Running and cracking knuckles

I've started something I said I would never do - I started running. Granted, I can't run far or for a long period of time yet, but I'm working on it. Michele has tried and tried to get me to run with her for awhile and I always told her that the only way I would run was if Jason (you know Hockey Mask Jason from the horror movies) or some other bugger was chasing me. But, my friend Pam has been running a bit, and since I hate to be left out of anything (Pam and I walk together almost daily), I decided to start running with her. I totally give into peer pressure too easily. Ha! I'm on day three and I can already tell a difference. I was able to go farther and not be AS out of breath as I was on day one. I think Pam and I would like to "train" to do a run/walk sometime later in the year. We walk 3 miles pretty much Monday-Friday (weather permitting of course) and run/jog/gasp desperately for air for about the last 600 yards - it's basically from one marker to the next on the track. I know that doesn't sound like a long way, but trust me.....it is! My goal is to run the entire track by my birthday. We'll see if that happens. Wish me luck - I love to exercise but running has NEVER been my thing, but I figured if Pam could do it, so could I and so far, she's been a great motivator to keep me at it.

Oh, on top of running, I'm trying to break probably my worst habit - cracking my knuckles. Anyone have any suggestions on how to do this? I check myself doing it without even realizing. My fingers are going to fall off if I don't soon stop!

Happy Brother Bro!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARTIN!!!!!

This is a self portrait he took of himself today - he turns 35 years old. From the looks of it, you would think he feels like it's the end of the world. =) Come on Martin, you're still young! Just not AS young as you used to be. Happy Birthday to the best brother - I just know you're going to appreciate your picture on my blog. =)

I don't agree....

Call me a hard a$$ but I really don't agree w/Michael Phelps getting off scott(?) free. I mean, the sheriff said there was "no proof" he really smoked marijuana out of the bong. HELLO!!! What do you think he was doing with the darn thing? I honestly feel that he should have been held responsible for his actions. He's NOT a kid - he's a 23 year old MAN and in any other circumstance, he would want to be treated like a man. And this wasn't his first offense either folks....no, MP has also gotten out of an ugly DUI charge in the past. *sigh*

I guess I just expect one of the greatest Olympic athletes of our time to try to be a better role model. I know he's not perfect and I don't expect him to be - but come on....use your head! If you're going to do stuff like smoke pot or whatever, at least do it in private and NOT get your picture taken. I mean, how stupid was that?

Anyways, that's just a rant of mine - a friend of mine and I disagree on this subject. She thinks smoking pot is no big deal. I just feel like he should have his head smacked or something. If he kills all his brain cells, he may not remember how to swim. =) And I know....he's not the only one doing it - but as my mom would say, "If all your friends jumped off a bridge, would you too?" Just because he's not the only "celebrity" doing it, doesn't rationalize that he shouldn't have to be held responsible. So what's your opinion? Am I being too hard on good ole Michael Phelps?

Valentine Dance at THA

You HAVE to laugh at Olivia's expression in this picture! I mean, is it obvious or what that she was NOT happy with me taking a picture of her and Cooper on Thursday? =)

THA had their annual Valentine Dance on Thursday. Olivia was sssoooo excited about it because she missed it last year since she supposedly had chicken pox (which I still debate that she actually did). The kids dressed up "fancy" and had a school wide party and all that good stuff. Olivia came home and was so proud that she and Logan actually danced together. Oh, if you don't know about Logan, shoot me an email - those two are sssoo funny. Cooper danced with Ms. Amber - he was so proud of himself! I love Valentine's Day and I really love how THA always has a good time with it.

My two favorite Valentines......

Red

Red toe nail polish makes me feel pretty.

Don't ask - I don't know why, it just does....even though I have on socks and shoes and no one can see my pretty little toes. =)

Oh, Happy Valentine's Day tomorrow! =)

What motivates people?

Am I the only one who thinks Nadya Suleman (octuplets mom) is crazy and out of her mind? I mean, I see online today that there is a "family" website....well, basically it's a home page where the only thing you can do it make a donation. www.thenadyasulemanfamily.com Am I the only one that thinks this is nuts? I mean, don't get me wrong - I think *everyone* is entitled to have as many kids as they want (look at the Duggars), but I think it's NUTSO for a woman to keep having kids just because she's delusional. My own husband came from a "big" family - big in today's standards anyways, he's one of 4 kids. I just feel sad for these little, tiny babies because honestly, how is this woman going to provide for her family of 14? At least the Duggars and Jon and Kate plus 8 can financially care for their brood. I don't know, I have such mixed emotions on this subject. I saw her on tv and thought she talked completely out of her mind. I know it doesn't affect me, but still - at least make a website that is more than a request for a hand-out.

I think I'm just in a weird mood today.

Crazy!

Al and I took the kids to Chuck E Cheese tonight for a birthday party. It was CHAOTIC!!!! I don't like crowds, I don't like bumping into people constantly while trying to keep up with my kids who suddenly have the reflexes of tiny ninjas, and I certainly don't like other people's attitude in that place. *The kids* had a great time (which is the most important thing of course) but I was ready to leave there in like 5 seconds! =) Cooper has been begging us to have his party there this August and I really hope I can talk him out of it by then! LOL What is it about C.E.C that makes kids act totally and completely insane? The funniest part though was when the Chuck E. mascot came out - the kids all but attacked the poor guy. I, of course, steered clear of said mouse because I hate mascots and stuff like that. Something about those things gives me the heebie jeebies. =)~

Nothing much has been going on here - Al and I are debating on spending the night away at the beach or somewhere for Valentine's. I would love to do that but I always feel guilty for leaving the kids behind. They have been driving me nutso lately so I probably wouldn't feel very guilty right now! LOL

Snow day 2

I am honestly amazed that we got snow AGAIN! And I mean, we got a good 2 inches this time! And wouldn't you know that the snow was *worst* this time than last time and they didn't cancel school until I was half way to work. I was not a happy camper (ha ha Katrina) that I had to turn around and go back to get the kids. 151 was HORRID....I had to drive 20 mphs and even fish tailed a little a couple of times. The back roads to Flo town were actually ok. So, the kids are enjoying yet another snow day. This time it's more fun because there is more snow on the ground. I attempted to make a snowman for the kids, but failed miserably. How am I supposed to know how to make a good, solid snowman when I've only seen snow about 8 times in my ENTIRE life. LOL

Cooper trying to run up the slide. He enjoyed the snow much better this time!

Olivia - I think she had just ate some snow here.......

Olivia first thing this morning - I let them run around in the front yard for a few minutes while the car warmed up. My gut told me to stay put at the house but nnoooo.....since when do I listen to my gut? LOL


Cooper

The kids doing what they do best - run around like crazy little chickens. =)

Enjoy the snow!

Random Picture

Just a random picture of me and my friend Becky. She and I have been friends since grade school and she is totally crazy and I love her to death. We had a girls night out with some more friends last Thursday and we had a blast! Becky told the waiter that it was Michele's birthday so of course they sang to her in Spanish (we went to eat Mexican) and she had to take the customary picture with the huge hat on (sorry, my spelling sucks so I know I wouldn't spell that right!). I won't post any of those pictures because I know Michele would KILL me. LOL It was very fun, and definitely something I need to do more often.....Al and I neglect to spend time with our friends and ourselves very often - it was a well deserved, much needed break. Thanks for the good time Becky!

Blog Block?

Could I seriously be suffering from "blog block?" NNaahhh....there just isn't anything new and exciting going on at the moment. I am trying desperately to find a "My Size" Barbie for Olivia's 6th birthday. I still have 2 months before the big day, but from what I'm finding, I'm going to need these 2 months to find one of those darn things! I knew I should have gotten the darn thing at Christmas time! Oh yeah, I can get it off of Ebay for an easy $100! No thanks! I mean, really...they sold in the stores for $40!

OH! Al had the NERVE to pull for Arizona in the Super Bowl. Can you believe that? Has he not learned in the 9 years we've been together that there are three teams I am loyal too no matter what? The Steelers, the Washington Redskins, and the Clemson Tigers. My husband doesn't know me at all. LOL He's very lucky there wasn't a wager because he would be owing me some major $$ right now. I think he pulled for them just to make me mad.....really I do.