A week later

Since there isn't a Friday's Feast this week, I'm going to do the one from a week ago that I missed. Enjoy!

Appetizer

What is the nearest big city to your home?

*Boise is the nearest.

Soup

On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how well do you keep secrets?

*A 10.

Salad

Describe your hair (color, texture, length).

*Color - Dark brown with light caramel highlights. Texture - Soft and healthy. Length - Almost to the middle of my back.

Main Course

What kind of driver are you? Courteous? Aggressive? Slow?

*I'm a courteous driver more often than not. I've had days where I'm in a big hurry but never to the point I put myself or anyone around me in danger.

Dessert

When was the last time you had a really bad week?

*About two weeks ago. Everything came crashing down and it took some time to put the pieces back together, but I did. :)

What would happen if...

About two weeks ago I heard of a local bank going under. This worries me a little because I don’t know what happens to people’s money. If you have a checking and savings account do you lose everything or is your money ties up in stocks and bonds somewhere else? I need to ask my bank about this because it’s something we need to know about. There are plenty of people who don’t use banks to hold onto their cash but I’m not one of them. At least not right now. Do you know what would happen if your bank went under?

What time is it?

If I don’t have my watch on and I ask someone what time is it, they usually pull out their cell phone. This amuses me because it’s as if no one wears a watch anymore. lol You can buy a pretty inexpensive watch like the one I have or put out a few hundred dollars for one like my husbands. But if you’re really into watches, take a look at the Patek Perpetual watches. Wow, are they incredible! Incredible price too for college students like us. ;) But I enjoyed looking at them none the less!

The Host

(Scroll down for my recent movie reviews!)

Thanks to my sister-in-law, I recently finished the new science fiction novel by Stephanie Meyer called The Host. I loved her Twilight series so much (read that post here), I wondered if this new book would be just as good. Needless to say I wasn't disappointed! One late evening, around 11:30pm, I picked it up to read a chapter or two before going to bed. I couldn't put the book down until 5am and after a few hours of sleep I woke up to finish it before noon. I don't normally do that with books, but Meyer's kept my attention and curiosity all the way to the end.

The novel is different from Twilight in that it doesn't have vampires in it but humans who get their minds and bodies taken over by "souls." Melanie is one such human who after trying so hard to not be caught and taken over, eventually does. The new and experienced soul, Wanderer, comes to learn that Melanie isn't going anywhere despite the bodily invasion.

The story had many twists and turns that I didn't expect and the ending was an even bigger surprise. The only problem I had with the book was when they put the souls into the bodies. That stuff always creeps me out. lol But I loved the book otherwise and I would recommend it.

Stephanie Meyer, keep up the good work and thanks for some great reads! I look forward to book four of the Twilight series coming this fall!

Just a little longer

I received an email saying our free subscription to Netflix is up this month. We’ve been blessed to have it for so long and I’m not sure we want to give it up. lol I’ve never seen more movies at any other time in my life and it’s been fun for our whole family. We may not have home theater seating but all of us snuggled up on the couch makes for good memories. I think we’ll hold onto Netflix for a little longer because we enjoy it so much. We can splurge on one thing right? :)

Ahh, the memories

Do you remember this post? It's the one about me falling out of my tub. Yes, sadly, it's true. I don't have a walk in tub, just a regular one, but either way, falling out of any tub is painful. Every shower and bath since, that incident is in my head and I tell myself to be extra cautiousl. One foot washed at a time, make sure you're feet are dry as you step out so you don't slip, wipe up any water left on the floor so you don't fall back into the tub. Things like that. lol Take my advice, just be careful!

Movie Review

It's been a month since I've done one of these, so here's an update. Feel free to share movies you would or would not recommend. :)

"The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" - Hubby and I saw this for a date night and really enjoyed it. I'm not thrilled with the ending (no spoilers, sorry!) but I can see why things happened the way they did. The only problem I had with this was the scene with the White Witch because it had two really creepy looking characters in it. Other than that, it was good and I give it my recommendation.

"Monarch of the Glen" - I love BBC and found this TV series to be pretty good. Archie MacDonald comes to find out he's the new laird of Glenbogle, his family's home. He's been away for a long time and only came home thinking his father was dying. Surprised at his new, and unwelcomed position, Archie must figure out what he's going to do. Leave Glenbogle and never look back, or stay and help his family keep their home. I love the Scottish scenery and history that this show presents. It was a nice change from regular American TV. I would recommend it.

"Persuasion" (2007) - In this review, I mentioned watching the 1995 movie version of Jane Austen's book. While I enjoyed both, this newer version, is my favorite of the two. The story seemed to movie quicker and make more sense which I why I prefer it. I would recommend both versions though. :)

"Horton Hears a Who!" - Hubby took Miss A to see this and he said it was really cute. It even captured Miss A's two year old attention all the way through. He told me a few funny parts and now I want to see it too. lol He recommends it as a fun family movie to go see.

"Bed of Roses" - This is a cute little romance movie. Lisa is an investment banker who ends up having a secret admirer. The course that follows throws her for a loop and she's not sure what to do. While I didn't LOVE the movie, I did enjoy it. A good one to watch every now and then.

"Nim's Island" - I took Miss J to see this and it was cute. Miss J liked the animals, but at three years old, she became fidgety 3/4 of the way through. For the most part it kept her attention and she had fun. As for me, I felt the characters could have been more developed (this coming from someone who watches movies to just watch and not decipher lol) and the story made less choppy. My main problem, it felt rushed. But, I would still recommend it. I won't buy it, but I would watch it again.

"Pay it Forward" - First off, I didn't like the swearing and a few scenes in this, which is why I won't recommend it. But I did love the concept that was portrayed. Trevor McKinney, for a school assignment, comes up with the idea to help three people. Then those three people will in turn help three other people and so on, each person doing something for someone else that they would not have been able to do for themselves. At first he doesn't think his idea worked because the three people he tried to help, didn't respond at first. But later, his idea helps more than he ever thought possible. After watching it, I can only imagine what would happen if more people followed this idea, how the world would be a better place.

"Mystery Science Theater 3000" (MST3K) - I remember watching this when I was a kid and thought it was hilarious. Uh, no. I watched one episode and it was filled with so many inuendos I couldn't believe it. I don't remember it being that bad when I was a kid, wow. It was so funny to me then, but not anymore. No recommendation from me, sorry Servo and Crow.

"Believe in Me" - Set in the 1960's and based on a true story, coach Clay Driscoll expected to coach the boys basketball team but ends up with the girls. He's not happy about it but comes to realize the girls are willing to work just as hard as the boys. This movie was a good watch and inspirational to boot!

"Snow White" (2000) - No, no, no. I couldn't get through 15 minutes before I had to turn this off. Too creepy for me and not one I will recommend.

"Daniel Doronda" - This movie was based on the book by George Elliot. Not my favorite movie and I ended up fast forwarding through many scenes because I was bored and some parts I just didn't care for. Not one I recommend.

"Northanger Abbey" - As per Netflix, this is a "made-for-TV adaptation of Jane Austen's posthumously published gothic parody." The storyline is more or less a typical Jane Austen setting; boy and girl like each other but situations and trials keep them apart until the end. The parts I didn't like were those of Catherine's off and on romantic fantasies. Not one of my favorites and I would only recommend it if you really, really, want to see it.

More and more junk

Are you sick of getting junk mail? I AM! Seriously, all of my email accounts get junk mail. Mail I didn't even ask for! It's all junk and why anyone would take these people seriously, is beyond me. I mean come on, miracle cures and free money? I'm not stupid and know a crock when I see one. Oh, and all the business's saying they have these great promotional products if I just sign up and enter all my information, I don't think so. I don't know why they even bother sending them out. I would like to think that living in the 21st century, means we're a bit smarter when it comes to the internet. But maybe I'm wrong and people are more gullible. Whatever the reason, it's not worth my time or frustrating. Click delete and I'm on my way. Maybe they'll get a clue one of these days.

A quick quack

*I know my blog isn't "Ducky" anymore, but I can't think of another catch phrase for these at the moment.*

Here's my question to you.

You know you've lost your mind when you:

A. Reach for the Lysol can instead of your hair spray can.

B. After ten minutes of your husband playing with your hair, you realize he took your ponytail out and you don't remember it.

C. When you reach into the cupboard for a tampon and you pull out a cotton swab, but don't realize it until your husband says "well, I hope that works for you."

D. All of the above.

See comments for the answer.

New term for the day

I’ve heard of teeth whitening but never skin whitening. Am I just out of the loop and a lot of people know about this or is everyone else wondering too? My first thought was, “my skin is already pretty darn white, I’d prefer a tan instead of being even whiter!” lol But then I read more about skin whitening and all it means is that it gets rid of discolorations and makes your skin tone more even and beautiful. See, now that I wouldn’t mind! So, what did we learn today class? If we hear something strange, be sure to learn more about it before you judge it. :)

Despite the "board-ness"

And stiffness, I did try and run a 5k tonight with my SIL. I didn't beat my personal best of 32 minutes and 30 seconds mentioned here, but my time was relatively close, at 37 minutes. I've only really been serious about running and exercising again just this past month, so I figure 37 minutes isn't too shabby.

I'm starting to get nervous about my upcoming race though. Did you know it's in 28 days?!?! I better whip this body into gear otherwise my eight year old niece and my SIL's are going to kick my booty! Beth, Kara, Mimo? I hope you guys are stocking up because we have four weeks before the deadline and I'm, er, you're in need of sugar. Lots of it. ;)

Stiff as a board

And this board doesn't feel like doing anything, even blogging. If you read my other blog, then you'll know that I've been going to the gym. Recently I've started using weights in addition to my cardio workout and my muscles are feeling very loved. Yesterday I worked on my quadriceps and hamstrings and today I worked on my abdominals and obliques. At first they didn't feel too bad, but now I'm feeling it. It's hard to see any muscle in those areas with all the fat around them but they're there somewhere. lol It's nice to finally work them though, so I can't complain too much. It's amazing how quickly they appear but how hard it is to get rid of them. :P

Need a vacation soon?

I know of only one person who has actually gone to Branson, Missouri. But for everyone else, let me tell you about all the fun and excitement that happens in Branson. First off, there are so many fun attractions for the whole family. Whether you want to take a scenic railroad ride, or visit the State Marina, or go go-carting, or visit an IMAX theater, or hit the mall, there’s fun for everyone. Worried about lodging? Not a problem in Branson because they have so many luxury places for you to stay in, whether it be a condo, hotel, or a resort. I was just looking at all the shows they have and wow, is the list long. I’d love to see the 12 Tenors or Andy Williams. Oh! They have a Red Skelton Tribute Show! That man is a hoot! I haven’t heard something of his in a long time. Maybe I’ll book me a trip to Branson just to see that! lol But really, all of this is the making of a perfect vacation so be sure to look them up the next time you’re ready to pack up and go somewhere.

Summer book fun

Now that summer is here, I want to read more books. There are a few I want to see if my library has. One is P.S. I Love You because I really liked the movie. The other is called Inside Every Woman: Using the 10 Strengths You Didn’t Know You Had to Get the Career and Life You Want Now, and I want to read it because I’ve heard some really good reviews. Id’ love recommendations if anyone has one they would suggest.

Happy Mother's Day!

I've had a pretty good Mother's Day. My husband jumped out of bed (this never happens, he's not a jumper but rather a slow-waker-upper-take-my-time-to-roll-out-of-bed kind of person) and helped get the girls breakfast. After getting ready, I opened a couple a sweet presents and we headed to church. I did my lesson/talk, but neither of which I thought were great. I tried and spent a lot of time on them, but I felt like they fell short. Oh well.

Then at church, the Primary president asked me to stop in before class was over. I did and along with the other mom (there are three kids in primary, two are related, the other is mine lol) the kids sang us a new song they learned about mother's. It was so sweet to see my little three year old grinning and singing to me. It made me feel really good. Then she gave me a little card and wished me a happy mother's day.

After church, hubby let me watch a movie in bed and take a nap. Later we saw the inlaws for a little bit then came home and put the girls to bed. I think I may watch another movie and go to bed myself. Even though I had a nap, I'm still pretty tired.

I hope everyone else had a good Mother's Day. Even if you don't have children, I hope your day went well.

Not ready to let go

I don’t know about you, but I worry that my parents and my inlaws won’t be around for much longer. Over the years, you watch them age and it only makes you more worried. Thinking about them dying, is not a pleasant thought, but I do think about it and how my life would be different. I know my mom has burial insurance to cover her funeral costs, but heck, I’d rather her stick around forever than go dying on me! I know it will happen to all of us eventually, but it’s still sad to think about.

It's nice to look

Every now and then I like to browse through magazines with homes for sale. For the most part, I know exactly what I do and don't want. I don’t want a house with more garages than bedrooms, that’s just crazy. Or a house without a basement because you never know when a tornado might come. I don’t like houses with a lot of windows either, for three reasons. First, I like my privacy. Second, can you imagine how much curtains would cost to cover them all? And third, how on earth do you reach the top ones to clean them? I wasn't born with wings you know. What can I say, I’m a simple, realistic kind of gal and that's how my dream house will be. :)

There goes my break

Would you like to know something quite humorous? Sure you do! After your day, you're in need of excitement! Let me tell you all about it. :)

This week is finals and we all know how much studying is involved. So, hubby and I have been studying and studying, thinking that after finals, we'd get a break. You know, swinging in hammocks and drinking strawberry lemonade out of glasses with umbrellas in them. But noooo, that would be too easy.

See, I was picturing that after school let out (and having my umbrella drink), I would have plenty of time to finish my lesson for church this upcoming Sunday. Hubby wanted to enjoy some PS games and maybe frolic across the lawn (hmm, frolic isn't very manly, I should say "enjoy some outdoor leisure activities"). It would be a nice, relaxing week.

While we may be able to do some frolicking, most of our time will be spent preparing talks. That's right, we were caught on our way out of church and asked to speak this Mother's Day. Apparently, they checked the records from the past year and saw we haven't spoken. (We didn't feel it appropriate to correct them and say we actually haven't in the three years we've been in the ward. lol)

When we were told, hubby and I started laughing. At first, the gentleman asking us to speak was worried. We just laughed and said we were trying to stay under the radar. Not really lol, but we had gone so long without speaking, we assumed we'd not be asked. It's really not a big deal, we have plenty of time. It's just that now, I have both a lesson AND a talk to prepare. :P Naturally my husband thinks this is hilarious, silly man. I'm already worried about the lesson and now the extra pressure from a talk....well, I may need to make more cookies to get by. Or maybe Beth will eat some ice cream for me, she said she would, on my behalf of course. :)

There you have it. My relatively, not so humorous tale. I'm just rolling in laughter as I'm sure you are too. Whee. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going back to bed. I went to bed around 1:30am and then Miss A was up every hour until 6am and I had to get up at 6:30 because my final was at 7:30. :P Whee.

School is almost over

And then I will have more time to blog. Next week we have finals, mine is on Tuesday, then I'm done, yay! I did have some extra time this week, but then I got sick. My body has been trying to catch something for a week, but nothing showed up until Wednesday evening. Nothing major, just a fever and aches. I took a long bath last night (we're talking a crazy 4+ hours) and hubby let me sleep in until 11:30 this morning. I don't think I moved a muscle. lol

But the bath and rest did help give me enough strength to go to one appointment today and then to Wal-Mart. The girls are asleep now and my strength just escaped me again. So, I think I will go put in a movie and hang out on the couch for awhile. Wish us luck on finals!

I'm hoping soon

To have medical insurance, that is. We could get a policy right now and we could afford it right now. But when hubby’s unemployment runs out in a few months, we’ll be in a completely different situation and I worry how we’d pay for it then. I haven’t actually looked into specific policies yet, but if anything is cheaper than what the school insurance charges, then I think we’d be ok. But anything more expensive, that’s a whole different story. Medical insurance is one of those things that is almost a must these days and I’m hoping really soon we’ll have some coverage.

Well what do you know...

We all know there are many different kinds of acne treatment. I’ve gone through my fair share of treatments when it comes to acne but nothing has ever really worked. Then I read about the positive effects from drinking distilled water and how it helps get rid of acne. My first thought was how strange that only water would help the problem, but it was cheaper than a lot of products so my husband tested it out. We were surprised to see that it did actually help, not cure, but help. So more distilled water for us! lol

Mother's Day Giveaways!

Hey, if you didn't know already, you seriously need to check out 5minutesformom.com. They have some amazing prizes for Mother's Day. Take a look at this post (for some reason I cannot get the banner to work properly and link over there sorry!) and see what they are giving away, but hurry, time is running out! If I haven't convinced you enough to check, let me tell you that one of the giveaways is $1,000! No, I'm not kidding! So hurry up and see what else they have going on right now!