Mariannes Motifs

Video Games

I used to play a good amount of computer games but in the last years I've really slacked off.  My husband loves to play MMOs, like right now he's been playing Star Wars The Old Republic.  Previous faves have been Dungeons and Dragons online, and Guild Wars.  He doesn't do first person shooter types too much - like Gears of War 3.

My speed is more like playing Bubble Burst on my BlackBerry, or Angry Birds on the PlayBook.  I feel like if I am going to put a whole bunch of time and effort into something I want to get paid for it!  LOL.  Actually I just prefer to mellow out by reading or knitting.

Parenting Pressures

Being a parent is so fraught with pressure.  I want my kids to have the best opportunities to grow their minds and bodies.  But the fact is, with Crohn's eating up my energy, I can't get my kids into every program and activity that I would like.

I want them to take music lessons (need to check out Luna Guitars) , swimming lessons, play in a sport, try martial arts, and learn more about science and nature.  I would like to give them the opportunity to go to Chess Club, robotics club, BoyScouts, and learn horseback riding.

The truth is that just a few of these are going to happen and alot of it is going to depend on what the kids ask the most for. I have to learn to do the best I can and try not to let the pressure get to me.

Sunday Chit Chat

Now that I have checked my tickets and proven to myself that I did not in fact win the Mega Millions, its time to get back to business.   Actually, it's Spring Break and we are doing all sorts of fun things, but you will have to check back in next week to find out more about that.

In the meanwhile I heard everyone was talking about Fifty Shades of Grey (THAT book everyone is talking about, if you know what I mean)  so I had to read it of course.  It's doesn't have a whole lot of literary value but it is sure hot and steamy.

After 4 years of blogging I finally made it to $100 in Google AdSense earnings and they deposited the bucks into my bank account.  That was quite exciting! I just heard about another affiliate network called the sterkly network.  I've tried a few different ways to monetize my blogs - it can be hard to find a niche and affiliate partner that's right for your readers.  I've had the best luck personally with Amazon.

Homemade Moss Terrarium

I've been spending too much time on Lifehacker.com and therefore decided I wanted to make a moss terrarium.  I happen to have a backyard FULL of lovely soft squishy moss so today I went back there and gently pulled up a piece next to a place where a pot had been sitting, so there was already a non-mossy spot anyhow.

I then took a small glass (LockandLock) container and put some organic garden soil in the bottom and the moss on top.  Added some acorns and a piece of birch bark for style and there you go.  I am going to take this to work to keep me company at my desk.

 The owl is from my Grandpa Nathan's owl collection.  Good vibes.

Silliness

Sometimes you just have to get out and get silly.  These are some picutures from last weekend when we went to Smashburger and Super Target. 

Yes, Ben is wearing both a Leprachaun hat and Bunny Ears.  Why not? 

I have life insurance through work, but if you need some you can go here for life insurance quotes.  From what I understand, the best deal is just to get regular term life insurance.  If you are looking for a financial product, get a real one, not one from an insurance company.

Survived the Tornado Storms

Don't worry - we survived the tornado that went pretty much right over our house!  We went to the basement when we saw not only our town but our main street listed on the news under "Take Cover" it's headed to you. 

Pretty anticlimactic as it went right over and all we got was thunderstorms.  Many others were not so lucky.

Whoosh, the time goes by...

With hubby working on Saturdays it seems like the time goes by so fast.  Today we went out to lunch at Smashburger (yum) and then went shopping at Super Target.  We got 2 weeks worth of groceries, or at least most of them.  I am sure we will need to pick up milk and other staples sometime next week but we got a lot of what we needed.

My brother in law got a new job!  He got a job working at a place he worked before.  It's part time to start but hopefully will go full time when they next have an opening.  These days getting a job is harder than ever by the time you go throu  background check services and credit checks!  I think its messed up how they check your credit.  If you got laid off you can't pay your bills and so your credit might suffer.  That's why you need a job - so you can pay your bills!  LOL.  Whatever.