Swimsuit Hunt

I’ve had the same suit for about 3+ years and have been on the hunt for a new swimsuit all summer.  The catch,  I REFUSE to spend upwards of $100 and over!  I’m a big fan of the tankini because it has the versatility of the two piece without having to show everything off like you do in a bikini.  I’ve hunted the sale racks and on occasion have found suitable tops, but then I go to search for a bottom…nothing!  Either nothing matches or it isn’t the right size.

Some day I’ll find my new suit at the right price.

Assertiveness…do you have it?

Is assertiveness something you are born with or is it a skill you aquire throughout your life?  I’m pretty sure it’s something you learn…either way, though, I don’t have it and I really want some.  I’m trying to be more assertive, but sometimes I feel like I’ve painted myself into a corner because of my lack of assertiveness.  I feel like I’m a really outgoing person, so why is this one thing so hard.  Is it because of my dislike for confrontation and conflict that my lack of assertiveness stems from?  Can I get out of the corner once I’ve painted myself into it?!?

I think this is one of my major weaknesses both personally and professionally.  Any thoughts on how I teach myself to be more assertive?

TiffinFest 2009

Who would have thought that a town of just over 1,000 would have it’s own festival, but Tiffin does!  The weekend festivities kicked of tonight with a parade that went right by the Oswald homestead and our friends the Bunten’s joined me with front row seats.  Who wouldn’t want a parade to go right past your house!

After the parade, complete with fire trucks, Shriners, the local dentist, and candy, we headed to the TiffinFest compound.  We took in the bouncy toys, balloon making, corndogs, ribs, lemonade, and live music.  A fun way to spend the evening.

Don’t worry, though, you’ve got all day Saturday to experience TiffinFest for yourselves!

Thanks Bunten’s for a fun evening!

Yay or Nay?

So, I painted my toenails blue…it has been all over InStyle Magazine the last couple of months so I thought I’d give it a try.  What do you think, is it cool or do I look like I’m 13?

PS – thanks to CB for putting me on the beach!

A thought on marriage

Last night I was tuned into Tori & Dean and in stitches as usual until  Dean’s minor motorcycle accident (he was unharmed and walked away).  Tori wigged out, started wagging her finger, and yelled that he couldn’t ride anymore.  I was so mad that Tori would force him to give up the one outlet and passion that he has because it was ‘dangerous’ and she didn’t like the way it made her feel.  He just caved, called his instructor, and sold his bikes.  He was so sad!  PS – He also gave up scuba diving in the previous season because she didn’t like his instructor.

It made me think, though, isn’t that a big no-no of wifedom?!  Why would I force (or want) my husband to give up his hobby?  Or in Josh’s case, hobbies…golf, hunting, trap shooting, NASCAR, etc.  Don’t you have to buck up and compromise at times for the sanity of your spouse (and you!)?!  It just doesn’t seem fair.  Everything in life can be looked at as dangerous; driving to work, making dinner, walking the dog, drinking beers with friends, etc.  As long as I can have my own hobbies and it’s all balanced with some time spent together, I’m glad he’s getting out of the house…sometimes I even push him out the door!

Happy Birthday, Nick!

Wish I could celebrate with you.  Tuesday’s your day so enjoy, I’ll be thinking of you!  Love ya!

Summer Tuna Salad

I love tuna salad, which is weird because I don’t like mayo.  Anyway, I found this really yummy and healthy recipe and just had to share it.  What I love is the fact that there isn’t any mayo, so it’s the perfect picnic dish.

Tuscan-Style Tuna Salad

• 2 6-oz cans chunk light tuna, drained (I like the pkgs best & in water)
• 1 15-oz can cannellini or great northern beans, rinsed
• 10 cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 4 scallions, trimmed and sliced
• 2 TBSP extra-virgin olive oil (I like using good olive oil b/c it tastes best ‘raw’)
• 2 TBSP lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp salt
• fresh pepper to taste

Combine ingredients and stir gently.  Refridgerate until ready to serve.  Makes 4 (1 cup) servings.

Is it really that much extra effort?

Why is it that my neighbor has such a hard time picking up after her dog?  We set a good example by picking up after Miss Zoey.  What gives?!?

As Association Treasurer, do I charge  $10 each week when one of us is mowing the yard and has to step on/walk over/drive over a pile?  Do I pick it up and set it on their doorstep…on fire?  Do I buy them a set of poop bags?

Yesterday I actually caught her in the act of pooping and leaving.  I should have just walked out and handed her a bag!  Really, isn’t that a part of pet ownership?!

Stock in Lobster

No, I don’t mean Maine Lobster (J & B!)…I’m talking dog toys!  One of Zoey’s favorite toys is Mr. Lobster.  I picked up our first Mr. Lobster at Target one afternoon and it’s brought much joy to the entire Oswald house.  Not only is it a great toy for Zoey’s “alone time” play, but it’s pretty entertaining for Josh and me.  I believe we’ve gone through about six or seven Mr. Lobsters over the past year…well worth the investment!

She isn’t gentle with her new lobster.  First she disarms the squeeker, then begins the painful process of un-stuffing Mr. Lobster in order to unearth the squeeker from the lobster body.  Once Mr. Lobster has been un-stuffed, he sticks around for a couple of months and Zoey continues to torture the poor guy.  Mostly tossing him in the air or whipping him from side to side in her mouth.

My mom experienced the joy of a new Mr. Lobster this morning…here’s the aftermath of the first 10 minutes (the stuffing & squeeker have been removed):

Evening of Surprises

Friday was our 4th birthday bash at work, but this year was different.  The evenings activities were a complete surprise to everyone, but the two planners.  Earlier in the week, we each received a bag with pick up time for the evening and other instructions along with goodies we would need that night.  My party bag contained scissors, masking tape, and an envelope that read “Do not open.”  My party van pick up was 4pm and I couldn’t wait!

The evening was filled with great tunes, taco bar, bingo (I won postage stamp!), many adult beverages, scavanger hunt, white elephant gifts, Pictionary, and more!