Our Everyday Life

I'VE MOVED....

2010-11-06T07:07:00.000-07:00

This blog has been moved to www.potholdersandpantyhose.com

NEW BLOG OPENS TOMORROW!!!

2010-11-04T21:04:00.000-07:00

Tick-tock-tick-tock-tick-tock......

I am working on my last page right now and I think it's safe to say my new blog/website/whatever will be open to ~~stalkers~~ viewers tomorrow!

My new home is called Pot Holders and Pantyhose. Once it goes live, this website will be directed to the new one, but in case you have it bookmarked, the new website is simply www.potholdersandpantyhose.com.

Most of the ramblings I have subjected you to on this blog have already been transferred over to the new one because I would hate for you to miss out on the wisdom I have imparted (ie Booger Etiquette).

See ya tomorrow!

I Am So Close!

2010-11-01T16:16:00.000-07:00

For the last couple weeks I have been working diligently* on my new blog home. Here is a tiny little peek at the header. I don't want to give away too much yet, but I'm as giddy as a school girl about getting it done. Maybe another couple days????

*by "diligently" I mean I forget about it for a couple days then sit at my computer for six hours ignoring everything else around me. ☺

My Life on October 20, 2010

2010-10-20T03:56:00.000-07:00

Outside my window... It is pitch black and everyone in their right mind is still asleep.

I am thinking... I pulled up the last time I did a "My Life" and it was in July. Whoops!

I am thankful... that all these election commercials will be over soon.

I am creating... Geez, I can't even remember the last thing I created.

I am going... to stop blogging and watching Family Guy before I make myself late for the airport.

I am reading...

This is the second in the Millenium Trilogy. If you haven't read The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, it is awesome!

I am hearing... Not much, it's 3:30 am after all. The TV playing very quietly since Jim is still asleep and my space heater.

On my mind... I can't believe my nephew just turned 18 and my niece turned 16. Sigh.

From the kitchen... It has been very brisk and fall-like here in WA so we've been eating stuff like chili and pumpkin bread this week.

The rest of the week... Heading to SLC this morning for several days. I'm glad I have a good hotel there and that it's so beautiful because I've been spending alot of time there lately.

I am wearing... a bathrobe. I really gotta go get ready!

A picture to share...

Saw this sign on a shuttle bus a few weeks ago. No smoking... okay. No eating or drinking... got it. No cassette tapes? No 1950's stereos? No idea.

Another Ornament Video

2010-10-10T18:25:00.000-07:00

First things first - My precious laptop and I have been reunited. I would have been back last week except that I was sent to Denver for sun-up to sun-down meetings the entire week.

Remember when I posted how to make Quilted Christmas Ornaments last year? The weirdest thing has happened... people I don't know watch it. I suppose I knew by posting it on YouTube that it was a possibility, but I didn't really expect it to receive any attention. As of today it has been watched more than 7700 times and I get emails from all kinds of people because of it. Weird. One girl even tracked me down on Facebook to friend me! I made a second video this morning to answer some of the questions that people have asked. Here it is in case you were wondering, too.

By the way, watching and listening to yourself on video is seriously the worst thing ever.

Most Embarrassing iPod Songs

2010-09-26T13:44:00.000-07:00

Still no computer. It's been a week and I'm going a little stir crazy.

One of my quirky Angie things is that I am constantly writing myself
notes and making lists of silly things. I've done this for years and
years. Here's one I came across while I was desperately trying to find
something to entertain myself with after 2 hours on this airplane.

In no particular order...
1. Baby Got Back - Sir Mix A Lot
2. Islands in the Stream - Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers
3. ABC - The Jackson 5
4. Dumas Walker - Kentucky Headhunters
5. Girlfriend - Avril Lavigne
6. Fly With Me - Jonas Brothers
7. Sexyback - Justin Timberlake
8. Party in the USA - Miley Cyrus
9. Spice Up Your Life - Spice Girls

If I was riding in a car with people I'm not completely open with (ie
work people) I would frantically forward past all these songs, or if
one of these songs comes up on my iPod while I'm sitting next to a
stranger on a plane, I black the screen out. But secretly, I love
these songs and I am totally rocking out to them on the inside.

Don't even pretend like you don't like them, too.

XOXO!
A

Another Crash

2010-09-18T16:11:00.001-07:00

Someone just cut off my right arm. Again. I went through this once before, but it happened right as I was going on vacation. This time I have work to do and stores to visit. I overnighted my precious laptop to some brainy people who promised to fix her for me, but I don't know when she'll return. I'm just walking in circles, not sure what to do with myself. My fingers hate being idle. Maybe I'll take up knitting again? Or sculpting. Or taxidermy.

Guess What???

2010-09-10T08:46:00.000-07:00

I've been terribly absent lately but I am soooooo excited to tell you it's for a good reason. I have a new blog name and a new blog home under construction!!! I want to tell you more but I love a good surpise so for now my lips are sealed. My new home will be much more organized and will have better flow. I am sooooooo excited!!!! I know I said that already, but really, I am soooooooo excited. Okay, you get it. The only problem is that I am way clueless when it comes to computer jargon so don't expect this to happen overnight. I might end up outsourcing some of it because I think I might be too impatient to work out all the details.

Can't wait!!!!

I Fought The Meatloaf And The Meatloaf Won

2010-09-06T19:08:00.000-07:00

Let's start with a little background info. I hate meatloaf. I have always hated meatloaf. I literally gagged as a child when it was placed in front of me. Serious dry heave wretching. In the last couple years my tastes have changed, my palate has matured. I still don't really like anything chunky, but I was willing to try meatloaf again for the first time in about 24 years.

I really thought if I made it myself I could overcome my ridiculous mental aversion to it. And it started out just fine. First off, I cooked the onions with all the spices. I think the smell of onions cooking is scrumptious!

And then the ground hamburger. I used to eat it raw as a child. Sorry if that sounds gross, but it's something my Dad did and it really is delicious. Back then we knew exactly where our beef was coming from so it wasn't really that dangerous, now I wouldn't dare, even though I was tempted. Not to mention Jim would literally go into some sort of Howard Hughes breakdown if I did.

Here's where things started getting a little sketchy. I was okay with the different components, but once I put it all together, I wasn't feeling so positive anymore.

At this point I kind of went crazy and started laughing. As I was forming the loaf shape of my nemesis, I was grossed out and nervous and maybe on the verge of gagging so I started laughing instead.

But I cooked it and tried it. I ate a bite and hated it, then Jim made me take one more bite.

Then I threw it away and ate an entire plate of mashed potatoes and gravy and vowed to never, ever try meatloaf again as long as I live.

Number 7 - done.

♪♫ Happy Birthday To Me ♪♫

2010-09-03T17:38:00.000-07:00

Today marks the 33rd year of my existance. I am still able to say I'm in my early-thirties, but I am fast approaching those mid-thirties.

And since everyone knows your birthday comes with a free pass to do all those little things you wouldn't normally allow yourself to do, I just ate five pieces of pizza and three chocolate cupcakes. Really.

So, this is what I imagine I will look like at 33 1/2.

#24 - Photobooth

2010-09-02T17:13:00.000-07:00

It's September and I still have a lot of work left to do to complete my list, but I can mark this one off. When we were roaming around Pike Place Market we wandered into a magic shop and praise the heavens, they had a photobooth! The guys were pretty much forced into it kicking and screaming but I was not about to take no for an answer. It was a beautiful day outside in Seattle, but this little magic shop was at least 120 degrees. Trying to fit 5 people inside a booth the size of a shower stall and still get everyone in the shot is impossible. It was crowded and we were all pouring sweat, but I was laughing the whole time.

After we got back home from our little roadtrip, me, mom and Abbey went to a movie then to the mall for some more photobooth fun.

Please take some extra time to check out my mom in the third picture down on the far left strip. We said we would all cross our eyes, but then Abbey and I didn't which is why we're laughing so hard. Sorry mom!!

My favorites....

Seattle Pike Street

2010-08-29T20:51:00.000-07:00

One of Seattle's big touresty hot spots is the downtown Pike Street Market. It's a multi-level street that has vendors selling everything under the sun, plus the big attraction of the fish market. You may have seen it on TV where people are yelling orders and the guys behind the counter are throwing fish around. We got there too late to see all that, but just as we were walking onto the street, I noticed a hat store and I insisted on going in because no one should evvvvvvver pass up an opportunity to play in a hat store.

Vacation - Seattle (The Space Needle)

2010-08-26T06:09:00.000-07:00

When we finally made it to the Space Needle (we parked roughly 73 blocks away from it) I noticed right away that the line was backed up all the way to Tacoma. We showed up the one day of the entire year that entrance was free. Lucky for us we saved about $100 but we also had to wait in line for an hour and a half to get in, along with every screaming child within a 300 mile radius.

But it was worth it.

I had only been inside it one other time 14 years ago. Seattle is overcast or rainy 90% of the time, so we could not have been there at a more perfect time. We had a clear view of Mt Rainier.

Check out these two.

They couldn't keep their hand off each other. Jim and Alan are quite the pair when they're together. More on that a different day.

Coming up later - Fun at Pike Street Market

Vacation Details - Day 2 and 3

2010-08-24T11:46:00.001-07:00

The overeating on our vacation started early. We started the day at IHOP before Jim's 7 hour "4 hour drive" landed us in Port Angeles, WA. I will admit that me, mom and Abbs probably slowed the drive down with the multiple reststops. Not our fault. Everyone knows females have smaller bladders.

Port Angeles is where Jimbo lived prior to moving to Missouri and meeting Moi. Because of that, he was like a built in guidebook and knew the best place to eat. When you are on the coast you pretty much have to eat seafood. It's like a rule so we ate a lot of it.

The next morning we boarded the ferry to cross the Straight of Juan De Fuca to get to Canada. It was very, very windy and chilly.

Then when we got to Canada, we ran into Queen Elizabeth.

At a wax museum I mean. I realize how incredibly nerdy it sounds to say that we visited a museum on our vacation, but it was cool. Maybe just a tad nerdy. It did have a "chamber of torture" that showed all different forms of medieval torturing. It was funny to hear Abbey tell her Daddy on the phone about it. Abbey might have learned a lot of things she was better off without knowing on this trip. Oh well, she can't be innocent forever.

I find Victoria utterly charming. It is a British Colony so when you're walking around you hear people talking with English accents. I'm a sucker for romanticism and Victoria exudes it everywhere.

The Empress is the most amazing hotel ever. More castle like than any hotel I've ever stayed in. I dream of having high tea there someday, but at $75 per person, it will have to wait a little while. Someday though.

Pardon my bizarre facial expression in the next picture. My mother wanted a pic of the enormous hydrangea in relation to a human and I was being a bit of a smartalic. The flowers around this city are crazy huge. Almost cartoon like. Being in Victoria feels a little like the Truman Show. It's almost so perfect it feels fake. But I loooooooove it there.

Tomorrow: Day 4 - Seattle

Vacation Video

2010-08-17T16:51:00.000-07:00

Over the next few days I will recap our vacation into Seattle and Victoria, BC Canada, but for now, here is a video of the journey. So much fun!

Lemon Pound Cake

2010-08-10T20:58:00.000-07:00

Ingredients for cake:
1 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup vanilla yogurt
3 extra large eggs (room temp)
1 cup sugar
zest of 2 lemons
1/2 cup canola oil

Ingredients for glaze:
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup lemon juice (from 2 lemons)

Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour a loaf pan.

Sift flour, baking powder and salt together.

In another bowl mix eggs, sugar, yogurt and lemon zest. I used low fat yogurt to try to save a few calories.

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until combined. Whisk in half the oil, then the other half. Keep stirring, stirring, stirring until all the oil is well incorporated.

Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let cool for 1o minutes then remove from pan.

In a saucepan, bring the sugar and lemon juice to a simmer, stirring until the sugar is disolved. pour over the cake. I strongly suggest you do this over the sink or you will have a sticky mess.

As with most pound cakes, you should make this at least one day before you serve it so that it has time to get perfectly moist.

The Fam loved this. The guys each ate 3 slices, my mom asked for the recipe, and Jim said it was the best pound cake he'd had. You should make this one.

Vacation Day 1: Family Arrival

2010-08-10T19:37:00.000-07:00

Today my Mom, her husband Alan, and my adorable niece Abbey flew in from Missouri to stay with us for a week.

I love all my nieces and nephews, but this beautiful little angel is the one I think is most like her Aunt G.

We ate a ridiculous mountain of shrimp for dinner then topped it off with a lemon pound cake. After dinner we sat and listened to Big Jim tell stories of his bear hunting days in Alaska.

Somehow our conversation turned to music and Alan mentioned, with emphatic enthusiasm, that he just bought a Keytar. You remember Keytars, right?

So, this is how I think Alan must dress on his days off...

Being music minded at this point, we headed to the piano for the duet of all duets.

We are currently waiting for Justin Bieber's agent to contact us for a contract, but we are available upon request for weddings and bar mitzvahs.

Confessions of Quirky Quirks

2010-08-06T18:13:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I tossed my pride aside and Confessed some of my more embarrassing moments or traits. Over a year in fact. So here are a few Angie quirks that may not have any reasoning behind them, but they make me me.

1. When I write out a grocery list it has to be perfect. If I don't like the way I wrote something I will rewrite the entire list. Jim knows this and is always adding things in his own handwriting which drives me crazy, but I refuse to let myself rewrite it at that point because somehow I think that would make me weird.

2. If I get a coffee at Starbucks or the gas station or somewhere with to-go cups, I refuse to drink out of it until the hole lines up with the logo. It's the first thing I check.

3. I cannot look at anyone with bushy eyebrows because it makes my eyes water.

4. I love tomatoes and eat them almost every day, or at least several times a week, but chop them up and add them to other ingredients and I'm suddenly repulsed.

5. I say people's names excessively when I talk to them. And a lot of the time it's the first and last name together. I didn't really notice it until several years ago an employee said "you say my name a lot" and I was kind of like "really?" and she said yes then someone else confirmed. But I don't care. I like names.

6. I wouldn't really label myself as a clean freak, but I absolutely won't cook anything until I clean the stovetop.

7. I sometimes base my day's decisions on what my morning horoscope or tarot card reading said. It's the first thing I do in the morning.

8. I have issues with spending money. The other day I labored over a $6 t-shirt. I walked to the store in the mall intending to purchase one. Decided against it. Walked almost all the way back to my car before deciding, yes, I do really want it, and walking all the way back to purchase.

9. I'm a winker. I don't know how this happened or where it started but it's there. And I'm certain I don't even realize it half the time, but when I do I'm usually embarrassed afterwards. Like when I was recently introduced to a young, male employee of a sister-store. Hi, I'm Angie. {wink} Welcome to the company. {wink} Geez.

10. I still hold my breath when I drive by a graveyard because it's something I was told to do when I was young and I just never stopped.

11. Touching food is no problem for me, I can even de-gut a raw chicken without a thought, but once the food has been eaten off a plate, that plate disgusts me and I will only touch the edges. If any of my fingers or thumbs touch leftover food I want to gag, even if it's my own plate.

12. I smile when I watch TV. Like the whole time I'm watching TV. A big crazy-person smile. I have to keep water handy because my mouth dries out.

Trust me, there's more crazy where that came from but I don't want to scare you away. Feel free to list some of your own quirks so I feel better about myself.

Creamy Tomato Penne with Grilled Chicken

2010-08-05T18:25:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Grill seasoning
Penne pasta
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 Tbsp fresh basil, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
pinch of cayenne

That sounds like a lot of ingredients but this was a cinch to make. Really.

Pound chicken out to an even thickness to ensure even cooking. Season both sides of chicken liberally with a grill seasoning. I used McCormick Grillmates Garlic and Onion Medley, but really any would do. Heat a grill pan over medium heat or grill outside until just done, about 5-6 minutes per side. Set aside to cool a little before you cut it.

While the chicken is cooking, heat some water for the pasta, mince the garlic and chop the herbs.

In a saute pan, heat butter and oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 3-4 minutes making sure the garlic doesn't brown too much. Add the chicken broth. I always make my broth with bouillon because it's a fraction of the price and lasts forever.

Continue cooking the broth over medium heat until it reduces by half. It should be thick and will not immediately run back together when seperated by a spoon.

Add the tomato sauce, cream and herbs. Bring to a simmer and add the cooked pasta. Top with the grilled chicken.

Insanely good stuff and I don't think there is any way you can mess this up.

Shooting Expedition

2010-08-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

A few days ago we decided to go target and trap shooting. Our friend Sean knows someone with some acreage up in the mountains, away from civilization and gun restrictions, so we packed up and drove an hour or so out of the city. The property was straight up hill from the road. Straight. Up. There was no way to drive it so we all grabbed as much as we could carry and started hiking. Sean is one of those people that is just always full of energy, so while the rest of us stopped for breaks, we sent Sean ahead to look for a clearing. We had a very nice view.

The Jims got us all set up and ready to go. I don't know what we were shooting exactly. Two pistols and two shotguns, that's all I know for certain. That and one of the guns was kind of powerful because I had a nice bruise on my shoulder the next day.

Aimee is not a big fan of shooting. It took a lot of peer pressure, but we finally got her to shoot each pistol once. Here is Aimee immediately before, and immediately after shooting. You can obviously tell she's having the time of her life.

The boys sharing a private bonding moment.

Snapshots.

But the most important thing to note about our shooting expedition is that, while not the most consistant shooter, I still reign supreme as the best bullseye.

Not that I'm competitive or anything.

10 Things That Make Me Happy

2010-08-02T17:49:00.001-07:00

1. I have family coming to visit ONE WEEK from today!

2. Inside jokes.

3. Real wood fireplaces.

4. Positive quotes.

5. That there is a new Hobby Lobby being built just 5 minutes away from my house.

6. The color turquoise.

7. Reading any sort of information about Queen Elizabeth I.

8. Celebrity gossip.

9. Rollercoasters.

10. Having fresh flowers on my dining room table.

Bye Bye Birdie

2010-08-01T07:27:00.000-07:00

On Friday I went to a production of Bye Bye Birdie while I was in Boise. My friend Amanda was in it and invited me to come watch. She's the one in the middle.

Isn't she adorable?

When I lived in Springfield, MO I knew someone who was very involved in the local theatre and ballet group there so I went several times. This was the first time I had gone in about six years and the first time I had ever seen Bye, Bye Birdie.

This is a hysterical show. I laughed so hard! My mouth hurt from smiling so much, especially when they started singing this... Gray skies are gonna clear up. Put on a happy face. Wipe off the clouds and cheer up. Put on a happy face. I had no idea that song was from this play.

I had such a wonderful time. If you ever get a chance to see this, you should go. In fact, we should all go out and watch more musical theatre. It's fun and cultured and just lovely.

Sunday With Friends

2010-07-27T16:44:00.001-07:00

What does someone who spends one third of her life in airports and airplanes do on her day off? I go to an airshow and take pictures of airplanes, of course!

At least I wasn't alone this time. I went with these three yay-hoos.

That's Aimee and Sean. You may have seen them before. We like them, they're good eggs.

Our local Airforce Base was hosting an airshow over the weekend. On Saturday I actually had trouble getting home because the show ran long. The air traffic was closed off until they finished which left us no choice but to circle around for 45 minutes.

On Sunday we met up with Aimee and Sean for a little fun and sightseeing.

We toured, we walked, we sweated, we laughed, we walked, we sweated. Is sweated a word? If not, then we perspired grotesquely, especially those 10 minutes we were trapped inside the back of a 200 degree airplane with sixty of our closest friends.

My favorite part had to be the flight simulator. I am always up for eating nachos and a frozen lemonade then spinning upside down over and over. Lucky for Jim I have a stomach of steel.

We ended the night with a movie where Sean was repeatedly harassed by the security person who comes in every twenty minutes with a portable nightlight. Either he looked sketchy or she was suspicious of us looking at each other and laughing every time she came over.

Today At Work

2010-07-23T20:35:00.000-07:00

I rode a unicycle for the first time ever. Kind of. I sat on it and fell off of it a couple times but never really got around to riding it per say.

I arrived at one of my stores this afternoon and after loads of work, tons of phone calls, and gobs of reports and really official work stuff (just in case my bosses ever get wind of this) one of the guys says to me out of the blue "Do you want to ride a unicycle?" And I was all "Um... YEAH!" So off he went and came back with the first unicycle I've ever had the pleasure of meeting face to face.

I fully expected to hop on up and start peddling my way around like a circus clown, but the unicycle is much trickier than I thought and I am far less coordinated than I like to admit. Eventually the guy who started this whole thing felt bad that I couldn't even move forward an inch so he suggested I hold onto his shoulder while he walked alongside me. Even that only got me about 2 feet. Disappointed in my lack of sideshow talent, I handed it back over.

Then he zipped around and I was jealous.

10 Things That Make Me Happy

2010-07-19T20:54:00.000-07:00

1. Chickens. It is a much sought after dream to own some one day (I even know what I want to name them already).

2. Office supply stores.

3. Stormy weather with lots of thunder and lightning (assuming all my loved ones are safe).

4. Pretty paper.

5. Those rare and precious times that my computer doesn't freeze up on me.

6. Any episode whatsoever of Mr. Bean.

7. People with real individuality.

8. That I have a piano in my home again and that I actually played it tonight.

9. The quilt on my bed that my Grandma Lillie handstitched.

10. Dainty floral teapots with matching teacups.

Technology Overload

2010-07-15T06:42:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned a couple days ago, I won an iPad. I was so excited because I'm kind of dorky in that way. But as I sat on the sofa surrounded by my laptop, my iPad, iPhone and Blackberry, I realized I need a technology intervention.

The first step of the official program is tough. Deactivate your Facebook {sigh}. I have nothing against Facebook, and it enabled me to reconnect with people I haven't talked to in 15 years, but do I really need to know that someone I never talk to is eating the worst burrito they've ever had, or that someone I used to work with is stuck in traffic in a city I don't even live in? Yes, I do, which is why I was on Facebook all the freaking time.

Really, I felt the need to step back from a lot of things. Reevaluate what I do with my time. And maybe, JUST MAYBE, I will actually start doing all the things I've been wanting to do with all that extra time.

June - At a Glance

2010-07-12T19:13:00.001-07:00

My Life On July 12, 2010

2010-07-12T07:09:00.000-07:00

Outside my window... It looks cool and breezy. It's been hot the last several days but today and tomorrow are supposed to be in the 70's (phew!).

I am thinking... I have tons of work to do today.

I am thankful for... My new FREE iPad. Got it Saturday night so I'm still very much learning about it.

I am creating... I absolutely know that I'm one of those people that goes through phases. Right now is not a very creative phase but I do miss it so I've been project hunting.

I am going... to get off my butt and go jogging as soon as this is done. You heard right. I have been (semi) regularly jogging. There is school about a half mile from my house that I go to and run the track. The way I see it, I am never going to be able to stay away from fried foods and sweets, so my body and I have reached a compromise. You go ahead and eat crap in moderation, and I will try to counteract your deposits of fat with my blood, sweat and tears.

I am reading...

I am hearing... Jim is watching Ice Road Truckers. I think it's that epsiode where the road is slippery and the truck slides off the road. Not sure though. {read: sarcasm}

On my mind... On Friday and Saturday I was in SLC. By now I think I qualify as a professional packer, but somehow I packed a see-through(ish) shirt without a tank or cami to wear underneath. Of course, I was wearing a black bra. All day long I was wondering if people saw me and thought I was totally being avant garde (like Carrie Bradshaw) or if they just thought I was trashy. Probably the latter.

From the kitchen... Hmmm. Not entirely sure. Something with scallops I think.

The rest of the week... This week is all about Montana.

Pondering these words... "I can never read all the books I want; I can never be all the people I want and live all the lives I want. I can never train myself in all the skills I want. And why do I want? I want to live and feel all the shades, tones and variations of mental and physical experience possible in life. And I am horribly limited."
- Sylvia Plath

A picture to share...

At first glance this may just look like some old guy on an airplane, but what you may not be able to see is the cover of that book in front of him. It's a smutty romance novel and that just amuses me.

10 Things That Make Me Happy

2010-07-08T17:21:00.000-07:00

1. A good (but not too strong) cup of coffee.

2. Compliments from strangers.

3. Laughing until you cry.

5. Successfully completed projects.

6. Acoustical music.

7. Tigi hair products.

8. Good smelling soap.

9. Dark Chocolate.

10. Dogwood trees.

[picture sources here and here]

Avoiding Adulthood

2010-07-01T16:42:00.000-07:00

The downside to being an adult is that you have silly little things called "responsibilities" that often get in the way of fun. They force you to make decisions that you know are for the best, even though it isn't want you want at all. The upside to being an adult is that occasionally you can choose to ignore them.

This morning I went to the doctor for a thing and they weighed me. I weighed 10 freaking pounds more than I did at my lowest point earlier this year. CRAP! I handled it in the most adult, responsible way I possibly could. I bought these new pretzel M&M's (still not as good as the peanut butter ones) and went home to make some cupcakes (eating at minimum 1/2 cup of raw batter).

After baking said cupcakes, Jim and I went for lunch at Applebee's. I had a moment of cupcake batter guilt and ordered a salad with shrimp. That was my only true adult moment today.

After lunch we went to Toys R Us where I bought a hula hoop and some alphabet refrigerator magnets. I had been jonesing for both items for a while now. Jim was after something called Stompers but came up empty handed.

On the way out Jim was pulled in by one of these claw machines.

It took 3 chances, but he hit the jackpot on the last try with a triple victory.

We named them Barry, Pinchy, and Gill.

As soon as we got home I started putting my new magnets on the fridge. Jim immediately did this.

Then we did this.

And this.

PS. I kick butt at hula hooping.

10 Things That Make Me Happy

2010-07-01T06:40:00.000-07:00

In no particular order at all I am going to start listing 10 things that make me happy each week. A sort of gratitude journal to keep myself focused on all things happy and beautiful.

1. Making lists

2. Childhood memories

3. Eating with chopsticks

4. Photographs of anything

5. VW buses

6. Daydreaming

7. Porch swings

8. Opening a new book for the first time.

9. Waking up very early.

10. A brand new Sharpie marker.

[image sources]

My Life on June 28, 2010

2010-06-28T19:21:00.000-07:00

Outside my window... Today was sunny, warm and beautiful.

I am thinking... about my super sweet cousin Tyler who had surgery today to remove part of his kidney due to cancer. {Prayers to you Ty}

I am thankful for... AHA! moments.

I am wearing.... Brown velvet running pants and a Tshirt. I know I've said this before, but I really do wear normal clothes 90% of the time, just not early Monday mornings or Monday nights. Or sometimes all day Monday.

I am creating... I have a half finished necklace in the craft room and a big wooden "A" waiting to be painted.

I am going... to floss, brush and rinse in about 10 minutes, then it's off to bed early for a 2am wake up.

I am reading... Eat, Pray, Love. Only on chapter 18 but I am adoring it so far.

I am hearing... a fan running in the dining room and American Pickers on the TV in the living room.

On my mind... what ifs.

From the kitchen... Did you know you can put a chicken in a crockpot with nothing else and cook it on low for 6-7 hours and it comes out as fall-off-the-bone perfection? It's true!

The rest of the week... Two days in Billings, home one day, two days in Boise.

Pondering these words... "Life is made of moments, small pieces of silver amidst long stretches of tedium. It would be wonderful if they came to us unsummoned, but particularly in lives as busy as the ones most of us lead now, that won't happen. We have to teach ourselves now to live, really live...to love the journey, not the destination."
- Anna Quindlen

A picture to share...

From the Captain's Dinner formal night on the cruise. Doesn't Jim look happy to be having his picture taken?

Back on Track

2010-06-25T04:02:00.000-07:00

I read this exerpt recently from the book Eat, Pray, Love and it struck a cord.

"...people universally tend to think that happiness is a stroke of luck, something that will maybe descend upon you like fine weather if you're fortunate enough. But that's not how happiness works. Happiness is the consequence of personal effort.
You fight for it. Strive for it. Insist upon it. And sometimes even travel around the world looking for it. You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestations for your own blessings. And once you have achieved a state of happiness, you must never become lax about maintaining it, you must make a mighty effort to keep swimming upward into that happiness forever, to stay afloat on top of it. If you don't you will leak away your innate contentment."

Last year I did a good job of seeking happines. I pursued it. I got to the point that I felt really happy all the time. Then, like most people, I quit focusing on it. I quit being active. I quit reading and writing positive affirmations. I just let it slip away. Not that I'm unhappy now, just not as happy. It really is something that takes a conscious effort.

So here's to refocusing on the relentless pursuit for happiness! One (nerdy) thing that makes me happy is lists. You will begin to see lots and lots of lists. Yay!

XOXO!

Hairy Men, Cornrows and Cougars

2010-06-18T19:25:00.000-07:00

You all know I love ~~judging people~~ admiring the uniqueness of strangers. A cruise is the perfect playground for someone like me. People are either completely relaxed and unguarded, trying to put themselves on display, or my favorite - drunk.

It’s amazing to me, a person of relative modesty and self-consciousness, that so many people are 100% comfortable with themselves. Seriously, even though I did lay out in a bikini, I only walked away from my chair one time without putting a swimsuit cover on. And I would have, but I was walking to the pool to cool down before I had a heat stroke and I thought I might draw unwanted attention if I got in the water all covered up like a nun.

Anyway, one of the things I noticed about the guys was that they were either all puffed up, or they were oblivious to their hygiene. There was no middle ground.

I am so glad I have my iPhone because anytime I was listening to music (all week), I had a built in camera, ready for action.

And, of course, sometimes I got caught. One of the hazards of my chosen hobby.

At one of the comedy shows my eye was immediately drawn to this lady below. I'm sorry chickee-poo, but white girls can not pull this off.

I was bummed that I couldn't get a better picture of her, then SCORE! She sat right in front of me on the flight from Orlando to Denver.

The week before the cruise, John, one of my absolute favorite people in my company sent me this email:

Check out page 4 of the Life section of today’s USA Today. Patrick, Jim and I will need to tone down our boyish good looks next week.

I busted out laughing in my hotel room when I opened my paper and saw this:

Well, I don't think any of them were attacked by too many Cougars, but I don't think they were too upset considering this is what they might have been fighting off.

I wanted to bring her home with me.

Bahamas - Day Three

2010-06-16T21:48:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Nassau, Bahamas!

We stopped off on our third day at the capital of the Bahamas. When we got there we asked one of the locals where to find a beach. The plan was to find the beach, lay out and swim for a few hours, do a little sight seeing and then hit the shops for some vacation memorabilia.

It didn't exactly work out that way.

The local gave us some pretty simple directions. Go to Bay Street and follow it around the corners to the beach. Sounded easy enough. Let me interject that Nassau is a beautiful place but for this small town girl it was a wee bit scary. It is a very, very, very congested city with a lot of honking and yelling. Everything is old and run down, which I would normally consider quaint, but in this particular circumstance it was not. We were the out of place tourists with the neon signs over our heads that read: ROB US. Anyway, the simple directions turned into a 30 minute walk with me clutching my camera case until my fingers got tingly. As soon as we got there we decided it was not the place for us, so I white knuckled my camera case and we headed back to where we started.

One hour later we were on a ferry to Paradise Island. This was the place to be! This is where the richy riches live. We began beach search: The Sequel. It would take a million words to explain this experience so I'll short hand it. Island is only 3 miles wide. Several people gave us wrong directions. We walked past the same spot 18 times. We found the beach two hours later.

Finally!!!! Beach time! We did a little sunning. We did a little swimming.

Now for the much agonized over swimsuit picture.

I'm the one way off in the distance, not the one covered in scarves, although that wouldn't have been a bad idea.

And since guys are guys, Jim took another swimsuit picture.

And I figure you all need a shot of my crotch.

You're welcome.

Bahamas - Day One and Two

2010-06-14T20:38:00.001-07:00

Every year my company sends some of its employees on a cruise. This is the first year I have been honored to go. Last Sunday we flew all the way from Washington to Florida. That is one heck of a trip. I dare you to fly that far and not be a little grouchy. Can't happen. Not possible. Trust me. Or ask Jim, he'll tell you. We both could have beaten up any stranger that so much as looked at us wrong.

We stayed in Orlando Sunday night then drove to Port Canaveral on Monday to catch the boat.

We cruised on The Monarch of the Seas by Royal Caribbean. It's the only cruise we've ever been on so we have nothing to compare it to, but it still seemed like a very lovely ship.

This was our cabin. It may look kind of small, but I guess the rooms below us were much smaller. It was actually very comfortable, with the slight exception of the bathroom. It was so small you couldn't even dry off in there. Small price to pay for a free cruise!

Day One was all about settling in and learning the ship, and there is a lot to learn. About the time you start figuring out where everything is, the trip is over.

On Day Two we stopped at CocoCay, a private island owned by Royal Caribbean.

The island was GORGEOUS! By far the most beautiful place I have ever been. Everything is so bright and vivid. We spent the day snorkeling for the first time. I loved, loved, loved it! I am really kicking myself in the rear for not getting a water camera ($18 be darned) so I could share all of the amazingly colorful fish I saw and swam with.

The whole day was something like this: snorkel, sun, snorkel, sun, boat, nap, dinner. It was rough.

Even on vacation, Jim was germ obsessed. Maybe even more so. It took me until day two to convince him to eat from the buffet.

Day Three and Four, plus my favorite strangers coming soon!!!

Cruising The Bahamas

2010-06-13T17:15:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we returned from a trip to the Bahamas! Over the next couple days I will recount our adventure to you. See ya then!

I'm Tripping!

2010-06-03T20:16:00.000-07:00

Over the last week I've been way down south in Corpus Christi, Texas. This is my second trip here and I have to say, I would loooooove to live here! My hotel is within viewing distance to the waterfront and I am seriously just about 5 minutes from Padre Island. The weather has been absolutely beautiful both times. Only one day of high humidity, but it felt comfortable like an old familiar (wet) blanket. So cozy!

I know come August I will deny having said this, but I really miss the hot Missouri summers. Washington is gorgeous, but I am so over the cold, rainy days we've had this year (again, remind me I said all this in August when I'm complaining about not having air conditioning).

One thing I do love about Washington is the lack of bugs. We have bugs, but they aren't a problem. You may only swat at 5 mosquitos all summer long and we don't have ticks, which in my opinion is a major perk. Zero humidity. Breathtaking mountains. Where was I going with this? Right. Bugs. Two nights ago I ate a bag of popcorn for dinner, something I do on nearly every trip. In the great northwest I always leave the empty bag on the nightstand then throw it away in the morning. Never a problem. In Texas, it's a problem. I woke up around 2:30 am to find a gazillion ants all over the nightstand, including on and in my laptop. Even today the darn little suckers were crawling out from under my letters as I typed away.

I was lucky enough to spend some time on the beach Tuesday AND I got to tag a new destination for #30 on the list. Yay! Sometimes it's good to have little reminders that make me see the benefits of traveling so much. I really am thankful for the blessings of my job.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have an ant crawling up my arm.

Apple Pie Minis

2010-05-31T06:40:00.000-07:00

This is one of the easiest recipes ever, and yet it is so super adorable and delicious that it makes you look oh, so brilliant!

Ingredients:
2 granny smith apples
1 1/2 Tbsp flour
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 tsp cinnamon
pinch of salt
1 egg
refrigerated pie crust, room temp

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Peel and cut the apples into small cubes. Add the sugar, flour, salt and cinnamon. Mix together and set aside.

Flour your countertop and roll out the dough. I had a a 3 1/2" cookie cutter that was a perfect size, but really any shape or size would work. Hearts would be cute, huh? You'll need two for each pie.

Place some of the apple mixture in the center of half of the cutouts. It's tempting to put a lot, but you have to control yourself or the top won't fit.

Beat the egg with a little water to make an egg wash. Using your finger put a little wash around the edge of the bottom circle of dough. Put the top layer of dough on each little pie and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.

Use a pastry brush to egg wash the tops.

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve warm with ice cream (it's a must)!

Craft Room Update

2010-05-28T18:46:00.000-07:00

I saw this adorable idea on a website ages ago and finally got around to doing it. I love, love, love patterned paper but sometimes I love it so much I can't stand to cut it up, which I know is ridiculous. I thought this idea to put it in embroidery hoops and use it as wall art was perfect for me!

Here's a little peek inside my craft room. It's nothing special, but it's my own private place to create, be messy and listen to Angie music. It's one of my favorite places to go. The decor is a work in progess as I find new ideas that I like (and actually get around to doing).

Did you notice the "Angie" on the shelf? Today I came home to find that someone had changed it...

Some people have beautiful, touching, heartfelt pet names. Jim likes to think outside the box, but it always has to rhyme with Angela (ie Turdela, Dorkela, Nerdela, etc). How sweet.

Actually, this room was still unfinished until recently. Jim surprised me by finishing all the trim work while I was away on a trip. And that really is sweet!

Eggs Benedict

2010-05-24T18:41:00.001-07:00

Ingredients for Eggs Benedict:
Hollandaise Sauce (see below)
Eggs
Canadian bacon
English muffin
3 Tbsp vinegar

Ingredients for Hollandaise Sauce:
3 egg yolks
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 cup butter

I will admit that Eggs Benedict are a little tricky. Each component is actually really easy, it's just that it all has to be done at the same time so that you don't have parts that are cold.

First, a little prep work. Preheat your oven broiler. Fill a deep skillet halfway up with water, add the vinegar and bring to a boil. You want it to be a soft boil which was about medium - medium high on my stove. The eggs won't taste like vinegar, it just helps them solidify quickly.

Place the 3 eggs yolks, lemon juice and cayenne pepper in a small blender.

Alright, here we go. Ready?

Place the english muffins and canadian bacon under the broiler. Don't forget about them! I did exactly that and burned my first batch.

Gently crack 4 eggs into the boiling water, one at a time. Set your timer for 3 minutes.

Melt the stick of butter in a glass measuring cup for 30 seconds. Stir and melt another 30 seconds. The butter has to be very hot when you add it to the egg yolks because this is what cooks them. Turn your blender on continual low speed and very slowly add the melted butter in a steady stream. The sauce should immediately thicken and turn a light yellow color.

At this time your eggs should be done. You want the whites to be done, but the yolks to still be runny. If you aren't sure, poke at them with your finger and you'll be able to tell if they need to go back in for a little bit. Scoop them out and place on a paper towel to drain.

Pull the (hopefully not burned) muffins and bacon out of the oven and build this sucker.

These babies are totally worth the trouble. TOTALLY!

My Life on May 24, 2010

2010-05-24T07:33:00.001-07:00

Outside my window... It is sunny and beautiful, but still quite cool at 35 degrees.

I am thinking... I would really like to buy a patio table and set up a cook station outside on our deck this summer.

I am thankful for... Perfect temperatures. It has been cool and beautiful here in Washington. Dad says the almanac is predicting cooler temps for the Northwest this summer which would be blissful since the crazy fools up here think air conditioning isn’t necessary to put in homes.

I am wearing.... Long Sleeve T-shirt and yoga pants.

I am creating... I will be completing a super easy and cute decorating idea for my craft room today. I'll post it in a day or two.

I am going... To Idaho Falls, ID tomorrow. One of my very favorite markets to visit.

I am reading... Fitness magazines lately. I’m hoping for the miracle of fitness by osmosis.

I am hearing... The TV turned down really low because Jim is still asleep.

On my mind... We recorded Breaking Bad lastnight and I can’t wait to watch it. I LOOOOOOVE that show! One of my managers told me to just go buy season one and I wouldn’t regret it. We did, and loved it immediately. We pretty much watched it nonstop and promptly bought season two. Seriously, go get it!

From the kitchen... Tonight I am making a crockpot concoction involving chicken. Lastnight I made some delicious Eggs Benedict which I plan on posting when I have more time later.

One of my favorite things... Myoplex Lite in chocolate only. (See picture on Stinky Saturday) As far as meal replacements go, this stuff is the bomb. Totally filling and delish.

The rest of the week... Idaho Falls, ID and then, um, I don’t remember. Somewhere else.

Pondering these words...
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
-Maya Angelou

A picture to share...

It's been a while since I mentioned our neighbors. This is Neil, or "Mr. Spiffits" as Jim calls him. He is a super nice guy, but he is incredibly fussy. I took this picture because Neil washes his cars like 3 times a week no matter what. On this day he was washing them just as the rain was coming in. He also waters his lawn on rainy days. Silly neighbor.

A Stinky Saturday

2010-05-22T21:49:00.000-07:00

Today was a little on the sucktastic side.

It all started when I realized that for the second time in 4 years, I forgot to pack my makeup. Normally I wouldn't be so uptight about it. I mean, its not like I get all glammed up for these trips. But, as you are all aware, my face requires coverage right now. It is getting a little better. I've graduated from meth addict to facial chicken pox. It's quite becoming. Anyway, I went to Target lastnight, where they (of course) did not have what I was looking for, so I bought something that looked similar. Then this morning I tried the mystery product and nothing. I looked the same. So I put on more. And more. And more. Needless to say, I had to go back to Target for something with a little more oomph.

Finally, me and my heavily caked face made it to the store where they had these....

Normally I would be thrilled and tear right in, however, I have been faithfully restricting my caloric intake to 800 - 1000 per day for the last week.

Whoa, Whoa, Whoa!!!! Hold it right there.

Before you all start preaching about the need to eat healthy and not crash diet or starve myself, let me explain. I am going on a cruise to the Bahamas in 3 weeks where I will undoubtedly be wearing a swimsuit. This is a work trip (kind of), so I will be around people I work with, which I find very freaky and uncomfortable. You would do the same, don't deny it.

After the run-in with the donuts, I was excited to have an early trip home. That excitement lasted right up until the moment that they announced over the intercom that our flight had mechanical issues. My flight out of Great Falls, MT was delayed just enough that I missed my flight home by 15 minutes. Not that hanging out at SLC airport on a Saturday for 5 hours isn't cool. Who wouldn't want to do that?

Wow. I'm sounding cranky (it's past my bedtime and I'm hungry. Stupid donut pictures).

The good news is I had time to make a killer playlist which will be added to my blog sometime tomorrow.

Now I gotta go wash this cheap makeup off of my alligator face.

#31 - Check

2010-05-21T03:17:00.000-07:00

The 2010 List is slowly but surely getting done. We finally ate at The Melting Pot.

I was so excited, I forgot to bring my camera. These pictures are all courtesy of my camera phone, which just does not do it justice.

On the way there I got this picture of Jimbo on the sly. A couple minutes later he saw me taking other pictures and he said to me "Don't take any pictures of me tonight, okay?" I'm posting this one anyway because, technically, I took it before he asked so it doesn't count.

The Melting Pot is crazy popular. We went there on a Sunday at 4:00 thinking, surely we are the only people under 60 that eat that early. Even then there is a 45 minute wait to be seated.

At the table our poor waitress had to school us on the ways of fondue. We were fondue virgins. There's kind of a lot to it, and Jim was more than a little skeptical at having to handle and cook raw meat. She said put it in the broth for 2 1/2 minutes, so of course Jim cooked his for about 7.

Again, I was so excited, I forgot to take pictures, but when dessert came it was just so beautiful I yelled out "don't touch it!" I had to get a photo of this.

Jim and I have different preferences with chocolate. He likes milk and I like dark, so they brought us this.

This is the stuff dreams are made of.

If the chocolate hadn't been so hot I might have licked the bowl. Okay, probably would have licked the bowl. Okay, okay, wanted to lick the bowl.

I have to give the place two enthusiastic thumbs up.

We definitely want to go back, although next time we'll more than likely just go for dessert. It was all super yummy, but I have issues with eating a dinner that's roughly the price of a car payment.

When Vanity Backfires

2010-05-17T18:54:00.001-07:00

I don't consider myself a vain person.

I actually think I'm pretty low maintenance. In fact, I can probably get ready faster than a lot of men. But, like most people, there are some things I like about myself and some things that I don't.

As it turns out, I do have a little streak of vanity. Just a little one. I found a super great deal at the local Cosmetic Laser Surgery Center recently and I couldn't pass it up. In just two visits I can have all age spots, sun spots, and red blotchy areas zapped away. You may wonder how many age or sun spots I can possibly have at 32 (God bless you). Well, I didn't really think I had that many either until I was put under vivid lighting, had an extremely close-up picture taken of my face and then blown up on a computer monitor. It's shocking. Now I know why the consultation is free. Once you've seen what's really there, you can't just walk away.

My first appointment was at 7:30 this morning. Twelve hours later and I look like a train wreck. See, when you laser all these subtle imperfections in an effort to look good, they don't just go away. They blister and turn black. I have roughly 4,297 of them.

Allow me to paint you a picture....

Linda (my Laser Specialist) told me about a lady she recently treated. This lady had a couple treatments done and continued to work during the healing process (as am I). No one asked her about the change in her appearance and she didn't think much of it until her boss called her into the office to offer to send her to a drug rehab center. Her boss thought she was one of those meth addicts that scratches at imaginary bugs under their skin.

So, for the next two weeks I will be involuntarily playing the role of a slightly vain traveling meth addict. Yay!

Angie Oakley

2010-05-16T19:33:00.000-07:00

I've mentioned before that my job has certain (albeit unorthodox at times) perks. Thanks to my company I recently experienced the thrill of the shooting range. And now I'm hooked.

I had shot guns before but it had been a really, really, really long time ago. If you grow up in the country with older brothers, it's bound to happen. I vaguely remember shooting at boxes on top of hay bales.

This? This was the Real McCoy (on a side note, I watched a documentary on Joseph McCoy this morning, hence that term being in my head).

All in all, I shot 6 different pistols and 3 rifles. Not to brag (read: bragging coming), but I was the only girl there and had closer bullseye shots than the guys with the assault rifles. Girls rule.

This is me with the Big Daddy of the day. The AK47.

What does it mean when a company sends you to an upper management meeting then teaches you how to shoot a multitude of firearms?

Easy DIY Rings

2010-04-29T18:26:00.000-07:00

This may be the coolest thing I've discovered, EVER! I am a HUUUUUUGE fan of enormous, cartoon size rings. Love, love, love them. Now I (and you) can make one of a kind fashion rings at a fraction of the cost!!!

Here's what you need:
Adjustable rings (I got mine at Michaels)
Insanely cute buttons or pins
Super strong glue that works with all mediums
Pliers

This is so easy there's not much to explain. First remove the clip or button loop on the back.

If your button is plastic you'll need to sand it a little so the glue sticks.

Glue. Dry. Enjoy!!!

Isn't this the most clever craft ever?

I'll never look at buttons the same again.

My Life on April 27, 2010

2010-04-27T07:13:00.000-07:00

Outside my window... I am so happy to see that my white lilacs are almost in full bloom.

I am thinking... {don’t forget to take back your library books today, Ang.}

I am thankful for... iPhones. I’m totally dependent on it now and can’t imagine how I lived without it for so long.

I am wearing.... t-shirt and exercise pants. I swear I wear normal clothes that are acceptable in public. Just not when I’m home blogging.

I am creating... I took a hiatus from sewing project #3, but I think I can finish it on my next day off.

I am going... to work in about 2 hours. Locally :)

I am reading... Hmmm. I guess I don’t have a current read. Time to order new books!

I am hoping... the grass seed we spread starts growing. I don’t really want to be the ugliest lawn in the neighborhood again this year.

I am hearing... the coffee pot gurgling, letting me know my wake up juice is ready for consumption.

On my mind... I have been having one of those weeks where I’m just not quite right in the head. Do you know that feeling ladies? That week when you’re like “Ugh, these jeans make me look fat” and almost anything can bring tears? Right. That kind of week. So lastnight I did what any mentally deranged woman does – I cut my own bangs. They turned out okay, or at least they will be in about a week.

From the kitchen... Not sure about tonight, but for breakfast I will be having egg whites and an orange. Plus coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.

One of my favorite things... My blue snowman coffee cup. It’s my go-to item every morning.

The rest of the week... I get to stay local until Friday, then I’m off to Montana for a few days.

Pondering these words...
Today a new sun rises for me; everything lives, everything is animated, everything seems to speak to me of my passion, everything invites me to cherish it.
-Anne De Lenclos

Tales From First Class

2010-04-24T17:56:00.000-07:00

Yes, yes, yes, I know I disappeared and I'm sure you've been in an absolute panic as to my whereabouts. Oh, wait. You didn't even notice? Hmmmm. Well, I'm back anyway from a very long trip.

I intentionally avoid the topic of my employer and/or coworkers because, honestly, we get enough of each other as it is. I am going to make a small exception so I can explain how much I love my travel lady. She is super duper awesome and spoils me rotten. On this last trip I went on I had to endure a 3 hour flight. At first she had me booked with an airline I don't usually frequent. I very innocently joked with her that I had become soft from all of my frequent flyer upgrades and was not looking forward to 3 hours in coach. So what did my lovely lady do? She switched me to Delta so I could get my upgrades and then she sent me complimentary passes to the President's Club so my layover would be more enjoyable. I love you travel lady!

When I normally fly first class it's on relatively short flights so we don't get served meals. I was semi-excited that I would be getting breakfast on this trip. Then I got this...

Really Delta? Chex Mix cereal? Not that I'm complaining, it was just a let down. I imagined something with a little more grandeur.

This next bit is a complaint. Sorry, but I've been in and out of airports for the last 7 hours and still have 3 or 4 to go, so I'm entitled.

On my last flight (again, in first class), this lady was diagonally in front of me...

Ugh! No one wants to see your nasty foot lady, and the person in front of you certainly doesn't want it on their arm rest.

I believe the several glasses of straight vodka she consumed might have made her unaware of the unspoken rules of travel etiquette.

More Fun With Strangers

2010-04-16T04:49:00.000-07:00

This is the first time I've downloaded any pictures I've taken with my iPhone so I had no idea they would only show up the size of postage stamps on my computer. Anywho, I've been running into some awesome strangers lately to share with you.

This first guy (if you can see him) drove everyone crazy a couple days ago. I was stuck in an airport at an ungodly time due to a cancelled flight. During normal traveling hours airports can be quite noisey, but at this early hour everything was peaceful and quiet. This guy was at the far end of the seating area working on his computer with headphones on. That's all fine and good, but his cell phone alarm started going off and he couldn't hear it. At first I thought he would eventually hear it. He didn't. It went off for about 10 minutes. The rest of us were too tired to get up and tell him, so we just stared at him in anger, then looked at each other and shrugged.

This next guy was another case of someone disturbing the peace.

At least the first guy didn't realize how he was making everyone suffer. This gentleman was smack dab in the middle of a large seating area in Seattle watching a movie. Without headphones. As you can see, he was totally enjoying himself.

My favorite people to take pictures of lately are the sleepers. Sleepers come in all forms.

There's the peaceful sleeper.

The sleepers that make themselves completely at home, rearranging furniture as needed.

The mouth gapers (I love this type).

The too-tired-to-stay-verticle, and/or I-can't-believe-I-drank-that-much sleeper.

But sometimes....

...sleepers wake up and catch you.

My Life On April 12, 2010

2010-04-12T19:26:00.000-07:00

Outside my window... Windy. It has been crazy windy here lately. Small children have to be weighted down.

I am thinking... I do not like rosemary. I made a lovely pork chop dinner with shallots, apples, brown sugar and then ruined it with rosemary. Blecchhhh.

I am thankful for... the miracle that transpired in my friend Buffy's life recently.

I am wearing.... I’m just going to say I would never want anyone to see me in my present condition.

I am creating... dress number THREE!

I am reading... Best of Cooking Light.

I am hearing... Cash Cab. I like this show but it makes me feel stupid sometimes.

On my mind... I bought a new ironing board yesterday and it made me ridiculously happy and that in itself is sad.

From the kitchen... the pork chop thing I said earlier, although I’m going to go scavenge for something else to get this nasty rosemary taste out of my mouth.

One of my favorite things... Cetaphil face wash. It’s amazing and I’ll never use anything else now.

The rest of the week... Headed to Oregon tomorrow then Idaho on Friday.

Pondering these words...
God has not promised skies always blue,
flower-strewn pathways all our lives through;
God has not promised sun without rain,
joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
But God has promised strength for the day,
rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
unfailing sympathy, undying love.
- Annie Johnston Flint

A picture to share...

(Me and my super-awesome friend Lynn. Love you Dynn!)

Yo! Bloggity Blog Readers!

2010-04-08T18:35:00.000-07:00

So, it turns out I'm still among the living, I just haven't felt very bloggy lately but I'm trying to get back into the groove of things.

It all started when I went on vacation last week. I didn't go anywhere. I simply gave myself permission to be ridiculously lazy for 7 days. And then it turned into like 9 days. Actually, I'm not sure I've stopped.

I finished my first attempt at sewing wearable clothing, successfully marking #27 off of the 2010 list. Here it is. It's a little wrinkled because I wore it all day.

As soon as the last stitch was in place I put it on and headed straight to JoAnn's to get a new pattern. This was just way too much fun. I knew I had to go on.

I spent at least 2 hours pouring over the pattern books. Pattern books are my new best friend. Inanimately speaking, of course. I couldn't decide between two different ones so I bought them both. Then as I was leaving the pattern area, I noticed a sign saying "Simplicity patterns - 99 cents." I got five more.

I picked out some nice fabric and left. On the way home I decided to swing into Hancock Fabrics, you know, just in case. Turns out they had some amazing fabrics on clearance. In the end I bought seven patterns and like 12 yards of fabric.

I started my second project last week, but it has pockets, and pockets are really dang hard. I have temporarily abandoned that one and I'm about halfway done with the third one now.

Sewing is cool.

One Of My Very Own

2010-03-30T19:34:00.000-07:00

I inherited this sewing machine from Jim's mom, Sandy. Prior to this one I used my mom's sewing machine that I believe she got as a HS graduation gift (around 1984, right mom?). I was totally content to use this one, but as I mentioned last week, it broke. I thought it was me, and maybe it was, but the repair was way more complicated than just replacing a bent needle. It was going to cost $100 to have it fixed. The whole dang thing was only worth about $120.

I'm on vacation this week, and sorely need something to keep my fingers busy so I went and bought a new one. My first sewing machine all of my very own. It's so exciting!

I love you sewing machine and all your fancy little buttons.

On a side note, this dress is going to be worth about $560 when it's finally complete.

I Want To Be Like Her

2010-03-25T20:25:00.000-07:00

This beautiful lady is my Grandmother.

She is the most gracious person I know. She truly believes she is the most blessed person that ever lived and exudes the kind of unconditional love for her family that most people never, ever have a chance to feel. I have been lucky enough to be surrounded by this kind of love from her and so many others in my family my entire life.

For all her love and faith and compassion, life hasn't been easy for her. Or, at least I didn't think so. The thing I love her most for is that she looks beyond the bad and sees the good in things.

Before I moved to Washington I wanted to spend an entire day with her. I remember everything about it. Grandma's house has a warm, homey smell that I can't describe, but I know that scent by heart. She was making us beef stew for lunch and we were going through boxes and boxes of old photographs in the pink room.

We found this picture of my Grandfather.

I never thought much about him. I knew he was an alcoholic and that he left my Grandma with three young boys when my Dad was just three years old. My other Grandpa once said that when Grandpa Phillip was sober, he was the nicest guy you could ever meet, but when he was drunk, he was a mean 'ol cuss.

Grandma and I kept looking through those old pictures and when she came across this one she told me she wished I could have known my Grandpa.

I asked her what he was like. How did they meet? Where did he live? We talked about him for hours. She obviously loved him very much. I thought it was strange that she still had so much love for him when, in my mind, he wasn't that great of a person.

Then Grandma said something that changed my entire perspective. She told me that Grandpa knew he could never be the kind of husband and father that he felt she and his boys deserved so he gave up everything he loved so that they could have a better life. While I had always judged him harshly for leaving them, she loved him for his sacrifice. We cried together over the loss we each shared.

My Grandpa Phillip came back to visit my family when I was very little. I don't remember it at all, but I wish I did. I wish I had been able to know him and love him.

I treasure my relationship with my Grandma and have so much love and respect for her. I will always keep this memory close to my heart and hope it helps me remember to look for the good in people.

Progress Report

2010-03-21T19:12:00.000-07:00

I finally finished cutting the interfacing for Project a la Angie today.

Before I even began sewing I had to call my mom for help with the directions.

17 texts, 3 phone calls, thirty minutes messing with the bobbin, one broken needle, and a $36 trip to Michaels later... I have 2 pieces successfully sewn together.

But I'm having a blast!

(Thanks for all your help Mom. You're the BEST and I love you!)

Why Not?

2010-03-18T19:28:00.000-07:00

Cupcake Pincushion

2010-03-18T17:17:00.000-07:00

Supplies needed:

2 pieces of felt (1 of each color)
Ribbed material
scrap felt for bottom
needle and thread
red pom pom
ribbon

Step 1: Fold each piece of felt in half lengthwise, and in half again.

Step 2: Layer one color on top of the other, leaving the bottom layer about a half inch longer.

Step 3: Tightly roll the two colors together and pin.

Step 4: Trim the excess off the side and trim the bottom so the cupcake sits flat.

Step 5: Measure the ribbed material around the felt and sew into a tube. It works best if you're able to double the material.

Step 6: Place the tube about a half inch from the top of the felt and loosely stitch in place.

Step 7: Turn ribbed material right side out and trim the excess off the bottom, leaving enough material to hot glue down.

Step 8: Hot glue a circle of scrap felt on the bottom.

Step 9: Accessorize with a cherry and some trim.

Tea Party

2010-03-17T20:18:00.000-07:00

[source]

I came across this picture and instantly fell in L-O-V-E.

I want to meet this crazy lady and join her secret tea party in the forest.

I wish I knew someone this eccentric.

Why do we all have to be so normal?

My Life On March 15, 2010

2010-03-15T20:49:00.000-07:00

Outside my window... the sun is setting on a beautiful, sunny spring day. Granted, I was inside doing paperwork all day, but it looked beautiful through the window.

I am thinking... I work with some pretty amazing people. In the last couple of days two of my Managers and one of my Bosses have extended some kindnesses to me that touched my heart.

I am thankful for... words. Sometimes they can hurt, but sometimes they can be beautiful, loving, uplifting and downright entertaining.

I am wearing.... a yellow Nike sweatshirt and black exercise pants. I’d like to say it’s because I just worked out (which is true) but I’ve had this on all day. Oh, and argyle socks to really complete the look.

I am creating... I just printed some patterns for something top secret. Can’t wait!

I am going... to plan ahead and pack some healthy food for this trip.

I am reading...

I am hearing... The Office (aka The Best Show Ever).

On my mind... I can NOT believe who got kicked off of American Idol last week! I will miss you Lilly and Alex.

From the kitchen... steamed brown rice and low fat cottage cheese. Let’s not talk about this right now.

One of my favorite things... Popsecret Homestyle Popcorn. Not too buttery, not too salty. Just right!

The rest of the week... Headed back to Salt Lake tomorrow then Great Falls, MT on Friday.

Pondering these words... Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. Look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. Think only of the best, work only for the best and expect only the best. Forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. Give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. Live in the faith that the whole world is on your side as long as you are true to the best that is in you.
- Christian D. Larson

A picture to share...

A view of Mt St Helens rising above the clouds (taken on a recent flight to Portland). Stunning.

Fashion Crushes

2010-03-14T17:43:00.000-07:00

Spring is coming and I am ready to enjoy it! I am ready to get healthier and live purposefully and have a little bit more fun with my wardrobe this year. I have been scouring the internet looking at a multitude of fashion blogs and websites and thought I would share some of my favorite finds so far....

1. Socks with Dress Shoes - I am all over this one! Comfy and super cute? It's a no brainer!

[source]

[source]

2. Bright Crochet Beanie - I am just seconds away from ordering this beauty.

[source]

3. Peasant Dresses - I have already started collecting these but I need so many more!!!

[source]

4. Ruffles - They are everywhere this year, but nothing beats these amazing shoes! Just gorgeous!

[source]

5. Floral Hair Accessories - This barrett was made for me.

[source]

6. Shabby Chic Necklaces - The name alone makes me want to buy it. These are a little pricey, but perhaps a copycat could be made? Sounds like a fun project to me!

[source]

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

2010-03-09T21:12:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
2 cups canned pumpkin (or a 15oz can)
3/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
3 eggs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix all ingredients together by hand.

Pour equal amounts into 2 loaf pans sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.

Bake for 45 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Now here's the most important part: Don't eat it until the next day! It's good the day it's baked, but it is phenomenal the day after. It gets dense and sticky and perfect!!!!

Living In Hotels

2010-03-09T20:31:00.000-08:00

On the outside, having a career that requires frequent traveling sounds glamorous and exciting, but the truth is it's a whole lot of loneliness and boredom.

At first it did feel glamorous and exciting, but after the new wears off there's not much to do except watch TV and google your heart out. That's how I discovered blogs in the first place.

Here's kind of how my hotel nights go:
Check in.
Go to room to drop off my bag.
Lysol the bathroom, light switches, door handles and remote control.
Go to work for several hours.
Come back to hotel.
Eat popcorn while watching TV (Biggest Loser right now).
Blog (or read other people's blogs).
Talk on the phone for a little bit.
More TV, more computer, maybe a little paperwork mixed in.
Wash my face and brush my teeth.
Sleep.

Don't get me wrong. I love what I do, and I actually really enjoy traveling (most of the time). I get to see a lot of things I never would have seen otherwise, and I have met simply the most amazing people ever, but hotel rooms? Hotel rooms are soooooo boring.

My Life On March 8, 2010

2010-03-08T19:38:00.000-08:00

Outside my window... It was nasty today. Cold, dark and damp.

I am thinking... I’ve been feeling rather melancholy lately and I’m tired of it. I need a surge of joy and energy. Maybe it’s because I gave up desserts. Sugar is the elixir of my life.

I am thankful for... sunlight. The winter here is almost over and we're about to say "so long" to these too short days. I'm really looking forward to early sunrises and late sunsets.

I am wearing.... black track pants, black t-shirt, and a striped hoodie.

I am creating... same stuff as last week.

I am going... to do something utterly enjoyable this week. Not sure what but I’ll think of something.

I am reading... same stuff as last week.

I am hoping... I have beautiful dreams tonight.

I am hearing... Pawn Stars. I heart Chumlee.

From the kitchen... Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread (recipe coming tomorrow)!

One of my favorite things... perfectly poached eggs.

The rest of the week... Two trips to Oregon this week.

Pondering these words...

If I had my life to live over...

I'd dare to make more mistakes next time.
I'd relax, I would limber up.
I would be sillier than I have been this trip.
I would take fewer things seriously.
I would take more chances.
I would climb more mountains and swim more rivers.
I would eat more ice cream and less beans.

I would perhaps have more actual troubles,
but I'd have fewer imaginary ones.

You see, I'm one of those people
who live sensibly and sanely
hour after hour, day after day.

Oh, I've had my moments,
and if I had to do it over again,
I'd have more of them.

In fact, I'd try to have nothing else. Just moments,
one after another, instead of living so many
years ahead of each day.

I've been one of those persons who never goes
anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle,
a raincoat and a parachute.

If I had to do it again, I would travel lighter than I have.

If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot
earlier in the spring and stay that way
later in the fall.

I would go to more dances.
I would ride more merry-go-rounds.
I would pick more daisies.

-Nadine Stair

A picture to share...

Happy Birthday to my dear sweet Dad and Bub. Love and miss you both!!!

Sunday Advice

2010-03-07T20:16:00.000-08:00

I Miss You Springfield

2010-03-06T20:51:00.000-08:00

I miss you Charlotte Russe.

Sure I can shop online, but it's not the same. I can't try on your trendy clothes and listen to your awesome music.

And I can't stand and gawk at your wall of beauties.

I miss you Panera Bread.

There is no bakery like you. I used to eat your delectable food every Saturday morning before work and now you're hours and hours away from me.

Oh, how I miss your asiago bagels.

But the most agonizing hole in my Ozarkian heart is due to Nakatos Japanese Steakhouse.

Nakatos. Just the name makes my mouth water.

The soup and salad! That rice! Those noodles! That shrimp!!!!!!

Good gracious, I miss you!

A Family Tradition

2010-03-05T21:05:00.000-08:00

These three pictures hang in the entry of my childhood home. They are painted portraits of me and my brothers, each wearing the same pair of denim overalls.

Each child in our family has a portrait taken in the same pair of overalls when they turn one year old.

These pictures are my nieces and nephews and they surround my mom's living room.

It's been a while since I've seen the overalls, but I know they are well worn and faded from years and years of usage. These overalls that symbolize so much unity in our family are now 38 years old.

I remember hearing my mom say a long time ago that if our home was threatened by fire, she would first make sure we were all safe, but the one material possession she would try to rescue would be these pictures of me and my brothers.

I wish everyone could feel the love our family feels for each other. These pictures are cute, and the tradition is sweet, but it's so much more than that. For me, these pictures represent the consistancy and unfailing bond we share. They represent the unshakable love my parents have for their children and grandchildren. They represent a closeness that can't be seperated by 1755 miles.

Sneak Peek

2010-03-04T19:18:00.000-08:00

This is what covers my dining room table right now.

Project Runway + impressionable girl = big messy pile

The last time I made clothing was in 1994, and I had a teacher very nearby helping answer all my questions. Mrs. Phillips. She was awesome.

Now all I have are step by step instructions that don't make any sense at all.

"On wrong side, place pins at right angles to the broken lines. Stitch the neck dart from wide end to point and the waistline dart from middle of dart to one point then overlap stitching at middle and sew to the opposite point."

What?

This one may take a while.

Hotel Ironing

2010-03-03T21:05:00.000-08:00

I am NOT a fan of ironing. My method of ironing involves throwing something back into the dryer and forgetting about it until 45 minutes later. It's inefficient, but who doesn't love putting on clothes straight from the dryer? It's one of life's great pleasures.

This morning I was just about to walk out the door of my hotel room to go to work when I happened to glance down and notice that my pants were all wrinkled. Normally I wouldn't care about a little wrinkling, but this was drastic. This would have caused people to point fingers at me and whisper behind my back.

I set my briefcase back down and grabbed the ironing board and iron. I plugged in the iron and took off my pants. Just as I was about to lay my pants across the board I noticed how wrinkled up the dang ironing board was.

How can you possibly get your clothes nice and smooth if the surface you're using to iron is wrinkled? So, what did I do? I tried to iron the ironing board cover, of course! It didn't work so I had to move forward and do the best I could.

In the end I think I looked decent from the front and a little like I slept in my pants from the back.

Bad Trends

2010-03-03T07:16:00.000-08:00

First of all, I know I said Monday that I was going to try to post everyday this month and I've already blown it, but I will make it up to you somehow.

Anyway, I felt like having an early morning rant.

I know I can't be the only person who is frustrated at this baggy pants / show your underwear trend. Who's with me? I have gone through my own array of embarrassing trends so I can understand how these poor souls have gotten sucked into thinking they're cool while the rest of us shake our heads in dismay. I empathize with the embarrassment they will feel one day.

I will admit, with much shame, that I rocked the side ponytail. I had multiple pairs of stirrup stretch pants. I had monster bangs. I had bad perms. Heck, I even had MC Hammer and parachute pants.

Alright underwear boys, you do your thing. I hate it, but I understand.

My Life On March 1, 2010

2010-03-01T08:19:00.000-08:00

6:30 am

Outside my window... It looks cold! There’s frost on the ground and it’s foggy. I caught a glimpse of a squirrel in my neighbor’s tree and watched it climb higher and higher then jump onto a nearby telephone pole. He almost fell three times as he made his way across the wire to the next pole.

I am thinking... My coffee is getting a little cold.

I am thankful for... becoming a morning person. Mornings are lovely and I’m glad my body decided to start enjoying them. I can’t wait until its warm enough to go outside and enjoy each new beginning.

I am wearing.... gray sweatpants worn so thin you can see through them and a red sweatshirt. Give me a break. It’s early.

I am creating... Currently (and have been for 2 weeks) in the process of making a dress. More on this later. Plus I have some way cute ideas for some Artsy stuff coming up this month!!!

I am going... to do my absolute very best to post something every single day this month. I have been super neglectful but I still love you internet!

I am reading...

I am hearing... Rhianna. Her videos are way hot.

On my mind... I think I want to do a vegetable garden this year. Two years ago I had a really pathetic one. Last year I didn’t do one at all. Maybe this is the year for me.

From the kitchen... Back on the health wagon starting today. Egg whites for breakfast and tuna for lunch.

One of my favorite things... Project Runway! I love you Heidi and Tim. This show rocks and totally inspires me to want to make my own clothes.

The rest of the week... Trip to Salt Lake City tomorrow.

Pondering these words...

'Tis the human touch in this world that counts,
The touch of your hand and mine,
Which means far more to the fainting heart
Than shelter, bread and wine;
For shelter is gone when the night is o'er,
And bread lasts only a day
But the touch of the hand and the sound of the voice
Sing on in the soul alway.

- Spencer Michael Free

A picture to share...

I loooooooove this outfit and will be actively looking for a copycat.

(source unknown)

Breakfast With Strangers

2010-02-22T19:39:00.000-08:00

Last week I had a lengthy layover at the SeaTac airport. Seattle is a wonderful place to people watch. Since I had a lot of time I went to the food court, got a coffee and muffin and sat myself down at the only empty table in the area.

It wasn't long until I spotted this man a few tables away and out came the camera.

You know I find it my moral obligation to share these scenarios with you all in order to save you from the same fate.

Then I spotted these lovely ladies and got an instant crush on that little pink computer. I love it and need one immediately.

I was just getting my camera all warmed up when a gentleman asked if he and his daughter could sit with me since there were no other tables open.

I don't mind sitting by myself in public areas and I'm usually not interested in talking to strangers, but I try to be friendly when the opportunity presents itself. I happily welcomed them to join me.

The dad left his daughter sitting with me while he went to get their breakfast. I could tell she felt awkward because she wouldn't look at me. She looked like this.

So I started talking to her. Her name is Hailey. She and her dad live in Seattle. They are flying to San Francisco to watch the musical "Wicked" which they have seen 3 other times.

I tried to keep the conversation going which I think made her even more uncomfortable. When she started searching for her dad to rescue her from me I knew it was time for me to go.

Even though it was my table.

Sorry Peeps!

2010-02-22T12:34:00.000-08:00

I'll be back tonight!!!

We Get It

2010-02-10T18:25:00.000-08:00

You get that I'm not as strong as I pretend to be.

You get that I want an hour (or two) to myself in the morning.

You get that I need caffeine.

You get that I need affection and to hear "I Love You's."

You get that I need you in my life to make me happy.

You get that I want to live a simpler life with simpler needs.

You get all my "someday" wishes.

You get that being with you is the only place I want to be.

You get how very much I love you.

You get the real me.

(I get you too Sweetheart)

Super Simple Valentine's Project

2010-02-09T21:11:00.000-08:00

First of all, this is way too easy to even call a "project." It took about 30 minutes start to finish. And secondly, I totally scraplifted this off of Ali Edward's blog.

All you need is a picture frame that has a raised double mat, a heart punch, some 3-D foam stickers (mine were left over from the google eye escapade)....

...and some scrap paper.

Figuring out the placement was the hardest part and I'd give you the formula if I knew it, but I am way bad at math so I just spaced it out by counting the lines on the ruler and drew a grid.

Obviously you don't want grid lines showing, so I took a straight pin and poked holes through at all of the cross points (and felt like the most clever person that ever lived for thinking of it) and used the reverse side.

Place little 3D stickies over the pin holes and center the hearts on each sticker.

Done!

Super easy, but mighty cute Valentine's art.

My Life On February 9, 2010

2010-02-09T20:52:00.000-08:00

Outside my window... darkness.

I am thinking... American Idol is the best show ever and I am loving Ellen on it.

I am thankful for... having a family that pulls together so completely and lovingly when one of our own is sick.

I am wearing... a pinstripe dress suit and white fuzzy slippers.

I am creating... Valentine’s loveliness.

I am going... to finish watching AI then go to bed. Tomorrow’s another workday.

I am reading...

I am hoping... my Aunt Trish and my little cousin Nicole get better soon. Lots of prayers and love for them both.

I am hearing... commercials.

From the kitchen... I ate too much at Applebee’s for lunch so dinner was popcorn (and then a little bit of ice cream).

One of my favorite things... Office supplies. Seriously, Office Depot is my Disneyland.

The rest of the week... Going to Medford, OR on Fri and Sat.

Pondering these words... I have found that the greatest degree of inner tranquility comes from the development of love and compassion. The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being. Cultivating a close, warmhearted feeling for others automatically puts the mind at ease. It is the ultimate source of success in life.
-The Dalai Lama

A picture to share...

(I've been loving this picture for days and couldn't wait to use it!)
[source]

Kind of, Sort of

2010-02-06T19:03:00.000-08:00

I’m kind of grouchy in the morning.

I kind of like the creases forming at the corners of my eyes.

I kind of assume things will work out the way I want them to because I’m kind of a brat.

I’m kind of comfortable with my physical self.

I’m kind of naïve and I kind of like it that way.

I kind of wish we’d get one more cold snap so I could wear this super cute headband I got from Etsy.

I’m kind of a loner and I kind of wish I weren’t.

I kind of like movies that make me cry.

I’m always kind of running a little late.

I’m kind of addicted to tortilla chips right now and it’s kind of a problem.

I kind of want to buy a Snuggie.

I kind of want to paint a bunch of words on a wall in the craft room.

I’m kind of sick of pizza.

I kind of like my brother Jeff’s beard and kind of think he should keep it a while.

Making Time To Play

2010-02-04T16:57:00.000-08:00

Sunday Ritual

2010-01-31T13:11:00.000-08:00

(aka The Longest Post Ever)

Every Sunday around 9am I take my trip to the grocery store. I love grocery shopping like a child loves going to Toys R Us. I could (and do) spend hours in there just cruising around looking at everything.

Let me clarify one thing. Fred Meyer has made me a grocery shopping fan. If I had to do my shopping at Walmart, I would avoid it at all cost. Fred Meyer may be the best store ever. I believe it's a northwest exclusive, but it can best be described as what it would be like if Macy's or Dillard's sold food. A little more spendy, but totally worth it because I don't leave wanting to hurt someone.

Step one: Secure shopping cart without a tweaked up wheel.

Step two: Get Starbucks.

At this point I thought to myself "Crap, I forgot to get a cart with a cup holder."

After collecting the crack laced coffee, I head over to the produce. This store has the most beautiful produce area.

I buy apples every week. See the prices? I have to have the most expensive ones. No others will do.

This is when I start playing. I'm not sure why I always get the apples first. After the apples, I head straight to the dishes. This store always rotates a gorgeous display of dishes every couple weeks. Here's the newest one.

I want to buy them and host a tea party with little finger sandwiches.

I love the dishes here.

I've been eyeballing these for a couple months now.

These too.

I want to get these and throw a Cinco De Mayo party. I have a lot of imaginary gatherings in my mind.

After drooling over all the dishes and talking myself out of them for yet another week, I make my way over to the magazines. I'm one of those annoying people that spends 30 minutes looking through the magazines and cookbooks for ideas but never buy one.

Time to get busy because I think I've already been in the store for nearly an hour.

There are some things that I must have the name brand. Paper towels are not one of those things. While some may argue that Bounty and Brawney are more absorbant, I think I can buy 6 cheap rolls for the price of one good roll, so in the end I'm still saving money.

Does anyone else have issues paying almost $12 for detergent? It's too much. I would write a letter if I knew who to send it to.

Sandwich bags are a name brand must. Not only that, I need the ones that are easy zip. Even though yellow and blue make green, sometimes it just takes too much effort to match it up. I have no pateince for that.

My cart looks like this now. Please note that things are placed and never thrown in. Jim isn't allowed to shop with me anymore because he's a tosser.

I never grind my own coffee, but I always go through this aisle anyway because it smells delicious.

This is my favorite produce guy. It's possible that he smiles and says hi to everyone, but I like to think we have a special bond.

(Is it just me or does it feel like the music from Jaws should be playing here?)

About now I start losing focus on the actual shopping. I noticed the holiday aisle is all dolled up with Valentine's Day stuff. I don't care what holiday it is, I am always drawn to that aisle.

Look, more dishes!

I think I need that little red pedestal in the lower right corner for my one-of-these-days tea party.

And then, because I hadn't made my way over to the clothing area yet, I headed that way.

I require very organized vignettes for shopping. See these clearance racks? I consider those too much of a hassle.

I'm starting to realize how much of a shopping snob I am.

Here's me saying "Hey everyone!"

This is how I typically dress for the grocery store. I abhor when people wear sweats to the store. If you do that STOP IT RIGHT NOW!

An hour and a half after starting, I'm finally ready to check out. Honestly I could stay longer, but Jim starts getting curious.

This is my least favorite checkout lady. She's crazy and is always asking personal questions based on what I'm buying.

When I found an acceptable lane, I looked to see what the person in front of me was buying. I guess I'm just as bad as the checkout lady, but at least I don't ask questions.

I just take pictures.

Now tell me you didn't look at that picture and wonder how horrible this lady's house smells that she needed FIVE Renuzits.

When I checkout, I like to organize my stuff by how I would like it bagged. All refrigerated items must stay together, all non-food items must stay together, all fragile items, etc.

It actually bothers me that those taco shells are upside down. Missed that one.

So there ya go. More info than you ever needed to know about my Sunday ritual.

My Life on January 23, 2010

2010-01-23T13:32:00.000-08:00

Outside my window...

(blogging from Medford, OR while waiting on a delayed flight.)

I am thinking... it’s been way too long since I’ve blogged. Shame on me.

I am wearing.... A gray business suit.

I am creating... fatty cell tissue. See below.

I am going... to San Francisco then home. Leaving for Denver Monday.

I am reading...

(not loving it so far)

I am hoping... my flight isn’t delayed so much that I have to race to catch the next one.

I am hearing... a basketball game on the TV at the bar area and clinking from the kitchen of this airport restaurant.

On my mind... Wish I hadn’t eaten that donut this morning.

From the kitchen...

I am thankful for… this restaurant letting me order from the kid’s menu even though it said for 12 and under only.

One of my favorite things... sweet tea. Especially sweetened sun tea.

The rest of the week... Lots of laundry and packing to do tomorrow.

Pondering these words... (I'll be back for this one later!)

A picture to share...

(working on #30 of The List!)

This One Is For Me

2010-01-14T18:20:00.000-08:00

One of my 2010 list items was to record both of my Grandmas on video. Since I was back home last week, I visited each of them and pestered them with my camera.

These short clips capture each of their personalities perfectly.

The first one is my Grandma Norie. She is soft spoken, gentle, loving and sentimental.

The second is my Grandma Lillie. She is also loving, but she's silly and giggly.

And they both have iconic fashion sense.

My Life on January 11, 2010

2010-01-11T20:54:00.000-08:00

Outside my window... It’s clear and dark. Except for the street lights in our backyard. Why are there two street lights in our backyard?

I am thinking... how much love there is in my life and how happy it makes me. It bubbles out of me and spills onto everything I do.

I am thankful for... free work trips home!

I am wearing.... new gray yoga pants and a black t-shirt. That makes me one step closer to taking a yoga class. Kind of. Or it was just an excuse to buy something comfortable. Probably the latter.

I am creating... whatever project I abandoned in the craft room. It’s hard to remember.

I am going... to try to knock a thing or two off of the list this week. And create a shortcut on my sidebar for quick updates.

I am reading... and loving this book.

I am hoping... my eyebrows heal quickly. Don’t ask. I had a grooming accident.

I am hearing... Family Guy. “You can’t eat all those hamburgers.”

From the kitchen... Beef Stew and these beauties.

One of my favorite things... Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens. Oh, wait. That’s not me, that’s Julie Andrews. Those do sound good though.

The rest of the week... 2 out of town trips and it’s the first week of American Idol 2010!!!

Pondering these words... I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.
- Laura Ingalls Wilder

A picture to share...

Touch Dates

2010-01-11T19:11:00.000-08:00

When I was home last week I went to a restaurant called Touch. If you live anywhere near Springfield, MO you should go there. It is perhaps one of the coolest places I've ever eaten.

They gave us a free appetizer and at first I was skeptical. Bacon wrapped dates with goat cheese didn't sound that great, but let me tell you, after eating them I knew I had to make some at home!

Just 3 ingredients:
goat cheese
pitted dates
bacon (I used center cut just because they're less fatty)

You'll also need several toothpics soaked in water.

Preheat the oven to 500 degrees.

Stuff the dates with the goat cheese. This is nearly impossible without a pastry tip. Trust me. I will be buying pastry tips at my earliest convenience.

Next cut several strips of bacon in half. Lay out on paper towels in a single layer. Cover with another paper towel to prevent splattering. Microwave for 1 - 1 1/2 minutes. You don't want to cook them, just speed the process along. They should still be very pliable.

Wrap each date with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick. You could make these ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Pop them in the top rack of the oven for 5 minutes or until done.

Sweet, salty, crispy, chewy, goodness! You simply must try!

Family Time

2010-01-10T22:17:00.000-08:00

I follow a handful of blogs and it always irritates me when one of them doesn't update me. I figure if I follow their blog, then I am entitled to know what's going on, or to complain if I don't. I tell you that just in case you're irritated with me for being gone a week. I understand.

But I have a really good excuse. I've been back home with my family!

I always miss my people, but I forget just how much until I spend a little time with them. What a bunch of funny, crazy, loving, wonderful people I get to call my own. I'll share much more over the next few days, but one of my favorite things this week was playing dominoes with my mom, my brothers Jeff and Bub, my sister in law Renee, and my super-friend Dynn.

We played a game called Mexican Train. I highly recommend.

We might all be a little competitive.

We've always been a "table" family. We ate almost all of our meals together at the table growing up. We've played many, many games at the table, too.

Gathering around the table enables us to connect. We laugh. We tell stories. We reminisce. We play. We bond. These are the things I miss the most.

So very thankful I was able to go home, even though it was much, much, much too short. And so thankful I grew up in a "table" home.

I need more of this table time.

(Love you guys and can't wait to come home again!)

The Problem With Work Clothes

2010-01-02T20:18:00.000-08:00

It's very possible that I'm not as young as I think or pretend I am.

Technically I'm 32. I may or may not act and dress like I'm still twenty-something.

My favorite clothing store sells stuff like this....

But most of the time I have to be responsible and dress like this....

This week when I was at my favorite store, but dressed businessy, I felt about as fun and trendy as this....

Every time I shop in work clothes, it's a bad experience because (a) people think I'm a flight attendant, or (b) they think I work there, and (c) I feel lame.

Case in point, while I was in JC Penney on this particular shopping day, a very sweet old lady stopped me to ask if I could tell her the discounted price on the purse she was looking at.

I calculated the discount for her.

It made her happy.

I was happy to help.

It happens all the time.

2010 To Do List

2009-12-29T20:33:00.001-08:00

1. go roller skating at a roller rink
2. spend one week collecting as much ephemera as possible
3. visit Mt St Helens
4. go snow skiing with Jim
5. meditate on the beach
6. eat pomegranate and starfruit
7. make meatloaf and try to eat it (my #1 most hated food)
8. record both grandmas on video
9. get a passport and visit Canada
10. buy cool rain boots
11. take a walk in the rain
12. grow monster strawberries
13. buy a new Christmas tree
14. gain a basic knowledge of photoshop
15. go ice skating
16. take a picture every single day
17. wander slowly through an art museum
18. get a public library card and use it
19. find a piece of poetry that speaks to me
20. make a mini album about a trip to the grocery store
21. sit on a park bench and eat an orange
22. climb a tree
23. December Daily album (3rd time’s a charm)
24. locate and overuse a photobooth
25. watch the following classics: Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Casablanca, An Affair to Remember, My Fair Lady.
26. take a yoga class
27. sew an article of clothing and wear it
28. start a collection of spontaneous smiles.
29. swing really high
30. carry a piece of chalk and write my name on sidewalks all over the country
31. eat at The Melting Pot
32. learn to play at least one song on my fiddle
33. create and design new blog home (or really spruce up this one)
34. lay on the ground and find animal shapes in the clouds for an hour
35. read a book on public speaking
36. write a haiku

My Life on December 28, 2009

2009-12-28T20:28:00.000-08:00

(written at 7:30 am)

Outside my window... everything is covered in a layer of frost. No movement from any of the neighbors yet.

I am thinking... my body really hurts from working out for the first time in nearly a month. Serves me right.

I am thankful for... never having to do without shelter, food or love.

I am wearing... Ripped up jeans and a too big Nike sweatshirt.

I am creating... a 2010 to do list.

I am going... to sit here and drink coffee then “go” to work down the hall.

I am reading... nothing, but I’m expecting a shipment of new books this week.

I am hoping... this week flies by. Going home in 8 days!!!

I am hearing... the news about the would-be airplane bomber. Not great news for someone who flies a lot.

On my mind... What would I have done in that situation?

From the kitchen... I’m thinking either an apple or egg whites for breakfast. Not sure yet. Maybe both.

One of my favorite things... Nakato’s Japanese Steakhouse and all the other awesome restaurants back home. I will be eating 5 meals a day next week rather than the traditional 3.

The rest of the week... Fly to Oregon then come home and drive to Montana. No plans for New Year’s Eve.

Pondering these words... We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand… and melting like a snowflake. Let us use it before it is too late.
- Marie Beynon Ray

A picture to share...

(My favorite field in the whole world)

For No Reason A'tall

2009-12-26T19:20:00.000-08:00

I had my camera. I looked down. My feet were there. It felt like the right thing to do.

After staring at gobs of paper and craft supplies, I finally started this project. More on it later.

I pulled out this can of olives while making enchiladas, intending to use them. Then I ate the whole can. The whole can.

There is absolutely no fluidity or reason for this post, but it feels good to get it out of my system.

Fun With My Camera Phone

2009-12-23T19:41:00.000-08:00

No matter where I am or what I'm doing, my trusty camera phone is at the ready. I'm always on the lookout for something interesting or amusing.

This first photo was taken at 6-something in the morning. We had a kooky flight attendant that started unrolling toilet paper down the aisle with no further explanation. Next she grabbed the arms of the passengers you see here (and keep in mind this is in first class) and gently positioned the toilet paper over their arms.

Then she took the beginning of the toilet paper into the bathroom. She asked if we were all ready, then she flushed the toilet. The toilet paper that ran half the length of the plane disappeared in a fraction of a second.

Very creative kooky flight attendant lady!

This 2nd picture was taken in one of the few clothing stores I frequent. I took it because even though I wouldn't be caught dead in these metallic silver pants, I admired her moxie.

This one's a bit of a mystery but it amuses me nonetheless. I took an employee out to lunch and this was hanging above our table. I waited until he went to refill his drink then I took this picture.

It makes me think impure thoughts. Art is subjective.

And finally, this one was taken just this morning. Even the Grim Reaper shops at Best Buy 2 days before Christmas.

My Life on December 21, 2009

2009-12-21T19:37:00.000-08:00

Outside my window... Dark. Cold. Rainy. Traditional Northwest winter.

I am thinking... how much I would like to eat the rest of the pound cake in the refrigerator.

I am thankful for... minimal snow this season.

I am wearing.... jeans with a long sleeve T shirt and the ever present fleece jacket.

I am creating... currently without project. Will start new one tomorrow.

I am going... to have to start treadmilling again. It’s been 3 weeks. Plus then I could eat leftover pound cake.

I am reading... Great Love Poems.

I am hoping... I can stay away from that pound cake (obviously, it’s very much on my mind right now)!

I am hearing... my favorite episode of Bean and our laughter because of it.

On my mind... I seriously need to call my Dad.

From the kitchen... went pretty low brow tonight with salmon patties and rice a roni.

One of my favorite things... Triple grande peppermint white chocolate mocha from Starbucks. Liquid Christmas.

The rest of the week... Christmas!

Pondering these words... Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.
- Melody Beattie

A picture to share... of my Grandma Lillie's beautiful hand. Lots of love there.

Dolly Parton Christmas

2009-12-20T21:31:00.001-08:00

We have an abnormally large collection of Christmas movies. Every year starting around Halloween we start watching them. We watch each and every one at least once. Some get watched a dozen times.

This year we added a couple to the collection but my favorite new one is White Christmas. I don't know how I've lived these 32 years without seeing it. It's not for everyone since it's a musical, but I love it, love it, love it.

This morning I was flipping through the channels and was thrilled to find Smoky Mountain Christmas on. There's just something about about Dolly Parton singing and Christmas and Mountain Dan that draws me in. If this movie is on, I must watch it. It matters not that the movie has a weird, evil witch lady in it. I can look past that for Dolly's sake.

Now that I think of it, I kind of like a lot of musicals. I just like the Dolly Parton one's extra.

Hey Mom, remember when I was little and told Preacher Ronnie that Best Little Whorehouse in Texas was my favorite movie? I still love that one, too.

Truffle Mania

2009-12-20T20:52:00.000-08:00

Below are super simple recipes for 3 delicious truffles.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffle

Ingredients:
8 oz semi sweet chocolate
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 8 oz tub Cool Whip, thawed
coating (like powdered sugar, crushed peanuts, sprinkles, dipping chocolate, crushed cookies, etc)

Melt the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl for 30 seconds then stir. Repeat until chocolate is all melted and smooth. Add the peanut butter and stir until blended. Let cool for 2-3 minutes then gently fold in the Cool Whip.

Refrigerate for 1 hour. Roll into balls and then roll in one of the coating options. I dipped mine in melted chocolate with a Tbsp of shortening.

Strawberry Shortcake Truffle

Ingredients:
5 oz Pound Cake (1/2 container), crumbled
6 oz cream cheese, room temperature
2 Tbsp strawberry preserves
red food coloring

Mix all ingredients until well blended.

Refrigerate for 2-3 hours. Roll into balls then any coating option.

Mint Chocolate Chip Truffle

Ingredients:
1/3 cup cream
1 1/4 cups white chocolate chips
4 Tbsp butter
1-2 tsp mint extract
3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
green food coloring
pinch of salt

Melt the white chocolate and butter in a large microwave safe bowl for 45 seconds. Add the salt and set aside.

In a small saucepan heat the cream over medium heat just until it starts to simmer. Immediately pour over the white chocolate to finish the melting process. Stir until smooth. Stir in the mint and a couple drops of food coloring. Set aside for 30 minutes.

After the ganache has cooled add the mini chocolate chips.

Refrigerate for 3 hours to set. Roll into balls then into an optional topping.

12 Things - Update

2009-12-17T18:44:00.000-08:00

On November 7th I listed 12 Things I wanted to accomplish before the end of 2009. Here's where I stand with only 14 days to go.

1. Go ice skating. (Does sliding around on a slippery sidewalk count?)

2. Get Jim to paint pottery with me.

3. Create a December Daily album. (This one is totally my bad. I had the thing almost completely done and the next thing I knew I was two weeks behind and gave up. Maybe next year.)

4. Eat at The Melting Pot fondue restaurant. (Came very close today but waited too long to make a reservation. Hoping for next week.)

5. ~~Bake a pie from scratch.~~

6. Do something especially nice for a stranger. (Will be actively looking for something nice to do tomorrow.)

7. Take pictures in a photo booth. (Still dying to do this. I really thought there would be one at our local movie theater but alas, there was not.)

8. ~~Finish knitting a scarf I started like 2 years ago.~~ (Technically I didn't finish that same one, but I started and FINALLY finished a different one. I think that deserves extra credit.)

9. ~~Send handmade Christmas Cards.~~

10. Make 3 Artsy videos. (One down, two to go. I already know what projects I would like to demonstrate, but I'm still having nightmares about the first video. Maybe I'll do the next one drunk.)

11. Send an anonymous gift to someone.

12. Design and create a new website. (This was written during a total lapse in judgement. There's no way. I'll be lucky to figure it out by the end of 2010.)

Clearly my 2009 to-do list has turned into an excuse list. It's too late on the December Daily album and the website. Those will be carried over to my 2010 list.

Good Gracious, I have a lot to do.

Hypercolor and Selfishness

2009-12-15T20:11:00.000-08:00

Growing up I never thought much about money. We were neither rich nor extremely poor. My parents worked hard to provide us with everything we needed and I think taught us the value of wants vs needs. As in I wanted Guess jeans but I really just needed regular ones.

We didn't splurge much on restaurants when I was young that I can recall, other than the rare special occasion. I remember going to Red Lobster once and Ryan's Steakhouse and I believe one of those was for my parent's anniversary. I'm not sure why they would take us out on their anniversary so that may be wrong.

Anyway, when I was 14 my parents took me to the mall in Springfield to see a movie. This is the one and only time I remember going out alone with my parents and I should have been beside myself with joy.

Before going to the movie, I managed to detour them into Dillard's to show them the latest and greatest in teenage sportswear. The Hypercolor T-shirt.

All the cool kids had them. They changed color with different temperatures. Looking back, why would anyone in their right mind want to wear a T-shirt that let everyone see when their armpits were getting overheated? It was a low expectation time in the world of fashion.

I ooh'd and aah'd over one then I think one of them asked if I wanted it. I remember it perfectly. It was purple with black letters that said "HYPERCOLOR" across the front and it turned pink when it got warm. I also remember that it was around $40 which was a heck of a lot for a T-shirt. That's still a heck of a lot for a T-shirt if you ask me.

My parents spent all of the movie money on this T-shirt for me and we went back home. I have thought of this story so many times since that day, more so as I get older, and am so ashamed that I put this silly material possession over an evening with my parents.

I'd give anything to go back in time and spend that evening out with my parents and just enjoy being with them. My Mom and Dad may not even remember this ordeal but it weighs heavy on my heart. I'm sure they were more than happy to splurge on their little girl and buy me something that I enjoyed because they're both giving people.

For nearly 18 years (dang that makes me feel old) I have thought about and regretted that moment, but I'd like to think it's helped Adult Angie understand that material possessions are no substitution for memories.

And just for the record Mom and Dad, I love you both more than any T-shirt.

My Life on December 14, 2009

2009-12-14T20:23:00.000-08:00

Outside my window... It’s dark and cold. We’re supposed to get 3” – 6” of snow tonight.

I am thinking... the Northwest is much nicer in the spring, summer and fall. Dusk at 3:45 means you’re sleepy by 6:00 and that's no good.

I am thankful for... this little space heater next to me.

I am wearing.... jeans and a big red sweatshirt.

I am creating... this darn scarf. I swear this is the last time I’ll say that. It’s almost done. Really.

I am going... to go to bed soon.

I am reading... The Promise in a Kiss by Stephanie Laurens. Yes, it’s a trashy romance novel and yes, I love to read trashy romance novels.

I am hearing... Grumpy Old Men on the TV.

On my mind... Trying to figure out how I’m going to squeeze all my family and friends into my short visit home in 3 weeks.

From the kitchen... Chicken and Dumplings.

One of my favorite things... watching the sun rise above the clouds. It makes me very happy.

The rest of the week... working locally the next few days then flying to Great Falls, MT on Friday.

Pondering these words... Happiness is to be found along the way, not at the end of the road, for then the journey is over and it is too late. Today, this hour, this minute is the day, the hour, the minute for each of us to sense the fact that life is good, with all of its trials and troubles, and perhaps more interesting because of them.
- Robert R. Updegraff

A picture to share...

Apple Crostata

2009-12-13T21:57:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

Crust:
1 1/4 cups flour
2 Tbsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
3-5 Tbsp cold water

Filling:
1/2 cup sugar
3 Tbsp flour
4 cups peeled, sliced tart apples
1 Tbsp additional sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
caramel topping, optional

For the crust, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in butter using a pastry blender until butter is about the size of peas.

Add one Tbsp of cold water at a time, mixing well after each addition until dough forms into a ball. Flatten into a disc and cover with plastic wrap.

Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

For the filling, peel and slice apples into approximately 1/4" thickness. Mix apples with 1/2 cup sugar and 3 Tbsp flour.

On lightly floured surface roll dough out into a rough circle about 1/8" thickness.

Place all of the apples in the center of the dough, leaving a 2" border. Mix the final Tbsp of sugar with 1/2 tsp cinnamon and sprinkle over the apples. Pull the edges of the dough over the apples.

Bake for 30 - 35 minutes or until golden brown. While it's still warm, top with plenty of caramel.

Then kick yourself for not having any vanilla ice cream to put on top.

This recipe was given to me by my super wonderful friend Jennifer. Thanks Jen!

Who Has OCD?

2009-12-13T19:05:00.000-08:00

This is the one and only store inside the Idaho Falls, ID airport. I was sitting in the one and only seating area in the airport outside of security. Because the airport is so small, they only open security 45 minutes before each flight.

As I was sitting here staring into Kathryn's Snack Shack I had a bout of anxiety overtake my senses. Who in their right mind set up the coffee station and left the blue blanket all crooked?

I appreciate their creative use of boxes as a makeshift table, but I want to rip that crooked blanket off of there.

I can't handle it anymore. I must look away.

The Things He Does

2009-12-10T19:58:00.000-08:00

Anyone who knows Jim knows that he has a tendancy toward pranks. Little pranks, big pranks, elaborate pranks, etc.

Here's a small list of some of his handiwork:

He hides activated magnetic anti-theft strips in my wallet so that when I go shopping I have to suffer the embarrassment of setting off alarms and being considered a possible shoplifter.
Last summer he pushed our car passenger seat backrest the entire way forward then pulled out the fuse so when Alan got in he was terribly uncomfortable. When Alan tried to adjust it and it didn't work, Jim tried to convince him he was either doing it wrong or broke it.
When our stylist, Shannon asked if I had lost weight, Jim told her it was because I had worms.
When our dentist commented that my cleaning wouldn't take long because I take very good care of my teeth, Jim ratted me out and told him I wasn't flossing everyday, so I got in trouble.
Once I pulled out my license and there was a beard drawn on my face.
A couple years ago Jim had a horrible case of foot odor and I insisted he wash his feet before he came to bed. When I went to bed I complained that I could still smell his feet. Turns out he washed his feet but put his rotten socks in my pillowcase.
At Christmas he's known to not only unwrap and rewrap his gifts, but he has also wrapped my own clothes and given them to me. Movies too.
When we were back home using Mom's car, Jim bought a bunch of really stinky pine tree air fresheners and hid them up inside her seats.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. I spend a lot of time watching my back.

My Life on December 8, 2009

2009-12-08T22:26:00.000-08:00

(journaled at 7:50 am)

Outside my window... I’m watching the sun rise outside the window at my home airport while waiting for my morning flight.

I am thinking... I sure see the sun rise a lot.

I am thankful for... being able to go home in January on a business trip, even though it will be way too short.

I am wearing... boring business clothes. Again.

I am creating... still working on that scarf, but it’s just about done. Almost ready to start my Christmas cards. And I need to catch up on my December Daily Album (which I will post if I actually do catch up on it).

I am going... to Boise, Idaho.

I am reading... Cosmo.

I am hoping... Boise is warmer than here.

I am hearing... the guy across from me talking on his cell and the couple next to me talking to their cute little girl.

On my mind... favorite scrapbook store is in Boise. Can't wait to go.

From the kitchen... made Potato Cheddar Soup on Sunday. Had porkchops last night. Planning on popcorn for dinner tonight.

The rest of the week... Desperately wanting to see the 3D Christmas Carol movie on Thursday. Going to Salt Lake City Friday.

Pondering these words... Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.
- Mother Teresa

A picture to share...

(temperature on the way to the airport this morning)

Potato Cheddar Soup

2009-12-06T19:59:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:
4 medium russet potatoes
2 heaping Tbsp finely chopped celery
2 heaping Tbsp finely chopped onion
2 heaping Tbsp finely chopped carrot
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 tsp salt
2 tsp vinegar
1 1/2 cups milk
2 Tbsp flour
1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
crumbled bacon
green onions

Peel and chop potatoes into bite sized pieces. You should have about 4 cups.

Chop the celery, onion, and carrots into small pieces, about the size of a grain of rice. Finely mince the garlic.

Over medium heat bring 2 cups of chicken broth, salt, vinegar and vegetables to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes.

Whisk together the milk and flour and pour into the stock. Return heat to medium and simmer for 5-8 minutes. Potatoes should start falling apart depending on the size they were originally cut. If needed, use a potato masher to make the pieces smaller.

Add the sharp cheddar. I estimated it at 1 1/2 cups but really I just grab as much as I can get in a handful. Stir until melted.

Top the soup with more cheese (because there's no such thing as too much cheese) and crumbled bacon and whatever else you like.

A Christmas Tradition

2009-12-05T17:01:00.000-08:00

There is a store in Ozark, MO called Boomland Square that hosts a Christmas open house every year around the middle of November.

They sell all sorts of home decor items and collectables, but during Christmas time they decorate tons of Christmas trees in all sorts of themes and sell thousands and thousands of ornaments.

They also personally serve everyone from a huge buffet of wonderful food and deserts as far as the eye can see.

My mom and I started going to the open house shortly after I got married. Our first year she bought me a beautiful set of crystal snowflake ornaments.

After that it became a yearly tradition for me and mom to go to the Boomland open house together, and she always spoiled me with a new set of ornaments to add to my collection.

When I put my tree up each season, these ornaments remind me of my special tradition with my mom and I wish that we were able to still do this.

I also wish I could remember the details around each ornament. What year was this one? What were we wearing? What did we eat? What did the store smell like? What did we talk about? Who did we see while we were there?

It's the details of life that I want to focus on. I want to capture and soak up every single moment so that I can revisit them whenever I want.