My Life on October 20, 2010

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.

My Life On July 12, 2010

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.

My Life on June 28, 2010

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?

My Life on May 24, 2010

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.

My Life on April 27, 2010

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

My Life On April 12, 2010

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!)

My Life On March 15, 2010

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.

My Life On March 8, 2010

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!!!

My Life On March 1, 2010

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)

My Life On February 9, 2010

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]

My Life on January 23, 2010

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!)

My Life on January 11, 2010

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...

My Life on December 28, 2009

(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)

My Life on December 21, 2009

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.

My Life on December 14, 2009

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...

My Life on December 8, 2009

(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)

My Life on December 1, 2009

Outside my window... Typing this while I’m flying again (it’s around 7:0 am), so nothing but some puffy clouds and the ground. We’re getting closer to SLC which is by far the most amazing view I’ve seen from the air.

I am thinking... 3:00 am is much too early for anyone to rise.

I am thankful for... the guy sitting next to me being clean and not wanting to talk.

I am wearing... black dress pants, purple shirt and my gray and pink coat because airplanes are always cold.

I am creating... my knitted scarf (it’s one of my 2009 checklist items). I brought it with me to finish in the hotel room. It’s currently about half way done.

I am going... to Denver until Friday for business meetings.

I am reading... my Positive Quotations book again. Can’t get enough of it.

I am hoping... the full moon doesn’t bring out the crazies this week.

I am hearing... Ordinary Day by Emilie Mover courtesy of my iPod.

On my mind... I can not believe Christmas is so close already! I have so much to do between now and then.

From the kitchen... had chili last night. I’ll be gorging on restaurant foods the rest of the week.

One of my favorite things... Costume jewelry rings. Love them.

The rest of the week... Meetings. Food. More meetings. More food.

Pondering these words... That man is happiest who lives from day to day and asks no more, garnering the simple goodness of life.
-Euripides

A picture to share... (I'll add later, this is speed blogging from an airport!)

My Life on November 23

(journaled 11/23 at 6:30 am)

Outside my window... I am thousands of miles above the ground watching the sun rise from above the clouds. The sky has layers of orange and pink and as the sun continues to rise I close my eyes and let it warm my face.

I am thinking... how spectacular this view is and how there will never, ever be another one just like this one.

I am thankful for... first class upgrades even though I’m out of my element.

I am wearing... a navy suit

I am creating... nothing currently, but I bought supplies for the next artsy video

I am going... to Idaho Falls, ID for an overnight work trip.

I am reading... nothing right now. I need a new book.

I am hoping... the guy behind me shuts his trap. Here’s a nugget of advice. If you’re talking to a stranger for 30 minutes and they only respond with one syllable non-words like huh, hmm, yep, etc.; that means they want you to stop talking.

I am hearing... (see above)

On my mind... Friends.

From the kitchen... Since I’m on a business trip I’ll be dining out tonight.

One of my favorite things... Pure Protein Chocolate Peanut Butter bars. Love these better than any real candy bar now. I only work out so I have a reason to eat one.

The rest of the week... Didn’t get the Christmas Tree up last week so it’s going up the second I get home and of course Thanksgiving with the Jims on Thursday.

Pondering these words... The majority of us lead quiet, unheralded lives as we pass through this world. There will most likely be no ticker-tape parades for us, no monuments created in our honor. But that does not lessen our possible impact, for there are scores of people waiting for someone just like us to come along; people who will appreciate our compassion, our unique talents. Someone who will live a happier life merely because we took the time to share what we had to give. Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. It's overwhelming to consider the continuous opportunities there are to make our love felt.
-Leo Buscaglia

A picture to share...


Any time I see a VW bus I think that person must be really cool and I want to hang out with them. I may need to buy one of these some day.

My Life on November 16, 2009

Outside my window... The sun has just risen and everything is covered in a sparkling layer of frost.

I am thinking... I am so full of love. I don’t know why I have been so richly blessed with the family and friends I have and love, but I will be forever grateful for them. My heart swells.

I am thankful for... Hard times. Even though 2008 and 2009 were extremely hard years, I think they have shaped me into a better person. I notice things now that I might not have 2 years ago and I’m able to find joy in everything around me.

I am wearing... jeans and a T-shirt (Über glam)

I am creating... the video I promised on how to make quilted Christmas ornaments. It’s a lot harder than I thought (and I am mortified at how I look and sound on video).

I am going... to focus on my work for the next several hours.

I am reading... Wordpress for dummies. Still. What does that mean when the books for dummies are still too hard to understand?

I am hoping... 2010 brings normalcy back to our country.

I am hearing... Liesl wimpering for her breakfast.

On my mind... more than I can wrap my head around.

From the kitchen... I just put some blueberry muffins in the oven. Tonight we’re having Big Jim over for some fried fish. I’m also making some homemade biscuits with honey butter to post later (now that I have new baking powder).

One of my favorite things... old photographs.

The rest of the week... dentist appointment tomorrow. Flying to Billings, MT Wednesday. Driving to Missoula, MT on Friday. Somewhere in there I plan on putting my Christmas Tree up!

Pondering these words... Today is the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it or use it for good, but what I do today is important, because I am exchanging a day of my life for it! When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving in its place something that I have traded for it. I want it to be gain, and not loss; good, and not evil; success, and not failure; in order that I shall not regret the price I have paid for it.
–Anonymous
(my favorite quote of all times)

A picture to share...


I love you Mom.

My Life on November 9, 2009

Outside my window... Is a neighborhood in Westminster, CO (just outside of Denver). It’s a little after 11:00 pm so the streets are vacant and peaceful.

I am thinking... I have to get up really early so I should stop messing around on my computer.

I am thankful for... the delicious bed in this hotel room. It’s like cuddling up onto a big fluffy cloud of comfort.

I am wearing... Sleep clothes, ‘nuff said.

I am creating... a GIVEAWAY which I will try to post tomorrow but I’m actually in meetings all day, every day for the next week, so it’s tricky.

I am going... to sleep. Soon.

I am reading... Wordpress for Dummies (how appropriate)

I am hoping... this week goes by really fast

I am hearing... the distant buzz of the interstate

On my mind... Jim’s redoing all of the tile in the master bath this week and I left the whole thing totally up to him, so I’m anxious to see what it looks like.

From the kitchen... nothing. A week of catering and restaurants (and an additional 7 pounds by Friday).

The rest of the week... meetings, presentations, interviews, etc.

Pondering these words... I will love the sun for it warms my bones; yet I will love the rain for it cleanses my spirit. I will love the light for it shows me the way; yet I will love the darkness for it shows me the stars. I will welcome happiness as it enlarges my heart; yet I will endure sadness for it opens my soul. I will acknowledge rewards for they are my due; yet I will welcome obstacles for they are my challenge. - Og Mandino

A picture to share...


TSA doing a bang up job of keeping our airports safe.