Motivation
I'm trying to get into the habit of going to the gym or exercising after work. I have about an hour or so between getting home and going to pick the baby up from daycare. What do I usually end up doing? You're looking at it. Blogging or surfing the net. I usually end up wondering what I accomplished at all! At least if i were knitting, I'd get a few rows or inches done.

I did stumble upon various websites with nutrition and diet tips to help you lose weight rapidly. They have articles about how to lose that post-baby fat, the healthy way to lose weight (attention, all you Atkins and South Beach peeps), and simple ways to cut calories. Even though I lost a lot of weight in the past, I still need reminding. I think reading about it, saturating myself in these tips and information, I might just convince myself to do it!

Well, I'm about to slip on my socks and sneakers, grab my bike and head out the door. I have to take advantage of this beautiful weather! When I get back, I'll have to tell you about my day at summer camp and the house R and I are trying to nab.

Bucket List
Mood:  on fire
Topic: random

I want to learn to ride a horse before I die. Okay, I don’t have terminal cancer or anything (knock on wood), but it’s on my to-do list. My ‘bucket list’ if you will. If I think about it too much, I may end up browsing for horse accessories online and wearing denim painted with horses and glitter studded. Can you picture me in cowboy boots and hat? Maybe in a previous life…

I also need to go to Vegas, not just for the gambling but also the shows, like Criss Angel Believe.  Criss Angel is quite the illusionist. Like famous magicians in the past, he uses flare and his personality to his advantage. His new show is at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas, combining efforts with Cirque du Soleil. Sounds cool. You can win tickets by texting 'believe' to 22122. Or it could be a little honeymoon for us in the fall. Well, R and I are already planning a trip out to Seattle in early 2009, to kinda scope out moving possibilities.

One last thing on the bucket list – have a big family. Having Ishmael in our lives has been so awesome. I’m so glad I went to exercise this afternoon. I feel like I’m making progress toward my weight loss goal, which will bring me closer to trying to get pregnant again. Well, not for at least 6 more months.

What's on your bucket list?

Zombie Meme
Mood:  bright
Topic: blogness

I found this over at hadess, supposedly the "best meme" ever. Well, I thought it was a funny idea. I'm still searching for the best meme/tag. Let me know if you have one.

You are in a mall when zombies attack. You have:
1. One weapon
2. One song blasting on the speakers
3. One famous person to fight along side you.

1. Leg gun like Rose McGowan in Planet Terror.
2. Radiohead's Karma Police
3. Keanu Reeves, in his Matrix gear, or Clive Owen (Have you seen Shoot 'Em Up?)

R has a real thing for zombie movies. My favorite of course is Shaun of the Dead.

Sweetwater
Mood:  cool
Topic: politics

One of my favorite ways to spend the afternoon (especially Saturday or Sunday) is to kick back with an ice cold beer. I know,that sounds kinda common or pedestrian. But I like to just prop my elbows up on the brass bar rails, sigh away my problems, and enjoy a golden, sweet ale. Unfortunately, Rahim doesn't really like doing that. I can't even convince him to sit in a coffeeshop with me, reading or talking. The few times we have gone out to a bar, other than our first date, has been to see a band or to eat a meal. What about cocktail hour? I want to bring back the afternoon cocktail.

I know, I'm a mommie now.  Actually, since I've had a UTI and been taking antibiotics, I haven't had any alcohol. I still have one Sweetwater beer in my fridge; I'll have it this Friday as a 4th of July treat. Extreme of mindless patriotism has always been something hard for me to swallow, so a bit of beer will definitely help.

That reminds me of a book I recently got at the thrift store, called What We Do Now. It's a collection of essays written about the American political situation post-the 2004 election, when Bush was reelected. Don't worry, I'm not a flag burner, just a healthy skeptic. I appreciate the freedoms and privileges of being American without having to be arrogant or narrow-minded about it. Anyway, drink up!

Eat the Rich
Mood:  irritated
Topic: politics
There are a lot of nouveau riche in Atlanta these days, getting the spinning rims, building McMansions in historic and character-filled neighborhoods, and shopping for baby clothes at cutsie boutiques. Like when the house down the street from us, which was so beautifully renovated, sold for almost $400K, I wondered what type of job you would need to have to pay that $2500/month mortgage.

I've started meditating lately, and I'm hoping that will help me think less about these desires and negativity. If it's just this one area of my life I'm unhappy about, things are actually really great.

Goin' Back to Cali
Mood:  chillin'
Topic: family

R has now put California on our list of places to move. Of course, Suze Ormon says it's the most expensive state in the country. I would love to live near the ocean, though. Living near Los Angeles, Hollywood, or wildfires, not exactly my ideal though. I guess I better keep these guys on speed dial:  Los Angeles Criminal Lawyers | California Criminal, DUI Defense . I'm rooting for Northern California - Berkeley, San Francisco, whatever is up there.  We're getting pretty fed up with the South, that's for sure.

Blocked
Mood:  mischievious
Topic: blogness

While trying to write this post, I encountered some issues with Google. I had the safety search level at "strict," and it blocked the word "erotic." Just for kicks, I tested these words that were also blocked:

horny, beastiality, and tits

I changed my settings to "medium" instead. I'm a big girl, I can handle it. Parents, if you're worried, please remember your supervision is the best protection. That means keeping all computers in the living room or a common space. You don't need to hover, just make sure you know what sites your child is going to. Talk about the purpose of computers and the internet with your child. Take time to find safe and fun sites together with your child.

Anyway, this is what I wanted to write about. Flowers.

Look at more here. And go watch these weird animal videos for a laugh! Don't worry, it's all PG or PG-13!

Really?
Mood:  cheeky
Topic: random

I couldn't help but do this quiz when I saw it. Of course, I had to skip through like a hundred (only slight exaggeration) ads and bogus free offers to get my results. I just had to know.

You Are - "Baby, One More Time" Britney

Innocent, young, and oh so sweet. "Baby, One More Time" was Britney at her most innocent. How're you like this Britney? Well, you come off just as shy and sugar sweet as she did back in the day. Now all you need is a cutesy school girl outfit and you'll be all set! (And don't forget the pigtails!)

Moving Up
Mood:  caffeinated
Topic: family

Okay, now the MIL wants us to buy a house. I guess the foreclosure hunt has lasted longer than she thought, with mold being a recurring theme. She called me about a lease-option house in her neighborhood for about $150/month more than our comfort limit, saying it was negotiable. First, if we're just barely scraping by where we live, how are we going to afford 40% more? Second, how do I break it to her that R may go to law school out of state? Like Seattle or Portland or California? Well, I will leave R to tell her!

In the meantime, I could be making some pocket money selling some stuff on craigslist, particularly the cradle swing that Baba's grown out of and the baby carrier that we never used. I wonder if my brother would let me help him sell his furniture. He's got some Living Room furniture, Bedroom furniture, and a reclining sectional. And then there's the refrigerator, the big screen TV, a variety of large kitchen gadgets (e.g. chicken rotisserie thing) and exercise machines. Maybe I could get a percent of the sales, for my help in selling them - since he's really not living in his house anymore. Wouldn't that be nice of me?

Work Sucks
Mood:  irritated
Topic: random

Is that too obvious? I shouldn't complain too much, since at least half of my day is spent online or reading (if I wanted to). But it's the other half that's a big pain. Dealing with my coworkers. The head organizer for the camp is doing an excellent job dealing with the sheer number of kids, schedules, the free food program, and over a dozen field trips.

But. In terms of leadership of the staff, she definitely takes a more passive (and thus, passive agressive) attitude. Instead of just having a staff meeting or asking for things outright, she types up memos and staff notes. So instead of just verbally sharing with us that we're going on a field trip the next day, she'll just put in the memo, "Make sure you look over the calendar in the staff room." Well, if I had a minute to actually stand in the staff office, I might. As it is, I'm usually in the cafeteria helping out or in the art room on the opposite side of the building. But, you, dear leader, sit in that office all day, doing whatever you do.

Today, there was a whole packet of notes. Obvious stuff - supervise kids, help with breakfast and lunch, etc. She had gone to the extent of planning out the order groups could sign up for "free choice" in the afternoons! All I'm asking for is a few extra minutes to set up the arts & crafts room in the morning, especially since I am planning projects for them and not just giving them coloring sheets. I guess I just get the feeling she doesn't like me very much (or maybe that's just because I dislike her a bit). I feel like she finally communicated clearly (her expectations, daily schedule) - only it's about 2 weeks late.