Maryanne's Blog: Powdering Our Noses

TT#26 - Things I'll never have as New Year's Resolutions!

Lets thank Kelly over at "Diary of the Nello Blog" for this banner! She does a great job!

My Thursday Thirteen List is based on New Year Resolutions I hate to hear people make. Here Goes:

1.Resolve to Lose Weight...Why? If you need to, then do it. If you don't then stop making us fat people feel better by saying you need to lose a few. Most people who make this resolution are skinny. I don't feel sorry for you and I want to make  you a plate of cookies, hold a gun to your head and make you eat them all in front of me.

2.Resolving to stop swearing so much...what does that mean? Do you really need a resolution to achieve this? Unless you have Turret syndrome or something, it shouldn't be that hard.

3. Resolving to stop gossiping.....I understand this...it's not nice and people shouldn't do it. But.....I enjoy a good bit of gossip now and then. If we all resolved to stop doing this, wouldn't life become really boring?

4. Resolve to stop smoking....this is probably one of the best ones, but I never see this one work so why bother. If you smoke you should stop. Adding a resolution to it only adds more pressure to your cause. How can you stop if you're under so much pressure?

5. Resolve to be a better partner. Yeah, whatever.......you'll be more romantic, you'll be more caring,  you'll do more around the house and finally you'll listen more. If you really care about your partner, a date shouldn't prompt you to be better.....it's demeaning.

6. Resolve to keep your house cleaner. I've made this one at least 25 times. Unless  you live alone, it's impossible to do.

7. Resolve to shop less....sure you can go out less...but when you do go out to shop...do you make up for it by spending twice as much as you normally do. I don't think people think about this one. It's not the shopping that gets you, it's the need to purchase items you don't need.

8. Resolve not to procrastinate so much. There are too many elements in this one. If you have a problem with procrastination, wouldn't  you put off making a New Year's resolution?

9. Resolve not to wear so much make-up.....for many, this would be easier if they would give up their part time job that involves dancing around a pole. Make-up is fine.....unless you use it to hide something...like your identity. That's the issue you should be addressing.

10.  Resolve to exercise more......OK you want to exercise more. Most people take this to mean starting an exercise regiment that involves getting up at the crack of dawn and either hitting the gym or going for a long run. How can most of us do this immediately? I think this is destined to fail from the beginning because you can't make such a drastic change overnight.

11. Resolving to spend more time with your friends. If you have to make a resolution to do this, maybe they aren't such good friends. Shouldn't this sort of come naturally?

12. Resolving to go back to school......I want to go back to school.....almost as much as I'd like to have a Colonoscopy  right NOW!

13. Finally, the one I really can't stand is when people resolve to go back to Church.....Does that mean you'll go on Easter, Christmas and New Year's day. It's not going to Church that makes you have a closer relationship with God. How about reading the Bible once in awhile or spending time working at a homeless shelter. Going to church doesn't make you a better person in God's eyes. It's what you learn and apply to your life that he looks at.

Toodles, Maryanne

    Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

   The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Christmas was wonderful!

Our Christmas was very quiet this year. The older kids came home either before or some are planned to visit after so this meant it was basically just the four of us for the holiday. Since my husband had to work from 3:00 to 11:00 pm Christmas day, we opted to have our dinner on Christmas eve. I cooked a ham dinner which we ate by candle light. Dinner was so nice. We talked and laughed for quite awhile. Later, my husband told the girls that our male dog, Mister, had a Christmas story to tell them. It was so funny. The girls got a kick out of it.

I even got to watch "It's a Wonderful Life." It was on one of our local TV stations. I love that movie, I watch it every year on Christmas eve. In the past, it's kept me in the spirit while I do some last minute wrapping.

We've had so many crazy Christmas', I really liked having a quiet one for a change. It's been a great holiday season.

Merry Christmas The Way it Was Meant to Be!

What happened to the term "Merry Christmas?" I remember a time when it was said with such joy, such spirit. Now when I hear it I have to get an explanation along with it as if I've suddenly been hearing it for the first time. Take yesterday for example. An older gentleman came into our office to inquire about his dog license. He greeted us by saying "I know to some this is politically incorrect but, I'd like to wish you all a Merry Christmas." Is this what we've become in this country of ours where now the freedom we were given by our forefathers has to be pre-empted by an explanation so no one is offended? How the heck does the term "Merry Christmas" offend anyone. Unless you're a blithering idiot, it's one of the kindest salutations around.
I'm so tired of people trying to eliminate our right to free speech because it's offensive to their beliefs. Isn't  it more offensive to try to stop my freedom of speech because it doesn't comply with their belief system? Isn't this whole thing getting completely out of hand? It seems as though we're allowing our once inclusive Country to now become exclusive. How backward is that?
I don't want to stop anyone from sharing their celebration rituals. I love the fact that we live in a culture that is so diverse. What I don't like is those who think they should spend more time going around trying to stop me from celebrating my holidays rather than inviting me to learn how they celebrate theirs. What is so wrong with allowing communities, where the majority have traditions they've celebrated for years, continue to do so by displaying their holiday decorations in public places? How is it offensive to display a manager in front of a City Hall Building?  I don't take offense to the Buddah that is proudly displayed each and everyday where I get my nails done. I can see this statue from the parking lot. I actually find it fascinating. I also don't have a problem with my neighbors having a huge Memorah in their window, it's one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. I wouldn't dream of asking them to close their drapes because it goes against my religion.
I wish that people would just stop and for once find beauty in that which makes us all different. Our differences make us interesting.  Our differences are what make us unique and human. My wish for 2008 is that we learn to stop excluding things from our lives and instead, include things that will enhance our existence on this planet we all call home.

Merry toodles, Maryanne!

Time to Kick it Up A Notch!?????

My family and I have been playing Laser Tag for a couple of years now. We've gotten to be pretty good at it. My daughters and I play together and have an awesome offensive attack. I've been thinking lately that maybe it's time to take on a new challenge......Ultimate Paintball! We've decided to let the good times role so I took it upon myself to do a little investigating into what type of gear we will need. I've happened upon an awesome  Ultimate Paintball site where you can find anything pertaining to the game. Ultimate Paintball offers all the best in quality paintball products. They carry the top brands, Tippmann, Spyder, Smart Parts, Dye, Empire and Draxxus paintball  to name a few. They carry gun packages, upgrades to existing packages, paintballs and cleaning kits. To newbees like my family this is the place to get started. Not only are their prices great, but they off free shipping.

Given that this game is a totally new animal for us, we've got to invest in some serious gear. I've got my sites (paintball pun there!) set on the spyder vs2. This package appears to be perfect for each of us and they show all the accessories you can get for it as well.  This is really important to me because I'm still learning about the Ultimate paintball products and having it all laid out like this makes it easier to chose what will fit best with each of my family members. I can't wait to get this stuff, it's gonna make me feel so tactical.

I'm really excited about taking on this new sport. I feel it's a natural transition from Laser tag games we've been playing. It's much more involved on so many levels. Having a site available like this will enable us to enjoy this for many years to come.

Wish us luck, Toodles:  Maryanne

This post is sponsored by Ultimate Paintball.

Sleeping with our Children?

Our city suffered another tragedy last week. The story, posted on our Rochester Homepage, read as follows:

12/12/2007 No Charges Expected In Infant's Death (Rochester, NY) -- Police say they expect no charges to be filed in connection with the weekend death of a two-month-old Rochester baby. The infant was pronounced dead after being found unresponsive at a residence on North Street early Saturday morning. The baby had been sleeping with its mother and two siblings on a sofa bed. Police tell the "Democrat and Chronicle" the co-sleeping arrangement may have been a factor in the death.

 

This story really tugged at my heart strings because I slept with all of my babies. I brought them into my bed at night and nursed them back to sleep. Often I would fall asleep with them still attached at my breast. I didn't do it intentionally, but it happened. I can't imagine waking up to find my child unresponsive. I pray that this family is able to move on with the grace of God.

I'm sure there is much more to this story than what was published here. Did this woman slept with her children to keep them warm. Was this the only bed available to this family? 
This topic has been discussed so much over the past century or two. I guess I was a sucker when it came to letting my kids in my bed. They've all slept with us at one time or another. I couldn't refuse them especially if it comforted them after a bad dream. My daughters still come in and ask for cuddle time and they are both in their teens.
One of our local politicians is apparently going to address this issue of Co-sleeping. I can't wait to hear what he's going to propose. I'll post on that when it gets released.

Maryanne

I love Johnny Depp!

My daughters and I are huge fans of Johnny Depp. We've seen many of his movies and have a few on DVD. I loved his as Captain Jack Sparrow but the Pirate movies aren't my favorite ones he's been in. I would have to say the two I like the  most are "Don Juan DeMarco" and "Benny and Joon." Both of these movies have been around awhile but they are so reflective of how Depp has really mastered the art of characterization.

The opening scene in "Don Juan DeMarco" is Depp dressed in a Zorro like costume making his way to a restaurant where he notices a woman sitting alone at a table. He sits down and proceed to seduce her with his voice, his touch and his mystery. I gotta tell ya, if this scene doesn't get your willies going then you'd better call the undertaker because  you're odviously dead. He ends up taking her upstairs to a hotel room where he makes wild passionate love to her as only Don Juan would know how to do. After all "Sex is the ultimate form of worship." according to Don Juan.

Depp is totally into this character, his look, his accent, his intensity....it's all part of the foundation he learned to master when taking on such dimentional roles.

In Benny and Joon, he plays Benny a guy Joon has won in a poker game while sitting in for her brother. Joon has some emotional problems that keep her and her brother from moving forward in their lives. Depp's character moves in with them and takes on the role of housekeeper/caretaker of their home and of Joon. Depp's character brings some funny antics because he's taken on the persona of Buster Keaton, a old Vaudville performer. Depp's ability to pull off the physical comedy of Keaton is phemonenal and hilarious. He does the greatest dancing scene in a diner with two forks and two rolls.

It's no wonder Depp works so well with filmmakers like Tim Burton. Depp is starring in Burton's film "Sweeney Todd" due out on Christmas. I'm excited to see this film and encourage everyone to check out all they can by hopping over to visit the official Sweeney Todd movie site.  or you can check Sweeney Todd  out on MySpace where everyone has quite a bit to say about it. This is a film that was based on a three hour stage musical. Johnny plays a demon obsessed with revenge and yes he actually sings in this movie. It's a bloody musical filled with great actors and a quirkiness only Burton can imagine. I'm counting the days!

Toodles, Maryanne

Kids say (or ask) the cutest things! Not!!!

I am so tired of my twelve year old asking me what "Tea bagging" is? I just didn't feel like explaining it to her when she initially asked it a few months ago. I'm usually pretty good with age appropriate explanations but the thought of coming up with a definition for this one...well.....it exhausted me. So she's taken it upon herself to ask everyone. Her older sisters flat out told her she was too young  and she didn't need to know. Talk about fueling the fire. Her father told her to ask her mother. Her friends are apparently clueless, they couldn't even make up a good definition.

Last week her brother and his wife were visiting us from California. For some reason, she thought our sit down Sunday dinner was a good time to ask them to tell her what this term meant. Her brother looked at her and without blinking an eye said: "I'm not sure but I know what a Roman Helmet is!"

Ay Ay Aye!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Toodles, Maryanne

Oh Man!$%^^&&***^%^$##

First of all let me start by saying:

"Happy Birthday Bri Bri!"

It's my man's day and naturally it started out really sucky. Every year on this day he is miserable. He's pissed because his birthday get short changed being so close to Christmas. He is really one of the original Christmas elves so he wants all our efforts to be focused on the holiday. Therefore, he doesn't want me to spend money on gifts for him on his birthday. Of course, I don't listen but I've never been able to really create a good birthday for him because he's in such a cranky ass mood. This year is no exception. This morning we woke up to find our basement flooded because our sump pump went. Son of a bitch, it never fails. We planned so hard to make sure we had no surprises. When will we learn? Now he's downstairs trying to hook up the new pump he bought. All I hear is swearing down there. He keeps coming up telling me to take back his birthday presents. No way! So what if our electric bill money is now short. We'll use candles for the next couple of days. So what if we won't have heat and we're expecting to be hit with a blizzard on Sunday. We'll wear layers and cuddle. At least we have a roof over our head. Last but not least there is always birthday sex. Just once I'd like to feel like I'm not obligated, sort of takes all the fun out of it when it's all you can offer year after year. How's your day adding up? I hope it gets better for my guy. He deserves a good birthday!


Toodles,
Maryanne
 

TT25: What I DON't Want for Christmas!

I'm proud to be back to doing one of my favorite blogging things......Thursday Thirteen!

Here's my header for this episode:

Isn't this an awesome banner? It's brought to you by
Nello over at her blog "Diary of the Nello." Go check her out, she writes good stuff.

Thirteen things I never want to get for Christmas.

1. Because I got this in abundance from my husband one year,( He thought he was so funny.) I never (again) want to be given bottles of "Summer's Eve" douche.

2.  I not really fond of getting socks and underwear. I want to buy these for myself. I like being the only one who knows what size my wears are.

3. I was listening to a segment on our local news last night about a local Chocolatier who experiments with different flavors in their candies. They were spotlighting some that didn't really sound to appealing to me. I don't think lemongrass and heather belong in chocolate. Call me old fashion but I limit my combinations with chocolate to peanut butter, nuts and caramel. Keep out the pepper, the bugs and the herbs thank you!

4.  I have three hundred and fifty bottles of nail polish. Enough said!

5.  What would I do with a life size poster of Brad Pitt? Yes I like him, I think he's gorgeous but I'm a bit past the age of needing something like this to idolize.  It might be a kick in the pants to stare at while having sex with my husband, his reaction the first couple of times could be priceless, but after that it'd be old and just another thing for our male dog to pee on.

6. Knives....I don't need anymore. Last year two of my family members bought me knives. Obviously they don't communicate well with each other. I couldn't hurt either one of their feelings.....so I kept both sets. I will never need knives.

7.What does it mean when someone gives you massaging oils? Do they want to use them on you or are they hinting that they should be used on them? Really, think about that. You can only massage yourself in so many places and most of them don't do much. You basically need someone else to reach those "AHHHH" spots.

8. A pair of tickets to a sporting event. I could give this to others, but when it's presented to me it really tells me that someone I live with wants to see the game and would like me to go with him. Now don't get me wrong, I like sporting events. I just don't see the gift as being intended for me. Imagine it if I decided not to take the person who gave me the ticket? All hell would break loose!

9. This one I really hate to mention, but I don't want another Chia Pet. I can never get them to grow right. It's so frustrating because I actually think they are kind of cute. A couple of years ago the lamb I got looked like it survived a nuclear fallout. It's just to emotional for me to handle.

10. Coupon books. You know the one that your kids or husband make up and they have little coupons in them that you can cash in for certain things. I have a tendency to lose them and when I find them, I get told they've expired. If there is no expiration date on them, how can they expire? According to the last person who rejected my coupon, it has to clearly state "No Expiration" on the coupon otherwise it expires within 12 months of receipt. Can I take this to court because I've got twenty loads of laundry, sixteen loads of dishes and "numerous" sexual escapades I feel I'm entitled to not to mention I'm sure some of these can be sold on Ebay for a really good price. There are endless possibilities here!

11. Pie Plate/Pie Tins. I have six. I don't know why I have six because I never make more than two at one time and that's usually only at holiday time. I've been give a couple in the past and did appreciate them. I probably use those most often but anymore would seem excessive.

12. I don't eve want to receive a gift of Rock Candy. I never liked it as a kid. Didn't think it was all that great. Pretty, maybe the ones that were pink or baby blue and came all crystallized on a stick. But who goes out and buys it to give as a gift? What does a gift of Rock candy mean?

13. Fruitcake. Who the hell invented this stuff anyway? The fruit isn't really fruit is it?. It doesn't taste like fruit, it doesn't look like real fruit and it doesn't smell like any fruit I've had. Yuk!

That's my list and I'm sticking to it! Toodles, Maryanne

    Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

   The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Here's an Idea!

Baby likes to wear sunglasses. She wore them last night during her sister's choral concert, in the dark.
I think she needs to expand her collection. She currently has two pair. This is a picture of her wearing her favorite pair.

Don't you think she would look better in a pair that looks like these?
Aren't they cool. These are sunglasses by baby phat.  She looks like a star so I think she might like a pair that is made by one!    

The other pair she wears aren't really hers. Her friend JLad let her borrow them and she has to give them back soon. Maybe a pair or two in her stocking would be a great gift idea. You'd be surprised how much we wear sunglasses around here. They aren't just for summertime, you need them even more on a sunny day when the ground is covered in snow. The glare off the snow is brutal on your eyes.

I personally would like a new pair myself (hint...hint...hint...) I'd go more for a Hollywood style as we've seen recently on a few of our celebrity friends.  I want to look cool too......Below is a pair that I've had my eyes on for a time. These may have just what I need to look like a Hollywood star myself.

Aren't the shape of these sunglasses awesome? Now I have to chose a color I can get them in black, brown or cherry, hum....decisions.

Toodles,

Thanks for sponsoring me Eyeglasses Contacts.com!

Maryanne