Bad Ink: Season 1: Episode 5. "The girl with the dragon tattoo"

How many times have you heard the phrase..."Exit Only!". I'm sure you can catch on to that quick enough and save me from having to explain..

I've heard that said many times...but I really don't think it's something you NEED to have tattoo'd...poorly tattoo'd..above your booty crack. *sigh*

This episode really wasn't one of my fav's so far..below is the before and after...

I don't know about you..but I prefer the after photo. :)

Bad Ink; Season 1: Episode 4. "Nobody put's that tattoo in the corner!"

I'm really into this show. I don't know HOW I didn't know about this until the other day. 

I don't think I have ever discussed my tattoo's on my blog.so now is a wonderful time..right? 

Alright..

My first tattoo was done in 2004. I was actually pregnant with my son at the time. I was a little scared because I had NO idea what to expect pain wise. So many people told me it would hurt..so I decided to play it safe and just get three small stars on my lower leg. One larger (about the size of a quarter) star with the letter F in it. F stood for my husband's (at the time) first name, Frank. There were two small stars beside the larger one that were for Keisha and Trey. 

After getting the stars..and finding out for myself that it really didn't hurt at all..I decided to add on to that piece. Initially the goal was to have stars going up my leg. Unfortunately..things didn't go the way I had planned. I have a bunch of stars that are on the top of my foot and up my calf. The problem is that I had asked for a few stars to look like shooting stars. The result was it looking as though I have ink smeared all over my leg. Horrible. At some point...this will be a covered up. 

My second tattoo is on my sternum. It says Evol (love backwards.) Now..that one was a little unpleasant at times. It felt as if someone was drilling into my chest. 

My third tattoo is on my inner arm right above my wrist. This tattoo means so much to me. I EARNED this tattoo. There is SO much meaning behind it. I am a believer that art tells a story...It doesn't matter whether that art is on paper or skin..there is a story. This tattoo tells a story of pain, fear, overcoming, strength, survival, victory. This tattoo is a teall ribbon that stands for Ovarian Cancer Awareness. There's some fancy doodles around it also. 

So now you know MY story..let's see what this episode has for us..

So this episode is a little different. These two men have horrible tattoo's...and they want them even worse! Which is worse? That's what they are competing against. Interesting..

So here's the before pictures of what they already have..followed by the AFTER photo's that should be..even WORSE! 

*Shaking my head....*

Some people. 

The final projects...

Who won the challenge with the worst tattoo?? I guess you'll have to go watch the show. *wink* 

And for the added chuckle...it might be wise to make sure your tattoo artist knows how to spell..so that you don't end up with any ...

wait for it....

Masterchef: Season 1 Episode 1

I decided that I was going to document/keep track of shows I'm watching..beginning from the very first episodes. Although it'll be neat to look back at my reviews/thoughts/opinions..it'll also help me keep track of what I've seen..or where I am at! 

Masterchef is a show that I've watched before..actually..just this last season was the first time I had watched the show. I LOVED it. I am not a good cook..but I do enjoy watching others..and I am a huge fan of Ramsey! 

So...with that said...let's begin and talk about a few of the contestants that stood out for one reason or another! :) 


Chris: Beer Cheese soup.  I am not a beer drinker..so the thought of beer in my food is not something that appeals to me. Gordon's comment was that it had to be the most disgusting soup he's tasted his whole life. I think I will listen to his opinion and....never try it! Ha. :) 

Mike the server: Duck Ssam. He's a fast little bugger. Moves and talks with such speed...Tires me out just watchin' the guy. Haha. I have never had duck..so I'm not sure what it tastes like (or what it is supposed to taste like). What I did like..was that he acted more like he wanted to be there than some of the others. He was visibly nervous and trying hard..which is how ALL contestants should have been. Gordon said that he moved and cooked like a chef. Graham said it was sex in his mouth! haha. I'm interested to see how far this guy goes.

Tracy the Atlanta Doctor: Smothered Chicken with grilled brussel sprouts.  Well..she's a doctor..so she should be able to cook, right? Her story pulled the heart strings...but I got the impression that her food was just..a regular home cooked meal with her momma's recipe that really didn't stand out as much as some others..but they saw something in her and hopefully she proves to them that she has what it takes. 


David M. the software engineer from Boston: New England style Bouillabaisse   . This guy has a big personality...and an attitude that I just can't decide whether I like or not. There's a fine line between being confident and down right cocky...First impression...I think he seems a bit cocky.  As for the food..I have never heard of what he made..but his attitude was enough for me to say no. He's not one that I will be rooting for, unfortunately. 

Avis from LA: Catfish:   She sure loves her southern comfort foods...but are they enough? Do they stand out? I love her personality! Unfortunately..again..I can't give my thoughts on the type of food she cooked because I don't like seafood of any kind. lol. Her presentation was addressed as a concern and I can see why. Her plating looked like she was at home loading her plate up with a big family meal. 


Farmer Randy: Loaded baked potato: Heh..well...The sad reality (in my opinion, of course) is that not only could I have easily made his dish (and I am NO cook..)...but I could probably have done it way better. That's NOT a good thing. The farmer said his dish.. "is what it is"..and he's right. It's a dud..*waves goodbye to Farmer Randy." 

Of course the above contestants are only a couple out of a large amount...but I think it will be interesting to see how this season pans out..and I'm sure I'll provide random opinions throughout each episode. :) 

Bad Ink..Season 1..Episode 3. A hot rod like you've never seen...

"Dearly beloved..we are gathered here today..to say goodbye to Kristen's weaner." 

Looks like she traded in her HOT ROD..for a Hooter! 

Bad Ink: Season 1: Episode 2 .. Monkey Spankin'

"Why don't you come back to my place and spank my monkey?"

No Thanks. 

So..as you can see above..that is the before and after of one of the clients that was shown on the Bad Ink TV show. The individual with the above tattoo's was apparently big on Pick up lines..and that seemed to be what his tattoo was based off of. Cracked me up, of course..but I still can't help but wonder what in the heck people are thinking sometimes. Ha. 

Here are some other teaser pics from this episode! I really do suggest this show to anyone that enjoys body art...and some humor! 

"From Baywatch...to Buttwatch"

As much as I wish I could take credit for the genius title of this post..I can't. 

I began watching the A&E series called Bad Ink. 

I LOVE tattoo's. I have several and plan on getting many more in the future....

In the Season 1 Episode 1...A young lady has one of her tattoo's fixed. I couldn't help but chuckle. 

The before Picture: 

As you can see in the picture above...she has a large piece on top (It's a large Scorpion) and below that..is...PAMELA ANDERSONS FACE!. *Insert long pause.....* 

Here are my thoughts:

1. I don't even care what your excuse is (drunk..etc). There's just no valid excuse for this. Ha.

2. The "artist" should stick to a job that doesn't involve putting art on anothers body. I don't even think I can call this art. It's not good..and the quality is even worse. Come on now! 

The next picture..is the what it looked like after they cover'd this up...

Now...This is MUCH better than what was there to begin with...but I'm really not that impressed..which was kind of dissapointing. This is a TV show..I assumed the artwork done would be top notch. Maybe I am judging too soon..this is only the first episode. 

The pictures above were not taken by me..I simply found them on the internet and borrowed them to share with you. Let's see what's next!

As if the above wasn't enough..I couldn't help but share this one with you also. In case you can't figure it out..it's a turd..with angel wings...lol. 

I have no words..lol..And this is only the first episode! I have a feeling this show will provide us with plenty of chuckles! 

Educate..Entertain..Help others...

Below are a few website's you should check out! Some are sure to teach you a few things you didn't know. :) 

Free Rice This website is so neat! They ask you trivia questions. For each correct answer you give..they donate 10 grains of rice to the United Nations World Food Program! Not only are you able to answer some fun trivia..but you're helping others in the process. WIN WIN! 

UDACITY This website offers free educational courses that are primarily focused around mathematics and programming. They offer courses for all skill levels. 

Charity Navigator  I love this site! This website reviews charities to better help you locate charities that you are interested in or would like to know more information about. With so many wonderful charities out there..this site can help you find the perfect fit for you if you are looking to become involved or contribute in many ways! 

Open Culture Open Culture is an AWESOME website that offers FREE educational courses and resources to better educate individuals on many important topics.  

FREE Guitar Lessons This is amazing website that has FREE guitar lessons for all skill levels. Check it out and take advantage of the wonderful learning possibilities that are provided. 

2AM Ramblings

It is TWO in the morning...So please keep that in mind when reading these random ramblings. :) 

So..I know that I have written about my lovely In-laws...but unfortunately I have another rant to type, having to do with them..

Last Friday, Mike's parent's asked if they could keep the three older kid's for the night. This isn't unusual..although it's been close to a month since they've been over there due to Mike's mother having surgery. 

Anyhow..We said YES!! 

Saturday morning..they came home. Jace did not have an appetite (although he did eat Breakfast with them) and was complaining of a stomach ache around lunch time..that lasted through the entire day. When trying to figure out what was wrong with him..we learned that they had a large amount of sugar/candy/junk foods. 

Now...Everyone knows that we  do not allow the children to have much of that AT ALL. Mike's parent's are aware of this as well...but apparently have decided (yet again) to not respect our parenting decisions and to do what they please. Doing what they please meant allowing the kids to eat as much candy/sugar/junk as they desire while over there.

The list of what all Jace ate was enough to cause Mike and I to feel sick to our stomachs. WE couldn't eat all that...so you KNOW that a child shouldn't either. 

ALL of the junk likely made him feel ill..and he ended up throwing up last night. 

The more that these situations occur..the more that I get frustrated and angered over it. These situations make me believe that they don't need to stay overnight with them. I hate keeping the kids from their family..I don't like that and I don't normally think that is appropriate..but what do you do when family can't respect our wishes and parenting plan and follow those same rules over there?

I struggle with this..especially this weekend. What am I supposed to do? 

This isn't the first time that a situation has occurred that shouldn't have...and they KNOW how we feel about certain things and they have no problem NOT following our parenting plan.  It's just not OKAY. 

I know that by us putting our foot down (yet again)..they will likely pitch a fit..but they need to understand that WE are the parents. WE make decisions that are best for the children. They don't raise them..they don't provide for them..they don't cook for them..they don't nurse them to health when they are ill, and they sure as heck don't pay the bills. 

Right now..I believe that the best thing for US to do, as the parent's..is to allow them to have the kid's for a couple of hours..and then return the kids home that night. I don't want to completely keep them away..I don't want to do that AT ALL..but if they aren't going to respect our wishes..then these changes need to happen. 

Frustrating. 

Simple acts

I was browsing around the internet and stumbled upon this photo. 

I wanted to share this photo for a couple of reasons. 

1. This guy is AWESOME! 

2. Simple acts can go a LONG way. 

The first thought that came to mind when I saw this picture..was how awesome this man is for taking time out of his day to stand outside with a sign..waving to complete strangers..Just to say hello! 

Without even knowing...a simple gesture like the above..can mean the world to someone. We don't know what other individuals are going through. We have no idea what hardships the individual at the grocery store is going through. 

My thoughts on this are simple..

We can ALL learn from this man. We should ALL make an attempt to tell a stranger hi...or smile at everyone we walk past. We should ALL take the extra time out of our days to help make someone's day better. That simple smile you give..or a hello that is said..or even an act of kindness given to someone.. It can make a larger impact on someone than we could even begin to imagine or comprehend. 

Anymore...society is technology dependent. We spend more time on our phones texting, or on our computers..than we do having an actual conversation with someone face to face. That is a sad fact that we need to change. 

So...my challenge for you:

Make it a point to smile or say hello to at least one stranger...every day. 

Make a point to open a door for someone...help someone put groceries into their car...etc. 

Not only will YOUR day be brighter..but you will impact others in a positive way. 

Urgent Care.

*Sigh*

So....

Our youngest son, Jayden, has been ill for the past few days. There's cold junk circulating the schools and our household. On top of Jayden catching that (and having symptoms 5 times worse than the others that have caught it) he came down with a rash that has covered the majority of his little body. 

We've done everything we can from home and decided this morning to take him in to be checked out. It's hard seeing your children miserable and ill...but he didn't seem like he was getting better and the rash just bugged me even more. 

Around 9:00AM , I began calling the Dr. office to see if they could fit him in. Unfortunately, the Dr. is at his other office that is near an hour away. He won't be returning to this office until Friday.

Crap.

After looking him over, observing him this morning, and talking to one another, we decided that we would take him to Urgent Care. The Urgent Care that we take him to has a system that allows you to get in line via Phone or Computer. Once it places you in line, it sends you updated texts that inform you of how many people are ahead of you and how long your wait time is. Once we received the notice of 20 minutes and 2 people ahead of us, we packed Jayden up in the car and headed out. We live about 20 miles away. 

While we were in route, My husband checked the updated time and it was 6 minutes. 

We get to Urgent Care and go to the desk to sign him in and the lady just kind of gives me blank stares as I'm telling her that we texted to get in line. She then tells us that it will be about an hour and a half and that they summon you via these texts to let you know when it's your turn. 

Ok. 

So, puzzled, I inform her that the past two texts were 20 minutes and then 6 minutes. I explain to her that we don't live here in town so once we saw the 20 minutes, we headed out so that we would arrive on time.

She again repeats her self, stating that she didn't summon us to come in.

Ok. 

So...Why did we get two texts with those times? 

She had no answer. Again all she did was repeated herself on being summoned in when it's Jayden's turn. 

So..there's nothing we can do at this point but to wait AT LEAST an hour and a half....sitting...with a miserable and sick 1.5 year old...Yeah..OK. 

So...both my husband and I are highly irritated at this point but decide to just sit and wait it out because it was important to us that we get our little man looked at. While we are sitting there waiting, someone called in. The lady informs whomever she's speaking to on the phone that it won't be until around 4pm if she wants to get in line for Urgent Care. She tells the lady that the Urgent Care is packed.

Now..I know that many people get in line via the phone and internet option..but aside from us..there was only ONE individual that was in the waiting room. ONE. If they were so packed, why were there no other individuals in the waiting room? Especially if they were in line and close to being seen? 

Yeah...I don't have an answer for that either. 

My husband and I decide, at that point, to leave. 

So we left..completely pissed off and irritated. 

We left...worried about our little man who we couldn't seem to get in to be seen. 

He's currently sleeping and has done fine this evening..but that doesn't change the earlier events as well as the fact that I want him seen just to be sure.

I DO plan on filing a complaint over this mess. I'm not sure who was responsible for the texts..whether there is a system error they need to look into or whether the woman that was working the front desk just wasn't doing what she should have...but something needs to be done. 

Urgent Care is there for a reason....

Pug love!

I have looked forward to being able to post a picture (like above) for a VERY long time. Meet Dobby. Dobby is a 6 month purebred PUG. That's right. I FINALLY have my pug! It still doesn't seem real. Anyone that knows me..KNOWS just how much I've wanted a pug. I'm obsessed. Really. 

Every day...for a couple of years now..I have actively kept my eyes and ears open for the possibility of locating a pug. Age wasn't important. I just wanted my precious pug. I was convinced that pugs just don't exist in our area. I've had NO luck...Until Friday. Friday I happened to have been lucky..SUPER lucky...And with the help of my mom and amazing husband..Our family is now blessed with a new member...Dobby the pug. 

:) 

He is AMAZING. He is such a loving pup and all of the kids are just so happy to have him in our home. Jayden has taken well to him and has been enjoying Dobby's playful attitude and tons of puppy kisses. He always makes sure that he returns those kisses. LOL.  Trey is just in love with him..and I honestly think that this pup may do the boys some good. Jace doesn't really have as much interest as the other kids..but he does enjoy playing and running in circles with Dobby. LOL. Keisha is an animal lover..so it's no secret that she just can't get enough of Dobby. The only downside to that is that I've had to make sure she  doesn't neglect her little brother because of the pup. Jayden LOVES his sissy! 

My heart is heavy

It is after two in the morning and I have found myself laying in bed with a million different things running through my head. I'm sure we all have times like these..and of course conveniently, they happen when we should be resting for a new day! 

There are a few things that are heavy on my mind and heart tonight. I figured that since I am unable to fall asleep at the moment..maybe jotting some ramblings down will help clear my mind. 

1.  For the past week, a round of cold virus has been going through our home. Trey started it, Keisha caught just a tad of it, I caught it, and Jayden now has it.  When Jayden catches anything...he catches it hardcore. The past two nights have been without much sleep as I am up with him for the majority of the night..trying to nurse him back to wellness. Aside from all of the cold symptoms, he's now formed a rash that (although not noticeable unless you are staring at his bare skin) has covered the majority of his little body. The combination of everything has had me a worried momma. If he doesn't improve tonight, Mike and I will be taking him in tomorrow. We had believed that the rash was likely due to changing our laundry detergent..but I'd rather be safe and see what the Doc. says.  I hate when the kiddo's are sick...they are so miserable and there's nothing I can do to just make it leave their precious bodies immediately. :( Sad momma face! 
2. I have two friends (well...one is more of a former friend) that have been on my mind lately. The first is a close friend of mine who has shared many high's and  low's with me. She's been there for me through an assortment of events. We are currently seperated by distance, which always sucks..but we keep in touch via social networking and neither of us ever hesitate to be there for one another when needed. She is currently battling some personal demons of her own. Although I know 100% that she is extremely strong and WILL get through these obstacles...my heart aches. I hate that she's in the situation to begin with. I hate that I can't be there for her to physically show her support..and I hate that again, I can't do anything to help or make it go away. I find myself wondering how she is..and how she is. Does she feel lonely? I could understand that feeling...and I WISH that I could just let her know that she's not alone. 
3. Another friend..or well...former. I'm not real sure how to explain that one. The short version is that this individual is someone that I was close with for many years. We were best friends that were connected to the hip. We got each other..we knew one another more than anyone else..and at times...more than we knew ourselves. A few years ago...we had some problems that led to us cutting ties to our friendship. It was pretty rough. Anyhow...I recently heard from her and received an update. She's been going through a lot of medical problems and had admitted to doing some things that not only do I not agree with...but It makes me sad. Sad to know what she's doing. Sad to know how this will affect her life (even though she currently doesn't see that...or even see the downside to it). It saddens me because I can relate to the frustration, anger, dissapointment, questions, and scared feelings that come with medical issues. Sad because she has children. Children that need their mother.  Her and I aren't close anymore. I hear from her maybe once every couple of months now. But despite us not being close...I do care. It's hard for me not to care about others. It doesn't matter whether I know the individual or not..and it doesn't matter whether we are close, or no longer speaking. 

Life just sucks sometimes.