My hair confessions 8

I have a confession...brace yourselves!

I have NEVER been good at doing anything with my hair.  Honestly, I didn't even own a hair brush until 2 months ago.  I usually keep my hair pretty short, I haven't had it below my collar bone since my wedding, which was almost 7 years ago!

My normal routine is the following:

1.) Shower and wash hair
2.) Blow dry or air dry my head
3.) Pull back into a messy bun (not as pretty as you are thinking, it's more of a messy rat's nest)
       or
4.) Plug in my straightener and run the thing over the top a few times to tame the frizz.
5.) Leave for the day.
6.) Wash - rinse - repeat


Lately my hair has grown longer than it was for my wedding.  I'm diggin' it and decided to try to do something more than the usual boring do.  So I have been trying to curl my hair to make me look a bit more girly and put together.  I'm so excited to say that it has worked - see for yourself!

I've gotten more compliments on my hair in the last week than I ever had - honestly!  I have to say I'm kind of proud of myself and my ability to curl my hair.

People of my Facebook 5

It's been awhile since I have done a "People of Facebook" post, but lately I've had some inspirational status updates!

Disclaimer:
    These people are not my friends.  These people are acquaintances that I am friends with on Facebook.  These statements, or lack there of, should not reflect on the type of person I am...enjoy!

_______________________________________________________________________

"Pull up @ corner of wal mart n see a bum bout my age. He tries noddin to my music ( Im guessin he thought it would make me donate to L.A.M. lazy ass muthafu**as) so I yelled get a job. He then stands up as if ready to fight a girl! Lol guess thas how u act when u LITERALLY got nothin to lose!"

"Wtf is wrong w not all men juuuusst one. U gon drop my son off n choke me in front of my kids? WOW tellin me how u grown. Smdh"

"Funny when ur ex says F**k u! Lol! No thanx ! Ive had better, thas y we is not together! Haha shiiii"

And for some good ones from a High-school classmate of mine:

"Dear Future Wife, 
For a moment this weekend I thought I Found You....but then the girl I thought was you in Starbucks smiled back had TWO Teeth Missing...Nope...wasn't you."

"Dad: why you make cooking videos? 
Me: because I want to open a restaurant one day
Dad: oh, then you need to get married
Me: Why? That has nothing to do with opening a restaurant
Dad: It will help you cut labor cost 
      My parents never stop try to teach me life lessons"

There you have it.  Now go out into the world feeling a whole lot better about yourself!

Weekend Fun! 1

Hello everyone, welcome back to another week! 

This weekend Rams and I didn't do a whole lot of exciting stuff, but we did enjoy ourselves.

Friday was a tough day at work for this gal so we went out for dinner and drinks.  The drinks were fantastic as was the food!

We went to my favorite huge store I blogged about here and I got a picture of a prime example of what I hate.  Really people...3 in a row blocking the entire walking area.  MOVE!

Grizzly Bear had a nice weekend as well.  He got to destroy the graham cracker box into a thousand little little pieces.

I also did a little online wish shopping.  You know, the kind of shopping you do when you know you will never be able to get the stuff you are dreaming about.  This is what I found.

Well, not an exciting weekend on the home front, but a fun and relaxing one at that!

Common Courtesy Reminders 5

This post is all about those big box store, with everything you need in bulk with tons of free samples...well one in particular.

This place is by version of a little bit of heaven and a lot a bit of hell!  Lately I've found myself avoiding this place, especially on the weekends, like it is the plague.  If I can convince Rams to go on his own I am one happy camper!  While this extreme hatred for this store was brewing I started to come up with some rules and regulations that would make the shopping experience much more tolerable.

1.)  There should be no more than 3 people in your party.  There is no need to bring yourself, your husband, you 4 kids, a few friends of the kids and you niece.  If you bring more than three there is no way  to keep track of what your things children are doing.  Most likely they will be in the bakery section breaking into some muffins!  Keep you group number low.

2.)  People need to follow the normal flow of traffic.  There needs to be lines (or imaginary one for those of us who can pretend) that split the isles.  Nobody needs to be swerving about in the rows, just keep to your side and it will be so much more efficient.

This is how I feel the days we go to this place of torture!

3.) Along the lines of rule number 2, do not stop in the middle of the row....ever!  Do not be one of those people who abruptly decides to come to a halt making everyone behind you dash out of the way in order not to run someone over!  Also, do not leave your cart unattended in the middle of the row.  It is called Common Courtesy people, and common courtesy would tell you to move to the side, get yourself and your cart out of the way!

4.) I know, we all love samples...it's a free meal that most people will not turn down.  This does not mean that you can be a vacuum and suck up every sample on the tray while cutting people off, running in front of moving carts and skipping the line.  Wait like a normal/well mannered person, take one sample at a time and say "Thank You".  We are not at the farm...no animal behavior needed.

5.)  While walking the isles please either keep a moderate pace going, or move to the side.  Walking at a snails pace will slow the flow of everyone and this will just create more problems.  If you need to walk slowly, use the outer box, or just simple walk to the left or right of the isle.

If we could all please share these rules, especially to the big store that I shop, that would be fantastic...actually it would save my sanity!  Please and thank you!

Weekend Fun - a little late! 3

Hello all, I've been MIA for a bit and now I'm back!  This last week has been busy, crazy and full of the yucky sickness.  

So I'm going to update you on what Rams and I did over the past few days with pictures:

We went into Santa Monica on Saturday to attend a Sri Lankan festival that happens once a year.  There is normally a bunch of food, booths and a parade.  Like last year there was a film crew recording a bunch of items to later show on television in Sri Lanka...kind a neat!

Rams thoroughly enjoyed eating some delicious Sri Lankan grub!

A few more pictures from walking around the Promenade in Santa Monica. 

And...finally on the way home...I had to get a selfie :)

Chocolate + Zucchini = Heaven 3

Welcome Friday it is so nice to see you again!

The other day I mentioned on twitter how I was in the baking mood.  I couldn't decide what to make and I finally decided on my Mom's Chocolate Zucchini Cake.  It is pretty tasty so I thought it would be wonderful of me to share the recipe!

Here is what you need:

1/2 Cup margarine
1/2 cup oil
1 3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup sour milk (1/2 cup milk with one tsp vinegar.)
2 1/2 cup flour
4  Tbsp cocoa powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp
2 cups grated zucchini
1/2 chocolate chips

Mix all the ingredients except the chocolate chips together until blended.

Pour into a greased 9x13 baking dish.

Sprinkle with the chocolate chips.

Bake at 325 degrees for 45 minutes.

It will smell fantastic and taste even better!

Hope you all have a chance to try these delicious treats while enjoying your weekend!

Tribute to my Dad 2

The first week that I began blogging I wrote a valentines post for my Dad. Since  I didn't have a follower base back then, I wanted to share that post with you again. 

I am not going to edit out the Valentines day part because this is exactly how I wanted to share him. 

I don't think he gets the admiration and respect that he deserves a lot of the time...so let me share with you all his story:

                                                                                                      

Since today is Valentines Day, I have decided to go along with the trend of writing about the day of love.  While I love my husband more than life itself, I have had one Valentine in my life forever...my Dad!

First let me tell you a bit about him - through tears and all.  He works as an accountant, but he is so much more than that.  He is a philanthropist, a friend, an amazing husband and an inspiration. 

 My Dad is the epitome of a hard worker, but any spare time he has he gives back.  He was a part of the Boys and Girls Club for over 20 years, chaired and been a part of  "Relay for Life" for 13 years, and worked with many other charities close to his heart.  I don't know of an instant that he has not given his time and dedication when asked.  He is an amazing man, and I am so lucky to be his daughter!



Featured in an article about his work with the Boys and Girls Club
pictures source www.billingsgazette.com



Every Valentines day from the time I was in 1st  grade my daddy sent all of his girls, my two sisters and me, flowers to school.  Every year, when February 14th came around I knew that I had someone who loved me and thought I was important enough to send a Valentines gift.  This happened through elementary school, junior high, high school and even college-he NEVER missed a year.  He even sent flowers to my first real job for Valentines day. 

Now that we are all older, some with families, some exploring the world - he still gives us something every February 14th.  The tradition has now changed.  Instead of flowers, he gives us all  money.  In the card he explains to us that in lieu of flowers, he has given us this amount to give to the charity of our choice.  All he asks is that we tell him who we gave the money to and why.  

To me this is even more of a gift than the flowers were for over 20 years!  This means he has confidence in the way he raised all of his girls.  He knows we will give to others like he does. 

 Valentines day isn't just about showing the ones you love that you love them - it is about showing anyone you can that you love them.  

Thank you Dad for your love, trust, support and your generosity   I am so proud to be your daughter and to have you as my Dad. 

Nostalgia = Shark Week 3

Whenever Shark Week starts I get really nostalgic.  It reminds me of my SeaWorld days.

It also reminds me of one of the best mentors I have ever had in my adult life, Sandi. 

Sandy trained all of us interns the first few week on the job.  
She taught us about all the creatures at SeaWorld, but she made sure to tell us all about her FAVORITE animal ever...Sharks!  
She made us love them as much as she did and I will always have a special place in my heart for these misunderstood creatures.  Just so you understand her love of Sharks, this is currently her FB profile picture.

So, in honor of Sandi and Shark Week, I want to share some of the most memorable facts that she taught me almost 10 years ago.  

Here is a little of what I learned about these amazing creatures that you should know as well:

-A Shark's main purpose is to eat unhealthy and dying animals. This equals a healthier ocean!

-Sharks find prey in 4 different ways: 
  1.  Hearing - they are attracted to low frequency sounds - similar to what an injured or ill fish would emit.
  2.  Smell - they can smells from hundreds of yards away.  They can detect a concentration as low as one part per billion of some chemicals, such as some amino acids!
  3.  The "lateral" line - a series of fluid filled canals that sense low frequency vibrations
 4.  Ampullae of Lorenzini - these are external pores that cover the surface of a sharks head.  They can detect weak electrical fields at short ranges. 

-Sharks lack a swim bladder - this means sharks can't float - they will sink

-When a Shark's tooth falls out it will be replaced by a new one.  They will loose on average 30,000 teeth in their lifetime

-Sharks have what are known as "Dermal Denticles" which are basically teeth on their skin.  They help against predators.

-Sharks do not have a single bone in their body - they are make up completely of cartilage (like your nose or ear).

-Shark Finning:  The most awful thing ever.  A shark is caught, it's dorsal fins are cut off, and then the rest of the animal is discarded back into the ocean, still alive, to die a slow death.  The fin is washed, dried, bleached, dried again.  This processing takes away all flavor and nutritional value.  The flavor of the soup is what stock is added.  Shark fin soup can sell for up to $100/bowl!  Don't eat this crap, buy this crap or even promote this crap!

-On average 5 people are killed by sharks annually where as many as 100,000,000 sharks are killed by humans every year!

                                                                                          

Thank you Sandi for educating us and opening our eyes to the real picture of these awesome creatures. I know I can speak for all of your former interns when I say that you are an inspiration, mentor, friend and one heck of a person that we will never forget!

Now go share your new found shark knowledge with those around you - it is worth it.

As Sandi says "Sharks are pretty cool and not out to eat people"!   

Making you laugh on a Monday 2

Happy Monday everyone.  I trust that you all had a fun and relaxing weekend and you are ready to start off your Monday with a bang!

Since my weekend wasn't exciting at all, I'm going to bring you a short post that will hopefully make you smile...or roll your eyes in the ridiculousness of it all. 

I send a video to my BFF Stephanie every Friday to make her smile.  Last Friday my friend Nicole helped me out during one of our work breaks.  I got all of these jokes from Falen off of "The Dave Ryan in the Morning Show" in Minneapolis so the credit of these goes directly to them. 

Pardon the awful angles, squinting eyes and whatever else looks horrible.  Non-the-less I loved this video, so I will share it with you all. 

Have a great day!

Don't forget about the giveaway that Stephanie is hosting.  You can win $130.00 in PayPal cash!
Enter Here

Mrs. A-Z 2

For my Friday post I'm following suit will a bunch of bloggers out there and listing my A-Z answers.  Love these because I don't have to think too hard.  I mean it is Friday - my brain is dead.


A: Attached or Single? Attached - married to be exact.

B: Best Friend? A few - want more specifics...check this out.

C: Cake or pie? Pie. I hate cake.  Really, hate it!  There is nothing I can say about cakes to make you understand that they are kinda icky.

D: Day of choice? Saturday - the husband is usually home and the sun in normally out!

E: Essential item?  My bra - if I didn't have this wonderful item I'd look like a 90 year old that has had 10 children.

F: Favorite color? My favorite colors to wear are blacks, and corals.  My favorite color to look at...I have no clue.  I like all colors!

G: Gummy bears or worms? Frankly either are perfect with me...my TMJ specialist may think otherwise.

H: Hometown? Billings, Montana.  Montana born and raised and proud!  See - I even represent often!

I: Favorite indulgence? Getting my hair done at a super duper nice place.  Nothing beats that!

J: January or July? Neither - I choose December, I am a Christmas lunatic!

K: Kids?  2, the furry kind, that is plenty and sufficient for me!

L: Life isn’t complete without? Family.

M: Marriage date? December 30, 2006.

N: Number of brothers/sisters? 2 older, wiser and prettier sisters

O: Oranges or Apples? Apples, not just any apple though, it MUST be a Honey Crisp.  If 

you haven't tried one yet, it will change your life!

P: Phobias/Fears? Earthquakes!  Oh lord, just typing it makes me nervous!

Q: Quotes? “Sometime we are lucky enough to know that our lives have been changed, to discard the old, embrace the new, and run headlong down an immutable course”  Jacques-Yves Cousteau

 

R: Reasons to smile? Life in general.  Why not smile?  You're alive!

S: Season of choice? Fall...the smell, the holidays, the food, the sports, the atmosphere.  Nothing is better...other than Christmas

T: Tag 5 People. SKIP

U: Unknown fact about me? I was bit by a German Shepard when I was 4 years old on a Preschool field trip. 101 stitches later I've still have a scar on my face.

V: Vegetable? Corn on the cob with spray butter.  Absolutely delicious!

W: Worst habit? all of them!  Actually, it would most likely be playing with my lips (the facial kind).  It's weird, I just have to touch 'em!

X: Xray or Ultrasound? That is an odd question, how are you supposed to answer this?

Y: Your favorite food? How can one answer this...a self proclaimed fatty fat-so like myself likes basically anything.  Ice cream, watermelon, beer - wait, does beer count?

Z: Zodiac sign? Taurus.  I'm not hugely (or at all) into the Zodiac stuff so I'm not going to elaborate on this.  All I know it that it is a lion...I think.

Enough with the listing and on to the important stuff. 

One of my favorite people ever, Stephanie, has reached well over 500 followers!

To celebrate she is hosting her 500 followers give away!  

$130.00 in Paypal cash is up for grabs and it could be yours!  Head to the link and and enter...what have you got to lose?

Congrats on your big milestone Stephanie!  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friendship 4

Friendships.

When I see this word I have mixed reactions because I've had some really amazing and really awful experiences when it comes to friends

I find it hard to write about because it is difficult to put into words the feelings that I have.
I also don't want to offend anyone by writing about this.  Who knows if they read this blog - most likely not - but if they do, I want to protect their feelings as well.

I have 2 best friends that I've had for my entire life.  We were babies together, went to preschool through high school together - and two of us even went to the same college.  

Dress up time for the three of us - I talked about Sarah here

These are two people that I know will always be my friends.  If we don't talk for a year, and see each other again, it will be like time hasn't really passed and we have the same relationship as we always have...amazing and lifelong.  I would do anything for these two, and I am pretty sure they would do the same.

Sarah and me

Hollie and me in preschool

Heck - Hollie even promised to give me her second million dollars she earned (this was promised in her car while driving around our home town in high school)...yes, I still remember!


Since I've become an adult I've found it harder and harder to find friends that are true, honest and good people.

I've had a lot of friends that I thought were all of the qualities that I listed above and it turns out that it was all just a false hope. 

It seems like somewhere along the lines of the friendships things just stop...for reasons I don't even know.  Contact abruptly ends, no more phone calls, texting, random updates...almost as if the friendship never existed or meant anything in the first place.

I am ok with this with some relationships, but others have truly hurt my heart and my faith in having long lasting, meaningful friendships. 
I am too trusting and love way too easily and because of this I end up getting hurt.

I can't help but think it is something I do in these "friendships" to ruin it. 

When I reflect back I think; maybe I was too needy and selfish.  Maybe I didn't realize when they needed a friend the most or maybe I'm just not as fun as I think I am. 

All of these things I'm positive have a ring of the truth to them.
Since I've realized this, I've tried to consciously make an effort with everyone new I meet to be the type of person I want to be friends with. 
It isn't all about me - it is all about them, us and our friendship.  I try to be conscious of what the other person needs most and I try to help fulfill that.  I am trying to be a better person and friend.

The friendships that haven't lasted have taught me a lot, and for that I am grateful. 
I still get sad thinking about the, but I must look on the positive side and learn from them.


I am grateful for the friendships I carry with me from childhood.
I am grateful for the friends I have made throughout my adult life.
I am grateful for the new friendships that I have just started to create  

These are the ones I need to nurture and treasure...and I will make sure I do!