Happy Birthday!

OMG! I can't believe I didn't write anything earlier than now! Me...the one person who absolutely adores Elvis Presley and I didn't even mention that today...January 8th is his birthday!

Umm...yeah I really like this cowboy look he was going for!



Do you know that he would have been 72 today? Hmmm, I wonder what he would look like know at 72...'cuz ya know he wasn't looking so hot when he died. And speaking of his death, I think it is all a conspiracy theory...I think he never died and he is truly roaming the Dairy Queens and Walmarts of the greater United States of America :)!



Or....how about this one....the reason so many people "see" Elvis out and about is that his twin brother Jesse (who supposedly died at birth) never actually died, but was given away or kept hidden and he is who you see at DQ and Walmart. Hmmm....yeah, I think so. Actually I saw this Twilight Zone episode once where they went into the whole thought process of Jesse never dying, but when Elvis was still alive, and the Elvis died and I think Jesse took his place or some weird thing like that....come on it was Twilight Zone and I was young, so I'm probably not remembering correctly.

Anyways...HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELVIS! You could've shaken your hips my direction anytime!

Beach Cruisers

Isn't this cute! It is a beach cruiser, and I think I might like one. They remind of olden days and when things were a bit slower, and people actually rode bikes on vacations, along the beach and just for fun. Since my favorite color is blue, this is the one I would have to have if I were to buy one! And actually they are quite reasonably priced...this one is only $130 and is a 24" Urban Lady Beach Cruiser....ohhh la la! They have beach cruisers for everyone....men, women, and children. They have classic beach cruisers, multi speed cruisers, and choppers. They are touted as lowrider bikes, which means (in my opinion) that they might actually be easier to ride than other bikes. I know lots of people who like to vacation along the beach (Marcie!!!) and these look like they would be fun to cruise along early in the morning or in the afternoon watching the sunset. They seem to be a lot sturdier too...which means I might actually stay on the cruiser instead of falling on my keister! :) Even though Christmas is past, these are great for those of us who are making New Year's goals to get in better shape through diet and exercise.

This is a sponsored post, see sidebar disclosure

Fuel My Blog

Are you a blogger who wants free advertisement? Of course you do, silly question to ask! There is this great site fuelmyblog.com that is giving away free advertising blocks....and your site stays up for 5 years! For FREE!!! Basically it is a grid of small squares, you pick the square you want, fill in some info, upload some type of picture and the spot is yours! In fact, I picked out two squares....you can find me in the first spot on the left on the fourth row down AND you can find me at the last spot on the right two rows up from the bottom!

Have fun, get some attention and free advertising!

Hotel Reservations

Hello...do I love to travel? Do I travel alot? Well, yes I do. I love to travel all over the US and abroad...in fact I am heading to SE Asia (Singapore and Thailand to be exact) in just a few weeks. Besides airfare, what is probably the biggest thing you have to worry about when traveling? Hotel reservations of course! Everyone knows you need to do this early in order to get good rates, but I admit it is frustrating to go from site to site looking for the best deal and hoping that a nice hotel pops up with a decent price. There is this great new site called hotelreservations.com...how convenient and easy to remember! Not only do they hook you up with great hotel reservations, but you can also look for vacation packages, flights and cars....one stop vacation shopping. Amazingly they are doing hotel reservations in over a ton of couuntries right now. You have to know that if you travel overseas booking hotels can be quite frustrating. You have a language barrier, you may not be familiar with the location and therefore not know what to book, there may not be websites to book on (and who wants to sit on a long distance phone call overseas), and you truly don't want to pay a travel agent to do something that you know you can do at home. Here's your answer....hotelreservations.com has got you covered. And my favorite is that they have listings in Espana (Spain), Singapore (we usually stay at the YMCA, but someday I know I'm going to get to stay at The Raffles...a snazzy place), and Greece (where I plan on going for my 35th birthday in 2.5 years!!!). So come one, if you are traveling anywhere that requires a hotel stay...from Motel 8 to the Hilton...check this site out!

This post sponsored by hotelreservations.com

Yep, more pics!

Yes, I know I should be sleeping (since I have to get up and teach Sunday School tomorrow), but I seriously have a computer addiction. These are the last ones I'm putting up tonight. As soon as I'm done, I'm off to bed...so good night in advance (as I wait for my pics to load)!

So in all the times I've been to Disney or Disneyworld, I've never taken the time to see the "Tike Room" show. This time we took time, and it was quite cute!



Me and Maddy outside of the Tike Room!


This is some statue that sits outside. I'm sure they had some sign saying what he represented, but I wasn't paying much attention!
Here is Mason inside eating ice cream...in December, and the room was freezing cold! It wasn't so bad eating ice cream outside as it wasn't terribly cold out, but the inside was like a freezer. Isn't he one of the cutest kids you've ever seen? I love him!




And this is one of the main birds of the show, Jose! I had to take a picture of him as my nephew Josh likes to go by the name Jose! This is for him!

Disney

Here are some pics from our visit to Disneyland. We went on Sat, December 30th...yes, it was BUSY!! This is me, Madalyne and some lady called Minnie Mouse all dressed up for Christmas. Isn't she cute?



This is Nathan, our "cruise director" down the River Nile...aka...our jungle cruise. He was quite funny, but the thing is I think I've been hearing the same jokes for a few years now. At least he still made the trip exciting.
Maddy and Cassi wondering what Nathan is going to point out next. Is it the wild gorillas, the bathing elephants, the menacing piranhas? Hmmm....one never knows...watch out!




Of course every jungle cruise has some wildlife...here we see the great gorillas with some Zebras down below. I was nice and didn't put the picture of the lions eating the zebra!

And finally, some Hungry Hungry Hungry Hippos! Remember that game? Yeah, well I wouldn't want to really run into one of these in real life, but here they are fun!

More Pictures

Here is Josh and Mason, they are wearing crowns because we were at the Medieval Times Dinner Theatre! Don't they look cute together?!?










We are calling this the Ramirez Family Picture 2007! The tree is one that was decorated at Medieval Times. The reason they didn't have one in front of their own tree is that between the cat and Mason the tree didn't survive! It had lights up and looked pretty with the lights, but there were no ornaments. People would put ornaments back up and then a few minutes later they'd be back on the floor!


This is the only half way decent picture that Brittany would let me take of her. She isn't one for taking pictures, and in fact I had to trick her into all the pictures I did manage to get! I don't know why she doesn't want me to take pictures, she is awfully cute.


Finally, we have my bad bad mexican. Of course, it is Madalyne. She is getting so big! I can't believe she is already 8!

Shannon & Brandon

Just posting some pictures from my vacation in California over Christmas. This is my sister Shannon and her oldest son Brandon, who is 16! He drove me around a few times. It is weird to have him driving, as I remember when he was born and it didn't seem like that long ago! He is a good kid....and all the girls seem to like him!

Shannon has to beg her kids to take pictures with her! You can tell by the look on his face that he wasn't that excited for me to be taking pictures...oh kids!

Gold! Gold! Gold!

Ya know, I've heard stories throughout the years that you could buy real gold. Yes, that's right real gold. Now why would you honestly want to buy gold is what I am trying to figure out. I know that it has extremely great values and appreciates wonderfully...meaning you get what you put into it and probably more! So how do you go about buying gold buillion though? You can go through Monex Precious Metals which sells gold in convenient forms such as coins (and is competitvie in their metal prices)...just like the Romans did in their time! But you better be careful, you wouldn't want those gold coins getting in with your other coins and being used by accident! Seriously though, if you are a collector or investor this is a great opportunity to take advantage of.

When I grow up.....

I wanna be a thug! OMG...when I took this picture I didn't realize it was going to turn out with Mason looking like a thug.

"Let me at 'em!" "I'll get 'em for ya'!"

LOL...so this is obviously Mason, I took it while I was down in Cali visiting. Seriously, even though he looks like a thug he really is a cu..um...thug!

BuymeBlog.Com

One of the great things about being a part of ppp is all the great blogs I get to read. One of the greates PPP writers is Colleen and she has this great blog buymeblog.com in which she shares the best (and yes, the worst) shopping deals on the web! Gotta love that...saving time for all of us.

I'm glad I looked through her site as she blogged about the Victoria Secret's Semi Annual Sale. Now I don't shop there for bras and panties, but I like to know when the sale is so I can get new body fragrances at 3 for $10...what a deal...so I guess I need to head to the mall tomorrow. I don't know if this deal at Victoria Secret is still going, but she used this Victoria Secret Pajama Deal and got over a $100 worth of stuff for like $43.00 and that included free pajamas and slippers...I think I need to stay up on these deals! WOW!

Way to go SEAHAWKS

Way to go Seahawks! We just beat the Dallas Cowboys by one point. Unfortunately, Tony Romo of the Cowboys is kicking himself all the way to the locker room. Due to a fumble by him, the Cowboys missed a field goal and therefore missed getting ahead of the Hawks. And the Hawks managed to keep their one point lead the rest of the minute and 14 seconds that was on the clock.

Wooo---Hooo...we're moving on. Watch out everyone, the Seahawks are going for the Superbowl again...and this time we plan on winning!


A big part of Seattle's wins has to be credited to the awesome fans! Yes, we are the 12th man and proud of it. This is the new 12th man flag flying high and proud from the top of the Seattle Space Needle!

We're here for you cheering you on to Superbowl Victory!

Dubai

Here we go traveling around the world once again. The international city Dubai looks like a fantastic place to visit, and right now that have a tremendous amount of fantastic apartments for sale. Holly and I have talked about visiting there just to visit that wonderful hotel Burj Al Arab....it sits out on the water and is huge and makes you feel like royalty...WOW!

This is a sponsored post, see disclosure on sidebar

Seniors and Medications

Many of you, like myself, probably have grandparents, parents or other seniors in our lives that take daily doses of medications. However, do you know that more and more seniors die everyyear due to incorrect medication combinations? Now there is this online formulary reference guide that gives you information on drugs from aspirin to zoloft. It is great for doctors and clinics to use as they show their patients what they are prescribing. It also works with doctors and clinics in regards to which drugs are accepted by certain health care plans, especially Medicare. And of course it is great for those of us at home to use so we are better informed.

This is a sponsored post

DealKing

Who likes free stuff? Who uses a cell phone? Of course, you are going to answer yes to both of those questions. And since you answered yes, you should check out this site that offers great cash back offers and offers you free prepaid T Mobile cell phones! Who are these people that can do such things: Dealking of course!

This post sponsored by dealking.com

Guess What I Got?

Can you guess what I got? Hmmm...it is small, it is pink, it holds up to 1,000 songs....it is something that I've been wanting for months. Have you guessed yet? Isn't the picture a good enough clue?

YEAH for me! I got an iPod...you don't know how excited I am. I started downloading songs today, and I'm listening to Michael Buble as I type. It is most excellent....so now I can say I'm cool, right?

Belisi Fashion

What girl out there doesn't like good fashion? Tell me just one, and I'm sure they would be quickly converted upon seeing fashionable accessories such as scarves, ties and handbags. Many of us (especially those who are very fasion conscious) have heard the name Belisi Fashions....and if you haven't then here you go! Peter Belisi, from Palm Beach, FL, sums up his fashion line very well, "Belisi unites the luxury and prestige of Palm Beach with Italian beauty and sophistication. Inside Belisi we cultivate a passion for exquisite materials and skilled craftsmanship. Each dramatic detail, represents our unwavering quest to fashion products of truly enduring value.”

Doesn't this make you want to step out in the luxury of well designed clothing and accessories? Some would say that the accessories make or break a gal! More important than fashion is the fact that Mr. Belisi gives back to the community by trying to fight poverty, fund medical research, seeking justice and protecting the environment.

This is a sponsored post

4 pieces found

Here are three of the pieces I have so far for the HP/PPP Scavenger hunt going on right now....there is a total of 30 pieces and I have 4 with 26 to go! The end result is approximately $1000 prize....I would love to be able to figure this out and win the big money. Plus I love Scavenger Hunts! Whoo---Hooo...here I come!





This is what the whole thing is supposed to look like (above)
*#19, 41, 35, and ?
This is NOT a sponsored post.

HP Scavenger Hunt

The hunt is on! HP and PPP (Payperpost) are at again! Veronique, a faithful ppp employee, recently went on a little trip to Europe (oh, how I love Europe and cannot wait to go back myself). While in Europe she of course took a ton of pictures with her trusty little HP digital camera. A digital photo printing (in the form of a collage) of her trip is the subject of HP's newest game. They (and ppp) made a collage of all her pictures,and split this collage into 30 different pieces. They are hiding these pieces on various blogs throughout the internet. The first person to find them all and post them has the opportunity to win big bucks baby! I wish I had an HP camera!

Here is a picture of one of the pieces:



So now I'm trying to figure out how to find 29 more pictures! If you have any ideas or would like to help any I'd be ever so grateful. I'm still kinda new to all this stuff that PPP puts out. I started looking today, but don't truly know where to look!

This post sponsored by HP

Maddy

OMG...I am leaving early in the morning and my baby Maddy is crying a river of tears. She is upset that I am leaving and has been crying uncontrollably know for almost an hour. While it truly does make my heart break, it is geting kind of hard to take. She is simply one of those people with a truly tender heart; however, she can't seem to get control of it. I'm not quite sure what to do.

Just Say Hi

Yes, I know I am still single at 32...but that's ok with me!! I've mentioned before about all the online dating services out there, but so many of them cost money. To me it is kind of ridiculous to pay a website to get a date; however, there is this new site that offers completely free dating....hmmmm, makes me think about heading over there to check out there site: JustSayHi.com



This post sponsored by justsayhi.com

New Blog

Ok, so I created another new blog...this one isn't necessarily for you to read...unless you want to!!! I know that all my family and friends are probably irritated at having to read all my paid sponsored posts, so I created a blog for that; however, it has to be a blog that has been established for at least three months. So that means that in March, I can start switching my paid posts onto the new blog!

So bear with me for awhile ... at least until March! If you want to check out my new blog it is Maven of All.

Teens, Trucks and Auto Insurance

Does it scare you sometimes to realize that you are driving on life's highways and freeways with teenagers and big-truck divers...and the same time? Now that I have two nephews who are 16 years old and driving, it does scare me somewhat! It is a law that all drivers have car insurance; and there are so many places you can get insurance these days. You can get free auto insurance quotes and know that your teenager is protected monetarily if something happens! While looking for proper insurance know that Geico has tips for teens while driving on the rode with truck drivers. This information is probably good for all of us who have been driving for awhile to review as well!

This is a sponsored post

MySpace Monitoring

We've all heard all there is about myspace and how it is the latest rage amongst teenagers, and unfotunately a place where adults go prowling around for teenagers. I do believe that Myspace can actually be a fun place to reach friends, and I also believe that parents have every right to monitor what is going on with their children's myspace accounts. There is this great monitoring software that parents can use in connection with their children's myspace login and account, it is called Spectra Pro monitoring software. Normally, I wouldn't be one who is so adamant about checking on your child's things; however, I have one niece who is going through some very difficult stages right now and isn't allowed on myspace at all....this would come in handy with her now and when she is allowed back on!

This post sponsored by Spectra Pro monitoring software

Starbucks

WAY TO GO STARBUCKS!!!! This is an article from our local paper....Now we don't have to feel so guilty for going to Starbucks, now if only they could make their coffee mochas less fattening!

SEATTLE (AP) - Starbucks Corp. is cutting trans fats from the doughnuts, muffins and other treats in half of its U.S. stores, and plans to eventually drop the artery-clogging fats from company-operated coffeehouses across the country.

The world's largest specialty coffee retailer has been working to eliminate trans fats from its food menu for about two years, spokesman Brandon Borrman said Tuesday.

"This is just something we have been working on, and our focus has always been on providing our customers with healthy and nutritious food options," Borrman said.

Trans fats, listed on food labels as partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, are believed to be harmful because they wreak havoc with cholesterol levels.

Standalone Starbucks stores in Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Diego, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Portland, Ore. will have zero trans fats in their food as of Wednesday, Borrman said.

Getting the other half of U.S. stores to follow suit will take some time, as the company adjusts recipes with regional bakers and food suppliers.

However, Starbucks already had quietly replaced the fats in its nationally distributed food products, such as its seasonal pumpkin muffins and gingerbread, Borrman said.

In December, New York became the first American city to ban artificial trans fats in restaurants and eateries. With some exceptions, restaurants will be barred from using spreads and frying oils containing artificial trans fats by July 1.

All other foods in the city, including doughnuts, cookies and pies that use partially hydrogenated vegetable oil for texture, will have to be trans-fat-free by July 2008.

New York's ban didn't play a part in Starbucks' switch, which has been quietly ramping up for the past couple of years, Borrman said.

Starbucks has about 5,600 company-owned coffeehouses in the U.S. Other retail sites, such as kiosks in airports and grocery stores, are licensed by the company but operated by other businesses.

Starbucks posted net fiscal fourth-quarter earnings of $117.3 million in October, on revenue of $2 billion.

Orlando Bound

I just went to Disneyland on Saturday, and I loved it; however, I love Disneyworld so much better. Orlando has so much to offer visitors, and I love playing the typical tourist! Last time we were there we stayed in Destin, but stayed a whole week in Orlando a few years ago. The Orlando Florida Hotels are nice and they are close to all the action. Not only is there Disney, but there is Universal Studios and Island of Adventure (which is a total blast), there is also tons of golfing. You might think that the theme parks are all the same, but every time I go down or friends go down there are new rides. YES, Disney does add new rides to the park....check out Astro Blaster....shoot up the galaxy with Buzz Lightyear!!!! Besides all this? My favorite----THE BEACH...easy and close to your hotel!

This is a sponsored post

Time Management

A new year is here! One thing that I hear a lot of people talking about getting good at this time of year is time management, or learning the proper way of using a calendar. I admit, I am really good at time management and using a calendar....in fact I'm a bit anal about this. Life can still be fun even when you are "managing" it!!! A time management guide is essential for those who want to make this area of life better. With better time managment you can: reduce wasted time, improve productivity, set better long range goals, and focus attention on your important goals. Learn great skills, tips and practices to put time management into practice this new year.

This post sponsored by timethoughts.com

Vacation's Almost Over

Sad to say that my vacation is almost over, although I was able to come down early and I am leaving a few days later than normal! I have one more day here....not really planning anything; however, it is kind of sad to leave. I had a good time visiting my family even if it was just sitting at home. We made it to a few fun things like Disneyland, and I did manage to do a little after Christmas Shopping (didn't find much though). It is time to go back to the real world. I'm hoping to get a lot of work in January, as I am leaving the country in February to go on a mission's trip (Singapore, Bangkok, and Borneo).

Turkey

...no, I'm not talking about the turkey we eat at Thanksgiving. Do you love to travel? I DO!!! I'd love to travel around the world, and I wouldn't mind stopping over in Turkey. Someday I'd also like to live overseas, and the property in Turkey looks fantastic. Especially since they have lots of beaches and water! Traveling around the world is one of my life goals.

This post sponsored by turkishventure.co.uk

What you said?

Mason, my three year old nephew, is totally hilarious! Although he is a bit more vicious then when I last saw him...I guess that is what happens when you are the youngest of six children. Since I've been here we've been playing and such, and every time I say something to him he says, "What you said?" I cracks me up. It reminds me of an old person who is hard of hearing and is constantly saying, "huh, what?" Instead it's "What you said?" It now has become a running joke with me and him, because he says it and then I say it back!

Diet and Exercise

I'm not one to make New Year Resolutions, seeing as they tend to get broken. However, I do realize the necessity of making my life healthier. One thing I tried doing last year, and did stick with it for quite awhile is exercise. I did quite well at they gym doing water aerobics and step aerobic classes. I want to live a healthier lifestyle that enables me to live a better life. Some of my passions in life would be so much better if I was healthier, leaner and more active. I LOVE to travel; however, it is hard to do when your weight is an issue. The plane ride is hard, the walking around is hard, and sometimes the playing and fun time is hard. I am still young and able to get healthy. So this year I am committing to getting healthy. Besides exercise, I am going to cut out sugars in the form of pop and sugar in my coffee! Oh boy, that is going to be hard. It is strict dieting that I am going for, but simply a healthier lifestyle! This website dedicated to fitness gives 10 great tips to starting a fitness program in 2007, and having personal training....and I am going to try and work it into my lifestyle. I am a busy person, but not busy enough to undertake this....I simply get lazy and unmotivated....which is going to stop now! Let's get healthy together in 2007!

This post sponsored by noexcusesgym.com

Happy New Year

Happy New Year's Everyone!! Can you believe it? The end of 2006 and the beginning of 2007. How was your 2006, and how do you plan on your 2007 being? Do you have regrets (I hope you don't as nothing should ever be regreted, but looked at as a learning lesson in life), did you have hopes and dreams fulfilled, did you make new friends, did you lose friends? Sad things happened, good things happened, but all things that happened were due to the Glory of God! Enjoy your festivities tonight, remember to stay safe and be responsible.

Boise, Idaho

Have you ever been to Boise? Do you even know where Boise is? It is in Idaho, and it is actually a nice to place to visit. There are also a ton of people moving there recently due to the quality of life there, the vicinity in which Boise lies to other cities and attractions, and to simply get away from the rat race of life and back to simpler times of life. There are tons of Boise homes for sale that are probably more within my price range then anything I can buy here in the Seattle area. There is a ton of things to do in Boise especially if you love the outdoors (which I'm not too keen on, but I do to have fun with my friends). You can zip over the various mountains and enjoy a day of skiing, snowboarding or simply hanging out in the lodge drinking hot cocoa. You can head to one of the many lakes in the area during the summer for swimming and water skiing or just hanging out with friends. There are places to hike, there are places to shop and there are places to simply explore. All in all, Boise is a very nice city to live in or visit.

Today....

...."We're off to see the wizard, the wonderful wizard of Oz"....wait a second, wrong song! Silly Me!

Actually, I'm heading to Anaheim to see if I can find Prince Charming and steal him away from Cinderella...sorry Cindy, you've had him for way too long now...let someone else have a chance!!!

Yep, that's right...we are heading to Disneyland...as soon as all these kids get their buts up out of bed and ready to go!!! They are the laziest bunch of kids I know...anyone need some kids? Anywho...I'll make sure I say hi to all the Disney characters for everyone I know...and I'll bring back all that happiness from the Happiest Place on Earth!

Humidifiers

Since I've been visiting my sister in California, I've noticed that my skin is a bit drier...due to the drier climate here. Living in WA with the moistness of all our rain, I usually don't get dry throat or dry skin. But I've noticed since being down here that my throat has been a bit dry. One way to take care of this is to have a humidifier...my friends who live in Pasco, WA have a humidifier running in their home throughout the entire summer. How do you know which kind of humidifier to buy though? You need to read through the complete guide to buying a house humidifier, that way you know what is needed specifically for your home. Why are they so good? What features make a good humidifier? Do you need a humidifier for your whole house or just a single room (keep in mind the installation of a whole house system....big bucks!). There are so many options and choices...read the website humidifierinformation.com to find out what suits you best.

This post sponsored by humidifierinformation.com

2006 Sure Flew By Fast....

1.) Where did you ring in 2006? I spent it with Holly and Rodney at her apartment 2.) What was your status by Valentine's Day? Single....Still!! 3.) Were you in school (anytime this year)? Not as a student, but as a teacher all the time 4.) How did you earn your keep? Substitute Teaching, KMPS Radio, Event Planning, Notary Public, umm....I'm sure there is more...oh yeah, blogging for MONEY! 5.) Did you have to go to the hospital? Yes, I had to go to the ER for an acute asthma attack 6.) Did you have any encounters with the police? Nope 7.) Where did you go on vacation? SE Asia (mission's trip), Disney Cruise to the Caribbean, California (Disney included tomorrow) 8.) What did you purchase that was over $500? Not a thing 9.) Did you know anybody who got married? Holly and Rodney (the most important of them all!!!!), Derek & Kasey, I'm sure there were others 10.) Did you know anybody who passed away? Yes 11.) Have you run into anybody you graduated high school with? Yep 12.) Did you move anywhere? Nope 13.) What sporting events did you go to? Bull Riding!!! 14.) What concerts/shows did you go to? Kenny, Tim & Faith, Josh Turner, Little Big Town, Danielle Peck, Carrie Underwood, Charlie Daniels, and a ton others...seeing as I work for the #1 radio station KMPS then I go to a lot of concerts 15.) Are you registered to vote? Yep 16.) If so, did you do your patriotic duty on Nov. 7? Ummm....no (i'm sorry) 17.) Where do you live now? Puyallup 18.) Describe your birthday. Breakfast with Barb and Charlie, Shopping, Dinner....it was a great day of celebrating 32 19.) What's the one thing you thought you would never do but did in 2006? I don't know off the top of my head 20.) What is one thing you regret from this year? I never have regrets...just live and learn 21.) What did you want for Christmas? IPOD----still waiting for it from my Sister! 22.) Any new additions to your family? Nope 23.) What was your best month? All of them...I LOVE LIFE 24.) What from pop culture will you remember 2006 by? Was there really anything important in 2006 25.) How do you plan to ring in 2007? With my family (and possibly some of their neighbors) playing games and such in Southern Cali Here is a little survey about my 2006 year in review...it's not totally exciting, but it is kinda fun to reminisce and see what we've done over the last year. Also makes me want to evaluate how 2007 is going to be. Tell me about your 2006!!!

Christmas Spending

Did you overspend on Christmas this year? Are you dreading the thought of your January credit card bill showing up in your mailbox any day now? I truly hope that this isn't the case, although, I know it is true for many individuals. They get into the thought of buying, but sometimes go out of their means to make it happen...hence the large credit card payments. Believe me, I have been there and done that! It is frustrating, and becomes a very frustrating cycle to break. There are more credit cards applied for in January (especially in the UK) as consumers are looking to do some 0% balance transfers, and in some cases this does help....pay more than the minimum payment though. There are so many cards out there that sometimes it is hard to chose which one is best. So can compare credit cards though, so if you have to get one you can choose the one that is best for you. Remember, with all credit cards use wisely and spend only what you can afford to pay when the bill comes in.

This post sponsored by cardguide.co.uk

New Year

Can you believe that is almost 2007?!? Where did the time fly to? What happened to 2006? What happened to you this year? Did you have a banner year? Did you have bumps and bruises along the way?

I know I did! This time last year, I was unexpectedly fired from my job, and had no idea what I was going to do or how I was even going to pay bills. Fortunately for me, I am a Christian who firmly believes that God takes care of His children. He knew what my circumstances were and knew where I was headed this time last year. He has taken care of me all year long. I may wonder at times how all my bills are going to get paid, or if I'm even going to receive a paycheck. But I have been blessed...and I give all glory to God for the things I have been given. I have been substitute teaching; however, it isn't a full-time job...but that's ok...I LOVE IT!!! I have found jobs here and there, and the check always comes in time to pay whatever bill is due then. I have also been given the opportunity to still enjoy traveling and vacationing. My best friend's family took me with them this summer on a fantastic cruise, and I am again heading to SE Asia in February on a mission's trip with our Masters Commission. I am spending two weeks right now with my family in California where I also plan on moving to in the summer. Ministerially I am still working the Masters Commission and finishing my last year with them. I am going to miss them and Puyallup Foursquare, but I know God has things for me to do here in Cali. In fact, my sister's pastor was talking to me about the need of some type of program like MC for their young people. Who knows, maybe I'll get the opportunity to help them a bit and get something started for them....I am not the pastor behind these ventures, but the administrator that knows how to set it up and get it done!

Whatever road you have been down this year, whether good or bad...rough or smooth, I pray that you would give all glory to God for all that he has given you, all that he has taken you through and all that he is going to do for you. It is a new year, a new season and God has such great things in store for all of us! Many blessings to all of you my friends, my family and even those I do not know...God loves You!

Sproose Search Engine

When you go to a search engine and type in what you are searching for, do you ever wish you could rank the sites that come up in relevance to what you were searching for? That way it would be given more importance for you personally? I do! There are things that come up sometimes that seriously make me wonder why they were included!!! The Sproose home page is just the new site to help us give rankings to searches! You can give the sites rankings from 1 (which is poor) to 5 (which is great).....and you do the choosing! Don't you love the power of making and breaking something....ok ok that is a bit harsh, but it is good to help out! Every time a vote is cast for a site then that site moves up or down in the ranking system. Meaning if they were the second site that appeared and you gave it a poor rating it would move on down the line. I believe that this could highly useful for you in your personal searches.

This is a sponsored post, please see sidebar disclosure

Cranium Hullabaloo

If you have kids you have to buy this game! My niece got it for Christmas. It is called Hullabaloo, and it is made by Cranium....those crazy folks who make great educational games that are actually fun! This game is simply, yet the kids (and I) loved it....even the teenage girls joined in. It comes with various shapes and colors that are pads that go on the floor. There is a console type thing that tells you what shape, what color, what animal, etc to move to (you may have to swim to it, gallop, skip, put your nose on something, you never know what it is going to do!)...then when it yells "FREEZE"...you freeze and whoever is on the item that it says wins...WARNING...you may have to do the crazy monkey dance if you win! I give this game four stars.

Chicago Postie Patrol

HP and Payperpost do these little trips called postie patrols. They go to a city, get a PPP blogger and make them do something in order to win HP prizes (Ted, I'm still waiting to hear that I won an HP Digital Camera and Printer). This video is in Chicago, with Robyn N. She was sent on a photo and video scavenger hunt around Chicago in freezing cold weather....ugh...I might have complained some. I think my favorite parts were watching Ted (I believe that is was him) pull his pants off to show that he was wearing shorts...Robyn had to find someone in shorts...he helped her out! I also enjoyed watching Robyn try to make a snowangel in the ice....good try, and they gave her the points!

So, did she win? Yep...Congratulations Robyn for winning all those cool HP prizes. Ted...wouldn't you like to come to the Seattle area for a Postie Patrol? I guarantee you it won't be as cold as Chicago....but I can't guarantee anything else (we've been having weird weather lately).

Thanks HP for sponsoring these postie patrols and giving away all these cool prizes. Visit their site for digital photography review.

This post sponsored by HP

Josh

So, I have to write another in between post and my nephew Josh said I could write about him. What do you want to know? How he stinks at Tony Hawk? How he thinks he is the Don Juan of Peninsula HS in Gig Harbor? Hmmm, how he doesn't like hamburger gravy over noodles and pouted over dinner last night? What else would you like to know? He is going to be 16 this Saturday, December 30th! OMG....another driving teenager in the family, stay off the roads people!

Iraq Study Book

I know that we all have our own opinions about President Bush and the war on Iraq. Especially since the execution of Saddam Hussein has been in the news a lot lately. I for one fully support all the decisions that President Bush has made (not that all have been smart) and I fully support that our military still is in Iraq fighting for our safety but also for the safety and freedom of the Iraqi people who are trying to have a sane life (if that is even possible). However, even though I fully support all of this I sometimes do not understand everything that is going on with the political ins and outs of Iraq. There is an Iraq Study Group Report that is available online through this site that allows you to purchase it in book form for a very reasonable amount (plus you can use Amazon certificates). The site selling the book is politically neutral, they are not trying to sell you on an idea or way of life, just simply to provide you with information. And as new Iraq info comes out they will have it for you.

This post sponsored by iraqstudy.com

why

why am i awake at 11:30 at night, drinking jones cream soda (which Cassi and i are hiding from the rest of the family so it isn't devoured!:0 ) and goofing around with the kids? i should be sleeping. but wait....i'm on vacation, i can do whatever i want. well, not whatever, but you know what i mean.

for all of you who doubt my cooking abilities ...i made hamburger gravy over pasta for dinner tonight. i do have to say that it came out tasting pretty good, and there is enough for lunch tomorrow!

night...talk to you all tomorrow!

Online Coupons

I love coupons, but of course who doesn't! My current favorite coupon on this site is the free shipping and free engraving on Apple Ipods! I am still wanting to get one of this soooo badly! And how can you pass up free shipping on something that costs so much?!? Another favorite is Best Buy coupons, as you can buy the Ipod from there, along with movies, music, computers, cameras, tvs and so much more (we actually went there yesterday!)

This post is sponsored by couponchief.com

Nap Time

I am watching the kids today while my sister and brother-in-law are at work. I was giving Mason a bath and was telling him that he would need to take a nap in a little while. He asked if he could nap downstairs on the couch. I told him sure. He then asked if could nap with his eyes open?

Hmmmm, I'm thinking that he didn't really think he needed to take a nap! He is actually running around right now saying, "No Nap!!"

PBR

OMG....one of my favorite "shows" that I have ever attend was the PBR (Remember that is Professional Bull Riding.....I know we've talked about this before) Finals held in Las Vegas, NV the last weekend of October and the first weekend in November (it is actually one weekend of final competition and one weekend of national finals). My sister Shannon and I attended the finals in 2001, the year that 18 year-old rookie Luke Snyder walked away with all the money (close to a MILLION!) and all the girls (at least that is what it looked like outside Ceasaers Palace afterwards). It was definitely a shocker to see a rookie beat out the likes of Adriano Moraes, Wiley Peterson, Chris Shivers, Sean Willingham and others!

You want to see some great bull riding action you have got to check out the PBR finals! When we went we bought our tickets fairly late (about two months before the event) so our seats weren't the best...we were up in the top section, which some might consider the nosebleed section. However, we could still see everything and still had a ton of fun. If I had to do it over again, which I am trying to do this year with my friends Barb and Brittany, I would definitely try for better seats. I should be buying PBR Finals Tickets now; however, I am going to have to wait at least a few more months. Hey, if you are interested in coming with us just shoot, "Cowboy Up!" and you can come on down. The cost of tickets are reasonable, then you have to pay for a hotel and food...but it's really not too bad!

Please see sidebar disclosure in regards to this post.

Shopping with Auntie

We, or shall I say I, decided to go hit the after Christmas sales! I love hitting the stores the day after for Christmas decorations...you can get some great stuff for seriously cheap! So we started the day off with the bank and Supercuts for a hair for Mason...yeah, unfortunately they cut it kinda funky...my sister isn't too happy about it. I did ask her twice to do some more work on it...oh well, his hair grows fast.

Mind you we started at about Noon! After his haircut we went to Wendy's for lunch, then on to Target. We spent quite a while in Target...returned items that didn't work or didn't fit. Looked very carefully through their Christmas stuff, but I didn't see anything I absolutely HAD to have. I did pick up some initials gift tags to scrapbook with, but that's about it.

We then headed over to Best Buy to find a video game for Mason. He really wanted Thomas the Train, but we had to settle for Scooby Doo. By this time he was getting pretty cranky and mouthy! Well, then I had to go into Kohl's because Susana told me she bought my Christmas present from there.....she bought me the start of my own Christmas Village (Kris Kringle's Cafe....she is opening a coffee shop soon!). So I had to see if I could find anymore to the set. They had a ton, but I have a limit...so I bought the Hotel and some street signs. I may go back later this week and see what they have left.....maybe, maybe not (I do want some money to spend in Disneyland!).

When we walked up to the cash register he was awake, by the time I paid he was out cold! I guess that is what happens when you spend five hours shopping with Auntie the day after Christmas.

Debt Help

Are you a part of the percentage of Americans who has debt? Whether it be student loan debt, credit card debt, etc. Are you trying to get back on your feet after falling behind on monthly payments? Are you trying to make your credit rating/score higher and therefore more likeable by lenders for automobiles and homes? If so, you should check out the site DebtHelp.com. They specialize in helping consumers reach goals that pertain to their credit worthiness and debt. They show you how to consolidate student loans into one low monthly payment (I have done this and it is great). How to secure a loan so that you can pay one payment for all your credit card debt. Also, how to fix your credit and make it more desirable. They also answers for the questions you have in regards to debt, debt consolidation and debt management. Make it your New Year's resolution to become debt free this year.

This post sponsored by Debthelp.com

Trivia Answers

I was talking to my friend Susana today and she told me I was remiss in not giving the answers to some random trivia questions I gave last week. My apologies! Here are the questions again, along with the answers. Tell me how you did!

1. In February 1979, what happened in the Sahara Desert?
It snowed
2. What country owns Antarctica?
No one, Antartica is the only land on our planet that is not owned by any country
3. What is the smallest country in the world?
Vatican City
4. How many deserts are in Europe?
None
5. What is the only continent without reptiles?
Antartica
6. Which country was first to issue a self-adhesive postage stamp?
The South Pacific island nation Tonga
7. What is the largest island in the world? The second largest?
Greenland, New Guinea
8. What is the only country that doesn't have a rectangular or square flag?
Nepal
9. London's Big Ben is actually the name of the tower, the clock or the bell inside?
The Bell
10. Where is the world's largest gold mine?
Juneau, Alaska

Here you go!

2006 Photograph of the Year

Get out your best photos that you've taken this year. If you haven't taken one yet, take out your camera and get to it. The 2006 Photograph of the Year contest is underway as we speak. Getting recognition for having a great photograph is wonderful, especially if you are a professional photographer, but the prizes up for grabs are even better than recognition! There is at least $14,000 in prizes and cash to be given away to those who win this contest. First, Second and Third prize win huge prize packages worth thousands of dollars. Even the honorable mentions for fourth through tenth place receive packages worth over $800. Wow! I know I am going to look through my pictures and see if there is one that I can enter into the contest.

Pictures are due by January 12, 2007, and voting will commence afterwards with the winners being annouced on January 31st! The rules are fairly simple and straight forward, and the submission process of your photograph is also easy and simple. So get to it. Look through photos that you have taken during 2006 and you might be one of the winners that walks away with part of the $14,000 in prizes and cash that they are giving away. And as you know, places couldn't do these contests without sponsors. Have fun.

This post sponsored by photographycorner.com

Mason

Mason,my three year old nephew,thinks that any present under the tree is for him and that it is ok to open presents whenever he feels like it. He managed to open a present for Josh yesterday. And today he managed to open a couple of more presents, luckily they were his. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could all open our presents whenever we wanted to?

You know, Jesus is like that! He has so many presents for us, just waiting for us to come and open them. We don't have to wait for the right day and time, or for an appointment, to open our presents. When we feel the time is right all we have to do is take the present that He offers and open it up. And God has hundreds, if not thousands, of gifts for us to open! GO FOR IT! Start digging in, tearing into those presents and enjoy what God is giving you today!

Rockstartup Video 3

As some of you know PPP (Payperpost)has a reality show video series out called Rockstartup. It is videos depicting the up and coming ways of starting a new small business. They have videos showing them moving into their new office digs...we all love doing that, don't we? They headed off to Las Vegas (sin city baby) for a PPP wedding, and I guess somethings that were supposed to stay in Vegas didn't stay in Vegas. They actually made their way onto the World Wide Web!

This is the video about them moving into their new offices. They have to worry about having phones, internet, furniture and everything. When I worked in Bellevue a few years ago, we moved offices and it sucked. And we didn't even move far, just two floors up. We were moving boxes and furniture for months...I think ours was more prolonged because we knew we weren't going far so we didn't work too hard at it. UGH!!!



Stay tuned for all the upcoming Rockstartup videos still to come. This post sponsored by payperpost.com (they rock and give away free money for blogging!)

Medieval Dinner

"Good Evening, My Lady...My Lord. Princess!"

That is how we were greeted last night upon entering the famed Medieval Castle in Buena Vista, CA. We went for the famous dinner and show. It was fabulous. We had so much fun. You enter the castle and are given a colored crown which indicates which knight to root for...ours was Castilla Red...and our knight fought the valiant fight, but didn't end up winning the jousting match. He did win a lot of the competitions before the final fight, and every time he won a competition the King's daughter would give the knight's flowers they in turn threw them to cheering fans in the crowd. Well, I didn't get one, but Maddy did! I even had Mason standing on the table waving our flags, but to no avail...no flower for me.

We had a great dinner...baby dragon soup, garlic bread, baby dragon (tasted like chicken), a spare rib, a potato and dessert. No utensils...just a plate, a bowl, and a cup. We did play tourist and bought everyone drinks in collectible cups...I had a fantastic chardonnay in a gold chalice!

We had lots of fun cheering and simply having fun. If you get the chance to visit sometime then I highly recommend it. Susana...they just opened one in Atlanta this summer...we need to go!

PPP Blog

I guess it makes sense that if payperpost pays people to blog that they would then have their own blog, right? Right! They do! How convenient! :)

They talk about all the upcoming contests they have for their paid bloggers....a HUGE congratulations goes out to Colleen who figured out the Rockstartup puzzle and won a $1000!!! Woo---Hoo! Congrats again! I have been doing this for awhile now, but not totally sure of everything going on so I wasn't even aware of the puzzle contest going on. I for sure need to keep track of the PPP blog so I can get in on some of those money making contests.

They give us tons of good information....the fact that we know have to disclose and tips on how to do that...great videos to watch (all the office confessionals, the rockstartup videos, the winner videos, and more)....and just blog entries like we normal people do!

So come on all you blog readers and become blog posters...it is so easy! You sit for a few minutes every day, do a little typing (after you sign up at payperpost with me as a referral rachelannmac@hotmail.com) and then you make money!

This post sponsored by payperpost

Embedding Video

So you saw that I just did a video embed for payperpost on the last post I did. It took a lot of trial and error to get that onto my blog. So, I'm wondering what I actually did to make it work! And how to do it again? PPP uses Youtube.com, and they have a link to copy that actually says embed...so yes, I figured that is what I am supposed to use; however, it doesn't allow me to copy the embed link all the way. What's up with that?!? PPP has a few more posts that I can take that involve embedding video so I'm going to try it again, but if some of you have any suggestions, ideas, comments, or just want to say hi let me know....I really want to figure out how to work out all this blog stuff.

PPP Video

So first of all, I am trying to learn how to embed video...so if this doesn't work my apologies, and I will continue trying to figure this out. Seriously, it can't be that hard!

PPP, Payperpost, is having a contest right now for their bloggers (that would be me and everyone else I suppose) to write in or share a video on how they need a new HP digital camera and printer. I wrote a post about why I need a NEW HP DIGITAL CAMERA AND PRINTER!!!!! They are picking so many videos to win and so many written posts to win. Then they are sharing with us who wins. This video is ppp sharing that Anna from New York was the first winner of a BRAND NEW camera and printer. Anna, I wish you well and happy shooting pictures. I don't begrudge anyone else winning as they obviously need a new camera just as much as I need one. Although, I wouldn't resist someone giving me a new one!!!

What is PPP? ads on blogs for money...you post, they pay! It's that easy!

This post sponsored by payperpost

Medieval Times Dinner

We are heading into Anaheim on Saturday to have dinner at the Medieval Times Dinner Theatre....I have wanted to do this for years. They have knights (although, I doubt that Heath Ledger will be there!), they have jousting with real horses, they have dinner served to you without utensils. My sister and the family have gone before and say that it is spectacular....it does scare Mason, who is 3, a bit as it is loud and they use a fog machine and all. I will definitely let you know how it goes and show you some of my pictures afterwards!

Viva Las Vegas

Viva Las Vegas baby! Oh my, the King definitely had the right idea when he sang Viva Las Vegas. Sin City baby...high rollers....slots...parties....celebrities....all you can eat buffets (so I hear)....and just plain fun. And all this stuff can be found in hotels....you don't even have to leave your Las Vegas hotel to have fun. But how do you know which Las Vegas hotels are the best and which aren't? Check this site out and it will tell you which one are the ones to go to! If you go, stick a $10 in the slot machine for me and win big!

This post is a sponsored post, please see disclosure on the sidebar.