(12 of 12) 2.0: July

I managed to charge my camera battery and complete my 12 of 12 for July. Enjoy!

Carpooling to work with the LOML.

At work checking my email...this is a e-card from my girlfriend Joy.

The Christmas lights all lit up. I was testing to make sure they worked as the LOML's department is celebrating Christmas in July.

I'm outside my office building waiting for the LOML to pick me up for lunch.

The fabu ring my girlfriend Cristin got me for my B-Day.

The view from my office building. Beautiful McDowell Mountains.

Leftovers from lunch- very yummy pizza from NYPD.

Cheese crackers- my afternoon snack

What I am currently reading- love Meg Cabot books!

Shopping with the LOML at one of our favorite places.

This letter arrived in the mail today. It was our $5 gift card that we won playing bingo on National Bingo Night. We were excited to receive it.

Big Brother 8 - The moment it was announced Carol was evicted.

My bonus pic for the word HOT. I just took this at 9:50PM and it is 101 degrees outside!

Nice Arizona summer evening!

The first visit from the tooth fairy...

My 5 yr. old niece lost her first tooth. It's a very big deal when you get your first visit from the tooth fairy. Here she is all grins with one little tooth missing.

My Birthday Pics...

Hi dear family and friends! Here are a few pics from my birthday dinner at Carrabba's Italian Restaurant with my family.

My lovely mom!

The LOML and here I am wearing the beautiful necklace he gave me for my birthday!

My bros!

My niece and nephew.

The LOML is now a CPHT!

It's official. The LOML passed his CPHT (Certified Pharmacy Tech) test! Here he is showing off his CPHT Certificate. Congratulations Babe!

Big Brother is back starting July 5th!

Here's a preview from CBS on the new House Guests for BB8. Can't wait!

Click here to see the video on the CBS website.

Addicted to Lip Balm? Here's how to get help.

I saw this article on Yahoo! about addiction to lip balm. I thought this must be a joke until I read the article and asked myself the same questions as the founder of Lip Balm Anonymous suggested. Could I live without lip balm? No. Could I give it up cold turkey? No. I suppose I better start participating in the 12 step program to wean myself off of lip balm. *sigh*

What's your VisualDNA?

A friend sent me this fun site. Click on the title to this blog to find out your own VisualDNA. Here is mine...

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

12 of 12 for June & summer TV

Funny thing is I can't seem to locate my small camera that makes it so handy to shoot my 12 of 12. So, I am forgoing the 12 of 12 for this month and will do better for next month. I know everyone's dying to see what my day is like on the 12th of the month. lol.

Summer TV is finally here which means there are a couple of shows I am looking forward to watching.

Big Love which actually started last night on HBO. The LOML and I are addicted to it. We are excited to see what happens to Bill, his three wives, and that wacky fundamentalist compound of Juniper Hill.

Entourage which comes back this Sunday, June 17th on HBO will be as entertaining as ever watching Vince and his entourage continue to make it big in Hollywood.

Big Brother starts on July 3rd with a new group of houseguests. Last summer I got the LOML hooked on the show that aired three nights a week. There is something fascinating about watching this group of people stuck in a house with just themselves for entertainment. I just read on EW.com that they are now offering Big Brother, After Dark on Showtime. This is where if you haven't had enough with watching it three nights a week that you can now watch them from 12am to 3am every night. A bit intriguing.

Never this graceful after falling down...

Poor Miss USA falling down however I do have to admire how graceful and quick she stood back up and put on two big smiles! I would never EVER be this graceful and would've probably just stayed down! See Miss USA's graceful trip.

Happy Memorial Weekend!

Here we are after spending a bit too much time in the pool today.

We officially look like lobsters and are a bit drained from too much sun!

Happy Memorial Weekend!

Happy 7th Birthday to our Pumpkin!

Today is my nephew's 7th birthday. Happy Birthday Pumpkin!

Here's a few pics from his bowling birthday party from last Saturday...

Daniel & Brycen

Grandma & Brycen

Brycen and his Auntie (that's me!) : )

Brycen & his bud/cousin Cody

It's hot in AZ and time for haircuts

It's that time of year here in AZ...100+ temps therefore it's time for short hair-do's! Buzz cut for the LOML and a short layered look for me. Ah, nice and cool!

How popular is your name?

Happy Friday to all!

News for us is that we officially worked our last night at JoAnn's on Wednesday. Yipee! They were starting to mess with our schedules and they still hadn't moved the LOML from Home Decorating after he'd asked two months ago. So long JoAnn's!

Here's some Friday fun- check it out.

Find out how popular your first name has been over the past 100 years, just click below and enter your first name.
http://www.birthdayalarm.com/name

Omaha trip

A few photos from our time in Omaha...

The family watching Nelson's soccer game.

Nelson scoring a goal!

Murphy saving the goal.


Murhpy, Nelson and Grandpa.
Murphy looking simply beautiful in her First Holy Communion gown and Nelson looking very sharp in his outfit!


Here we are after Murphy's Communion.

The blog slacker that I am....

I know I'm slacking on my blog updates so here is what's been going on.

The LOML and I just got back from Omaha visiting his family. It was his niece's First Holy Communion so we all gathered in Omaha to celebrate. I'll post some pictures this weekend.

At work I was promoted to a SR. Analyst - yeah for me! Then a few days later we were notified that my department was splitting up reporting to different areas. I will now be reporting to a wonderful VP which I couldn't be happier about!

I am sad to report that my Tia Alice (my grandma's sister) passed away on Wednesday. We will all miss her but know that she is in a much better place.

I like to read blogs from some of my favorite authors. There is one author that I enjoy reading because it is focused on the Mormon religion and for some reason I find it fascinating to read about their beliefs (Mom, no worries I'm not thinking of joining just find it interesting). Here's a link to Natalie R. Collins site. I found it interesting that the Mormon's have their own search engine which you can read more about it here.

BTW, I have read her first book and it was so good that I couldn't put it down and stayed up way too late one night trying to finish it. I will be picking up her second book and am sure the same thing will happen.

TGIF!!!

12 of 12 2.0: April

Here is my 12 of 12 for April. An original concept by Chad Darnell . Yes, I finally managed to do my first one for 2007. So, much for being consistant starting in January. Oh well, enjoy.

This is my beautiful handcrafted wooden cross purchased from an adorable shop in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico in December 2005. I took this because my cousin wanted a pic so she could purchase one like it. She keeps telling one day this will be gone from my mantle- I don't think so!

This is me all ready to head for the office.

This is the console of my Sorento. Just put a mixed cd in to help ease the battle of the 101 traffic.

The 101 traffic. I swear I was just at a standstill before I took this pic!

My new office. We just moved to a new building in Scottsdale and this is the new digs that I park my butt in for 40+ hours a week.

My friend Rebecca S. and I took a walk from the office to Subway for lunch. Here I am popping behind a blooming cactus.

Rebecca's hand pointing to an ant carrying something way bigger than itself. Strong little sucker!

Watching the "funny moments" episode of Ugly Betty. Sure was disappointed it wasn't a new episode.

The LOML preparing dinner.

Dinner - Take out chinese from one of our favorite places Dragon Palace. So, the LOML didn't have to prepare too hard but hey he did have to drive to pick it up!

Here I am playing Sweet Tooth on Pogo.

10 p.m. news - very big news tonight! We got 100ths of an inch of rain tonight! Here's a photo of the "Storm Team" from our local ABC network reporting on the "heavy" rain. Yep folks that little bit of rain is BIG news in Arizona.

This is my bonus pic. My word was Hurt. I broke the middle finger nail tonight. No, I wasn't flipping anyone off when it broke. Not even quite sure how I broke it but it did hurt just a little.

Funny lady check it out....

Happy Easter to my family and friends!

Girly glitter comments from www.GirlyTags.com

A little disturbing to say the least...

This video is kinda funny at first of the kid screaming on the ride but then it takes a serious turn when the kid gets loose and looks like he is about to fall out of the ride. The disturbing part of the video is the lady next to him which I assume to be the mother. She is cackling like a hyena the whole time and doesn't seemed concerned when the kid is screaming that he is stuck and that it hurts. I don't know you be the judge.

Happy St. Patty's Day!

cute myspace layout

Catchy song & video from Avril

Check out this video from Avril Lavigne. Not sure what it is but I'm kinda digging it.

My Grandma: Isn't She Lovely!

My Grandma turned 80 on February 14th. Isn't she a beautiful, young looking 80 year old?!

Oscars tonight- Yipee!!

Yep, it's Hollywood's big night and I'm all caught up in it. I've been watching the E! coverage of the Red Carpet and it all so exciting. So, I think the best dressed are Penelope Cruz, Cate Blanchett, Cameron Diaz. Kate Winslet and Leo Dicaprio. So far the worst dressed are Kristen Dunst, Rachel Weiz and Anne Hathaway.

Well, enjoy the show because I know I sure will...Happy Oscar watching.

Our very own Christopher Columbus

My nephew had a program at school where they dressed up as famous American's to have Tea at the White House. My nephew picked Christopher Columbus. He had to dress up as him and learn about his life and why he was significant to America. Here is my nephew all dressed up....what a cutie if I do say so myself!

Busy, Busy, Busy....

Well, it has been a busy few weeks since I've last posted to all my dear family and friends. Here's what's been going on....

I'm not doing so well with the braces. If I hadn't had the 4 teeth pulled I would be taking the pliers and pulling them off! I never anticipated the pain involved AND nobody bothered to mention it to me. I would have seriously thought twice if someone had said how awful I would be feeling. If you'd like to send some sympathy cards you may want to direct them to the LOML. He is the one that has to put up with me having the braces for the next 24 months!

We had Grandma Lucy's 80th surprise party. It ended up being a bit larger than we originally thought because so many people love my Grandma and how could they not after all she is one great lady! She was completely surprised and thrilled that we took the time to celebrate her life. I'll be dowloading pictures tonight and will log back on to share some of the fun.

I mentioned that the LOML and I are working at Joann's part-time. We are both finding the retail business to be physically harder on us (we've done retail before but you tend to forget these things after 10 or so years). We feel like we work harder there than at our full-time jobs. I know the LOML doesn't like the job but he said the gauntlet has been thrown from my previous post where I mentioned I didn't know how long he would last Now, just to clarify I never threw down a gauntlet. I truly didn't think he'd be happy working in Home Decorating especially since he works with a gal that smells like fish (she eats the same thing for lunch every day fish and white jello - pew wee!).

My last thought for the morning are in the entertainment world. Fascinating stuff going on with Anna Nicole's death and Britney shaving her head going from rehab center to rehab center. Just goes to show you money can't buy you happiness.

Officially a Metal Head...

Yep, just as the title to my blog states I just got braces put on today. My next step is to have four teeth pulled because supposedly I have too many teeth for my small mouth and I am NOT looking forward to having that done! Here's a photo of me with my braces. I'm not smiling because I'm happy to have them on it's just there's no way to see them w/out the smile. The only bright spot in all this is it will force me to drop some poundage- yay!

I Will Survive!

I stumbled across this blog and thought this would be fun to do...

1. Put your music player on shuffle.
2. Press forward for each question.
3. Use the song title as the answer to the question.

Q: What does next year have in store for you?
"Escape – The Pina Colada song", by Various artist on a 70’s album

Exactly what I need this year!

Q: What does your love life look like next year?
"Kisses don’t Lie", by Rhianna

So true. Hoping it should be a good year w/the LOML!

Q: What do you say when life gets hard?
"You had me at Hello", by Kenney Chesney

hmm...the hard part of life had me at hello?!

Q: Song that reminds you of good times?
"When You Kiss Me", by Shania Twain

Yes, definitely good times.

Q: What do you think when you get up in the morning?
"Holiday", by Green Day

I'm always wishing I were on "Holiday"!

Q: What song will you dance to at your wedding?
"Black Magic Woman", by Various Artist from 70’s CD

I suppose this is the wrong approach to wedded bliss.

Q: Song that reminds you of your first kiss?
"The One That Got Away", by Pink

Certainly don't agree with that one!

Q: Your favourite saying?
"Pump It”, by Black Eyed Peas

Not really a favorite saying but it's a good energizing song.

Q: Favourite place?
"Clarity”, by John Mayer

Hmmm, maybe I need be in a place of clarity?! Does my IPod know something I don't?

Q: Most Missed Memory?
"If You Leave me Now", by Various Artist from 70’s CD

Yeah, missing my daddy!

Q: What song describes your best friend?
"She Will Be Loved”, by Maroon 5

My good friend thinks she won't be loved but I know it will happen for her!

Q: What song describes your ex?
"Let Go", by ? Garden State Soundtrack

Perfect if I had an ex longing for me- ha!

Q: Where would you go on a first date?
"That Don’t Impress Me Much”, by Shania Twain

Well, wherever it is obviously I wasn’t impressed?!

Q: Drug of choice?
"Give Me Some Novacaine", by Green Day

This couldn’t be more true with the new braces being put on and 4 teeth needing to be pulled- my IPod is channeling my thoughts on this one!

Q: What song describes yourself?
”All That I Got” by Fergie

I do feel pretty blessed so maybe it is channeling my feelings!

Q: What is the thing you like doing most?
"Let’s Do It (let’s fall in love)”, by Alanis Morissette

Yep, being in love is fun!

Q: The song that best describes the president?
"Running” by No Doubt

I was so hoping for “American Idiot” to shuffle next!

Q: Where will you be in 10 years?
"Lonely No More”, by Rob Thomas

I so hope that's true!

Q: Your love life right now?
"One Step Closer” by U2

To marriage? We'll see!

Q: What is your state of mind like at the moment?
"My Humps", by Black Eyed Peas

Well, it is getting close to bed time- hee, hee! (or my IPod is telling me to hit the gym tomorrow and put it to use!)

Q: How will you die?
"Vertigo”, by U2

Guess however it is I'll be dizzy and out of balance. Oh my!

Q: The song you'll put as the subject?”
I will Survive”, by Enrique Iglesias

Well, there you go!

So psyched up for Amazing Race All-Stars!!!!

There has never been a team like Rob and Amber on the Amazing Race. I love them together on this show when they competed on Season 7. I wanted them to win so bad but alas they came in runner-up. Rob brought new dynamics to the game. He is a very intelligent guy and I can't wait to see what he comes up with this next season. Check out the link to the Amazing Race site. A couple of great teams are going to be competing that I can hardly stand the wait!

People like this really exist...

I was an American Idol fan the first season but after that it pretty much lost my interest. However while surfing YouTube I found this lovely gem of a performance. If you can make it thru his performance (scroll ahead if you need to!) it gets funny at the end with this guy being interviewd by Ryan Seascrest. I do have to say this dude has the craziest looking eyes I've ever seen! Check it out...

Who could believe snow in Phx!

Yep, I know it's hard to believe snow in Phx but it happened today. Everyone was quite a buzz about it. Joe and I even had our fire place burning here's a picture of our lovely fire.

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. Joe and I have been busy working our day jobs and now we both work at Jo-Ann's part-time. I'm working in Crafts (boy, am I right at home) and Joe will be working in Home Decorating (not sure it's his calling...will let you know how it goes).

I am now in the process of planning Grandma Lucy's 80th Birthday Surprise Party with my aunt and cousins. She didn't want a big party so we are keeping it small with very close family and friends. After all living to 80 deserves to be celebrated!

Love actually...

I just love these two clips from the movie Love Actually check them out.



Who could resist the dashing & charming Hugh Grant dancing it up?!

Happy New Year to all my family & friends!

Sexy & Romantic glitter graphics from www.sexiluv.com