border="0"> Snow Trapped Southern Girl


Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Did ya miss me???

I am still recovering from the long weekend. I was just completely exhausted yesterday and it was all I could do to get through the day.

First - I need to vent. I went last Friday to get my hair cut and colored. I was going out on a limb going to someone new and trying something new at the same time. I didn't trust this person yet so I didn't go with a drastic cut (I can only do that when I trust someone) but I was going with a change in color. I am not particularly happy.....especially for the moolah that I laid down for this.....so judge for yourself....which is the before and which is the after? Can you tell?

Before....


















After....



















I asked for some red (not Annie red) and I wanted some pretty serious definition. Umm do you see red??? Maybe she was going easy because she didn't know me. Maybe this is her best work (which would be scary as hell). At least the cut is not really bad but come on....I wanted some COLOR! (now watch the next time I will be whining because I will be looking like Annie...haha). Blogger is being a pain in the butt however, I managed to get these two photos in before it decided that I didn't need to post anymore pics.

OK, on to things that are more fun. Over the holiday weekend, we headed out to William O'Brien state park (close to WI). It was great fun. However, I must have brought the heat with me from SC because we had record setting heat over the weekend. I met one of my friend's cousins and her family from Milwaulkie and they are really great people. Its a shame that they live so far away. I hope that we will be doing things as a group again.

The teenage daughter also brought along a friend - she is just as goofy as her friends in SC (and I mean that in a loving way....but Ashley....you are still #1 in my heart of the teenage daughter's friends). I would post some pics but blogger is being a @#$#% right now....will have to post them later.

Cheeky - who is still recovering from the weekend.

Posted byWendy aka Cheeky :: 9:06 AM :: 11 Singing with Cheeky

Sing with Cheeky

Friday, May 26, 2006

SPF

Yes, its that time again, the lovely Kristine wants to see our stuff. This week's theme is inspired by the recent Oprah episode where she went with Elie Wiesel to Auschwitz. This week we have to show: #1 Our suitcase/travel bag, #2 Our ground, #3 Something we are powerless to. (and its only as hard as we make it).

#1 - My suitcase/travel bag....

This suitcase was given to me when I worked at the airport in Jacksonville, FL. I had just been promoted to a travel position and one of the Delta agents gave me this bag since I was going to be doing a lot of travel - it fits perfectly into the overhead bins. As you can see, it is well used and if you look closely - it still has the tag from my last trip to Charleston.























This bag also goes with me when I travel. I use it as my "purse" because it is big and will hold a lot of items that I want to carry on (book, bottled water, etc). I love this bag but it has definately seen better days.



















#2 - My ground - this would be my kids - when everything is going wrong it is my kids that keep me grounded. And on the other hand, when I go a little "crazy" they can bring you back to reality (hehe...in case I haven't told ya - I live with smart elects).

































#3 - What I am powerless to - The Internet

Because I work from home - my only to effectively distribute information is via internet - which is being a pain in the butt these days - but that is a gripe for another day.



















Once I began thinking about it, this week's theme wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. Did ya play? I wanna see.....

Cheeky - who is taking a chance and getting her hair "done" today.....details to follow!

Posted byWendy aka Cheeky :: 7:37 AM :: 22 Singing with Cheeky

Sing with Cheeky

Thursday, May 25, 2006

WOOHOO!!

And our new American Idol is.......







TAYLOR!!!


That is all.

Posted byWendy aka Cheeky :: 8:40 AM :: 8 Singing with Cheeky

Sing with Cheeky

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

I Couldn't Help Myself.....

I had to watch the final competition last night on American Idol. I know, I know, I said I wasn't going to watch it anymore but I am junkie - what can I say.

Paula must have had a "hit" before coming in to work last night because she was her usual incoherent self.

Hookie Katherine didn't disappoint. Didn't like her first song choice (didn't like it a couple weeks ago either) and apparently neither did Randy or Simon (Paula's opinion at this stage of the game is unimportant).

Second song (ON THE FLOOR AGAIN HOOKIE?) was apparently what got her to the finals (that was the show I boycotted). It was ok - but the judges seemed to like it.

Third song (which Ryan kept calling her debut single) just plain sucked - and Simon thought so too.

Taylor - he was nervous but having some serious fun out there (dude, that purple jacket?). He nailed his first song choice and the judges thought so too (woohoo round one goes to Taylor!)

Second song - I liked this one too but unfortunately hookies on the floor seemed to get the judges attention - round two goes to the hookie - tie game.

Third round - Not crazy about this song (Wait!!! - Ryan didn't call it Taylor's debut single - see I told ya - this thing is rigged - how does hookie get a debut single and Taylor just gets a song????) Anyway, I wasn't thrilled with the song itself but Taylor really put his heart and soul into it and did a great job. Round three - goes to Taylor!!

Now, I voted for Taylor last night - via text messaging and I sent several votes but received only ONE confirmation (see told ya it was rigged). The finale tonight is going to be 2 freakin' hours long - so I may just tune in at the end and it better be Taylor!!!!

Cheeky - who got a little warm when she saw eye candy Chris in the audience (and got pissed off when Ryan dissed him yet AGAIN grrrr)

Posted byWendy aka Cheeky :: 8:24 AM :: 9 Singing with Cheeky

Sing with Cheeky

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Just couldn't wait to share.....

A few weeks ago, I decided that after my yearly visit to see the Doc that I needed to make some changes. One of which was to begin eating better, drinking more water, and moving the bootay. After about 2 weeks, I got on the scales expecting to see only a one or two pound change and imagine my surprise when I saw 7!

Well, this weekend, I ate some things that I knew I shouldn't have although I kept it in moderation (ok except maybe for the mexican on Sunday night). So today, I thought I would check again, not really expecting to see much of a change if any at all given the events of the weekend (really anticipated seeing a gain of a pound or two).....again imagine my surprise when I saw that I have lost another 4 pounds for a total of 11 pounds since I began 3 weeks ago.

This is great motivation going into the holiday weekend when I know that I will be tempted to eat junk.

Cheeky - Who thinks she is gonna treat herself to a pedicure!

Posted byWendy aka Cheeky :: 3:38 PM :: 9 Singing with Cheeky

Sing with Cheeky

Time to make a change....

It is time to make a change and I am not quite sure what to do and if I don't do something about it professionally soon, I am gonna grab a pair of scissors and start hacking myself. Yes, its time to change the hair. Now you must understand that I have very fine (but a lot of it), very straight hair and I can't wear certain styles.

I used to wear short hair all the time. But of course, when its short you want it long, when its straight you want it curly - you know the old story. When I lived in NC, I started growing it out for the first time in my life. At first, it drove me crazy but over time I came to get used to it. I have kept it at shoulder length now for quite some time. Actually, as I type this, it is 2-3 inches below my shoulders. Its not that I don't like the longer hair, but as I said, its very fine, so with the weight it is just flat on my head (I am a child of the 80's flat hair just is not allowed). Using products just makes it look dirty and really doesn't hold that well. I am naturally blonde - but its more of a dark blonde, so I started getting highlights to slightly 'damage' my hair so it would have a little "ummph" which actually helped quite a bit.

Now that I am working from home, feel more comfortable to take a chance and do something a little different but I don't know what. I want new color, I want a new style and I think I may want to go short again (the teenage daughter has forbid me from doing this). The bad part about this is that my favorite hair stylist is in NC. I could just go sit in Brandi's chair and say do something and I could trust her to work her magic and it always looked good. When I lived in SC, I would drive 3 hours just to get my hair done (oh, and I would visit Mom and Dad too since I was there). So, not knowing who to go to makes it harder to make that change.

I need to do something soon because my bangs are way too long and getting in my face all the time and just generally getting on my last nerve.

Cheeky - who wonders - Is Blondie a good hair role model??

Posted byWendy aka Cheeky :: 7:29 AM :: 8 Singing with Cheeky

Sing with Cheeky

Monday, May 22, 2006

Random Stuff

First of all, thanks for all the get well wishes. they have worked. I am not 100% yet but at least that damn sinus headache is gone. My throat is still a little scratchy and sinuses are a little stuffy but nothing I can't deal with.

As some of you know, I sell scrapbooking things on eBay and have been selling the same kind of things for almost a year now. Friday afternoon I listed about 30 items. Then, about 2 hours later I checked to see how they were going and I get a notification that one of the items I listed had been removed by eBay for Trademark Infringement...excuse me? I have been listing this same type of items for at least 8 months, I write my own ad, take my own pictures - what do you mean trademark infringement. So, I email eBay right away to figure out what the hell is going on because they did not give me any info other than some vague canned answer and to tell me that I need to contact the company making the claim (which by the way, I have never heard of). So, I do and then I get some form letter back telling me that the term "corner rounder" belongs to them. Ummm how in the hell do describe a corner rounder other than to call it a corner rounder? It is a Creative Memories product (not this company) and it is called a Corner Rounder!!! So, now I am going round and round with some lawyer so I can get "his" permission to list these items. Like I need this frustration.

The weekend was pretty good. The teenage daughter had her final softball games in a tournament on Saturday - unfortunately they lost. The games were good but midway through the first one, the sun went in, the temp dropped, the wind started whipping and then the cold rain started. After sitting in two games with this, I was feeling pretty miserable (since I was still sick anyway), and had to go sit in the car for the remaining game - its sucked having to do that but I didn't need to get worse.

Yesterday, the men folk went fishing so the teenage daughter and I went to see The DaVinci Code. I can understand why the reviews aren't good. If you had not read the book, then you lose a lot in the movie which is usually the case but it is really apparent in this one. The movie tried to stay as true to the book as it could but there is just so much there you can't get everything. I was whispering in the teenage daughter's ear for most of the movie filling her in on the things they left out so she would understand - she is going to read the book (she is reading Angels and Demons now). Tom Hanks was good but the movie was not about him, its about the story and so he did not have the depth of character that he usually shows in movies (but I think that is on purpose). Overall, I enjoyed the movie and would like to see it again. I also saw a trailer for a new M. Night Shaylaman movie coming out soon. That looks good - I really enjoy his movies. I should probably start reading his books too.

Later in the evening, we went shopping at Target and bought a few things. Then out to try a new mexican restaurant. It was YUMMY and reminded me of La Hacienda back home. I will definitely be going back there!

Today, I am feeling really good and have a lot of energy so I hope to get a lot done today.

Cheeky - who wonders what song she can put on to sing today as she works.

Posted byWendy aka Cheeky :: 9:31 AM :: 11 Singing with Cheeky

Sing with Cheeky

Friday, May 19, 2006

Can I Whine for a Moment.....

Yesterday afternoon, in the middle of interview #4 of 6 one hour long interviews, I started getting a little headache and feeling a little bit of scratchiness in my throat. Oh crap - I better not be getting sick! In interview #5, I couldn't take it anymore and took some Aleve sinus (cause it usually Rocks! - notice I said usually). By the end of interview #6, I was ready to crawl in bed - damn damn damn I am getting sick! I started feeling a little achy and generally crappy but I didn't want to take any night-time meds just yet because I had to watch the season finale of CSI.

I took a nice long hot bath and then 45 minutes into CSI I took Alka Seltzer night time cold. Knocked me right the crap out! But, I kept waking up in the night with my throat hurting - that is such a miserable feeling - your throat is dry and sore but if you get up and get water then your throat will be wet and sore and then you will have to get up later to go pee.

Got out of bed this morning still feeling pretty crappy - took another Aleve right away (still not kicking in - gonna have to try something else). Half way into interview #1 for the day my voice starts trying to go out (ummm this in not good for someone who has to talk all day). Then, one of the external recruiters that I work with starts being a pain in the ass. He needs to back off. I am not in the mood to deal with his crap - I am gonna let him have it today if he doesn't chill.

So, here it is - just before interview #2 and I am trying not to talk or answer the phone unless I have to so I can at least get through the day. I feel like crap and just want to go lay down.

I am just pitiful and need some chicken soup and TLC.


Cheeky - who wants this damn sinus headache to just go away....

Posted byWendy aka Cheeky :: 12:06 PM :: 10 Singing with Cheeky

Sing with Cheeky

Thursday, May 18, 2006

Thursday Thirteen - Its time to Sing

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!




When I was sitting here thinking about what I was going to do for today's - Thursday Thirteen - the only thing in my head was the first song that I heard on the radio when I woke up and all I could do was think to myself "now how can I make EA sing this too" (bwhaha yes I am evil but who wants to sing alone?)- so that will be my theme for the day. Thirteen songs that get stuck in your head when you hear them.

#1 - Tainted Love - Soft Cell
#2 - Cotton Eye Joe - Rednex
#3 - Tubthumping - Chumbawamba
#4 - Dancing Queen - Abba
#5 - Girls Just Want to Have Fun - Cindy Lauper
#6 - Pour Some Sugar on Me - Def Leopard
#7 - Rock n Roll All Night - Kiss
#8 - Goody Two Shoes - Adam Ant
#9 - Walk Like an Egyptian - Bangles
#10 - She Drives Me Crazy - Fine Young Cannibals
#11 - Veronica - Elvis Costello
#12 - Whip It - Devo
#13 - I Wanna Be a Cowboy - Boys Don't Cry

Cheeky - who keeps singing...Riding on the range, I've got my hat - on, I've got my boots - dusty. I've got my saddle on my horse. He's called...T-t-t-t-t-trigger of course. I wanna be a cowboy and you can be my cowgirl...(damn I am gonna sing this all crappin' day now - guess my scheme backfired!)

Posted byWendy aka Cheeky :: 6:53 AM :: 10 Singing with Cheeky

Sing with Cheeky

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

This post is brought to you by the letter "R"

I got this from Fantastagirl and she gave me the letter "R". I am going to give you 10 words that begin with R with a little explanation. Let me know if you want to play in the comments and I will give you a letter too!

So here we go - the letter "R"

Rawr - I am not sure if this is a "real" word but it is something the teenage daughter uses all the time in her Xanga and Myspace - I think its cute.

Random - This pretty much describes my mind and personality - it goes in all sorts of directions and you never really know what I am going to say or do next.

Rook - This is the name of a card game. I learned to play when I was in highschool and would go over to the hubby's grandparents house on the holidays. Some of my best memories were of those heated holiday games and one in particular where I introduced Maw Dork (yes, that is her name Dorcas so I am not being disrespectful) to the phrase - "talk to the hand" she has been using it ever since.

Recruiter - I am a recruiter for software programmers. I really like the other aspects of HR much better but I when relocated I couldn't take the entire job with me (some things you just have to be there in person for) so I am just doing the recruiting piece now. I am good at recruiting and it gives me the opportunity to keep my job with a truly great company and to be able to work from home for which I am very grateful.

Remember - I have a looooong memory. I remember the silliest of things - there is so much trivia bouncing around in this brain (which is why nobody will play Trivial Pursuit or SceneIt with me).

Ring - I love love love jewelry and my favorite is Ruby and Diamond combinations. All of my rings are either diamonds or rubies or a combo. Back in the 80's when I was in high school I had a ring for every finger. I don't go to those extremes now but I still have quite a few.

Rock - I am a child of the hair bands! There is nothing like a Monster Ballad from a hair band!

Records - Yes, I still remember the days of vinyl records and had quite a collection. Growing up Mom and Dad had so many that we didn't have a linen closet - it was the record closet!

Race - I am from the south - where it is all about NASCAR! Love it!

Reminisce - not only to I remember lots of things but I like to reminisce about the good things in life and it usually revolves friends and family.


There you have it - let me know if you want to play.

Posted byWendy aka Cheeky :: 11:21 AM :: 7 Singing with Cheeky

Sing with Cheeky

This annoying....but addictive...

See what getting a good night's sleep will do? It makes you have silly stuff like this on your blog (compliments of the teenage daughter).......


The Llama Song




Cheeky - who will post something a with a little more substance when she wakes up and the coffee kicks in.

Posted byWendy aka Cheeky :: 8:43 AM :: 3 Singing with Cheeky

Sing with Cheeky

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Sleepless Nights update

Well my friends it is 9:00 pm and I have yet to sleep.........actually, I am shocked that I haven't crashed and burned just yet - so in honor of this day - I give you.....

Seven days of Saturday is all that I need, got no use for Sunday 'cause I don't rest with ease. I don't need no Monday or the rest of the week, I spend a lot of time in bed but baby I don't like to sleep no.......Yes ladies, the original Eye Candy - Jon Bon Jovi! Just press play



Cheeky - who missed AI tonight because she was watching grown adults play kickball (its a real league).

Posted byWendy aka Cheeky :: 10:01 PM :: 1 Singing with Cheeky

Sing with Cheeky

Sleepless Nights

Don't ya just hate it when you wake up in the middle of the night wide awake? I have been awake since 2:30 am this morning. I was just laying in bed tossing and turning and staring at that little green light from the smoke detector. Finally, I just decided to get up. I came downstairs, turned on the TV and since there is nothing but crap on TV at this time of the morning I decided to at least try to get some work done.

It is now 4:30 and I am still wide awake BUT I have read a ton of resumes, sent lots of emails and been extremely productive so I guess its not all bad. I know what is going to happen though, after I have lunch I am going to be so tired I will need a nap.


Cheeky - who wants to turn on the radio and sing while she works but doesn't want to wake the house.

Posted byWendy aka Cheeky :: 5:39 AM :: 11 Singing with Cheeky

Sing with Cheeky

Monday, May 15, 2006

Mother's Day Goodies

I have said this before and I will probably say it again, I live with a bunch of smart elects and they did not disappoint me yesterday. I have been saying for the last several weeks that if we were going to stay with our current cell carrier (Cingular which by the way I am not particularly fond of - but the rest of the family is) that I wanted a Pink Razr. So, what did my little smart elects get me.........you guessed it.....A PINK RAZOR!

















Ahhh kids - you gotta love them. Then in all their sneekiness......called my phone....yep my new Pink Razr!




















It was a great lazy kind of day. They made me breakfast complete with purple daisies on the side. I relaxed, watched what I wanted to on TV, took a nap and nobody complained when I asked them to do something. It was a great day!


Cheeky - who just downloaded ringtones by Pink for her new Pink Razr!

Updated: Forgot to mention - last night as the little man child was tucking me in and kissing me good night, and wishing me Happy Mother's Day for the last time, it was mentioned that when it is "son's day" we will go fishing and to the races in Shakopee and to Dairy Queen - and of course you know what he said - well its Sunday every week. He is too clever for his own good.




Posted byWendy aka Cheeky :: 8:17 AM :: 10 Singing with Cheeky

Sing with Cheeky

Saturday, May 13, 2006

I usually don't blog on the weekends......

BUT....this deserves it. This morning as I was getting into the shower I thought to myself....hmmm I haven't been on the scales since I was at the doc's office in Charleston - I wonder if I am making any progress at all. So, I pulled out the scales and was expecting to see only a pound or two progress and I would have been fine with that....NO my friends - I have lost 7 pounds!!! Now, I know this is not a huge amount but to me it is justification that my healthier choices are making a difference!

Now maybe this will be the motivation I need to move it a little more (cause I haven't done as much as I would like - life gets in the way sometimes).

Cheeky - who is a happy girl today even though its cold and rainy....

Posted byWendy aka Cheeky :: 11:33 AM :: 6 Singing with Cheeky

Sing with Cheeky

Friday, May 12, 2006

Its SPF

Its SPF time again brought to you by the lovely Kristine wants to see our stuff so this week it all comes in pairs.....


Something I have 2 of.....Pets

I love my pets. Lafawnduh (the kitty) loves us but doesn't want us to know....

















Willie (the old puppy) is my first child and acts like he's human...

















Something I wish I had 2 more of....Friends (you can never have too many)

This picture is from a get together in our old house in SC....


















This is a pic of our neighbors from SC....Oh how I miss them - there is nothing in the world like good neighbors/friends...


















And then there were two...

This is an older shot of my kids from when we lived in NC (funny I can't seem to catch them together much anymore....)


















There it is - my pics for this week's SPF....let me know if you played and I will stop by for a visit.

Posted byWendy aka Cheeky :: 9:04 AM :: 23 Singing with Cheeky

Sing with Cheeky

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

There are no words....

AMERICA YOU GOT IT SO WRONG....how can you let a lyric forgetting, over singing, hookie stay and tell Chris to go? I just don't understand....I just don't understand....

Cheeky - who is in utter shock and disbelief.....

Posted byWendy aka Cheeky :: 9:32 PM :: 9 Singing with Cheeky

Sing with Cheeky

Get Well Soon......

My sister - whose birthday was yesterday - is currently undergoing surgery as I type. She has appendicitis and the docs didn't want to wait.

Hope you feel better soon - We Love Ya!!

Posted byWendy aka Cheeky :: 8:22 PM :: 3 Singing with Cheeky

Sing with Cheeky

AI in review - Elvis is in the building

OK kiddies here we go with yet another week of American Idol. This week's theme: the one true American Idol - and one of my all time favorites ELVIS!

Before I begin the review can I just ask what was up with Priscilla's face? Sweetie, lay off the plastic surgery. As a matter of fact, I think I would go and ask for a refund for that botched up job.

Starting tonight's line-up, Taylor singing Jailhouse Rock. I had such great expectations for this performance and you didn't disappoint me. Dude, that outfit, that hair! I loved this performance from you. It looked like you were having so much fun! It started the night off just right for me. Can't say I agree with Simon on this one.

Up next - Chris the hottie - (hold on let me catch my breath - boxer briefs? oh yeah baby) with Suspicious Minds. I love this song. First of all, mmmm those glasses - OK have to pay attention to the song now. Oh yes, Elvis would be so proud. I see the finals for you. Hybrid Ryan? YOU are a hybrid.

Then we have Elliott - If I can dream - now a lot of people may not be familiar with this song but I am. You were going for the tender side tonight and you may have been a little better going with a more well known song however I think you pulled it off. I agree with Simon on this one, you came in as the underdog but I am not sure this was the best performance at this point in the show - but you were definitely in the top 3!

Katherine - Hound Dog - Yep, you have officially taken on the role of resident hookie - what is up with that dancing and laying on the table in front of Randy?? Perhaps you should be paying more attention to the song so you won't be forgetting the lyrics. How can anyone screw up the lyrics to THIS song?!? Totally agree with Simon, you are going home based on that performance.

Round two:

Taylor - In the Ghetto - Oh Taylor, I loved this performance from you. You gave this song a little bit of a funky feel. And nice wardrobe change too. Another great performance tonight. If we are going by tonight's performance - you are safe!

Chris - Little less Conversation - Oh Yeah! Dude, you are going all the way with that performance - loved it loved it loved it.

Elliott - Trouble - Again, you went for the lesser known of Elvis' songs. I really enjoyed this performance from you but I am not sure it will carry you. I agree with Simon, based on that performance you deserved to go to the next round.

Katherine - Can't help Falling in Love - OK to give you a little more constructive criticism, I closed my eyes during this performance so I wouldn't be distracted by a sad attempt of hooking it on stage. Ummm it didn't help. This is NOT your night. You were trying way to hard on this song. Sweetie, unless America is tone deaf, you should be going home tonight.

That is my take - Katherine going home. It only gets tougher from here.

Cheeky - who wonders who will take on the role of resident hookie if Katherine goes
home????


Updated: Just watched Simon on the today show - his prediction for the final two - Chris and Taylor (didn't I say that way back when??)

Posted byWendy aka Cheeky :: 7:20 AM :: 7 Singing with Cheeky

Sing with Cheeky

Tuesday, May 09, 2006

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!


















This is a shout out to my one and only sister Donna! Today she turns the big 38! I can say this and give her crap because she will always be older than me! So here is to you on your day!

Posted byWendy aka Cheeky :: 7:46 AM :: 6 Singing with Cheeky

Sing with Cheeky

Update on having more healthy habits

If you will remember, I finally made the decision last week to become healthier. Last weeks goal was to begin drinking more water during the day. The first day was hard, I had to push my self to drink more and fought the urge to get that glass of sweet tea. As the days passed it became easier and I found myself refilling my glass regularly. As of yesterday, I had well over 8 glasses of water throughout the day. I am not chugging it, just keeping my glass beside me with my silly straw (I told ya I am a big kid) and sip it all day long. So I think I have done pretty well on that goal.

This weeks goal is to continue with the water (duh!)and incorporate healthier food choices and move that bootay (I like to move it move it). I was doing some of this last week as well but I want to take it to the next step this week. Veggies, lots and lots of fresh veggies (steamed of course). Now, you must understand that I am a big time carnivore and I love my big fat honkin ribeye steaks. Instead of eating the whole thing, I am only going to eat half - which is still a big honker of a steak! I like chicken but I am bored with it these days. I still love me some southern fried chicken legs and thighs but I haven't actually made that in at least a year so I am not feeling the pain of giving that up. Although, I am having the urge for sweets - Its more of a mind game really. Its not something I sit around and eat all the time anyway but as soon as I decided to be healthier I have had a serious sweet tooth.

I started out moving my bootay last evening before the rain hit. Walked to the playground, played some tennis with the family (now that was a sight to behold), and walked back. My neighbor and I are going to start walking daily (hopefully in the mornings).

So there it is, my update. Not a huge change but in the words of ,Dr. Marvin - baby steps Bob, baby steps. I don't want to shock my system but rather kind of sneak it in there!

Oh and its AI night! Stay tuned for tomorrow's recap!

Cheeky - who is loading up the MP3 player for when she walks with songs like ....little ditty 'bout Jack and Diane, two American kids growing up in the heartland.....

Posted byWendy aka Cheeky :: 7:25 AM :: 7 Singing with Cheeky

Sing with Cheeky

Monday, May 08, 2006

What I did this weekend.....

I worked! Can you imagine? Actually I did a number things that I enjoyed. Saturday was a beautiful day so the decision was made to make a flower box around the ugly tree in my front yard. It was a good day of work but I didn't complain at all (I know, amazing isn't it?). Lots of pictures were taken in various stages however to spare me getting ticked off at blogger trying to load them I am only going to post the "before and after" pics.

Before.....ugly....



After....




Aren't the flowers lovely? I needed a little color. These are really going to look nice once they start filling out a bit. And yes, it still needs a brick or two and the lines need to be straightened out a bit, and it needs mulch - but it looks better than it did. The "minor details" will be taken care of this week.

Since it was National Scrapbooking Day, I spend Saturday night at Archivers in Maple Grove scrapbooking from 5-11p. I was rather proud of myself for getting 6 pages done. Now, this may not sound like a lot but if you are a scrapper, you know that is really good to get that many pages done in one sitting! Archiver's has crop nights every Friday and Saturday night so I may try to hit another one soon. I will be adding the completed pages to Cheeky's Pages in the next day or two, so stop by for a visit if you would like.

Its going to be a busy day with lots of real work (that I get paid for) today so no goofing off for me....ugh!

Cheeky - whose song for the day is Bonnie Tyler's - Total Eclipse of the heart....Once upon a time there was light in my life, now there's only love in the dark....nothin I can do - total eclipse of the heart...(no reason - just heard it and it stuck) OH don't forget to vote (see previous post)

Posted byWendy aka Cheeky :: 8:42 AM :: 7 Singing with Cheeky

Sing with Cheeky

Friday, May 05, 2006

It's an honor just to be nominated......

But it would be so cool to win.....so vote click the button and go vote!





Cheeky - who's singing....Karma Karma Karma Karma Karma Kameleon....you come and you come and go...Lovin would be easy if your colors were like my dreams...red gold and green, red gold and green.....(EA that was for you girl!)

Posted byWendy aka Cheeky :: 9:25 PM :: 6 Singing with Cheeky

Sing with Cheeky

It's SPF on Stinko de Mayo (see previous post for explanation)

Yes, its that time again, the lovely Kristine wants to see our stuff and is making us all have to think and be creative. Its been a loooooong week - how can I be creative? So here we go.....


Body of Water - think big or small...it's up to you




This very uncreative picture is of my glass of water. Since I have turned over a new leaf (uh, yeah, right) I am trying to drink more of these. This is glass #3 for the day (aren't ya proud of me?)



Something with Flavor - yes, another wide open one




Ahhh yes, there it is my friends. Texas Pete! You can't get it in (say it with me) Minnefreakinsota so every time I go home I pick up several bottles to bring back. This bottle will last just 2-3 weeks. Everyone in the house loves it - even the 7 year old man child. Tabasco has nothing on this stuff my friends - very tasty indeed!

Plant your Ass - where you park it



Well, since my computer is giving me fits - this is where I have been parking it all week because I need to be "plugged in" instead of working wireless. All my crap is laying on the coffee table - see honey, I really do work during the day.

So there it is my friend's - my submission for SPF. Did ya play? Tell me cause I wanna see!

Cheeky - who thinks its never too early for Margaritas on Stinko de Mayo!

Posted byWendy aka Cheeky :: 11:41 AM :: 20 Singing with Cheeky

Sing with Cheeky

Stinko de Mayo

Last night at dinner - we were talking about Cinco de Mayo the conversation went something like this:

Cheeky: Do we have any plans for Cinco de Mayo?

Teenage Daughter: When is that?

Cheeky: Tomorrow.

Little Man Child: Stinko de Mayo?

Cheeky: (laughing) Yes, do you know what that is?

Little Man Child: Yeah, that's when you eat beans all day and then stink up the joint - Stinko de Mayo.

Yep, he is a guy - 100%!

Posted byWendy aka Cheeky :: 7:37 AM :: 5 Singing with Cheeky

Sing with Cheeky

Thursday, May 04, 2006

Thursday Thirteen #$(^%&^!

For this weeks Thursday Thirteen, I have decided to share the things we say around the house instead of swearing or using "undesirable language" (because I can't do anything that would shatter their image of Mom - yeah right).

All of these words are not necessarily "mean" or angry in nature but rather our own little good natured take on the english language (remember that we are a bunch of immature people in this house).

1. Crap! (this is a staple word around our house - What the crap!, Well crap!, That's a load of crap!, This piece of crap!, and my personal favorite - well crap a maggot - don't ask how we come up with this crap - we just do)

2. Dangit! (and Dangits brother darnit, and their cousins Dang and Darn - used commonly but not nearly as crappin' much as crap).

3. Oh for crying out loud - ok this is more a phrase than a word and yes it shows my southerness (but I don't give a crap) it serves its purpose.

4. Cracker! (or crackhead - these can also be used as terms of indearment - just depends on the tone of voice).

5. Tick! as in ticked off! as in you don't want to tick me off (cause I might scare the crap out of ya)

6. Well, son of a ..... and where the ... is you just kind of let the phrase hang there without saying anything. Makes people wonder what the crap you were gonna say.

7. Shoot - however, I live with a bunch of clever smart elects so when I say shoot inevitably someone in the house will yell Bang! Ain't that some crap?

8. Shut hush! This one needs some explanation - in my house, when the kids were little, shut up was a bad word. It was extrememly disrespectful to hear a little 2 or 3 year old to say that and I didn't like it and decided it was not allowed and what Mom says - goes. Well, one day when my little man child was about 3 or so, he was yelling at the dog and telling him to shut up and no sooner than the word shut came out of his mouth he saw me standing there and he caught himself and said hush (the acceptable term for telling someone to shut the crap up). So now instead of saying shut up he will say shut hush - its goofy and means the same thing - but I think its funny.

9. Bootie (or Bootay if you prefer) as in I am gonna pinch your little bootie.

10. Flippin or Freakin - you know what I am saying here - do I really need to explain that crap??

11. Aww sooky sooky now....I don't know what the crap this means but its funny.

12. I've been bamboozeled! (originated by Richard Hatch from Survivor when he was getting voted off on the all stars episode.)

13. Your motor's running - originated with the kitty and when she purrs it sounds like a motor is running. Now of course this can be taken in other ways but if you can't figure it out - I am not crappin' tellin ya.

There it is - our little modification of the English language. Did you play?

Cheeky - who wonders what song she can quote to make EA sing it all day....LOL

Posted byWendy aka Cheeky :: 7:27 AM :: 12 Singing with Cheeky

Sing with Cheeky

Wednesday, May 03, 2006

AI in Review

Well kiddies - I was all excited to see AI last night (after having missed it the last 2 weeks). Last night's theme - songs from the year you were born and this week's billboard top 10.

First up - Patti's man - Elliott. The first song you sang was George Benson's On Broadway - Dude I think you had it going on with this song it definately suited you. I really liked this performance from you.

Second round - you sang - Michael Buble's Home - I think you did ok on this on but you didn't move me. I think you needed to nail it a little more. OH and please be careful with songs that have the lyrics "I want to go home tonight" mmmkay? Not your best performance.

Paris - your first song choice was Prince's Kiss - I knew as soon as it was announced it was going to be a stretch for you - you just can't pull off the funkiness of the Purple Prince! And what was up with those heels and dancing? No No No - this was all wrong for you. I agree with Simon on this one.

Second round - you sang - Mary J. Blidge's Be Without You - now this is more you style I think, more in your element. I still think you should be in the bottom 2 but this song may have redeemed you.

Chris - you sang Styx' Renegade - you just a little off on the timing at the beginning but dude you recovered nicely and nailed it! And yes you are hot hot hot! Love ya

Second round - you sang - Shinedown's I dare you - This was right on for you. Take care of that voice though - don't over do it at this stage in the game. Oh and you should always always wear black leather! I still think you will be in the top 2.

Kathie - you sang - Phil Collin's Against All Odds - perfect choice because it is against all odds you will win this competition. Didn't like it at all and by the look on your face you knew you sucked!

Second round - KT Tunstall's Black Horse and the Cherry Tree - Get off the floor hookie! Besides the floor bit, I did like this song a little better than the first one. I am not sure it was enough to recover from the first performance of the night.

Taylor - you sang - Wild Cherry's Play that Funky Music - as soon as I heard that you were singing this I couldn't help but smile cause I knew you were going to bring it. But what was up with that shirt? You had fun with this song and I really enjoyed the performance.

Second round - you sang - Beatle's Something - Ummm that is on this week's billboard top 10? Where have I been? I love it - yep I loves me some Taylor! I think this was a great choice for you.

As for who is going to be in the bottom 2 - that is going to be a hard one - at this point in the game it could really be anyone. I think Paris should go - let's see if America agrees with me.

Cheeky - who also watched House after AI and can't wait to see the tonight's episode - are they gonna kill off Foreman???

Posted byWendy aka Cheeky :: 7:47 AM :: 5 Singing with Cheeky

Sing with Cheeky

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

Useless Stuff About the Cheekster...

Thanks to EA - UPDATED: Cheeky, pay back is a bitch and so am I!! LOL!! Consider yourself officially tagged!! Hope ya play!

I am gonna share unknown yet interesting things about yours truly (can we say TMI?).

#1 - I have multiple personalities - ok just kidding but many days its seems that way.

#2 - I too have joined the cult that is scrapbooking! I am even adding a blog to share my creations (but its still in the beginning stages). Oh and incase you didn't know - this weekend is National Scrapbooking Day!

#3 - I am not now, nor have I ever been Super Mom - (shhh don't tell my kids - they, and their friends, think I am pretty cool and we need to keep it that way).

#4 - I have tons of useless trivia rattling around in this brain - songs, movies, anything pop culture and because of this no one will play ,Scene It with me (except my new friend Steph - and she is a challenge).

#5 - I have always liked all kinds of music. Growing up I was forced to listen to the 50's and 60's stuff on Saturday mornings as we cleaned the house (thanks Mom). If we were in the car it was country (thanks Dad) - and then I have my own - so yeah, I can sing it all. Oh and incase you are wondering - I am brainwashing my children with all things 80's (and its working).

#6 - I was the one in middle school that "blossomed" first (we are talking a "b" cup in the 7th grade) so yeah, I had lots of friends that were guys!

#7 - I met my hubby in the 7th grade at a water saftey course for school (hmm thinking about my #6 item - now I know why he was talking to me...haha) We were together off and on until November in the 10th grade and he's been around ever since.

#8 - I was always the "smart" one in the family until my neice came along. She has such potential - I hope she uses it!

#9 - I sing out loud - all the time. In the car, in the house, while I am working. And I don't care if it sounds good - I am gonna do it anyway.

#10 - I have been corresponding with Angry Dad for about 10 years (OMG has it been that long?). He is one of the first people I met on the net back in the days of dial up 14.4K modems and pre-yahoo messenger (we used a program called pow-wow which is now defunct).

#11 - I can still remember exact details on the day of 9-11-2001. What I was doing, what the weather was, the thoughts I had just prior to watching it unfold. Everything!

#12 - I am a big kid - I can be so immature :)

#13 - I think movies like Undercover Brother, White Chicks, Malibu's Most Wanted are Hilarious! (but I think Napoleon Dyanamite is too - my cat is named Lafawnduh for crying out loud!)

#14 - I am a southern girl but I tend to pick up the dialect of the area that I live in (but send me back home and the twang comes out!)

#15 - I am great at staying in touch with old friends - unfortunately, they aren't so good and I get my feelings hurt a lot.

#16 - I am emotionally sensitive - no one cries alone in my presence. I go out of my way for other people and I will take a lot of crap - but when I am done - look out - cause I can be nasty too (but then feel completely guilty about it). My little man child has inherited this from me - not the crying part but the going the extra mile for others. He is very considerate for a 7 year old.

#17 - I love my daughter's friends - they are fun and goofy and I miss the one's from SC!

#18 - Some days - all I can do is procrastinate.......but I will tell you more about that later.

#19 - I have a thing about feet - they have to be pedicured before putting them in sandals - and can I just say that I had a pedicure 3 weeks ago before going to SC and my toes still look fabulous! - now that is a good pedicure!

#20 - I love fresh cut flowers (even bought myself some this past weekend).

#21 - I am a horribile home decorator - thank goodness for friends with taste.

#22 - I have the greatest kids, they are completely goofy and keep me laughing (and I of course give them many giggly eye rolling moments too).

#23 - I love love love goofy and funky pens - I have every color imaginable and if I find a new style or color I have to have it.

#24 - Two words - Bon Jovi!

#25 - I love drinks made with Kahluha - yum!

OK EA - is that enough for ya? Oh and just one more thing.....I sailed away to China, in a little row boat to find ya, and you said you had to get your laundry clean....(oh I crack myself up!)

Patti, Angry Dad - you are being tagged!

Posted byWendy aka Cheeky :: 12:17 PM :: 6 Singing with Cheeky

Sing with Cheeky

Ain't Nothin Gonna breaka my Stride - Ain't Nothing Gonna Slow Me Down ....

Oh no - gotta keep on movin (ok bonus points to those who know what song that is from - and yes, I am showing my age here).

The computer is still functional but to get it back to 100% I may lose everything - well ok that is dramatic - I will have to back up my files (which is fine) but the problem is I will loose my work functionality (but I may just ship it to my IT guru before trying anything drastic).

Anyway, - I don't want to talk about that anymore. I slept sooooo good last night without anything to assist me (no Tylenol Nighttime, no Ambien, nada) and I am in a GREAT mood today. Have lots to do today - many errands, lots of work - but I have the energy to do it. It has been a long time since I had this kind of energy which has me thinking about the episode of Oprah I watched yesterday about the 90 day live longer look younger plan. Now, I am in no way as pitiful as the lady that was on there but I could do a few more things to eat healthier and I started to wonder, I am eating things to zap my energy?

I have been trying to be healthier and eat more fresh veggies and fruits and staying away from the processed stuff over the last few months. But after my Charleston visit, this has changed from a "trying to" to a "I have to" situation. While I was there, I went to the Doc for my annual exam (is that a collective groan I hear from you laidies out there?). I stepped on the scale and was just mortified. I am not a small girl - but this is freaking ridiculous. This coupled with the fact that I just recently lost my Aunt (she had diabetes) and my Dad also has diabetes - I better take better care of myself.

So here it is my blogging friends - I am turning over a new leaf. I am going to drink more water and less sweet tea (the house wine of the south). I am going to have fresh veggies (not canned or frozen) at each meal. I am going to start reading labels for their nutritional value rather than to find recipies on the back. And most importantly, I am going to get off my bootay and start moving around. I am now scheduling time in my calendar each day to move (ok its exercise but I really don't like that word). The ultimate goal here is to be healthier, but I better lose some poundage or I am gonna be one angry cheeky (and you wouldn't like me when I am angry).

Cheeky - who wonders if this new found resolution to be a good girl will stick!

OH - It's AI night - who will be going home? Come back tomorrow for my update!

Posted byWendy aka Cheeky :: 7:24 AM :: 7 Singing with Cheeky

Sing with Cheeky

Monday, May 01, 2006

Computer Update

Looks like IBM has totally screwed me - I may lose EVERYTHING because of them......we will have to wait and see until tomorrow - I am not a happy camper....

Posted byWendy aka Cheeky :: 10:38 PM :: 0 Singing with Cheeky

Sing with Cheeky

Its a Love/Hate thing

In December of this year, before moving to (say it with me) Minnefreakinsota, I bought myself a little gift - a new laptop all my own. The reason for this purchase was so I could continue working with my old company (for as long as I can). I thought having my own laptop would be better than using one of the home PC's. I had everything from work transferred onto this system so I didn't have to recreate the wheel (which is a good thing). Also, I would still be able to work when I traveled. So now, I have my own little toy - and no one has access to it but me (so I am the only one that can screw it up).

So, last week when I was in Charleston, I stopped by my old office and the resident IT guru (whom I completely trust by the way), updated my system and added some new things for work - yada yada yada. It tested fine. I really didn't get to use it very much until I returned home after my trip (OMG did I just call MN home? Umm did somebody spike my coffee this morning?). So, Thursday I am back to the usual routine and working as normal but I noticed something odd - everytime I closed my laptop to go to standby mode and reopened I would get the BSOD (for you non geeks out there that would be the Blue Screen of Death). Hmmmm, that is odd I thought, but I was so busy trying to catch up on hundreds of emails, rescheduling interviews, etc. that I decided it wasn't extremely major and I would deal with it later. So, Friday night I decided it was time to start working on the problem. I sent the error to Windows and followed the instructions. This is a common problem from what I read and all I needed to do was install a driver - ok, easy enough, I can do that. Ummmm NOPE. Didn't work. After trying all kinds of crap, I was getting frustrated and decided to email my IT guru (cause he was working Sat AM) and see what he had to say.

Saturday morning, I am working on the problem again and my IT guru is a huge help. BUT then we hit a snag and he said I should call IBM (perhaps he was just tired of me bugging him on Saturday - which I can't blame him - really its hard to do this kind of thing over the phone - he was cool and said I could ship it to him and he would fix it and send it back - I decided I would do that as a last resort). Anywho....I decided I would just deal with it Monday.

Monday morning, I get up at the buttcrack of dawn and start working on the problem again. On the phone with IBM for hours - intall this, do this, blah blah blah. Long story short the hibernation issue is fixed but now my wireless is screwed up. So, I had to drag all my work crap downstairs so I could plug in and at least get something done today. If this is any indication of how my week is going to go I am in big trouble.

Cheeky - who had something completely different to blog about today but needed to vent and hopes this issue gets resolved soon or else she is gonna chug this thing out the window.

Posted byWendy aka Cheeky :: 10:49 AM :: 11 Singing with Cheeky

Sing with Cheeky