30 Days of Truth - day 20

Day 20 → Your views on drugs and alcohol
  I have a zero tolerence on drugs, think they're pointless.  Alcohol I'm okay with as long as people don't abuse it and are of legal drinking age.  I'd say about 90% of the calls we get at work involving any type of fight, someone involved has been drinking.  Too me, this is abusive of alcohol.  If you get to the point where you're acting like a fool, then you've had too much to drink.

30 days of truth - Days 18 & 19

Oh boy, these are getting hard...

 

Day 18 → Your views on gay marriage.

     I'm against it.  I believe that biblical marriage should be between a man and a woman and this country was founded on Christian beliefs.  Now, that being said, I'm fine if they allow for domestic partnerships.  But I also think they should allow partnerships for male/female couples that choose not to be married either, so they, too, can have benefits.  I don't believe it's fair to allow a gay couple receive benefits through domestic partnership, but not male/female couples.

 

Day 19 → What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?

     I believe in God, Creator of Heaven and Earth.  You can call it a religion if you want, but I like to think of it as Faith.

Five Question Friday - crazy tv watching, Christmas shopping fly

Thank you Mama M for this week's Five Question Friday questions!


1. If you could be a fly on any wall, which would you choose?
Oooo, tough question - so many times I've wanted to be a fly on a wall in different rooms.  But if I had to pick just one...


Ok I skipped the question and still can't think of just one wall...


My husband went with Living Room - I have no idea why.


I guess I'd want to be on the wall where all the admin at work meet.  I'm curious what goes on in their minds sometimes.  Some things just don't make any sense.

2. Do you budget your Christmas shopping or just get it done without budgeting?


Normally I don't budget, but do to current economical circumstances in our house, we're definitely going to have to budget this year.  I don't think I'm going to be really specific, I'm just going to do 1 number for everything, presents, decorations, etc.  It's probably better for us to do it this way anyhow.

3. What is the craziest fad diet you have ever done?

     I've done 2 "fad" diets in my life; Weight Watchers and NutriSystem.  Weight Watchers, I believe, falls in the normal category for diets; NutriSystem isn't necessarily crazy, but I'll say it's the craziest.  The food was not that good.

4. Is there a TV show that you have seen every episode/season of?
   Sad, but there's several...


Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice and I think I've seen all the One Tree Hills.

5. What one song always pulls at your heart?


I have 2...


Ocean Song by Jessica McLean - Our wedding song that has been a part of our life since the begining.


You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban - I used this song at my wedding for my father/daughter dance.  Almost 3 years later, my dad re-dedicated it to me on a DVD he made for my 30th birthday.  Even brings a tear to my husband's eye.

30 Days of Truth - Days 14, 15, 16 & 17

Ugh, wow! My goal of staying on top of my 30 days of truth did not work out this weekend (Tues-Thurs). So, here I go again with a make-up; completing days 14, 15, 16 & 17.

Day 14 → A hero that has let you down. (letter)

    Hmmm, again with the letter thing.  I'm just going to tell a story.  I had a person I looked up to when I first started working in law enforcement.  This was back when I was very naive, which is how everyone is when they first start.  I looked up to this person, as s/he was my superior and had always taught me so many things.  Well, I knew a little about this person's family life; he was married and had at least 1 son.  Low and behold how disappointed I was when I saw him one day holding hands with another woman.  I knew this person wasn't his wife because it was another person who worked with us.  I was devastated.  I had trusted this person. 

     Well, I've gotten over it.  I've learned that almost all police officers cheat on their spouses (someday I'll write a book about my theories on why this happens).  I still consider this person a "hero" and truly wish I still worked with him.  God says we're not supposed to judge others; that's up to Him.  So I'm not going to judge why he did what he did.

Day 15 → Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.

     Hmmm, I can't think of anything that I've tried living without.


I guess the only thing that I can think of is my job.  That's sad to say.  


     When I was attending college, I worked at the University Police Department as a student assistant and court liaison.  I processed reports, took them down to the District Attorney's Office, I unlocked doors for professors, etc.  Well, I had to quit at one point because I needed to make more money to be able to pay for college.  So I left and got a full-time job doing technical customer service for Cidco (the original caller ID company).  Well, I missed working for the police department SO much.  I eventually left my normal full-time job and went back to temporarily being a Student Assistant while I waited for my background to be completed for a full-time 911 dispatcher position at the University Police Department.  I eventually got the full-time job, was able to finish obtaining my degree at almost next to nothing cost wise and now, 10 years later, I'm still a 911 dispatcher.

Day 16 → Someone or something you definitely could live without.


     I'm sure I could live without any one of my guilty pleasures; pizza, ice cream, scrapbooking accessories, etc.

Day 17 → A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.

     I recently read 29 Gifts: How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life by Cami Walker.  It truly was an inspiring book.  Cami is battling MS and instead of dwelling on the pain and issues she's experiencing, she gets some advise to give 29 gifts in 29 days.  She takes charge of this challenge and truly comes out feeling better on the other side.  I'm not certain if I would be up for this challenge, but I believe I understand the overall meaning of the book.


Ok, again, I'm going to try really hard to keep on top of my postings for 30 days of Truth.  I only have 15 days left; I'm half way done!

Top Ten Tuesday - Christmas Already?

Thank you Amanda & The Diaper Diaries for this week's Top Ten Tuesday suggestions!

I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one already starting to think about Christmas.  I've been looking at different present options for my son and I've already started creating our yearly calendars to give as presents to our family.  I've looked a little bit at cards.  Last year we ordered from Tiny Prints and in the past we've ordered from Kodak.  BUT, I just learned tonight that Shutterfly has over 700 to choose from; 700!

So, here's my top 10 choices...feel free to leave a comment on which one you like the best.  *note - the pictures shown are not of my family :o)

This one is my favorite so far.  I first saw it on The Diaper Diaries post and voted it as one of t1e ones she should pick for her own card.

Oh Holy Night is my husband's favorite Christmas song, which is why I picked this one.

The swirly things attracted me this this one.

This was the other one I liked on  The Diaper Diaries' list of choices.  I liked the colors and the headline at the top.

I'm always tempted to do a newsletter or something of that sort, giving a brief synopsis of what's happened over the year.  So I like this one because I'm able to give a little blurp about each family member.  I'd have to include the 2 kitties as one of the pictures; it might be hard to get a picture of them together.

 This one again has my thoguht of doing a yearly synopsis of what's gone on; ute that each month would have a picture.  But, I kinda do this with the family calenders we give.

 I like the colors in the Celebrate Family heading.

 I could also do an ornament for people to hang on their tree.  Might be weird for non-family members though.

I'm also considering doing a Christmas magnet.  Different than the traditional Christmas cards.  People might like this.

Go here to see Shutterfly's options for cards.  They also have Thanksgiving cards and if you order now, you could probably even get some Halloween cards too!

Well, if you've made it this far, I've got great news.  I learned on The Diaper Diaries blog that you could possibly get 50 free cards from shutterfly.  Go here to submit your blog.  Select Clever 1000 as your referal source.  

Meet Me on Monday

1.  Do you sleep with a night light on?
    Technically yes, several.  We have 1 in the each bathroom, in the hallway and throughout the entire house.  My husband likes to have them for the cats to see ;o)

2.  What do yo drink with dinner?
     If I'm at work usually it's water.  At home, I'll have kool-aid with my little guy (made with splenda of course!)

3.  Do you play the lottery?  If so, how often?
No, don't play.

4.  How often do you go to the grocery store?
Usually once a week.  My 21 month old goes through 2 gallons of milk on his own!

5. Would you rather travel back in time 500 years or travel forward 500 years?
Neither, I'll just leave in the present.

30 Days of Truth - Days 11, 12 & 13

Gosh, I'm lagging on my 30 days of truth posts.  It's been a hard work week; working late and getting up early.  I've been exausted.  So, I'll do days 11, 12 & 13 here.

Day 11 → Something people seem to compliment you the most on
     The only thing I can think of off hand is that I get complimented on being good at my job.  It takes a special person to be able to multi-task like we do in the 911 center.  I remember learning a static once about dispatchers and officers and the percentage of people who can do our job, but I can't remember the specifics, so I can't cite it.  I'm going to have to do some research and post it later.

Day 12 → Something you never get compliments on.
     So, this makes me think I'm supposed to say something that I think I deserve to get compliments on.  That seems awfully self-centered.  I truthfully don't think I can answer this.  I can't come up with anything that I think I deserve to get complimented on. 

Day 13 → A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough days. (write a letter.)
     So, am I supposed to write a letter to the band?  Like, Dear so and so, you helped me...
Um, okay. I don't know if any particular band has gotten me through tough days, but music usually does.  And depending on the type of day I've had will depend what puts me in a better mood.  Sometimes it could be Rock, or a little R&B, or some Christian Music.  Just overall depends on what's going on in my life or honestly just what comes on the radio.

Okay, so I'm going to try and continue to keep up with my postings.  At least through my days off :o)

Five Question Friday

1. Who is the better cook, you or your spouse?
     I laughed when I read this question.
Ask my husband what he's good at making and he'll tell you, "I make a mean bowl of cereal".  I'm not a very talented cook; I have to have a recipe in front of me in order to have something turn out well.  But I'm definitely better than my husband.

2. How often do you talk to your mom?
     I'd say on average almost every other day.  We drifted a part for a while, but pretty much ever since my son was born, we became close again.  It's nice, I enjoy being able to call her and pretty much talk about nothing.

3. Are you adventurous in the kitchen or stick to the recipe?
     As I mentioned in question #1, I must stick to the recipe.  Bad things would happen if I didn't.

4. Is your second toe longer than your big toe?
    I have to look...
Nope, on both feet, they're smaller.

5. Do you dress up for Halloween? (Bonus question: What will you be this year?)
     No.  I can't remember the last time I did; probably when I was in high school.  My son though is going to be a cute little monster.  Although, no on will probably know it because he refuses to wear anything on his head, so he won't be wearing the head piece that came with his costume.  Maybe someday I'll wear a costume again, perhaps as part of a family costume piece.

30 Days of Truth - Day 10

Day 10 → Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.

I can't think of anyone I wish I didn't know.  If those who have done wrong to me have a purpose in this world.  God has us know everyone and gives us different situations for a reason.  We may not understand that now, but we must put our trust in the Lord.  I'm putting my trust in Him; therefore, there's no one I wish I didn't know.  

30 Days of Truth - Day 09

Day 09 → Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.


I think I can say this about all my friends.  They've all seem to have drifted.  Every once in a while, we chat and catch up, but being that I'm the only one with a kid, it's hard to get together as often as we used to.  Plus, my best friend lives in San Antonio, Texas now and my other good friend lives in Hoboken, New Jersey.  I don't like that they've drifted, but I like that when we finally get a chance to chat or get together, it's as if we haven't been a part.  That's how I know they're my true friends.
I miss you gals and love you all very much!

Wordless Wednesday

30 Days of Truth - Day 08

Day 08 → Someone who made your life hell, or treated you bad


Currently, my boss makes my life hell.  I dread going to work, which is sad because I like what I do.  But it's hard when you have a boss who doesn't understand or know what to work the job she's supervising.  Makes no sense to me.  It's also hard when the boss plays favorites and is so obvious about it, people in other units see it.
That's the short version of my vent.  Trust me, I could go on and on.  Needless to say, life is currently difficult right now.  I very much wish I could be a stay at home mom.


Maybe someday...

Top Ten Tuesday - stuff coming up

Thanks Amanda for this week's list!

Time to take out the calendar to see what's coming up
1.  This week we have school with my little guy.  Every Wednesday for 2 hours.  It's a co-op, so the parents attend and participate as well.  We're lucky enough that both myself and hubby can attend.

2.  MOPS

MOPS is a Christian Ministry I attend at Central Peninsula Church. We meet everyother Thursday for 2 hours.  It's a great group.  We're all mothers of children under the age of 5, but we have Mentor Moms whose children are older (up to adult age even).  I love being a part of this group and look forward to going so much.

3.

ok, we'll maybe not the Great Pumpkin, but Halloween is just around the corner.  I'm hoping my little guy is somewhat interested in going out this year.  I kinda of doubt it though, he'll just think we're going out for a walk I'm sure.

4.

For unto us a child is born

Christmas - Are you already planning?  I am...I haven't started buying yet though, still making my list.

5.  My 3 year wedding anniversary - I still need to figure out what to get hubby

6.  Thanksgiving

gobble gobble

7.  Hubby's birthday - another gift I need to figure out

8.  My little guy's birthday - I can't believe he'll be 2 in January.  Time sure does fly by.

9.  My birthday - 8 days after my little guy's.

10.  Cuteness - I couldn't think of a #10, but there's always cuteness coming up with my little guy around.  Just look at him! 

30 Days of Truth - Day 07

Yahoo, I've gone 1 whole week!!
Day 07 → Someone who has made your life worth living

My son.  I couldn't imagine life without him.  I have so much love for him, it's amazing.  Everything about him makes me so happy.  Ok, almost everything - the temper is hard to deal with at times.  But he really is my joy.

Meet Me on Monday

So, my normal blog to get my Monday questions didn't have them today, so I'm going to have to make do on my own.  I found these from an older Meet me on Monday post.

1.  What one food could you eat everyday? Pasta - pretty much any type



2. Do you wear glasses or contacts? Neither

3. What kind of cell phone do you have? iPhone 3G

4. What did you have for dinner last night?  Brisket that I cooked all day in the crock pot. 

5. Which is your favorite, Reese's or Snickers?  Snickers

30 Days of Truth - Day 06

Day 06 → Something you hope you never have to do.

Say "goodbye" to my son.

Enough said.

30 Days of Truth - Day 05

Day 05 → Something you hope to do in life

Ok, so I have a lot I could say here, but I'll go with the one that has been on my mind the most lately...I hope to eventually become a stay at home mom.  I'm really struggling with this one lately; to the point where I cry at night at times.  I think I would be better with working if my schedule wasn't so all over the place and if my work didn't give me grief about having schedule difficulties with my nanny(ies).  So, hopefully someday in the near future we'll be able to afford it or I'll find another job.  Only the Lord will tell...

30 Days of Truth - Day 04

Day 04 → Something you have to forgive someone for
     I need to forgive my hubby for his consistent leaving empty boxes/containers in the pantry and/or refrigerator.
I'll forgive him, but does that mean I have to stop giving him grief about it?

Five Question Friday - to fold, or not to fold

1. What is your favorite Halloween candy?
Hmm, a halloween specific candy that I like...I'm having trouble thinking of Halloween candy specifically. The only one I can think of is candy corn and I don't like those.  Ok, so since I can't think of any candy that is only available during Halloween, I'm just going to go with my favorite candy in general, which is...

Peanut Butter M&M's

2. Do you fold your socks?
Well, technically hubby does the laundry.  He's the best I tell ya!  Although, I probably shouldn't mention that I'm pretty much banned from doing laundry, which is why he does it.  He likes some of his clothes hung dry and I can never remember which ones, so he banned me.
Anyhow, my socks aren't folded entirely, just the tops of them so that they stay as pairs.

3. What is something that you wish you had been warned about?
How dirty my new carpets would get with a kid.  When we bought our home this past January, the carpets were pretty new, the living room was brand new since we had it put it.  And now...oh gosh, they look awful.  I'm trying to convince hubby to put hardwood in so that we aren't having to consistently get the carpets cleaned.  He's not a fan, but I think I'm getting closer to convincing him.

4. What is the most significant difference between you and your significant other?
How much "space" we give our son.  I'm pretty free about letting him run around at school by himself and my husband is pretty much the opposite.

5. What are 3 words you would use to describe yourself?
  "Mama" - that's what my son calls me :o)
   creative - at least I try to be
   "hunny" - that's what my hubby calls me <3

I tried asking hubby to participate, but he was too into The O'Reilly Show to comment.

30 Days of Truth - Day 03

Day 03 - Something you have to forgive yourself for.


Hmmm, don't know if there's anything I can think of.  It really shouldn't be me asking myself for forgiveness, more of asking Him for forgiveness.  And if that's what we're talking about, then there's always a list of things that I'm asking Him to forgive me for: not being patient enough, saying that curse word, etc.  I could go on and on.
God is wonderful at forgiving and even more wonderful to talk to.  Something I need to remember from time to time.
Here's a good verse I found about how God forgives us and doesn't want us to have excess baggage.  So , go on, give Him a call (figuratively speaking) and ask for that forgiveness.


Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.  Matthew 11:28-30

Wordless Wednesday

My annual pumpkin picture 2010

Taken at Farmer John's Pumpkin Patch

30 Days of Truth - Day 02

Day 02 → Something you love about yourself.


My family.  I have the greatest family I could have ever dreamed about.  My son, who is currently 21 months old, is the sweetest guy I know.  He's smart, funny and adorable.  My husband is my best friend, I've known him for 7 years now.  We became best friends before dating, which we'll tell anybody, was the best thing ever.  God brought us together and had such a wonderful plan for doing it.  His plan now is turning out to be pretty darn good too!  I can't forget my kitties, they're my family too.  There's Tux, she's 14 years old.  I've had her since she was a kitten and she's my baby girl.  And there's Hurley, adopted by my husband when Hurley was about 1 year old; he's now 6.  He can be quite a handful, but he's also so sweet.

Hubby & my son - what I love about me

30 Days of Truth - Day 01

So, here my truthful journey begins, with day 01.

Day 01 → Something you hate about yourself.

I hate to say there's a lot to choose from, but there seems to be.  I can say that I hate that I'm not able to attend church on Sunday.  It truly stinks being low on seniority and being stuck working weekends.  My pastors (present and past) have always told my husband and I that we are doing God's work by working in law enforcement, but some days are harder than others.

I could say something superficial, like I hate my current weight or some of my recent "mommy" additions to my body (belly pooch - just to mention 1).

I could go on and on with different things, but I'll just stick to those 2.  And to be completely truthful (since that is the theme here), I don't necessarily hate these 2 things, just strongly dislike.  My dad always taught me hate is a very strong word.

30 Days of Truth

I discovered this awesome challenge at Jeremiah 29:11's blog, which, by the way, is an awesome blog to check out.  I thought I'd take the challenge.  So, for the next 30 days (I'll really try to post everyday), I'll share some truth.

Here's the game plan:

Day 01 → Something you hate about yourself.

Day 02 → Something you love about yourself.

Day 03 → Something you have to forgive yourself for.

Day 04 → Something you have to forgive someone for.

Day 05 → Something you hope to do in life.

Day 06 → Something you hope you never have to do.

Day 07 → Someone who has made your life worth living.

Day 08 → Someone who made your life hell, or treated you bad.

Day 09 → Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.

Day 10 → Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.

Day 11 → Something people seem to compliment you the most on.

Day 12 → Something you never get compliments on.

Day 13 → A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough days. (write a letter.)

Day 14 → A hero that has let you down. (letter)

Day 15 → Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.

Day 16 → Someone or something you definitely could live without.

Day 17 → A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.

Day 18 → Your views on gay marriage.

Day 19 → What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?

Day 20 → Your views on drugs and alcohol.

Day 21 → (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?

Day 22 → Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.

Day 23 → Something you wish you had done in your life.

Day 24 → Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)

Day 25 → The reason you believe you’re still alive today.

Day 26 → Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?

Day 27 → What’s the best thing going for you right now?

Day 28 → What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?

Day 29 → Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.

Day 30 → A letter to yourself, tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself

I'll start Day 01 on a new post, so stay tuned!

Meet Me on Monday - a new weekly post

I found a new weekly post topic for Mondays - Meet Me on Monday.  I linked to it from Mamma Kerr's blog, who found it here.  It works the same way was my other weekly posts; Top Ten Tuesday and Five Question Friday.  So, let's Meet Me On Monday (since I have 10 minuutes left in Monday)

1. Do your pants get hung on a hangar or folded? When I actually put my clothes away (I'm so bad about doing that), they're hung up in the closet.
2. If you are stranded on an Island, what 3 things would you need to have with you (not including humans or electronic devices)? Surfboard, sunscreen and a good book 
3. Where is the farthest you have ever traveled to? Italy
4. Do you live in a house, trailer or apartment, etc.? townhome
5. What is your most hated household chore? Cleaning up after my almost 2 year old son because it's back to being a mess the next day

Thanks for Meeting Me this Monday!

Showing Off

Just showing off a little art project my son completed a while back.  I had forgotten about it since it was on my scanner waiting to be scanned into the computer.
I truly enjoy doing art projects with my little guy.  This one he was able to do easily since the foam pieces already had adhesive on the back.  I have a couple ideas for some other fall and Thanksgiving themed projects, I'm just hoping they work out! :o)  So, for this post, I'm just showing off!  I know, I'm a typical mom.

Five Question Friday

1.  What do you listen to while driving? 

Usually it's the radio, but when hubby is in the car it's politics (ugh) and sometimes when little guy is in the car we'll listen to Baby Einstein or Veggie Tales.

2.  What is your least favorite thing about Fall? 

Can there really be a favorite thing about fall?  I love the fall; the smells, the colors, the holidays. 

But if I have to pick something, I guess I'll go with the fact that I have to take down all the decorations.  I don't mind putting them up, but I hate having to take them down and put them away.  Too bad I can't keep up the decorations all year long.  At least, I can leave my pumpkins up thru 2 holidays.

3.  What does your dream house look like, inside and out?

On the beach...

4 bedroom, 3 baths

backyard big enough for kiddos to play

Most importantly....it would have a red front door.  I LOVE red front doors, always wanted one.

4.  Would you ever own a minivan?

Nope....Never.   Sorry MamaM, I'm in love with my Highlander, so much that I traded my old one in for a new one.

5.  Do you wash new clothes before wearing them?

Honestly, not usually.  But after reading MamaM's post about how a certain store sprays insecticides on the clothes before shipping, I think I'm going to have to change my answer.

Even though today is the start of my work week, have a happy weekend!

Top Ten Tuesday - Top Ten Favorite Restaurants

This week's Top Ten Tuesday is my favorite Top Ten Restaurants.  Oh Amanda gave her top ten Disney World restaurants, but since I'm not in Disney World, I decided to do something a little different.






My Top Ten Favorite Restaurants

1. Half Moon Bay Brewing Company 
This was the restaurant hubby took me here for our first date.  It's such a special place for us.  They even catered our wedding and we had our rehearsal dinner there.  It's such a wonderful place and has excellent food!

2. In-N-Out Burger 

Single, spread only.  Fries with spread on them.  I love it!!!





3. New Canton
This is my new favorite local Chinese restaurant.  We had been searching for quite some time and took a chance with this one based on reviews we had read.  It is delicious!  The food isn't greasy like typical Chinese food, but has same great taste.  Best part?  They deliver - and are always so fast and quick.

4. Tokie's
Our favorite Japanese restaurant close to home.  The staff is friendly and super nice.  Our son loves the noodles that come in the Miso soup and the one and only sushi roll I get has the same name as my husband :)




5. Pasta Pomodoro 
When my girls are in town, this is the place we go.  It's not expensive, but the food is good.

My last choices aren't very exciting, they're more just fast food probably (not that In-N-Out wasn't).

6. Togo's - my usual place to grab a sandwich while I'm at work

7.  Wendy's - Our usual family place to grab food if we're out, don't want to cook, etc.

8. Pizza - we're still in search of a new pizza place.  We used to use Round Table, but I think they've changed something in their recipe within last several years because it never sits well anymore.  So, we're on the hunt for a new place.

9. Taco Bell - haven't been there in a while, but it's easy and good.

10. Dream Dinners
Ok, so it's not a restaurant, but I couldn't come up with another one for #10 and I love going to Dream Dinners.  A friend at work told me about this and I've been going once a month for the last year.  It's so easy - pick you meals, go there and put meals together, store in freezer, take out when you want to cook them and voila, home cooked meal.  To meal, the cost makes sense.  Never heard of it, check it out and see if there's one near you!