Hotels

We were spoiled in Chicago. We stayed right on Michigan in a big, fancy hotel. Not too fancy for the kids who ran through it in their swimsuits when it was -10 outside - but fancy enough. We ordered room service - enjoyed the bell hop and concierge (both who knew us by name before we left). We also ate in their nice restaurants where they specially made grilled cheeses for the kids who did not like anything on the menu. So, now I am in search of nice french quarter hotels... Do you have a fantastic experience to share?

Vacations

We did not take a proper vacation this year due to buying the new house etc... So, we are trying to think big next year. But, what to do? Do we want to do something really big like Disney? The beach again (always a favorite). Mountains? Cruise? Outer Banks vacation? What do you recommend?

Chicago

Justin had a business conference to go to in Chicago. SOOOO - what else is a family to do but join him - tag along - be the 3rd wheel. It's OK - we can deal with that stigma. We had a fantastic time. From dinosaur bones to aquariums to shopping on Michigan Ave for everything from Fur Coats to Apple Computers to toys and weight loss pills. AMAZING. And the boys - perfect. Absolutely perfect. Justin had fun too - not sure doing what - but fun none the less!

Rock on... Rock off.....

rocker switches
What do you suggest? Is this a good buy?Do you have one? What brand? HELP!?! Have I made that clear? LOL. Obviously, I have no idea what there were for until Justin said we needed some and SOMEHOW it became my JOB to find some and find the best deals. BUT, big problem. I have no idea what to do.

Hardest Man to buy for

my Dad is IMPOSSIBLE to buy for this holiday (and every other holiday to boot). I do golf, and gift certificates. But, I want something unique and cool. Maybe some techie gadget? Maybe a man type tool? Maybe some cool truck accessories? What is your go-to gift for your hard to buy men?

Downstairs

Now having 2 stories, and Justin taking my Mac laptop to the office, I am in need of a downstairs laptop for cooking, chatting, playing games for the kids, etc... Does anyone know of any great laptop deals? It does not have to be fancy, but I also do not think I can deal with one of those TINY new laptops..... Advice?

Still Searching

I have checked out some of the sites that you all recommended for free online backup and so far they are just not big enough for what we need. Just the pictures and music take up so much space. Does anyone else have any suggestions?

From way back when....

Apparently when I decided to stay home I put my resume on some freelance website looking for extra ways to make a few dollars. Well, I have gotten a couple of responses lately - some of them are funny.

--A personal shopper (that COULD be good - LOL)
--call center outsourcing tech (or not....)
--Raising money for some organization that I have never heard of
--Make-Up tester (sounds good until you realize that these could break you out in hives or worse)

In case you need it.

Unfortunately, I have been exposed to a lot of really sick people. And it breaks my heart. Cancer, mesothelioma, sick babies. It is just not good. So, give the ones you love an extra squeeze and kiss and let them know how special they are to you.

My poor laptop

Is on her last leg I think. i cannot imagine why. I mean she has NEVER been dropped, TWICE. Or had the cord pulled out of her too many times to count. Nope. She is immaculate. That is why her cover doesn't close and she has a hard time holding a charge. I am hoping to infuse her with some system memory in hopes of a come around. I think I might be screwed....

Cool new house perks

This house has everything and MORE that we love and wanted. Fireplace: CHECK Dual heating/cooling: CHECK. Three Car Garage: CHECK. video surveillance equipment: CHECK. Yet, we still have no idea how to program my car for the garages - how to work the fireplace or surveillance. So, we have em just need to learn how to use em...

Ideas

So, I have not been as diligent about the gym in the last 2 weeks - moving and all.... I So need to get back into the swing of things, but have not made myself yet. So, I am looking for a good weight loss supplement to tide me over until I get back. What do you use? Do you love it?

Things I love...

Having a new home makes you open your eyes to cool, designer or original touches in unexpected places. Here are a few things that I am loving lately:

--Basin sinks - SO in love with these. Like, a little too much.
-- glass tile - my favorite Thai restaurant has an amazing bar backsplash of them.
-- Different colored islands. Enuf said....

What are you loving right now?

We are finally IN!

We closed on Justin and my 9 year ago meeting day. Which is pretty cool! We are here. We are, for the most part, out of boxes but no decorating has happened because we are patiently, or not, waiting on some furniture. So, as we sit and relax in our new home, tell me, which is my mind filled with mice. Mickey and Minnie to be precise.... Why is it now all I can think about it DISNEY and the fun disney world hotels, food and FUN! Hopefully we can do Disney soon - and me, I am just ready for a vacation!

The gym

and I have not been good friends lately. Between late nights, bad eating habits and no energy - I just DO NOT want to go. BUT, I also do not want to go up those 4 pant sizes again either. WOW. You never realize how BIG you are until you see pics of yourself. And even back then I attributed my weight to a bad pictures. I also thought I would find diet pills that work to help me. But, also, along with that, comes hard work. Something I need to reclaim for myself, starting tomorrow.... RIGHT?!

This book I am reading

I am reading the best book for Sunday School Class called 90 minutes in heaven. It is insightful, sad, cheering and makes me think about God in new ways - which is Awesome. It is about a man who endures a terrible car wreck only to go to heaven and then be returned to this earth to face terrible pain, medicines, medical equipment, doctors and more. He endures and goes on to tell others about his Journey to Heaven. This is a poignant look at religion. Check it out.

Craziest Thing

I was driving home the other night from a late night of shopping and I saw the most bizarre thing. This little pinto like car had rolled into a ditch and this other can was using its push bars to push it back onto the road. Really - nothing like bumper to bumper action to make you stop and stare.

How do you share?

I have an issue with one of my bosses. I cannot remember to back up disks for her each month of my work. I need to, I know this, as does she...but I still cannot remember to do it. What should I do? External harddrive? Chain myself to my desk until I do it? Corporate usb drive?

The new house

In the new house, I now have TWO workstations. One downstairs and one up. I am so happy about this. Hopefully I can keep the bulk of my personal crap in one spot and work in another. But the two rooms are far away from each other so I think I need a HIGH powered Linksys router to make the job work well. Have I mentioned how excited I am about the new house?

She inspires me

I love the Pioneer woman. Check out her site: www.thepioneerwoman.com
She is amazing. Between homeschooling, cooking, cleaning and decorating - she really does it all. She had a post a while back about industrial equipment in the kitchen and I LOVED it. I have a soft spot in my heart for all things industrial. Something about bringing something that hard into your home and making it feel SOFT. Thank you, pioneer woman, for your inspiration.

Worry Wart

So ever since we were robbed I am so worried about how to back up files. Burn disks and set up harddrives - did that before and placed in safe - STOLEN. But, we do need something to back up our files to. Have you used any online storage solutions? What do you think? Did it work for you? Would you recommend it?

It has been a while

Sorry. I have been out of blogging commission. From house junk to kid junk and everything in between. Here is a rundown of things I have learned about: buying a house sucks, kids started back to school and Jackson is having a very hard time, how to install a air filters, how to let your husband know how much you online shop because now everything is shipped to his office... Did I mention that buying a house sucks? Oh, I did....