Annster's Domain

Hospital :-(

2012-02-13T06:13:00.000-08:00

Daddy's in the hospital - ALL prayers welcome!!!

Thanks in adavance - little bloggy break also...will keep you all posted!

:-)

Thursday at Training in Tempe

2012-02-09T19:33:00.000-08:00

Happy Thursday yinz!!!! I cannot believe that I am leaving tomorrow already!!! This week flew by!!

This picture is Team JAR (Jeff, Ann and Richard-in that order in the picture too!!) in class...we split into three teams and compete throughout the week in knowlegde games, etc. At the end, we have a class presentation due with all te data and research we have been doing all week. My team decided to get a great picture on the patio of Roly Buly for our team photo on the front of our PowerPoint presentation...here we are...

This is a few pictures from my walk this evening right after dusk I walked across the bridge from Tempe to Phoenix (it crosses the Rio Salado River) - soooo pretty!!

So sad I have to leave tomorrow :-(

I will miss you soooooooooooo much Tempe and your stable temperatures of 70 and above!!

But, be back very soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YIPPEE!!!!!

Wednesdays Class Update - Live from Tempe, AZ

2012-02-08T21:08:00.000-08:00

Well, still at training and still having a wonderful week- all in all!

Another shout out to Tempe Mission Palms - seriously, amazing hotel and food and atmosphere!!!! They are so great to fix any issue we have and just an amazing, classy hotel!!!!

AWESOME PLACE - if you are ever coming to Tempe or Phoenix or Mesa or Scottsdale; you may want to consider staying here - you will NOT regret it!!!

This is breakfast from the "full on buffet"!!!! This hotel is soooo amazing!!! I got an egg white omelet with veggies and fruit!!!!!!!! YUM!!! But dont let this fool you....I ate candy, chips, chocolate and ice cream the rest of the day....that is why there has been no posting of exercise or food intake!! Waiting until I get home - HA!!

And this is the sky at lunch break!!! I heard it was snowing at home in Pgh, PA so I decided to facebook this picture to family back home - mean, I know!! LOL!!!!

It was like 75 here and sunny - again, awesome!!!!!!!!!!!

I dont have any pictures but after class I hopped into the Jetta rental car and went to the Arizona Mills Mall to have my fake nails removed!!! Yeah, I can function again....my fingers feel great and clean!!! Also had a quick pedicure when I was there of course!!! Pink toes for Valentines week!!!

Happy hump day yinz!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday at Training

2012-02-07T21:02:00.000-08:00

Happy Tuesday all!!!!!!

Checking in from class and the evening adventures...

Here is just a little touch of what we do all day in class here in Tempe, AZ...

After class, packed these in my fanny pack and then proceeded with the rest of my class to...

this place below...Tempe Bicycle! Where...we ....proceeded to NOT ride bikes tonight!!! DO NOT EVER rent a bike from TEMPE BICYCLE!!! If the manager Yvonne resolves this tomorrow I will let you know, however, until then...seriously....save yourself money and go elsewhere to rent a bike in AZ!!!!

Quick explaination...a guy in my class named Jeff called yesterday and reserved us five bikes for today at 4:00PM (we culd only ride after class from4 -6PM as it gets dark at 6PM). Jeff paid all of our rental prices (about 30 bucks each) and the lady on the phone said we were all squared away and pick up biked tomorrowq at 4PM. We showed up at 4PM...they said they had to get our bikes ready...we waited until 4:30 and still noone had a bike....then we said ...we are in a hurry so could we start signing wavers so as soon as bikers were ready we can go. The guy says sure...each person has to gve a $500 deposit (it will drop off your acct after 72 hours ifthe bike is returned)...well, no one brought credit cards as we thought we were paid up...it is now 4:45PM and they would not let us leave with bikes as we could not do deposits....we even offered our rental car keys as collateral..

We then said bikes were not ready at reservation time, no deposit payment way available so we decided to nix the bike riding....we asked the clerk to reverse the charge on Jeff's card and they said they cannot refund reservations.....R U KIDDING ME>!>!>>!!

Then with not even a sorry, Doug (our salesman) said call the manager tomorrow her name is Yvonne. My idea was to call Tempe cops and not leave the store until they contacted their manager....what a rip off!!!!
So, again, DO NOT USE TEMPE BICYCLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We left and will be calling Yvonne tomorrow...will keep you posted on this!

So we met our instructor from class and all went in our rental cars to Papago Park and they got to see the Hole in the Rock that I saw on Sunday...

Here is a cool little tree growing right out of a rock!!!!!!!

Cool little den in the rocks...

My class climbing around on the rocks...

Another view..

And another...

Cool giant rock ...

This is Michael on top of thew rock pile!!!

A wider view of Michael on the rocks...

There was a huge bees nest in this crack of the rocks....

A view from the rocks...

We got back from the Park around 6PM and the rest of class went to get a beer and I decided to go here...Target is awesome no matter where you are....I needed to do a little more shopping for my valentine swap partner, Kelly!!!!!!!!!

I dropped my purchases off at my hotel (Tempe Mission Palms)......

Admired how pretty the Tempe Mission Palms Hotel fountain looks at night (this is where I am staying)...

And then went and got dinner her in downtown Tempe....it was soooooooooo yummy!

I also checked out this place that I have been dying to browse through...very interesting

And this place was hillarious from the outside and PACKED full of people on the inside....very interesting if you are even in the area...

And, last but not least for the days events, this is my valentine swap partners package - I will be mailing tomorrow morning from Tempe, AZ....Happy Valentines early Kelly!!!!!!!!!

Happy soon to be hump day!!!!!!!!!

Sunday - Day 1 - Part 1

2012-02-06T22:24:00.000-08:00

I am heading on a work trip back to Tempe, AZ. I was there last month and am on my way back for more training.

I will miss these cuties soooooooooo much for the next week - my house sitter will give them tons of loving but they wioo be missed...is this the cutest picture ever?!?!?!?

And look at this awesome sleeping position...upside down and twisted...HA!

And anothere..same pose :-)

Here is the view from my plane in Pgh....before takeoff...

And here is landing at the airport in Tempe, AZ. I had the greatest pilot...he was soo funnny "Captain America" was his name - HA!! He got us in 45 mins early but we sat on the plane for an hour until a gate opened! WOWSA!

Here is my snazzy rental.....cute hugh?!?!? So for this week only...I am fron California!! GO ME!

And this is a ding I found on my rental upon arrival at the hotel...just wanted to document...

And the total view....

I was walking at a park near thew hotwl on Sunday and saw all these holes...snakes??? scorpions?????? What lives here?????

A view further away from the holes....

The park sign...

Beautiful picutes on the way up....Part 2 has the second part...

Monday - Day One of Class

2012-02-06T22:03:00.000-08:00

Well, here it is Day One of class in Tempe!! Today was a long day of reviewing what we did the last time we were here and a lot of new stats lessons.

After that I was ready for a chill night!

Since I am participating in a blogger Valentine Swap, I needed to do some shopping (what an excuse, hugh?) so I decided to make it a "mall night". There are soooooooo many malls around Tempe I was trying to decide whch to try and a classmate offered to come with me for the exploration night!

My classmate Michael and I went the following malls....

Arizona Mills Mall

Tempe Marketplace

Scottsdale Fashion Square

By far....our favorite was the Fashion Square! It was way larger and then selection was more upscale and normal stores (less stores like Hot Topic or knockoff sunglass sellers, etc.) They had everything there and it was soo clean and pretty!!!! Also, we got dinner at Pita Jungle and it was great for fast food!!! Soo yummy and fresh and resasonable!!!

Tomorrow will be the class excursion (we are going to rent bikes and do some offroad biking...you know there will be lots of pics...hopefully a scorpion or snake also!)

Happy Tuesday all!

Sunday - Day 1 - Part 2

2012-02-05T19:27:00.000-08:00

The next few pictures are the view from the Hole in the Rock...

A cactua growing from the middle of two montains....

Rocks for my niece....

View from the bottom...

Really cool animals running through the trees...

Here I circles the lttle guy...someone that was at the park when I was said they are called desert squirrels, I dont know if this is ture or not...they look like big hamsters!

A holey cactus....I thought the stem was really neat..look how cool they look were they are coming out of the ground...

You can kind of tell in the picture...these trees are called verde (they are really green - branches, bark and leaves, all green)!!! Very cool.........

Another green tree...........

Prickly Pear cactus.........

Another prickly pear cactus...they are soo cool...in person, they are yellow, blue, and purple....very cool!!!!!!!

Another type of cactus......

Found this cool place too!!!!! Will definitely be checking this out before I leave..........

Found it!!!! WOO HOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hope everyone has an amazing week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Friend Me...My Llamo es "annsterw" on Fitness Pal

2012-02-03T05:05:00.000-08:00

I am linking up today for Fitness Friday at The Blessed Life...

So excited because I really have been good with everything this week...here we go!

I had fantastic week of staying active. I have tracked all my exercise/food/water/weight on MyFitnessPal.com and that has been soooo helpful - it is a free website - it you are not already using it you should give it a try...and request me as your friend...annsterw...I love friends!!! HA!

Was I active?I am so excited to report that I was active 5 out of the 7 days this week for at least 60 minutes each of those days....some days more!!

Friday: Day Off - mom and sisters in town...too much fun...no time to workout that day!
Saturday: 30 minutes on the treadmill jogging at 5.0 and 60 on the elliptical
Sunday: Day Off - had a service meeting almost all day and crashed when I got home!
Monday: 30 minutes on the treadmill jogging at 5.0 and 75 on the elliptical
Tuesday:30 minutes on the treadmill jogging at 5.0 and 120 on the elliptical
Wednesday: 30 minutes on the treadmill jogging at 5.0 and 60 on the elliptical
Thursday: 120 on the elliptical

As you can see there is a lot of time spent on the treadmill and elliptical. Not that I am wishing to have people fail but, currently at my gym it is soooooo packed with the New Years resolution people (they are still hanging in there) so it makes attending spin or any of the others classes next to impossible...THEY ARE PACKED!!! I am a very crowd conscious person. Maybe soon....it will clear out a little.....if not, then elliptical here I come because I cannot stand to be packed in like a sardine and try to participate in a class...I need space!!!! HA!

Weight Loss?I did lose weight last week and stayed under my calorie intake each daybut I do not weight in until Monday....maybe I should switch that...we shall see.

Anyway, last week I lost 2.2 I think and this week on track to more I hope.

On Thurday I went to lunch (which I never do) and we went to Thai Foon - I got the combination fried rice and ate the WHOLE Thing!!! It had to be like 3 cups of rice easy!!! When looked up the calories, the program said like 2000...that is why I did 120 minutes on the elliptical - I HOPE I counter-acted that massive amount of fat and food!!! :-( It was soooooooooooo yummy though!

Good luck to all/Happy Weekend and I look forward to new friends on Fitness Pal!!!!

Thai Lunch

2012-02-02T10:00:00.000-08:00

Had lunch today at an amazing restaurant.

Met a friend of mine (used to work in my building and now works in "Corporate") - shout out to Rane!!!!

Anyway we went to this awesome place at Settler's Ridge in Robinson, PA called Thai Foon! Sooooooooo yummy!!!! Reminded me of Phnom Phen on Cherry Way in Pgh - we used to eat there all the time when I worked in the city.

I forgot my phone so I am not able to show my own photos but if you are ever in the Settler's Ridge area they have awesome combo fried rice called "Thai Foon fried rice"....YUM!!!!!

Happy Thursday ya'll!!!!!!

Update Monday

2012-01-30T16:19:00.000-08:00

This weekend my mommy and sisters came into town to go skiing at 7 Springs. I do not snow ski (do not enjoy it at all) so I only participate in the shopping day of girls weekend an skip the second day which is skiing. I loved having them here!!! I just love company!!!!

We shopped after work on Friday and then went to dinner at Houlihan's at the Galleria Mall and then went to see a movie. This is a photo of my sisters and mom before abyone else arrived at the movie...looking like we have the WHOLE place to ourselves....ha!!! We ended up seeing War Horse and it was amazing!!!!! Sooooooo good!!! I highly recommend it!!

I came home Saturday to find this.....cutest things ever, right?!?!??! I love when they snuggle each other!!

This was part one of my workout on Saturday!!!

And this was part two - yippee!!!!

And this is todays workout - part 1

And part two!!! Go me!!! Just an update with the weight loss as well - today I weighed in and lost another 2.2 this week!!! YIPPEE!!! Motivation at it's finest!!

I hope yinz all have a WONDERFUL week!!!!!!!

Randomness

2012-01-26T09:59:00.000-08:00

Happy Thursday yinz!!! I hope everyone is having a great week!!

Just popping into Blogger to catch up on today's reads...I have nothing to report!!

Check out these awesome pants from Etsy...I have NEVER laughed soooo hard in my life!!! I almost bought them just to prove they exist!! HILLARIOUS!!!

People just amaze me sometimes!! HA!

I weighed in this am!!! BIG MISTAKE....I am only down 1 pound since Monday and I have been working out like crazy...I know I am trying wayyyy too hard and wanting this weight to fall off faster but I swear I am killing myself with my workouts and logging every morsel I eat of my food into MyFitnessPal.com!

Anyway, no more weigh-ins daily (I will wait for a week to pass each time)....I was sooo depressed walking into work today because I thought I should be down way more....

Anyone else every get like this?!?!?!?

My whole life is all or nothing...NO MIDDLE GROUND and NO GREY!! I need to work on this desperately!!!

Needless to say - I will not be taking tonight off from the gym as I had originally planned BEFORE stepping onto the scale. Oh well, keep improving on me!!!! That's all I can do and at least I know I am now moving in the right direction even if it is not as fast as I want it to go.....

WWTK Wednesday

2012-01-25T05:18:00.001-08:00

I am playing along with WWTK Wednesday!

It is being hosted by Queso and Crazy Mama as usual and the questios are fun, fun, fun...

Stop by their blogs and play along - you might even meet a few new friends!!!

HERE ARE THE QUESTIONS..........
{1} What is your favorite room in your house and why? Bonus points for a picture.
>{2} What is your favorite time of day and why?
{3} What is your favorite genre of music (or band/singer) and why?
{4} What is your favorite "go to" snack? Is it something you keep on hand?
{5} What is your favorite form of exercise or way to keep moving?

AND HERE ARE MY ANSWERS.......

{1} What is your favorite room in your house and why? Bonus points for a picture.
This is is!!! My bedroom!! I just got this furniture and furnishings last year and I am still in love with it!!!! I found out after I bought it that it is the same comforter set as Bella's from the Twilight movies however, there is not quite the same action going on here as was on hers...as you can see...lots of sleepy babies though :-) And darn it, make sure to give me my bonus points - ha!!!!

{2} What is your favorite time of day and why?

I honestly do not think I have one. If I HAD to pick one then I would say 10PM....time to GO TO BED!!!

{3} What is your favorite genre of music (or band/singer) and why?

Kidrock, Kidrock, Kidrock! Love him!!!! He is an amazing guy, sooo sexy and sweet!!! Swear this is true - the "attitude" is just for show - really!!! I met him once and he had such an impact on me!! GREAT GUY!

As far as music, I love it all depending on my mood and what I am doing. Love hiphop for working out with cardio, alternative grunge for weight lifting, slow songs if I need a good cry, and pop in the am driving to work to have fun and not kill someone in traffic!!! HA!

{4} What is your favorite "go to" snack? Is it something you keep on hand?

Now that I am seriously working out and watching what I eat, it would be sugarfree double-bubble bubble gum and chobani yogurt (any flavor)! This is my breakfast and sometimes my snack before bed - LOVE IT!!!!!!!!

{5} What is your favorite form of exercise or way to keep moving?

I love spin class and Zumba!!! My new thing, however, is the elliptical. I hop on that if I just need to do something different and work out for an hour. Usually I can burn between 700 - 800 an hour - GREAT WORKOUT as long as I have an iPod!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can't wait to read everyone elses answers!!!

Someone noticed!!

2012-01-24T05:39:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love the motivation I feel when I am working really hard and working out and someone comes up to me and says "you look like you are losing weight"...

This just happened to me in the hall at work and I am on cloud nine!!! It is sooo nice to know that there is a difference already...look out gym, here I come!!!!!!!

This is yesterdays workout...

30 minutes on elliptical...

This was the first...I did 60 minute spin class...It was awesome!!!!!!

Then I did this last... (this was the last exercise so I was DRAGGING to finish - literally!!!)

How are your workouts going? I am particpiating in this myfitnesspal.com workout thingy with Blessed Mama and it is really helping me stay on track!! It is sooo easy to use and I have yet to find any food that is not in their database (seriously!!!)

I am using it to log all my food and water plus exercise...sooo glad Blesssed Mama showed this site to me...if you would like to join in we would love to have you...sign up (it's free and easy) and be my fitness friend - my name is annsterw...see ya there!!!!!!!!!!!

Workout Weekend

2012-01-22T17:25:00.000-08:00

Happy Sunday all!
I had a very productive day and hope everyone else did as well...
Here is my workout update fr0m Saturday and Sunday...
I took Friday off from working out and went out to dinner with my friend Sherry at Mitchell's Fish Market. It was awesome - always awesome conversation plus awesome food! We got Chilean Sea Bass and it was amazing!!!!

Here is the Saturday part 1 of my elliptical workout...the machine restarted part way through :-(

This is my 30 minutes on the treadmill on Saturday...

And this is the second half of my time onm the elliptical Saturday...

This is my elliptical workout from Sunday...then I went and did 30 minutes of weights...

And finally 30 minutes n the treadmill Sunday...

I actually put out my Valentine decorations (even though I HATE Vaneltines Day - especially this year!!!)

I will post pics of my Valentines Decor later in the week....enjoy the final hours of your weekends!!!

Another One Bites the Dust....

2012-01-20T05:05:00.000-08:00

WOW!!!!!!! I need to vent!! Remember that little update I added to yesterday's post? The one about being asked out at work? Well, that is over before it even began.

So, here it is loyal blog readers (those of you that are married to a nice guy should be really grateful right now!)...I am continuing to document the trail of losers that I affiliate myself with...

So, "M" messaged me at work...we chatted a little about life and family, etc. Then he asked if I would be interested in seeing him outside of work sometime. I said sure. He got my number and gave me his number. Then he said "Hit me up around 8PM tonight". I said you call me, I do not call guys I dont know that well.

He said okay and right then my phone rang...he said he wanted to get the number into his phone. Then I left work...went to the gym and worked out...went home...showered....and the call never came!!!

What the heck is up with that?!?!??!?!?! Men are stupid!!!! So I have been at work for over an hour....he is on the messaging system so he is here...not a word or message about why he did not call.....again....men are stupid!!!!!!!!! So, is over before it even began! I am a HUGE stickler on doing what you say and saying what you mean so at least I know that this guy has no shot at working out in the future....just a little sad......:-(

BUT.....on to happier things!!!!!! I lost another 3.6 pouinds this week!!! YIPPEE!! It is sooo awesome to see the scale plummeting after all this disciplined exercise!

I will actually take today off for exercise as I am meeting Sherry for dinner (salad) before homegroup tonight....but only today!!!

This is Thursday's workout on the elliptical (60 min).....

And then finished it off with treadmill walk/jog (30 min)...

TGIF Ya'll!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy weekend to everyone!!!

Random Eleven

2012-01-19T10:07:00.000-08:00

OKAY!!! Actually I am pretty psyched to have gotten tagged by Becca from Everyday Life for this little game!!! I feel like lately I have not had anything exciting or fun on my blog so this is awesome!!! Thanks again Becca!!!! Plus, as you will all see toward the end and on your blogs, (HA) it becomes interactive too!!!!

So here go the five things I have to do to play along...

Post these rules. CHECK!!!!!!!

1. You must post 11 random things about yourself. 2. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post. 3. Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer. 4. Go to their blog and tell them that you've tagged them. 5. No stuff in the tagging section about "you are tagged if you are reading this." Legitimately tag 11 people!!

So here we go..........

#1. Eleven random things about myself:
I love Kidrock and his music more than anything!!! Even his raunchy years!!

I am obsessed with dill pickles...I could eat them all day long (they are 15 calories each - that helps)

I love my job - seriously!!!

I do not drink any alcohol.

I quit smoking three years ago - best thing I ever did!!!

I have three cats - if given the opportunity it is possible for me to someday be the "crazy cat lady" with 100 cats - HA!

I just recently started mani and pedis and now I can't stop...LOVE them!

I cannot go a day without Super Bubble sugerfree gum

I love to exercise - seriously!!!

I am single and looking for a man.

I was married back in 1995 for about 6 months-not happily as you can tell by the 6 months part - HA!!!

#2:My answers to Becca's questions:
1. If you had only 24 hours to live, what would you do? Skype all my family members (parents, sisters and brother, nieces and nephews)- no one lives in my state - and tell them all how much they mean to me and that, if possible, I will keep them safe from my vantage point in heaven!!! Also, tell them all to remember how short life is and make sure they do not waste one minute being unhappy or doing something that does not give them joy in some way! And then go eat a huge unhealty meal - sausage biscuits and gravy included and probably jump from a plane cause if your parachute did not open then what is the difference at that point right?!?!
2. What is one song that discribes your life? "Never Been to Me" - Charlene
3. Are you good at making new friends? I think so...little shy at first but not for long!
4. Where did you grow up? Pittsburgh, PA suburbs
5. What is the silliest prank you ever played on someone? We called my parents one night at the beach when they were staying at a hotel and told them we were security and the needed to move their car as they were parked in a handicapped spot...it was great when they actually went out to move their car - we (my sisters and brother and I) all died laughing.
6. If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, which store would it be and how long would it take you to spend the $10,000? Best Buy - not long at all...I LOVE new electronics and gadgets!!!!
7. Do you exercise regularly? Everyday!!! Lately, at least! HA!
8. Who would you want to play you in the movie about your life? Jennifer Aniston - why ot shoot big right?!?!? I love her!
9. Who is your celebrity crush male/female? Kidrock - Bobbie Ritchie!!! Met him briefly, love him always, someday he will realize we are meant to be!!!! SERIOUSLY!!! :-)
10. Do you exercise? Yes, regularly....this is a gimme after the one two above....LOL!
11. What is the weirdest thing you will ever admit to having done in the past? Stalking an ex - still embarrasing to think I acted like that at all!!! Especially now with self-confidence I would have said good riddence!!!!

#3 Now my questions for the people I tagged below to answer (if they choose to play along)

1. What states have you lived in?

2. What is your favorite "sweet treat"?

3. What would you NEVER do again if given the opportunity?

4. Do you have a pet?

5. What is your biggest pet peeve?

6. What is your nickname and why?

7. What do you love?

8. What has been your biggest joy so far in life?

9. What is your favorite after work activity?

10. What would you do if you only had 24 hours to live? (sorry Becca stealing one of yours cause I love it!)

11.Do you have any regrets in your life and what?

And finally now for #4 and #5

Beth's Life - and a whole lot more!

There you have it!!!! Thanks again Becca - that was really fun!!!!

I look forward to seeing who else plays and I cannot wait to read your answers!!!!!

Wednesday workout

2012-01-19T05:22:00.000-08:00

Again, nothing exciting to report...

Couple of exciting men lingering around so MAYBE sometime soon I will have something to report... SEE BELOW...

Here are my awesome new spinning shoes from my sister for Christmas.....LOVE THEM!!!!

And here is the counter after class tonight...I had to switch things up a little as the elliptical/jogging every night got old. I just dont usually like to spin during the week as the class times are late and by the time I get home to eat I am starved. I did not get home last night until 7PM and still had to eat (I was STARVING!!)

Hope everyone has a great Thursday!

Something new to report...WOO HOO!!!! I just got asked out by "M" at work!!! So excited however, I am a big work is work person and home is home person so I have to make sure this is kept between us at work!!! Still, sooooooo psyched! :-)

Food Choices

2012-01-18T04:33:00.000-08:00

So lately with my new workout regimine (everyday religiously) I have been making far better food choices and dropping pounds.

I also joined in with BlessedMama on using the MyFitnessPal website and I love it!!! I am logging all exercise and food everyday and it is free and sooooooooo easy and I have YET to try to enter a food that is not in their database...LOVE IT!

I am so obsessed about what goes in my body now that I have usually a banana and greek yogurt for breakfast...soup for lunch...and then usually either tuna steak or some of these babies for dinner...Large Prawns!!! YUMMYYYYYYY!

I have been grilling them under the broiler and they are amazing and sooooo low calorie! They are tiger prawns and I get mine frozen at Costco in a huge bag....so delish!

Here is Tuesday's workout-part 1 - best calorie burn yet on the elliptical for 1 hour.....

Then my jog/walk for 1/2 hour...not so great but I was BEAT! Hopefully today I can make spin class to change things up a little...

Happy Hump Day to all!

Boring Workout...Misc Life

2012-01-17T11:37:00.000-08:00

My psycho neighbor is at it again...
Seriously?!?!?!?
I am so sick of these people that sit around all day doing nothing (except sucking up disability money) and bother other people! I have TWO of them, count it TWO of them, in my condo building alone!!!!!!!!! Amazing - get a life and a job PLEASE!!!
I am convinced that God is trying to teach me patience.....WOWSA~~~Grant me serenity!!!!!!

Here is my workout from Monday night...woo hoo~~~

Same as usual...I am just proud of myself for sticking to it and going EVERYDAY!

Here is the 30 min walk/jog...

And here is the 60 minutes elliptical....little boring but I did not quit!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Tuesday all!!!!!!

I seriously need to start saving for a house...in the country....faaaaaarrrrr away from other humans - HA!!!!!!!!!!! ASAP!

The sad, lost water bottle

2012-01-16T06:19:00.001-08:00

I got nothing today - HA!!

It is my first day back in the office since being sick and going ot training in Tempe, AZ.

It is a sad day...

just kidding...

I am grateful and happy to have a job that I love!!!!!

I lost 1.2 pounds this week which is great since I spent the week with an unlimited buffet at training - apparently I did really well just as I thought I did...

Anyway....I will show you my workout from yesterday since that is all I have....

This was my elliptical...best calorie burn yet!!!!!!

And then a little 30 minutes walk/jog on the treadmill....

In the locker room at LA Fitness I saw this....an adandoned water bottle from my nieces alma mater in the lost/found....I think this is a crime if you go to Villanova...what a shame!!!!!!!! I would have stolen it for her (is it stealing if you take it from the lost and found or is it "finders keepers, losers weapers) if I thought for one second she would use it...there is no way she would TOUCH someone elses water bottle even if I disinfected it - HA!!!

Hope you all have an amazing Monday!!!!!!!!

Back to the Arctic

2012-01-14T20:13:00.000-08:00

I'mmmmmmmmmmm back!

This is a photo out of my plane window before take off from Phoenix...it was about 70 degrees and sooo pretty!!!

And this was my awesome seat on the return flight...woo hoo empty seat between me and my seat partner...awesome room to stretch out....when I got back to Pgh it was 16 degrees and snowing....ICKY!!!!

This is my Saturday morning workout...fun of the elliptical...

And they gave me this after my workout at the gym....love a free Red Bull....

Never noticed this until today but the pull tab on a Reb Bull has a bull cut out of it....soooooooooooooooo cute!

And this is the second part of my workout...little walk/jog on the treadmill....

Here one of my three loves of my life....

Will the day ever come that a nice, sweet, funny, attentive, caring guy comes around....why is that too much to ask for?!??!? Just once, I would love to be taken of by someone for a change!

I emalied Markie and it was clarified by no response that there is NOTHING there...I was fooling myself and my ego thinking he would email or call right away professing his feelings, but, that did not happen - HA!

Most of the time I enjoy being responsible, self-sufficient and on my own but WOW - then there are days that I just wish there was someone special that cared about me...hopefully....someday my prince will come...until then I will kep working on me.

Happy weekend all!

Back To Reality

2012-01-13T12:32:00.000-08:00

Well. here it is ....

My last Day at the conference...time to return to Pittsburgh and reality...I think it is about 15 degrees at home right now...

This is my last walk down this hallway in the Tempe Mission Palms (until February)...

My last time at these elevators on the third floor...

My last predawn walk to breakfast through the courtyard...

Last time to see this amazing fireplace light in the courtyard before breakfast...

I figured I should document how amazing this whole buffet thing was....our conference and classes were held in the conmference portion of the Mission Palms hotel and it was all amazing...if y9u have a chance to use this service you should...we had not one complaint from the room to the food it was all amazing!!!!!

This the buffet each morning (hot selections...usually pancakes, biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, etc.)

And this is the bagel/croussant/muffin/d0onut station with oatmeal, etc.

Then there was the fruit station...I swear I stayed focused on this all week....I did really well with my eatiung even though there was soooooooo much not so good for you stuff...

And this is where you could get a made ot order omlet...I got this everyday also...tried to stay focused on egg white omlet with veggies....soooooo yummy!!!!

It is hard to tell from this picture but there is a man up in this tree...the palm trees need trimmed at the top at least once a year and the guys just shimmy straight up and use a machette to cut of the dead branches....amazing to watch them!!!

Maybe you can see him better in this one....

Here is everything they cut off...it is all roped off as he cuts them and they all just drop to the ground to be collected...

Another of him in the tree...

A view of the crew...

Then we had class wrapup...this is my groups data from the week....the final section of points to the right after the dotted line are our improvements we made to the process....pretty great if I must say so myself....HA!!!!!!!!!!

Then lunch buffet ....here are really pretty appetizers...I did not taste one but aren't they pretty???!??!

And dessert after lunch was this amazing ice cream wth cherries jubilee...I passed as I thought the brandy may not be a good idea - HA!!!!!!!!!! But I can tell you that vanilla icecream with raspeberries was amazing!!!!!!!!

A little out of order is this beef leg....soooooooooo yummy for lunch!!!!!

And here is the view that I am seeing right now as I wait for two hours for my flight at the Phoenix airport...fun fun fun!!!!!!!!

While it was an amazing week with lots of learning and fun....I am ready to get home and see my babies.....:-)

See you soon fur babies!!!!!!!!!

Almost Time to go Home - Thursday

2012-01-12T21:37:00.000-08:00

It is my second to the last day here in Tempe and we had a long day of classwork and presentation preparation...no time for fun all day...

After dinner, I went to the gym and did my usual nightly workout for this week which is 30 minutes jogging on the treadmill and then 60 minutes on the elliptical machine...and, again, I was the only one in there...it is kinda nice to have the whole gym at the Tempe Mission Palms to myself...lovin' it!!!!!

Here is the photo before I worked out...soooo clean and welcoming...

And I decided to sit outside after and take in this amazing view....it was about mid-60's and soooo nice!!!

So I thought, why not relax in the hottub...and again, all alone chillin on the roof in the hottub....HEAVEN!!!!!!!!!!

Lovin life at the Tempe Mission Palms........cannot wait to come back here next month!!!

Beautiful, isn't it?!???!

I hope everyone else is having a great week also!!!!!

I have personally been filling my brain with knowledge all day and my body with relaxation and health all night....

Who needs a man?!???!?!

Life is good!!!!!!!!!!

Day Four - Wednesday - Class and Customer Service

2012-01-11T20:51:00.001-08:00

I love Arizona! I have spent a lot of time this week learning in a classroom even though it may not look like it by my previous posts...HA!!

Here is a little snapshot into my classroom all week.....here is the room...

And here is my instructor inside...

And some of my fellow classmates posing during catapult fun....

And here is where I went right after class today...ahhhhh!

This place is called Nails for Males in Tempe, Arizona (located above Pink Salon). They are located right near the ASU campus and they are amazing!!!! It is a local, small business and they go out of their way to make it a great exterience!!!

Here is a view from my chair....My pink and whites were done by Ty and I was taken home by Q....seriously - you heard me right!!!

Another view from my chair...

Here are my nails....awesome, hugh>>>>>? I was stuck there when I was done as the hotel courtesy van was accidently unavailable due to an emergency...I was just going to walk ( over three miles) when Ty insisted that Q drive my back to my hotel with Ty's car....WOW!!! Seriously, these guys do great work, gives great foot massages and pedicures and then go completely out of their way for me.....AWESOME!!!!

If you are EVER in the area, you HAVE to go here!!! Amazing place!!!!!!!! Thanks guys - you will definitely see me again in Feb when I return to AZ!!!

And here is part one of my workout...

And part two....elliptical extravaganza!!!! WEIGHT and FAT BE GONE!!!!!!!!!

Here is my view of the TV in the exercise room...

And the outside view on my way back to my room....

And another....cannot tell from these pics but it is a beautiful night!!!

I do miss my babies soooooooooo much.......getting ready to go home......love it here but really miss my babies!!!!!

Happy Hump Day all!!!!!!!!!!!

Day Three - Tuesday - Hike with the Class

2012-01-11T06:46:00.000-08:00

Today we all went for a hike after class...it was sooo fun!!! This is my instructor and my fellow classmates... (Left to right...Dan, Reza, Jeff, Michael, Richard, Andrew, and missing is me and another Jeff that had to study his work stuff)...

This is where we went hiking...I think the whole hike was from around 4:30 to 6PM and it was soooooo awesome...we did not, however, see any snakes or scorpions :-( I really want to see a live scorpion!!!

The rest are just cellphone pcitures from the hike so they do not do the experience justice...it was so beautiful and amazing and fun bonding with my classmates!

We were told that each arm on these takes 50 years to grow so this is a very OLD cactus!!!

We don't have these in Pittsburgh!! HA!

Sooooo awesome and pretty!!! Thanks for the tour Reza!!!!!!!!

Day Two - Training Begins - Monday

2012-01-09T20:27:00.000-08:00

My day started with an awesome buffet breakfast in the courtyard at my hotel...it had everything you could possibly imagine on it to eat..I did my best to watch (ate fruit and and an egg white omelet).

After that, training class went all day from 8AM to 5PM...

After that, I went on a little tour to a new area of Tempe toward the campus of Arizona...I did not take pics there as I did not want to look like a tourist - HA! But wow!!! They have an awesome campus and the dorms are pretty nice too!

Then I saw this temple...cute hugh????

And then this...little seats and steps with built-in fountains...it was pretty cool....

This is the town on my way back to the hotel...it all looks sooooo pretty lit up at night!!!

And this is the same hike up the Butte that I went on yesterday only this time I did it at dusk...so once I reached the top - this is what it looked like - PRETTY AMAZING IN PERSON!!! God is good!!!

And another....

And one more...pics cannot do it justice!

And here is part of my workout...I also did one hour on the eliptical since I ate soooo much at the buffets today!!! HA!!!

I have to say....I really miss my fur babies..... :-(

I hope you all had an amazing Monday!

Heaven on Earth...Valley of the Sun

2012-01-08T21:25:00.000-08:00

WOW! I have arrived! I am in Tempe, AZ at a training class all week for work - it is amazing here!

If you are thinking of robbing me, please don't...I have a cat sitter and you will scare the crap out of her - HA!

Here is my room at the Tempe Mission Palms - this is a beautiful room and hotel!

This is the view right out of my window...beautiful!!!!

This is a view of the pool and to the right is the gym...I plan on going there.....look at that BLUE sky!!!

The workout room again...

A cactus decorating the pool area...

These trees are all throughout the courtyard here at the hotel...I am going to ask tomorrow what they are...look like oranges but a little different skins....soo pretty though!

The next pics are looking down at the town as I begin to climb up the little "mountain" outside of my hotel window... the path is called the Hayden Butte Preserve....it is pretty cool!!

A view of the yellow A that you could in my hotel window view...this is right under the A on the path up...

A cacti on the way up - we don't have these in PA, HA!

The view at the top....across that river is Phoenix I think...

And another...at the top!

The Arizona stadium...

The best view if the top!!!!!!!!!!

And, heading down.......

Then I went exploring the town a little...this shop cracked me up....called the Happy, Healthy, Horny Herb shoppe...:-)

This was lunch....note the table....

Had an amazing shredded chicken salad at this place...Fuzzy's Taco Shop...I have to say that there are a lot of very different and eclectic shops and people here in Tempe...lots of what I consider kids (young teens) handing out looking kinda dirty and talking about being homeless....

A pic of my salad...I was starving so I forgot to photograph until I was almost done...HA! It was awesome though!

A picture on the outdoor roof on my way to worko9ut tonight...

Dark pool photo...might check this out tomorrow night...

The hottub...definitely trying this tomorrow....:-)

My workout...this is my first workout since the bronchitis...felt soooooooo good....but, also took it easy a little...I was the only one in the gym!!

And the second part of the workout...another 15 on the eliptical...still all alone in the gym...

Nighty night all! Depending on how the training goes, I will post if I get to do anymore exploring, etc...

So far, I love Arizona!!!!!!!

Jackson's Mill

2012-01-07T09:47:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pics from Jacksons Mill.

This time Sherry and I were in Room 311 at the Lodge....

I had to leave Saturday night to get home and packed for my work trip so it was a quick day or two of fun and friends and fellowship!

Here is the view on our patio...

And another...

A view of Fellowship hall across the field...

And this is my sad drive home...this conference went WAY too fast!!!!!!

PS - I miss everyone already - especially Sherry!!!!!!

Happy weekend all!!!!!!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KYLEIGH

2012-01-06T06:21:00.000-08:00

Happy 5th birthday to my amazingly adorable niece and Godchild Kyleigh!!!

I thank God everyday that he brought you to our family! You bring laughter and light wherever you go!!! Even with a little attitude, you always manage to make everyone around you smile!

I am soooooo blessed to be your Aunt and Godmother and I only hope to set good examples for you throughout your life!

I love you to the end of the earth and back and wish so bad that I could be there in person on your birthday!

But since I cannot, please know that Aunt Annie loves you very much and feels extremely blessed to have you in my life!!!! Thanks for bringing my heart joy with each and every moment I get to spend with you!!!

I love you Kyleigh and wish you a lifetime of Happy Birthdays full of all the joy and love that you bring to others...XOXOXO!!!

HAPPY 5th BIRTHDAY!!!!!!

I LOVE YOU!!!!!

XOXOXO,

Aunt Annie

West By-God Virginia

2012-01-06T06:13:00.000-08:00

I am doing a countdown in my brain...

I am at work (in the office) today - still feeling bronchitisy craptastic....

But, in exactly 6 hours I will be heading home and then off to Jackson's Mill, WVa.

I LOVE THIS PLACE! It is soooo serene and I will be spending 24 hours with the best, coolest and most supportive people on this planet!!

Get me on the road!!!

If you ever get the chance to visit this place, you should - it is amazing!

http://jacksonsmill.ext.wvu.edu/farmstead

Happy Friday and I hope you all have a happy and safe weekend!!!!!!!!

Misc Daily Life

2012-01-05T06:47:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all of you who have expressed your well wishes, support and prayers for me...Lord knows with a start like this to 2012 I need them! HA!!!!

it's all good...things will go the way they are supposed to....

This will be an exciting look into what is happening in my life recently....

This bag has been left out after Christmas as it will now be making it's way to my older sisters house. She has a large house and is looking for artifical trees to put a few more up next year. I, one the other hand, am done with artfical trees! Next year I am back to getting a real tree - they are soooo mcuh prettier and sturdier (it has to hold up to three cats climbing through it)!! HA!

This is what I have been surviving on for the last five days...I got home after New Years and was really sick...I went to the doctors and found out it was bronchitis!! ICK!!!! so i am on antibiotics, steroids, couch pearls, robitussin, and of course BAYER aspirin (coughing headache)!!! Finally after five days of meds, starting to feel human again!

Made this adorable ornament with paw prints for myself! Got each baby (Kidrock, Angelica, and Josie) to stamp it with their paw...cant wait to use it next year on the REAL tree!!!!

Check out my awesome flag!!!! I took down all the Christmas lights and decorations and it was too blahhhhh and sad around here! Then I remembered this flag I got at the end of the season LAST year at Kirklands....it was like a dollar - how cute is that?!??!?!? A little pop of color on the patio - YEAH!!!!

And finally, this is the wiew from my back window everyday - all day!!!! I have a film on the door so that people cannot see in my patio door...they only see a reflection (best thing I ever did for privacy by the way!!!!!) this is a great benefit for the cats as they sit there and hang out all day with birds within 2 inches of their faces....tails wagging like crazy....they love it!!!! Keeps them occupied for hours!!!!! See, the pretty bluejay to the right on the ground? Needless to say, I keep my feeder full all winter!

I hope you all have a great Tursday! Thanks again for all the support and bloggy love!! You all keep me going just by showing that you care....time will tell but I promise to keep you posted!

Exciting posts coming up soon - training classes somewhere VERY exciting!!

I Call For a Re-Start

2012-01-04T06:19:00.001-08:00

Where I live in Pittsburgh we got hit with a lot of snow this week...up until now, not more than a few flakes and this week we are definitely feeling winter!!

Also, I have been working from home all week as I am sick with Bronchitis. Being sick really stinks although I do need to be grateful to have the ability to work from home.

Plus, this Markie thing has realy thrown me for a loop...

2012 looked really great until about 1/2 day into it and now I have decided that I want to call a re-start!!!

Who's with me?!?!??!

Men Suck!

2012-01-03T11:08:00.001-08:00

Okay!

Well then isn't this embarrasing, I guess Markie and I will not be moving forward with a relationship...

no suprise...I guess he really is just like other guys...

one discussion and a little silence and everything changes...

:-(

(I was going to completely delete that last post but I want to remember...the good and the bad)

Great start to 2012

2012-01-03T09:02:00.000-08:00

WOW! I have been a horrible blogger lately!!

I promise to step it up!!!

On the weight loss front, after starting to really watch two weeks ago, I have lost 7 lbs so far!!

YIPPEE- it was time to get serious and I got serious!!

Also, spent New Years eve with a great old friend...it was really unexpected but actually a really nice time! WARNING: long post!

Markie and I have known each other for MANY years!

We met about 12 years ago when I was working at USBank ATM division and he was one of the techs responsible for filling the ATM's with money in Oklahoma. After the techs put the money in they called us to reboot the ATM machines. He would call multiple times, daily and we just established a great friendship and connection even though he was in OK and I was in PA.

After a few years, he found other emploment and we kept in touch via email and phone calls.

A few years later he was moved for a short time for his work to a location in PA that was about 3 hours from where I live so we decided to get together in person...it was a great weekend that I will never forget. We toured battlefields and walked and talked and really connected! I believe to this day that we are soul mates. We feel the same way about sooo many things!

Unfortunately, he was then sent back to the south to work and we continued to stay really good friends at a distance. He flew up to PA to visit a few times and even came with me to spend Christmas at my parents house that year but there was one thing we are completely opposite in and it felt like a really big obstacle at the time (not to mention the distance). I knew in my heart that we were not moving forward as he became more and more distant and I needed to move forward with my life.

About this time I started dating Waliacha and then after a year of dating he moved in with me. After Waliacha moved in, I got an email from Markie saying that his job was bringing him to PA again...only this time for an indefinite period...WOW! What a dilemma! I have always felt such a connection to Markie however, we do have a few differences that are pretty big things to work through (nothing is impossible but I wont go into detail about this on the blog) and Waliacha and I really seemed to be on track to building a future.

Without going into massive details, I still kept in touch with Markie on a friendship level only by email (with a little purposeful distance-as I know how I fell when I get around Markie).

As my blog readers know, this past September I finally made the decision to end things with Waliacha...too many chances and too many broken promises basically sums it all up.

So, I get an email in November that Markie wanted to get together sometime over the holiday in person to catch up. WOW!!! And the rest is history!

I have NO DOUBT that we are soul mates! We are soooo alike in so many aspects (organized, structured, morals, both work really hard to have good credit and help others, etc.) and there are only a few things that need to be worked through over time...I am game if he is. We had an amazing New years eve day exploring Punxatawney (yes, the home of Punxatawney Phil) and he took me to see his job sites, etc. We talked, and talked and talked and it was like we were never apart! You all also know that I don't drink and he completely supports me in this....imagine he wanted to spend New years eve with someone that did not drink! We have a great time and it was really hard to leave! Waiting to see when we will get together next...

Time will tell.........but......so far.......2012 is looking pretty amazing!

PS-thanks for sticking with me through that LONG post and thanks for all your support all year round - you know I will keep you posted!

HAPPY NEW YEARS TO YOU ALL - I WISH YOU ALL NOTHING BUT AWESOME AND AMAZING MEMORIES FOR 2012!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T09:22:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all my blogger friends!!

I wish you all a day filled with peace, love and laughter with family and friends!!

Happy birthday Jesus!

Merry Awkward Christmas

2011-12-21T08:28:00.000-08:00

I found this website and I have been cracking up all day looking through it!

It has awkward Christmas cards and they are sooo funny that I am at my desk at work laughing so hard I am crying...

Just sharing the best with you all...ENJOY!!!

As if it wasn't enough that Joey learned the tree wasn't real......

Check out this pose...classic?!?!?!?

And finally.....gotta have one with the family pet!!!

GREAT AREN'T THEY?? I hope you got as much joy as I did from them!!!

Happy Hump Day!

Weekend Catch-up

2011-12-19T15:01:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pics from my weekend at Mom and Dad's...
I ran up this weekend to get a jump-start on present delivery. I got all my presents wrapped and delivered under my parents tree and it feels soooo good to just sit back and enjoy the next week without stress. :-)

Here is my new favorite picture of me! I never take good photos and I actually like this one...I am using this for EVERYTHING!!

My niece Kyleigh got me this for my car!! This is my awesome, new Rudolph car for the holidays! Apparently they were driving and saw it on someone else's car and Kyleigh told her mom "We have to get this for Aunt Annie - she will love it!"

And, she was right - I do love it! It makes me giggle everytime I look at my car!!! Awesome!

And, this is my other niece, Aly! We actually pierced her ears this past weekend with a home piercing gun we got at Sally Beauty. We got it to do Kyleigh's a long time ago and she does not want them done but Aly ran over and was sooooo excited. After the first ear, it was A LOT of bribery to get her to let us do the other one....lesson learned.....

Next time, have two people use the guns and do them both at the same time......doesn't she look adorable though!!!????

Happy Monday to all!!!!

Oh, and GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO STEELERS!!!!!

Cant We All Just Get Along?!?!?!

2011-12-14T08:19:00.000-08:00

I think I will never understand a humans need to bring others down!

Should we all not just be respectful?!?!?
Should we all not just be supportive????

A friend of mine got nasty comments on her blog (very negative) and instead of ignoring it as I should have I actually went to the "nasty bloggers" level and made a comment back to her just as nasty as the one she left for my bloggy friend...what makes my comment any better than hers?

I do not know, but it sure felt good!!!

Please forgive me and help me respond (or not respond) better in the future! I do love my bloggy friends though!

15 Year Anniversary

2011-12-09T07:32:00.000-08:00

Today is OUR 15 year anniversary!!!

Thank you to all of you that have ever attended, sat in or spoke at a meeting or written a blog post at all!!!!! Whether positive or negative or happy or sad!!!!

I love my life today sooooooo much and it is only possible because of all you!!!!!!

On 12/9/1996 I entered (what I hope is by the grace of God) my final stint at a rehab (after years in and out) and everyday since has gotten just a little bit better!!! I look back now and do not even recognize that person I was - I do not think, see, feel or act the same at all!!!!!!!!!!
Life is such an amazing journey and thanks to all of you here on blog land because (along with real life meetings) reading your thoughts and inspirations have all added a little piece to who I am today!!!

I am sooooooooooooooooooooooo grateful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you everyone that supports me in ANY way! Thanks you Bill and Bob! Thank you GOD!

Happy Anniversary "G"

2011-12-08T11:38:00.000-08:00

I would be remiss if I did not do a post to say...

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO "G"!

He is two years sober today and WOW has he changed his life!!!

He is sober and clean two years and working a steady job and has a steady place to live where he helps out daily with the upkeep of his home instead of just using the people he lives with!!! He is such a sweet person and actually cares about those around him today!

YOU should be soooooooo proud of what you have accomplished!! He was an addict and alcoholic with no ability to stay employed or be responsible...arrested and jailed several times. And he looked like bigfoot when I first met him!

TODAY, the lights are back on in his eyes (you can actually see them) and he is kicking recovery butt!!!

Happy 2 Years and many wishes for continued succcess and many more!!!!!!

Christmas Questionaire

2011-12-08T07:20:00.000-08:00

I saw this done by Nikki over at Me 2 We Est 2011 and thought it was sooo cute I just had to complete it myself!!! I just simply LOVE LOVE LOVE the holidays and cannot think of a better time of the year!!!!!!

Here goes.....

Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot Chocolate definitely...not a fan of egg nog at all plus it has alcohol right? I dont drink so definitely Hot Chocolate!
Colored lights on tree/house or white? I love colored on my tree!! Outside I do a little of both....white sparkling icicle lights and colored lights on the garland that I link the porch rail with.
Do you hang mistletoe? ABSOLUTELY!!!! I AM SINGLE!!!! If there is someone at my house that I want to kiss, what an icebreaker!!!!!!!! Just push them under and smooch away!
When do you put your decorations up? About two weeks before Thanksgiving this year. I have no patience and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the holidays so I just could not wait any longer! The funny thing is I took my tree down about a week after I pout it up - I have a new kitten and she was DESTROYING the tree so I had no choice...now I am left to enjoy my outdoor lights and garland lights until next year when I will try again... it's all good though - I still love the kitten!!! :-)
What is your favorite holiday dish? Stuffing - love stuffing!!! Just the plain old kind in the turkey with sage - no fancy stuff with fruits and nuts - good old old fashioned stuffing in the bird - YUM!!!!!!!!!!!!
Favorite Holiday memory as a child? My great-grandmother coming to stay with our family on Christmas Eve so she could be there when we got up Christmas morning!!! She has since passed but I stilll think on her daily!!!!
When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I honestly cannot remember...I am now in recovery and A LOT about my earlier years is just gone...lost...no memory...I blame the partying! HA!
Truth about Santa? I still believe...he exists in some way...he is an amazingly gentle man that loves children and makes those wonderful "coincidences" happen around the holidays (just like God the rest of the year)....Maybe thast is it...it is God in a Santa suit! HA!
Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Yes, my family does a grab bag each year for my sisters and their husbands and my borther and his wife and I - that way we only buy one gift for a sibling or spouse...that is the gift we open on Christmas Eve..all others wait until Santa has come!
How do you decorate your Christmas tree? Lights and ornaments (all my ornaments are gifts I have received throghout the years so I love putting them on and remembering who it is from and when) very sentimental for me!!!
Snow! Love it or Dread it? Sometimes love it (pretty to look at and love it on the trees and for sledriding) and sometimes dread it (scares me that have family driving around on dangerous roads and hate scraping windows on the car every morning before work in PA!
Do you remember your favorite gift? I remember when I was about 10 I got a rock tumbler and I loved that!! That is about the only one I REALLY remember.
What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? definitely COOKIES - any kind or peanut brittle - yum!
What is your favorite holiday tradition? My family spends the weekend after Thasnksgiving together baking our Christmas cookies...we do about 100 dozen cookies easily of all different favorite kinds and then all split them up! It is great family bonding time and we get lots of great cookie trays to give out for the holidays!!! WIN WIN
Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum? YUM!!!
Favorite Christmas movie? Definitely Rudolph - the old (unremastered one) that is blurry with that awesome guys voice through it all!!! LOVE it!
Saddest Christmas Song? The Little Drummer Boy
What is your favorite Christmas song? The Little Drummer Boy and Merry Christmas from The Family (by the Dixie Chicks on Rosie O'Donnell's second Xmas album) - hillarious!
What are some of your Christmas traditions? I always get to help the kids make an gingerbread house....this is Aunt Annies job at the Christmas holoday....I love it!!! This year the older cousins actually took over this task for my and did a great job helping their little cousins...guess I better figure out a new one, hugh?!?!? SLED-RIDING woudl be great if there is snow!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas (or Happy holidays if you celebrate something else)!!!!

Lots of Bloggy love to you all!!!!

Thanks for being my support throughout the year!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Goin' on a man-hunt

2011-12-05T09:02:00.000-08:00

After being in a verrrrrrrrrrrry long lull...I am finally back on track!!!

On track with my self-esteem...I AM GOOD ENOUGH, SMART ENOUGH AND DOG-GONE-IT PEOPLE LIKE ME... I AM GOING TO FLIRT LIKE CRAZY WITH EVERY HOT GUY IN MY PATH - INCLUDING A HOTTIE (MUCH YOUNGER) THAT I AM CURRENTLY GETTING TO KNOW BETTER!

On track with my eating...SITCKING TO THE WEIGHT WATCHERS POINTS PLUS SYSTEM AND TRACKING EVERY BITE!!!!

On track with my workouts...I worked out at least 1 hour the last three days and I plan on continuing indefinitely...I even went to spin class for my lunch break today at work and plan on stopping againg for some cardio and weights after work...I will keep you posted on the weight loss and tightening that is sure to occur!

NO MORE FEEELING SORRY FOR MYSELF....
NO MORE MISSING WALIACHA...
THERE IS NOTHING TO MISS...
WE NEVER WERE GOING TO BE ANYTHING TOGETHER SO I WAS SIMPLY POSTPONING THE INEVITABLE BY TRYING TO GIVE HIM MORE AND MORE CHANCES TO CHANGE - HE IS SIMPLY NOT THE MAN FOR ME!!!

BUT, THE MAN FOR ME IS OUT THERE AND HE IS WAITING FOR HIS HOT WOMAN (ME) TO GET OFF HER BUTT AND GET BACK OUT INTO THE WORLD - SO HERE I AM!!!!! COME AND GET ME!

25 Days of Christmas - Day 4

2011-12-02T08:51:00.001-08:00

I am joining up with Kristin at Adventures in Mitchell"ville" for her 25 Days of Christmas Blog Hop.
Hop on over and join in....each day is a different pre-determined post - I think it is going to be fun!!!!!!!

Day 4 - Favorite Christmas Songs

Counting down to NUMBER ONE...

Number 4. What Child is This - I LOVE THIS SONG - soooooooo pretty!!!! and really holds the meaning of Christmas for me!

Number 3. Amazing Grace!!! May not just be for Christmas but I love when the whole Church sings this together on Christmas Eve - makes me tear up!!!!!!!

Number 2. On Another Rosie Christmas there is a song by the Dixie Chicks called "Merry Christmas from the Family" - it is hillarious!!!! When my nieces were around 8-10 (now one is off to college) they learned the words to this and used to sign along and it was hillarious!!!!! Will always love this one!!!!

Number 1. - Always has been and always will be my favorite - the Little Drummer Boy makes me cry every time I hear it!!! Such a great message!!!! And I also loved this movie as a kid but that is another days post - HA!!!!

I will leave you with a clip from the movie - remember it? I love the way to old movies look - so much better than the re-mixed and edited ones!!!!

Can't wait to see everyone elses answers!!!! Happy Sunday!

25 Days of Christmas - Day 3

2011-12-02T08:50:00.001-08:00

Day 3 - Favorite Christmas Movies

I don't think I dislike ANY Christmas movie however, I definitely have a few favorites...Counting down to the NUMBER ONE...

5. Elf - This movie cracks me up - even when I watch alone I die laughing the whole time!!! AWESOME movie with a great ending!~HILLARIOUS

4. It's a Wonderful Life - I have always loved this and I cry alot when it is on!!! Just love everything about this movie!!!

And finally 3, 2, and 1. I know - I cheated here but this is true - they are all three a tie and definitely my favs - Rudolph, Santa Claus is Coming to Town and Frosty the Snowman!!! I have such awesome memories of racing to watch these as a kid with my family (even when they were scratchy looking and sounding-not re-mixed and clear - HA) and those memores will live within me FOREVER!!! LOVE ALL THREE!!!!

Can't wait to read everyone else's!!!!!!!!!!

25 Days of Christmas - Day 2

2011-12-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

Better late than never, right?!?!

I am joining up (One day late) with Kristin at Adventures in Mitchell"ville" for her 25 Days of Christmas Blog Hop.

Hop on over and join in....each day is a different pre-determined post - I think it is going to be fun!!!!!!!

Day 2 - What’s on your wish list this year?

I honestly cannot figure out one thing to tell people.

I wish it was due to the fact that I don't want for anything but the reality is that when I want something I just buy it for myself...maybe in the future I should show some resolve and make myself wait and give others the ideas for Christmas

Anyway I am left saying "I do not know of anything I need"!

WOW!!! That is eye opening!

I would have to say possibly a Kindle, giftcards for massages/manis/pedis and cash at this point - pretty sad, I know! I need to stop spoiling myself with everything I want!

I have been going back and forth on the Kindle as I love to HOLD a real book and I am not sure I would like the whole Kindle ambience which is the ONLY reason I have not yet purchased one - HA!

Can't wait to read everyone elses lists!

Entreme Grossness

2011-12-01T11:10:00.000-08:00

Okay...
Remember this post about my first baby fish Simpson...don't know why I chose that name but that name just stuck. Anyway, I raised him from just a miniscule eye swimming around in the tank and he is so big now!
Well, he is my fav (or at least one of them) as I have hand raised him from a fry. The other day I noticed something stringly hanging off his back fin...in my usual procrastination I ignored it and thought it would go away. Well, it did not! I started googling to find out what was wrong or what it could possibly be on the little guy and I found out........ick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He had an anchor worm...which is not really a worm but a cocepod-whatever that means! Anyway, I did surgery on my fish last night!! I do not like to touch my fish I like to only feed and look at them...not touch them! But I had to save the life of Simpson....so this is pretty much what it looked like....
I put on my rubber gloves.....got my best tweezers....got a bowl of bleach and went to town...
I scooped out the little guy in my gloves hand and held him gently still while I grabbed the end of the anchor worm and gently tugged it out...then I added extra Stress Coat and aquarium Salt (as instructed by the internet) to the aquarium and put Simpson back in. I then commensed checking all other fish in detail to see if there were any others and thats when I saw....yup!!!!!! I noticed my pregnant Sunset Platy had one so I plucked her out of the tank and gently pulled hers out.............sooooooooooo gross!!!!!!!!!! Nature can be sooo nasty!!! I did not get pics of my surgery or the anchor worms that I pulled but I am blessing you with someone elses pics and mine looked the same - ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!
I am stopping at the pet store on the way home to see if there is anything else I need to do to end this grossness - until then.....ICK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And I am quite disguisted trying to figure out what fish I added that was infected with this grossness!!!!! My Pleco died a few days ago and I am wondering if it was him as he was the last fish I added new.....yuck!!!!!!

PS - thanks for all the support on my blog break - I hope I am now back - I am definitely muttling through and moving forward - which is the most important thing! And single - also important if any of you have hot relatives that are looking for a good woman!!! HA!!!!!!!

Strugglin'

2011-11-21T05:18:00.000-08:00

I promise I will post again soon!

Winner of the My Memories Software Giveaway!

2011-11-14T14:35:00.000-08:00

We have a winner!!!
I have randomly generated a winner for the My Memories giveaway that ended last Friday - I used all numbers between 1 - 9 which is all the comments I had :-(
and that winner is Amanda!!!
You will be contacted further by either myself or Liz from My Memories with your downloading instructions!!
CONGRATS!!!

Shutterfly - Holiday Cards Galore!

2011-11-09T18:58:00.000-08:00

One of my absolute favorite parts of the holiday is selecting and creating my Christmas cards each year! I love sorting through all my pictures from the year to select my favorites to use for cards! I heard that Shutterfly was requesting that bloggers help spread the word about their Holiday Cards and I was soooo excited to jump right on the bandwagon!

Not only do I use Shutterfly for all my digital prints and photo gifts year-round, I have ordered my Christmas Cards from Shutterfly for the past three years and they always turn out great!!!! I have never once been disappointed with the selection (they have selection galore), customer service or turn around time...I LOVE Shutterfly!

My favorite Shutterfly holiday card designs this year are the following...

How much fun is this one? - I love the Peace, Love, Joy and also can appreciate that there are lots of options for pictures to add...

How adorably cute is this one...it is just so hard to pick just one picture!!!!

And, of course, anyone who knows me knows that "believe" is my favorite saying so I think that chances are pretty good that this will be my card this year :-)

I will definitely be using the greetings cards this year also as they have sooo many cute ones!

They also have these really cute and easy to do calendars on Shutterfly - I have created a few myself as gifts and was really suprised at how easy it is to do and how cute they turn out!!!! Everyone that got one from me loved it and it is a gift that keeps giving all year round! A great holiday gift for ANYONE on your list!

I love Christmas and the holidays so much and what way to make family and friends feel close when they can't be. I cannot even imagine sending a plain old regular card anymore now that I am used to these self-created photocards - everyone that I send them to loves them!

Thanks Shutterfly for all the great choices and the great customer service and support - you truly are the BEST!

Check out their site and products ASAP - I promise you will not regret it - it is great value, great customer service and great quality all in one place!!!

November Birchbox

2011-11-09T18:28:00.000-08:00

It arrived!!!!! My November Birchbox!! YIPPEE!!!!!

Here is the adorable little box it arrives in....

Here is the contents before I begin to tear everything open...

I got this great smelling Thymes Eucalyptus Body lotion!!! Awesome!

These two recycled paper coasters...not sure what this has to do with beauty but okay...

This is the smaller items wrapped in this cute little pouch...

Inside was a sample of Shalimar...I think I like it. Tested it and then could not decide after a few hours if I still liked it or not...little bit lit Pacholi...will test it again tomorrow...

I am really excited about this sample...I have heard alot about Zoya so I am very intered to see if this lats as long as OPI...I love this color for the holiday too!!!

And also got a face mask that I forgot to get a picture of and this little pouch of lotion which is also Thymes in Kimono Rose scent...sounds pretty...

If you do not subscribe yet...click here to try it!!! It is soooo fun to get a little tester gift sent to you each month - what fun and neat new products to try!!!

Also, if you get Birchbox already - what did you get and what did you think of your products?!?! Let me know!

It's like a little present to yourself each month for only $10

PS - Don't forget to enter my giveaway here - entry time ends on Friday the 11th!! ENJOY!!!!!

Don't miss my giveaway

2011-11-08T13:08:00.000-08:00

DON'T FORGET...

Go here or click on the link below to enter my giveaway!!!

http://annstersdomain.blogspot.com/2011/11/remember-that-giveaway-i-warned-you-all.html

FMM - Dating

2011-11-07T04:59:00.000-08:00

FMM: Dating

What is your current relationship status? (Be as specific as you’d like to be!)

Single - single - single!!! After the amount of time I spent in the last one and as long as it took me to finally leave; I am staying single for a LONG time unless a rich, white knight gallops up and sweeps me onto his horse...so, I think I will stay single for a REALLY LONG TIME - HA!!!

List a few qualities that you look for in a significant other…

I like Kenlie's answer here "really nice to me", that is one of mine as well...along with sweet, compassionate, optimistic, MOTIVATED and loves cats! After just getting out of a go-nowhere relationship, I am much better at saying what I DO NOT WANT - LOL!

If you could choose to date one character in TV or film, who would you choose? Lately I have been crushing on that guy from Grimm - I do not even know his name! I love that he is just a GOOD GUY and hot and fights mean people!!!

How long should you date before becoming exclusive? I think this totally depends on both people and how fast or slow their feelings progress toward each other...

What are your thoughts on public displays of affection? I do not like PDA's - I do not like to participate in them or watch them...I wont attck my man in front of you and you promise not to do the same - K?!?!?

Do you kiss on the first date? Depends on if I like the guy or not; if I like him then YES!

Biggest turn-off? BIG EGOS!!!

What’s the first thing you notice about the opposite sex? I like a big, burly mans man...and I love pretty eyes!

How long do you/did you wait before becoming intimate? Depends on the guy and the situation

Describe your dream date. Where someone wants to take me out.....and then pays COMPLETE attention to me and only me all night...that is all I want!

Now it’s your turn to answer this week’s questions! Don’t forget to come back and link up in the comments with Kenlie at All The Weigh.

PS - Dont forget to enter my giveaway here - it ends this Friday!!!

Lights, already?

2011-11-03T19:08:00.001-07:00

You are all going to call me crazy!!
Look what I did last night!!

I love it!!! The white icicles even twinkle...life is good when you allow yourself to enjoy the little things!

:-)

On an ickier note: I got a call back from my lovely mammogram the other day and I have to go back in today to have another mammogram and a sonogram on the left side...apparently they have concerns about something they saw...so back I go.

I will keep you all posted on the results....hopefully just lumpy fat cells - HA!!

Also, I am leading at my homegroup tonight...this means telling everyone what I used to be like, what happened and what I am like now that I am sober - although I have done this many times it never gets easier to speak in front of a bunch of people...even if they love you.

Happy Friday to ALL!!! Much bloggy love being sent out to all of you!

Oh - and don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY!!!!!

My Memories Suite Software Giveaway

2011-11-03T17:28:00.000-07:00

REMEMBER THAT giveaway I warned you all about!?!??!

Here it is...for my 401st post!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am giving away a FREE copy of the easiest and most fun digital scrapbook software I have EVER used called My Memories Suite!!!!!!!!! Once a winner is chosen I will send that person the code that will enable them to download the software completly free!!! This is a $39.97 value!

It is the MyMemories Suite Digital Scrapbooking Software - this software is from Polariod and there are MANY tutorials on YouTube that make it soo easy for everyone to use!! They have many pre-made pages and designs for those like me that are not so gifted in the crafty area and they also have ones that allow people to create a more customized look (as if you were adding each layer of the scrapbook yourself) - those that are crafty :-)

This software is awesome!!! It was sooooo easy to use too! I will be using this on my blog all the time in the future to include not only pictures but digital scrapbook pages!!! Sooooo simple to export into jpg files!

Here are just a few of the ones I have created so far...

On top of giving away a free digital scrapbooking software download to ONE LUCKY PERSON; I also have been given a code that will allow everyone that does not win - to WIN!!! Everyone else will be given $10 off with the code I listed below!!! WOOO HOOO!!!! I will re-list this code also when I announce the winner.

My code that will get you ten dollars off is: STMMMS11451 (this will work now if you just can't wait to see if you win!!!!)

Now to the details....Mandatory for one entry you must be a follower of Annster's Domain and go to MyMemories.com and let me know in your comment which is your favorite digital paper pack or layout.

One additional entry each...

Follow AnnstersDomain on Twitter

Follow the MyMemories Blog

Follow MyMemories on Facebook

Follow MyMemories on Twitter

The giveaway will be closed and the winner announced next Friday, November 11th.

GOOD LUCK-I hope the winner enjoys the software as much as I have already!!

Halloween in Ohio

2011-11-03T11:21:00.003-07:00

I have just obtained photos of my youngest nieces and nephews from Halloween...I was unable to see them in person but the pics do NOT disappoint!!!!

Here are Mickey, Minnie and Goofy...(as my niece pointed out; she is four by the way; Mickey Mouse does not have whiskers...and my sister checked and he does not!!! Who knew that?!?!?!)

And here are the other two; my brothers children; as a Steelers cheerleader and Monkey!!!!

Here is the whole crew together!!!! I think Daddy has a beer?!?!?!?! Or is that Hot Chocolate?!?!

And here is my sweet niece and Godchild after she lost her first tooth! This one dropped out early after being slammed on top into the top of her brothers head!!! :-(

I love these kids more than any words can EVER say!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Haloween 2011

2011-11-02T07:45:00.000-07:00

Alright!! Already!!!
I forgot to post my lovely Haloween costume pics!!!
I love fun and goofy stuff at Haloween so this year I went as....
drumroll...
Mrs. Potato Head!!!

This is me before I left for the party...

And this is me at the party with a couple of my awesome friends....the hippy chick and the convict!!! HA!!!!!

Haloween 2011 ROCKED!!!!

WWTKW Q&A!

2011-11-02T06:16:00.000-07:00

Welcome to We Want to Know Wednesdays Q&A!

Hosted by Mamarazzi, Queso and Crazymama

This week Crazymama is asking the questions and she wants to know about our Halloweens!

{1} How did you celebrate Halloween? Trick or treating? Adult party? Trunk or treat?
I went to an adult party at a church basement with a bunch of other people!! Lots of fun and alcohol free - that's how I roll!! PS - What in tarnation is trunk or treat?!?!?

{2} What candy is your favorite/the first thing you steal from the kids?
Reese Peanut Better Cups - although I love any and all candy - it is terrible!! Keep me away from sugar! I think I gained 12 pounds in one week from all the candy!!!

{3} What kind of candy do you give out, is it your favorite? or something you know you won't be tempted to eat?
I dont give out candy :-( I live in a condo so I do not get trick or treaters...I do however, make little bags up for all the kids in my building and they get all my favorites!!!

{4} How soon after Halloween do you take down decorations and put away costumes?
I took down Haloween decorations the night of 10/31 and put up my christmas lights outsdie already!!! I hate doing it in the snow...so, they are up but I have not lite them yet. Yesterday I put out all my Christmas except the tree...I have a feeling the tree will be an issue this year with the new kitten....I am waiting a gew weeks before I begin that battle :-)

{5} When do you decorate for the next holiday?
Already have!!!!!!! WOOOOO HOOOO!!!! Stockings are hung! I love the holidays!!!!!!!!

I can't wait to find out everyone eklses answers!!! Happy Wednesday all!

Smooshed

2011-11-01T08:23:00.000-07:00

I had a fun and very "milestoney" experience on my vacation day yesterday!

I had my very first mammogram...what fun!

I am writing this to share my experience as the experiences shared with me were NOTHING like the actual event...read on...

Actually, I was expecting horrible pain for extended periods and that was not the case at all!

I had the nicest technician that talked with me about baking, etc. and the time just flew (and felt a little less awkward) - ha!

Anyway, it was not too painful at all either...they put a metal bebe on your nipple and then take two pictures of each breast (compressed) and that is it!! It was a little uncomfortable with the compression but honestly not that bad at all!

Just thought I should write this post as I was terrified and have heard soooo many horrible stories that I was dreading it and it truly was less time and less invasive than a regular gyno appointment...I would take this over one of those ANY DAY OF THE WEEK!!

For those of you whom have yet to experience it - don't fear - it truly is not that bad at all - PROMISE!!!!!!!!!!

22 Things I HAVE done...

2011-10-27T05:26:00.000-07:00

I am linking up with Mamas Losin It today!

I selected number one to write about....

1. Last week we wrote about what we have never done…this week write a list of 22 things you HAVE done. (inspired by Sellabit Mom)

1. Twirled baton as a performer on a crusie ship
2. Sang on stage with Bobby Vinton
3. Met the performers of Cats years ago in NY
4. Got fired from my first job - McDonald's (by no fault of my own)
5. Married and divorced
6. Went to rehab-Stayed sober 15 years now and counting!!!!
7. Have my tongue pierced
8. Bought my first home alone with no help from "A Man"
9. Won Grand National Champions with my Twirling Corps
10. Used to complete every summer at Notre Dame
11. Was a majorette in High School
12. Cheated on a Spanish test and was caught
13. Got detention in Middle School for spraying air freshner on the school bus
14. LOVE rock climbing and repeling
15. Have two tatoos (very hidden)
16. Lost close to 100 pounds three years ago - kept MOST of it off :-)
17. Just got out of a three year relationship...feeling better than I thought I would
18. Used to be a waitress all through high school and college
19. Actually met Kidrock in person!
20. Become an Aunt 8 times!
21. Became a certified Green Belt in Six Sigma
22. Started a blog and and now it is one of my favorite pastimes and a great way I am meeting new people and making new friends!!

Can't wait to read what eveyrone wrote!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! New friends await!!!!!!!!

Gifts coming soon!

2011-10-26T15:48:00.000-07:00

I am really excited!!!

I was asked to do a GIVEWAY!!! By a real company!!! Little ole me!!!!!

Yippee!!!!!

I know it is something that you all will LOVE!!!!

I will give out the details verrrrrrrrrry soon!!!!!

Free and fun stuff - my favorite!!!!

Pumps and Chicks

2011-10-26T06:36:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of my pumpkins lit up on the patio...

And another...an alien!! SCarrrrrY!
And a few more!!! Ha!

Here is a photo at my parents house last weekend...I got up and was getting ready for church and looked out on the lake and saw this....bliss!!!!! Had to run out and get a photo - it was sooo beautiful and calm and the fog was awesome!!!

Then saw these little guys swimming into the photo...see then coming in from the bottom left...?

And here they are - a WHOLE LONG string of duckies showed up for my photo!! The lake was like glass!!! God is good!!!!!!!

Happy Hump Day to you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WWTKW

2011-10-19T06:42:00.000-07:00

If you'd like to play along with this weeks We Want to Know Wednesday you can go by Mamarazzi's, Queso's or Crazymama's blogs and grab their button and the questions.

1. When was the last time you lost your temper?
About two months ago when I kicked my boyfriend of three years COMPLELY out of my life - at times I get a little lonely but in all reality, I am pretty darn happy and stress free now!!

2. What 3 words best describe you?
Happy, sober, genuine.

3. What movie could you watch over and over again and never get tired of?
Joe Dirt - my all time favorite for stupid humor!!!!!!! LOVE IT! Favorite quote from the movie "Life's a garden - dig it!"

4. If you could do something dangerous, just once, with no risk, what would you do?
Run off with a SEXY stranger to a foreign land...ha - just kidding....I think I would sky dive...and someday I might even though there is risk - HA!

5. Which is more important, intelligence or common sense?
Definitely COMMON SENSE...without common sense you are simply dumb as a box of rocks and nothing else maters anyway! LOL

HAPPY hump day!

PUMPKINS carve-a-thon

2011-10-16T19:30:00.000-07:00

Here is how I spent my Sunday night...

Many, many pumpkins to carve~!~! I was supposed to be going out of town for business next week and wanted to have them all done - now I have been postponed until Jan 2012 for the trip so I can enjoy my already carved punpkins for TWO whole weeks!!

Here is most of them after they were gutted and the seeds removed...I roast the seeds....YUM!!!

Here is my favorite of the night...

And my second favorite...Cool Alien!!!!!!!!!

Another cutiepie...

This was the most intriquite (I know, lame!! ) I never said I was any good!! HA HA

Another with teeth!!!!!!!!

I will get a picture of how cute they all look together tonight and also a picture of all the seeds in their roasted goodness!!!!!!!!!

Happy Tuesday!

TGIF

2011-10-14T04:58:00.001-07:00

TGIF

Birchbox October

2011-10-12T06:07:00.000-07:00

Yippee - I got my newest Birchbox!!!

I am sooo glad that I decided to subscribe to this - it is like a little gift for myself each month!!!

Here is the box.......

And the goodies!!!!!!!!

This month was facial mask, green tea mints, lip enhancer, hair glosser and blinc mascara - I have only tried the mascara so far and I love it!!!!!!! I goes on sooo smooth and NO clumps!!! It forms thhese little tubes around your lashes and then washes off with the tube intact!! Awesome product that I will definitely be buying!!!!

Try it...you'll like it!!!!!!!!!!! Let them know I sent you and I will get a few extra shopping points - after trying these products and loving them each time...I need all the shopping points I can get! HA!!

!!!Swapoween!!!

2011-10-12T05:46:00.000-07:00

I am sooo excited to write this post!!!

I know I am supposed to wait but cannot contain my excitement or my thanks!!!
I participated in Swapoween with Beth and Miss Angie!!!

I have to say I had an amazing time getting to know my swap buddy Becca through her posts on her blog Everyday Life - one thing was made very clear...she is a fun loving gal that is NOT a girly-girl!!! LOL!! I hope I shopped well for you and I hope you love everything I picked out!!! I loved everything you sent~~could not have shopped for myself any better!!! HA!

I have to say thank you again...I truly loved everything you sent me!!!!!! AWESOME Halloween gift selections!! I got more excited with each thing I pulled out of the box!!!!!!!!! I have to say also, we think A LOT alike as we bought each other the EXACT same candy dish and a lot of the same things (kitchen towels, decor, socks....HA!!!!)!

Here is the box - I could hardly wait to tear it open and then I remembered I should document this occasion!!! HA!

Awesome skeleton necklaces...I will be wearing these as Halloween draws nearer however right now- they are being used as curtain ties in my guest room to add to the decor....

The EXACT same candy dish I sent to Becca!!! HILLARIOUS!

A cute snow globe - this now resides on my TV!!!!!!!

Two awesome kitchen towels and some cool bat socks - I WILL be sporting these any chance possible!!!!

A HUGE candy jar of Candy Corn...another personal favorite - I will definitely not be losing any weight between now and Halloween!

She also sent this awesome blowup cat - here is a shot of the other cats inspecting it (okay so maybe not inspecting it but how gross - trying to smell its butt!!!!!!!!)HA HA!

And last but definitely not least my new coffee cups!!!!! I do not drink wine or soda but I will be enjoying my coffee in these as I love to enjoy the ambiance of halloween!!!!!!! NICE!

With all this loot - who could not be a happier swapper?!?!?!?!?! Moi!!!!

I can't wait till the next swap - I LOVE these things!!

Thanks again Becca and I hope you love your loot as much as I love mine!!!!!!!!!

XOXOXO

I promise I will post this again on the proper "swapoween" posting date!! HA!

We Want to Know Wednesday

2011-10-12T04:44:00.000-07:00

I thought it might be fun to lay along with We Want To Know Wednesday...hosted by Mamarazzi, Queso, and Crazymama!!

If you care to join in and link up ... DO IT - it is sooooooo much fun reading other peoples responses and getting to know NEW bloggers!!! YEAH!!!!

Here we go..................

With Fall upon us and seasonal allergies and colds going around...Crazymama wants to know:

When Illness Strikes.........

{1} What is your feel better remedy when you are sick? Depending on what it is I am sick with I will take lots of Bayer aspirin or any one of the Bayer AlkaSeltzer remedies (they have a cold one and a flu one and a stuffy one, etc.) and they work sooooooooooo fast!!!!! I work for Bayer but I truly do love the products and they really work fast - plus I get a slight discount as an employee - HA!!!

{2} When illness strikes, what is your policy on staying home from work, school or church with yourself and the family? I live alone and I definitely stay home if I could possibly infect others! Plus, I am a BIG baby when I am sick!!! I like to just lay around and watch movies or TV all day. I will constantly calling my mommy and telling her that I feel horrible...HA - she just says I am a drama queen but my mommy ALWAYS makes me feel better!!!

{3} What do you think is worse? Flu or cold? BOTH - I hate any kind of sickness or injury all the same!!! Right down to a papercut!!!

{4} Flu shots? Do you get them? Have you yet? I used to swear by them but I have not for the past two years. I take Enbrel shots and that lowers my tolerance so I am no longer allowed to get flu shots :-( I am hoping and praying to stay healthy this winter without one - LOT AND LOTS of hand washing!!!!

{5} When are are feeling down, what is your usual, go-to therapy? (retail therapy, exercise, comfort food, etc). SHOPPING and / or CHOCOLATE!!!! YEAH and YUM!!!

Cannot wait to meet LOTS of new people and read everyone elses responses!!!!!!!! Happy blogging!

Hodge Podge of Halloweeny Stuff and 1 Mean Driver

2011-10-10T09:21:00.000-07:00

This is a post of my weekend stuff!!!

This is my outside decor as it currently stands...I may be adding a TON of lights at some point in time once I get shopping time!!!

This is an awesome Halloween gift that my neighbor brought me - she is soooooo sweet - thanks Krissy!! (And no, this is not the neighbor that is nasty...they are different and VERY mean people!!!) Krissy is a sweetheart!!!

And these two pumpkins were also from Krissy - they light up and change colors - AWESOME Halloweenyness!!!

This is the backside of a VERY VERY mean driver that CUT me off in traffic over the weekend!!! I get SO very frustrated with people that drive with no concern for others!!!! If you see this car - RUN or DRIVE the other way!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is my sis's family pretending to be a gaggle of ghosts!! HA! Scary hugh??? We went to the pumpkin festival Saturday morning before they left the kids with me for the rest of the day while they went to a wedding...

Steve and the kids being pumpkins...

A honeybear!!!!!!

And a two-headed honeybear!!

I was babysitting my nieces and nephew and we spent the entire day going from park to park as it was soooooooooooo nice out!!!! Funny story...spun the kids sooo much on the tire swings (they were asking for it) that Ali barfed (hot pink bubblegun colored barf) not good- I know! Note to self: Make an adult decison to stop spinning the kids - never listen when the kids say "I wont puke"! HA!!! Still the cutest kids on the planet (along with my other sister and brothers kids) - little biased I know!!!!

Happy Monday Yinz!!!!!!!!!!

A relaxing Sunday

2011-10-05T07:27:00.000-07:00

I spent a relaxing Sunday in Columbus with family the morning after the wedding. We ran to Costco before the Steeler game and this is the carride there....

Here is Brody - my nephew...

And Madely my niece in the car...

Another Madelyn

And another - we were in the car for awhile - HA HA!!!

Back at my sisters for the gam eand the kids got a quick bike ride in...that is Ali my niece on the left...

And Ryan and Kyleigh here...

This is the one minute pose - she needed to go find her helmet

And this is my drive home....the sky looked awesome!!!!

Isn't the sky amazing - my cell phone camera did not do it justice...it was soooooo blue and fluffy and bright!!!

After DC and the wedding it was soooo nice to get home and relax Sunday night!!! A hang out with the fur babies!!!! Here is just one of the arrangements I made with the flowers I got from the wedding...there are three others at home....this is the one that I brought to work to enjoy!!! :-)

Hope you all have an amazing day!!!! It is, after all, the hump day!!!!

And Two Become One

2011-10-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

Someday I will get caught up on these posts and they will be current -HA!!! Too much going on lately...

On Saturday Michelle Wolfe and Tyler Amos became Mr.and Mrs. Amos!!!

This is my beautiful cousin that got married this past Saturday in Columbus...

Before the ceremony...

Mr. and Mrs. Amos

First dance at the reception

Lower centerpieces...

High centerpieces...either a high or a low was at every table - these flowers were amazing!!! I took a high one home and turned it into four separate centerpieces...beautiful!!!

The cake - YUM!!!! Spice cake!

My borther and sister in law posing...

Mom and Dad!!!

My Uncle Tim (birdes father) and two of his grandson's...

After their first dance....

Cutting the cake

Father/daughter dance

Another angle

Sister in law singing to my brother while they dance - scary hugh???? She was hillarious!

This is the brides cousin, Yamilet, dancing with the flower girl (the brides niece Ryleigh) - loved this picture!!!

This is my dad and mom dancing the anniversary dance...they say sit down if you have been married less than 1 year...sit down if you have been married less than 5 years - etc....last couple dancing wins...guess what?!?!?!?

Dad and Mom won!!! They celebrated 46 years together this September and they were married longest of an other couple there!!! I am sooo proud of who they are and the example they set for me EVERYDAY!!! I love you both sooo much!!!

All in all, it was an amazing wedding and it was sooooooo nice to see how in love they are - they are a perfect match and I hope they remain happily together for all time!!

Thanks for inviting me to your special day!! It was fabulous!!!

Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Tyler Amos!!!!!

Annster's Domain

Hospital :-(

Thursday at Training in Tempe

Wednesdays Class Update - Live from Tempe, AZ

Tuesday at Training

Sunday - Day 1 - Part 1

Monday - Day One of Class

Sunday - Day 1 - Part 2

Friend Me...My Llamo es "annsterw" on Fitness Pal

Thai Lunch

Update Monday

Randomness

WWTK Wednesday

Someone noticed!!

Workout Weekend

Another One Bites the Dust....

Random Eleven

Wednesday workout

Food Choices

Boring Workout...Misc Life

The sad, lost water bottle

Back to the Arctic

Back To Reality

Almost Time to go Home - Thursday

Day Four - Wednesday - Class and Customer Service

Day Three - Tuesday - Hike with the Class

Day Two - Training Begins - Monday

Heaven on Earth...Valley of the Sun

Jackson's Mill

~~~~HAPPY BIRTHDAY KYLEIGH~~~~

West By-God Virginia

Misc Daily Life

I Call For a Re-Start

Men Suck!

Great start to 2012

Merry Christmas

Merry Awkward Christmas

Weekend Catch-up

Cant We All Just Get Along?!?!?!

15 Year Anniversary

Happy Anniversary "G"

Christmas Questionaire

Goin' on a man-hunt

25 Days of Christmas - Day 4

25 Days of Christmas - Day 3

25 Days of Christmas - Day 2

Entreme Grossness

Strugglin'

Winner of the My Memories Software Giveaway!

Shutterfly - Holiday Cards Galore!

November Birchbox

Don't miss my giveaway

FMM - Dating

Lights, already?

My Memories Suite Software Giveaway

Halloween in Ohio

Haloween 2011

WWTKW Q&A!

Smooshed

22 Things I HAVE done...

Gifts coming soon!

Pumps and Chicks

WWTKW

PUMPKINS carve-a-thon

TGIF

Birchbox October

!!!Swapoween!!!

We Want to Know Wednesday

Hodge Podge of Halloweeny Stuff and 1 Mean Driver

A relaxing Sunday

And Two Become One

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KYLEIGH