tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33548980692601354172024-02-20T12:32:16.486-06:00It's a DINKs LifeEndeavoring to "just BE."Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger132125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354898069260135417.post-59195247035120466782013-02-17T11:30:00.000-06:002013-02-17T11:30:01.005-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Winter 2012 - 2013 Reads</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
i did try to read non-trash. i'll admit, it's hard after a long week or over vacation to focus on something that requires coherent thought. i've become accustomed to the fast read, so things that take a bit longer are sometimes tiresome. Like <i>The Thornbirds</i>. Wonderful book, but darn if i tend to lose interest after one of Meggie's adventures. i'm on the third library renewal, and don't think i'll get it finished by then. i'm hoping a break of B&B trash i discovered via our online library (hey! shout out to the Frisco Public Library for really growing their online resources in the last year or so -- nicely done.) will encourage me to pick it up again. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbpF5x-roeISZYvkdwJqLWfu-XJV5KRvbIh0o6-Bu6aqzwcJZN5fcT_7cjrA8YOhHdP5dYWLaAB-WAxCQv4lZIKrzVwE7RB8zofV4bNc4NH33U_GzEfL5v5xtNkxrsK6qcrDZS0zStZBaD/s1600/SAM_2509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbpF5x-roeISZYvkdwJqLWfu-XJV5KRvbIh0o6-Bu6aqzwcJZN5fcT_7cjrA8YOhHdP5dYWLaAB-WAxCQv4lZIKrzVwE7RB8zofV4bNc4NH33U_GzEfL5v5xtNkxrsK6qcrDZS0zStZBaD/s1600/SAM_2509.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">+</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUGnxfA52VDkhP9YiKk-cojbzouIbntEsu7xiwvtrMhaU8K1wxRHz1V3bZDvrZqaZ0BgJztwsHyZgqKLhkFwA_GTIqZhPvSxVbUiCipen_xXtJA1k03dTetst0O_UqLqVg_9YMjrhspRVR/s1600/SAM_2539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUGnxfA52VDkhP9YiKk-cojbzouIbntEsu7xiwvtrMhaU8K1wxRHz1V3bZDvrZqaZ0BgJztwsHyZgqKLhkFwA_GTIqZhPvSxVbUiCipen_xXtJA1k03dTetst0O_UqLqVg_9YMjrhspRVR/s1600/SAM_2539.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>+</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-YTMiEfu6RVF3Few7yu8HYCLVhPwDJPDP6C8-e_qN3YInF9Jb5JOaoTkZ5-KQkayLMh6OkyULOX9OvmRdfB5fTHCDY6R__7QxIXWJ621JtvYw6pru_GCXiHcvEUv23kO2nElWRFv10zE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-02-16+at+9.44.27+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-YTMiEfu6RVF3Few7yu8HYCLVhPwDJPDP6C8-e_qN3YInF9Jb5JOaoTkZ5-KQkayLMh6OkyULOX9OvmRdfB5fTHCDY6R__7QxIXWJ621JtvYw6pru_GCXiHcvEUv23kO2nElWRFv10zE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-02-16+at+9.44.27+PM.png" height="152" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
In reviewing these titles, it occurs to me that i did a terrible job uping my reading level. *sigh* Giving it another go in the Spring. I have CS Lewis and Malcom Gladwell on the list. Perhaps that will redeem me.<br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354898069260135417.post-4355788926031380612013-02-16T21:20:00.003-06:002013-02-16T21:20:27.435-06:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-AuOwDMf4neKamOJOgpmPbua_RNAfWYtmLCZZmRX6sOp4lbY_QD97iBZ69Tm6eI-hUIux-Rh2Ugj37-vk9kUiGrwLv8_W-iF8-nwvvALthunnHdVG22f2Og4gICclOlojAm7nwYNCC05/s1600/buffy+season+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-AuOwDMf4neKamOJOgpmPbua_RNAfWYtmLCZZmRX6sOp4lbY_QD97iBZ69Tm6eI-hUIux-Rh2Ugj37-vk9kUiGrwLv8_W-iF8-nwvvALthunnHdVG22f2Og4gICclOlojAm7nwYNCC05/s1600/buffy+season+5.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Buffy, oh Buffy. What a dramatic season! You did more crying and soul-searching than vampire-staking in season 5. Man, sucks to grow up, huh?<br />
<br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: left;">You:</span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;">- Met Dracula -- that was cool</span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;">- Lost Riley</span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;">- Learned about Dawn not being your sister</span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;">- Were repulsed by Spike's crush on you</span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;">- Fought a few trolls</span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;">- Lost your Mom</span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;">- Fought errant knights from a winnebego</span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;">- Hurled to your death in a big ball of energy</span><br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Hey, Buff, it's been a long year.<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqh5da8SpYujWajCfJNGZqWrTKz9NYm1-aq1w9W-KDCTwdwnC6yQOppxM9HwylKWk3wduByueRy-ieDTISYTssQpaAnyVAi5XptWaL45kz8ch-FbGCP_kzbUx8BJ_VG4pOYRvXaaYXaMhR/s1600/Photo-cw1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqh5da8SpYujWajCfJNGZqWrTKz9NYm1-aq1w9W-KDCTwdwnC6yQOppxM9HwylKWk3wduByueRy-ieDTISYTssQpaAnyVAi5XptWaL45kz8ch-FbGCP_kzbUx8BJ_VG4pOYRvXaaYXaMhR/s1600/Photo-cw1.jpg" height="208" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From meeting Dracula...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhRhhje2H_VtTMFDj_cTWbBH3MSs7vawBMlSv20VHYpqAzZuDcnOTf4fdctCS6tb0i2XLOYdNwxaaZ09LFM1eVODfP4ySxl0-kHcZTiVqgkAwUgj53yFz2taJnhgAW0L1url89apMvsby/s1600/25526_1246441836649_500_320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhRhhje2H_VtTMFDj_cTWbBH3MSs7vawBMlSv20VHYpqAzZuDcnOTf4fdctCS6tb0i2XLOYdNwxaaZ09LFM1eVODfP4ySxl0-kHcZTiVqgkAwUgj53yFz2taJnhgAW0L1url89apMvsby/s1600/25526_1246441836649_500_320.jpg" height="203" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...to hurling to your death.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Thank you for an exciting and heartfelt year. I hope you're of sound mind and body after they resurrect you in Season 6 *shudder*.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354898069260135417.post-50552861414564084322013-02-16T18:51:00.002-06:002013-02-16T18:51:56.445-06:00Stop the press! New tune from my favorite -- Depeche Mode:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Fy7FzXLin7o" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
Staying true to their dark, brooding, suffering-filled, beloved-by-the-goths, soulful style. Love it. New album releases later this month. *slue*<br />
<br />
Bestie, US tour dates coming soon... of course, we'll have to go! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354898069260135417.post-16548117488277549552013-01-20T01:46:00.001-06:002013-01-20T01:46:41.617-06:00"Tara," i asked, "how would you feel about a little culture to kick-off the new year?"<br />
"Sure," she readily replied. She's such a good sport.<br />
"Well, it's a Led Zeppelin cover band playing at The House of Blues." i cringed a little as i typed my response, thinking she might laugh at me.<br />
"I'd love to go!" she replied. Such a good friend!<br />
So i eagerly purchased tickets, and they've been pinned to my bulletin board since November. Tonight i stuff them in my teensy cross-over purse with a few essentials, and pick Tara up for a trek downtown to The House.<br />
<br />
i had no idea what to expect at a <a href="http://www.ledzeppelin2.com/" target="_blank">Led Zeppelin 2</a> concert. Yes! i love Led Zeppelin, but hadn't even looked up footage to see past concerts. Oh sure, i've seen <a href="http://www.dreadzeppelin.com/" target="_blank">Dread Zepplin</a> live. But nothing really compares to that experience.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2qTansy0mS1WlfwzN7dHSBvt5-eN-2yNLjZ5T4-GK87xHIyJoFPOIKHOyY4YqWW2yeBITGRD9d4tFcIcgbhZhiMa4GsR0zT4f_mGcQMwVVWHTgeoJPPpXa64gXQvl-3Rg0PaWgWg6ixm/s1600/SAM_2527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2qTansy0mS1WlfwzN7dHSBvt5-eN-2yNLjZ5T4-GK87xHIyJoFPOIKHOyY4YqWW2yeBITGRD9d4tFcIcgbhZhiMa4GsR0zT4f_mGcQMwVVWHTgeoJPPpXa64gXQvl-3Rg0PaWgWg6ixm/s1600/SAM_2527.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>The Dallas HOB venue is a good one and we had pretty good seats in the balcony. No "standing room only" for us... too old. And all the geezers had the same idea. But lemme tell ya. Some of these old geezers could rock! There was head-bangin' geezer with his silver bouffant standing up and rockin' out during all the important riffy moments. We spotted youthful, but chubby, geezer lady in the mid-section standing up and rockin' out with whoever would throw dance moves her way. On the far right, there was at one time high (if not tonight), geezer lady with long blond (Robert Plant-esque) hair swaying without rhythm to every song. Then there were the 40ish-year old gents who were just gonna rock out cuz Led Zep, well, rocks.<br />
<br />
<br />
The concert was great! Loud, full of all the Led Zeppelin greats, Robert Plant hip-shakin and geezers who couldn't sit still without getting up for a beer or to head to the bathroom before buying another beer every other song. It's maybe the most fun i've had since visiting Disney World last summer. Definitely a tick on the happiness meter - loved experiencing something new and enjoying it immensely.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJnQOas2OzHkARkfpZAOLbtanai7Oarc4_X4prhYjf_ZUwXB8YTWwEjSeiBAwMNmQREShTykKGDfszeXQP1OdVJFjYd1dGabedrdbIca27VLCUbvJbHBkcCqLrcu_ggVitXjWxymHX-wa/s1600/SAM_2533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJnQOas2OzHkARkfpZAOLbtanai7Oarc4_X4prhYjf_ZUwXB8YTWwEjSeiBAwMNmQREShTykKGDfszeXQP1OdVJFjYd1dGabedrdbIca27VLCUbvJbHBkcCqLrcu_ggVitXjWxymHX-wa/s1600/SAM_2533.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">"Yes, there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run, there's still time to change the road you're on."<br />- Stairway to Heaven</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
"Huh? What? Can't hear you. My ears are closed up tight from all those long guitar solos."<br />
"Oh, sorry. Didn't mean to shout."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354898069260135417.post-81832913168207203162012-12-09T09:59:00.000-06:002012-12-09T09:59:16.410-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwxOcKFV1hkqHXmTpFKvXnF8yktnm8-g9ILmMPfiv9fqlhPkSDT19EQyYbegL0amBPWIDwNiiAgFUC-dYyUICMXWqNg77WrBm0t6DcJAG-1ELUeEjG3Ru3j34fi9FY1b8JXAh9ypfmQDo/s1600/buffy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwxOcKFV1hkqHXmTpFKvXnF8yktnm8-g9ILmMPfiv9fqlhPkSDT19EQyYbegL0amBPWIDwNiiAgFUC-dYyUICMXWqNg77WrBm0t6DcJAG-1ELUeEjG3Ru3j34fi9FY1b8JXAh9ypfmQDo/s1600/buffy.png" height="320" width="224" /></a></div>
"Oh ma gah, Buffy."<br />
<br />
You've had a busy year as a college freshman in Season 4:<br />
- Riley is in, Angel is out.<br />- You contended with an evil government organization, The Initiative, and a demonic Frankenstein cyborg named Adam.<br />- Spike is back and made me laugh more than once. Though i don't really care for where his character has gone. i liked him more on the macho side.<br />- Riley is cute and kinda humble.<br />- And oh, how i mourned when Oz left (well, more like teared up and had to sit down to finish the episode during a cooking fiesta). Oz was one of my fave characters.<br />- The last episode was perplexing and extraneous.<br />
- Enjoyed the episodes that were different, like "Hush," where no one could speak on account of <i>The</i> freaky <i>Gentlemen</i>.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUTliQWY-N0i_BfyO17EJtlL3tb1TIP9UY9Rl7Qz-dfHEvXP2nwkFGOt4DhlOt4ZimHrRZxjCV7CAG2UohIfbq8_usxjRII6QPbomnSBYcdGUkrMOI-fZXng9LSiQgGnOjlfBUGYbJDlA/s1600/buffy-season-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUTliQWY-N0i_BfyO17EJtlL3tb1TIP9UY9Rl7Qz-dfHEvXP2nwkFGOt4DhlOt4ZimHrRZxjCV7CAG2UohIfbq8_usxjRII6QPbomnSBYcdGUkrMOI-fZXng9LSiQgGnOjlfBUGYbJDlA/s1600/buffy-season-4.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Ready to see where Season 5 takes the Scooby Gang!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354898069260135417.post-1549704612943408062012-12-09T09:38:00.001-06:002012-12-09T09:38:15.796-06:00<a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/349479-boils-on-buttocks-and-thighs/" target="_blank">Ass boil</a>. i have one. No, i'm not kidding. *facepalm*<br />
<br />
i've had a nasty sore on my bum since late summer. i hate going to the doctor and like to think the body will mend itself if i take care of it, apply ointment, take extra garlic, et al. Apparently this boil is tenacious and popped back out last week. i'm thinking all this time it's a spider bite or something. Because really, a BOIL! That's just gross!<br />
<br />
Friday night i show it to Mom (while i was visiting with the fam as they babysat Parker -- who i might add is adorable!), who promptly tells Dad, asking what brown recluse bites look like. "Well, the acid eats the skin and it never grows back." Thanks Dad. i was properly freaked. No more encyclopedia reading or nature shows for you.<br />
<br />
But, mine didn't seem that bad, so i calmed myself and checked in online for CareNow. Being that i hate going to the doctor, doc-in-a-box is a good business model. i go when i need to and do the waiting for the doc at home.<br />
<br />
In the examination room the poor nurse is asking me where the "bite" is and i point to my bum. What a priceless gift -- flustered nurses. She pulls out a pair of paper shorts. Oh goodie, i'm thinking. After consulting with the doctor, i indeed will have to put on the paper shorts -- but... they are pretty tight for my set of thunder thighs (i like to think that comic book heroines also have awesome sets of thunder thighs). So, of course she has a solution and slits them up the side. Thank goodness they were showing <i>Elf</i> on the TV in the exam room (cool, i know!), so i let myself be distracted from the humiliation. And, seeing their discomfort made it all rather amusing.<br />
<br />
Apparently i'd done a good job clearing it out the night before. The doc was like, "how did you get it so clear?"<br />
i replied, "I squeezed the heck out of it."<br />
"Ew," he said.<br />
Well, how else you gonna do it? Please don't imagine it... it's not a pretty picture.<br />
<br />
i'm somewhat happy to report that i'm loaded up with antibiotics and warm compresses. Yes, thanks for caring, it's healing up nicely.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354898069260135417.post-80418538120008546972012-11-24T16:18:00.000-06:002012-11-24T16:18:20.859-06:00What is it about Fall that drew me to a few (but just a few) more intelligent reads? Oh, yeah, had to stop the brain melt from so much trash last season.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWApq8IbN181L1kZ6cjnnJvkMdoKnxwNXYXzn5TJRMmsJoinZAhDBt5fOIgDlUVX1VR1EEABu0Qk0HkcUbrK-sSpm3Wfj72REz6eP8Qkl-JERLq7SXAJuFGXtWrtQO4XPf_tGPhRb_UlKW/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-11-24+at+4.08.11+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWApq8IbN181L1kZ6cjnnJvkMdoKnxwNXYXzn5TJRMmsJoinZAhDBt5fOIgDlUVX1VR1EEABu0Qk0HkcUbrK-sSpm3Wfj72REz6eP8Qkl-JERLq7SXAJuFGXtWrtQO4XPf_tGPhRb_UlKW/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-11-24+at+4.08.11+PM.png" height="303" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
i'm also proud to say that i checked out two bits of mind"less" reading from the library before the holiday began, sampled both, and declared them too dumb to even finish chapter one. So i started Asimov's <i>Foundation</i> instead. Slow start, picking up steam. i'll be pleased to add that classic to my Winter list. i'm trying to be interested in the stash i've been collecting for some time -- read it or pass it along or maybe both.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354898069260135417.post-58466929620830506522012-11-08T21:39:00.001-06:002012-11-08T21:39:24.735-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIh0Cj7bEoFFZ_FgqNKhAOzggitJnHVYVPCxjyuwAU-kWg5KmpkAETsk_94fPnQtitYoTW_-EsKaLJvDcx6BbIKBWUnZjKNxPVVkFE3jglsCCIu3oxlh5MewfmdJIEXk8IWgJo-2vqn0B/s1600/happiness-project.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIh0Cj7bEoFFZ_FgqNKhAOzggitJnHVYVPCxjyuwAU-kWg5KmpkAETsk_94fPnQtitYoTW_-EsKaLJvDcx6BbIKBWUnZjKNxPVVkFE3jglsCCIu3oxlh5MewfmdJIEXk8IWgJo-2vqn0B/s1600/happiness-project.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></div>
Soooo... Tara & i decided that we needed to begin our own <a href="http://happiness-project.com/" target="_blank">Happiness Project</a>. Because really, can you really be happy enough?<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Though, as i began formulating my happiness project goals, i'm realizing these are life betterment goals -- not necessarily happiness goals. For example, my first set of goals is around losing weight. Yes, i would be happier -- i think -- if i weighed 15 pounds less. My confidence would go up, i would feel better, my clothes would fit better, etc, etc. However, i really love to eat! It makes me happy to dip that tasty seasoned chip in the fresh tomato salsa and give it a big crunch! Chip #2, #3, #4...#25 taste just as good! The question is, does losing weight make me happier than eating my weight in chips & salsa. We shall see, i suppose. <div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And as i'm writing down these goals to develop into a more fabulous me (hard to imagine, i know), i'm thinking what i really want to do is make some goals about being an uber gamer or giving myself permission to read all day or going to a decadent spa. i mean, that's FUN (fun with a capital F!) -- nerdy (relaxing too!), but FUN!</div>
<div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #231f20; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">“Happiness is neither virtue nor pleasure nor this thing nor that, but simply growth. We are happy when we are growing.” </span>-<em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">William Butler Yeats</em></blockquote>
</div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHdphGkGCbSz5wBvb2YErpDSJhdal7e-dpMXVHWkPHPuAMwVp43tLDZeZ6KheAWvzLQMBidSifA_Ix39kEbyDua6RGmyj5r0DiLA04QVueDqa-NLVQfd-S6MCL1RWvS2aNUugR6cqQi3s/s1600/apple+tape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHdphGkGCbSz5wBvb2YErpDSJhdal7e-dpMXVHWkPHPuAMwVp43tLDZeZ6KheAWvzLQMBidSifA_Ix39kEbyDua6RGmyj5r0DiLA04QVueDqa-NLVQfd-S6MCL1RWvS2aNUugR6cqQi3s/s1600/apple+tape.jpg" height="200" width="168" /></a>Alas, i'm grudgingly agreeing with Mr. Yeats. i find it's true at work, and i'm sure applies to personal endeavors.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, how's it going so far you ask? Today is week 1 in month 1. And yeah, while i've not been gorging (minus the 5 oreos consumed today), i've neither been diligently tracking food, working out or even being more active. i think i'm gonna need more accountability -- maybe some incentive. /sigh</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354898069260135417.post-15344944684393786942012-10-14T16:45:00.000-05:002012-10-14T16:58:22.449-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KHZMCwmCpC5PQPawo_-Jq0fsIA5sMDtyGBNY7LcdwMJm3RuPebzRA5MnCRc57l0qHLYqdtI5_hTBMtwM5c0m65nw1-CPFi7fOry5WU-k5ydeBYMgSZuSnAEJ0i9mhw8ajjWarBRBj9O4/s1600/Buffy_Season_(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KHZMCwmCpC5PQPawo_-Jq0fsIA5sMDtyGBNY7LcdwMJm3RuPebzRA5MnCRc57l0qHLYqdtI5_hTBMtwM5c0m65nw1-CPFi7fOry5WU-k5ydeBYMgSZuSnAEJ0i9mhw8ajjWarBRBj9O4/s200/Buffy_Season_(3).jpg" width="154" /></a></div>
Buffy, quite the adventures you've had in Season 3. Always witty, always entertaining.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZDcIq__aPFEVasLmUWTmMUdMv1qAmtrI2sOorhR9Lr6oEx2hD-8NGOIEq1fs-_-OeUUnExx0GTjw-526B-7dlLyNf-tjLD1BcKinvz8KSv1QtRgzvFHPPPgww0R3uk1lFzn2SyS8CvO3/s1600/Buffy-Angel-season-3-bangel-15065757-1731-2560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZDcIq__aPFEVasLmUWTmMUdMv1qAmtrI2sOorhR9Lr6oEx2hD-8NGOIEq1fs-_-OeUUnExx0GTjw-526B-7dlLyNf-tjLD1BcKinvz8KSv1QtRgzvFHPPPgww0R3uk1lFzn2SyS8CvO3/s320/Buffy-Angel-season-3-bangel-15065757-1731-2560.jpg" width="216" /></a>Of course, she saved the world yet again, this time from the very entertaining Sunnydale mayor who transformed into a giant bug demon. Fun! <br />
<br />
Didn't really enjoy the Faith saga - she was an annoying tough girl. Alas, Buffy had to grow up and kill her... so sad.<br />
<br />
But oh Angel, you've taken the high road to leave town so Buffy can live on. <br />
<br />
Graduation = achieved. And on to UC Sunnydale in season 4. Let's see how Buffy finds college. And i hope Spike visits.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354898069260135417.post-62711843331627881352012-09-22T20:11:00.002-05:002012-09-22T20:11:56.076-05:00Buffy, oh Buffy. You've had a hard year. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkoO-SMbUWALH4YUbuSTSMMQCKDXasLOAbfiKcP6rZn4keafn8bCAwqxucoA9RXAkclXrNEZ-15gwZbTYD5y1Tkf7UZmai7JgvK-mSnz8l-UMuWFGH58pzHxix3fIwmW1ApZVX9qpKcGo/s1600/angel.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkoO-SMbUWALH4YUbuSTSMMQCKDXasLOAbfiKcP6rZn4keafn8bCAwqxucoA9RXAkclXrNEZ-15gwZbTYD5y1Tkf7UZmai7JgvK-mSnz8l-UMuWFGH58pzHxix3fIwmW1ApZVX9qpKcGo/s320/angel.jpeg" width="320" /></a>i (almost) cried (ok, so it was just a little eye moisture) when you lost Angel the first time, then again when you drove the blessed blade through his stomach. Not saying he didn't deserve it, but oh, sweet, terrible love. How awful to kill him just when he'd gotten his soul back. Oh, how the twisting, agonizing plots of the teenage years tear you up. Cuz that's the kind of stuff i was facing when i was 17 -- where should i volunteer to improve my high school resume? will i finally make it into the National Honor Society? will the band director ever stop glaring at me for dropping out to focus on getting a life?<br />
<br />
Angelus, you're just so evil and sometimes cute. Spike, i hope you're back next season, cuz you're fun. Never expected to be hooked on Buffy, especially since i used to think it was beneath my TV attention... did we even have a TV when Buff was popular?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkK_6S7TaYhpHKUcv_fxHFYtuRoEvQvm6Tz0Gmd8NdUKbpKj1GM9tP63L_SRiAtIIi9Z-rWLc3lA_pNbHLeLZAEKv5FiYksMAdYaUx4KJYUX5HMbJRQGi8vIpJIYQW_LynvZRyB8raoAD/s1600/buffycast.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkK_6S7TaYhpHKUcv_fxHFYtuRoEvQvm6Tz0Gmd8NdUKbpKj1GM9tP63L_SRiAtIIi9Z-rWLc3lA_pNbHLeLZAEKv5FiYksMAdYaUx4KJYUX5HMbJRQGi8vIpJIYQW_LynvZRyB8raoAD/s400/buffycast.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Well, i'm looking forward to season 3... more brooding close-ups of Buffy's pouty face, the increase in Willow's sassiness, love conflicts, Seth Green, and of course, more vampires! Let's see what Buff's 18th birthday brings.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354898069260135417.post-48450605308515320472012-09-19T21:46:00.000-05:002012-09-19T21:46:00.490-05:00Muse. Anything Muse is grand. Love their newest release:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Ek0SgwWmF9w?rel=0" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
Madness.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354898069260135417.post-35092030252471611452012-09-17T21:31:00.001-05:002012-09-17T21:31:44.384-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9nsYUn4jg5lhhXIQOwT1nbm49r5JsBYtGODL_KTqxDuG5zWRx_yLvWqSviJddbGnxW3zQewkeVZyPNUy-LfVq3NlaIJyNm4WmRshAr4_3g7Hocd_rFoR1tzwLZyJEXnngUKkLmc_mOJY/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-09-17+at+9.22.14+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9nsYUn4jg5lhhXIQOwT1nbm49r5JsBYtGODL_KTqxDuG5zWRx_yLvWqSviJddbGnxW3zQewkeVZyPNUy-LfVq3NlaIJyNm4WmRshAr4_3g7Hocd_rFoR1tzwLZyJEXnngUKkLmc_mOJY/s640/Screen+shot+2012-09-17+at+9.22.14+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
Definitely summer vacay reading -- vampires, werewolves and tattoos, oh my! And only one book club meeting, so very little redeeming fiction. But must say, <i>Hotel on the Corner of Bitter & Sweet </i>was a great one. Highly recommended. And loved spending time with Jamie of the Jamie & Claire family. Not my fave Diana Gabaldon, but it's like spending time with an old acquaintance.<br />
<br />
So far for fall, working on two non-fiction books, which are slow, but hopeful, and a good old fashioned sci fi. And still contemplating the 3rd in the <i>Games of Thrones</i> series... it's just so depressing. Keep thinking something good's gonna happen, but nope. So, it'll stay on the back burner for a while. Progress on my 1001 books to read before i die: 0%. They stare at me and i stare back. i stack them on my bedside table, hoping to generate interest, but "boring" they say, "boring."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354898069260135417.post-41235548756667345432012-09-03T14:13:00.001-05:002012-09-03T14:13:48.886-05:00<div>
Ok, so i'm admitting it for all to read. i've been watching <i>Buffy the Vampire Slayer</i> - the TV series. And... i like it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8fRTdqq5lndeyUcS7DhUREHlftE6bR2epFkLKQ9hN5gX3x7VGZXpZAhH0TzyYqDAa9_4dCuyS9CCsGzk5WKKGzbOKQQkp2XsckDnPd8LdrADAEYsROmYdMD2eLwcjySa8Z2C-_Pu9AS-/s1600/buffy+season+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8fRTdqq5lndeyUcS7DhUREHlftE6bR2epFkLKQ9hN5gX3x7VGZXpZAhH0TzyYqDAa9_4dCuyS9CCsGzk5WKKGzbOKQQkp2XsckDnPd8LdrADAEYsROmYdMD2eLwcjySa8Z2C-_Pu9AS-/s1600/buffy+season+1.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buffy's Crew - Season 1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Not a program i've watched before, except for the occasional <i>Angel</i> episode, so i'm mocking myself for even queueing it up on Netflix. Really, Buffy. The movie was cute, but i'm much too sophisticated to get addicted to the show. Now, <i>Firefly</i>, that's quality programming. But i really enjoy Joss Whedon's work, so i gave it a shot as background material while scrapbooking.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The last week, she's been battling vampires and all sorts of necrofiliacs, while i'm happily scrapbooking away on Project Life. In fact, i finished season 1 in a Project Life marathon on Saturday (ok, it's not my fault that Project Life pages are divided into a million pockets and figuring out the best way to display the 300+ pictures of a recent--and so very magical--Disney vacation takes forever).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8F1yufuM-y_qlqS3yP6skLDITkY8EGOlIes9M5PnzGWapsTOLZPRk-qx1YgUEFgTTfsPlz7WVWoSYHiZz-j1_RFesWPW28aDN4uZUJFxzUtku2T-zgLgnYIBMnsPlac_7wJP23AvZN67/s1600/Xander-Buffy-Angel-season-1-buffy-the-vampire-slayer-1295448-900-596.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8F1yufuM-y_qlqS3yP6skLDITkY8EGOlIes9M5PnzGWapsTOLZPRk-qx1YgUEFgTTfsPlz7WVWoSYHiZz-j1_RFesWPW28aDN4uZUJFxzUtku2T-zgLgnYIBMnsPlac_7wJP23AvZN67/s320/Xander-Buffy-Angel-season-1-buffy-the-vampire-slayer-1295448-900-596.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buffy = silly, vampire hunting teenager with a mean kick</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Buffy of course reigns supreme at the end of Season 1, defeating the Vampire Master and single-handedly saving the planet from sudden doom! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Buffy, what kinds of vamps and demons will you fight in Season 2? And can we see more of hunky Angel? And Spike, when do you enter the picture? Oh, the thrill!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354898069260135417.post-76111979802212936902012-07-11T21:10:00.002-05:002012-07-11T21:10:39.147-05:00A new fav:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Le-3MIBxQTw?rel=0" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
...just hold onUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354898069260135417.post-36965232089753818632012-04-26T23:05:00.000-05:002012-04-26T23:05:27.935-05:00<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8UVNT4wvIGY?rel=0" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
so interesting. song, video concept, artists... so interesting.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354898069260135417.post-27359941647614763432012-04-26T22:55:00.000-05:002012-04-26T22:55:27.866-05:00Oh, a blog. Hmmmm... i'd almost forgotten.<br />
<br />
And all i have for you is a list of the books i've conquered over the winter (and early spring 2012)... at least those that i can remember. Feel like there's some fiction pieces i've forgotten... ummm hmmm, taking gingko biloba for that.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykZ4WDoaCKoAP85ote18vtBijcNUbchPdeUHikc2lr6EW8A1hHbyuzxQAXtxzqTs7z_9uJF3Z2_kHD04L0KX7u_IiCorlQD6GApscwZixaJQEXzGPMxXCfvHQI3O4S7XgoOnaI28GE6hb/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-04-26+at+10.49.00+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykZ4WDoaCKoAP85ote18vtBijcNUbchPdeUHikc2lr6EW8A1hHbyuzxQAXtxzqTs7z_9uJF3Z2_kHD04L0KX7u_IiCorlQD6GApscwZixaJQEXzGPMxXCfvHQI3O4S7XgoOnaI28GE6hb/s400/Screen+shot+2012-04-26+at+10.49.00+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The <i>Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks</i> & <i>Bossypants</i> were both book club picks. Really enjoyed both -- very different, but glad i read them. Always working on a "business" book. Picking up Lencioni's new one next.<br />
<br />
Cheers!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354898069260135417.post-27287983680539139692012-01-29T20:57:00.002-06:002012-01-29T21:12:04.981-06:00i'm super excited to have completed the intro page to my Project Life 2012 album. i'm missing the proper page protectors (still out of stock - gah!) and i need to include a picture of the Hubbie + Girls, but Baby, we are in business!<br />
<br />
I was a bit intimidated on how to get started, what to embellish, what to include of the stock papers, what to add. Found a little inspiration from a new fav, <a href="http://nicholmagouirk.typepad.com/things_that_really_matter/" target="_blank">Nichol Magouirk</a>, and dove in. And here we go...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ85teDc_b8tuxhUMSOJa3bLkbpbrx-Y2B8jzaiZBO3DdgAIYkq3rnv0ZFrXtt_9AVHGu9FCV72DQA6b-9qCaLk5LdYGb1FqFONmwVxc2hgpKsFhhjGB7CzSfPf4tFm3lMw9HshhJrTLGO/s1600/SAM_1112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ85teDc_b8tuxhUMSOJa3bLkbpbrx-Y2B8jzaiZBO3DdgAIYkq3rnv0ZFrXtt_9AVHGu9FCV72DQA6b-9qCaLk5LdYGb1FqFONmwVxc2hgpKsFhhjGB7CzSfPf4tFm3lMw9HshhJrTLGO/s320/SAM_1112.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Intro Project Life 2012 page</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Three open spots for pictures, but it'll do.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And it was really great to engage my creativity this weekend. i've been working in all of my spare time since the year began, so this was a fantastic weekend of rest and putzing. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354898069260135417.post-78814810094759598302012-01-06T18:59:00.001-06:002012-01-06T18:59:28.937-06:00TCIF! Seriously!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-SlZ4vvad0u-RMmPJbrG4VjhY0N-PEtKAXojC_R3mwjzwvlITeUVYoxKJwFD9CWWw6CqOOYsYX7KTVaZ2_z28aHCxdt1FoO2lVgoYQdafCE8WDh7btktCAZnWGgzxGO9ht6UjbVHshB2/s1600/2011-12-24_14-27-59_311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-SlZ4vvad0u-RMmPJbrG4VjhY0N-PEtKAXojC_R3mwjzwvlITeUVYoxKJwFD9CWWw6CqOOYsYX7KTVaZ2_z28aHCxdt1FoO2lVgoYQdafCE8WDh7btktCAZnWGgzxGO9ht6UjbVHshB2/s320/2011-12-24_14-27-59_311.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's Conan, people.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
This was a favorite gift from my sis at Christmas. She's loves the 80s + I love all things fantasy = 1 great gift.<br />
<br />
And it's been a fantastic week, but seriously... Thank Crom It's Friday!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354898069260135417.post-92205829285098002462011-12-26T21:42:00.000-06:002011-12-26T21:42:49.300-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi584fiuOPlg6u-KDOcB6MXobnAD6uYMyckAouOAIifRzwRJ0_jdyj3DjryG4xkvfDTsUOWNs38uR-lfHsAV63QtOZmB9r2m1XX0ITurYtl2cNaRRxIIFy_mgWwSAcD3g79EsqKaCwWya3i/s1600/merrychristmas2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi584fiuOPlg6u-KDOcB6MXobnAD6uYMyckAouOAIifRzwRJ0_jdyj3DjryG4xkvfDTsUOWNs38uR-lfHsAV63QtOZmB9r2m1XX0ITurYtl2cNaRRxIIFy_mgWwSAcD3g79EsqKaCwWya3i/s320/merrychristmas2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Merry post-Christmas to you and yours!<br />
<br />
Hoping you had a terrific holiday, full of magical family memories. Christmas Day after all, is a day of magical discoveries and of course, mass feasting. This merry-maker managed three slices of delectable apple pie (non-vegan, oh and not in one sitting, geez!)<br />
<br />
Our Christmas morning was indeed magical, with four kiddos reeling in an obscene amount of loot from Santa.<br />
<br />
And the amount of Christmas Eve gifts was just as ridiculous. Bask in the glory of the Christmas gift mountain range, now called "Moore Heights" in honor of the family who created the monstrosity (and of course recycled NOTHING as they slowly brought the mountain down.)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqEh1fpvfW0n8rSla2eofN-0aLW2PMBxmDdns1FLHJVVUSe7eLt9MO0P9IlMwhK0NcrrPI75iWKL9YsEYfbv0EOuLZ7qXs0Wx3vjal2hv6XTK2sOMVNbA8SgmsAxpvjYrPCCSHyg-KXEG/s400/2011-12-24_16-11-37_336.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="223" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moore Heights<br />
founded Dec 24, 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSO2AT2eQndIlD7kwINUphtEBWFUE5OzvCqT20Dfevw49D2u4veSh5ql0-ikED00bF5s1gr9xmO6l3kcbrYVc6eaDOu7fhLybmohNIwz_OB_x58ubAQOiTdQiFzKwzGh5OS9iOuO7FkVQ/s1600/SAM_0975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSO2AT2eQndIlD7kwINUphtEBWFUE5OzvCqT20Dfevw49D2u4veSh5ql0-ikED00bF5s1gr9xmO6l3kcbrYVc6eaDOu7fhLybmohNIwz_OB_x58ubAQOiTdQiFzKwzGh5OS9iOuO7FkVQ/s320/SAM_0975.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renowned creators of Moore Heights</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After a long night of kids tackling their mountains within the Moore Heights range, bed time for sleepy kids who had meltdowns from the hard work it takes unwrapping umpteen gifts, adults opening their presents with tired eyes, but oohing and ahhing appropriately, and near adult-meltdowns from assembling, arranging and stickering Santa gifts, it was finally time to crawl into our respective beds.<br />
<br />
Now, it's been awhile since i've shared a room with my parents, but i hadn't forgotten the auditory assault they are capable of. We tucked ourselves into our separate beds, and soon the symphony of snores + bodily emissions began. i hadn't slept much the first night, so i took advantage of the delightful herbals Mom brought... let me just say, thank goodness for sleepy-time herbs! After the first 30 minutes, i heard nothing until the early morning just before kiddie whispers (which really aren't whispers) and little pitter-patters made their way to my bed to give me a hug and let me know they were headed downstairs to see what Santa had left.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGo1LkeVHYYPsB_mPkr1BKnKL0nfqf_0NERTjZy6btZcDn6EV4OGbJhuOVnMpS2TQqlv0si2nXSAhilMo8qyfBU4zafxNA2DmCcQCqEQfwnwciD86YMk77P8Jx7C_gDblLA73umN6seo2A/s1600/SAM_0999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGo1LkeVHYYPsB_mPkr1BKnKL0nfqf_0NERTjZy6btZcDn6EV4OGbJhuOVnMpS2TQqlv0si2nXSAhilMo8qyfBU4zafxNA2DmCcQCqEQfwnwciD86YMk77P8Jx7C_gDblLA73umN6seo2A/s200/SAM_0999.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjfifysrOTUznVE-9PDd5T8kGdG4zYwqj4hGy4sbL1P1j6K2PgCgzgF8Cif2wNePNW8HRwHRuL_-wgpqgPEoh1Bg_UOOjp7Zk28Y0MpbwjVluicJDkqKgo_NR_Axmk9CyyRyWQNJixVA3g/s1600/SAM_1006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjfifysrOTUznVE-9PDd5T8kGdG4zYwqj4hGy4sbL1P1j6K2PgCgzgF8Cif2wNePNW8HRwHRuL_-wgpqgPEoh1Bg_UOOjp7Zk28Y0MpbwjVluicJDkqKgo_NR_Axmk9CyyRyWQNJixVA3g/s200/SAM_1006.JPG" width="200" /></a>We gathered, a straggly collection of adults, excited, bouncy kids and eye-rubbing toddlers, at the top of the curvy staircase heading down to the living room. In my grandmothers house, the second floor wraps around the first, leaving a large open area above the entryway and den. It faces three or four large windows that look out onto a porch that has been fully enclosed and made into another living area. That's were my parents and i were sleeping. Mom and i were amongst the straggly collection of sleepy adults. Dad was still in bed. Mandy (cousin-in-law) asked me to turn on the light, and when i did, the large open area was flooded with very bright light. We look across the stairway landing and see Dad sit up suddenly in bed, hair sticking straight up, giving me a startled, but what the hell kind of look. It's a look we've seen before when we startle him awake. It makes us roll each time we see it. Love you, Dad!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354898069260135417.post-28556420773360216442011-11-29T21:30:00.000-06:002011-11-29T21:30:04.940-06:00everyday i'm shuffling. indeed. how was your shuffle today?<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/KQ6zr6kCPj8" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
Mel. the dance routine in the middle of the video. you + i at Christmas. it's on!<br />
<br />
didn't you see JC in there? he was shuffling too.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354898069260135417.post-24825486025700169222011-11-27T21:45:00.001-06:002011-11-27T21:46:15.780-06:00<div>Library E update...</div><div><br />
</div><div>Fall reads (since it's so frickin' cold and we will be having our first freeze tonight, all books from here until spring are hereby dubbed <i>winter</i> reads):</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJN8XC1SGDQA2e6GvNPq0K56jjVBf6flRsnK2YJnsknvr8yJf098s7eZ3LXnPqKgllHS2gcOFiuYV-c34MfNPx6tHcAe9ngKNaSgUq2ewV4pd1jETTFFZaoe2gjGHdjtLScazRoRhU8zmk/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-11-27+at+9.40.52+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJN8XC1SGDQA2e6GvNPq0K56jjVBf6flRsnK2YJnsknvr8yJf098s7eZ3LXnPqKgllHS2gcOFiuYV-c34MfNPx6tHcAe9ngKNaSgUq2ewV4pd1jETTFFZaoe2gjGHdjtLScazRoRhU8zmk/s320/Screen+shot+2011-11-27+at+9.40.52+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>Also, a very brief synopsis of our Thanksgiving holiday:</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZt_uC0YxqsZABz_qzr5TurX6x6ucFhu1YmyUo3-axxqIGbgSVfNrd-HqvcB2ftNjRLQbaqeubpuOs5BMmj0wQBxe1aeBokkiuCQL-JO6SXMTSTktNhc7fpLwPWLFOePFNU1zl3Z3IlxUt/s1600/4x6-home-quote-red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZt_uC0YxqsZABz_qzr5TurX6x6ucFhu1YmyUo3-axxqIGbgSVfNrd-HqvcB2ftNjRLQbaqeubpuOs5BMmj0wQBxe1aeBokkiuCQL-JO6SXMTSTktNhc7fpLwPWLFOePFNU1zl3Z3IlxUt/s320/4x6-home-quote-red.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Lots of time to rest up, hang with Hubbie & the Girls, scrapbook, read, movies and lots of cooking to stick with my 5-day detox diet. Cheers!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354898069260135417.post-75337897152078307422011-11-27T21:26:00.003-06:002011-11-27T21:29:02.646-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpOBe5biiLyas-nT33xQJan4X-aky3ahQGgIbULbj-zsg2xxm9gSHewli7e_uizltwj4zoBeSBaJmQQzIZtU_c_IwkzB0cuw231F_Jqb9emyuQk5AyNS3eC3IHAjuf1bnUiSBfHkYLdVx/s1600/gratitude+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpOBe5biiLyas-nT33xQJan4X-aky3ahQGgIbULbj-zsg2xxm9gSHewli7e_uizltwj4zoBeSBaJmQQzIZtU_c_IwkzB0cuw231F_Jqb9emyuQk5AyNS3eC3IHAjuf1bnUiSBfHkYLdVx/s400/gratitude+%25281%2529.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>i'm just not grateful enough.<br />
<br />
wonderful Hubbie, who is just what i need<br />
close, loving, wonderfully quirky family<br />
delightful BFF<br />
amazing job<br />
2 sweet dogs<br />
faithful Coach, Ear, Strong Tower & Savior<br />
warm home and plenty to eat<br />
salary to allow Hubbie to start a new venture<br />
<br />
i want to bring this list to mind when i find myself being cranky or prideful this week.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
On the way home from church today my BFF mentioned that today, 5 years ago we met as she started a new job at the place where i worked at the time. As i interviewed her for the position as a fellow training manager, i knew she'd be the perfect fit. Little did i know i'd be gaining a kindred spirit. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZFOURVsc-7wEq4i4ayyiUCzVHa6WHGqk2nh6EBT84l_FpmosRQ4iPgwz4zhZKzVdLRj5Ib2d2gd1NxoyLf73mUWCQtcWLxfG06Qr09zObOleJiCU33BYCCmrnTMAuGD0QkqEdv3tUObvh/s1600/-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZFOURVsc-7wEq4i4ayyiUCzVHa6WHGqk2nh6EBT84l_FpmosRQ4iPgwz4zhZKzVdLRj5Ib2d2gd1NxoyLf73mUWCQtcWLxfG06Qr09zObOleJiCU33BYCCmrnTMAuGD0QkqEdv3tUObvh/s320/-14.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bon Jovi in MKE - May 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbViHa04VMKyB_NsOmDqBv3zIKeYvnxTkq2kfms1yNyWeqeccMaGmGKF8G_8TqL9yhnnTosOLs_w-esFzk2k-9T8mRP_wAwaa-wUYBGh7bj-8pgSQJkJglabvEkm-fIjd7DH-nfGVFdgO/s1600/SAM_0795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbViHa04VMKyB_NsOmDqBv3zIKeYvnxTkq2kfms1yNyWeqeccMaGmGKF8G_8TqL9yhnnTosOLs_w-esFzk2k-9T8mRP_wAwaa-wUYBGh7bj-8pgSQJkJglabvEkm-fIjd7DH-nfGVFdgO/s320/SAM_0795.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halloween 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUcCMuSozXZ76heB4eS3MQhB3RV4CUKT-h2mBVat0gEApm1JcxJ9tgLya8vyR9ptOmazPlep-FmhIgNF9fIy9R1icMtlHQKuWjbF9SHOs7xqDmkeVmzHfNPEPpBgGqgMvv_slQoIao4tK/s1600/phantom+3-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUcCMuSozXZ76heB4eS3MQhB3RV4CUKT-h2mBVat0gEApm1JcxJ9tgLya8vyR9ptOmazPlep-FmhIgNF9fIy9R1icMtlHQKuWjbF9SHOs7xqDmkeVmzHfNPEPpBgGqgMvv_slQoIao4tK/s320/phantom+3-10.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phantom of the Opera - Feb 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Tara, i am so grateful for you. You came along just when i needed a friend, and i'm thankful you've let me stick around. We've had some grand adventures in the last 5 years!<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Bon Jovi - 3 times in a year -- Dallas, Gulf Shores, Milwaukee</li>
<li>Lots of trips - New York, Naples (uh, Florida), Phoenix</li>
<li>Scrapbook camp</li>
<li>New jobs</li>
</ul><br />
*raising my teacup* Here's to many more! *gulp* -- wow, that chamomile sets in quicklyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354898069260135417.post-70397456317027752712011-11-19T23:35:00.000-06:002011-11-19T23:35:02.552-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJuuBIbjmziIpGTPVkEcG7YBWEEoA1dVfwpTQFLaetHPJ-hIAkZKVWe30mIOxlrz9YuQlNZmek7ymA98ubggexmIgRaDO5_zGR9CPEjpmUF5dkTGh8-ez8PiHBEAyJKzzlSFTnQ8lSXEb/s1600/Tx+Business+Hall+of+Fame+Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJuuBIbjmziIpGTPVkEcG7YBWEEoA1dVfwpTQFLaetHPJ-hIAkZKVWe30mIOxlrz9YuQlNZmek7ymA98ubggexmIgRaDO5_zGR9CPEjpmUF5dkTGh8-ez8PiHBEAyJKzzlSFTnQ8lSXEb/s200/Tx+Business+Hall+of+Fame+Logo.png" width="200" /></a></div>Attention K-mart shoppers! This middle-class woman of humble roots had the privilege of attending the <a href="http://www.texasbusiness.org/?id=1">Texas Business Hall of Fame</a> Induction Dinner for Colleen Barrett on Thursday evening. First of all, just being invited was quite an honor. Southwest hosted 6 tables, and i was invited to take one of those seats! Now, i was clearly not on the priority list, and i took up a extra seat at the last table two rows from the back. Even so, super darn pretty cool! <br />
<br />
The evening was glamorous and there were quite a few muckety-mucks in attendance: Jerry Jones, Troy Aikman, Roger Staubach, Ross Perot. i kept a low profile, too shy to exchange convo with Gary, even. i was completely out of my element, so i observed, enjoyed and learned. EB and i drove together, and any time spent with her is a treat. i expressed my awe at being invited and for being on "the list" to be considered for events such as this. You have a high-profile role because of leadership development, she responds. And that's another thing i'm still so much in awe of... that what i do for a living is so valued.<br />
<br />
The ladies were lovely, sparkly and expertly coifed, Texas-style of course. Most gents were in tuxes. The Southwest family represented well. The room was grand (and i'm somewhat nervous that it's too glam for our Leadership Summit conference August 2012 -- hosting it in the same room at the Anatole).<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsKuqo25qBSS1LWvQHWEpd1leSQNT8o4L3KdpYKvB_vKJ-9euAX0f5sMFPzbjP_F5qNf0JlGaUyyax2wszfmkpnPn2ZUjAtTeidTlBVZKfNBHSEGAoIkit_FwwEF16V1Bhf1g4Y0m5EVG/s1600/SAM_0843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsKuqo25qBSS1LWvQHWEpd1leSQNT8o4L3KdpYKvB_vKJ-9euAX0f5sMFPzbjP_F5qNf0JlGaUyyax2wszfmkpnPn2ZUjAtTeidTlBVZKfNBHSEGAoIkit_FwwEF16V1Bhf1g4Y0m5EVG/s200/SAM_0843.JPG" width="200" /></a>As the five business leaders shared their stories as they accepted their awards, i was struck by the goodness of honoring these guys (all guys, except Colleen). Barry Andrews of Andrews Distributing (beer = good $$), Lee Roy Mitchell who started Cinemark theaters, Welcome Wilson, Sr. (real estate) (and Ross Perot, Jr. -- waiting to impressed with this guy, but he sure knows how to rake in the dough). These gents, and Herb & Colleen, were entrepreneurs who started business from scratch, took risks, created firms that weathered the hard times and give back to the community. Regardless of any differences in politics i might have with Texas business (*cough* Ross Perot, Jr. -- who i predict will be running for Governor soon, due to the focus of his acceptance speech), it was cool to see these guys being honored for their life's work. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfb6OEhvFXt39HxbXCvVoB7NmQfdKh6iSOi62VfQRnEgtSEqb3zq-BEV8WmP4wGuzCO4wZNmRnb-pPQU2P9b1g6pEHD78EH0Aiq2QzpxAGND4AlTe1QIoe44GUuJJs2YGQox9mW27dDyJ/s1600/SAM_0839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfb6OEhvFXt39HxbXCvVoB7NmQfdKh6iSOi62VfQRnEgtSEqb3zq-BEV8WmP4wGuzCO4wZNmRnb-pPQU2P9b1g6pEHD78EH0Aiq2QzpxAGND4AlTe1QIoe44GUuJJs2YGQox9mW27dDyJ/s200/SAM_0839.JPG" width="200" /></a>And Colleen... EB and I were talking on the way home: while she may not be a very polished speaker, her heart was clear and everything she said in her acceptance speech was about others--the employees of Southwest, Herb, her Customers, her mentors. Sure, the other Inductees were gracious, but none focused so much on others. It's a message SWA employees hear a lot, but it's awesome each time i hear it, and hopefully her words lodged into the open ears of other business leaders in the audience.<br />
<br />
Now, Project Black Tie launched in preparation for the evening was a well orchestrated team effort:<br />
<br />
<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmQKXX1sIxPNgA0NaUMhLjK6VIPVSOgbTJrXG031-PVcTFliEvEPmSI9Ct2cmO64yGAihl-ond0C1WcDlOihkWUMNYV8i6O4MuD-Mb-sPtcEyROIithWUOSeVEXTjE5DRINoCxcIOZkJI/s1600/2011-11-17_17-29-58_627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmQKXX1sIxPNgA0NaUMhLjK6VIPVSOgbTJrXG031-PVcTFliEvEPmSI9Ct2cmO64yGAihl-ond0C1WcDlOihkWUMNYV8i6O4MuD-Mb-sPtcEyROIithWUOSeVEXTjE5DRINoCxcIOZkJI/s320/2011-11-17_17-29-58_627.jpg" width="180" /></a>
<li>Monday after work: Tara met me at the Galleria to lend me her very valued opinion (and her Spanx... let's just say i'm starting a diet on Monday cuz i'm FAT!). We decided on two dresses. And while i'd like to say every single dress in both Nordstrom's and Macy's ran at least a size small, i just need to own it. i had to buy a size bigger than even my biggest size... not good *nibbles chocolate chips in depression*.</li>
<li>Tuesday evening (post dinner with a couple of work peeps): i was sooooo glad to find a pair of shoes and a couple of earring options at SteinMart. Thank heaven for that SteinMart. And don't you find that when you don't feel well (by this point, the bug that had been considering buying property was fully invested) and don't care so much, you find just what you need and then some (i also scored two super cute pairs of flats--ask me about the evil Tinkerbell shoes)... but when you're up and ready for a shopping adventure you find nothing? Expectations... bah!</li>
<li>Wednesday (at home sick, nesting on the couch with lots of herbal tea): Mani/pedi; assembly and earring decisions. Hubby did a fine job with the proper exclamations of beauty and opinion.</li>
<li>Thursday around 5pm: Re-apply thick powder and sparkly eyeshadow--check. Curl and poof hair up big--check. Assembly complete.</li>
<li>Final product: Not too shabby.</li>
</ul><br />
<ul></ul>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354898069260135417.post-82177883306357050732011-11-13T21:43:00.000-06:002011-11-13T21:43:32.273-06:00As far as weekends go, this has been a good one. Being crafty, a message at church that i needed to hear, a restful Sunday. Yep, it's been a good one. And... i just downloaded Spotify -- oooo, this is just more good stuff!<br />
<br />
First, a shout out to Tara for completing her 2010 scrapbook album at our Crafturday:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3HOEKYdxrhj6M-uSnUlisJwNM3GIefy2qL7PiZHQ-jd5Pd27fAqp9eH0EW9WSX6EBLT8np3cLHQh6Rkk9RVI82fBh_X1L_fFwxh9nMDLtPkAvHg9vuzKf2J0pRuP8QxIclTqQEmjQGW7/s1600/SAM_0833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3HOEKYdxrhj6M-uSnUlisJwNM3GIefy2qL7PiZHQ-jd5Pd27fAqp9eH0EW9WSX6EBLT8np3cLHQh6Rkk9RVI82fBh_X1L_fFwxh9nMDLtPkAvHg9vuzKf2J0pRuP8QxIclTqQEmjQGW7/s200/SAM_0833.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></div>Nicely done!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLllChfJ_21UQUtGijvzmx000DIw8NODQvnP8rBwr11NE8Fo0Q8pwTvp_7o2vh6se6P6eoRXmpklKDdaf5a-iT83KXXTZxkV4gk3vLTtU6lF934tBu9D8UJlO-lItD-AdMKhRK_5BQn6Z7/s1600/SAM_0835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLllChfJ_21UQUtGijvzmx000DIw8NODQvnP8rBwr11NE8Fo0Q8pwTvp_7o2vh6se6P6eoRXmpklKDdaf5a-iT83KXXTZxkV4gk3vLTtU6lF934tBu9D8UJlO-lItD-AdMKhRK_5BQn6Z7/s200/SAM_0835.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Just look at all that Crafturday goodness!<br />
<br />
Yet Crafturday suffered from the same fate as all (ok, most) of my parties. Few show up. i'm just not a party kind of gal. Every once in a while a get a wild hair and want to host a party of some sort. The menu is planned and ready to go, house is sparkly clean, smile of greeting is ready to go... and no one shows. It's not that i don't expect it, i just wonder why my party mojo is defunct. Now, we had fun and got to watch the third Twilight, so no complaints. Just more of a musing. Remind me next time i get the wild party hair. And it's not like they're wild or anything... maybe that's what i'm doing wrong. More of those yum-o limeades with a slosh of vodka that Tara brought over (which she found on Pinterest; oh yes, and the crack popcorn recipe, and a gift idea for her Team, and house decor, and a new job--oh wait, that wasn't on Pinterest) might do it!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDXCOsBUi_Nwbton83_t9LFU2ABozXYQM9pxSaTEZYAoLuOhvoBQCrrEUx9EplmFxKVt2LPtl2s3wmhcG-cYqxpqpof8P75XoH2az-nNWXxcg6eOopRgwzbYjaT2flft6Wan_z1gJgiFuG/s1600/breaking_dawn_movie_poster.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDXCOsBUi_Nwbton83_t9LFU2ABozXYQM9pxSaTEZYAoLuOhvoBQCrrEUx9EplmFxKVt2LPtl2s3wmhcG-cYqxpqpof8P75XoH2az-nNWXxcg6eOopRgwzbYjaT2flft6Wan_z1gJgiFuG/s200/breaking_dawn_movie_poster.png" width="131" /></a>Tara is still Team Jacob, by the way. i'm still Team Edward. Perhaps i can talk her into a late night showing of Breaking Dawn on Thursday. Hearing the girls giggle and sigh is part of the fun!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And a couple of verses to wrap-up the weekend from church this morning:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>"And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then us to in keeping with God's will... But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us--see that you also excel in this grace of giving." 2 Corinthians 8:5-7</li>
<li>"...They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:18-19</li>
</ul>What resonated with me is that giving is an area i've been struggling with lately. For a time, we gave a tithe every week, and JC blessed our lives. In times of financial difficulty or job struggles, He has always provided. i have complete faith in that last verse. So, what's stopping me from giving regularly? We aren't united in our philosophies at the moment and we're on one salary... and maybe, cuz i've just not prioritized making it happen. But even more significant, as Tara and i were talking on the way home, i'm frightened of what the Big Guy might ask of me. i don't want to be a coward, but what if i'm not willing to do what he puts on my heart? i truly believe he has put me where he wants me... His choices all the way... now i just need to let him do His work.<br />
<br />
So, i'm heading to bed with this is my heart: "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354898069260135417.post-78011780306764827932011-10-10T21:32:00.002-05:002011-10-10T21:34:49.586-05:00This song has been running through my head for days (hearing it three times in a row on various radio stations on the way to work the other day probably didn't help):<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/siIep9LHtNM" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
Yes, the lyrics are rather depressing, but if you've got bad news you mise well share it in a chipper sort of way. And check out the fly shoulder dancing and foot moves. Love it!<br />
<br />
And not related (though I could probably make that happen), church on Sunday was really great (hmmm... doesn't seem right that i'm listening to <i>SexyBack</i> while i write up this post. Ah yes, <i>Just Dance</i>, that's better). It was a follow up to a Sunday series i missed about the experience after JC returns and we're called to him to account for our lives.<br />
<blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%205&version=NIV">2 Cor 5:10</a></span></blockquote>That old feeling of guilt began to set in for all the things i think i should have done or should do and the ugliness in my life. But Pete (that's the main preacher) set us straight. God won't see our sin, that's been wiped completely clean -- gone (period). Thank you JC! And the "whether good or bad" Paul references is the significant and insignificant stuff in life. He'll celebrate the great things we've done (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+4%3A5&version=NIV">1 Cor 4:5</a>) and get rid of the junk that tends to clutter up life. Really appreciate this perspective.<br />
<br />
i also love this verse: "...so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life." <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20corinthians%205:4&version=NIV">2 Cor 5:4</a> Yes, please! <i>Life</i> is the greatness that comes after the daily grind we currently call life. Enjoy and make the most of what He's given us here, but fix our eyes on the mighty and loving JC.<br />
<br />
So... here's to a good week.<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0