It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: When did blogger update and change their interface? I've been so out of the loop I didn't even know an update had occurred. I don't particularly like change and I'm not sure I like navigating this new blogger (I've been away from blogging for so long that it may not necessarily be "new" but it's so foreign and new to me.) I'm not finding it to be easy and user friendly!

Do you like the new, updated blogger style?

Is there a way to revert back to the old look and not have to use the updated blogger?

It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: Have you read the book "The Help" or seen the movie yet?

I read the book last year but went with 3 girlfriends who hadn't read the book to the movies last night to see it.

It was so fun for me to watch their reaction to certain scenes since I already knew what was coming.

We laughed!

We cried!

We loved it!

It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: Have you or your husband ever gone on a vacation without each other?

My husband left yesterday for a week long scuba diving trip to Grand Cayman. I could have gone along too but decided I'd like to stay home and have the house to myself instead. Having the house to myself never happens.

So far...

I'm lovin' it!

It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: How many siblings do you have? Sisters? Brothers? Are you great friends with your siblings?

I am the oldest of three girls, no brothers in the family.

My middle sister is 3 years younger and we have always been best friends. She is incredibly funny, beautiful, soft hearted, and generous to a fault. I cannot ever picture my life without her in it.

My youngest sister is 9 years younger than I am and is one of the nicest, sweetest people you'd ever meet. She NEVER says anything bad about anyone and I respect her so much for that character trait. It's just not in her nature to bad mouth anyone or anything. She too is beautiful, funny, soft hearted, and generous!

I am beyond blessed with wonderful sisters and that is the one thing that I will always feel sad about for my own daughter. I wish she was able to experience life with a sister, but you know what, God is good! God blessed my daughter with a fabulous long time best friend that is a true sister of the heart. I'm sure they will be best friends and sisters for life!

It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: Do you use a PC or do you have a Mac Book? My computer died last weekend so it's at Best Buy trying to get repaired right now, but in the meantime, my husband talked me into getting a Mac. It's definitely different and I'm not sure I like it.

I hear the Macs take about a week to get accustomed to and then I'll be in love. We'll see about that!

If you have a Mac, do you have any helpful hints or words of advice you'd like to pass along?

It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: Have you ever DRIVEN a motorhome of any type?

This weekend is our monthly camping trip (aka camping club weekend), but I won't be doing any of the driving. Never do, hopefully never will. Driving the RV is hubby's job and he wants to keep it that way. I really don't think he trusts me!

Our first motorhome was a smaller Class C motorhome and I could drive that just fine. A Class A motorhome is what we have now and it's like driving a bus.

No thank you ma'am!

Jake and I are happy to sit in the passenger seat and watch the world pass us by!

Hubby did kinda force me to drive our Class A motorhome once, about 3 years ago. He wanted me to get the feel for it just in case there was an emergency and I needed to drive it. I don't think he likes me playing with his toys...he hasn't made me drive it since!

It's Friday

And I'm nosy..

So here's the question: Which do you think is of more importance in life, love or education?

This is a hard one for me because I feel both are essential for fulfillment and self-confidence, but I think education is so so important, especially if you are a woman. What's that old saying "Love can't pay the bills!" Education can and does pay the bills!

Having said that, I want to say that having a love for my creator, my God, is way more important to me than anything else in this world. In fact, it's #1 for me, along with the love I feel for my husband, children, and family. Without this love, I'd be lost.

I was able to receive a very good education and have had a wonderful career (which I didn't start until my children were a little older by the way). It certainly has made me feel more fulfilled, more accomplished, more self-confident, and has allowed me to earn a very nice paycheck while doing a job that I love, but I know I have been blessed. I have a career that allows great flexibility and I was lucky enough to choose a career path that is 100% perfect for me.

I've been blessed in both departments, love and education. We will be celebrating our 31st wedding anniversary this year! It hasn't always been a bed of roses, but I'm glad neither one of us ever gave up!

Well, I guess I didn't answer that question very well did I! As you can see, I value and cherish both (but I still say education is imperative!)

It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: Do you have a particular TV show that you like to watch regularly? American Idol, The Office, Glee, or those CSI type shows?

Would you believe I've never watched American Idol, The Office, or Glee. Well, that's sort of a lie. I watched Glee for the first time ever after the Superbowl game this year and then I watched American Idol for the first time this week.

I've been hanging out at our friend Lynn's restaurant more lately and they have 2 big screen TVs there. Let me just tell you, her customer's like American Idol!

Maybe I'll start watching it now that Simon is gone. I could never watch it because I can't watch people be mean to other people. Watching Simon would have been pure torture for me.

One of my favorite TV shows of all time was Everybody Loves Raymond! Now that was entertainment!

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I'll be checking this out for entertainment today. It's always fun making new blogging buddies (and especially when they're old(er) like me!)

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Did you notice the time that this post was written! Insomnia...talk about torture!

It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: With the break in weather we've had this week, did you experienced any "spring fever" madness?

I.sure.did!

I got more accomplished this week than I have in the last month and it felt great! Yesterday I cleaned out our walk-in pantry from top to bottom. I wiped down every shelf, rearranged, purged, and decluttered. It took hours but I think I just might be getting my mojo back!

I'm very aware that the weather plays a big part in my energy level. If the weather is cloudy and cold, I'm more than happy to stay inside and hibernate. When the weather is nice outside, I can be Miss Productivity!

I even voluntered to work today!

It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: What is your favorite type of salad dressing?

I'm a hugh salad eater and love any kind of salad dressing that involves balsamic vinegar. I also like the Thousand Island dressing at Marie Callendar's. It's creamy and not too tart like some Thousand Island dressings can be. One of my favorites though is the sesame dressing that is so delicious on a nice refreshing Chinese Chicken salad! Do I hear an Amen!?!

I finally got to eat at a Cafe Rio this past summer. Cafe Rio cilantro salad dressing...To.Die.For!

It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: If you were being served a delicious dessert of your choice right now, what would you choose?

For some odd reason I've been craving a big piece of luscious chocolate cake. It's so weird too because I never eat cake. I really love sweets but I make a conscious effort to control my urges, especially after working so hard to lose 10 pounds this last year. I love sweets but I hate thunder thighs and muffin tops more!


P.S. I just had a handful of almonds. It just doesn't have the same effect as a scrumptious dessert!

It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: Have you ever been in business for yourself? We're only in the very very beginning talking stages but my son and I are discussing a joint venture of some type.

Truth be told, we have a son who is lost in finding a "career" and needs a little direction. He's worked in the restaurant business for the last 5 years but knows it's not something he wants to do the rest of his life. He's tried college a few times and it's just not his thing, for now anyways. Mom and Dad(us) really don't need to add anything to our lives but realize he needs the direction. A small family business may just be the thing.

Are we crazy? Should we just let him find his own way in life? Would you consider doing the same thing for your children? Maybe you already have!

I've been doing alot of research and it takes next to nothing to open up a thrift store so this is something we are seriously considering. A small mom and pop type place where you could name your own hours and be your own boss. Luckily we've got alot of good business minds in the family so we'll see what transpires!

Do you know anyone who owns a thrift or consignment store?

It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: Now that all of the Christmas decorations have been put away, have you started decorating for Valentine's Day?

Being that I was probably the only blogger in blogland to take down my Christmas tree THIS WEEK, I haven't started any Valentine decorating yet. Yes, you read that right, my tree was still standing as of earlier this week. In my defense, I've been busy (or has it been lazy!?) and have had on and off company 4 times since Christmas. I'm not complaining, I've love it! The Christmas tree take down obviously took a back burner and I wouldn't want it any other way!

The repairman was here yesterday at 9am to fix my dryer, company left after a french toast/pancake breakfast yesterday after a 2 day surprise visit, I had CPR class last night, and now I'm heading out for Camping Club weekend today. Maybe I'll get some Valentine decorating done next week...or maybe not!?

Happy Friday friends and have a wonderful weekend!

It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: Is it just me or are you as sick as I am of seeing all of the "Christmas vignettes" in blogland? I'm really not a scrooge at all but if I see one more vignette I think I'll switch permanently to Facebook!

Truth be told, I think I just might be a tad bit jealous. I'm so behind in my holiday decorating and I don't have the energy to get started. It can all be a bit overwhelming don't you think? In my mind I have these wonderful grandeoise plans but in reality, I'm just too plain TIRED!

I've never tried those 5 hour energy drinks or ever had a Red Bull (people at work drink them like water...remember, we start work at o'dark thirty!)

Today's feeling like a Red Bull day!

It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: With Thanksgiving just a week away, we're all thinking about our holiday festivities and menu planning. So I ask you, have you ever made a pumpkin pie or will you be making a pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving this year? Do you also make your own crust?

I admit I've never made one. I don't even know if I've ever made a pie of any sort. I'm a cake, cupcake, brownie, cookie, candy baking kinda girl.

Plus, I don't care for pumpkin pie...even if it is covered with Cool-Whip.

But now I'm thinking, maybe I should put "make a pie" on my bucket list!

It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: Who are you rooting for to win the 2010 World Series? Texas Rangers or the S.F. Giants?

I've been tossed up because I'm a California girl so I should be rooting for the Giants but one of our local hometown boys is pitching for the Rangers. Colby Lewis was born and raised in the city that I live in and we are very proud of his success.

But I think I just made up my mind...GO RANGERS!

It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: When you were growing up, did you 1) walk to school; 2) take the bus to school; or 3) did your parents bring you to school?

Would you believe I never ever took a bus to school. I only got to experience bus riding on field trips (and actually most of the field trips I've ever been on were ones where I was a parent volunteer with my kids).

Most of my school days were spent walking to and from, except in my early high school years before I had my driver's license. We lived a distance from my high school so my Dad dropped me off in the morning or I rode with my friend and her sister who drove us to school. My mom would then pick us up after school.

When I got my driver's permit, almost everyday I'd ask my Mom if I could drive home from school. Most of the time she'd say no but when she did say yes, she'd practically sit on my lap the whole way home. We had one long front seat and she'd sit close to me with her arm around my shoulder. She hated having to teach me to drive and was a nervous wreck! Funny thing is, I felt the same way when it was my turn as a parent!

It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: I mentioned a few days ago about suffering terribly from insomnia. Do any of you lay awake at night, counting sheep like I do!?

It's gotten so bad that I was awake at 4:00am yesterday morning, just bidding away on ebay! Thank goodness I was outbid on 99% of the items by mid afternoon!

I realize part of the problem is due to menopause but this is ridiculous! When you don't fall asleep until 4:00am (if you're lucky enough to sleep at all), it sure makes getting up in the morning really really hard! I feel like I'm dragging around most of the time.

#1 item on my to do list today: pick up Melatonin from the drugstore (Melatonin is a natural sleep aid and can be purchased over the counter).

Watch out insomnia, Melatonin here I come!

It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: I love the sight of pumpkins, truly they just make me smile! Do you love pumpkins as much as I do? Do you love Halloween as much as I do?

Then, top it off with a monogram...


Seriously...

Once again...

I.die!

It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: Do you make your own spaghetti sauce or do you use sauce from a jar?

I don't cook much anymore since it's only hubby and I home (plus I'm on Jenny Craig), but when I do cook spaghetti I make my sauce from scratch. It's always been one of our favorite meals around here.

I hope you all have an enjoyable Labor Day weekend. I really need to "labor" this weekend and get some cleaning done. A friend told me that if you can write "I love you" in the dust in your house that you are enjoying life. I must be enjoying life because I could quite possibly write a short story!