excited to take my most AWESOME mother in law out for her birthday dinner tomorrow at the The Melting Pot.

...and that outing is the highlight of our long weekend!

...to be slightly obsessed with fitness and diet right now since I am UBER motivated to lose my newlywed 15 pounds

...to not care in the least that my current weight loss obsession might be irritating to others

....to be really excited about Steve-O's birthday and his presents I bought. I can't WAIT to give them to him!

...to be generally irritated beyond all reason with my natural born children, especially the Jeanio.

...that I have stress induced migraines that don't seem to go away, and yet I will not make and keep a doctors appointment because it's too much of a hassle and I don't want to waste vacation time

....to know that even though I only have a few readers, I am totally hooked to blogging!

and FINALLY,

...to know that it's ok to be nervous about our meeting tomorrow

So there you have it. This is what is OK with me this week! One more day, right, one more day. T-G-I-F.

...

Har-dee-har-har.....We Want to Know Wednesdays!

2012-01-11T08:52:00.001-05:00

Welcome to We Want to Know Wednesdays, Hosted by Mamarazzi, Queso, and Crazymama!

This week's Q &A comes from Crazymama, and away we go!!!

{1} What is your most commonly used word or phrase when you are frustrated?

{2} What random question do you usually get from strangers or casual acquaintances?

{3} Did you ever correspond by mail with anyone, who? Do you still have the letters?

{4} Do you dance in public? why or why not?

{5} What is your favorite kind of chapstick/lip balm?

1. Sadly, my most commonly used word or phrase when I am frustrated is the BIG ONE. Yes, that's right. The F Bomb. I know, I know, it is a terrible word. Not a classy word either. I will tell you that I never ever direct it to my kids (or try to say it in front of them), but at work, in the car, when I drop/break/spill something...it's my first reaction. It just sums everything up so well. I think I need a synonym.

taken from legaljuice.com

2. My Steve-O and I have four children. Two are his, two are mine. They are 12, 11, 11, and 9 (Jeanio will be 10 in a month). Anyway, they clearly look nothing alike. However, random people will say "OMG, you gave birth to ALL of them??? How far apart are they?". They also like to point out that I "must have been a kid myself when I had them...". Yes, I will admit, I was 20 when my oldest was born, but I brought him home from the hospital on my first (first marriage) wedding anniversary. So at least I was of voting age....However, my absolute favorite is "OH! Wow, do you have an Alice??? Y'know, like the BRADY BUNCH?? MARSHA, MARSHA, MARSHA!!". Har-dee-har-har...

Taken from epguides.com

3. I LOVE writing letters and cards. I write to my Mamaw a lot, and she writes to me. I keep all of them because someday she won't be here and I want to be able to revisit all of our memories. Steve-O and I write to each other every so often and mail those, too. I love those letters! I also write letters to my kids a couple of times a year, so they all have a written memory of how proud I am of them and how much I love them.

taken from channel9.msdn.com

4. I do indeed dance in public (I wish you could hear the audible groan that comes from the kids when I do in their presence). I am TERRIBLE. I do not care ~~after I've had a cocktail or two~~ at all. I dance in the car, I dance a bit at the grocery store, restaurants...yep. It's fun and I can't help it! I love music!

Taken from one of my favs: cheezburger.com

5. Ican'tlivewithoutlipbalm. I will stop what I am doing and go get some if I don't have any. I have two favorites. One favorite is Chapstick regular because that was my dad's obsession. He carried them in his pockets, in the car, strategically placed them about the house, in coats, at his work...you name it-it was there. When he died, it took months to not find them in the dryer. I think he put them there for laughs. My personal favorite that I use 56487875759721696 times a day is Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm. It tingles when you put it on and it smells sooooo good. Yup. My favorite!

taken from burtsbees.com

So, there you have it....my Q &A for this Week! LINK up! Have some fun!!! And enjoy the rest of your week!

M.I.A and my apologies!

2012-01-10T08:18:00.000-05:00

I've been MIA for about a week now....I've missed posting and stalking blogs! No, really, I had a several-day migraine. It was nofun. I missed a few days of work and everything.

Here's a rendering of me, no bueno:

The lightning bolts are migraine, just in case my artistic ability has astounded your interpretation skills!

Anyway, by Saturday evening I felt a lot more human. In fact, I felt human enough to finally put our Christmas decorations away and drive all over hell's creation to buy a finger splint (apparently they are hard to find, thank you to Walgreen's for having them!)....for the Red Head. He received his very first sports-related injury of merit. He broke two fingers catching a football during his flag football practice!

I know it sounds terrible, but Steve-O and I were proud of him for toughing it out. He kept playing and even caught a touch down pass! GO RED HEAD!!!!

Later that evening, my Jeanio had a sleepover. Her newest thing is mermaids. It's hilarious. I'll leave you with this picture....

I promise as soon as I am caught up with the massive amounts of work emails, we will have a nice long visit. I have another "Uh, Whhaaaaat?!" story for your enjoyment!

Barbie's Dream House-We Want to Know Wednesdays

2012-01-04T08:27:00.000-05:00

I am linking up with another of my favorite blogs I stalk today. Attempt 2-last week didn't work....MOE (Martha Operator Error). So here it is:

Welcome to We Want to Know Wednesdays Q &A!

Hosted by Mamarazzi, Queso, and Crazymama....

{1} What do you love about blogging?

{2} What is your favorite scent of candle/air freshener?

{3} How would you describe your style?

{4} What are 3 things your dream home would have that your current home doesn't have?

{5} Do you look at your keyboard when you type?

And here I go:

1. What I love about blogging?

---- Well, blogging is still pretty new to me, and I clearly don't have a ton of followers. But I like having a "diary" of sorts about the crazy, funny, ridic things that happen in our lives. I also like reading others' blogs to know that I am not going insane, there are others out there like me.

2. What is your favorite scent of candle/air freshener?

---Sadly, my Steve-O despises all air fresheners, so I don't use them anymore...but candles? My favorite is Autumn Wreath. I love how it smells like Ohio in the fall, one of my favorite things in life ever.

3. How would you describe your style?

--- Since I am at work for ~~most~~ some of my life, I get stuck with Business casual. Yuck. But if it were up to me, I'd be in jeans and sweaters with boots when it's cold, and cute skirts and T's in the summer.

4. What are 3 things your dream home would have that your current home doesn't have?

---Ah....Well. I will try to keep it at three.... My dream home would have a six burner gas stove with a double and convection oven. I LOVE to cook and cook BIG-more burners=I die. My dream home would also have one of those awesome showers with the 2458787687 faucets. Sigh. And third, an outdoor kitchen with all the bells and whistles so we could spend all summer outside.

Hello, heaven.

Taken from premierbathtubs.blogspot.com

5. Do you look at your keyboard when you type?

---My mom and I got into a huge argument back in the 9th grade. I wanted to take Home Ec. She made me take keyboarding with a lady that acted and sort of looked like Miss Viola Swamp from Mrs. Nelson is Missing! I hated that class. But I don't look while I'm typing. Miss Swamp would probably come and haunt me.

It's OK

2011-12-29T08:18:00.001-05:00

Hey! It's Thursday! Time for It's Ok from A Complete Waste of Makeup!

I am suffering through the worst week of the year to be at work-I hope all of you are enjoying your time off. Counting down the minutes til I am off....

It's OK:

....to be a big baby about the bruise on my arm

....to have spent an extra 30 minutes sleeping this morning, even though I knew I'd be late

....to have eaten a TON of red meat last night, as a sort of "Last Hurrah" before Jan. 3rd dieting

...to have to squint looking at a restaurant specials board because I forgot my glasses at work

....to be a little put out that another couple laughed at me for not being able to see said special board

....to be excited that the kids will be gone this weekend

....to be sad that the kids will be gone this weekend

....to already be planning what to do with my 2012 vacation time

and Finally:

...It's OK that I am making NO New Years Resolutions. Nope not one.

So there you have it-It's OK Thursday, the last one of the year (and my second one ever....)!

Christmas Withdrawal

2011-12-23T16:20:00.002-05:00

Wow, Christmas FLEW by this year. I can't believe it's over...the planning, the prepping, the cooking....Whew. We will be eating leftovers forever.

The kids made out like bandits, as did my Steve-O. He always tells me not to spoil him, but I love getting him things I know he will like. It makes me very happy. Isn't that so odd -all the time when you were a kid, people would tell you the joy is in the giving? You never QUITE believed it, but now that you're older, you know it's true!

Here's a quick rundown of my fave gifts of the year:

The Littlest got this one, only with brown eyes.

Coolest thing EVER. Will have to post movie of it. LOVE!

Just in case Papa is not avaliable.

My personal fav. Delish.

Time for outside!

Trail camera= Red head's deer heaven

Yes, a good haul. But the best part, by far, was spending time with the four kids, my mom, our dog, and each other. I hope you all had the best Christmas!

And as Tiny Tim says:

It's Ok Thursdays!

2011-12-22T18:28:00.001-05:00

My first ever link-up, with thanks to A Complete Waste of Makeup and http://ababblingbrunette.blogspot.com/ (and I really hope this is how I do this!!!)

Merry Christmas, everyone!

So, here goes,

It's OK...

...to not really know what to do with myself on a day off

...to rely on dry shampoo on most days

...to not want to bother to work out since it is the holidays

...to curse at someone for pulling out in front of me, and then realize the windows are open!

...to enjoy the seasonably warm weather, but secretly wish it was snowing

...to think that all Wal Mart shoppers are crazy this time of year

...to set aside an entire day to bake stuff for Christmas dessert

...to buy more presents for my Steve-O just because I love him so much

...to take the doggie with me shopping so I didn't have to go by myself

...to dance around to Boston while dusting

...to watch the entire series of Friends over and over again

MERRY CHRISTMAS, ALL!

Merry Merry, Quite Contrary

2011-12-21T08:52:00.000-05:00

Just kidding. Nothing to be contrary about!

I am so excited about Christmas this year, even if it is 74 degrees here and raining. And that I'm at work while my kiddos and Steve-O are on break. Sniff...

Oh, Happy Early Winter Solstice, by the way!

(I couldn't resist, sorry)

My Jeanio came to work after lunch yesterday because we had a cookie swap. Yum. I made Potato Chip Chocolate Chip cookies. They were verrry yum. I made almost 5 dozen, both for home and for work, and they are now gone. Santa will need more cookies at our house. I thought I'd share the recipe with you all. A co-worker of mine says I should market them to pregnant women because it combines two wonderful cravings: salt and chocolate. My Steve-O came up with the best marketing line ever.

"Because you can't get any more healthy by adding 4 cups of potato chips to chocolate chip cookies!"

Yup, I dig them.

Death by Cabbage

2011-12-13T09:17:00.001-05:00

I told my co-worker that I would post the recipe for this most fabulous side dish about a week ago. So here it is-and trust me, it is that good.

CREAMED CABBAGE

(Tweaked from a recipe at allrecipes.com)

Ingredients:

One whole head of cabbage, washed, dried, cored and cut into bite sized pieces
One package smoked bacon, cut into bite sized pieces
One 8 ounce tub of sour cream
One stick of butter, quartered
Two Tbsp. All-Purpose Flour
Salt and Pepper to taste

Fry bacon in a skillet until cooked through (not crispy). Set aside on a paper towel covered plate to cool. Do not rinse the skillet. Add flour, butter, and salt in pepper to the skillet used for the bacon. Whisk together. Add cabbage and cook until cabbage is tender (about 15 minutes). Add the bacon and sour cream, stir together.

Viola! Death by Cabbage....only 167497200574384120856768624 calories. However, since it is between Thanksgiving and New Year's, it is totally calorie free!

Another whhhaahhhtt!?

2011-12-10T13:58:00.004-05:00

Phew! I made it through the week....It was touch and go there for a bit.

It never fails that once in a while, I am reminded that I am very accident prone (i.e. clumsy). Like the time when I was 3 and I decided it would be an awesome idea to walk across my mom's glass table. Or when I was 13 and I fell of my bike and dislocated my elbow the day before 8th grade started. Oh, wait I know-what about the time I slammed a window down so hard the glass broke and I had to get stitches. And of course there is the ever fabulous time I broke my ankle as I chased Brad in his Power Wheels. How could I forget the time I got stuck on top of a Rocky Mountain foothill because the wind was so strong?

Now this is NOT one of those stories, but it's pretty funny and I had to share. And it DOES have something to do with gale force winds....

This Wednesday, we had a yuck day. Rainy, cloudy, cold, and very windy. At work, we could hear it howling outside our windows. Wednesday also happened to be the last day I could take donated toys from work to Steve-O for his school's Winter Days. And of course at the end of the day, I had put off getting toys from a co-worker's car until it started pouring down rain. A co-worker volunteered to help me carry them, which was great.

Out we went. I borrowed another co-worker's umbrella to *maybe* spare me from looking like a drowned rat. Ha. Yeah right. As soon as we left the shelter of the building, this is what happened:

Now mind you, my hands are full of toys, including a rather awkward rocking horse. The wind is continuously gusting so hard I couldn't even lift my arms to try to close the umbrella. And then, of course, I picked that moment, in the pouring cold rain and gale force wind, to have a laughing fit. I laughed so hard tears came...I just couldn't stop!

After regaining some kind of sense, I got to my car and all was good.

And then I remembered that we have cameras that film the parking lot. I came inside to find our security guard (who is a very nice and pleasant man-I like him a lot) and a small audience of co-workers laughing hysterically after viewing my umbrella mishap. Oops.

All in a day's work!

**********************************************************************************

On a side note, the Lea family light decorating was completed Thursday night. Steve-O sends the kids up our sycamore tree to string the lights. It's hilarious.

Enjoy.

This is my personal favorite.

Um, whahht?

2011-12-07T12:27:00.002-05:00

I had to share this story with y'all. It was just that funny (well, it is now).

I may or may not have mentioned that my Steve-O and I are a blended family of six. Yes, folks, that's right. Two grown-ups outnumbered by four children (two boys, two girls), three of whom are pre-teens. Scary, huh? We also have a mutt dog, Nutmeg, who is fabulous in every possible way.

Well, needless to say, we have a sheehole ton of laundry to do on a daily basis. We taught the kids how to do their own because it would take us 54645487838511 hours to do all of it....since it is basically a continuous stream of dirty laundry.

So, Monday night, Steve-O and I are getting ready for bed and we hear this massive thud. Being the protective Papa Bear (rawr!) he is, Steve-O checked out all the kids' rooms and closets to see what had fallen, but discovered nothing. We chalked it up to the furnace turning on, and thought nothing more about it.

OHMYLORD were we wrong.

No, our floor is not usually shiny, toilet tab blue. Yes, that is an entire container of laundry soap (yes, that is the cheapest stuff you can get-because that's how I roll). No, we did not clean it up then-we had to wait until after work.

And whose fault was this, you ask? Well, that's easy.

Steve-o's, of course. I ~~NAGGED~~ TOLD him not to put that bottle on the top shelf. He didn't listen because he is one of those ~~anal-retentive~~ "everything has a place and every thing in its place" kind of guys.

I'm actually satisfied that I had to take Bradlette to the doctor for his 11 Y.O. checkup and conveniently missed out on the two-hour long clean-up. HA!

If you're hungry, you could eat off my laundry room floor....

Tuesday Afternoon!

2011-12-06T13:05:00.001-05:00

Whew....it's only Tuesday (Cue the Moody Blue's "Tuesday Afternoon")!

Things are, as usual, borderline insane at our house. Last week, we put up the Christmas decorations, I finished Christmas shopping (barring any future impulse buys-which I know are coming), the boys had their first flag football game, and the girls spent the weekend at Mimi's baking Red Velvet Cake Cookies . This week is only just beginning. My Steve-O has a double header tonight and I have about 1927326492466 Christmas presents to wrap and Christmas cards to write.

I need a nap.

Anyway, I've been playing around with my blog layout. I still have a lot to learn. Advice or know how would be greatly appreciated!

Until later, my friends!

Recovery

2011-11-30T13:20:00.002-05:00

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!

I am still recovering from mine. I need a weekend with nothing to do in order to do so, but as always, that doesn't happen anymore!

We has an amazing time in Las Vegas. We stayed at the Tropicana , which was fabulous! They recently remodeled all of it, and it was very nice. And my favorite color-orange! Let me also just say that Las Vegas is the craziest place I've even been. The sights, the sounds, the smells (yes-the smells), the booze, the people watching, the food....the list goes on. Yes, friends, that place is full of debauchery and madness. I will definitely be back.

Isn't he so handsome? Steve-not Caesar!

We were in Vegas from about 9 their time on Wednesday to 2 pm their time on Friday. Then it was hustle to the airport, fly back to Charlotte, go home and prepare for.......

Now, if you are even remotely a college football fan, you would know that tailgating is an all-day thing. You get there for the pre-game party no matter what.We arrived at the fairgrounds at 2. The rest is history.
The game was amazing! I am so proud to be a transplant Gamecock! The stadium was so loud-it was shaking in the upper decks (where we were, of course)! THREE-PEAT! THREE-PEAT!

(taken from B. Totherow from gamecocksonline.com)

We had a great time, obviously. Our group's picture is on the Pre-Game Picture slide show (here-we are the 16th picture with the alien...yes, I said alien). The only bad thing was a great friend of ours was hit by a car and it broke her leg....and no, it was not her fault. Stupid van....

The next morning, we got in the car and drove all the way to Beckley, West Virginia to pick up B and B. It was a loooooooong day. We picked them up and drove all the way home. There were four good things about this long journey.

1. The kids are HOOOOOOMEEEE!!!!

2. Nutmeg slept on my lap in the front seat the whole time, and she is especially cuddly.

3. I got to spend even more time with my husband!

4. I got to eat at Bob Evan's (B.E.'s!!!), a staple of all Ohioans. And I had their chicken noodle soup. While not the best I've ever had, it is Bob Evan's chicken noodle soup and that makes it fantastic.

(taken from the daytondish.com)

We didn't pull into the driveway until 10:45. Work the next morning came waytoofast! We The kids were ~~ferocious monsters~~ kind of cranky the next day.

Now, who's ready for Christmas???? HAHAHAHA!

Keratin Blow Out

2011-11-19T09:33:00.000-05:00

I don't have a ton of time to blog, but....

I have straight hair!!!

I went to Oh! Salon to use a Living Social coupon I purchased a while ago (and had forgotten about...because that's just who I am). Victoria (my stylist) did a great job! I will have to post pictures later because I am really supposed to be cleaning and doing laundry to get ready for our Early Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow.

The Gym

2011-11-09T15:24:00.003-05:00

So for the past few years, I have had a ~~hate/hate~~ love/hate relationship with the gym across the street from where I work. I hate it most days, but I do have to admit I love the way working out makes me feel after it's done.
Anyway, I used to run 3 times a week on the treadmill, but my 31-year old knees can't stand it anymore. The last time I ran for any regular length of time, my knee made a sound like a creaking door. For several miles. I don't think that is a good sound. So this time, I decided to bike using the recumbent bike.

I know it looks ~~completely weak and lame~~ super hard and difficult, and I love it! And I can bike 20+ miles without my knees making that icky sound. (If I could paste in a sound, I so would but I haven't figured it out yet). I average about 100 miles a week now, and although I am not losing my "I'm Married-I'm Happy-Steve-O and I Love a Cocktail at Happy Hour" weight, I can tell I am getting more fit and toning some muscles. Now, if only I can get down to that pre-wedding weight-Jamaica Honeymoon weight.

For the past few weeks, I've gone to the gym after work around 4. The gym is PACKED. Everyone is really nice though, and no one uses the ~~PANSY ASS~~ BAD ASS recumbent bike at 4. So I set the timer for 80 minutes and turn on the lovely built in TV and start pedaling.

Friends is on from 4-7, so it's perfect.

Last night, I start my workout. I'm breaking a sweat and on mile 10 when an older man comes in and sits at the bike next to me. The work out equipment is thisclose to each other, more than a little awkward and invasive of your personal space, so I really hate when someone comes in to use the bike when I'm there.

But this guy? Ugh.

First, he's one of THOSE kind of work out guys. Brings a towel. Grunts, sighs, stretches while biking...YUCK.

Then he is a "Peeker". As in he peeks over to your equipment to see how fast you are going. I hate that! I don't need someone I don't even know making me feel like a total weakling.

And he gave me a dirty look and a loud obnoxious sigh when I started laughing at the episode where Ross asks Rachel to help him move a couch into his apartment. When Ross started yelling "PIVOT!", I cracked up. I couldn't help it. I was tired, hungry...and it is freaking hilarious. Well, THAT guy didn't appreciate it at all and looked at me like I was crazy.

<<<<Come on, you know it is hilarious-you're laughing, I can tell>>>>

And the worst part? The guy smelled like Elizabeth Arden's Sunflowers which is disgusting and so not what I want to smell while sweating and pedaling.

Maybe my laughing scared him off. HA!

The Roller Coaster

2011-11-06T21:02:00.002-05:00

From Parenthood (1989)

Grandma: You know, when I was nineteen, Grandpa took me on a roller
coaster.
Gil: Oh?
Grandma: Up, down, up, down. Oh, what a ride!
Gil: What a great story.
Grandma: I always wanted to go again. You know, it was just so
interesting to me that a ride could make me so frightened, so
scared, so sick, so excited, and so thrilled all together! Some
didn't like it. They went on the merry-go-round. That just goes
around. Nothing. I like the roller coaster. You get more out of it.

Wise words, Grandma. Wise words.

It has been stressful lately at the house of Lea.

Grandma's quote makes me feel better about the effort I've made in raising the kids. They are probably the scariest, tallest, fastest, twistiest, upside down roller coaster in the world. Hell, sometimes I think this whole parenting thing actually more accurately mirrors the mine car debacle in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (remember, the track wasn't even finished in some places? Flying over hot lava? Yeah. That's life at our house!).

But I know overall, we have four amazing and wonderful kids. They are smart, loving, kind, and generous, despite the issues they have and that we, as their parents, have.
We are all in for a wild ride.

Why High Gravity Beer is Slightly Evil

2011-10-29T14:30:00.002-04:00

Last night, my husband and I went to dinner at The Butcher Shoppe Grille. Let me tell you, the food was amazing! My filet, at the bargain price of $14 for 6 oz, was so tender, I could cut it with a fork. And the atmosphere was incredible! We will be back for sure.

Anyway, of course with our dinner we had to have drinks. I, of course, had El Perla blend red to go with my fabulous red meat. My husband, who adores IPA, couldn't decide on what to have. So I decided for him-Widner Brother's Deadlift Imperial IPA. It was a hoppy, tasty bit of wonderfulness. I even liked it. Good thing I only had a sip though because Steve-O, well....he had three.

We were there for about three hours enjoying our dinner sans ~~minions~~ darling children. By the time we left, Steve-O was singing along to the radio and trying to dance. This is not good because he sounds pretty much like a dying cat crossed with a hyena. His sense of rhythm leaves A LOT to be desired.

He also woke up with a headache. I told him to re-hydrate and take Tylenol because tonight is the Palins' BIG night on the town.

First Day

2011-10-28T11:46:00.004-04:00

As if I don't have enough to do and enough social networking ~~obsessions~~ interests, I have become hooked on blogs. I have read some good ones, some bad ones, and some that have made me laugh out loud and then be scolded by my co-workers for seemingly laughing at nothing. I figure: "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em!" I also have a ~~terrible memory~~ no time to document things that happen in my life, coupled with a complete lack of scrapbook/photo album interest(er...laziness)...perhaps blogging will help?!

Normally, I am pretty anxious for the weekend to start, but, after this week (especially today) I am going a bit crazy. Why? Well, first, because it is HALLOWEEN! I love love love Halloween. It is my favorite holiday, second only to Thanksgiving-and really that is only because I like to cook so much. Steve-O and I are going as one of those disgusting "couple" costumes. But hey, it's ok because we are going as.......drumrolll....

Yes! I CAN see Russia from my house! Steve-O even grew a beard to make sure his Todd Palin is right on target. I don't like it, but authenticity is really important when Halloween dressing. We are still debating if a camo/politician suit combination would be funnier.

Second, the kids are also going to their Mimi's for a Down on the Farm weekend. I am really looking forward to having a day or two without kids to ~~sleep in til 11 am and then party down in the Vista until the wee hours~~ spend time with Steve-O and relax. The kids and their soccer schedule, art classes, cheer classes, school work, chores etc. have been a bit...er...taxing. I need to be around adults for the next couple of days.

And finally, third, I've been a good girl- working out everyday this week and counting calories. But tonight, we are going to dinner at the The NY Butcher Shoppe and Grille. I am having a big hunk of steak and red wine. And potatoes. And then I will run in the morning. A very long way.