Went Shopping This Week

I haven't been shopping with my mom since early December. I was trying to be good and I really didn't need anything. I'm trying to be a little more practical, and a little less dependent on my mom's funds..

We went to Macy's and I got some Nike running gear on sale. I got two shirts at 50% off after the sale price and a coupon. One of the shirts matches a pair of Nike Tempo shorts that I already have.

We then went to Nordstrom. This is my favorite department store in the mall. I got some more Nike Tempo shorts in bright pink and bright blue, plus this fabulous jacket. I needed, ok wanted a sleeker jacket to put on after running and/or going to the gym.



After walking around the mall, I decided to step into J Crew. I haven't been inside J Crew since my early college days. To be honest, I was a little too chunky to wear J Crew. J Crew is the land of all things preppy. Of course, I came across these fabulous critter wedge flip flops.


and my mom found these in her size:



I tried on this tee while there also. It was soo soft and very cute on. But I couldn't justify the price. I knew that I could find a tee just as soft at Gap or somewhere else.



I finished off my shopping by looking at Gucci. I found this purse and instantly fell in love. It's the perfect size for me now. I've eliminated alot of stuff from my purse and I really don't need a big purse anymore. This one was the perfect size. It's called the D Gold Hobo Large....swoon I'm in love! I had one of those I can look, but don't touch moments. Ok, maybe I put my wallet in it, to see if it fit..it did.



Maybe the Easter Bunny will bring a Gucci?

Yummy Food for Your Superbowl Party

I get weekly e-mails from Pillsbury. Angry Husband and I are always looking for new things to make for dinner. Ok, well, Angry Husband does the cooking, but I can give suggestions, right? Anyway, you can sign up for these e-mails @ Pillsbury's website.

I got this great newsletter with all kinds of yummy looking recipes. I'm highlighting some of the recipe ideas that they sent. Everything is made with simple ingredients.

Chicken Caesar Sandwich Ring



Mini Crescent Dogs



Crescent Layer Bars



Choco Peanut Butter Cups

Gearing Up for my First Race

My first race of the season is this Sunday. I'm doing the Surf City 5K in Huntington Beach. Yes, I'm only doing the 5K. I am working my way up to a 1/2 Marathon. If I would have trained more, I probably would have been ready by now.

Everyone around me who runs keeps asking me, "Are you doing Surf City?" I respond with yes, and then they say, "the 1/2 Marathon, right? I say, "Nope, just the 5K". Then they give me that look.

I've been running alot over the past year. I haven't done a road race since last September-ish though. I've kinda turned into a race snob. I made a vow to my running friends, that I will only do races now with timing chips. I made this vow after seeing the times on like 3 races last year. My official time was off between 2-3 minutes for every race. I knew my real times, and it shouldn't really matter, but it did to me.

I don't know when my next race is after that though. I haven't decided yet.

I got a 4 mile run in today with my friend, Pesha. We ran around my neighborhood. It was quite frustrating though, cause we have lots of traffic signals. She brought her adorable daughter, Charlie, with her. We discussed The Real Housewives of Orange County while running. What a train wreck that episode was last night.

I'm trying to figure out the weather for this weekend. Should I wear pants or shorts. I really can't stand running in pants. I was going to do this race last year...but I kinda broke my foot the week of the race. It was a good thing that I didn't pre-register for it. Especially since it was pouring rain also.

Praying for Harper

Kelly, a fellow blogger, was blessed with a brand new baby, Harper, over a week ago. She had some complications after birth. She is now residing in the NICU. You can read the full story on her blog, over at Kelly's Korner.

Looking for a New Book

I'm an avid reader, especially while I'm working. If there is some down time at work, I like to park the good ole' van at a local park, and just sit and read. The only downside is, people always want to ask me stupid questions.

I usually have a stockpile of books to read. I get coupons from Border's Rewards, and buy several at a time. I also pick them up at Costco and Target. Well, I just finished my last one. I probably don't have a stockpile because I'm trying to stay away from places like Target and Costco. Don't get me wrong. I love my stores, but I'm trying to be a little more frugal.

The book that I just finished was One Fifth Avenue by Candace Bushnell. Bushnell also wrote Sex in the City. I bought the hardcover version of it (EXPENSIVE), but the soft cover version comes out on March 31. It was a decent book. Definately my style.



I'm looking for some ideas of other books to read. Have you read anything good lately? I refuse to read any True Crime books, and/or Twilight (haven't jumped on that bandwagon).

I know that there are people out there who actually read books still, right? I read my share of blogs daily. But I also read at least one book a week.

Oh and by the way, I'm trying to organize my life better this year. I'm giving away this book, One Fifth Avenue. Be sure and post if you want to receive my copy, and I will select someone at the end of the week. I swear it's in almost perfect condition. Well, I might have spilled some salsa on it, I do eat Mexican food for lunch alot.

Living with Lindsay

My girlfriend, Lindsay, recently started her very own blog.

It's called "Living with Lindsay." I met Lindsay about two years ago on one of my parenting forums. We have alot of things in common, besides our mutual OCD issues. I even got to meet Lindsay in 2007.

Lindsay is very creative and quite the excellent seamstress.

Here's a little snipet about Lindsay and her blog:

"I'm apparently a handful to deal with. My nickname was "Princess Pea" long before it was cool to be a princess. I'm a wife and a mother, but I don't let labels define me. I'm obsessive and compulsive and have my parents to thank for those quirks. I love Britney Spears and make no apologies for it. I have to design my home decor around a 3-year old who thinks he's a race car and an 80-pound, long-haired white dog. I'm a triathlete and love going to the gym. I think Sesame Chicken is yummy. I don't understand why the gal at Starbucks doesn't know my name yet."

Please check out Lindsay's blog. She's an awesome gal pal of mine!

Why Spelling Is So Important

My co-worker, Kris, showed me this earlier this morning. We were all laughing. I had to have her forward it to me.

PLEASE TELL YOUR CHILDREN THAT SPELLING IS IMPORTANT, EVEN FOR THIRD GRADERS!

If U Seek Amy

I have always had a love for Britney Spears. I'm not hiding it. My friend, Lindsay, also loves Britney. I know that if I want to talk about Britney, Lindsay will always be there for me.

Angry Husband knows about my love for Britney also. I made sure that we had all of Britney's albums downloaded onto our itunes, last week. I even made him sync it to our Apple TV.

So Angry Husband comes home the other night and says, "Did you hear about Britney's controversial new song?" I was like no... He says it's the song, "If U Seek Amy" on the Circus CD. I don't really pay much attention to song titles. I just like what I hear. He then says, "sound it out...." Yea ok, I get it. He then tells me that it's all over the radio that some stations are banning it/and or not playing it. I said dumb..

Angry Husband thinks Britney is trashy. I still like her. But then I had to Google about the drama involved with the song. I found the following stories.

MTV
Media Channel
ACESHOWBIZ
Wikipedia
Access Hollywood

I think there are far worse things out there in the media. I'm a mother and all. But I can't stand censorship.

Of course, Angry Husband has me obsessed with this song now. I listen to it all the time. He says that he can't even get it out of his head.

Trying to Organize

I'm sorry that I've neglected my blog for a few days. I've been trying to organize my house and life more. Part of my Spring ritual is listing all of Angry Toddler's clothing on e-bay. So I organized it all last week and I did pretty good. I only had one tote full, which I usually have two to three.

I got all ready to start typing up my auctions the other night. I just couldn't do it. I decided to subscribe to a Buy-Sell-Trade on a parenting forum. I spent all day on Thursday listing everything and pricing it just right.

I had such memories of last year going through the outfits. I remembered the events that we attending, and the places we went. I may not have the clothes anymore, but we always have our memories in the photographs. I don't save any of Angry Toddler's clothes, except for some small things, like Birthday shirts.

In April, we went to Legoland for the first time. We had never been there and Angry Toddler was soo excited.



Hanging out at The Little Gym in Stacey's office. She sent me this photo. I had never seen it and never even knew she took it.
Or, the many Disneyland trips. We purchased Season Passes last year and it was one of the best decisions that we made. Angry Toddler loves going to Disneyland.


I've got almost 1/2 of my goodies sold. Which mades me very happy. My gardener will be happy too. I'm using the funds that I've made to pay him.

I encourage everyone to use e-bay, Craigslist, or other parenting forums. You might have something in your house that someone is looking for.

One Lovely Blog Award

Jen from Another Online Mom, presented me with this award last week. I just want to give a public shout out to Jen. She always comments on my ramblings. In fact, I think Jen is one of my top commentors.

So be sure to go check out Jen, cause she rocks!!

Organizing for 2009

I went to a seminar last night through Junior League. It was put on Jenny LeBel from Organizing Angels. She gave us a list of tips for better organizing yourself.

*Keep an Action File on your desk or kitchen counter for current and ongoing lists in alphabetical order: Bills to Pay, Birthdays, Coupons, Pending/Follow-Up, Recipes, To Call, To Do, to File, To Read, and Upcoming Events.

*Buy a Date Planner or Wall Calendar to organize your family's life. Use a different color for each member of your family.

*Start small-Organize for 15 minutes a day-a drawer or cupboard. It doesn't have to be overwhelming; it can be fun! And it's very grounding.

*Sort like things together and be amazed at how many duplicate items you find! And to think you just spent more money buying another one! And you will be so happy when you find that long-lost item you've been searching for, for years.

*Discard junk mail as soon as it comes in; file your bills to pay in the Action File; place appropriate items in Action File daily or ASAP. Don't let it pile up.

*Pay Bills online-it's quick and easy through your bank.

*File Greeting card in specific file folders: Anniversaries, Babies, Birthdays, Blank, Congratulations, Holiday, Father's Day, Friendship, Get Well, Mother's Day, New home, Special Occasion, Sympathy, Thank you, Weddings, etc..

*Walk around your house with a trash bag and throw everything away that is obvious trash. This should only take about 10 or 15 minutes.

*Read up on easy Feng Shui Concepts-for peace and flow of your home or office.

*Clean out your closet and donate whatever you haven't worn in 6 months or no longer fits. There are many people who have nothing.

*When something new comes in, something old goes out! This will keep you organized and inventory in check.

*Organize your clothes by color.

*Use wire shelves in your kitchen or bathroom to double your cabinet space.

*Throw out food in refrigerator or pantry that is out dated.

*Keep two bins under your sink-one for trash and one for recycle.

*If space allows, give each child a spot to hang his backpack, jacket, homework, sports equipment, etc.-he/she will always know where it is.

*Organize kids' art/schoolwork/memorabilia in plastic bins and label them.

*Organize digital photographs in computer files or create online albums (Shutterfly, Snapfish, Kodak, Flickr).

*Add all your contact information to your computer Address Book.

*Organize your e-mail and your computer documents in specific files.

*Use recycled or the back of use paper for printing when possible.

*Get rid of old magazines-cut out the articles you want to keep; read them right away or file them in your Action File.

*Keep a Coupon file folder in your car for various stores and services (i.e. bookstores, car services, groceries, restaurants, services).

*Put all your coupons you need for the day in "Today's Coupon's Folder".

*Keep another bin in your car for : Returns, Things to give to friends, extra water, things to occupy the kids while driving, dry cleaning, etc.

*Buy clear plastic storage bins for everything you need and label them: Holiday, Memorabilia, Kid's Art/School Work, Children's Gifts, Adult Gifts, Kid's Theme Parties, Electronics, House Decor, Photo Frames, Warranties, and Instruction Booklets.

*Keep earrings separated in ice trays.

*Use canvas bags for groceries-keep them in the car so you don't forget!

*20 minutes on the treadmill or out on a walk is not only great for your physical body, but is great for your mental health, attitude, and keeps depression at bay. Keep your body moving!

*Check out Professional Organizer Peter Walsh. He's on Oprah and gives great tips!

*Watch HGTV (Home and Garden TV) shows for all the latest ideas and hints on Organizing, Decluttering, Decorating, etc.

*Read Real Simple Magazine for great ideas.

*Enlist your family's support and call upon your friends to help or trade tasks!

Laundry

Angry Husband told me to chill out on Christmas Day. I was running around cleaning, and doing laundry. I knew that the next few weeks would be busy and that I wouldn't have time to do laundry, etc.

Well that week has come. When we started running out of things. I'm one of those people who can use the same towel for 2-3 days. Angry Toddler and Angry Husband use 2-3 towels A DAY. I can't keep up.

Angry Husband went into the garage this morning looking for towels. I yelled from the couch, "There isn't any, use one of Angry Toddlers". Yep, Angry Husband had to use one of Angry Toddler's Pottery Barn Kid's Animal Towels.

Well I went running and returned this afternoon. I haven't had time to do laundry since I was gone all day. Guess what kind of towel I used?

A little late, but here are the 2009 Resolutions

It's been quite hectic around the Angry household. Angry Toddler was out of preschool from December 24th, until yesterday, the 5th. Angry Husband and I are still trying to recover from it all. Today was the first time, I had some time to myself. I thought I would finally sit down and blog some resolutions.

1. Finally, lose the last 40 lbs. I have 40 lbs. to my goal weight.
2. Run at least 3x a week. If the weather is crappy, I will have to treadmill it.
3. Run a 1/2 Marathon. This kind of goes with #2.
4. Ditch the caffeine. I have a serious addiction to Monster Energy drinks.
5. Blog at least one time a day.
6. Not go overboard on buying clothing for Angry Toddler. Another bad addiction.
7. Take some kind of Family Vacation. We need it.
8. To be more organized at home and work. It's gotten chaotic and it's driving my OCD crazy
9. To pay off some of our debt.
10. To be less Angry. Although that is kind of a personality trait. I can try, right?

I Didn't Order This

Today is my last day working the night shift aka swing shift until May. It's been a pretty sucky four months. On Saturdays, I'm usually woken up by Angry Toddler stating, "It's daylight time, time for clothes, and get me some chocolate milk". Aww good times, when you've had three to four hours of sleep.

Luckily, my BFF, Stacey, was able to help me entertain Angry Toddler for a few hours every Saturday morning for most of the four months. If I get Angry Toddler out of the house for a few hours in the morning, he's a better kid, and he will also take a long nap.

Stacey was available this morning, so we met up for breakfast with the kiddos. It only took me an hour to get out of the house, because Angry Toddler refused to take off an USC (University of Southern California) jersey that he had been wearing for THREE days. Seriously kid, yes, I know they won the Rose Bowl, but take off the shirt. I told him that he clothes smelled bad, he immediately ripped off the shirt and willingly put on a new one. Of course, I was barely awake, so I was sporting my jeans, Converse, a shirt from a running event, and the non-optional baseball hat.

I met them at Ruby's Diner, a local restaurant. Stacey and Stella were already sitting in a booth waiting for us. Of course, I'm Ms. Residence People Watcher, so I'm looking around with my usual annoyed look. I see a family sitting behind us, they had just sat down and were looking at their menu's. The Dad walks in after Angry Toddler and I order some drinks. The dad is carrying two Starbucks cups. Seriously, couldn't you wait until after your breakfast to get your fix? Is the Starbucks coffee that much better? I just rolled my eyes, and Stacey laughed. I even make a joke about it to our waiter, but he didn't get it. Well really, I don't even think the waiter spoke English.

We had another waiter take our food order, the previous waiter only took our drink order. Seriously, the second waiter was just as dumb. We ordered off the kid's menu and he kept asking suggestions for the combo, Stacey and I got very confused. We were like, "Umm, there are no combos on the kid's menu." The waiter checked and sure enough, he came back "oh, ya, I guess there is no combos for the kid's." Ya, umm duh...

So approximately 20 minutes later our food arrives, and this is what I see:



Why are there French fries with my eggs? I gave the waiter a look, Stacey giggled..and then I said, "Why are there fries with my eggs, I didn't order this?" The waiter says, "Didn't they tell you, we are out of Ruby's Spuds, so they are serving fries." I respond with, "Umm, no. They didn't tell us that." I would have ordered something else.

This was how my last morning of our fun Saturdays went. I seriously couldn't stop laughing and this all my made up for the fact that, Angry Toddler was being a total pain in the ass and I needed a very large Margarita at 9am.

2009