Bless my BFF, Momma Stacey

We've always had Angry Toddler call my BFF, Stacey, "Momma Stacey". Momma Stacey is doing a wonderful thing for me today. She is taking Angry Toddler and her daughter, Stella, to the snow today. This is his first time seeing snow. I think it's about a 2 hour drive.

Angry Husband and I have been working alot this past week. Plus, Angry Toddler has been out of preschool also. It's been soo hard to get simple things done, like the laundry, dishes and stuff.

Stacey volunteered to take the kids along with her husband. YAY!!! She's a crazy woman though. Two 3 year olds? NUTS!! But then again, she does own a kid's gym.

Oh and sure enough, Angry Toddler had his asthma-bronchitis cough going on today. I was sure to give him all his meds. He even requested a breathing treatment. I hate these weather transitions, we are having. It's soo hard on his system.

Christmas Day

We got up around 8am on Christmas. Angry Toddler ran out to the front room and saw all the toys. He was very excited. He liked his Batman items, Lincoln Logs, and Pirate Ship.

My parents came over late in the afternoon and we upwrapped more gifts. Angry Toddler loved Spike the Ultra Dinosaur. He also received a Razor scooter. He rode that scooter around our tiny house all day long.

Angry Toddler then crashed out on the floor near the front door and took a nap. He was soo tired.

We had ham and chicken for dinner. Yea, I know the chicken was kind of random. I loathe ham.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was Angry Husband's 35th Birthday. He was quite cranky all day. I finally asked him what was wrong with him. He said, "You can be bitchy and pissed off on your birthday, but I can't." Yea, let's just say good times.

Angry Toddler went to preschool for 1/2 day, and then we went and picked my mom up from work, at the fricken mall. My mom refuses to park in that special "Holiday Employees Only" parking in Egypt. So she either has someone drop her off, or she drives my dad's truck. She thinks she is very sneaky. I had to drop her off that morning and now, I was driving 15 minutes from my house, to pick her up. I took Angry Toddler in the mall with me, the kid loves shopping.

After shopping and a nap, it was time to drive to a family friend's house. We've know these people since I was like 5. I've grown up with them. We found with Angry Toddler about his outfit choice. He wants to wear a Spiderman shirt. I fought with him about it. Angry Hsuband told me to leave him alone. My mom then fought with Angry Toddler about the shirt, he refused. Finally, Angry Husband advised Angry Toddler that everyone else was wearing red, and that he had to wear red. The kid put on that red shirt, a button-up, his first button-up shirt in 2 YEARS. We then hopped in the car, and sat in some lovely Southern California traffic for 1.5 hours.

We had some good food and good times. Angry Toddler really likes playing with the older kids. He behaves very well around them. Note to self, have them around more often.

Madison, Miley, Angry Toddler, and Jacob chillaxing at the Kid's Dinner Table

The kids watching "A Nightmare Before Christmas" upstairs. We all thought it was very quiet, so I went upstairs to check on them. This photo was taken in the dark, but my flash is so bright...

The kids opening gifts.

Angry Husband and Angry Toddler (wearing that lovely red shirt)

How Not To Decorate Your Home for Christmas

I was at my mom's last night, trying to help her with her computer. My mom is pretty computer illiterate. She was trying to open a PDF file sent to her via e-mail. While I was there, I was looking at her e-mail inbox.

So my crazy Aunt Bonnie always sends her these random e-mails. Aunt Bonnie is on my Dad's Whiskey Tango (White Trash) side of the family. She always sends these random e-mails. She's been doing it for years. Thankfully, I changed my e-mail address, so I don't get her spam.

My grandma passed away last year, and somehow a last minute will was written. My Aunt Bonnie inherited everything. Yea, can you say all my Dad's siblings are pretty pissed off. So anywho, my Grandma's house was sold off, cause there was a reverse mortgage on it. What does my Aunt do with the money....she bought a trailer!

So she writes this e-mail to all the relatives. This was her exact wording.

"When I applied to live in this Mobile Home Park, the "rules" said, "No potted plants aloud, we take pride in our Mobile Home park and want it to be presentable."

Yea, umm, anyway, I didn't misspell any words. I typed them exactly as she wrote them. So she included these pictures in her e-mail. They are pictures of her neighbors, ah, ahem trailer.

I have nothing against trailers. I promise. I just don't think this is the proper way to decorate for Christmas. I can't imagine what those all look like now. It's been raining soo much lately in Southern California.

P.S. Click the photos. You get a much better look at them, that way!

Text Messages from Angry Husband

I love parenting by text message. It's quite entertaining. So I'm at a local hospital on a call from work. I'm standing there waiting with my co-workers. I suddenly feel my Blackberry vibrate and see that the text is from Angry Husband.

Angry Husband: I think we need a new rug soon... he just barfed a pile of crap like 5 times in a row...

Me: Why?

Angry Husband: no clue, he told me he was sick and gonna throw up, I told him to run to the bathroom but he stopped and threw up a ton..

Me: Ewwwww

Angry Husband: it stinks like hell too

Me: Ohhh I'm soo sorry :(

Me: 2 more days, ugh, we only need him at school 2 more days...

Angry Husband: it will be fine, hes chillin now...no milk 2 nite

Me: Yea umm gross

Angry Husband: goin to bed, lets hope for no more pukin...sorry for the smell. i did my best

Angry Toddler was a reflux baby. He has always had a real easy gag reflux. If his stomach starts hurting, even a tiny bit, he pukes. Then he feels fine. Our poor family room furniture is trashed because of this. I think we've washed the cushions on our couch at least ten times. We vow to get a new couch when he is like 5, because he still hasn't learned to run to the bathroom or ask for a bucket to puke in. He probably ate too much or something...

I can only imagine how it will smell at 3am, when I get home.

I'm a Winner!!!

Woo-hoo!!! Sarah from In the Trenches of Mommyhood, did a 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways Contest.

On Day 6, she posted a contest to win a $10 iTunes giftcard. Well, I found out on December 14th, that I won the giftcard.

I got the giftcard in the mail earlier this week.

I really haven't been in the Christmas-y mood lately, but I decided to purchase this album from itunes, The Hotel Cafe Presents: Winter Songs.



I am soo in love with this album now.

Anyway, thanks for the giftcard Sarah!!!

Metallica Concert

On, Wednesday, I posted a picture of the cover of Metallica's new album, Death Magnetic.

Well on Wednesday night, Angry Husband, his best friend, Eric, my pal, Monique, and I all went to see Metallica in Los Angeles. It was pouring rain. It actually poured rain all day. We were very skeptical and concerned about the traffic. We actually got there pretty fast and were all very hungry. We were not in the very best area of town, and started looking for somewhere to eat. Our only options seemed to be, IHOP and McDonalds. We settled with IHOP, and all squished into a booth there.

After eating we left to go to the concert arena. We paid $22 to park, yes twenty-two fricking dollars. We then waiting in line, in the rain, while we all got patted down and searched. Good times. We then entered the sea of black, black t-shirts that is. Everyone seemed to be wearing black.

The Sword and MachineHead opened up for Metallica. We weren't impressed. Actually, we were just trying to stay warm. The place was the temperature of an ice rink inside. Thankfully, I had my thicker jacket on.

Metallica came on stage in a blaze. They had lasers and fire in their stage show. It was quite awesome, actually. They played a ton of songs for about 2 hours. It was an awesome show. It really brought me back to the times, before Angry Toddler was born. Angry Husband and I saw Metallica together, three times before AT was born. The last time that we saw them in concert was 2004.

I went to my first Metallica concert in 8th grade. Metallica's music has been part of my life for a long time, and it has been a constant. I can recite the words to their songs, and I'm pretty sure, I have all of their albums.

I may be somewhat of a prep most of the time, but Angry Julie has her other dark side too.

And for people interested, here was the play list from the concert!

"That Was Just Your Life"
"The End of The Line"
"Creeping Death"
"Harvester of Sorrow"
"One"
"Broken, Beat & Scarred"
"Cyanide"
"Sad But True"
"Unforgiven"
"All Nightmare Long"
"The Day That Never Comes"
"Master of Puppets"
"Damage, Inc."
"Nothing Else Matters"
"Enter Sandman"

Encore:
"Last Caress/Green Hell" (Misfits cover)
"Seek and Destroy"

Free Shipping Day

Today is Free Shipping Day!!!

Check out this list of online merchants participating in it. There are lots of them. Including Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids, who never do this!

Participating Merchants

Wordless Wednesday

Discounts During This Holiday Shopping Season

With the way the economy is right now, we are all out there looking for the best deal possible. I know that I am. A co-worker recently asked me about buying a TV for his bedroom. I forwarded the e-mail to Angry Husband, who is in the TV biz. Angry Husband then responded back with several models that he suggested. I put the model numbers into Google and did a search for the best prices. After all my Google-ing, I found that Amazon had the best price every time, by a few hundred dollars.

I use a couple of different sites when looking for deals. I thought that I would share them with you!

Fishing for Deals

Slick Deals

Retail Me Not

Oh, and don't forget to sign-up for e-bates for money back. At the end of every quarter, you get the money deposited into your Paypal account. They also have discount codes listed on the site!

Just click on this LINK, and sign up now for e-bates!

Preschool Language

Angry Toddler goes to preschool five days a week. He loves it, we love it. It's a perfect match. But over the past month, the things that come out of his mouth are just plain awful.

This is how our night usually goes.

AT: Smell my butt.
Us: No
AT: Smell my feet.
Us: No
AT: Ewwww, smell my poopy butt.
Us: Umm, we don't talk like that. You do not use those words.
AT: Smell my eyeball.

He has become quite obnoxious. It's almost like we are living with a 7 or 8 year old boy in this 3.5 year old's body. One of his teachers even warned me. She said that the boys in the class have been awful with language lately.

I think one or some of these kids have older brothers or sisters. This was such a sweet group of kids during the summer. They have now turned into stinky, talking about their butt boys.

Oh, and can't leave this one out. The key word for last week was "pussy", yes "pussy". The teacher advised me that Angry Toddler wasn't one of the kids saying it though. That's all we need.

Sale at Tote and Tee

Amy, from Tote and Tee, sent me a little Tweet on Twitter that she's having a sale on her site. She's got these great Naughty and Nice tees on sale. I love Angry Toddler's tee. You can see the cute pictures of him in it, I took these a couple of weeks ago!

Amy is offering these Naughty and Nice tees for $15. They are regularly priced at $24. She has all sizes in stock. If she runs out of a size, she will give an immediate refund. She will also ship them out ASAP. You can also order these ahead and use them for next Christmas' pictures too!

You can also use the code SANTA, which will take 20% off your entire order. She has lots of cute things under $10. Unfunately, she won't be able to ship out any custom tees until after Christmas. But she can ship out Naughty and Nice tees or other small goods, asap!

Digital Pictures and Picture Frames

We've decided to give digital picture frames to the grandparents this year for Christmas gifts. So that meant that I needed to organize my digital photos. We have a ton, except, I think they are on three or four computers. We've had several computers die on us. I don't think Angry Husband got the photos off some of those computers, we have a void of pictures from November of 2006 to mid 2007.

I went through and deleted all the crappy photos and flipped the ones that weren't right. I also noticed there is barely any photos of Angry Husband and I. It truly makes me very sad. Angry Husband always pressures me to take the camera when we go places. I don't mind, but seriously we have thousands of pictures of Angry Toddler but none of us. That's really sad.

We have never even taken a family picture either. I asked Angry Husband to take a family picture about a year ago and he agreed. But, we still don't have that picture.

So hopefully, Angry Husband will get the old photos off the other computers this weekend so I can finish these digital frames. This is one thing he can't blame on me for not getting it done. I'm at a stopping point and can't go any further with this project.

Revamping My Workout Routine

So I have been on this night shift aka swing shift for 3 months now, almost 4. Luckily I go back to day shift in early January. It has really wrecked my metabolism and work out routine. I tell everyone that I gain weight on nights and no one believes me. Luckily,I've managed to maintain my weight loss. BUT, I haven't lost anything either.

My treadmill will finally be fixed on Wednesday, aka tomorrow. It took a really long time to get the parts. It's probably the warranty issues with Precor. I'm going to try and rely on my treadmill for bad weather and/or cold days.

I'm a member of 24 Hour Fitness. I have been for quite some time. I really started using my membership last January. I've kinda got bored with my routine at the gym though. My friend, Lindsay, who is a super tri-athlete type chick recently recommended a class to me. She said that I needed to try the 24Lift class at 24 Hour Fitness.

I haven't done a fitness class since I was in college. I took some of those 1 credit classes to beef up my units so I could graduate. But, I said, what the heck, I will try it. So last Thursday, I attended my first 24Lift class. 24Lift is a class that "utilizes barbells and hand weights to strengthen and sculpt all muscle groups".

I got to the class as a newbie not knowing what to expect. Luckily there was a very nice woman to help me out. I asked her what a need. She told me that I need to set up a step bench, load the barbell with some weights, and grab (3) different sizes of hand weights. So I set up all the equipment and was ready to go. The instructor was very informative. It was very easy to keep up with the class as someone who had never done one. I hate that jumping into a class, where everyone knows everything and everyone type feeling. It was really one of the hardest workouts I've ever done. I laugh because one of her quotes during the class was, "On Friday morning, you are going to wake up and your hamstrings are going to say, Hello, It's Friday." I definitely felt that way on Friday and all throughout the weekend.

I re-evaluated myself on Monday. I realized that I loved this class and want to try and do it at least two times a week. I figured Tuesday and Thursday were the best days for me, since they are my days off until 2010. I don't want to go at night, because the gym is EXTREMELY crowded then. So I got up at 5am today, and went to a 5:30am class. Yes, I'm crazy.

I went through the class and came home in time to take Angry Toddler to preschool. I went to breakfast and then came home. I was sooo tired from the class, that I took a 4 hour nap. Working out really tires me out.

Boden: End of Season Sale

I've been shopping at Boden for about 2 years now. It's a great company based out of the UK that makes quality clothing.

Their end of season sale started today. The prices are up to 60% off. There are some great deals!

You can also shop their preview site for Spring 2009. Everything will be shipped in January. You won't be charged until them either. Plus, they are giving 10% off with free shipping and returns.

The Housewife's Holiday Gift Guide

I've been trying to read some new blogs lately. I found some great new ones. I will be talking about them in the next couple of days. I just wanted to share a great site, The Housewife's Holiday Gift Guide, from the author of Musings of a Housewife. She's got some great items on her guide. You can even add her button to your blog to be entered in a contest to win some great prizes.

Ok, Finally Got our Christmas Card done

I've been playing with our Christmas card on Shutterfly for at least a week now. Of course, I wanted to have the perfect Christmas card. Is that wrong?

I always procrastinate on getting photographs done for Christmas. Angry Toddler's First Christmas, I had photos taken in November. His second Christmas, November, yet again. Ya, the past two years, not soo much.

We were going to take Christmas photos last night. I had an appointment with Sears. I was even going to meet up with a friend. But, unfortunately, Angry Toddler had the puke monster going on inside his stomach, and well, ya ruined my plans.

So frustrated. I headed to Shutterfly. I found a collage card that had 8 slots for photographs. I took 4 photographs of Angry Toddler and each of us parents, then 4 seperate ones of Angry Toddler by himself. I have sooooo many cards to send out. I had to order 50. Yikes, very expensive. This is what I get for waiting. I should know better. I've missed out on a ton of discount codes. I did use a free shipping code, so that will save me a little money.

I would show you all the card, my all my internetz tricks aren't working today.

Naughty and Nice

Stacey, my BFF, and I took the kiddos to the local outdoor mall last weekend. We bought them coordinating shirts from Amy at Tote and Tee. I also had some custom bows made by one of my mommy friends, Becky, Allybug Bowtique. Oh, and I borrowed the red pettiskirt from another friend, Stacie. I'm such a planner.

We never know how the kids are going to be. We promised them a train ride if they were good and took pictures. I took over 200 pictures. Alot of them were craptastic, due to lighting, etc. But I thought I would share some of the better ones. Even though, I take photographs at work 40+ hours a week....my photography hasn't improved. Learning to work my camera is one of my New Year's Resolutions among other things.

Tis' the Season Meme

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know me. I got this e-mail from Angry Husband's cousin, Jackie. I love her like a sister. Instead of forwarding this as an e-mail, I'm doing a Blog Meme. Feel free to cut & paste this for your blog. I'm not going to tag anyone, but if you feel like you're in the Spirit, copy it!

Happy Holidays!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
I flipped out a couple of years ago and now I try and wrap everything. It seemed to me like everyone was being lazy by just throwing the gift in a bag. I love all the pretty wrapping paper out there. It takes a little more time to wrap stuff, but I love it.

2. Real tree or Artificial?
Artificial unfortunately. I have pretty bad asthma. Angry Husband bought a real one a couple of years ago. I was a complete snot monster until it was gone from the house. He told me the other night, he wanted to try and buy a real tree again. I gave him that look, you know the look.

3. When do you put up the tree?
We just put ours up Thursday. I would really like to put it up Thanksgiving night.

4. When do you take the tree down?
We took it down Christmas night last year. Usually before New Year's though.

5. Do you like eggnog?
No!

6. Favorite gift received as a child?
I think it was probably my first Cabbage Patch Kid. My best friend and I got them the first Christmas that they were out.

7. Hardest person to buy for?
My mom. She has everything or she buys everything for herself.

8. Easiest person to buy for?
Angry Husband. He's always wanting something, so I pay attention.

9. Do you have a nativity scene?
We are really not religious type of people.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?
Mail. Reminds me, I need to do mine.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
Can't think of any.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
Christmas Vacation.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
Usually Novemberish. Although I bought Angry Husband a gift in October this year.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
I can't recall of any.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
I love peppermint bark. Especially the homemade kind.

16. Lights on the tree?
Our tree is pre-lit with white lights. We added colors ones too.

17. Favorite Christmas song?
No favorite. But I kinda secretly like when the Rock Stars re-do classic songs.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
At home.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's?
Yep.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?
Nothing right now. I'm still looking for the perfect topper.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
Christmas Day.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?
The crowds at the mall and people all looking for the same gift.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color?
All of our ornaments are from my childhood. Alot of them are handmade, or made especially for me.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?
Nothing particular.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year?
To instantly lose 25 lbs. Can Santa bring me that? No, just to see Angry Toddler's eyes light up when he opens his presents.

My New Design

Don't you just love it? I do!!!!

I've waited a long time for this new design. I am now able to post bigger pictures and You Tube videos. I liked my 3-column but really really really needed some change.

Courtney from Judith Shakes Designs came up with this AWESOME design for me. She is the greatest. I sent her some ideas and she ran with it.

I need to add some things to my widgets in the next couple of days. If you want to be added to the blogroll, stop on by, give me some comments. I love reading new blogs.

Earthquake

So my mom calls me freaking out tonight. I'm at work, eating my lunch, or dinner, whatever you want to call it. She says, "Oh my god, did you feel it, did you?" Umm, yea what was I supposed to feel. She tells me, that there was an earthquake centered in Barstow, California.

Well, we were eating lunch at the mall. The same mall that is built on rollers for when these types of things happen. We felt nothing.

Tweaking

The blog is current in the process of being tweaked. I'm trying not to make any posts, because of the tweaks. Believe me, it will be worth it. So I'm aimlessly sitting on my hands while this occurs. I have soo many things to write about....

A Miracle Happened Today

I usually lounge around on Sundays and try to sleep in. Angry Husband is home so I don't have to get up with Angry Toddler. BUT, they are both kinda loud and keep me up anyway. I hear Angry Toddler in the bathroom around 6:45am this morning. I then heard the kitchen cabinets opening, along with Angry Toddler's little voice.

I grabbed my blanket and knew it was time to move to the "big bed" a.k.a. the master bedroom. Yep, I was sleeping in Angry Toddler's bed. I went into the bedroom and Angry Husband was still asleep. I casually mentioned, "Oh, ya Angry Toddler is in the kitchen hunting for food." Angry Husband was still out of it and didn't quite believe me. I said, "Ya, umm, he's probably been up for about 10 minutes. He went potty and must have hopped the baby gate".

Angry Husband then got up. But, about 30 minutes later, I received no peace. I could hear Angry Toddler talking loud and the sound of Angry Husband's DeWalt drill. Angry Husband was taking the baby gates down. Angry Toddler knows how to get over them and it's more of a hazard having them up now. We have some massive kid proofing to do this week.

After I was finally awake and showered, Stacey and Stella came over. We headed over to the Irvine Spectrum to take some photographs of the kids. We went to lunch at Wahoo's while we were there. I took the pictures while they were being silly in their cute x-mas outfits.

Then, Stacey and I had an idea. What if we tried to take the kids to see Santa. I have tried every year to take Angry Toddler to visit Santa. He always flips out and runs away. I only have one photo from 2005, when AT was an infant. Somehow Stacey and Stella persuaded AT to go and chat with Santa. The photo turned out quite good. I call this a miracle cause AT has seriously refused the past few years.

I'm still editing the photographs from earlier, I will try and post them tomorrow.

Angry Turkeys and Other Things

So ya, Angry Julie attempted to bake, yet again. At least I tried. I made these Pillsbury Cookies that Jennifer posted. I couldn't find any blue candies, so I had to use red candies for the eyes. I also made a mistake and gave the turkeys angry faces, instead of happy ones. Seriously, I didn't do it on purpose. Angry Husband called them Angry Turkeys from Hell.

We had a pretty good Thanksgiving. My parents came over so it was the five of us. Angry Toddler was being pretty good. He was actually awake to eat this year. Last year, he was taking a five hour power nap. He liked the food. We didn't bake the food from scratch. We ordered a meal from Claim Jumper. We did that last year too. It was quite yummy. My stove is inconsistent and it never cooks things properly.

I went shopping on Black Friday. It was the quietest year ever. We took Angry Toddler to Stacey's The Little Gym for Parent's Day Out. He had a great time. There wasn't anything particular that my mom and I were looking for. We did make some purchases though. I went to Costco last night and spent over $500 on gifts though. I just want to get this all done.

I placed an Amazon order last night too. I finally got my Garmin 305. It was my birthday present from Angry Husband. This was the best price I've ever seen on the Garmin. I also purchased some things from Amy at Tote and Tee.
I just lounged with Angry Toddler today. We watched some TV and hung out. I'm at work now just trying to catch up with life.

Little Miss Sunshine

Yep. That's me, come January 4th. Praise Baby Jesus!!! I will be back on dayshift. One more month of working nights. I won't have to work nights again until May, unless it's overtime.

I'm counting down the days.

I will still be working weekends though. I'm ok with that.

November Birthday Bash

Last Wednesday, we have a birthday bash for some of my work peeps. We went to Dave and Busters, here in Orange County. It's a great place for adults. You can play video games and drink alcohol. You can't get any better than that.

Before the festivities, my friend, Monique, came over. We exchanged some presents. I was very excited, cause Monique got me lots of goodies. She got me a special edition version of the Harvey's Seatbelt Purse, (3) shirts from Ann Taylor Loft, an itunes gift certificate, and a Wahoo's food gift certificate.




After doing gifts, we headed to Dave and Buster's for some fun. We had a great group.

Here's Jen and Monique with some Evil wine. Monique's nickname is Evil Mo.


And here's the rest of the girls!

Almost Thanksgiving

Seriously, November is almost done. I can't believe it. It's gone by soo quickly. It seems like last week we were dressing up for Halloween and now it's Thanksgiving. It's been soo busy at work and here at home lately, I've barely had time to get my thoughts together.

I attended Angry Toddler Thanksgiving Feast earlier this afternoon. All the kids were wild and crazy. They sang some cute songs, I say they, because Angry Toddler was hanging in the corner. We ate some sugar free, no taste food, and then it was time to go.

All the mommies at Angry Toddler's school want to have playdates with us. We keep getting phone numbers on post-its in his folder. I'm barely awake on the weekends. I don't even know if I'm the playdate type. Seriously, it's kinda hard to bring up the fact that ya, umm, I'm barely awake with three hours sleep. The other mommy will be like, we watched some family oriented movies last night. Oh, ya, Angry Julie took pictures of some assault or traffic accident. I find it very hard to converse with normal people most times. Maybe I should try being a little less snarky, but hey that's what you get.

I'm quite excited though for tonight. Tonight is the premiere of the new season of The Real Housewives of Orange County. I can't wait.

G-Mail aka Google Mail

I've been using Gmail for almost two years now. I absolutely love it. I can check my email from anywhere. Every day, I look at the top of their webpage and see new features that they are working on.

Yesterday, I saw that you can add themes to your Gmail. I added a beach theme. It's soo pretty.

If you go under settings and click on themes, there are several to choose from.

Treadmills and Toys

I had the repair company come out today to look at my treadmill. The repairman told me that the rear roller, walking belt, and computer board need to be replaced on it. Apparently, this is a come issue with this particular Precor model. I had to pay $110 for the diagnosis. Ugh... So I called Precor and asked them about this "upgrade". The Precor representative advised me that they (Precor) will pay for the parts and labor issue for this issue. So I call the treadmill repair company back. They tell me, that yes, Precor, will cover the labor, but not for the initial consultation.

Ya, ok that makes sense. I pay $110 for a consultation, to diagnose a common issue with this particular issue. So ridiculous. Luckily, it will only cost me $100 to get it up and running.

I then received my Amazon order. I must have not been paying attention when I placed my order the other day. I ordered (2) of one of my items. So I have to mail back this huge box, at an additional cost to me, for an item that had free shipping originally.

Black Friday

We have a week and two days until the Biggest Shopping Day of the year. I usually go shopping with my mom. The funny this is, we usually don't buy Christmas gifts that day. We end up buying random things, that are good buys.

Angry Husband does not know whether he has to work or not. I think Angry Toddler is going to Stacey's drop off program, Friday morning, at her "The Little Gym". I think that it's awesome that Stacey is offering a program for parent's to be able to go shopping without dragging the little ones along.

I've been looking on this site, to check out the ads for Black Friday. I signed up for e-mail updates last year. Every time a new ad is posted, I get an alert. There are some really good deals out there, especially if you are looking for a TV.

My Weekend Recap

Last Friday was my Birthday. I had a total meltdown but overcame it around 6pm that night. I then worked Food and Wine Night for the Junior League. I had a great time hanging out with new friends, networking, and it took my mind off some things.

Saturday, I took Angry Toddler out for a haircut and some donuts. I finally found someone that can cut his hair the way I like it. It's the local Barber in the city I work in. They are cheap too! Much better than those kid's haircutting places. I worked Saturday night and it was sooooooo busy.

Sunday, well, I slept, went to the gym for a quick work out, and then well, worked again.

Monday. I hung out with Angry Husband during the day. I did some Birthday shopping for a friend and we went to lunch. Then, I worked again. We solved a pretty big case last night so I am over the moon!!!

I finally went to the place where I bought my treadmill last night. I'm still having issues with it. Luckily, it's covered for parts for 10 years, but not labor. They are sending someone out tomorrow to come and see what the problem is. They said 50% of their issues were routine maintainance. I hope so. I miss my treadmill. Sometimes, I just don't feel like getting in my car and driving to 24 Hour Fitness.

Hypothetically?

Would it be bad, if let's say, one person who was home alone...

Ordered Domino's Pizza and ate half a thin crust pizza while watching Gossip Girl?

Just wondering....

I might know someone who did this today....

Hypothetically speaking of course.

Thirty-Three

Yep, it's official....

Thirty-three.

I hate when I'm an odd number. The OCD in me freaks out. For an entire year, I will be an odd number.

I have a love/hate relationship with my Birthday. If you ask my mom, she will tell you that I cry every year. It's predictable and routine. I guess I have reached that age where there are no more surprises.

My mom usually buys my gifts when we are shopping or out and about. I've tried giving her lists, they are never followed..

I like clothes, but gee, I would rather have a watch, or that Tiffany necklace that no one asked me about.

I have the day off work, but I'm volunteering with the Junior League. There will be food and alcohol....

Tagged....from Tamara

Tagged.....

I was tagged by Tamara

The 8 things Tag -

8 TV shows I love to watch:
1. Gossip Girl
2. Dexter
3. Weeds
4. Biggest Loser
5. Private Practive
6. ER
7. Law and Order SVU
8. Greek

8 Favorite Restaurants:
1. Mi Casa
2. Wahoo's
3. Lucille's BBQ
4. Outback Steakhouse
5. Claim Jumper
6. Panera Bread
7. Corner Bakery
8. Soup Plantation

8 Things that happened today:
1. Finally finished watched Weeds On Demand
2. Did some laundry
3. Cleaned up the house, a teeny bit
4. Went to the grocery store
5. Got my eyebrows waxed
6. Rescheduled my hair appointment for tomorrow
7. Made some phone calls
8. Went to dinner and drinks with Stacey to celebrate our birthdays!

8 Things that I look forward to:
1. Getting off this night shift. It's killing me slowly.
2. Getting all my Holiday shopping done
3. Spring, Summer, Warm Weather
4. Getting my hair cut. I've gone too long this time without getting it cut.
5. Birthday Bash Night next week with all my co-workers
6. Getting a massage sometime soon.
7. My next Monster Slurpee
8. 2009!!

8 Things on my wish list:
1. A Garmin Forerunner 405
2. A new Louis Vuitton or Gucci purse
3. Our house to be perfectly painted
4. New tile in our bathrooms and kitchen
5. Some new backyard furniture
6. Jeans that actually fit my short inseam right
7. A awesome vacation next year
8. A bloggy convention with all my wonderful blogging friends who come together and drink margaritas and martinis all day long

8 People I tag:

I think everyone has done this tag also. Feel free to copy it and pass it along on your own blog!

What's Your Fix?

Do you have a go-to drink or food item? Is there something you have to have everyday to function?

I'm have a serious addiction right now to Monster Black Ice Slurpees from 7-11. Of course, they have to be the 40 oz. variety. They are Slurpees made from the Monster Energy Drinks.

I get one every day on the way to work. I visit with my peeps at 7-11 and chit chat about what's going on in the city. Today, the one employee even commented that I was running late. He was like it's 3:45, you only have 15 minutes till work. That's pretty scary that the 7-11 employees know my schedule. I'm a bad influence too, I've even gotten a co-worker, N, addicted to them too.

I always laugh when I watch Weeds, cause Nancy usually has her ice-blended mocha from It's a Grind.

My Slurpees are my crack. I have to have them to function. The scary thing is, that they are actually only a limited edition item. Someday soon, they will be discontinued and I will have to find another addiction.

P.S. I have a little secret though. My 7-11 ordered lots of extra supplies so they will be stockpiled for a long time. It's a big hit in their store.

Yep, We got on the cupcake bandwagon!

We hopped up on the cupcake bandwagon this past weekend. Saturday, is Operation Entertain Angry Toddler so I can sleep day. Stacey, my BFF, and I took the kids out to breakfast at IHOP (nasty, will never ever set foot in that establishment again!) and then went to a little mini-mall area in Newport Beach.

While we were leaving breakfast, Stacey asked where Sprinkles Cupcakes was? I said, ohh, the land of the almost $4.00 cupcake. Well I gave her the directions and we went on our way. We did some walking around when we got there.

I found all kinds of lovely things that I wanted at Tommy Bahama. I wish everything wasn't $100+. Me and my expensive-ass taste. It always gets me in trouble.

So we finally arrived at Sprinkles. Stacey got (3) cupcakes for her family and I got two. Angry Toddler picked out the vanilla one and I picked out the coconut flavor.

I made Angry Toddler wait until we got home to eat the cupcake. For $3.25, he was going to ENJOY IT. Ok, well maybe I wanted to enjoy mine. Angry Toddler ate (2) bites of his when we got home. Angry Husband ate most of mine, as I only ate one bite. I've brought Sprinkles home before, and Angry Husband was not very impressed. It seemed like he liked their stuff this time.

Little Girl Hair Blog

I have a boy so I don't get to do all those cute hair-dos like my other friends do. Sometimes, I think that's better. I remember my mom and friends trying to brush my rats nest head of hair out when I was a kid.

One of the women on my parenting forum posted this blog, She Does Hair. She has (3) daughters and photographs/illustrates all kinds of awesome hairstyles for little girls.

So all you girl mommies, you gotta check her out!

I'm amazed at her creativity.

An Award from Naomi

Naomi at Confessions of Dr. Pepper Addict awarded me the Kreativ Blogger award on October 23rd. It's quite pathetic that I'm just getting to it now. Naomi have been chatting through e-mail lately and it's quite scary how much we have in common. I love reading her blog and hearing all about the Diva. I'm going to list 6 things that make me happy. I think everyone has been pretty much tagged for this award lately. I'm behind on the times. If you want to snag this award and pass it along, please feel free!

1. In the morning when Angry Toddler wakes up, he does this peek-a-boo thing. He hides under the blanket and then starts giggling. Lately, he does it for a second and then jumps out of bed and heads for the potty.

2. When Angry Husband, Angry Toddler and I are all home together. It's been very rare lately due to our schedules. Someone is always coming or going.

3. Reading a good book. I get immersed in my books and fell like I'm living in the character's lives.

4. Getting a pedicure. My feet are always soo yucky from running and my work boots.

5. A clean house. It's just soo hard to keep up with our house. We have it professionally cleaned every other week.

6. My comments from all my blog readers. I get a big smile when I see those e-mails coming into my inbox on my Blackberry. Keep the comments coming!

Catalog Spam

The retail companies are really pushing hard this Holiday Season. I received several catalogs today in the mail. Angry Toddler loves looking at the toy catalogs. He can look at them for hours.

I can't believe all of these came today!

Dean & Deluca
Exposures
Garnet Hill
Target Toys
Walmart Toys

First Name Basis

For the past week, I keep hearing a litte voice...He's saying, "Julie, Julie".

Yes, Angry Toddler is calling me by my first name. We were leaving the house today with Stacey and Stella. He called Angry Husband by his first name too, "He said bye, Mike."

When we were in a store, Angry Toddler was walking around screaming, "Julie, Julie, Julie" looking for me.

It just ain't right!

Weeds

I have been out of touch with the cable TV shows for a few years. I haven't had Showtime for several years. Well last month, I got addicted to Dexter. I watched all the Seasons that were on DVD.

I'm now addicted to Weeds. I had it in my Netflix queue for a few months. It finally worked it's way up to the #1 spot. I'm current on Disc 2 of Season 3. I love it!!

I had to call my cable company and subscribe to Showtime this week. I'm going to watch the current seasons of Dexter and Weeds On Demand.

Had a Parent-Teacher Conference Today

Angry Husband picked up Angry Toddler at preschool on Monday. He saw a note to sign up for Parent-Teacher conferences. I got the "hey, you need to sign up for a time frame" comment Tuesday morning.

I had the meeting this morning at 9:30. Angry Toddler is doing well. Six months ago, the kid was running around, biting kids, not listening, and basically just being a little turd.

Today, he was "our brightest kid in the class, he has excellent fine motor skills, he knows all his numbers, and letters". I'm soo proud of him.

Plus, as of November 1st. He's OFFICIALLY potty trained.

His teacher recommended that we work with Angry Toddler more at home. Apparently the kid is trying to himself to read and write. I didn't know that they did that at 3. So of course, I went to the teacher supply store and spent $35 on workbooks and shit. Like a good mom!

Oh, and the damn teacher, also told me that tomorrow is her last day. Can I get a heck ya. She totally annoyed Angry Husband and I. Plus, the woman didn't even know what ADHD was when I met with her today. Bye, bye, bye!

Mickey's Treat at Disney's California Adventure

Angry Husband's family was in town last week. We did 3 days at Disneyland. I didn't want to spam my blog with pictures. So I thought I would post a few at a time. We went to Disney's California Adventure "Mickey's Treat" last Wednesday. This was where we did our Trick or Treating for Halloween time.

Angry Toddler hanging out with his pal, Adonis

Baby John as Pluto. Poor thing, he hates his stroller right now. I wish I could have people push me around in a stroller. He doesn't realize how good he has it.

Pointing out some paw prints on the nature trail

Trick or Treating

Isn't he adorable. Look at those eyes.

Hanging out on the Tram on the way to go home

Adding Pictures

I'm having anxiety over posting pictures here on Blogger. I have 3 posts done with pictures, but they are all gigantic!!!!

Please, please help me!!!

Amazon Prime

Is anyone a member of this?

They have a free one-month trial. I buy lots of books and dvd's. I would buy more from Amazon if I got free shipping?

I'm willing to pay the $79. I have a my Christmas Account available at the first of next month?

It might be nice to get this now since there were tons of specials on toys last year.

I might need to get this.

Recap from last week

Last week was a busy week and I'm still recovering. Luckily, I got about 7 hours of sleep last night. I think I'm "back" now.

Here's my recap:

Monday

I worked and did some things around the house. Angry Husband was home.

Tuesday

I had a Junior League Meeting and then went into work. My co-worker called in sick, so I got a little greedy and went in for some overtime.

Wednesday

I hung out like a lazy sloth. I was soo tired from working all weekend. Angry Husband's cousin was in town. We met her at Disney's California Adventure. Angry Toddler was dressed as a Jedi and we Trick or Treated. I promise to post some pictures later.

Thursday

Angry Husband's grandmother flew in from Northern California. We met Angry Husband's cousin at Disneyland and hung out. Angry Toddler was in a very good mood.

Friday

We went to Disneyland again. It wasn't actually that busy. We were there for the entire day. It was fun to see all the kiddos all dressed up.

Saturday, Sunday, and Monday

Well I got back to the grind and worked.

I promise to post lots of pictures throughout the week!

Daylight Savings

So today is Daylight Savings. I was working when the time change happened last night. I should have gotten an extra hour of sleep. Nope. I had a late call at work. Then I got home and sat on the computer until 3am.

Angry Toddler woke up bright and early at 6:30am. It's normal for him, since he usually gets up at 7:30ish. I even had the opportunity to sleep in this morning. Angry Husband and Angry Toddler went to take AH's aunt to the airport. They will be gone for at least two hours.

Of course, I'm wide awake!

Chaos....

My brain has been total chaos the past month. I really don't know why or how I get like this. I'm usually a very organized and together-type person. And then all of the sudden, everything spirals out of control.

This happens to me every few months or so. I've tried to take baby steps to get myself back together. I really think it's this shift I'm working right now. I don't function well working night shift. I used to be a total night person. When you have a child, you just can't spend your entire day sleeping. Even Angry Husband mentioned that I've been working out less too. He doesn't care how much I work out, but he knows I do.

I finally got caught up with all our bills. I've been kinda slacking in that department. Verizon Wireless was sure happy they got some money.

I need to re-organize this house and clean it. I really want to go through all the boxes and totes in our garage. Christmas is coming. I need to make a really big shopping list.

I haven't had any races since September. So my running is sucking too. I'm pretty sure that I'm doing one on Thanksgiving. Hopefully, I can get some day shifts next year, otherwise 2009 is going to be a really long year.

I'm working a long day today, so hopefully, I can do some blog posts. I have tons of pictures from this week. Angry Husband's family was all in town.

I started working on this post last night but damn crime had to happen. I got a late call, hate that.

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween Everyone!!!

We are off to Disneyland, Day 3!!

Angry Husband's Grandmother and Family are in town!!

I will be back tomorrow with lots of pictures!

I hope everyone has a great day and gets lots of treats!

Presidential Cabbage Patch Kids

Auction Cause has (4) Special Edition Presidential Cabbage Patch Kids on e-bay right now. 100% of the profits goes to the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots program.

They have McCain, Obama, Palin, and Biden.

I saw these on e-bay's main page this morning.

Just thought I would share!

Missing Photo Album

If you were my puffy fabric covered photo album from my Sorority Days, where would you be?

All my Blogging ladies are posting some funny as shit pictures from early 1990's Sorority Days. I want to post also.

I know the album is here somewhere. Plus there are lots of incriminating photographs in there.

Ugh, must keep looking.

Halloween Par-tay!

I attended (2) Halloween parties this past Saturday. I wore my flapper costume. I was quite conservative compared to some of my counterparts. I thought I would share some of my pictures. I'm including one of Monqiue and I. Mo is my running pal and I have posted pictures of her before. I could post a ton more pictures, but you know, working in law enforcement and such...some people are actually undercover.

At the beginning of the parties!


Getting my drink on!


Ok, so I had a few drinkee-poos!


We all had some good times!!! I haven't drank like that in a long time and I definately felt it the next day.

Photobucket

Ugh, I'm trying to post pictures to posts in my blog. Photobucket is pissing me off. The pictures are coming out HUGE!!! This is soo frustrating.

Stay tuned!

Life Catches Up with You!!

I'm working right now.

I went to two Halloween parties last night.

I have lots to blog about.

We have family in town all next week.

I will try and do some posts tomorrow.

Halloween Costumes

Well we finally decided on Halloween costumes. Angry Toddler has changed his mind about 50 times since August. That's what happens when you are 3. I had to purchase costumes for Angry Toddler and myself.

I decided to go to the local Halloween store last Friday night. I had the full intentions of not walking out of there without a costume. I had to also buy a costume for me since I will be attending a party on Saturday, the 25th. Actually, it seems that I will be attending 2 parties now. I'm going with friends from work. Angry Husband is going go to stay home with Angry Toddler, cause he really doesn't like to hang with my work peeps. Hanging around with a bunch of cops kinda gives him a headache.

I tried on this Tinkerbell costume first. I really wanted to be Tinkerbell. I thought it be cute with my short hair. I was going to spray some glitter in it. After trying it on, I realized how see-through, it really was. I would have to wear some kind of nude colored bodysuit underneath. I'm trying to be frugal with my costume. I don't need to keep adding all these extra accessories on.

I then tried on this Dorothy costume. It looked cute in the package. Well the skirt was really super duper short. Plus, there was this itchy petticoat underneath it. I then went to tie up the bodice, and there was lots of space. Very sad, my boobies did not fill up the front.

I settled on this Flapper costume. It was perfect. It went with my short hair. I could sit down in it. I could actually move it in. Plus, it was under $40. I got some fishnet tights to go with it. Now, I just need to find some black heels and I'm set.

After I was done trying on all my costumes in the fitting room, it was time to look for Angry Toddler. I called Angry Husband at home. I gave told him to ask Angry Toddler what he wants to be. I told him that I would call back in 5 minutes looking for a decision. Angry Husband promptly came back with a Jedi. That was a good and very easy decision. We already have a light saber. There's no hat. There's no mask. PERFECT!


I will be sure and post pictures once the costumes are worn!

Wordless Wednesday

Angry Toddler on the couch after shopping on Saturday.

The Hills

I was catching up on my TV shows via the Internet last night at work. I had missed two episodes of MTV's "The Hills" . Apparently my DVR at home did not tape them. MTV has a pretty good viewer online. Actually, I think it is one of the better sites to view full episodes. Usually there are no breaks in the shows, and they don't lock up.

I'm really getting sick of the "The Hills". It is truely a train wreck. They attempt to call this a reality show, but I don't think there's much reality to it. Seriously, it's really really bad acting.

Everyone is starting to get on my nerves. It seems like they "set-up" the people to be in certain situations. It's like, today, we are going to talk about "this topic", etc. I can't stand Heidi and Spencer. They are the most fake people on that show. Does anyone actually work? Besides the fake jobs that MTV created for these people.

I still do love Lauren Conrad though. She has let fame go to her head, but I feel in love with her when she was on Laguna Beach. Boy has she changed from her high school days.