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