Perfectly Tarty: A little saccharine, a lot of tart!

Growing Season

2010-05-05T08:44:00.001-05:00

The weather this spring is beautiful. We’ve had the right amount of rain and sunshine to promote a very healthy growing season. Luckily, one of our plants is bearing fruit! A baby banana pepper appeared this weekend. Very exciting! We are using worm casings this year, which we have never used before. So it is a trial year for our garden, but it is off to a good start!

Dus and I have been quite busy. I’ve made some recent posts to our outdoors blog; check it out!

Organics…Delivered!

2010-02-23T10:02:00.001-06:00

During the summer months, Dustin and I have an abundance of fresh organic produce. There is just something about growing your own food that is incredibly satisfying. However, in the winter we are left with few options. The organic section at our neighborhood market, Hy-vee, is pitiful. It is always such a let down to go back to chemically produced food. It just doesn’t taste as good, and tastes even worse when you think about how far it was trucked in, and the damaged that occurred to produce it. I discussed my quandary with my Spanish Professor and she offered up KC Door to Door Organics as a solution. I had never heard of this company, but wow are they great! They work with local farmers to provide organic produce to KC citizens. While not all produce is locally grown, most options are. After all, it does get quite cold in KC in the winter. We received our first box two weeks ago; it is pictured above. The smell that greeted me when I opened the box was divine. It smelled like fresh earth and citrus. Delicious! They deliver to your door once a week, or less often if you prefer. It is also surprisingly affordable. For a bitty box it is $25.00 per week. Don’t let the bitty name fool you, this box is teeming with tantalizing produce. Also, if there is an item that you don’t think you would be particularly fond of, just let them know. Your box is just that, your box. You can put whatever you like in it!

Should you order, don’t forget to put out your box on delivery days. They reuse them…less waste. YAY!

Countdown to our 7 Days in the Canadian Wilderness

2010-01-27T16:16:00.001-06:00

Oh yes, in just short of 8 months we are heading 16 hours North to the Canadian Wilderness. For those of you not good at math, that puts us in Canada about mid August. I know everyone is wondering why me of all people would want to leave the summer heat to venture somewhere where a jacket is required; one word answers that, fishing! Dustin has been to Canada twice for fishing excursions. He speaks of these vacations as his best ever; now, I get to share some of those memories! YAY!

Brian and Dustin have talked a lot about making another trip to Canada, but have done nothing to get the ball rolling. When they spoke of it, it was going to be a guys only trip. I told Dustin if he gets to go to Canada, I get to go to the White River and get a fishing guide. Well, Dustin sure couldn’t have that happen, so next thing I know Sue and I are invited along. Aw, how sweet. This was a few months ago when we all talked about taking this excursion together. It was just mentioned in passing until Brian went to the Sports Show. He immediately got Dustin on the phone and told him about some places he had found. Dustin and I spent a good few hours looking on the net at different places. After much talking back and forth, Dustin and Brian decided on Peffley’s Wilderness Camp. From what I have read, the boys made an excellent choice.

Peffley’s is located on Lake Wabaskang (the nearest town is Perrault Falls, Ontario, which is about 16 hours from my door) with access to five other lakes. Another great feature is this a boat in only camp. There is no road access, so this makes it a true wilderness adventure. I can hear the woods around me now! Yes, I am getting excited.

For those of you interested in the fishing, hop over to Antlers & Gills. I will have a detailed post up tomorrow talking about the kinds of fish and what we are taking with us.

Dustin and Brian sent off our deposits last week making our reservations official. WOOP! We are in a 3 bedroom cabin on a bluff that overlooks the lake. Can you get any better than that?

In the meantime, I need to get on my passport! I sure wish it was April, because now I really have the itch to fish!

I’m Starting to Miss the Snow

2010-01-19T14:58:00.001-06:00

As most of the people in Kansas City know, we had a deluge of snow over the last part of December. For the first time in years, it actually SNOWED ON CHRISTMAS! We had a very white Christmas indeed. As a matter of fact, it was too white and prevented us from having the Christmas we planned. Shana was stuck at our house most of her visit. We didn’t get out and do anything fun for fear of smashing our car in a ditch! However, now that the snow is almost completely melted, I am longing for more. After all, if it is going to be cold it might as well snow! The dogs had a blast playing in the snow. When it was all said and done, the snow was nearly up to Venus’s belly. Now that is a lot of snow! Bailey and Dallas could not run easily and ended up jumping to navigate through the inches of fluffy snow. I will say, I do not miss the shoveling. I’m not quite sure how many times I shoveled, but it was quite a few. Bailey enjoyed the shoveling, however. She offers a lot of entertainment as she tries to bite the snow flying from the shovel. She even performs back flips. Very nice! I would go ahead and venture a guess that the pups are ready for another good snow storm as well. Not to mention, a lot of snow would cause a cancellation of classes. Now, that is something I could live with. This week, the last of the snow should be gone from the yard, without another snow storm in sight. *tear* I have rather enjoyed wearing my boots, scarf and mittens.

Samuel Adams Coastal Wheat

2009-10-19T12:01:00.001-05:00

Another day another quality beer from the folks over at Sam Adam’s. Dus and I found this new brew a few weeks ago and have been enjoying it sense. Both of us enjoy a draft Boulevard Wheat from time to time so the appeal of a wheat beer brewed with lemons was quite tempting. From the first whiff through the aftertaste, the scent and flavor of the California lemons is mouthwatering. The refreshment is crisp and balanced with the Sam’s signature malt subdued by the citrus of the lemons. The color is hazy as with other wheat varieties and is a twist on the Hefeweizen variety. It packs a punch at 5.2% and is a little heavy, but delicious nonetheless with a 3.5 out of a 5 star rating. Pick some up and tell me what you think!

Introducing!

2009-10-19T10:23:00.003-05:00

Well, Dus and I finally decided to start his hunting and fishing blog, Antlers & Gills. We've done a few posts and it has actually been quite the learning experience for me. While, I am not a hunter, I do love wildlife and helping write for this blog is giving me a chance to read and understand wildlife habitats and behaviors. It is very cool when you read about something and then see it occur in natural habitat.

For those of you interested check it out. For those of you not, well check it out anyway ;) I can promise you there will not be any horrifying photos!!! For me, it is back to studying. Mondays are always so busy!

Antlers & Gills

Working the Land

2009-09-29T09:16:00.001-05:00

This year, Dustin put a little more effort into prepping for deer season. In years past, he’d put out his cameras with a little food and maybe a mineral lick here and there. He’s harvested deer every year on this property, but never the big buck he seeks. The thing is, there are big bucks that travel the property, but they never seem to stay. A lack of food seems to be the culprit of this problem. Lucky for us, Jared happens to be a skilled farmer so he offered to lend his expertise and equipment. He’s such a good guy! I had to snap the pic to the left because it was just so funny for me to see the boys farming it up. One professional and one who doesn’t know what the hell he is doing made a pretty darn good team.

Through research, Dustin and I decided an Evolved Harvest blend and Red Top Turnips were the best choice for a winter food source. Weather has been quite strange this summer, so we planted the food plot the last weekend of August.

The completed plot looks great. We have our fingers crossed that it yields well and the bucks start coming when other food gets scarce. Next year, we plan to do a summer and winter plot so the deer have good nutrition all year and want to stick to the property.

We have some great trail cam photos of some decent bucks. However, Dustin has been in the woods for two weeks and has failed to see any of the big boys. He plans to take off the first couple of weeks in October and then resume again for pre-rut. Hopefully by then, the food plot will have some yummy grub and the doe will come to eat. Come “The Rut” where the doe are, the bucks are. We’ll keep you posted.

On that note, I am trying to encourage Dustin to make a hunting blog. This year, I made him a hunting journal and I think it would be great for him to pass on his experiences and things he learns to other hunters. This hunting stuff pays big bucks (no pun intended) if the right person finds you. If I ever find a job, we plan to invest in a camera so Dustin can film his hunts. Another great idea for the blog! When we begin the outdoors blog I’ll let you know. We plan to include hunting, fishing and camping tips.

Hello? Is Anyone There?

2009-09-16T09:26:00.002-05:00

I've been on a blogging hiatus. Well, actually a total hiatus. School began for me a month ago and it has really consumed a lot of my time. This week, I am having a brain block and am struggling to get essays wrote in Philosophy. Perhaps a change of pace is the cure, hence why I am writing here.

Some life changes have occurred since last I wrote. I am now an unemployed student living off Dustin's generosity. Ha! It sucks badly, truth be told. My unemployment has not yet kicked in so times are a struggle for us. While, I am applying my tail off for numerous jobs, none have came through. As a matter of fact, I have only interviewed for one that I would have considered taking. Its a tough market right now and I am being quite picky, actually. After the last disastrous job I had, I want to be sure I make the right choice.

Hunting season is upon us, so that means I have a lot of alone time. This is good for several reasons, more time to bake, more time to study and more time to work on me. While Dustin is in a tree stand I don't have to worry about him or take care of him. That is a welcome relief :)

Look for more posts in the following weeks as I try to get back into the hang of blogging. I do want to make another announcement before I sign off today. I am starting to offer Dog Walking services in Lee's Summit and surrounding areas. I come to you and take your dog for some good fun and exercise...the dogs love it and I do too. My service is called A Pup's Strut and you can call us at 816-729-0977.

That's all. Until next time...

A little fishing, camping and dipping

2009-07-16T13:10:00.002-05:00

This past weekend started at 1100 AM on Thursday morning. How great was that?! Too bad I had to go home and rush to get the bags and coolers packed for our float. Brooke, Matt and Dustin all arrived a short time later and we were headed to the Eleven Point River by 230 PM!

He's so thrilled for the drive!

Good thing we got an early start because Dus forgot his tackle box. Keep in mind, he's the fisherman and we were going on a fishing trip...normally a tackle box would be the first thing I think to pack. So, Dustin and myself had a quick detour to Bass Pro in Springfield, MO. We also stopped off for a HORRIBLE meal at McAllister's. All in all we were delayed about 40 minutes.

We arrived at the campground and could not find Brooke or Matt. Needless to say, cell phones were not an option. Dus and I kind of looked at each other and said hmmm. We drove up to the next campground and didn't see them. Knowing we all agreed to stay at Greer, Dustin and I headed back there to set up camp. Lo and behold we found the rest of our party. Turns out Dustin and I drove right by them. We're so observant.

After setting up, it was time to get all the fishing stuff ready. After all, that was the point of this trip. It took awhile...

All of us were pretty exhausted so we called it a night once all the fishing stuff was prepared. We wanted to get early the next morning to hit the river to fish.

Turns out, the Eleven Point is a hard river to wade with limited access from the banks. We froze in the water while not even getting a bite. After an hour or so we headed back to camp for a DELISH Mountain Man breakfast expertly prepared in the dutch oven by Chef Matt.

Over breakfast we decided to head to Greer Spring and then up to Richard's Canoe Rental to see about getting a canoe for Friday and Saturday. We had quite the treat in store for us at Greer Spring. I'll let the pictures back me up on that statement...

It was a mile hike through the woods and bluffs to the spring

We loved this bark on this tree

Our first glimpse of the spring although we'd been hearing it for about a 1/2 of mile

Wonder what lives in this cave?

This shot shows a little deeper

Dustin channelling his inner caveman.

Love the fog...and Dustin's butt!

About to get wet!

Slippery!

Completely worth getting wet

The spring bubbling up from the cave

The mouth of the spring. Daily, it pumps 220 gallons of 55 degree water into the Eleven Point

Dustin wanted a closer look

After Brooke and I's dip. She was brave and hopped in first!

After the spring we went up and rented a canoe and did the Cane Bluff to Greer crossing float. The river above greer is wide and deep. It was perfect for fishing because if we didn't paddle we didn't move much. We caught a lot of fish but the catch of the day came as soon as we were about to end the float. Dustin landed at 15" rainbow trout. He was a beauty, but unfortunately he was too small to keep. Once we passed Greer Spring we entered the Blue Ribbon Trout Area. That means only ONE 18" or larger fish is allowed.

We ended the day with a great dinner at the campground washed down for a few beers. So that was day one...a great day. I have more pics from day two, but haven't developed the camera yet! I will post those as soon as I do! Gosh looking at these pics makes me want to go back. I can't wait!

Lower Interest Rates FTW!

2009-07-08T09:21:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, my credit union called with good news. Very good news. Not only did they give me a killer interest rate on a debt consolidation loan (I had it with Citi Financial at 29.99% and they lowered it 3.9% for 6mo then 8.9% thereafter), they opened me a new savings account that pays me 6.9% annually! I couldn't believe my luck because that damn Citi loan keeps me up at night! As if that wasn't good enough, the guy calls me back and asks if I'd like to lower my interest rate on my exsisting car loan. Um, YES! They lowered that another 2.25%. SWEEET! This was such welcome financial news. We needed it.

On the same subject of saving money, I must say that I LOVE LOVE LOVE Aldi's. This store has had such a bad rap with me forever, but I have no idea why. Dustin and I started shopping here earlier this year in order to save money. Boy have we saved. A cart full of groceries is maybe $50 at Aldi's. The same cart would be over $100 at Hyvee. All items we have purchased have been top notch...no complaints. Healthy options are even available. If Aldi has a bad rep with you, go in and give it a try. I'm pretty sure you'll have a different opinion once you come out with your cart full of cheap groceries!

Venus turns 10!

2009-07-02T09:31:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, we celebrated Venus's 10th birthday. It doesn't seem possible that she is ten! I still remember the day she bit my toe and I took her home.

Venus's cake from Three Dog Bakery

She was so happy to get her cake; she did a celebratory birthday dance!

Venus really is my best friend and the best dog I could ever ask for. Here's to you, Winky, mommy loves you!

Saturday at LOTO

2009-06-24T13:16:00.003-05:00

This past father's day weekend, Dustin, Bailey, Dallas and myself headed to the Lake of The Ozarks. Dustin's father has a small cabin in the Gravois arm; Dustin wanted to go for father's day and a weekend out of town sounded great to me!

We loaded up and headed down on Friday night. Getting a man, myself and three dogs ready to get out of town is quite the time consuming procedure so we arrived a little later than we had planned. We were greeted with a spectacular lightening display. Very cool.

Saturday morning we woke up early to go check the catfish jugs and take the dogs for a boat ride.

Bailey Beans

Dallas Dudley

Tasha, one of the Dallas and Bailey's pups born last March

Bailey seemed to be the only dog that really enjoyed the boat ride. Tasha was feeling a little under the weather because normally she likes to go. Bailey attacked the water that was splashing up in the boat. It was entertaining.

We cruised into the main channel to check out things and then headed back to the house for some lunch. Lunch was scrumptious and prepped our bellies for some cocktails.

Dustin and I headed out sans doggies to check out some of the bars on the lake shore. Our first stop was Coconuts. Color us impressed.

21 and over pools, for the win! Photo Credit

It was really shaping up to be a perfect afternoon. We spent a few hours in this pool enjoying the weather and drinks before we decided we wanted to check out another place on the main channel. It was called Lazy Gators.

Lazy Gators was nice, but I am not sure it was worth paying a cover charge. Shaded cabanas with misters...nice touch. Infinity pools are always good too. However, the staff was rude and seemed more interested in their side work than actually serving drinks. The clientele, well it gave Dustin and I lots to laugh about.

The infinity pool on a slow day. Photo credit

After absorbing all the good laugh out loud fun at Lazy Gators we headed home. It had been a fabulous day of lounging and sipping cocktails. Just what the doctor ordered. We topped off the night with a crab leg dinner...yum-o!

Unfortunately, the next time we'll be able to get away to the lake is Dustin's birthday weekend. We're hoping his brother and his fiance can make it down to celebrate with us. I'm already to spend another lazy day at Coconuts or Lazy Gators!

You CAN Have A Good Time In Iowa

2009-06-10T09:11:00.002-05:00

You heard it here first, good times can be had in Iowa. Well, when lots of booze fuels the fun of course.

Dustin and I ventured to Iowa this past weekend for a wedding. Andrew, Dustin's buddy made it official with his fiance, Cassie. They had a fabu wedding; Dustin got to see a lot of people he hasn't seen in years. He really enjoyed that.

Turns out it is a small world after all. One of Dustin's coaches in high school turned out to be a guy that grew up with my dad! How crazy! Even more, he teaches classes at Title Boxing where Dustin and I currently work out. Teaching the 6AM class has lead us to never seeing him there, however he is starting to teach the 530PM class on Wednesdays and Fridays. SWEET!

We stayed at the wedding for a few hours, but wanted to go out and check out the night life of downtown Des Moines. After changing, we called a cab and he was there within 10 minutes!! That would never happen in KC. Pleasantly surprising was the nightlife for a small town. Since we were visiting we bar hopped so we could take in all the local flavors.

Oh yes, lots of booze was consumed. All that alcohol lead to a brutal drive home on Sunday. Home never looked so good.

Our next trip to Iowa is planned for later this summer. Supposedly, one of the 50 things to do before you die is to attend the Iowa State Fair. Well, come August we plan to check that off our list!

Odds and Ends

2009-05-29T10:30:00.002-05:00

This week has been somewhat uneventful, but tiring! *yawn* Tuesday night we went to the Royals game with Mom and Dad. They seemed to enjoy themselves and were impressed with the stadium renovations. Greinke dealed as usual; such a treat to watch him pitch.

Grocery shopping just sucks. There is no way around it and groceries are so dang expensive. We've started to shop at Aldi. Actually, I am quite impressed with it. Saving bucks is always good and we definitely do this at Aldi. That is how I spent Wednesday night...oh yeah, and laundry. Laundry is my most despised household chore!

Since I had a boring week, I just thought I would share a few odds and ends through photos.

Bailey cuddled up in the tiniest corner of the couch. They look so precious here

The kids LOVE Spring!

Can you tell Bailey is a cuddler?

Just a few of the White Bass we caught this Spring.

This weekend is Dustin's last weekend at the salon , thank goodness! But that means no fun OR painting this weekend. However, we are supposed to have some super warm weather so I think I might venture to the pool and work on my tan!

Bye Bye Smurfy Rooms!

2009-05-26T09:47:00.003-05:00

Dus and I have decided we have spent enough time enduring the smurf colored hue of our walls. Now, it is time to FRESHEN UP! WOOP! I am so excited I can hardly wait to get started. This weekend we picked out colors for our living room, dining room and kitchen. Here's our color palette:

Stay tuned for pics of our works in progress.

Over the weekend, we also kicked butt in our garden. It looks outstanding. I am so ready for our veggies to be ready! We have blooms on all our plants so it shouldn't be too long from now. We are thinking by mid to late June we will be able to start picking! YAY!

Tonight, we are going to the Royals game. We're going with Mom and Dad. They haven't seen the new K yet. Dad called me last week and told me to secure tickets for next Tuesday because he wanted to go see Greinke pitch. Heck, everyone wants to see him pitch. Tickets were already almost gone. WOWZERS! Its rainy here today, so I am hoping the weather clears and some Royals players cross home plate tonight.

Being back at work from a long weekend is never fun, but I am trying to make the best of it! *yawn*

Holiday Weekend!

2009-05-22T10:05:00.002-05:00

Here's hoping everyone enjoys the extended weekend! We don't have any exciting plans, but that is just the way we wanted it! Be safe and have fun!

A Weekend In The Natural State

2009-05-18T10:48:00.003-05:00

This past weekend Dustin went on a bachelor's party float trip so I took the opportunity to have a fun-filled girl's weekend with my cousin, Shana. Five AM came quite early Friday morning, but as soon as I downed my two LARGE cups of coffee I was prepared for the drive!

Riding to Fayetteville when I was younger was horrible! It seemed like we would never get there. However, now the drive is shortened by improvements to 71. I was there in a little over 3 hours. OMG, yay! Shopping was our first order of business. Nothing helps ease the tension of 3 hours in the car like some retail therapy.

Our first stop was Pinnacle Hills Promenade. Its a great new shopping district in Rogers, AR. Here I was introduced to the greatness that is Francesca's! Small and quaint, but full of fabulousness!

Irresistibly cute top!

Perfect for taking out to the bars!

Then it was onto Sephora! My god, I could spend a fortune in this place. It's been so long since I treated myself to any beauty products. Long story, but money is tight! However, I could not resist. Shana was not good at talking me out of stuff. Here's what I had to have...

Too Faced Lash Injection on Erin's recommendation

All Natural...had to have!

Love. Love. Love. this powder

Shana also made a BIG purchase, a No No. I want to know how it works, because if it does that is what I want for my birthday!

How does your no no work?! HA!

After spending all day shopping, we headed out to dinner at Jose's. Can we say DELISH MARGARITAS! Not to mention, our company was fabu as well. All of us laughed until our stomachs hurt. Now that is what I can scintillating dinner convo.

As we were walking down Dickson street, I noticed a shop called Condom Sense. "Is that a shop full of condoms?" I asked Shana. She laughed and said yes, among other things. We stopped in and what a surprise it was. This was the best adult toy store I'd ever shopped. This is probably TMI, but if you are in Fayetteville and are looking to spice up some things, pay this place a visit. The owner is so knowledgeable and FUN!

The purpose of the trip was to do it up right so after dinner Shana and I headed to The Wine Cellar. Let me just tell you this place is great! You have prepaid cards that you use to get wine at the wine station. Insert card, pick your wine, push the button to fill the glass. EASY PEASY and virtually NO WAITING! Superb! We maxed our cards, so then we switched to martinis. YUM-O! Wedding cake was the martini of the night, but we changed the name to the ANTI-WEDDING martini. That made it oh so much better.

Saturday we paid for our indiscretions. We felt like poo most of the day and slept the day away. Once we finally decided to see the light of day, we grabbed some smoothies, visited my aunt and uncle and got ready for Fiddler On The Roof.

It was a great show! I can't believe Topol is still playing Tevye. This is his farewell tour and I am so glad Shana scored tickets. Should this be coming to a theater near you, you must see it!!

Sunday I drove home and was happy to get Venus. She was so excited to see me! After Dustin got home we went to get Bailey and Dallas. They sure were glad to be home as well. Dallas didn't leave the couch all night. I am guessing he missed the couch more than us.

That's the brief version of the weekend, but now it is time to get back to work...bleh!

Back To Nature

2009-05-12T13:50:00.003-05:00

Last night was a nature filled evening. Before boxing, Dustin and I decided to do a little yard work. While I was over raking by the fence, I jumped! Upon further inspection I noticed it was of nothing to be frightened. Cowering by the fence, sat a baby bunny. How presh! Dustin came over and picked him up and we both petted him for a minute. Always the consumate care giver, I ran into the house for some strawberries. Baby bunny didn't trust us, so he didnt' eat any. I left him there by the fence in case he wanted to chow later. AW! I wanted to keep him, but he hopped off to find his mom I suppose.

photo credit since Dus and I are HORRIBLE about taking pictures!

After boxing, Dustin and I made a quick change and headed out to our fishing spot. It was getting late, but experience has taught us they start to bite just before sunset. That proved true again last night. Fishing is so much easier and less scary for me since I got my waders. We waded pretty much all night and caught a good stringer full of these guys.

photo credit

Nature lends all kinds of noises. I'm learning what more and more are the more I am out and about in the woods and rivers. I heard a new one last night and it shocked me what it was! A strange loud almost honking noise echoed in the river banks. I glanced at Dustin and he was smiling and pointing up to the woods. I asked him, "bird?" He looked at me incredousley and said, "NO! That is a deer snorting!" Oh so curious to see a deer that close, I crept up the bank. Sure enough, there was a doe. We made eye contact and I quickly looked away. She laid down right in front of me. A baby might have been there with her, Dustin hypothesised as normally they run away. We think she was snorting at the people that were walking on the nature path and not us since she stopped once the people vacated. I love deer watching. I can't wait until it is time to go out again this summer! I'm ready to see some babies and bucks in velvet.

photo credit

My night was going great. I'd seen a baby bunny, caught some fish, heard a deer snort and got to see her! Could it get better? It sure could. We were about to wrap up for the night, when he heard a howl. At first we dismissed it as a dog, but then it got louder and more howls joined it. It wasn't like any dog howl I'd ever heard...more like a coyote howl. There had to be a large pack somewhere close to us and man oh man were they talking up a storm. It was beyond cool!

photo credit

I can't thank Dustin enough for introducing me to all these outdoor things. The more I go the more I really enjoy myself. Ask me a year ago if I would wade through some random river to fish and I would've said, hell no! Now, I can't wait to go. Amazing how things change. While he'll never get me to shoot a deer, I'll go watch them everyday of the week. Like the bunnies, I want one of those too. HA!

We'll get better about taking pictures...promise!

Goal Setter

2009-05-11T12:30:00.002-05:00

photo credit

Happy new week, all! I hope everyone had a tremendous Mother's Day! Today, I thought I'd write a bit about goal setting. Goals are important in all aspects of our lives, so weight loss is no different!

Before you set your goals, think long and hard about what you really want. A lot of times, motivation and goals are wrapped up in the same package. This can be a mistake so don't get caught up in that trap.

Naturally, setting goals help to give you an idea of what you want to achieve. When I first started on my journey I made a contract with myself to set my goals into writing and placed it somewhere I could see it everyday. The key to this is to set attainable goals. Say you want to lose 40 pounds and you set that as your goal it would be a good idea to set sub goals as that number 40 looks quite daunting.

Here's a list of some tips I found poking around the net this morning.

♥ Write down your goals. The more places the better!
♥ Tell friends and family about your goals so they can help you succeed.
♥ Strive for a set loss per week, but nothing that is out of this world. Start with 1 pound per week.
♥ Set attainable goals for exercise so you train your brain for success!
♥ Don't set a bunch of goals too soon. Start small and work your way to bigger goals.
♥ Mix it up! Make goals fitness oriented one week, scale oriented the next, journaling the next and then maybe creating two new healthy recipes the next. Whatever works for you; just give yourself some variety!
♥ Celebrate your victories!
♥ Set positive goals and always keep an "I CAN" attitude!

What are some goals you are working towards?

Enjoy your goal setting! I am going to set some right now!

To Be Full Or Not To Be Full

2009-05-07T08:03:00.002-05:00

Last month, Self Magazine, printed a great article about understanding hunger signals. Its like a lesson in the five senses...yep, taking you back to kindergarten! You know sight, smell, touch, taste and sound. Below are Self's tips for sensing how full or hungry you really are by using our five senses.

♥ SIGHT: People ate up to 24 percent less—but they felt as satisfied—while blindfolded, according to a study in Obesity Research. Why? Diners may use their peepers (instead of their stomach) to decide how much to eat. Close your eyes midmeal to gauge your hunger. When you've had enough, you'll feel it. Eating blindfolded? I've never tried that! Being a foodie I like all of our food to look outstanding on the plate with vibrant colors and textures. I'm sure this makes us even hungrier! I think I will try this closing eyes technique later tonight!

♥ TOUCH: Subjects who ate equal calories of peanuts and peanut butter felt fuller after eating the nuts, say researchers at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. Select chewier, crunchier foods: an orange over OJ. They spend more time in your mouth and digestive tract and are more filling. Why do they make juice? Just like soda, juice seems to be empty calories. There is a common misconception that drinking a glass of juice is just like eating the fruit. Take a look at the fiber on the juice...there is ZERO! Give me the apple and a full belly, please! As for nuts, those are my weakness....yum-o!

♥ TASTE: When women dieters ate fewer high-fat foods over a six-month period, they began to prefer slimmer fare, according to a study in Appetite. Retrain your taste buds to love lean eats: Try skim lattes, swap fries for a baked potato or pick minestrone over broccoli and cheese soup. I can truly attest that this is fact. I cannot drink whole milk at all now after drinking skim. Also, I have absolutely NO cravings for fast food. Whenever I smell it now, it makes my stomach turn. Cheese, don't like it now either. Its amazing what your body craves. It craves what you feed it, so feed it good stuff!

♥ SOUND: Many restaurant customers tend to order more food and drinks when music is playing, research shows. Don't let a sweet soundtrack drown out your hunger cues. If they're cranking great tunes at your favorite pub, skip that second cocktail and hit the dance floor. I always drink way more at a bar than I do at home. A bar/restaurant atmosphere is killer for me! Guess its time to buy some dancing shoes...

♥ SMELL: "Food smells strongest and tastes best when you're hungry," says Barbara Rolls, Ph.D., professor of nutritional sciences at Penn State University at University Park. "But as you fill up, scents and tastes dull." Take a whiff: no longer enticed by your meal's aroma? You may be full. How simple is this? I have so much to try tonight!

Since everyone is journaling, I suggest journaling your five senses throughout the day. I know, I know, more to write down, but learning your hunger signals is one of the first hurdles to jump on your lifestyle change journey. What are some ways you know you are hungry? Full?

Appolgies for not blogging yesterday! My oral final for Spanish had me in quite the tizzy. After cramming all morning, I went and spoke my peace. I think I did well, or at least I hope I did.

Last night was a busy one for us! We went boxing and then off to Costco and Bass Pro. A few neccessities are needed for this weekend and Bass Pro is the place to get them. We are going fishing for White Bass this weekend at Gravois Mills, MO. Supposedly it is quite the hot spot. I have no clue, but am glad to go.

I've never been much of a fishing gal, but I learned, proper attire is required. Last night, I obliged and bought my fishing gear. Check out the hotness I'll be rocking this weekend

Can we say hotpants?! YOWZA! HAHA. All this fishing loot cost me $140.00! OUCH. Well, we also bought some hooks and some rooster tails. Fishing and hunting stuff is expensive. Sheesh!

Another busy night is in store for me again tonight. I've got to get our berry bushes in the ground along with the cannis and cornflowers. Possibly, go boxing if I get home in time. I have to pack for this weekend. And then, if I am feeling frisky I need to make some treats for Mother's Day. Aye Caramba! Have a great day everyone!

2009-05-05T10:27:00.003-05:00

As promised, I have our "before" pictures. WOW! I knew I had let myself go a bit, but I never realized how bad until I saw these pictures of myself. Talk about some motivation for me; I need to put these some place where I see them all the time!

We've been back at boxing for a little over a week. Dustin's already a superstar! He's lost ten pounds in the last few weeks. JERKFACE! His pictures are better now than they would have been had we taken them before we started. You guys missed seeing Buddha. Now that he is starting to leave, I find myself missing him. HA! Buddha was my affectionate term for Dustin's growing belly.

Overwhelming evidence, at least to me, says I really need to kick it into high gear to get where I want to be. Motivation is different for everyone. What motivation drives you? For today, think about what motivated to get you started on your journey. Then, what do you use as daily motivation? Some ideas I have:

♥ Post a picture of something you really want in a highly viewed place. It can be a super cute outfit, a vacation, a home improvement or something as simple as a pedicure. Just something that you want to reward yourself with.

♥ Keep motivational quotes around. Write some on a memo board on the fridge, one the inside of your cabinets and on your bathroom mirror. Constantly motivate and remind yourself of why you are making the lifestyle change!

♥ Journal!

Healthy body image is one of the keys to hitting goal. This is the one I struggle with. Even though I have kicked my illness, I still have a very difficult time with this one aspect. No matter how hard I try, when I look at these pictures or my reflection in the mirror, I don't have a any positive body images flowing through my brain. Working towards getting a positive body image is my ultimate goal. Talk about hard work!

As most of you know, I was boxing last fall while Dustin was hunting. While in the car last night, Dustin says to me, "You were getting some good abs when you were going before!" WOW, Really?! I knew I was seeing some results, but it is always nice when the sig other points it out to me! Knowing this and hearing this, is going to be some new motivation for me. WOOP!

Have a great Tuesday everyone!

Friends In Weighty Places

2009-05-04T09:56:00.002-05:00

Happy Monday, all! Tired, is how I start my week. Our weekend was just so busy. Saturday we went to an all day wedding. Dustin and I looked totally fabu, I might add. Festivities started at 2:00pm with the ceremony. Argosy Casino hosted cocktail hour at 4:30pm followed by the reception at 6:00pm. It sure made for quite a long day. A few years ago, Argosy Casino underwent a massive renovation. The result, a beautiful place inside and out. The best part; you don't even know you are in a casino. Its a much better setup than the other two casinos in KC. We had a good time, but were so ready to get home by the time we left at 10:00pm. The car made for a good nap spot for me as I fell asleep on the way home!

Arogsy Casino

Yesterday, we got the rest of our veggies planted in the garden. Rainy days and nights have kept us from getting all of it planted. A Jiffy greenhouse, served as homes to our baby plants, but they were overgrowing it. Planting day couldn't come soon enough. Flowers are already on one pepper plant and our Early Girl tomato plant! WOOP! Hopefully, we have veggies by next month.

We plant an organic garden. Check out tips and tricks here.

Now that I am done rambling about my life, let's talk about the buddy system. Every thing is better when shared with a friend or a loved one; the same is true about weight loss. Some times, a friend or a family member works. Other times, not so much. Changing your lifestyle is just that a change. Getting out of old routines and habits takes a lot of work. Most of your existing friends and family may help to hold you back to that old routine. Sometimes, it takes a new friend to help you through your journey.

There are lots of people wanting to find his/her way to better health. We just need to think about where to look to find a support buddy. Here are my suggestions:

Take a fitness class at your local gym. Perhaps, you have a jazzercise or other type of woman's facility that interests you. Whatever it may be, strike up a convo, be the social butterfly you are and make new friends. Most likely, all these people are there for the same reason you are!
Use the World Wide Web, to find groups in your area that are on the Weight Loss Journey. You'd be surprised how many people are right in your back yard wanting the same thing you do!
Join WW or other meeting type weight loss plan. WW is great. I can't say enough good things about the WW program. I guarantee you'll meet someone at WW that has the same goal you do. So go check it out. Not to mention, WW is very affordable.

Do any of you have a weight loss buddy? If so, where did you find him/her? Does it help?

Surprisingly, Dustin is my weight loss buddy right now. We are going to boxing classes together; I'm actually becoming addicted again. YAY! Him and I normally eat healthy, but I am making it a commitment to write down everything that goes into my mouth. Rememeber, journaling! I need to know what is going in and what I am burning to see where I need to adjust. The flab, well it just has to go.

Tomorrow, I should have my "before" picture posted for you all to see. I'll keep taking pictures as an added motivation for me.

Go get socializing! Happy chatting!

Seriously?! 8 Glasses?!

2009-05-01T09:21:00.002-05:00

Cheers!! Its Friday!! I raise my water bottle to y'all! Yesterday we talked about how great water is for you. Today we talk about some ways to more easily incorporate those 8 glasses into your everyday routine. Erin shared a great tip in the comments section of yesterday's post. I'll include it my suggestions below!

"BRRRING! BRRRING!" Ugh, its time to get up! This is a great time to get in your first glass of water. Keep a glass by your bed and drink a full glass as soon as you get up. Not only does it help to wake you up, its quite refreshing after a long night without a drink!
Most of us primp and pretty in the morning. Why not sip on a glass of ice water while we get ready for the day. Boom, thats already two glasses down!
Pucker Up! Lemons are a good way to flavor water. A lot of people just don't enjoy water because it has no flavor, lemons are an easy healthy solution to that complaint.
Fashion Accessory! Carry water with you where you go. There are so many different fun water bottles out there now, so you can get one to go with whatever you are wearing!

These super cute ones are all the rage, check them out here

Make 8 glasses your goal. Keep track of it in your journal. Give yourself stickers. Use rubberbands on your bottle. However you want to do it, make it a goal and it will definitely help get those 8 glasses down!
Missing the drive-thru?! Use Erin's suggestion and get a McD's cup or Sonic cup full of ice! Fill with water and lemon and its like you are getting a fast food treat! Yum-o! Great suggestion!
Meal Time!! Drink a glass of water before you dig in! Then treat yourself to whatever other drink you normally enjoy with your meals.

For me drinking water is easy, my body craves it. You'll get there too its just about changing your lifestyle. Your body wants what you give it, so start giving it a refreshing drink!

TGIF, non?! Wow, this seemed to be such a long week! This weekend is packed with lots of busy things. Tonight, we are boxing and trying to get some things done around the house. Tomorrow, turkey hunting, boxing and then Dustin's cousin's wedding! Oh MY! Sunday, I am sure we will be fighting a hangover. This means we will probably need to box! Also, Sunday is the first day we are not supposed to have rain so that means we need to spend mucho time in our garden. No rest for the weary this weekend!

Have a HYDRATED weekend, everyone!

I'm Thirsty!

2009-04-30T12:53:00.003-05:00

We've all heard it before, drink 8 glasses of water a day. This is one of the easiest things to do to get a healthier body. Yet still most of us do not do this. Why?! I would guess its because of all the other yummier thirst quenchers that get our attention. For me, I quit soda years ago. I can't stand the stuff now, but it is a hard habit to kick.

Think about some of your favorite drinks...now think about what is in those drinks?! ICK! Sugary drinks add so many "empty" calories to one's day. They are calories most people don't even think about, right? Well they add up and are a real damper to sticking within calorie goals. Guess what, water is ZERO cal!

Now some of you might say, well I drink diet. I'll ask you the same question, what is in that diet drink?! I can't pronounce half the stuff on the back of soda can. In most of those cases, your body feels the same way. It has no idea how to process the stuff. However, it LOVES water!

Now, lets talk about how water will help with weight loss and looking beautiful.

Increases metabolism! Heck yes! I know all of us would appreciate a kick to our metabolism. Could there be an easier way than to just drink water? For an even bigger boost drink some warm lemon water in the morning.
Water helps you feel full. Drink a glass of water before every meal. You'll eat less which is always a good thing, right? Drinking water in between meals helps to carry that "full" feeling throughout the day.
OMG I want a REESE'S!! Have a glass of water instead. Water also helps curb cravings!
Water is the best beauty product you can get. It flushes out nasty gunk in your skin. You know what that means, you'll have a clear glowing complexion!
UGH! Saggy eyes...wrinkles...getting old sucks! Water helps with this. It makes your skin look younger. Skin that is becoming saggy, either due to aging or weight loss, experiences a nice lift when you hydrate the skin cells!
Flex for me baby! Water also improves muscle tone. We can spend hours in the gym lifting more than a competition body builder, but we won't see the results we want if our muscles are thirsty. Hydrated muscles work better (they contract easier), making the most out of your workout.

Now I'm thirsty! Tomorrow, we'll talk about some easy ways to incorporate more water into your day!

One last note about my hair; it looks great!

Speaking of Omega 3's

2009-04-29T10:07:00.003-05:00

Good Fats, Bad Fats...who the heck knows fats. It gets kind of confusing, no? A good rule of thumb, if the fat is hardened or gel like at room temp its not the type of fat you want in your body because that's exactly what its going to look like on your thighs. Ew! Think about some of the fats that are like this: butter, shortening, meat fat...no good images come to my mind. Sure, they might taste good, but the image of buttery thighs doesn't taste so great.

Now, lets talk about the good fats. They are just as yummy and actually do great things for you, including make you smarter. Heck yeah! Omega 3 fats get all the praise and pub as well they should. Omega 3's are easy to find and have incredible health benefits. Fish, Nuts and Olive Oil are all great sources. Don't those foods bring a lot better images to mind?

My favorite source of Omega 3's!!

Not only are Omega 3's delicious, they make us more healthy in almost every way you can imagine.

I've long thought that cancer runs rampant now because of the horrible things we put into our body. Among these things, processed and preserved foods and bad fats. Eating Omega 3's is scientifically proven to reduce colon, breast and prostate cancers!
Feeling achy? Have some salmon! Omega 3s also help with joint pain and arthritis.
UGH! A huge zit just in time for a big night out! Should've had olive oil dressing this week! Yep, you guessed it, Omega 3s help clear our complexions!
Feeling depressed? Unfocussed and all over the place? Hearing voices? Omega 3 deficiencies have been linked to all these mental health disorders!
LDL's? HDL's? HDL's are the good ones and Omega 3 helps to elevate these levels.
Feeling like you want to bite your man's head off during a certain time of the month? Increase your Omega 3 intake to deal with your PMS bitchiness.
More studies are needed, but early studies show sufficient Omega 3 intake helps reduce the chance of Alzheimers.

These eggs are delish and are loaded with Omega 3's.

The University of Maryland has a good informational piece stating what I did above, just in a more boring fashion. So in case you don't believe me, you can check my facts.

Speaking of Omega 3's, I want to share some pics from our fish tank. We have babies! Normally, the babies never survive (the big guys eat them!), but this time Dustin rearranged some rocks to give them more hiding spots. It worked because they are getting so big!

They are not the best pictures, but y'all get the drift. Don't you just love spring?! There's just so much life all around.

Ah, finally Wednesday is here! I've been waiting for this day all week because today I go to the salon! WOOP! It's been so long since I've been so its like I'm getting a mini makeover. One of my true loves and indulgences, getting my hair done. I ♥ it! Now, have some fish for dinner and enjoy your Wednesday!

Taking Notes

2009-04-28T11:34:00.003-05:00

image: Journals featuring various Florence Broadhurst designs, available from Signature Prints.

Living up to my promise, am I with today's blog entry. Yesterday I mentioned about journaling. Keeping a journal is one of the best tools you can equip yourself with during a weight loss journey. Not only is a good tool to keep track of what you put in your mouth it is also good for tracking your feels about all things related to your weight loss.

First off, I know no one likes to keep track of calories, but that is really what it is all about. Calories in versus calories out, no? Everyone, including me, can make excuses not to journal because we don't have time, or it isn't practical or whatever. The truth is, all those excuses are what keep us struggling with our weight.

With all the online resources available to everyone, keeping a journal is easier than ever. Most websites you can type in what you ate and all the nutritional information is already plugged in for you. How simple and quick is that? Check out sites like Fit Day, Calorie Counts, Spark People, and The Daily Plate. All of these sites offer free food journals and many offer food plans. Talk about taking all the guess work out of weight loss!

However, some of you may be old school and prefer to hand write things in a journal of your own. This works great as well. Actually, it is how I started and I still have them from all those years ago! My suggestion is treat yourself to a beautiful journal. One that invites you to write on its pages everyday. Designate a time where you get to treat yourself with journal time. Put on some nice music or burn a favorite candle. Act as if journal time is a treat to yourself everyday! As for my journal, I love thick pages with texture and a nice beautiful-to-me cover. It makes me feel like a writer. HA!

(find this candle and other relaxing candles here)

Secondly, and probably more importantly is detailing your emotions in this journal. Do this before you eat or exercise, while you are eating or exercising and then at the close of the day(this is your treat time). This method helps you understand how you feel when you make positive or negative choices.

Say you had a crap day and are thinking about not working out. Right down why you are thinking about not working out. How you feel about making that decision...etc. Next, during the time you would be exercising write how you feel about not exercising. Do you feel better? Did it make your day better? Etc. At the end of the day, go over your notes and come to conclusions about your day and decisions and make more notes. Get the drift?

On a more positive note, do the same thing when you make the decision to follow your food plan or exercise. More often than not, you are going to feel a lot better when you stick to your plan. I know whenever I get off track I feel guilty and disappointed with myself. We all know that is not a good way to feel so it really is good motivation to stay on point!

Here's my challenge to everyone: Journal for a week and see what you learn about yourself!

Happy writing!

Time To Take It Off

2009-04-27T08:31:00.003-05:00

Happy Monday, Blogging World. This post is serving two purposes. Firstly, it seems everyone around me is joining in on the "Lose Weight. Be Healthy." bandwagon. In order to support those people I'm going to start putting tips, motivational stories, weight loss and exercise anecdotes, recipes and of course stories of my ride as well! For those of you that do not know my history, I struggled with anorexia for multiple years. I've been in a healthy place for awhile though. However, during my struggle I learned SO much about weight loss, exercise, metabolism, body functions, how to cook healthy and also how to change your life towards a healthier lifestyle. A diet is destined for failure, however a change to how you live and treat your body can be a permanent success. Here, at Perfectly Tarty I'll share what I learned and go on a healthy path with all of you.

Secondly, I have to brag on my best gal pal Erin. She's been blogging about her lifestyle change and been doing an amazing job. This week, after struggling the last two weeks without giving up, she reached her 10 lbs lost mark! WOOHOO!!! For everyone that has tried losing weight knows this is a huge goal. Suddenly when one hits that 10 lbs lost mark the enthusiasm is renewed and belief in oneself and a life change is renewed. Its a very exciting time! So, I want to congratulate Erin and tell her to keep up the OUTSTANDING work. She really can be an inspiration to anyone.

I hate to make posts too long because I am sure attention is waning at this point so check in tomorrow for my first healthy living tip...the importance of a journal!

Meet The Newest Jayhawk

2009-04-23T14:30:00.002-05:00

Welcome X, we're glad to have you and look forward to seeing you and all your fellow Jayhawks cut down the nets next year!

Earth Day: Make it Everyday

2009-04-22T11:05:00.005-05:00

I hope everyone reflects on what you can do to help save our planet! There are many easy things to do to help reduce your carbon footprint. Most of them even save you money! Here's a quick list from World Watch Institute.

Save energy to save money

Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs.

Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) when your older incandescent bulbs burn out.

Unplug appliances when you're not using them. Or, use a "smart" power strip that senses when appliances are off and cuts "phantom" or "vampire" energy use. (We unplugged just our small kitchen appliances and noticed a $25 decrease in our monthly electric bill. Mom and Dad unplugged all their electronics when not in use and saw over a 50% decrease!)

Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. As much as 85 percent of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating the water.

Use a drying rack or clothesline to save the energy otherwise used during machine drying. If you must use a dryer, consider adding dryer balls to cut drying time.

Save water to save money.

Take shorter showers to reduce water use. This will lower your water and heating bills too.

Install a low-flow showerhead. They don't cost much, and the water and energy savings can quickly pay back your investment.

Make sure you have a faucet aerator on each faucet. These inexpensive appliances conserve heat and water, while keeping water pressure high.

Plant drought-tolerant native plants in your garden. Many plants need minimal watering. Find out which occur naturally in your area.

Less gas = more money (and better health!).

Walk or bike to work. This saves on gas and parking costs while improving your cardiovascular health and reducing your risk of obesity.

Consider telecommuting if you live far from your work. Or move closer. Even if this means paying more rent, it could save you money in the long term.

Lobby your local government to increase spending on sidewalks and bike lanes. With little cost, these improvements can pay huge dividends in bettering your health and reducing traffic.

Eat smart.

If you eat meat, add one meatless meal a week. Meat costs a lot at the store-and it's even more expensive when you consider the related environmental and health costs.

Buy locally raised, humane, and organic meat, eggs, and dairy whenever you can. Purchasing from local farmers keeps money in the local economy.

Watch videos about why local food and sustainable seafood are so great.

Whatever your diet, eat low on the food chain [pdf]. This is especially true for seafood.

Skip the bottled water.

Use a water filter to purify tap water instead of buying bottled water. Not only is bottled water expensive, but it generates large amounts of container waste.

Bring a reusable water bottle, preferably aluminum rather than plastic, with you when traveling or at work.

Check out this short article for the latest on bottled water trends.

Think before you buy.

Go online to find new or gently used secondhand products. Whether you've just moved or are looking to redecorate, consider a service like craigslist or FreeSharing to track down furniture, appliances, and other items cheaply or for free.

Check out garage sales, thrift stores, and consignment shops for clothing and other everyday items.

When making purchases, make sure you know what's "Good Stuff" and what isn't.

Watch a video about what happens when you buy things. Your purchases have a real impact, for better or worse.

Borrow instead of buying.

Borrow from libraries instead of buying personal books and movies. This saves money, not to mention the ink and paper that goes into printing new books.

Share power tools and other appliances. Get to know your neighbors while cutting down on the number of things cluttering your closet or garage.

Buy smart.

Buy in bulk. Purchasing food from bulk bins can save money and packaging.

Wear clothes that don't need to be dry-cleaned. This saves money and cuts down on toxic chemical use.

Invest in high-quality, long-lasting products. You might pay more now, but you'll be happy when you don't have to replace items as frequently (and this means less waste!).

Keep electronics out of the trash.

Keep your cell phones, computers, and other electronics as long as possible.

Donate or recycle them responsibly when the time comes. E-waste contains mercury and other toxics and is a growing environmental problem.

Recycle your cell phone.

Ask your local government to set up an electronics recycling and hazardous waste collection event.

Make your own cleaning supplies.

The big secret: you can make very effective, non-toxic cleaning products whenever you need them. All you need are a few simple ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, lemon, and soap.

Making your own cleaning products saves money, time, and packaging-not to mention your indoor air quality.

Buy Me Some Peanuts and Cracker Jacks

2009-04-14T12:11:00.005-05:00

I don't care if I ever get back! And, wow, is this statement true when I am watching a ball game in the all-new Kauffman Stadium. Knowing Kansas City, I approached Friday with apprehension. I just knew the stadium would be another let down like the Sprint Center and the Power and Light district. Never have I been so happy to be wrong!

Dus and I doing a little tailgating

When a person first walks up, I know he's asking himself "Am I at The K?". When we showed pictures on Easter Sunday everyone asked, where is this?! The improvements on the outside were just the beginning of the jaw-dropping additions.

Brian and Sue in front of the new offices and ticket windows

South Side

As you first walk in through the turnstiles

Once inside, huge concourses, flat panel tvs and abundant concessions and bathrooms await you. Wow, what a change! No matter where you are in the ballpark you have access to watch the game courtesy of the flat panel tvs that are everywhere!

Next we headed out to the new outfield additions. This blew us away. We couldn't get enough of this area! We spent most of our time Friday and Saturday in a place that we could never get to in all of the Stadium's 30+ years!

Royals Hall of Fame. Scheduled to open July 09

View from the Dri Duck Seats

View of the Outfield Pavillion

Famous Kauffman Stadium Fountains. You do get wet standing here.

We finally headed to our seats. We sat between first base and shallow right. They were fantastic seats...only three rows off the field. I think Dustin was waiting on a foul ball.

View of Rivals from our seats.

View of outfield from our seats.

View of first base from our seats

We watched the game until the 6th and sad to say, The Royals were looking abysmal so we got up for some more sight seeing.

Royals post and pre game shows are recorded in Rivals Sports Bar

Scoreboard

Statues moved from in front of the stadium to the outfield pavillion

The improvements are outstanding. Kudos to the Royals. It hardly even looks like the same stadium.

Kauffman Stadium Opening Day 2007

Kauffman Stadium Opening Weekend 2009

We are excited to get back out to the ballpark again. Ticket prices are quite affordable and concessions didn't take a huge price hike. Sweet! I think we'll make our next trip on April 25 and try to score one of the give away jerseys. We love free stuff!

The new stadium is a winner indeed!

So its Root Root Root for the Home Team

2009-04-10T08:19:00.006-05:00

Happy Opening Day, Kansas City! I am so stoked to get out to our *new* ballpark. Yeah, I know it isn't really new, but it sure looks like it is! We're going to Opening Day today and then tomorrow night's game. WOOP! I'll be back next week to fill you in on our first and second trip to the all-new K!

NCAA Tournament KC Style

2009-03-31T12:24:00.003-05:00

I just want to share a pic from the scene of the Power and Light district during the second round of the NCAA Tournament games. Could you imagine this place if they would have put KU or MU in the Sprint Center? Either way, a good turn out in KC's failed Power and Light District.

Dus, Dad and I went to the P&L to try to score some tickets for the Memphis and Oklahoma games. We struck out, but had a good time nonetheless. We took Dad on a little P&L tour and showed him all the empty spaces Cordish and KC has failed to fill. Dus and I had a couple of beers while Dad was a good boy and had none. Before we left, we stopped and had THE BEST sausage in KC from one of the cart vendors. The vendor is orginially from Louisiana and his Garlic Onion sausage was scrumptious! Look for him if you are in Downtown KC.

It was so fun to spend the day with Dad. He hasn't wanted to go to a ballgame in years. Even though we didn't get tickets, I got to spend a great day with Dad and Dustin. YAY for family time!

Holy GAPING HOLE, Batman!

2009-02-23T09:29:00.003-06:00

A few months back, while Dus and I were watching TV, our inside pane of our sliding glass door shattered. To this day, we have no idea what caused it or how it happened, truly bizarre. After months and months of putting off the decision about what to do we finally purchased a french door and agreed to install it ourselves.

This notion of installing it ourselves was quite laughable to me. Dustin freaks about anything carpentry related and my skills in any kind of craft are abysmal. That's why we had to call home improvement experts, Brooke and Matt, in to assist us.

Naturally, Saturday was the coldest day of the week. Only Dus and I would pick this day to have a HUGE hole in our house. Luckily, the fire roared all day and kept the house from getting too cold. We turned off the furnace and the lowest inside temp reading of the day was 60 degrees. Not bad at all.

It was dark before we wrapped for the day, but all things considered, this install could have went a lot worse. There were some funky issues we had to work around, but between Brooke, Matt and Dustin all issues were solved and worked around. SWEET!!

Sunday, we bookmarked for trim work. A few months ago, we redid our bedroom and watching Dustin figure out the miter cuts was hilarious! He did a great job, but I knew before we did a lot more trim work a miter saw would be required. Well, since I am the best girlfriend in all the world I made Christmas come in February and bought my boy a new miter saw! After all, I want my trim to look spectacular! :)

Dus finished the exterior trim on Sunday and it looks killer. We did it all with environmentally friendly products which are AWESOME! The stuff is called Anek and it will last a lifetime...no rot and no bugs, guaranteed! Plus, no trees were harmed in the making of this product! BONUS!

The exterior trim took most of the day, so tonight we are finishing the interior trim. We are really excited to see the finished project. However, now with doing this we are itching to FINALLY get rid of the SMURF blue in the living room, dining room and kitchen! I'm picking out paint colors this week! WOOP! I'll share the finished door picks tomorrow, granted we finish the trim tonight!

Coming Soon!!!

2009-02-16T09:01:00.003-06:00

My apologies for being such a terrible blogger! Recently, my blog has left me bored and uninspired. However, do not fret! I've put my request in for a NEW BLOG DESIGN!! SWEET!! Coming soon, there will be an UPDATED SASSY & TARTY blog for you to come visit! Of course, I am having the UBER talented Kelly do my blog. Please hop on over to her site, its called Fabulous K Creative; she works magic! Then when you are done there, venture over to her life blog! She's got a new puppy and he'll make anyone's day brighter!

I'm looking forward to finding new inspiration and providing everyone with a little more tart and tangy musings!

Promises Malibu Is Calling Dallas's Name

2009-01-29T08:06:00.003-06:00

Our youngest dog, Dallas, is our source for constant laughs. He's lazy, he's a cuddlebug, he's a poo eater, he's quite vocal, he's fat, he's a stoner (not really, but he seems like it) and he's a pill popper. What is this you say?! Yes, Dallas pops pills, pain pills to be exact.

Let me fill you in on how this pill popping all started. A few months ago, Venus and Bailey had one of their vicious spats. Venus ends up with a couple broken teeth and a trip to the emergency vet. She's prescribed some Deramaxx for the pain.

A few days go by with administrating pills to Venus as normal. Then, one day, our darling boy gets a clever idea, he wants to join in this taking pills phenomenon. While Dustin and I are out of the house, Dallas decides he's going to take his dose right from the bottle on the counter. However, since Dallas is not literate, he eats them all. Lucky us, there were only four left. We call the vet and they instruct us to make him throw up with hydrogen peroxide. We do this to him and Bailey. Contents in the puke verify our suspicions, Dallas is the culprit. The vet says he is okay since he only took four and he threw up most of them. YAY! Crisis avoided.

Fast forward to the present. Venus has been struggling with her age lately. Her struggles led me to take her to the vet on Monday. The doc perscribes Venus a daily pain pill, a pill that is near and dear to our heart, Deramaxx.

Yesterday morning, I gave Venus her pill as we've been doing. I leave it on the counter so I will remember to give it to her daily. Dustin and I depart for work. My phone beeps with a text, Dustin forgot his overalls. Then another, "d got her pills again." I thought, you've got to be kidding me?! Do you know how many pills were in that bottle?! At least 14!!!! Needless to say I race home because Dustin didn't have the consideration or wherewithall to give Dallas some peroxide to have him throw them up. I get home and dump a half a bottle of peroxide down his throat. He's not happy, but does vomit. Thank goodness.

The vet thinks we got to it quick enough and he'll be okay. He's on a 48 hour suicide watch. He's acting pretty normal, maybe just lazier if that is possible. Whoever said dogs were easy, never met our three.

Just Yesterday

2009-01-20T13:29:00.003-06:00

It seems like just yesterday that I was sitting in my Grandma Erma's kitchen waiting on the phone call from mom and dad to say Jason arrived. Now, here he is getting married! Him and Chelsea tied the knot on December 30, 2008. They just had a small ceremony and an open house at Chelsea's parents after the ceremony. I've never seen two people happier together and I think they'll make a great pair. Here's some pics from their special day.

They were both crying during the vows. Seeing Jason cry made me tear up too!

Chelsea looked like a princess.

Chelsea with her new family! She's a great addition to already awesome family!

Already demonstrating great teamwork!

Open wide!

The Bride and Groom

Congratulations kids!

La clase de Espanol

2009-01-20T11:52:00.004-06:00

After much procrastination, second guessing and failed job interviews I decided it was time to make a change and enroll in classes. One of my worst decisions to date was not completing my degree. Ah, the wisdom of my 19 years failed me! No, quitting school to earn a paycheck is SO not worth it; add that to my sage wisdom file please.

Considering I haven't been in school in almost ten years and college is expensive, Dustin and I made the decision to just try ONE class this semester. As most of you know, I am the most indecisive person in the world so it took me forever to decide what class would be a good start for me. Spanish ended up being the final verdict.

Over the Christmas holiday, Dustin's aunt Sheri was very adamant about me getting back to school! That conversation just keeps replaying over and over in my head. Turns out, I really like going to class and I am happy with my decision. Looks like my days are going to be spent studying and applying for any kind of free money I can get. Our goal is to have me taking a full load by the fall. We shall see how that works. Taking a full load of classes and working full time should prove to be quite the challenge, but we all know the rewards once I am done will be well worth it!

Time to hit the books...

Monster Under The Bed...More Like Monster In The Oven

2009-01-08T07:48:00.002-06:00

With the word Monster, I am not sure if I am describing these cookies or Dustin! Anytime the smell of cookies waft from the kitchen, my darling boy turns into the Cookie Monster! He's a sucker for sweets and a complainer when we don't have any around. Lucky him and his metabolism he can eat and eat and not gain a pound! The audacity of him! JERK!

Last night, after hearing complaining for about a week, I made cookies. What I've failed to tell you is we've made three ice cream runs in these days, but alas he wants some homemade goodness. I must oblige. Loaded with m&m's, toffee bits, dark chocolate chips, peanut butter and oatmeal these cookies please all the sweet cravings! Here's the recipe so you can make some of your own!

Monster Cookies
1/2C AP Flour
2t Baking Soda
1/2t Salt
6C, heaping Quick Cooking Oats
1C Unsalted Butter, softened
2C Creamy Peanut Butter (OH YEAH!)
2C Sugar
2C Brown Sugar, firmly packed
1 1/2t Vanilla
4 Eggs, large
3/4pkg Dark Chocolate Chips
1pkg Heath Toffee Chips
1pkg (about 2 1/2C) M&Ms (for extra fun, you can throw in those gourmet ones or pb ones!)

Preheat oven to 330. Line cookie sheets with silpat. Should you not be blessed enough to have a silpat, spray a light coat of pam or coat with butter or shortening(ick!)
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. Sift together for overachiever's. With a whisk mix in the oats until combined. In another LARGE mixing bowl (I always have to use our salad spinner bowl because it is the biggest one we have!) beat together butter, peanut butter, sugars until creamy. Should you be a lucky bitch with a stand mixer this would be the perfect use for that. Beat in vanilla and eggs until well incorporated. Beat in oat mixture until combined. This doesn't take too long. Then add in all the goodies, toffee, chocolate chips and M&Ms until equally distributed. Drop out the dough in big blobs(I always use a 1/4c scoop) and flatten with your hands. Turn oven to 350 degrees and pop in cookies. Bake for about 15 minutes. Cool for a few minutes and then cool on cooling racks.

Should you be feeling generous, this recipe makes plenty to share!

A $350 Dog Toy And Other Christmas Chronicles

2009-01-06T08:10:00.004-06:00

Salutations, bloggers! Happy 2009! Holiday fun sprinkled my last few weeks and it also kept me away from blogging. Well, now I don't have the Holiday excuse and it is back to the daily grind. However, its not all sucky because blogging is pretty entertaining. Speaking of holidays, the purpose of this post is to catch you up on all our holiday activities so let's get started!

This year I was beyond excited for Dustin's Christmas gift. Dustin is a hard person to buy gifts for because he is so selective (achem, snotty). Knowing this, I thought long and hard about what to get him. All that thinking and close listening resulted in a GREAT gift idea.

I could hardly contain my excitement as I wrapped his special gift with carefulness. EEK, how could I keep a secret for the next few weeks??!! Turns out, I didn't have to or you could say I couldn't keep the secret.

One afternoon, I came home from work. Most days, Venus is on the couch waiting for me to greet her. Not this day. Strange I thought and then I saw the carnage. Right at my feet was a cord to some kind of electronic. I wasn't sure what it was. Continuing to walk through the shredded cardboard, I notice something shiny, like wrapping paper. Sure enough, it WAS wrapping paper. I rounded the corner and see it, there in all its ruined reality, a Garmin Nuvi 760 box without the Garmin Nuvi 760 in it! Warm tears fill my eyes.

Not knowing what else to do I call Dustin. I don't tell him what it is as I've decided to just wrap it, but I was so upset I had to talk to someone. He gets home and scolds Bailey and Dallas as well. We chat about the day like normal and then a topic of running an errand pops up in the convo. I make the remark, "After the Garmin Fiasco I really didn't feel like running up there." UM, WHAT?! He totally caught it! My wonderful surprise was RUINED because I am a blubbering buffoon! CRAP! After some consideration, I let him see the torn up box with the condition he can't play with it until Christmas. HA! I re-wrapped it and put it under the tree. Below are pictures of what he opened.

Yes, Bailey and Dallas chewed through the wrapping paper, shipping box and Garmin box. They are very thorough in their destruction. However, they didn't expend it all this day. They saved some in their disaster tank for Christmas Eve. We come home after a delicious dinner at Martha's (Dustin's Grandma) and see they've decided to dine on the wrapping tape. Well, it was late Christmas Eve and we had no where to get tape, so we had to be creative. Dustin chose to wrap mine with electrical tape.

Even though Bailey and Dallas were the Terrible Twosome this holiday season they were treated with some delicious looking creations from Three Dog Bakery. Venus, Bailey and Dallas all received their very own box of handmade treats! Don't these look delectable?!

Each and everyone of our family had such a blessed Christmas. Dustin, I think, had one of the best Christmas he's had in recent years. I'm very fortunate to have such a giving family. They really made him feel like one of us in all our family festivities.

As far as ME...well I had a SUPER Christmas. Dustin spoiled me with all sorts of goodies. He got me a Wii Fit (love it!), perfume, an Ipod, Tempurpedic pillow, the wine goblets I've been dying to have and a new board game! What an AMAZING boyfriend! As far as what I gifted him, well of course the Garmin, Burberry cologne, a hunting watch, a custom made (by me) frame for his 2008 bow kill buck, an electronic dartboard with a wood cabinet and gosh, other things I know I am forgetting!! Either way, he made out like a bandit and I couldn't be happier about that. That boy deserves so much more than life has handed him thus far and by gosh I am trying to give it to him! HA!

I hope each and everyone of you had a tremendous Christmas and only good things come in 2009!

More Christmas (Yes, I know its late!)

2009-01-05T12:36:00.003-06:00

As most of you know, our home is a work in slow progress. This Christmas we tried our best to make it as sparkly and festive as we could. I think we did a fine job and want to share a few pics of our Holiday Home.

Lastly, a photo us on our way to enjoy some merriment with Dustin's family.

I'm working on another post detailing our Christmas fun so check back soon!

Can I get a Y-U-M

2008-12-30T08:50:00.003-06:00

I have lots of blog entries to post, but I am short on time! I am going to the Chapel today, no no, not for my wedding, but for Jason's (my little brother) wedding! Holy crapola that makes me feel so old! Anyhow, I wanted to pass along this recipe I made over the holiday. Pepperminty goodness abounds in this delicious throw-together-in-a-hurry recipe. Save this one for next year's Christmas treats. Another great use for this addictive treat, wedding favors! Use the wedding colors as your swirl and wrap up in color cordinated wrapping and viola, a delicious wedding favor. Your family and guests will love you, promise!

Peppermint Addiction

1 Pkg White Baking Chips (i use the kind you get at Michael's, but Walmart has them too)
1 Container of Vanilla Frosting of your choice (I use whipped or make my own)
Peppermint Extract (I just added a little bit at a time until it tasted right)
A Few Drops of Food Coloring in color of your choice (I used 6)
Crushed Candies of your choice

With wax paper, line a 8" square pan. Melt the baking chips (on the stove or in the microwave) stirring until smooth. Mix in the frosting into the melted chips. Add your peppermint extract and take lots of tastes to make sure the peppermint is just right. Spread into the pan with a smooth sided spatula. Even off the top and add your food coloring. Swirl the food coloring with a toothpick and add your candies. Throw in the fridge until it is set. Take out of fridge and try not to devour the whole pan in two days.

Decorator's Challenge: Gingerbread Houses

2008-12-23T09:32:00.003-06:00

This edition of There's A First Time For Everything features gingerbread houses. In all my 28 years I've never constructed this confectionery wonder. APPALLING, yes yes indeed! Well, this year we rectified that with Brooke and Matt. Matt had the clever idea (he ALWAYS has the best ideas) to have a house building contest. FUN! Check out our creations...

Brooke and Matt's Beach Cottage

Dustin and Stephanie's Winter Cottage

Dustin aka Mr. Impatient, didn't want to follow directions so we had a small roof issue. However, you would never know since we used our creativity to cover up our boo boo!

Decorating these was a blast! Sour Ropes, Twizzlers, Gummy Savers, Sixlets, Rolos, Cadbury Chocolates, Candy Canes, Holiday Hard Candies, Cinnamon Imperials and Spice Drops were our decorating tools. With the smorgasbord of goodies to choose from it was impossible not to let the creative juices flow. Brooke and Matt's took the cake (or ginger prize) for the fun factor. Check out the palm tree, clay tile roof, Christmas lights, table, hammock and coconuts!

Dustin and I opted for traditional (we HAD to have a snow covered roof), but traditional doesn't necessarily mean boring! We included a fence, evergreen tree, a river rock walk and a snowman!

The best part of all this was the playful banter and festive Christmas spirit that ensued throughout the construction process. I already want to make another one! I'm thinking next year we'll do a log cabin hunting lodge complete with fishing pond and dock...oh yeah!

Its Starting To Look A Lot Like Christmas

2008-12-17T11:29:00.006-06:00

Sun is glistening off a fresh blanket of snow. Santa Baby is permeating the radio air waves. The stone mantle is full of poinsettias. A shimmering tree covered in gold and ivory stands in the corner. Roaring in the fireplace is a warm fire. Outside the mercury reads a balmy 15 degrees. Oh yes, it is starting to feel and look a lot like Christmas.

This weekend I really got in the Christmas mood! Friday night we attended Dustin's company Christmas party. WOW! What a time. His company is really amazing. All of the owners genuinely have a heart of gold. Along with hosting this fabu party at the Sheraton, everyone was gifted with free food, alcohol and rooms for the night! The generosity does not end there, all employees received generous bonuses and two gentleman received $10,000 A PIECE for 20 years of service. SWEET! Should you need any commercial electrical service done, please consider WESTHUES ELECTRIC. I've included some pics from the evening below.

Dus gets squint eye syndrome when he has one too many. Its evidenced here and below.

Saturday we spent the day recovering from our over consumption of libations on Friday. Recovering included lots of water, naps for me, Zelda for Dus and pizza via delivery. Saturday was a good day. Below is Dustin lounging on Saturday.

Sunday we moved a couch for the little bro. After that, Dustin went hunting. While Dustin did that, I went out and shopped until I dropped. Once home, I got out the oodles of ribbon and wrapping paper and sat down to get to work. After a few hours, all my gifts sat under the tree beckoning for opening. I could hardly contain my giddiness. I think I bought some sensational gifts. I love giving!

This week has been torturous so thank goodness it is Wednesday! Here in KC we are expecting freezing rain overnight and tomorrow morning. ICKS! However, if we get a lot of ice tonight, I'm making it a snow day tomorrow. This little woman cannot handle another 2 1/2 hour drive to work!

Make it a great end of the week everyone!

Buffalo Chicken Dip...Perfect for the Bowl Season

2008-12-16T11:21:00.004-06:00

This is just about the easiest party dish ever! Not only is it easy, but it is also a man pleaser making it perfect for all those Bowl Game parties. Now, I can't take credit for this. Prior to Dustin I did not know the deliciousness that is Buffalo Chicken Dip. He opened my eyes to this splendid warm combo of chicken, ranch/blue cheese, cream cheese, hot sauce and celery. YUM! Dustin leaves the shredded cheese off my side of the pan since I don't like cheese...its delicious this way too! Obviously, this is best served with an ice cold beer of your choice! Welcome to heaven.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
2Pkgs Cream Cheese
1 Bottle Blue Cheese Dressing (you can substitute ranch or do a blue cheese and ranch combo)
Several Splashes of your favorite Hot Sauce (we use Otts)
1 Pkg Monterey Jack/Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
1C Celery, diced (more if you like)

Boil chicken until done. While chicken is boiling melt cream cheese and dressing together in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil. Shred chicken. Place chicken in a large mixing bowl and add hot sauce, combine until chicken is well covered. Place chicken on lined baking sheet in a flat layer. Spread cream cheese mixture over chicken with a spatula in another flat layer. Top with entire package of shredded cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Top with diced celery. Enjoy with a nice cold beer!

The Check Is In The Mail. A Blogette.

2008-12-05T11:07:00.005-06:00

Sometimes I just can't believe what happens to me. My life decisions seem so completely off base and end me up in the wackiest of situations.

Let's take the current situation as an example. In March, I took a position with a company that was struggling financially. It needed a little help and insight from an outside non partial party. Me, always being up for a challenge, was excited about the opportunity to make a difference(cliche, i know!).

Fast forward to present because all the in between details will just leave me more pissy than I already am. This company really didn't want help; they just liked to say they wanted help. Business has continued as usual. Checks still bounce, we don't make payroll, we don't know how much it costs to operate and we owe, we owe, we owe (including lots of dollars to the IRS). In a word, this place is a joke.

Tuesday, a County Sheriff came to the office to deliver a court summons. Being a weekly occurrence, no one paid any particular attention. Wednesday morning I returned to the office (I was out of the office on Tuesday) and heard the story of the County Sheriff coming. It was all HA HA HAs because while he was here Jeff, our president, was meeting with a banker to secure some extra money for the company. Also, a joke in and of itself.

Laughs all around because we all feel the same way about this place. Turns out, JOKE IS ON ME! Listed as a defendant in this judgment is no other than ME! Um, are you seriously flipping kidding me right now?

Of course, I am flabbergasted and frustrated all at the same time. Marching my little butt into Ralph's office, I demanded something be done about this! Why am I responsible for this companies irresponsibility? Why should my credit be ADVERSELY AFFECTED for years to come? How dare they jeopardize my character?

My reactions and questions get a simple shrug and the token Jakobe Furniture answer, we'll just pay it when we get some money. Kind of like, my paycheck will be good when you get some money? Kind of like we'll pay xyz vendor when we get some money? Um, which place in line should I take because there's a lot of people there?

Turns out that will settle the judgment for them, but the fact that my name appears doesn't go away. Pickle I tell you, quite the pickle.

Drama is unfolding minute by minute. I am sure I'll have an update to this post in the weeks to come. For now, I am waiting patiently for a Ms. Pringle at the county court to respond to my pleading for help email!

This place has gone to the dogs!

2008-11-26T09:22:00.004-06:00

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I thought I would post some pictures of the dogs in my life. My canine companions bring me happiness in new ways everyday! I am lucky to have such wonderful dogs. I know my Mom, Dad, Chris and Shana feel the same way so they are included too! Enjoy!

Venus LOVES the JAYHAWKS! GO KU!

Venus celebrated her 9th birthday with a delicious cake!

Here she is dressed for work with Dustin. You'd be surprised at her electrical talents!

Bailey Beans looking beautiful!

Bailey and Dallas taking a ride!

This is Dallas's serious face.

LuLu likes to fetch the mail, but hates the mailman!

We all were playing Wii and this is how Buster felt about our perfomance!

I hope everyone gets their fill of yummy Thanksgiving goodness! Running from dinner to dinner fills our Thanksgiving day. Heaven help my thighs!

Hysterical Laughter, Tree Tackling And A Big Buck Down

2008-11-21T09:54:00.014-06:00

We live in the past a little again as I tell you about my EXHAUSTING weekend of Nov 7-9th!

For those of you in the know about comedy, the name Stephen Lynch just makes you giggle. Lucky for me, he finally made it to KC and I had tickets. Oh Yeah! Brooke, Matt, Dustin made the trek up to Harrah's to take in the hilarity.

In typical fashion, we arrive a little tardy and find the line well outside the door. Surprisingly, it moves quickly and we are in the Voodoo in no time. More surprises were in store when we were shown our seats! They were FRONT ROW! OMG! *giddy squeals of pure delight* The show was worth every penny. Brooke and my cheeks were so sore after the show. I don't think we ever quit laughing! There was no better way to spend Friday night! Go see him if he comes to your town, you won't be disappointed!

Good thing we got our kicks Friday night because Saturday held A LOT of work for Dustin and I. Work that was directly caused by Dustin sneaking over for some fresh cut dead oak from our neighbor's yard. Rich, another neighbor, witnessed Dustin's theivery and mentioned he was cutting down a tree in his front yard. Of course Dustin saw this as an opportunity and said to Rich, "we'll take the firewood!" Great idea, in theory. Instead of just a pile of the small braches cut into fireplace sized logs, we came home to a stack about 25' long and 5' high of UNSPLIT wood. Splendid! I've always wanted to be a lumberjack!

Long story short, we spent Saturday splitting and stacking an ENTIRE silver maple tree. Naturally, this wouldn't go smoothly, as we had to restack one of the stacks that toppled over. The work, was well back breaking. Not to mention, we have a bunch of wood we can't even use. Couldn't they just haul that away?! WTF?! We were completely exhausted come the end of the day! Really though, who says they want an ENTIRE tree?

Lying in bed, dogs at my side, dreaming peacefully I am awakened by a trilling phone on the beside table. Instead of grumbling, I open the text message happily as I know it is Dustin wishing me a good morning. Being the bow hunter he is, a day of back breaking work did not keep him out the woods! (insert manly grunt here)

We exchange a little chit chat and then he sends the message, "better get your warm clothes on!" Assuming he means that it is cold in the house, I respond accordingly saying I am staying tucked in our warm little bed.

Well, you know what happens when one assumes. Turns out that was code for, I just shot a BIG BUCK with my BOW and need your help! Um, fabulous?!

For those that know me, you know this is just about the oddest thing to request of ME! Not that I am opposed to hunting, because I am not, its just I can't really take it. It makes me sad when a life is taken of an innocent animal. I know it needs to be done, I just don't really want to be a part of it. However, since I am the best girlfriend ever, I dutifully ask what I need to bring and head out to the field.

Frigid wind hits me as soon as I open my car door, but it doesn't slow me down! I am on a mission, a mission to get this the heck over with! After trudging through the field, I round a bend of trees and I see it. Lying, in the most unnatural fashion, is a giant deer next to a pile of guts. Warm tears fill my eyes instantly. Ridiculous, I know.

The deer's expression is sad and I tell him hello and how sorry I am. Tears continue to stream down my face. Unfortunately for me, I was a little too quick to come out to the field as Dustin isn't done "field dressing" the buck. My fragile state couldn't handle this so I turn away. Waiting to be overcome with emotion, I just stare into the pond, but suddenly the tears go away and I just feel pride take over me.

Surprised at this new emotion, I turn and beam at Dustin! I'm just so proud of his kill and so excited for him at the same time. Killing a deer with a bow is so hard, and the angle Dustin shot him from was even trickier! So more than just pride, I felt admiration really at Dustin's talent with a bow! Wow, how things change! I help him load the deer into the truck. OMG! YES I REALLY DID THAT! And then took lots of photos in the field so Dustin would always have the memory of this hunt!

Unfortunately though, that was not the end of the gruesomeness. Dustin still had to "process and skin" the deer. That meant, HANGING THE DEER IN OUR BACKYARD!!! I was so opposed to this as this is the perfect, white trash stereo type! UGH!!! Thank God we have a privacy fence! I am not going to tell you all the gruesome details, but it was an all day event. EGADS! After he got it all loaded up in the truck, I helped Dustin score it! That was fun!

Anywho, the dogs were absolutely mezmerized by the deer so here are some pictures of them with Mr. Big Buck. Look closely at the one of Dallas (he's licking his chops!)

It's amazing how one's perspective on things changes. Last thing I ever thought I'd be remotely interested in was hunting; however now nothing puts a smile on my face like hearing Dustin recount his hunts. He gets so excited and I love it. Furthermore, I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE going and deer watching with him. They are such beautiful and graceful creatures. Day after day I find myself reading conservation articles, hunting blogs and hunting forums. All of this is simply facisnating!

The Rut (currently occurring) is just a remarkable form of nature. Flabbergasting it is to hear the stories of what happens in the woods during this time. Seriously? Who knew? Being such an outdoors person, you'd think I would have appreciated this earlier in life. Oh well, I am thankful I have such a knowledgable and respectful hunter to teach me all this. Lucky me!

However, I don't think I'll be shooting one myself anytime soon! Keep your fingers crossed for him that he gets a doe this weekend so we can put more meat in our freezer! Then, keep your fingers doubly crossed for after rifle season, we want him to get the big boy he's been after all year!

Halloween, only delayed 3 weeks!

2008-11-20T10:11:00.007-06:00

Let's talk Halloween. What can I say, I like to live in the past. Well, no not really, but just follow me for a minute because I want to post our pictures!!! (yes, i did whine a little when i typed that.) As previously mentioned, Halloween was a wee bit different for me this year. Dustin, being an avid hunter, wanted to avoid crazy Halloween antics so he could make it to bed early so he had all his wits about him for hunting the next day. We also had Aaron, Dustin's little brother, over since he was doing his youth hunting with Dustin.

Trick or Treaters abounded at the house. Lucky me, I got to see the most of them while Dustin and Aaron were running errands. Little Red Riding Hood and The Big Bad Wolf were too adorable for words. Surprising was how well the kids were mannered. Equipped with hordes of candy, I expected the kids to take handfuls of it, but they did not. Most only took one or two pieces. I kept repeating, take more take more! Who knew handing out Halloween candy would be so entertaining?

Here are the pumpkins our Trick or Treaters were welcomed with...

I also have pics of us in our costumes, but I have NO idea where they are! Hopefully those aren't in Dallas's tummy too? Dustin was the hottest Mario I've ever seen! Mamma Mia! When I find them, I'll add to this post, so make sure and check back!

I break promises

2008-11-18T10:26:00.011-06:00

Yep, it is what I do. I promised pictures, and I failed to deliver. Sheesh, what a lame blogger! Should I dare promise again? I shall. Pictures, tomorrow, double pinky promise.

There is a story behind the lack of pictures. Last night, we were frantically looking for the memory card all the while blaming one another for its misplacement, when we look down to the floor. Lying in a multitude of pieces is one 2GB memory card. Well, so much for those pictures! The memories of them now rest in either Dallas or Bailey's tummy. Who knew memory cards were such a treat? This is the second one they have used as a chew toy.

Luckily, some of the pictures are safely stored on Dustin's computer. Unfortunately though, Dustin's deer kill from Saturday will go undocumented (there is a good story) and the cutest picture of Dallas will go unseen.

Moral of this story; keep memory cards out of reach from dogs.

Until tomorrow, I'll leave you with these images. (see I didn't totally break my promise...) Erin sent me these flowers and they lasted 3 weeks!

I'm a bad bad girl!

2008-11-14T08:35:00.003-06:00

Blogging...no check.
WW...no check.
Boxing...check.

Hey at least I am doing one out of the three things! However, my blogging is due to Dustin error not mine! We had such an interesting last weekend that is complete with pictures, but he hasn't got them to me. SHAMEFUL! I promise to have a good story accompanied by pictures come Monday if not sooner! WOOP!

WW no check, well I cannot blame anyone but myself on this. The Sam Adams Winter Lager is out and that certainly has not helped me meet my weight loss goals. But, mostly, it is just me being lazy and not planning and just eating whatever. UGH! Back on track this weekend though!

Boxing, well I have been doing it and it is a blast! I recommend this to everyone! I'm so sore every time I go. I've been trying to make it at least three times a week.

I'm a little under the weather, so not much wit or thought in this post. I'll make up for it, pinky promise!

Leader Of The Pack

2008-11-06T09:05:00.007-06:00

Standing in the kitchen has never occurred to me as a danger, until last night. Snarls rang up from the floor and within a second Venus and Bailey were engaged in a fit of rage for the second time this week. Naturally, this has led to some stressful, painful and violent times at home. Before anyone makes a judgment, let me introduce you to my dogs.

Bailey Beans is just the sweetest girl one ever meets. A natural lover, she welcomes me home with jumps, smiles and kisses. Following me everywhere with a dutiful smile makes her happy. I love her so much. She never gives up and has the heart of a lion. Naturally this bonds me to her as I too share those characteristics. Bailey is not my dog, per se, she is Dustin's dog. However, this little momma has captured my heart as she does with everyone that meets her. For me not to call her my dog, well that just isn't fair to say. Part of my heart belongs to her just as much as part of her heart belongs to me.

Venus is my rock. Anyone that knows me can see the undeniable bond her and I share. Most don't understand it because they haven't lived Venus and my life, but most respect it. Fiercely loyal, Venus's adoration and respect for me never fails. Her intelligence is remarkable and you can see it her eyes. Facial expressions, well, hers are second to none. All of these characteristics are what make Venus charming to so many. Venus leaves enough mystery that most people love her and strive for her acceptance, but most don't even exist when mom walks into the room. So many reasons to love and admire her.

Sunday evening, after a lazy hangover day, Dustin and I were still being lazy on the couch. Venus and Bailey were up to their usual shenanigans. Incorrectly, Dustin and I got onto Venus about taking a dominate "t stance" over Bailey. Mistake #1! It wasn't too long after that we had a vicious dog fight occurring literally right at our feet. (I didn't realize the importance of this until today).

Trying desperately to get some order, Dustin tries to break up the fight. He loses. In the midst of snarling teeth and blind rage Venus bit Dustin's arm. At that moment, it was as if the world stood still. Venus immediately retreated to the corner with panic and confusion in her eyes. Bailey still growling and foaming had not yet realized what happened. Me, I stood there with a horrified expression. Dustin, pale clammy and bit, collapsed onto the love seat. My worst fears about the dog's fighting came to life.

Narrowly escaping passing out, Dustin made it to the hospital. Needles, stitches and a few scripts put a cap on this frightening night. His pain in his arm was nearly unbearable and disappointment in our dogs was lying, undisclosed, under the surface.

Fast forward to last night. Since the fight on Sunday, I've been carefully observing our dogs behavior (I am quite good at observing behavior) and had noticed some distinguishable patterns in both Bailey and Venus. Undoubtedly, a power struggle is occurring between the two females. Tension, literally, was swirling in the air as time after time Bailey challenged Venus during affection. As the dominant dog, Venus would give her the "leave me alone" signal only to have Bailey ignore it.

Well, the inevitable happened, a fight began as I was petting Venus in the kitchen(a danger zone, I learned today). Dustin and I allowed the two girls to go at it for awhile. Studies say it is best to let the dogs fight it out and establish dominance. We, as bleeding hearts, couldn't just stand back and let the girls tear apart each other. We had had enough. Pulling on Bailey's tail, I finally got her teeth pried off of Venus' face. She promptly went into the garage.

Dustin and I inspected Venus. Her face was nicked up in a few places around her eye and mouth. Nothing a little peroxide and neosporin couldn't fix. We made mistake #2 by reprimanding her.

After tending to Venus, I checked out Bailey. Her neck and head were soaked. I searched, frantically, almost positive I would find a horrible gash in her flesh. Surprisingly, and pleasingly, I did not find anything. Well, at that time.

About an hour after our dog fight, Bailey was licking her leg. This struck me as odd so I looked at the spot she was licking. Alas, a puncture wound. This wound looked much the same as the one on Dustin's arm and upset me so much. Like Venus, we treated Bailey, but knowing a vet visit was in order.

Purusing countless dog behavior websites, I found answers and solutions to our problems. Most unnerving is the fact we have made this situation inherently worse. Months ago, initiative to find answers on our part was the key to preventing this. However, beating ourselves up about it won't solve anything, so tonight we put an action plan in place.

Stay tuned for updates on our course of action.

Food for thought

2008-11-05T14:43:00.004-06:00

We, as a new unified nation, made the right choice last night. Lest us not forget exactly how bad of state our country is in; no one can fix this mess quickly. The below link provided a good analogy and its something we need to keep in the back of our minds as we continue to struggle.

Change takes time, prepare yourselves.

America Speaks...

2008-11-05T12:49:00.008-06:00

Congratulations to our new President and First Lady! After this seemingly endless campaign, America chose to vote for change. A decision I could not be happier with. Not only was the victory celebrated in the US, the world celebrated with us as years of lapsing camaraderie gave way to a new found love for the US. No question in my mind, change is coming.

Among celebration, I also felt a vast sense of disappointment. Why does America have such a hate for gay men and women? The gay marriage bans PASSED in all states where it was on the ballot, even in California! My mind, as hard as it may try, cannot wrap around the idea of not allowing people to marry. I'm not even sure what the arguments are against gay marriage? Nothing I have ever heard makes a damn bit of sense. Marriage is about love, right? I just think it is as simple as that. Yes, America just elected our first African American President (WOOP), but in some ways discrimination runs rampant and that makes me sad. Let's hope that change comes as well.

Exercise Your Right!

2008-11-04T11:39:00.004-06:00

We've heard the issues, we've heard the plans now we make the choice! Let your voice be heard for your choice and get out and VOTE! It's our right, but also our duty! Happy ballot casting, everyone!

Eat, Drink and BE SCARY!

2008-10-31T11:55:00.005-05:00

Happy Halloween, ghouls and goblins! Warm breezes blowing the fallen leaves makes for a perfect Halloween in Kansas City today. Memories of my childhood Halloweens are filled with cold, wet and dreary weather. This is a nice change of pace.

For the first Halloween in as long as I can remember, I have no exciting plans. Blasphemous! Unfortunately for me, I happened to pick out a hunter for a boyfriend. For those of you unaware (which i totally was before Dus) right now is peak deer hunting time. So, alas, we have no plans since Dustin wants to get up before dawn to go sit in a tree. However, I would not comprimise carving pumpkins, so we did that last night. Worried about pumpkin smashing, Dustin wouldn't put them out last night so no pictures. I'll make sure to post some on Monday! Halloween is different this year, but I am cofident I'll love the memories just the same.

It's not all bad though, I did get to dress up as we went to a Halloween party last weekend. My Bellatrix LeStrange costume rocked. Perhaps, I shall rock it again tonight to hand out spookily delicious treats to all the trick or treaters!

Speaking of treats, we have a bonfire/fall party to attend on Saturday prompting me to experiment with some halloween/fall inspired treats. I promise to pass along recipes for any yummy things I happen to find. We'll have another taste tester in the house this weekend so I'll be sure to include his reviews too!

Be spooky! Be tricky! Be safe!

Sabatoge!

2008-10-28T12:01:00.004-05:00

Oh. My. Heavens. These were the only words I could mutter as I tasted the fruits of my labor. My waistline wished it was really fruits, but alas I was soaking up the goodness of these pumpkin cookies. My mouth is just watering thinking of them. However, I only allowed myself two in two days so that is an accomplishment. I swear, I will resist them tonight because I can't afford the 6 points. EEK!

A crime would be keeping these to myself so I am posting the recipe that you all can enjoy. I found it on another blog, but I did not use the maple filling; I used cinnamon filling instead. Also, I tried to make it a little healthier with a few common substitutes.

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Filling

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
2 TBSP cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
½ tsp ground fresh nutmeg ( i didn't use fresh and they had plenty of nutmeg flavor)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 cup canola oil
3 1/2 cups chilled pumpkin puree
4 large egg whites
1 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or a silpat if you have one.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and spices. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, whisk to sugars and oil together. Add the pumpkin puree and whisk to combine thoroughly. Add the eggs and vanilla and whisk until combined.
Sprinkle the flour mixture over the pumpkin mixture and whisk until completely combined.
Drop tablespoons of dough onto the parchment. Place about an inch apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cookies are just starting to crack on top and a toothpick inserted into the center of a cookie comes out clean. Cool completely before building sandwiches.

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Filling

1/2C Butter
8oz Cream Cheese
1tsp Cinnamon
3-4C Powdered Sugar
1tsp Vanilla

Cream the butter, cream cheese and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl. Slowly add the powdered sugar until you get the consistency of thick icing. Add the vanilla. Make sure not to over whip! Ice the bottom of one cookie and add a top; making them like oatmeal cream pies.

Please be advised these are sinfully delicious! The next time I make them, I'll make sure they have homes to which to go so we don't devour them all!

On a healthy side note, boxing tonight!! WOOP!! That reminds me, I need to pick up some new tennis shoes tonight! YAY! Shopping and boxing, for what more could I ask?

And The Scale Says

2008-10-27T12:18:00.004-05:00

Saturdays are my weigh in days; this Saturday was my first. Nerves swirled in my tummy, as I stepped on the scale. No need for nerves this day, as I logged a 2.4lb loss. WOOP! Yay for WW! After weigh in I attended the meeting and so glad I did. Positive energy just flows from these meetings. Encouragement, tips and enthusiasm are served up in huge doses. Ideal for me as I need as much as I can get.

This week, we talked about emotional eating. Most people who struggle with weight issues also strugle with this issue. Insecure, tired, sad, worried/anxious, bored, lonely, hurt and overlooked were all emotions that members could identify as feelings that may drive them to the cupboard or fridge. Nothing in the cupboard or fridge will satiate the hunger for those feelings. Before putting anything in our mouthes, we must first identify for what we are hungry? Are we physically hungry or emotionally hungry?

Fergie, a well known WW member, spoke about the method that helped her, the HALT method. Before she put anything in her mouth, she would say HALT. Am I hungry, angry lonely or tired? Those three emotions were the ones that gave her the most trouble. For our homework assignment we are to focus on one emotion that drives us to food, practice the HALT method and journal about it. Basically, if hunger isn't the problem then eating is not the solution.

In addition to that we are to focus on non scale victories. Non scale victories are victories that lie in anything other than numbers. Focusing on these things will defnitely help me when I feel the scale isn't moving fast enough!

Now, for a yummy point friendly recipe!

Taco Soup
Serves: 14
Points per serving: 2

1lb Lean ground meat (beef, deer, turkey or chicken)
1 Large Onion, chopped
15oz Pinto Beans (1 can)
15oz Fat Free Refried Beans (1 can)
15oz Mexican Style Chili Beans (1 can)
16oz Whole corn (1 can)
16oz Chopped Tomatoes (1 can)
15oz Tomato Sauce (1 can)
1.5C Water
4.5oz Green Chilies (1 can)
1pkg Taco Seasoning
1pkg Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix (dry)
2T Chili Powder

Saute meat and onion. Add all vegetables and beans (do not drain). Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes.

Enjoy!

Walking Into The Twilight

2008-10-24T09:28:00.004-05:00

A few years ago, in effort to feel my thirst for vamp literature, I happened upon Twilight. Flooded with eagerness, I could harldy wait to start in on the pages. I devoured page after page grasping to fall into the story. Obsession of an overly perfect man permeated every page, leaving me sick to my stomach. I ignored the nagging thought of giving up on the book and read it through to the end, in one day. Complete with an uneasy feeling of emptiness, I let out and unfulfilled sigh. Oh, how I wanted a new vamp series with egmagic characters; a series with passion slipping sultry off the pages; a series with struggles; a series with heartache and darkness; a series for an adult. Needless to say this book still left me wanting all of that. I didn't want to endure any more of Bella's child like ways and obsession and had no interest in picking up the second novel, New Moon. After all, I had graduated high school years ago.

Fast forward to Wednesday. Seeing, as I had tons of free time, with Dustin working nights and all, I thought it was time to give the Twilight Saga another chance. The library came through with the last two books of the series and I set out to find the first two. Promising myself I would look at Twilight with the eyes of a first time reader, I bought it and New Moon.

Why did I decide to endure the torturous, obsessive, child like ways of Bella Swan yet again? Simple, everyone was crazy about this series. Crazy enough that a movie is coming in November. Naturally, I want to see the movie because, well, Robert Pattinson is eerily hot. I can't go into the movie thinking I will hate it, so I needed to give Twilight another chance.

Finishing Twilight in a matter of hours, I found myself surprised and intrigued. Yes, I still felt the story was juvenile, but I did see it with new eyes. My mind took me in different directions this time. I enjoyed the story, so much I started New Moon right away.

New Moon has captured me in a way Twilight did not and I don't want to put it down; can't put it down. This morning I almost feel like Bella, waiting and waiting until I can go home and delve back Jacob. Dustin wants me to wake him when I get home, but not before I spend a little more time in the company of Jacob Black. What can I say, I love dogs ;)

My ramblings were all over the place this morning, so I am surprised I was able to compile I coherent post. A post that I can enter as my first into The Lonely Blogging Book Club.

On a totally unrelated note, I got a contact at Title Boxing that could possibly waive the initiation for me! OMG! That would be so amazing! Just being in there last night and not getting to participate was such a mood killer. Lets hope I am able to take a class before Monday!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Requires hand wraps and gloves

2008-10-23T10:28:00.004-05:00

*Giddy Squeals* OMG! I am so excited about going to boxing classes! After lots of deliberation, I decided this is the way I want to get in shape. Title Boxing is the name of the club that is literally minutes away from our house! Could this be any more perfect? I'm going in after work to get everything set up and hopefully they waive the initiation fee as that is the only way I can afford to do this. Keep your fingers crossed for me because I am way too pumped for this!

Things that go bump in the night

2008-10-21T08:15:00.001-05:00

Spooky season is upon us and of course it couldn't leave me out of the fun. Last night was my first night sleeping alone in I cannot possibly tell you how long. Normally, this would be no big thing as I have been a single woman most of my life, but holy crap not so much anymore. Before you go and call me a big sissy let me tell you a little back story.

This summer, we had a couple of scary incidents. Wait summer isn't supposed to be spooky?! Well, it was for us. One night, I left, inadvertently, my purse in my car which was parked in the driveway. When I went to my car the next morning the purse was no longer in there. EGADS! Someone was that close to the house rifling through my car. EEEK! As if this was not scary enough, our mail was also opened a few times! Dustin's birthday was around this time, so naturally he was getting birthday cards in the mail. Well, people thought that must mean money and were opening them! That means people were on OUR PORCH! Creepy enough are both things, but the creep out award goes to the fact that the Lee's Summit Police said this sort of activity happen a lot in LS. EEEK, squared!

Now, with all that said, I was scared to go to bed last night by myself. Granted, I do have three dogs, but only one that I trust to protect me, and well she is getting old and am worried that she might not hear like she once did. Every bump, crack, crackle and knock I literally pulled the blankets tighter. How lame, right?!

Perhaps maybe this is just me wanting to play the damsel in distress? Perhaps, I just missed snuggling? Perhaps I missed the warmth of my little furnance? Who knows, but I definitely slept like poo last night and I am going to blame it on being scared and NONE of the above. After all, I am a strong woman and I don't need any of that. HA!

So, my WW update. Starting yesterday, I made journaling part of my daily routine. Let me tell you, one doesn't realize exactly how much one stuffs in his or her face. I get 19 points a day. Talk about brutal! I really didn't eat all that much yesterday, but ended up at 24 points. DAMN! Anyone wanting to lose weight; I've gotta reccommend this. This plan is such a good way to see exactly where you go wrong making choices and portion sizes! Jornaling, hopefully will help me bring in the reigns a bit so I can record a loss this week! I am sure that will feel super good to see a nice loss this week!

Tuesday, what a crap day of the week. I know Monday makes a strong case for crappiest day of the week, but it is Tuesday in my book. That was actually just a round about way saying that I am already looking forward to the weekend. First and foremost so I can see and sleep with Dustin, but also Alan's Halloween party on Saturday. Tonight, in an effort to improve my Tuesday, I plan on going shopping for a costume. I am in love with a costume I found online

How sinfully adorable?! I sure hope I can find it and rock it well. Wish me luck!

Another Day, Another Dollar, Another Pound

2008-10-20T09:36:00.001-05:00

Nothing quite starts a week off like knowing your paycheck is bouncing. Ah, the joys of my job know no bounds. I'm getting the overwhelming feeling it is just going to be one of those weeks.

Morning came early on Saturday as Dustin jumped out of bed to go hunting. Water running through the pipes while he showered, mildly annoyed me, but I did my best to fall back asleep. As I was just getting comfortable, I hear a "pop" noise and am immediately joined in bed by Venus. I asked her what the trouble was when I again heard a "pop" noise. At that time, all the lights turned off and I rose to see flames shooting out of the space heater. WOW! Hello! Naturally, I scream. Dustin comes running in soaking wet (which was kind of hot) and puts out the flames.

As if that was not trouble enough, he informs me that he's taking a cold shower since there is no hot water. Eek, i think, did I pay the gas bill?! Of course, I paid the gas bill so what the hell? Turns out the pilot light was out on the water heater. No biggie, right? No, turns out it keeps going out and we don't know what is wrong with it. Bleh, what another pain in the keister.

After solving all the home issues, Dustin finally got to leave and I got to hit the sack again. Well, wait, no I could not. The dogs decided it was time to be on 10 and play all through the house. While being inundated with dog tongues and paws, I decided to get out of bed. I had a weight watchers meeting to get to anyway.

Which, brings me to my FIRST WEIGHT WATCHERS meeting. What a great decision I made to join! Ron, the leader, was so enthusiastic, informative and sincere. Although, I plan to try out other meetings and leaders this week, I think I'll definitely end up in one of his groups. The downside, I weighed in at a little more than I anticipated. I'll keep you posted on my trials and victories!

Anyway, back to the premise of the post. Its going to be one of those weeks and Saturday kicked it all off for us. Now, today I learn my paycheck isn't good. Um, so really what is the point of even coming into work?

To top it all off though, Dustin is now working nights. Since hunting is his first love and I not even a close second, I'm prepared to essentially be boyfriendless until he goes back to days. In which, if that is still in hunting season, I'll still be boyfriendless because I am sure he'll have to make up for all the time he missed during his night schedule. *sigh* What a bummer. After all, it is "what he does". *barf*

Now, a little melancholy hits as I reflect on Dustin and my relationship, but that is a post for another day. Maybe, I'll go grab another cup of joe in an effort to be so high on caffeine that none of this gets me down. YAY!

Lastly, I have a post I am very excited to write telling you about my trip to Late Night In The Phog. It was stellar and I must brag about KU!!

Have a magnificent Monday, all!

Frosty Grass and Frozen Toes

2008-10-16T09:11:00.001-05:00

Throwing off the covers this morning made me shiver! Each night, chillier air is settling in on Kansas City; and each morning it gets harder and harder to slide out of the warm comfy bed. Dustin was the first to venture out into the frigid air to let Venus, Bailey and Dallas outside for potty time. Just as I was drifting back to dreamland I hear an exclamation, "STEPH! COME LOOK AT THE FROST!" The frost did not interest me, but I crawled out of bed anyway, disgruntled. Frost, ugh, the first slap in the face that winter is on the way.

I rushed around this morning anxious to get in my car so I could blast the heat. Unfortunately, Venus had other ideas for our car ride this morning. After pawing, whining and pressing her nose against the glass I gave into Venus' whims and rolled down the window. At that time I blasted the heat, but I think she enjoyed more cool air than I warm. Once at work, we made a mad dash for the door, but warmth did not await me behind the door either. As par for the course with my company, we are not current with the gas company so the idea of heat is a rather facetious one. Alas, here I sit with Popsicle fingers and toes.

Now, I realize I am giving Fall weather quite the bad wrap. So, in effort to spare fall's feelings I guess I should talk about the Fall things I love.

1. Bonfires

2. The crunch of fallen leaves

3. Warm apple cider

4. All things pumpkin, especially carving!

5. Fall themed baking!

6. And of course, KU football!

Amazingly enough, I don't feel quite as cold now. Um, well, no I do, but I tried :)

Speaking of baking, I did make some outstandingly delicious and simple peanut butter cookies the other day. I know, I know they are not very fall inspired, but who cares because yummy knows no season!

Super Simple Peanut Butter Cookies

1C Creamy Peanut Butter
1C Dark Brown Sugar
1 Egg
1t Baking Soda
1/2C Dark Chocolate Chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except chocolate chips and stir together with a wooden spoon. Then when batter is mixed well add the chocolate chips. Drop by rounded teaspoons on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for about 8-10 minutes or until golden.

How simple is that recipe? Anyone can make these for a delish quick treat. However, don't eat too many because with all the sugar in these I am sure it'll go straight to the hips. EEK!

Pardon me a moment while I gush, but I just got a super duper compliment from Fabulous K on her blog! In case you haven't checked it yet (shame on you!) her blog is here. If you happen to have a foot fetish, you definitely don't want to miss her post today!

Speaking of fabulous blogs, check out Erin's new design. Fabulous K helped create it and its just perfect for Princess of Glam, Erin. I know you are dying to see it so just go here.

Here's hoping everyone has a tremendous Thursday; the weekend is right around the corner! To what do all of you have to look forward?

Bruised Fruit

2008-10-15T08:51:00.001-05:00

Not sure why the term "bruised fruit" came to mind, but it was the best way to describe my mood today. Well, truth be told, my mood the last week or so has resembled this. Today, however, I want to do something to about it.

Generally, I feel pretty good about myself. My confidence level is always high and I always tend to see the brighter side of things. Not so much anymore and I can't stand it. Most upsetting, is the fact that I knew it was happening and chose not to do anything about it. I just let things keep spiraling out of control until I literally became bruised all over.

Knowing I deserve to feel better than bruised fruit, I am starting to take action to stop the bruising. Furthermore, I hope to bloom into a strong healthy fruit once again. Notice I use the term fruit, because I know I am a little "off" and I embrace it :)

My self esteem is in the crapper so we've got to start there. One of the things I really enjoy is being active and keeping my body in shape. The sad fact, I haven't been doing either of these things in several months. How lame is that?! Pretty dang lame if you ask me. So today, I've got to start somewhere and get back on the right track. I plan on doing just that. YAY! I am actually quite looking forward to taking care of me again.

In addition to just starting to workout again, I am going to weight watchers too. Actually, I am going today after the orthodontist! Stay tuned as I am sure fun stories are in store as I start on this journey. Most of you know, I battled with Anorexia for awhile so I definitely need to have a structured program following me as I tend to take things to an extreme. Hey, at least I can admit it, right?!

Also, in this path to rediscovery, I am putting ME first!! Wow, I don't even remember what that is like. However, I am anxious to have that feeling again. Happiness, straight ahead, I know it.

Sorry for the deep post first thing in the morning, but I had to get it things off my chest and this was a good way to vent. I am starting to think this blogging thing is going to be pretty fun if not just a way for me to keep my sanity!

Have a great hump day everyone!

From the mouths of babes, well just one babe

2008-10-14T10:54:00.001-05:00

By babe, I mean blogging baby. Today, is my first day in the blogging world, so HELLO blogsphere! After weeks of procrastination I finally decided to write my first entry. Why today? Well, it just happens it ranks as one of the most boring days on record. Business is at a lull right now; imagine that with the current state of our economy. However, that is a topic for another day when I am feeling a little more politically spirited. I'm just to lazy today to get exceptionally fired up about a topic I can't do a damn thing about.

Moving on to a totally random subject (that's what blogs are all about right?), I am searching for a book club to join. Also, in my search, I would like to find a workout group! Where I live, none of my friends live and so I need to meet some people close to home. What better place than those two for me? One, I love to read and two, I like to workout. We all know working out is better and easier with a partner. Alas, I am yet to find either of the two. Poop! Hopefully, with more searching I can find one or the other, or better yet both.

Perhaps, I should do book reviews on my blog. In essence my own little book club I share with the world. As fun as that sounds, it also sounds a little sad and lonely. Poop again!

Not sure what all my blog shall entail in the coming days, but I'll try to keep it an interesting read. Hopefully I'll provide you with some yummy noshes, interesting antcedotes and plenty of randomness.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention. Fabulous K of www.fabulous-k.blogspot.com finally pushed me over the blogger ledge. Her blog is uber cute and full of some stellar photographs. Now, if I could get my page 1/2 as adorable as hers!

Have a great day everyone!