There's probably a meeting for people like me

Does anyone know if there's a NKOTBaholics Anonymous? Because I might need one.

You can see why here.

Pardon my absence, I've been hiking up Mt. Laundry

I apologize for my lack of presence around here.

You see, our washer has been eating our clothes. Apparently we do not feed it enough. First it was eating small little holes on the fronts of shirts. Then it developed into chewing little holes on the front or back of the shirts. Then it started gnawing on the sleeves.

We've had someone out to look at it, and could find nothing wrong.

Right after Christmas, it ate a brand new shirt that was a gift. I'm talking, it chewed a 4-5 inch hole. That was the final straw.

Someone came out again; thought he knew what could be doing it, so he adjusted the tub. Said it should be fine, and if it made some noise that was okay, but if it was loud, banging noise then the tub would need to be readjusted back again (it's a front-loader).

First small load of laundry in ... those loud, banging noises he spoke of were happening. Shut the machine off and they were called again.

Another guy comes out, but won't readjust the tub because he didn't originally do it, and doesn't want to be "responsible". Ummm...okay, but you both work for the same place.... Whatever. In the meantime, he orders new springs and something else because now those are likely damaged from the tub being adjusted too far forward.

So, the original repairman was supposed to come out today to readjust the tub back again (the other repairman said the washer COULD be used with NO further damage once the tub was readjusted until those other parts came in and they came to fix those).

We get no call back and have to literally chase them around, when they tell us that NO! He should NOT have told us that - it CAN cause further damage and since the parts won't be in until Friday, they will be out on Tuesday to fix everything.

So, the clothes remain. HUGE piles of dirty laundry. We may need to resort to wearing our socks and underwear inside out.

Worst of all ... a trip to the laundromat is going to be in order. At least that's the tentative plan for Saturday. I can't imagine anything more exciting than spending hours playing catch-up with the laundry at the laundromat!

I told you we were party animals!

Man that Man Has Great Hair!

The other night I went in to rid myself of the gray and root outgrowth that was plaguing me (I'm dark brown with reddish/burgandy undertones now!). While I was in the chair having my locks tended to, I watched a man across from me having his hair done. Foils and all.

His hair wasn't long as in ponytail long....it was longer-ish (LOL!), where it sat upon his ears and covered the back of his neck. It was the type of hair that screamed "Run your fingers through me!!!" and boy did I want to!

I don't think there's ever been a time when a man's hair was so sexy that I wanted to run my fingers through it. I was shocked by this sudden and random fascination that I had. My husband has very short (ie: buzzed) hair, because it's wiry and totally unruly when it grows out, so there's no lock-love going on there.

So tell me, does the man in your life have sexy locks that you like to tangle your fingers in?

Parting with a Piece of the Family

Last week when we had bitter windchills my husband's car threw a hissy fit from being left out on the driveway overnight, and decided not to start in the morning. Two days in a row. Which left me as the taxi driver.

Fine and dandy. Except on Friday, we get into my car, I buckle my seat belt and look down at my dash - and what's that? The check engine light. Grrrrrrrreat.

We are already down to 1 car, we can't possibly go car-less! So I put it in reverse and it makes this god-awful clunk like I've never heard before.

Immediately the warning light is flashing in my brain - TRANSMISSION!

I get my husband to work, and he says he's going to call to see about getting the car in that afternoon. I throw up a few prayers that I'm able to make it to work, and that I'll be able to actually LEAVE work when the time comes, too.

So, I make it safely and I work my way through the day (with just a minor meltdown at work - because let's see, it's negative 50 degrees with the windchill, one car won't start, the other is on the fritz, work is swamped because of said weather, and so much more than I even care to mention right now).

Needless to say, I made it to pick up my husband and we made it over to the dealership. I had this sinking feeling the whole day that I should have been cleaning out my car. I didn't, but I did check the new car inventory of the dealer before I left the office.

I'm sure you see where this is going....

My car was 8 years old. With nearly 151,000 miles on it. She was very sick. Trans problems, valve issues, transfer case ..... somewhere around the tune of $3K.

We chose to say goodbye and left her behind. And yes, I did cry a little. I couldn't help it. She was the one that brought home both my babies from the hospital. She was good to me for 8 years. And I'm sentimental like that.

The newest member of our family is a 2008 Tucson. He's blue, and absolutely adorable. I have yet to name him (may never happen, I didn't name the previous car either, though it was a she).

This isn't a photo of him....it's one I found online of a cousin.



I have been enjoying his company immensely. He's even got XM radio free for 90 days and we enjoy listening to the 80s tunes on my drives to and from work.

I think he's going to fit into this family just fine.

And the Sexy Sweethearts Winner Is.....

Kat said...
I like Melissa's idea. all the hearts and then a picnic under the hearts sounds great.

I think the best thing about doing something for Valentine's Day is to do the unexpected. Make the day different from other days in February, or other days the whole year. Make it something between Birthdays and Christmas - and a picnic in February is definitely different.

Now you know we are all going to be waiting to hear what you did.

Congrats!! Please email (snarkysarah AT gmail DOT com) me your name & snail mail so that I can get your goody box in the mail!

Last Chance for the Sexy Sweethearts!

I've enjoyed reading how sweet & romantic some of you are (or your S.O's are). I have to say, I did come up with a pretty good gift for hubby. I was thinking about just what I could do, what he likes, etc - something truly thoughtful and from the heart - and not something that is necessarily bought, so to speak.

Obviously I can't say what I am planning on doing - because he does pop in here every now and then, and while I don't think he's been by in a while - it would be just my luck that he'd decide to drop in tomorrow. (Not to mention the fact that I am writing this in bed, and he's right next to me and can look over at any given moment!)

That said -- time is ticking and the giveaway ends this Monday, January 19th. Be sure to leave a comment here so you are entered to win my Sexy Sweethearts prize!

Berries, Jewels; what do you call them?

Imagine my surprise the other night when my son walks in to our bedroom and tells me, as he's scratching...

"My nuts itch"

I about fell out of the bed laughing, but had to tell him that he shouldn't really call them nuts. I can just imagine him announcing to his 1st grade teacher that he keeps wiggling in his seat because his nuts itch.


PS - Don't forget to enter my Sexy Sweethearts Giveaway!

Who needs sex with a piece of meat like that

Sunday night I had the MOST fabulous dinner in my entire life. In my 28 years, never once have I experienced a mouth orgasm. Don't get me wrong - I LOVE food. The fact that I need to lose weight proves that point. This was just -- beyond words.

Hubby and I had a date night (52 Things, check!), and went to Montarra, where I indulged in a filet mignon that was so good I muttered the words "Excuse me while I make love to my filet" and then my eyeballs proceeded to roll into the back of my head.

I contemplated licking my plate, but decided this place was a bit too classy for that. There's always next time...

PS - Don't forget to enter my Sexy Sweethearts Giveaway!

Sexy Sweethearts Giveaway

Sadly, I have no fantastic lovey-dovey Valentine story that I can recall. Even when I was dating, there wasn't something that completely blew me away. Sure, I got candy or a cutesy stuffed animal. And now being married, we generally do not do much for Valentine's Day.

I'm not expecting anything this year especially, since Mike completely outdid himself on my Christmas gifts. And because I'm attending the BlogHer conference this July. But I want to get him a gift and I am utterly stumped. I've got no clue. I think every bit of romance has been sucked out of me.

So, tell me dear readers -- what was something that knocked your socks off for Valentine's Day?

A commenter will be chosen randomly on January 19, 2009 and will win this totally fun love-stuff goody-box!

I Heart Edward

Never once have I read a book where I fell for a character. However, Twilight managed to do just that.

I loved every page and was disappointed when I flipped to the last page of the book. Thank goodness I had New Moon waiting in the wings already.

If you haven't gotten in on the Twilight saga yet -- DO IT!!

Is it spring yet?

We got a whole bunch of snow in December, and just when we had the time to take the kids sledding, the temperature dropped and we had windchills well below zero. After that, all the snow melted away with a 'heat wave' and a bunch of rain.

I had almost written off the opportunity of taking the kids sledding, when we woke up to this...



That's our patio table out back. I'm wondering if that glass table top will be able to withstand all that. Perhaps I should trudge around and sweep all that off.

At any rate - we took the kids out. Well, I went with for a little while, but due to the fact that I don't own boots nor any snow pants -- I stayed in plowed areas while the kids and Mike hoofed it through the snow to go play.



I stood by for a few photos and then decided my ears couldn't handle it anymore (yes, I went out without a hood or a hat). But - it still counts as completing something on my 52 Things list!

Stayed tuned for my Sexy Sweethearts Valentine giveaway! I'll be posting soon, but for now...here's the prize, a fun goody-box of love stuff!

You can scratch that off the list

I donated blood today. It all started last year when I got in on Manic Mommy's virtual blood drive.

At that time I signed up for the Brighten Lives program and vowed I'd go as often as I was eligible. I donated in January, March, June and then when I went in September, my iron was too low. Shortly after that, my back drama started and blood donation took a backseat to my health.

The 2009 Virtual Blood Drive is in full swing, so what better time for me to get my butt back to the blood center. I get to participate in the blood drive, I was entered to win Blackhawks raffle tickets at the blood center, I got to mark off an item on my 52 Things list, and I'm SAVING LIVES.



It doesn't get any better than that. (Well, unless of course, I win that 6 day, 5 night stay at the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort.)

Because I Want to Win

There's a giveaway going on over at Jiggety Jigg and I WANT TO WIN!

I mean, my Nikon is not complete without one of those sassy strap covers! I've got my eye on one in particular....

My Great Big List of Books I Read in 2009

I failed at finishing the amount of books I wanted to for 2008. This year I am not going to keep my expectations too high. I will simply say I'd like to read more books than I managed last year.

Therefore, this year, my goal is 23.5 (to read one more book than last year, and the last half of one that has been in progress for months).

1. I Never Promised You A Rose Garden by Joanne Greenberg (reading in progress from 2008)

2. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

3. New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

4. Full Scoop by Janet Evanovich and Charlotte Hughes

5. It Sucked and then I Cried by Heather Armstrong (dooce.com)

6. Love the One You're With by Emily Giffin

7. Second Chance by Jane Green

8. Shoot the Moon by Billie Letts

9. Wife For Hire by Janet Evanovich

10. Fishbowl by Sarah Mlynowski

11. Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

12. Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer

13. Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella

52 Things

Just the other day at lunch, my BFF mentioned doing 52 new things in 52 weeks. I got to thinking....I'm not sure there are that many *new* things I'd like to do, but that there are things that I don't get to do nearly as often as I'd like. So, no New Year's resolutions for me (well, aside from wanting to lose weight, but I'm really not making that a resolution; too much pressure), just a list of 52 things I'd like to get done in 2009.

1. Go on a date with my husband. (Done 1/11/09 .. Read Here!)
2. Read more books in '09 than I finished in '08. (11/23.5)
3. Bake cookies with my children.
4. Take the kids to a waterpark. (Done 2/20/09 .. Read Here )
5. Attend my very first BlogHer conference.
6. Not be dependent on pain medication for my back/leg. (Weened off, late January 09)
7. Watch more Christmas movies during this year's holiday season.
8. Eat at a new restaurant. (Done 1/11/09 .. Read Here!)
9. Visit 2 scenic areas to take pictures. (0/2)
10. Take a family portrait.
11. Attend a Cubs game.
12. Attend a NKOTB concert. (Done 4/2/09 & 6/26/09)
13. Take the kids to the park.
14. Give my husband a great Valentine's Day gift. (Done 2/13/09, Read Here!)
15. Do something special for my mom & dad. (Done 2/7/09, Read Here!)
16. Buy a new CD. (Purchased Lady GaGa & Michael Jackson CDs)
17. Donate blood. (Done 1/8/09 .. Read Here!)
18. Grill & eat outside on the patio.
19. Get a 2nd tattoo.
20. Drink a bottle of water for every day of the year. (60/365)
21. Take the kids sledding. (Done 1/10/09 .. Read Here!)
22. Give to a charity/cause. (Donated to Let's Get This Foundation, donation to Susan G. Komen still pending)
23. Dye my hair a new color. (Done 1/21/09 .. Read Here!)
24. Talk with my PCP about my stomach issues and finger/joint stiffness.
25. Take the kids to a live performance. (Saw Disney On Ice, Done 1/23/09)
26. Make at least $200 on ebay. ($90.41/$200)
27. Plan a get together with my girlfriends.
28. Go to adult swim at the community center at least once.
29. Take a (or many) walk. (Many taken so far this summer)
30. Bring my own lunch to work everyday for a week. (Done 1/30/09)
31. Bake a special treat for my mom's 60th birthday. (Done 2/1/09, made delicious Andes peppermint chunk brownies)
32. Go apple picking.
33. Send a secret to Post Secret. (Done, mailed 2/6/09)
34. Play a game with the kids.
35. Take photographs of the kids to compile & design a 2010 calendar for the grandparents.
36. Enjoy a froo-froo drink from Gloria Jean's or the like.
37. Smile at a stranger.
38. Plan a party. (Done, party thrown 2/7/09, Read Here!)
39. Buy a new pair of sandals. (Done 7/20/09..New Crocs!)
40. Sit on the porch and read a book.
41. Add 10 more blogs to my "follow" list. (Done 2/3/09, check 'em out in my sidebar)
42. Snuggle on the couch with my cat. (Done many a time, hey, it's American Idol time!)
43. Watch a new TV show. (Watched "The Secret Life of an American Teenager 1/5/09)
44. Use my Walk Away the Pounds DVDs.
45. Buy a lottery ticket. (Bought an instant "scratch" ticket -- won $6, Done 1/15/09)
46. Meet at least ONE of the NKOTB. (Done 4/2/09)
47. Follow 5 new people on Twitter. (Done 1/12/09)
48. Change my blog background. (Done 3/2/09)
49. Plan a vacation. (Vacationing to CT, NYC, RI & MA, August '09)
50. Take a day off work, just for ME.
51. Organize file cabinet & put away overflow that is sitting on desk.
52. Take photos & blog when I complete any of my 52 things.

Here goes!

How true Party Animals spend NYE

We truly are a household of party animals.

We ate pizza for dinner (in the living room! while sitting on the couch!) and then we stuffed our faces with snacks while we played Wii. First, Disney's Think Fast. Then the kids played M&M Kart Racing. And then after the kids were in bed, us adults got out of control and played The Price is Right!

I won THREE new cars!!!! And hubby won $25,000!!

Yeah, too bad it's just a video game.

When we tired of playing, we headed upstairs and watched a bit of Dog the Bounty Hunter. I remember looking at the clock at 11:30 and saying Happy New Year to my hubby, before I promptly fell asleep. I didn't even hear the fireworks that were apparently being shot off at midnight right here in the neighborhood.

See what I mean?? Die. Hard. Party. Animals.

(I do suppose we have a good excuse .... hubby is sick with strep throat. Now to just pray that none of the rest of us get it.)