Thursday 13: 13 Things I've Learned Since Becoming a Homeowner

(thanks to Sandra for the image)

1. There are many roofing companies....many, many, many.
2. CertainTeed shingles have more than a few lawsuits against them. It was enough to make us turn down the 2 companies using their shingles.
3. Wood-like laminate flooring? Get the floating.
4. People will assume an awful lot based on where you live alone.
5. Ants in my house make me insane.
6. Orkin may be my new best friend (I'll let you know after tomorrow)
7. A shed can be a blessing in disguise (esp when you only have a 1-car garage, and have no basement)
8. Back to roofing: you may be told the Ventsure roll ridge is fine, but it's really meant for homes w/ cathedral ceilings. Flatter roofs could actually be more damaged with that type of ventilation.
9. Parque flooring is not pret-tay. (aiming for a word rhyme there)
10. You need a rake even in the winter.
11. Never assume the previous owners did anything positive for the house.
12. Warranties are best if transferable, especially if you want to re-sell within 5-10 years.
13. Lastly, I thought I missed renting (minor inconveniences in someone else's hands), but never again. Our former landlord is trying to scam us unjustly, and for that I am happy to finally be a homeowner. I say what, where, and what color, thank you very much.

Happy Thursday Thirteen! It's been a long time since I did this meme, but it's always fun.
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13 Summer Necessities

1. Popsicles
2. Water guns. Lots of them.
3. Air conditioning.
4. Sunblock & bug spray.
5. Strawberry shortcake for dessert.
6. A nice Weber grill--who wants to cook inside when it's already hot & humid?
7. Good feet. It's flip-flop season, which can easily mean dry feet. Get some lotion and get those feet ready!
8. The Closer. (for me, anyway) I always enjoy watching the new episodes during the summer.
9. Last Comic Standing. Same as above reason.
10. A CAR. There may be no rain, but it gets too hot & humid to walk many places. No thank you.
11. Tee-ball! This is a first for us, and I am so excited. :) My 4 year-old starts tee-ball next week. I don't know who is more excited.
12. Good summer movies. I'm hopeful of seeing The Happening, The Strangers, and Hancock.
13. Family & friends close by, or at least for a visit. You need people to enjoy 1-12 with!

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Thursday Thirteen: Reasons I'm Glad the Writers Strike Is OVER!

(thanks to Write from Karen: Web Designs for the graphic!)

1. The Office: Missed the most! I am eager to see if and when Dwight & Angela get back together.
2. Going off #1, I am curious to see how the relationship of Angela & Andy will end. Remember they did some "necking", according to Andy?
3. The Office (again!)-Jim & Pam. They're finally together, and then we lose episodes to the damn strike. No! I need to see them in action and see if they actually do work.
4. The Office (last one-lol): in real life Angela is pregnant. I'm wondering if they'll work that into her character at all, or just avoid the belly in camera scenes. Very curious what they could do with that, if they chose that route.
5. Grey's Anatomy-Derek & Rose. They were getting all chummy before the strike. I heard we'd see several episodes of them dating. I think it'll be an interesting change from Meredith. A good change. I was sick of their constant on-again off-again status.
6. Grey's Anatomy-Alex. Who is going to be with (if anyone at all)? Lexie or Ava? I think I prefer Lexie.
7. Grey's Anatomy-Izzie & George. We saw their sex life wasn't working in their favor. Will their chemistry improve that for them? (and personally, I always thought Izzie and Burke would've been good together).
8. Private Practice-Are we finally going to see Addison hook up with the homeopathic doctor or what?! I think he could do better, since she can be annoying. But I'm ready to see how they play it out.
9. Private Practice-Will Cooper and Charlotte go public with their relationship? Will it actually turn into a relationship, or remain sex only?
10. Without a Trace-Love this show! Samantha found out she is pregnant. Is she going to have this baby or what? I miss her and Martin together, actually. (I know it's not his baby)
11. Law & Order SVU: Before this season began, I remember reading that Elliott's character would take a diversion this season. Can't wait to see what that's all about.
12. Journeyman-I just miss this show. I quickly got hooked on it. The brother (cop) was finally starting to believe Dan about his time travel. Again, stupid strike!
13. I'm just plain glad it's over! New episodes, a return to regular TV, which seems to offer more on boring evenings at home. I'm still surprised it lasted as long as it did.

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Thursday Thirteen#15: 13 Favorite African Americans

(thanks to Sandra for the graphic)

Since it's Black History Month, I thought I'd post on my favorite African Americans, mostly actors. Here are 13 African Americans I love:

Bill Cosby

Morgan Freeman

Will Smith

Usher (ok, I mostly just think he is HOT!)

Condoleezza Rice

Leslie David Baker (Stanley from The Office)

Clarence Thomas

Louis Armstrong

Ella Fitzgerald

Stevie Wonder

Nat King Cole

Natalie Cole

James Earl Jones

There are plenty more, but I have to stop at 13. ;) Of this list, Bill Cosby is my all-time favorite. Next would probably be Louis Armstrong. I never get sick of his music.

Thanks for visiting! Have a good one.

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Thursday Thirteen #14

All Things Lightning McQueen & Cars

My oldest is a fan of the movie Cars, particularly Lightning McQueen and Mater. His love of the movie has resulted in several Cars items in our home:

1. Cars bed sheets
2. Mater t-shirt
3. Cars sippy cups
4. Cars Backpack
5. Lightning McQueen lunch bag
6. Lightning McQueen & Mater Pez dispensers
7. Cars book
8. Mater flashlight keychain
9. Cars socks
10. Sally character car (Hot Wheel sie)
11. Lightning McQueen Wallet
12. Cars umbrella
13. Storybook Pillow
*Ds also has the glove & hat set, table placemat, and another set of crayons. ;) What can I say? The boy loves Lightning McQueen! (as well as Target offers some great stuff in their dollar bin!)

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
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Thursday 13 #13!

13 Things I Like About February




Thirteen Things about February 1. Groundhog Day! I love this day & I don't know why. :) It was so much fun when I was teaching, and now I look forward to doing "shadow searching" with my sons. We'll be our own Punxsutawney Phil. 2. Mardi Gras! Fun times. 3. Paczkis. A polish treat to celebrate Fat Tuesday. 4. Super Bowl Sunday. I don't care much for the actual game, but I don't want to miss one single commercial! 5. Lent begins. I don't necessarily enjoy Lent, but it is a great time to refocus and get back in touch with HIM. 6. Presidents' Day, which means a long weekend for my hubby! I love long weekends. :) 7. February is the last full (official) month of winter. I hope for an early spring! 8. Taxes are filed & over with. I hate that hanging over my head. 9. LOST will resume! I know it technically begins January 31st, but it's the first month one of my shows will actually have NEW seasons. Stupid writers strike! 10. This February is a leap year one! 29 days. Since it only happens every 4 years, I think it's kinda cool. 11. Brennan will turn 10 months old, which means I get to start planning his first birthday party! 12. We're going to have Brennan's pictures done. 13. Valentine's Day. I'm not one to really celebrate it, but I do love the meaning behind it. I count myself very lucky to have the family I do. My husband and sons are all amazing. Patient, giving, and loving guys. I'm surrounded with love. :)


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Thursday Thirteen-Games

13 Games I Like to Play
(in no particular order)

Scattergories
Euchre
Ratscrew
Taboo
Scrabble
Apples to Apples
Schrades
Speed
Phase 10
Sorry
Oh Hell
Cranium
Chutes & Ladders (hey, you're never too old!)

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Thursday 13

This will most likely be the last T13 I do until 2008, so today I offer a recap of 2007.

(thanks to Amy for the graphic!)

13 Things About My Life from 2007
1. I started off the year pregnant! And not just pregnant, but pregnant with obnoxiously painful kidney stones.
2. I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy (& he was born w/ a natural Mohawk!).
3. I watched, in awe, my firstborn become an older brother, with compassion and instant love for his baby brother.
4. I joined Weight Watchers...and I'm close to becoming a lifetime member!
5. I visited my family in South Carolina in August.
6. I quit my part-time job of tutoring through Sylvan. (actually while I was doped up on pain pills!)
7. I got hooked on the show Without a Trace.
8. I got into "babywearing"; Brennan and I were even in the paper!
9. We became members of the zoo, getting a family membership
10. I've only gone to the actual movie theater once in 2007! For me that's unusual, as I love the movies. We last went in January, seeing Children of Men. It was a disappointing movie, too.
11. I went to Gatlinburg, TN for the first time. MUCH cooler place than I expected!
12. I started several new blogging rituals, like Menu Plan Monday, Wordless Wednesday, and Thursday Thirteen. ;)
13. I turned 27, celebrated my 4th wedding anniversary, watched my oldest turn 3, and became mom to 2.

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great Christmas!

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Thursday Thirteen--#10

13 "Politically Correct/Incorrect" Things that Annoy me:

1. The honor roll being done away with. When I was still teaching, they wanted to do away with listing those students who earned all A's and B's, so as not to hurt the feelings of those who didn't. Um, right..how is that fair to the ones who earned it? Too bad to the others! Life isn't fair. Get over it.
2. The endless bumper stickers of "my kid is amazing bla bla bla". I'm sure the kids are fantabulous. Do we need to advertise it to make them feel important? Aren't they fine and dandy without it being driven around?
3. Taking "moments of silence". The idea is wonderful. Replacing "moments of silence" for the word "prayer" is a joke.
4. Extending wishes of "Happy Holidays" instead of Merry Christmas. Sorry, folks. Like it or not, December 25th is CHRISTMAS.
5. Being -Challenged. Fat=horizontally-challenged, short=vertically-challenged, etc. Come on. It means the same thing!
6. Custodial Engineer for Janitor.
7. Neighborhoods requiring Nativity Scenes be removed from your very own yards, because it may offend those who choose to not believe in Christ.
8. The simple idea of removing "Under God" from the pledge, as well as our financial currency.
9. Allowing "social promotion" in schools in place of retaining a student back a year (who is not ready to advance academically).
10. Job-profiling. Searching to hire someone of a specific background just to say "we have people of all races/nationalities...". Bull. Hire based on qualifications and experience.
11. Breast-feeding. It's fine. You can do it discreetly in public. And so what if some skin is seen by another? They would'nt be complaining if it was a model in a string bikini showing some skin.
12. Granting same-sex marriage or civil unions. I know it's a hot topic, but I'm not holding back this week. Marriage is between a man and a woman. Other arrangements are not the same and don't merit the same benefits.
13. Withholding comments on another's blog so as to not reveal differing opinions. ;) Hey, we're all adults here. Agree to disagree, or just flat-out disagree. I am fine with that. I don't want to compromise my beliefs for the sake of someone else, and I don't want someone else to compromise beliefs, either.

Some extra fun...go here for humorous PC terms and phrases.
And for a serious, sensitive touch, go here to read a beautiful poem about being PC.

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
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Thursday 13--13 Things I Did In College

(Years 1998-2002)
1. Met my husband. :)
2. Spent a semester abroad, visiting Austria, Poland, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Prague. Switzerland, Lichtenstein.
3. Got my very first car (Honda Civic)
4. Became a teacher (early experience field experience 3 years, student teaching senior year. And don't let anyone tell you early experience is the same as student teaching. It is not!)
5. Worked as a university telemarketer
6. Got my first e-mail account (with Hotmail, of course)
7. Drove to Niagara Falls one night after a dance with a guy I sort of liked, and turned around to drive back after spending about 2 hours there.
8. Opened my first credit card. (mistake! lol)
9. Truly started to appreciate my parents as people separate from, well, parents!
10. Came to appreciate the value of a roll of quarters...for laundry, of course!
11. Lived in dorms-Tommy More, Kolbe-Clare Halls. Those were the good ol' days.
12. Ate disgusting cafeteria food, loaded with fat and lacking nutritional value
13. Figured myself out, learned what I wanted and believed in, and graduated with honors.

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13 Household Brands (I Can't Go Without)

Ok, I could, but these are things I prefer, after testing & living through other products. ;)
1. Gain laundry detergent. (or Tide) I love Gain. I've not been buying it for the sake of saving money, but I don't think it's worth it. I'll take my Gain.
2. Glad trash bags. I tried the Huffy, and they're terrible! Target brand is also good, too.
3. Aveeno facial moisturizer. Tried others, and they're not the same.
3. Cool Whip fat free whip cream. I do buy the store brand if it's cheaper, but I think the Cool Whip version is better.
4. HERSHEY'S! I am a chocoholic. That Palmers brand-just nasty. Sorry excuse for chocolate!
5. Windex over Glass Plus.
6. Clorox cleaning wipes. Lysol smell too strong for me.
7. Charmin Basic toilet paper. I think you've got to have a rough tooshy to tolerate Scott!
8. Hellmann's Mayonnaise. Don't know why, but store brands are gross.
9. Pampers Swaddlers/Cruisers. Other diapers are rough, rash-causing, and leak.
10. Aunt Millie's Bread. (I love the Multi-grain and Fiber for Life) One of the few brands that makes bread without high-fructose corn syrup.
11. Dove deodorant. Suave doesn't cut it here.
12. International Delight coffee cream, particularly fat-free french vanilla. Coffee Mate isn't as good.
13. Prego. If it's going to be a jar sauce for pasta, Prego.

So there's my list. Probably not too interesting this week, but hey, I'm on little sleep!
Thanks for stopping by and have a great Thursday!

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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13 Ways We Cut Costs

For today's Thursday Thirteen. :)

(thanks to Write from Karen for the graphic!)

1. We only have one car. (cheaper insurance, repairs, gas-HUGE savings!) It's not nearly as inconvenient as people assume. I know. We've been using only one car for about 2 years now.
2. Breastfeeding. (Not for all moms, I know.) I've exclusively nursed my almost 7 month old, and that alone has saved us over $2,000 in formula/feeding costs.
3. Frugal shopping! I'm a bargain hunter. We find great deals for the boys at Once Upon a Child. We actually bought both of their winter coats there-totaling $16! And Brennan's is Columbia brand!
4. When we have the heat on, it's set low. Usually around 63.
5. Along with #4: we layer up! Slippers on the feet. Sweatshirt over the shirt.
6. If we're not in a room, that room is dark. No lights on unless we're in there. (unless I'm home alone)
7. Buy generics. Even with clipping coupons, usually the store/generic brand is still cheaper than national brand with coupon.
8. Take advantage of library used book sales! Great for your own collection, and gifts, too. Our library lets you buy a bag & stuff it. We've bought nearly 20 books before for a few bucks.
9. Menu planning. Plan meals out in advance, stick to the list. No eating out last minute because you already know what to prepare for dinner.
10. Going off #9: incorporate meatless meals. Plenty healthy options, using vegetarian meals, beans, etc. Good for the waist, good for the budget. Win-win.
11. We don't use sandwich bags on a regular basis. For a sandwich on-the-go, we bought one sandwich-sized container (similar to these) at Ikea for 99 cents. We've used it many times, for far less than the cost of Ziplocs.
12. Date nights are at home. Though this one isn't 100% by choice, it does save $ and we've found many enjoyable dates at home. :)
13. Invest in a Health Savings Account. This depends on your employer, but if it's an option, look into it! We saved some nice chunks of (pre-taxed) change with our HSA.

*Bonus* This post wouldn't be complete without mentioning Dave Ramsey. Dave's the man. He knows his [financial] stuff. We're trying to follow his suggestions, with "gazelle intensity". We're learning to cut costs even more thanks to Dave Ramsey. (Check out the Baby Steps here)

Thursday Thirteen-What I Want for Christmas

I know. It's November 1st. Oh well. I'm sharing 13 things I'd like for Christmas!

(thanks to Goofy Girl for the graphic!)

1. A mei tai baby carrier, like this Beco.

2. New bathroom rugs to go with a kids' shower curtain, like this one.

3. Free babysitting while the hubby and I go on a date.

4. Clothes. Needed with losing some weight.

5. Frames for the pictures of my boys. (saw some nice ones at Michael's)

6. Phase 10, the game. Ever play it?

7. Slipper socks.

8. Restaurant giftcards. Who doesn't enjoy a night off from cooking?

9. Giftcard for printing off pictures. We've found Winkflash to be the best deal.

10. Photo albums.

11. New blog design (header & everything)

12. The Office DVDs

13. Three straight hours of sleep. Uninterrupted sleep.

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Thursday Thirteen--Favorite TV Characters

I'm somewhat of a TV addict, thanks to the dvr. So for this week I made a list of 13 of my favorite TV characters! (many are not current shows) Any of these your favorites, too?

Archie Bunker (All in the Family) (*the most politically incorrect character I know! lol)
Punky (Punky Brewster)

Kramer (Seinfeld)

Monica (Friends)

Mary Tyler Moore (The Mary Tyler Moore Show)

Dr. Bailey (Grey's Anatomy)

Dwight (The Office)

Pam (The Office)

Jim (The Office...can't help it!)

Bob Newhart (The Bob Newhart Show)

Jim Ignatowski (Taxi)

Tony (Who's the Boss?)Marie (Everybody Loves Raymond)Go here for Thursday 13 fun.

13 Things I Learned this Week

1. Christmas is just 2 months away. Time to get shopping! And I need an advent wreath...2. I don't like black, gross bugs crawling over my son's bed. Especially ones that squeeze out orange when you hit them with a shoe. In fact, I despise them!

3. I prefer Swiss International French Vanilla Cream to Coffee Mate.

4. I like pizza way too much. I gave into that craving again. :(5. Once Upon a Child is an awesome store! I got my baby's costume there for $3!
6. Gas costs way too much. It's flat out $2.89 here right now.

7. I like Barnes & Noble better than Books-A-Million & Borders. 8. I have the cutest boys. Seriously.9. I don't miss living in Michigan that much. At all.

10. I miss my family & friends from South Carolina more each day. (a-hem, Jen and Sue!)

11. Organizing your children's toys truly makes more toys to play with. When the pieces are all together, they can actually play with that toy! Shock!

12. Pumpkin spice muffins are great this time of year. YUM. 13. Big Lots-great place for storage containers and puzzles. Cheap. :)
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13 Reasons I Love Thursdays

I've not done a Thursday Thirteen in a while, so here it is, for something fun today:

1. The Office is on!

2. Last day before the weekend

3. We have our mom-n-tot rosary group

4. Our newspaper lists all the weekend activities

5. Grey's Anatomy is on

6. Thursdays are usually a fun-dinner day, with meat

7. The "Thursday" feel...excitement for the weekend

8. I finalize my meals for the following week

9. I make my grocery list

10. Hubby's last day of needing a dress shirt (for three days). Thank God for casual Friday!

11. Pretty good blogosphere stuff. I love checking out some Throwback Thursdays.

12. At least this Thursday, it's a perfect fall day.

13. Did I mention The Office is on?!

Thursday Thirteen-First one for me!

It seems I've joined in on so many of the other weekly memes and tags, why not this one? :)13 things I look forward to this summer:

1. My parents coming to visit in July!

2. My parents meeting our new baby, Brennan.

3. Having my boys' pictures done together for the first time.

4. My husband's birthday on July 3rd.

5. Our first Mudhens game on the 4th.

6. Brother-in-law's wedding

7. Watching my 3 year old little man in the wedding as ring-bearer

8. My friend's baby shower!

9. Going on my brother's boat in Michigan

10. Losing more weight

11. Going on a date with my hubby! (our last date was months ago!)

12. Our nephew is due in August!

13. The possibility of my sister and her family visiting in August!

*thanks to Nancy B for the graphic!

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Join in, too! Let me know if you do. :)