How is it possible?

That I have soooooo much to do on my day off but I feel like doing none of it?

Going with your gut

I am not a huge political guru. I don't know all the facts. What I did know is that I actually for once in my life was interested in what a candidate was saying and actually believed him at the same time. In school we hold mock trials and by a landslide McCain won. After hearing the "mock" winner I was also "priveledged" enough to hear a lot of the teachers and aides opinions. I was shocked to hear that so many people were against Obama and judged him only by his lack of experience...to say the least. I was surprised that they didn't 'feel' anything when he spoke. They debated and spoke about their reasons why they didn't like him and they sparked a small spark in my mind on whether or not I should stick to my orignial choice.

After school I picked Brooke up and brought her with me to vote. I closed the curtain and easily and without any hesitation picked Obama. I am happy that I stuck to my first decision, my gut feeling. I hope that the people that didn't vote for him will come around and accept the change because it IS going to be for the better.

New Challenge and Goal for the future...Who'll join me?

I really want to run in the New York City Marathon. I am giving myself till 2010. For you experienced runners do you think I would have to train longer? Let's here your thoughts and see who is joining me?

Pet Peeve

Nail and finger biting.

Can anyone guess who is sitting next to me?????

Secret to being a good neighbor in the eyes of kids...

Everytime I bake I have the habit of eating whatever it is I baked in an excessive manner. So, I decided to bring half of my baked goods to my neighbors...those kids must think i am the best thing since elmo live!

The Kiss

http://zecster.lbbhost.com/Pics/Kiss.html?41

Click on the title "THE KISS" (if you can't do that here is the actual site)...read and then look at the picture. Pulled at the heart strings for me...

Insomnia

Did you ever suffer from insomnia? Never did I ever think that I could be bothered by such a silly thing...but the past few nights I can not sleep..and when I do I have the most TERRIBLE dreams.

Last night I was being chased by a guy with a gun. The amount of places I ran to hide, the amount of people I told...nothing! I was shot and killed in the end. Woke up...beginning of a grand day.

What the hell could that all mean...and maybe its dreams like this that make me feel insomniatic (is that a word? lol...it is now!)

3rd Place Winner

Brooke was the hit of the parade. The Johnson's are back! First it was Bailey...not its the Brookemeister!

One down ....a few more to go....

Brooke now recognizes and points out Aunt Maria AKA Aunt Maury. Now I do see a problem arising with the Maria names. It seems it is goign to be hard to explain that there are two Maria's or one maria and one marie...but to her two Mauries. Now, Marie, we didn't get a Maurie for your picture-just a kiss. AND...I am convinced she thinks you work at Teacher's Federal credit union in Smithtown. Everytime we go in there she runs up to this lady that is behind a desk...Working! She tries to hug her as I try to pull her away...while she is screaming hi! hi!. Now, I might mention that this woman is of Asian decent and I do believe Brooke thinks this is you Marie. Everytime she goes into the credit union the woman says "Hi my little girl who thinks I am her aunt".

Brooke's Picking up new habits...

Bah...cold weather

I really wish I lived in a warmer climate. I don't like anything about the cold weather. Nothing, nada, zippo! Let's see if i can come up with 21 things for the 21st day of October that I hate about the cold...
1. Walking Cooper sucks even more
2. Waiting for the car to warm up (and forgetting I had the automatic start when I am sitting in the cold car)
3. Getting into the shower
4. Getting out of the shower.
5. Darkness comes earlier
6. Dressing Brooke becomes a unique sport that one must be highly trained in. I am not.
7. Undressing Brooke...especially with stockings on.
8. The heating bill
9. Not putting the heat on because of the heating bill and freezing your binacas off.
10. No motivation to get out of my warm bed to go to the gym. (No, chrissy that does not give you an out for Monday!)
11. You can't bbq as often.
12. Sweaters make me look fat.
13. No more flip-flops.
14. If it's cold...it means i am working.
15. Ice cream doesn't taste as good when you are freezing
16. i get sick more often
17. Brooke and I will soon have cabin fever
18. Chapped lips
19. cold toes (okay 21 is hard but I am determined to do it! lol)
20. No more pool
21. Chapped skin and eczema for Brooke

Waiting...

sucks.

Waiting on line.
Waiting at the doctor.
WAiting at a light.
Waiting for an answer.
Waiting for a phone call.

Waiting sucks.

The Magic Needle

Okay its more like the magic needles. I am talking about accupuncture. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined myself laying on a table wanting someone to put needles in my body. I probably go two times a week religously. I started when I was trying to get pregnant with Brooke. I heard from all my doctors that accupuncture increased the chances of IVF working tremendously. If I was going through all the other crap I knew I had to give the accupuncture a try. Dr. Liu (my accupuncturist) had a whole science of when she wanted me to come in to help the IVF process along. She even opened on a day that she normally isn't to see me because the procedure happened to land on that day and she wanted to see me asap after it. Was that the key that helped me get prego? I don't know...but I truly believed it helped. I also went during my pregnancy when my siatica hurt and when i had back pain which was equivalent to eating a chocolate brownie sundae!Seriously, I would feel 100 times better when I left. When Brooke was breech...she put a few needles in a few "unbreech the baby" spots and wallah the next sono no breech. I went the day I went in to be induced...and it so happened that I had a pretty good labor. Again, am I saying it is all the accupuncture? No, but I do believe it plays a huge part. After the pregnancy...I had a few bouts of lets say major tear flow. Finally pulled myself off the couch to get my butt to accupuncture and she said she could help me by making my hormones even out more. I started going again when I had my little 34 year old life change. The running, the quitting bad habits, excercising. She hit the most miraculous spots- My metabolism spot! Who would have known?? This apparently helped curb my appetite. She also regulated my hormones here. I for a fact know this worked. I have tried before what I have tried this past three months and never in my life was I able to lose 20 pounds! I really think it helped.

Psychological or not. I think accupuncture is one of the best-not-so-widely-known-by-my american-doctor going-tylenol taking-friends remedy happening right now. I swear by it...you just have to find someone good.

Some more....

Brooke's idea of a little bit of Hallmark fun!

Picture requests

My little Dancin Machine

There is a song called D-O-G. It goes really slow in the beginning and then picks up in the middle. When that happens Brooke literally drops everything and starts to jam.


****Also ignore that other blog that I sent to you. I had trouble adding the video onto this and was getting a bit annoyed...but it finally worked so don't even bother going to that other site...i will not be writing on it. **********

Not a fan

Sorry to say it but I have learned to hate sports. It's a consuming past time that takes place on the days that should be spent as family time. I had an apple picking and pumpkin picking day all planned for Sunday. Getting excited, bought some dough for the apple cake i was going to bake and then as I am sitting on the couch Friday night I realize...Hubby will be spending the day with a bunch of beer guzzling,lunatic jet fans in a parking lot eating hotdogs. I hate sports.

Shout Out...turns into Shalom out

Happy Birthday to Marie! Who has just turned one year younger!

lol...lol...apparently a week too early. I was looking at the wrong date WOW so this may be a first in history that we will get your bday gift on time to you!!!! loll...It was yom kipper that i was looking at. Sorry and shalom!

Bocky

We had the life insurance lady here taking our blood the other day. She was asking about my siblings and how old they were. I started listing their names and when I said Rocky...Brooke breaks out clear as day BOCKY...then keeps going ...Bocky, Bocky. I think she misses her godfather. :)

Movies with Subtitiles...

Not loving them. We had our last movie from Netflix...the Kite runner. Scott and I looked at eachother and laughed five minutes into it. It's bad enough I have to beg Scott to watch a movie, and then persuade him to stay up the whole movie...GOD HELP to try and talk him into reading the whole movie! I could barely do it myself. I know my brother Rocky finds this watching subtitled movies thing a bit amusing...but for Scott and I ....not so much.

Solution to our problem...IO...we went on to that and I talked Scott into watching P.S. I love you...the flick Marie said she watched the other day. I wanted to see the hot guy she raved about. He was a thumbs up, the other guy was too..(the one that was in greys anatomy), overall good movie.

Chilly...

Never realized how much I enjoy the summer until the first real chill of fall comes. I am bundled from head to toe because I refuse to put the heat on already. It's pretty funny seeing Brooke run around with a little red nose! I can't beleive it is really this cold already??!!! Maybe I am just feeling it a little more from all the weight I lost!!! About that...

I was going on losing 16 pounds this past Friday. Now of course i am coming down with that same little stupid virus that got me last month. I'm thinking i am getting the same germs from either my classroom or the gym. It is the same thing each time - bit of the stomach, bit of the aches, bit of a sore throat. Hopefully this time it goes as fast as it did the other times. So about the weight...it has been going good but I am scared now because all I want to do is sleep and eat junk when I am sick. I worry that I will get the umph up to go at it again.

The Results

Place Name Age Sex City State Time Pace Age Place Age Total

202 Annette Johnson 34 F Saint James NY 33:40.0 10:51 11 12


Yes, there were more than 202 runners!!! I paced myself a lot with the hope that I wouldn't run out of steam and walk. I am so focused on trying to beat that score!!!! I wasn't the worst and that makes me feel good, I made it to the end in the pouring rain that makes me feel sweeeet.

5K....

So lets make some predictions. Tomorrow I will be doing my first outdoor 5k since August...(not official in August just Scott, Brooke and I). Do we think I will go the whole way running? Do we want to guess how fast?

I am looking forward to it rain or shine. I am just bummed because my GYM BUDDY seems to not be showing up. That or she is going SUPER early and I don't see her! So when I don't have that buddy next to me i am more apt to leave the gym ten minutes early, walk more than run on the treadmill...pretty much I am more of a slacker. I am stuck at the weight I have been for the last two weeks also... I really wanted to lose 5 more pounds and then I am good to go. So gym buddy if you're out there...You know who you are....WHERE YOU BE?

Wish me luck y'all. I will let you know what I do tomorrow. Hopefully i wake up! lol

Shout Whisper...

Kind of like a shout out ...but in memory of a lost friend. Today I found out one of the aides in my building passed away after a routine knee surgery. So weird when someone from your everyday life is no longer there. The craziest thing is the day she got out of surgery her mother passed away. How does a family handle two losses in one week?

It was great knowing you Joyce...Brookey always loved your little gifts! Shout Whisper..

You may be wondering..."Why does the Crotched..area hurt..."

Well chrissy's does...not so much mine. (not sure what that says about me???). But anywho...we took a cycling class the other day. 45 minutes of a lady yelling out what types of hills you are to "imagine" you are on whilst having you increase the tension of your bike. Let me, if i may, describe a few of the funny characters in the class. 1. Lady in front of Chrissy...that was going so goddamn fast I thought her bike would fly off the hinges and go screeching through the mirrors. 2. The guy in back of chrissy...who looked like he jumped into a lake during the class he was so soaked with sweat! DISGUSTING!!! 3. Chrissy who was looking like she was going to kill, the instructor, me or the bike ...she wasn't having it! I'm thinking your setting might not have been right...sometimes that can make your crotchal area hurt..lol!

(sad part is i forgot the setting the lady told me and it was perfect...sadder...I think about it everynight and try to remember.)

Parent-teacher night

Just wanted everyone to share in my bliss. Parent-teacher night is on Tuesday. How wonderful a day it is...parents come in and you get to tell them all the wonderful things you are doing in your classroom for their children. You get home around 9..your exhausted from the day...It's awesome and I can't wait!

Little shout out

for my hubby....

J-E-T-S...jets jets jets..

(see scott i'm supportive...lol)

Coxsakie Who?

What a miserable night we had last night. Apparently Brooke got Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (Coxsackie)from some unknown child! Who are you???? Read below...



By: Randi A. Sperling, D.O.
Hand Foot and Mouth Disease is a common pediatric illness caused by a member of the enterovirus family known as Coxsackie A16. The peak seasons are summer to early fall. The Incubation period is usually 2-6 days and the virus is very contagious.

Symptoms usually begin with:

Low grade fever, malaise and loss of appetite.
Lesions usually follow in 1-2 days. The mouth lesions usually appear on the lips, gums, soft palate and anterior tonsils. They start off as small vesicles and progress to yellow ulcerations with a red surrounding halo. The hand and foot lesions appear most commonly on the palms and soles and in between the digits fingers and toes). They appear as gray vesicles on a red base. It is not uncommon to see lesions on the buttocks as well.

The mouth lesions may be mildly painful with the child not wanting to drink. The skin lesions are usually not painful, but occasionally itchy. The vast majority of children recover within one week.


I felt so bad for Brooke. The symptoms just started yesterday so I am guessing maybe someone had it on Saturday...we went to a first birthday party. I can't believe it would catch that fast! We had to go to the emergency room last night because she was dozing in and out from such a high fever 104.7. It was pretty scary. She was still a bit in a funk this morning but called home and mom said she was acting better today. My little love bug was not a happy camper!

Personal Best

A little competition never hurt anyone. In 65 minutes I did 5.38 miles. Beat that.

Funny Friday Foto

So I figured I could make a "themed" day...here goes... On friday I will post the funnies pictures I took that week. If I can't find any...I'll go into the archives. Be afraid...be very afraid.


Title: Pinata loving Grandmother


Title: Pudding goes Hitler or Charlie Chaplin?

Stroller Derby

One day she is hysterical that SHE can't FIT in the baby stroller. The next she is all about taking baby for a ride! And boy what a ride it is. A 45 minute activity to be exact.

Happy Birthday to me?

I guess you could say I gave myself a birthday present. 1 lb. What is up with that? I GAINED one pound. I have been to the gym every morning (except Saturday) and I gain a pound. Stop smirking chrissy! Happy birthday to me....ugh!

Back-to-School

Hi-Ho-hi-ho it's back to work we go....Mom is going back to school and boy is it fun! Actually I don't mind going to work. It is hard the first few days/weeks because you are missing your baby/best friend. I always think that she will never survive without me and how horrible it will be! But then I see her smiling face waving goodbye to me and blowing me kisses....assuring me in her own little 15 month old way that everything is going to be okay.

The decision to go back to work wasn't an easy one and took a lot of time and thought. I have always been the type and have admired the type that likes to learn new things and keep the mind busy. I worked hard to do well in college and get the job I have and I am proud of what I do. I also can say I love what I do. Yes, there are days that I think..."I said that?" but I do, I love my job and love helping and working with children. It is a great feeling to be able to teach someone that struggles with reading, how to read. Everyday I feel like I am working to make someones life a little bit better than it was the day before....to make them feel a little bit better about themselves. So, the reason I mention all of this is, I am proud to tell my daughter that this is what I do. This is one of the many reasons I was okay with going back to work. I do also see many of the positives of staying home which luckily with this job you are able to do without losing it for two years!

So as much as I am tired and don't like to talk for at least an hour when i get home (I am so tired of hearing my name and my voice after six hours!) I enjoy what I do and don't hate it totally. Leaving Brooke would be so much harder than it already is if I hated where I was going.

Below are a "johnson family tradition"...if i go downstairs I will put on last years pics. Brooke, Cooper and I take a picture together on the first day of school. It's crazy to think that in just 5 years (or less?) she will be leaving with me! :(

Things that make me chuckle to myself at the gym...

1. I'm the only ONE that showed up to yoga. During the class I started to giggle thinking of Chrissy and/or Scott seeing me in this yoga class by myself! lol.

2. Watching old men (the sunday crowd) walk on the treadmill while watching or shall I say jamming to "superman that ho"...(I can see it on their t.v- yes the rap channel!)

3. Men talking on the treadmills about what the coaches should do with Brett Favre...I'm chuckling because do they really know? They are pretty damn serious when they are talking...maybe the coaches should have a suggestion box because so many of these men seem to know what they are talking about.

Chuckle. Chuckle.

Let's have the facts...Obama/McCain

Okay, I am opening the forum to my readers. It seems that everytime I listen to the candidates it becomes more of a jumbled mess. I do have someone in mind but I don't want to be a factor on what you write...so let me hear it. I want to know 2 or 3 things that each person is standing for...and that you BELIEVE they will be ABLE to follow through on.

Margarita MADNESS

Here is a chart that I found on a site I was reading...found this Very interesting and sad!!!

1,ooo calories Consumed from food 1,000 Calories Burned During Excercise

2 servings of ice cream 8 oz. each.........2.5 hours of high impact aerobics

8 glass of wine 6oz each....................1.5 hours of running at 7 mph

3 margaritas 6.6oz each.....................4.5 hours of walking at 4mp

5 slices of Domino's pizza..................4 hours of Hath Yoga

The margaritas matching up to the 4.5 hours of walking explains the flab on my stomach. Did you ever see my margarita cups????!!!!! I'll try and attach the site if you want to look some more.

*****CLICK ON THE TITLE MARGARITA MADNESS TO GO TO THE SITE TO SEE MORE INFO ABOUT THIS...i LEARNED HOW TO LINK!****

Pool sounds cool doesn't it?

But with a 16 month old it is not so much fun...let me explain a typical excursion into the pool. First, I say do you want to go in the pool, based on the slight chance I would get a no and I wouldn't have to go through all the hard work before actually submerging ourselves into the water. After a completely clear "YES Pool" and then "pool, pool, pool, pool, pool...." following, again until we actually step into the pool water. Next, we have to find the suits. Preferably ones that fit my little chunky monkey...(oooo love her rolls). Then we proceed to take her sweaty clothes off. "Pool, pool, pool, pool..." I manage to slip on her swimmy diapers, bikini bottom, and top. Whew...that wasn't that bad. Put on her Crocs because GOD FORBID she doesn't have them on for a minute. We then walk into Mommy's room so she can get into her bathing suit. "Pool, Pool, pool, pool..." I am halfway dressed when in the corner I hear the well known 'pooping grunt'. GREAT.... For anyone that has had a child IN a swimmy diaper you know this is not that great of a moment. So we walk Back into brooke's room, take off the Crocs, take off the bottoms, take off the top..(oh wait i don't have to take off the top yet), put back on the top, rip the sides of the diaper and hope it is not that bad. (now with a soft cry...) "Pool, Pool, Pool, pool..." Put on a new diaper and find myself talking to Brooke's butt..(yes that is what i was doing...don't judge!) Please butt just wait about 15 minutes...our excursion will probably last only 15 minutes. Finally, get the bathing suit back on, Crocs and we go...downstairs. (Now a loud cry..)"Pool, pool, pool, pool..." I am sure the neighbors are now thinking..."why does she bring that child in the pool its apparent that she doesn't like it!" Ugh...(in the sound chrissy would make it). We hit the water and go in. Boy is it refreshing...We have the perimeter of about 1 1/2 feet because Brooke doesn't want to be put in a float and thinks she is Miss Independent so we have to hang out near the stairs. Up and down, up and down... whilst in my head I am thinking...boy this wasn't really worth it...I think I'll leave Daddy on pool duty. Out of the pool we go...35 minutes to get dressed, 10 minutes to change a poop diaper, 5 minutes in the pool, Brookey saying "pool, pool" in her high pitched helium voiceand getting excited to go in...Priceless. I'd probably do it again tomorrow...(probably).

Running on low...

I know that I need more sleep right now but its just not feasible. I don't want to leave Brooke to do my classroom so I have been going at night. Got home REALLY late last night...like 12:30. Bet some of you didn't even know a school was open that late! Anywho...I am just draggin lately. I feel like I need more "energy" food but I don't want to eat any of those crappy bars or anything. Does anyone have suggetions. Please don't say protein...i eat protein.

Stolen Peach Update

Just to update you all, Brooke is not Houdini. She actually is just a bit clever...she pulled open my lunch box zipper (which was already a little open) and found her heavenly peach. Good thing Bob Greene (LMOL) says peaches are good for kids!

Just Peachy

Thinking...

How deep can you deep can a hole be dug?

(Actually Scott thought this out loud today and now he's go me on it.)

Un-friggin-believable...

I came across this article in another blog I read. I just can't believe how people get away with this. Children are so vulnerable and its sick the way kids are treated by some parents/adults. Take the time to read this article...and then if you have kids-go find your child, hug them and be proud that you are doing a good job and they are safe and healthy.

Here is the article:


www.tampabay.com/features/humaninterest/article750838.ece

Saturday night with the kids?

There have been a couple of nights, Saturdays to be exact, that Scott and I find ourselves eating out with Brooke. On two occasions someone has commented (not directly and not in a rude way but loud enough for us to hear)on keeping it down. You may be asking...Keeping what down? Well when Brooke's food arrives to the table she screams at the top of her lungs in full blown excitement. She can't wait to see what is on the plate. It is a quick act to get the plate down, blow off the steam and put a piece in her mouth so she will stop her loud outburst of pure joy that her food has arrived. Scott gets annoyed that people say something. He feels she is a kid and that is what kids do. Now, as much as I agree with that, I disagree in some ways. I feel that it is a Saturday night. Many couples get out and have ONE night out away from the kiddies. Who wants to go to your relaxing ONE night out and have a kid screaming (even though it is a happy scream)next to you. That is what you are out for...to not hear that. I tried to explain to SCott that I felt if we don't want those comments we should avoid some (not all=Friendly's maybe) restaurants on a Saturday night anytime after six when we are with Brooke. What do you think? Peeping toms feel free to respond... :) (Marie did you like that...trying to get everyone involved! lol)

Long Beach Island through Brooke's eyes....

We just returned from the LBI and we are exhausted. Isn't it funny how you always seem to need a vacation from your vacation? We were happy to spend some time with family, friends and especially eachother. August is always bittersweet in our family- time to go "Back to School". Here are some of the highlights of our trip through Brooke's eyes...


Here I am practicing how to boogie board...pro on sand...next time I try water!


Some quality time with my pops...I love my daddy.


Here I am in front of a wonderful icecream sundae! Mom and Dad let me eat all by myself! We were at a place called Showtime...


After we ate Daddy was picked as one of the people to sing...he had to sing a lovesong to me and mommy. We loved it!



Did I ever tell you I love fish?



But not more than I love my grandpa.

Now I have some wonderful pictures of my godparents and all my friends at the beach but I am not sure they would love me showing them in their bathing suits so I will leave it showing only my chubs.

LBI

We are at the LBI on vacation. Everything is great except I am highly allergic to my room. (Has a rug and a fan with at least two inches of dust on it). I am popping at least 2 allergy pills a day so I am keeping the swollen eyes under control. Brooke went in the water and enjoyed it for the first time yesterday. We try not to force her into liking something....which is why it took the whole summer for her to take to the beach. Definitely still not a fan of the sand and needs to have her trusty crocs on at all times (I'll blog about my daughters weird obsesion with crocs another day.) It's really nice here- The ocean is pretty and clean, there is a lot of people biking, walking, there are a lot of shops only a block away, an amusement and water park and many eateries and bars. Every night in the house someone else cooks. We had Mexican Madness the first night which was delicious, Italian (which I ordered and brought in!), Sausage and Peppers on Monday night and I believe we are having bbq'd chicken tonight. It's kind of lovely having home cooked meals without being the one that has to cook it! Scott is golfing right now (wish i could have gone) so I have the baby. We are going to go for a walk then a bike ride. I'll try to upload some pics...if you see them here it worked. If not...it didn't!

Weight lifted...

Walking out of that office today I had a huge smile on my face and was so proud that I finally stepped over and through the hurdle that has been standing in front of me for five years. I don't really want to go into the situation in this forum but let's just say my classroom was becoming a place that I wasn't thrilled to go to and that is very unlike me. You are who you surround your self by. If those people are negative, don't strive for anything past what they have already achieved, if they don't have goals, if they're are unhappy with their lives or something in their life...you start to become that. The more you surround yourself by these people the more you become these people. Do the opposite and the opposite will happen for you. I may sound like a cheesey "quote of the day" but I know it from experience. I look forward to September (with some sadness and hesitation as any mother who works to leave my Babushka) knowing that I have paved this new road myself (with the help and advice and practice from some people - thanks you know who you are!)

Honey, today some guys are coming to dig a little hole for the cesspool....

If this is a little hole...what does a big hole look like to my husband? AND how much do these guys think one family can humanely go number 2?

Sick in the Summer

Being sick in the summer might be one of the worst things ever! Scott took Brooke to my mother's yesterday. God bless her soul...because I could barely peel myself out of the bed let alone run after Brooke all day. Cancelled all my tutoring jobs and didn't go to the gym. I stayed in bed all day with the exception of Brooke's 15 month visit to the Dr. and listened to everyone else having fun outside. It was very disturbing! In the winter its not so bad because you get to lay in bed underneath your warm covers and there's not much that your missing during the day. Summer not so much. You could be in the pool, at the park, with friends, hanging and playing with Brooke...etc. It's not fun being sick in the summer. Virus, Virus go away come back another day!

Get out of my WAY!

I don't know what happened to me on the treadmill today but I came home and I am on FIRE! I am tired of getting the run-a-round with so many things and finally stepped up to the plate.... Called school to talk to my administrators about a reoccurring problem I have been having in class. They agreed to meet me next week. I'll be away so hopefully they can see me sooner. Then I called Best Buy. My computer has been giving me problems since the day I bought it and every time I bring it in they give me something else to "try". After venting to about 4 people I am finally getting to exchange this hunk of &*(^&^&. Thank god.

For all you over 12 people out there...

A few people have commented that they visit and don't know how to leave a post...so here's how...

1. Go the post you want to comment on.
2. Press the part that says comments. There could be 0 comments..4 comments...blah blah.
3. Add what you want to write in the textbox.
4. Go down and press - Name/URL Name
5. Then type in your name and post.

That's it! I enjoy the comments so keep them coming! Don't just be a peeping tom!
-

I guess it's official

IT'S OFFICIAL....

... that Chrissy and I are "regulars" at yoga. You know when you pull into your workplace parking lot and you see an empty spot but don't go in it because you know 'Sally' parks there... I walked into yoga late and our two spots were left open yet it was a full class. Augusta was VERY upset you weren't there Chrissy... dig, dig.


...that the wall can be your enemy when in a yoga class.

...that the "So You Think You Can Dance" people are some of the most talented people in the world. I tried to take the next class -a dance class(which I've done before but not after yoga, slightly feeling under-the-weather, and HUNGRY). I could not think past three steps. I couldn't help but laugh at myself...it was hysterical. Those people are so talented and I give them so much more credit for even remembering those dance steps...let alone performing them the way they do.

So quick

When did you stop being mommy's little baby and grow into such a beautiful little girl?

"Do Pretty"

Brooke's new thing is to "Do Pretty". Doing pretty consists of putting some of Momma J's old beaded necklaces on and walking around while smiling. She just started "doing pretty" to Cooper. It appears he loves it.

Can I really call it a vacation?

In about a week we are going away to the Jersey shore with a few friends. I am buggin for a few reasons...Here's it goes. First, I have been working out and eating right for over a month now. Its been so hard and a struggle to stay motivated especially when my body hurts so bad from doing things I haven't done in such a long time. I had book club at my house last night...that in and of itself was a struggle! Everyone brings great things to eat.Someone brought homemade chocolate chip cookies with icecream in the middle.How does one resist that? I know the vacation is going to be just as hard if not harder. So many goodies to eat! Second, the drinking. Need I say more. Do you know how many calories one drink is! A huge part of me says...let go...drink and have a good time. I get that but if you know me...I will completely forget about working out and eating right and totally get off track. I'll be like "Chrissy who?" "NYSC where, what?". So, say I have the will and the power and don't drink like I was going to try last night at book club...You know eventually you will get the annoying are your pregnant stares and questions. "No, I am just a chubster right now and want to lose weight but thanks for asking." Third, school. My school only starts opening that same week at night. That is the only time I have to go and get the classroom ready, unpack everything and set up stuff. Again, if you know me, you know that I usually spend a few nights...okay maybe every night before school starts at school preparing for the kiddies. This causes great anxiety knowing that I can't do that because I will be away. The last week of school I have a class which will make it hard to get there.
So here is why I am stressing about my vacation. Silly to many, i am sure but hey this is how ANETWORKS!

**Disclaimer**Annette was really P O'd when she wrote this because this week she only lost .5 lbs. Big props to Chrissy who lost 2 this week. (bitch) JUST KIDDING...lol

Is running really supposed to hurt so much?

Well I have been working out for over a month now. Changed a lot of my negative eating habits and overall have been feeling better. I do get more headaches and have had two terrible ones since I have been running. I ran three miles (on and off) yesterday and today on the treadmill. I am so sore its actually shocking. Am I supposed to be feeling like this? My back, near my should blades feel like I have been lifting for days...? Help a sister out and let me know if this is normal or if I should stop...does it get easier? Other people make it look so easy-I am hurtin' big time!

Holy Blog Hell...

I can't even begin to tell you what I just went through for the past 4 hours. Somehow..when trying to beautify my blog with a better landscape/background I was taken over by some horrible "fun web products" scam. It was crazy...I had to go through all these steps that some guy on the web led me through and take it off. I think it is done with and will never go searching for another beauty aid to enhance my blog. I love you blog...just the way you are!

Under all circumstances wear 2 tank tops!

Went out for a bike ride with Brooke today. Stopped by Karens. After a short visit picked her up to put her on the bike and what do you know...poops in a major way. Mom had to come up with a mighty invention. I had diapers and wipes but no extra clothes in my bike bag. Took off my extra tank top and voila...we have new baby style! Baby-ala-tank.

Happy Birthday Momma Johnson

I have never met her but the stories I have heard make me feel like I have. Today is Momma Johnson's birthday. Its a hard thing missing your parents and I give Scott all the credit in the world for making it through some days. After the funerals and the wakes eventually it becomes a memory to other people when in reality for the person dealing with it - it is an everyday struggle. The days you have your first child, the questions you have about raising your child or how you were when you were a kid, your daughter doing something special or even the littlest thing that you want them to see, getting a promotion and having them be proud of you, buying your first house and wanting them to walk through it, having them there for holidays, having them there for your daughters first birthday, christening,...I could go on and on. It breaks my heart to think of a child without their mom. I think Scott is one of the bravest and stongest men I have ever met in my life. He is a wonderful, loving and caring father and I couldn't wish for any better. We treasure everyday we have with Brooke knowing that the man upstairs sometimes has a shorter plan for some of us. His mom did an awesome job and I hope I can do as well in raising my daughter. We miss you Momma Johnson and we love you.

Could it be - Momma D

I gave my mom this blogsite address and she says she is going to go on it. LOL (mom that means laugh out loud if you really make it here!) Shout out to my mom if she really takes out the computer, turns it on, figures out where to type the address, presses the GO button and sees my blog.

Why fight over spilled milk or finished cereal?

10 minutes of cardio, a 45 minute class of yoga with Augusta the b@#@ buster, 15 minutes on the stairs and 15 minutes on the bike. I climb into my car and congratulate myself on a job well done...can't wait to go home and have my strawberry cereal. It's got a touch of sweetness...enough to fill the void of not eating 20 bars of peanut chews in one week...(not really but you know what I mean). Get home, set up my bowl, bring the babies highchair outside so she can sit with me, get my milk, my spoon, get a water and then go into the pantry for my box of cereal...no cereal to be found- the battle begins. Cereal eater (AKA-Scott)beware Annette is hungry!

Fight or Flight...

Apparently, I take the flight method in most scenerios. Today I was visiting my grandmother when I was innocently standing in the hallway of the nursing home minding my own business. All of a sudden an old lady that was standing DIRECTLY in front of me with a walker (her back to me) decides to collapse. Now, I could have really caught her but instead my gut reaction (in this scenerio) was to flee! I couldn't believe I did it..I took Brooke and ran into my grandmother's room...as I whispered to myself..."I really could have caught her". I felt horrible and was really shocked...peeking outside, the woman was laying on the floor, with her daughter screaming and my mom, whom I said..."Do something" was trying to put something under her head. It's so weird the decisions I make in split seconds...aren't the ones that I think I would make if I had time to think. There are a few other times when this has occured to me...2 out of the 3 I FLEE...maybe that should be my motto... For any of you that were there for the other times...I'm sure you remember seeing my dust. 1- The car going up in smoke upstate.... 2- the runaway pony at the 1st birthday party. I rest my case.

Very Weird Feeling

At the gym this morning an old man walked over to me. He was like the token old guy at the gym that hits on everyone. He walks over and asks me what I am reading..."Is it a layout of Hugh Hefner?" WHAT DOES THAT MEAN??? Chrissy where were you when I needed you most!!! lol

See you in September...

Today I made my first trip back to school. I went to just get a book and found myself there for about 2 hours. You would think I accomplished so much...not really. It's like sitting in a room with so many things to do staring at you. Too many things to do staring at you. I emptied about 1 box and spread its contents about the room. I wondered if I should start doing my bulletins, I thought about how to organize my aides desk, I went to the bathroom, I looked through a pile of papers and then put them in another pile and then I decided to go home after Brooke stunk up the joint. Productive? Depends on how you look at it. I'd say not.

A few things I hate...

...headaches
...macaroni and cheese without enough cheese
...but most of all SHOPPING FOR CARS WITH SCOTT!

The machine or the computer...

Which one do you think is more accurate? The step/treadmill machine or the computer. When we walked today it says 200 calories then later on we find out it is 550? Hmm...? I don't know...I say 550!

My first ...question is will it be the last?

Well, well. What got me started on this? Just like the 6:30 workouts...the lif. I kept reading her blog and thought....hey a blog would be a good way to get out all the annoying things I think of, off my mind whilst sharing my incredible thoughts and knowledge with the world! Do I share the blog? Do I edit the blog? So many questions. What do I talk about? I will have to ask my blog experts...you will have to check back to see what happens... Until then y'all!