abouzidenaffair.com

I started a website last year to promote my event and travel planning business, A Bouziden Affair; unfortunately the economy has gone to s#%t and so I haven't been doing a lot to try to build that business. But as that particular aspect hasn't been so in demand, my Husband's business is flourishing and so if you go to the website and click on partners there is now some information about Bouziden Painting & Design. And since my Mom and I have decided to start a business making custom cakes there is also information about Cakes by A Bouziden Affair. The site is still in the early stages, still need to hire a web designer, but at least you can get the lowdown on how to contact any of us for whatever you're in the market for! Check it out!

Isaac Joshua Corbett is 16 years old!

My son, my first born, my baby is 16 years old today!

I'm not old enough to have a 16 year old son...I don't look a day over 25 and am only actually a few days over 35; so explain to me how I became old enough to have a 16 year old son?! I, myself, was just 16 years old last week. And he was just born on Monday.

Is it possible that I'm in denial?

Cakes by A Bouziden Affair

It's official; my Mom and I have our first custom cake order, to feed 300 people at the FAA! Daunting considering that we just started and are still taking classes but luckily we seem to be somewhat talented at cakes.

If you are in the market for a cake for a special occasion or just for fun, contact me.

Time flies when you're "having fun"!

Yeah, so I've been a bit lax in my blogging; the downfall of having a Husband, 3 boys, a job, a household, sports, laundry, 3 boys, a commute, friends, wine, 3 boys...did I mention 3 boys (and all of their activities)! I've also adopted 2 cats and started taking a cake decorating class; there is not enough hours in the day!

Today's Datebook

Outside my window...at work, a great view, lake and trees and it's sunny out.

I am thinking...today is a good day, can't wait to have dinner with my Husband!

I am thankful for...my Mom, she's been listening to me rant a lot the last 2 days!

From the kitchen...is taking the night off after 3 days of cooking at home, out for burgers tonight!

I am wearing...work clothes, wish I was in my jeans!

I am creating...not very creative today!

I am going...no where exciting this week.

I am reading...Barak Obama's "Dreams from my Father"

I am hoping...my Husband surprises me!

I am hearing...chatting of my co-workers around me.

Around the house...working on laundry and straightening up.

One of my favorite things...my kiddos, and I miss them terribly while they are with their Dad.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Dinner with my Husband tonight.
Wednesday: Should have my kiddos.
Thursday: Isaac's last Freshman Basketball game.
Friday: More time with kiddos.
Saturday: Pampered Chef party at Mom's and Premier Jewelry party at Brenda's.
Sunday: More kiddos, church.

History in the Making

We have a new president today; our first African American president, Barak Obama. I feel so blessed to see history in the making. I pray that we see great things from him and I believe that he can make real change in our country, which is screaming for that change.

Please pray with me today for our new president, even if you didn't vote for him, he is OUR president!

Thought for the day.

"You must take chances. If you do nothing, you reduce the possibilities you have for greater joy."

—Walter Anderson

Thought for the day.

"Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength."

—Arnold Schwarzenegger

Selfishness

When you have children and they become the priority because you are their provider, are you still allowed to want things for yourself? Or is this considered to be selfish?

I have 3 boys...ages 15, 12, and 10...and they are not cheap boys! Between all of their sports gear, school needs, clothing and shoe requests, entertainment, food, etc, etc...I often feel guilty if I want something or spend money on myself.

My situation is a little out of the ordinary because I am remarried and my Husband is not the father of my kids; he spends "HIS" money above and beyond what I spend of "MY" money on my kids. But because of this, I feel guilty if I expect anything from him for myself...for instance, I've been married for over 6 months and don't have an engagement/wedding ring, I didn't receive a Christmas gift, am not expecting anything for Valentine's, and can't plan any kind of getaway (A.K.A. honeymoon), even though I'm in desperate need of some time away.

But here is my real dilemma, I feel guilty for wanting those things but also am upset because I haven't gotten those things?! Here is where the selfishness lies. I feel like a total cad; I know he spent a ton of money on my kids for Christmas, for their Birthdays, and on other everyday needs...but I like presents too! He bought me presents and took me places when we were dating but that has come to a complete halt...should I have known that this would happen?

This is one of those blogs that I hope he misses when he's checking out the latest because I've never even said anything to him about this because as I said I feel like a complete cad.

So, help me out...am I being selfish?

Thought for the day.

"The secret of making something work in your lives is, first of all, the deep desire to make it work; then the faith and belief that it can work; then to hold that clear definite vision in your consciousness and see it working out step by step, without one doubt or disbelief."

—Eileen Caddy

For a Better Life...

I received this list in an email and thought it had lots of good advice...

39 Tips for a Better Life - 2009 - Enjoy and Implement as many as possible!

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
3. Buy a DVR and tape your late night shows and get more sleep.
4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement; My purpose is to __________ today.
5. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
6. Play more games and read more books than you did in 2008.
7. Make time to practice meditation and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.
8. Spend time with people over the age of 60 and under the age of six.
9. Dream more while you are awake.
10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants. Eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
11. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.
12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
13. Clear clutter from your house, your garage, your car, your desk and let new and flowing energy into your life.
14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, or issues of the past , negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead, invest your energy in the positive present moment.
15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the NEGATIVE BLUES away.
18. Life isn't fair, but it is still good.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
22. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
23. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: In five years, will it matter?
26. Forgive everyone for everything.
27. What other people think of you is none of your business.
28. REMEMBER GOD heals everything.
29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change .
30. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
31. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
32. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
33. The best is yet to come.
34. No matter how you feel; get up, dress up and show up.
35. Do the right thing!
36. Call your family and a neighbor often. (Or email them to death!!!)
37. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.
38. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
39. Enjoy the ride. Remember this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.