Sweet Morsels

2010-01-08T22:21:00.001-08:00

For those of you who want to recieve emails whenever I publish on the new blog head on over to http://www.disguised-blessings.com and at the bottom you will see a link to sign up for email updates - this way I'm not limited to how many people I can send updates to, and it's your choice or not!

This blog will be inactive starting February 1, 2010 so please change your bookmarks, readers, subscriptions, etc. to

http://www.disguised-blessings.com

Have a wonderful weekend!

Come Visit My New Home

2009-12-30T22:20:00.000-08:00

Mostly up and running - change your feed readers, bookmarks, etc.... to my new home:

http://www.disguised-blessings.com

Can't wait to see you there!

I Have A new Home

2009-12-26T17:51:00.001-08:00

I will leave this blog active until the first of the year, please change your bookmarks, and RSS feeds to the following address:

http://www.disguised-blessings.com

For those of you receiving emailed updates, this will no longer be able to function – so please add this website to your favorites bar and check back often! I’m excited for the New Year and all the things that will be coming along the pipeline and into my life, if you have any questions – please contact me at:

disguisedblessings@live.com

Have a fantastic New Year and see you at our new home!

I'm Moving!

2009-12-26T12:46:00.000-08:00

I have my own domain!! I am in the process of moving, hopefully this will be ready by the 1st of January! I will keep you up to date.

Merry Christmas Eve

2009-12-24T12:41:00.001-08:00

The packages are wrapped and laying quietly to be unwrapped tomorrow, as we remember the true gift that our our Father in Heaven has given us – the birth of His Son our Savior, Jesus Christ.

2009 In review

2009-12-24T12:25:00.001-08:00

I can’t believe that this year has just flown by! What have we done this year? I started this last year and thought I would keep it up, but change it a little bit – one year I’ll get it the way I want. So let’s get started:

January
Can you believe it, I don’t have any pictures from January? It was probably because this was when I found my interest in photography. I started visiting websites, reading books, going to the library – to try and learn all that I could on the topic and started experimenting here and there (I can’t believe that was a year ago). I also was involved in my hit-and-run accident on the interstate, experienced my first Jury Duty, and fell in love with Real Simple magazine.

February

Was a fun Valentines Day in which our love for Guitar Hero Band developed.

March
We went and visited Mr. B’s parents in wonderful Kauai, Hawaii – where I want to go back to again this upcoming year sometime. Enjoy some pictures….

Saw and Emu Ceremony – Delicious Dinner and Fascinating Ceremony

Chickens, Chickens, Chickens…. Everywhere – don’t worry I won’t post all gazillion pictures I took of them.

Saw many a waterfall – they were beautiful!

Enjoyed time together on glorious beaches.

Enjoyed interesting Graffiti.

Had the best Fish & Chips in the world, along with a great view….

Went Deep Sea Fishing, where Mr. B caught a fish

Which we had for dinner… (it was an Amberjack and it was delish!)

Saw Beautiful Lighthouses

Picked Bananas

And enjoyed our stay at Mr.B’s parents home, and our visit!

April

Saw Jeff Dunham Live – it was fantastic!

May

Thought we would buy a house out in the sticks, so we spent quite a lot of time in the eastern side of our state.

June

We got our first fish, Xavier our Betta.

July

Had great seats at a Giants game! (went to several this year)

Went to my cousins wedding in Rexburg, ID

Had fun times at our family re-union, to include when my sister was extreme egged!

August

Visited my family in Nevada, and played tons of Pinochle

Saw incredible sunsets!

Watched my brother play football

Had fun at dads work fair (literally, it was a fair)
I took some of my sisters senior photos

September

I started working on things around the house, to personalize it a little, and started to get in touch with my crafty bone

October

The only thing that really happened this month except for our mundane day to day life – was we got our Blackberry’s or as Mr. B refers to them – his blueberry (even though his phone is actually black, my should be a raspberry in that case).

November

Went back to Nevada and had our family pictures done.

December

We had our first Christmas tree, since this is the first year we have actually been home for Christmas, together. It is also my first REAL tree so I’m excited about that and am enjoying the wintry evergreen scent.

We played games and just enjoyed each others company. (I had to post that picture of my mother, as I love the natural beauty of it and that she has).

Have a wonderful Christmas everyone and lets look forward to a new fantastic year!

What Shall We Give?

2009-12-23T13:46:00.000-08:00

Are You Ready?

2009-12-16T22:02:00.001-08:00

Here it is, my very first shot from my new unbelievably complicated, yet wonderful camera -

I can’t wait to learn about all that I can do! Be waiting and be prepared.

Whirlwind Of A day

2009-12-14T21:14:00.001-08:00

What a day…. started off well – got to work on time, started doing my typical daytime routine. Then the Firewall Box I’ve been waiting on for the past three weeks came – so I set it up and plugged it in, and it just said I need to have it authorized – so I called the “Help Desk” so they could authorize it, so to make a really incredibly long story short – 5 hours later it was ‘authorized’. Do you know what kept me going today? Well, it was the fact that when UPS comes to our neighborhood every night (which they have been doing for the past month) around 6:30pm I would have this little wonderful new addition to our family in my hands

Except, it was delivered at 2:30!?! What?!? Why?!? For the past 2 years that we have lived here, the UPS man only has ever come after 6pm – except for the first time that I needed something delivered to me that I was looking soooo forward to – oh well life goes on right? So I called the ‘Customer Service Center’ and they said I could come pick it up at 7:30pm – so my excitement stayed, until….

We showed up at 7:28 and eagerly awaited the opening of the doors, only to be told that the driver hadn’t returned yet and it would be a couple more hours before he got back. So now I’m in this sad little funk – and tried to get out of it by cleaning (which I feel I have so much to do) I really need to figure out how to stop feeling overwhelmed all the time. I’m not perfect nor will I probably ever be, but for some reason I feel I need to have everything perfect and in it’s designated place at all times.

I think I’ll ask for a maid for Christmas *hint, hint*

Have a wonderful evening, and hopefully my little friend will be available for pick up tomorrow!

Yes It’s Time For An Update

2009-12-13T16:51:00.001-08:00

So it has been a long time coming. Two months has gone by and I haven’t posted anything of importance. So here is our life for the past two months! Towards the end of November we left for Nevada to spend the Thanksgiving holidays with my parents. It was quite chilly and snowy in the Sierras – but we did see plenty of strange things to keep up entertained while we were driving at 20mph with chains on our tires and my bladder about to burst (HINT: If you know you’re going to have chains on your tires and bumping up and down USE the restroom first!). One of the funniest things we saw was a BMW was stuck (they didn’t put their chains on) and who was pushing this car? A skinny little male wearing a rainbow speedo and Doc Marten boots – yes ladies and gents that’s ALL he was wearing, so we finally made it only for me to realize that I had forgotten to charge my little cameras battery. So here are a few images from the trip – we had family pictures taken and my mom and I attempted to make a wreath that should have only taken us about an hour to make but really took us closer to 4 hours!

I would love to make the last one a big canvas for my parents except I’m not so sure of my brothers face, yet he always looks like that so I’m not sure…. Shall we venture to the wreath making fiasco?!

First, collect many different ornaments – my mom and I learned the hard way NOT TO use Glass ornaments. You untwist the top of a hanger and shape into a circle. Before you begin you also need to hot glue the little tops on to the ornament so it will help them to NOT pop off. Then begin stringing…

After you string, and re-string, and re-string, and re-string you will finally get fed up and then just shove them on the hanger in no particular order, some will break and shatter because you did not use shatter-proof ornaments but it will end up looking somewhat like this…

(I am so happy to get my new SLR tomorrow so I can have really good quality pictures to take and use, after I figure out how to use it of course!)

We also went shooting which is a great family outing for us, we enjoy it and well, I’ll be honest I LOVE IT!

I think Mr. B enjoyed it as well – my sister was a little tired because she claimed I woke her up. That rifle happens to be my very favorite – EVER.

We also drove out to Utah and spent some time with Mr.B’s mom and her horses, they are beautiful and so friendly – Sir Knight, Dot, Belle Star, and Dolly. I’ve been on horses before but just trail horses, and I’m kind of scared of them as every time I’m around a horse it seems they like to trample on my and/or roll over on me. But I rod Dolly bare back to get used to them and I’m excited to go back out again to ride and get to know them better.

We headed back home after a wonderful Thanksgiving and Black Friday shopping – which I love to do, but only in the middle of nowhere NV where there isn’t a TON of people pushing and shoving. After arriving home we started to really invest in our new ‘family hobby’ of being fish tank owners and chemistry majors. Who knew that if you have fish you end up learning about biology and chemistry, and have to do tests?! Here is an image of my Betta, Xavier. He co-habitats with Pierre our Bamboo Shrimp and Zippy our Zebra Danio. I will post pictures of the other two as soon as I get some as Pierre is molting and won’t come out of hiding and Zippy is too fast to take a picture of right now.

The little dots that look like salt? Yup, that’s the parasite, Ich. But it is going away now with some Organic Medicine that we have been medicating the tank with – I think we bought a fish that was sick and/or infected with them. She has since died and now our fish have Ich, but not for long. It’s funny because Minnie now craves more attention because I believe she knows that she isn’t the only pet anymore… but she still gets plenty of love, whether she thinks so or not.

That is all I can think of updating at the moment, but there will be more regular updates, especially as I am getting my new SLR in the mail tomorrow!!!! Woo Hoo! Have a great week and I’ll be back sooner than I was the last time.

Thought I Had Forgotten?

2009-12-09T15:38:00.000-08:00

Dear Blog,

I haven't forgotten you, I've just added so many new things to my schedule that I can't seem to find a quiet moment to dedicate to you. I will however be assigning you a time frame in my day that will be our special time together - hopefully this will be acceptable and during our new found time together you can find it in your programming to forgive me.

Love,

5000 Question Survey Part Tres'

2009-11-22T09:08:00.000-08:00

201. Put these creatures in order from what you would least like to be reincarnated as (1), to what you would most like to be reincarnated as (10) assuming reincarnation ended up existing AND you were given a choice.

Female Human
Male Human
House Dog
Manta Ray
Dolphin
Oak Tree
Wild Dog
Caterpillar
Rock
202. What do you feel unworthy of? I don't think anyone should feel unworthy of anything - everyone needs to realize what they are worth.

203. Would you rather be remembered for having done something for humanity or being a really nice person? I would say a nice person, because I believe doing for others is more important than being known for some big thing.

204. Which do you value more: science or intuition? Intuition

205. Your best friend and your significant other are in the hospital at the same time with the same ailment. Who do you visit first? My husband of course, if they are really my best friend, they would understand.

206. Does the universe revolve around human beings? No.

207. Removed :)

208. Who is your favorite poet of those who are alive right now? Maya Angelou

209. What is your favorite song from the 90's? Just one!? Probably would have to be - Tonic: If You Could Only See

210. If you were in alphabet soup what letter would you be? My favorite letter is H so probably H.

211. Do you believe in fairies, ghosts, aliens, angels, dwarves, elves, etc.? I like Fairies - but don't believe. Ghousts, Aliens, Angels - exist. Dwarves and Elves they're pretty intriguing as well.

212. What makes you want to be someone’s friend? Never thought about it. Just happens.

213. Do you troll around the Internet harassing people anonymously for fun? Umm, no. I do have more important things to do.

214. Have you ever seen the movie A Man Who Fell to Earth? No.

215. What is your favorite line from a movie? For what it's worth: it's never too late or, in my case, too early to be whoever you want to be. There's no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you're proud of. If you find that you're not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again. ~Benjamin Button

216. What's your favorite video game? I would have to say... Curious Village Series

217. Have you ever taken something that wasn't yours? No.

218. What is one phrase people say that irritates you? When they pronounce the "t" in often - it bugs the dickens out of me.

219. You allow strangers to read your diary, but would you let your parents read it? I don't allow strangers to read my journals, and maybe my parents when I'm much older and they can't yell at me :) j/k

220. Hot steamy bubble bath or quick in and out shower? In & Out Shower

221. Are you allergic to anything? Nope. Nadda. Zilch.

222. What is your favorite Terminator movie? Never really seen them.

223. What is your favorite fast food? Chic-Fil-A

224. What would someone have to do to get you to never speak to him or her again? Burn Me, Use Me, or Lie to Me

225. Removed.

226. Have you ever said 'I hate everyone' and really meant it literally? No.

227. Why do some people want to get more money than they could ever spend? Because they aren't truly happy with thier life and think money will solve their problem or fill the void they don't know how to fill.

228. Have you ever won a carnival fish? I did, then a week later it got fuzzy and it went for a 'spin'.

229. Did it live more than a week? I think about 2

230. What's the best sounding accent a person can have? Irish

231. What's the most boring thing you've ever read? Everything is interesting in one way or another.

232. Do you prefer buttons or touch screens? Buttons

233. Do you think there is a lot of similarity between the Harry Potter books and the Lord of the Rings series? No.

234. Would you consider yourself to be naive? Not really.

235. Which of your friends is most likely to go to jail? I don't think I have any friends who would do anything that they would need to go to jail for.

236. What is the smallest amount of money that could be in a public toilet that would make you reach in and grab it? Honestly, there would never be enough.

237. Would you ever wear real fur? Yes.

238. Arachnophobia or Eight Legged Freaks? Huh?!

239. What are your feelings about police officers? Thank you for the service you give.

240. What is your favorite line from a song? Some of Gods greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.

241. Is fifty dollars a lot of money? It will put gas in my car.

242. Do you like the band Front 242 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Front_242? Who?

243. Would you rather have fame, money, or self-satisfaction? Self-satisfaction, it's a hard thing to gain but the most important to have.

244. What's your middle name? Lynn

245. What is the absolute limit, the craziest thing you would do for a million dollars? Anything to do with heights I think I could push my fear aside for a moment to earn $1,000,000

246. Are you good, evil or neutral? Good, I hope. ;)

247. Should Ebonics be considered a language? No.

248. What color is your bedroom? Brown and Blue.

249. When are you planning to move to a new home? As soon as we save for a down payment.

250. If you added up the cost of everything in the room with you, approximately what would it come out to be? I'm at work so I honestly don't know.

251. Do you blow your nose in public? Yes, but I try to be discreet.

252. Do you want to follow in your parent's footsteps? Yes, they are wonderful people with good work ethics and integrity.

253. What is the coolest website you know of? I would have to say http://www.failblog.org it puts a smile on my face everyday.

254. Which cartoon would you most like to see turned into a movie? I'm not a fan of cartoons but if I had to pick one it would have to be - Rainbow Brite

255. Of the following, which word best describes you: enthusiastic, fair minded, generous, helpful: Fair minded.

256. Can you eat with chopsticks? Most certainly can.

257. Could you tell real money from counterfeit? If was was poorly done or burning, yes.

258. What do you think about school uniforms? Honestly I don't mind the idea.

259. What ancient civilization would you most like to visit? I was obsessed with Egypt when I was younger, so I'd have to pick that one.

260. What would make a great new Crayola color? That hot pink purply lipstick color.

261. If an art project is created with the intent of getting rich and famous, does that cast doubt over its significance as a work of art? Yes.

262. If you became president, whom would you invite to sing at your inauguration? Dolly Parton or Lady GaGa.Hey I'm President, so both!

263. Who is the greatest philosopher of your country? Don't have a clue. Maybe I'll study up on that.

264. If all the nations in the world are in debt, where did all the money go? Isn't it more along the lines of what the gold is worth now compared to how much paper money is now in existence?

265. Is it as easy to make you happy now as it was when you were a child? Most certainly not.

266. Who knows more... you, or your parents? Parents.

267. What instrument would you like to be famous for playing? Viola.

268. Children fill their lungs completely with air. Adults breathe in a more shallow way, not filling their lungs completely. Why the change? Yet, another good question I don't know the answer to.

269. Removed.

270. Are you completely in control of your mind? No, but I'm learning.

271. Which is more romantic: an expensive, glittering bouquet OR flowers that were handpicked? Handpicked.
272. Do you know yourself well enough to understand why you feel the way you do? Sometimes yes and sometimes no, but sadly mostly no.

273. Which do you do more often: Let movies, songs, and/or books put your feelings into words for you or put your feelings into words by yourself? A little bit of both.
274. Do you believe celebrities when they are endorsing a product? No..

275. What kind of movies do you wish were made more often? Ones like they used to make in the 30's and 40's

276. Does fashion matter to you? It doesn't matter per say but I do enjoy it.

277. Should politicians be held to the same legal standards as everyone else? Most certainly so, what makes them so special they are exempt? If they don't like it vote in a bill to change it.

278. What do you get in trouble for the most? Used to be lying and being bossy - now that I'm adult I don't really know.

279. Should parents spank their kids? Depends on the child, some children don't respond to that making it sometimes futile and abusive while others do.

280. What is your worst daily habit? Biting my nails or picking at them.

281. If you had your choice which one TV show would you have canceled? I really wish this question was station, but TV show would have to be American Idol, it's time for it to be done.

282. Do you like the taste of sweet or salt? Sweet, I really don't like salt.

283. Are you very precise about what words you use to describe your feelings and thoughts? I should be but I'm defiantly not.

284. What do you feel the most guilty about? Not trying harder to be the person I want to be.

285. Do you meditate? No, but I would love to learn how.
286. Can dreams be visions, or do you feel they are always random images? I strongly believe they can be and sometimes are visions.

287. Do you try to write/say what you are feeling in a true and simple way? I try but it does not come out that way. 9 times out of 10 it comes out so backwards and wrong.

288. The thief __________ that everyone steals. What verb would you use to fill in the blank? What? This makes no sense, at all.

289. What's the most incredible experience you've ever had? It's too personal to share.

290. Are you ever afraid to write/say/think how you feel? Most certainly not!

291. Do you write/say/think it anyway or become intimidated and try to avoid it? Mostly the latter but push me far enough and I will :)

292. What is one thing you can't do? No matter how hard I try I can't eat lima beans.

293. Do you like movies starring Charleston Heston? Hmmm, not really but I think he's a good guy - I did like him in Moses though.

294. Are you gentle? I tend to think so and try to be.

295. When do you feel the most raw and vulnerable? When I'm outside of my comfort zone.

296. Are you trying to find yourself? Isn't that a major part of our purpose here is to discover ourselves?

297. Where are you looking? Inside myself and trying to discover who I am and my likes and dislikes.

298. Are you sometimes afraid of being honest because you are afraid of hurting people's feelings? Most certainly.

299. What would make you a stronger person? Accepting that I know who I am stop trying to change it and just be me, and enjoy it.

300. What book would you like to read sometime soon? How about any of the ones on my bookshelves at home that I haven't read yet?

Pain, Pain, Go Away

2009-11-19T10:07:00.000-08:00

So this week Mr. B has not been feeling well at all - he can't breathe his poor chest is so full he wheezes. So he's completely been doped up and hasn't moved from his comfy chair for 3 days, it all started for him with a bad headache for two days, and well guess what I have?! You guessed it a horrible headache. Please don't curse me with this as well....

5000 Question Survey Part Deux

2009-11-15T14:37:00.000-08:00

101. What does happiness/joy feel like physically? Lighting Bugs Fluttering around inside your tummy, of course! What else is it supposed to feel like?

102. List five people you love starting with the one you love the absolute most.

A My Savior

B My husband

C My parents

D My siblings

E My family

103. How many movies have you gone to see this month? So far this month - ZERO. I prefer to watch them in the comfort of my own home, with my own popcorn, in my PJ's, with the ability to pause and use the restroom (my own restroom) if needs be.

104. If you could have 3 wishes...but none of them could be for yourself, what would you wish for?
*Everyone would love and accept others for who they are - to see some good in everyone.
*My Secret Wish
*People would be more accepting of themselves.

105. In what ways do you relax and de-stress when you are really tense? Read - it's as simple as picking up a book and getting lost in another world.

106. How much money would it take to get you to drive to work naked in the springtime and get out of the car? Not enough.

107. Have you ever killed an animal? Actually, no.

108. Have you ever lost someone close to you? My great-grandmother passed, that is the extent I have experienced with death. But I have lost a very close and dear friend because of life circumstances.

109. What do you think of cloning? I'm not sure, honestly. I haven't really thought about it.

110. Do you read or watch TV more often? Probably both.

111. With all this talk of terrorism going around are you willing to sacrifice rights and freedoms for increased safety? I think we can protect our country without sacrificing our rights and freedoms, I believe it would be through the rights and freedoms we have that would protect us.

112. What is the punishment you would come up with for Osama Bin Laden if you caught him alive? Never thought about it - I'll leave that up to the people who actually do that job to figure it ou.

113. Have you ever named an individual part of your body? Nope.

114. Have you ever been on the radio or on TV? Yes, TV several times to include CNN

115. Have you ever won a lottery, or sweepstakes? Nope, never - I did however win a giveaway on a blog

116. Have you ever won a contest or competition? Yes - all the time.

117. Do you like to watch The Joy of Painting show with Bob Ross? I actually do.

118. Do you know what your grandparents and your great grand parents did for a living? I don't, but I should find out.

119. Is there anything really interesting in your family history? Related to an American traitor and the train robbin' Jesse James - don't know if these are good things or not.

120. Is there anyone you trust completely? Yes a couple.

121. Have you ever lost someone without having the chance to say goodbye? Yes - it isn't a fun experience.

122. How do you feel about women in politics? Depends on the type of woman. Palin - yes; Pelosi - No.

123. Would you rather have an indoor Jacuzzi or an outdoor pool? Jacuzzi most definitely.

124. What things are you interested in that you study or read about on your own? Politics and human behavior.

125. Would you consider yourself to be intelligent? Yes, I would. I just wish I knew how to explain all the awesome intelligence that is constantly swimming around in my head.

126. Would you consider yourself to be wise? I'm getting there, probably won't actually reach that til long past the actual time I need to be.

127. I deleted this oh so naughty question, it shouldn't be on my blog...

128. Have you ever spoken to a homeless person? Yes.

129. Would you ever creep into the subway tunnels to go exploring? Not if my life depended on it, okay maybe if my life depended on it and I had Indiana Jones with me.

130. If you could add 70 years to your life but only by making some random person die 70 years sooner would you? No, I believe we are supposed to go when we go, I don't want to be messing around with that.

131. Can you finish any of the following lyrics?

A: Nothing to kill or die for... and no religon too, imagine all the people, living life in peace, you may say I'm a dreamer...

B: Late comings with the late comin' stretcher... I know it's something 311 but couldn't tell ya what.

C: I could make a film and make you my star... No clue.

132. Were you ever with someone while they died? No, I have not.

133. Would you rather be a world political leader or a rock star? Probably the rock star.

134. Have you ever given someone a love letter that you wrote? Yes, I have and some I have not.

135. Have you ever sent someone a surprise though the mail? No, maybe I should...?

136. Are you looking forward to any concerts right now? The last concert I was at was Dave Matthews Band in 2003

137. Of all animated movies, which is the best one you've ever seen? Ughh, I'm not a fan of animation or cartoony stuff - but it would probably have to be, honestly I have no idea.

138. What are the best bands or songs to listen to while driving? I love listening to 90s rock and country.

139. What do you think is the most amazing thing that anyone has ever accomplished?

140. What could a member of the opposite sex do to impress you?

141. About how many emails do you get a day? At least 40

How many of those emails are junk mail? At most 10

How many of them are forwards? Ha! Probably 30

142. What's your favorite thing to do online besides blogging? Twitter, Facebook, and reading other peoples blogs.

143. Do you believe Kurt Cobain (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurt_Cobain) killed himself or was it a conspiracy? Honestly, I don't really care.

144. Have you ever though about hitchhiking across the country? Um, never.

145. Who would you bring with you on this kind of a road trip? What kind of roadtrip??

146. Of the following, which word best describes you: accurate, bold, charming, dependable

147. If you are single, at about what age do you think you will be ready to settle down and get married? If you are married, how old were you at the time? 23

148. Do you often wonder, when you say goodbye to people, if it is the last time you will ever see them? As morbid as it may seem, all the time.

149. What movie are you most looking forward to seeing when it comes out? New Moon!!!

150. What is your quest? To be the best I can both at home as a wife and hopefully a mother and at work.

151. What is louder and more annoying: 200 adults talking or one four-year-old screaming? 200 adults talking.

152. Do you believe the stories about planes, boats and people mysteriously disappearing into the Bermuda triangle? I do. Don't know why or understand it, but I do believe in it.

153. Who are you the most jealous of? Not really anyone. I try to learn to be pleased and happy with myself for what I am and what I do.

154. What is the happiest way you can start your day? Saying my prayers and taking a shower :)

155. Do you ever have moments where you feel like everything is all right in the world? I do, but as soon as I feel like that I know that something is going to come crashing down soon.

156. Who thinks that you are offensive? I don't think I could be considered offensive but some people may not like me.

157. If you had to teach a class in something, what would you be able to teach people? Can I teach a shooting class? Reading also would be good.

158. Have you ever had a spiritual experience (an experience that cannot be explained by science)? Yes, many times.

159. Do you believe that this experience was truly mystical or do you think there is some scientific explanation for it, only you don't know what it is? I know they were from God and needs no scientific explanation.

160. Do you get offended easily? No, remember it is your choice to choose to be offended or not.

161. Would you still love and stay with your significant other if he or she had to have a breast or testicle removed? Yes.

162. Do you believe in fate or free will? Both.

163. Do you believe that only boring people get bored? No.

164. Can life change or are we all stuck in vain? Life can most certainly change, you just have to make it the best you can and be willing to change it.

165. What changes are you afraid of? The ones I can't foresee or expect - I'm not one for unexpected changes.

166. Are you a day person or nocturnal? I thought I was nocturnal, turns out I like to be up and done (not as early as Mr. B but no later than 9.)

167. What one CD could you listen to for an entire week (no mixed CD’s, it must be an album)? In all honesty probably Holly Brook - Like Blood, Like Honey

168. Which is worse, working in retail, food service, or an office? Well, lets see, I LOVE me some office work - food industry isn't that bad - Retail would most definatly have to be the WORST

169. What's the coolest job you ever had? Shooting camp counseler/coach

170. What is one central idea that your thoughts seem to come back to? That this life is just temporary that there are greater things in store and to not let the discouragements get me down.

171. Have you ever wanted to be an actor/tress? Nope, although I might make a good one.

172. If you had the power to control one person and make this person do anything you wanted for a whole day, who would you pick and what would they do?

173. What star sign are you and what is your sign like? Libra - Libras are sensitive to the needs of others and have the gift of understanding the emotional needs of their companions. Very social and they loathe cruelty and vulgarity and detest conflict.

174. Did the Blair Witch Project scare you? Never seen it. Why would I want to subject myself to something that would scare me?

175. Are you in constant fear of death? Nope.

176. Does fear of death keep you from building a life? No.

177. Do you like all your movies to be in wide-screen? Yes.

178. Are you a fan of any comic books? No.

179. At what age did you attend your first funeral? I think I was 11??

180. What do you smell like (lotion, cologne, sweat)? Lotion.

181. What are your greatest sources for wisdom? Books and others examples.

182. When you were little, where did your parents tell you babies come from? They didn't, I didn't ask.

183. What is your favorite band? Secondhand Serenade

184. What's the best cheesy 80's song? Funky Town!

185. What's the best kind of movie to see on a date? Romantic Comedy.

186. Do you like to sit in the front, middle or back of the Movie Theater? In the most supreme optimal spot for sound. To do this you make noises and listen to there reverberation when moving from seat to seat to discover at which area has the most superb sound.

187. Have you ever been inside an abandoned building? Yes, I hated it.

188. Under what circumstances would you agree to work for free? If I really loved it and I was insanely bored.

189. Candles or strobe lights? Candles

190. Do you think the Lord of the Rings movies are true to the books or did Hollywood change the story too much? Haven't read the books yet, so I don't know.

191. When you see a stranger on the street does your first reaction lean towards thinking of this person as a potential friend or as a potential threat? Neither. STRANGER DANGER STRANGER DANGER - so maybe threat... ha!

192. Is it natural for human beings to fear and distrust each other, or is it cultural? I believe it's cultural.

193. What do you really want to buy? A nice DSLR and photography classes.

194. You have to choose. Would you be happier marrying someone rich for their money or living in the streets and subway tunnels with someone you love? Someone you love, as much as I say that probably rich I know I have a little bit of superficialness in me.

195. If someone wanted to understand you what book could they read that would help? Shiloh.

196. Do you think it’s odd that Americans have freedom of religion and yet call themselves 'one nation under god'? No. America was founded on the different ways people chose to revere/reverence/worship God in whatever form the feel He truly is to them.

197. In what sense are you a minority? Living in CA there is more than one way.

198. Are you anti social? Most certainly not.

199. Do you photograph well? Once again most certainly not.

200. Do you think that human beings would survivor through a nuclear winter? Depends on how far beneath the ground they were living and how many rations they have.

The Survey Part I

2009-11-08T07:24:00.000-08:00

1. Who are you? What a simple question that has the potential to be so deep. I'm Mrs. B - 26 and married. Living on the west coast (where I consistently feel out of place), but am learning to make do.

2. What are the 3 most important things everyone should know about you? I like to think I'm not afraid to say what's on my mind but 90% of the time I will smile and never let you know what I'm thinking. If you need something ask me, I will be more than happy to accommodate, but I will never ask for anything I need. I have a strange obsession with TV (it's my boyfriend, it's okay my husband knows.

3. When you aren't filling out 5,000 question surveys like this one what are you doing? Usually editing photos, watching TV, or just reading. I love to read, anything including shampoo bottles and ceral boxes.

4. List your classes in school from the ones you like the most to the ones you like the least (or if you are out of school, think of the classes you did like and didn't like at the time). Let's see I always loved Science class the best and English/Math the worst. Don't know why it's that way, just the way my mind works I guess.

5. What is your biggest goal for this year? For the year of 2010 my biggest goal is to give up all processed foods and lose the weight I have put on over the years, as well as to become a mother.

6. Where do you want to be in 5 years? I would love to be living back on the east coast, with 3 kids as a stay-at-home organic mommy.

7. What stage of life are you in right now? I think I've just reached the end of the selfish early 20's and really ready to have consistency and scheduled days with kids to take from place to place.

8. Are you more child-like or childish? I would have to say a little bit of both from time to time. When it's just Mr. B and I I like to goof off and forget I'm a responsible adult with grown-up things to do. But I like to think of myself as forgiving and loving as a child as well.

9. What is the last thing you said out loud? It's okay the Eagles lost to the Cowboys - we play them again this season.

10. What song comes closest to how you feel about your life right now? Pocket Full of Sunshine by Natasha Bedingfield probably comes the closest, as no matter what people say or do - I know who I am I am strong and I can do anything I set my mind to! It's a wonderful day to be alive and have these great opportunities to make ourselves the best we can be.

11. Have you ever taken martial arts classes? No, but I would love to take boxing!

12. Does your life tend to get better or worse or does it just stay the same? It has it's roller-coaster moments like everyone's does, but generally it continually gets better.

13. Does time really heal all wounds? No.

14. How do you handle a rainy day? Light Candles, Grab a blanket, and curl up with a book. (Of course that's after I dance in the rain)

15. Which is worse...losing your luggage or having to sort out tangled holiday lights? Losing your luggage. The way I put away lights they don't get tangled :)

16. How is your relationship with your parents? Fantastic! Of course it wasn't until I grew up a little that I realized how great of parents they really were, and how much they put up with.

17. Do you tend to be aware of what is going on around you? Usually, I'm a little paranoid that way.

18. What is the truest thing that you know? That Christ is our Savior and Atoned for us and loves us more than we can comprehend.

19. What did you want to be when you grew up? Marine Biologist, Teacher, and a Meterologist - of course I didn't end up any of those things.

20. Have you ever been given a second chance? I believe everyone has in one way or another.

21. Are you more of a giver or a taker? Defiantly a giver.

22. Do you make your decisions with an open heart/mind? I believe that I try to but I also am very set in my ways.

23. What is the most physically painful thing that has ever happened to you? I would honestly have to say the bout of Mono I had when I was 16. It was so painful.

24. What is the most emotionally painful thing that has ever happened to you? Questions like these are usually about a boy, are they not? But then husbands come along and make it all okay :)

25. Who have you hugged today? Mr. B and Minnie

26. Who has done something today to show they care about you? Cinderella did my dishes, yet again.

27. Do you have a lot to learn? I think I have more to learn then I can understand.

28. If you could learn how to do three things just by wishing and not by working what would they be?

A - Cleaning: I love having a clean organized home, I just actually don't like doing it!

B - Cooking: So not my fortay I enjoy it, I think? Maybe not so much.

C - Driving: I used to love to drive, but not so much anymore.... There are much better ways to spend the day besides over 2 hours doing nothing. Audio books sure have come in handy.

29. Which do you remember the longest: what other people say, what other people do or how other people make you feel? Defiantly how other people make me feel.

30. What are the key ingredients to having a good relationship? Willingness to talk, Openess to understand, and a Heart to forgive.

31. What 3 things do you want to do before you die?

A - Visit Greece, Italy, Sweden, and Denmark

B - Be a mother.

C - Recognize each day as being different and learn to stop trying to move quickly through life.

32. What three things would you want to die to avoid doing?

A - I would never want to die to avoid doing something, if that's the path in life I'm supposed to take - it's for a reason.

33. Is there a cause you believe in more than any other cause? Bringing others to Christ and believing in yourself.

34. What does each decade make you think of:

The 19..

20's: Invention of the car

30's: Honest Folk, living through rough times.

40's: Classiness

50's: Grease!

60's: Hippies

70's: Major Hippiness

80's: Flash Dance, tu-tu's and blue eyeshadow!

90's: My favorite music era

2000 (so far): Big changes in my life.

2010's: A great future is to be had.

35. Which decade do you feel the most special connection to and why? The 2000's a lot has happened to me and I have grown exponentially during this time.

36. What is your favorite oldie/classic rock song? I don't know if it's considered 'oldie' but it would have to be Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlise

37. What country do you live in and who is the leader of that country? I live in the United States of America.

If you could say any sentence to the current leader of your country what would it be? Really?! Do you think about these things before you do them?

38. What's your favorite TV channel to watch in the middle of the night? DVR, it's never empty, always something to watch - that or the Game Show Network, I'm hooked.

39. What Disney villain are you the most like and why? I asked my husband this one, cause I had no clue! His answer? Cruella De Vil - That's right, why you ask? (It's okay, I asked too) His reasoning? I want and think I deserve nice things. Ha! So there you have it.

40. Have you ever been a girl scout/boy scout? I was a girl scout for about 2 weeks - then that was it.

41. If you were traveling to another continent would you rather fly or take a boat? I actually would prefer by boat. I love boats and ocean and water. But it would depend on the quality of the boats and how many people were on the boat.

42. Why is the sky blue during the day and black at night? I honestly have no idea.

43. What does your name mean? My name has no meaning. Boring huh?

44. Would you rather explore the deeps of the ocean or outer space? Deeps of the ocean, most defiantly, mainly because I love the ocean and water, and because I'm terrified of heights.

45. Word association

What is the first word that comes to mind when you see the word:

Air: Life

Meat: Eat sparingly

Different: Unique

Pink: LOVE

Deserve: Honesty

White: Purity

Elvis: Hound Dog

Magic: Imagination

Heart: Full

Clash: A Rock Band

Pulp: Gross

46. If you could meet any person in the world who is dead who would you want it to be? George Washington and my ancestors.

47. What if you could meet anyone who is alive? Dolly Parton & Sarah Palin

48. Is there a movie that you love so much you could watch it everyday? Gone with the Wind, Grease

49. You are going to be stuck alone in an elevator for a week. What do you bring to do? Just my purse would suffice. I have my iPod, Black Berry, and 2 Novels. I should be okay.

50. Have you ever saved someone's life or had your life saved? Not in a literal sense.

51. Make up a definition for the following silly words...

Fruitgoogle: A fruit that makes you laugh until you pee your pants!

Ambytime: Personal time, for just me.

Asscactus: A gross dinner

52. What was the last thing you made with your own hands? Spaghetti? Or Art? Which one is preferred?

53. What was your favorite toy as a child? Legos!!

54. How many TV’s are in your house? 6 - I know that is a bit ridonkulous, but you do remember I have a TV addiction right?

55. What is your favorite thing to do outside? I love going camping and shooting.

56. How do you feel when you see a rainbow? Smily and happy - mainly because it has just rained and I do love me some rain.

57. Have you ever dreamt a dream that came true? All the time, kinda strange though as well.

58. Have you ever been to a psychic/tarot reader? Nope.

59. What is your idea of paradise? The Florida Keys or Kauai. I love the ocean, palm trees, sun, hurricane weather, anything and everything that has to do with island life.

60. Do you believe in god and if so what is he/she/it like? I most certainly do! A loving Father figure who knows all and wants to best for you.

61. Do you believe in Hell? I believe in many different types of hell.

62. What one thing have you done that most people haven't? SCUBA dove in the East China Sea? Set State Shooting Records?

63. What is the kindest thing you have ever done? Mr. B says, "You bought your husband a motorcycle and a fish tank." But I don't know what I've done as I just do what's needed.

64. Are you a patient person? My husband will tell you no, unless I'm around children I suppose that's a good thing right?

65. What holiday should exist but doesn't? Festivus for the Rest of Us!

66. What holiday shouldn't exist but does? Halloween (I know yell if you must, no one knows the real reason and people who are too old to go trick-or-treating) it's a mess now a days, saddens me for my future children.

67. What's the best joke you ever heard? Nacho Cheese! Nacho Cheese! (It might not be the best but it sure is my favorite).

68. Where is the most fun place you have EVER been? Hawaii - as standard as it may sound, it was fantastic!

69. Is your hair natural or dyed? Dyed brunette but going back natural blonde soon.

70. Do you have any deep dark secrets or are you pretty much up front? I have a couple of those secrets stashed away somewhere.

71. What is under your bed right now? Bins containing crap I really don't need but I insist on keeping anyway.

72. If you were in the Land of Oz would you want to live there or go home? Live there of course! You don't obviously know that the Wizard of OZ and the Wicked series are my favorites.

73. If you drive do you frequently speed? I do. That's not probable cause for a ticket is it?

74. What is the world's best song to dance to? Anything Britney :)

75. What song was on the last time you danced with someone? The Luckiest (at our wedding 3 years ago)

76. Do you prefer Disney or Warner Brothers? Disney

77. What is the first animal you would run to see if you went to the zoo? Penguins or Monkeys

78. Would you consider yourself to be romantic? I would most certainly. I ooze it according to some people.

79. If the earth stopped rotating would we all fly off? No, don't be ridiculous!

80. What is the one thing that you love to do so much that you would make sacrifices to be able to do it? Spending time with my husband.

81. If you (and everyone) had to lose one right or freedom, but you could pick which one everyone had to lose, what would you pick? The Right to Remain Silent

82. If you had to choose would you live on the equator or at the North Pole? The equator, what kind of question is that!?!

83. Would you rather give up listening to music or watching television? Listening to music. I know I'm weird, but I figure I can still listen to music on the music stations on the TV - but you can't watch TV over the radio.

84. What do you think makes someone a hero? Someone who sacrifices what they have to make someones life better than it presently is.

85. What cartoon would you like to be a character in? Little Bear - it's so full of love and learning.

86. Name one thing that turns your stomach: Leftover food in the bottom of the sink (isn't that what we have husbands for?!)

87. What was the last thing you paid for? Subway and a Skor bar.

88. Are you a coupon clipper? No, but sometimes I think I would like to be.

89. Get anything good in the mail recently? Yes! My fantastic print of my photo from @colorinc

90. Which would you rather take as a gym class...dancing, sailing, karate, or bowling? Dancing!

91. In Star Trek people 'beam' back and forth between different places. What this means is they stand in a little tube and their molecules are deconstructed and sent to another tube somewhere else where they are reassembled. Only problem is when the molecules are deconstructed the person is dead. When they are put back together it is only a clone that has all the dead person's memories. So...

Is the person who gets beamed the same person on both ends? I can't answer this, I read it to my husband because he likes Star Trek and well, I don't - short answer - It didn't help, I have no idea and don't really care.

92. What insects are you afraid of? Do spiders count? Not afraid of them just really don't like them.

93. If you could print any phrase on a T-shirt, what would it say? Stop printing stupid t-shirts with phrases!

94. What's the most eccentric thing you have ever worn? I don't do eccentric....

95. If you could pick one food that you could eat all you wanted but it would have no effect on how much you weigh, what food would it be? Cheesecake

96. What are your parents interested in? Sewing, Hunting, 4-Wheeling, and Life.

97. Have you ever caught an insect and kept it as a pet? Never!

Have you ever caught and tamed a wild animal? Don't be absurd, that's how people end up dead.

98. What is more helpful to you, wishes or plans? Plans - If you fail to plan you plan to fail.

99. When do you feel your life energy the strongest? What is life energy?

100. You are spending the night alone in the woods and may bring only 3 items with you. What do you bring?

A - My BlackBerry which has; flashlight app, TV watching capabilities, Pandora, etc.

B - Tent

C - DS

Failing, Again

2009-11-07T20:22:00.001-08:00

It’s 8pm on the 7th, I haven’t posted in two days – I suppose maybe it’s not meant for me to do NaBloPoMo, again this year. Sorry to let ya’ll down…. In other news today we got another fish – a Zebra Danio, Zippy. He seems to be enjoying his time with Xavier (our Betta). Minnie (the spoiled cat) enjoys staring at them. If you’re asking yourself if I’m seriously blogging about our fish – the answer is yes, yes I am. Zippy moves so fast I think I should have an epilepsy warning on my door before you come into my home. Mr. B just left for his Mt. Dew refill, as he has been off this week he’s gone through his weekly allowance of cans (I have to limit them or we would be spending a butt-load of money on corn syrup with lemon-lime flavoring), and I decided I should write something, so this is my pointless meaningless something.

Tomorrow, Mr. B is going to be playing the Cello in church I’m excited for him, he really loves playing and I think he should do it more. Speaking of Mr. B I really need to give him a hair’s’cut – it’s starting to look like a mullet with all the ‘back of the neck’ hair growing out. Yes, I married a Gorilla – and I love him.

So here I sit waiting for Mr. B to come back so we can watch Twilight! Yes you heard me right! He finally agreed to sit down and watch Twilight with me!!! I am so excited, does this mean he’s going to go see New Moon with me and my family in a couple of weeks?!

FYI: I will be starting a weekly post which will take a year to complete titled: The 5000 Question Survey. I follow a fellow blogger (The Adventures of Holly) who is doing it and thought, hey what a great idea! So every Sunday I will be doing a survey post, so be ready to look forward to it!

My Taste Buds are Enjoying....

2009-11-04T09:45:00.000-08:00

Want to know what I've been eating? Well, here are my new addictions. I don't have any photos as I haven't had time to even think of taking photos lately with my new work load, but here are some recipes and the foods I've been living off of:

Boybell Cheese Rounds - I love these! I like them because they come in this little cute red wax shell you have to peel off before eating, kinda like exercise, right? No, you say? Well if I'm working for my food I consider it exercise, ha! But I usually have two of these a day lately once at 9am and 2pm - Great source of protein and calcium.

Couscous - BIG NEW LOVE! I make it a couple of different ways, enjoy! You start off with regular couscous then add to it what you will!

Basic Couscous Recipe:

Ingredients:

* 1 3/4 c plain couscous
* 2 c chicken broth
* 1 T olive oil
* 1/2 t salt
* 1/4 black pepper

Procedure:

* In a medium saucepan with a lid, bring the chicken broth to a boil with the olive oil, salt and pepper. As soon as the liquid begins to boil, remove from heat and add in the couscous. Stir to completely incorporate, and cover saucepan. Let stand for 5 minutes to allow the couscous to absorb the broth and stir lightly with a fork to fluff. Use as is warm or chill for use later.

I add in a little bit of olive oil, chopped black olives, fresh parsley, tomatoes, white onion, black pepper, baby corn and red peppers, and sometimes a little bit of feta.

Tabbouleh - Delish! I love this, except I think the first one I bought (before I knew you could buy it) it had too much lemon in it, so I think when I make it I will not use the lemon, or just less of it, but if you like lemon, this is for you!

Ingredients:

1 cup bulgur (or cracked wheat)
1 cup boiling water
3 firm tomatoes, cubed small
1 large cucumber, cubed small
2-3 scallions, diced small
1 cup parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped (optional)
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup lemon juice
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. fresh ground pepper

Preparation:

1. Place bulgur in a large mixing bowl. Pour 1 cup boiling water over the bulgur.
2. Let stand for about 1/2 hour, or until all water is absorbed.
3. Drain well, squeezing out any excess water. You can use a sieve and remove excess moisture by pressing down with the back of a spoon.
4. Add tomatoes, cucumber, scallions, parsley, and mint (optional) to bulgur.
5. Season with oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
6. Refrigerate, covered, a few hours or overnight.
7. Serve cold.

I suppose my taste buds are on a Mediterranean trip lately, and that's okay by me, it's healthy and delish, although I'm having a hard time convincing Mr. B of that, that it's good that is.

Frozen Tart Yogurt - This stuff is fantastic. There is this new shop by my home, like less than .001 miles away, that is faboulostic! I didn't think I would like it but I'm in love, I get it with mochi and Strawberries, sometimes peanuts, but it is so good - and fat free, it's my new favorite dessert treat, I try not to eat it every day!

Longing For.... Flowers

2009-11-03T08:49:00.000-08:00

Spring is my favorite time of year, aside from fall... Right now here in Northern California we're not having either lately. If we are going to consistently have 80 degree weather, can't I have things like this to look at??

Newness at Work

2009-11-02T08:56:00.000-08:00

I love my new office, it's fantastic. I had flowers on my desk this morning from the manager I was replacing, they are beautiful pink roses and put a fantastic smile on my face. I have a large window that overlooks the city I work in as well as I-680.

The only overwhelming part is the organization...

There is a lot the needs to be gone through and re-done. But it's exciting, I have this strange obsession with organization. I will re-organize something over and over again just because I have nothing left to organize, and then pretty soon it is organized 'perfectly' (yes, I said it) and then I'm sad because there isn't anything left to organize. (I'm trying to see just how many times I can say the word organize... 7 so far, right?)

Anyway, today is filled with organization and a lot of things to learn, just as an eye opener, I went from 432,000 square feet to 953,000 square feet of facilities. So every week I am dealing with almost 1,000,000 square footage of problems (there aren't always problems in every square foot but there are always problems).

So wish me luck on this new journey of mine, what was I thinking?!? I'm still not quite sure. It's not very refreshing either when talking to head HR in SLC and after informing them what is going on, they say - "Don't you know how to say 'NO'??"

So we'll see how long this lasts.

NaBloPoMo Take Two

2009-11-01T08:30:00.000-08:00

Here we go again, something in my crazy little brain decided to try doing NaBloPoMo, yet again (even though we know how well I did last year). So here it is the first of November? Really, the first? This is just insane. I feel I haven't done anything this year I wanted to accomplish. I was so set on 2009 being MY year, and yet again it's turned into another everyone else year. Oh well, there's always 2010, 2011, 2012...etc. Ha! So here's to take 2 and hopefully a more interesting fun fact-filled blog about myself and my life! Happy November everyone!

When Do We Really Grow Up?

2009-10-16T07:43:00.000-07:00

The black silhouette of the hills against the cream colored sky that faded into a dusty midnight blue with the splendid crescent shaped thumbnail moon not far above. It was a beautiful drive into work this morning as I saw the sky change from black to different shades of blues and violets to pinks and yellows and back to blue again.

When do we realize who we are as people? I was thinking back to this post I wrote and realized that it is changing every day. Who I thought I once was isn't who I am today, and it's not going to be who I am tomorrow. So when do we finally realize what we like and what we don't like. When do our tastes stop changing? Or are they consistently growing and evolving like our minds, bodies, and spirits do? So far I have learned the type of music that I really like, I don't know the genre of it nor can I figure it out. I suppose it would be called singer/songwriter folk pop?! (Oh how I humor myself at times). There are a ton of things that I have realized that if I pay attention to what I'm doing I don't really like it, I just do it, like a trap I'm caught up in.

The books I like to read is changing. I used to be a true crime reader which has evolved more into simple comedic mysteries then turned into more romantic comedy/drama books and now I find myself reading Newbery books and the Bronte sisters, Jane Austen, and one day Proust and the classic classics (you know the old ones), we'll see, we shall see. So my life and likes and dislikes are continually changing.

I have been listening to podcasts latly and I LOVE them, there are a few of them that I listen to that I like but anyway I was listening meet the author AJ Jacobs, and someone asked him why he does the experiments and he got off subject talking about his rational experiment that he did were he made every choice the rational way and learned new things about him. I want to do the same thing (to an extent) I want to know that I really like the things I do, see, hear, want - and if not that I can change it to something that I do like and enjoy. The first thing? I don't like minty chemically toothpaste. I like the natural stuff. Think I'm weird - I'm OK with that, and me saying I'm OK with not caring what people think because I like it, and it doesn't matter is a HUGE step for me.

On other topics I know that I said I would have my living room painted and new drapes hung, obviously that hasn't been done yet. I have been feeling down for the past little while (health wise not mentally *well most of the time anyway*) and the laundry, decorating, grocery shopping parts of my brain seem to have deteriorated away into empty space. So come to find out I have a bronchi infection which has "spread" to my nose and ears. So I'm now on an inhaler and antibiotics, and after two days I'm feeling better other than my extreme need for sleep my my extremly weak limbs. But anyhoodle - this month in almost two weeks I will purchase paint and begin the process - so continue to wait patiently and it will happen.

As far as Mr. B and I? We're great couldn't be better, nothing new to talk about as we just work, eat, sleep. Repeat continually.

Now that I'm feeling better I'll be back more often!

Next: What I learned this week likes & dislikes.

Outsource my life?!

2009-10-07T18:26:00.001-07:00

Yes, you read that right. I have been reading The Guinea Pig Diaries by AJ Jacobs, and it is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G! I read an excerpt from my all time favoriteist magazine subscription in the world – Real Simple (their website is equally amazing you should check it out, no really, check it out). It was the September issue for this year – in case you were interested.

Back to the subject at hand – while reading the article I laughed so hard I cried! I found it so funny that I then read it out loud to Cinderella, and then that night again to myself – needless to say I couldn’t wait for the full edition to be released to stores! Well on the 28th of September it came to Borders my bookstore of choice,

(unless they keep doing this, then there might be a change)

and I was there with ~~cash~~ debit card in hand ready to purchase.

(I did not also purchase 3 other books that I ~~couldn’t wait to have~~ didn’t need at all except to add to my ever growing collection)

So for the past week I have been reading 1/2 a chapter a night.

(laughing so hard it sometimes wakes up Mr. B)

Why only half a chapter?! Because I don’t want it to end I want it to last – it’s funny and makes me smile – I can’t wait til bedtime so I can continue reading the saga of this amazingly intuitive yet hilariously creative man.

Last night I was reading the chapter when he outsources his life for a month to India. By outsourcing his life I mean, his entire life, from research for his book to replying to his email, he even outsourced his sons bedtime story time to overseas! He doesn’t stop at anything he takes it all to the extreme.

So this got me thinking – if I could outsource one thing what would it be, and why? So after much deliberation with myself

(to include a couple of pro/con lists)

I came up with my conclusion.

I would outsource grocery shopping and menu making. If someone would make a bi-weekly menu order the required ingredients online and have them delivered to my house I would cook more and my husband would definitely be happier (well his belly would be anyway). This would be great! I wouldn’t have to go to the annoying place full of irritating people who get in your way to purchase groceries just to come home and do more work. This way it is all purchased for me and the days for the food are listed as well as the instructions to cook the meals. What a beautiful thing!

Speaking of outsourcing….

this

has outsourced my computer. I haven’t sat down at it for the past few days, it feels abandoned, but I am love with my little mini RedBerry, do they offer BBAA classes? (BlackBerry Addicts Anonymous)

So what would you outsource if you could? Oh, and pick up a copy of this book it’s HILARIOUS! I’m going to have to read his other things as well….

Happy Wednesday Eve Everyone!

Three years and Three Days

2009-09-19T14:07:00.001-07:00

Today Mr. B and I have been married for 3 years and 3 days. It doesn’t seem that long (at all) but at the same time it feels like it’s been forever. Sometimes I wake up in the morning and still wonder if I really am married or if this is just a dream, it’s strange I can’t explain it. These past 1,098 days have been filled with ups downs, new learning experiences, tantrums, and well happiness and love of course.

It’s been an interesting year this year, as it is the first year that we have been together in the same house consistently for more than a month. It’s great to be living in the same place as that’s what marriage usually means. I have to tell you though, living with someone is hard, it’s more than hard sometimes it can be downright difficult.

I have learned that not everyone puts the dishes in the dishwasher the same, and that’s okay.
We don’t do the laundry the same, and that’s okay too.
We don’t park the same, eat the same, or even like the same shows on TV (except for a couple).
We don’t have the same tastes in books or movies.
And we defiantly don’t enjoy spending our free time the same, I like to be out and about and well Mr. B likes solitude.

We don’t agree on the same things but that’s what makes us special. We share the things we enjoy and love it when the other half is happy and content. I have learned to be more patient and understanding. While I sure he has learned many things about me that shouldn’t be publicized for fear of mocking… ha! I’m a strange duck sometimes. But we love each other and learn from each other and I can’t wait for many more years to come as being Mrs. B.

Three years ago today I was in San Francisco on our Honeymoon and getting used to the idea of a joint checking account, living in a hotel, where his job would take us, and doing those wifely things (cook, clean, shop, blah!). But I’ve figured it out and I’m attempting to be the best wife I can (I think).

I’m off to leave for the city to celebrate these past 3 years! Have a fantastic weekend.

Fix It Friday #29

2009-09-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

Here is another week of Fix-It-Friday from iHeartFaces ! She is so cute! I love the rainbow across the image and didn’t want to distort that. So here are my takes…

The Submitted Original Image

My Takes On The Post-Processing

Can We Say -- 68 More Days!?!

2009-09-14T12:21:00.000-07:00

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

My 2009 Fall Line-Up

2009-09-12T17:40:00.001-07:00

I’m so excited about this falls line-up but even more excited that some of my ‘regular scheduled programming’ is back! So in addition to the regulars there are some new additions this fall which I’ve watched and well…. here are my thoughts.

Drop Dead Diva
Hilarious, I love it. It’s clean, witty, ‘different’ (term loosed loosely), happy, light, cute, and highly addicting. I love how it is literally a ‘skinny woman trapped inside a fat girls body’ ha! Deb – the thin model girl that is stuck inside of the ‘Lane Bryant’ bodied Jane keeps her memories as well as she gets Jane’s smarts, and is now a lawyer. She works with her boyfriend (who was going to propose before she died, Deb that is) and keeps her happy bubbly attitude but has a whole new outlook on different problems that pass her way. It gives you a new outlook and a way to see around problems that appear in our lives.

The Vampire Diaries
Love it! Love it! Love it! Well it is reminiscent of Twilight, okay it’s more than reminiscent… but I love it. Elena, the main character, reminds me and looks like a young Teri Hatcher. In reference to it being like Twilight, there is a Vampire boy, a human girl interest for him and they are more than likely going to get together… but the main difference is it seems more ‘mature’ the Vampire actually seems to act like a Vampire (except he goes out into the sun), and there are actual Vampire attacks! (which I’m sure there will be in the Eclipse movie). But I am enjoying it so far and hopefully it will stay on the same path it’s on. I do have to say I like the fact that they burn instead of sparkle…

Glee
This is a toss-up for me, I’m not quite sure how I feel about it. I might watch one more episode but I don’t understand the hype behind it – it’s annoying and simple yet at the same time it is funny. I defiantly don’t think it’s a ‘teenager’ show and actually can’t believe some of the things that are okay to be on television these days. So we’ll see.

Melrose Place
Not sure about this one either – maybe an adult version of 90210? Mind you I never watched the original 90210 or Melrose Place so I wouldn’t know. Ashlee Simpson isn’t that great of an actress IMO but can I resist a show with great clothes, nice cars, and a murder mystery? No, I cannot. So it will still record and I will still watch it.
*** ** * *** * ** ***
So those are the new shows I think that I have watched… I’m not sure but it is what I can remember, but I do know that it’s about all Mr. B can take in one sitting. even though he sits in his comfy chair with his headphones on and ‘says’ he’s not watching I know that he is, especially when I miss a part of the plot and he fills me in on it – but he’s not watching. :)

New layout? Yes, apparently I can’t keep my interest that long, and I wanted something light and refreshing, bright and happy. So this is what it is, even though it’s fall. I’m just trying to figure out a clever cute header – any suggestions? Oh, and before I forget….

Great way to start the season COUGS!

Oh, and if you were interested… this is what we watch:

Castle, The Mentalist, Drop Dead Diva, Melrose Place, Greek, Gossip Girl, The Amazing Race, Desperate Housewives, Brothers & Sisters, Chopped, Hells Kitchen, 90210, America’s Next Top Model, Top Chef, So You Think You Can Dance, Glee, The Vampire Diaries, Community, Parks & Recreation, Project Runway, The Hills, Food Network Challenges, The City, Dollhouse, NFL Football, College Football, The Game Show Network, Burn Notice, Chuck, Scrubs, Lie To Me, Make it or Break It, How I Met Your Mother, Big Bang Theory, Rules of Engagement, Saturday Night Live, Royal Pains, Robot Chicken, and whatever comes in our Netflix queue or movies that catch our eye… I think that’s it…. (and by we I usually mean me… Mr. B gets a lot of video game time in during primetime fall…)

Also, just found out they cancelled Reaper?! Samantha Who?! My Own Worst Enemy (found out about that one a while ago, still makes me mad)?! People, just leave good TV on TV and stop making shows like Glee (even though I’ll watch that too)…

My Favorite Image So Far

2009-09-11T23:59:00.001-07:00

This has to be one of my favorite photos so far, so I thought I would put a little twist on it!

Fix It Friday #28

2009-09-11T17:37:00.001-07:00

I can’t believe we are already at week 28! This little girl is so beautiful!

Here are my takes on the photo, I didn’t want to crop it as it is already in a great crop. So I just played with layers, curves, levels, and hues… etc. Enjoy! Go to iHeartFaces to see some more beautiful takes on this little angel!

I Love Where I Live

2009-09-09T18:20:00.001-07:00

I took this while waiting in the line of traffic coming home from work. It’s beautiful and serene, and I love it. I remember first moving to this part of the world and seeing the lush beautiful green rolling hills and saying to Mr. B “I want to live in those hills.” Little did I know that those lush green hills were only lush and green 3 out of the 12 months of the year (December thru February) and the rest of the time they are well, see above. But it’s still wonderful, and I do love it.

Two Projects Done – Lots To Go

2009-09-07T19:26:00.001-07:00

So this fabulous 3 Day weekend was filled with a few things, some more than others – but I did manage to get two projects done in the living room this weekend. One thing that had been driving me absolutely insane was our collection of sheet music for both the piano and the cello. When I was at Joannes looking for paint colors and finding my incredible wreath I also picked up this little beauty for 60% off which made her $5.40!

Unreal isn’t it? So she got painted white and then put to good use!

I also took these letters (excuse the choice I use to paint on… I’ve been saving these pizza boxes for months, just so I could have something to spray paint over, ha!)

and turned them into a monogram on our wall, I hung them randomly as I will have to re-hang them after the walls are painted (I shop for paint on Saturday)!

My colors for the living area will be: *drumroll*
Walls – Dusty Blue

Main Accent – Chocolate Brown
Secondary Accents – Cinnamon & A Soft Green

I am very excited and can’t wait, even though it means painting… blah. But I do a decent job and it really won’t take that long. I also need to pick up some drapes. There was also a lot of this going on on this 3 day weekend as well,

Hope everyone had a safe and wonderful Labor Day weekend!

The Start Of A New Season

2009-09-03T18:18:00.001-07:00

Welcome Fall! Granted it is still 100+ degrees outside but it’s September and it’s time to get ready for my favorite things about the fall: Changing leaves on trees, Warm drinks in the morning, Cute fuzzy socks, Candles at night, Smell of crispness and coolness in the air, and the Warm rich colors of fall!

I have been reading The Nester for the past little while and last week she has totally inspired me to get off my hiney and make my house a home, “It doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.” If you get the time you should go check out her site it’s FAN-TAB-ULOUS-TIC!

Anyway, here is the first improvement for the month for my house:

Welcome to my house! Not a great first impression huh? I mean you have the really thin ivy, black drain tubes and sprinklers, and well the phone book that we have obviously been too lazy to take to the trash can (that will serve as my reminder that I have announced to the whole world that I leave a phonebook on my patio for well, I will leave out the specific time frame, but if you ever need a number you know where to come!). This weekend I will be planting some Hyacinth and Tulips so they can bloom in the spring, and if you look closely in the bottom right hand corner you can see some Bearded Irises growing, these were given to me and left in my car for a little over a week I can’t believe they are actually growing! (This post is making me sound like a horrible procrastinator, trust me I’m really not, at least I don’t think that I am). So anyway, while in Joanne Fabric Store yesterday I found the best thing to lighten up my front door ‘space’ for now! I’m so excited, it looks more like a home already:

Welcome Autumn, and Welcome to Our Home

Won’t my husband be super ~~weirded-out~~ excited when he comes home tonight?!? I also found a nifty box to hold my sheet music for the Cello and Piano as well as a wall-hanging I am so excited to do, and not to mention the color I’m going to paint the walls (I’ll give you a hint, it’s not green or gray)! Are you as excited as I am?! Well, if not you should be! So welcome to our house that will soon be a home.

Sick Days Are Boring

2009-09-01T18:11:00.001-07:00

There is nothing I dislike more than not feeling well and not going into work. I get so bored. There is only so much TV/Movies/Internet you can handle. There is only so much blog redesigning and photo editing you can do. I woke up this morning with a fever of 101 and my throat was sore so I let boss man know I wasn’t going to be in and then tried to go back to bed but for some reason picked up ‘Eclipse’ and didn’t put it down for three hours (that was at 6am) I slept for a couple hours and then woke up and still haven’t eaten anything except water and Dayquill if that counts for anything… So I opened my RSS feeds that I am a little behind on, and well it’s not good for me to behind on them because it will take me forever – but anyway, I digress. So I came across this post and decided a few things are going to change around my house. I want the house that feels like this, reflects love, and is full of light. So here are a few before and after projects that I am going to do, it might take a while but I’m going to do it, and I’m going to be happy with it, so introducing my help my house to not feel like a mis matched bachelor pad series. Each month I’ll take a room and do a simple cheap before/after post on it once a week. This months room is the living room {I’ll post before pictures tomorrow, or whenever I feel better}. It’s filled with cheap black Wal-Mart Furniture, Brown 70’s style tables, A horribly faded and stained leftover sofa light green, a dark green puffy recliner {hubs favorite place}, My TV that sits on an old black flimsy microwave stand, and a square blocked rug with an ornate gold curtain rod and curtains. I’m sure the pictures will help you understand better. But this is what I have in mind for this room:

White Sheer Flowy Curtains {I have white wood blinds up already}
Some type of Silver or Black Ornate Rod {can’t decide}
Paint the Dark Furniture White {except for the book cases}
Find a corner TV unit in white that I like
Find or Make Slip Covers for both pieces of furniture and get some throw pillows
Hang Artwork on wall

I’m excited to get started and to show you the before and afters, as a matter of fact I just ordered some drapes on line for 70% off! Until tomorrow have a fantastical evening and help me decide do I do gray walls or a light bright happy green?

Before and After, Then and now

2009-08-30T20:02:00.001-07:00

So over at iHeartFaces this week it is the before and after theme, meaning post a picture of when you first started editing/photography and then one of your most recent edits/shoots, which I have taken literally so I have posted a before and after when I started and a before and after now, since I have kinda started backwards in this whole photography world of editing first and then learning photography later... when I'm in school and when I have a decent camera other than a point and click. So I choose the photo of my nephew from April 2007 which I was so proud of and then a photo from last weekend, which is so much better. It’s amazing that with a little practice and patience how much you can grown in a short {2 years} time frame. So introducing:

Then

Knowing what I know now, this picture was almost perfect in it's orginial state and just needed a little cleaning, not a complete overhaul - along with the non-knowledge of curves and trying to make everything look perfect I have learned to try and leave stuff more au natural...

Now

I still feel I am pulling too much contrast in so I'm trying to learn still the balance of just right and a little over done, but hey, I'm learning right? :) Any hints, suggestions, or ideas? On how to bring in some color and contrast but not so it looks so processed?

I wish I could get LiveWriter to post the pictures to my blog in a better quality then it does, anyone have any tips? So I half use flickr and half live writer which makes it a bit difficult sometimes... oh well.

#26 Fix-It-Friday Little Beauty

2009-08-28T18:03:00.001-07:00

Head over to iHeartFaces to see the rest of the edits for this week!

My Color Edit

My Black & White Edit

There are so many things you can do with such a great picture! I had to hold myself back – have a terrific weekend everyone!

My Life Journey - In A Nutshell

2009-08-28T14:04:00.001-07:00

Inspired by this post today I thought I would do my own who am I and how did I become to be the one behind this blog. So enjoy! I know others have been inspired to do this as well so here is a MckLinky to include your site as well!

I was born in the fall of 1983 to two parents (who are terrific) in a midwestern state when Ronald Reagan was president on the national deficit was only 1371 Billion Dollars.

At an early age of my parents noticed that my thumbs didn't operate as they should have and this caused me to have the very first surgery when I was 3 in 1986 - I remember getting a bear dressed in a 'hospital gown' with it's thumbs bandaged and I got to wear bread sacks over my arms when bathing... I hated it the tape would stick to my skin sometimes and hurt... but I can now operate my thumbs fully and still see the scars from the removal of my 'tendon tubes'.

From 1986 - 1991 is kind of a blur as I don't remember things very well (thanks mom). However I do know that I got a dog named Fauxie she was a wonderful German Shepard who apparently liked me too much that she would lovingly attack my parents when they came near me so she had to go when we moved to Georgia in 1991 and I was baptized into our church that year and began to grow in the Gospel of Christ.

At the age of 9 in 1992 I became a big sister to Boog. It was awful, I wrote a letter to the doctor asking to take her back. She was extremly collicy and would cry for ~~hours~~ days and it was horrible, especially because everything she cried I would cry because I felt bad for her - and nothing helped her. By the time I got used to her...

My brother 'Bud' was born in the fall of 1994 . He was a much better baby. And I had finally gotten used to not being the only child (my parents will tell you otherwise).

In 1995 I met my best friend 'Jiffy' {can you tell I like nicknames?} and began competitive shooting. My mother went to every practice and every match and never missed one, this includes my whole time competing except for college. Then the Olympic Bombing happened in Atlanta in 1996 {which I won't forget} and American Gymnasts brought home gold.

In April 1999 I brought home Minnie - our now only 'child' and was finishing up my Freshman year of highschool and my first year of being on the HS Rifle Team {bang bang not spin spin}. And was looking forward to a great career in shooting.

In 2000 our team took the State Championship I came in third individually.

In 2001 and 2002 I was the State Individual Champion {funny story about the 2002 championship, I might write about at a later date}. And was looking forward to coaching shooting camps that summer and starting my first year of college at West Virginia University and competing collegiality {heard all the jokes no need to share}. It was this year that I learned a lot about myself, God, and what was truly important in life. They cut the team from NCAA funding at WVU so I didn't go back for a second year or finish.

It was in 2003 after returning home from college without a school to go back to that I fell in love with office work. I enjoyed being an Association Executive and loved all that that entailed. It was the summer I had 7 jobs at the same time and was saving up to serve an 18-month mission for the LDS church.

August 7, 2007 I began dating Mr. B. I gave him a ride to go purchase his Cruiser and we hit it off and apparently have never looked back. We fell in love and then in December of that year I left him waiting faithfully for me for 19 months. He traveled around while I was serving the Lord in Kansas and Colorado.

I came home in July 2006 my family moved to NV and we were married September 16th of that year and began living our lives together.

2007 brought a couple of big changes for me, it was the first time in my life that I have been without something to do; job, school, friends, etc. And Mr. Bs job brought us 2,400 miles from my home to my new residence in the Sunshine State. I found a new job and love it. And I started my blog to keep up with other family members but also somewhat as an outlet and journal of my life.

It's 2009 and I miss shooting more than can be explained or understood except by those who can't do something they truly love anymore. In the beginning of this year I picked up a camera differently and got a copy of Photoshop and am really excited about finding a new love, something that I can do that brings me happiness and slightly fills the void left by not shooting anymore. I hope to start going back to school soon for Photography and Digital Imaging, and one day when I'm good enough help others capture the sweet morsely moments of their lives to keep and cherish forever.

Mr. B and I have been married for almost 3 years and have been trying for a family for the last 18 months. I stay busy as an office manager during the day and TV watcher, photo editing, soon to be student at night and Mr. B, well, he works...A LOT. So it's usually just me and Minnie and sometimes my good friends out here in this crazy place where it doesn't rain.

That's me in a nutshell, well at least everything I could remember. I'm sure there is more, like I have a piece of the Berlin Wall the size of a silver dollar my Grandma brought back for me that has a bullet in it and a yellow smiley face {the wall not the bullet}. That I'm wisdom tooth free and really want a chocolate lab. I'm super baby hungry and miss my brother and sister like crazy and wish I lived closer to see them grown up. I'm enjoying my life minute by minute and enjoying {trying to enjoy} all the trials and challanges that the Lord has in store for us in our lives.

Sisters Seniors

2009-08-26T12:20:00.001-07:00

First off can I preface by saying I cannot believe my little 'Boog' is a senior?! How exciting and a little sad at the same time. Anyway, I had the opportunity to do my first photo shoot ever, and am very excited about some of the shots that we were able to get. I have over 400 pictures we then narrowed it down to her favorite 50 and those will be the ones that I am post processing and working on for her to pick from for her final senior picture. Here is one of my favorites and I will be posting them over at my Photo Blog as I do them - it will be my favorite from each set so head over there enjoy and keep your eyes open as I continue to do post-processing! Congratulation Class of 2010!

Disrespectful Drivers Ruin Potential Business Clients?

2009-08-26T10:40:00.000-07:00

I'm in a field where I always keep my eyes open for new vendors in the facilities operations division, ie: painters, HVAC techs, landscapers, glass repair, fire services, etc. I usually do this by going to the phone book, internet, or the super handy - "The Blue Book: Building and Construction", but most recently I catch myself trying to find a pen and paper to jot down a license number I see on a truck as I'm sitting in traffic, as I'm guessing that this is why they advertise on thier vehicles, right? I suppose you could say that I am a little picky when it comes to which numbers I write down, and I didn't recognize this until this morning. My routine for writing down these companies information usualy consists of:

Is the vehicle in good repair? If they care about thier own pieces of equipment they will more likely take care when they do a job for us at our properties. Now I understand that some work related vehicles will have paint on them if your a painter, or concrete/scratches if you are a concrete worker {I suppose those would be called masons?}, or dents if your carrying heavy equipment, all of these things I allow for. The things I'm talking about is if there is trash everywhere, if the company logo/sticker is peeling or in a bad condition. That is usually the first turn of from me when looking for companies.
Is there a CA state license number on the logo? This is important to us as we can't use anyone that isn't licensed or insured.

After I look at the condition of the vehicle and if it has the necessary information on it that I need to follow-up with the company and find out if they have the proper terms that we need to use them, I usually write down thier number.... well, until I realized I do something else. This morning I had down both of the items above and then it happened, they sped up and started weaving in and out of traffic like a mad man! I promptly stopped writing the number and blew them off as a company I would use. As I sit here and type this I can't think of why - the only thing I can come up with is if they are in a hurry on the road what would they do to a project they are working on if they are missing the deadline, would they recklessly hurry up to finish and not pay attention to the quality? Would they hurry through and make mistakes? Would they not do quality control and let the noticed mistakes go unfixed? Then I realized I really am not sure why I wouldn't use them - I do know however that if you are advertising your company it might be a wise decision to drive a little better than you would in your own car, as it could hurt your companys efforts to bring in new business, in my own opinion anyway, which is why I have a blog - to express my own opinion.

Do contractors think of these things when assigning drivers?! I understand that we all have deadlines and we all need to do things according to someone else's {boss, bills, life, children, spouse, parents, etc.} schedule but the best way to do them is to do it right the first time, no matter the time it takes and that is what builds the trust, not only meeting the deadline but meeting it with honesty and intergrity. So watch how you are driving because I am sure I'm not the only one out there in the world who gets information of possible new vendors off of the non-peeling/faded stickers on the side of business vehicles.

I think this applys to anyone for any type of business whether it be a daycare bus, to dry cleaning pick up, to which parcel delivery service you choose to go with, who delievers your milk, or your babies cloth diapers.

Happy Birthday My Darling Mr. B

2009-08-19T09:32:00.000-07:00

Husband, Happy Birthday! Today you are *insert guessed age here*! You are an incredible man, and every day I grow to love you more and more. I'm so happy to be your wife and to share 3 past birthdays with you by your side and am excited that we have so many more birthdays left to share together. I admire you and love you. Remember continually how wonderful you really are, remember how much you really are worth, and remember you can do anything you want to do.

My heart for you will never break. My smile for you will never fade. My love for you will never end. I love you.

And if you ever forget why I love you, feel free to look back on the list I made last year, that now would have doubled in size.

Your loving wife - *pinky*

My Favorite Recipe

2009-08-18T07:50:00.001-07:00

Wow, this is a hard one to choose, most of the things I love to cook are my favorites! But here is one of my simple quick favorite dishes that I love to make for our family, enjoy!

{Chicken Taco Stew}

Ingredients
1 onion, chopped
1 16-oz can black beans
1 16-oz can kidney beans
1 16-oz can corn (drained)
1 8-oz can tomato sauce
2 14.5-oz cans diced tomatoes w/chilies
1 1.25-oz packet taco seasoning
1-2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (frozen or thawed)

Directions
Mix everything together in a slow cooker except chicken. Lay chicken on top and cover. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. 30 minutes before serving, remove chicken and shred. Return chicken to slow cooker and stir in. This is good eaten with cheese, sour cream, or tortilla chips.

Number of Servings: 14

Nutritional Info
* Servings Per Recipe: 14
*Serving Size 1 cup
* Amount Per Serving
* Calories: 115.8

* Total Fat: 0.8 g
* Cholesterol: 7.9 mg
* Sodium: 782.8 mg
* Total Carbs: 17.9 g
* Dietary Fiber: 5.4 g
* Protein: 7.8 g

Fix It Friday: #24 Window To The Soul

2009-08-14T23:09:00.001-07:00

I love Fix-It-Fridays! Here are my edits and head over to iHeartFaces.com to see more wonderful creative edits!

{Original Image}

{My Fixes}

One thing today worth mentioning… I dropped my camera and busted it… not the best day ever but now I can purchase that SLR I’ve been saving up for! Super happy about that. Have a terrific weekend!

My visit with a stranger

2009-08-13T23:02:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I had an interesting conversation with this 87 year old man by the name of Steele. He happened to be dropped off at my office by accident {really long story, which I’ll get to in a bit}. He was a gentle & very kind man. He didn’t know his last name or why he was there, or even where he lived. As we talked I learned that he had graduated from the University of Rochester in 1945 with a degree in Technological Engineering {how amazing would that have been in the year 1945?!} Steele was married in 1947 to his wife Julia and together they had 2 boys; Bruce and Ernest. The moved to California in 1950 but his wife didn’t like it so they moved back east. He continued working in California and sent her and the boys money home, only to continue living by himself.

At 9:15am yesterday I met a man who changed my outlook on life, who brought me a little more joy, and who helped me understand a little more about people who surround me on a day to day basis. As we were talking and as I was trying to get a little bit of information out of him without him knowing that I knew he didn’t remember much, I was on the phone with the company who dropped him off. Because they didn’t have a last name nor did they have an 'ID’ number they wouldn’t do anything about it. I called the Sherriff's office because I felt bad for this man, I didn’t want him to waste away his day by sitting in my office staring at the brown walls like I do everyday. They told me to check his pockets for ID and figure it out myself. At this point I started to tear up, how come people always treat the elderly like they are in the way?

While we waited and while I tried to figure out what to do next we talked about books, and the books that he currently had just read. We talked about sports and how he played soccer, football, and baseball at the University of Rochester. He talked about the wars he lived during. He talked about the man on the moon. But one thing he would always talk about was his wife and his boys and what a great joy they were to raise and how he wished he could see them and how he missed them. Come to find out his boys and wife passed away many years ago, and he is the only one here that is part of his family and how lonely he gets at times.

He told me an address to where he lived and I googled it and it ended up being a Senior Living home right down the road. I gave them a call and spoke to this sweet lady who worked there who gave me Steele’s last name and told me that he hadn’t lived there for over a year, but that he was a great man and she missed him. Once again I started to tear up at the thought that Steele was loved and people cared for him and he didn’t realize it. Steele heard me say his last name and his eyes brightened and he looked at me and said joyfully, “That’s me!”. We continued talking and he came up with another address which I googled again and it was where he lived an they were sending someone to come get him.

After our 3 hour conversation I had made a little special bond with this stranger named Steele. What he said touched me, “I’m alone, no one cares about me they just keep shuffling me around.” We’re not alone there is always someone who loves us; our Saviour and our God. But most importantly how thankful I am that I have a loving husband who would do anything for me, parents who love and support me, siblings who look up to me that help me stay on track, friends to lean on and give my shoulder to. How blessed I am! Steele, you are loved and you touch those who you see everyday. I will come to visit you, as you have touched me and deserve to know that people do care about you.

Take a little extra time out of your day today to say hi to the elderly, give a helping hand when you can, and remember there are Steele’s everywhere you turn who need a smile, a wave, or just a simple hello and a meaningful, “how are you today?” Take the time to listen take the time to care.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-12T21:38:00.000-07:00

Fix-It-Friday: Sweet Boy #23

2009-08-07T08:40:00.000-07:00

{Original}

Click for more fantastic edits from this week!

{Edits}

Does 911 Work Outside of California?!

2009-08-04T11:21:00.000-07:00

Yes that is a real question that I was asked by my LA-anite {someone who has lived in SoCal for her entire life} friend. I think I didn't stop laughing forever. We were talking about how 411 works everywhere and 511 really only works in CA {granted it's the only place I've ever tried it - except for the middle of nowhere NV and there really isn't a need for it there} and then my lovely Cinderella says, "Does 9-1-1 work outside of CA?" You have to cut her some slack as other than living in LA, Oakland, and Argentina for a couple of years - she's never had need to use 9-1-1... still it's funny, at least I think so anyway...

So in answer to the question I asked yesterday about why you should always wash your fruits and veggies before you eat them? No matter if they are organic or not? Because on our LA road trip last weekend {pics soon to come} they transport your nice fresh fruits & veggies in open topped semis with the exhaust coating them in their black 'exhausty muck'. It's gross. Now, I've never been one for washing my fruits and veggies, in fact I think I have maybe once or twice, but now after watching them move them from place to place with all the elements attacking them at 70mph I will and have become an avid veggie/fruit washer. I should make some of my own veggie wash using:

1 Lemon
2 TBL Distilled White Vinegar
1 C Tap Water

Squeeze at least 1 TBL of Lemon juice out of your lemon into your spray bottle {this is the natural disinfectant}
Add vinegar and water {vinegar is an acid that will neutralize any pesticides that might be on your freggies {that's slang for fruits and veggies}
Spray on any freggies and then rinse :)

Has anyone seen, 'More To Love'? Weird. Very Strange. Awkward. And well, this is saying a lot but I don't like it. It is the only reality TV show that I don't like. I know that doesn't make me sound like an intelligent being, but I really do love my reality TV - it's my escape, my little place that I enjoy. But this show is just, well, mean? do I dare say? Posting weights on TV every minute, but they are supposed to be real sized? Then what does their weight matter? These women have high self confidence?! Then why are they crying every time they are in the "Diary Room" {had to get a little Big Brother in there}. Anyway, it's weird and awkward and I don't like it. Not to mention I was totally turned off by the fact the hostess wore flip flops, yes she was in an evening gown with FLIP FLOPS! Gross. Maybe it's just me but I think it's wrong.

Oh, and yes 9-1-1 does in fact work outside of California :)

And I had to buy 2 new tires today... that's another story... this will be 5 tires for my vehicle in the past 18 months.... gah.

Encouragement

2009-08-03T08:50:00.000-07:00

So I spent the weekend thinking about what the word 'encouragement' meant to me, personally. I was brought back to a couple of weeks ago as I was flying home from the family reunion in Idaho I was staring out the window of the plane into the clouds watching through the spaces in them the earth beneath pass by. It was one of the most beautiful moments I have ever had. The hope that filled me from within as I was looking out the window was something I didn't want to forget. I haven't had the chance to journal down my thoughts and when I saw that today's blog hop was encouragement - what a perfect time.

I had my iPod on with my headphones in my ears - when these lyrics sang in my ears:

"It passes all my understanding,
All the beauty we have here
From the majesty of the canyons
To a tiny baby's ear
And even when I can't believe it,
He still believes in me
It passes all my understanding

We watched the sun set through the clouds
In a tiny little airplane window
With people sleeping all around
And I thought of how we just expect this world to be

It passes all my understanding,
That the Lord knows both our names
And that He made this world for everyone
That was sitting on that plane
And in spite of all of man's distractions
He offers us His peace
That passes all my understanding"

Our loving Father in Heaven gives us so much hope and peace. Having the knowledge the He lives makes my heart glow with warmth. The encouragement I felt while looking out my own aircraft window knowing that someone greater than us all created this beautiful world for us to live in to enjoy and to grow. Knowing that He sent His Son, our Savior Jesus Christ to die for us so we might return to live with Him and that we could overcome sin and temptation, is filled with hope that encourages me on a daily basis. I am thankful for this, and for being able to literally see His love and the hope He has for us that surrounds us when other things in this life seem to be falling apart everyday.

Movies & Photos

2009-08-02T19:31:00.000-07:00

So I decided it would be wise to play with Photoshop some more instead of just sticking to what I already knew - the simple things. So today I have watched: Meet Dave, Swing Vote, and My Fair Lady. I thought 'Meet Dave' was so adorable and humorous, pretty clever to I might say. Swing Vote was cute moved a little slow and made me cry, but nonetheless, cute. My Fair Lady has always been one of my favorites, and I could watch it over and over and over again. So my day has been spent watching movies not including the catch of of the DVR - and the whole time I have been sitting here editing photos in Photoshop - LOVE IT!

The more I learn the more there is to learn! So after hours and hours of tutorials I think I can stop for the evening and give my eyes a rest {not to mention my poor brain that I have been packing information into!}, here are a couple of my favorites that I have done for my boss and his wife of their little boys. I have a lot more left to do - but I haven't forgotten about them. They aren't perfect or the best in the world, but I am learning and loving it and that is what matters.

My first time using texture....

Have a wonderful Monday tomorrow! Do you know why you should wash your vegetables? I'll discuss it tomorrow! Off to watch "Breakfast at Tiffanys" eat some dinner and go to bed.

Wedding: Craig & Whitney (Rexburg, ID)

2009-07-31T17:50:00.000-07:00

Sorry for all the pictures peeps, enjoy!

Craig & Whitney were married on the 17 of July in the Rexburg, Idaho temple for time and eternity.

{Rexburg, ID Temple}

{Craig & Whitney Exiting the Temple}

{Oh, the Happiness and the Joy!}

{My Favorite Shot}

{The Flowers on the Grounds were Magnificent}

Three Generations {Grandma, Granddaughters, and Mother}

{My Wonderfully Fantastic Sister}

{Sister & Mother}

{Me & My Lil' Sis}

{Sister, One More Time}

{Such a Beautiful Place & Beautiful Day}

Fix-It-Friday: Southern Belle #22

2009-07-31T08:59:00.000-07:00

I haven't done this in a while, but glad to be back! Here is the original of this precious girl as well as my edits. To see more go to:

{Original}

{Edits}

Updating To Come

2009-07-23T16:30:00.000-07:00

Off to Los Angeles! Family Reunion, Cousins Wedding, and LA trip updates to come when I return! Have a wonderful weekend, and for those of you that celebrate the 24th - Pioneer Day, Enjoy the all the parading!

Family Reunion: Hokanson 2009

2009-07-18T18:22:00.000-07:00

{Park? Check.}

{Food? Check.}

{Coolers Hubby Would Be Jealous Of? Check.}

{Homemade Rootbeer? Check.}

{Treats? Check.}

{Crazy Momma In Charge? Check.}

{Everyone Helping Out? Check.}

{Loved Ones? Check.}

{Family Volleyball? Check.}

{Cute Little Ones? Check.}

{Nap Time? Check.}

{Auction? Check.}

{Auction Winners? Check.}

{Egg Toss? Check.}

{Egged Victims? Double Check.}

A wonderful time was had by all!

For The Love Of The Game

2009-07-17T21:48:00.000-07:00

{I Love Baseball}

Super Sabbath

2009-07-12T20:17:00.000-07:00

What a great day! Douglas & I woke up in time to get ready, have breakfast, and walk to church. Sacrament service was excellent. A lot of the talks were on family unity - and I thought it was beautiful. I was asked to stay in the nursery which was enjoyable, lots of little kids and they were all so super adorable in their own little ways. This one little girl, Kit-Kat {adorable nick-name}, was drinking milk out of a sippy cup - no one knew where it had come from. When asked if it was hers this was her response, "Of course, cause it's tasty!" Ha! So cute, so stinkin' cute. Right after sacrament meeting the Relief Society President pulled me aside to ask if I would be willing to do the Relief Society newsletter - wow, that I think is more overwhelming than the primary pianist, which they let me know today that they really missed me, made me feel great - I loved it in there. So you are looking at the new newsletter designer. I really am strongly considering going to online school for graphic design/digital imaging. I really, really love it.

So back to the whole family unity thing. Ever since we've been married I have wanted to have a family mission statement and after reading a post on Simple Mom, I think I'm going to work this week on putting one together. After I get it done and Douglas and I 'edit' it I will use a fun font and have it printed 8x10 or maybe bigger then mat and frame it and hang it in our living room. I'm very excited for this. And even though we won't be able to do it in the 2-6 hours I'm sure we can get it done by August {that's my goal anyway}. This will be a short week as I leave for a family reunion on Thursday! I'm so excited! It will be a good opportunity to get some shots that I can edit and post. Have a wonderful week!

Scars & Pickle Skin

2009-07-10T09:49:00.000-07:00

The other day while sitting out poolside with Cinderella reading, I noticed that I had a lot of scars, it got me thinking about where they all came from, what caused them, and the memories behind them. I am grateful to my scars, for without them I would probably forget a lot of things that I have experienced, my memory is horrible, but a rush of things I thought I had forgotten came rushing back as I studied my scars.

A Jelly Fish stung my foot when I was 9 {of course this was before I was SCUBA certified - so snorkeling it was} in Panama City, FL, I honestly thought I was going to die. I remember the morning before my parents just woke me up and said we were leaving and I could sleep in the car, we drove forever no one telling me where we were going and we ended up in PC. I was so excited, it had to be one of the best trips and vacations I think I can remember. But I'll never forget the pain and my dad thinking I was crazy screaming for no reason in the middle of the ocean.
I have one on my left thigh from scraping up against Fire Corral while participating in my certification dives in Okinawa, Japan. That one was painful, but the image of underwater when it happened is ingrained in my brain, probably the most beautiful place I've ever dove.
On my left knee I have a large California shaped scar from when I was 11 riding one of those dangerous Big Wheels down the large hill in our subdivision. I was standing on the back when I slipped and was dragged down the hill. I remember I had just learned the words 'dermis' and 'epidermis' in school and kept telling people that I had ripped off my epidermis. I was such a dork. :)
On my right shin is the scars from my freshman year of highschool. We stayed at the Marriott in Atlanta before our state competition {Top/Coach didn't want anyone to be at any risk for not showing up} and we were all at the pool and hot tub and I got pulled into the hot tub and the rocks scrapped my shin. Good friends, good times. I wish I could find some of the members from the team that year that I have lost contact with.
I have a scar right underneath my bottom lip from when I was 2 {i think}, I was standing in my highchair watching the popcorn pop in one of the old school popcorn poppers and got excited, slipped, and fell - on the way down I pushed my tooth through my lip. A while after that I was in Wal-Mart playing on the metal railing dividers {mom always told me not to, I apparently never listen} and busted it open again, putting my tooth through it yet one more time.
One of the most recent scars I have is now right above my foot on my right shin. This would be from snorkeling in Hawaii in March. The lava rock on the beach going out and coming in cuts you up pretty bad if you're not careful. I'm not used to beach entries into the ocean, that's a benefit of diving off boats, you just jump in, although if you read above you can still get scars.

There are many many more scars that I have but I am indeed thankful for them, for helping me to remember little pieces and memories of my life.

Completely random but I feel the need to share, I don't like pickle skin. I LOVE pickles but would much rather scoop out the pickles innerds and not eat the skin. I know I'm strange...

{Yes It's True}

2009-07-01T11:01:00.000-07:00

I really am actually writing something on my blog instead of just posting edited photos {which soon will be more and more, so get used to it!}. This has been an interesting month to say the least, nothing interesting to write about just interesting. I have however created a grab & share button that you can post on your blog to link back to me, it is in the column to the right about halfway down. I'm now working on making my blog more uniformed and complete, hopefully soon to be moving to www.disguisedblessings.com/net not sure which way to go as of yet. I'm also working on updating the recipes as well as the book websites, make them a little more cohesive. Included also in all this also-ing I seem to be doing, will be a giveaway that I'm working on, so be sure to stay "moused in" {yes, that was a little well... moving on} for that.

My home laptop isn't able to keep up with me as recently I usually have Adobe Photoshop, PSPX2, iTunes, Firefox, Adobe Fireworks open at the same time now that I've started to take lessons/classes and really learn about digital imaging and editing. {I still have a long way to go, but I have learned I really love doing it}. So my wonderful husband purchased.....

{SPECS: Intel Duo T6600 2.2GHz 2MCache, 64 Bit Vista (soon to be upgraded to Win 7), 4GB DDR2 M @ 800MHz, Back Lit Keyboard, Bright 17 WLED Hi Res Display, Radeon HD 3650 Graphics, 320GB HD,}

At first I was really concerned about getting a Dell, but the more reviews I read I think it will be okay, and a lot better than the HP. I wouldn't go the HP route again, they make great printers but there computers really aren't competitive. So I hope it works fantastically, cause I'm so super excited to get it!

This past weekend we went to Raito night at the A's game, it was a ton of fun - and I got to meet more of the great people my husband works with, the Rockies won! Super exciting. I think it's a little odd though how I think I have seen more Rockies games here in Cali than I have Braves games while I was growing up in GA... I also helped Cinderella move into her new home, I'm so happy for her, and think it will be great - not to mention closer to me :) I also, finally, saw Confessions of a Shopaholic - F.A.N.T.A.S.T.I.C.! I know I had to go into it thinking that it was going to be different from the books, which it was but at the same time the dialouge was exactly how Sophie Kinsella wrote it/would have writtin it. This weekend we are off to NV for the Fourth!

Just as another side note, came across this website and love it, pure love! It makes me even more excited about VTing! Great ideas. There is also a link button to it on the right hand side as well.

{Fix-It-Friday: #18 "Sad Little Guy"}

2009-06-26T12:03:00.000-07:00

It's amazing what a little editing can do to one image! I've very much enjoy this process and think it is one of my favorite things to do. I've been taking tutorials and classes on Adobe Photoshop CS4 and little by little I'm learning, I think I'm getting better. But here are the photos for this week!

{ORIGINAL}

{FIRST EDIT}

{SECOND EDIT}

{THIRD EDIT}

{FOURTH EDIT}

Visit iHeartFaces for more inspiring edits!

{Fix-It-Friday: Pretty In Pink #17}

2009-06-23T09:31:00.000-07:00

I'm a little late at doing this this week, but loved the photo and wanted to give it a couple of quick fixes. Love this picture :)

{Original}

{First Edit}

{Second Edit}

{Third Edit}

See all the other wonderful edits at iHeartFaces

Life Is Like A Jump Rope

2009-06-22T09:11:00.000-07:00

So I admit one of my favorite bands as of late is Blue October - I heart them majorly. Anywho, I was listening to their new CD and pondering the things that have happened in my life lately the good and the bad, the sad the happy, and most especially the trying times that everyone has in thier lives and how one blog I've been reading she said, "I choose to praise God in this storm. In fact, I will praise Him for this storm." How powerful and real. We really should be thanking God for our trials and learning from them but also how to lean on Him for strength. So often we forget that we don't have to handle things on our own, we should never try as it would be so much easier with God at our side help and leading us through them - even the little day by day things, He cares He loves us and wants us to get the most out of life that we can. So on that note here is my new favorite song, enjoy!

New Beginnings

2009-06-11T13:00:00.000-07:00

This week is exceptionally difficult. I've done extremly well considering. Wednesday of last week I really decided to amp up my motivation and start treating my body like, well like a temple. I need to be healthier and I think the biggest thing is I need to realize that I deserve it. My body is for me to take care of, and hopefully as I begin taking care of it and it beginning to function properly maybe children will be in our near future, who knows.

So the first week {last week} I was doing this I went without soda, sugar, and processed foods. I felt amazing and lost a little under five pounds! Can you believe it? So far this week {my weeks start on Wednesdays} I've messed up a couple of little times, but still feel great and am still drinking water like a fish..

Speaking of fish, we have a new family member, his name is Xavier and he is a Blue/Purple Betta fish {or he was when I left this morning}. I'm terrified that I'm going to come home one of the days from work to Minnie sitting on the back of the couch or on the floor {she knows better than to get on my counter} with Xaviers tail sticking out of her mouth. I'll post a picture of him as soon as I can figure out how to take a picture of a fish in a bowl... I'm pretty sure it's about like taking a picture of anything.

Our lives have started to fade back into a little bit of normalancy, well as normal as they can for our little family our little Dinkypop {Double Income No Kids Yet Plenty of Pets} family, or as my father would say a couple of Dinks :) We have fallen for SIMS 3 - which is great considering I've always been a huge SIMS fan. I think Douglas and I will go as SIMS for Halloween this year, where I don't know but we'll still dress up.

Dreams, Goats, and Saturdays

2009-06-05T08:05:00.000-07:00

What's it like to have a weekend? You know those days where you ~~can sleep in~~ ~~do copious amounts of chores~~ lounge around and enjoy the day, take a drive to see the crazy animals roaming around your husbands job site, cleaning with the windows open and great music on. Sundays going to all three hours of church, it's been awhile, and even though we were released from our callings only to find out that will be staying was a little painful last Sunday but I am excited to go back to Sunday School and Relief Society - but I sure will miss 'Primary Idol' and 'Weeping Mothers' and the wonderful spirits of the children. This weekend there will be laundry to do and floors to clean, I also need to clean the front room, it's beginning to look like a mail center! And spend it playing Sims 3 with the husband.

Speaking of crazy animals, at Douglas' job site they have a ton of weeds and tall grass, well it costs too much to have someone continually come out and mow and by state law during fire season you can't have them above 4" tall, so this was the solution

Can you find the motorcycle? So apparently they lost control of the goats when they moved them from their pen, {side note: they have over 600 on the site} you can't see the collies in these pictures but from what I hear they are mighty fine goat herders, much better than humans :) Douglas thought it was funny that they all escaped until they surrounded his bike, maybe they thought it was just an oddly colored goat?

What a fun time. Cinderella and I made homemade pizza last night, I've never really liked homemade pizza and for that reason have never made it, well let me just say that the pizza we made last night changed that for good, I don't think we will ever be purchasing pizza again, the from scratch crust was unbelievable! We made a pepperoni and a chicken/artichoke with fresh mozzarella so much tastier and so much cheaper! I was amazed. I can't get over how delish the crust was.

For the past 3 days I have been doing so great with eating and exercising, I really do feel like a new person, I feel so great. My skin looks better and I'm not as tired as I usually am. I'm ready to change, finally - it only took me forever to figure it out. So I joined SparkPeople and I LOVE it! It's a great website either for weight loss or just maintaining a healthy lifestyle I recommend it to anyone.

Have a terrific weekend everyone!

Fix-It-Friday: Little Precious #15

2009-05-29T11:15:00.000-07:00

I had a really hard time with this image this week, but here is what I ended up with, I hate how the left side of her pretty little face is all dark, and I couldn't get the processing right so that there wasn't all the 'noise' on that side as well... oh well, did the best I could! Go to iHeartFaces to see the rest of the entries for this week.

{Original}

{First Edit}

{Second Edit}

Am I Still Breathing?

2009-05-29T08:34:00.000-07:00

We've been so busy lately it seems I need to remind myself to breathe. Since the beginning of May we have been actively searching for a home to purchase. Meeting with Lenders talking to Banks - looking at homes, peeking in windows, trying to fathom the crazy things people do to their homes and if we can fix it {or if it is worth fixing}. Saying our goodbyes to our ward, friends, and people we know in the area.

We were focusing on living somewhere in the Sierras but have decided on a cute little town here in Nor Cal, which we are excited about.

We are in our lease until the end of next February, so we have to figure out when our new move out day will be so our landlord can show the property to future tenants. I wish we could just give a 30 day notice - maybe we can. I would rather do that then set a date, say we give a formal 'lease breaking' letter saying we will be moving out August 1 - and we don't find anything or closing escrow by then, or end up not purchasing a home right now? Then where would we live? I know it will all work out it is just a new unknown process that is very exciting but equally frightening at the same time.

Douglas new shift hours are 7am - 7pm and he leaves at 6 and gets home at around 8 so I hardly see him but for a couple hours at night {don't get me wrong this is much better than not seeing him at all}. Our weekends have been jammed with Baseball games, house hunting, driving, and when we can laundry. So we are both completely exhausted all the time and hopefully when all this is said and done it will all be worth it. Considering after we move I will be changing my work hours {keep fingers crossed} from 5 eight hour days to 4 ten hour days and I will also be adding a new 2 hour drive to work and a 2 hour drive home... so I will be away from our new home from 5am - 7pm. But I will have 3 day weekends every weekend.

But we are around and we are alive... just very very busy - so I'm warning you now there probably will be very little updating for awhile at least until we find a new place or something major happens in our lives....

Fix-It-Friday: Ponytail Princess #14

2009-05-22T09:36:00.000-07:00

I'm still finding the time to edit photos for Fix-It-Friday because I love doing it! So enjoy my edits and head over to iHeartFaces to see some more wonderful takes on "Ponytail Princess"! I really need to find time to write about what's been going on with us over the past couple of weeks! Maybe tonight... {I will update with substance, tonight, yes I promise}

{Original}

{First Edit}

{Second Edit}

{Third Edit}

{Fourth Edit}

{Fifth Edit}

Fix-It-Friday: Little Beauty #13

2009-05-15T11:43:00.000-07:00

Let me preface my normal readers by saying, "Yes, I am still alive." We are trying to find a house to buy and it's a little crazy! But I am still here, and I know I haven't finished the other parts (buttons, sidebar, background) of my blog design and it looks unkempt or incomplete... but I am working on it or will work on it one day".

I do however find time to edit photos for Fix-It-Friday because I love doing it! iHeartFaces has to be my favorite obsession and glad I got on the band wagon a while ago. So enjoy my edits and head over to iHeartFaces to see some more wonderful takes on "Little Beauty"!

{Original Image}

{First Fix}

{Second Fix}
i loved the sun in the background and the genuine care in her expression and wanted to highlight that

{Third Fix}
wanted to focus on the vibrancy of the image

{Fourth Fix}
this image is my favorite and makes my heart sing, i absolutely love the tenderness of the hand placement and the way she is holding the flowers, beautiful moment

{Fifth Fix}
this photo was begging to be done in low saturation but a true black & white didn't fit, i like how it turned out

If you haven't noticed it was really hard for me to stop playing with this photo there are so many wonderful things you can do with it - it is a great image!

Generations of Love: Laughter

2009-05-12T14:47:00.000-07:00

"Laughter is the shortest distance between two people" `Victor Borge

I captured this loving image awhile ago, but I love it. I love the happiness and the laughter that it embraces as a mother and two of her daughters share this precious memory that I was lucky enough to capture.

Not-Me-Monday

2009-05-04T10:53:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I'm very excited about this. I have been 'stalking' {hah} MckMammas blog for a while now and am glad to see this fun little weekly tradition arise! It's the first time I've taken part but I think it's great! Enjoy the behind the scenes of our family.

What Not me, I would never items do I have this week? Well let's get to it!

I do not 'borrow' friends pictures from their albums on facebook to edit and play with because I don't have cute things to take pictures of. {however don't worry as after I'm done I delete them}

I would never ruin the endings of a few shows the husband and myself watched this weekend because I have 7th sense when it comes to television and I can predict plots of non easily predictable shows.

I couldn't possibly ignore the laundry for a week because I knew my husband would do it {I know I'm terrible, forgive me, but I'm doing some more today}.

I wouldn't in a million years spend 3x my budget at Costco and can't figure what I bought.

Today I start my cleaning regimen. I'm actually quite excited about it, todays task is just dusting. I then have to go to SFO to pick up Cinderella and our In/Out date! Which I have started using my Eat This Not That books, so I'm excited, this is defiantly a new week for me! Hope it stays as great as today!

If you've noticed I've redone the Blog Layout {yet again I know, I know} but I wanted something more simple and elegant and somewhat bright and happy - all I have left to do is make a button, label cloud, and fix the link buttons at the top, hope ya'll enjoy the new look!

Fix-It-Friday: My Shadow #12

2009-05-01T08:34:00.001-07:00

This weeks photo
{click on each image for a larger view}

My fixes

Come play along!

Jumbled Mind

2009-04-30T19:18:00.001-07:00

So much is going through my mind! So many things I want to post about! I just finished eating a bowl of cornflakes for dinner, have my feet propped up on the coffee table {which is hardly used for anything other than a clutter collector} while watching House Hunters... I've been in love with the idea of owning my own home - paying rent to myself is a grand thought to me lately. So Douglas and I have seriously started thinking about moving. Nothing too serious just looking around and seeing what's what and getting my hopes up {I shouldn't do that to myself, but I always do}.

I have found myself befriending people that I don't even know, finding way cool blogs for house design {see above if confused}, enjoying other peoples lives far more than I should - but I guess that's what happens when you engross yourself into the blogging world. But I love it! I know I've said it a bazillion times - but it's true. I feel like I get to know these people and it's always great to see such good people in the world especially when you live in an area where you don't get to see the good in people a lot of the time {don't get scared, I just live in a really busy place where people don't tend to see the people around them}. I find the story of MckMama quite fascinating and now I feel a part of the MckFamily {along with millions of other peoples around the world} - her children are adorable and Stellans story is amazing, what a strong little boy.

Onto a totally off the wall topic: American Idol. Have I ever posted about AI? No, probably not. But there is a first time for everything right? My point in doing this mainly is to let the world know my favorite this season is: Allison Iraheta. I love this girl - her voice is amazing. Maybe I'm just drawn to the P!nk, Stevie Nicks raspy strong voice. But she is {insert positive attitude here}. I was happy to see her in the top two this week instead of the bottom 3. My next pick would have to be Kris Allen. Well I'm not really a fan of Danny Gokey or Adam Lambert {I know most of the world is screaming at me right now, but it's true} he's talented and has a good voice just too... I don't know the word, I just don't like him very much.

*Reaches in hat and pulls out another topic* *Drum Roll Please*

Cleaning.... gah cleaning. Is anyone else as annoyed with this chore that never goes away? I'm always cleaning something {maybe it's my OCD no I'm not just saying it I really do have it, at least everyone tells me I do} but it never stops, always cleaning. So I've adapted the Real Simple Periodic Table of Cleaning to my life. I'm starting May 1 - which is tomorrow, why tomorrow not today? I don't feel like it today, there's always tomorrow, right? I'll let you know how this goes. As far as the schedule is going from last post - it's going well, except I have been so tired lately that I have been doing the running in the evening and pilates stretches in the morning.

My last topic for the night is everyones obsession with comparing Harry Potter to Twilight this little Harry vs. Edward feud is absurd {to put it lightly}. You can't compare the two - Wizards and Vampires cannot be compared I'm sorry can't do it, isn't possible, just morally wrong. Okay, maybe not morally wrong but really people? Come on now. {Even if you could we all know that Edward would kick Harrys heiny}, that's not comparing that's being realistic and honest.

Schedule, Me? Really? Yes, Really.

2009-04-27T19:54:00.000-07:00

One of those weeks, it's going to be I can just feel it {that sounded a little yoda-ish}! Minnie is running around the house like a mad-woman meowing for no reason... anyway. I've sketched out a new {more permanent} blog design, I've got to get to work on it. So it will be on it's way soon. The only thing I wanted to accomplish this weekend was writing in my planner my schedule, yes I do need to treat myself like a toddler in order to accomplish anything. So I figure if I post it for the whole world to see maybe {just maybe} I will be able to stick with it. So here it goes:

5:00am - Wake up, say prayers
5:10am - Stretch and Run for 30 mins
5:40am - Eat Breakfast, Get Ready
6:15am - Leave for Work

7:00am - Work
9:00am - Practice Piano for 15 min break
10:00am - Snack {Fruit/Cheese}
11:00am - Lunch {Fish/Chicken, Veggies}
1:00pm - Snack {Crackers/Cheese}
3:30pm - Leave Work

4:15pm - Chiropractor Appointment {Tuesdays/Thursdays}
5:00pm - Pilates for 40min
5:40pm - Clean according to daily schedule
6:00pm - Watch TV
7:30pm - Cook Dinner {Wednesday Nights Yoga for an 1.5 hours}
8:30pm - Watch Movie/Play Games with Husband
9:30pm - Read Book, Read Scriptures, Prayers, Bed
11:00pm - Bed Time

There is my rough schedule outline. I also need to cram in there some photo editing/photography class/blogging/picture taking time. Look for the new blog design by Sunday night! Have a great beginning of the week!

Fix-It-Friday: Cooing Baby

2009-04-24T07:51:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to do this picture (it might or ~~might not~~ have anything to do with how baby hungry I might or ~~might not~~ be)!

Original

My-Edits

I've never really done a tight crop and always feel strange cutting off parts of peoples faces but I thought I would try it and I think I like how it turned out. I need to play some more with croppings.

Head over to iHeart Faces to see some (I'm sure to be) amazing edits on this precious little one!

Why I Love March/April

2009-04-21T20:58:00.000-07:00

These are SOOC - the light was amazing today!

Much More Much Less

2009-04-21T11:47:00.001-07:00

For the past few weeks I have been on a decluttering kick, from everything from the house to my soul and everywhere in between. This week I have made 2 trips to DI, cleaned out a whole room {3 if you want to be technical}, started to decorate and organize again. I love my new work space, that hubs is scared to share with me, I'm not sure why.

I've started opening the blinds {well I did until the weather started to get so hot that I have to keep them shut to keep the house somewhat cool} more often, reading more, cleaning more {probably too much, but you can never clean too much can you?}. I went through my RSS Reader in Outlook and I had subscribed to over 150 different life stories of people, so went through and cleaned it out.. now I'm down to 138... {sssh, I know, "Really? That was cleaning it out?"} Yes, yes it was.

Our most recent decision was to cut Comcast from our lives. We were paying {and going to be paying more when our promotion ended} way too much for what we had {DVR, HD, Internet, Phone, Extra Reciever} We only had 200 channels and had to pay for our modem rental and extra receiver unit, with AT&T we will be getting all the movie channels, over 400 regular channels, all the sports channels, HD Access, DVR {that can record 4 things... just what I really need - that's right 4} Internet - all for about $50 less a month than currently! How excited am I? Extremely, only downfall is I have to watch everything I have recorded on the DVR by tomorrow night... not sure how I'm going to accomplish this, but I will. {and I have to clean my room so the cable man can do his thing}.

Hub and I went to Jeff Dunham on Saturday, I have pictures that I will post later on... life is busy but it's a simple busy. Our talks on Sunday went great, and it finally felt like we were part of the ward... only took us a year!

Anyone know of cheap tickets? I'm very ready to go back...

Self Portrait

2009-04-20T11:28:00.000-07:00

This weeks contest topic is "self portrait". I took this image of myself (a couple weeks ago) in the mirror in our yellow bathroom I had to remove the color to remove the yellow overcast/glow.

To see lots more wonderful entries for this weeks contest head over to

Game Night

2009-04-19T09:03:00.000-07:00

Nothing New To Report

2009-04-18T17:03:00.001-07:00

I lead a very normal day to day life. Nothing exciting happens. Nothing new goes on. No new news to report. Other than I purchased a desk. I'm very excited about this. I finally can utilize the front room space other than a place to store an unused couch and couple of boxes. Today I purchased a cute little lamp and shade from Big Lots for $10 and added a light green ribbon for a little bit of color for $4. Here are a couple of pictures of my new desk, excuse the piles of stuff, I'm still trying to figure out where I want to put everything.

I'm excited to start decorating this part of the house... little by little.

My New Best Friend

2009-04-17T18:28:00.000-07:00

I was hanging out at Half Price Books the other day and found this

I recently aquired the Adobe Master Suite CS4 and want to learn PhotoShop, I know that this is an earlier version, but I'm pretty sure it will still help me out.. hey it was only $12 and it came with a tutorial CD!

Fix-It-Friday: #10

2009-04-17T08:33:00.001-07:00

Before

Afters

I forgot to keep track of what I was doing until I was almost done...so it's just the edit this week.

Wish I Was Here Again

2009-04-16T21:16:00.000-07:00

Far Away Day

2009-04-15T21:03:00.000-07:00

Our Little Pet

2009-04-14T20:48:00.000-07:00

My Easter Meal

2009-04-13T21:28:00.000-07:00

Simple Saturday

2009-04-11T19:41:00.000-07:00

Today has been a great day. Sleep In. Grocery Store. Motorcycle Ride. Nap. Lunch. Playing with Images. Movies. Very Saturday'y!

However, people look at you funny when you pull into a Costco parking lot on a motorcycle. We just needed gas, but driving through the parking lot just to have people look at us thinking, "I think they left their side car at home."

I will be cooking my first Easter Dinner since being married! I decided on it when I was in Costco (the first time). Ham - Brocolli w/ Hollandaise - Mashed Pototatoes - and Cinderella is going to bring a leg of Lamb to cook, and we'll figure out a "dessert" later.

Off to cook dinner for the Mr. Hubs - he wants Ramen. How did I get so lucky?

Fathers Hand

2009-04-11T08:50:00.000-07:00

Sweet Eyes

2009-04-10T22:43:00.000-07:00

This is the edited image I submitted for the Fix-It-Friday Constructive Criticism for i Heart Faces. I followed the advice as closely as I could.

Aloha Friday!

2009-04-10T14:39:00.000-07:00

It doesn't seem very 'Aloha-y' today, oh well. Make the best of it right? So I've been browsing Etsy and some home decor blogs and I have decided I want to buy a house, really bad. Somewhere I can decorate (like really decorate) - somewhere that's clean (new, so I don't live on top of other peoples messes). I want to buy shelves and furniture and tile and fixtures and plants and ... everything. I want white, green, blue, brown - fresh, light, and open. Tiled backsplash, concrete/stone counter. Wood (real wood) throughout the whole house, nice rugs. A garden to work in and kids to play in. That's what I want maybe I'll have it one day.

{I love the granite bathtub above}

"Home is a place you grow up wanting to leave, and grow old wanting to get back to"

What would your dream home entail?

Fix-It-Friday

2009-04-10T08:01:00.000-07:00

I am new to this whole world of photography, but I am finding I am really enjoying it! I took this picture of my nephew:

And then edited with CS4 to get this:

It is very yellow and bright - how can I keep the brightness of the eyes without brigthening his whole face? I don't have a nice camera yet and have just started with editing - so I just use the normal factory settings on my little pocket sized Olympus (I know some of you are cringing...) one day I hope to have a Nikon...soon.

Thanks for the help!

EDITED PHOTO:

This is what I ended up with after using all of the wonderful advice I received!

Ruined Photo, Fixed?

2009-04-09T20:02:00.000-07:00

This image had a very yellowy - fluorescent tint. I just started playing and this is the best that I could get it to look.

Thursday Thoughts

2009-04-09T18:30:00.000-07:00

When I was young...

I was going to drive a F250
I loved pastel colors
I wanted to be a teacher
I wanted to have 80 kids
I loved having the house dark

Now that I'm older...

I drive a Corolla
I love bold colors
I enjoy being an office manager
I would give anything to have 1 child
I can't get enough light

Light During Rain

2009-04-08T21:16:00.000-07:00

I don't have anything really to take pictures of, so I am making the best with what I have right now.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-08T15:05:00.000-07:00

I just want to ride...

After The Storm

2009-04-07T21:21:00.000-07:00

My Friend & I - Week 13

2009-04-07T13:46:00.000-07:00

I love this site! As I am starting to learn in get into photo editing it's the best website. I am new at this but will be participating in the contests on Tuesdays and the Fix-It-Fridays - so be prepared to see new photos on the blog - even though they might not be very good sometimes.

My Entry
"My Friend & I"
{Click for larger view}

This is my brother and sister (who are a lot younger than myself) but they really are the best of friends.

Park Around The Corner

2009-04-06T21:20:00.000-07:00

Change

2009-04-06T13:26:00.000-07:00

For what it’s worth, it’s never too late, or in my case too early, to be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit… start whenever you want… you can change or stay the same. There are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. I hope you see things that stop you. I hope you feel things that you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life that you’re proud of and if you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again.

~The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Conference was fantastic, at first I was feeling a little 'worthless' for the lack of a better word, as I kept watching I started realizing conference is a renewal, a reminder if you will. There are a lot of things I need to work on to change in my life: Faith, Temple, Happiness, Addictions (TV, food, etc.). I will begin volunteering at the temple once a week - and hopefully one day be an ordinance worker. I love the temple and was moved by all the wonderful talks given on the topic. Douglas and I have decided to begin in little ways to truly turn our house into a House of the Lord. I look forward to these changes in my life and the blessings that they will bring to our family.

"I hope you live a life that you're proud of and if you find that you're not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again."

We live our lives, don't let our lives take over what we want to do and who we want to become.

Menu Monday

2009-04-06T08:02:00.000-07:00

Monday

Salsa Verde Chicken

Tuesday
Soup & Sandwiches

Wednesday
Chicken & Stuffing Skillet

Thursday
Leftovers

Friday
Pork & Stuffing Bake

Saturday
Crock Pot Chicken Cordon Blu

Sunday
Pork Chops and Stewed Tomatoes

It's Aloha Friday!

2009-04-03T09:08:00.000-07:00

What Aloha Friday? This doesn’t just mean that we all put on our favorite Aloha shirt and start doing the Hula until our Spam and Poke (I could go for some Poke) are ready to be consumed…(or does it?)

A few years ago Douglas had started wearing a Hawaiian shirt every Friday to work, I believe it started with Safety Ray who is Hawaiian, I could be wrong though. But while we were in the islands I really got into the spirit of what an Aloha Friday really means. It is more of a feeling of joy and happiness that all your stress and endless days that you’ve endured throughout the week will soon be over. Although you may have the same amount of work on a Friday that you would on a Monday, or Wednesday, there’s a calming sensation that has entirely consumed you. There is no more stress, no more people driving to work, upset because they’d rather be at home. People are happy on Fridays, I mean really truly happy. It's an attitude a great one that I will continue to celebrate on Fridays.

On Fridays, I wear my flower in my hair, listen to the Hawaiian Radio Station I made myself on Pandora, open the windows, clean, and be happy. The spirit in our home increases and our attitudes for the weekend change. So in spirit of Aloha Friday I will be dedicating Fridays as Aloha Fridays.

Aloha Friday, No Work Til Monday.
So from now on every Friday will be a simple attitude changing quote along with what our plans are for our Aloha weekend, comment with your Aloha Friday weekend plans as well!

"I can't change the wind but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination." - Jimmy Dean

Friday - Sweep, Dishes, Prepare for Conference
Saturday - Watch Conference and catch up on DVR, Have friend time with Cinderella
Sunday - Watch Conference, Practice Piano, Play Games with Cinderella & Douglas

What are your plans for the weekend?

On My Mind

2009-03-30T13:34:00.000-07:00

A lot has been on my mind lately in the sense of what can I do to clean up my life and help those around me? Christ was always in service to those around Him, how can I follow in that footstep? Be it small or big I want to give, my heart feels the need to give I just need to figure out how. Another blog I read, the author, has created a website which you can link to from the sidebar as well called HandsIn. This website is for all those mid-20 aged people who want to help or want to start. I think this is a great idea. As it has just started there aren't a lot of people but I am excited to follow this group and begin my life in service - even if it just means my husband, family, friends, or a stranger on the street. I want to help others.

Cleaning up my life? That's another topic. I watch a lot of TV, I'll admit it, I know it's not the best thing to do with my time but I do it and I enjoy it - I just need to tone it down a little. I haven't read in centuries and need to pick up a book and go to the park, go for a walk, organize a closet, things I haven't had time to do because I'm wasting it somewhere else. I came across a great talk from the 1993 Liahona by Elder Costa of the Seventy, "Fun and Happiness" here are a couple of excerpts that I love and have inspired me to do more of the things that bring happiness and fewer that are fun (I'm not completely giving up fun things - I just need a little less of them)

An old friend of mine came to me and asked what I had found so different there (LDS church). I answered, "I have found true happiness." To which he replied, "There is no such thing as true happiness-only happy moments". I understand that my good friend did not know the difference between fun and happiness. What he called "happy moments" were in fact the moments when he had fun. What he did not know then was that happiness is much more than just fun. Fun is just a fleeting moment, but happiness is a lasting thing.

In Luke, chapter 15, we find the parable of the prodigal son. In this parable, the younger son asks the father to give him his share of the inheritance. The father does so, and this young man goes out into the world, seeking what he believes to be true happiness. He starts to have fun, and for as long as he has money, he lives surrounded by many people who claim to be his friends. When his fortune is totally wasted with all the fun he has had with his so-called friends, all of them turn their backs on him, and he is left without a penny. He then goes through much suffering and disappointment. He starts working for a man feeding swine, and, starving, he tries to eat even the husks that the swine would eat. He thinks of his father's servants, who have enough bread to eat and to spare, and he does not have anything to eat. He decides to return home to his father and ask him for a job as one of his hired servants. He returns, repentant from all he has done, and his father, a righteous man, greets hime as a special son. He finally understands that true happiness is there, in that simple life with his family.

As we keep His commandments, we are blessed and come to know true happiness. We learn that happiness lies in doing small things that building us up, that increase our faith and testimony. Small things we do in our everyday lives, such as: Prayer, Feeling the Spirit, Being with Family. 2 Nephi 2:25

My favorite verse on this topic is Mosiah 2:41: "And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell wit God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; fro the Lord God hath spoken it."

What am I going to clean up?

Less TV time, more scripture time.
Less friend time, more husband time.
Less movie time, more piano time.
Less me time, more time for others.

What are you going to do to find the true happiness in your life?

Inspiration-Less

2009-03-24T09:33:00.000-07:00

I already told you how magnificent our trip to Hawaii was - stress free, easy - the way I think every day should be. I'm ready to pack up and move. Live in a cardboard box if we had to... just to feel completely alive like I did while we were there. Don't get me wrong, I have a wonderful husband and enjoy my job and my two terrific friends. But there is just a feeling I have while in the tropical air a calming and freeing sensation that I don't have to worry that things will be okay. It's like somehow my faith grows stronger when I'm in the islands, even when I was younger I looked forward to our trips to the keys for that same reason. As I have nothing new to say I'm just going to post pictures.... enjoy.

More To Come

2009-03-16T10:32:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would send a quick note that we are IN LOVE with Hawai'i - and I will live there some day. I have to finish downloading pictures and get readjusted to California time, unpack, grocery shop and all that jazz. Douglas and I are now proud owners of Costco Cards. Here is one of my favorite pictures of Wailua Falls in Kaua'i. We went here a couple of times and I loved it.

Tomorrow's Departure

2009-03-05T08:09:00.001-08:00

I can't wait! I am so excited to be in a warm climate surrounded by ocean - I L.O.V.E. the ocean! Things I still need to do in the next 21 hours? Change Bedding for Cinderella - Final Load of Dishes - 2 More Loads of Laundry - Exchange Coin at bank for Cash - Pack Suitcase (haven't started) - Sleep - ~~Print off Tickets~~ - ~~Paid For Our 1 Suitcase~~ I guess I should get busy when I get home? I have 4 more hours here left at work until I return in 11 days! mwahaha, I'm sure all of you readers wish you could be gone from work for 11 days don't you? If not, well, you should. I feel like I have so much left to do here, but I'm sure I'll get it done, hopefully...

I'm so thrilled to be around ocean and boats again. That is something that I really love. I remember our Florida trips so well and wish that we could still take them yearly (parents, remind my again why you decided to move to the snow laden desert?). I can't wait to go Deep Sea Fishing and hopefully I can find time to para sail (one of my favorite things).

So completely off the topic but I am a fan of CSI all of them (CSI:NY, CSI:Miami, CSI:LV yes in that order), and of NCIS, JAG, and any other crime solving dram that exists minus Law & Order not a fan of those series. But along these lines I was watching Numb3ers (doesn't matter the show this happens in all of them) the time came for guns to be pulled and the 'sneak attack' to begin, I love it except for the part where you have the lead 'gunman' being all sneaky and waving his gun in all the right ways but have you ever looked to the right or to the left, there is another person doing the same thing only he/she looks completely out of place and, for lack of a better word, dumb. If you pay attention I'm sure you'll feel the same way, they also usually end up pointing their gun at the person in charge of the whole escapade - you know the guy in front that looks normal holding and pointing the gun.

But anyhoodle, hopefully I'll be able to post some pictures and stories regularly from Kauai, Hawaii! We will be thinking of everyone while we are there....

Much love,

The Air Smells Like Roses

2009-02-23T08:39:00.000-08:00

We are alive I promise. Life is great. We are busy - work, new toys, and life. Valentines day was nice I do have pictures but haven't found time to post them. I feel like I have neglected my blogs, which I have. I can't believe we just have 10 days until we leave for Hawaii- I'm so excited, nervous about funding our entertainment as for some reason the Federal Government loves us so much they keep wanting us to donate monthly tax donations to them for this year as well. Guitar Hero World Tour, is amazing and is eating away my time as well as the Sims 2 + all their expansion packs.

But really folks I promise I will be better about blogging regularly and putting up a picture of the day - that is what those three random pictures that have been up there forever are supposed to be, they are supposed to change regularly and be Sunday through Saturday I just haven't gotten into gear.

So I suppose this entry is to ask for apologizes and forgiveness of not being better about letting you know what's going on in our lives.