Negative Nancy

I know I've been MIA for a while now!  It's been hard to visit this place and even attempt to write anything, because all I seem to be feeling lately is negative.


I even went as far as making some New Years Resolutions to help with my attitude and I have failed miserably at those too.

1. Stop Complaining:  Even about the weather. 
   It's a bad habit that I got into last year and I'm not even sure why, but I can't seem to stop!  I have a great life and I'm thankful, but that doesn't stop me from complaining about...the good...the bad...the ugly....all of it!
2. Stop comparing my life/marriage to others:
   In order for me to be content in even the most mundane things, this is a must.  I want to re-learn how to embrace the blessings I have and stop taking everything for granted.
3. Take time for me:
   I have to take control of my own happiness.  Take time to do the things I enjoy.  Make more date nights with my amazing husband.  Spend some much needed time with girlfriends.  Be more intentional with my time.
4. Watch less TV:
   In order to accomplish #3 I really need to pull myself away from the boob-tube.  Unfortunately, when I have only a few hours a week to relax, this is my go-to.  I think in some way...by watching all of the drama on shows like Real Housewives, it makes me feel like my life isn't so bad after all.

Maybe after this horrific winter ends, I can come back and feel more rejuvenated and a little less grumpy.  Until then....I will probably continue to complain about all of this gosh darn snow (an inch per hour expected later today)....Ughhh

The Good, the Bad & the Ugly

THE GOOD:

It is raining today! Did you hear me?  I said... IT'S RAINING!!!  I can't even begin to tell you how happy that makes me.  This means no having to water the lawn tonight.

And for those of you who think I am crazy for watering my lawn so much....just take a look at this luscious, green grass.  I'm very proud of how well it has done this year even though we have had such extreme heat with absolutely NO rainfall.

THE BAD:

It doesn't look like the rain is going to stick around....Ughhhh!

THE UGLY:

There are not enough hours in the day to water both the front and back yard, so we put all of our effort into the front of the house since that is the side most people see. 

As you can see in the photo below...our backyard is in desperate need of some aqua!

Does anyone else have a brown and crusty lawn this year?

It's getting HOT in here!

Between my commute to and from work, along with my workday, I am gone from home about 11 hours each day.  Pile on top of that, having to water the lawn every night and tend to the flowers, make dinner and spend approximately 5 seconds with my husband, and I'm pretty well exhausted when it comes time for bed.

My nightly routine is all out of whack and I blame it on the weather!  If it wasn't so hot I could walk the dogs, go to the park or take a bike ride.  But the last thing I want to do after a long, hot day, is be outside in the sweltering heat any longer than is absolute necessary.

Are any of you feeling worn down due to the hot temps?  I am totally blaming my laziness on it!

Good Day Sunshine

Today has been the best day I've had in weeks. 

I broke out one of my spring(ish) dresses for work, curled my hair and even applied a little bit of makeup.  I think when you look good, you tend to feel good!

Not to mention, the sun is shining and it is a warm, humid 73 degrees today in West Michigan.

I also think that the much needed sleep I got last night, combined with the fact that I have a vacation day tomorrow is helping to brighten my mood.

There is a possibility that I may make a trip to Ikea tomorrow with my sister in law.  I'm beyond excited.  There is no other store that makes me feel all tingly inside, quite the way Ikea does.

And Saturday (St. Patricks Day) is the surprise party for my husband.  I really hope he doesn't know anything about it.  I have slipped a couple times, but I think I covered up pretty well.

Here's to a great 3-day weekend!!

 

Lifes Happenings

Here are a few tid-bits of what's happening in and around my world:

• I dropped my iPhone in the toilet over a week ago!  I immediately put it in a bag of rice to dry out, but since then, I've been having problems with my sound.  Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't.  If this was just my personal phone I wouldn't worry about it, but since it is technically a work phone, it is important that I have a ring tone to know that customers are calling me. I have the option to upgrade from my 3GS to an iPhone 4S, but I've been so hesitant to do it.  I know I will love the new 4S, but I am a creature of habit and I am (for some reason) really attached to MY phone and don't want a new one!  What to do?

• Last month I got our electric bill and my jaw dropped to the floor!  I assumed it was because we had all the Christmas lights on in the house and all of the outdoor decor lit up.  Well, I'm still assuming that, but this morning I got our electric bill for this month and it is about $100 more than last month!  I don't know how we are going to keep paying for these.  I checked to see what my bill was last year at this time considering we would have had all the Christmas lights going last year too.  My current bill is over 150% higher this year....what the hell!

• Next Monday Lainey and I start puppy classes.  We both need some serious training!  I've tried and tried to properly train her to walk on a leash and heel when commanded, not to jump on people when they come into the house, to sit on command...every time.  Whatever I am doing is not working.  I just hope that the classes are worth the money and can really teach both of us a thing or two.  I'm also hoping that my spaz of a dog doesn't get kicked out of class on the first night.

• I love my kindle (as I knew I would), but I feel so guilty when I sit down and start reading.  My mind won't relax and instead keeps reminding me of all the things I could be accomplishing if I wasn't just sitting here reading.  I made a promise to myself that in 2012 I would slow down a little and enjoy more ME time, but I'm starting off the year a little rough.  Do you think there will ever come a time that I can fully enjoy putting chores aside for a little relaxation to read?

• I'm loving this Michigan weather.  It has been near 50 degrees about 3-4 times in the past week.  And the sun has even been shining!  They are calling for some snow later this week, but until then I'm not complaining one bit.

What's been happening in your neck of the woods?

Just around the corner

I was out running errands this past weekend and it seems like all the garden centers have their mums out.  This makes me sad...this is a true sign that fall is just around the corner.  But, where did my summer go?  I feel like we've only had about a month of good summer weather here in Michigan.  And I've still got summer projects that need done.

Don't get me wrong, I love Fall and I love that college football starts in less than a month, but I am not ready for summer to be over.  Even more, I'm not ready for Fall because that means we are only one season away from winter.  And in case you don't know....winter in Michigan sucks!

Please summer...stay a little longer will ya?

Prepare for a Blizzard

Here in west Michigan we are preparing for a blizzard.  I'm not getting too overly concerned as I will believe it when I see it, but I thought "better to be safe than sorry".

I am definitely a bit excited to see what mother nature has in store for us, but I am not excited about my trecherous commute to work.  It normally takes me about 40 mintues to get to work...with a little snow it is usually just over an hour.  I can't imagine what my commute will be like tomorrow (yes, my boss is expecting everyone to make it to work).

Here are some helpful tips and necessary steps that should be taken to prepare for a BLIZZARD!

If your city or town is in imminent danger of a very heavy snowfall or blizzard, most likely your local weather and news media have let you know in plenty of time. They will be issuing warnings and alerts and, again, should be taken seriously. Here are a few things to consider before the blizzard arrives:

1. Prepare for power outages and blocked roads. Winds, ice and snow tend to bring down power lines. Make sure that you have candles, matches or lighters, a battery operated radio, and emergency food supplies and tons of blankets. Think about where you'll put candles to keep them lit and safe. Have plenty of food staples like powdered milk and protein bars. If your water supply depends on an electric pump, bottled water may be a good idea.


2. Staying warm when the power goes out may be a problem. Don't think you're immune if you don't use electricity to heat your home. Many people don't realize that their heating system depends on a boiler that is powered by electricity. Electric stoves and gas stoves that depend on electricity will be powerless if the storm knocks the lines down. Be prepared with alternative heat sources and plenty of blankets.


3. Traveling in a blizzard is just not a good idea. If you are on the road during a blizzard look for a hotel or motel nearby and stay off the road until driving conditions are safe again.


4. If you get stranded in your car during a bad snow storm be prepared with plenty of warm clothes and packaged snack foods. It may seem sensible to leave the engine running to keep warm, but it isn't. The danger of carbon monoxide poisoning is high. Snow can block your exhaust pipe and fill the car with deadly fumes. Keeping one window open just a bit will help avoid this. If you keep the engine running you may run out of gas before the storm is over. A better idea is to run the engine in short bursts. Turn the engine on long to keep the car warm and then turn it off. Keep this routine up until the conditions are stable enough for you to get back on the road.


5. Designate a spot, in the hall closet, to keep a bag of warm clothes for each person in the household. If the lights are out, it will be hard to find that really warm turtle neck or a pair of warm socks or gloves...in the dark. Count on the power being out for at least a day or two and have some board games and a deck of cards on hand. Arts and crafts are always fun for the kids (especially if there isn't any television to distract them) so make sure you have some of those supplies easily available.


6. Along with warm clothes and blankets, consider stocking your Blizzard Kit with the following: batteries, flash lights, battery operated radio/television, bottled water, toilet paper, nonperishable foods such as cereal or crackers, canned goods, a non electric can opener, a small cooler, candles, prescription medicines and any over-the-counter remedies you use regularly; and if you have young infants or toddlers - diapers, baby wipes, formula, baby food.


7. Stock up on shovels and snow removal equipment before the snow storm. You may also want to cover the windows and spaces around the doors to keep drafts at a minimum in the event the heat shuts off.


8. If you live in an area that gets bad storms regularly consider investing in an emergency generator. Having an alternate source of power if the main lines go down can be a life saver.


9. A cellular phone is a 'hot' commodity for the snowbound. If you have a cell phone, make sure it is charged and easy to find. Even if the phone and power lines go out you can get word out that you are stranded and need help.


10. Finally, STAY INSIDE. However tempting it may be for kids to go out and make snow angels or play in the falling snow, use caution. Those blowing winds - both before and after a blizzard - are cold enough to cause frostbite, and snowdrifts may hide dangers children might otherwise see. Stay indoors where it's safe, and warm!


Blizzards are serious business. Weather forecasters can only predict so much. Educate yourself and stay on top of the updates in your area. There is no harm in being overly cautious. In most cases where a blizzard is concerned, it truly is better to be safe than sorry.

First Snowfall of the Season

It's snowing and blowing here today which does not put me in the best mood.  It's our first "real" snowfall of the season.  I always have mixed feelings about the first snowfall.  On one hand it is so pretty but on the other hand, I live in Michigan and people tend to forget how to function in the snow.  My normal 35 minute drive to work turned into a 1 hour 10 min drive to work because idiots forget how to drive in this weather.  It's Michigan people...you should have learned the basics of winter driving.  And if you haven't...GET OFF THE ROAD!! 

On a happier note, my hometown won the high school football State Championship!!  Congrats Tigers!

Wellies

It's been raining since about 4am which makes me want to run out and buy some wellies.

Rockport

Marc Jacobs

Kamik

Burberry

Kate Spade

Source

Thunder....Lightening

It's storming here today....I wish I could have stayed in bed and listened to it a little bit longer.

Cynthia Vincent

I bought these new Cynthia Vincent shoes from Target last weekend and I can't wait to wear them!

They are so comfy and look so cute with a lot of my spring/summer outfits. The only problem is that it's still a little too chilly here in Michigan for me to bust them out yet.

Groundhog Day

German tradition holds that if a hibernating animal casts a shadow on Feb. 2 — the Christian holiday of Candlemas — winter will last another six weeks. If no shadow is seen, legend says spring will come early.

Wouldn't you know it, the world's most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, emerged to see his shadow, a sign meaning winter will last another six weeks.

Normally this would upset me...even anger me. But I have to admit, we Michiganders have had a pretty mild winter compared to years past. We have consistently had snow on the ground, but nothing too devastating. Granted, we did have that blizzard in December and quite the snow storm after Christmas, but overall I think we have had it pretty easy.

I'm convinced it's because I went out and bought a snow blower this year. I believe I have out-smarted Ole Man Winter :)

Snow Blower Etiquette

I'm sorry to keep posting "weather" related things, but I've got a question.........

I bought a snow blower yesterday but didn't want to use it at 5am this morning because I didn't want to wake up all the neighbors, so I shoveled....again! Should I be worried about the neighbors or should I be more worried about my sanity? This "blizzard" has buried us in snow for 2 days straight and shoveling for hours at 5am makes for one grumpy girl. I'm not sure if I can shovel anymore....I can barely lift my arms and my back is killing me! (Yes, I'm THAT out of shape).

Let me know what you think....

Bring it on Snow, I'm ready!

I'm the new owner of a.........SNOWBLOWER!!! I realized this morning that I'm not the young chick I used to be. I shoveled for 1.5 hours just to get myself out of the drive this morning and my arms and back are killing me. About 1/2 way into my adventures I made the decision that come hell or high water I was buying a snow blower today....and that's what I did!!

Winter Blues

This is our first major snowfall of the year and I'm sick of winter already!! Getting up at 5am to go shovel for 1.5 hours is just too much!

We got about 6-8 inches of snow already and they are calling for another 5-9 inches today. I'm over it........

Blizzard warning still in effect until 4pm today. And then hopefully the wind will at least die down. 60+ mph winds doesn't help when we are getting this much snow.

Winter........bah humbug!

UPDATE: Blizzard Warning has been extended until 6am tomorrow.

Blizzard in West Michigan

HERE IS THE WEATHER REPORT WHERE I LIVE FOR TODAY/TOMORROW........ I HATE WINTER!!!

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED A BLIZZARD WARNING... WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 4 PM EST THURSDAY.

HAZARDOUS WEATHER...
** Winds and snow showers will increase in intensity by early this afternoon. Snowfall rates of two inches per hour will be possible into the afternoon and evening.
** Wind gusts of 40 to 50 MPH are expected by late this afternoon and lasting into Thursday. These winds will cause considerable blowing and drifting snow. Visibilities will frequently be reduced to near zero at times this evening into Thursday.
** Gusty winds along with rapidly falling temperatures will produce wind chills in the single digits by late tonight.
** Expect total snow accumulations of 6 to 8 inches through Thursday afternoon.

IMPACTS...
** All travel should be completed by this afternoon.
** Travel will be most severely impacted late this afternoon as snow... blowing snow... and rapidly falling temperatures occur near the time of the afternoon commute. Blizzard conditions are likely throughout the evening
** Power outages will be possible tonight into Thursday morning due to the strong gusty winds.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
** It would be best not to travel tonight through Thursday.
** If you must travel... keep an extra flashlight... food... and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
** A blizzard warning is issued when sustained wind speeds or frequent gusts of over 35 MPH are expected with considerable falling and/or blowing and drifting snow. Visibilities will become poor... with whiteout conditions at times. Those venturing outdoors may become lost or disoriented... so persons in the warning area are advised to stay indoors.

Dear Mother Nature

Dear Mother Nature,
Sorry to disturb you, but we Michiganders have something we would like to say. First of all, thank you for allowing us to keep our electric bills lower this summer. No need to run the A/C when it's only in the 60's. I mean, who needs sunshine to brighten their day? Secondly, thank you for the abundant amount of rain you have blessed us with over the past few months. It sure was nice of you to turn my backyard into a mud pit. But, I don't mind. I didn't really plan on spending much time outdoors this summer anyway. And lastly, thank you for giving us a 4 month break from the snow before blessing our presence with it once again. Not only do you normally bless us with snow for Thanksgiving and Christmas but it looks like you will be blessing us before Halloween. How very kind of you.

Mother Nature, thank you for going out of your way to make sure we Michiganders had plenty of nice weather this past year! Now if only you would be kind enough to give us wind chills of -30 again this winter. It was such a pleasure being stuck inside the house for 4 months straight.

Sincerely,
Amy Jo

PS ~ If it seems like you don't have many friends left in Michigan, don't take it personally!

Welcome Fall

So this brisk 32 degree weather kicked my butt into gear this morning! I am so glad I brought my plants into the garage last night since we had a pretty good frost when I woke up this morning. I even had to break down and turn on the heat so my poor fiance wouldn't freeze to death at home while I was gone.

Try to stay warm and have a great day!

Is it August Or October?

It's a little chilly here in Michigan today.......60 degrees and
W-I-N-D-Y
Oh how I wish I had one of these lovely numbers from J Crew to throw on