Tuesday, December 20, 2011

I need to get a grip on my weight. I've been running and strength training but my portion size and kind of food going into my mouth has been horrible.

I can hardly button my size 8 jeans. I just tipped over my high on my weight window.

I need to get a grip because I don't want to be in the the prediabetic range again. Like I said, I had to confess this to remind myself to not sabotage my progress.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Haven't been able to sleep through the night and it reminded me of when I used to be up all the time with the weebies.

My body has been threatening to go through the "change", the big "M" word. Last night was unlike the other nights, I woke up really HOT. I tossed and turned for 10 minutes debating whether I should just get up or try to get back to sleep.

Ended up on the couch. AAHH. Cold leather. Fell back asleep. Woke up at 7a.m. with a killer headache.

I'm taking it slow today. Boys and I are going to the food bank to deliver canned goods and we are asking the boys to donate some of their savings to help others who are not as fortunate.

Hope you have a warm and relaxing day.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

It so hard to write a cheery post when you know folks who are dealing with cancer. I feel very helpless in their plight. I pray. I wish. I cry. I help. I just feel so terrible for them.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

I can't believe I let another Christmas go by without sending out Christmas picture cards. At a time when the US Postal Services could use the boost, I have lost all desire or steam to get one more thing done.

What I will do instead is try to focus on keeping in better contact with friends and family in the next year.

Life is so darn short and I can't be made to feel guilty about not doing something that will just go into someone's shoebox for the next twenty years.

Although, I really like it when I get those cute picture cards in the mail from my friends and family. I should...wait...no guilt. So I will stop. now.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Just got back from a wonderful weekend watching my nephews play basketball in a tournament in Ellensburg.

Boy are they good. My nephew B's 6th grade team made it to the championship game and came in 2nd to a really good team. As for C's 4-5th grade team, they came in third. Very exciting.

The lovely hubby's parents also met up with us in the middle of the state and it's about three hours drive for all. Going to the games, swimming in the Days Inn pool, hanging out in the hallways, and rockin' it the three Chipmunks as we call Koo, S.E., and Hills in our room was just too much fun.

My boys did not want to go home. S.E. has declared it is my fault that we live too far from family (4 1/2 hours from mine and 6 hours from the lovely hubby's).

I told him that it just makes these little vacations all that much sweeter. Today, I'm feeling grateful for family and being able celebrate in their accomplishments.

Hope you get to love on your family.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Lucky Charms Cereal...yuck!!

The lovely hubby loves this cereal. Can't understand the hard marshmallows so sweet it makes your teeth ache and the underflavored rest of it. When we used to have this cereal in the house, my boys would want some and when I would cave in after making them promise to eat ALL OF IT...not just the charms, they would mysteriously be full after all the tooth-decaying charms were gone.

I don't buy it anymore. It's been one year now. Today, Koo asked for his favorite cereal...he used to say this one but today he said-"the Tiger one" aka Frosted Flakes. Yes!

It's one small step for this Asian Mama who tries to balance the good and bad foods so my kids don't grow up thinking I am depriving them of processed foods. But really being a food scientist, I really think a flunky came up with this Lucky Charms formula.

Okay, I am going to stop here for fear of a defamation lawsuit by General Mills.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Naughty or Nice?

Rice Krispy treats. Sounds really nice and harmless to the waistline...until you eat half the pan. Then it's definitely NAUGHTY.

I'll be dedicating my next 5 miles to Mr. Snap, Crackle, and Pop because I think I will be popping out of my jeans. Okay, feeling gross so I gotta go change into sweats. Sometimes you got to give into the low...ride it out and get back on the weight wagon tomorrow.


What's your nice turned naugh-tay?

Monday, December 5, 2011





Sneak peak of Barbie clothes...

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Dear S.E.,
I am worried. You won't eat your veggies. At first, it was just broccoli. Next it was raw carrots. Now, anything that resembles a vegetable, you won't even try it. The only exception is potato. I don't think fries count honey. And all that white gravy on mashed potatoes will not be you friend my child. What can I do to get you to eat more veggies? I'm worried.

Love,
Mom

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Total Body Transformation

In a rut with your workout? Need a little challenge? Can't get to the gym or take any classes? Plateau-ed?

Go to http://www.mytrainerbob.com/ and order "Total Body Transformation". OMG. Bob Harper.

Seriously, it is the HARDEST workout DVD I have EVER done.

60 minutes. He is angry in this. He is crazy. I LOVED IT!! I'm so sore.

I dare you remember your street address after this workout.
On the whole, my skin has been getting a lot better but about a month ago, I started to get flushed in the face when I eat some mysterious thing and I get little bumpies all over my body.

I feel itchy again. Mentally, I'm trying not to panic. I think it might be gluten. Today is day two of no gluten. I have been reading up on a condition in a small percentage of celiac sufferers (allergic to gluten) called Dermatitis Herpetiformis-instead of making your stomach and intestine cramp and hurt, it manifests through the skin.

In the article, it described the bumps and rashes that form in the exact parts as I have on my skin. And when it reoccurs, it comes back in the same area.

Looking forward, in addition to accupuncture, laser, and nutritional supplements, I am looking for a specialist who will perform this under-the-skin testing to determine if I truly have a gluten allergy. Regular blood and patch testing does not flag this condition. Also, I have an appointment with an allergy doctor with internal medicine specialty. Hopefully he can help provide some insight on why I continue to be sensitive when I wasn't 5 years ago.

I completely understand if you folks want to delete this blog, I have been consumed with my health and haven't had much fun posts. I'm just scared that I will not be able to get a handle on my condition.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

When I heard from my neighbor about a person pepper-spraying a Black Friday Walmart crowd in order to get an X-Box 360 Kinect for $150, I thought "What the hell?!" and have followed the story since last Thursday.

At this time, she has turned herself in to the authorities and no charges have been filed because the police are still questioning the witnesses. You can get a more detailed account of this story.

Here's what I don't hear about that should be mentioned. Why isn't anyone saying right out that THIS IS WRONG? How can this person ever enjoy this X-Box knowing she hurt people to get it? Where is our moral shock over this sin of greed? I am shocked and disgusted.

My hope is anyone hearing this story in front of their kids make a point to discuss this. It's not just about reporting the story-it's putting moral value on the story. I think we are losing this. I don't want my kids to know that adults would sink to this level. That their morals has such a low price.

Growing up poor, we NEVER had one Christmas where we got to open presents. We didn't have presents. It was either have a home and food OR toys and what nots. My parents didn't make excuses for not having it. We didn't feel lessen or undervalued for not having presents to open at Christmas. I NEVER felt my parents didn't love me because I didn't get a present.

Sure it would be nice to have something to share in the conversation after Christmas break at school about what we got but it WAS NOT THE END OF THE WORLD. My parents worked really hard so we could stay together, spent it the best way they knew, and didn't sell their souls to the devil for us to have a stupid toy.

Okay, I had to get this out there. I am sorry if I offended anyone. It's my blog. My rant is over.


Finally. I got a new TV stand!! It's cute, fits in with our dark, traditional furniture in our living room and the BEST part was it didn't cost us an arm and a leg and a divorce over the price!!!






In the past eight years, whenever the topic would come up of buying a new stand, my lovely would mention he only wants real wood furniture. Come on...the lowest I have ever found one I liked all wood was $1000!! No Way this thrifty mom was going for that. So we waited. And waited.






For some reason, this past two months my husband has been opening up to the idea that it doesn't have to be all solid wood. Eventually furniture piece gets nicks and old and not in style anymore...so why pay a ton on money? He agreed. Finally. So. It was $150 at Shopko!!! I love it.






It's coming together you all...next is my pantry. My lovely is still working on it.



Friday, November 25, 2011







Happy Thanksgiving. I am so grateful for my health, for my family, and for the warmth of my own home.


I thank God for the three Great Loves of my life. My three men. For the lovely hubby whose cheeks are to die for. I literally bounce off of them when I kiss his juicy cheeks. But most, I am thankful for his heart and generosity. Last night when we were talking, I thanked him for driving five hours to meet me.



For boys who are warm and energetic. My love for them has meant the world to me. When the Bible speaks of children as blessings...I get his love for us. I love my boys so much, this love has taught me to not be selfish-putting their needs above mine, for their chubby fingers and drooling mouths reaching for me all the time when they were babies. I will forever be grateful they trusted me enough to reach for me for comfort and love. I get going to the ends of the earth for them.



Hope you are feeling cherished and thankful all year round.










Monday, November 21, 2011

WHAT WAS I THINKING?!! I decided in the middle of the night last night that I would give up coffee.

By 8:30am this morning, I was a nervous wreck looking for my cup of coffee to ease the fog which decided to creep in head due to lack of caffeine.

I have given up fruits, chocolate, bread due to my skin condition. I feel so deprived already. In addition, I'm trying to keep the weight down so I've avoided anything else that wants to stick to my hinny...

Why did I think I can give up coffee?! See what crazy people due when they don't get enough sleep?

Lesson learn. Never, ever make a decision at 1:30 a.m.

So I take back my decision. I will just have to do something else.

Why am I so weak?

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Do you Bog?

Shoes I mean. My boys having been wearing Bogs boots for several years. Wonderful boots. Keeps their feet warm (rated to go to -30F) and best of all they are really easy to slip into and take off.

In fact, they wear them all year round because it looks like a rubber boots. So, next spring when REI puts their winter stuff on sale, get yourself a pair. They are worth it.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

I know, I know, no one missed another random post from me. I sometimes think, if I didn't have the six subscribers, would I continue? Should I continue? But since I enjoy reading the clevely writting posts from all my Mormon super moms, I have to try.

Just keep trying right?

Now, here's what's up with the Ramblin' On house. Hubby's sick. Koo's sick. I am trying to not get sick. Snow happened which makes me want to hunker down and bake a ton on sweets and eat it with coffee (of course I didn't do it).

Also, we have friends visiting every weekend so far. So, just staying on top of laundry, kids, and germs has me not whipping out anything spectacular or if I did, I haven't been taking pics of them...although I do have one project I just finished that I will have to post.

Thank you if you come back to this snoozer of a blog...I do appreciate it. I'd love to hear from you if you have a blog I'm not aware of.

Here's to hot chocolate and tired kids from playing out in the snow...

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Oooohhh laaa laaa lemony cake

I'm sure everyone has this recipe but in case you missed the boat like myself until about 8 years ago, I'll share.

I love lemon flavored sweets. Pass on the chocolate, I'll take the lemon bar, lemon cake, lemon drop, lemonade, lemon, lemon, lemon...okay you get it.

How I got this recipe was walking down the baking isle and overheading a lady tell her daughter how she makes this lemon-jello cake. Of course being the nosy Nelly, I stopped and listened. Then I asked a few pertinent questions and I gathered the ingredients and you bet I made this cake.that.very.same.night.

I made this cake this weekend for friends coming in to town for an overnight visit. Here it is without pictures-but you are getting used to taking my word for it right? (Sorry the cake was eaten before the battery on the camera could fully charge).

Lemony cake

1 yellow cake box (made up and baked up according to package directions for 9 x 13" pan)
1 small package lemon flavored jello gelatin (make according to package but DO NOT REFRIGERATE)
1 small package instant lemon flavored pudding mix
1 cup milk
8 oz container cool whip (slightly thawed)

Make the cake. Cool the cake to room temperature. Pour the jello liquid all over the cake. Refrigerate for 2 hours. Mix pudding mix with milk for 2 minutes. Fold in cool whip and spread over cake. Refrigerate.

If you have time, make it the day before-the lemon jello soaks in the cake and makes it super moist. It's one of my favorite things. Have a good week all.

Friday, November 11, 2011

I can't even express how grateful I am to all men and women in uniform fighting for our country and for our way of life.

Thank you for allowing me to walk around safely. I can't express my gratitude enough.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

40!

Yesterday I turned 40. Being forty doesn't bother me. What bothers me is all the hoopla surrounding turning the big 4-0.

No hoopla yesterday was perfect. Spent the day like any other day. Got to go get Dairy Queen with my menfolk. No opening presents, no obnoxious balloons, no cake. Perfect.

I really dislike getting presents. Really. What I hate more is when people asks my husband what he is going to do for my birthday. This is even more annoying.

I like celebrating other people's birthday. I'll put on a party for my kids and hubby because they like it.

As for myself, a perfect birthday is just not celebrating it. It's not about getting old-I just don't like the attention. It makes me very uncomfortable.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Running and Top Shot

One nice thing about running on a treadmill is catching up on your TV shows via hulu.com. I am almost done with season 3 of Top Shot.

Oh, you don't know about this show? It's cool. It's a reality show and it's a shooting competition. I love it.

On the whole, the men and women who've competed are ex-military. It's a pretty good show.

The show runs 43 minutes and I run for that amount of time.

What shows have you been watching that I need to tune in to?

Saturday, November 5, 2011

So dorky but I did it. I am commiting to a Bob Harper challenge. He has a website called mytrainerbob.com and he asks all his viewers to commit to some healthy change.

I feel what's doable for me right now is 30 minutes of exercise and portion control until the end of the year.

My portion control has been out the window as of late and I've been supersizing, supersnacking, superlazy, and getting super numbers on the scale. I need to pull back and remember I don't have to eat like I'm Paul Bunyon.

When the season starts to change and I am stressed, I eat. and eat. and eat. It's a real and embarrassing moment for me in blogland-but that's where I am at.

Anyway, what commitment would you like to challenge yourself? I'd like to cheer you on.

Friday, November 4, 2011

What to do in case of fire?

Today was S.E.'s cub scout meeting. They learned about fire safety and what to do in case of a fire. They crawled, they climbed, and were quizzed on how to get out of your house.

I guess I take it for granted that a fire can happen to anyone. At dinner tonight, S.E. explained what to if you are in your room when I fire is on the other side of your room-"you open the window, kick the screen door, and climb out...oh yeah, before you kick the screen out, put on socks...but if you don't want to put on socks you don't have to".

S.E. loves being a part of a club. I think it's good for all to join something and while he's been in swimming lessons, soccer, AWANA, and various parks and rec programs...he LOVES cub scout.

I think I've found something noncompetitive, independent but still being part of a team activity that fits a thoughtful boy like my S.E.
It's that time once again where I b@!#$ and moan about what I have no control over except my attitude but I do it anyway.

Time change. I dread this time when we pull back an hour. I hated when I was single, hated walking to the bus stop when it was dark. Hated coming home at 4pm and it's dark. And whatever light we get, it's usually a grey and overcast.

Now, with kids. I hate it even more. I hate that they are grumpy for a solid week while they adjust to going to bed at the new 8pm(7pm) but still waking up at the old 6am (5am).

They can't tell time so I think it's my grumpiness rubbing off on my mini-mes. Oh well. If you see me next week and I'm more out of sorts than ever-it's because not only am I in my 40's but I have to deal with no light.

But I'm a big girl, I'll get over it say by Thanksgiving because really inside I'm really thankful.

Do you all have the time change blues like I do?

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Short Housewife

Take one short 4' 10" housewife. Take one monster truck with a bed when laid down measures to my shoulder.

Take one hubby this short housewife has a hard time saying "No" to ask "can you help me load up this transmission (weighing at least 300 lbs)...

You do it?!

So for the past week and a half you have really bad backpain and when you try to run you get shooting pain up your back.

This short housewife couldn't figure out why her back hurts...

Once she figures it out, she goes see her magic Chiropractor and with a lot of twisting, pop, snapping of your short body (which she exclaimed excitely b/c you are like a little doll for her). She informs you when you lifted above your waist, you tweaked your pelvis, jacked your back, so your body is not aligned anymore so hmmmm...go figure you have pain from knees to shoulders.

Today, this short housewife got herself back on the treadmill with trepidation.

The short housewife had no pain and she rain. She did hills and speed ladders. She did it with a grateful heart and thanked God for a painfree run.

This short housewife will not be moving anymore motors, headers, cabinets, or whatever else her lovely hubby asks her.

She will skip to her kitchen, whip up a dessert, and take it to a neighbor and ask him for help.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

80's music

I love the 1980's. I love the music. I loved my piggyback permed hair (a la Whitney Houston in "I Wanna Dance with Somebody") which used to take 3 hours to achieve in a beauty parlor. I loved MTV when it was MUSIC TV. I loved leg warmers. I loved the decadance and innocence in adolescence. We didn't worry about the environment. We didn't worry about anything except will my pink socks show through my white Keds and will I have enough Aqua Net to keep my ratted bangs defy gravity?

Oh yeah and Rick Springfield's feathered hair and guitar.

This morning as with most Saturday mornings, we tune into the '80's music channel on Direct TV and dance with the boys.

Now. I know me some '80's music. Back in the day, if I couldn't dance to it, I didn't like it. Therefore, I was not into Glam Rock. Poisin. Cinderella. Warrent. Motley Crue. You get it. I tuned all these bands out. The only exception was BON JOVI. Love, love, Bon Jovi.

So back to Saturdays. A glam rock song came on and my husband was all over it. Danced the whiteman side-to-side shuffle, with a lip snare. Wow! What the %^&#@!!! Then he proceeded to tell the boys how much he loved this song. I, of course refrained from being a Downer Debby and kill his history lesson to the boys.

Then, the Psychodelic Furs's song came on "The Ghost in You" and I started to sing to it. The lovely burst out into "I was thinking I've never heard this song, but I bet Linhda would know". As soon has he said that, here I come out of my room singing along. He was teasing me. Teasing me. The Glam Rock lovin', side-to-side step dancing man was teasing his '80's queen.

Lastly, the Beastie Boys song "You gotta fight for your right" came on. S.E. heard the first lines of them not wanting to go to school and he declared this was his new favorite song.

Which brings me to this question, "Besides old biddies, does anyone get perms anymore?".

Friday, October 28, 2011



The boy is just so excited to be in Cub Scout.

Dress to Throw Pillow







What to do with an ill-fitting dress you got at a garage sale for $1 because you love the design? Cut it up and make it into a throw pillow.

Revamped Aprons









Isn't it about time? With life kind of going crazy, working on projects and posting them seem to be impossible. However, when my favorite white shirt got spaghetti sauce on it-it was go time for aprons.



I love aprons. If you drop by my house, you will often find me wearing an apron. Aprons make it possible for an under 5 feet mama to get cooking without getting the top part of my shirts dirty or wet. What is an average height countertop goes to my armpits. I need maximum coverage on top.



Another reason is when I am wearing my apron, I can let my gut relax and I don't see my tummy rolls. And the pockets of the aprons holds many a small pieces of legos, paper, and whatnots as I walk through my house picking up after two juicy boys.



Here's where thrifty meets creativity. I found these six aprons at a thrift store for $0.50 each. Not my style because half aprons don't work for my shortframe b/c of the beforementioned height problem. I had to buy them because some lady somewhere took the time to make these wonderful aprons. And I do love me a crafty woman.














So, I cut them up and turned them into my favorite full-length version. Yes, they do look like they can fit an eight-year old...

Monday, October 24, 2011

Make your own dinner kids







My kids have been making their own pizza for awhile but could I be bothered to document their accomplishments?



Last week, I made dough before their soccer game and when we got home, I had them roll out their crust and as of July their favorite toppings are Canadian bacon and pineapple.


Eat your heart out Pizza Hut.

All I want for Christmas...



S.E. finally has lost his front top tooth and of course his daddy and I are hoping the other falls out before his forever tooth comes down. Daddy wants the full "hick" effect.



Always the supportive daddy. He lost this last week (pulled it out himself) and I took the picture right after all the blood stopped but have not been able to find my camera until today to post.



Warning: Serious Ramblin' On on this post

I get tired of the victim mentality protrayed on the internet. When I open my internet, it goes to the Yahoo! homepage. In the center, there are headline news/commentaries about celebrities.

I don't always click on it unless it's someone I find interesting. Today, there are two stories which as I opened and read, annoyed the crap out of me: Madonna's homeless brother and Martha Stewart's daughter's tell-all book about her mom.

Losers to both Anthony and Alexis. Anthony sounds like he is of sound mind and body, can't find work after a year and half so he is homeless and doesn't understand how his sister can't help him. Really buddy? You are a grown man. Get a job. If the roles were switched, would you help your sister out? I'm not a Madonna fan, but really, she has worked hard to sell herself (literally) for the buck and you think you can live off her?

As for Alexis Stewart. What a bigger loser. Instead of making herself her on person on her own merits, she sells out her mother for her own monetary gain. Ungrateful. To make matters worse, she used to have a talk show just to rip into her mother's show.

People, if you feel you didn't get a fair shake in your childhood/life, get up, work hard without taking others down with you, and get on with your life. We all have too.

I'm sorry if this blog is a waste of your time, I understand if you never look at it again but if I were to raised boys who all they did in life was complain about what I didn't/give them.

I would take the high road, know you did the best with what you knew at the time, and tell them they are automonous now, THEY get to decide how they live the rest of their lives-without blaming me for their failures.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

I didn't run the race this morning because it was raining and with my compromised immune system, I didn't want to risk getting a cold and breaking out again.

Also, my partner got sick in the middle of the night-turns out to be kidney stones. Ouch.

Last, our water heater decided not to work so we had no hot water and so no shower for stinky me and hubby needed to go get parts to fix it. Too many things working against me today.

Therefore, it felt like an omen to just stay home and run on the treadmill instead which I did.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Paul Simon ~ Father & Daughter

Tears

I am finding that I wear my heart on my sleeves a lot these days. I tear up almost all the time. I can't even wear non-waterproof mascara anymore.

What tears me up?

There's the obvious when I hear a friend's world has been shaken up with the bad news.

Hearing "Fathers and Daughters" from Paul Simon.

I tear up when I get to hold a baby.

Hearing S.E. (the non snuggler) ask me to snuggle with him-which I promptly throw bedtime curfew out the window and plop my hinny on my comfy seat and hold him. I love the smell of him. I love his run-on sentences and hearing about his discovery of learning how to spell.

I cry for my little Koo when his feelings get hurt so easily or when he is so happy when he is on the soccer field-not even getting hit in the head by the ball during practice broke his stride.

I tear up when I visit with a friend who is getting better and she's doing well. I cheer with her.

I even tear up when I think of how warm and just spoiled I am. I am loved wholeheartedly by one man and two little boys.

I tear up when Koo wants to brush my hair and pluck my grey hairs because he doesn't want me to get old and leave him.

I tear up when S.E. thanks me for cutting the crust off his lunch and for making his PB and J mushy (that's how I used to like it when I didn't care about carbs and fat). Just like mom.

You get the idea. As I write this post, I'm tearing up.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Twiddling my thumbs. Yup. I've been up to nothing but running, bare minimal cleaning, and just being available to the three most important people in my life.

I started to get a panic of "oh, I've got 2 hours each day, I should be signed up for something" or "I should get this project or that project done".

But then I remembered how stress oozes itself through my skin. How much I used to itch. How many open sores were on body that I used to hold my breath when I showered because even the super mild/hypoallergenic soaps would burn my open sores.

So, today like so many other days, I just do what is absolutely needed to do, let go of those which is not dire, and get healthy.

How much we take our health for granted until we don't have it. If I don't have my health, I can't take care of my lovies. Long-term visions of being around long enough to cuddle with my boys' babies puts life pretty much into perspective.

Hope you are able to stay healthy and give yourself a break.

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Guess what?

My kids are away. To Portland, OR. This is their 2nd Annual trip to the Rose city with their adopted aunt and uncle.

Hubby and I miss them. I woke up this morning climbing into their empty beds to sniff out a smell of them.

But alas, time without them shall not be wasted as hubby and I slept in and are now heading to a big city an hour away to shop and skip around the town without kids.

I have to say, our lives are so much richer and we are so much more connected because of our sons. I thank God everyday for his blessing and am grateful he has given lovely and I the pleasure of raising them together.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

I still heart my treadmill

As I got off the treadmill on Saturday, I thought about how much having a treadmill in my house has been such a positive addition.

My past encounters with home treadmills have been: stored in a corner with dust collected all over it, being used as a clothes rack, broken, or banished to an area of the house where NO ONE goes to unless they have to quickly retrieve something. Not one person who've own a treadmill have continued to use theirs.

So I was very hesistant to get one. But now I have one and I use it all. the. time. Even if I just crank out 1 mile. I get on there and go.

I especially love it when the weather is gross or when the lovely hubby travels. I don't have to miss out on my workout and I get to stay on track.

I have made a commitment to not hang one clothing on my treadmill.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

9.5 miles!!

Ran it. Felt good. Soaked my feet afterwards like Mr. Dean Karnazes the greatest endurance runner ever. If it's good for him, it's good enough for moi.

For fuel, four Clif Shot blocks every 30 minutes along with 6 almonds and water. This works for me because not only does it help me keep going but after the run, I am not jittery and crazy hungry.

I made up my mind to run a half marathon in two weeks. I'm not racing for time, just going to finish it.

My feet feel better now, I'm getting off the stool and hobble to take a much needed shower.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

8.5 miles

What I learned running 8.5 miles today.

I got to practice my spitting.

I got to feel the warm, wind on my skin.

I got to listen to some of my favorite songs.

I discovered I didn't want to die during this run.

My legs are sore but I am happy.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Something happened on my way to bed last night. My husband came into bed (where I was reading) and squeezed my thighs. With the biggest smile on his face, he happily squeezed my thighs and had such joy on his face at something I had that made him so happy.

So, as I am barely breathing today in my Wasn't-tight-two-weeks-ago jeans, I laugh. I laugh because no matter how much I run, no matter how much I diet, my thighs will always be "juicy". And instead of peeling these jeans off and go for my sweats, I am still in them in the hopes that they will stretch out enough to make it the rest of the day. So, if you see me a little lightheaded you'll know why.

On an up note, I am grateful something I have makes someone I love so much...happy.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Do you ever sabotage yourself? Do you find you throw your hardwork out the window and give up all the work and let yourself go? I've been doing this all my life. I think that's why I've been losing and gaining the same 10 lbs. since I've been twelve!!

Being fat when you grow up poor is kind of embarassing quite frankly. We didn't have the best diet. We had lots of white carbs-rice. Rice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Usually if we had pork or chicken, my mom believed that the fat is where the flavor is so she never trimmed the fat.

I digress. I didn't know the mathmatics of losing weight back then. I had no control over what was served to me. However, I had control over portion size. But I didn't exercise this concept. I ate for any reason. I just ate too much. Food was and still is such a comfort for me. It's also how I punish myself.

When I feel not good enough, I eat. When I feel I don't deserve to feel this good or have this life-I eat to sabotage away the weeks of sensible eating.

I didn't catch myself this weekend. I felt I let my family down because my son got sick. Did I push him too hard all week? We had to cancel several plans due to this and I think I felt horrible about not making the commitments. So I ate. And ate. And ate.

On Friday I weighed 135 lbs. I woke up this morning at 137.8 lb.!! I've been losing and gaining these three pounds since May. Seriously. Over and over. As soon as I get to 135-I feel like I can give myself a break.

Why is my break a nose-dive into bad, bad unmentionable foods. Now, these food in NORMAL portion would not show up on one's body but in MASSIVE quantities, it makes you not be able to stand wearing jeans. So depressing.

So, today, I am on track again. For today. Why can't I get it together?! It's not about the food-it's about how I feel about myself. I've got work to do...

Friday, September 23, 2011

Updates and Ramblings

S.E. the big first grader is transitioning from half-day to full-day is going so-so. He told me last night he misses his brother. Besides not seeing him for part of the day, we moved S.E. into the den so he has a separate room. (I just have curtains and bedskirt to finish before I post pics). He is playing soccer and in Cub Scout and although he is grumpy at first, once he's on the field, he enjoys it. I think it's because he doesn't have much downtime after coming home from school. We miss him a lot at lunch.

As for the Koo. He is loving Kindergarten. He loves playing with brother and others at recess. He loves life. When he comes home from school, he still hugs us in front of the bus and once lunch is done...he's off to play. He's been really good at playing by myself. And he's so animated on the soccer field. I can hear him joking and just going for the gusto with getting to the ball. He's such a joy because he tries so hard.

Lastly, lovely husband has given up coffee. It's been almost a month and I'm not sure what he's trying to avoid about coffee because after lunch, he has a Coke Zero which has caffiene in it. This morning he asked me to make him so decaf coffee. Fine. Okay. Whatever there. Besides this, he's been very helpful with the home refreshing. He's helped paint, put up pictures, change out lighting (yay!!), and move a lot of furniture around.

And for me, I'm still trying to race against I don't know what/who to try to be there for my kids and stay involved in their lives. I still read a lot. I'm reading about three books/week. Right now, I'm trying to read all of Jude Deveraux's books. I'm still going to get treatment for my skin and resisting the urge to mop my floors more than once/week (the kids have been learning to pour milk by themselves).

What have you been up to? I hope you are where you want to be.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Today I have to rest as much as possible. I have been going non-stop the past few days and I can feel it in my skin. Several patches on my legs which were flat have now flared up and starting to itch.

When I spoke to my doctor, she re-iterated how much stress plays into my immune system and how I have to get off the Gerbil wheel and find downtime. Too much stress makes a girl's skin crazy.

So today, I will not run or workout along with any DVDs. In addition, I will not work on any projects or run around like a madwoman. My couch and I are going to be one for I need the rest to help my skin.

I'm trying not to panic right now...

Wednesday, September 14, 2011



We went to my lovely's company picnic/carnival on Saturday and entered our names in a drawing for gift certificates and prizes.



We won an iPod Shuffle. I feel so trendy now. When I workout, I have my tiny MP3 player with all my favorite New Wave, Hip-Hop, Rock and mushy music on there with big ole cheap headphones.



I have not been a fan of putting plugs inside my ears but my lovely has convinced me to try it. So if you see me looking like all the other folks running with white plug ins you might think "what a cool and trendy runner". :-). I have never been cool in my life.



Monday, September 12, 2011

Crockpot Roasted Chicken









This has become my favorite way to fix chicken. No fuss. No heating up your house with the oven on in the summer. Just plug the crockpot in and 5 hours later, you have the most delicous, fall-off the bone, impress-your-man chicken.





Here's what you do. Clean a whole chicken. Place in crockpot. Spread some of your favorite seasoning salt on top (we love Johnny's seasoning salt). Turn on high and in 4 1/2 to 5 hours, you have roasted chicken. Note: no extra liquid is needed.



It makes for two meals at our house. My men like the dark meat so they have this with some sort of veggies. Whatever is leftover, I make into chicken soup.









Saturday, September 10, 2011

Obsese. Yup. I plugged my numbers into a free calorie counter website and with my BMI...I am in the OBESE region. Yikes. Never have I ever saw that coming. I'm still fighting to stay in the 130's but I guess I need to fight harder.

Now with my skin doing 80% better and my itchiness has gone down quite a bit, I feel like I can tackle this area of my life again...and again. But this one word has sent me in more of a panic mode than when my size 8 jeans refuse to allow me to breathe when wearing them.

Obese. There you have it folks.

As dreadful as I feel when I hear this word associated with me, it doesn't tell the whole story of me and how I got this way.

I've been stress eating myself to this word pretty much all of 2011 when my body ached, shivered, tired out, broke out in oozing rashes that drove me literally unable to stay still because I would itch myself to the point of bleeding. Now, as I crawl out of this health hell-hole, I will fight another fight with the scale and this time, without all the beforementioned, I will keep on working my way to a healthy body.

Friday, September 9, 2011

Just did Jillian Michaels' 30-day shred video...the first workout. It was hard. I used to do all three of the workouts at one time consecutively. But instead of getting sad over my state of health, I kept going and cheered myself on because I'm not itching and two months ago, this would have been impossible. So proud of myself and thank God all the time.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Da bus is da bomb

Okay so I feel so spoiled. This year, our neighborhood got bus service for the kids to and from school. I rode the bus when I was young. I didn't get that this was a priveledge-not a right until S.E. started school last year and there was no bus service in our little vinyl village. The carpooling to and from school for 9 months was mind-numbing-I hated the bottle-neck at school and the dodging kids and bad weather was enough to make this already grumpy personality I have even more grumpy.

I am so thankful for this service because it has allowed me an extra 40 minutes to just do something for myself. Today, I scrumbed and primped my narly feet (TMI I am sure but that's what I did). I would never do this before. I would be ironing lovely husband's work clothes, mending things for people, or just running around doing errands for or with the kids.

So thank you bus drivers for taking on the job of taking my lovies to and from school and for offering your smile to my kids.

Monday, September 5, 2011



The Pokeman phase. The boys can't read yet. Yet, they know the names, numbers, and order of Pokeman cards.


Mama doesn't get it. Mama can't make heads or tails of it. But mama does enjoy listening to them divvy up the cards and battle. The wonders of little boys. I know the ins and outs of girls. I love God's humor because I needed to know more about boys...Thank Heavens.
I need to take a moment to celebrate my progress. Since my skin problems started a little over four years, I have put a halt to any updating to my house that might cause me to further exasterbate my condition.

To with great caution, my husband and I decide since my skin has been looking great and the weather is still nice enough where we can air out our room-we finally painted the last four, white walls in our home (pics will come when we get done).

I haven't broken out. I haven't scratched during sleep. I just want to jump up for joy!! I have to remember moments like this because health is a gift. Sorry to sound so dramatic. I am just so grateful.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Boring lamps to Va-voom lamps






My friend Dee showed me how re-cover my boring Costco lamps. I think it turned out fantastic if I do say so myself.



I had tried in the past to recover lamps but I'd end up with bubbles or it was a sticky mess. Before I would use spray adhesive to stick the fabric to the shade. It was very unforgiving. This method, I used tacky glue (the all-purpose gold-colored bottle kind) and went to work.



To clean-up the underside, I bought roping and glued it on (not shown). I'm so happy to have this done because I've been wanting to do this for over a year now.


Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chippers




Warning!!! This recipe is so good and easy, you might have to curse this blogsite for having this recipe on here. I got this recipe off of another website and now I can't find it so I can't give credit where credit is due. Nonetheless, I feel it a duty to re-publish this recipe because it's ooohhh. so. Good. Another reason I love this recipe is it does not require a TON of butter.





Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chippers





6 T softened butter
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

1/3 cup white sugar

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/4 cup all purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup or less chocolate chips



Preheat oven to 350F. Beat together butter, peanut butter, sugars, and egg until creamy. Add vanilla extract and give it another whirl to incorporate. Stop the mixer and add the dry ingredients except the chocolate chips. Again, blend until fully uniform (~less than 1 minute). Add chippers and blend. Drop teaspoon about 1 inch apart and bake for 10-14 minutes depending on cookie sheet type and oven.








It makes about 2 dozen cookies.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Perspective

As my skin continues to heal, I am finding now with the kids in school, I am struggling with not signing myself up for too many activities.

I still have to remember my skin can go south in a matter of days and since I still have open sores, it can turn bad quickly.

So I take this moment to remind myself that I can't volunteer for every function, I can't make full meals for all, I can't run around trying to take care of everyone. I love doing this but right now, I have to not do anymore than the bare minimum.

Last night, I had a moment of panic because I started scratching at a spot that still has not healed and got flashbacks of literally going crazy as my skin oozed and itched.



Friday, August 26, 2011

On the road again. I am tired during the day and fear I might still have the lovely side effects of mono and its' cousins and relatives still hanging out in my system.

It's been a crazy week with getting kids ready for school, figuring out if they get on the right bus, and just figuring out what my schedule is suppose to look like without them.

Since I've been trying to get back into working out, I tried a Gravity Pilates class yesterday. Seriously the hardest class I've ever taken. Your own body weight and strength to workout. I told the teacher she needs to let the military know about her machine because guarantee if the class ran over a few more minutes, she would've been able to get my bank account pin number and all the deeds to my possessions. It was torture. I'll try to go next week. The only reason I tried it was it was the only class at 9:30am that I can attend while the kids are in school.

Today, I ran for 40 minutes. Not fast. Really slow but I was going for time-not distance. I did it and feel very proud of myself for not letting my setback keep me down today.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

1st day of school!!!







Well we are off to another school year. This is Koo's first year in the public school system as a Kindergartener. He has been PUMPED!!



So this morning, I got up and made S.E. a yummy lunch. Then I made one of their favorite breakfast: slow-cooking oatmeal and bacon with a side of maple syrup to mop up the combination.



Brushed teeth, combed hair, got dress, and loaded up the backpacks and went to the bus stop. What was really nice was while we were waiting there, two staff from the school district came to welcome us to the new bus service into our vinyl village. Up until this year, there was no bus service to this neighborhood so I got seriously burnt out carpooling last year.



As a nervous mom (I didn't let the boys know), I snapped pics of them waiting for the bus, then once the got on, I ran to their school with camera in hand and got to the bus stop at school with 2 minutes to spare (and catch my breath).



Then I got them off to the proper line. My boys thought I was so cool to be at both places. Supermom moment right?! (ha ha).



It's now quiet at home. The only sad part is not having S.E. at home for lunch. And then there were three...


Note: There's only one published pic b/c other pics had other kids in the background and I don't like to publish pics w/out permission.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Feeling better and grateful to have my children back from vacation. They have grown. They have gotten closer because they haven't had mom or dad with them at all times.

I am forever grateful to my family for helping me get better. I panic last night because I had a beginning of a red rash last night and freaked! I am so scared my skin will break out again. I'm trying to stay calm.

This morning, it looks better. Thank you Lord. I got in almost 3 miles run this morning to help me calm down.

Monday, August 15, 2011

First outside run in a long, long time this morning. I smiled the entire run bursting with joy because my skin didn't get itchy or flared up. My legs are weaker and it was a slow go, but what a joy to be running outside again. I've been walking daily but that's hard for an efficient gal like myself. But, I'll take what I can get. I'm trying to think long-term.


Sunday, August 14, 2011







Rag Quilt. Of course scrap fabric. Three hours of cutting, piecing, and sewing. Baby quilt size. Another one for ATV.








Happy to have husband home from one week camping in Lake Chelan. Why does he look like this? Bike ramp + bike malfunction = landing on your wrists resulting in this new look.









Friday, August 12, 2011






Another day, another quilt. So the story behind the fabrics. The blocks are made from scraps from other quilts dating back three years or so ago. Whenever I would have a little bit of fabric left, I would cut them into 1 1/2" strips and when I have a moment, I would make these random blocks.



In the attempt to thin my hoarders stash of uncompleted sewing projects, I pulled it out and had to make one more blue block to complete this quilt.



I was going to use a cotton background but got grumpy and didn't want to iron anymore so I found I had just the right size fleece in a close enough green to make it work.

Note: I did a quick stitch in the ditch around the green borders and called it good because I'm about getting done.











Thursday, August 11, 2011







Another quilt made with garage sale scrap fabrics for Alternatives to Violence. As you can see, my quilts would never win any awards because it's so simple and quite honestly, I detest the quilting portion of quilting. I like the piecing and binding portion. I like quilts that are finished. That's the best kind for me. Total cost: $5 (high estimate).

Finally!!!



Look who finally lost his first tooth?! S.E.'s tooth are just as stubborn as he is. It took so long to come out, his permanent tooth (as seen in the background) came up before his baby tooth began to come loose.


Koo has two gone and S.E. has been distraught over the fact that he's seven and still has not lost a tooth when all his friends and baby brother has lost several.








Okay. So I started this quilt to take my mind off missing my kids and hubby. It is made from fabric I found ($1) at a garage sale last weekend. I spent $10 on the white background fabric. It's all flannel. I made it on my small Kenmore $10 sewing machine in my kitchen.



I delivered to Alternatives to Violence to be used for their shelters. It's my fabric hug and support to those coming out of a bad situation.

Progress


My skin two weeks ago. Raised. Raw. Painful. Covered 80% of my body.



My skin today. Less flaring. Less irritated. Yay!!!





So my love and our boys have been on vaca in for five days now and I've been home by myself. I miss them terribly. So much free time on my hands but all is not what it seams in the Ramblin' On household.

I've been driving an hour each way to get treatment for my skin. The GREAT news is my skin is looling amazing (for me) because 1) it's not inflamed and irritated 2) it does not itch 3) the sores are healing up nicely. However, when you see it, you might feel bad for me because there's a lot of scarring and discolored skin pigmentation.

But, I'm so happy to not be itching and to be able to feel somewhat sane that I have been doing nothing but going to my appointments and going on the occasional walk in the morning and evenings.


So. No house projects. No deep cleaning. Nothin' but reading, watching TV, and sewing. This is not how I envisioned time without my kids to be like-I should be more productive but I'm fighting for my health so I'm taking it easy. The projects, the cleaning, and the runarounds will all still be there but if my I don't get my skin to a healthier place, I ain't no good for anyone/anything.



Sunday, August 7, 2011

I'm not quite certain where to start. Life's been throwing me a curveball and I'm trying to stay in the game.

In the past month, my skin has gone from worse to critical especially about a week or so ago. My skin flared up everywhere especially in my torso area and arms. It started oozing clear liquid and was painful and itchy at the same time. I was on the first week of my two weeks vacation camping with family.

I was so bad, my husband took my home and I went to my doctors. My primary to get steriod creme to help with the skin. Then went to my natural path doctor for acupuncture and laser treatment. She has been amazing. I have been traveling one hour each way since to see her and I am 75% recovered. It's been amazing to see how each day my skin has healed up from the inside out.

As I have been explained: the acupuncture points ran from the top of my head to my feet. Then electrical currents were attached to the needles and it stimulates certain targeted organs like the liver, adrenal glands, allergy points to help heal my skin. And it has been working.

So, here is the "selfish" part. My husband and kids left yesterday to Lake Chelan for one week of camping. They are with family. I am at home by myself so I can recover and continue my treatment.

What else do I have to do? 1) stay out of the sun 2) acupuncture and laser 3) elimination diet to rid the gut of toxic fungal infection that caused my immune system to go haywire and attack my body 4) rest & reduce stress (this one is the hardest learning to stay still and say "No").

My skin is smooth but still blotchy from the flareups. The best part is I have not taken any allergy medication in almost two weeks.

The hardest part is not being with my family. My men are gone and my heart is heavy.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Today, I am grateful. Grateful to have two healthy boys and to enjoy them. S.E. lost his first tooth last night and Koo has lost two so far.



No, you are not confused. S.E. is older than Koo but his teeth are like his personality...stubborn. It's been wibbly, it's been wobbly, but his been so stubborn about not rushing the tooth out, it took a month to finally come out.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

The wet dew after a rainstorm in the summer reminds me of my childhood. The climate here is mostly dry so when it's warm and wet, there's humidity in the air.

Today, I will cut the last remaining enjoyment in my life due to my skin. Coffee. Please bear with me while I wean myself off of the stuff. This is an attempt to get to why I itch in the morning as I sit and enjoy my coffee. Duh. It's probably the coffee.

Right now, I am eating rice, chicken, and rice chex cereal. Wonderful to be me. Today, I am going shopping with my friend Dee (without the kids). I have a babysitter coming for the kids. I've been so bummed out about my weight gain and skin that I want to get some clothes that don't fit tight as well as find jeans for the boys for school.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Before and After free chairs








(sorry about the pictures being sideways).


Here's the story of five chairs sitting on the side of the road with a "Free" sign on them as I was driving into my neighborhood. I rescued them. They were so old the color was back in style. I loved the back of them. They have the black distressed glazing on them already.


The boys and I worked together one Sunday for two hours. They unscrewed the cushions from the frame and pulled staples as supervised. Then, I recovered them with leftover fabric my mom gave me.


The best news was, we were able to give these to a family just relocated to our town from Arizona and didn't have dining chairs. The after picture is of them being loaded into my friend's minivan.







Sunday, July 3, 2011

Look who forgot she has a blog. Sorry to my followers. I have been busy trying to get to the bottom of this skin condition.

Here's what we know for sure after the biopsy. It is contact dermitis that looks like psoriasis. The good news is if I can locate what is causing my skin to flare up...I can avoid it like my 80's hairstyle and I should be good.

So, armed with this info and with the support of my wonderful homeopathic (spelling???), I am on an extremely limited diet. What you ask? Chicken and rice. That's it. Oh and coffee.

I'm about to gag when I think about my next meal but I'm healing. I've been doing this for about a week now and I'm healing faster.

The final message? Sometimes you never know what drastic measures you would take until you are faced with what you have been living with.

What in your life have caused you to take drastic, life-changing steps? I'd love to hear some inspiration about now.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

I have lost confidence in my body and psychologically, I can't seem to run. Being ill for months has taken a toll on my body. I've gained 8 lbs and I can't bring it down. I hate my clothes feeling tight. Right now, I am on the upswing with this virus infection but my skin crazy itchy. And I have rashes over 90% of my body. That's just too much for me.

I am waiting for the results of my biopsy. I'm at this point where if this is an allergy/hives thing, I'm ready to take whatever shots I need to get this flare-ups down. If it's psoriasis, I'm ready to take whatever medication at the risk of toasting my liver because I am at my wits end. I. AM. DONE.

At this time, I am taking Allegra and Benadryl which is like taking gum to plug up a leak in the tub. It just takes the edge off for a few hours.

This skin condition has taken over my personality. I can't remember what I was like before this.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Toys

This is a crabby post. I really dislike plastic toys that break. It really makes two boys upset. Even when they are the ones that break them off. No amount of super glue, super, duper glue, Gorilla glue will reattach these pieces. Oh and don't get me started on pieces. If they don't break the pieces, they lose the pieces.

Here's the list of toys in the Ramblin' On household that drives this mama to send an evil eye letter to Mattel, Lego, Hasbro, and whatever toy manufacture. But I haven't because I am illiterate in Chinese.

1) Transformers. Really, if you want them to transform, make them transformable. And throw us a bone on how to transform it back from Robot to cars. I think Ford and Chevy's assembly lines are easy than assembling these toys.

2) Bionicles. Ouch when you step on the many, skelectal pieces that fall off. And they do fall off. When they fall off, a mom can't figure out where this piece attaches because all the parts look the same.

3) Legos. Small pieces. Take hours to build something + pick it up +falls apart = frustrated boys and mom. And they breed like Catholics. I swear we only had one box of them. Now we have four shoe size boxes. Headless bodies and tiny swords makes it difficult for me to just run my vacuum through their rooms without picking through the collected dirt before dumping it. Seriously ruins my "it only takes 30 minutes / day to clean my house".

I used to think it was harder having boys than girls because of these three toys but then I went to visit my nieces. Polly Pockets.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Cheese!!





In an attempt to keep my mind off my killer headache. I decide to surf the internet and lo and behold, I found a recipe for homemade Goldfish crackers. Here's my version. I don't happen to have a fish cutout, I just made them into rectangles. The boys...LOVE them. I'm definitely making them for playdates and trips.




Homemade Cheese Crackers



4 T butter

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1/4 cup all purpose flour

1/4 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp salt

6 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese



Put all the above ingredients in a food processor. Blend until you get a dough (2 minutes). Form a ball and cover in syran wrap. Place in refrigerator for 40 minutes (I didn't, I just used it immediately because my cheese was cold).



Roll out to however thin you'd like and cut into shapes.



Place on ungreased cookie sheet with a little space between them. Bake at 350F for 12-14 minutes.

(Note: I could not find where I found this recipe so I have not cite...sorry).

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

I'm trying not to panic. I'm trying not to panic. I made another doctor's appointment for tomorrow but I think my mono is back. I've been tired like the last time and I've had a really sore throat for the past three days.

Monday, June 13, 2011







One bag of quilt pieces in the shape of crayons. The little, old lady I bought it from just plain ran out of steam and couldn't finish it. I bought it in a bundle last year with a ton of other material for $5.




The crayon shapes are very cute but I not talented enough to figure out how I would piece into one, big quilt with the triangles. So, I am taking the tips off and piecing the rectangles so it could work for a wider range of the population. What will I do with this quilt? I give them to the local Alternatives to Violence shelter. So far, I've made three quilts for the shelter. I try to make them twin size because violence does not discriminate and I want to have larger size for the older kids or adults that need them.


Found four of these folding lawn chairs for $4. Hosed them down, gave them a little scrub and now we have comfortable chairs for hanging outside in our little deck.

Re-vamped bag







Got this bag at a yard sale in a "Free" box. Loved the netting and it was new. Came home, threw it in the washer and once dried, I took it apart and recovered the pocket and now I have a fun grocery bag.



















Happy Birthday to the love of my life. He is 37 today. We had a nice party for him on Saturday with friends and ice cream cake. His favorite food is a Vietnamese soup called Pho. The next day, he took us to Spokane to get his present...a welder. He is so excited about this because it will help him work on his 1967 Camaro.









What is special about my love is he is very even-keeled. His is very logical. I love the way he smells. Superficially, I love his big eyes. I love that he is very handy and smart. He is an electrical engineer by trade but he is an excellent daddy and mechanic as well. His specialty are hugs. He gives the best hugs.









I will forever be grateful God put him in my life. I can't imagine my life without him.

Friday, June 10, 2011



Booties for Baby Cooper. Go Cougs!!

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

My "New" treadmill



Look at my new treadmill bought for $55 at an estate sale this past Saturday. After cleaning it up and oiling it just a bit, I ran my first two miles on it tonight after the boys went to bed. It felt nice to just get on and run. I am planning on running a half marathon this October and I'm not expecting much improvement on my time (2 hr 25 min) in the past but I'm mainly in it to get it done. Regardless of time.



We were driving through our town one day and there's construction on the main street through town. Day in and day out we see work being done on the road to widen it.

Koo says one day "Mom we should make cookies for these workers because they are working so, so hard to make our streets pretty."

It got me thinking about how hard their jobs must be to be accosted by irate and impatient drivers wanting to get to where they need to go without roadblocks (literally). I am guilty of these thoughts too.

And so today I let the Koo measure and mix my Blondie Toffee Brownies for the construction workers to thank them. We are off to deliver them.

Here's the recipe if you feel like making them:

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup English toffee bits

Mix butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla together until smooth. Add dry ingredients and spread into greased 9 x 13" pan. Bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes. Cut when cooled and enjoy.

I love this recipe because it's a fast alternative to cookies. Note: if you don't have toffee bits, put chocolate chips instead or white chocolate chips. Be inventive, use what you've got.
We are young, wandering the face of the earth
Wondering what our dreams might be worth
Learning that we are only immortal for a limited time...

These are lyrics taken from "Dreamline" by Rush. I have loved this song since I was a teen. I've been thinking of this song as of late because I'm turning 40 this year and I'm feeling like I don't have enough time to get what I want to do-done.

Not the mundane things like dishes and laundry. But of things I've wanted to get accomplished. Since I could remember (especially in college), I was always in a state of "waiting for my life to happen". I recalled a lot of us in college were poor and trying to get our degrees and "start life". Little did I realize the experiences in college was life...

I had a conversation with a college buddy of mine and he said that when he was poor and in college surrounded by others in the same situation and how we all bonded together in similar circumstances and how happy he was...it was the best time in his life. He just wished he could've realized it then and enjoy it more.

Well, turning 40 has been on my mind because when I was younger, I thought 40 was this far, far away age where I would have my @$%! together. Where I would have better answers and be able to handle my life better. I realize as I am fast approaching 40 is I will never have all the answers and I will never have enough time. But I have enough life experiences now to draw upon and really have a go at life.

I had put off things or squirreled away things to get to "when I have time in the future". Well, I feel like the future is RIGHT NOW. Since realizing this, I've been more conscience of what I want to do, how I want my relationships with others to reflect what I stand for, and how whatever I do, I want to make a small difference. Not just in vain. My fears or my insecurities have caused me to limit myself. What really set this off was when I was spring cleaning and I realized how many nice things I stashed away waiting for a nice occasion to use or all the fabrics I wanted to save to make something important. Then I realized, if I don't use it now, it might never get completed. This got to me. So I put out dishes that were packed away and used them.

I'm learning that I'm not going to be immortal. I am feeling fragile. I am feeling like I won't have as much time with my kids and husband as I would like. I would like to know that when given a chance to live, I live. I don't want to stand before God and make excuses for my life.

Is anyone else going through this right now?
What are you going to do about your life before you mortality gets a hold of you?
Does this make any sense?

I'm back folks!!

For almost three weeks now, I have not been able to publish any of my posts. As it turned out, the new update on the internet was the cause of it. Lovely husband fixed it yesterday.

Speaking of yesterday, I was gerbiling around the house trying to clean bathrooms, sticky floors, carpooling, going to the library, and the dreaded laundry. I hate folding laundry. Horrible.

On a positive note, I got to do Zumba and Power Sculpt last night which was really fun.

Once I can pull my cheap camera out, I'll add some pics of my recent scores from garage sales.