101 Things That Make Me Happy

It only took 16 days but I did it. Here it is.

1. My Daughter “The Princess”
2. My Family
3. My Friends
4. Mr. Vamprio
5. My health
6. London
7. Atlanta
8. Books
9. Magazines
10. Kitchen utensils
11. extra firm pillows
12. pillow top mattresses
13. a night-night kiss from The Princess
14. a good morning “I had the weirdest dream” from The Princess
15. tootsie rolls
16. the number 16
17. earrings
18. mommy bloggers
19. freshly ground coffee
20. Venti Peppermint Mocha
21. spiral notebooks
22. super sharp pencils
23. Toyotas
24. cuff links
25. Ma Mere’s baking
26. European chocolate
27. warm homemade cocoa with homemade marshmallows on a cold day
28. sunshine
29. sunrise
30. Johnny Mathis’ Christmas CD
31. pretty journals to write in
32. sleeping in on Sunday mornings
33. the farmers market
34. no traffic on the way home
35. bubble baths
36. sweetened cereal for dinner
37. VF undies
38. tomato soup & a grilled cheese sandwich
39. good hair days
40. a really good sale
41. a good cookbook
42. airplane rides
43. volunteering
44. bingo
45. herb gardens
46. The Krispy Kreme “HOT” sign
47. BBC America
48. Boca Burgers
49. family birthday lunches on Saturdays
50. Origins cola shine lip gloss
51. Burt’s Bees lip shimmer
52. Jergens original scented lotion
53. Cherry Coke
54. my Avon lady
55. freshly baked chocolate chip cookies
56. coupons
57. Mr. Sketch scented markers
58. pecan praline candy
59. fluffer nutter sandwiches
60. writing
61. front/back porches with comfy chairs
62. GWTW Saturdays
63. baking & cooking
64. Egyptian musk body oil
65. the final doze before sleep sets in
66. “just from the dryer” towels & sheets
67. long phone calls with really good friends
68. Twilight Zone marathons
69. 10 healthy nails
70. holiday bonding time with the family
71. a little something extra in your paycheck
72. a warm and fuzzy movie ending
73. a happy number on both the bathroom scale and blood pressure monitor
74. organization
75. great “aha” moments
76. white chocolate
77. the smell of freshly baked bread
78. a good bottle of wine
79. a really good laugh
80. snuggling
81. cheese
82. Sandra Bullock movies
83. The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
84. pajamas
85. my mixer
86. mac-n-cheese
87. funny name text messages
88. “Thank You”
89. “I Love You”
90. singing
91. the feeling after you finish working out
92. a pedicure
93. a GOOD hug
94. the library or a bookstore
95. an unexpected email/letter
96. bare feet (I hate shoes)
97. summer
98. all of the possibilities in my future
99. my life
100. completing lists/being able to check off tasks
101. completing one more thing on my 101 in 1001 days.

Eye Crust

I woke up to a scary sight this morning (no, not Mr. Vampiro - he just sounds scary in the morning). I woke up to the pinkest eyes I have ever seen in my life.

I prepared myself for the worst. I'd have to call out sick Monday and I'd have to make a doctor's appointment. Because I wear contacts, I can't use eyedrops without consulting my doctor so no homeopathic remedies for me.

I couldn't even go back to sleep. Normally an early morning snuggle with the snoring vampire makes me smile but all I could think about were my eyes. What little bugger did this to me? I hadn't been around kids all weekend. Must have been the nasty little monsters in the stores.

I sighed and hauled my invalid self to the family doctor -- Ma Mere. I stumbled in, my eyes feeling heavy and my head even hurting a little bit. Side effects of pink eye, no doubt.

I cried to my mommie. She took a look at me.

   "What tune did y'all go to sleep?"

        "2am."

        "Have you gone to bed before 12 any night since Tuesday?"

        "No."

        "Did you enjoy the new wine you got on Thanksgiving?"

        "Oh yeah. I had a big glass of it last night."

        "You don't have pink eye. You have 'I drank too much and slept too little' eye."

        "But, I have eye crust!"

        "So."

The doctor has spoken. I'm not sure I'm 100% sure but I went home none-the-less.

I'll take better care of myself from now on. I'll sleep better and drink less.

Now excuse me. This coffee needs a little 'somethin somethin' in it.

Happy Black Friday

I decided to stay home this year...well this morning. I did go out but I waited until after 12pm. I didn't wake up at the butt crack of dawn and stand in the cold trying to get a good deal on stuff. I have done that in the past but this year I was simply too tired. Preparing for Thanksgiving wore me out!

Instead, I dozed in my warm bed until about 9:30am, made some coffee, had some oatmeal and snuck kisses from Mr. Vampiro. But once the sun warmed the earth just a bit more, the royal family went out into the world and helped dig us out of the recession.

Well, half of the royal family. The Princess was more than happy to stay at home with The Arteest. She knew that this trip began the Christmas shopping that would end up in tons of goodies under the twinkling lights of a blue and silver decorated tree all for her. I never have to worry about her wanting to come shopping. She knows that her reward will come 28 days from now.

And, we helped the recession, but not by much. We picked up $2 and $5 movies and other little odds and ends. The three of us combined might have spent $80. Sorry economy -- we have to watch our pennies.

But Cyber Monday will come along in a few days and I'll spend maybe another $100 or so. And the days leading up to Christmas will have purchases as well. Don't worry. I'll do my part to stimulate the economy. Economy, you are welcome.

101 in 1001- Host A Movie Night

It happens every year without fail. After the Thanksgiving dishes have been cleared and the external royal family members have gone home (or we have left their castles headed back to our own), we sit down for one of our many bonding times.

Normally our National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation movie viewing happens at Ma Mere's house. This year she was too tired so I hosted it. Yes it meant having the bonding time without Ma Mere but she was there in spirit. We passed out dessert (pineapple upside down cake - thanks sis) and eggnog and pushed play.

We've seen this movie at least 20 times and a few times were in the middle of summer. We know most of the lines verbatim and we each have a favorite part ("Oh wait! This is Ma Mere's favorite part. Watch). None of this stops us from laughing our fool heads off. If you haven't see Christmas Vacation, you really need to watch it with your family (it's PG13. The Princess did not watch it). If you don't laugh like crazy, well...I can't really help you.

I've never said that I come from normal people. Oh no, no, no. I come from loony stock. I'm glad that the royal family has a weird, crazy side. The annual watching of Christmas Vacation is just one of the things that we do that bonds us. This year was no exception.

I'm working on several "101 things in 1001 days". It's not as easy as it sounds (well, I guess that was kinda the point).

I like the fact that I made a list and published it. It holds me accountable. It makes me want to do better -- be better. It makes me want to hurry up and finish 10 things just to prove I'm really doing something. I keep a copy of the list posted near my desk at home and a copy in my purse. Every time I do something little towards something on my list, I pull it out and make notes. It gives me a really warm feeling.

So...what have I been working on? I'm so glad you asked!


Blog 75% of the 1001 days - (8/16) 50%, not good. I'm working on it.

Develop a skin care regime - I've been studying my skin. I went to my Clinique lady, found out what she recommended and then went to my Avon lady and bought it.

Cook 35 new dinners - (1) It's a start.

Comment on 72 random blogs - (8) I didn't want them to be frivolous. I wanted them to be meaningful. It's easy to comment on just any 72!

Host a movie night - It's planned. I'll let you know next week how it goes!!

List 101 things that make me happy - (68)

Read 72 books - I'm working on 2. I'm almost done with one. AND I joined a book club.

Watch 10 complete BBC series - (1) Mapp & Lucia - nothing exciting. Typical British humor, but I liked it (it was British, duh!).

Save $1.00 per day - ($16) actually I put in a $20 when I got paid. It's easier and I'll save more.

Complete 101 random acts of kindness (1)

Of course there are other things that I am working on (in my mind). I have several recipes that I have written down and I'm keeping my eye out for the juicer to go on sale. I think I'm going to reward myself with something for each 10 items I finish. Not something big, something little. Maybe a pedicure or something. Yeah, I'll let you know.

Have you been working on YOUR 101? Did you even start? Get busy. After you write it and begin working toward the finish line, you'll feel really good.

It's STILL the most wonderful time of the year!

In case you haven't caught the subtle hints in my posts, I LURVE the holidays! I have made out my turkey day shopping list (which does not include a turkey but does include a tofurky roast and a mushroom gravy). I pulled out my big girl pants (the ones with the elastic waist) and dropped my pie plates off at my mother's house (they will be filled with sweet potato goodness when I pick them back up).

About this time every year, The Princess sets in to holiday mode too. Her only thoughts are, "When can we put up the Christmas Tree", "When are we gonna make cake/pie/cookies", and "Can we turn to the log channel?"

On Thanksgiving day, we deck the halls with garland and homemade Christmas snow flakes. I pull out the candle holders and holiday trinkets and we always put up our little tree. It's a little 3 foot tree with smaller ornaments and twinkling chaser lights. Since The Princess was a baby, twinkling lights have been soothing to her. I could have them up all year and have a peaceful, calm child. Hmmm....

Then I pull out the holiday cookie cutters. At last count (and it's probably really off) I have about 250 cookie cutters. I've divided them into plastic bags by holiday. The Princess pulls out all of the Thanksgiving and Christmas ones and we go to down rolling out dough and making cookies galore. Between work, holiday visitors and late night nibbling, the 144 cookies that the recipe yields will be gone in no time.

Do I need to tell you about the "log channel"? The Princess discovered the channel that broadcasts the Christmas yuletide log about 4 years ago and has gotten a kick out of it ever since. She insists on having the channel on anytime company comes over. She takes the time to explain to each person (it doesn't matter if she told you last year) that it isn't a real fire--it's only a TV channel. Hey, it's the little things right?

If I don't chat with you before, have a Happy Thanksgiving. Don't eat too much and don't spend too much Friday.

Yeah right!

MOVIE REVIEW - The Blindside

I must begin by saying I love anything Sandra Bullock is in. I think she is a great actress. If she's in a movie, I am going to go see it. That being said, I drug my cousin to the movies and made her watch The Blindside with me. OMG! It was a really great "feel good" movie! Quinton Aaron (Michael Oher) and Sandra Bullock (Leigh Anne Tuohy) did a great job and Kathy Bates (Miss Sue), Tim McGraw (Sean Tuohy) added that something extra to the movie.

There is a little bit of football in the movie (not much) but enough to get a little football buzz. There's also so very funny/cute moments in the movie that caused a giggle or two in the theatre.

I definitely recommend putting it on your "to do" list this Thanksgiving while you have some down time (in between eating the fourth slice of pie and heading to the mall!). You can take older kids but I don't know that they will be interested. It's a great date night movie because any guy that's into sports should know who Michael Oher is and all girls will love the "warm and fuzzy feeling" that you get.

(SIDE BAR - My cousin and I went to see this movie during "darktime" and paid full price! I NEVER pay full price. I always go to the matinee and pay $5.50 - not a penny more. AND if cut into time with Mr. Vampiro. This movie was totally worth it and Mr. Vampiro wasn't mad or anything).

8.5 out of 10 supermommie stars

These are a few of my favorite things!!

I've begun working on the 101 things that make me happy. Honestly, writing the list was making me happy. Just taking the time to sit back and think of all of the simple things in life that bring me joy made my day better. The Princess, My Friends and Family, pecan praline candy -- all of those things make me deliriously happy. Because you and I are still in the "getting to know you phase", I thought I'd go over some of the quirkier things that make me happy.

White Cloud Bathroom Tissue- Obviously I have a delicate butt and it calls for delicate tissue. White Cloud does the trick. Oh, I'll use other stuff in a pinch, but I prefer the softness of White Cloud.

Freshly Ground Coffee - This isn't really quirky because everyone knows that there is nothing better than the smell of coffee that has just been ground. The aroma will tell you just how good the first cup will be.

European Chocolate - I know that we have Cabdury's chocolate here in the US but for some reason, British Cadbury's chocolate is soooo much better. I think there must be something they add that we can't add or perhaps we use corn syrup and they use sugar. Whatever the reason, European chocolate tastes better.

The Krispy Kreme "HOT" sign - Good Lord, there is nothing better! I will make a U-turn in the middle of a crowded street (along with other people) to get a hot KK donut! When they are hot it's two for one -- you can eat two of them but only add the calories of one. It's the truth!! I promise!!

Mr. Sketch scented markers - Cherry is my favorite, then grape. How can you not love them? You highlight a word and then the smell of fruity goodness.

I'm not finished with my list. I'm only on #55. I'll let you know when I'm done!

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

I picked up extra sugar, butter and flour last night! You know what that means -- let the baking season begin! I love the holidays. Johnny Mathis Christmas CD, the yule log channel on the TV, egg nog spiked with southern comfort, and lots and lots of treats to eat.

Ma Mere is the head baker in our family. The rest of us take from her and put our own spin on things. We can all make a sweet potato pie, but why in the heck would we want to? We have to measure and stuff, and Ma Mere knows exactly how much of what to put in. She can look at the color of the mixture and tell if it's sweet enough. Ahhhh. I can taste it now. Homemade crust all crumbly, warm and sweet pie mixture set firmly inside...perhaps I'll do my part and make homemade whipped creme to go on top.

This year, I plan to bake until the house smells of nothing but cinnamon and nutmeg (without having to use candles). The folks at work will be so happy cause I'm gonna take most of it in. The Princess will help taste the food and will put up lights everywhere. In my house, we decorate for every holiday. No matter what the occasion, it looks like the decoration fairy came and threw up in our little bitty living space. Beautiful.

So just picture it folks -- the room is backlit with beautiful green, red, blue and orange Christmas tree lights. The TV is tuned to the "The Christmas Story" marathon, mommie and Super Auntie are slightly "happy" from a good dose of egg nog and everyone is singing carols, just a little bit off key. I'm ready. Bring on the holidays!!

Mommie Got a Life! (For Four Hours)

I know, I know. I've been a total slacker. I was afraid this very thing would happen when I started blogging again. I often have tons of wonderfully funny stories and adventures for my 7 fans. What have I done for you in the past few days? Nada. Complete and utter blank page.

But now I have something fun to talk about! Last Friday after work, I had a life (for about 4 hours). A few of the girls and I went to the Shecky's Girls Night Out event! It was great! Lots of fun, a bit crowded but everyone was super nice (perhaps because the alcohol was flowing).

There were lots of pretty purses and clothes and wonderful candles and bath fizzies. More bling (costume only) than I have EVER seen. There were lots of goodies to sample and lots of things to add to my Christmas wish list (the list that I left under Mr. Vampiro's pillow). And such a nice goodie bag filled with chocolate and romance novels and things that ladies like. Did I mention the free alcohol and food samples?

I lurved so many of the tables. All the "pretty pretties" glittered and sparkled and smelled so good. It was like going to a store without children whining about what they want. (take a moment to envision that -- i know, it sounds so good!). If Shecky's has an event in your town, I would recommend getting a gaggle of girls together and going (just make sure there's a DD with you).

I have to give some shout outs. There were a few tables that really caught my eye.

Peace.Love.Mom - Pretty t-shirts and accessories that celebrate mom-hood. If you lurve being a mommie like me, you'll really like what they have to offer.
Cabot Creamery - CHEESE! Need I say more? Extra sharp cheddar was sooo good! The reduced fat cheddar was good too, but why oh why take out the fat?! It's CHEESE!
Bath By Riley - I am not gonna lie. My friends and I were rubbing our hands the entire night! The hand candies made our skin so soft! I bought a ton of them and put them in a pretty canister in my bathroom. I ended up giving Ma Mere some so now need more! I see their website getting a lot of usage in my house!
Bar Boys Technically not a table, but the roaming "bar boys" were a great touch (not that I touched them). No one had to wait for a drink, the drinks came to us!

(Deep Sigh). It was nice having a life, even if it was only for a little while. Perhaps I can have a life again sometime soon.

http://girlsnightout.sheckys.com/
http://www.peacelovemom.com/
http://www.cabotcheese.coop/
http://www.bathbyriley.com/

Happy Veterans Day!

As a daughter of a veteran, I must stop today and say thank you for ALL that you do. You don't have to do what you do, you choose to. Many of you go, not just willingly but with a NEED to go out and protect this country. I thank you all for your unselfishness and your dedication your country. I honestly sleep better at night knowing that you have my back.

I want to say thank you to the families of the veterans as well. The wives/husbands that stayed home to take care of matters here so that our soldiers, no, our heroes can go out and keep us safe. I know first hand that it involves a lot of sleepless nights and a lot of tears. I appreciate your unselfishness as well.

And the children that miss mommies and daddies and are really too young to understand why their other parent isn't there. You loan us your mommies and daddies - You are heroes too little ones.

I have two favorite veterans that I often say 'I love you' to. Today when I tell you that I love you, it's for a different reason. Today I love you for what you did for your country; what you did for your families. I am very, very proud of both of you. I love you daddy! I love you honey!
And thank you heroes, no matter where you are!!

101 Things In 1001 Days

Guess what I've started again (besides blogging). I picked up the ole 101 things in 1001 days list! Yes, it was just as hard to write this time as it was the first time. Actually, it was harder. The first time I made my list I got through quite a few of the items. This time I had to think of new things. I had to make it relevant to my life. I wanted each goal to mean something to me.

So here you go. For the next 2.75 years I will be busting my tail to do the following...

*********************************************************************
The Mission:Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria:Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching.

Why 1001 Days?Many people have created lists in the past – frequently simple goals such as new year’s resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.


**1. Complete my 101 Things in 1001 Days list.
ARTS & CRAFTS
2. Create a birthday card box.
3. Gather all of the birthdays in one place.
4. Create a picturebook/scrapbook for summer 2009.
5. Create a picturebook/scrapbook for summer 2010.
6. Create a picturebook/scrapbook for summer 2011.

7.

CAREER/WRITING8. Update my resume.
**9. Take a career building course of some sort (but NOT for work!).
**10. Complete first draft of book 11. Organize AW desk.
12. Send in 3 magazine submissions – any type.
13. Blog 51% of the 1001 days (110/501) (22%).
14. Attend a blogger conference.
15. Write 1000 words each week (41189/143,000) (29%%).

EXERCISE/HEALTH
16. Practice yoga/exercise more.
17. Spend more time in meditation or stretching or breathing.
18. In times of nice weather and decent light, walk with The Princess.
19. Develop and use a skin care regime.20. Lose that last 5lbs.

FOOD AND DRINK
21. Bake 72 NEW things. (5/72) (7%)
22. Cook 35 new dinners. (6/35) (17%)
23. Make 5 vegan entrees. (2/5) (40%)
24. Create a family cookbook.
25. Take a cooking class.
**26. Try a shot of wheat grass.

27. Go to 15 NEW TO ME restaurants.(8/15) (53%)  
28. Make vanilla extract.
**29. Find my signature dessert.
30. Attend some type of food festival.
31. Have tea in a posh hotel.
32. Try 15 new veggies. (1/15)33. Pickle something.
34. Make flavored oil.
35. Make jelly or jam.
**36. Buy the juicer!

FUN
37. Mail a secret to Post Secret.
**38. Take pictures with The Princess.
**39. Go to a Braves game.40. Buy a fondue pot.
41. Use that fondue pot.
42. Comment on 72 random blogs (65/72) (90%)
43. Watch 26 movies beginning with the letters of the alphabet (8/26) (31%)
44. Host an all girls (family) slumber party.
45. Host a game night.
**46. Host a movie night.
47. Take The Princess to a show, production, "on ice" thing, etc.
**48. Win something from a magazine or radio station (You have to play to win!). http://smommie.blogspot.com/2010/04/im-winner.html**49. Buy/acquire a new camera.
**50. List 101 things that make me happy (101/101). (100%)

LIVING
** 51. Find the original letter to my body and revise it.
52. Finish mommie's family tree.
53. Renew passport.
54. Create a living will and pass it out.
55. Get a passport for The Princess
56. Learn about and use aromatherapy.

ORGANIZATION
57. Buy a filing cabinet (and get rid of the plastic one).
58. Organize my filing, again, but like a real adult this time.
59. Organize my closet, again, but like a real closet should look.
**60. Organize kitchen utensils.
**61. Organize recipe books. **62. Organize exercise books.
**63. Organize coupon system.
** 64. Donate 101 things to charity (132/101) (132%).
65. Organize AH desk.
**66. Organize holiday cutters (129). (100%)**67. Get bins and organize each holiday into the correct bin.
MIND ENHANCEMENT
68. Read 72 books. (35/72) (49%)
69. Read 5 "perceived as boring by me" books - It's good for the mind. (0/5)
**70. Go to a book signing.
71. Read a book from the New York Times bestseller list each quarter (0/10).
72. Watch 10 complete BBC series (1/10). (10%)73. Watch 15 classic movies that I haven’t seen (2/15). (13%)
MONEY & FINANCES74. Give at least $350 to charity of some sort. ($87/$350) (25%)  
75. Move somewhere super duper fabulous.
**78.Start a savings account.77. Buy a savings bond.
**78. Pay off cc credit card.
**79. Pay off dks credit card.
80. Pay only 15% of total grocery bill by using coupons (e.g. $7.50 for $50.00 worth of groceries).

PAY IT FORWARD
**81. Send a care package to a soldier.
82. Volunteer 24 hours. (3/24) (13%)83. Complete 101 random acts of kindness. (58/101) (58%)
84. Leave 33 encouraging in random places.  (1/33) (3%)85. Give 13 customized “care packages” to family and friends. (4/31) (31%)86. Sponsor 3 people on http://www.kiva.org/. (0/3)

TRAVEL
87. Go on a cruise.
**88. Go away on a romantic get-away.
**89. Take The Princess to the beach.
**90. Go to Savannah.
91. Visit 5 new cities. (2/5) (40%)
92. Have a 3 city themed sta-cations with The Princess. (0/3)

JUST BECAUSE I'M AN ADULT
93. Go to a play.
94. Go to a wine tasting.
**95. Spend 24 hours in honeymoon mode.
96. Buy a LBD.
**97. Buy a GREAT pair of jeans.
98. Purchase 30 days of VA (23/30). (77%)
99. Purchase 7 days of BH (0/7).
100. Create the bedroom I want.
101. Donate $10 for each thing not completed (101 days to finish donating the money).

(KEY)**Finished - 32 out of 101 things are done - yeah me!! - 32%In progress
Actively in progress

Last updated: 10/19/10

I'mmmmmm baaaaaack!

Incarnation number 5 or 6; I seriously forget. There have been so many blogs I can't remember either.

I know, I know. I went away for a while -- a long while. I had to think about all the bad things I had said and all of the people I had hurt with my rantings (Which was no one. No one even remembered to read my blog, let alone get offended by it). However, now I have come back with a kinder, gentler spirit, a softer soul, a warmer heart, and a mouth muzzle.

Now I have to start my fan base all over again! Sheesh! I was up to, like 8 people. It's gonna be hard to get my numbers back up there. Where am I gonna find 7 bored people that can read? Bored people, that can read, that will read this blog, more than once? Friends don't count. They open the blog so that the page counter recognizes them and then they log off. No, where will I find 7 other people? 7 good samaritans that will take pity on me and every now and then leave a witty comment? Well, hells bells - any comment is ok. It doesn't have to be witty. It can be insightful too. Or thought provoking -- that would be ok.

And what will I talk about? What exactly will my verbal diarrhea consist of? You got me. I say let's find out together. Let's sit down with pen and paper in hand and think of superbly interesting things to say. Let's think of fabulous places to go and wonderful people to meet (so we can write nice things about them).

If all else fails, we'll make crap up. I mean really, who would know? Well, I guess the tall girl would know but she wouldn't tell! I know where the bodies are buried. My secret is safe with her.

And with you too. Welcome back oh faithful readers. I promise tomorrow (or the next day) I'll have something funny to say.

Well, I'll say something. You can decide if it's funny or not.