tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127957062024-03-13T14:07:05.857-05:00Crunchy with Style!AnnieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981676563561146547noreply@blogger.comBlogger425125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12795706.post-78413319788830748482011-01-18T21:27:00.002-06:002011-01-18T21:32:34.676-06:002 weeksJust a quick update. After 2 weeks I am down 4.8. I feel like this is minimal, but then I think about the single tiny tweak I have agreed to. I am not eating after 7:30pm. That's it. I won't complain. And maybe next week I'll step away from the sweet potato chips and lose a little more!AnnieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981676563561146547noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12795706.post-29869989792549492742011-01-07T08:48:00.005-06:002011-01-07T09:27:23.459-06:00This Thing On?Whoa. It's been almost exactly a year since I've written. I'm feeling inspired by this little thing I am doing, <a href="http://www.shelikespurple.com/shelikespurple/2011/01/biggest-blogging-loser-roster.html">Biggest Blogging Loser</a>. See, I have 12 weeks to lose some poundage and get svelte again. My goal? 20 pounds. It can and will be done. <br /> After I had Harper 4 years ago, I lost a lot. I was ready, I was nursing 186 times a day , and it was easy. But I have gained a lot of it back. Not all, but a lot. This time I'm doing things a little differently and I am confident it'll work. I know my problem time for bingeing. It is specifically from 7:30-10pm. I go from one snacky thing to another until I'm certain I've consumed enough calories for an entire meal. Then what do I do? I go to bed. The perfect recipe for growing a large ass.<br /> Despite running for the last 2.5 years, my eating has just been so mindless and I've used the excuse "I ran today, I can eat whatever." Not so. Running 3 miles a few times a week doesn't take the place of eating like a heifer. <br />So here is my plan. I am watching what I eat from morning until dinner. I am eating things like plain oatmeal with blueberries and a dollop of vanilla yogurt on top, for breakfast. For lunch, a turkey sandwich, without cheese, and a cup of vegetable soup. Snacks, I am really trying to resist. But, If I am hungry, I'll count out 10 almonds and a banana. Or have a string cheese. For dinner, I'm not changing a thing. I cook for my family and typically we eat really well so I'm not messing with it. Last night we had a Greek Salad, marinated and grilled chicken breast with roasted veggies and garlic Parmesan couscous. So my biggest commitment is that after 7;30pm, I don't eat. Not a single morsel of food will cross my lips. I can do this. It bugs me that I even have to think so much about it - I have a degree it this stuff for crissakes.<br /> I weigh-in on monday and I'm not getting on the scale until then. Hopefully my plan will work. Wish me luck!AnnieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981676563561146547noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12795706.post-37659275731350672112010-01-12T16:01:00.003-06:002010-01-12T16:21:54.670-06:00Out with the OldWhew! <br /> <br />After, the whirlwind that was Christmas, I couldn't wait to start the new year. Well guess what? Things haven't slowed down yet. I'm trying to get my bearings-and that may take a while-but I wanted to tell you about some of my ideas for 2010. Call them resolutions if you'd like but I feel too much pressure that way. So here they are...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">My Ideas for 2010</span><br /><br />*to take a tropical family vacation <br /><br />*to create a business name and become a little more structured with the business I am currently doing.<br /><br />*nearly eliminate crap sugars (refined sugar). <br /><br />*to continue running at least 3x per week.<br /><br />Hopefully by having just a few I can stay focused on them. So what are your ideas?AnnieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981676563561146547noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12795706.post-56476815826899633982009-12-16T20:24:00.004-06:002009-12-16T20:57:12.684-06:00Woah Mom Guilt.I think I am a confident person. If there is one thing that can shake it, it's this whole parenting thing. Tomorrow my sweet boy turns 6. Again, I am scrambling for someway for him to feel special. This time of year it's impossible for me to muster up some sort of party. I can't add one more thing to my laundry list. Who pays the price? My little boy, the one who I want to give the world to. <br /><br />So for tomorrow, he requested peanut butter cookies for his school treat. They are ready to go. We'll have a special dinner and open a few presents. I hope it's enough. If he can feel even a portion of how much he means to me, It'll be enough.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9fkc5LOBYD4/Symdkb8jr_I/AAAAAAAAAKs/C2upNQxmdJw/s1600-h/IMG_3267.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9fkc5LOBYD4/Symdkb8jr_I/AAAAAAAAAKs/C2upNQxmdJw/s320/IMG_3267.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416033276192337906" /></a>AnnieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981676563561146547noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12795706.post-855421366048295482009-12-06T21:55:00.005-06:002009-12-10T21:31:23.920-06:00Me and My GuitarLast Tuesday was my birthday. <br />I turned 32.<br />Woah.<br />My parents forgot.<br /><br />It was also supposed to be my first guitar lesson but I cancelled so I could go out for Mexican food and Margaritas with my husband and kids. It was a great day. I resceduled my first lesson for Wednesday. I was excited all day for it. Mike bought me a guitar two anniversaries ago and even though I was eager to learn, I could never come up with the time to do it. I found the time now and I am doing it! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9fkc5LOBYD4/SyG7OTWAYRI/AAAAAAAAAKc/0Rdvqg78gQY/s1600-h/GetAttachment.aspx.jpg.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 272px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9fkc5LOBYD4/SyG7OTWAYRI/AAAAAAAAAKc/0Rdvqg78gQY/s320/GetAttachment.aspx.jpg.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413814081461182738" /></a><br /> I walked in to meet my instructor and I was both relieved and dissapointed that he wasn't a twenty-something, hot musical genius who smelled a little like patchouli. Instead, he was a very patient 50 something man that knows how to play a guitar. I've been practicing a few minutes each day and I think I like it. I think I like it, a lot. Me and my pretty girl. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9fkc5LOBYD4/SyG7_pfQb8I/AAAAAAAAAKk/_faXkTBlPLw/s1600-h/GetAttachment.aspx.jpg.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 272px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9fkc5LOBYD4/SyG7_pfQb8I/AAAAAAAAAKk/_faXkTBlPLw/s320/GetAttachment.aspx.jpg.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413814929219153858" /></a><br />She's totally a girl, don't you think?AnnieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981676563561146547noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12795706.post-32396701875245829882009-11-23T15:59:00.000-06:002009-11-23T15:56:16.581-06:00The GG Famly Update.My Boy. He's getting so old and independent. He's handsome and the sweetest, biggest hearted boy I've ever known. The person he's turning into makes me so proud to say that I spent every minute raising him until he was four. So very proud.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9fkc5LOBYD4/Swdh74tZNCI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/6lBlTzTqcV8/s1600/IMG_3335.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9fkc5LOBYD4/Swdh74tZNCI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/6lBlTzTqcV8/s320/IMG_3335.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406397559144526882" /></a><br /><br />My Girl. She's not quite as shy anymore. She's in love with her Grandpa, my dad. She's feisty and knows what she wants. She gets prettier every single day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9fkc5LOBYD4/Swdh7lyjtxI/AAAAAAAAAJs/SxxeeguTvmc/s1600/IMG_3327.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9fkc5LOBYD4/Swdh7lyjtxI/AAAAAAAAAJs/SxxeeguTvmc/s320/IMG_3327.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406397554065913618" /></a><br /><br />Somedays I can't believe that she's my baby. My little girl.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9fkc5LOBYD4/Swdh7JKurcI/AAAAAAAAAJk/3AyUPxhpENA/s1600/IMG_3319.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 224px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9fkc5LOBYD4/Swdh7JKurcI/AAAAAAAAAJk/3AyUPxhpENA/s320/IMG_3319.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406397546382667202" /></a><br />Together they are like wind and fire. They need each other. They annoy each other. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9fkc5LOBYD4/Swdh8m3Q8qI/AAAAAAAAAKE/HcrrpF_0YIM/s1600/IMG_3328.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9fkc5LOBYD4/Swdh8m3Q8qI/AAAAAAAAAKE/HcrrpF_0YIM/s320/IMG_3328.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406397571533959842" /></a><br />They love each other. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9fkc5LOBYD4/SwsAdcLGFTI/AAAAAAAAAKM/Vf-6XvnIj7c/s1600/IMG_3348.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9fkc5LOBYD4/SwsAdcLGFTI/AAAAAAAAAKM/Vf-6XvnIj7c/s320/IMG_3348.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407416283367347506" /></a><br />I'm thankful they are mine.<br />I love them, more than ever.AnnieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981676563561146547noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12795706.post-11207630123979058182009-11-18T09:47:00.005-06:002009-11-18T20:41:30.712-06:00All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9fkc5LOBYD4/SwRpFZBkPoI/AAAAAAAAAJc/TsY3Msczl9w/s1600/6448_1198958776575_1306703882_551407_584325_n.jpg.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9fkc5LOBYD4/SwRpFZBkPoI/AAAAAAAAAJc/TsY3Msczl9w/s320/6448_1198958776575_1306703882_551407_584325_n.jpg.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405560994089156226" /></a><br /><br /><br />Without a doubt, the one physical attribute that gets the most attention on me are my teeth. I have huge, relatively white, straight teeth. Oh my god you guys, what you don't know...my mouth is a big hot mess. <br /><br />What I am about to tell you will probably make you run directly to your dentist. I've always taken pretty good care of my teeth. I brush twice a day, floss a few times a week. I had braces when I was in grade school and would go to the dentist when my mom would take me. I actually liked going and having my teeth gleam when I left. <br /><br />Around my sophomore year in high school, I remember my dentist starting to comment on my gums and how they were receding. They began watching them, closely. The next few years they talked about surgery on my gums. I just kept saying that they weren't that bad, that I could wait another year. <br /> <br />Somewhere in there, I went on a spring break trip to Miami Beach to visit my favorite cousin. While we were there he told us that he had just had gum surgery. He hadn't been able to eat much besides super soft foods. His mouth was starting to feel somewhat healed and he was ready to eat! He took us to one of his favorite Italian restaurants and we started with bread. Crusty, delicious, Italian bread. He was being so careful. And then he wasn't. He told us that his stiches had opened. I promptly stood up, walked myself to the restroom, and passed out. On the bathroom floor. Out. My imagination had gone wild and I could just picture what was going on in his mout. Blood. Pain. Gross. But also, I knew I had the same thing in store. <br /><br />I went to the dentist a few more times, each time with more anxiety about what I'd hear. Then, I stopped. Straight up, just didn't go anymore.<br /> <br />I moved to Florida and didn't want to search out a good dentist. <br />I got pregnant.<br />I was busy with a toddler. <br />I got pregnant again. <br />I had two kids at home. <br />I was too busy taking my kids to their dental appointments. <br /><br />I had all the excuses. I have run out of excuses. It's been 7 years since I've been and I 'd like to keep the teeth that are currently living in my mouth. <br /><br />Tomorrow I'm starting over. I am seeing a new dentist and I'm ready to face the music. I'll do whatever I need to do- It just better not entail dentures that click when I chew.AnnieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981676563561146547noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12795706.post-69280139578208729992009-11-17T21:40:00.002-06:002009-11-17T22:03:45.487-06:00I'm Baaaa-aack!Hi there. How are you? Your hair looks pretty today. Is that shirt new-- It makes your boobs look really perky. <br /><br />I've missed this, so damn much. I took off when my family found out about my blog and started reading. I tried to keep writing every now and then but I found myself censoring like crazy. And me and censoring, we're like oil and water. It became a chore rather than an outlet. <br /><br />Now that time has past, I'm hoping that most of them have lost interest and I can write about what's been going on in my little world. <br /><br />I've got stories. I've got pictures. I've got plans! Are you ready? Things could get crazy up in here...AnnieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981676563561146547noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12795706.post-47566302159128460412009-04-14T11:06:00.004-05:002009-04-14T11:38:41.056-05:00Purple, Violet, LavenderToday is a purple sort of day at our house. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9fkc5LOBYD4/SeS4v5eI_oI/AAAAAAAAAJU/gfqvHZ09yEU/s1600-h/Photo+4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9fkc5LOBYD4/SeS4v5eI_oI/AAAAAAAAAJU/gfqvHZ09yEU/s320/Photo+4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324583792479370882" /></a><br /><br /><br />We are remembering a sweet little girl who was born a little too early and left a lot too early. We are thinking of the S<a href="http://remembermaddie.com/">pohr family</a> today and wishing them strength and peace. We are there in spirit!AnnieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981676563561146547noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12795706.post-17605866928838653192009-01-19T09:04:00.000-06:002009-01-19T09:24:01.039-06:00Special ReportLet's face it, I am a Martha wannabe. I cook. I bake (thus leading to my ass problem). I need to throw myself into a project every once in a while. <br />Sometimes my projects don't get finished. Like the one time I had a rummage sale and decided that I had to sell my dining room pictures and do something new and fresh. I sold them for 5 dollars each. The wall is so damn bare, 2 years later, not so much as a shadow on it- Except for the two screws sticking out that remind me everyday of my project failure. <br />Sometimes though, my projects turn out! And sometimes they turn out so well that I exhume my buried blog to show you! I am not sure how I got the idea. I just know that I was dropping off boxes of things at Goodwill to declutter my home and the next thing I know, I am driving home with two sticky, gross chairs knowing that I wanted them to be pretty again.<br /><br />I paid 5.99 for each chair. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94491145@N00/3208781060/" title="dining chair redo by glamgranola, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3113/3208781060_1c1a391d12.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="dining chair redo" /></a><br /><br />They were barely worth that.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94491145@N00/3208777576/" title="dining chair redo by glamgranola, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3367/3208777576_f34cdce4cb.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="dining chair redo" /></a><br />I stripped them down, sanded them and tried to make them pretty again... <br /><br /> I think it worked!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94491145@N00/3208782422/" title="dining chair redo by glamgranola, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3522/3208782422_b5c8d79462.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="dining chair redo" /></a><br /><br />If you look closely, they are by no means perfect. But they make me happy. I made something so very old and dingy look bright and fun again!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94491145@N00/3208786194/" title="dining chair redo by glamgranola, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3322/3208786194_8de8413068.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="dining chair redo" /></a><br />Now if I could just keep my kids and their sticky little fingers off of them... <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94491145@N00/3208783418/" title="dining chair redo by glamgranola, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3091/3208783418_7a91c04786.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="dining chair redo" /></a>AnnieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981676563561146547noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12795706.post-79313025366570563702008-10-29T13:58:00.002-05:002008-10-29T14:03:23.204-05:00Adios.It's time. After over three years I am closing up shop. I have my reasons and I am sad to let my one true outlet go. The one thing I do for me and no one else. I am thankful that I met so many amazing people; many that I consider real friends. I'll miss you guys.<br /><br />AnnAnnieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981676563561146547noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12795706.post-89534833727184066972008-10-14T14:28:00.006-05:002008-10-15T13:52:40.441-05:00The Mind of CrazyWhy didn't I remember how totally bonkers the second year is? I swear your mind does something to make you forget, ON PURPOSE. The screaming. The tantrums. The hair pulling. Should I go on? The biting. The spitting. Wait? Have I mentioned the spitting before? The spitting is so lovely, especially when it is done in public to show her dissaproval with the current situation. Mason is nearing 5 and still cannot figure out how to spit his toothpaste so Harpers spitting was one thing she learned all by herself! Whee!<br /><br />This morning she wanted me to put her shoes on. I put them both on and tied the left on like she wanted. I moved over to the right one and tied it when all hell broke loose. I should have known. Why didn't I know that I should've only tied one shoe? The screaming and crying went on for a good 10 minutes until I offered her a bite of my LIFE. Cereal. But it is ironic isn't it? That she just wanted a bite of my LIFE! <br /><br />Thankfully though, she is incredibly funny. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94491145@N00/2932684574/" title="IMG_1510 by glamgranola, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3170/2932684574_717ce2faff.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_1510" /></a><br /><br /> She loves to dance, she prefers Dance or Techno. The Hell? <br /><br />She tells me to stop singing all the time. But also asks me to "sing Nacho", her favorite song from Nacho Libre. <br /><br />I try not to gush, but The Girl is beautiful. Sometimes I just stare at her in awe.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94491145@N00/2932682888/" title="IMG_1508 by glamgranola, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3166/2932682888_cbe82fe944.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_1508" /></a><br /><br />And the dimples? We have no idea where those came from, but when she smiles, I forget about all those <span style="font-style:italic;">other things</span>. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94491145@N00/2945243058/" title="Harps B&W by glamgranola, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3163/2945243058_74bca5fd0b.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Harps B&W" /></a><br /><br />Well, except the spitting.AnnieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981676563561146547noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12795706.post-16888479064604610082008-10-12T15:13:00.002-05:002008-10-14T14:26:23.737-05:00Let's Move on Now!Wow, glad that is over. Now I can move on to something a little less nauseating.<br /><br />Mike and I finished our third week of running. All is still going well except for raging shin splints. I've been icing when we get home and on days when I feel like I might cry from the pain I take a few Ibuprofen. Is there anything else I should be doing? <br /><br />I've been cooking up a storm lately too. Since it has been getting colder I've gone back to making a huge vat of soup each week. First I made a Roasted Butternut Squash soup that was so fantastic! Of course we gobbled it down in two days. I tried to make it again and it tasted like ass. That's what I get for not taking recipes seriously! The first time, the time it was phenomenal, I took photos while I made it. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94491145@N00/2934988809/" title="Roasting Veggies by glamgranola, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3049/2934988809_072923b410_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="Roasting Veggies" /></a><br /><br />On a baking sheet I cut up a huge carrot, a Butternut squash, an onion and an apple. I drizzled them all with olive oil, salt and pepper and a tiny bit of nutmeg and baked at 425 for around 45 minutes. Really I am not even sure about the time I just kept checking with a fork to see if it was mushie. Because mushie means done for this stuff.<br /><br />When I got to that stage, I threw everything into a blender and added chicken stock. I then moved everything back into a big stock pot and noticed it still needed more stock so I added more with a few pats of butter. It was smooth and velvety and my kids couldn't get enough! <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94491145@N00/2935846106/" title="Butternut Squash Soup by glamgranola, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3202/2935846106_828204223c_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="Butternut Squash Soup" /></a><br /><br />You really should try this stuff if you can handle squash at all. It warms your insides and screams fall! <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94491145@N00/2934991839/" title="IMG_1453 by glamgranola, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3197/2934991839_956d214ea9_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="IMG_1453" /></a><br /><br />How's that for a change of topic?AnnieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981676563561146547noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12795706.post-22948793764510698732008-10-08T20:19:00.003-05:002008-10-09T11:49:45.462-05:00The Day I lost...let's hope this is the end!My cell phone was ringing and it was her. I couldn't answer. I was still furious and had nothing to say to someone who had just accused me of lying. I waited a few seconds and there was a message.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"> My God do I wish I was more technically saavy because I still have the message and wouldn't it be fun to hear it?</span><br /><br />TQ: Ann, I talked to Drake and he said he did go inside your house...<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Well, no shit Sherlock.</span><br /><br />...I don't know why he would make such a stupid, stupid choice?<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">um, because he is a 4 year old boy and 4 year old boys aren't always known for making superior choices!</span><br /><br />...but you coming over hear to scream and swear at me was not the right way to handle it either! !!SLAM!!<br /><br />What!? She still doesn't get it! So I called her right back. (take the high road Ann, you already went Ape on her.)<br /><br />GG: Hi, Whoreen? (whoops) you are right. I should've never yelled and sworn, that really isn't my style. BUT, if you remember, I came over to tell you something that I thought you, as a mother, should know that your son did. I didn't ever plan on getting so angry but you implying that what I said was untrue was very insulting. But you are right, I didn't handle it the way I would've liked to.<br /><br />TQ: I was just so shocked that Drake would just go into your house...<br /><br />So really? Let's be honest. I over-reacted. I had taken too many insulting jabs over the past several months and boiled over. It wasn't pretty, but really it was for the best. Our interaction now is kept to bare minimum. <br /><br />I have no respect for her lifestyle. In fact, I find it disgusting. She gives us <span style="font-style:italic;">real</span> stay at home moms a bad name. This weekend when her son was with his dad, TQ had her "flavor of the week" over for 2 nights, he left for a couple of hours and another guy came over and took her out to dinner. The next morning I woke op early with my kids and "The Flavor" was back and had spent the night.<br /><br />I have done enough. I hate the nasty person she brings out of me. Karma keeps me sane, she'll get hers at some point...AnnieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981676563561146547noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12795706.post-83067464329226093792008-10-01T15:51:00.003-05:002008-10-01T16:11:23.738-05:00Wow! and also Sorry!I know. I also think it is totally tacky when bloggers apologize for not blogging but I know that there are a handful of you that really want to hear the end of the <a href="http://glamgranola.blogspot.com/2008/09/day-i-lost-my-shit.html">Neighb-whore Story</a>. I promise I will finish. <br /><br />I thought that once Mason started school I'd have some extra time, hahahahahah. Now I just run, all over town, constantly. Then I run home to get Harper down for a nap, then the sitter comes over and I run back to pick up Mason. It is Chaos I tell you! Total Chaos. <br /><br />Speaking of running all over. Pedro and I started running! We run three days a week, with the kids in a jogging stroller. We are in our second week and neither of us is showing any signs of premature petering out! We are going to run a 5K on Thanksgiving, which means Thanksgiving this year we'll finally be doing something that we want to do, together!<br /><br />Now here, take a look! Because I've been totally absent I leave you with the most unflattering picture ever!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9fkc5LOBYD4/SOPmO96AtGI/AAAAAAAAAGk/BQjBZWMhTy8/s1600-h/IMG_1430.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9fkc5LOBYD4/SOPmO96AtGI/AAAAAAAAAGk/BQjBZWMhTy8/s320/IMG_1430.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252294735254565986" /></a><br /><br />Your welcome.AnnieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981676563561146547noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12795706.post-55372709036783757792008-09-24T16:15:00.003-05:002008-09-24T21:37:07.028-05:00Sweet like sugar.Harper had her second birthday on Sunday! <br />Oh wow is this little girl strong willed, but we're keeping her. <br />We love her like crazy!<br /><br /><div><embed src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_view_player?p=7007672bb83b887b8683f2" quality="high" scale="noscale" width="408" height="382" wmode="transparent" name="FLVPlayer" salign="LT" flashvars="&p=7007672bb83b887b8683f2&skin_id=701&host=http://www.onetruemedia.com" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><div style="margin:0px;font:12px/13px verdana,arial,sans-serif;line-height:20px;padding-bottom:15px;width:408px;text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_player_link?p=7007672bb83b887b8683f2&skin_id=701&source=emplay" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_player_link_image/7007672bb83b887b8683f2/701.gif" style="border:0px;" width="408" /></a><br/><a href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/landing?&utm_source=emplay&utm_medium=txt1" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;">Make an on-line slide show at <span style="text-decoration:underline;">www.OneTrueMedia.com</span></a></div></div>AnnieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981676563561146547noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12795706.post-67513615687294126992008-09-16T14:12:00.004-05:002008-09-16T21:31:44.360-05:00The day I lost my shit- Part 2<span style="font-style:italic;">I should first warn you...I really should've written a G version and an R version. The real life version probably registered at a triple R. There was no verbal censor. So make a mental note, Whenever you read the word effing, fricking,freaking, f*cking or anything of the sort, feel free to insert the actual word of FUCKING that flowed from my mouth as freely as a tree swaying in the breeze. You've been warned. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Virgin ears and eyes proceed with caution...</span></span><br /><br />I had calmed down and decided to walk over to let TQ know what had just happened.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">knock, knock, knock</span> "TQ, I just wanted to let you know what just happened. I was upstairs putting Harper down for a nap when Drake came upstairs, knocked and came into her bedroom..."<br /><br />TQ: "No he didn't, I was sitting out back, watching them the whole time!"<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">I think my head spun around 3 or 4 times and right then steam shop out of my ears. </span><br /><br />GG: "Are you effing kidding me? Are you telling me I am making this whole freaking thing up?"<br /><br />TQ: "First of all don't swear at me."<br /><br />GG: "How can I not swear. You are calling me a fricking liar! Don't you think I have better things to do with myself than make up a freaking story about your son coming into my house and waking my daughter up?"<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Her request? DENIED.</span><br /><br />TQ: "I am telling you that I was back there watching him...I am in disbelief."<br /><br />GG: "Obviously you weren't because your son came into my damn house and clearly you didn't know...<br /> Why do you need to argue everything TQ. It's what you do, you argue. My God, is that annoying"<br /><br />TQ: "Look at you you're hysterical right now...I am in disbelief."<br /><br />GG: "Well believe it! NEWSFLASH TQ! Your son does do things wrong just like every other kid I have ever met. I just thought I should let you know but clearly you don't believe me. " <br /><br />TQ: "Drake, Drake! Drake get in here now! "<br /><br /><br />And I stormed off.<br /><br /><br />What I really wanted to say at this point was, 'really? you've been out watching them the entire time? Because I am standing in your doorway now and um, where is your son...you stupid beotch!'<br /><br />I was on fire! I went over to let her know about something her son had done that I thought she might want to talk to him about. It was something that I would absolutely want to know about if my son did. But she didn't believe me. I am many things but one thing that I am not is a liar. <br /><br />I came in my house and Mike came in to get the story since all he could see from on top of the roof was my arms flailing. As I told him what had happened I began to feel sorry. I was not at all sorry for what I said, but for the way I acted. I acted like she does.<br /><br />Just then, the phone rang. It was her...AnnieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981676563561146547noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12795706.post-10699380365137363322008-09-15T20:57:00.003-05:002008-09-15T21:33:07.960-05:00The day I lost my shit.Who-ee! Wy life has been one big ball of chaos lately. I have to admit, cable got re-hooked up last Tuesday but I've been up to my eyeballs trying to catch-up. Ha ha ha hahahaah, I know shouldn't I know by now that really there is no such thing as "catching-up". Moron.<br /><br />But I need to tell you what I know you've been waiting for. I went off you guys. I totally lost is on her. Deep down I think I was just waiting for it to happen and oo-boy, did it ever. If you need to catch up on the past, you can start <a href="http://glamgranola.blogspot.com/2008/04/love-thy-neighbor.html">here</a> and then go<a href="http://glamgranola.blogspot.com/2008/08/love-thy-neighbor-pt-2-but-really-436.html"> here</a>.<br /><br /><br />Mike had been putting a new roof on our house which is a loud, messy, totally huge home improvement. It just really sucks. My job was keeping the kids out of his way. I think we were either on day 2 or 3 of the process. Mason does great playing by himself with the neighbors so he was easy. Harper was becoming more irritated and grouchy by the day. She was needing a nap, in her own bed in the worst way and I decided despite the banging I would try. Mason was in our backyard playing with my cousins son and Drake, The Queens son.<br /><br />I took Harper upstairs to her bedroom and set up three fans in and also outside of her bedroom door for white noise. It took a while but after about 15 minutes of nursing her, my little girl drifted off to sleep. No more than 2 minutes later there was a knock on Harpers bedroom door, and the door opened...<br /><br />"Ah Ann. I need some water."<br />"Ah Drake, why are you in my house? You need to go home and ask your mom for water. I am putting Harper to bed."<br /><br />Now Harper is awake. Freaking awesome. <br /><br />I told Drake he needed to go home, and that he really should never come in my (muchless upstairs and in the bedrooms) house without being asked to come in. <br /><br />I was pissed. I got Harper back to sleep after another 10 minutes and calmed myself down. I considered that it was something Mason could have but I would absolutely want to know about it. I knew I needed to tell TQ but I had no idea her reaction would be so rediculous.<br /><br />(so much more to come, Tuesday.)AnnieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981676563561146547noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12795706.post-47198532742767480082008-09-06T16:32:00.003-05:002008-09-06T16:37:20.498-05:00Amish Jealousy-Because I am sure they have more technology than me.Dude. Right now I am sitting in a Hotel parking lot stealing WI-Fi. I'm totally classy like that. I am not sure when I'll be back but I've got so much to tell you!<br /><br /> For example.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Mason's first day of school.<br /><br />The day I went ape-shit on my lovely neighbor! Oh yes I did.<br /></span><br /><br />Stay tuned! I promise this isn't the last of me...AnnieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981676563561146547noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12795706.post-53908149322651587292008-08-28T14:19:00.003-05:002008-08-28T19:22:57.981-05:00Heartbreak.Last night was Mason's Montessori open house. I was certain that it would also change is feelings about starting school. <br /><br />For the past 2 months the talk of starting school has changed from excitedly talking about it, to becoming a reality. A reality that Mason wants no part of. Mike and I have been giving our best sales pitches for the majority of summer to no avail. He just wants to "stay at home like his neighbor girlfriend a few houses up the street. Her mom stays home and teaches her at home, so why can't I." If it were that simple, I'd home school in a second. The problem is I am not sure if that's the right choice either? If only I knew what the right choice was...<br /><br />At the open house, Mason quickly started exploring all the little cubbies filled with different learning areas. I watched him in awe. I don't think it'll ever get old or cliche to me that "Oh my God! I made that little person and just look at him!" Mike started to say something to me and I had to just tell him to stop. I had to concentrate on not crying I couldn't talk or listen or anything. I just didn't want to cry in front of everyone. He tried to touch my back in an "it's okay" kind of way. I quickly moved out of the way because "seriously, don't." Thankfully he knew I wasn't being cold or mean, I was doing what I had to do to be strong and not let Mason see me cry.<br /><br />We left after the informational speech and Mason told us again that he didn't want to go back. Again, we told him about all the things he's going to get to do this year and all the new friends he'll meet. I don't think he is buying it. <br /><br />Tuesday is the day. The day I drop my first baby off at school. From now until then I am trying to figure out how to be strong for him. How I am going to resist scooping him up and bringing him home with me when he tells me for the 80th time that he just wants to stay with me. Right now, I can't even think about it without crying.AnnieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981676563561146547noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12795706.post-15671231950072386962008-08-19T15:31:00.003-05:002008-08-19T16:05:44.960-05:00Love Thy Neighbor pt. 2 (but really 436)Remember back in April when I wrote about my <a href="http://glamgranola.blogspot.com/2008/04/love-thy-neighbor.html">lovely neighbor</a>? You know, the one you all agreed I should drop kick with a pointy boot? Well I thought you may be wanting an update, yes?<br /><br />Hahahahahahha.<br /><br />She is <span style="font-style:italic;">such</span> a bitch. <br /><br />Hahahahahah. (All while smiling.)<br /><br />How was that? <br /><br />For the most part I've managed to keep my distance as much as a person can keep from a next door neighbor. I don't invite her over. I don't do anything with her. All conversations are kept relatively generic. Yesterday, for some stupid reason I was feeling like I wanted to go out of my way to be nice to her. Why? WHY?<br /><br />Mike got home from work and we were grilling our dinner on the deck. I went up to him and said, "Should we be super nice and offer <span style="font-style:italic;">Her</span> a glass of wine since she is sitting in her backyard?"<br /><br />Mike must have known it was a stupid suggestion because he replied, "Why?"<br /><br />I told him I was feeling like I wanted to do something nice for her. Just because.<br /><br />We'll call her The Queen (TQ). <br /><br />Me: The Queen! Would you like a glass of wine? We are opening a bottle.<br /><br />TQ: Oh! What kind is it?<br /><br />Me: It is red.<br /><br />TQ: **crickets**<br /><br />Me: Menage 'a Trois. <br /><br />TQ: Um, I'll pass. Thanks.<br /><br />First of all she knew I was talking about the wine and not inviting her over for a threesome. She has had the wine before, it just isn't good enough for her snobbish pallet. <br /><br />I know I am a self-declared coffee snob but if someone offered me a cup of coffee just to be nice you can bet that, I wouldn't ask them what brand it was. I would accept and I would drink it even if it was Folgers! I may not enjoy it fully, but I would enjoy it because it was <span style="font-style:italic;">kind</span> for that person to go out of their way to offer me a cup of coffee. Period. <br /><br />So I guess I should be glad I didn't offer her the box of white wine that I have in the fridge. Or maybe I should! I should tell her that it is some vintage $100 a bottle stuff and see what her distinguished pallet tells her about it! Oooo, that would be so fun! Phony Snob! <br /><br />Should I do it?AnnieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981676563561146547noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12795706.post-74281465376377100162008-08-07T20:37:00.004-05:002008-08-07T21:33:55.942-05:00Beat this one. . .I dare you!How do you make a crappy day turn shitty? Let me tell you.<br /><br />I put the kids down at nearly the same time everyday. Some times Mason sleeps these days, sometimes he doesn't. He still must have some sort of quiet time in his room. I tucked Mason in his bed and went on to Harper's room where everyday we sit in the same rocking chair, she nurses and then off she drifts to sleep and into her crib she goes. I have to say, I 've been really lucky with how easy she has been to get to sleep. Most days she asks to go up to bed, I know, <span style="font-style:italic;">super</span> lucky. Mason was never like that. <br /><br />Well today, it started out totally normal. I tucked Mason in, went to Harper's room, she passed out within 5 minutes and I snuck out. As I was closing the door, I saw Mason in the playroom with the TV on. . .Totally not allowed during quiet time. I told him he needed to go to his room and if he chose not to he'd stay inside for the rest of the day while his friends played outside. Mason through a huge fit complete with screaming that of course prompted Harper's screaming. Awesome!<br /><br />Mason went back to his room and quieted down within 5 minutes, fast asleep. Harper was so hysterical that I went back in and rubbed her back until she calmed down. I snuck out again. I came down stairs and heard her talking and babbling and yelling. I went back up. "Harper, lay DOWN!" She lays down and I walk out. I get back down stairs and hear all the same stuff again. This time complete with "yay DOWN!" I go back up. Wash, Rinse, Repeat until 4 pm. Mason is now outside playing with neighbors. I decided it would be her first time going without any sort of nap. <br /><br />I run upstairs and grab her from her crib at the same time my nose is assaulted! Bam! Eau de Poop! I notice her bottom half totally undressed and there is shit everywhere. You might be asking, Really? Everywhere? My friends, it was between her freaking toes. The only place it wasn't was on her hands! <span style="font-style:italic;">Way to make Mama proud Harper. Keep those hands disinfected at all times!</span><br /><br />So now along with a nearly 2 year old who in crabby tired and covered in poo, I now had to start turbo cleaning caca from every item and linen near Harper's crib. I wish I could have found some humor at the time, but I am not that calm of a person. I was totally grossed out. I did have a glimmer of relief when I realized that this is the first time I've ever had this happen in my nearly 5 years of parenting. Maybe it gets easier and less gross the second time it happens? I'm hoping I never find out. I've paid my dues.<br /><br />I'm hoping for a less shitty day tomorrow.AnnieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981676563561146547noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12795706.post-79707189834289130222008-08-06T16:08:00.002-05:002008-08-06T16:15:34.520-05:00You ought to know...I just heard from a high school friend who I actually sang with ( don't get any ideas, she had crazy talent)and has started to record some songs. She is blowing me away! She always had a beautiful voice but now, Wow!<br /><br />Now go listen to her, her name is <a href="http://www.myspace.com/hollyannreif">Holly</a>.AnnieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981676563561146547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12795706.post-10502159495769165322008-07-31T16:00:00.006-05:002008-07-31T16:23:16.064-05:00Drumroll Please...My poor ex-boyfriend! I hope he doesn't read this! I am not sure where I pulled that story out of but last I heard, he was happily married to a girl. <br /><br />The truth about my foot is that it is still super messed up from a fall I took down a set of stairs. At first it hurt so bad I couldn't even tell where I hurt. I told Pedro it was my ankle but it is in fact my foot, right about in the middle on the inside by my arch. I really am starting to think I broke something in there because it just isn't healing! I have the strangest pressure feeling when I walk down any stairs.<br /><br />The little black pug is something I've always wanted and mark my words, if we do happen to get a second dog someday, her name will be Ebi!<br /><br />So that leaves my nose. I've wanted to have it done for years! If you read me way back when I started blogging, I mentioned it then. <br /><br />After years of finding excuses not to get it done, I decided I was just going to do it. I made the appointment, picked up my friend and went to the place of *pokes and pricks and got it done. I was scared to death and it was nothing. My eyes didn't even water like I was told they would. It was fast and easy, but the restraint of keeping my fingers out has been constant. I guess I didn't realize I was a habitual nose picker!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9fkc5LOBYD4/SJIsFPpkn0I/AAAAAAAAAGc/weKzIiOU9TY/s1600-h/MyPicture.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9fkc5LOBYD4/SJIsFPpkn0I/AAAAAAAAAGc/weKzIiOU9TY/s320/MyPicture.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229290585942433602" /></a><br /><br />*Wow I was clever for a second. For the record, If I ever open a piercing studio I will most definitely call it Pokes and Pricks. You heard here first, folks!AnnieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981676563561146547noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12795706.post-78199740709709255402008-07-29T15:27:00.003-05:002008-07-29T15:44:22.436-05:00Walk in my shoes for a day.Guess what I did last weekend? Go on, guess...<br /><br />OK, I'll give you some ideas and you tell me what you think happened.<br /><br />Did I :<br /><br />1) Find out my foot that I hurt from falling down the stairs last week is actually broken and had a cast put on.<br /><br />2) Pick up a close friend and drive to a piercing studio where I had my nose pierced.<br /><br />3) Get a new little 8 week-old, black girl pug and named her Ebi (pronounced eh-bee).<br /><br />4) Find out that my high school (and college too) boyfriend of nearly 5 years is gay and just invited me to their civil ceremony in another state.<br /><br />Go on guess, how well do you know me? Need a refresher course? Check <a href="http://">here<a href="http://glamgranola.blogspot.com/2006/01/its-all-about-me.html"></a></a>!AnnieMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981676563561146547noreply@blogger.com6