HAVING A BAD DAY?

click it. print it. fold it. play with it.

you're welcome.

Why being single bites...reason #876398293

CAR PROBLEMS.

Find that fabulous image HERE.

Elder F Enzio Busche

Vehicle Rear Window...fail

Is there something wrong with this picture?

I think the back window of your vehicle is the wrong place for a toy store.

I'm just saying.

Found it...(tea pot photos)

I found my card & card reader (wawho!) It was in the Mac lab at school. I'm tired, you can tell because I have carried around a flash drive for the last 2 years and never once left it in a classroom. Now, one semester from graduation and I start leaving things in random places. That's a bad sign.

On with the show. Now that I found my card & card reader I can share the photos of my finished tea pot from my birthday surprise with Kelly.



I know, he's not the cutest thing on the planet, but I love him. It's no surprise that in my head he was going to be much cuter. Oh well...guess I'll have to go back and make him a wife. Maybe she will be all one solid color. Yes, I believe so.

missing

MISSING

digital memory card for D40

card reader

I think I just remembered where I left it.

School makes me crazy.

I want out.

Summer semester almost over.

FINAL semester soon to start.

Who wants to party in December?

No, really...who wants to party in December?!

Or maybe we can party now, just a "this is a short break" celebration.

Yes, that sounds lovely.

Sad realization...I already have a list of continuing education classes that I need to take to make me smarter.

Why didn't someone tell me to double major in Graphic Design?

I need sleep...

Happy Birthday Levi...

Oh little brother of mine...you are getting sooo old!

Happy Birthday Aaron Levi

Love you!

...the dress

Sometimes, when no one is watching, I read bridal magazines and pay no attention to the photos of the wedding cakes.

Sometimes I wonder if I jinxed myself by being a part of so many of my friend's weddings. I hope not, because I love that part of my life.

Sometimes I want to throw away all the bridal magazines and books I own. Then I remember they were expensive and I will probably still need them for cake ideas

Sometimes I think about the things I wanted for my wedding back when I was in my early 20s. Then I realize it wouldn't have mattered back then either.

Sometimes I see something I like very much. This is one of those times.

Sometimes I realize I need to start exercising and give up sugar. That time is now.

Isn't it gorgeous?! And so close to temple ready.

warm milk

9:15 p.m.

arrived home with groceries.

dropped heaviest items right inside door.

took everything else to kitchen.

11:17 p.m.

just realized heaviest items are still sitting at front door...warm milk

LOOK...WHEAT FLOUR

To keep up the pattern, another post about my birthday.

Last year for my birthday my sister Anne (and her hubs+littles) sent me an electric grinder. I was so super excited, but realized now, 1 year later, that I had yet to grind anything. I was already in a baking mood, having just made cookies. AND have been craving some yummy homemade bread, so why not just give it a shot. I broke into my coat closet, where sits a few boxes of #10 cans with food storage. To my surprise I did not have that much wheat AT ALL. I guess I better get to the cannery.

So I started with this:

Made a lot of noise here:

And ended up with this:

I put it on the lowest setting, which was for very fine flour. And wow...it's very fine. Next time I might have to edge it up a bit...I can't even control this stuff it is flying everywhere.

Thank you Anne + Hubs + littles...can't wait to make some yummy bread!

xoxox U

Hmmm...I wonder what else I can grind with this thing?

Another birthday post...

I know...I know...you are tired of hearing about my birthday.

Too bad.

hee! hee!

But seriously, one my dearest friends (Charisse) sent me the most amazing edible arrangement (and Mylar balloon!):

The fruit is/was lovely! And if I can just say, my food storage is soon to be stocked with pineapple and chocolate. I am sure I would be the happiest person on the planet if I could eat it every day. It was *WOW*

Thank you Charisse...love you!

My 35th Birthday...

The post you have all been waiting for...

(click on the image to enlarge)

Stay tuned for the "after the fire" post showing our ceramic pieces all prettied up!

Thanks again Kelly...you rock, love you!

BLT

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

It is official...as of 33 minutes ago, TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY.

Happy Birthday to ME!

35 years old

wow.

oh wow.

me & mom

I remember in the 3rd grade we had this "name the baby" contest in my class at school. We all brought our baby pictures and put them on a bulletin board. We had to guess who was who, I brought this picture and everyone guessed me correctly.

Kelly said I could never get away with this haircut now...I sure want to try!

This was my most favorite spot at Grandma & Grandpa's house.
Well, second to sitting on Grandpa's lap in his little T.V. room eating pecans & ice cream.

I sure look a lot like Claire in this picture, don't you think family?

I am super excited, Kelly has planned a fun surprise for me tomorrow. I have no idea what it could be so I have my camera battery charging and will post photos as soon as I can.

wawhoo!

Happy Birthday To ME!

Happy Birthday NICKI...

Happy Happy Birthday Nicki dear...

For as long as I can recall I always celebrated my birthday with Nicki. That's what happens when your birthday is the day after hers. This one time, we got to have our party at McDonalds. Back then they still had a caboose for parties. Good times.

Wish we could be together and share our party again...that would be more fun.

I hope you have a great birthday. Sorry I gave you your present a month early. Re-wrap it, so you can open it again.

(with Uncle Denny eating BBQ!)

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIS!

My Besties: Nicole

Nicole is one of my besties. She is amazing and full of more energy than any human I know. She is in your face with a lot of love, fun and tell it how it is.

She is talented, such a great friend and I would be lost without her!

1. Where did we meet? in Atlanta Georgia in our Singles Ward. Whoo Hoo Northpoint Ward!! And what was your first impression of me? Really? You want to know this? ;) Ok, I think I was thinking. This girl really needs to CHILL OUT!! I know, pot calling kettle! ;)

2. What is your fondest/most memorable time/moment with me? Uhm, of course it was planning my wedding!!!! You were the best wedding planner of all time. Full of ideas, deals, cakes, and catering. Complete with drama and name calling at my reception! You know how I love drama! ;)

3. What are your top 5 life goals? Sad that this is actually a hard question! Raise children that will respect me and consider me their friend even in the teen years (not looking so good right now), to continue to have a strong or even better marriage as the years go on, travel in Europe, Have a small photography business, Become a better student of the scriptures and continually work on my relationship with my Heavenly Father!

4. What is your favorite place to visit? The Beach... as long as I am staying in a nice condo or beach house! ;)

5. What are 5 things that make you most happy? When my kids are in happy moods and laughing, great date nights complete with the cutest outfit ever, when my parents (or family) come to visit, When people love the pictures I take of them, when I complete a project I have been working on or meaning to work on.

6. What is your favorite song/artist? Right now I am loving that Darius Rucker (Hootie) song "It won't be like this for long?. Next week it will be a different song and/or artist!

7. What is one word you would associate yourself with? Loud

8. What is the one song that comes to mind when you think of me? "Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison

9. What are you passionate about? My family and friends. Don't mess with either, or you'll have ME to deal with! I am not afraid of confrontation! ;)

10. What do you fear? ME or someone I love dying or getting very sick. Mainly Me dying. I m not afraid of dying, It just makes me so sad to think of my family going on without me. Mainly, my daughters, there is so much I want to teach them and do for them. My husband knows me and would have memories of me, but would they? I know, morbid, but you asked!

White Ceramic Stuff

Addiction.

Such a misunderstood word.

Collection.

Yes, much better.

On Planet Katherine a collection is "...one item with the eyes for another of the same..."

Good, right?

This collection I blame on Nicki, she started it. For as long as I can remember I have had a love for the color white. It is pure, simple, forgiving and honest. The contrast of white and the world is so bold it is hard not to long for it.

Well, Nicki and I were antiquing in Powder Springs and I saw the most beautiful white ceramic water pitcher. She bought him for me and tied a gorgeous green ribbon around his arm (look for him in the picture).

Since then I have collected a number of water pitchers (my favorite) but also cake plateaus, vases and 2 beautiful candle sticks.

A few moves ago, while packing, I realized I had to pull the emergency break and stop buying white water pitchers. Here are the few that grace the top of my kitchen cabinets:

Aren't they pretty! They would look so much better in their own home instead of this dingy old apartment, but oh well.

I have almost 2 dozen white ceramic pieces.

And today, I bought another...a birthday present for me.

I love it. The stripes are so gorgeous...kind of masculine and feminine all at the same time.

And the best part...it cost only $7.99!

I love inexpensive birthday presents to myself.

C is for CUTE CHARLEY

Yesterday Charley came to her favorite aunt's house while her mom had a hair appointment. She is growing up so fast and has the funniest personality. She talks a ton and is all over the place...the girl can crawl and is standing on her own too. I'm sure she'll be running circles around us in no time.

I have a stash of mostly boring toys, but they are new, so they are better. I was unsuccessfully trying to put little clippies in her hair.

I grabbed the camera to take her picture and she climbed over real close to try to get the camera. She sat down between my legs and laid her head on my leg. So sweet!

I did get one clippy in her hair...ha!

B.L.T.

I have been so excited about the tomato brightening my patio garden that in anticipation I recently purchased bacon and lettuce. Last night I brought it inside:

So cute!

Tomorrow I shall bake bread and Monday I plan on that BLT.

Happy Birthday Week To ME!

Yum.

Bloody Pickle Jar...

Sure...being single sucks.

Tonight's reason of choice:

THERE IS NO ONE THERE TO HELP ME OPEN THE BLOODY PICKLE JAR!

so they were the store brand, but whatever.

bewitching on the balcony

Late last week this little guy fell from his place off the parental unit.

I can't lie, I was a little sad knowing he wouldn't grow to his full pepper potential.

Yep...that's a 1 teaspoon he's sitting in.

Anne suggested I clean him off, slice him open and see how he tastes. Morbid, right?!

So I did it...

He mostly tasted like a little bit of pepper and A LOT of dirt.

***

His next door neighbor has a bit more potential.

LOOK at this guy...I'm super excited!

Not sure how much more time he'll need on the parental unit, but I'm watching him!

And look-e-here!

We have COLOR in Tomato Town!

This pretty penny might get plucked tomorrow, but we'll have to wait and see.

BLT anyone?

m...mmmm!

Too bad they aren't both ready at the same time...I've been craving some salsa!

Soon...very soon!

Using their powers for good...

You know, lately I have not been feeling so great. I know it mostly has to do with not having a job, being stuck in this apartment (because leaving this apartment costs money, ya know!) and let's not forget I am 2 weeks from the end of my SECOND TO LAST semester (things always get so freaking nuts at the end of a semester and summer is the worst).

And not to mention the campaign I am working on for my ad class is on suicide prevention. Let me tell you, if you were not already depressed when you went looking for help, you will be by the time you read all the statistics.

Did you know that suicide is the #2 cause of death among college students?

(#1: car accidents)

Did you also know that 1 in 10 college students has contemplated suicide?

Did you also know that 75% of students would turn to their FRIENDS if they were struggling?

Compare that to only 63% turning to FAMILY.

I'm not suicidal, don't worry, but now I know an awful lot about it.

I figured I would ad to the gloom and get my emissions and tags taken care of today. In Georgia it's due on your birthday...usually making for a really depressing birthday month giving all that money away. The silver lining this year is that the county just opened a new tag office only just a few minutes away from my apartment. As much as I like standing in line down at the age another year while you wait in line tag office, I figured I would try this office on for size.

First things first, emissions. There is an emissions shack right down the street and since they are all $20 I decided this one would get my business. And I am so glad I did too.

The older man working there had me pull in, hooked up the Kia to life support and ran the tests. About half-way through he turned to me and said "now...how 'bout a cold drink? They're free and I've got orange, grape, lemon..."

Me, completely taken off guard "oh, well that's nice of you, but I just finished a drink. Thank you though." Which was completely true!

We hemmed and hawed about the weather...it was unusually cool because it had just rained. Next thing I knew he was finished, the Kia had passed with flying colors (and thank goodness...that darned check engine light has been giving me attitude recently) and I was pulling slowly out of the shack. He stopped me as my window passed him and asked, "pink, yellow, orange, or purple?" I immediately said "orange" to which he laughed and said "you didn't even ask what it was." I just shrugged my shoulders and he handed me this little guy:

he said "he's your new mascot...he'll take good care of you."

It was so sweet. I know he had a box full somewhere, but that's not the point, now is it?! I was almost reluctant to leave, but I doubt he wanted me hanging around buggin him all day and I had tags to get and a suicide prevention campaign strategy sheet to write!

After running home to get my tag renewal that came in the mail, I ended up at the new tag office around 1 p.m. There were a few cars in the parking lot, so I wasn't sure if I would have to wait. When I walked through the door it was the usual high bar counter type booths with women behind them. Right in front was a little stand with this "take a number" type machine. So I punched the button and got #75.

Literally the moment I read #75 on the ticket I heard "Number seventy-five" being said from the middle booth. I looked up a little shocked - just a little though, there was only one other woman there and she was on her way out. I walked to the counter and said to the woman "that was fast" and in the most joyful New York accent she said "Sorry about that wait ma'am, we've been awfully busy." It was hysterical, we had a nice little chuckle over it and then she was on to the business of taking my money and printing my 2010 sticker for my tag.

As I walked out I noticed a yellow mascot sitting on the counter next to my NY gal.

Now that is what I call using your powers for GOOD!

What an IDIOT!

Why was she so nice to him? He is a complete slim ball.

"I knew I needed to do that, it's just really hard." are you kidding me? What is hard about getting rid of a guy that has a gf at home?

Jillian...you are what is wrong with the image men have of women. You are a complete push-over and not to mention a drunk.

You would be lucky to have any of the last three guys but you continue to have ridiculous conversations with them like you are on the first date. Ugh. Get a grip.

Of all the find my mate shows I have wasted my life on, THIS season is the most irritating.

ugh.

Moron.

I'm glad he's gone. He is not post worthy, even on my little ol' blog.

Waste of time...

There are a lot of really random things on television tonight. I am supposed to be writing a news release for my PR class and instead I have been flipping channels and completely engulfed in...

What is wrong with me?!

4th of July DQ Dip Cone

This morning I didn't get out of bed until 11 a.m. I had hoped to get up earlier and make it out for a parade, but nope.

After a healthy bowl of cereal that tasted like cardboard I decided I couldn't stay in this apartment one moment longer. I don't know much about depression, but no job leaves me staring at these dingy walls way too much, even with the break for school in the mornings I just couldn't do it today. Problem, nowhere to go and no money to spend. Oh well...I'm outta here.

I decided I would run by the bank (make a deposit and get my allowance for the day...$20) and head north on 41 until I found a DQ and then head back down south. I realized I couldn't just drive north till dark because that's a waste of gas/money and I do have a lot to do at home (yes, dingy gross, but in need of attention, home).

Off I went into the wild blue yonder. Other than just "drive north" I would stop at any garage sales/thrift store type places that caught my eye. I didn't expect much since it's the 4th, but that's even better for my budget. I did have a prize in mind, a present for Levi, but I can't seem to find it! So frustrating.

Anyway...I found my DQ so I stopped in for a dipped cone...mmmm. This is what I got:

That's the sorriest dipped cone I have ever seen.

It reminded me of a certain torch, don't you think?

Even though I found my DQ, I decided since I had not yet stopped anywhere and was Jones'n for some junk I had to keep going. At this point I was on the north side of Cartersville, and just as I got across the city line I saw what some might call a garage sale and others might call a cry for help. I stopped because I saw some stuff out front, but after further inspection and seeing no price tags, I decided to jump back in the Kia and keep going. She had this cute little desk that I thought I could clean up for Charley for her birthday, but I didn't like it enough to ask how much it cost. (It turned out to be $10 w/2 semi-matching chairs...I might have to consider going back, but we'll see.)

Back in the Kia, I stopped at what looked like a fun "shop" but it was closed. I decided at this point I needed to just head south and get back home. I came upon the cry for help again and decided to stop again and venture deeper into the abyss.

Digging around in her stash I found a bread machine that I really wanted, but after my REAL find I had to give it up to stay in budget. SO worth it. After all, I own bread pans, right?

Anyway, I met Deedee and we became fast friends as she talked my ear off about all the great stuff she has. Honestly, she really did have some great stuff. If I had room for anything else in my dingy apartment I would have struck gold with the old military boxes she was selling for $10/each. They are wood with a lid and really just perfect for a table or whatever you can dream up.

So...what is my REAL find you ask? Well, this is how this went down. We were out in her back yard and she was showing me the other military boxes (I really like them). She mentioned that she has been working in her yard a lot in the last few weeks to get things ready but that she still has a shed full of things to go through.

This sparked my interest so I ask: "Do you have any chairs?"

Deedee "What sort of chair?"

Me: "A roundish padded back with a padded seat, arms or no arms."

Deedee: "Well, let me show you this..." as she walked into the back of her house

AND PULLED OUT MY PERFECT CHAIR!

I am so EXCITED! Won't that look amazing with a bit of fresh paint and fabulous new fabric?!?

I'm thinking red paint and zebra print. Yes. Maybe a red that will match the sitting chair in my living room.

She sold this chair to me for $15 and threw in the other two small items I had in my hand. I can't talk about those...they are presents.

You're jealous, aren't you?

Don't be...I'm back in my dingy apartment all alone.

Thankful Thursday

On this Thankful Thursday I am grateful for:

my freedom and especially for those who fought & died so it could be mine.

i had NO idea...

So tonight I was talking to my Dad about our ancestors. I am completely taken by history, particularly my own (family history). When someone talks about them I feel like a little girl sitting on the floor at the knee of the best story teller known to man.

Tonight Dad told me I could go to the new Family Search program on line and see my pedigree. And low and behold look what I found:

It turns out that all I have to do is click the "...find husband" button and walaah!

Wish I had known it was THAT easy!

ha. ha. ha.

I get funnier with age, don't you think?

Only 12 more days til the big 35...yikes!