Swimming with Snarks

Because I get 100 shells

2008-12-09T22:03:00.000-08:00

Never gonna give you up..... The Obama edition

2008-11-05T22:23:00.000-08:00

,

2008-11-04T17:38:00.001-08:00

See latest stories on Yahoo! News

Obama Rally!

2008-10-26T15:34:00.000-07:00

I will add more pictures later. I am playing with my new photo software right now and just made this from my pics!

Linkage!

2008-10-06T22:25:00.000-07:00

Here is the link to my other blog. It is one picture a day for 1 year. Should be fun!

http://mandas365.blogspot.com/

Happy Birthday Omo Thomas!

2008-10-03T20:46:00.000-07:00

Take 1

Take 2

DISNEYLAND! Finally!

2008-10-03T18:21:00.000-07:00

I thought this castle was HUGE! Nope, its super tiny!

Jungle Cruise

She wanted to see Princess jasmine SO bad. We walked off of the Jungle Cruise and OMG there she was! I grabbed Ava and literally pushed people out of the way. if my baby wants to see Jasmine, she sees Jasmine! While we are waiting in line, Aladdin shows up! I thought she was going to burst she was so excited. We get to the front of the line Ava walks up to her, Jasmine kneels down and Ava bursts into tears and runs away. I forced her back because I wanted a picture, this is what I got.

Then we rode Dumbo!

Visited Alice in Wonderland

Hmmmmmm

"You try!"

We got her some "minnie ears"

She thought they looked better on Daddy

I have no idea what ride this is, but she looks happy!
On the Ferry Boat

The "Tarzan"Tree, which is just Swiss Family Robinson

Waiting in line for Peter Pan, you can see how tired she is!

On King Arthur's carousel. It was the last ride of the night and she was soooooooo tired I dont think she knew what was going on!

I thought I took more pictures but apparently I did not. I dont care though, we had a great time and rather than posing for pictures we enjoyed being off of work and out with Ava.

A big thanks to Trav for going along and really making it a great time. I love you!

Watch.

2008-10-03T06:33:00.003-07:00

http://perezhilton.com/2008-10-01-a-very-important-message-from-11

Watch.

2008-10-03T06:33:00.001-07:00

http://perezhilton.com/2008-10-01-a-very-important-message-from-11

To the lady in the yellow shirt

2008-09-26T14:19:00.000-07:00

Today was a hard one for Miss Ava. She had an accident at the babysitters so she did not get her special treat at the end of the day. This is the first time this has happened. It set her off. In a baaaad way.

She started screaming when she realized she wasn't getting her delicious sucker. She kept screaming in the car on the way to the store, through the parking lot and when we were getting our cart. That is when it got bad. She went into a rage.

Not a regular "Im mad" but a full on "I am angry" (which she shouted, a lot). Her body was rigid, her face was purple and I was trying to keep my cool.

At this point we were working on almost 40 minutes of screaming. I was looking for a allergen free laundry detergent. I was no longer looking up at other shoppers because they were giving me "that look" You know the one. The "What is wrong with your kid?" "What a bad mom" "Sooooo annoying" look.

A woman passed me and patted me on the shoulder. She didnt say much, but she said a lot. Lady in the yellow shirt. You saved my sanity for the day. Just when I was at a breaking point you reached out and showed a tiny shred of support, and I thank you for it.

2008-09-24T18:55:00.000-07:00

Im sorry I couldnt hear you over the sound of how awesome Obama is.

2008-09-23T13:49:00.000-07:00

I am here, I swear! Work has been nuts, dealing with Family drama and trying to sleep has cut into my blogging time. I will add Disneyland pictures tomorrow!

I need your help.

2008-09-12T16:19:00.001-07:00

http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/Manda2713

We all need your help. I have never been so passionate about something like this before. I really feel fear that McCain and Palin could someday be in power. It honestly terrifies me. If it doesnt scare you, look into the facts and you will get the same feeling. I am doing everything in my power to help the Obama/Biden ticket win. I have made donations myself, in front of me I have 50 voters that I am going to call and talk to. I am trying to get everyone I know registered to vote, and this.

Click the link above. I have set my goal at $1000. Which I know wont happen but I am hopeful. We all need to get involved in this election. Not just for us but for our kids. I dont want Ava growing up in a country where she doesnt have choice.

Frankly Palin's ideals scare the shit out of me.

So if you can donate, I would love it if you went through me. I dont get anything for helping, except the satisfaction I have done all I can.

Thanks. :)

Just a thought!

2008-09-09T22:27:00.000-07:00

http://www.inews3.com/topstory.php?id=416d616e64617c526f62696e736f6e

Recent Avaisms

2008-09-09T15:54:00.000-07:00

I dont know who this child is but whoa. She cracks me up!

Me: Sweety you really need a nap, your eyes are all red!
Ava: *crosses her arms* My eyes are NOT red, they green!

Good point kiddo

While cuddling Trav says to Ava
"I love you, youre my baby"
Ava: I not a baby! I am youre BIG GIRL!

Again, good point.

The neighbors are throwing a stupid loud party and Ava walks outside and stomps her feet
"You shut up right now!"
I have this one on video, I just need to upload it.

While eating lunch
Me: Eat your cheese.
Ava: You eat your cheese or you cant be princess.
Me: I dont want to be a princess
Ava: I am the queen. Eat my cheese.

Apparently she likes to "set the scene" before she enters a room now.

*She shouts out from the other room*
"Mommy I am a ferocious beast and you are so scared. Hide from me"

While at the babysitters a Halloween commercial comes on and Ava turns to Sue and says "Oh thats so eerie"

Who the eff says eerie? Better question....what 2 year old says "eerie"??

Going through old pictures.

2008-09-07T11:19:00.000-07:00

found this one.

It says "These animals are just dying for you to taste them"

We saw this on the road here in San Diego and HAD to get a pic LOL

A miracle!!

2008-09-06T20:06:00.001-07:00

Evolutionists Flock To Darwin-Shaped Wall Stain

DAYTON, TN—A steady stream of devoted evolutionists continued to gather in this small Tennessee town today to witness what many believe is an image of Charles Darwin—author of The Origin Of Species and founder of the modern evolutionary movement—made manifest on a concrete wall in downtown Dayton.

"I brought my baby to touch the wall, so that the power of Darwin can purify her genetic makeup of undesirable inherited traits," said Darlene Freiberg, one among a growing crowd assembled here to see the mysterious stain, which appeared last Monday on one side of the Rhea County Courthouse. The building was also the location of the famed "Scopes Monkey Trial" and is widely considered one of Darwinism's holiest sites. "Forgive me, O Charles, for ever doubting your Divine Evolution. After seeing this miracle of limestone pigmentation with my own eyes, my faith in empirical reasoning will never again be tested."

Added Freiberg, "Behold the power and glory of the scientific method!"

Since witnesses first reported the unexplained marking—which appears to resemble a 19th-century male figure with a high forehead and large beard—this normally quiet town has become a hotbed of biological zealotry. Thousands of pilgrims from as far away as Berkeley's paleoanthropology department have flocked to the site to lay wreaths of flowers, light devotional candles, read aloud from Darwin's works, and otherwise pay homage to the mysterious blue-green stain.

Capitalizing on the influx of empirical believers, street vendors have sprung up across Dayton, selling evolutionary relics and artwork to the thousands of pilgrims waiting to catch a glimpse of the image. Available for sale are everything from small wooden shards alleged to be fragments of the "One True Beagle"—the research vessel on which Darwin made his legendary voyage to the Galapagos Islands—to lecture notes purportedly touched by English evolutionist Alfred Russel Wallace.

"I have never felt closer to Darwin's ideas," said zoologist Fred Granger, who waited in line for 16 hours to view the stain. "May his name be praised and his theories on natural selection echo in all the halls of naturalistic observation forever."

Despite the enthusiasm the so-called "Darwin Smudge" has generated among the evolutionary faithful, disagreement remains as to its origin. Some believe the image is actually closer to the visage of Stephen Jay Gould, longtime columnist for Natural History magazine and originator of the theory of punctuated equilibrium, and is therefore proof of rapid cladogenesis. A smaller minority contend it is the face of Carl Sagan, and should be viewed as a warning to those nonbelievers who have not yet seen his hit PBS series Cosmos: A Personal Voyage.

Still others have attempted to discredit the miracle entirely, claiming that there are several alternate explanations for the appearance of the unexplained discoloration.

"It's a stain on a wall, and nothing more," said the Rev. Clement McCoy, a professor at Oral Roberts University and prominent opponent of evolutionary theory. "Anything else is the delusional fantasy of a fanatical evolutionist mindset that sees only what it wishes to see in the hopes of validating a baseless, illogical belief system. I only hope these heretics see the error of their ways before our Most Powerful God smites them all in His vengeance."

But those who have made the long journey to Dayton remain steadfast in their belief that natural selection—a process by which certain genes are favored over others less conducive to survival—is the one and only creator of life as we know it. This stain, they claim, is the proof they have been waiting for.

"To those who would deny that genetic drift is responsible for a branching evolutionary tree of increasing biodiversity amid changing ecosystems, we say, 'Look upon the face of Darwin!'" said Jeanette Cosgrove, who, along with members of her microbiology class, has maintained a candlelight vigil at the site for the past 72 hours.

"Over millions of successive generations, a specific subvariant of one species of slime mold adapted to this particular concrete wall, in order to one day form this stain, and thus make manifest this vision of Darwin's glorious countenance," Cosgrove said, overcome with emotion.
"It's a miracle," she added.

A quick note while I watch the Republican Convention

2008-09-03T19:09:00.000-07:00

Rudy Giuliani makes me want to vomit.

Biden said it best.

"There's only three things he mentions in a sentence -- a noun, a verb, and 9/11."

Go Republicans!

2008-09-03T17:43:00.001-07:00

From depressed to happy.

2008-08-27T17:48:00.000-07:00

SO today has been a rough one. Radiohead (my favorite band ever) is playing very very close to my house tonight. I have no tickets and I cant afford the prices on craigslist. My Sister in law Carla sent me a video from the concert in WA last week, I cried for over an hour after seeing it.

My friend Cristina offered to pay for the tickets which is just SO sweet and I love her for it! But I cant go, and that's OK. When people say you make sacrifices for your kids....THIS is what they were talking about.

So to make myself feel better I called up my uncle who works on the Navy base here in San Diego. He can get me cheap Disneyland tickets. Both Trav and I have a day off on Sept 11 because our babysitter's son is having surgery. So we will spend the day in Disneyland with Ava. It will be her first trip so it should be a BLAST! I told her we were going to go and she said "See Princess Jasmine?" So I think she is ready :)

A customer came in today and said that she just took her 2 year old and they have special maps with the attractions for toddlers. We will take full advantage of this! Plus Ava is tall enough to ride on most of the rides. Im happy now. :)

Sometimes....

2008-08-27T16:42:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I look at the headlines on my yahoo mail page and just laugh. Why in the hell is "Blogger arrested over leaks of Guns n Roses songs" over "Obama officially nominated"???

Seriously? Who cares about Guns and Roses anyway? I mean they havent been relevant in what... 15-20 years. Sure "Welcome to the Jungle" is a great song (for driving around in an iroc drinking mad dog and wearing drakkar noir)

Anyways.... Awesome for Obama. Im proud this country MIGHT be finally getting their ducks in a row.

Photo Challenge "Look what I made"

2008-08-19T12:34:00.000-07:00

This is my latte heart. I made it with love :)

Dancing Videos

2008-08-14T14:43:00.000-07:00

Here is Ava dancing with Vicky and Tati and .... Oh crap I forgot her name!!!

I was told that Ava is a Bolivian in her heart and I need to take her to Bolivia some day... Sounds like a good idea.

By the way, this was a family Dinner at Carla's house. It was WAY fun!

(By the way, if you're reading this Carla.... What song is this? Or what CD? I want to have it for Ava to dance to!)

I let Ava hang out with my sister and she taught her to "shake her booty" This is what that looks like.

The Wedding....Photo Version!

2008-08-12T14:16:00.000-07:00

Wuv, Twue Wuv. My brother's wedding was beautiful. I must admit I'm jealous (hint hint honey)

Here are some pics.... ok a load of pics! (**Some of them are too large to show in this format, if you see some that look cut off, click the picture and it should take you to my photobucket which will show the entire picture**)

Getting ready...

The ceremony
(keep in mind these are just the pics....I will write all about it later)

They did it!!!!

Family picture time!

Of course a BAJILLION pictures of Ava in her dress

I love this picture because Carla looks so incredible. She was literally a picture perfect bride. Im sure being happy has something to do with it, but WOW!

Congratulations guys.... I love you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

2008-08-12T13:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Emily.

I heart you muchly!

Home

2008-08-10T10:10:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful vacation.

Going back to Oregon was so great! I saw a lot of my friends, of course I didnt get to spend as much time with all of them as I wanted, but thats how it goes I guess.

My brother's wedding was beautiful and went off without any major problems. In fact there weren't ant problems at all. Ava and I missed her cue to walk as flower girl, but thats OK. We got a bajillion pictures of her in her (now demolished) dress.

Oh yeah and I FORGOT MY CAMERA! My brother is getting married to an amazing girl, my daughter is the flower girl. My 2 best friends are there, my grandparents on both sides, my aunt I never get to see, and I forget my damn camera!!!

There are a lot of pictures of the family though so I guess its ok.

I have no pictures right now because we wiped the hard drive on our computer and need to re-add my photo shop and stuff.

Funny story....
We get home and I want to look at my pictures and I turn on the computer. It turns on and then turns off within seconds. I panic. "OMG Trav is going to KILL me" This goes on for 3 days. I tell Trav about it and he comes upstairs and pushes the button and it turns on normally. Baffled, I ask him what he did. "Uhhh I turned it on" I said, "Yeah thats what I have been doing too" He responds with "Was that piece of paper on it this whole time?" I dunno!

Apparently I set a piece of paper on the intake fan and the processor couldnt get air to cool itself off. So it just decided not to turn on.

Im a moron.

As soon as I have pictures I will post them and the professional pictures should be coming soon so I will post those as well. Be prepared to be bombarded by family fun!!

Weekend Photo Challenge

2008-07-27T19:10:00.000-07:00

Jae got to pick the topic this week. "Take a picture non family related and write a haiku"

This is all I could muster right now

Oh damn dreadful cold
You ruin my vacation
Gee arr arr arr arr

Pictures....Video....You know the drill!

2008-07-24T16:09:00.000-07:00

We went to the zoo last weekend. Fairly uneventful, but always fun!

Clean up!!

Did I mention it was REALLY hot?

Today Ava and I played with camera, because we are both vain and obnoxious!

Singing!!

Funny faces

So Im sure mostof you know that Ava will be the flower girl in my brother's wedding next saturday..... Im nervous.
We have been practicing for a few days and this is as far as we have gotten.
It will be cute either way LOL. Sorry about the weird high pitched voice. I dunno what the hell that was!

Emimy!

2008-07-18T17:00:00.000-07:00

My sister was in town for 10 days. She just left :(

We had a lot of fun and I am shocked at how wonderful she was with Ava.

Here are some funny faces

A pretty picture of "the Girls"

A drunk lady who stepped out of 1984 Jersey!

Aaaaand of course a few Ava pictures

And a video of Ava singing a Maroon 5 song

Before anyone yells at me for recording while driving....we were in line at the carwash. Also at the very end she whispers "I love you Mommy" Awwwwwwww

Because she is cute.

2008-07-16T12:37:00.000-07:00

Ava with Babs the Polar Bear, Stompy the Elephant, Kayak the Otter, Baby Kayak, and Bruce the Shark. (Yes this is the usual bedtime menagerie!)

This is Ava with her brand new napmat. She wouldnt let it go so I was forced to set it up in her bed for nap time! YAY! I bought it so she has somewhere that is 1) mobile 2) just for her 3) comfortable for our trip to Oregon in a few weeks. Mucho thanks to Cristina who helped me pick it out!

Picture updates

2008-07-14T13:26:00.000-07:00

If you havent already, go read my blog from yesterday.... I'll wait.

*Insert Jeopardy theme*

You back? Awesome.

Here is Trav's foot as of this morning. Sadly I couldnt quite get it clear enough. It is bruising in rings, its very strange.

We re-dyed my bangs last night....

That is all :)

What an effin' day!! Photo Heavy

2008-07-13T19:18:00.000-07:00

If someone asks me how I spent my Sunday.... this is what I would show them!

Morning Cuddles!

Then off to wake up Auntie Emimy

Silly time with Mommy and Daddy

Mmmmm breakfast!

"Lets rock Daddy!"

Then I colored my hair. It is "Espresso" with "midnight blue" bangs

Then we headed to the beach....

We searched for buried treasure

Then....

Mommy and Daddy went boarding while Ava and Emily stayed on the shore. Looking at the sand castle competition.

Trav and I are having a grand time and he yells out "OW!" This is strange because Travis doesnt normally yell OR show pain! I asked if he was ok and he said "no" Which of course scared the shit out of me. I asked what was wrong, he said something about being cut by a shark. I flip out of course. Then he tells me SHARP not SHARK. Ooooh! Well either way we should get out of the water (Living by mexico = fucking GROSS water!)

We get to the beach and there is blood EVERYWHERE! I go to the lifeguard station and they run over to check him out. They say that he has been stung by a stingray and he needs to head to the EMT station right away to soak his foot and make sure the paralytic proteins are removed from his foot. Emily is kind enough to take Ava home for us so I can stay with Trav. He soaks his foot and I realize he is ok. So I tell him that I am going to make sure Ava and Emily are OK and I will be back with a towel. Apparently as I am walking out the lifeguard says "He should be done before you get back" I did not hear this part.

I carry our boards back through the crowds of the sandcastle festival. Which is NOT an easy task considering there are a few thousand people within about 10 blocks. I get home and Ava asks if Daddy's Owie is OK. (so sweet) I change out of my sandy clothes and grab my camera and a towel (It was photo journal day!) I get to the first part of the festival and there is a road block. I BEG the sheriff to let me through. I explain that my boyfriend had been stung in the foot by a stingray and needed me to pick him up at the lifeguard station. Being the nice guy that he was.... he escorted me through the crowds.

Imagine this...

A few thousand people, plus street vendors. 1 cop telling everyone to move aside. My brakes are squealing like CRAZY. People are cringing I am totally humiliated. I show up the life guard station and walk to where Trav was. Its an empty room. The lifeguard says "Oh he left like 10 minutes ago" My reaction was sorta like this

*blank face* "Are you fucking kidding me? I got a police escort."

The lifeguard goes back outside and tells the cop that I am not a crazy liar and Trav left. The cop then has to walk me BACK through the street fair. I get home and there is Trav looking at me all happy. I guilt him a little (In a totally loving way) and tell him that I am just glad he is OK. Then he tells me that he is still bleeding.
This is his wrap from the lifeguard station to home. ***DONT LOOK CRISTINA***

This is his foot soaking in the tub.

You can see the swollen and discolored areas. Yuck!

So then it was nappy time for all while I watched a Discovery channel thing on mummys

I then realized that after you color your hair.... you shouldnt go in the ocean! It turns your hair green :( (Im going to re-dye it later)

After today, I did not feel like cooking.

I felt like drinking

Still Alive

2008-07-12T17:48:00.001-07:00

Im still around, just been BUSY!

I will post a photo journal tomorrow. I am going to teach my sister to wakeboard. Should be fun!

Would you eat them on a train?

2008-07-02T12:27:00.000-07:00

Ava is in love with the book "Green Eggs and Ham" so thats what we had for dinner last night. Not only was she NOT grossed out by the idea of green eggs (like me) she LOVED it!

She is quite the adventurous eater these days. Hummus, edamame, and sushi!

This picture cracks me up. She looks so much like me when she is grumpy

She also loves her Daddy (I love her Daddy too!)

This made me laugh because I am immature

Here is Ava singing "Dont you want me baby?" at Seaworld. This goes with my theory that EVERYONE loves that song. Even 2 year olds. Sorry about the chewed up popcorn.

Im going to need your help with this one.

2008-06-30T22:47:00.000-07:00

Im weak. I admit it. But I am trying to stay strong for this one. Are you ready?

Im quitting smoking tomorrow. I had my last cigarette a few hours ago and Im done. Forever. I have the gum, I signed up for the quit assist program, I have numbers to call if I need them. Im ready.

I have wanted to quit for a while, but just havent. I need to though. Ava doesnt need to be around that!! Travis is quitting as well, but not right now. We decided to stagger it. Both of us quitting at the same time would more than likely end up with one or both of us in jail LOL.

So I am going to need support....so comment. Please!

Also...Pray, hope, send good vibes, shake your booga booga stick, do an interpretive dance, whatever you chose, for Ava and Trav. I am quitting smoking and PMSing at the same time!

Photo Challenge : What I like best about summer.

2008-06-30T14:01:00.000-07:00

A group of us are doing photo journals. Its a fun way to get some ideas, share some pictures and its easy....so Im totally in!

What I like best about summer is hard for me. I live in San Diego (its ok to admit youre jealous) so summer is almost year round. Plus we live at the beach so I hate to say it but it loses its appeal after a while. But I do love hanging out at the pool with Ava. She is a serious water baby so its always fun, always exciting and always exhausting! I give you "Ava at the pool"

6 things.....If you're family you may not want to read.

2008-06-26T20:55:00.000-07:00

From Uppercase Woman’s blog. She challenged her readers to blog about the five most defining moments of your life.

Im only 26, which doesnt seem very young or old. I dont feel like I have lived a whole lot so mine wont be horrible and heartbreaking. Sorry. :) These are in no particular order.

*****1 and 2 have been removed for personal reasons*****

3-12 pregnancy test and blood in my undies.

Yes thats right 12 tests. When I thought I might be pregnant, thats how many I took. They were all positive. I was in a panic. I called a few friends and cried. I was supposed to go shopping with my sister that day, when I got in the car she said "You're pregnant arent you" I was.

I told Dave a few days later. I called him at work and asked him to come over when he got off. He did and I told him. He said "How much do you want to get rid of it?" Not exactly what I wanted to hear. A few weeks later there was blood in my underwear, I realized at that exact moment, that I wanted this. I wasnt sure if I could do it, but I wanted it.

4- 18 hours of effin pushing for a screaming ball of chub

Having Ava sucked. You know those women who talk about how beautiful childbirth was? Idiots. I remember the doctor asking me if I wanted to see it in a mirror. NO! GOD NO! was my answer. It was an awful experience, I pushed and pushed. She got stuck, the doctor stuck both hands up in me rotated her and pushed her back slightly to release her shoulder from my pelvic bone (Yes even with drugs that was painful) I couldnt push anymore so the nurse had both feet on the wall next to my bed and was pushing on my stomach from the outside. Ava came out and had an Apgar score of 3 They rushed her away and then set to work on me. I lost 3 pints of blood. they pushed on my stomach for hours afterwards and *WARNING* lemon size blood clots were coming out. I went home the next day. She cried for 7 hours straight that night. I wanted to go back. She has obviously recovered, so have I. But it was NOT the most fun experience of my life.

5-Travis

Its no secret I met him online. I dont care what anyone thinks.

When we met I was pregnant, I didnt tell him at first. When i finally did he said he already knew. (stupid myspace comments) He wasnt 100% comfortable with it but it grew on him. We "met" when Ava was 5 weeks old. It was amazing. He gave me this kiss that was so full of self confidence I was blown away. No words, just the kiss. We did the back and forth thing from San Diego to Oregon for 6 months, then I packed up a truck and moved down here. Best thing I ever did. Not only for me but for Ava. I cant ever describe what he has done for me. He is the love of my life, and I am 100% happy with where we are.

6-The knife fight

Once in '79 I was in a knife fight with 23 Italian gangsters. the only person by my side was Lou Reed. We were in NYC and they jumped us. There was much blood shed, and in the end 22 Italian gangsters slept with the fishes. We left skinny frank (A giant of a man) a live so he could warn the others not to mess with us.

Pictures and a Video.

2008-06-25T20:43:00.000-07:00

Not a whole lot to say today so I will share a few pics and a video of Ava. This is our "after dinner playtime" She likes to randomly make up songs about animals. Its awesome!
Some of what she says is "Lions like to sleep" and at the end she says "OH no! My animals! They fell!"

Have you ever seen Reality Bites?

2008-06-23T20:17:00.000-07:00

Remember the part where the girl gets mad because Ethan Hawke's character keeps sticking his laundry in with hers so she will do it.

That totally happened to me. By a STRANGER!!

I washed a few of Ava's things from an earlier mess, I threw them in the dryer. I ALWAYS check the dryer because I think its gross to have clothes "Co-mingling". When I took Ava's clothes out there was a pair of socks, a pair of men's underwear and an under shirt. What the Eff?

1) Fucking Ewwwww
2) you cheap asshole its only 75 cents!
3) Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

I was so shocked I left it in there, now I wish I had taken it home, put it on the BBQ for a few and put it back in the dryer. Seriously. What is with people??

Also, its not like he thought it was a different dryer, mine was the only one with ANY clothes in it.

Ew dude. Seriously Ew.

Open letters.

2008-06-23T15:21:00.000-07:00

Dear UPS-
I realize that you have already been paid so actually giving me my package is no longer a priority, but seriously...you're assholes. Dont tell me that you "attempted delivery" at 2pm. I was home at 2pm and you were not here. If you were where is this magical note that was left on my door? If you could possibly swing by and drop off the item I ordered (Which has been sitting in vernon CA since 6/19 due to "Adverse weather conditions") that would be great. While your at it. Suck it Bitches.

Adverse weather my ass.
Amanda

Dear Neighbors.
I know that parking your car in the spot you are given is difficult. I can only assume it must be incredibly hard to navigate your car into a very wide area with lines to guide you, because everyday you are parked mostly on my side. Making it impossible for me to park and get my child out. To remedy this I have had to park my car, turn around and unbuckle Ava and try to pull her out the front seat with me (in the 6 inches of space my door allows when jammed against the wall). My new remedy will involve my car door, your car door, and a large dent. Any future possible ideas may involve bats, golf clubs, large sticks and possibly a frozen turkey. If you need it, come get me and I will park your car for you.
Amanda

Dear Ava-
I love you. Thanks for being awesome.
Mommy

So yeah.....

2008-06-20T21:50:00.000-07:00

I say "So Yeah....." (followed by nothing) a lot. (Drives Thomas crazy HAHAHA)

So yeah.....
Ive been thinking a lot about my friends. I miss them.

I miss my "Back home" friends. Jaymee, Wendy, Shauna and especially Pat.
They have seen me through some of the toughest times in my entire life. (Pregnant by a guy who says "How much do you want to get rid of it?"... yeah rough times indeed) But they know the old me. The girl who was totally fun .... errr irresponsible, partying, weed smoking, randomly kissing guys. Im not that anymore though.

My "new" friends. The ones I met online (yes ONLINE! *gasp*) know me better than my other friends.
Cristina, Jae, Cathy, Kristin,Kate, Jules, Jess, Alicia, Chrissi and Lisa.

Its weird. I have spent just a weekend with them (well most of them) but it was like being with a large group of best friends. They understand my weird Mommy worries. (OMG Ava is going to climb up her bed, onto her windowsill, shimmy over to the screen part and fall out the window). Yes its totally irrational and crazy, but they understand!

So here is my plan. We contact Lifetime (television for women) See Meredith Baxter Bearney get beaten with a rod in *rod*. That was strictly for Thomas.
So we are all ladies, so they have to listen to us. We have them move us onto a compound and we can all live there. We can leave to visit family and stuff (Lifetime television for women will pay of course) We can bring our kids and husbands (Or like the sadly unmarried ones, our boyfriends) but there will be a person on hand to watch them at all times.

Sooooo.... Im gonna write them an email. You should too.

A-Z Pictures.....

2008-06-20T13:43:00.000-07:00

This is my easy version. I did it during nap time

I will do a better more creative one later.

Ava

Books

Cathulu

Djarums

Emergency

Fries

Gargoyles

Hat

Imperial Beach

Junk

Ketchup

Loki

Magnets

NO NO!!!

Old Faithful (my pillow I have had since I was 2)

Pig

Quarters

Raisins

Sleep

Tree

Untied

Vertical (hahaha)

Water

X-Ray vision (if you just see a hand, you dont have Xray vision Sorry)

Yellow

zenzizenzizenzic (A number to the 8th power)

Pictures of a crashing toddler.

2008-06-19T14:47:00.000-07:00

The picture on my banner is the first in this series. She was running around as a zombie/dinosaur.
Then she stopped. I got my camera because...well, she never stops.

I was puzzled, but much like a documentary film maker. I did not want to disturb the natural progression of my subject.

Something never before seen in our house. A quiet toddler. Curious....

I nudged Travis and said "Oh my god. Are her eyes closed?"

And then she slept.... for 15 minutes. *sigh* Maybe next time I will be able to sleep myself!

Kermit is a liar, its totally easy to be green!

2008-06-19T12:45:00.000-07:00

So I am on a "green living" kick. Im really enjoying it!

I have made a few small changes in my life, none of them totally drastic, but I know its helping.

We gave up plastic bags. If I can carry it on my own I will tell the person "No bag" We also purchased reusable shopping bags and in 1 month have brought home less than 10 plastic bags (Random shopping trips where the bags weren't used)

I thought to myself "How much difference does that really make?" Well I found out when I took our old bags in to be recycled. In 3 months we used up 2 very large, very stuffed garbage bags worth of plastic. Its incredible how that adds up!

I also am using my own mug when I get coffee. No more throwing away a lid, sleeve AND cup for me!

We also have a water delivery service that re-uses their bottles. I dont buy bottled water anymore. Its such a HUGE waste!

We are using bio-degradable diaper (Pull ups) for Ava, they are more expensive but they are made from a corn oil rather than plastic so they will actually break down eventually.

I signed us up for www.greendimes.com I just started it so I am not seeing a huge difference now, but hopefully soon all of that junk mail will be a thing of the past. Also signed the petition for a "Do Not Mail" list (like the do not call list but with junk mail)

We are looking at Terra Pass but at the moment we cant afford it. But it will be something we do in the future.

None of these were especially hard, none of them cost us ridiculous amounts of money but all of them help, if we all changed a little. Thats a HUGE difference.

"I think I was dosed"

2008-06-18T13:36:00.000-07:00

This is the first thing Travis said to me when he got in the car yesterday. I said "What?"

Apparently the Hunter S. Thompson book he is reading has some blotter paper stuck to it and his thumb was resting on it. He seems to think it was covered in old acid. Which according to him never really goes away, it just gets weak.

I laughed at him. He didnt think it was funny.

By the way.... he wasnt.

Tips from your local Barista.

2008-06-18T13:09:00.001-07:00

My list of top 10 annoyances.

Don't ever ask me "What's good?" I will make you the most expensive thing available. Consider it an idiot tax
Dont wait until I hand you your drink to tell me you wanted it "Half-Caf" or "Extra hot"If you want it that way, tell me when you order.
I understand you may be a regular, but you still have to wait in line!
Dont bring your dog in. Ever. No one wants to be harrassed by "Pumpkin" of "Sweety" or whatever you named that little rat with a diamond collar.
If you order an incredibly difficult drink (Iced double shot decaf mocha with nonfat milk and just a splash of cream) TIP! You see I am running around getting your ice, pulling out the decaf espresso, trying to time your espresso shot correctly, and getting 1 and 3/4 squirts of chocolate (instead of 2) all while smiling as you tell me how tacky everything in San Diego is. Would it fucking kill you to drop me your change??
When I ring up your order and hold my hand out for the cash, dont throw it on the counter. I will pull your shot so short, you wont be able to taste it!
Get off your fucking cell phone. If you are really that interested in Meredith's divorce, dont come up to the counter. Step off to the side or stand outside. If you absolutely cannot get off your phone for 2 minutes, DO NOT give me the "One minute finger" while you hold up the line. I will take the people behind you and I will take my sweet ass time doing so.
If you come in every single day, and order the exact same thing. I will learn it. I am not a moron like your children. You dont have to speak slowly to me. I just asked you if you wanted your usual, please dont insult me by telling me what that is.
My name is Amanda. Not Samantha, Angela, or Sabrina, and sure as fuck not "Mandy"
I really only have 9 I guess.

So yeah, Work has been great. I love it, but I swear these rich bitches need to crawl in a hole and die. or maybe get a job. I have like 70 year old women who have literally MILLIONS of dollars in the bank, have never worked a day and feel the world owes them something. Fuck you lady.

Swimming with Snarks

Because I get 100 shells

Never gonna give you up..... The Obama edition

,

Obama Rally!

Linkage!

Happy Birthday Omo Thomas!

DISNEYLAND! Finally!

Watch.

Watch.

To the lady in the yellow shirt

Im sorry I couldnt hear you over the sound of how awesome Obama is.

I need your help.

Just a thought!

Recent Avaisms

Going through old pictures.

A miracle!!

A quick note while I watch the Republican Convention

Go Republicans!

From depressed to happy.

Sometimes....

Photo Challenge "Look what I made"

Dancing Videos

The Wedding....Photo Version!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Home

Weekend Photo Challenge

Pictures....Video....You know the drill!

Emimy!

Because she is cute.

Picture updates

What an effin' day!! *Photo Heavy*

Still Alive

Would you eat them on a train?

Im going to need your help with this one.

Photo Challenge : What I like best about summer.

6 things.....If you're family you may not want to read.

Pictures and a Video.

Have you ever seen Reality Bites?

Open letters.

So yeah.....

A-Z Pictures.....

Pictures of a crashing toddler.

Kermit is a liar, its totally easy to be green!

"I think I was dosed"

Tips from your local Barista.

What an effin' day!! Photo Heavy