Let's play nice, says Hamsterwatch...

I took this quote from my favorite Big Brother blogger, www.hamsterwatch.com, and I agree. It is so much easier to hate on people then to actually say anything nice. So in honor of the question below, I want to play along...

It's so easy to trash them and hate on them in these last weeks, but with Hurricane Gustav looking like it's headed to take out New Orleans again, we should put things back in perspective, and maybe think about one card in particular that's a fitting question for Hamsterwatchers: "What are the redeeming qualities of the person you most dislike?"

Now I didn't know if by "person you most dislike" to be from BB10, or just in my life in general. Let's go with BB10 and save us some drama...

Right now I mostly dislike Jerry. BUT I do need to address a "redeeming quality" about him... I have to say his wife. I know, that isn't Jerry, or a quality, but I am trying here. I like his wife and the fact that Jerry loves her even though she has Parkinson's. And as a devoted reader to my blog may know, my sister has Dystonia, which is a rare relative of Parkinson's. So when he got his call from home, I was a mess. And proud of him and his family. And that is all I have to say on Jerry.

OK, fine I have decided I will do a person in my real life that I dislike at the moment. And attempt some nice words... OK first I have to explain I don't really dislike this person, I just don't think she knows how negative she is, ALL the TIME! and the fact that she is ALWAYS busy (but has no kids?!?) just drives the group of us stampers insane. I will not mention names, it's not necessary. But the nice things about this person is that she does think of me and does find ways to get pictures of Jaron for me (Stampin' Up! demo's know exactly who Jaron is, and who I am speaking of) and she has been nice to me. So why have salty feelings when time has passed, and it was just minor words spoken.

Ok I have wasted enough time, I am 12 minutes over my allotted afternoon break. Sounds silly, but if I don't time myself I will be here forever... gatta go!

Happy Birthday from Ed.

I had no idea what Ed was giving me for my birthday. I was already elated with the awsome gift of staying at the Hard Rock Hotel on Michigan Ave. and the fact that I had a hot stone massage scheduled for that evening. But when we went across the street to Giordino's for some deep dish
pizza. Little did I know what was in my card...


Oh listen carefully, you will not hear Ed talk, he hates being recorded in anyway. So I have to narrate the whole time. This was honest to god, the most amazing and thoughtful suprise gift I have ever recieved. That day is engraved in my mind forever.



Thank you Ed.

Sit on me!

Picture this love seat/Siamese recliner times two in my newly updated media room. We finally threw away the 30+ year old couch and two broken recliners, and got these. So there is seating for four, or for now there is seating for 2 adults and two boxers.

They were delivered last weekend. And we LOVE them! Mmmm, those say sit-on-me-and-watch-movies-with-your-family all over them!

Because I have a comment about everything.

I won this amazing t-shirt from my friends over at The Secrets in the Sauce blog site. I LOVE my t-shirt! Not only do I love to comment on blogs, but this SO fits me in real life. I comment all the time, you have something to say. I somehow manage to comment. Even if I don't know anything about the topic, I am interested. That is why, I am a "Comment Junkie"

Memphis Bob

Yes Jen and I have a reality show crush on Memphis. He SO reminds me of Ed. I think that is why I crush on Memphis so! I am rooting for him to win. Go Memphis!

Friday's Featured Blogger

(Above is a picture of Susie with myself and Mia last Halloween, in Downtown Morris)

Inside Susie's Head!

For those of you new to my blog, Susie is my sister. She is 27 years old. And man if you thought I was feisty and spoke my mind. Yikes! Susie wins hands down!

Besides sarcastic, Susie is sweet, funny and loves her niece and nephew! Swimming is a favorite, and now that I have a pool I am sure to see more of her. Susie LOVES her General Hospital Soap Opera, tons of shows, and if she's not on the GH forum's or watching her shows, she is reading a good book. Usually on Anne Frank. And even though Susie's Dystonia holds her back from physically speaking. She always has something to add.

Hope you all enjoy her blog. And hopefully this will inspire Susie to blog more often. Oh she has the time. Just pull yourself away from the General Hospital forums, and blog once a day, we readers want to know what your up too! I don't care if you tell us what you watched on t.v. or what you ate today. BLOG! Blogging will be a good way to scrapbook, via online, for your niece and nephew to have and pass on.

So everyone enjoy Inside Susie's Head. How she tells it like it is, and does not hold back. She has only a few readers and wants more, so go to her site, and show her some Blog love by leaving her comments!

Congrats on being this weeks Friday's Featured Blogger!

Fall schedule...

Who has time for t.v. you ask? Again none of us have the time to watch the beloved boob tube, you make the time. Just like making the time for reading, and scrapbooking and gardening...

So I wanted to share with you my fall t.v. schedule... some more useless information, but just add it to your Jacki file.

Sunday's - Big Brother (almost over!) Amazing Race (starts Sept. 28th) and Extreme Home Makeover (starts Sept. 28th)

Monday's -Dancing with the Stars (starts Sept. 22nd)

Tuesday's - Big Brother and if more Dancing with the Stars is on.

Wednesday's - The Island (Starting Sept. 10th on MTV, with all the Real World and Road Rules kids!) But don't forget my Stamp Camps are every other Wednesday. So this will be watched On Demand.

Thursday's - Big Brother for a few more weeks. Survivor Gabon (starts Sept. 25th) Grey's (also starts on Sept. 25th) and is lost coming back for fall? or do we wait until Feb. again?

Friday and Saturdays are nothing! I will be cropping on most Saturdays, and reading, and gardening on Fridays. (just kidding!) Make the time people. Got kids? Get them involved in what you do. Mia just told me she loves art and gardening. Because of me.

What are your favorite shows? Happy Fall Season!

Dancing with the Stars and my opinion

So I posted the clip announcing who is on this seasons Dancing with the Stars. I want to give you the list and why or why not I will be rooting for them...

First we have my top 6 to win.

1. Susan Lucci - Both my mom and sister questioned me on her. I watched All My Children since I was born, I loved that show more then One Live To Live or General Hospital. Susan Lucci has always been one of my favorites.
2. Warren Sapp - When Ed first taught me about football, and I was taking notes and learning the rules of the game. Road Rules (a show on MTV) had Warren Sapp as a football coach at a competition. I enjoyed his love for the game. And quickly became a fan. I do have a Tampa Bay Bucks jersey #99 for Sapp. (no I did not root for the Raiders, I was very sad when he went to them) Since he has since retired, I root for Da Bears first, and Warren as a player. Go Warren!
3. Lance Bass - Big NSYNC fan, since dancing is part of Lance's background this should be easier for him then lets say Warren Sapp. He should put on a good show anyway.
4. Jeffery Ross - Roast Master! Jeffery Ross is effing hilarious! The roast he did on Flava Flav was hands down the funniest roast I have ever seen! Good luck to a comedian to try and pull of dancing. I am rooting for Jeff to do well too!
5. Kim Kardashian - Love the show, "Keeping up with the Kardashians" on E! Kim is feisty, smart and gorgeous. I hope she goes far!
6. Brooke Burke - Beautiful and nice. Brooke is a family favorite she has been on more Maxium Magazine covers that have graced this house, she was also a host on E! not to mention she is a mom, and seems to be one of those genuine girls next door. I think she will do amazing!

Now we have two people I know of but if they win or loss, eh, whatever...

1. Cloris Leachman - AMAZING actress, she is in to many movies to list, and she is great at all of her rolls. I am hopefully that she can pull of a great show.
2. Toni Braxton - Incredible singer, I am sure dancing is right up there. I also think she will do well.

And there leave the last 5 contestants, whatever they do is just, well whatever...

1. A chef - Not sure of his name. I am sure you Food Network queens will tell me. I am sure they wanted to cover all the basis here. So why not add a chef.
2. Ted - ??? A sitcom guy. Not sure what sitcom, or what era. Don't care.
3. Hana Montana guy - And we also cover the tweens, and teens! I would have rather seen Miley Cirus herself. But I am sure an A+ triple threat is a little busy right now.
4. Male Olympian - yep. Don't watch the Olympics.
5. Female Olympian- ditto from above.

So there you have it folks. I usually don't get so excited about this show but since I am rooting for almost half the shows cast. I am intrigued to be entertained by it. Hoping my favorite, Cheryl, dancer is there as always! Good luck!

Dancing with the Stars!

Two names. Susan Lucci and Warren Sapp. LOVE. THEM. (Kim Kardashian is a close third!) Must watch this season!

Jacki has Kinetosis

Motion sickness or kinetosis is a condition in which a disagreement exists between visually perceived movement and the vestibular system's sense of movement.

Dizziness, fatigue, and nausea are the most common symptoms of motion sickness. In fact, nausea in Greek means seasickness (naus means ship). If the motion causing nausea is not resolved, the sufferer will frequently vomit. Unlike ordinary sickness, vomiting in motion sickness tends not to relieve the nausea.

About 33% of people are susceptible to motion sickness even in mild circumstances such as being on a boat in calm water, although nearly 66% of people are susceptible in more severe conditions. Individuals and animals without a functional vestibular system are immune to motion sickness.

The most common hypothesis for the cause of motion sickness is that it functions as a defense mechanism against neurotoxins. The area postrema in the brain is responsible for inducing vomiting when poisons are detected, and for resolving conflicts between vision and balance. When feeling motion but not seeing it (for example, in a ship with no windows), the inner ear transmits to the brain that it senses motion, but the eyes tell the brain that everything is still. As a result of the disconcordance, the brain will come to the conclusion that one of them is hallucinating and further conclude that the hallucination is due to poison ingestion. The brain responds by inducing vomiting, to clear the supposed toxin.

I do not get Airsickness - but I do get Simulation sickness, and Sea-sickness.

A natural treatment suggestion is to simply look out of the window of the moving vehicle and to gaze toward the horizon in the direction of travel. This helps to re-orient the inner sense of balance by providing a visual reaffirmation of motion.
It is helpful to simply close one's eyes, or if possible, take a nap. This resolves the input conflict between the eyes and the inner ear. Napping also helps prevent psychogenic effects (i.e. the effect of sickness being magnified by thinking about it).

Fresh, cool air can also relieve motion sickness slightly, although it is likely this is related to avoiding foul odors which can worsen nausea.
Especially while in a car, if you are the passenger and the vehicle is turning a lot on the road, it is best to stay in the front seat next to the driver and open the window, so that the wind coming from the opened window can make you fall asleep.

There is also the medical way, which is usually not my way. Over-the-counter and prescription medications are readily available, such as Dramamine (dimenhydrinate), Stugeron (cinnarizine) and Bonine/Antivert (meclizine).

Scopolamine is effective and is sometimes used in the form of transdermal patches (1.5mg) or as a newer tablet form (0.4mg). The selection of a transdermal patch or scopolamine tablet is determined by a doctor after consideration of the patient's age, weight, and length of time treatment is required.

Interestingly, many pharmacological treatments which are effective for nausea and vomiting in some medical conditions may not be effective for motion sickness. For example, metoclopramide and prochlorperazine, although widely used for nausea, are ineffective for motion-sickness prevention and treatment. This is due to the physiology of the CNS vomiting centre and its inputs from the chemoreceptor trigger zone versus the inner ear. The sedating anti-histamine medications such as promethazine, work quite well for motion sickness, although they can cause significant drowsiness.

Ginger root is a highly effective anti-emetic and sucking on crystallized ginger or sipping ginger tea can help to relieve the nausea. A teaspoon of ground (powdered) ginger root has been proven to be as effective in preventing motion sickness as popular OTC chemicals, but without the drowsiness and sleepiness that is a common side reaction to dimenhydrinate or diphenhydrinate.

Soft drinks will also help to settle the stomach, and chewing gum or breath mints will help keep saliva from building up in the mouth.

If your wondering why I felt the need to go to Wikipedia and give you all that information on Motion Sickness. It is because I am a victim to it. I almost always drive, because I have a WAY less tendency to get sick. Just a short drive thru a local McD's and I may feel slightly green by the time we are on our way home.

I have perfected the art of not getting sick, I force myself to sleep, I chew gum, suck on mints or hard candy, pop is always helpful. And no barfing on the side of the road does not make me feel better. (unlike barfing with the flu, I feel better)

I have a very wonderful and long story about our honeymoon, a 40 foot tank dive, and the sheer utter fear of trying to figure out how to vomit under water with out dying. Boats, are not my thing either. I can not spend to long in a swimming pool. The swaying in the water makes me sick. Yes even in my 4 foot deep pool.

I have an issue with my iPod earphones, and flipping through photographs, either online or in my hands. I can NOT handle the mere thought of a carnival ride. BUT I love roller coasters, and they don't bother me at all. Airplanes are never a bother, so I fly with ease.

I always hated when my mom would tell me I would grow out of it. Oh and it got worse when I was pregnant! I won't grow out of it. I get sick easily, so if I tell you to park it (oh god, I HATE when someone drives around the parking lot, braking at every possible spot, for fucks sake. PARK. IT.)

Ed didn't quite believe I was going to hurl once on the way to Indiana, now I am know to be dramatic, but he learned quickly that I wasn't over dramatising the green feeling. He didn't even get the truck to a full stop before I was leaning out, hulahing my brains out.

I am scared to say that Mia just might be a motion sick queen like her mom. She doesn't seem to like a long car ride (more then an hour) with out a good upchuck of the goldfish crackers. (I have now learned for longer car rides the kids will wear house clothes there. And I will change them to nicer clothes when we arrive and all upchucking has subsided.

Add this to your useless knowledge section of your brains. I just wanted you all to know a little bit more about me. So mother I will not grow out if it, I will call shotgun or drive all the time. (I don't remember the last time I rode in a backseat) I will no longer deep sea dive, or hop onto a creepy carnival ride. But for safety's sake I may just add Ginger to my garden next year...

Do it now. Start from right here.

In the world of scrapbooking the biggest stress is on keeping up. Most people won't start because they say it's too late. It's never to late to start. You don't have to go back and start from the day you or your kids were born.

Start right now. And if you get a chance go back and work on some older pictures, and go from there.

I have decided to do my housework and laundry like that. I have a small hill of laundry left in my room to put away, and I am proud to say that all the clothes are clean in this house (or on the way, last load is in the wash!) but, I have a buttload to fold and put away. (ok, everyone together... booooooo!)

Now that the Art Room is done, I have a big table right there for projects, AND laundry folding! Since I want my art room table to be clear for projects, I am motivated to put away my clothes.

But my issue lately has been, do I just take all the laundry up and dump it all on the floor with the other pile, like I always do? Or do I start the new routine, and when I get time go back and fold and hang the old stuff? So I started the new routine today, worked out well. Mia and the dogs are downstairs, helping me (yes because two dogs walking on clean clothes, and the toddler running amuck with the towels screaming is great help) I bring the piles up and to there respected rooms, and viola! We have order. (don't tell anyone! Oh if word got out that I am attempting some sort of order around here! What would the neighbors say?!)

Hoping this works. I must go now, I have to put away some piles and vacuum the bedrooms!

List of blog topics

Blog list...

• Mia is Perfect
• Eating or not
• Do it starting now.
• BB10

Another not so Wordless Wednesday!

First day my dad was using his new riding lawn mower. Funny thing is, after I took this picture it looks like he is driving into the tree! Silly daddy!

Not so Wordless Wednesday.

I miss you. I miss us. I miss the conversation. I miss the silence between us, when it's never awkward. I miss stories about the kids. I miss talking about our husbands. I miss Target and coffee.

3000 miles separate us. And every time we are back together, it's like I just saw you yesterday. We just pick back up where we left off. Usually with long hugs and crying.

I love the fact that you are my cousin. Ahem, sorry, my scuzin'. You make me laugh, smile, and you get me. Not to many people do. It's always to long between visits scuz. I love you and I miss you.

ps tell your kids to stop growing up so fast, and I will try to tell mine too. I miss them.

Much love from your favoritest scuzzin'

Gack

Quote of the day.

While I was on the phone with my mom tonight she yells to my dad...

"If you fart and walk away again, I am going to shove this phone up your ass"

Ahh now that is love.

I am calling out my faux cousin. Please respond.

Hi,
you are so stuped in your comments you make about others. You say you are there for me but you aren't. Say you can't help me but you have money for everything else. swimming pool, coffee and parting. I hope you get back what you give. NOTHENG!!! You and your mother just lie. You only care about yourselves. You quote to everyone that you care about us but all you do is like the gossep. you thyve on it. U like to make everyone TO THINK you luv us but you just talk and write like you do.

ENJOY



This was an email sent to me. I find it interesting that someone is pretending to be my cousin, and trying to drive a wedge into a family that already has to many wedges in it.

I am glad I was smart enough to call my family and find out that it wasn't sent by my cousin. It was staged and sent through a fake email.

I am just saddened that someone would try to do this to our family. So here is my lure, if you have something against me, and you want to bring up an issue. Bring it, but stop pretending that your my cousin. I just got off the phone with my cousin and she hasn't had Internet access for a few weeks.

That makes the email above not from my cousin. Hmmm. So who has spare time to make up an email from my cousin to me? I wonder... feel free to fess up. Because it's obvious the fake emailer also reads my blog. Since they referenced my "pool, coffee and parting" you must have my parting ways mixed up with a different Jacki, unless the scrapbook expo and the Stampin' Up! weekend with my friends is parting, well your just confused.

Oh and if you knew my cousin, you would know that she doesn't even know the meaning of the word "thyrve" or thrive. Nor does she talk like that. And by the way, whoever is my faux cousin sending me the fake emails. Your are SO on my shit list for calling my mom out too.

I told you all once, don't mess with me. I am a force to be reckoned with. But bring my mom into it. Now you really have my attention. Either fess up and realize I am calling you out on it. Or back off and this post just gets filled away with all the others.

Don't mess...

So I lost the piece of paper with the time for Alex's 4 month check up... so I wait for a good 20 minutes on hold. After realizing it was at 2:15 and that is right in Mi's nap time I reschedule it for 10:45. Pack up the kids and the car. Of to J-Town for a solo date with the kidlets to the Dr's office.

I get to the Dr.'s office and some lady is being dropped off at the door. She swings her car door WIDE open, doesn't look and freaks out thinking I was going to drive by and take her door and or leg off. Spaz. She and the driver start waving there arms around. Whatever. I don't have time for there shit.

So then after parking in BFE, loading up the stroller, and stressing because I am 20 minutes late. I stroll into the Dr.'s office with my monster Cadillac stroller with two monkeys in it.

The driver (lets say mid 40's) of the drop off spaz mobile, shoots me the dirtiest look in the lobby. I then return with the "your kidding right?"eyebrow raise. She then has the balls to loudly say to her elderly mother. "Look mom there she is"... now remember that most Dr. office lobbies are usually silent. So we all heard her, staff included.

Ahh, now lets all remember that I am usually pretty easy going and overly nice to others. But please don't put yourself in the situation where I need to retaliate. I may not be a physical fighter, but my tongue is sharp. And I will put you in your place if need be, no matter your age.

So with that said. Here is my response...

Me "Are you serious?"

Spaz "You need to learn to drive"

Me "Really. Because at 10 miles per hour in the parking lot, when your passenger here, doesn't look and just swings her door open. Is my fault?"

Spaz "Well I was just..."

Me "You have to be kidding, I don't have the time for this. DO not try to tell me how to drive, I knew what I was doing. Do you have anything else to say to me? Because I am done here."

Spaz silence.

Me "That is what I thought" I then start to walk away and loudly say "Don't fuck with a mom. Ever."

Then I proceeded to the other side of the building to the children's lobby. I wasn't ghetto, I am better then that. But I don't give two shits how old you are. DO NOT reprimand me in front of strangers. You don't know me, so don't even attempt to try and be the adult here.

I thought that since she needed to bring it to everyone's attention, I needed to be sure that we all got the story straight. Back before kids I would have never jumped on anyone like that. After Mia was born, I would but I just seemed to be to ghetto about it. But now that I am refined and 30. I do not back down. I feel if you call me out. I will be sure to retaliate, with attitude, but not so much I look childish, but enough that you know that I am a strong proud mom. And that you calling me out, just opened a can of Jacki that you probably can't handle.

Like I said "Don't fuck with a mom. Ever." we are a force to be reckoned with. I am not violent, and at 5 foot I have good reason not to be. But being tiny I have always been feisty. Don't mess with those I care about, and especially don't mess with me. I have learned to not let things fester. If I wouldn't have said anything, it would have bothered me more then the situation itself.

I can't just leave it alone, and walk away. It's not my character. I won't start the fight, but damn well I will finish it. And win. I am in a good mood now, and I will move on with my day.

And yes I know swearing isn't pretty, and it's very catching for the 2 year old to pick up on. But when mommy feels the need to retaliate, believe me I try my best to relate my message with as few swear words as possible. But they make a point I am trying to make. And when I am that pissed I find it hard to find a good replacement for the word "fuck" and don't even try me with the whole "frick" or "darn" idea. That just doesn't fly with me.

Have a lovely day. And just remember, if your one of those people that mumble, and make a comment. I am the person that will call you out on it. Guaranteed.

Maniac Monday on Tuesday

If you could take more control of one aspect of your life, what would it be?
The housework. It drives me nuts. It's so hard trying to catch up. Once one room is cleaned up then the one I just cleaned seems to be a mess. I really wish we could catch up on the house, and just get into a good routine of picking up after ourselves.


If you were to name the difference between the male soul and the female soul, what would it be?

In one word? Emotion. Not saying that Men don't have emotion. But they seem to have a hard time showing it. Not saying that men should go around as emotional as us women, there is more then enough of us mood swinging freaks out there. But I think there would be less divorce and counseling if men would actually say what they are thinking, or feeling.

The few times I can pry Ed's feelings out of him, I love it. I love to know that most of the time we are on the same page, but since he doesn't say anything with out me prying. You just don't know.

I am one of those people that will pry and ask how he feels about a certain situation. Not all women do this. I might be rambling more then need be for this question.

But since I am huge on my emotions, I wish he would be too. I don't mind if you cry, shit, I do it all the time. It doesn't show weakness, to me it shows you have a heartbeat, and your not a badass wanna be. I want someone to show me he cares, and for gods sake talk to me about the things on your mind.

If men could express there emotions more, I think maybe women wouldn't be so emotional, trying to read men.

If you had to admit the most selfish thing you do on a regular basis, what would you say it is?
Blogging. No need to think about it. I blog to survive. I love it. It get's me through a rough day, a boring day, or just to much in my head. Blogging is also (thanks Jayme!) a great way to leave your legacy to your kids and family.

Hope you all enjoyed the Maniac Monday questions. If you want to play along, post the questions on your site with your amazing answers, and leave me a comment and let me know you played. And you have to go check out the Maniac Monday site, and you should leave them your name and a link too! I have met some fun new people that way! Happy Maniac Monday on Tuesday!

HUGE CONGRATS!!

I am very happy and proud to announce that my mom's best friend Patsy, is going to be a Grandma!

Patsy's son Davey and his wife Stephanie didn't waste anytime starting a family, they just got married in June and made Patsy and Michelle's (Stephanie's mom) dreams come true.

Patsy has been my mom's best friend since I was 8 years old, they met at St. Mary's when doing kitchen duty. Patsy is alot like my mom, loud, funny and full of personality. She is an amazing and caring person.

I know this is something she has be dying for. I am thrilled that she and my mom can share stories about there grandchildren together. Much love to Patsy and her new grand baby to be!

Friday's Feature Blogger!

Again my apologies for not posting on the correct days, sometimes I am just a wee busy for posting that day. Anywho, nuff rambling here is the newest genius idea, I will be posting on Fridays, enjoy the blogs I love to read.

Maternal Mirth

Who doesn't love a caring mother's blog, with more sarcasm and daily humor then one can handle? The way she blogs makes reading it a breeze. Not sure if it's the spacing, the font, the way she tells a story? Maybe it's all of it.

And if you must know that is how Sara is in real life. She is an amazing story teller. (I personally have about 10 zillion phone hours logged with Sara)

I have to say I may be just a tad bit biased that this is the best mom blogger eva! Since we were bestest friends in grade school and Jr. High. Sara and me have about 25 years of friendship and I know it will be forever. She is one of those people when I invested my $8 at Claires into the Best Friend heart necklace it was a smart purchase. (you know the cheesy broken heart, and you each got half)

Read Maternal Mirth once, and you will have it on your blogroll halfway through your first post! I enjoy her wit, and wisdom. With 3 kids and Dummy to boot. (I didn't forget about Gracie and Punkin the furballs!)

Rules of reading my featured blogger are easy.

Go to Maternal Mirth, leave her a comment. Showing love to another blogger is always appreciated. Be sure to let her know who told her she was amazing.

Leave me a comment, and let me know what you think.

That is all... now go read... I will wait here....

Color of the Day!

Yellow!

This is the color of the day! I am trying to teach Mia the different colors, her first answer is always Pink even though she knows it's not. I think if I make a game of finding one color each day, and we try to find everything that color, she will have an easier time remembering the color.

Being an artist I really have a want for Mi to know her colors well. I can't wait to show her the different shades, and even how some are paired because they are contrasting and attract your eyes to them. (like Red and Green for Christmas? Orange and Blue for Da Bears?)

I know it's maybe more then most people would teach, I know I will start slow, just getting the colors down. But she is so spongy, and learning so fast. I want her to enjoy learning and what better thing to enjoy then color! I even dressed her in a little yellow dress today!

So Roly Poly Oli, Big Bird her Easter straw hat, and her bunny are all yellow and are the toys of the day! This is fun! Wee!!

Art Studio... not so much...

This is approximately the space that I had to work in before my amazing art space was created. I must tell you, this is on a 3x4 table that my dad built me. I had ALL my supplies on little cabinets and random containers all around me. It was SO hard to work efficiently with out an avalanche of some sort. (yes that is an autographed picture of Walt Willy from All My Children in the top left corner, he also does Stand Up Comedy) Anywho enough on Walt. I just wanted to make sure you all know that I went from a teeny tiny space in a dark and creepy basement space to what I have now... same space. But its amazing what some paint, drywall and few cabinets can do for a girl. Don't even get me started on IKEA! Yes I know new room pictures, quit yelling at me...I'm on it like a homeless man on a sandwich...

See you later, Alligator!

I have to tell you about this book, "See You Later, Alligator" by Annie Kubler. Mia LOVES this book, and I read it to her at least twice a day for nap and bed time. I personally love it, it's short so it not a dread to have to reread over again. And if you notice the mouth is a puppet, I just use my index and middle finger to make him talk. Mia loves the Crocodile and I personalize his "bath time" with some comments about "splashy splashy, kicky, kicky" or when Crocodile is to busy and wants to paint, I am sure to refer to going to the "art room" he also eats his "oatmeal, and drinks from his cup.

It's a fun book to animate and make Mia enjoy reading as much as I do. And with just the two characters, Alligator and Crocodile, it's easy to make up a voice for each one. This has helped make sleep time much more enjoyable for both of us. (thanks to my neighbor Jill for this gift)

I want my kids to love reading. I always say it takes you to another place. No matter your day or what is around you. Find a good book, and just get lost in it's world. And don't tell me you don't have the time. You make the time.

So I tag you my readers, leave me a comment and tell me what you favorite book is, or what you are reading right now. I don't care if it's Dr. Seuss (one of my favorites!) If you don't have a favorite check out my Shelfari over on the right, below the blogroll. Check out my favorites!

And go bury yourself in a good book!

I ran away.

August 1991.

I was fed up. I was an angry and no one understood me. I was 13 years old, and I was running away. It was pointless to stay, no one listened to me, and my mom was a total spaz as always. Dad was even getting angry at me. I was so pissed at everyone, Susie is at least smart to go hide in her room.

So I spent at least 2 hours packing up my whole room, taking what was necessary to survive the outside world. I packed it all up, it took two trips to lug it all out back. Why out back you ask? Well because I was moving to my little red pup tent in the back yard. I stayed out there for a good hour until it was dinner time. Then I moved back in, my mom is a really good cook. Plus I was bored out there.

I can only hope that is as far as my kids run away. I try to be chill with them and not over react to every thing they do. I want them to come to me for advice with friends and life. But I want them to also understand that I am the one that will be mean, and strict. But it's for them and they will appreciate me for it later. Until then I will set up the pup tent and make a really good dinner.

A new idea with old memories

I think I am going to start doing blogs on old memories, and stories when I can. I have so many that I want to pass down to my kids, so why not throw them in once in a while for some fun to the readers, get to know Jacki just a bit more, and as a legacy to my kids... good idea... now if I can follow through, that is another story.

Hit the ground running...

9:10 am woke up and hit the ground running. Did make up, pulled my hair back, fed the dogs, left to go pick up the kidlets at my IL's. After I stop at Jewel for some stuff
11:15 am arrive at my IL's condo, Diane informs me that she is leaving in 45 minutes to go out with her sister, Donna and Gramma and Grampa. She jumps in the shower, I then clean up her living room and kitchen (since Mia the Mischievous Monkey was everywhere) and with the assistance of Mia un-cleaning up the toys as fast as I was cleaning up the toys. I eventually got it all put away and Mi was distracted enough to leave them alone.

I bought Diane some very pretty red Austromeria flowers, and two packs of orange tic tacs (her favorite) just for everything she does for us. I was able to visit with her for about 10 minutes, and then I packed up my monkey children, and off we went to rush home. Because we had 45 minutes until Darvin was delivering the new furniture!

Of coarse there was traffic on 80, so I had to cruise through Joliet (fun.) to go around. I found out that there is only one lane because of some road work being done. I guess I missed the memo.

Got home at 12:52 and they just pulled in my driveway before me! Gah! What are the odds that my neighbors Chris and Sara also had a delivery from Darvin scheduled for today. So I asked the guys to do there house first. Then I could drag my sleeping children into the house.

I set Alex in his carseat down in the living room, take Mi upstairs to her room, lay her down in bed, and sing a very fast rendition of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Back down stairs to get Weaky and take him up to change his poopy but, lay him in his crib, he was out before I hit the door. Perfect.

I run down to the basement, start moving all the furniture (sorta forgot about that one) from the media room into my nice empty art studio. Run back up to the garage to see the moving guys pulling back into my driveway.

They take the doors off, and haul it all down (in 6 pieces) LOVE IT! After they left, I checked the pool chemicals, added the chlorine tabs, and picked up some things in the yard. got the mail, moved the truck back to the driveway, and rolled up the windows (it was gunna rain)

Came in, made lunch, sat for about 35 minutes and watched Thursdays episode of BB10 (bizarre I know, I know what happens from watching the feeds, but I still like to watch the show and to see what they put together from the week) Now I am doing laundry and picking up around the house. Ed is on his way home already. Man this day has FLOWN!

I am exhausted and I know this because my brain is on extreme overload, and I keep spelling the word and, as the word nad. Makes me smile when I do that. Or the fact that I just nodded of typing this. Or the fact that at 11:45 last night I decided to work out. I am beyond bizarre. Way beyond.

Anywho, that is the day so far, I am sure the wee ones will be up soon, I need to feed, clean, and entertain. Then Jen and maybe Michele are stopping by to work on swaps for Mondays meeting.

Stick a fork in me I am effing done. But, I will keep going until at least 9:30 when Ed walks out the door for work tonight. If I can make it that long...

InSaNe ScHeDuLe

• 2:00 am Friday morning... went to sleep. (Why? cuz I just like to self inflict the whole lack o' sleep zombie like state for the next day)
• 7:15 am Friday morning... wake 15 minutes before my alarm (oh and it was the real alarm, not the kids alarm. They are at the IL's till Saturday) Get up and get ready for a kick ass day!
• 7:58 am my Mom arrives at my house, pack up her car. Off to Casey's Gas Station for Potato Cheese Bites, Starbucks, and water. Off to Pipers house!
• 8:32 am arrive at Piper's, we pee, pack up for the mini van brigade and off we go!
• Where you ask? Only to the funnest scrapbook event of the year! The Scrapbook Expo at Phesent Run Resort in St. Charles IL. LOVE IT. It's simple, $8 to get in and shop at booths from all the companies showing off all there new papers, embellishments, tools. We were free since we were registered for classes.
• 10:12 am arrive at the PR Resort check in, and speed walk to our first class "You say you want a Revolution? by Quickkutz. We did 4 12x12 pages, using the Quickkuts Revaluation machine. AND I won the Lemonade alphabet dies!! (worth about $60, booya.)
• 11:35 am After class we decided to shop around and met up with Piper's friend Missy.
• 12:28 pm. Yikes! Were going to be late for class! Lets go!!
• 12:30 pm arrive at the 4 Album Enhancing class by SEI (great company!) They have these scrapbooks in a box. All included, you just follow the directions and by the magic of t.v. and one hour, you should be done! Plus since we went to the class we got 40% off any item in there booth!
• 2:00 pm, finished with that class, and now we are starving! Head over to the restaurant for the best, no lie, best barbecue chicken quesadillas eva!! Yummy!! Head out for an unload at the mini van.
• 3:00 pm Then back to the booths for more shopping!
• 3:50 pm over to the last class So Lucky File Folder Album by Rusty Pickle. Not cute at first, but it SO grew on us after a while. A scrapbook made from a big piece of burlap... I should take pictures of what we made...
• 5:00 pm out of class again, and you guessed it back to the showroom for more shopping.
• 5:45 pm showroom floor closes in 15 minutes, so we head out the door. Pack up the van again, and head to Fox Valley, for some quality time at Kirklands Home store, I got the coolest yard ornament (again pictures would be great for you huh?)
• Then over to Archivers, to cash in on our coupons we got at the booth.
• Head to Pipers, unpack and repack mom's car. Back to Channahon we go.
• 9:00 pm FINALLY HOME! I am a ZOMBIE! Start making Ed's dinner.
• 9:03 pm finish making Ed's porkchop salad.
• 9:30 pm Ed gone for work, I left and ran his movies back.
• 10:51 pm finish blog, must go to bed. I have a hot date of picking up the kidlets tomorrow morning, then home to wait for the furniture guys (between the house of 1:00 and 5:00)

Between getting the Media Room ready, the Art Studio, packing for today's events, and just the everyday norm. I am beyond tired.

Gu nih.

Stick a fork in me I am done

Fo sho.

Art Studio

Established August 20th 2008.

She is done. The most amazing art room ever and it's all mine.

3 walls painted post-it note yellow (Crayola Canary to be exact) jet black peel and stick tiles for the floor. Cabinets and counter tops all around.

Ever so beautiful IKEA kitchen towel bars, hanging buckets, mini shelf system, pencil cups all for tools. Cabinets, and shelves all mounted on the walls.

This is artist's dream room. I have it all right there. I can paint, draw, paper mache, stamp scrapbook, you name it I can do it in my room. I cried Wednesday night. This is a room I have wanted since I was a kid, and especially since I have had my own home.

Thanks to the every so amazing Jack of all trades father of mine (Jack, hee hee. Get it? Jack of all tra... yeah ok you got it...) I had the room built. He drywalled, painted, and helped me design my room.

I was SO proud to host my first Stampin' Up! Open House down there and not have to haul ALL my stuff upstairs! Oh my GOD it was so much more relaxing!

And there is space for 2 at my counter. Very nice because it is usually myself and Jen, or myself and my mom. BUT I have a big enough table (on the way) to host 6 MORE people! So crop nights at Jacki's Creative Maniac Station is such a possibility! And with all my punches, and stamps, I also have my Cricut machine, and Big Shot (die cutting machines, one electric and one manual) and my very unused sewing machine (I swear I will sew on it mom!)

Oh you want to see it? Yes, yes I know. I will take some pictures and you will see them soon. I owe you guys newer pictures anyway.

Shout outs...
Thanks again to my dad, I love my 30th Birthday present. You always find time to build whatever I want. And I don't even have the words to thank you for this room.

Thanks to my mom for being the one to ALWAYS make the time to do arts and crafts with me. No matter what. You made the time for us. I will pass that on to my kids.

Thanks to Susie for putting up with my love for art, you have your crafts you do, and always have a seat at my table.

Thanks to Jen for joining Stampin' Up! with me and making the last 3 years SO much fun, and making the skill of procrastinating an art in it's own!

And to Michele, my Stampin' Up! Upline, if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have have the crap I do in my space, and I thank you for that. I love every stamp and ink pad you have introduced me to, plus your friendship has made all my Stampin' Up! adventures great.

As weird as this may be to you readers. I thank myself. For always being true to what I love, and never being embarrassed of being into crafts and art. And even though I might not have had the time I still find an ability to make the time, to do what I love and to share it with everyone I can. I am a craft dork and I LOVE IT!

Me=Zombie

Not sure where to start. I am SO tired. I am SO bad at going to bed! Gah! I am tired at night, like around 11 or so. But I still manage to tool around and then before I know it, it is 2 am! Not good! I have a busy day, everyday so I can't afford to NOT sleep. Or at least for 4-5 hours, that really doesn't cover the basis of a 15 hour work day for me. I wish I could get myself to just go lay down. I mean once I hit the pillow I am OUT. Not sure how to fix this... zzzzzz.....

Maniac Monday not my answers.

I was away at my Stampin' Up! Conventional with my friends on Sunday and Monday, with my Open House, and new furniture, and the day at the Scrapbook Expo, I am trying to catch up on some regular posts that I like to do. I was talking with Ed the other night, and I asked him the Maniac Monday questions. So instead of my answers this week, I will post his! Enjoy!

Is there something you’ve dreamed of doing for a long time? Why haven’t you done it?
Shark Cage Diving! or Sky Diving. Either way I want to dive!




If you could make any fictional character come to life, which one would it be?
Besides Jessica Rabbit? (from Rodger Rabbit if you didn't know)


If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, which store would it be and how long would it take you to spend the $10,000?
Either Menards or Best Buy!

Name three things you wanted as a child but never got.
Nothing really came to mind for either of us on this one. We were both lucky kids, and didn't really ask for to much and what we did get was good enough.

Update on the Art Studio and Open House

Art Studio and Open House update...

• Walls painted yes. Color... imagine 50,000 yellow post-it notes on my walls. Oh it's bright...


• Floor almost done... so close!


• Swaps from Conventional on display (thanks mom!)


• Diane is set up to take the monkeys, I mean children for the night of Open House.


• Catalogs are all bound, just need to be pimped out.


• Some staging of the counter is done.


• One of the little gifts are done.


• I need to make the Make-n-Take projects


• I need to print out all the new sales we are having!

And just cleaning up the room too. Lots o' work, but my amazing dad has put the art studio into overdrive, and Ed and my mom have been great help. This will be my dream room...CAN'T WAIT! (yes I will post you pictures... silly...)

Time for ME!

It all started with a pizza puff, a Mikes Hard Limeade, and procrastination like you wouldn't believe! I am hoping I have the next two days to chill and have fun with Jen, Michele and all our Stampin' Up! friends! I have a mini Conventional up north to attend to get some hot new ideas, and just have FUN with my friends!

I just got back from dropping "Princess Mia" as she calls herself now, and Weaky Man off at my parents house until... TUESDAY! Oh god the glory of two days of no kids! I love me some little children of mine. But a break is needed and this is it!

Besides my awesome weekend getaway, I have a Stampin' Up! open house on Thursday to prep for, tile to lay in the Art Studio and in the Media Room, clean this stank ass house, and just the everyday norm! Yikes busy bug, but I don't think I could handle a calm life... I would probably just create chaos to have some around!

Well have a creative few days, I know I sure will, I must go now, I needs me a shower, and to pack! Buh bye!!

I'm awesome!

You Will Be a Cool Parent

You seem to naturally know a lot about parenting, and you know what kids need. You can tell when it's time to let kids off the hook, and when it's time to lay down the law. While your parenting is modern and hip, it's not over the top. You know that there's nothing cool about a parent who acts like a teenager... or a drill sergeant!

Would You Be a Cool Parent?

I am Ernie!

You Are Ernie

Playful and childlike, you are everyone's favorite friend - even if your goofy antics get annoying at times. You are usually feeling: Amused - you are very easily entertained You are famous for: Always making people smile. From your silly songs to your wild pranks, you keep things fun. How you life your life: With ease. Life is only difficult when your friends won't play with you!

The Sesame Street Personality Quiz

America's Best Dance Crew Week 8-Super Cr3w-The Humpty Dance

If you love 80's hip hop, you must love this clip from last nights show!

MnM's and a bell...

Thanks Sara I will be going out to get myself a shiny and noisy new bell, and a nice big bag of MnM's... I will tell you all later what this is for... I don't want to jinx myself!

I nodded off typing this.

tired.
up at 6.
baby sleeping.
Mia at gramma & grampas.
we have housework to do. lots of it.
basement floor to clean & tile.
smelly dishes to wash.
house to clean.
laundry to fold.
see closet post.
finally taking a break.
typing one handed.
feeding Alex.
wanna nap.
just.get.it.all.done.
Anyone wanna help?

Baffled.

It doesn't take much to baffle me. Not calling my self dumb, but some of the things in our everyday life, tend to confuse me. I have two examples...

1. Macaroni and cheese. Why as a kid did you HAVE to wait forever for the water to boil, add the noodles, then after what seems like forever (or at least a whole magazine later) you add the powder, butter and milk. AND god forbid you don't have the milk! Gasp! NOOOO! Until I figured out you just add more butter. Now the confusing part of the 25 minute Mac and Cheese meal, is that now you can nuke the noodles and water in 3 minutes and add powdered cheese, and wala! You have 22 more minutes then the original meal process. Um just curious why this didn't happen 20 years ago, when a 10 year old girl was starving to death and just wanted to go back and play, but was starting to shrivel up because Mac and cheese took FOREVER.
2. Moving on. Chicken Pot Pie. Jen and me have discussed this many times, WHY does one kind take 35 (more like 45 minutes in the oven. But now you can conveniently nuke up one in 2 minutes? I know it's not quite as yummy as the oven cooked one. But realistically I have a hungry toddler who wants dinner now. Not in 45 minutes (4 hours in toddler time) and a mommy with no patience for whiny toddlers!

That is all for now. I am sure I will come up with things that baffle me.

Want to know how I got an idea for this genius post? Go here to find out... at Assignments of InSaNiTy

Professional Sarcasmist

Ya like that? "Professional Sarcasimsist" I made that one up just now while posting a message on "Sarah and the Goon Squad" but the dictionary only let me have "Sarcasm"

sar·casm
Audio Help (sär'kāz'əm) Pronunciation Key n.
A cutting, often ironic remark intended to wound.
A form of wit that is marked by the use of sarcastic language and is intended to make its victim the butt of contempt or ridicule.
The use of sarcasm. See Synonyms at wit1.

Either way I have realized by the rate and ability Mia is talking and putting words, and sentences together is outstanding. I shall have the perfect professional preschool sarcasmist ever!

Not so Wordless Wednesday

I seem to break the rules of Wordless Wednesday, but it gives me a reason to post a random picture and to explain it. Anyway the above is a picture of a Baboon at the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, he had gotten a hold of a zoo map.

So here is the Zoologist wanna be in me saying, that this is not a funny picture because he could choke on it if he eats it. Hopefully he will just tear it up and move on to a more interesting twig.

And the regular mom in me says "oh look at the silly monkey with a zoo map! Is he lost? Ha ha ha!"

If you have ever been on a zoo trip with me, I SO have to hold back, I am all full of random animal information. I always wanted to be a Zoologist, so I have been studying animals and there life styles since I was a kid. I would fill notebooks with notes from Marty Stopher's animal show, after school. I have an ENORMOUS Smithsonian Book on all the species. Love it!

Well enjoy my funny but not funny Baboon and his map

Blogtations love for me!

Check me out over at Blogtations!

I have a featured quote! Yes me! Someone thought I had a witty thing to say. Good god it's not like I don't talk enough, so eventually something interesting had to come out right?

Not because of an earth shattering quote that will make you think. But more of an egotistical quote I had made last week. Be sure to visit my quote over at Blogtations, and while your there be sure to poke around. It makes my day to read a good quote, and none of these sugar coated nicey nice quotes, about love and friendship (those are nice) but a real quote. And to know it comes from an every day person like myself is even better.

Thanks again to Blogtations, for doing the homework, finding the funny quotes. Who doesn't love cleaning "laugh so hard, I spit my coffee on the monitor" quotes?

Ten on Tuesday.

Here it is 10 questions for you on Tuesday. These were asked by my viewers (thanks to those who played along.) Feel free to leave me a comment and ask me more questions. I love to yap about everything.













Laurie over at "It all started at Kent State University" was inquiring about my means of transportation... "What kind of car do you drive? Is it your dream car? If you didn't have to worry about car seats what would you drive around town in?"

1. I own a 1997 Pontiac Grand Am GT, she is purple and 2 door. I don't drive her anymore, unless I am kidless. I do love a good drive around in my car though. I drive a 1998 Ford Explorer Sport again 2 door (boo!) it is black, and it is the family mobile.
   


2. No neither are my dream car.


3. If it was just Ed and me I think we would still have an SUV of some sort, just for the sake of hauling stuff, people, pets... but my crazy dream car is a Plymoth Prowler.

Miss Sara over at Maternal Mirth wanted to know "What superstitions do you have if any?"

1. My Gramma Wanda was all full of fun superstitions. I still do them to this day. Like if you see a barrel of hay, make a wish and look away! (if you look back at the hay your wish is void) or the one about white horses. For each one you see, you must lick your thumb on your right hand, take that wet thumb, place it into the palm of your left hand, now make a fist with your right hand and pound it into the palm of your left. Makes no sense but that was good luck. Oh if you go under a train bridge you have to hold up the roof of a car so your not crushed. Umm... I also go by the rule don't hang a horse shoe upside down. All the luck will fall out. I always have liked Tarot cards (very hard to read if you ask me) superstitions, and off the normal path. I know that most religious people are not into the whole Tarot or superstitions. Well that is for them and not for me.


2. By the way, thanks for the reminder on the Trouble Dolls, I thought I was hot shit when I got those. In there funky little box...I wonder where the are now...

(the box that they come in is about 2 inches, they are tiny!)

The Guatemalan Indians teach their children an old tradition --when you have worries you tell them to your dolls. At bedtime, children are told to take one doll from the box for each worry and share their worry with that doll. Overnight, the doll will solve their worries for them! Remember, since there are only five dolls per box, you are only allowed five worries a day.

Jen over at Buried With Children was curious about my love of being a SAHM... What is your biggest pet peeve about having kids?What is the one thing that you can no longer do b/c you have kids?

1. My first answer is I love my kids, and I have no pet peeves about have them at all. Well I though about it and I guess my biggest pet peev is other people. To explain, I have said it before, I am usually very good at being observant. I know my surroundings most places I go. I study landmarks in case I get turned around, I study people to see who is around me. But with kids it is SO hard to be so damn observant, all while answering to "Mommy. Mommy. Mommy. Mommy." "Yes Mia"... silence with a blank stare. Don't answer her? Ah yes because in that situation "Mommy" only get's faster, and louder, and WILL NOT stop until you answer. So my Innocent children are not as safe because for the zillionth time I must see Darby and Buster (Tigger and Pooh) "shakin' the butt"
2. I am also peeved by the RETARDED humans that don't seem to see a HUGE double stroller coming by. Ah yes, my glorified moment, at the Drew Davis Band and Hootie concert... Leaving, at 11:45pm, with two zonked out children in the monster stroller. We parked in the grass, and to get some momentum going, I push hard and fast (remember stroller weighs 40 lbs, child 1 is 25lbs, and child 2 is 12lbs. We are at 77 lbs so far, and we are not counting the cooler, diaper bag, oh and the fold up chair in a bag across my shoulders. I am getting some good speed. Like a decent enough to actually keep up with Ed... from the side I see two women walking right into my path. I yelled "watch the stroller" I get "the look" and they speed up to cut me off. Oh here's the best part... I speed up, and nail one of them, so hard I knock the bitch down. Ha! Asshole. DO NOT CUT OFF A TIRED MOM WITH TIRED ANGRY CHILDREN WITH A BIG ASS FULLY LOADED STROLLER (no matter how much fun I just had) I will so ram you. And I did with a smile on my face. She gets up looks at me with the "oh no you did unt" look. I gave her the "oh yes I did" look and moved on.

So peev would be don't cross a momma with a stroller, we are aiming for you. I did the same thing with a kid at the zoo. OK I wasn't aiming, but I am sure as hell not going to slam on my brakes because some over sugared kid jumps over and right in front of my stroller. I mean, HELLO? Keep your kid next to you, and I hope he just learned a valuable lesson.

1. Because of my amazing children I can no longer just run to the store to get something. Or just go out on a whim. I miss that. But otherwise, I am lucky enough that my parents or Diane and Joe will take them with notice. So it really doesn't hold me back from much.

Well those 8 were from readers. Now I have 2 of my own to share... yes I am a weirdo, I will ask myself... lets get a little crazy... Are you voting? and if yes who are you voting for? Cats or Dogs?

1. Yes I am voting and Barack Obama is my choice. I think he has this one in the bag anyway. No I am not concerned about the subject, I don't mind discussing politics, lightly. I really don't get all uptight about it. But I do vote.
2. I have them both. I was raised a cat person. Having (Moses, Shadow, Punkie, Kitter, Annie, Sassy and Citgo) all in my life growing up with my parents (also there newest Abigail Ming). Now with Jordan and Chloe being my girls. I love me some cats. They are independent and loving, and will come to you when they need you. But now I get "dog people" it's obvious why. Who doesn't love some big, wiggly, drooling, monkey dog to shed all over you when you first walk in the door? I DO! Maggie and Sophie are my baby girls. I treat all my pets as if they were my kids. Oh I know now that I have proudly given a shout out to all my pets, I have to say my heart goes to... both! Maggie and Sophie have made me a proud dog owner. I will ALWAYS have a cat around, but dogs have made there way into my heart too.

So that is all folks. What a way to piss away 50 minutes, but I love to talk and what better to talk about then me? Exactly.

My Shelfari

So go check out my fun new Shelfari, it's a bookshelf over on the right column. It's full of my favorite books. Hold your mouse over it and you can get some more info on it. Feel free to ask me about any of those books. I have read them at least a few time each! Not counting "Dragon Tears" by Dean Koontz that is over 10 times itself.

Go read! And don't give me crap about I don't have the time. MAKE. THE. TIME. And seriously, if I can find time between the kids, dogs, husband, house, cats, blogging, my Stampin' Up! business, my obsession with Big Brother and Survivor oh and sleep. Yes I do MAKE. THE. TIME. to read a good book.

Go, read, it's good for you. Go get lost in a good book... now...

Maniac Monday on Sunday!

How would your friend describe you to someone who has never seen you?
Oh your looking for Jacki? She's the short, blonde, white like sidewalk chalk white.

She's is the loudest one that talks ALOT, usually messing around. Kinda weird. Never embarrassed. Need more? She is ALWAYS with her two children (both toe heads) or if your in a meeting type setting after about 20 minutes she's the one doodling on herself, and most defiantly has some sort of coffee in her hands, if not she's the one passed out with drool next to her.

Um yeah, that is a pretty good summery of Jacki

Do you trust anyone to protect you? Who, and why?
I am very trusting in others. I also am VERY aware of my surroundings, so I think that I am pretty good at handling my own. But first person is Ed. He is ALWAYS looking out for me. Always worried about me.

I also know that my parents would also look out for me no matter what, and my mother and father in law too. While I am on a roll, I know Susie would do what she could to take care of Gack. And I know Jen always has my back.

Is that to trusting? Nah, I just put faith in those I surround myself with.


If you died or went missing, who would miss you?
I would like to say more people then I think would. I have been very social these last 30 years on planet earth. And I would think just between family and friends I could shut down traffic and fill up a whole funeral home, not even standing room available. But hoping that is no time soon. I want to live to be 103. (all in good health though...)

Sad celeb news.

Bernie Mac

Mac died Saturday morning from complications due to pneumonia in a Chicago area hospital, his publicist, Danica Smith, said in a statement from Los Angeles. She said no other details were available.

"This is a very sad day for many of us who knew and loved Bernie," said Don Cheadle, a member of the "Oceans" gang. "He brought so much joy to so many. He will be missed but heaven just got funnier."

- Bernie Mac blended style, authority and a touch of self-aware bluster to make audiences laugh as well as connect with him. For Mac, who died Saturday at age 50, it was a winning mix, delivering him from a poor childhood to stardom as a standup comedian, in films including the casino heist caper "Ocean's Eleven" and his acclaimed sitcom "The Bernie Mac Show."

Though his comedy drew on tough experiences as a black man, he had mainstream appeal — befitting inspiration he found in a wide range of humorists: Harpo Marx as well as Moms Mabley; squeaky-clean Red Skelton, but also the raw Redd Foxx.

Ed and I both are huge fan of Bernie Mac. Very sad to hear of this. We will miss you Bernie, RIP.

Party like a rock star

Or an insane mother of two with a husband that works 3 jobs? Yes that is me. I am just plain retarded too. I stayed up again last night until 2:18 am. Glutton for punishment and got up with Alex at 7:02 am...

"Well I a sure you were doing something productive!" you might be saying. Well sort of. Ed needed his Wrigley uniform washed, and since he just took it off and gave it to me at 8:00 pm, I waited until 9:30 to start wash. So I thought, great idea, I will play in my art room for a bit.

Then it was time for Big Brother After Dark on ShowTime so of coarse who can resist? Oh then I found out (While Michelle and April were again ragging about what a horrible mom Libra is) that I have WAY more channels then I thought! I do have the Soap Opera channel (good for Susie when she stays here) and I have Sprout too! (Great for the kids!)

So two episodes of Extreme Makeover, and some sorting of the Art Studio later, I finally dragged my butt up to bed. Mmm yes Weaky up crying at 7:02 am was perfect... I am exhausted... not quite sure how Ed is still upright at this moment. He got home from his midnight shift at 6:20 and was back up again at 7:40 to get ready for a meeting at the Video store. But right home, uniform change, his dad will be here to pick him up to go to Wrigley for the day, come home and sleep maybe a few hours. Then off to the night shift job again! Phew. Thank goodness, he only has a night game at Wrigley tomorrow!

The closet.

I wish this was a real as a cartoon. But sadly it is not. Often my closet completely spills out onto the floor. And yes we live with this for weeks. That is normally up to mid shin on me. I told you a zillion times and I will tell you again.

I.hate.laundry.

It is the root of all evil. It is stupid and annoying. I want to become a nudist. But because of the previous post, and the muffin top I sport proud, and I think running around nude is illegal and unsanitary at that.

I am forced to iron, wash, dry, fold, hang and put away all these clothes. And sadly as you see my closet isn't even empty. Not even close! Yes well going along with my "life change" I am not in need of all the maternity clothes still in there, or all the outdated clothes. I also have a big bag of "I swear I will fit into this again" clothes...