Unplugged

Are you addicted to your electronics? I am not talking about just things that run on electricity. I am talking about those things that you do mindlessly like watch T.V. and check your Facebook. Friday night I challenged my family to go without modern electronics like computers, television, and texting. 

My Husband Thinks I'm A Rebel

I'm a rebel! At least that is why my husband tells me.

To him the word rebel has new meaning. It describes a person that follows the rules instead of breaks them. A person that tries to bring back the way things should be instead of fighting against it.

This day in age we just do things whatever way. We try to get what we can from whom ever we can to suit our own needs. We do what we are told by someone else who was told by someone else who was told by someone else. Somewhere in that chain was a lazy no good person, I promise. I found this out the hard way and it changed me forever.

My Name is Christina & I Am A Helicopter Parent

Okay, I am going to admit it. I am what some would consider a "helicopter parent." I did not realize how much so until my 14 year old started home-school. 

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Helicopter Parent: a parent who takes an overprotective or excessive interest in the life of their child or children (Oxford Online Dictionary)

Salsa, Anyone?

The only salsa I like is the dancing kind, but my husband loves ^salsa^. He munches on it almost every night while we are watching our shows. I wanted to see if I could make him some salsa that he might like and could possibly be healthier and cheaper. I decided to combo-step my way through a salsa recipe this past Sunday. I found it in the Better Homes and Gardens-Can It! Cookbook. 

I Finally Put Some Paint on the Walls!

Who knew that painting was such a great work out. Boy am I sore from painting the living-room and one hallway yesterday. I started feeling my knees ache about half way in, but I kept pushing through. I absolutely love the color and I am looking forward to painting everything else we had planned on painting this color. I would like to share the blog that I got all my painting tips from Young House Love. It was quicker and less clean up this time around for us thanks to their help. 

I learned how to cut-in and bought a super special brush to do this. I am so thankful that I did not have to tape everything. If I did make a tiny mistake, I easily wiped it up with a wet rag. We did not put down any plastic either except under the paint bucket and tray itself. If we dripped (which only happened a few times) we were able to wipe that up also because we have linoleum floors <--- another time saver.

 Charlie even got in on the action. She was so patient with me and daddy being so busy, but by the time we got to the hallway, she was super jealous and wanted to paint. Thank goodness she listens so well. She was the only person that did not drip at all on the floor. She did accidentally get a door frame, but that came off super easy.

 Kaijah thought ^this^ was the perfect "mommy and me" picture. Even though I have a goofy look on my face I am sharing it because it will make Kaijah happy. The Valspar-paint & primer worked great at covering up the chalk-board paint.

 I taught Kaijah how to cut-in. She did great. Only a few dribbles on the baseboards, but she quickly wiped them up. I am sure many are thinking, "why are you painting your house this color when you have to sell it soon?" Well here is the answer: we bought this paint about 2 weeks before the assignment bomb hit us. I have struggled with what to do with it. I thought about selling it for a bargain, but in the end I really wanted to do something I love to this house before I have to give it up.

Kairah caulking. She has been working on the whole house little by little (also learned on YHL)

 I am kicking myself in the butt right  now for postponing all DIY projects until after we owned for at least a year. We wanted to marinate in the house to make sure that everything we did was what we really wanted. I probably would have picked a different color had I painted last year, so in a way it is good we waited.

With flash on - gotta love the photo bomb >>>

 Now I am debating what to do about the wall behind my couch (do not laugh at my broke-down thrift store couch. It is functional.). I was planning on putting gallery shelves there. I still might. If I sell, maybe the new owners will like it. If I end up having to rent, maybe it will keep my renters from putting a ton of holes in the wall. I hope I find a great web-source to look at to make them.

With flash off - that light spot is from the bay windows to the left of the pic. I love the light that comes in.

Before, way before, like when we first moved in before. :D

Sea World - The No Plan Experiment

My family knows how much of a control freak planner I am. I like to be prepared for anything and not do things the stupid less smart way. My plans always include other's opinions and feelings. I try to make sure that everyone will be happy as much as I possibly can. I try to make a decent budget and stick to it.

Well I threw that all out the window when we went to Sea World in Texas because it was my husband's Birthday and wanted to make him happy. I would like to share my experience with just rolling with it.

Fort Hood - Doin' it Big Too

When we visit my in laws we are near the largest Army base in the United States. When I say this place is big, I mean BIG! If you wanted to, you could never leave the base and be perfectly content. This base houses not only people and units, but also 2 commissaries (grocery stores), 2 Exchanges (mini shopping malls), numerous fast food places, a theater that plays semi-new movies, a skating rink, a Chili's, 6 pools, many obstacle courses, 4 gyms and many other things. My favorite observation about this installation was the fact that they do not waste money on things that do not need to be replaced or do not enhance military capability or family happiness. In pass and ID I noticed that their phones were old brown one line phones. They had a mailbox system that was bowing and taped many times to keep it serviceable. That impressed me! Who needs a 6 line, electronic phone that is expensive and breaks? If you do not get through, call back lol :D In all seriousness, I think Fort Hood is an awesome installation with professional, awesome soldiers, families, and employees.

It was no surprise to me that this installation was going to have an amazing fireworks display....and they certainly did!

Yes, I Am Boy Crazy. So What!

So, while I was on vacation I went to see The Heat. During the movie I recognized my first celebrity crush. I was in like 5th grade I think, but I still remember him and definitely recognized him. This got me to thinking about all my crushes and how boy crazy I am.

I have been boy crazy for as long as I can remember. Sometimes it is very noticeable. I have had co-workers tease me because my personality changes when I find someone attractive, even women sometimes, if I find them extremely beautiful. I just blame it on my sun sign :D

Its not just looks that get me all the time. Personality plays a part if I get to know you. It can make you ugly to me or HOT! Even a character in a movie can make me notice a celebrity that I never noticed before.

In honor of my boy craziness that's celebrate some of my celebrity crushes!

My first celebrity "boyfriend": Joey from New Kids on The Block

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TEXAS, Always Doin' It Big

We took our annual road trip to Texas a little early this year. This time we get to be there for Lew's Birthday instead of Charlie's. That gives me an opportunity to have a little party for her at home. The last few years we have been doing the trips straight through with no overnight stops. 

It is a long 13 hour drive...

 I had the opportunity to see a beautiful sun rise off the bridge headed into Pensacola. Since, I was not driving yet, I was able to get this picture.

2013 Goals in Progress

We are half way through 2013, how are you doing on your goals for the year?

Here is how I am doing: