Fresh Popped Popcorn

I was looking through some of the Black Friday ads after dinner last night, and there were a couple of sales on for those cute little old fashioned popcorn machines. I've always wanted one of the full size ones--but they have them now that fit on your counter. I don't know if the popcorn is quite as yummy as the full size, but I'm willing to give it a try.

The other night we went to see Twilight, and I have to say--I'm sick of the theaters dishing out the popcorn and then setting them under heat lamps. There is nothing more fabulous than fresh popcorn...and it's been so long since I've had it!

Planning A Getaway!

I can't believe it's been a little over a year since the hubs and I got home from our vegas trip. We were just gone the weekend, but it was heaven. We had never actually dropped of the kids and flown off somewhere, and I must admit, I was a little nervous about it. But it was great.

Then to have a weekend with just my man. Holding hands as we walked the strip, stopping to shop and browse and eat. It was amazing. We stayed at Circus Circus, but got to go through many beautiful hotels including the Wynn, and we were even at Tao at the Venetian for it's 2nd Birthday party...how many average Joe's can say that??

Anyway, with Christmas upon us, I'm trying to think of something special to do with my man this year!! Any ideas??

Future Finances

I have a friend who has been looking into term life insurance quotes recently. We are in about the same stage of life, so I'm wondering if I should follow her example. All of the commercials I hear on the radio talk about being closer to 50 years old. My husband and I are nearing 40, so I really haven't looked into it.

With four kids, and with me being a stay at home mom, we would be devastated if something happened to my husband. That alone scares me to death! If something happened to me, I think he would get along pretty well, he would just need some child care. How much easier would it be to just start preparing for it now. Heaven forbid something terrible happens that we are completely unprepared for!

More Woes

So, how many times have you heard me complain about my face?? I was watching Extreme Makeover last night, and this woman was going in for some laser treatments on her face. When she was finished the doctor set her up with a daily cleansing regimen an order of acne pills.

Now, I'm 37! I should be long past the need for such things, but even today I have three huge mountains growing out the side of my cheeks. What is up with that? I don't think I can afford the laser treatment...but I'm in for the pills?

Did You Hear??

Did you read the newspaper article about the bearings company here in Chicago that gave their employees plump, juicy turkeys for Thanksgiving as well as plump, juicy bonus checks? One man that was interviewed received $33,000 while his wife's check was for a smaller amount. Holy cow...how would it be? Not only to receive that check, but in these economic times for a company to be able to give that check!

Bravo to all involved! I wish I worked for ya, but hey...you did good!

Technical Storage

Have you heard the radio commercials talking about backing up your hard drive using an online service? What are your thoughts on that? I've been a bit wary about some online services, and other than this blog, I really don't want any of my pictures online. I'm more of a fan of tape drives and CD's, but that may just be me bein' 'old school'!

I would love to find something. Every picture I've taken since my daughter was born is on this computer, and I would be SICK to lose even one!

What are some of the services you use??? Any ideas?

20 Year Reunion

Is it too early for New Year's Resolutions? I know, it probably is, but I have to say...I'm gonna do it this year! My high school reunion is coming up, 20 years, and if I have to take Decaslim twice a day to get skinny and beautiful....then that is what I am going to do!

Twenty years! I can't imagine. I walk my 4 year old into the high school for his pre-school program, and I still feel as gawky and strange as I did all those years ago. I was not one of those girls that just magically floated through the hallways. How I wanted to be! Now with the creation of online social networking, I've had the chance to take a look at some of these girls. Time has not been too kind to many of them! Now, I'm just a few pounds away from MY TURN!

Strange Little Quirks!!

I was talking to my mom last night about something silly. Street names! I find it kind of strange that I have such a drastic opinion on something so trivial, but there you have it. Down the street from me there is a street named "Kaskaskia". I'm sorry, but that is HORRID, and it's not even the worst I've ever heard!

When we first bought our house I was so happy to have the street name "Devonshire". To me it sounds so quaint and rustic. I almost expect to find a courtyard out front with a sconce or two on the brick. I love, love, love the sound of it.

Growing up the East side of Salt Lake City was considered higher 'class' than the west side. Our little 'village' was on the west side Farmington (suburb) and honestly, I hated that. But it was a beautiful area...how strange to hate it just because it was West. But even today the West is nowhere near as 'cool' as the East side. BUT, we lived in Oakridge Village which was next to Oakridge Farms and I have to say I MUCH preferred living in a Village rather than a Farm...silly huh!

Do you have any strange little quirks about your likes and dislikes?

When Mean Shows On Your Face!!

Have you been watching "The Biggest Loser"? OH MY GOSH!! Vicki is such a Troll! Normally people become prettier the thinner they get, but her mean little inside person is starting to show on her face...and she is an ugly little troll!

I haven't been watching much this season because of her, well, that and the fact that I have the time for alli rather than 8 weeks in a gym...but it is inspiring at times to watch some of these people, who remind me somewhat of me, push themselves just a little farther each week.

I couldn't take 3 months away from my kids, but it would be awesome to actually start seeing a change in myself as much as these people on the show. Well, other than Vicky and Brady!!

Starting Anew!!

One of the chefs at the restaurant is looking into opening his own little place closer to home. It makes sense due to the fact that he spends nearly 3 hours a day just in his commute. On top of that, if you have a little extra in the slush fund, now is the perfect time to take advantage of the economy. Yeah, it may be worrisome as to your clientele, but with the availability of real estate, full kitchens already in, used cisco and some really promising locations...now is definitely the time to make that jump!

I know my husband would love to have the same opportunity, but with our kids as little as they are, now is just not his time. We are hoping to get a little nest egg in place so that when things start picking back up and our kids are a bit older, he can make that same move. Here's to hoping!

Weekly Sales Rock!!

Have you started thinking about Christmas yet? That is absolutely AMAZING to my mind! But ready or not...it's time to start planning. This time of year is a budget killer for us. With three kid's birthdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas...YOWZA!! So searching for bargains is a must. The kids have their wish lists finished already, and I'm just trying to think of something nice for my husband. I've been looking a couple of things. The Magellan Maestro would be perfect. He's always getting lost and with the catering portion of the restaurant picking up...he would definitely get some great use out of it. But I can't help looking at the external hard drive. This would be more of a "family" gift...and it is needed, but it's just not as fun as giving him his own special gift.

Both of these items are on sale this week, which helps immensely, I just have to figure out which one he would love/use more. Ok, LOVE nothing...he may actually make it home a couple of hours earlier if he has a little box on his dash telling him where to turn!!

You definitely don't want to miss this sale!!

What Would You Do??

My husband's best friend Chris has offered him a little mini scooter/motorcycle for the kids to ride on. Now I know we aren't talking used Harleys or anything, but it seems like a really nice gift.

I remember back in 7th grade, my little brothers friend had a mini motorcycle. He let my friend and I take it for a ride. 1 hour/1 minor crash/1 visit to the "crushes" house later...he got his bike back! Here we are 25 years later, and I still remember that little ride of ours.

I want my kids to have memories like that for their lives. Minus the crash of course! I think we'll talk a little more about it with Chris and see if it will make a nice Christmas gift for the kids!