Politics in the word Volunteer?

I'm one of those people that crave and need a busy life. I get bored and annoyed easily and I'm always looking for the next best thing. I really enjoy getting involved in my community, you meet people, not so great people, have fun and overall have the reward of knowing you have given your time and effort into something that is for a good cause. 

I'm not sure if volunteering your time comes with a child or what. I wasn't really interested in volunteer work until I had my daughter. Oh Mack I love you! Volunteer work is fun and 

I'm really getting into it. Until last night... 

I guess I never realized that there can be politics in the volunteer world. I mean shit, I'm tired of politics and the way things are run in my own state (bless California) and this country. The last thing I want to do is attend a volunteers meeting and feel like the independent party that doesn't have a chance in hell getting elected, listened too or feel valid.

The reason I volunteer for a certain organization and foundation is for the kids in our community. I help raise money and donate my time for programs for the kids. It's a great place for the kids to go and play, make friends and be creative. With recent budget cuts across the country and mainly our state, local grants are coming far and few. 

I'm not sure if it's because of where I live, but there are some mom's out there that think there shit don't stink and they are a A class mom because there kid goes to private school and I spend most of my time spending my husbands money, playing with my phone, talking shit and what they have and what they wear. I mean com'on. We are hear to raise money and give our time for each other's children. It's for the kids remember.

Last Week was the annual fundraiser for the local kids spot in our town. It's a museum type place for the kids to go play and do arts. When you have 10-15 feet of snow in your yard or get total for the winter, this place rocks to take your kid to for a couple of hours. 

Therefore, we have to be on our fundraising A games to keep this placed alive and be able to make changes and grow.

I'm just a little disappointed with some of the people on the board and committee and even some other volunteers that have lost sight of why we are actually there. It's for the kids. Not who is cool and who does what. 

Volunteers are selfless and overall good people, don't let the bullies and people that think they are better than you ruin it for you. 

What are your experiences with volunteering? Do share any frustrations? 

Wordless Wednesday- Pineapple Express

Mack loves the rain. What kid wouldn't want to splash in puddles and be soaking wet. Throw an umbrella in the mix and watch the entertainment at your own risk. We started with rain tomorrow and now currently snowing.

Happy Wednesday!

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Lady Gaga and Toddlers

My daughter Mack loves to dance and loves music. I'm not the type of mom to sing, patty cake, patty cake, twinkle twinkle. I'm just not I'm not afraid to admit it. Every morning Mack and I pick a song, mostly she picks, and we jam on the way to school. We have a 9 minute commute to her preschool so we can usually fit 2 songs. 

My daughter loves Lady Gaga. I mean who wouldn't. I love her too. 

Mack's new favorite song is bad romance. She actually sings the words. I give my kid credit, she has taste. If my daughter wanted to sing "Old McDonald" on the way to school. I would sing my lungs out with her to it, but she'd rather me bump "Alejandro" by Lady Gaga.

You should see her shake her booty to "I gotta a feeling" by Black Eyed Peas. It's priceless.

The best part of my day is our Jam sesh in the car, even if it's to Lady Gaga Bad Romance.

The Word "Remission"

I've heard this word before 8 years ago. After the experience and other words no one wants to hear. "Cancer". That word double sucks.

My mom was diagnosed with cancer's 8 years ago. She had a brain tumor. See post here: The Cancer Fight.

Anyway, my mom was told she had cervical cancer and a tumor in her uterus last year. I remember thing what the hell.. again? My mom stood strong and fought hard. Chemo and radiation for several weeks. It's almost be an entire year since her treatment was complete.

Earlier this week she went to the doctor for a check up visit. The doctor is was unable to locate any cancer cells and told my mom that she is officially in remission.

To hear those words again is a relief. However, it's also nerve racking because you just don't know what will happen.

For now "Remission" is a good word and Cancer Sucks!

Mack's first dance class

Mack's New Ballet Outfit for class

Mack is in the dark pink shirt and black pants. 

Last week was Macks's first dance class. It was a ballet and tap mixed class. She loved ot and instantly made some new friends. We will be returning to class again this week. It was a great deal. $60 bucks for 4 classes a month. She loved the tap shoes and the tap dancing the most.

The studio I took her too was awesome. They were willing for her to try a class to see if she even liked it. The teacher was impressed with Mack's listening skills and paying attention to directions. This week we will be going again with mack's new ballet outfit.

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Mountain Mum's Letter's

Dear Ian, thanks for being able to take care of Mackenna when I'm not at home. Whether it's working late at work, hanging out with a friend, or time for me to get out. I swear I don't snore, and I'm sure you beg the differ, last night your snores were louder than ever. Dear Mother-in-Law, thanks for taking me to sushi and the laugh about (shlong waxing). Dear Mackenna, you have been such a good girl this week and continue to be the best loving child anyone can ask for. You had your first dance class this last saturday and you looked to cute in your tap and ballet shoes. You melted my heart when you giggled and made new dance friends. I can't wait until your next class this Saturday. Dear Mom, Mack really enjoyed coming to meet you at school. No matter what you are there for us and me especially when I need someone to talk to. You don't judge and you always give me advice. Even though it may be something I don't agree with you still know how to be neutral person and guide me to being a better adult.  Dear Ian, Since you will now get two letter's since I always have so much to say too you.  I had so much fun with you and Mack on Sunday when we went to go and see Rango. It was fun to get out as a family and I enjoy are time together as a family.

* Remember to visit Amanda at Forever Endeavor and also check out the creator of the the letter's, Today's Letter's  * 

McFatty Monday - Week #1

Successful week thus far. Sorry for the late in the day post. Never did get around to writing this post up on Sunday. Starting over and the first week is the hardest. You have to challenge yourself to stick with something and it can be hard when life just get's the way. 


I read this post by heir to blair blog. She has the best blog and I enjoy reading it. Again, I give her credit, because she is the creator of McFatty Monday. Anywho, she wrote a post about "it clicked" she said in her post when did it click for you. It really clicked for me when I have a whole closet of clothes that I miss and remember feeling good in. Also, reading Tiffany's progress on mom-nom.com. She has lost over 35 pounds in 10 weeks. Like wow! She is looking great.


So "It clicked" for me when I see people I know doing well with weightloss and health and even in my blogging friends. I love the fact that she has shared her challenges and her success along the way. She has been real about her fears and all of the goals that she has reached.


This last week was a challenge. Who doesn't love food and food in general. I do. I stuck to my plan and thank good for @Isagenix in showing me that I can be healthy again and in a natural way. 


Weight to Loose: 60 lbs


Weight left: 55 pounds


This week: Lost 5 pounds OMGeeee! 
Goals:
10 Pounds by March 10th, 2011
20 pounds: (March 25th, 2011) Reward: Hair cut and color
30 Pounds (New outfit for summer)
Ok, I really need your help and support this week to help myself overcome the red bull and coffee while I'm working like a bee this week. Please link up with me if you would like to journey with me. 




* Isagenix is a cleanse program targeted to regain natural energy and natural weight loss. The opinions of the product and the results are my own . If you are interested in using the products, please visit. Isagenix.com *

Ready for the Weekend

I couldn't be more ready for the weekend. Seriously. It's been another tough week at work and just life. 

I'm super excited, tomorrow will be Mack's first dance class. So we shall see how that goes and if she likes it. Luckily the studio lets them do a free intro class. She loves music, to sing and dance, so I don't see why she wouldn't like it. 

Photo Credit 

I have a hefty list of things that I want to get done this weekend. Don't we all. Although spring doesn't come to the land of Lake Tahoe, CA until at least the middle or end of April. I have an itch to spring clean, organize and declutter the house. 

Have a great weekend all! 

Time to pull the Goalie

I'm getting an itch for baby number two. More so to get it rolling and be done with it. No sense in dragging it out. I was looking at the old finances yesterday and well... yikes! 

However, there is some good news. My car is paid off next November... OMGeee! Which free's up around $420 bucks a month. There is a good chunk of change. Then I was browsing over the finances to see what we can cut and what else we can lower in order to put another child in day care. ($1000 bucks a month is murder). 

I did some calculations and well, we need to pay off all credit cards but two. Well that shouldn't be too hard right. I picked the best two we have for rewards, interest rates, cash advances, and over limit. We can totally manage to live off of two credit cards. I think. 

The Goal: Pay off all credit cards, but two by the end of November. Then, I say it will be time to "pull the goalie." I have an IUD and it's been a great goalie of defending the goal for the last 2 1/2 years. 

I figured then when the credit cards (but, 2) and my car is paid off we will have freed up enough money to live comfortably and have two kids in day care. Sweet, yes, success! 

It sounds so easy, but paying off anything can be challenge. The geek in me, it was time to make an excel spreadsheet and craft up some formulas. 

I did some screen shots of the budget. These are my real numbers for credit card balances and minimum payments. I don't want to lie and I want it to be as real as it can be.


We have some serious things to accomplish. We have $320 bucks a month extra to put towards credit card debt. I have crafted this spreadsheet to plan each month, which credit card will get the bulk of the extra payment a month and start to watch this numbers disappear. The number's in RED that's what we owe on the card. The line below that is the minimum payment to that card and the next column is the extra payment amount.

Sticking to a budget and goal is hard. Life throws you curve balls and thing happen. The important thing is not to give up but start over the next month and keep to the goals you have set yourself.

My goal is get rid the debt and get pregnant again. What's you debt goals? How will you achieve them? How did you conquer debt. Please tell me!

Wordless Wednesday

The best view one can have for a 9 minute commute.

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Today's Letter Inspired - First Post

I've alway's wanted to write a letter and try it. I found this idea from my fellow blogger, The Forever Endeavor (her blog is awesome and she is awesome, so join the awesomeness and visit her). She in turn got the idea from letter's Today's Letter's. They have a cute blog and they write letter's to each other. Such a good idea. 

Today's Letter's: Dear Ian: I don't tell you all the time but I appreciate you and all you do for Mack and I. I'm so happy and excited for you that you passed yet another exam for work and another raise is added to your salary. I watched you boost your confidence since you have started this new job almost 3 years ago and your constantly raising the bar for yourself. Mackenna: you scared the crap out of me this weekend when you touched the wood burning stove and burned your hand. You cried and screamed and you have blisters to prove it. You are a strong kid. I slept on the floor of your room to make sure you were sleeping ok and tell you, "your ok", when you would stir and wake up in the middle of the night. Dear mother nature: thanks for the 4 feet of fresh snow you have graced us with. Maybe now L.A won't be in a drought and the lake's and river's will be full for summer. Dear Mack's Preschool Teacher's: you have always treated my daughter as your own. The love and care you show to her everyday is the best feeling in the world to a parent. She has learned more than you know and continues to grow and learn with you. 

P.S. Who would you write a letter too? What would you say? 

Mack Monthly Update

Mack at the KidZone. 

Mack is now 2 Year's old and 2 month's old. She is growing up to be a well behaved and well mannered child. It's hard to think at times that you are the one that has created this person. She still surprises me everyday and is smarter than I ever imagined.

Weight: 36 pounds (Still the same weight)

Height: 3 feet tall. 

New Words: Wake up, Cya Later, more please, I love you (way more clear), Remembering her friends name's from school. Counts 1-10 and almost to 20. 

Eating Habits: Really into her favorites again. Being stubborn about new food items. 

Favorite Movies: A Goofy Movie, Bugs life, and Walle

Activities: Everything is "what's that!" She wants to know what everything is and will repeat what you tell her. She is picking things up so quickly. 

Potty Training Status: She went all by herself the other weekend. She just didn't get her undies down, but she went potty by herself. Progress.  

Sleeping: She is a sleepy kid. She still takes 2-3 hour naps a day and sleeps through the night from 8pm to 5:30am - 6:00am. 

Building with Friends

She built this all by herself.

McFatty Monday - Do Over

Repeat of Week #3....

Usually life is busy like all the time. Especially when you have a toddler that goes 100 miles a minute, writes on walls (yes, a new thing), and tests you every minute. Life shouldn't get in the way of my health goals, it should all encompass itself. Anyway, last week was a train wreck and I failed miserably. 

Work... I work a job that requires lot's of overtime. I'm not complaining, but 12 hours a day in front of a computer processing and analyzing data can be rough for more than a week. Last week we had a big volume push where we all had to buckle down and contribute some significant overtime hours. I'm not complaining, because money is money right. I love my job and I'm glad I have one. 

From a health stand point, those weeks and overtime hours are hard. I mean hard. I cracked and crumbled. I was drinking endless cups of coffee... and the devil itself and my weakest encounter.. the can of Red Bull. We don't need to go into details on how much red bull I drank last week. Ok, if you must know.... around like 8 or 9 cans last week. I'm not talking the small can's either. Some days they were 16 ounces and other's 12 ounces.  

And guess what I felt like shit. I had the shakes, stomach aches, and flat out just tired and couldn't even function or talk. There are several alternatives to fuel my body, but hey red bull on the way to work seem so much more easier. and it was. 

We have more overtime this week, and I can't do that again. 

I minor hicup in my success.. but I'm moving forward and starting over. New goals. 

Weight to Loose: 60 pounds

Weight left: 59 pounds

* I actually lost a pound.. meh! *

Goals:

10 Pounds by March 10th, 2011

20 pounds: (March 25th, 2011) Reward: Hair cut and color

30 Pounds (New outfit for summer)

Ok, I really need your help and support this week to help myself overcome the red bull and coffee while I'm working like a bee this week. Please link up with me if you would like to journey with me. 

* Isagenix is a cleanse program targeted to regain natural energy and natural weight loss. The opinions of the product and the results are my own . If you are interested in using the products, please visit. Isagenix.com * 

Wordless Wednesday

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No was replaced with ok, ok!

Mack learned the word "No" and fully understood it's meaning. I was told no before I said anything. I finally said one day, that we don't say "no" to people. Then, I was the bad person. I put her in time out every time she said the word "No"

I think it might have worked. Now, when I ask her do something or tell her not to be doing something. 

She responds.. Ok, Ok! Kinda like she is saying, "ok, sheesh, I get you lady" 

Anyway, Mom-1 Mack-0 on this one. 

McFatty Monday - Fail

Why did I skip week #3. Shit! ok, here is the deal. Due to illnesses, overtime at the office and just life.. heck I fell off the wagon. I failed. CRAP!

Anyway, I'm here to say that I'm starting over this week on a fresh start. Life got in the way. Excuses right! Blah Blah! I'm getting back on the cleanse this week. I have still be going to the gym on and off. Due to overtime needs to work I've been only taking half hour lunches. Poop. Anyway, This is too a fresh start. I already forgot I failed. 

Cheers to starting over. Plus, this gives my followers a chance to start with me. 

So Link up. 

Why Do I live here?

Lake Tahoe, Donner party, Snow, Wind, White out, power outages. Anyone, ever wonder why the Donner Party died? I live 10 minutes from Donner Summit and 2 miles from where they believe the Donner Party camped. 

When we get snow storms of 4-7 feet of snow fall and winds gusting over 100 MPH, you think, no wonder those people died and considered eating themselves. I mean with a proper shelter and a place to keep you warm, no wonder those people died. I mean look at just my drive home.

This is the Freeway on Donner Summit

As I was driving in white out conditions last night and unable to get home in a timely manner due to car pile ups, freeway being closed and just stupid asses on the road. My Friend called me. She asked why do I like living up here. 

Hmmm.. I actually enjoy driving in the snow. I don't mind shoveling and I love to enjoy the snow and do winter activities such as snowmobiling and snowboarding. The fact we get 4 feet of snow in 2 days doesn't stop me from going to work, have to be there and not be late, and going to the store, or appointments or taking mack to preschool. It's life up here and there is no difference to me between 4 or 7 feet of snow. Life still goes on up here. 

Here are a couple of photos from the drive home. Ya, I used my camera on my phone while driving... shhh don't tell anyone. 

White out! Driving conditions

Snow finally returns to Lake Tahoe, CA

It's been a solid 2 months of 40-50 degree weather and sun. Just before christmas we had around 5 feet of snow  at our house. Due to the warm weather and lack of snow from the snow gods for 2 freaking months. We no longer had any snow in our front yard until last night.

Lake Tahoe, CA was showered upon by the snow gods of 2-3 feet of fresh POW! It's about farking time. This morning I woke up at around 6am and left the house at 7amish. I got to work 5 minutes late and I live freaking 9 minutes away. It was slow going and lot's of plow trucks and such on the road. Not to mention the people that cannot drive in the snow. I hate to say it, but out-of-towners (flatlander's we like to call you). If you cannot drive in the snow stay home and off the roads... please!

Now we have snow in the forecast for the next 8 days. Awesome. I'm skipping the gym today since I have so much snow at home to shovel. I'm thinking that will be a better work out then going to the gym today on my lunch. 

View from my office at work

V-Day Baking Goodness

As promised here are the cookies and cupcakes that I made for Mack's preschool V-Day party. Sugar cookie hearts and cupcakes. I slaved in the kitchen for 4 hours straight with leg cramps and unable to enjoy any of them. It was a hard task. 

Mack's Valentines

I ventured back to Valentine's Day for me in elementary. I was making up these little valentine's for Mack's preschool party. They were a lot of fun. Stay tuned for cookies, cup cakes, and home made chicken enchiladas. 

What did you make for your kid's valentine's day party?

V-Day Love

Thanks for accepting me for who I am,

Loving me no matter what,

and sharing your life with mine.

I love you! 

Let me be real with you

I read this post by Jamie @ Walkin' in high cotton. She was wrote on her blog "is being postitive just really being fake?" This has got me thinking. There are some negative things that happen in my life that I choose not share on the ol blog. Why? What I'm a afraid of. Being judged. When I know for sure that everyone else has their issues and problems as much as I do. That's right. We all do. 

I'm going to be real with you.

I'm 24 years old. 

I'm a mother to a 2 1/2 year old.

I'm lazy just like any other person. 

I'm a sleeper, and the hubs has to get up every night, to check on Mack or tuck her in. 

I work 50-60 hour weeks at a desk in a office. 

I'm stubborn and hate being wrong. Like "hate it"!

in that case, I'm alway's right

I'm a energy drink junky

I have such a great job, that my college degree is on hold.

My family is near from perfect. 

I have a pile of project's that I want to get done and I haven't

I leave dishes in the sink dirty

I struggle with anxiety

I'm a procrastinator

I can be a bitch, so says the hubs

I worry about our debt and financial decisions. 

I have to have the newest and latest, just ask the hubs

I'm hard to love I'm sure

I'm independent

I volunteer my time in the community a lot

I over commit to things

I hardly ever cry

I can listen to songs over and over and not get bored of them

I'm no where near being perfect

I buy things for Mack before I buy anything for myself

Now you know some truth behind the blogger that writes here. 

Wordless Thursday - Cousins Meet for first time

Mack and Jade play in the snow

Meet for the first time, and become great playmates

and share their first Christmas together. 

The next step - Fitness

"Don't bunt. Aim out of the ballpark."

- David Ogilvy

After completing 2 weeks of the cleanse. It's time to get that exercise in. Back to the gym I go. I'm excited that I can get back to the gym. When you start any kind of system, diet, cleanse, calorie counting it's easier to get your self on track with it first, stick to it and then add in the exercise. Then you are less likely to fail if you do it all at once. I was going to the gym daily before the cleanse, but stopped to get my body used to the new cleanse, supplements and overall life change. 

Today, it's time to head back to the gym. 

Goal: Gym 5 times a week 45 minutes minimum. (on my lunch)

         Yoga - once a week

Be sure to follow me on McFatty Monday's on my journey and feel free to join me if you are interested. Motivation and motivating each other is another key to success. I need all of your support and I'm willing to give you the support back. 

Link up with me. 

No matter the distance, family is still family

Mack in the snow

"Separation exists only in human mind." - Rinon Hoxha

Me and my Aunty from New Zealand at my house

Not Mom-of-the-Year

Photo Credit

I've been a working mom since my little Mack was born. It's been over 2 1/2 years of this working mom thing. I constantly fail. I'm not the best at it. I try to make it work the best I can. 

Story time.... Last night I tried entertaining Mack next to me on a stool while working and cooking her dinner. I was working away, stirring the pot of boiling Mack N Cheese and Boom! Mack fell off the stool and smacked her head on the corner of the couch and hit her elbow. She didn't cry.... she screamed. I quickly scooped her, cuddled and tried to comfort and calm her down. 

Ian comes out of the room, "What happened?" 

Me: " She fell of the stool, I need you to take her for a minute so I can finish her dinner."

By then I was irritated, here I am trying to work, cook dinner and entertain her. She ends up getting hurt and I have to ask for Ian to look after her for a minute.

Work: Yes, I work 24/7 and that's the way it is. 

I spend most evening's hanging out with my child on the couch or in my bed with a laptop on my lap. 

I'm not the Mom-of-the-Year or the Working-Mom-of-the-Year. I try my best and sometimes I fail. 

No matter what age you are, Nike's are cool

I finally got the photos from when my family was here from New Zealand for christmas. I have to share just one photo for now. My favorite one... Me and my cousin Jade posing in our Nike's.

Isagenix Week #2

Week #2 on Isagenix went a little something like this:

The days and weeks are getting easier and the cravings for coffee, soda and such have pretty much subsided. Yesterday as we all know was super bowl. I did indulge in two beers and the were delish. I think from cleansing I had a buzz on after two. I also, had a glass of red wine, tri tip, few scoops of dip and that's about it for my cheat day. Pretty happy about yesterday considering all of the temptations. 

So, this week, valentine's day. Since I cheated on Super Bowl, there will be no cheating on Valentine's day. This week I'm going to focus on my lean and green meals for the week and no condiments adding to my dinner's. Also, I'm feeling more energetic and needing less and less sleep at night. 

For Example: I pushed my alarm out to 7:00am instead of 6:00am. I wanted to lay in bed with Mackenna longer, so I just layed and relaxed rather than jumping up, but I could have just jumped out at 6:00am. 

So drum roll please.... 

Weigh in this morning:  - 3 pounds

Weight left too lose: 49.7

1st goal: 10lbs (Reached February 7, 2011) 

2nd goal: 15lbs (Reward to myself: hair cut and new jeans)

3rd goal:  20lbs

4th goal: 30lbs 

Daily Goals:

Gym - once a day 45 minutes minimum 

Water - 8-9 glasses a day. Even if I have to force it. (It's been half and half the last 2 days with chest congestion)

No to: Coffee, soda (includes diet coke), juice. Just water for a week. Phew. I need a miracle. (I cup of coffee this weekend, eeks)

If you are interested in Isagenix please contact me at kristina.j.ruth@gmail.com or check out www.isagenix.com

** I'm a consultant for the Isagenix products and do make money off sales from Isagenix products.  However, the opinions and information from these products are my own. I only give my opinions and information based off my own experiences of the product. I share my story and my cleanse and weight loss journey for the soul purposes of McFatty Monday's and not only for the sole purpose of sales.  If you are interested in learning more about the products, please contact me. ** 

Why can't men just look themselves

I just walk in the door and I'm going through mail, looking at the disaster of a mess Ian and Mackenna have mustered themselves to create in the the hour they have been together before I get home and questions start flying... 

Ian: "Have you seen the T.V. Remote?"

Me: I instantly say "No!" , "I just got home!"

Ian: "You had it last this morning I'm sure."

Me: "It's not my fault you are a man and don't know how to Farking look for anything on your own." 

** He looks around **

I pause for a minute and then get irritated....

Me: "It's on the freaking table in front the TV, it's good thing you were looking hard, I hope you didn't break a sweat."

This happens all the time in our house. I think someone seriously screwed up when creating man and their inability to find or search for things. I mean us woman we find everything not because we are freaks of nature and we know everything, we actually look. Maybe if men tried this they could find their own shit. I mean why do I always have to find your crap for you all the time. Now, he just asks me without looking because he knows that I will find it. Which is awesome for me.. not! 

What would men do without us? I mean seriously.

Out with the Old in with the New

Finally, after 5 years together we finally got a new couch. I guess I've always thought of other things to spend money on rather then getting a new couch. Like TV, Cars, Ipods, whatever I can get my little hands on. Luckily, Ian's parents gave us some cash flow for a couch for Christmas. Sweet! Guess how much we scored our new sectional for..... $500 bucks! Woot. What a score. 

The old UN matching ugliness. 

The old unmatching couches. 

Ian trying to figure out how to finish it.

Tada! Here is the new addition to the Wright Family

Love, Love it. Love the color.

and... one more view.

I'm so happy to have a new couch and a sectional with a chaise lounge. Now Ian and I have a new argument every night. Who get's to sit on the chaise lounge end. God help us.