Take far too many pictures, laugh just a little bit too loudly, be sure to forgive freely, and love like you've never been hurt.

That has been my header for the past 6 mos. Tomorrow is the big day. My "burf-um-day".

Each year I vow to live my life a certain way all year. This year I am vowing to live several ways.

Take far too many pictures
I have a friend that doesn't believe in pictures. He feels that you should take mental snapshots of people/places/things. I just bought a camera (yea me!) so this year I am taking far too many pictures. If you are near me, watch out! I'll be snapping pictures wherever I go! I'll post some of them. I'm not really big on posting pictures. I might want to run for public office one day (ha! I've already screwed that up!!).

Laugh just a little bit too loudly
Oh wow, this will be hard (not). This year I vow to have fun. I'll laugh and sing and have a good time. Sounds like I need to buy some wine!!

Be sure to forgive freely
Ummm, ok. I'll work on this one. Most people don't mean to be hurtful or harmful. Decide what if they mean to be mean and then forgive them. You'll feel better in the end.

Live emotionally well
I'll work on this one too. What does this mean? Well, instead of saying be honest or say what's on your mind, this mean just be nice. That doesn't mean lie, it just means be nice. Yes, I can still talk about your mini skirt and hairy legs, I just can't do it within earshot of you. AND, I can't do it all the time (sorry Tall Girl - your texts should go down drastically!!).

Love like you've never been hurt
Geeze Louise that one is hard. I have been hurt and it sucks. But, I'll love anyway. BUT, I will love me first. (sorry again Tall Girl - it doesn't mean what you think).

Work like you don't need the money
I've been writing. It's my first love. Right now it doesn't pay the bills but one day, it will. This is my promise to myself. Universe, make it happen!

Dance like no one is watching
Not a problem. I'm terrible dancer and an even worse singer but I do them both. It's one of the things "MY Jackie" told me to do before she passed away. I take every opportunity to do them both.

I've posted the paragraph below. It's worth posting again. It's this year's
credo.
As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to
ever let us down, probably will. You'll have your heart broken and you'll break
others' hearts. You'll fight with your best friend or maybe even fall in love
with them, and you'll cry because time is flying by. So take too many pictures,
laugh too much, forgive freely, and love like you've never been hurt. Life comes
with no guarantees, no time outs, no second chances. You just have to live life
to the fullest, tell someone what they mean to you and tell someone off, speak
out, dance in the pouring rain, hold someone's hand, comfort a friend, fall
asleep watching the sun come up, stay up late, be a flirt, and smile until your
face hurts. Don't be afraid to take chances or fall in love and most of all,
live in the moment because every second you spend angry or upset is a second of
happiness you can never get back.

Happy Presidents Day (sales)!

I had a great President's Day. I spent it shelling out Washington's. I hit the stores about 10am and finished up about 4pm. Can you say fan-tabulous sales? I added to my 30 days of VA list and almost found a LBD - but, it was white and pink. That doesn't count. I almost acquired a new camera but the store didn't have the one I wanted, soooooo.. I'll wait.

I didn't even cook today because I was so tired from shopping. The Princess had a (kosher beef) hotdog and I had a boca burger with sweet potato chips. No, I didn't take a picture of the meal. I didn't know you'd care. But, because I'm accommodating, I added a picture of my new favorite chips. No salt added - so blood pressure friendly.

I must say I was a bit disappointed though. My fave valentines candy store (Tahr-jet) didn't have good sales. Only 30% off. I felt cheated. I went to Wall-blues and they had 50% off everything. It made up for Tahr-jet's lack.

What? Did I buy you somethin? Um...sure. Want a m-n-m fun pack?

101 in 1001 - Update

Update time!

I'll try to keep you updated on my 101 things in 1001 days. If you aren't familiar, take a peek (well, read this post first, thing take a peek).

#51 - Letter to my body - I found the original letter to my body and took care to write a deep, heartfelt letter to my body now. Folks, in case you haven't figured it out, I really like my body. It's pretty good and has gotten me a date or two in my time. I have no real complaints.

The biggest thing that I have accomplished was #38 - Take pictures with The Princess. I know, I'm a horrible mommie. The Princess and I have NEVER taken professional pictures together. Don't get me wrong -- we've taken many impromptu pics together and my home is a museum/shrine to her. If I don't have 80 pictures of her, it's because I have 81. But, she and I had never taken a professional picture together. Well, all of that changed Saturday. My dad wanted pictures of his kids so my siblings and I got together and took pictures (oh, it was hilarious and sad all rolled up and tied together with a "laugh my arse off" bow). Before the siblings took pics, I took the opportunity to snap a shot with reason my heart beats. They came out 'purty' good. I think my pops will be proud.

I know, 6 things completed in 77 days isn't great but it isn't bad. I should have 2 more things done at this point. But, I've got 16 things in the fire! Well, more actually. As each day passes, I complete steps toward checking off an item. It's pretty exciting.

If you are thinking about doing this, you should take a week or so and really think about 101 things that you really want to accomplish in a little under 3 years. If you're like me, it will motivate you to do some really fun stuff that you always wanted to do but for whatever reason, never accomplish. It will also give you the opportunity to complete some life long dreams.

Do it! You'll really have fun writing the list and you'll really have fun completing each task.

Really.

The 80's are calling...they want their stuff back.

I can't do it. I lived in the 80's. I can't wear the clothes again!

Today I saw Michael Jackson high-water pants with white socks and black loafers; a sweater dress with leggings pantyhose and a side waist, sparkly belt; and forest green corduroy pants...on a man.

I understand. The 80's were great! Hell, I was the 80's! I wore the trends, from Madonna to Janet. I had florescent socks. I sprayed way more Aquanet than a black girl should. I had a hoop earring with a key dangling from it. Bangles? I bet I had more on my arms than you did! When VH1 shows "I love the 80's" I am all there! But I can't live the clothes again. I won't.

I did try on a cream pair of corduroy pants this weekend. I ran out of the dressing room screaming and had to be sedated. I purchased a muted green jacket -- muted, not lime. But that's it. That's as far as I will go.

But you...you go ahead and do what makes you happy. Let's just follow a few simple rules, ok?

1. Michael pulled off high-waters. I don't think you should try.

2. Corduroy pants are not meant for grown a$$ men. Boys under 10, fine. Grown men over 30, let's not.

3. Tights are thicker than pantyhose. If you can clearly see your skin beneath your tights, you have on pantyhose and you need to wear a dress/shirt that comes to your knees. I do not want to see your arse covered in thin hosiery.

4. Side ponytails are a no-no. No one looks good with one except the girl from Napoleon Dynamite and even that is questionable.

5. Stirrup pants? Really? Really?

Let's work together people. Let's honor the 80's the way that they should be honored...as a special time in our lives. Let's not bring it back in a tasteless, tacky way. Put down the excess lace and move away from the crimping iron. We caused the hole in the ozone with the hairspray. Let's not make the sun cry with the amount of purple eyeshadow we are wearing!

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.

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.

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!