Ask Hubby ANYTHING- Answers revealed!

Thank you to those ladies who asked my husband questions.  I sat down with him to get his answers and here is what he came up with. 

What made you interested in speaker building?

I've been interested in loud music for as long as I can remember. It started with car audio equipment, installing head units, door speakers, and sub-woofers and then into building my own sub-woofer boxes for a car audio. Then it turned into building my own cabinet boxes for home theater.

What is your favorite quality about Kayla?

I would say that if I had to just pick one, the best quality about my wife is that she is my best friend.  She allows me to feel as comfortable as I ever could be, knowing that whatever I say won’t make her mad and I can be as goofy as I can and she likes it.

Do you help with chores around the house? Which is your least favorite?

-Yes, I help with vacuuming, window washing, cat litter boxes, dishwasher and making of the “occasional” meal. My least favorite would be the cat litter boxes.

What is your favorite home improvement project that you've completed?

Redoing the hardwood floors. They had carpet over them before, then I tore the carpet up and refinished the wood floors underneath. I think this made the biggest difference in our home.

What's your favorite memory of your wife?

The first time I took her for a motorcycle ride. She was scared to death but I don’t blame her. I had a Honda CBR600RR, which was a super-sport race bike.  The rear seat was on a very steep angle and up in the middle of nowhere.

Kayla, do you ever ride on the motorcycle with Jesse?

Yes…. But don’t tell my mom. Kidding, I actually didn’t tell my parents about it until almost a year after Jesse & I had been dating. I thought they would probably kill me. They didn’t, but they weren’t too excited about it. They do know however; that Jesse is a very safe rider and we have always worn helmets and jackets to be as safe as possible.

What are you most looking forward to having a kiddo?

Teaching he/she anything they want to know.

Least looking forward to?

Teenage years, if it’s a girl…. Having a daughter that would hate me, would be at the top. If it was a boy, having a son that didn’t want to do projects as me or didn’t have the same interests as I do. I think some people are worried about losing their freedom or free time, but I am not worried about this.  That would be a positive-negative, since I would be blessed with having a child that would want to spend time with me.  That, to me, would be a wonderful curse.

Have you ever used the purple bag I sent? It is so manly, I cannot imagine you would ever leave it at home when shopping.

No, I haven’t used it….. haha But I know my wife uses it a lot! I don’t do much of the grocery shopping, but if I did… I would certainly use it!

Be honest- which fury child is your favorite?

I don’t know… I would probably go with Allie. She bothers me in the mornings and always wants attention. (side note from my wife: She is a huge daddy’s girl!)

And the standard questions:

What is you favorite dessert, animal, color, sea creature (different than the animal please), food, article of clothing, kind of bed, magazine, website, and candle scent?

Dessert- Brownies

Animal- Chimpanzee, it is one of the only other creatures that could have a “somewhat” intelligent conversation. (Because you can teach them to use sign-language which I find fascinating)

Color- At the moment, Mopar B5 blue (My wife just gave me an incredibly weird look, but it’s the color of the new Blue Challenger)

Sea Creature- Dolphins because they are the most intelligent

Food- Italian or Mexican. (Wife’s lasagna!)

Article of clothing- Blue jeans and hooded sweatshirts

Kind of Bed- Firm spring, as large as possible. We sleep with 2 cats and a dog. There isn’t much room in or queen bed.

Magazine- Popular Mechanics

Website- Ebay

Candle scent- Fresh linen

What is his favorite thing about being married?

Spending my life with my love and not having to look anymore!

How did he propose?

I was sick for a few days and just didn’t feel like doing anything. I stayed home sick from work on a Friday and Jesse brought roses home for me that night. On Saturday, I still wasn’t feeling up to par, so Jesse got a bath ready for me, made a playlist of our favorite songs so that I could listen to them and lit a bunch of candles. Then he asked me if I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. I of course said well yeah and then he took a ring out of his pocket and said “Will you marry me?” It was not flashy and just the two of us and I loved it.

I've been waiting for you.....

Friday, that is.... It's finally here my friends!  My Friday is shaping up to be quite lovely... As we near 4:30 (in another hour an 10 minutes), I'm getting ever so excited for an overdue weekend!

-I had a delicious lunch from Pablos, think Panchero's but way way better! Chicken Quesadilla with rice and pico!  Perfection....

-I ordered something for our camera and I cannot wait to share!  I'll be positing about it when I get it!

-I'm heading to Old Navy tonight, they are having a 30% off sale + an additional 25% if you use your Old Navy, Gap or Banana Republic card.  Do I need anything?  No, but you'll still find me there trying to find something I can't live without!

-I was reminded today that, no matter what's going on, in the end things will be ok.  You may not see it now, but it will all work itself out eventually.  God has a plan for everyone and it is not up to us to try and understand it.  So, I'm going to try to go with the flow more often and just let things roll... :-) (Thanks Mom!)

-My dog woke me up at 3:00 am.  Mind you, this is probably the 2nd time he's ever done this, ever and he's 6 years old!  Apparently he had a hankerin for some water, at 3:00am.... Our bed is very high off the ground and well Bear, he's not too big.  It takes all of his strength to jump onto the bed and he can only do this if he's got a lot of energy.  So, at 3:00am he was not about to jump off himself.  After he drank what seemed like the entire container of water (its like a 5 gallon bottle dispenser) he then proceeded to let me know he need to go to the bathroom.  Well no crap, you just drank the entire bowl of water!  So, I had to wait another 10 minutes until he did his deed and I was finally able to get back in bed.  Hubby, however; slept through the entire thing.  So, if you're wanting to break into someones house late at night and steal something, it might as well be ours, because he could sleep through anything!  No, but seriously, I wouldn't appreciate that, so don't do it.

-Anyway, I give all of you mothers out there props for getting up a million times during the night to take care of your little one.  I know I will do it when we have a baby, but for now, I will treasure my sleep!

-Tonight will be a very relaxing night and I can.not.wait.  I may even open a bottle of wine, don't mind if I do!
 
-I hope you all have a fantastic weekend and I'll be back on Monday to let you know if we accomplished anything this weekend!  Signs point to no..... :-)

Is it Friday yet?

I've had a long week.  One of those weeks where it feels like it's never going to end.  Is Friday even in site yet?

I've worked my tail off the last few days because we've had so much due at work, I've tried to workout as much as possible, I've submitted grad homework and I've attended a 1.5 hour pointless online chat class which is required EVERY freakin Wednesday people! 

Not only have I done the above, but we're trying to sell one of our cars, which is driving me mad, we've had trouble with our hot water heater and I've been forced to take 1/2 hot 1/2 cold showers for the past 3 mornings and I'm realizing that I don't know if I can survive at my job for the next 4 months!

What is a girl to do?  Well, I spend my morning eating my Honey Nut Cheerio's and reading about you lovely ladies! I think you help keep me sane, o and I guess my husband helps with that too!  I'll make it through, I know I will.  I just cannot wait for Friday! 

Ok, rant over.  I promise :-) 

Here's what I'm hoping to accomplish by Sunday evening:

Sell our car {grin}

Watch movies with hubby

Finish my grad homework for the next week

Relax with a bottle of wine

Finish reading my book, which is actually pretty good

Hit up Old Navy for some killer deals

Catch up on blog reading

Have Hubby answer your questions for him!

Sleep in!

Maybe clean the house and do some laundry, if I'm feeling up to it after the long, dreadful list above is complete....

I think I can accomplish all of the above and maybe even enjoy a little of it! :-)

Happy Thursday!

Fitness

By the way, that's me.

Not...

I know a lot of you are fitness guru's out there and I was wondering if you could help me out!  We just joined a gym (previously, I've been doing Jazzercise, but the times are not working well with my schedule these days) and I'm wondering what your workout schedules look like.

I typically spend 20-30 mins on the elliptical, then another 20 on the treadmill and some ab workouts.  I'd like to get some weights in there somewhere, but cannot remember back to the dreaded high school track and volleyball days when we lifted weights 3 times a week.  What machines do you use, what kinds of reps, how many sets?  Etc....

Any help you give me would be greatly appreciated!  I need to whip this body back in shape so it's ready to be a host to a beautiful and healthy baby! :-)

The Saints go marching in.....

To the Super Bowl that is!! 

After cheering for the Saints the entire game last night, I did feel a bit sad for the Vikings.  I don't know what it is, obviously someone has to lose and someone has to win, but I always feel bad for the losers.  They played a great game and lost.  It happens and people get over it, but I felt a bit of sadness come over me last night as I saw an emotionless Farve (who would have been the oldest quarterback to play in the superbowl) take the field after throwing an interception for his last throw in the last game of the season, in the playoffs, nonetheless. 

You can read more about their win here which leads them to the Super Bowl!!  I have to say though, I was pulling for them.  A bit of a Cinderella story, if you will.  Come on, they've had a lot to deal with in the past few years and I am so happy that they have this chance to go to the Super Bowl!  They deserve it and as it is their first trip to the Super Bowl (ever, I think... Correct me if I'm wrong), I am pulling for them.

I know I know... I actually do like football, for some weird reason.  I don't mind curling up on a Sunday afternoon watching football with the hubby.  I actually secretly love it!  It's so relaxing!

I'll fill you in on my weekend later, but Happy Monday all!

** Don't forget to Ask my Hubby Anything!**  By:  Jan 27th, 2010!!!  Come on, anything!

Babies, babies, babies.... & Random

Ladies!  You're killin me over here!  Everyone I know is either pregnant or just had a child.  I.Kid.You.Not.  It's crazy!  Everywhere I go, people are pregnant!  In real life, in blog land, on tv, I swear its everywhere!  Where is this water you all have been drinking, because I would like some of it :-)

We're hoping to join you all someday soon, because this baby fever is kicking my butt.  Maybe it will help if I stop thinking about it, but no dice.... I just can't.  So send your love and prayers our way, I know there are many other people who need it more than us right now, but if you have any extra, it would be much appreciated! 

P.S.  You all look too darn cute with your baby bumps!  I joke that hubby will have to roll me to bed because I'm going to be like a big huge round ball when I'm pregnant.  We shall see! :-)

In other news- Tomorrow's Friday and I am O So Excited!  We're having some friends over for dinner on Saturday. I'm making Taco Soup & Chicken Noodle Soup!  Maybe I'll share the recipes with you next week.  They are delish, I promise.  Other than that, we'll be laying low.

Have you seen Sherlock Holmes yet??  Would you recommend it?  Are there any other movies out in the theaters that you would suggest? I want to get out and see a movie in the theaters, buttered heart-attack popcorn & pop.  The whole works!

Sorry for the randomness that is this blog post.  I have a lot going through my mind!

** Don't forget to Ask my Hubby Anything!**  By:  Jan 27th, 2010!!!  Come on, anything!

I'm stumped....

And so is the dentist......

I've been having this awful pain when I eat anything hot or drink any hot liquids.  I know it's on the right side of my mouth, but that's all I can figure out.  It hurts so bad!  The pain shoots all the way up to my ear and lasts for about 5 minutes. 

I scheduled an appointment for this morning and he did every kind of test he could.  He took x-ray's, poked, tapped, rubbed, put freezing cold liquids onto the teeth (giving me sharp pains, but only because I have sensitive teeth), and also tried with hot liquids, which only ended up burning my gums.  Afterwords, he said welp..... I'm not sure what's going on.  You can't seem to figure out which tooth it is and neither can I.  He said I should be sent to a a root-canal specialist for a consult to see if he can figure anything else out.  He said it would probably end up being a root-canal (super!) or having the tooth extracted (yippy!)

I'm bummed because it sucks every time I eat and it hurts so bad!  I've been popping Tylenol like a drug dealer on crack.... So, the mystery continues and we'll see what the specialist says on February 16th, yes, I have to deal with this for another couple weeks before I can get in to see him.

Not.Cool. 

** Don't forget to Ask my Hubby Anything!**  By:  Jan 27th, 2010!!!  Come on, anything!

Weekend Recap

This weekend was suppose to be a weekend to relax and enjoy the 3 days we had at home!  We had plans to stay home and get some cleaning done!  Well, Friday night hubby worked on some speakers with a friend and I got the night to myself.  I made the boys lasagna and then headed off to the mall where I found two pairs of cute shoes!  (I think I have a problem when it comes to shoes, but rest assure that I never buy them full price.  I got these two pair for $32.00!)

Saturday

We slept in and then decided to go for lunch.  After lunch we ran some errands and spent the entire day together.  We enjoyed some homemade Broccoli Cheese soup, made by yours truly, and Public Enemey's.  It wasn't bad, but I did fall asleep for about 30 minutes. 

Sunday

We woke up early to clean the entire house.  Hubby cooked breakfast for us and we finished our cleaning in a little over two hours.  We then got our Jetta all cleaned up so that we could take pictures and get it posted on Craigslist to sell. This was a lazy Sunday afternoon, because we went and rented two more movies!  We saw Inglorious Bastards and Cyborg Soldier.  Inglorious Bastards was quite weird and a little graphic in some parts, but Cyborg Soldier was decent, actually better than I had expected.

Monday

We both had the day off!  It was great, except for the fact that we had to wake up at the crack of dawn to go get our new vehicle.  We ended up getting a 2003 jeep liberty renegade.  It'll be mostly Hubby's vehicle, but I will drive it whenever the weather is bad and I don't want to drive our other car.  Hubby has this thing for finding vehicles that are no where near us.  We've driven up to 3 hours one way before to get a vehicle because he can't find one he likes here or one that is a good deal and in good shape.  Needless to say, we are finished car shopping for a good 3 years! :-)

What did you do this weekend??  Anything fun or exciting?  Any movies you would suggest for us?

** Don't forget to Ask my Hubby Anything!**

Lucky Winner!!!

I hosted an After Christmas Giveaway right here at Livin the Great Life, courtesy of CSN!

The lucky winner of is

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: 30

Result: 17  
 

Yeah, so I don't know how to be fancy and copy the actual box that gives the results, but you see them above! :-) 
 

Katie at Loves of Life

Katie said.. 

              okay I'm in :) maybe this will help me cook more... its SO snazzzzzzzy! Oh and I'm a follower          already! Two entries for me! 

 

Katie, please contact me with your address so that I can get it sent off to CSN!  Congrats!!!

 

I'm so grateful that I got to do this giveaway for CSN! It was so much fun.  Thanks to everyone who entered!!   

Ask Hubby ANYTHING!

Alright ladies, since you all know a lot about me, I've decided to follow along with some other blog ladies and let you ask my wonderful hubby anything your little hearts desire!

Whether it be about speaker making, home improvement projects, motorcycles, cars, his ridiculously good looking wife, or what his favorite color is, ask away!  Hubby's already agreed to do this for me, so I cannot wait.  Stump him ladies, make him think long and hard! Make me proud :-)

Now, I'm gonna feel really stupid if nobody asks anything, so please come up with something! haha

If you're really feeling like you NEED to ask me something, why don't you jot those questions as well.  Heck, we'll make it an ask US anything. 

We will be posting the answers on Jan 29th!  So, ask away until Jan 27th! :-)

Love is in the air

"If you look for it, I've got a sneaky feeling you'll find that love actually is all around.” Love Actually

The lovely Katie is hosting a very fun swap called the *Simply Love Swap* How adorable is she?!?!  You still hvae a chance to get in on the fun over at Katie's blog, so head on over there.  O and take some time to look around, she's got a pretty little bun in the oven and I love reading her daily conversations about the kids she teaches.  So, check her out.  No really, stop what you are doing right now, head on over and enter for the swap!  You could be lucky enough to have me as a partner! haha :-)

Happy Thursday!!!

Happy Belated Birthday to the best Dad in the world!!

Happy 54th Birthday Dad! 

You have been an amazing father throughout my 24 (almost 25) years of life.  I cannot thank him enough for the number of things he's done for me and our entire family.  He is such a hardworking person and I hope someday to be as great of a parent to my children as he was to my brother and I.  So, even though I'm a date late in posting, I just wanted to wish the most amazing father a Happy Birthday and I cannot wait to share many more memories with you!!!

One of the many pictures we take together where he has to have a funny face or something goofy.  He definitely is very fun and entertaining! :-) I love you Dad!!

Spring ahead?

Is it sad that it's 34 degrees out and it feels like spring?  It's so beautiful out and I actually considered not wearing gloves today.  I think all of this negative degree has made me a bit delusional because in normal winter weather when it's below 45 degrees I'm covered head to toe and just cannot get warm!  

Is it warming up where you're living???  I can take this 30 degree weather, but no more of that nasty below zero stuff! 

Weekend recap.

We had a great weekend!  Friday night we got pizza and rented a video game to play.  I don't know what it is, but I do like playing video games from time to time.  However, after we settled in, had pizza and watch an episode of The Big Bang Theory*, I was falling asleep.  People, it was 9:00pm!!  I've been super tired and just not up for doing much lately.

Hubby and I have both been sick for eternity a few weeks and just can't seem to shake it.  Hopefully this is our week and we'll both start feeling better!  It makes for a long week when you don't feel well, that's for darn sure!

Anyway, Saturday we headed to my hometown so that I could go dress shopping with my friend Natalie and some of her wedding attendants.  I'm a personal attendant in her wedding in September and couldn't be more excited!  She ended up finding her dress (which was gorgeous on her!) and her bridesmaids dresses.  It was a successful trip!  Then we headed out to my parents to relax for a bit before going out for dinner for my dad's birthday.  His birthday isn't until Tuesday, so I'll post more about that tomorrow!  It was fun to get together with my family and just have fun.  My brother & his fiance, Natalie, just got back from 10 day vacay where they got to go on a cruise and to the Orange Bowl to see our beloved Hawkeyes win!! I am so jealous, they were very tan and had a great time.

Sunday we went to breakfast with my parents and then headed back home.... The never ending journey I suppose.... We watched the Packers play an incredible 2nd half, only to lose it in overtime.  We weren't too excited about that.

Anyway, I was laying in bed by 8:00, reading a book and was asleep by 9!  I'm telling you, this cold is kicking my butt!

Hope you have a great Monday and boy do I have some stories to tell you!

I also have a great convo with Dish Network that I can't wait to share.  So stay tuned and enjoy your marvelous Monday!

*More on the Big Bang Theory and how Sheldon reminds me of my hubby at times.... haha In a good way!

P.S.  Today is the LAST day to enter my giveaway!!! 

You won't want to miss this!

Don't forget to enter my giveaway!  It ends January 11th 8:00pm CST!  Come on, who wouldn't love a crock-pot and a free one at that!

It's almost like having your own personal cook, just take a few extra minutes in the morning throw together somethings and voila (vwɑˈlɑ)!  How exciting is that!?!?  P.S.  I totally had to search on how to spell the dan world voila!  I would have never guessed that's how it's spelled!

Maybe you can even teach your hubby how to use it, how awesome would that be? **



So anyway, stop what you're doing, head here and sign up for the giveaway!  It's actually a really cool crock-pot that you can set the time on!  Check it out!  you won't be disappointed!


Good luck and have a great weekend!


**- Disclaimer:  In no way is this blog suggesting that your husband should do the cooking or that he will actually use the crock-pot once you win it or that the crock-pot will make your dinner without any effort on your part.  But I do promise you it will make dinner making simpler!   However; if this post helps do the trick and get your hubby cooking then by all means I'll take the credit! :-)

I've come to realize...

I stole this from Brittany Ann at Living in the Moment, check her out, she's fabulous!

I like doing these types of things once in awhile because it gives me a chance to reflect on my own answers and also it gives me something I can return to and see how much I've changed, or stayed the same! Plus, it's also kind of fun!

Anyway, sit back, relax and enjoy.  I know I did!

***

I’ve come to realize that my job. . . is not the one I want to stay in forever.  I want to be and will be a school counselor, hopefully within the next school year and if not then 2011-2012 school year, Here I come!

I’ve come to realize that when I’m driving. . . sometimes I make it to my destination and have no idea how I did it.

I’ve come to realize that I need. . to stop worrying about the little things.  I get so wrapped up in worrying that it can't be healthy!

I’ve come to realize that I have lost. . . my desire to go out and drink because I have so many other things to do.

I’ve come to realize that I hate it when. . . people are rude for no apparent reason.  Get over yourself and realize that everyone has their opinion and it's just that, their opinion and they are entitled to it.

I’ve come to realize that if I’m drunk. . . it doesn't happen very often and I get very chatty, sometimes to the point of no return if you know what I mean!

I’ve come to realize that money… is not something one should worry about.  But don't look at this girl, she worries about it as if it's her job.  Money is also not everything and definitely does not buy happiness.

I’ve come to realize that certain people. . . may not like me and I'm ok with that.

I’ve come to realize that I’ll always. . . think of home (my parents home) as my home.  Maybe it will change when we have kids, but I'll always want to live close to my family.

I’ve come to realize that my sibling(s). . . is very different than I am, but that's what makes us unique.  He is my only sibling and I love him with all my heart and wish the very best for him.

I’ve come to realize that my mom... needs a vacation.

I’ve come to realize that my cell phone. . . should be apart of my body because I cannot leave home without it.  If I do, I have to go back and get it, most the time.

I’ve come to realize that when I woke up this morning. . .that I did not want to get up for work and that I wished I worked for the schools because I would have had an extra 2 hours this morning!

I’ve come to realize that last night before I went to sleep. . . I forgot to say my prayers

I’ve come to realize that right now I am thinking. . . about all of the things I'd rather be doing than being at work. BUT then I become thankful that I have a job.

I’ve come to realize that my dad. . . is a very hard worker, he is kind, fun, hilarious at times and irreplaceable and I'm lucky to have him as my dad.

I’ve come to realize that when I get on Facebook. . . I spend entirely too much time on there.

I’ve come to realize that today. . . . is Friday and I have a ton of work I should be doing.

I’ve come to realize that tonight. . . will be a movie night with the hubby.

I’ve come to realize that tomorrow. . . I get to go dress shopping with some of my friends from back home for one of their weddings and that I get to see my family to celebrate my Dad's 54th birthday!

I’ve come to realize that I really want to . . . have a baby, be finished with school, find a great counseling job, move back to my hometown and start living our life as a family. :-) 

I’ve come to realize that the person mostly likely to re-post this is. . . anyway who is in need of something to post.

I’ve come to realize that life. . . should not be taken for granted.

I’ve come to realize that this weekend. . . will be fun and relaxing.

I’ve come to realize that my friends. . . are one of God's greatest gifts to me.

I’ve come to realize that this year. . . is hopefully going to be a great one!

I’ve come to realize that my husband. . . is my other half, my best friend, the love of my life and the person who keeps me grounded.

I’ve come to realize that maybe I should. . . get back to work.

I’ve come to realize that I love. . . staying at home more than leaving it.

I’ve come to realize that I don’t understand. . . why some of the most wonderful people don't get all they deserve.

I’ve come to realize my past. . . has shaped me into the person I am today.

I’ve come to realize that parties. . . are usually not for me.  Sometimes we like to go to a party, but we're always that "old" couple who leaves early to go home because we hate feeling sick in the morning.

I’ve come to realize that I’m totally terrified. . . of never being able to have children.

I’ve come to realize that my life. . . is amazing and I wouldn't have it any other way.

***

Please steal this if you want to, it was kind of fun.

Happy Friday!  I hope you all have a great weekend and we'll "see" you Monday!

2010 Handbook

Since I'm not feeling well I thought I would post something for you all to enjoy that doesn't take much effort on my end.  I received this via e-mail a couple times and I thought it was a really great message.  So go ahead, take a look at the 2010 handbook.  It really opened my eyes and was very interesting.

 

 HANDBOOK 2010

Health:

1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games.
7. Read more books than you did in 2009.
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minute walk daily.  And while you walk, smile.

Personality:

11.  Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12.  Don't have negative thoughts of things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13.  Don't over do. Keep to your limits.
14.  Don't take yourself so seriously.  No one else does.
15.  Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16.  Dream more while you are awake.
17.  Envy is a waste of time.  You already have all you need.
18.  Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner of his/her mistakes of the past.  That will ruin your present happiness.
19.  Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
20.  Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21.  No one is in charge of your happiness except you.  
22.  Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn.  Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23.  Smile and laugh more.
24.  You don't have to win every argument.  Agree to disagree...  

Society:

25.  Call your family often.
26.  Each day give something good to others.
27.  Forgive everyone for everything.
28.  Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29.  Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30.  What other people think of you is none of your business.
31.  Your job won't take care of you when you are sick.  Your friends will. Stay in touch.  

Life:

32.  Do the right thing!
33.  Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34.  GOD heals everything.
35.  However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
36.  No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37.  The best is yet to come.
38.  When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it. 
39.  Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

Last but not the  least:
40.    Please  Forward this to everyone you care about, I just  did

**Don't forget about my giveaway!  It ends January 11th!** 

January Goals

It's goal time ladies!

Let's take a look at how I did in December.

December Goals:

• Workout at LEAST 3 times a week  Done!  I did it, well except the week of Christmas, because of all of the traveling we did.  Otherwise, this one was a success!
• Make dinner 4 times a week  This was also a success! :-)
  
• Get a pedi for Christmas, just to treat myself!- FAIL.  I didn't have any time!
  
• Lose 5 lbs before Christmas.  Success & Fail. I think I lost the weight, but put it right back on with all of the holiday goodness going around!
  
• Take a vitamin every day  Success!
  
• Not buy myself anything this month- This may have been a bit of a FAIL.
  
• Super-clean the house before Christmas Success!
  
• Give back to some organization we care about  Part success!  We gave back, but not like I wanted to.

Let's start off 2010 with some great January goals and then I'll post some 2010 goals!

January Goals:

• Paint & put up new window treatments in office.  (Yes, this goal is already complete, but it was an actual goal that I wanted to get finished in January!)
• Continue taking vitamin everyday
• Cut back on spending.
• Cut back on eating junk food.
• Repaint the laundry room.

2010 Goals:

• Expand our family.  I would love to welcome a little one into the world and our family in 2010 :-)
• Start learning how to budget our money better.
• Sell our home and buy my parents old home.
  
• Move back to my hometown.
• Secure a counseling job or finish my practicum and substitute teach while doing so.
• Pay off our last vehicle.

I think all of these goals are doable and I cannot wait to accomplish all of them and hopefully more! :-) 

Happy Monday!

Do you have any goals?  Long term or short term?

**Don't forget about my giveaway!  It ends January 11th!** 

Office Transformation

Hubby and I have been off for about 2 weeks now and we have been very lazy unproductive.  On New Years Day, I got the itch to do something.  We have a lot we need to do, but time just seems to get away from us.

Anyway, we bought our home 2.5 years ago and have never touched the office.  It has the same paint and the same window treatments (left by the old owners mind you). We've just had other things to do and we hardly spend any time in there.  Finally, it got to me.  I couldn't stand the hideousness that was this office anymore.

Friday morning I set off to remove the wallpaper boarder.... Yes, wallpaper boarder.  Look at how completely necessary, modern and fun this boarder is....

 Isn't it beautiful??

By the way, the painting above was done by my hubby in high school.  It's very good, I'm quite impressed myself.  When we have a baby, I'm going to try to get him to paint something on the walls for us! :-)

It wasn't that hard removing it, just a spray bottle full of vinegar and water did the trick. 

Look at that paint job! :-)

Ok, so after all of the wallpaper was off, I went to town on the glue.

We then removed the beautiful curtains! Take a look at these babies, they are for sale if any of you would like to purchase them?? No?  What?? haha I kid. I kid.

It's hard to see, I know

Ok, so then it was on to priming.  If you would like to enlist my services to help paint, just let me know.... Being just 5'0" does help when trying to paint, so hubby is stuck doing everything I cannot reach.

Case in point

See how good I am? haha

Then we painted the 1st and 2nd coats

It looks so much better

After all of the painting was finished, we set out to find some window treatments.

Here's what we settled on.

You can't really tell, but they are brown curtains with swirls.  :-)

View from the kitchen

View from the other doorway

And the other side of the room

So, a little over 8 hours of total work and we are very excited with the final product. Sorry, I'm still figuring out how to work my camera correctly, so some of these shots are hard to see with the lighting. 

What do you think?  Do you think it's a big difference from the before shots of the 90 year old grandmothers room? :-) We're pretty proud of it.

We have yet to find things for the walls, but we put up what was there before for the time being.

**Don't forget about my giveaway!  It ends January 11th!

An after Christmas giveaway!

Happy 2010 Everyone!!! I hope the new year is treating you right already!

To  make your new year even better, I'm hosting a giveaway! :-)

Remember back in September, no?  Well anyway, I Won a fantastic workout bag from Brittany at Living in the Moment courtesy of CSN Luggage.

Well my friends, CSN has contacted me to do a fun little giveaway right here at Livin the Great Life!  Can you believe it?  I hardly can!

So here's the deal..... Like Brittany, I spent hours cruising their plethora of inventory to find the right gift for one of my lovely readers!!   I thought to myself, what would make one lucky reader very happy?  I then began to think of all of the things I had to do at home.... Laundry, dishes, cleaning, cooking... Cooking!  That's it!  My slow cooker is my lifesaver and now it can be yours too!  Who doesn't love a quick 10 min food prep, throw it in the slow cooker in the morning, set the timer and come home to wonderful deliciousness ready for you to devour?? If you're saying "not me", we all know you're lying!

Here she is!




The Hamilton Beach 33966 Set n' Forget 6 Qt. Programmable Slow Cooker

This beaut allows you to "set & forget".  You simply throw everything in, set the timer and when time runs out, it sets it to warm.  So when you walk in that door on a cold winter evening and want nothing more than to sit back and relax, have no fear, your "slow-cooker" is here! (Yes, that sounded lame didn't it?) Anyway, there's a million things you can cook in one of these bad boys!  If you're lucky, when I post the winner, maybe I'll post a few of my favorite slow-cooker recipes!  You'll just have to wait and see!

So, without further ado, the rules: (Please post a separate comment for each entry)
1. Post a comment below about anything, really: what's your favorite thing to cook?  What are you doing for the new year?  What did you eat today?. (1 entry)

2. Become a follower (or remind me that you already are one) (1 more entry)

3. Post about this giveaway on your blog, then of course put the link in your comment(1 more entry)
For a total of 3 entries!


So there you have it. This giveaway ends at 8 p.m. CST January 11th 2010. I'll announce the winner on January 15th, 2010.

CSN will be sending you this item in the mail.  Once I have a winner, I will forward your info to CSN and they will ship your item directly to you.

Thanks so much for stopping by and entering!  Good luck to those that enter! :-)