7 Lies About HomeSchoolers

I can't begin to count all the times that I've been questioned about being homeschooled. Most of the questions are pretty common, although rather humerous since they are so offkey. Did I have any friends? Did I get to start whenever I wanted? Did you get grades? Are your parents religious freaks?

Thanks to Andrea Summers for sharing this video with me which debunks the 7 lies about homeschoolers.  Enjoy.

Ways To Kill A Bug

I've tried each and every one of these. Plus some.


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The Year Of The Hare? I Think Not.

According to the Chinese calendar, I was born during the year of the Tiger, specifically the fire tiger. Some of the characteristics associated with this sign include:

"Bravery, competitiveness and unpredictability. Tigers love to be challenged and will accept any challenge if it means protecting a loved one or protecting their honor. They don’t worry about the outcome because they know they’ll always land on their feet. Don’t let their calm appearance fool you though; Tigers will pounce when they feel it’s necessary."

"Born to lead, Tigers can be stubborn if they realize they’re not in charge. They have a slight tendency to be selfish but overall, Tigers are extremely generous. They’re very intelligent and they’re always on alert. Tigers are very charming and are well-liked by others. They are not motivated by money or power."

Career: "Tigers have a continual need to be challenged which may explain why they jump from job to job. This isn’t necessarily a problem because they’re smart and able to quickly master new subjects. The best jobs for Tigers are those that will lead them towards positions of leadership"

Relationships: "Creative in their passion, Tigers will never bore their partners. They’re expressive, polite and trustworthy, but watch out. Tigers tend to dominate their relationships. This tendency is instinctive and when monitored closely, such behavior can be kept under control. Partners need to be equally active to keep up with the Tiger’s sense of adventure.".

Some of these characteristics are spot on. Others. . . I  prefer not to clam as qualities of myself. However, stubborn - Very. Optimistic - Absolutely. Overly dominating in relationships yet passionate? That's debatable, but highly likely.

Regardless of being born in the year of the tiger I have decided to NOT follow the Chinese Calendar this year and make up my own. I am disregarding the year of the Hare (2012) and dedicating this year to me, myself, and I. Could this idea possibly go back to Tigers being a little selfish? . . . Just some food for thought.

The idea isn't as selfish as it sounds, but more of an opportunity to do some things that I have been putting off for "tomorrow". So, in honor of taking the year to celebrate ME I did something I had never done before yet was on my bucket list.

Today I went to the movie theater and saw a movie. . . Alone.  At first I was feeling slightly silly, but after the initial purchase of my movie ticket I started to realize some of the benefits.

First of all, I rarely do anything alone so that was an accomplishment in itself.

Secondly, It was nice being able to sit wherever I wanted and not feeling like anybody was judging me for eating the entire container of popcorn by myself.

And the best thing of all. . . I got to watch the movie that I wanted without having to rock, paper, scissors for it.

So, maybe I am selfish or maybe I am just taking some time to do things that I have been putting off. Either way, I welcome you 2012 with arms wide open. Bring it!


I will leave the rest to Marilyn Monroe who says it best:

“I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best.”

International Thank You Day!

International Thank You Day - January 11th, 2012.

Yes,  I am well aware that I am 3 days late, but I don't think it has to be international thank you day for me to give a couple of shout outs to some people that really brightened my day.

I'm beginning to believe that I have a stamp on my forehead that reads "I NEED HELP" or perhaps it is that helpless puppy dog look that I have been roaming around with. OR more optimistically, maybe human beings are actually nice? . . .. Nah. Doubt it.

So where do these thank yous belong you ask? It all started back on Tuesday when Ol' Betsy decided to make a very awful screeching noise as I came to a halt at a stop sign. Luckily, my dad has trained me very carefully to notice the sounds of break pads in need of replacement as I have ruined several sets of roters on Ol' Betsy for this very reason. So what did I do next? Call my mechanic of course. Unfortunately, he was booked for a week and couldn't get me in for a week - Unacceptable.

So I let go of my pride and decided to check with Midas, who agreed to do it that very hour. . . Well, 3 hours and $186.20 later, my break pads were like new. My tires, however, according to "Dan" were illegal to be driving on. Ugh. He asked if he should change them for me... No thanks, I'll do it "later". Of course we all know what later means.... When one of them blows up.

Well, A couple of days and a few inches of snow later sure showed me. Thursday night I got stuck going up a hill and felt myself slowly sliding backwards. Luckily the car behind me got away without a scratch, but this sure got me dreaming of a new set of tires for Ol' Betsy.

The following day as I attempted to leave work, I realized I wasn't going anywhere. Yes, I somehow managed to get stuck in a parking lot. Not on a hill. Not in a ditch. Not even in a snow covered driveway. We are talking about a freshly plowed, barely even slick, parking lot. This is where my shout out is due.....

THANK YOU TO THE MAN WHO WAS DRESSED TO IMPRESS WHO PUSHED ME OUT OF THE PARKING LOT!!!!

Yes, he was wearing dress pants and jacket and still, without even being asked, just got down and dirty and helped me out. I wish I would of asked his name, but I was so caught off guard by his kindness I didn't think to ask.

So. . . Needless to say, today I ventured into Walmart to buy a new set for Ol' Betsy. I about swallowed my tongue when "Mike" told me it would be $360. Ugh. As I hesitantly agreed to pay the price I ventured through Walmart finding random odds and ends to spend what little money I had left.

30 minutes later, I heard my name being paged across the intercom to come back to Tire Lube Express. As I dragged my feet down the isles, Mike approached me telling me that I was nuts to change all 4 tires and should only get 2. He used some language I wasn't familiar with and said he was only going to put on 2. Fantastic! So.... Shout out time.

THANK YOU MIKE FROM WALMART FOR TELLING ME I DIDN'T NEED NEW TIRES AND SAVING ME $120.

Mike could have just changed them as I, a girl knowing nothing about cars, had asked and it would have been all the same, but he was kind enough to help me out and offer a bit of advice.

After about 30 minutes more, I heard my named paged yet again. This time, Mike offered to buy Ol' Betsy from me. Our conversation went something like this. . . .

Mike: How much do you want for your car?

Me: I don't know. I haven't thought about it.

Mike: I'll buy it off you.

Me: I'd have to ask my Dad. (yes I still ask my dad all my car questions).

Me: Are you looking for a new/old car?

Mike: Yes, for the demo derby.

Me: Your saying you want to DESTROY Ol' Betsy? NO WAY!

Once again my heart sank. For a short instance I thought he actually LIKED my car. Little did I know, he wanted to tare Ol' Betsy to pieces. I slowly began to shake my head and informed him that she wasn't for sale anymore.
Ol' Betsy and I are like pea's in a pod. How dare somebody think I would part with her on such terms (as tempting as it may be).... Regardless of the slight insult..... Thanks Again to these kind people!

Voicemail? What's that?

Ring Ring Ring

Me: Hey Mom, I saw you called.
Mom: I just left you a voicemail.
Me: Whats the plan for tomorrow?
Mom: I just left you a voicemail.
Me: I know, I just decided to call you back instead.

Is it just me or do you just cut to the chase and return the call too? Personally, I would rather hear the news straight from the horses mouth than listen to a voicemail and be left with questions roaming around in this head of mine. I mean, lets face it, there isn't enough room and memory in this fine brain of mine to keep things just rolling around up there.

If my phone doesn't show a missed call, chances are. . . your not going to get a call back. Yes, I saw the "30 new voicemails", but I don't check those until my "mailbox is full".

Recommendation of the day when dealing with this beast (aka me): Call twice and if I still don't answer, shoot me a text. The end.

Looking Up

For those of you who have had the luxury of visiting my humble home you will quickly notice what others call my "lack of decor ability". My colors rarely flow and my paintings never match. While some may consider this the absense of interior decorating skills, I have always considered myself a bit of an eclectic. I just purchase or "find" individual pieces that I consider "treasures" and don't bother to worry if it will match the rest. This is what I think makes a house a home. Which is exactly why I am on the prowl to find this outdoor mat to place outide my front door....

I do feel that it would be a nice addition. Please let me know if you happen to spot one at the nearest Good Will or Salvation Army so I can add it to my collection of "treasures".

Bubble Refill Station

How did I never have one of these as a child? . . .
Or as an adult for that matter?

"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does."
                   -William James

Happy Belated Birthday

Happy Birthday To Me!

Ever since I moved here I have been sleeping on a bed which you can feel the springs poking you right through the mattress. When you roll over in the middle of the night you hear a screech worse then fingers running down a chalkboard which will wake you up instantly.

So. . . . Long overdue I bought myself a new KING sized bed, down comforter, duvet cover, and some accent pillows!

I can lay horizontal OR vertical OR diagonally and not hang off the edges.


Laying in the middle I cannot reach either side.


And I quickly found out that it has much more bounce than my old bed for jumping/dancing with myself.

And best of all, Dustin painted me an amazing piece of artwork to match the coloring perfectly!

Love it.

Doubtful I will EVER get out of bed or get anything done now!

Fotografias en México

More Fotografias en México.

January 1st - January 6th, 2012

SideNote: Sorry for some of the poor quality. Couldn't figure out how to adjust since they were taking on phone.



Getting Comfy Upon Arrival With The "Swan"

The Lounge Bar

Hanging out in the Lounge Bar

Feliz Navidad

Dinner at the Mexican Speciality Restraunt

At the Swing"er" Bar

SteakHouse Dinner

First Thing I Woke Up To

Soaking Up Some Sun!

View from the Balcony

Sitting in My "Boyfriend" Chair waiting for dinner

Yummy Dessert! Chocolate Cake.