Monday, June 27, 2011

Weekend update

The goal this weekend was to get all updated on Quicken (our money software).  Last year, I switched to Quicken since Money was no longer being updated : (  I have had a hard time switching over to Quicken.  The whole switch would have been easier if Money was able to transfer into Quicken, but sadly, it wasn't able to.  I basically had to start from scratch on everything.  Money was so much easier, but I like the fact that Quicken can download all entries from accounts (especially helpful with investment accounts!).  Needless to say, since I don't really care for Quicken, I have been slacking on updating entries and reconciling accounts.  Anyway, most of the weekend was spend updating and reconciling accounts.  I feel good that I'm basically up-to-date.

Saturday, Hubby & I went to the Loudoun County Public Library Annual Booksale.  I get lost in the books.  There are so many books I want to read.  Most of the books are $1 or $2 and there is everything - movies, cds, cassette & vhs tapes, and games.  Unfortunately, all of the games were gone by the time we got there, but Dan made a mental note (or should I say, asked me to remind him) to go to the sale the 1st day next year.  I think we did really well - we ended up spending $44 with 2 bags full of books (hard cover & paperback), music, & movies.

Sunday, was a little weird with the pups.  Esa started biting at one of her "growths/warts" and it started bleeding - quite a bit.  I got some perioxide out and used a cotton ball to wipe.  Pups was not happy - she basically growled, turned and mouthed my arm (no biting).  She was immediately fine (since I stopped and she let me pet her), but I could tell it was bothering her.  She's been licking it (which I know is how dogs clean their wounds).  I think it made her sick though.  She threw up around 5 pm - mostly bile, but one whole treat.  After that I could tell she felt better.  But then about an hour later, Zed threw up - mostly bile, but a couple of treats!  CRAZY!  He wasn't acting sick at all - it came out of the blue.  I'm thinking sympathy sickness - LOL.  Neither one had eaten their breakfast, but I didn't really think anything about it.

So, I made up some rice for them.  No problem eating that!  Then they ate their breakfast.  Silly puppies - rice is the cure-all!

Meet Me on Monday



Questions:

1. What is your favorite food?
Pasta

2. What color scheme is your bedroom?
n/a - still builder color.  However, I envision it being a cottage theme - white wainscott on the bottom and a light blue on top.
3. Do you carry a donor card?
No - kind of freaks me out donating an organ.

4. In your opinion, is the glass half empty or half full?
half full

5. Vanilla or Chocolate?
How about Strawberry....If only given a choice between Vanilla or Chocolate, it's Vanilla.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Catching up - Weekend activities

Dan had to work this weekend (Sunday) for someone (which means overtime!), but Saturday was a good fun and productive day. 

Saturday morning we went geocaching in Leesburg to try out his new GPS.  We found 4 out of 5 with the 5th one being a multicache.  By that time, it was so humid, so we just headed back home.  It wore everyone out.  We all took about a 2 hour nap that afternoon.

That evening, we just hung out watching tv, did the laundry, and I went though all of my coupons (cut and sorted, but not put away).

Sunday was Chipotle for lunch and groceries, then Dan had to go to work.  I felt like I had a productive afternoon.  I put away the majority of my coupons (I was probably over a month behind on cutting and putting away), pulled weeds, powerwashed the patio, cleaned/organized the office and walked the dogs a little.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Money, Money, Money

More like money going out of the pocket for the cars and making sure the credit score stays in tack!

Lately, it's been one thing after another with the cars (both of them).  Yesterday, it was the Nissan's turn (again).  Dan broke down like 5 blocks from work.  The clutch went AGAIN!  It was just replaced in October.  I guess the part will be covered, but not the labor so a little over $100 bill will be paid (plus the $120 in towing)

I told him last night to start thinking about a new car.  The Nissan has over 120K on it.  It's getting there.  The Jeep has 70K - we should still get a couple of 10K out of it.

So yesterday, I got an e-mail from American Express regarding a fraud alert on my work AMEX.  I immediately called.  Come to find out my number was being used in Spain!  There were also 2 other $28 charges yesterday.  CRAZY!  They immediately turned off the card and are sending me a new one today.

I was impressed with AMEX - they even called a left a message on our home phone regarding the charges.

It just seems crazy how everything hits at once.  We are so lucky that we don't live paycheck to paycheck.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Storytelling - My Memories of Metric


I love Mutts comics.  This reminded me of a memory of metric in real life.

When I was young (pre-tween), we would drive to Detroit, MI to visit my aunt and cousins.  We usually would cut through Canada.

One memory that has always stuck with me was asking my dad (who was the only driver in our family),  when we were going through Canada "How do you know how fast to go?"  I remember him showing me the KMH in blue below the MPH.

Whenever we go to Canada now, I always think of this memory too. 

So dad's out there, it's the little things that your kids will remember.

Storytelling

I found a new show that I have been watching on BYU TV.  It's called What's Your Story.  I thought it was about genealogy, but it's about story telling.  That got me thinking - I have stories I want to share.  The show is great because it shows how to complete your story and keep it interesting.  The one thing though is that they only share good stories (or at least that is all they are showing). 

There are good stories and bad stories to tell.  I realized this weekend when I was with my neices that there are stories that they have bits and pieces to and I really want to pass on the history to them.  I have thought about it in the past about making a scrapbook for them.  At first I thought I would just have pictures of me and them.  Then I was thinking of a family scrapbook.  So much scrapbooking, so little time!

Anyway, stories will be added to this blog using what I learned from the show.  I also added the book to my wishlist on paperbackswap.

Meet me on Monday


1. What is your favorite yogurt flavor?

    I would have to say Peach, but yogart isn't really a favorite food,
2. Ankle or knee socks? and on the same theme, white socks or coloured??
     crew socks - Can't stand ankle, knee socks were in the winter. 
     White is preferred, unless wearing to work, then it depends on if I have on black or brown shoes.

3. How is the weather right now?
     FREAKIN' humid!
4. Are you a fast typer?
     Yes - not sure of what my speed is now, but I think my fastest was 85 wpm back in the day.
5. Red or White Wine?
     Neither - don't drink.

Saturday, June 11, 2011

What We Got in the Mail (June 6 - 11)


  • Free magazines
  • Free DVD from swapadvd.com
  • free bag and coupon from Mountainhigh yogurt

Glee Live! and a couple of days with family

Wednesday, the girls got down here about 9 pm. 

Thursday, we went to lunch at Chipotle and then hung out at home until it was time to leave.  The girls played the Cardinal Games Glee Board Game.  I ended up reading a little and taking a nap.  I actually got quite a bit of reading done this weekend - waiting for the girls to get ready.  When there's 5-6 people to get ready, there's a lot of waiting around!

We had a great time at Glee Live on Thursday!

We left the house about 4 pm and got down to Verizon about 5:30pm.  I was so proud of myself - I got down there without a GPS!  We parked at the garage next to the center - freaking $30 to park!  That's crazy!

We stood around the loading dock (along with about 50 other people), and after awhile, we just decided to go in the lobby and wait - it was way too hot.

When we got to the main entrance, what was there, but the Sun Drop mobile!  They were handing out free Sun Drop.  Woohoo!  Now I have my can for the halloween costume!

We hung out in the lobby and when it was close to the gate time, security started to wand people - that was a first - they never do that at hockey games.  They only look in bags (they were doing that too).

We headed to the merchandising table first (which was a madhouse).  MC and her friend got a t-shirt and hoodie (freaking $100 together!).  Oh - while I was waiting for MC & her friend, I was standing by a trash can.  I just happened to look in the can and what did I see - Capitals Breakaway magazines!  So, I grabbed a few.  Usually they cost like $10.

I stopped at the Chevy Cruze promo location.  You got pictures with Chevy "cheerleaders" and then you signed up to win a Cruze and you got a keychain.

Up to the seats (section 414) - we were way up there, but not bad considering it was sold out.  They had the opening act of The LXD.  GREAT dancers!  The show was wonderful.  I didn't expect them to be "in character" though.  I loved the fact that they had a small stage in the back of the arena and did a couple of songs from there.


After the show, MC's friend was picked up by her cousin so that she could go to school on Friday.    If she missed any more school, she would be graduating.  That was sprung on me Thursday morning (and I think the rest of the group).  Her cousin drove 6 hours, waited for the show to end and then drove back.  CRAZY!  Come to find out, they were at a concert the night before too then had to be up to get their kids to school Friday morning (more like not go to bed before getting their kids to school).

Friday, we went to lunch at Red Robin then headed to the mall.  We met up with our neighbor, Stephanie since Jax didn' feel like taking his nap.  First stop in the mall - Hot Topic - MC's favorite store.  I did a little shopping at Old Navy, Bath & Body Works, and Borders Express.  Both Bath & Body and Borders had clearance sales.  Bath & Body had 50 & 75% off almost the whole store and Borders had some bargain books that were 50% off.

We went to Five Below next, then Dairy Queen for "dinner".  We finally got home about 6:30pm.  We ended up watching  "Buried"  WOW - not what any of us expected in a movie, but we couldn't stop watching!  I was sitting on the edge of my seat the whole time!

This morning, Dan and I got up (like 7 am) and took the pups for a walk then we eneded up taking a morning nap.  My sinuses have really been bothering me today.  About 10:30 am I finally got up and the girls were up and getting around to leave.  About 12:30, they left : (

I ended up taking another nap this afternoon (because of my sinus headache).  This evening we are going up to the neighbors for a cookout then Dan is hanging out there for a fight on tv.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Wordless Wednesday

 
 
 

Waiting for the family!

We have been planning this for MONTHS! 

Back in March, I contacted my niece, MC about Glee Live coming to DC.  Within a day, the whole family was scheduled to come down for the show!

Then the plans changed a little.  My brother wouldn't be coming because his 3rd chemo treatment would be this week.  Then yesterday, my SIL called to say that they may have to cancel because my bro wasn't doing well and she didn't want to leave him.

So, the choices:
1 - my older niece, CC, sucks it up and drives.  CC, is 22 and has her license, but has never driven down to visit.  Needless to say, she was a little frightened.
2 - my nephew, VJ drives them down and I drive them back this weekend.
3 - we sell the tickets and go to the movie when it comes out in August.

I had a feeling that choice #3 was going to happen, but CC stepped up!  She's really excited to go to the show and we talked last night.  I said if there's a chance you don't go and you'll regret it, then just do it!

The extra ticket (my SIL's) isn't going to waste either.  CC & MC's cousin (on their mom's side) is also coming down.  CC said that she thought that would help with her nerves too.

I am so excited.  They left about an hour ago and should be here around 9 pm, if not sooner.

Believe it or not, CC and I have not seen each other in about 3 years.  Whenever I visited, she was off working or travelling and she hasn't made the trip down.  She's never met Zed - I know she's going to be all over him.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

A weekend full of fun

What a weekend - full of activity!

Saturday morning, hubby and I dropped off the jeep for a new airbag sensor and then went to the movies and saw "Pirates of the Caribbean:  On Stranger Tides".  Great movie!  I enjoyed it.  We had our large popcorn gone before the trailers even started!  Then about 1/2 way through the movie, it got REALLY cold in the theater.  I had a sweater, but had on shorts - I was freezing!

We then did some GPS shopping for Dan.  Dick's Sporting Goods had nothing so we ended up at Eastern Mountain.  Dan got to check out a couple of different GPSs that he had been looking at online.  Who knows, he might just buy one there.

Then it was waiting for nephew to arrive.  VJ was driving back from visiting his girlfriend in NC.

Right before we headed out the door, I decided to change into jeans and pull out my Winger t-shirt from 1990.  I've never done that before - worn a t-shirt of the person I was going to go see on concert.  I figured, what the hell - I doubted anyone else would have that t-shirt on!

At 6:30pm, me, hubby, nephew VJ & neighbor DS all headed to Recher Theatre to see Kip Winger, ZO2 and Bang Tango - well, not really Bang Tango, they were headlining, but none of us were really interested in seeing them.  So we get up to Towson and drive right by the place and then go around the block and actually scored an AWESOME parking spot - half a block from the theatre and the very first spot from the corner.

There was hardly anyone there - maybe 50 people.  The 1st band was on and Dan made the comment "I guess we could have left at 7:30" (ie to skip the opening bands).  We were just standing there (towards the back), and who walks by - KIP WINGER!  Of course, I'm not brave enough to go right up to him!

So before Kip went on stage, we all went towards the stage.  Then this young guy, made the comment to me "I like your shirt" and we started talking - He was asking if I had seen Winger before (of course) and where I was from.  Where was he from?  ROCHESTER, NY!  WHAT????!!!!!  I'm like, "no way, I'm originally from Hornell"  He's like "you're not going to believe this - I go to Alfred University"  How freaking crazy is that!!

So my new friend, Joe, and I continued our conversation and stood by each other during the show.  Come to find out, Joe has been to several of Kip Winger's shows and was up on stage with Kip!  Joe was actually in town for a Friday the 13th convention (didn't know they had that).

It's weird how fate is - if I didn't change my outfit at the last minute, I wouldn't have meet Joe.

ZO2 was after Kip and when they were setting up, they had a microphone in the middle of the stage and I thought that was weird - they've never done that before.  Well, after the 1st song, they had Kip come out and play a Led Zepplin song with them.  The funny thing, Kip didn't know the words, so he had them pulled up on his phone!  They also did the classic "spin and down to your knees" rock move.  I was laughing so hard.  They were just having so much fun.




We left after ZO2.  Dan made a u-turn right at the parking spot since we were in the first from the corner - come to find out, it was a one-way street.  Luckily, no cops and he quickly made a right.

The drive home was long and Dan said that the last couple of miles were rough, but we made it.

Sunday morning, I woke up about 8:30 and couldn't believe I was the first one up.  Esa was passed out.  That's one good thing - when we are up late, she usually sleeps in the next day.  About 9 am, Dan up because we had mentioned about going to the pancake breakfast at the firehouse.  We didn't quite make it up there the time we wanted to (10 am), but got there between 10:30 and 11.  The Segalls picked us up and were lucky we actually got a table together.  Another family said to us that the chairs at their table were empty and they were getting ready to leave anyway. 

After brunch, VJ headed out and we picked up the jeep.  The rest of the afternoon was lazy - we took naps and then my tummy wasn't feeling well (I need to remember - no greasy breakfast foods!).  Dan did mow the lawn about 7 pm and we did get some laundry done, so I guess we weren't too lazy.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Meet Me On Monday



1. What is was the last piece of candy that you ate?
     Crap - eating it now - gummy bears!
2. Do you "read" in the bathroom?
     Yes

3. I can't stand when someone _________?
     too numerous to list.....

4. Do you do daily, weekly or monthly grocery shopping?
     Depends on the sales

What we got in the mail (May 24 - June 4).jpg

  •  Magazines - Entertainment Weekly through MyCokeRewards.  All others through free giveaways.  The Gardening Magazine & seeds are through a gardening club (which will be cancelled).
  • Home Made Simple coupon booklet
  • Shell Saver Card (not shown) - You can save $0.02 per gallon when you sign up for this card. It automatically takes the money out of your checking account - no different than using my debit/credit card and no minimum for the amount of gas you get per month (unlike the Save for 5 card where you have to have so many gallons before you get your discount).
  • $40.67 in Office Depot rewards (not shown) - All that turning in empty toner cartridges paid off!
  • A $25 gift card for Dunkin' Donuts - won on Beltway Bargain Mom!