photo hunt 138 - metal

In an attempt to find something different for metal, I decided to take a quick shot of two of my favorite metal belts. My favorite has bottle caps all around with a real and working seat belt as a clasp. Oh yeah! This lassie is stylin!

Be sure to check out all the other photo hunters HERE!! If you are playing along, add you link below and leave some comment luv!!

haiku friday - plumped and sated

The turkey was stuffed

All the potatoes were mashed

Cooked to perfection

Together we sit

Giving thanks for our blessings,

Family and loved ones

Everyone digs in

A yummy feast well prepared

Let the meal begin

With bellies now full

Plates and glasses are empty

Happy Thanksgiving!!

turkey day!!

Wishing you all a blessed and relaxing Thanksgiving!! I am off to enjoy the day with Hubby's family and a bus load of children. Pictures and stories to follow!

weekend wrap up or coffee clutching

Well it was another fantastic weekend in this lassie's abode. If you don't note the dripping sarcasm then at least take notice of my dripping nose. Yep, the lassie has been infected. It was only a matter of time since the boys were sick last weekend. Needless to say it was relaxing and I got to take a long and glorious nap on Saturday. I also got some news that one of my bloggy friends, Ann, from Ann Again, has traveled to the Chicago area and I am excited at the possible chance to meet her. Keep your fingers crossed and I will keep you posted!

In soccer, it was another glorious soccer Sunday. Our team won our game and I have to take this moment to bask in the glory of my utterly amazing goal from midfield. It was beautiful, went through two defenders and past the goalie to the distant corner of the net. If it were basketball you would have heard the 'swoosh' of glory. I guess I should also admit that I got a wee bit snarky during the game too. I had one of the opposing player tell me I was playing 'too close' to her. Ummm, last I checked soccer is a contact sport and if I want to get the ball I have to get close to it and thus... you. Well, the next time she came towards me with the ball I held my arms out nice and wide in an attempt to give her space and let her run by me with no effort. (By the way, my coach didn't like that too much) When I asked her if she had enough room I got the evil eye so I quickly ran and got the ball away from her. I know, not nice or sportsman like, but I do not have a high tolerance for whining. Nor did I feel bad when we pummeled them into the ground *ahem*

Since I was not feeling up to par this weekend I decided to peruse my referring URLs. Some of the things that lead people to my blog are utterly shocking! I discovered that someone googled "Irish girls that talk dirty" and my blog came up! So for that person I will now take this opportunity to give you what you were looking for, "Smelly socks, crusty dishes, grass stains and the dirty nails of the two nasty boys that live in my house." Hope that gives you your dirty fix for a while.

Colleen tagged me for "Seven Facts About Me Meme" so here it goes!
1. I love the ocean and hope to live by it VERY soon. The smell of salt water calms me to my core.
2. I used to downhill slalom race but quit once I had Drake. I think I am too overly cautious to try it again.
3. I have a strong desire to live overseas.
4. I believe there is nothing better then a hand written note - if it is mailed it is even better!!
5. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.
6. I made Shepperd's Pie this weekend and hubby all but licked the pan. Ali gave me the recipe but you can find another version of it here! Highly recommend it and was also very kid friendly - YUM!!

7. I have many OCD tendencies that drive hubby insane others he has learned to tolerate, or at least he lets me think he does!

photo hunt 137 - reflection

Be sure to check out all the other photo hunters HERE!! If you are playing along, add you link below and leave some comment luv!!

sharin' some bloggy love

I have been seriously slacking. The loverly Diane from The Mommy Diaries nominated me for the Butterfly Award and I have yet to reciprocate. I received this award during one of my "bad" moments last week. I was so shocked and overwhelmed that I almost cried. Sad and pathetic I know, but like I said I was having one doosey of a week. According to all the hoopla and fanfare I am supposed to share the love with seven other blogs. Here are my nominees!

1. The Blarney Spot because she gets me and even though she was oh so close the other weekend we could have had coffee, but I am not holding a grudge, I know one day our green paths will cross.

2. Putz because he can twist anything I say into a story of his own AND he was the honorary invisible  diva on my road trip to BlissDom 08 in Nashville.

3. Ali because she is super cool and can always make me smile!

4. Ann because I secretly (and openly) heart her. have I mentioned I wish she didn't live so far away? I think we were separated at birth... just a thought!

5. Cheryl because she is hot, sassy and blonde AND her daily breakfast make me envious!!

6. Spice a fellow sexy soccer diva extraordinaire and dwindling down to nothing. Congrats!

7. Kaza - My fellow wine lover and lover (most days) of our three year old heathens  angels.

So there you have it. Now go forth and share the love!! Oh, and be sure to check out all the fabulous bloggers I just nominated because, well the lassie said so! You will be glad you did.

wordless wednesday - passionately angry

Be sure to check out other WW participants HERE and add your link if you are playing!

questions of the week

1. What measures have you taken to cut back expenses?
* I am a coupon cutting queen!! We have also cut back on going out to dinner. By the time we get a sitter and go out to eat the grand total can be quite scary!

2. Have you ever bought a book and used the receipt as a bookmark?
* Guilty as charged! I did this just a few weeks ago when I went on vacation!!

3. Can you recall any traumatic, embarrassing or troubling events as a child that
you still remember vividly? If so, care to share?
* Her name is Nicole and to this day I can remember the entire event! It was Brownie Camp and we were sleeping in a cabin with bunk beds. My friend had gotten a top bunk so I grabbed the top bunk next to hers. Nicole, who was sleeping below me, started to cry because she thought I was so heavy that I would fall through the bunk and squish her in the night. To this day I am hyper sensitive about my weight because she also called me thunder thighs. I have always been tall and was always the tallest in my class. All the other girls were very tiny and petite versus my tall and athletic self. In case you are curious here I am now:
I would love the chance to squish her now!!

4. What is the strangest question you have ever been asked at a job interview?
* How do I feel about parents spying into your treatment room?

5. Does it make you uncomfortable if a woman is breastfeeding her baby in public?
* Not. At. All. I was a very open breastfeeder to my boys and got a lot of looks. My favorite was when I was confronted at Sea World by someone asking how I could do that in the middle of the park. I smiled and answered simply "He's hungry." That shut them up pretty quickly!

6. Do you know anyone who has an unpredictable temper? Who?
 * The first person that comes to my head is my three year old. I really think he either suffers from bipolar disorder or has multiple personalities because he can go from happy to evil in no time flat! This little Irish Lad has quite the temper!!

7. What did you have to learn “the hard way”?
* You can't pick your family.

8. Have you ever been dishonest about the origin of a bruise?
* Not that I can remember.

9. Have you ever gotten any kind of envelope in the mail without the senders return address? Did you found out who it was from?
* Not an envelope but I did get a Vermont Teddy Bear once from a Secret Admirer. After a lot of digging and prodding I eventually found out it was from the guy who lived in the apartment across from mine.

10. It’s our 40th QOTW. I am giving away something. Can you tell me why should I give it to you? It’s just a little something to spice up this little Meme!
* Because I am one spunky and sassy lassie who would love to win during her birthday month!! And if that doesn't work how about.... PULLLEEEZZZ!?

Come on and join in the fun! Post you answers to these questions in the comments or on your blog. Be sure to let me know when you do so I can stop by and compare! You can also check HERE for next week's list of questions.

manic monday

Do you believe people are basically good?

   * I feel awful saying this but I think as time goes on I run into more people that are bad then good. At work I am shocked by how mean and nasty many children are towards adults and other children. While I do believe and know people who are genuinely good, I think they are quickly falling into the minority. We are a selfish society plagued by greed.

If you could change the custom of shaking hands, what would you replace it with?

  * Hmmm, I am not sure. I don't mind the fake air kissing since there is no real body contact involved (yes I am a germ phobe) But that would involve a lot of people in my personal space that I don't want there. Maybe we could smile and just give each other a 'thumbs up' or 'hang ten' sign.

What is something that you enjoy that is a chore for most other people?

  * I actually enjoy doing and folding laundry. NOW, putting it away is a whole other entity in itself. My laundry never seems to make it back where it belongs and putting away all the boys laundry is a pain in the rear. Ironically, Hubby never gets his clothes put away either. They pile up on his dresser, sometimes tumbling to the floor. Yet another reason we are a perfect mathc!

Want to join in?? Check out here for this weeks questions and participants.

the lassie IS alive!

Yes, yes. I am alive AND I am posting on a Sunday again. What is up with me?? Well, I have officially flunked National Blogging Month. The pressure was just too intense I tell you and I cracked. This week definitely threw me for a loop and by Friday I was burnt like nobody's business.

Tuesday night I discovered I had not one but TWO flat tires. (damn Chicago construction) Luckily, since these have become a regular occurrence, Hubby decided to get the warranty insurance the last time he had to get me tires. When he called to get my two new, and supposedly free tires, they claimed to not have any in stock. (ironic) They did however have the next level up but of course, we would have to pay for those and because they weren't the same type, buy four. THAT didn't fly with hubby and after many phone calls, he got me the tires I needed. Oh how I heart him!! (BTW, I plan on elaborating on this whole ordeal a bit more in a later post)

Work had been beyond crazy and our tech department had the nerve to block the ability to read blogs while at work!! How am I supposed to keep up with all my peeps?? grrrrrr So I have been trying to read everyone at night but have been seriously slacking in the comment section. Don't worry! I am reading just not commenting - sorry!

To top it off Grady is sick. Nothing like waking up on a Friday night to the lovely sounds of puking! I thought about posting something for Photo Hunt since the theme was "ruined" but opted against the idea of ruined sheets. Letters of thanks can be sent to the email in my sidebar! lol

Finally, I have also been in the process of a little nip/ tuck and facelift. It's my birthday and I decided to get a little work done. Oh wait!! I guess I should mention my blog will be getting the facelift not me. No scary Joan Rivers for this lassie! I like my face just the way it is. I am working with the ultra fabulous Karla at Fruition Designs to create the new and improved look. AND great news for you!! When I unveil my new look YOU get all the perks! I am planning a week or two of giveaways just for this occasion. I have some great goodies and swag to celebrate!! 

Stay tuned. I am still here! I promise to try and make more of an effort to post. So please bare with me while I try and sort all the craziness and chaos that is my life out. I promise.... it will be worth the wait!

wordless wednesday - my life line

tuesday tunage

While running on the treadmill this morning watching the Today Show, I was happy to see that Seal has a new albulm coming out. Now, I know he has been busy with his gorgeous wife making beautiful children, but the fans are ready!! His new albulm, SOUL is being released today. SOUL is comprised of the best classic soul songs ever created, from Sam Cooke's 'A Change Is Gonna Come', Ben E. King's 'Stand By Me', and Ann Pebbles' 'I Can't Stand The Rain' to Harold Melvin And The Blue Notes' 'If You Don't Know Me By Now' and Otis Redding's 'I've Been Loving You Too Long'. Here is one of the songs off his new release. What do you think??

                                                                                        

manic monday

What was the first thing you thought when you looked at yourself in the mirror today?
** Dang! I am looking rough. Oh come on! I am way too old to be getting a pimple!!

Do you have a recurring nightmare? If so, explain.

** I don't have a specific one per say, but I often have dreams where one of the boys is in trouble and I am doing everything in my power to go 'save' them and I just can never seem to get there.

List three foods you can’t stand:

** Swiss cheese, bacon and lima beans

Want to join in?? Check out here for this weeks questions and participants.

work at home closet

Since it is Sunday and NaPoBloMo or GoBloMeMoFo, I am stretching as to what to post about. I had a handful of peeps offer to guest post and now they have disappeared! Where are you peeps?? The ever cute Assertagirl started a group on Flickr called "Work At Home Closet".  Since I was working at home one day I decided to add what I was wearing in my home office. AND since I dislike posting on Sundays I tyhought I would share my 'at home' outfit with you.
Be gentle!! While I did shower I am make up free. I steer away from makeup if I am not going into work. But I think I still get bonus points for straightening my hair!!

photo hunt 135 - together

Together through thick and thin, brothers till the end.

Be sure to check out all the other photo hunters HERE!! If you are playing along, add you link below and leave some comment luv!!

haiku friday - still trying

GoBloMeMoFo

Making me blog every day

What is there to say

Sent out a life line

Fellow bloggers come unite!

Please save the bunny!

GoBloMeMoFo

 

Hey you!! Yeah... you! See this cute little bunny? You better offer to post or the bunny gets offed. Yeah, that's right. The bunny gets it right in middle of the eyes. As part of NaBloPoMo, Megan is once again hosting GoBloMeMoFo. It gives bloggers the opportunity to guest post on other blogs to help fellow bloggers reach their full NaBloPoMo potential. I mean, come one, let's be honest, who can really write one post everyday for a WHOLE month. I am honest enough to say that this lassie lacks daily commitment. I also know that I had a lot of guest posters a few weekes ago, BUT, if you feel the need to share a post, either new or old, let me know because I am a strong supporter of GoBloMeMoFo. So offer to post for your favorite blogger, ask someone if you can offer a hand, SHARE the blog love. And of course, save the bunny!

i like to move it move it

The Mom Salon and Mc Donald's are asking families what they would do if they had one minute to MOVE. One Minute to Move It, which is launching this Friday, is also getting boost from the wild and crazy characters from the new "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa". Also starting this Friday, the fun continues online at http://www.happymeal.com/ where kids and families can find suggestions for online and offline activities, track their "minutes moved" and enter special codes found on the delicious Happy Meal choices of lowfat Milk Jugs and Apple Dippers! The site also features an inspirational 30-second video with Olympian Shawn Johnson, which airs this weekend through November 16 on Nickelodeon, Nick.com and Nicktoons.

So what movement would this Lassie's family do for one minute you ask?? We would dance of course!! I can't guarantee it would be a full out Irish jig, but this my little leprechans are known to break out in to an impromptu dance party in the middle of the kitchen at a moments notice. These boys can bust a move let me tell you!  

So go check out The Mom Salon,  enter their online give away for some really cool prizes and get out there and MOVE it!!

wordless wednesday - so excited for a change

mandate for change

This is courtesy of an old friend of mine. Thought it was a good day to post it.

So here we are. Nearly 2 years into the most exciting presidential campaign of our time... The most important... Historic... A Turning Point... Years ago I read a book by Fritjof Capra (better known for the Tao of Physics) called The Turning Point. The basic premise of this "essay" is that we as a society and a people are a system that is interconnected in such a way that we cannot live simply as part of the whole, but as the sum of its parts. Humans cannot exist independently as they once did in order to move foreword - to progress. That one moment can represent a turning point in which we may overcome our isolated states and move on... Turning Points can be a series of moments or a process or a person. We are at one of those points. We are witness to the beginning of a new time, however small. That day is tomorrow (and today to some of you). We will participate in the largest political changes in a generation when we get up tomorrow and slog to our polling places in rain and snow, hot or cold. We will have this chance to create a turning point when we elect Barack Obama. Obama is that one person who will put our country right. He is that one person who has risen above and like no politician we have ever seen. He has been described by progressives and conservatives alike as transformational, transcendent, the man of our age, and inspirational. He is the visionary, the storyteller, and collective personality that is neither democrat or republican, green or libertarian, right or left. He looks at the world where human rights are paramount, spreading opportunity is a responsibility, and compassion is patriotic.. He understands the issues, exudes intelligence, and maintains his cool. He is attacked as a terrorist, Muslim, anti-American, communist, yet swats away the ignorance with ease. Oh, don't get me wrong he is fallible and makes it known to us repeatedly. He has warned us from the beginning that this will be a difficult journey. And he is right. We all knew that BushCo and their neo-conservative surrogates would not go down without a fight. This has been a ground war. And tomorrow we fight the bloodiest of all.

This is our chance; our opportunity to lead the world once again to change for the better. To become respected again. To show our friends and enemies that Americans will take the high road and elevate compassion and equality for all above retribution, revenge, and hate. To show that our democracy will persevere. That we will strive for the more perfect union. And what makes Obama so remarkable? He is way ahead in his thinking - he is not a Democrat or Republican, a liberal or conservative. He wants to talk to Republicans, not just ignore them. C'mon, he is only person (in a very long time) who has come forward to ask Americans to sacrifice for their country in this time of need. This is the simplest most patriotic request that defines a leader to his core. How can we not admire this?

A couple of weeks ago, I was calling Nevada for the Obama campaign here in California. While I got my share of hatred and rudeness, I was surprised to hear how many folks out there want would I want regardless of their political persuasion. And that they "get it" and are sick and tired of the partisanship and divide and how the far right-wing actions of the past 8 years has done lasting damage. One phone call stands out - a Republican gentleman named Roger from Sparks, a town outside Reno. He was combative at first saying he did not want to hear from liberals and I was ready to give up, when I asked him to tell me what type of President he really wanted. And, this part is what really has made the Obama campaign so much different from them past Democratic campaigns. We were to work through the political walls, because this is not about the Democratic Party, nor who's right or wrong, but what is the best we can do and why everyone matters. Roger wanted a leader who is strong, smart, and thought strategically. A leader that did what he could to help as many folks as possible and not pander to get elected. One who thinks of every possible option, but would act when we could not afford to wait. And finally, he wanted a leader to get it done and get Congress to stop stalling. (Mind you, his emotions were rising as he went on). When he ended, I said nothing, but thanked him for talking to me. I was about tell him to get out a vote early and end the call, when he said, "That's why I will vote for Obama." And it floored me.

That is Barack Obama. And that is why tomorrow is a turning point. Now is our time. We will take that step to move in the right direction. Eight years ago when I started this newsletter, I asked you all to be the change even in the face of the most backward step in American political history. We have endured and waited, fought and protested, and now that change is in our grasp. Let's take it.

Vote.
jc
...the.antiMandate.....be the change...
"Don't gain the world and lose your soul, wisdom is better than silver or gold." Bob Marley

questions of the week

1. Are you living in a fantasy world all your own?
** No. Sadly I am fully aware of my stark reality.

2. You’re sitting on a small rock with your 5,6,7,8 year old child in your lap, watching the blue sea together, what would you talk about?
** Where they would want to travel, what their dreams are, the beauty of God's creations - the possibilities are endless. The sea is very calming to me, must be because I am a water sign!

3. If you have all the time in the world, what would you change about your life?

** Definitely take more time to relax and catch up on my reading list!

4. What is the best thing that ever happened to you this past week?

** I celebrated my wedding anniversary with my best friend.

5. I seldom _______ without a _______ in my _______.

** I seldom leave the house without a cup of coffee in my hands.

6. Is there something you will never do?

** I would never abandon my children, betray a friend or get my boobs done (moo ah ha ha).

7. Naughty or nice…which have you been this year?
** 75% nice 25% naughty

8. How self-conscious are you?
** Extremely, though I am getting better with age.

9. Do you think photos of you capture your essence?

** No, not always. I have a few that do but not many.

10. When I get angry,________________.

** It is not pretty. This lassie has quite the Irish temper. 

photo hunt 134 - blue

I tried to find something BLUE besides water and sky, which I thought would be very popular today. I chose the vase my brother and SIL gave me for Christmas. It was hand blown by an artisan in Hawaii and is definitely one of my favorites!

Be sure to check out all the other photo hunters HERE!! If you are playing along, add you link below and leave some comment luv!!