Monument Valley

We left at 7 am for Monument Valley today. What a seriously COOL place. On the way we stopped at a place to check out dinosaur tracks--also way cool. The photo of me with the Left and Right Mittens, and Scott and the girls are with the dinosaur tracks.

It actually felt good to be just cold today instead of cold and wet. Tomorrow we (maybe not I in that we) are headed back to the snow.

Flagstaff - Day 1

17 degrees - that's the temp when we began our FUN day of sledding. Scott pulled up and said, "jump out here, and I'll meet you guys on the hill." To my delight the "hill" was only reachable via knee deep snow. I declared my undying love for my dear husband (under my breath) every step of the way. We got only 2 sled runs in before we had to trudge back through the lovely wilderness because the sherriff's office was beginning to tow cars away.

Ah...good times.

In the spirit...

I LOVE this movie. More than any other holiday fix, this gets me in the spirit even more than Christmas music. I laugh every single time I watch it. When the dad receives his "major award," and accuses mom of being jealous when it breaks? Seriously.

Y'all, I hope your day is filled with the closeness of family, the wonderful predictability of tradition, the reassurance of your faith, the joy of sharing...and (to quote the movie) the"gleaming glow of electric sex."

No more whining...

I bought this DVD. I did it. It was hard. Really hard.

But in only 20 minutes (and for only $14.00), I got cardio, strength, abs...and humiliation.

Sabino Canyon - Seven Falls hike

Scott and I hiked Seven Falls on Saturday--just a "little" eight miler. It was fun, but this post isn't about the hike.

It's about the ohmyhellwhathappenedtomybody panic that has set in. How did I let this happen AGAIN? I gotta get some cushion off that frame, girls. Remember back when I was hiking Thunderbird Mountain? Remember? I looked great, but more importantly I felt great. My self-confidence was high, and I felt I could accomplish anything. I think that is how I was able to meet Scott. I was "open" to everything, and I felt I was worthy of attention.

It is embarrassing that so much of my value is tied up in my weight. Why do we do that? Why did I chow on a Cafe Rio salad like someone was going to take it away? I don't know, but DAMN it was so good! :)

The key is exercising. I know that. I've got to find my motivation again. Maybe a poster size copy of this photo will do it!?

The Scientist

I love this guy. A real lot.

Whoda thunk that eHarmony would find me such a cute, hunky, smart fella...

Dear Cellphone

I'm sorry it had to happen so suddenly. Well...it probably seems sudden to you, but I've known for quite some time that this moment would arrive.

No...no. It isn't YOU. It's me. I just, well, I need more from you now, and I just don't think you have it in you, you know? You won't hold a charge, you won't text; don't even get me started on the ringtones. You have served me well, dear phone. On all those long drives between Phoenix and Tucson, you were there. (I told myself I wouldn't mention the roaming charges and dropped calls.)

So...I went to Verizon last night. I KNOW. I KNOW. Verizon? How obvious. How typical. I might as well have picked one up at the mall, right? But I did it. I did it, and it's over. I bid you farewell, little Samsung. You will not be forgotten.

HELLO, SEXY LITTLE LG WITH TEXTING. :)

Australia

We saw Australia this weekend. SO romantic...like old fashioned romantic. I was teasing Scott that, perhaps, there wouldn't be enough killing in this movie, so I bet him dinner that I'd ask the ticket seller if Australia or The Punisher had more killing. I did, in fact, inquire about that very thing. The young lady at the counter said, "Hmmmm. Prolly Punisher 'cuz I saw this one guy's head get totally chopped off." She didn't blink an eye.

Ok...so I lied about the picture being on the way. Not only am I fat...I'm a lazy liar. Just picture me a little tiny bit bigger than Nicole Kidman, and you'll have a mental picture. It'll be an inaccurate picture...but you'll have one. :)

Can you Zonies believe how cold it is right now? I can't remember the last time it was actually chilly ALL DAY. I am using that for an excuse not to hike. Just today.

That's ok, right?

Hello, skinny jeans...

Or perhaps, more appropriately, goodbye bigfatlardassjeans. It's time my friends, and the hiking has recommenced. Since embarking on my life of wedded bliss, I have put on a few pounds. Dr. Fit and Sexy (aka the scientist) is a wonderful cook, and I have been enjoying the fruits of his labor without much labor on my part for quite some time now. Very soon, I will need to slice up the size 8 dresses in my closet to make one big dress that accommodates my girth.

I do not know why I am beginning this journey now--the time of year when the lefse and cookie press cookies roam freely in my fridge, the time of year when home-baked goodness abounds.

It may seem a puzzlement, but the next post will contain a picture that is worth 1,000 words...or 30ish pounds.

Happy Thanksgiving...

Look at my cute parents and my sister. Not to mention that kid! We met in Casa Grande for breakfast on Thanksgiving Day. With Dad's schedule a trip either way for dinner was impossible this year, so we hit Mimi's. I missed Susan's Baked Corn and Mom's Green Bean Bundles, though!

This kid...

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE him. He turned 13 on November 6th, and I can't think where the time has gone. I am SO thankful that this kid, my nephew, is in my life. So, in his honor, some random memories of the coolest 13 year old I know.

*The night he was born, I and my friend, Amy, went to the hospital to meet him. We took turns holding him and watched the episode of 90210 when Dylan's wife was accidentally shot by HER OWN DAD! PJ and Dylan McCay (two very cool guys) are forever linked in my mind.

*Shopping the day after Thanksgiving--I'd be the "kid watcher" while Susan and Mom shopped. PJ and I would park ourselves with a bag of chippers from Paradise Bakery and play "I Spy." He never quite got it that he was supposed to spy things that I could actually see...not some guy who went into a store, "way ova dare! "

*Asking Nana how her diarrhea is doing, when he meant to say diabetes.

*When Susan brought Lulu, their old dog, home, she said, "isn't she just the cutest thing in the whole world?" Later that night PJ cried, saying (with out "Rs" of course), "I thought I was the cutest thing in the whole world." It was that kind of crying where the kid could hardly talk.

Hope

I truly cannot believe I am seeing an event such as this in my lifetime.

Before I started teaching, before I realized what a hot mess some parents make of their kids, before I saw in my classroom the result of need, of want, of neglect, before I realized what we are doing to our environment and the simple things we can do to combat the destruction...I was a Republican.

I am ready for CHANGE, and I am feeling the elusive emotion of HOPE.

Tagged by Kaycee

Tagged...
1.How many songs are on your iPod?
578, but I want a Shuffle to just put playlists for running.
2. What music would you want played at your funeral?
This one it tough--probably the songs that remind me of great times: Anything Abba (reminds me of my friend, Lori, and my sister, Susan; "The Night Chicago Died" (my first 45 when I was a kid); the "Lacrimosa" movement from Mozart's Requiem Mass
3.What magazines do you have subscriptions to?
I have NO subscriptions! Sadly, I do buy mags, though. I love the surprise of seeing a new one at the store.
4. What is your favorite scent?
Orange trees, apple pie baking, fabric softener
5. If you had a million dollars that you could only spend on yourself, what would you do with it?Take my husband on a trip, pay off debt, buy a Prius, install solar on the house. AND buy lots of scrapbook paper. :)
6. What is your theme song?
"I'm too Sexy..." hehe. Don't really have one.
7. Do you trust easily?
No, I hang back in a new situation. Weird. I trust my students a LOT, but in my personal life I'm a little more circumspect.
8. Do you generally think before you act, or act before you think?
Sadly, I often act before I think. Which means I usually say something really inappropriate or just plain stupid.
9.Is there anything that has made you unhappy these days?
I'm worried about the upcoming election. The ugliness of the campains makes me sick.
10. Do you have a good body-image?
Absolutely not.
11. Is being tagged fun?
Of course!
12. How do you spend your social networking (Facebook, etc.) time?
I don’t. I don't even understand Facebook and MySpace.
13. What have you been seriously addicted to lately?
Hiking--wouldn't know it by lookin' at me, though! Reading - Pillars of the Earth and The Shack.
14. What’s the last song that got stuck in your head?
Bawitaba by Kid Rock. Yes, in fact, I am embarrassed about that.
16.What’s your favorite item of clothing?
My Sweetheart jeans from Old Navy and my leopard print heels.
17. Do you think Rice Crispies are yummy?
In treat form? Yum. In breakfast form? Not really.
18. What would you do if you see saw $100 lying on the ground?
Hide it away for mad money or go out to a great sushi dinner.
19. What items could you not go without during the day?
My computer, underwear, Diet Coke.
20. What should you be doing right now?
Going home and exercising.

Annieology

* * FOODOLOGY * *
What is your salad dressing of choice? Creamy Tomatillo House Dressing from Cafe Rio
What is your favorite sit-down restaurant? Burrito Patio (family joint in Tucson)
What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of? Mexican
What are your pizza toppings of choice? light sauce, anchovies, capers, mozarella
What do you like to put on your toast ? butter and peanut butter (toast must be hot, so the peanut butter and butter get all melty)
* * TECHNOLOGY * *
What is your wallpaper on your computer? A flower
How many televisions are in your house ? 1
What color cell phone do you have? Silver
* * BIOLOGY * *
Are you right - handed or left- handed? Right
Have you ever had anything removed from your body? LOTS of blood
What is the last heavy item you lifted? My friend, Nina, who fell down today. :(
Have you ever been knocked unconscious? Nope
* * BULLCRAPOLOGY * *
If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? No. I would worry too much, then.
Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $ 1000? No WAY
* * DUMBOLOGY * *
How many pairs of flip flops do you own? 4
Last time you had a run- in with the cops? Never
What did you want to be when you grew up? Teacher
Last person you hugged? Scott
* * FAVORITOLOGY * *
Season? Fall
Holiday? Thanksgiving
Day of the week? Friday
* * CURRENTOLOGY * *
Missing someone? Yes, lots of people
Mood? content
Listening to? class next door, being loud
Watching? Nothing
Worrying about? Too many things.

Cool management "tool"...and it's cute!

Shelfari.com is seriously cool. Check out the sidebar to the right on my blog. The little bookshelf is my "shelf" on this website. Here's how it works. You go to the site and set up your shelf with books you've read, are reading, plan to read. You can write reviews, list your faves, meet other people who like the same books, AND you can invite "friends" to hook up and then you have access to each other's shelves.

Very fun and very cool.

An ode to smooth heels...

I love my feet

When my heels are smooth

My flip-flops smile

And my toes are in the groove.

What is better than this?

Well...besides this?

I don't get it... (warning-"downer" inside)

In the world of high school, when an adult says, "Have a great day!" is it totally uncool to reply "Thanks! You have a good day, too," or even just "Thanks!"? Do we no longer train our kids in the little pleasantries of life?

I have never been around people who ignore that sort of sentiment. Every single day I wish my students a good day as they are leaving. I thank them for working hard, for coming to class, for their "business." What do I hear in return? Nothing. I feel like it is so devaluing to be ignored, and I don't treat my students like that. I don't treat anyone like that, and I am ashamed of people who do.

I feel like it's second nature to be kind to people, but I must be wrong.

Birds... :(

So, I guess today is blogapalooza, huh? I suppose I've told some of you about my battle with the birds here at home. Here is what is now in the planter right outside my front door. The mommy bird has smooshed my flowers to make her nest, AND I live in constant fear that she will peck out my eyes every time I try to water my plants. Now, for those of you tempted to say "aahhhh, isn't that little sight of nature heartening and lovely?" Let me remind you of the previous territory war: my car. No matter where I parked, it would be COVERED...I mean COVERED people...in pooh, and I mean lots of it. People wouldn't ride with me.
No, actually, I don't think it's funny. Deathmatch I is in the works.

A few pages...

It feels good to get back to hard-core scrapbooking. Used some new stuff and some kit contents as well as my GIGANTIC stash of old stuff. I can't believe how many packages of rub-ons I have. I'm a little bit embarrassed about it...


Obviously, we've got a left page and right page here. It's taken me forever to get to these pictures. I'll be taking Lickity Slip in August, though to get through Europe and the Yucatan.

Scott's Office

Here's the "before" of our room addition. We closed in the patio to make an office for Scott, and he constructed built-in bookcases. We've finally recovered from the laquer fumes (whew!) and are enjoying the results. :) Of the added storage, NOT the laquer. The French doors lead into our bedroom, and I took the picture from the dining area.

Our next project is converting the laundry room to a scrapbook room. Hooray!

Sedona Vacation

It is amazing how much there is to do in our fantastic state of Arizona. Yes, it is hot, but such gorgeous scenery is just all around us. We just returned from a long weekend in Sedona--so fun! Scott and I hiked some great trails; this photo is in front of the Vultee Arch, which Scott actually scrambled to and stood atop. Now...it is back to reality.

Seriously? It's been a MONTH?!

Where in the world did the time go? Let's see, happenings that I can remember (in no particular order).

1. We went to San Diego for 4 days. Spent a little time on the beach, went to the zoo, Balboa Park (for museums), and Sea World. Got DRENCHED on Atlantis at Sea World. Tip: two big people in the front seat is maybe not the best idea. :) Saw the Georgia O'Keefe show at the art museum (sigh-didn't want to leave). I am not the biggest fan of her flowers but the landscapes are amazing.

2. Got bifocals (the progressive ones--no line). I hate them a little bit.

3. Went to the fabulous Laurie Notaro reading on July 11th with my friend, Sara. Laurie is my very favorite writer, and she is so funny and kind. She said she remembered me from previous readings. Uh, no, she wasn't "just being nice."

Whoa...

When Scott was driving the girls back to their mom's last night (we got to spend Father's Day together), Sonja said, "ah, Dad, I miss Ann already." I think yesterday was step-mom day, too! :)

This whole step-mom journey has been long and challenging. It is a process of learning and discovery and compromise and tongue-biting. It is the hardest thing I've ever done and the most rewarding experience I've ever had. The hugs and little talks are becoming daily, and I frequently feel a hand take mine as we're out and about. It's like being a mom and nothing like being a mom all at the same time. A therapist told me that the best thing I can be for them is a "calm in the storm," a place where there is room to breathe.

I'm workin' on it! What a day, you guys. I'm overwhelmed with emotion...

Williamsburg, VA & D.C. trip...

Just a few pics from our trip. We're visiting Williamsburg, and D.C., and we stopped at the aquarium, too. Lots of fun stuff for the kids to do, and interesting stories for the grown-ups.

The Crockpot

I broke out a wedding gift recently--my crockpot. You see, we, in the Bonar household have committed to a healthier lifestyle. ALL of us! We had to find ideas that would appeal my scientist husband (who is slowly realizing that he CAN live without cheese) and our girls.

The BEST easy-chicken-cooking-plan is this: get a bag of those frozen chicken breasts (no bones, skin, etc) and throw them in said crockpot with a couple of cans of the really cheap green enchilada sauce. Cook on low for 6-8 hours (depending on how fancy your pot is!). They shred like a dream. Use in salads, or soft tacos (with the torts that are only 1 point!), or mixed up with kidney beans, diced tomatoes and green chilis over brown rice, or with whole wheat pasta diced tomates, Italian spices.

Really yummy and so easy. The kids even like this stuff!

Another idea. Fat free salad dressing is so gross. Mix it with some salsa (free on WW!) to dress salads or dip veggies.

Down 5 LB's :)

After bidding adieu to PB Jalapeno Chips (sniff...sniff) and throwing some water and exercise into the mix, I'm down 5.

By the way, carrots are a LAME-O replacement for said chips.

403 calories

That's what 21.6 miles on the stationary bike will do ya'.

The important question is: how many Poor Brother's Jalapeno Chips is that?

I'm hungry...

And you know what?

That feels WAY better than the weight I'm dragging around!

So, after one week of living healthier, I'm down 2 pounds, and I've broken a sweat (a serious sweatmarksinthepitsanddowntheback sweat) 5 days out of 7.

How great is this?

A Healthier Ann - Day 1

Angie Dunn (uber-cute, talented, inspirational scrapbooker) has started a new blog dedicated to living a healthier life. She has invited us to join, take up the "challenge," and track our progress. We all know I've been down this weight loss journey before. Remember the 75 lbs I lost? Well, 30 decided to come back and visit...and they're staying on my butt.

So, to keep myself honest, I'll be writing about my progress (and certain setbacks--aka chips and salsa) over the next 3 months. The goal? Of course, to get rid of those pesky pounds and eat healthier...maybe drink a little water now and then instead of Diet Coke, but I also plan to make exercise a habit again. It feels good. I stand up a little straighter; I walk with more confidence; I feel like I'm becoming the person I WANT to be, the one my family DESERVES, when I take care of myself.

Plus, I'm gettin' damn tired of sucking it in all the time.

Personal hygiene

PJ's mom: You were really stinky after basketball; did you wash really, really good under your arms?

PJ: Mo-om, I don't have to. I'll just put on more deodorant.

He was then ordered to return to the shower and work on the pits.

Where's Ann?

Working.
Painting the house.
Exercising at the Y, trying to shrink her big a** to it's former (pre-marriage) size. Um...why does that happen?
Working.
Hanging curtain rods.
Cleaning floors (where do dust bunnies come from, anyway, and how do they get so big?).
Missing her wonderful scrapbooking girls (Jackie, Lori, Heather--heeeyyyyy).
Wondering how she's ever going to fit the things she has planned for the summer into the summer.
Hanging pictures.
Missing the coven and the opportunity to hang at Salty's with them.
Working.
Planning her scrapbook room! :)
Being sad about missing Angie's and Heidi's classes at SE.
Thinking that, wow, she's GOT to do a good pedi pretty soon.
Feeling really, really good about the movin' to Tucson decision.

Shamrock Personality Test

Here's mine:

What Your Shamrock Says About You You have a logical mind, and you pay a lot of attention to details. You are very organized.

Sometimes you find thinking creatively to be a challenge. You prefer to deal with the facts at hand.

You don't really consider yourself a lucky person. In your view, people create their own luck.

You are traditional, easy going, and appreciative of the simple things in life.


http://www.blogthings.com/theshamrockpersonalitytest/

Birthday Celebration - 41!!!!!

Scott, the girls and I went "cavin'" on the Saturday before my birthday. It was neat, but WAY scary. The entrance to the cave was really slippery, and as caves go, it was pretty dark. Slippery and dark are not the funnest things.
On Sunday, my family came to visit and we all went on a picnic to Catalina State Park. Mom's potato salad and Susan's Fat Emma cookies were to die for. LOVE them both, and I was so happy that we were all together on such a pretty day. We DID end up sunburned. Look at PJ in his cutie glasses! Man, that kid's going to be taller than all of us in a year!

Spring decoration

Just a little decoration to hang on the fridge. The flower and the butterfly came from a clearanced set of big, giant chipboard die cuts from MOD designs. I picked up the package for $2 something at Target. Love the colors for spring.

Seriously? I'M A LOAFER?!!!

http://www.blogthings.com/whatkindofshoeareyouquiz/

You Are Loafers You are confident, powerful, and successful.
Hard working and business like, you always dress and act appropriately.

You are consistent and a bit conservative.
You aren't really susceptible to trends, although you always dress well.

While you tend to be formal, you know how to adapt to your surroundings.
So are professional at work... but more laid back when your with your friends.

You should live: In a huge city

You should work: In a competitive field where you can rise to the top

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Showin' you the love of Valentine's Day, with a toast of Diet Coke and jalapeno chips. Now, that's love my friends...

Valentine's Day "Cards"

We were trying to think of something other than $$ type items for the kids for Valentine's Day, and we decided that the gift of time would be the best for all of us. Then we can do things together, as a family.

I made Valentine coupon books for the girls. Inside, there are coupons for $5.00 in scrapbook supplies, an evening of scrapbooking, homemade ice cream sundaes, movie of your choice (even one of them there kissin' movies!), skip dishes one night, bike ride.

HILARIOUS book!

Stop Dressing Your Six-Year-Old Like a Skank is great. Yes, it is a bit off-color, but I am loving her voice. So much of this rings true...with a slight exaggeration, of course.

When her daughter outgrows her 6Xs, she must go shopping and is shocked by what she finds: "Sequins, fringe, neon glitter tank tops with big red lips on them, fishnet sleeves, scary dragon faces lunging from off-the-shoulder T-shirts. Whither the adorable seersucker? The pastel floral short sets? The soft cotton dresses in little-girl colors like lavender, pale pink, and periwinkle blue? This stuff practically screamed SYRINGE SOLD SEPARATELY."

Good stuff.

Rockstar Name

I'm Midnite Rotten. :)

http://www.blogthings.com/whatsyourrockstarnamequiz/

Love Blocks

My friend, Dawn, owns a fabulous company called Sassy Talk. I got the blocks, unpainted, and the vinyl letters from her (check out her website at http://www.sassytalk.net/), painted them, adhered scrapbook paper, and rubbed on the letters. I just dug through my stash of embellishments for the little touches. Thanks, Dawn!