Just needed to vent...

I don't normally post my political views.
Not because I don't have any but because "debate" is not my forte. But you know what...
I can't hold it in any longer! I believe that while some may not agree with me - that maybe there is someone out there that feels the same. If that is true then maybe it will help others feel they aren't alone.

I believe that this country was given to us by a loving God. He has given us the gift to chose how we will live. This includes how we spend our money, raise our family, career paths, and even how we serve others.
While there is a place for government to keep a country running smoothly - such as interstate highways, yadda yadda etc. Once they start down the road of "controlling" or "leading" the individual - that is when it's bounds have been overstepped.
How do we learn from failure or mistakes if 1.) we aren't allowed to make them OR 2.) we don't see the consequences?
Are there those who need help. Ofcourse, and I believe it is essential to do so. Although, I don't trust the government to do it.
I have a hard time paying for someone to have free healthcare who doesn't have a job - when my family is working hard and paying huge premiums for an emergency health plan that doesn't even cover sick visits. YES I have been there. Or most recently - paying my own mortgage and my tax dollars going to someone who didn't know how to be responsible with their own finances.
Where is the accountability?!
I have such a feeling of helplessness that I feel right now. Does anyone else feel the same way?

This is a clip from Rick Santelli on CNBC - it did my soul some good. :) See you in Chicago!

Google analyzes Tara

My cousin Alicia did this on her blog. After reading her's the curiosity got the best of me so I had to try it. You google *your name* needs and report the first 10 things that come up. I thought they were pretty hilarious so I thought I would share. (Luckily I share the same name as the ever talented Tara Reid - yikes!!)
1. Tara needs… to be in one place long enough to establish a trusting relationship with a good, interested, capable therapist. Google knows me better than I thought!

2. Tara needs... to keep her clothes on. Okay - maybe not that well. I do not have a problem covering up BELIEVE ME!

3. Tara needs... to accept that no one is self sufficient all the time. Who doesn't need to learn that lesson?

4. Tara needs... a fashion coach who will not let her outside the house until she appears close to normal. I would be happy to go on "What not to Wear"!!

5. Tara needs... a nickname. Any suggestions? Come on fess up - what do you really call me? The "crazy one"?! Maybe this paranoia goes back to #1. ;)


6. Tara needs... a hug. Awwww sweet.

7. Tara needs... a home. Check that one off the list. :)

8. Tara needs... your presence. Ummm what does that mean...... exactly?!

9. Tara needs... all the get well vibes she can get. Well - I will pass those along to my family too. What is up with this winter? Ryan and I have been sick more times this winter then the last couple combined!

10. Tara needs... help. I seem to detect a pattern here....

Hope you got a good laugh! I did. What does YOUR name say?

Calories and Competition

You may or may not know this about me... but I have a very competitive side.
There are certain times when this side comes out in full force. One of those times would be during games. I LOVE playing games.


This is somewhat ironic because I married Ryan who while we were dating told me numerous times that he didn't care much for games. He must really love me - because we play games pretty much every weekend with friends and family. :)

But I digress. Back to my competitive spirit. Another way to bring out my competitive edge is add my friend Karen to the equation. I have never had a sister but I imagine that it would be THAT kind of competitive intensity.

So.... we both have our own "fitness" goals if you will. Of course we couldn't do it with out adding a little competition to the mix - so she is on a high protein program and I have decided to go on a 1400 calorie a day program. We are both going on a business trip in March to Phoenix and want to be atleast a size or two smaller.


Reason's why Tara might win:
- still get to eat sweets - in moderation
- still get to eat carbs - in moderation
- exercise = bonus calories!
- every pound is another reason to go shopping for new clothes
- to prove a point

Reason's why Tara might lose:
- high protein can melt away the fat really fast - thus discouraging me to carry on because of inability to catch up to Karen.
- Playing games almost requires yummy snacks with high calories
- short attention span
- too old - body doesn't work like it used to.

So wish us both luck and hopefully I will have some good news to report in a month or so.
p.s. If you are considering the Wii Fit as something to help you with your own fitness goals - be prepared to feel TOTALLY crappy about yourself after your "Body Analysis" is complete. :)

Two Peas in a pod..

I didn't know that it was possible to have twins when one was born 18 months before the other.
I am finding it is possible. I have some of my own. Luke and Ruprecht.
Yes, one is a dog and one is human - but they are in exactly the same mind frame.
I have to keep both of them out of the pantry, they both try to escape out the front door whenever it is opened.
Luke has discovered how to open doors - so that compounds that problem. They both are curious about the toilet - yuck!
They both get in the toy cupboard and pull everything out.
They both ignore me when I am telling them no.
They both think they have to be snacking.
They can't keep things out of their mouths.
Sometimes they work as a team - I get distracted by one and the other one gets into trouble.
Don't get me wrong - they are both cute and fun but COME on!! ;)

How to still have fun while looking like a Retard

I gave into my curiosity and decided to go to a Zumba class at my local gym. I had heard many different comments about it and had to see what it was all about....
What is it you ask? For those of you in the fitness DARK AGES - ha ha it's all the rage.
Wikipedia says:
"Inspired by Latin dance and music, Zumba uses a variety of styles in its routines, including cumbia, merengue, salsa, reggaeton, hip-hop, pop, mambo, rumba, flamenco, and calypso and Salsaton. Music selections include both fast and slow rhythms to help tone and sculpt the body."

Well here is what I think:
It is SOOOOO fun! The music is awesome and you totally get into it. Lots of sweating too. Thats a good sign right?
However, I tried to avoid looking at the mirrors that surround the room because when I did... uh well it took some of the fun out it all.
WHY?
Who wants to see a 30 year old chubby girl shaking her booty?!? It's even worse when you are watching the skinny instructor infront looking like a little senorita and then happen to glance at yourself - and one doesn't look like the other. :(
Oh well - that's why I am going - right?

Avoiding my first post of the new year...

Why? Why you ask would I do something like that??
Well, maybe the picture on this home page has already clued you in.
Yep. That's right! After all of the hoopla and craziness that followed our LAST try at this. We decided to try again!
Our newest addition to our family - Ruprecht. As I was talking to the breeder she said it would give Ryan a little more sense of ownership if I let him name the puppy.... and so Ruprecht it is. Ruprecht the Mini- Schnauzer. Are you wondering WHERE THE HECK that name came from? Just click here to find out.

Ruprecht was a present from Santa. He came to our house on Christmas morning. (Extra thanks to my friend Karen who kept the new puppy at her house for a day and a half before Christmas.) It was fun to see the kids excited faces. Unfortunately I haven't uploaded those from my camera yet. oops.


As for AFTER the puppy came - it has been a completely different experience from Rosco. He is a lot less dog than before. He has gone almost two weeks with out an accident in the house - although I surely just jinxed myself for that. ;)
He is really good with the kids and even Ryan and I have had lots of fun with him.
So I know you are thinking I am crazy - and I would agree - but don't judge me too harshly okay? :)