Pokeno Night

It's the last Pokeno Game of the year and I am feeling lucky. Last month I was a big winner and know my streak will continue tonight. For those of you who haven't played before, Pokeno is like Bingo but with bigger cards and instead of numbered balls you use a deck of cards. Everyone puts in $5 in the pot and brings a gift that costs no more than $10. The winner of each round picks a gift, which can be stolen up to three times, which can make for some interesting moments. There is also a hostess round and the final money round where you have to fill your entire card to win.

I am feeling pressure tonight because my last two gifts have been widely sought after. I am not completely pleased with my gift. I wanted to put it together gift basket style but the cute "basket" I had just wouldn't accomodate the stuff. So I just wrappped it all and stuck in a gift bag. Here 's what I came up with.

2 wine glasses (Noel is written on the stems), 2 dish towels, a pack of beverage napkins and a bottle of $2 chuck. (always popular with the group, not sure what that says about us). I think I paid something like 25cents a piece for the glasses and maybe $3 for the set of towels. (love after Christmas sales). They've been sitting in my gift closet for a long time, waiting for just the right occassion.

Could that towel be any cuter? I am having second thoughts of letting go it it.I know these ladies, they are going to want this towel, the other stuff will just be a bonus.

Here it is, all disguised. Nobody will guess there's "Christmas" stuff in there. Gotta run, I hardly look ready to socialize. I need some quick touching up....

Award

Wasn't it just yesterday that I was talking about my slump at work? Why yes it was. Well I came in to work this morning to find that I have been awarded a Southern Excellence Award by one of the groups I support. I am completely surprised and honored. Since this a monetary award I am also very thankful.

Perhaps this is God's way of telling me to stop worrying about where my career should go because I am right where he wants me to be for now.

Getting a jump on things.

I love the end of the year. I get so excited about the beginning of a new year and all the possibilities. I am amazed at how much things can change in a year's time. That's not to say that all my years are full of excitement and life changing events. Some are rather forgetable but there are others that are nothing short of amazing. Normally this excitement hits in December but this year it's hit early. Tomorrow is my birthday, the start of a new year, so it's had me thinking "what do I want to accomplish in the year 42 to 43"? I will admit I have been "stuck" recently. While I love my company, I am overwhelming bored most days at work. Knowing I've done "more" in past positions at past companies, I feel that I am not living up to my potential, that my talents are not being used, and more importantly I am operating from a comfort zone and not learning anything new. My fitness goals have lagged, gaining and losing the same 3-4 pounds, the house always seems a mess. I could go on but I am sure you get the picture. Dang, I am bringing myself down. Haha.

Any how, I am treating myself to a few days off from work starting tomorrow afternoon. My plan is to take a look at the next year and decide where to I want to be on my birthday in 2009 and develop a plan. I plan to get organized at home and come back to work refreshed and re-focused.

Because I truly believe that everything happens for a reason, I stumbled across this website this morning.http://zenhabits.net/ There's some really good articles on motivation and lots of other great posts I can't wait to read that could help move out of my many slumps and on to one of those life changing years...

Birthday Count Down

Normally I start the birthday count down a month in advance. I remind Mister and Lolly on a daily basis from Oct 13 to Nov 12 that my birthday is Nov 13, almost borderline obnoxious. I usually spend that month buying myself my best birthday presents. However, this year I haven't had the same excitement. Has nothing to do with age, that really doesn't tend to bother me but I am not sure why the lack luster this year. While the level of excitement is not there ,the shopping tradition remains the same. This may be my nextbirthday purchase.

Pink is my signature color

You have to love that quote and this t-shirt that Mrs. Southern has designed for a good cause.

They are available on here http://www.cafepress.com/WalkOnPP.

Visit her blog and leave a comment for a chance to win one for free! http://southernstuf.blogspot.com/

Preppy Christmas Decorations Swap

Here are the specifics:
*Sign up by leaving ClemsonGirl a comment with your blog address. If you want to swap and don't have a blog, leave her your email and she'll match you up, too! Deadline to sign up will be this Sunday night, November 9.
* Copy this photo and add it to your blog as a linky back to her.
* She'll assign partners Monday the 10th.
* Budget is $20-25, not including shipping, but feel free to bargain shop all you want.
* Mail your package by November 22, the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
* The contents of your package are up to you...just make them Christmas decorations that are preppy and fun! You might want to exchange emails with your partner to get an idea of her style. You can include anything; ornaments, paper, kitchenware, wreaths, decorations, stockings, garland, containers, treats...you name it.

Thanks Clemson Girl, this is going to be fun!

Comic Relief

This just in...

Thought you might like to see an advance version of the Obama bumper sticker, due to released Wednesday November 5th

Election Results

I can't say that I was surprised but I do feel an overwhelming sadness today. I hope that more good than damage can be done in the next 4 years. When it comes to politics and the political process isn't that all we can hope for? A process that has tried it's best to remove itself from the foundation from which it was formed, God.

Heart Walk

This morning I participated in the Heart Walk, a 5K that started and ended at Turner Field. I actually ran it instead of walking it. Why walk when you can run, Huh?
The weather was perfect. I got some exercise, raised money for a great cause, and got a cute shirt. Not a bad way to start the weekend.

Happy Halloween

No matter what your affiliation is, you have to admit this is pretty funny (thanks PLD)

Before and After

Have a safe and Happy Halloween

Nothing left to do but wait and see

I got to the polls this morning at 8:27, doors opened at 8:30 and I was done and in the car by 9:36. Much better than I expected. There's been news of people waiting 8+ hours to vote in the Atlanta area. Crazy! We may finally have more people voting in the presidental election than vote for American Idol. We are making progress. But with the media cirus will there really be any winners when it's all over and done?

Happy Birthday to Monogrammed Teacher

Make sure to stop by and wish one of my favorite bloggers a Happy Birthday to day!

The Aftermath of Fright Fest

The only picture taken at Lolly's Fright Fest Sleepover. There was however an elaborate video made with costumes and all that may end up on youtube. Now that's frightening!

I am a Winner!

I woke up this morning to find out that I won Brock and Ava's http://www.brockandava.blogspot.com/ first blog giveaway. What a nice surprise. Much nicer than the other surprise I got this morning...waking up to realize that I fell back asleep after the alarm went off and missed my morning workout.

All in all I'd say I am a lucky girl. I can't wait to get my package in the mail. Thanks Brock and Ava and thanks Monogrammed Teacher for telling me about Brock and Ava and the giveaway.

Fright Fest

Tonight is Lolly's Fright Fest Sleepover and yes I am wondering "What was I thinking?" Who knew 4 tweens could be so loud??!! And they haven't even started to watch the scary movies. I need some aspirins!!!

Note to self: Next year ~NO.

Vera Bradley Giveaway!!

Check out Brock and Ava http://www.brockandava.blogspot.com, too cute, and while you are there leave a comment for your chance to win these
Who wouldn't love Vera Bradley in Pink and Green?

The Palm Gifts Giveaway

Awhile back I posted about the cute pens I ordered from The Plam Gifts http://www.thepalmgifts.com/mgifts.com/. Love it, use it everyday. I also purchased some adorable pink and green notecards but can't show those yet, they're gifts...

Well they are giving away one of these a cute Christmas apron.
How cute would we be baking Christmas cookies in one of those?

Hurry, email them (info@thepalmgifts.com) your favorite Monogrammed Christmas Gift from their Monogrammed Christmas Category and they'll enter you into their contest! Put Apron Giveaway! in the subject line. Don't forget to tell them you learned about the Giveaway from The House of Fowler. If your entry is picked, they'll GIVE AWAY 2 APRONS! One for you and one for me!

My favorite Monogrammed Christmas gift from the Christmas Category is

Remember:

• email them info@thepalmgifts.com
• Put APRON GIVEAWAY in the subject line
• Tell them your favorite monogrammed gift from the Christmas Category http://www.thepalmgifts.com/browse.php?catid=8&type=1 and tell them why you love it.
• Tell them The House of Fowler sent ya!
  
  Contest ends Friday!
  

You Make Your Momma Proud

Tales from the 7th grade.

Lolly: Tyler seems a little rude this year.
Mean Girl: He's not rude, he talks to people. Popular people, people who are friends with popular people. People whose name is known. Nobody knows your name MC.
Lolly: Being popular in 7th grade isn't going to get me a good job later in life.

Final Product

My order from Sweet Baby Creations http://www.sweetbabycreations.com/ came in yesterday's mail. They are too cute! Too cute! In all I think I ordered nine but it's only safe to show mine, Lollys', and my sisters' who I am quite sure has never heard the term blog, because the rest are gifts.
They came so cutely wrapped I haven't been able to bear taking my out of the wrapper. For $9 you just can't beat them or the customer service that Misty provided. She actually called me to suggest a better looking font for a particluar name. I can't wait to place another order. I am working on little "gift buckets" for my co-workers and these will make the perfect center piece for them.

Eye Candy

No not that kind of eye candy. While shopping at Walmart last night I found these...

The collection is called Eye Candy by Jackie Savage McFee http://www.jackiemcfee.com/. I am not too proud to admit that I am a paper, school supply, office supply junkie. My love for school supplies goes way back to 1st grade. Love, love, love cute papers, pens, pencils, folders. I want them all. Last night I indulged in a couple Ideal Books, Note Totes, and a Mouse Pad.

Facebook Daily Tarot (translation: can you tell I am bored?)

The Star represents hope and optimism and the arrival of unexpected help. Now is the time to strive for goals that at one time seemed unattainable. Nothing is out of your reach now, so do not hold back. While the Star does not predict any immediate change, it does represent the limitless possibilities that life has to offer.

Unexpected help - what kind of help? Maid service? Strive for goals that at one time seemed unattainable - could it be I will finally lose that extra 10-15lbs? Limitless possibilities - crap if I only knew what I wanted to be when I grew up...Too many ifs, whats, what have yous...Could it be that in the midst of severe work boredom (company read I am just happy to have a job, stimulation is overrated), something meaningful could present itself....I am not suppose to find the answers, right? Someone's going to drop them in my lap, right, right??

Weekend In Review

Lolly attended her first middle school homecoming dance on Saturday. She went completely confident and ready to have a good time with a group of friends. No care in world what anyone else was weraing or doing. I question if she's mine...

Along the middle school lines we started the planning and preparations for Lolly's Fabulous Fright Fest Sleepover taking place in 2 weeks. I am sure I may live to regret this...

We cheered on the Falcons. When I thought all was lost, Lolly said the games not over yet and sure enough with something like 7 seconds left we rallied and won the game.

We rounded out the weekend with a little cookie baking where I was told, this isn't fun anymore. Why I asked. Because you've become the baking nazi I was told. Is it so wrong to want them to look good? Now there's nothing left to do but get ready for the upcoming week and oh yeah a ton of laundry...

Daily Tarot

I pulled this from my facebook daily tarot. I don't know that I believe the Tarot as much as I find it fascinating. But twice this week The High Priestess has been my card, today and Tuesday.

Thursday, October 9 The High Priestess

The High Priestess is the mysterious one and counterpart to the Magician. She symbolizes all that we are unable to perceive or comprehend, as she travels in dimensions that we can only imagine exist. She is able to uncover the infinite potential that exists within all humans. Her patience is perhaps her greatest virtue

I am not sure what this means. Maybe something will be revealed to me since she can preceive things we can't, maybe I will actually start to use some of my untapped potential, certainly know it's talking about my level of patience...

More shopping

I follow the Gifting Gumshoe http://www.thegiftgumshoe.blogspot.com%20and/and the other day she featured these cute key fobs from Sweet Baby Creations http://www.sweetbabycreations.com/ on her blog. They are adorable! I ordered a bunch for Christmas and Birthday gifts. I can't wait till they arrive!

Soon I am going to need to step away from the computer to ensure I quit shopping!

~ Annie

Time of the Season

I love this time of the year. It starts the offical Fall decorating season. 1st Halloween, then Thanksgiving, followed by Christmas. The house always feels so homey this time of the year. The decorating has begun ...

Oh and another thing I love about this time of year...

my incentive for packing Lolly's lunch box for tomorrow ~ something I usually put off so long I start to dread it....

You've Got Mail

Being the planner that I am, I recently started my Christmas shopping. Sounds good in theory but in reality it usually means one for you, one for me, and one for Lolly. Such was the case with these cute monogrammed pens from The Palm Gifts.

My pictures don't do them justice. They came cutely wrapped. Head over to http://www.thepalmgifts.com/, They have all kinds of monogrammed gifts for everyone on your shopping list.