"Hello" Feburary

...and "Goodbye" January!

No "news" here. As usual I've been a slacker at blogging. It seems the only reality of my blogging efforts is to refresh the appearance of my blog with current "themed" decor.

I don't even know if my blog is read by others anymore, because I am a "Hit or Miss" kinda girl when it comes to writing down my thoughts. So bad so (I hate to even admit) that I had a difficult time remembering my own blog site link and had to start at "Blogger.com" to sign in first. Now that's just wrong - seriously wrong!

I have a very good excuse, though (don't I always?).

I've been without my laptop since January 1st. A great way to start the new year (not!). And I just found out that the board of all boards - the "Mother board" is Shot! Kaput! Finito! Dead! Done! Gone!

How does that even happen? Seriously?

Is there a timer that is placed inside these computers that sets off a chain reaction as soon as your "warranty" has expired?

Thankfully, I purchased my HP at Costco, which then added one year to my warranty, and then because I purchased it with my American Express, I had another year slapped on. So...Ha! to the end of warranty computer geek that tried to sabotage my poor laptop.

And now I am wondering what will Am Ex decide? Will they want to pay $784 to repair the "mother board"? On top of an addition $90 just to get the estimate for repair? Or will they merely refund my original purchase price of $1400?

And more importantly, "What do I want or hope they do?" And "Should I buy another HP?" Some have even said I should go "Mac". These are just a few thoughts racing around in my mind; along with more important thoughts like "How is it February already?" and "Who took my Egg-O?!" Okay, that last one I made up.

Besides, I've lived the past month using my husband's computer. Not that he's thrilled about that. But he tolerates me playing "Farkle" on Facebook. And checking my e-Bay sales.

I suppose I'd be doing more on his, but my Blackberry and iTouch have been good coverage while I'm waiting to hear about the outcome of my laptop's life or demise.

So, that was pretty much my January. I'm really looking forward to a better February themed blog now that I've gotten this all off my chest.

Only 2 Things

You have only 2 things to worry about,
Either you are sick or you are healthy.

If you are healthy, you have nothing to worry about,
But if you are sick you have 2 things to worry about.

You will get well,or you will die.

If you get well, you have nothing to worry about,
But if you die, you will have 2 things to worry about.

You will go up, or you will go down.

If you go up, there is nothing to worry about,
But if you go down, you will be so busy shaking hands with old friends you won't have time to worry!

- Irish Proverb

Just For Fun

THREE NAMES FOR YOU - Nicknames too!

1. Melanie

2. wife

3. friend/neighbor

THREE PHYSICAL THINGS YOU LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF:

1. eyes

2. smile

3. toes

THREE PHYSICAL THINGS YOU DON'T LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF:

1. tummy

2. fanny

3. hair

THREE PARTS OF YOUR HERITAGE:

1. Irish

2. Scotish

3. Polish

THREE THINGS THAT SCARE YOU:

1. having a heartattack

2. my husband's health

3. getting "the phone call" with bad news

THREE OF YOUR EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS:

1. starbucks

2. purse

3. walking the dogs

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE SONGS - currently:

1. Instead - Madeleine Peyroux

2. How Can I Keep from Singing - Chris Tomlin

3. Jai Ho - Slumdog Millionaire (soundtrack)

THREE THINGS YOU WANT IN A RELATIONSHIP:

1. trust

2. honesty

3. respect

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE HOBBIES:

1. listening to music

2. knitting

3. blogging

THREE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO REALLY BADLY RIGHT NOW:

1. get a massage

2. get a massage

3. get a massage

THREE CAREERS YOU'RE CONSIDERING/YOU'VE CONSIDERED:

1. teacher

2. graphic artist

3. hair stylist

THREE PLACES YOU WANT TO GO ON VACATION:

1. Greece

2. East Coast

3. Back to Italy

THREE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO BEFORE YOU DIE:

1. go to a third-world country

2. volunteer my time to those in greater need

3. help build a house from scratch

THREE WAYS THAT YOU ARE STEREOTYPICALLY A GIRL (or guy):

1. I love romance

2. Tiffany Blue is my favorite color

3. I'm all about the pampering

THREE CELEB IDOLS (you like to look at):

1. Hugh Jackman

2. ? ? ?

3. ? ? ?

Daylight Savings Begins...

What!? Already?!?

Click on this --> link to learn more (when? why? etc...)

One Sign You're Driving Too Fast........

SO. . .

I GOT STOPPED FOR SPEEDING THE OTHER DAY

I THOUGHT I COULD TALK MY WAY OUT OF IT --

UNTIL THE COP LOOKED AT MY DOG IN THE BACK SEAT

I can't take credit for the picture - a friend sent this to me in an e-mail.

It made me laugh and I thought I would share the humor.

A Beautiful Ugly

This evening as I sit here waiting - patiently (not!) - to back up my iTunes before shutting down my laptop, making certain to remove the battery and keeping the power cord before wrapping it up and sending it off to HP to be worked on - I have decided to blog.

I won't be blogging for at least 10 (ugly) days until my laptop finds its way back home. So I suppose this is the perfect time.

But what to blog about?

Today had clear blue skies (yes - blue). It's been windy the last few days and all the smog has blown out to sea. It was an unusually warm 86 degrees on this 11th day of January. Crazy...

This evening you can actually see small planets with your naked eye, along with brilliant stars. A rare thing in Mission Viejo. It has cooled down to a very comfortable 66 degrees. And tonight when the moon came up over the horizon it was a beautiful and breathtaking site.

It's quiet in the house. I can hear my laptop burning iTune songs to a DVD (the second DVD, actually so there must be an end in sight). I hear the refrigerator motor humming in the kitchen.

Bella is on the couch and Pru is sitting by the open door on a blanket on the floor. Which, by the way, has been traveling around the front room over the last few days. Yes - I said the blanket is traveling. I fold it up neatly and place it by the fireplace and then it ends up on the opposite side of the front room, unfolded with a dog lying on it. Go figure.

This weekend was a weekend of organizing (for both Jim and I). Jim preparing for tax time. And me tackling our bedroom. And can I tell you it is such a wonderful feeling to accomplish what a few days ago seemed like an unattainable goal.

I had a very ugly pile of items accumulating in the bedroom. We just don't have the space. That pile is almost completely gone (yay)! Just a little more organizing of the yarn I have. What a beautiful feeling.

We met with an electrician yesterday to get an estimate on some canned lighting we will have added to our front room. We will be meeting mid-week with a company to have them give us an estimate on a wall organizer for our master bedroom. I can't wait!!!

What else? I know -

I thought of this while taking the trash out this evening before heading off to dinner.

Jim goes to Utah each spring with his brother and dad. He likes to bring something back for me (which is very sweet) and last year he brought home a pair of slipper-like shoes. When he gave them to me I thought "Oh dear, I sure hope he doesn't want me to wear those ugly shoes." Yes - that's exactly what I thought.

Well, time went by and the slipper-like shoes sat in my closet. Jim told me that I could sell them on eBay if I wanted to and I said "Nah".

One day (not too long ago) I took the ugly shoes out of my closet and started to wear them. In the beginning I would wear them just downstairs when I took the dogs out to do their business. Then one day I found myself wearing these ugly shoes to the grocery store. And I thought, "I wonder what other's must think of my ugly shoes"?

Well the more I wore them they started to grow on me (not literally). But they are actually comfortable. And as I wore them, more and more, I thought - my husband picked these out just for me and I should be proud to wear these shoes.

Well, tonight I put them on again, this time to dinner at our favorite sushi restaurant. And as I looked down at my shoes, this time I thought "My shoes are a beautiful ugly". And I smiled.


Thanks husband for my shoes and for thinking of me and picking something out so special that I will never give up my beautiful ugly shoes. I love you!

And to those that read my blog; I'll be back when my laptop is back. Until then, keep on keepin' on.

A to Z of me...



A - Age: 46

B - Bed size: Queen (thank goodness it didn't ask Bra size - LoL)

C - Chore you hate: Cleaning the toilet

D - Dessert you love: Chocolate Lava Cake

E - Essential start your day item: Decaf coffee or Tea

F - Favorite Actor: Johnny Depp

G - Gold or Silver: Silver

H - Height: 5'7"

I - Instruments you play: None, really. I simply sing.

J - Job title: Executive Assistant

L - Living Arrangements: My husband, an 8 year old boxer & a 2 yr old puggle.

M - Music you like: It all depends on my mood

N - Nicknames: Babe...Mel...Smellie...Melnie...Toast...

O - Open or Closed minded: Open (for the most part)

P - Phobia: Riding in the car with someone on a winding mountain road

Q - Quote(s) you like: Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly, Leave the rest to God

R - Right or left handed: Right

S - Siblings: Only child (but several adopted family-friends)

T - Time you woke up today: 6:00 a.m.

U - Unique habit: Unique? Buying cards "way in advance" for friends.

V - Vegetable you hate: Cauliflower

W - Worst habit: Interupting someone while in conversation

X - X-rays you've had: Most all; but no MRI (yet)

Y - Yummy food you just made: Shepherd's Pie (www.thecookingguy.com/cookbook/recipe.php?id=433)

Z - Zodiac Sign: Cancer

A New Look...




After our front room and kitchen remodel, Jim and I agreed that we would wait a few years before remodeling our bathrooms.





But honestly, I was really getting tired of the Master Bath's Water Closet appearance. It's had the same look for the last seven (7) years and I simply needed a change.





Though it's simple (minimalism at it's best - probably); I'm really happy with the outcome.






...what do you think?

FOLLOW the Yellow Brick Road...or

...Follow My Blog

A friend and fellow Blogger told me about a "New" tool that Blogger offers.

It's just another nifty way to see the folks that like to follow aka read your blog and you can also follow theirs (if you choose to do so).

So, if you're interested in following my blog; go to my side bar and follow the link under "followers aka readers". The instructions are fairly straight forward, easy and self-explanatory.

Have a Happy Day!

what are feeds? and how they work...



Want to learn more about "Feeds" and how they can make your online experience fast, easy and more organized?


Check out the link below:

What are Feeds? and How they Work?


It's a brief and very user-friendly video on how to use "Feeds".

ONE SICK PUPPY...or two

3D
(not 3 dimensional)


What does it stand for?

Well, look at the photo and see if you can figure it out.

Could this be a new found art? Like "Sidewalk" art? (many hope not!)


Alright - Give up?

How about... 3D for Dog, Diarrhea, Disaster

That's RIGHT folks. We have a very sick dog.

And not to be outdone - our (3P) Precious, Perfect, Puggle decided to take care of business inside her crate. I'm guessing she thought she could be "under the radar" in the "NO fly zone" with the major Distraction (another D word) going on in the "outside" crate world. NOT!!!(Bad dog - Bella!)

Prudence is our very sick dog. She had quite a bit of blood in her stool and also vomited up blood early (1 a.m.) Saturday morning. We took the two dogs in for some follow-up visits. However, Pru was our big concern. She had blood tests taken and the results are in. One of the tests came back with undesirable results. Her pancreatitis is back with a vengeance. Normal levels in the blood are between 200 and 1100. Our sweet Pru is at 4600 level. Not good! And to top it off, she has a very sick stomach (refer to pictures). The positive (cuz' there usually is one, right?!?) she's on meds to hopefully help with the issues and she's eating (which is a good sign). In the meantime, she'll be housed back in her luxury crate to avoid 2 of the 3D's. Well, at least one of the 3D's will possibly be confined to her crate (hopefully).

As for Bella - her liver enzymes are back to normal level (remember she was sick a few weeks back). However, we really need to break her of eating rabbit poop because she now has two parasites (one being hook worm). And in her typical puggle way, she didn't want to be left out and she's now on meds, too.


Anyone want a dog or two? just kidding...

But it sure makes you think about being a dog owner. Especially a dog owner with no back yard.

All kidding aside, we love them and want the to feel better again.


Please keep Prudence in your prayers for a quick recovery, because they helped Bella.

And to give credit where credit is due (NOT Doo!); my hubby got out his chisle (literally) and scraped the dried doggie art off the floor. Poor guy. Definitely not a warm greeting to come home to after a difficult day at work.

Lean Green Bloggin Machine

Well it appears that the new "Green" look wins (for the time being). I may change to another color down the road (you never know).

THANKS to all of you who took the Polls. I'm sure I'll have more as time goes by.

CRAZY PHRASES


So, I'm writing an e-mail to a friend and out comes "jump the gun". Why? I don't know. But honestly - I had no idea where that saying came from? Not a clue. I was envisioning a rifle lying in the dirt and a cowboy jumping over it (you know - like when someone would draw a line in the sand and say "I dare you to cross the line".) I suppose I'm the only one - and personally can't believe I just admitted to this (good grief).


Well, anyway, I researched it on the web. Boy! Was I wrong...

Jump the Gun - to do something before it should be done. We do not want to jump the gun by making a statement about what caused the explosion before the investigation is completed.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of jump the gun (to begin to run a race before the gun that signals the start has been shot)



Then in church Sunday they were talking about King Jehosaphat. I sure wish I knew the bible better (guess I need to set a goal and read it). But that's why we go to church, right? To have someone teach us about these things. Anyway, back to King Jehosaphat...


So, I'm talking with my hubby and I said, "I wonder if there is any relation with the phrase "jumpin jehosaphat" and the King? ...and guess what? Yeah, you may already know this too, but just in case...

The old expression was "Jumping Jehosephat." Just a polite expression of surprise. Like "Holy carp!"(okay so I switched the letters around).

Historically: Jehosaphat was a wealthy king of Jerusalem. One day an army from the east march on Jerusalem to take his gold. Jehosaphat told the people not to worry that the battle would be his and Judas's on the following day. The people let out a joyous cry "Great Jumping Jehosaphat." That's the "story" anyhow. I wasn't there. :)


Do any of you have sayings that you question? Please share them with me. I'd love to research.


OH, here's one --> my father-in-law says "blew my hat in the creek". What does this mean? Any ideas??? Anyone? Bueller?

SMALL MIRACLES!!!

Oh - a I just want to add one little thing - YAY! my wireless is working again.

I felt so lost without my computer. What to do? What to do? I asked myself over and over and over again these past few days.

I used my hubby's computer, but it's just not the same.

Thank God for small favors. Not sure if it's God that helped my wireless back online; but I'll thank Him just the same.

Welcome-New Look-Thank You-Polls

Welcome to the "New" look.

I'd like to "Thank" Chris for motivating (shoving) me into finally updating my blogger template (it's much easier to use).

Hope you enjoy what you read here. And don't forget to take the "Polls" to the right.

Wishing you all a Happy 4th of July!

Motivate to Hydrate

We all know the importance of drinking water. But it's not always easy to motivate yourself to drink the daily required amount of 8 glasses (64oz). And research studies show if you drink more, it's easier to lose weight. I personally may think I'm hungry, but in reality my body is telling me it's dehydrated. So here's your challenge and (trust me) it will be easy if you drink the water mentioned in my blog. Pick up 4 bottles of Metromint. Sample a few (not just the chocolate - though the chocolate comes highly recommended). See how easy it is to drink your 64 oz of water. Trust me - you'll be drinking more than that.

CHOCOLATE MINT WATER (no artificial flavors/no calories)

Check it out!

http://metromint.com/

I checked online and they sell it at Lazy Acres/Mother's/Whole Foods/CostPlus World Market; among others).

I've tried almost all the flavors. The cherry mint is (just okay); but the lemon mint is OH SO refreshing.

My next to try is the Spearmint and Peppermint.

So far; it's a tie between Chocolate Mint (in 1st) and Lemon Mint (a close 2nd).

ROCKIN' DOGGIE

A new website to check out.

I'm always happy to support and spread the word about those I know & love.

If you're a fan of Bob Siemon Designs Christian jewelry; you'll love this spinoff company created by the same folks.

FUR BABIES UNITE

Well, I think I've finally scrambled and collected as many furry critter pictures over this past week that I possibly could.

Now granted, I had to go and take some of these pictures myself (either with my own camera or by pirating from a blog); but I was bound and determined to get as many on my blog, as humanly possible.

And to show that I'm not playing favorites, I'm listing them in owner's alphabetical order - Ha! I mean, one friend who will not be named sent so many pictures of her fur baby, I had one heck of a time figuring out which ones to put up (helloooo -this is not a tribute to Molly - hee hee).

So without further ado, I present the many fur babies of my friends.

This is a co-worker's, daughter's 3 lb chihuahua "SQUIRT". What's with the name? Well, I've been told that when they brought him home, he basically peed on everyone. And seriously, how much pee can a 3 lb puppy make - I'm guessing pretty much "a squirt".

Meet "GINO"- a 4 yr old Yorkie (fighting weight 6 lbs). OH! He's a lover, not a fighter. And his owner tells me that he enjoys singing along to his birthday cupcake (see pic). Now doesn't that make your heart skip a beat?

This is "SADIE". She's a rescue dog (a mix). She's such a little love. We were invited last December to share in her birthday celebration. That just cracked me up. A dog with a birthday cake & hat. What a hoot! The other dog looking on is her new house mate (a dobie who's name will not be mentioned. Why? Because this is about Sadie).

I know. This is NOT a fur baby. I was hoping to share my friend's two dogs who live here in California. But I didn't have a chance to get the picture. This little guy's picture was taken in Hawaii where the owner of the missing picture of two said dogs lives (did that even make any sense?).

Ladies & Gents - can I get an Awww. This is "MOLLY" (3 yrs ago) as a puppy. Don't let those precious little beagle eyes fool you - there's a mischief dog inside.

Molly in bed (told ya she was mischievous).
Molly as a BEEgle (ha!)
Molly appropriately dressed. Nuf said.

This is "KAYDEE". She's my Godsister's dog. Wonder if that makes her my Dogsister (lol). Any who, she apparently is quite talented in retrieving cards (not newspapers) to her owner (go figure).

This big fella is "DEACON" (and YES, that's his tongue and that's how he sleeps). He's one of the watch dogs of the Pretty in Pink baby.

And this is Deacon's mother, "SHELBY". She apparently likes to hang out by the BBQ, just like her owner.

Sugar & Spice (and everything nice). "SUGAR" is a Ridgeback who recently relocated from South Africa with her owners. She's such a love. Welcome Sugar!

And this is "SPICE" - her mate. He's a mix and a rescue. His tail never seems to stop wagging (even when I snapped this shot last week). He's pretty darn cute, too.

Welcome to my blog - "KELLY". Kelly waiting to get dry after her bath. Apparently she will sit this way until they take the towel off. A 6 yr old Shi-tzue/mix~she is a national traveler. She has been from coast to coast with her owners.

In memory of "DUB-YA" who passed last June 2007. He was a fun playmate for Prudence when they were younger. We miss you Dub-Ya.

And this is "SALLY" & Sammy (Dub-Ya's family). Sally keeps an eye out after Sammy. Oh sure, they are closed eyes in this pic, but she's on it!

Last, but certainly not least, I present to you "EMBER- the Ball". I know we're mostly dog people here, but my husband loves cats. And though I'm deathly allergic, I do too. The funny thing - my friend has two cats. Not sure why she didn't include a picture of Buffy the Vampire Slayer? (Is there something you're not telling me R?)

Now you might be wondering why our fur babies are not a part of this post?

Well, that's an easy question. They pretty much get the rest of the blog (don't they); so to be perfectly good furry hosts (they opted out of this Fur Baby blog).

Thanks again for those who participated. And for those who have no idea they participated.

This was a lot of fun for me and I hope it was for you, too.

PIZZAzz

That's right, ladies and germs. Jim has created not one, but two pizza's with Pizzazz!

As I've mentioned in a previous blog, we are totally into watching "Sam the Cooking Guy" and making recipes from his TV show, website and/or cookbook.

This weekend was Pizza weekend apparently. Friday night Jim made a "Fresh Mozzarella & Basil" pizza. OMG! Can I tell you that it was one of the best pizza's I've had in a long time.

And not only did he make it on Friday night, he made it tonight (Sunday). I'm tellin' ya - this is a tasty (and healthy) recipe.

Friday's Pizza - looks pretty, don't it.

What we learned from the two pizzas - we like thinner sliced tomatoes (less runny when you bite into them). We also don't like whole leaves because you don't get basil in every bite.

Not as purty - but tasted great. And I'd like to commend Jim on the creative placement of the whole basil leaves.

Third time's a charm - so next time we will be making this pizza recipe with thinner sliced tomatoes (like Sunday's version) and cutting up the basil, but adding more (like Friday night's version).

WAY TO GO, Jim!!!


BTW - we bought the "Whole Wheat Pizza crust made by Boboli" (found both at Vons & Ralphs).

Bella Update




WE (Jim & I) appreciate all the e-mails of concern and your prayers. It's frustrating when there are so many answered "unanswered" questions (you'll maybe understand after reading this blog).


After some more blood tests (last Tuesday) it appears Bella's liver is fine?? But the doctor has her on liver protecting meds. Yes - I know...it confuses me, too. Why put her on meds for her liver if all appears fine?


In two weeks we repeat the blood work for Bella. And at that point we'll maybe have more confusion? Until then I'm not going to worry about it.


Bella still doesn't have much of an appetite (so unlike her - as a matter of fact she didn't eat her breakfast today). Many friends have mentioned the heat and maybe that's why she isn't hungry?

We did take Bella and Pru on a walk this morning (6:30 a.m. to avoid the heat) and they both seemed to do fine.

So, we now wait and see...