Is Your Valentine's Day Everyday?

One of the many things I love about my boyfriend, is that there are no specific days that he likes to pin down to us celebrating Valentine's day. He says that everyday should be a day to celebrate your love for your special lady; and he does! Just when I least expect it, he does something sweet for me.

Sometimes it's a beautiful bouquet of rainbow roses, a stuffed bear with chocolates, or one of the sassy chemises he finds tempting for an evening of fun and ... snuggling ... all right ... back to G rated here. Who ever said that there should only be one day to show you love to that someone special?

So, celebrate your love today, take that someone special out for a romantic dinner for two on any night except February 14th ... ooooo my bad? You bet I am ;)

How Would You Use Your Couponchief?

Well, I could smack myself for not remembering to use the coupons over at Couponchief.com when I ordered those three books last week at Amazon! I so thrilled to find the books, and so intent on getting the best deal, that I completely forgot about the Amazon coupons which could have saved me precious pennies on my order. I really do enjoy purchasing my books online as for me it means less crowed lines, fewer miles on my van, and savings not met by my local bookstore. So, I promise to leave myself a note to bring my coupons the next time, BEFORE I purchase!

Regardless, my books should arrive sometime this week. I can hardly wait to see if they are worth the their weight ... LOL! What books did I order? Here's a hint: the books are by a popular author who has been caught in the middle of some recent celebrity chaos! Reviews to come later! ;)

Oh, THOSE movers and shleppers!

The other day a friend of mine mentioned something about movers and shleppers and I was like ... What?! For a moment there I thought he was talking about movers and shakers and was just having a brain fart. Sorry ... LOL! I wasn't quite sure what he meant when he said "mover NYC", but living in the south it might have meant something along the lines of ... mover Nice Yellow Caboose over here, or thar, or anywhar. Who knows?

Obviously someone does, because while I was searching online I found out that he was actually talking about a moving company in New York City. Now his comments were making more sense. Thank goodness for internet and its wonderful search engines! Glad I didn't jump into the middle of that conversation. Imagine my embarrassment ... really!

:]

Are You Green?

In an effort to help keep our earth a bit cleaner for generations to come, my family and I have been recycling all of our plastic, tin, aluminum, and cardboard packaging instead of adding it to our garbage can. At first the kids teased me about being green, but if we all continue to bury trash that does not decompose, how will that effect our landscape? Now I know that some may take this argument to extremes, but all I am saying is that if there are simple things we can each do to lessen the pile up of these items underground, then, why not?

A friend of mine told me the other day about a website that offers green products and how they are helping with the goal of making products more earth friendly. So, I checked the website out and found lots of interesting information, from news to products I never would have considered as being "green" for both personal use and for improving one's home. One of them was earthen flooring, yes I said dirt! I wonder how long it would take my teens to sweep up that floor?

Staying Disciplined

In the following days it will be more difficult to stay disciplined to blogging due to long hours at work during the tax season. I can't imagine trying to multi-task between tax returns and blog posts and have either one maintain a great deal of accuracy or consistency. I prefer to work on my post at home amidst the commotion of two teens and the cats, in lieu of clients coming and going all day long. So, I hope you will be patient with my ramblings during the next few weeks as I try my best to work 71 hours doing taxes and then my evenings sneaking in a post or two.

Thank you for continuing to visit, and hopefully the evenings will permit me enough time for blogging. ;)

the Dawnster & a Monumental Greeting!

A friend of mine who works in d'burg in southwestern NC celebrated her "40th" birthday this past week on January 16th, and as she approached her cubical she was greeted by the handiwork of some sinister "Happy Birthday" pranksters! LOL! Just so happens, "Mr.D" works with the Dawnster, yet he claims to be totally innocent of any participation in the deeds done in her honor. Hmmm ... innocent eh? Pop on over to her site, the easy chair" for a look at the surprises ... do they just have too much time on their hands or are they just the best of coworkers and friends?

This be one o' me favorite pictures o' th' birthday girl ...

Happy Belated Birthday, Dawn!

Thankfulness

Today was the onset of our work week hours from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and some of us were asked if we wanted to go home early. It was just an hour, and I was still trying to regain my strength after a long week last week and a busy Sunday doing household chores. This week is supposed to be a 71 hour week, so the idea of getting an early out was fine.

When I arrived home we threw together a quick dinner and then it was time to get busy with my evening job. Though I get paid to blog about the things I love, I also blog for personal reasons. It is very therapeutic to be able to sit down and put together your thoughts in writing. These past two months have been stressful to say the least. If not for the special angels in my life they would have been much harder to wade through, and to those people I want to express my heartfelt gratitude!

For those angels in my life who listen to my stresses, who listen to my frustrations and never tell me to get over it, who listen until I feel better all the while redirecting me with laughter; thank you, I hope you know how much I love you and appreciate all you do. For the angels in my life who listen as I pour my heart out, who listen to my many trials in parenting, who have been there done that and understand my pain, who laugh and cry with me; thank you! For those angels in my life who hold me when I need a hug, thank you!

Though these stresses were tempting to vent about tonight, I realize that I really do have a glass half full, not half empty. I have people who love me with all they have, who share a special place in my heart, who love me unconditionally. So, I have lots to be thankful for, and this isn't about all the wrongs that often times try to pull me down. Instead it is about gratitude expressed to all of the people I love most in my life, to all of the people who share a smile, who lend an ear, who care about my children and me, and to those who encourage me to greater heights ...

Thanks!

What Do You Do For Stiff Legs?

We worked over sixty hours this past week and my legs are killing me! It's not easy sitting for so many hours in a day, let alone in a week. Right about now it would be great to have some devices to aid me in getting to my feet or for using my legs with minimal stress to the muscles. Imagine a chair lift to help you spring to your feet after the umpteenth client has graced your desk for the day, or a stair lift for going up and down the flight of stairs coming and going from home each day. Thank goodness my home and workplace neither one have a flight of stairs like the ones we had in Virginia! I much more prefer a ranch style home with only one level to roam around in than a three level townhouse.

Until then, I'll just have to soak in a nice hot tub with some Epson salt to take away the stiffness and aching in my legs. Got any better ideas?

Win Some Bath and Body Works Products!

Do you enjoy the sweet smell of Warm Vanilla Sugar? How about Cucumber Melon? One of my favorites is Mango Mandarin and I just saw that they have a shampoo and conditioner in this sweet smell. I've even got a pump bottle of Jasmine Vanilla at my kitchen sink, and everyone that uses it loves it!

Oh yeah, the contest for free products! Musings ê¿ê… is sponsoring a contest and the prize is a collection of the following items:

One Jar - True Blue Spa Self Meditating Body Butter - with Rice Bran Oil & Green Tea
One Jar - Sensual Amber Body Butter
One Tube - I’m in the Mood for Scrub Foaming Body Buff with Shea Butter Beads

So, hop on over and check out Margaret's site and register to win a sampling of special smells!

Thanks Margaret!

The Race is On!!!

It's day four of the 2008 tax season and all of our tax professionals are in their gates! On the left we have "Laborious" Lucinda, "Stedfast" Susan, and "Meticulous" Marisa, and to the right we have "Justly" Joanie, "Advantageous" Annette, and "Gracious" Gracie; all are neck and neck and as the clients enter the office one by one ... the race is definitely on! Who will get the next client?

Well, it doesn't quite feel that way just yet, but we're told it will some day soon. Until then, perhaps we need to have dueling treadmills to work off some of this good eating we've been doing in preparation of our busy season. If not, we are definitely going to need to do laps around the building before too long. Being desk bound for 11 to 12 hours per day, six day per week is going to put a hurting on the wardrobe at this rate, not to mention the waistline!

I don't know, but I think it might be time to figure out some kind of routine exercises we can do at our desks besides keyboard reps!

Sound ... Just how loud is too loud?

Right now my children and guest are watching the third movie in the "Fast & Furious" series. I remember listening to music really loud as a teen, or maybe it's a sign of my getting older, but SHEESH! Do they have to blast the noise levels that loud? Not the kids, the filmmakers! I have surround sound speakers in order to really enjoy the music and sound effects of movies, but for goodness sakes, not to blast our what is left of my hearing. And what of the movie makers? Are they not aware that the sound gets louder during the action scenes and then quiet during the talk scenes? Do we have to sit here with the remote in hand and turn the volume up and down with each scene? Seems to me, with technology being what it is today, that someone would have invented a device that automatically sets a movie's sounds to a tolerable level regardless of scene and NOT one capable of blasting one's ear drums out!

Commercial Sales on Bank Sites?

My bank has been offering all sorts of different ways to do business with them online for a while now, but the most annoying thing they have resorted to is advertising products from other companies as I sign into my account. The most recent was for car insurance with the company that has the cute little green amphibian who talks while walking on his hind feet. Although I love that little fellow, I really rather look for my insurance needs without encouragement from my bank. It's not like I can't have my payment automatically deducted from my bank account regardless of the company.

Does your back participate in this type of commercial sales?

Visitors Arrived Last Night, Safe & Sound

My oldest daughter and her hubby are here for a visit this weekend. They arrived here late last night, just shortly after midnight, and will stay until tomorrow sometime. It's nice to get to see them as they live in Virginia and we don't get up there that often. So today, Lisa, Steve, Ryan and Jenn all went out shopping for clothes, while I was at work for the day. Tonight Ryan is at a birthday party for a friend, and the rest of us will eat chili and cornbread as we watch a movie. What movie? Not sure yet as Lisa and Jenn are in town picking one up while I cook and Steve plays video racing games on the television. Maybe we'll have breakfast together tomorrow, wait ... we will but where is the better question?!

;)

My Heart Goes Out to Britney & Family

After having gone through a stressful time with one of my teens a few years back, I can only imagine what Britney and her family are going through right now. I am sure it has been hard enough trying to grow up like any other person as a teen, but to have that coupled with stardom and other stresses have to have added to what ultimately pushed her limits. It wasn't bad enough she has already been in and out of drug rehab, but now a mental institute? It hits too close to home, just how difficult it is for some to handle the pressures of life, let alone success at an early age. Will keep a positive thought, that she gets things turned around for her sake, as well as her sons. They are too precious, and the longer it takes, the more of their childhood she will miss spending with them.

1st Day to E-file is Here!

Today was a long day! It was our first day for e-filing as the IRS will not accept any Federal tax returns until 8:00 a.m. EST, and they will not be reviewing them for release for bank products for those taxpayers that are in hot pursuit of a FAST REFUND! Still, it was a faster day than the past four months have been and more challenging to say the least. Tomorrow will bring more new clients and lots more adventure!

Another day, another e-filer!

Monday's the Day! Woohoo!

On December 24th we entered a video commercial in the Memory Foam Mattress Contest where we were given a challenge to come up with a unique way to create buzz about their beds. While you're there, make sure you take the opportunity to see all the different styles of mattresses offered by clicking on the "memory foam mattress" link. You can check out the video and the mattress link on the entry post link below:


Remembering With Memory Foam Mattress

The winners will be announced Monday, January 14th!

Enjoy the video and thanks for visiting! Ü

Happy Birthday, Handsome!

Introducing Hoops & Yoyo

Over four years ago, I found a pair of characters who would help me send hilarious greetings for all sorts of occasions! Here they are again, helping me wish someone special a very Happy Birthday!


I agree with these two "Mr.D" ... YOU are lookin' fiiine!!!

Join me as I wish a Happy Birthday to another character ;) who is very special to us all!

Check out all of the Hoops & Yoyo collection over at www.Hallmark.com

Jenn's SAE Project

Today we went to visit my parents while we were in their town shopping for supplies for Jenn's SAE project. What's an SAE? It stands for Supervised Agricultural Experience and can include projects from gardening to home repair to entrepreneurship. Jenn was hard pressed for an idea and as teen often do she had put it off until nearly the time it was due. So Grandpa and Jenn headed off to Lowe's for supplies for the project.

Here she is working with Grandpa's instruction as she builds her first shadow box shelf unit. She has completed the shelf and will paint it when she figures out the new color theme for her room!








Updates to follow ;)

Did you say Crisco? Oops!

Do you know what happens when you are half listening when others are talking? You hear half of what they say! Or do you?

Just the other day, a certain blond (I won't mention any names) was working on her computer trying to find out what was making it stick so badly. As she was trying intently to figure things out she thought heard someone in the background offer a suggestion, but she continued working. Frustrated she arose from her task, went to the kitchen, grabbed a small can from the cupboard, and returned to the computer.

As her son returned to the room he asked her what in the world she was doing? There she sat lubricating the insides of her computer!

"I'm making sure my computer runs smoothly by applying some used Crisco," she replied. Her son nearly fell over from laughter. She gave him a puzzled look and asked why he was laughing to which he explained, "Mom, they were discussing a used cisco, not applying some used Crisco!" Can we say ... oops!

The moral of the story is to stop and listen, you could save yourself a lot of trouble!

Your Best Friend Was Once a Stranger!

We all have friends and acquaintances that we have met in the usual ways, and at familiar places like school, church, the grocery store, the gym, the park, band performances, work, the daycare, and so many others. As technology has advanced so have our ways of meeting people. Since the early part of 1990 I've been learning more and more about computers.

As I began my experience online, I had the opportunity to join different discussion groups. Eventually in 2000 I joined a group on the "Oprah" website and met three women and one gentleman whom I would continue chatting with online long after our experience with the site had ended.

Two of the women; Sally and Deb, were both suffering from a disorder that kept them from enjoying their lives in the outside world. Then one year while we were all still chatting online, Sally made the trip to go meet Debbie. They had lots in common and after their trip they sent pictures. We've lost touch, but I hope they and their families are all doing well.

Next in our cast of roomies, was Coy. He was the only man in the group and a deep thinker. He was always the most quiet, but when he spoke he said the most profound things. He and I still correspond from time to time. It's almost time we get caught up. He has since we first met, divorced, remarried, had all three of his children get married, has three grandchildren and probably more by now. We had all hoped to meet somewhere in the middle of the country one day, but I'm not so sure that will happen now.

Finally, there is Sue. We are like ... best friends from afar. From our meeting in that chat room to this very day we have continued to stay in touch. We have laughed together, cried together, given each other advice, and supported each other like friends do. She is like a big sister, and we relate to so many things that go on in our lives. Though our friendship began online, we eventually talked on the phone adding a voice to the face in the photo.

As I got online last month, Sue sent me an instant message. She had a surprise. Her cousin is coming here to visit a friend of hers who lives in my town. What are the odds of that happening? It appears that she might get to come visit me April 19th through the 22nd! This would be the first time since we met online back sometimes in 2000? I can't remember ... LOL! Anyway, she should know more soon, and if she gets to come we'll have that cup of coffee!