Katherine's Chronicles

Surprise, surprise! Michigan monkeying around

2012-01-29T18:23:00.000-08:00

Early in January I got the word that I would be headed to Detroit for work.

Some of you know I have a sister/b.i.l. and five lovely littles camped out in the frigged northern land of the thumb. Upon receiving this news I quickly shot my b.i.l. an email with what little details I knew and we concocted a plan to keep my visit a surprise.

Some think I'm not a good happy secret keeper, mostly because they are correct. I don't share others secrets (I'm a vault!) but I'm a pushover when it comes to sharing fun secrets about myself. (Ssshh! Don't tell anyone.) But oh how I love surprise, and especially if I am the source of the secret! The rest of the family was in on it, and they did a slam dunk keeping everything under wraps.

So last Thursday, after our final day of meetings, b.i.l. Scott made the trek into Detroit and patiently waited for me to be dropped off at our rendezvous spot for the almost two hour drive north. When he opened the garage door I knew it wouldn't be long before we saw a little face or two and sure enough Caroline was the first to peak out. I know she knew it was me, but by the look on her face I had five heads! She promptly closed the door and then reopened it and this time came into the garage. I was out of the car by that point and put my finger to my lips motioning her to not say anything. I gave her my phone with the video recorder on and this is what she caught as I walked into the house:

Sorry it's sideways...no idea how to fix that.

Caroline did a great job but she's a few feet shorter than us so there was only so much she could capture, the audio is far more fun anyway. And especially fun if you actually know my sister Anne, she knows EVERYTHING! So keeping a secret from her always seems to be a challenge.

[Truth is, she was surprised twice...earlier in the week it was her birthday and sis Kelly & I helped b.i.l. Scott with a special cake. Anne said she would blog about it but I haven't seen it up yet.]

The video is short and doesn't catch me surprising the kids but they surprised me with their reaction...almost like they just expect me to walk in the door! Crazy kids.

Friday morning we (of course) went to the library. Katie is a reader and knew exactly what she wanted so while waiting for the others she kept herself entertained by having me take pictures of the two of us.
Katie & I are kindred spirits, we are after all, both Katherine's, but there is so much more to it. She reminds me so much of me when I was young. Her laugh and sense of humor is even similar to mine, I hope she turns out to be smarter than her favorite aunt though.

By the time Anne/mom was checking out the books from the librarian the other littles had joined us and we managed to make good use of that two minutes with more camera time:

My favorite photo of the weekend...
Friday after the library I sent Anne off for some alone time and to check things off her to-do list without 10 hands to keep track of. The kids and I stayed home and read books, watched movies and played. Alexandra, Katie & I even managed an intense & lengthy game of Monopoly where Katie held onto Broadway despite my every effort to buy it from her. In the end I won, but I was sweating it through the entire game. Those girls are smart!

Friday night rang promises of "Movie Night" and although in the end it was as different movie than originally planned, it ended up being far more fun watching Empire Strikes Back with Anne's kids than I ever thought possible. Anne is by far the biggest Star Wars, Han Solo, etc fan in our family. Sure, there are fanatics in the world that beat her out by a landslide, but her love is intense. So watching with her kids...priceless, they were hilarious, asking every possible movie related question, and they knew what they were talking about too!

My week had already been filled with 5 a.m. wake-up calls and midnight or later shut-eye which meant I was grossly lacking in my necessary beauty sleep to say the least. Like a zombie I only managed to make it through 45 minutes of the movie and I only half managed my way up to my room (well, Andrew's room) and crashed hard.

My lack of sleep also meant Saturday is a little fuzzy. I do remember waking to the smell of these amazing cinnamon rolls my sister made...

Yummy! After a halfhearted journey on the treadmill in the basement I quickly calculated the caloric content of my delicious breakfast and enjoyed every gram. Fabulous!

Saturday afternoon I managed to find a spot next to Katie on the couch where she was of course reading a book. I remember Jaq sitting on my lap and us reading a story and then someone put in a movie and I was out like a light. I don't recall exactly how long I slept but it was at least the length of the movie and the mumblings of dinner were chiming in from the kitchen so I know it was a good three hours at least. It was marvelous.

By Sunday I was ready to return to temperatures anywhere over 18 degrees, but sad to say good-bye to my littles, Anne & b.i.l. My flight was at noon so Scott and I dropped the crew at church and made our way to Flint, but not before I snapped a few more pictures of my favorite Eskimos:

Jaq & Alex
+ Androoo (his spelling)
Andrew & Jaq
Katherine Squared
Our videographer, Caroline
It was a great weekend...the perfect get-a-way piggyback to a work trip to one of the coldest places on the planet. I'm glad I was able to go and feel silly knowing now as I post these pictures that I didn't take even one picture with my sister! I did take a few really cute pictures of she and the littles so if she shares them with me I'll be sure to share them with you.

This year one of my resolutions is to be adventurous and "Do Something"...every month! Fun for me that this trip was my January "Do Something" and what a great "Do Something" it was.

Stay tuned for February's "Do Something"...

duck...duck...CHICKEN

2012-01-11T14:53:00.000-08:00

This post is about canning chicken.

There is nothing eloquent or exciting (for most) about canning chicken. As a matter of fact, it is messy and gross, but it is fabulous. However, because it is messy, gross, far from eloquent, and still fabulous, this post is going to be more entertaining than educational. Don't misunderstand, you may learn many things and indeed feel educated, but if you are looking for specific and detailed direction just jump right down to the bottom and look for the link to the blog "Food Storage and beyond".

If you're looking for a good read, you have my permission to continue on...

About a month ago my friend Liz sent an email about the "chicken event" with Zaycon Foods.
Being the personally prepared individual that I am and wanting to continue following the council of our Church leaders I jumped right in.

(Zaycon Foods sells hormone free chicken, in bulk, at a fraction of the cost of what you can buy at the grocery store.)

My sister Kelly and I decided to order one 40lb box of chicken each and on a bright & beautiful Saturday morning in January I made my way to the pickup spot only a few miles from my house. This is what I found:

Yes, I found a man and a box truck full of chicken in a church parking lot.
The man was nice, the process was simple and I was literally there for about 5 minutes.
He put a plastic bag down to protect my seats and loaded both boxes into my Cruze for me.

"The chicken has been captured" was the text to Kelly when the produce had been collected.
I know, I'm funny like that.

I do wish there had been a (handsome) man waiting at my apartment when I returned, because do you know what it feels like to carry a 40lb box of chicken down a flight of stairs?

Twice?

This...

Or maybe this...

But I managed on my own and the chicken made it safely inside without any unforeseen droppage. Once inside I was so curious to open the box, I had no idea what to expect.

Big surprise...it was CHICKEN!

I went right to work cutting the chicken breasts apart and fitting every last piece into the jars I had cleaned the previous day.

* Side note: speaking to the quality of Zaycon Foods chicken, I was super impressed. The breasts were enormous and not very fatty at all. Very comparable to what you might find at a pricey grocery store but generally just looked better (it was fresh, not frozen) and larger (so much larger.)

Here we go...first batch in the pressure canner:

Thank goodness I have such an amazing family. My brother Levi came over as my first batch was processing (90 minutes in the canner) and brought his pressure canner with him! It cut my time in half, it was wonderful.
Yes, my kitchen is messy (I told you that canning chicken is not glamorous) but look at my cute antique cast-iron cornbread pans hanging on the wall.

Chicken processing and waiting...

First batch of chicken after it had processed.

I believe this was also the last batch that was processed in my canner, as the pressure would not hold and Levi assures me I need to replace my gasket.

A little semi-final product cooling and popping:

All in all it was a huge success. I canned every ounce of my 40lb box of chicken and Kelly froze all of hers. If I had a deep freeze and a generator I would probably have frozen most of mine, but canning works. Only three of my 52 jars of chicken did not seal and they are hanging out in my freezer waiting for me to have another reason to cook dinner.

Yes, it was a long day but it was a great day and I felt super productive. After my canner wouldn't hold any pressure I was back to only one which just extended the time I was in the kitchen, or at least stuck at home watching the pressure build and timer tick down.

I know, you're all wondering how a wonderful single gal like me with such a wide range of talents can stay single...oh, it's tough, but I manage. Who am I kidding, any guy would be lucky to have me...I am amazing, even if I'm the only one who thinks so.

Now, if you're wanting much more detailed instructions on how to can chicken, here is my sister Anne's phone number: ###-###-####
Yeah, she would kill me!

If you know Anne, call her, she is amazing but you know her so you know this.
If you don't know Anne then visit the blog "Food Storage and beyond" HERE for the direct link to her detailed instructions.

I'm not sure what is next on my list but don't come knocking on my door when you run out of food, or the roads are iced over and trucks can't make it to restock the grocery store shelves (hello Ice-lanta 2011). Or heck, come on over...I'd love some company!

Thanks for reading, now leave a comment already!

Mason Jar Soap Dispenser

2012-01-06T21:04:00.001-08:00

This is my Mason Jar Soap Dispenser:

I made a few of these for friends & family for Christmas presents with plans to make myself one when I found an extra few moments. Then a week or so ago I was going through a box of jars my oldest sister Anne gave me and found an old square Presto Mason jar and fell in love! I stopped what I was doing instantly, grabbed the drill and went to town. Because I had a soap dispenser at the kitchen sink already I just used that pump. For the dispensers I made as gifts I purchased hand soap at the dollar store and just cut the pump to fit.

If you are wanting to make one of these for yourself just grab your power drill, or ask your husband if you can borrow his and your largest drill bit. Mine was only a 1/4" so once I made my initial hole in the lid I just wiggled around the hole to make it larger. Keep putting your pump into the hole to check for a snug fit and then use hot glue on the bottom side of the lid to make sure it is secure.

I decided not to go into much detail here because if you are anything like my you'll see the image and just do it your own way. If you do have questions just leave a comment, I'll get back to you via the good ol' blog.

I also found a recipe for liquid hand soap on Pinterest so I gave that a try too. Interesting, and so far it gets my hands plenty clean.

Gerard & Katherine

2011-12-12T14:17:00.000-08:00

Gerard and I decided our annual Christmas card would be much more fun if we really got into it...

Hit by a shovel

2011-12-03T12:34:00.000-08:00

The vacuum came out of the closet.

It's not doing anything, but at least it's out. Clearly I need the fancy new vacuum that will clean the floor on its own because I can't sit on the couch and feel miserable AND do all the housework at the same time. Or a maid, yes a maid is a much better idea.

I've been sick since I visited Ohio for Thanksgiving. I'm blaming the nieces and nephews, but it could have been the windy cold weather that I insisted on walking through (almost) each morning. Either way, I've only felt worse since returning home.

Last night I took NyQuil. I might have taken too much, I have no idea. What I do know is that I slept hard and woke up this morning feeling like I had been hit with a shovel. I've been exhausted since I got out of bed and can't seem to take a nap to save my life. Wouldn't it be nice to have a sweet man here to bring me hot tea or cocoa, fix my dinner. And socks, I need socks because my feet are cold.

Course, my heart usually feels like it's been hit by a shovel most of the time a ~~sweet~~ man comes around.

Obstacles...around every corner

2011-12-01T12:26:00.000-08:00

Remember field day in elementary school? I don't remember there being an obstacle course so I think my life is making up for it now.

Field Day.
Remember freezing your soda the night before so it would stay cold until lunch?
Remember when we didn't need a gym to work out?
I'll remember tonight if I can't make it to the neighboring Marriott before 11 p.m. as the Marriott where I will rest my head tonight apparently doesn't have one.

Obstacles?
Hardly, that's just a speed bump and I'm flying right by!

Anonymity & being a better me

2011-11-30T20:00:00.000-08:00

There is a lot to be said of anonymity. It is safe and it is powerful.

Today I kicked the elliptical's trash for 3 miles. It felt awesome, just the same as it did yesterday and the same as it will tomorrow. Even after my meeting. Even at the awful hotel gym.

Do you know why anonymity is powerful? Because when you tell someone that you want to change your body they tend to say things like "but you look great" or "you are beautiful" or "you are perfect just the way you are".

Don't be that kind of someone.

Do you know why anonymity is safe? Because when you fail you only have to admit it to yourself. When you tell others about a guy you are seeing and the relationship ends it's like you have to break up with every single person you told. Do you know what that leads to? The longest, most painful breakup in history.

When you tell others that you want to change your body and you fail, they see it.

Not this time.

Turkey Lurkey

2011-11-21T13:03:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow I am Ohio bound!

The family is gathering at the 'Rents house for a little bonding and turkey lurkey and of course pecan pie. Pecan pie just happens to be the reason I have been working out like a maniac lately. Well, one of the reasons anyway. I'm particularly excited! I travel a lot (for work) but when I get to travel (for fun) I really become the eager beaver. We (sis++ and sis) are all flying in on the same flight. Flying is much more fun when you have someone to do it with. And I might be packing my backpack full of treats for Char. What kind of an aunt do you think I am?!

Where are you headed for Turkey Day?

Don't worry little turkey, we're all here for a purpose. You my dear, are on earth so we can eat you.

Come in and sit a spell...

2011-11-12T20:20:00.000-08:00

Tonight I will make up for all the previous posts where I had no images. But you'll love it, so that makes it worthwhile.

Recently I blogged about my new dinning room table. It is a beauty to behold and finally there is somewhere to rest your tush while you nourish your body in my home. Behold...CHAIRS!

In the same post (above) I also went into detail about my chairs. The two that I had shipped from Salt Lake City arrived without injury and along with the two I purchased in my travels they received the following finishing touches...new/used/previously loved seat covers.

1. Bought new 2" foam and traced support boards.

2. Took everything to Kelly's so she could help me reupholster.

How awesome does that look!

3. Kelly being annoyed with me for what I am sure is an unnecessary & ridiculous reason.
Thanks for your help Kel, I really appreciate it. Loves.

4. Pause to take a photo of handsome little man Jack

5. Another finished seat...awesome!

6. Char loved laying & sitting on the finished cushions.

7. Finished seats on chairs back home.

8. Chairs with my new table.

A note about the "fabric" I used to recover the seats. As I've mentioned I have a thing for previously loved items. Meaning, I like old stuff and I particularly like being able to re-purpose items. I had decided I wanted to use old feed/seed/grain sacks a while back but I had a hard time locating exactly what I wanted, especially for a reasonable price. Eventually I found what I was looking for in an Etsy shop HERE. I paid around $13 for one sack and about $20 for the other. I found some regular fabric I liked with a similar look but it was $80/yard so I thought this was a bargain.

The chairs still need a little work and (amazing brother - creator of the amazing table) Levi just today finished the bench for the other side. As soon as I am able I'll be hosting my first dinner party with the new table, and yes, Levi will be the first guest on the list! Thanks Levi, you are amazing (did I mention this already?) and seriously so talented I can't hardly stand it. Loves.

"Give"...said the Little Stream

2011-11-12T07:20:00.000-08:00

Like most everyone I know my "To Do" list, at any given moment, has close to 1,000 things on it. I could say it is overwhelming, but it's not. If it were I might actually get more things done and check them off the list but no, I just let them sit there collecting dust on my list. It's awful really, simply awful.

One thing that does inspire me is when others check items we worked on together off their list before I do. Oh that just chaps my hide! It's my own fault...I just need to kick it in gear and get it done!

Well last night that's exactly what I did. My sis Kelly borrowed a friend's Cricket to cut out some vinyl and I asked her to cut some for me....THREE WEEKS AGO! I've had this idea for years, YEARS! (I probably stole it from someone, but I'm claiming it as my own) and finally it's done!

Isn't it cute!

For you non-Mormons out there (Are there any of you left? You really should go find the missionaries and get baptized! The Gospel will change your life.) "Give Said The Little Stream" is a Primary song. Not just any Primary song, but one of the sweetest, most honest songs I've ever had the privileged of singing. You can read the words and listen to the song HERE or if you're into videos there is a sweet one HERE.

It looks a little small in the image because there is no frame of reference, but it is about 16" x 18" and all I did was buy a frame at JoAnn's ($14 on sale of course) and took the back off. I also removed all the small brads that are meant to keep the back on because I didn't want them to scratch the glass or be visible. I cleaned the glass, applied the vinyl lettering and hung it on the wall. Boom!

And since I'm home this weekend I will need to tackle a few more things on my list. Hummm...dishes? Seat covers? Winterize the garden? Laundry? Bathroom? Good grief!

Pork chops and applesauce!

2011-10-27T17:56:00.000-07:00

Recently someone very special to me asked if I was still writing my blog. Quickly I said yes, but then I felt like I needed to explain how I may still be recovering from a stalker. And I may still be hesitant to share details of my life with anyone that stumbles upon my blog. I felt like I needed to explain how I wasn't going to let this stalker take away my love of writing (and I certainly wasn't!), but still my blog sat here less than tempting to the average reader, much less tempting to someone that is very special to me I'm sure.

I'm not making excuses but I have truly missed writing. I am however thinking that as much as I enjoy being in the kitchen it is more the stalkers fault that this has turned into somewhat of a foodie blog. And I suppose my affinity for food storage/preparedness only helps the foodie movement, not that I'm trying. And well, since I'm not trying to make this a foodie/preparedness blog please forgive me as I keep on that route and share this short post about...

Applesauce!

In north Georgia we are lucky enough to live near some pretty spectacular apple orchards and every October they give us a marvelous excuse to roam around an open field in the North Georgia Mountains looking at crafty items one should never purchase, indulging in every kind of apple baked good imaginable, and taste testing every variety of apple known to God and man. It is a great Saturday and everyone should be so lucky as to enjoy it at least once!

I didn't make it this year, but Sarah did and she picked up a 1/2 bushel Golden Delicious and 1/2 bushel Granny Smith for $9 each for me. I took that combined bushel and made some extremely tasty applesauce!

Here are a few things I learned:

Although the combination of Golden Delicious and Granny Smith is truly more palette satisfying than anything I ever dreamed of, they do not soften (when boiled) evenly. After a few batches of combined boiling I opted to separate each variety and only mix them prior to the second boiling.
Speaking of boiling, Anne suggested doing so in apple cider rather than water. I did this and wow, yum. I really think it added to the flavor of my applesauce and I would recommend this method wholeheartedly.
Apples to applesauce. My friend Vicki was kind enough to let me borrow her Victorio hand-crank mill. It worked great, and I am so grateful for her generosity, but the investment of a Kitchen-Aid attachment or electric saucer will be seriously considered upon my future need. When you think about the time you could save and the pain in my cranking hand I'm sure it would pay off.
Size of the kitchen is directly related to the size of happiness while making said applesauce. Which means I need a bigger kitchen. Anyone? Anyone? And if I could have a dutch door leading to my back porch in this bigger kitchen, that would be amazing.
Flavoring: While discussing the ins and outs of applesauce'ing Vicki mentioned that her grandmother taught her to use red hot (cinnamon) candies to flavor the applesauce. FABULOUS idea! My applesauce is pink, but it's pretty and again, it tastes FABULOUS!

Now, lest you think I am not myself and didn't worry that my applesauce would cost me a fortune more than what I could purchase at the store, let me show you my numbers:

1 bushel of apples: $18

Apple cider $5

1/2 pint jars $9

Red hots $2

Fruit Fresh $4.50

2 dozen pint jars $10

Total $58.50

From the above I produced 31 pint jars and 12 1/2 pint jars (which for this equation I counted as 6 pint jars) for a total of 37 jars. $58.50/37 = $1.58 per pint jar.

I'm sure I can purchase applesauce for less at pretty much any grocery store, but I rather like that I made this applesauce myself...and I didn't add any sugar. OK, red hot cinnamon candies are sugar, but not really.

And in true Blogger.com fashion the photo upload is not working so I apologize for the error that will not allow me to show you photos. Maybe sometime soon.

Best of luck to those out there venturing down the path of personal preparedness.

Kisses and hugs

2011-10-16T17:14:00.000-07:00

This is my niece Char:

She has a personality all her own, as you can see.

It has been months since I've seen her without a skirt over her pants/shorts, she is a trip.

Today I taught her how to ding dong ditch...it was awesome, more on that later. Don't worry my other siblings, I'll teach your littles soon enough.

I had been there a while and needed to get home so I asked her for a kiss but (as expected) she said "no" and ran away. I called after her and said "But I need a kiss to leave, when can I have one?" From the porch she yelled, "Um, how about never?" ha! ha!

So I went inside to gather my things, kiss and love on Jack and then headed out to my car. I started backing out slowly, that's when I saw her running up the driveway to my car. I stopped, my car and opened the door. She came right up to me and gave me the sweetest kiss, said "I love you" and started to walk away. Then she stopped and turned around to say, "...and a hug too!" and gave me such a great little hug. I just love that crazy girl.

Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread...

2011-10-15T20:48:00.000-07:00

And a lovely table on which to eat.

My brother Levi made me the most amazing kitchen table, he is so talented. I literally told him I wanted a huge table, but one that didn't have to be so huge now while it is living in my little apartment with me. He came up with the most brilliant design, just for me.

He used pine (I think) and it is basically built like your average farm table, only with a few Levi-esque bonuses to make his sister (me) so very happy. Before I took my new table home we distressed it with a chain, a machete, a saw, a ceramic tile and a blowtorch. Just your average distressing tools. I think Levi enjoyed the blowtorch the most.

There was some concern that the table would not fit into my new Cruze, but looky here:

That's impressive Chevrolet. Helpful that the table breaks down into a few pieces!

I have a number of pieces in my furniture collection that are stained a rich mahogany and I wanted my table to be the same. Here it is just after I stained it:

It was still wet so it has a glow in the picture that has faded (thank goodness!) And here it is with one of the end extensions (there are two):

Yes, you read that right, extensions! I didn't want a "leaf" because I didn't think it would look right with the farm-style table. It was Levi who thought of the extensions and the method in how they attach. Again, he's a smarty. With both extensions on the table it seats 10 and without, six. It's fabulous.

Levi told me he would make me a bench for one side of the table, but for the other seats I wanted to do something a little different. I love really old, previously loved items. I love that someone else had experiences while using what you are using now. So I am using an array of previously loved chairs to seat my dinner guests. My plan is that each chair will at least compliment the others, but none will match. So far I couldn't be happier with the results.

This is my dearest friend Jennifer & I at Euro Treasures in Salt Lake City:

I love having a story to go along with an everyday item (like a dining room chair) and it means even more to me that my first two chairs were discovered with Jennifer.

Back to your previously scheduled story...this is Jennifer in the top floor of Euro Treasures, in what we call the chair grave yard:

This place was spectacular, I couldn't even catch my breath for all the amazing chairs, literally row after row after row. So many impressive chairs with very impressive price tags. Jennifer and I managed to find three perfect treasures.

These are the two treasures I purchased:

I love them both, but that balloon back chair is exquisite. Jennifer's parents were in town visiting (they live in Chile serving a mission for our church) and they pitched in (again, love that we all did it together) to clean off the old/broken thatched seat bottom.

And how did I get them home to Georgia? The US Postal Service of course!

I haven't seen these two chairs since they left Utah because I had them shipped to Levi for a look-see and repair. I'll be getting them soon and will hopefully have a full before & after in no time.

The next two chairs were picked up on a trip to Charlotte for a work event. The most exciting part about this first chair is that it cost me $5. Yes, $5!

I'm not a big fan of the harp and I'm sure people will flip out when I say this, but I am going to have Levi cut it out. I am not using it in a music room and it just looks funny at the kitchen table. For the most part this chair was lovely when I bought it. The fabric on the seat is awful and the chair had a layer of grime or stain, I'm not sure which. With a little help from a can of acetone, a rag and a pair of heavy duty rubber gloves, I have wiped it down pretty good and it actually looks like wood now. I thought it would maybe need some sanding and staining, but I think a little warm soapy water will be sufficient.

Now, the next chair is definitely the favorite of the two, especially after I stripped it down of all the black paint it had been accosted with:

I'm pretty sure the chair (under all the black paint) has some sort of wood veneer. I wouldn't have thought that except there is a tiny spot on one of the front corners that is broken and looks as if a child got bored in algebra class. I rather like that little flaw so I think I will keep it. Besides, after stripping all the black paint off (what a nasty process that is - and probably not one my apartment complex would approve of my doing in my living room) it is such a gorgeous chair.

So, there you have it. Now I am left with the challenge of choosing a fabric to cover the new seats Levi has/will cut for me. I have an idea in the works, we'll see if I can make it happen.

I am happy to report that my old kitchen table (the lovely shabby chic green & white beauty) has gone to a young lady who just moved into her first apartment. When it wouldn't sell on Craig's List I opted to put it on FreeCycle and after meeting the young lady today when she picked it up, I'm so glad I did.

Here is what my new table (sans extensions) looks like in my apartment with her new dinner guest tush holders:

Please notice the beautiful table legs. My parents contributed to the cause by sending money for two of those puppies!

Thanks again Mom & Dad

It looks amazing even in this small space and I can't wait to get the other chairs here. Oh, and in case you are curious about that little green metal beauty sitting on the right - first of all, I love it, so don't be a hater. And Charley loves it too and fits perfectly at the table when she comes to visit. Again, I love it when my household items have stories...this little green monster was found in an antique store in my home town last summer when we were in town for our family reunion. It reminds me so much of the stool that sat in the back room of my grandparent's house - I would sit on that stool with Grandpa watching black & white television eating pecans. There was never a question that it was coming home with me. If you know me you also know that the hometown I speak of is many miles away from my current home. In Katherine fashion I wrapped this little guy up (along with a few other finds at the same shop) and sent him packing through the United States Postal Service. He arrived home no worse for the wear and any scratches along the way only made him that much more appealing to me.

Now, stay tuned for the FINAL before and after photos when I finally make a decision on the fabric and everything comes together for my first dinner party. Who will be resting their tush in these seats first? Of the six (or 10) at the table, one will always be reserved for Levi. Thank you for everything little brother.

p.s. I just realized that my amazing
brother Levi wrote about the entire
"build my sister a table" process
on his blog HERE. Check it out!

Canned Peaches | The End

2011-08-25T10:52:00.000-07:00

** NOTICE: THERE ARE NO PHOTOS IN THIS POST **

The last batch of peaches is currently taking its water bath for a grand total of 26 jars. I figured the math, and although I held onto seven fresh peaches for mom and the DeMone's, there really isn't much difference in the cost per jar. So here we go:

26 jars @ $0.61 per jar (that includes tax) = $15.86

Peaches from the Farmer's Market = $16.00 (next time I'll haggle)

Fruitfresh = $3.00 (I'm guessing, because I can't find my receipt)

Total = $34.86/26 = $1.34 per jar

Now, I didn't include the fuel above, but let's say I do. My Chevy Cruze gets (on it's lowest side) 24 mpg and it is roughly 40 miles from my house to the Farmer's Market:

(80 miles/24 mpg = 3.5 gallons of fuel used - there & back = $3.60/gallon at the pump = $12.60

$34.86 + $6.30 (1/2 of the total shared with tomatoes) = $41.16/26 jars = $1.58 per jar if you include fuel.

So I might not have saved much on this little endeavor, but I know what I put in those jars and it includes my blood, sweat and tears. OK, no tears, but definitely sweat. And now to share a few things I learned:

1. Go with knowledge. There is no point in going to any farmer's market if you don't know what the same items cost in your neighborhood grocery store. It's one thing to buy items you purchase on a regular basis because you're used to the average price (like my red pepper for $1 when you buy them for $3 at the store) but when you're buying in bulk knowledge is power.

2. Haggle. There is no harm, as long as you follow point #1. If they don't sell the fruit on the stand that day it will be there the next, and the next until it sells or goes into the garbage. The farmer would rather sell it to you than give it to the garbage man.

3. Tell a friend. You can share the fuel costs and have some company/haggling support.

4. Tell more friends. Spread the fuel costs between even more people. You may not want the entire population of your town tagging along, but if you're up for it put an order together for a few of your closest friends. Get their money AHEAD OF TIME, and factor in your fuel costs to be shared. And have them come to you to pick up their items.

5. Plan ahead. This was my first time at the Farmer's Market so realistically I didn't know what I was getting into. More of a reconnaissance mission, if you will. Now that I know I will be that much more prepared for the next time.

6. Know your neighborhood. After I returned to my town I stopped by the local farmers market in our little downtown. It was there that I learned that one (or more) of the booths with produce for sale pick their items up that morning at the very same farmers market that I visited. Looking through their items it was clear I would have cleaned them out of tomatoes and peaches and I'm sure their prices were higher than what I found at the source. Knowing this I'm sure there are actual farmers somewhere that sell their goods at the local market. I'm wanting to know this of my own neighborhood, so share what you know with a friend.

7. Clean out your trunk/back end. No explanation necessary.

Now I must go and do something else while I wait for lids to pop.

The End.

Peaches | This aint no foodie blog!

2011-08-22T21:14:00.001-07:00

Remember when I said I bought peaches at the Atlanta State Farmers Market? Tonight I washed, blanched, pealed, sliced and canned about a dozen of them. Here they are, fresh from the water bath:

I know, there is a lot of room/sugary water/syrup at the bottom. This is my first time, give me a break. I will put more peach slices in the remaining jars to conserve space and not waste jars.

I followed THESE instructions (and called my sister Anne a lot) in case you feel the itch.

The end.

Market to marinara in a matter of moments!

2011-08-20T15:19:00.000-07:00

Maybe more than a moment, but it hasn't even been 10 hours and my third batch of homemade marinara is in the pressure canner. As we know the journey is much more exciting with photos, and today I will not disappoint. Let's get started already...

I woke up early enough (by my standards) and headed down to the Atlanta State Farmers Market in Forest Park. I wasn't sure what to expect and would have preferred to go with someone, but Kelly is about a million months pregnant and Levi & Andy had a vet appointment. Oh well, my schedule doesn't cater to anyone so I had to take this weekend and make it work for me. I had a goal and nothing was going to stand in the way of me and my peaches!

So this photo below is the basic look of the Market.

Every other aisle has vendors and the opposite aisle is their "alley" (for lack of a better word) where they load in or back their trucks up. It was a little overwhelming with literally two dozen plus aisles to meander around and get lost in.

What you can't smell (and should be ever grateful) is the overwhelming stench of manure. It's not even like I could expect it, there was no livestock. And it's not as if I can't handle that smell if I'm on the ranch, but at the market? Whew!

There are some more permanent, let's call them...stores, and they have a Hodge-podge of items readily available for your purchase. Take a gander at that pinata hanging on the door frame. You know you want it!

Technically I was more interested in the selection of pots...next time I'll have to get a better look. Even though I certainly don't need to add to the collection already collecting dust in my kitchen.

On the hunt for peaches I was mostly interested in the produce and there was plenty to choose from. Most of the vendors also supply what you buy from your local grocer or farmers market, the market just means I'm buying it from the source, I think.

I wish I knew what to do with cactus...

Look how beautiful the produce is...

There were a number of vendors selling peaches, but no one had any that were less than a few days from perfect canning age. Because I'm not much of a haggler I went with the guy that was nicest to me and had the least number of customers. It just worked in my head so I went with it. (Next time I'll feel better about haggling.)

On the PYO site I linked to above they said to go early so you don't miss anything. Contrary to that I found a few vendors with better looking fruit (asking $1 less) were unloading when I was ready to leave (around 10 a.m.) So I'm not so sure how important getting there with the sun is, as long as you get there before noon you should be in good shape.

After talking to Anne and pricing out Romas I decided I needed to make marinara. Mostly I was ready to can just about anything, it has been a while since I put up the black beans and I had an itch I needed to scratch!

Roma tomatoes were $10 a box, about 25 pounds. I didn't bother looking around; the guy was nice and his tomatoes looked great so I just went for it. They look small in this photo, but I think they were just shy with me taking a picture of them bathing and all.

I did some research and talked to Anne about a million times but finally decided to go with the easiest/fastest method shown HERE for making the tomato sauce.

1. Wash tomatoes and remove any stems/bruises/yuck.
2. Cut tomatoes in half length-wise.

3. Pound a few times in the blender to your consistency liking.

4. Put blended tomatoes in large pot to cook down.
* Be sure to make sure you have some good juices in the pot when you first turn it on so you won't burn anything.
* And keep stirring it every so often so you don't burn it through the process either.
* I blended a bowlful at a time so I had to go back to step 1 a few times and my cooking down tomatoes seemed to do fine without my every attention.

5. Clean/slice your vegetables and garlic
* I picked up these beauties at the market too. Can you believe I only paid $1 for that huge red pepper?! And only $2 for the three green bells. And they are tasty too.

6. Saute your vegetables and garlic together until you feel good about it.
* I let my onions caramelize real pretty before I added the peppers.

7. Get your jars cleaned and staying warm and cozy in some hot water.

8. And your lids chillin in some almost boiling water.

9. Pull out your pressure canner and get ready to get busy.
10. Don't forget to add your sauteed peppers and spices to your tomatoes to actually make it marinara.
*I looked at a lot of recipes on line and ended up adding to taste: salt, Italian seasoning, garlic salt, onion powder & brown sugar.

11. Fill all your jars and screw the rings on just enough to keep it closed.

12. Load up your pressure canner...

13. and let it do its thing!
* Now be sure you follow your canner's instructions, find a blog that actually tells you what to do, or just call your sister Anne. Don't have a sister Anne? Too bad, cause she rocks!

14. After you (carefully) remove your jars from the pressure canner let them cool and listen for the precious sound of popping lids!

By my math each pint jar of marinara cost me $1.13.
That includes the cost of the jars because I'm just getting started and don't have a supply from previous years of canning. But I figure even if it costs me a little more for a little less, there is only one of me so I waste less a little less and feel a lot better knowing I made the marinara and I know exactly what I put into it. I think that price ROCKS!

In a few days we'll see how the peaches feel about taking a hot water bath!

Dear Photograph

2011-08-17T20:09:00.000-07:00

I work for an amazing company. I love my job and love that I have some small part in making everyday things seem a little less ordinary. There are so many (SO MANY) veins to the company I work for when I think of what we do I see this labyrinth of threads of every color (mostly orange) making an enormous mess on an empty backdrop. And then when you step back you see the most fascinating image taking shape. It's breathtaking. Is that a stretch? How many people do you know that can say they love their jobs? I can say it without hesitation. It feels hopeful.

This post has quite possibly nothing to do with the company I work for, nor my job. You see, I'm an Experiential Marketing Specialist. Most people don't even know what that means. But I love it. What this post does have everything to do with is a Web site that was shared on the Jack Morton FaceBook page today.

Dear Photograph

There is this baby's-bum-soft spot in my bruised & broken heart for tired, wrinkly, discolored photographs. Aren't they the most lovely creations you have ever laid your baby blues on! Well, Dear Photograph is just someones idea. But what an idea it is. Makes me want to jump on a plane, make a connection onto a much, much smaller plane, arrive in a teeny tiny airport, rent a car, drive an hour or so and take a picture of a picture in all those special places!

Preparedness Pantry Give-a-way

2011-08-15T14:38:00.000-07:00

I'm a big (huge) proponent of preparedness and although I am sure to win, I wanted to share this amazing give-a-way with everyone:

Emergency Essentials is giving away a YEAR SUPPLY OF FOOD to one lucky winner. It could be YOU! I want it to be me, but I'm not that lucky so why not share. (rhetorical question.)

So, click on the image above to be taken directly to the details.

Best of luck, you're a winner in my book.

All desks are NOT created equal

2011-05-01T16:28:00.000-07:00

Remember back HERE when I had that awesome idea for a table & toad stools for Char and Levi made it happen?
Well, he's done it again! Levi made me a beautiful new desk.
The one I was using was a door covered in vinyl placed on two filling cabinets.
It was amazing and huge and great for the time I was in school.
However, it was also taking over my entire second room and I needed a new look.

Here is the masterpiece before any stain:

And here is a really pathetic story about how the rest of this unfolds...

You see, I travel (A LOT) for my fantastic job.
No really, I do have a fantastic job that I love. Love! Love!
Levi built my desk while I was out of town on a particularly long trip.
I picked it up on my way back into town and was so excited to get started I could hardly stand it.
So that night I brought the table and my baggage inside my apartment and ignored the screaming laundry, dishes, unpacking, dinner, etc so that I could work on my desk.

I pulled everything out of the closet and got started.
About halfway through staining it I thought "hum, I don't remember this stain being so brown."
When I was finished with the first coat I stepped back and thought "it will look more like the color I want it to be after a few more coats."
Finally resolved to go to bed I was washing my face and it hit me:
I wasn't using stain.
I WAS USING PAINT!

Ugly paint on beautiful desk:

I flipped.

I ran into my workshop/living room and just stood there staring at the desk thinking "If I had the energy I would cry. Levi is going to kill me."

By this point the paint had dried so I grabbed my sander and went to town.
It didn't make a dent.
The next morning I sanded some more.
It made a small dent.

[Pause for vehicle trouble]

The next day I had to take my Kia into the shop because I noticed a leak when I picked it up from my office after my trip. They brought me home that night and there I sat without the ability to get to a home improvement store for assistance with the desk and me one day closer to Levi coming over for Easter dinner.

The next day (Wednesday) I was told it would take approximately $8,000 to fix the Kia.
So I bought a new car. Appropriately enough I now drive a Chevy Cruze.

To add more glitches to my schedule the big boss was in town from Detroit so after I bought my new Cruze I ran back to the office for a meeting and then out to dinner with everyone. I managed to leave early, having shared my story with the entire office for sympathy, and jumped over to Home Depot.

At Home Depot I purchased (non-stinky) paint remover and the necessary accessories to make my nightmare end. I went home and started the next phase of the project at approximately 9 p.m. By 11 p.m. with paint still visible on the desk, but plenty removed (nasty) I decided to go ahead with the stain and see what happened. At this point there was little I could do to make it worse, Levi was going to kill me anyway.

To my utter surprise once I applied the first layer of stain the desk began to look exactly how I imagined it would. It was beautiful!

Almost as if I had painted it first on purpose...just to get that effect.
And yet, no, I did not.

Finished product:

Isn't is lovely?!

It has since been moved to the wall on the right, but looks just as amazing!
Levi did hear this story first hand and did not, in fact, kill me.
And by the time everyone showed up for Easter dinner at my place...the whole mess was cleaned up...workshop and all.

Now I sit peacefully at my new desk happy as a clam wondering when Levi will start on my dinning room table. Kidding...I know I need to pick out the legs.

Thanks for my desk, I love it.

PYO Strawberries = jam!

2011-05-01T16:00:00.000-07:00

It was a very exciting April with so many things going on it was hard to keep track.

For years now we've (Kelly & I) been talking about going to a PYO (Pick Your Own) strawberry farm. Finally this year we were on top of things and made it happen.
I had the day off of work on Good Friday and Kelly, Charley and I visited LCCL Farms in Rome.
We didn't really know what to expect but we didn't care and came in full "get dirty" gear.

Charley was smart and brought her boots.
Good thing...it was super muddy in the strawberry patch and she was not afraid to dig in.

Kelly & Charley before we really got started.

There is/was still some time left in the growing season so there were plenty of green berries on the vines. Charley did amazing finding & picking the red berries.

Could she BE any cuter!?
Ummm...no.

The berries were huge! And so beautiful.
Kelly and I kept saying "Oh my goodness, this one is gorgeous" or "Wow, this is the biggest strawberry ever!" It was so fun.

Char wasn't the only one pooped out from our harvest.

But she is the only one who decided to lay down on the roof of the car.
We were all ready for lunch and a nap when we finished.

Here is our loot!
We just split up the buckets and each took a box. Mine cost me about $28 and at $1.60/pound that was just over 17 pounds total. I think. Did I do the math right?

They were just so pretty...it was amazing how much more lovely they are than the ones you buy at the grocery store.

In the end we enjoyed a few and made jam with the rest.
With my $28+ worth I came away with 3 quart and 15 pint sized jars of strawberry jam.

Yum. Yum. Yum.
Does anyone want the one jar of store bought jam I have in my cabinet?
I can't wait to break into these!

2011 Summer Garden (strange things are happening!)

2011-05-01T15:30:00.000-07:00

This...

...is what my garden looked like the day or so after I planted everything.

And this...

...is what it looks like today, about a month later.
We are always so quick to complain about the weather in Georgia, and with good reason. But if this growth is any indication of the fruits that the plants will produce, I am beyond thrilled.
Not exactly ready for Georgia summer heat, but ready for some produce.

One pot of Snap Dragons is still going strong...

But I can't say the same for my Ranunculus.
I don't know what happened, but I am so sad about this.

On a happy note...do you notice my bird house here?

There is a happy little bird living inside!
I saw the spectacular nest inside about a week or so ago and on Easter when everyone was over Jo saw him/her fly out when I opened the door.
Today when I went out to check on and water the plants he/she just stayed tucked right inside.
He/she was really cute, peeking up out of the whole to watch me. Then when I got close he/she ducked back inside. I love that a little birdie has made a home on my porch!

2011 Summer Garden

2011-03-28T21:27:00.000-07:00

"When the world wearies and society ceases to satisfy, there is always the garden."
~ Minnie Aumonier

Mom tells me she worked in her garden when she was pregnant with me. I truly believe that is why I love to play in the dirt. My past apartment patios have not lent themselves to the most ideal container gardens. That is not the case with my patio now. It is easily twice as big as my last patio and has ample sunlight throughout the day. I am so excited about my garden, and have already noticed growth in the majority of my plants.

In my garden grow a plethora of onions, squash, cucumbers, bell peppers and tomatoes.
The plant I am most excited about is this one...

It is a German Queen HEIRLOOM tomato!
Which means I can dry seeds from its tomatoes to plant in next years garden.
Heirloom plants tend to be a little more expensive and given I have not had much success with container gardens I figured I would just try one and see how it goes. If it does produce good fruit I can get a lot of seeds from just one tomato so it will be worth it.

I tried to get a shot of the entire garden, but the containers weren't cooperating.

This corner is called "Tomato Tower"

My sister Anne mentioned growing some sort of flower around her garden to keep the bugs away. I don't recall which flower it was, but either way I didn't really like the looks of it so I opted for snapdragons instead. I doubt they will keep any sort of bug away, but they are so pretty.

My friend from church [Vicki] told me snapdragons struggle through the Georgia summer. I can't say I'm surprised...I struggle through the Georgia summer too. So far they are looking good, which doesn't really say much about the summer struggle since it is only March and we have had what feels like a week of rain to keep them plenty hydrated.

On my second trip to purchase plants {because I found additional containers [more on those in a moment] in my closet} I found Ranunculus...my all time FAVORITE flower ever!

Most people have no idea what a Ranunculus is, and even those that have seen the flower mistake it for a rose. Its nick name is actually the Spring Rose, but I think it is so much prettier than a rose. The crazy thing is there are some 600 species of this flower. They range from the smallest simple flower with just a few petals to blooms with what seem like millions of petals.

Here they are [in the back basket] with the snapdragons.

A wide shot...showing off my awesome watering can.
Note on the watering can: it gets extremely heavy when full of water. And it has this steady leaking stream when I pour, I may have to break down and buy a plastic "can" soon.

The raindrops love resting on the snapdragon petals, I had to stop and take a picture.

The raindrops didn't mind the Ranunculus petals either.

This is a fun project I have growing inside my apartment at the moment.
I am hosting Easter dinner [I hope everyone comes] and I have this really cute idea for a center piece. So in this small glass container I am growing grass. Cat grass to be specific, but either way it should look awesome for Easter. It does need sun however, and we have had very little of that these last few days. Crossing my fingers it will break through the clouds soon.

Now for the special note about the containers in my garden. The last time I tried to grow a garden I had to purchase planters because I just didn't have any. I kept those and used some of them in addition to using 5 gallon buckets some I already had and others I bought from Home Depot. The reason I went with the 5 gallon buckets was based on cost. Each bucket was roughly $3 from Home Depot [lots of stores sell them, that is just what was convenient for me] and the larger plants [like tomatoes] need that much room for their roots. I know this because I did a lot of research online and have a direct line to some experts in the business. HERE is a link to one document I found particularly helpful. It was hard to find information about all the vegetables I planted, but I was able to get a good idea based on the information I had gathered. Point is, 2.5 - 5 gallon buckets were $3+ where 5 gallon planters were $15 - $20, probably because they are decorative. My garden is still gorgeous even with boring white buckets.

I will note that I have seen some very simple planters at Wal-Mart that were only a few dollars. The yellow one in the pictures at the top is one of these, but even that one was $3. The only reason I bought it was because I just didn't have a need for 5 gallons for that particular plant.

I did put pea gravel or river rock at the bottom of all of my buckets and drilled wholes about 1/2" from the bottom of my buckets for drainage.

One more thing about containers: did you see what my flowers are planted in? Go ahead, scroll back up. I'll wait...

Snapdragons No. 1 are in an old enamel pan I bought a few years ago and never found the right home for. Snapdragons No. 2 are in a blue speckled enamel pan I think I received from my mom. Either that or I bought it ages ago. It had a home sitting on an old stool in the corner of my dinning room, but I like this home better. I put some drainage wholes in the bottom with a nail and hammer...super quick, probably because they were super old.
And my Ranunculus are resting nicely in one of my all-time favorite baskets. I don't remember where I bought this basket but it is the most amazing thing ever. It was holding yarn, and quite nicely I might add. But the Ranunculus needed a nice home and in my opinion they look amazing in that basket.

Needless to say I spent plenty on the soil and the plants and if I grown anything I hope I grown enough to at least break even. As one of my experts says "food you grow on your own just tastes better." So I'm good with that.

Now go play in the dirt!

Table & Toadstools

2011-03-23T18:15:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a while since my last post. Believe me, I'm as tired of looking at the last one as you guys are! But never fear, I have some awesome posts ready to share.

Let's get started with at least one tonight.

A few weeks ago I covered an event in Knoxville for one of my co-workers. It was a women's show and for the most part there wasn't much I was interested in seeing. Until I saw this darling little stool:

I knew I HAD to make it for Charley and her new bedroom.
I also knew I couldn't do it alone. I didn't have to talk him into it, Levi was all over this cute little project. Needless to say I was excited he was so eager to help.

The next Saturday we headed to the orange box store that everyone visits on the weekends.
It took only a moment from this brilliant brother of mine and an orange apron to figure out the best options for our little project. $50 later and we were on our way to Levi's to get started.

I knew Levi would have tools, but I didn't know he would have all the right tools!
We had to cut circles out of plywood for the seat. Levi rigged his router up so we would have the perfect size for our buckets.

The leftover circle...the perfect project just waiting for some hot glue and craft paper!

Levi even let me do some routing...I helped make our mess even bigger.

We took a break for lunch and Levi posed with our first finished toadstool:

And the three (yes, only three) toadstools before we added the fabric and padding:

Next we jumped into the table.
Pretty easy, just a straight cut but I "made" Levi rout the edges, I didn't want to mess it up.

Home Depot didn't have legs the height I wanted so we bought super thick dowel rods, threaded pieces, and the female parts that screw into the bottom of the table. Levi had to get out the grinder and cut the threaded pieces down, but it was lightening quick!

And here is Levi with our almost finished project:

Charley's momma, Kelly helped me pick out the fabric to match her orange and pink room:

And here is the little munchkin thrilled as a peach at her new table!

Charley helped Kelly and I paint the table white and it is now sitting pretty in her new bedroom.
Unfortunately I don't have a picture of the final project. But I will get one, I promise!
For now I leave you with a picture of Charley on her new bed, in her new room:

She is so stinking cute!
And heck ya, I'll be sleeping on that trundle bed during sleepovers.

A day in the life...

2011-02-13T18:33:00.000-08:00

I have decided that there is no possible way for me to keep up with this blog as much as I would like. That being said I am going to try to post at least everything Sunday. I figure if Ms. Getting-Her-Masters-In-London can do it...so can I. Thanks for the inspiration Reese!

To make this easier I think I will also employ the use of the bullet point. So...here we go, the past few weeks worth of updates:

Sent one man packing...literally in a box. It was sad, it's been a long time coming and I'm still not sure what to do with the feelings I still hold deep inside my heart. But I am hoping time and distance will do its job and make the pain a little less so.
I may have met a new man...and if I did and he turns out to be someone I want to share with you, I might just consider doing it on here. We shall see however, there's nothing like sharing the beginning and the end of a relationship with the blogamily (see previous bullet point). One of these days there won't be an end!
Spent last week on the coast with my dealers - Myrtle Beach and Charleston. I am really starting to enjoy Myrtle Beach and if I were in the market for a beach residence this would be my first pick. I have always thought it prudent to purchase a beach home before I purchase a permanent place and I would like it to be in the MB!

Pause...I may have spilled tea on my laptop whilst typing the above and had to abruptly snatch the battery out of the computer and let it dry...now we're back and all better (I think)

Jetted up to Greenville last night for a Sales Rally today. It was great and especially nice that G'ville is so close!
Glad to be home...see you Sunday (unless something really exciting happens between then & now.)

No TV: day 7

2011-01-25T20:16:00.000-08:00

I had to look at the calendar to determine that today was day 7 without television.
And although I allow myself wholesome movies on the weekends, I haven't watched any, I simply haven't had the time.

I am literally about to fall asleep at my computer.
I got home from Myrtle Beach at about midnight last night and had to be up early this morning for a meeting...that I inadvertently missed. Drat!

That is why tonight I will say, TV...what TV?!
And be done with it.

Then I will share this awesome photo I took out of the balcony door of my room at the Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort & Spa.
AKA: Heaven.

I will be back to sleep on your bed made of clouds!

No TV: day 5 ...and Myrtle Beach

2011-01-23T18:30:00.000-08:00

Ahoy from the land of milk and honey. No wait, that's not right. More like the land of sunsets, sunrises and sandy beaches. Myrtle Beach is incredible! The view from my hotel room is stunning and I have a really crappy camera-phone picture to prove it...see, right there on the left.

The television fast is still in full swing and I have to admit being in a hotel room does present its challenges. Not because I am dying to watch something mind blowing (ha! ha!) but simply because I'm not in my own home where I would have a laundry list of things to fill my time. Here I'm kind of at the mercy of what came in my suit case or going out somewhere. I drove a regional GM vehicle over for the Sales Rally tomorrow, it is currently sitting 10 floors below me in the ballroom which means I won't be driving around the town souvenir shopping until tomorrow night. (Kelly asked me to bring her a turtle from Myrtle Beach and I think a fine name for that turtle will be Yurtle.) (Yes, she might kill me if I actually bring her [read: Charley] a turtle.) I did go to dinner with the trainer that is in town for tomorrow's rally. We went to TGIFriday and although I have no picture to share, my dinner was scrumptious! Some sort of Parmesan encrusted chicken, cheese tortellini and tomato/mozzarella salad. Yummy all the way to the tummy!

Here is a picture of me from a few nights ago. Why? Because this is my blog...that is why! Notice the bag of sugar on the table behind me? It was still there when I left my apartment this morning. No, I don't have time for television. And will someone please tell the maid to put the Costco groceries away!

The friend who asked for this picture said I didn't look happy. I said I was just tired, but now as I look at the picture I see a glimmer of a smirk. I think I was perfectly happy, you just can't tell because of the awesome quality of the camera-phone image. Perfectly happy I say!

Nighty night world!

No TV: day 4 ...and free stuff!

2011-01-22T10:57:00.000-08:00

It is only day 4 and I am contemplating turning off my cable permanently. Almost every day I have another person tell me how they turned off their cable, don't own a television, or only watch on the weekends. Impressive.

At work it is commonplace for everyone to gather in our break room for lunch. I think we travel so much that the idea of going out to lunch when we are in the office is very unappealing. The other day there were just a few of us in the break room and for some reason the topic of television came up, so I mentioned my fast. To my amazement, everyone there seemed to be in agreement that there is very little on television worth watching anymore. My boss made a great comment, she said, "sometimes you just have to do what you feel is best." And I couldn't agree more!

Now, for the free stuff! Marcy over at A Girl in a Gorilla Suit is continuing a very popular "homemade" give-a-way, so I thought I would play along.

I promise to send something handmade to the first 4 people who leave a comment here.
To be eligible, you must also post this on your blog, offering the same thing to 4 other people.

The rules:
It must be handmade by you (me)
It must be sent to your 4 people (you!) sometime in 2011

I will admit, I think I tried this once before and no one commented on the post. I was sad and I thought "hey, I make some really great stuff! Why doesn't anyone want it?" And then I got over it and moved on. So with that said, I realize I might be setting myself up for disappointment yet again. But I'm not afraid! OK, maybe a little afraid.

Now, I can make a mean beanie cap and I can rock it in the kitchen, so you might just end up with something really great!

Be sure to leave your email address in your comment so I can get in touch.

Oh, I hope it's someone I don't know...I love meeting new blog friends!

No TV: day 3

2011-01-21T20:41:00.000-08:00

Again I ask, "Who has time for television?" It's 11:43 p.m. and I am just now sitting down to the computer after a very long day at the office. I've only been home for about an hour and I am truly tired.

Now, before anyone thinks I am that devoted to my new position (that I love) I was not at the office this late, I just had a lot to do. I left the office just before 6 p.m. and after a quick trip to my favorite nail salon I enjoyed some yummy Chinese dinner at a restaurant around the corner. Yes, I went to dinner by myself and read the book I got at the library about John & Abigail Adams. (I'll share more on the book in a moment.)

After dinner I decided to find the closest Baskin Robbins and treat myself to an ice cream cone with one of the gift cards my blog friend Shauna sent me. Thank you Shauna...it was so yummy! Mmmm, Chocolate Fudge, delicious! Yes, it's still pretty cold outside, but when is it too cold for ice cream? Answer: never.

A note about Shauna, if you don't already follow her blog, you should start today! She is so talented and has the most spectacular ideas about everything from crafts with the kids to Family Home Evening to (my favorite) her holiday shelf. I really want to start a holiday shelf in my own home and every month I am seriously going to put up a different picture of myself! OK, maybe I'll use pictures of other peoples children. Whatever! I just love Shauna though, and you will too. Trust me.

I really do need to get to bed, but before I do I really must share the sweetest thing I read in this book. Apparently the Adams' were quite in love. They would write letters to one another when they were apart, which is something I do wish we did more of. Isn't the art of love letters lost on technology. Instead of love letters from your betrothed, now you might get a text message "Yo babe, what's up?" We should rally to bring back the art of letter writing! I'll start with a letter to Congress, they aren't doing anything right now anyway.

Alright, back on track...during their engagement there were quite a few letters (because they were apart most of that time.) At one point the author, Joseph J. Ellis even mentions that when their grandson published their correspondence he chose to leave their courtship out. Maybe it was a little too bawdy to share!? Here is a little taste of a letter John wrote to Abigail that was left out by the grandson:

"Miss Adorable: By the same token that the bearer hereof [JA] satt up with you last night, I hereby order you to give him, as many kisses, and as many hours of your company after nine o'clock as he pleases to demand, and charge them to my account."

Isn't that the cutest thing ever?! I sure think so.

Because I shared a letter written by John I think it only fitting to share one written by Abigail. This was part of the last letter she wrote to him before they were married, October 25, 1764. And because the author wrote it so well, I will use his words...

"Abigail asked him to take her belongings, which she was forwarding in a cart to their new home in Braintree. 'And then Sir, if you please,' she concluded, 'you may take me.'"

I swoon! Such eloquent writing in the 1700s. But oh weren't they clever! So much more to read, I'm still only on the first chapter. It does seem a little more challenging to read than your average run of the mill tweeny books, but it seems promising.

On a side note, thank you all for your book recommendations!
Keep them coming!

No TV: day 2

2011-01-20T19:59:00.000-08:00

This might be an easy thing to say, given today is only day two on the television fast but I have to be honest...going without television is really not that big a deal.

After the Young Women's activity at church tonight I shared my television fast with a few of the girls. It would be putting it mildly to say they freaked out. "What do you do all day?!" was one question. An easy reply given I work the majority of that time.

With comments like, "I can't live without Idol!" and "But Glee starts tomorrow!" I can appreciate their intent to watch the shows they like, but the only thing it did for me was fuel my fire. I am really, very intent on making this 30 days a good thing, not just the 30 days I spend without television. I gave them a little warning that I might pass on the challenge to them sometime in the not so distant future...they seemed a little frightened.

At our joint Young Women/Young Men activity the youth recorded their very own Mormon Messages. If you've never seen a Mormon Message (you haven't been paying very good attention to my blog because I posted a really great one here a few weeks ago) you can find them on The Mormon Channel. We encouraged the kids to write something meaningful, that would help others in their pursuits to choose the right, and boy did they do a great job!

The leaders did not just stand in the wings watching all this magic happen, we put on our own Mormon Message about making the right decisions. I played the angel (you know, the one sitting on your shoulder) and got to wear this awesome white dress my mom made me when I needed to play Cleopatra for a school presentation. Maybe when we get the videos up I'll share a few here. We'll see.

Last night I started reading the Book of Mormon from the very beginning (again) and just one chapter in I had a little moment with Lehi. Do you ever just feel exhausted when you pray? No? Really? Am I the only one? I can't be the only one. Sometimes it just feels like there is so much going on and so much I need help from the Lord with that my own prayers become very overwhelming.

So last night I was reading in 1 Nephi 1:7 "And it came to pass that he returned to his own house at Jerusalem; and he cast himself upon his bed, being overcome with the Spirit and the things which he had seen." For years I have thought How can I be the only person that gets overwhelmed by their own prayers? And as it turns out, I'm not! I realize the Lord appeared to Lehi and showed him many thing and his experience far outweighs mine, but he was so overwhelmed he had to take a nap! That is huge.

Now I also realize that it was during this nap that Lehi saw a great vision and that is big...BIGGER than any overwhelming feeling I might have because of my own trials. But I believe that there is purpose in every single thing that is written in the Book of Mormon, otherwise it would not be there! So a simple scripture in one of the most commonly read chapters in the Book of Mormon helped me related to Lehi and his need to take a nap.

Life can get very overwhelming, even without Heavenly Father appearing as a pillar of fire and showing you many (many) things. But the lesson to be learned is not that Lehi took a nap, but that after his nap he got up, taught his family what he had learned and moved them into the wilderness because the Lord told him to.

Bravo Lehi, bravo!

No TV: day 1

2011-01-19T16:41:00.000-08:00

Did you know that a Mormon by the name of Philo T. Farnsworth invented the television? Or to be more accurate, the first fully-functional and complete all-electronic television system.

It's true, it even says so on Wikipedia, where all truth and knowledge resides.

I know about Philo because I took a writing class my first year of college and our text was the story of his life. It was fascinating at the time, but I don't remember much about it now.

I bet if he saw what we see on television now he would be really disappointed.
It is an amazing thing, the television. And so many great things have been accomplished/seen because of it so I am truly grateful. But doesn't it feel sometimes, like television rules your life?

Day one of the "television fast" is relatively uneventful. It helps that I work all day, but the moment I came in the door I had the urge to turn on the tube. I don't even know that I have gotten in the habit for anything more than hearing the noise. But isn't that kind of the problem now? The noise. I do believe it is.

After work I ventured out into the great unknown that is Alpharetta, Georgia and found the public library. Yes, they do exist! Happy to find out it is open until 8 p.m. and glad to see there were actual people inside, I ventured to the "new books" sign posted on the first rack of books I saw. They are having new computers installed so I could not access the catalog, and figured this was the safest place to be until I could get my bearings.

I knew I wanted two books, a fiction and a non-fiction, I just wasn't sure what to look for.
I also had a recommendation from a friend, but when I went in search of that book it was no where to be found. Maybe next time perhaps.

That's when I stumbled upon these two books:

First Family | Abigail & John Adams by Joseph J. Ellis
and
The Postmistress by Sarah Blake

We shall see how they turn out, but I am eager to get started reading.

Do you have any book recommendations?
Would you recommend it to your mom or dad?
Then leave a comment...I obviously need suggestions.

The sad truth of this whole "television fast" is that I may not have as much time to read as I had originally hoped. I have clean clothes to fold/iron/hang, dirty clothes to wash, a bathroom and kitchen to clean, church and work obligations too. Then there's the extra room that still has boxes that need to be unpacked and the living room that needs to be vacuumed.

When did I have time to watch television to begin with? I think I am just so generally tired that sitting in front of the television not thinking about anything is very tempting.

There is a purpose here and it is important to stay focused. I'm searching for something, something important and meaningful and I don't need the invasion of the television to distract me. Stay focused Katherine!

Don't forget: lights out at 10 p.m.

Challenge: No Television for 30 days!

2011-01-19T12:53:00.001-08:00

Wednesday, January 19, 2011 I will give up television for 30 days

The Rules:

1. No television. Period.

2. Movies allowed from Friday - Sunday evening

Oh imagine the things I will have time to do!

Oh imagine the crap I will be keeping out of my mind!

Anyone care to join me?

I triple dog dare you!

There's a crack in my barrel.

2011-01-18T19:25:00.000-08:00

I know I promised something off the beaten path for today’s foodie post, but it was 2 p.m. and the only thing I’d consumed was half a bottle of water and a mint…I just needed good food. And what better place to find good food when you’re on the road than Cracker Barrel? Seriously, best all time travel meal destination, especially when traveling alone. Because there is something about traveling alone that makes me want to stick close to the comfortable.

I asked to be sat next to an outlet (dead computer battery) so I am kind of in my own little world and I love it. There are a few older couples sitting a few tables away, but none of them are making out. And there is a fun little family sitting at a large table against the opposite wall. Four teenage boys and their parents…I can only imagine how much they can eat!

Speaking of food, I decided on the good’ol chicken fried chicken standby and it is so yummy. The mac-n-cheese is scrumptious and rivals the best I’ve eaten (BBQ Street) but sadly the pinto beans are a little disappointing. I really thought they were going to be great, this is just the kind of place that should make amazing beans…not so much. They needed salt and the sad thing is that at the point where they get to my table, salt really doesn’t do much. The baked apples are just sitting there staring at me like I am neglecting them, but I didn’t know what else to order (THREE sides…really?!) I’m stuffed and I still have a ton of food left on my plate(s.) But I can’t lie; maybe my favorite part of the meal was my Diet Coke with lemon. Sometimes when you ask for lemon in your drink they come out with a slice of lemon the width of a quarter. I do try to “squeeze” it, but usually I end up pulverizing it with my wimpy little fingers. Well not this place, I have a quarter wedge of lemon in my Diet Coke and it is marvelous! That’s lemon slice you can really get your fingers around. I know it seems a little loony, but it is the little things that make a meal, don’t you agree?

The parents of the teenage boys just left the table, coats and check in hand…three of the boys are still at the table eating. Ha! Love it.

O'Charley's oh bother

2011-01-18T17:10:00.000-08:00

I realized this week that I am missing a great opportunity to blog all about the (sometimes great) food I eat. Not because I am amazing cook (ask anyone, I am not!) but because I travel a good bit for work and being on the road allows me to eat at places I would not normally get to eat. This week I made a deliberate determination that I would try to venture to the non-franchise establishments.

Tonight was a complete fail…O’Charley’s. Give me a break, I didn’t get here until late, and I’ve been driving for five hours so I was just ready to be done with the day. I almost skipped dinner (and maybe I should have gone with that first instinct) but I figured I should eat something.

The O’Charley’s in Bristol, VA feels just like the O’Charley’s in Georgia…or any other state for that matter. The only difference is the mural of course; and this one makes me want to investigate the “Paramount” theater that apparently premiered A Chorus Line on Nov 24 of some year.

The couple sitting behind me is on what I assume is a second date. I’m guessing the girl “had a few” to calm her nerves before he picked her up because she is obnoxious and I can hear every word that comes out of her mouth! Her date smells amazing and I wish he were my date. OK, not really, but he does smell very nice.

The couple in front of me is sitting on the same side of the booth…FACING ME. Hello. You saw I was sitting here, facing this way, before you sat down. You could have put some effort into the minimal thought it would have taken to determine sitting on the other side of the table might have been a better idea. The best thing about sitting across from them is getting to watch them make-out through dinner. There is something about kissing a man that has just put a piece of food in his mouth. Not appealing.

This might be the lesson I learn when I eat at the everyday, run of the meal franchise restaurant. Eat boring food, blog about your dinner neighbors. (They keep kissing!)

I will say this for the food; O’Charley’s has always been a favorite for a number of reasons:

It makes me think of Char and I love that girl so much! I got to see she and Kelly (oh, and Justin too) this past weekend and it was a good thing. I was going through major withdrawals.
Rolls. Do I really need to say anything more? I didn’t think so.
California (whatever it’s called) Salad with strawberries and candied pecans. You don’t even need the dressing, that salad was dropped from the Heavens I am sure.
She is now laying her head on his shoulder. Good grief.
They serve Pepsi – which is not normally a plus in my book – but they are one of the only restaurants that serve DIET Mt. Dew. Sure, most have the regular Dew, but Diet is a treat indeed.

Tonight I guess it was just about finding a good meal close to the hotel. (There is a lot of action at the booth in front of me…so uncomfortable.) I did try something different tonight, 7oz steak, and it wasn’t horrible. The only thing O’Charley’s needs now is Wi-Fi. Maybe someone in the PR department will stumble on my blog and take my suggestion to the top. Come on guys…you can’t be next to every Marriott in the south and not have free Wi-Fi going on. Hop to it.

I’m headed back to Atlanta tomorrow after my meeting and although it is a five hour drive, I saw some pretty sad looking antique shops on the way up and they were screaming my name! I hope they are open tomorrow…I would love to find a $3 treasure.

This couple is making me want to vomit…I’m outta here.

Atlanta on Ice 2011...and many other things.

2011-01-14T20:21:00.001-08:00

Today is Friday of the shortest, but longest week ever known to Atlantans.

Five days ago (Sunday night to be exact) Atlanta was predicted to get the storm of the century.
I really never doubt that sort of prediction and honestly don't think much of it except that I forget where I live! I had groceries and other necessities and had even brought home work in case we truly couldn't leave our homes come Monday morning. We all thought, "oh sure, wouldn't that be nice! It will never happen."

At one point Sunday night I looked outside and saw nothing. Not even a breeze or a cloud in the sky. The next time I looked out the window there were 4 inches of snow on the ground. And the last time I looked out the window before I went to bed everything was covered with ice and a steady stream of sleet was still coming down.

Monday at home was lovely. It was quiet and peaceful outside and although cold, I was able to stay in the safety of my home and work. Maybe a movie or two for background noise.

I even had two cardinals outside my patio.

Tuesday was a blur.

No really, I don't remember anything that happened on Tuesday.

By Wednesday with still more ice in my apartment parking lot than on the floor at a Thrashers game, I was done being happy about not having to go into the office. I just needed to get the flip out of my apartment!

And I did just that. Publix is literally less than a mile up the road so I ran out to get Diet Coke and see what else I fancied. I figured why not pick up a pizza for dinner...

I am pretty sure I got the last California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken for one.
Scary.

Technically I have dried milk in my food storage, although I was out of the stuff I would want to actually drink.
And this particular trip was mostly about Diet Coke, right.
Good thing...

You're probably thinking, "Hey, it looks like there is some right there in the center!"
Nope, eggnog, cream, and other milk-like products.

So it should come as no surprise that by some point in the extremely long, very unplanned semi-nothing close to a vacation, I started unpacking more boxes from the guest room/office/extra closet/storage space/catch all.

It should also come as no surprise that I could literally torch 90% of those boxes and would NEVER miss the contents! Yes, serious. But I had to do something, one more episode of "Say Yes to the Dress" or "The New Adventures of Old Christine" and I was going to die.

It was one particular box that really caught my attention.
It is a box of files.
They are organized...come on, it's still me!
But there is a file for just about everything. And in each file is some slip of paper, clip out of a magazine, a photo, a million bank statements, you name it, I've got it.
Why in the world do I keep all this stuff?!

That's when I came to this realization...

My entire life I have been planning this great show thinking what I am doing right now is just a preview. A really great preview, mind you, but a preview just the same.

But that show I've been planning, it is going to be a doozy...
It will be amazing, exciting, entertaining, and oh so glamorous.
There will be great food (I've got a file for that) and a fantastic wardrobe (yep, one for that too.)
Each year of that very entertaining life I will do my taxes (oh yes, file!) and just in case I have to do them for years past (guilty...oh so guilty) I'm good.
There will be crafts, I have a few ideas (...in a file!) and in case you think I missed your birthday, oh not this year I've got cards (where else?) and I will single-handedly revive the US Postal Service in 2011 because on top of cards I have ENVELOPES! Lots and lots of envelopes. Why?

And oh yes, because this planner (and wedding cake creator extraordinaire) has planned or participated in the planning of most of my besties weddings, I most certainly have a file for THAT!

I looked at that box and slid it right under my desk.
Right next to the shredder.
(I'll get to it soon, I promise!)

Then I gave myself a real good talking to...

You're not planning for anything anymore.
You are living it! Right now.
For 30-some-odd years you have been watching what you thought was a preview, waiting for the main attraction to begin and all along you were missing the big show!

Snap out of it girl.
Live it up!

I might have used different words.
Maybe I didn't say them out loud.
But I thought them, oh I thought them long and hard!

Now the question remains, does anyone need anything?
I feel the urge to purge!

Oh, and lest I forget to address the issue of the ice on the roads in Atlanta and our many critics.
This is the south people, we don't do ice. We really don't do snow either. And wow do you want to be anywhere but here for rain in its smallest form. Seriously, ask anyone.

Point is, I get it we are just not equipped for it. We (like I'm involved in Georgia government somehow) and our 7.5 snow/ice plows just can't hack it for this New York City of the South.
The south is exceptional at hosting, we love visitors!
The south is fabulous for catching some rays!
And the south is the perfect place to get some good'ol country cookin!
The south is humid and hot...did I mention humid?
But we are THE SOUTH! and you should NOT be able to ice skate down Peachtree Street:

p.s. I went back to the office on Thursday and I can only remember one other time I was so excited to go to work.

Public Service Announcement

2011-01-11T17:28:00.000-08:00

I know I shouldn't laugh, but I couldn't help it I thought this was so funny. I received this email from a friend and even as I laugh I agree there is some very helpful information so I knew I needed to share:

THINGS YOUR BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU:

1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.

2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.

3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste... and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.

4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it..

5. If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.

6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy.

7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom - and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.

8. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door - understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather.

9. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.)

10. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.

11. Here's a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms.

12. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me.

13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system . If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television.

8 MORE THINGS A BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU:

1. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.

2. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.

3. I'll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he'll stop what he's doing and wait to hear it again.. If he doesn't hear it again, he'll just go back to what he was doing. It's human nature.

4. I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?

5. I love looking in your windows. I'm looking for signs that you're home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I'd like. I'll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.

6. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's easier than you think to look up your address.

7. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it's an invitation.

8. If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.

Sources: Convicted burglars in North Carolina, Oregon, California, and Kentucky; security consultant Chris McGoey, who runs

Protection for you and your home:

If you don't have a gun, here's a more humane way to wreck someone's evil plans for you. (I guess I can get rid of the baseball bat.):

WASP SPRAY

A friend who is a receptionist in a church in a high risk area was concerned about someone coming into the office on Monday to rob them when they were counting the collection. She asked the local police department about using pepper spray and they recommended to her that she get a can of wasp spray instead.

The wasp spray, they told her, can shoot up to twenty feet away and is a lot more accurate, while with the pepper spray, they have to get too close to you and could overpower you. The wasp spray temporarily blinds an attacker until they get to the hospital for an antidote. She keeps a can on her desk in the office and it doesn't attract attention from people like a can of pepper spray would. She also keeps one nearby at home for home protection. Thought this was interesting and might be of use.

FROM ANOTHER SOURCE

On the heels of a break in and beating that left an elderly woman in Toledo dead, self defense experts have a tip that could save your life.

Val Glinka teaches self-defense to students at Sylvania Southview High School . For decades, he's suggested putting a can of wasp and hornet spray near your door or bed.

Glinka says, "This is better than anything I can teach them."

Glinka considers it inexpensive, easy to find, and more effective than mace or pepper spray. The cans typically shoot 20 to 30 feet; so if someone tries to break into your home, Glinka says, "spray the culprit in the eyes". It's a tip he's given to students for decades. It's also one he wants everyone to hear. If you're looking for protection, Glinka says look to the spray.

"That's going to give you a chance to call the police; maybe get out."

Maybe even save a life.

Put your car keys beside your bed at night

Tell your spouse, your children, your neighbors, your parents, your Dr's office, the check-out girl at the market, everyone you run across. Put your car keys beside your bed at night.

If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies. This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator. Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this: It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain. It works if you park in your driveway or garage. If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your house, odds are the burglar/rapist won't stick around. After a few seconds all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want that. And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there. This is something that should really be shared with everyone. Maybe it could save a life or avoid a sexual abuse crime.

I'm a Mormon | Jane Clayson

2011-01-06T19:14:00.001-08:00

Although I am not a mother I am a Mormon and of all the videos in the new "I'm a Mormon" series this is my favorite thus far:

Jane Clayson

2010-12-18T17:51:00.000-08:00

Such fun things to share today, I am so excited!

Last night I was at the DeMone's and because I am heading to Michigan for Christmas and won't be in Georgia we went ahead and exchanged gifts.

Kelly made me the cutest camera strap covers for my Nikon!
The first one is a little too big, but it is so gorgeous that I am determined to find something to cover!

This one is equally beautiful and is actually the right size.
I took a picture before I put it on my camera strap.
I'll try to take a picture once it's on, but I don't know how that will go.

Thank you Kelly...I love them!

I was super excited to have a big box key in my mail box today!
The excitement diminished quickly when I found this:

Does anyone (that lives close by) need any Similac?

Last night Kelly & I did a lot of things, including dipping pretzel rods.
Look how pretty they turned out!

And this afternoon I have been busy keeping my kitchen warm with lots of baking.

Yesterday while at Kelly's Salon I had a taste of a yummy oatmeal raisin cookie.
So of course that gave me the craving and these turned out fantastic!

And because I'm a giver, here is the recipe:

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

1 1/4 cup butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
3 cup oats
1 cup raisins

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Beat butter and sugars until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Add combined flour, baking soda, salt and spices; mix well. Stir in oats and raisins.

Drop rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake 8-9 minutes for chewy; 10-11 minutes for crunchy cookies.

Cool 1 minute on cookie sheet. Remove to wire rack. Store tightly covered.

Enjoy!

After the cookies I made wheat bread.
I think I will send a loaf to Uncle Frank and the other loaf might stay here...

Or it might go somewhere else, we shall see.
Notice the cute little Christmas boxes behind the bread.
They are stuffed with Oatmeal Raisin Cookies!

I did receive one very special package this week from across the pond!
I was so excited when I got my Christmas present from Charisse, she always has the best taste and she did not disappoint. She sent a beautiful scarf, some fabulous Cadbury Mini Egg-esque Snowball candies and a sweet little lapel pin that says "Mind The Gap". Love it!

I didn't get a chance to take pictures of the scarf yet, even though I wore it the very next day!
I'll get pictures up soon because it is beautiful.
Thank you Reese!

The end table that was once wood

2010-12-16T19:11:00.001-08:00

I know the title of this post has absolutely NOTHING to do with a washer/dryer.
Oh well.
My blog...my posts...my post titles.

I had to share my Christmas present to myself...

Aren't they pretty?
I know, they are just a washer and a dryer, but they are mine and they are new.
Now I can wear clean clothes!

Back to our regularly schedule program...

A few weeks ago I found this little "wood" table on Craigslist.
I asked the guy if it was actually wood and he said yes.
I doubted he had a clue, so I asked him again.
Again, he said yes.

The table was only $10 so I figured it was worth it.
I really wanted to stain it so I really wanted it to be wood.
I got to the guys place and he brought down the table.
I looked at him (like the idiot he is) and said, "That's not wood, it's press-board."
Then I smacked him across the face wearing brass knuckles...
Kicked him in the gut with my four inch heels...
Then showed him my One-Handed Bulldog to make him think twice about wood.
Idiot.
I'm a chick and I know more about wood than this dude?!
Sure, it was once wood...in another lifetime. Just not THIS lifetime.
This also meant I would not be able to stain the piece for my bedroom.
Fine, I need a table for the living room and again $10. Fine.

Here is it in the original state (not cute):

$20 and a number of hours later here is the final product:

I like it fine, but I hate painting things brown.
I don't mind other colors, like my kitchen chairs are now white...thank you spray paint.
But if something is going to be brown then it might as well be the color of the wood or actual wood stained. But again, this is not actually wood.

Needless to say it serves its purpose well, holding the lamp.
I remembered the other day that it has drawers (shut up) so they are now hiding a few things that didn't have a home.

And there you have it. Don't trust stupid boys. Period.

Santa Claus is coming to town

2010-12-16T18:53:00.001-08:00

I love Christmas and I really love Santa Claus.
It might have something to do with this...

Aside from loving that mustard turtle-neck and my long hair I am thinking that smile has less to do with the season and more to do with who is under that beard so snowy white.

I love that my smile is a dead give-a-way. Or that I can look at Santa's hands and know those are MY daddy's hands. And I especially love how my hand is resting on his. Precious.

Love you Dad!

Shoe project...complete

2010-12-16T18:28:00.000-08:00

Remember in my last post I showed you my "shoe project"?

Update: It's finished...

Be jealous, it's only natural and who wouldn't love a shoe collection that includes some of these beauties!

(On a side note, if you plan to embark on a project like this of your very own I have a suggestion. Don't print out actual photos, just build a page in PowerPoint [or similar program] and make the images the size you actually need them. Photos that are 4"x6" are too big and didn't fit in the space provided so I had to cut them down. It works and I'm happy, but I'm a giver so I wanted you to have all the information you would need to make your project THAT much better!)

The weekend and a new apartment

2010-11-21T19:17:00.001-08:00

This weekend was bound to be a complete craze with all the things I needed to get done around my new apartment. I am so grateful for (brother) Levi and puppy Axel who came over to take care of some of the things my husband should be here to take care of, but he is lost.

First he installed my new shower head...

Halle-freaking-lujah!

I know, you would think this is something I could do on my own, because I actually have many times. But this time I couldn't get the old shower head off the bloody pipe! I could have gone out and purchased the proper tools, but Thankfully Levi had them and made it happen like magic. Now I don't feel like I am trying to rinse my hair with a squirt gun.

After a trip to Home Depot he put some support brackets in the closet so I would feel better about this:

Isn't it beautiful?!

That's a rhetorical question.

That is not all of my shoes, but it is most and I even have room for more!

As I put each pair on the shelf I also took a photo and will print and mount them to the front of the box so I can see which pair is inside. I can't wait to get this project done, it's been on the list for a while.

Levi also installed a digital thermostat for me and I am SO EXCITED I can hardly stand it.

Before my heat was literally running all the time and I could not tell what the actual temperature was set on or what the temperature in the apartment was for that matter.

Since he installed the digital unit the heat has hardly been on at all and I can kick it up only one degree and have it take the nip out of the air. As opposed to before when the kick would toss it up five degrees or so. Who knew I could be so happy over such a little tiny change. The apartment complex must have an arrangement with the power company, otherwise they would already install the $25 digital unit in the apartment to begin with.

After Levi left I installed a mirror in my bedroom. You know how studs are supposed to be spaced ever 16 inches? Well it should come as no surprise to anyone that I couldn't find my stud!

Dad taught me this trick in my last apartment (that was built in the early 1900s) so I measured out the 16 inches and tried my first nail.

Fail.

Over about an inch and tried again.

Fail.

As you can see I failed a few times.

That stud was so far off from the 16 inch mark that it felt a little too much like reality to me.

I finally managed to get the mirror hung and with the exception that it is not evenly centered with my bed, it turned out just fine.

I guess I need a stud finder more than I realized.

The funnest part of my weekend was Friday night when I had a date with Madeline & Tanner for a birthday dinner. They decided on hibachi and we managed to enjoy ourselves despite our lack of skill in the chopstick department.

After dinner we wasted some time at Wal-Mart looking for exciting ways to spend money. Our goal was anything under $5 and both T & Mads were happy with their finds.

Well, that just about does it for the weekend. Eventually I will unpack enough boxes to feel comfortable taking a few pictures of my apartment, but that will have to wait.

I'm off to South Carolina tomorrow for work and then the 'Rents will be in for Thanksgiving. I am so excited for Turkey Day, I seriously haven't been this excited in years. Couldn't tell you why, but I like it.

fireplace | fire | smoke

2010-11-18T20:47:00.000-08:00

My new apartment has a fireplace and I am determined to use it.

Tonight I purchased some firewood from Home Depot.
Then I came home and proceeded to fill my apartment with smoke.
It was fabulous...really warmed up the living, dining room and kitchen nicely.

Not sure if I should be bothered or relieved that the smoke alarm didn't go off.
I'll test it again this weekend when I make some cookies.

Ft. Lauderdale for a day

2010-11-16T19:19:00.000-08:00

I flew to Ft. Lauderdale for a few hours today.
(Yes, I've been up for a very long time and I'm exhausted!)
It was marvelous!

The weather was perfect and I wish I had a reason to stay longer than a few hours.

I intentionally drove down the A1A so I could see the ocean and dream of the day I can return to bask in its warmth and loveliness.

I was one of those people who stopped and took pictures with my cell phone.

They are not fabulous pictures, and I wish I had my real camera.

Want to play volleyball?

Ft Lauderdale...I'll be back!

It's the most wonderful time...of the year

2010-11-10T08:13:00.000-08:00

I love this time of year.

From Halloween to New Years everything is exciting, even the air we breath.

This past weekend my good friend Emily invited me to see Irving Berlin's White Christmas at The Fox Theater. It was spectacular!

Most people don't need to be reminded how much I adore music and how much a part of my life it is. Sitting in the audience was difficult, I had to restrain myself from singing along or jumping up on stage. I might have a bug now and need to get out on the stage again soon.

The entire experience was marvelous!

After the show Emily suggested Mary Mac's Tea Room...Atlanta iconic!

We sat in the Atlanta Room...how appropriate!

Mary Mac's serves the most delicious cinnamon rolls (with yeast rolls & corn bread) at the beginning of every meal. They were divine!

Thanks for a great day Emily, I can't wait for our December outing!

Next time we'll have to take a real camera and actually use it.

A turkey for singing time

2010-11-01T18:06:00.000-07:00

Recently I was called to be the Primary Music Leader at church. I was so super excited about the call, even though I knew it would only be for a short time. [Short time given the new work location + an hour plus commute time every morning and night. Yikes.]

This past Sunday was our Sacrament Meeting presentation so I knew I would need something extra fun for the children once Singing Time rolled around. I knew they would either be hyped up on sugar from trick-or-treating or on the spiral down from that sugar high. Either way, I was on a mission to find something to pump them up.

After taking in all the suggestions from my mom and sisters I came up with a (huge) turkey, feathers hidden around the room with songs on the back. Here's how it went down:

1. Find super cute turkey on line.
2. Purchase $25 overhead projector from Michael's.
3. Purchase large roll of paper.
4. Tape two pieces of paper together because one isn't quite large enough.
5. Find a dark place to set up the contraption. (Garage perhaps)
6. Trace the image with a pencil.

You can see the original turkey on the bottom right.
The one I used on the overhead projector was about half that size.

7. Use very large Sharpie marker to trace the pencil drawing.
8. Step back to get a better view, continue to use Sharpie were you missed earlier.

Looking good!

8. While your contraption is still hung in the garage, trace feathers on colored paper.
9. Trace over feathers with larger Sharpie.
10. Cut feathers to match original feather partner.
11. Trace/Sharpie/Cut gobble gobble piece for additional song choices. Could have used the ribbon/bow too if I needed another song.

This picture is missing the top feather, but it's there...just look in the next picture.

12. Locate your stash of crayons from a box that will soon be unpacked in your new apartment.
13. Color the body of the turkey.
14. Don't color the original turkey feathers, it is more to the point when they are white and the children need to find the colored feathers to complete the turkey.
15. Note: I traced the little head piece on red paper and glued it to the top/yellow feather so it was one piece...it just didn't seem right to cover it up when the feather was eventually placed on Theresa the Turkey's body.

She was a big hit, and Theresa will be joining us again next week although I need to think of a little better way to use her. I might have to throw in some church trivia, oh or maybe name that tune! Any suggestions?

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's off to work I go...

2010-10-26T17:59:00.000-07:00

The long and short of it is that I got a job. No, let me rephrase: I got THE job!

Me on my first day:

If only my hair looked that amazing everyday!

My official title is Experiential Marketing Specialist II at R*Works; the agency on record for General Motors. The basics: we handle promotions for all GM vehicle lines.

It is fabulous and I love it. I have literally been tossed in the deep end and I am happily treading water until I can make sense of everything. Everyone is so great and offering up so much help. And I've already been on site at two events where I met some awesome people, including...

Chef Hugh Acheson:

and...

Tennis Pro Brad Gilbert:

I can honestly say that Heavenly Father answers prayers and the hardest part is making it through His time line. I could not have found a better job. I am so excited for what the future holds!

Hilary Swank | Shoes | Must Have!

2010-10-14T15:42:00.000-07:00

This is my last week of freedom, better known for the last 10 or 11 months as boredom. (More about that on Monday...happy dance!) But I have been practicing the early to bed, early to rise routine in hopes of making my new life a little less hectic.

The first thing I learned is that 6 a.m. is an insane hour of the day! And pitch black outside too. I understand there are people who need to rise at that hour. As a matter of fact I know some people rise much earlier (I drove to downtown Atlanta in the wee hours of the morning once to pick up some guy I know.) But this little pumpkin hasn't gotten up that early on a regular basis since early morning Seminary.

Day one was rough and 6 a.m. turned into 7:30 a.m. but it was still earlier than usual. Day two and on it was 6:15 a.m. at the latest. So what does your day look like when you get up that early? Long. Seriously, I'm hungry for lunch before 10 a.m. and ready for bed when it's still light out. And FYI, being an early riser does not make me fall asleep any easier at night. What is up with that!?

Today however was a little different, I was waiting for Mom to show up (in from Ohio this week and leaving to return to Dad today.) While I waited I watched a little Live with Regis & Kelly where Darth Vader (aka: James Earl Jones) and Hilary Swank were guests on the show.

I love Hilary Swank, she is one of my favorite actors and stared in one of my favorite movies, P.S. I Love You with Gerard Butler (gush.) She has the most amazing sense of style and today she did not disappoint. She was wearing a gorgeous red dress that Regis & Kelly couldn't stop talking about! But I lost interest in her dress the moment I saw her shoes! They are stunning! I jumped over to YouTube and grabbed an image so you can see:

I wish I had a better picture, but can you see all the strappy detail on the video HERE.) I want them! I need to know IMMEDIATELY whose name is on these stunning heels. Does anyone know? I'm on a mission.

Wedding Cake | Tasha & Doak

2010-10-02T21:08:00.001-07:00

I've been staying away from the blog lately in hopes that cobwebs will form and help me decorate for Halloween!

Fine, not really. But you have to give me credit for being creative with my excuses.

The real reason for the cobwebs is that I have been busy making a wedding cake for Tasha & Doak. The venue was beautiful and today's weather only made it that much more enjoyable.

Here are a few pictures of the finished product:

Privacy vs Popularity

2010-09-21T16:35:00.000-07:00

Remember in high school when we would flip if one of the popular kids would talk to us?

I have always been blessed by a lot of friends, but by no means would I say I was part of the popular group.

A few days ago I had a conversation with a man who mentioned (in so many words) not feeling popular or included. Maybe a better way to put it would be that he and his wife are feeling left out. I always find it interesting when grownups say things like that. It is so different than hearing someone younger (than say 18) say it. When you're a grownup you can have your own dinner parties and invite anyone you want. You can even go out and meet brand new people, different than any other person you have ever met before. Then you can feel popular and included...or maybe that's the problem!

What's the issue? Being popular isn't a crime. Or is it? The Internet makes it easy for a little known typist to gain worldwide recognition (at least if they know what they're talking about.) If you want you can tell everyone...what you're thinking, where you are, post pictures of your latest hair-cut, party, boy-toy, BFF, videos of your latest argument, lip-sync, dance routine or whatever you want! Aside from the few illegal restrictions you can pretty much do whatever you want to.

What's the big deal, right?

Well Friday of last week I was listening to Market Place on NPR when the segment "What were you thinking?" came on the air. I think this topic is important enough that, although lengthy, I have to share at least part of the written story:

Why we give up our privacy so easily

There was an uproar when Facebook fiddled with its privacy settings -- but really, people willingly give up their privacy all the time for perks like coupons and discounts.

Used to be most coupons came in the mail or in the Sunday paper. But now it is far more common that they come with a click. Online marketers are practically throwing discounts at potential customers. But there is a price. In return, they expect you to hand over all kinds of personal information and you do. Which prompts us to ask:

Jay Leno: Let me start with question number one: What the hell were you thinking?

So how much privacy would you give up for 25 percent off a great new pair of shoes or maybe a free magazine subscription?

Reporter Sally Herships looks at the trade-offs.

Sally Herships: Shea Sylvia is 29. She works in online marketing in Kansas City. She's a blogger and a Foursquare user. In case you're not familiar with it, Foursquare is a mobile app that lets you track your location. You "check in" and your friends know where you are. Some businesses offer coupons if you "check in" at their venue.

A couple of months ago, Sylvia was meeting some friends she'd met through her blog at a restaurant. When she arrived, she checked in on Foursquare. She also posted her location on Twitter.

Shea Sylvia: A few minutes later, the hostess came over to my table and asked if anybody there was named Shea Sylvia.

There was a phone call for her, which Sylvia says she thought was odd. Because after all, she has a cell phone. The guy on the phone said his name was Brian.

Sylvia: And I don't know anybody named Brian. So I kept saying "Who, who?" And he said, "I understand you're meeting people from the Internet, well, maybe you and I can hang out sometime. Maybe we could even go for a bike ride." And then he said, "Is this getting a little creepy?" And it was, so I said yes. And he said, "Maybe you shouldn't check in on Foursquare, then should you, Shea?"

Sylvia asked the hostess how she knew to pick her out of the crowd. Turns out "Brian" had described her. Short hair, glasses, just like what Sylvia's avatars on Foursquare and Twitter look like. I asked her: Why make her location public?

Sylvia: Yeah, what was I thinking?

Sylvia said she felt safe. She was in public, sharing information with friends. She didn't think about the strangers on Twitter and Foursquare who could also see her posts.

There are millions of Sylvias out there, giving away their private information for social reasons. More and more, they're also trading it in for financial benefits, like coupons and discounts. Social shopping websites like Blippy and Swipely let shoppers post about what they buy. But first they turn over the logins to their e-mail accounts or their credit card numbers, so their purchases can be tracked online.

Being a marketing/advertising minded person I have the urge put myself out there. I don't know that this article lessened that urge, but it has caused me to be much more aware. I think most of us believe we are "safe" because of this or that, but I'm pretty sure we can't feel like that anymore.

Read the entire Market Place/What were you thinking? article HERE.

I'm serious.
Go read it now.

for the love of new tableware

2010-09-20T19:58:00.000-07:00

Am I the only person that has been too busy writing on my own blog to catch up on all the great things being written about in the rest of the blogosphere? I know I can't be, because there are so many other bloggers out there far more busy than little ol' me.

Time does tell, that is true. Because tonight I managed to spend a moment over at Hostess With The Mostess where I found yet another item to add to my wish list...

Woodland Cameo plates and mugs by Rosanna, Inc.

I am in love. Can you see the owl? She's wearing a crown! And I'm pretty sure that's mistletoe hanging above the squirrels. And even if I just made that part up, I still love them. I would serve you carrot cake on these during our Halloween dinner party there is no doubt.

See that little black birdy sitting on the plate box? I want him too.

I'll blog about something more meaningful tomorrow.
Promise.

for sale | jewelery/pillow boxes

2010-09-20T19:44:00.000-07:00

Another item on the chopping block.

Set, 12 piece jewelery gift/pillow boxes ($3 each set)

Set contains:

(3) pillow boxes
(3) inserts/necklace holder
(3) gift tags
(3) 1 yd ribbon

6 sets available

Leave a comment if you are interested.
If you pay shipping I'll make the trip to the post office.

Wilton party items for sale | yeah...let's eat cake!

2010-09-20T17:17:00.000-07:00

This might seem rather anticlimactic for me to go from the 30 Day Writer's Challenge to posting items for sale, but it is what it is.

I have an entire storage unit full of items that I would consider parting with for the right price. But today I'm going to start with a few items for your next child's party! I've got everything here posted on Craigslist, so if you see something you want give me a call or email me.

Wilton Ballerina Bear pan ($9)

Wilton Strawberry Shortcake pan ($10)

Hannah Montana pan & candle ($15)

Transformers pan, cupcake liners & candle ($15)

Spider-Man pan, candle, cupcake liners, cupcake toppers & coloring pack ($20)

If you don't have my phone number or email address leave a comment with your information and I'll be in touch.

Happy partying!

30 Day Writer's Challenge | DAY 30!

2010-09-18T14:07:00.000-07:00

Congratulations!
You've made it!

The 30 Day Writer's Challenge was a challenge indeed. That's not to say that I have not enjoyed every moment of the past 30 days and writing for all of you, my loyal readership. But I will say this, coming up with quality content is more of a challenge that I originally thought it would be. And again, I find it a struggle to write about the more personal tug-a-wars I have. I'm working on that too.

As much as I thought I would rely on the original idea list, I really only used a few. It was a fine list, but not really the content I was going for in the end.

But today is special...day 30! Wawhoo! And I have been saving today's topic especially for this special day. So, let's get to it, shall we...

This is Toy Story's Bullseye:

This is Charley's Bullseye:

Char loves him so much...she tells me all the time!

Sometimes she sits or lays on his face.
I don't think he cares, that's just the way they roll.

I made Bullseye for Charley for her birthday.
That's just the way I roll.

My friend Liz helped me.
Technically she did most of it, but I was there for moral support.
Liz rocks. That's just the way she rolls. She's super crafty like that.
Thanks Liz Van D.

Happy 2nd Birthday Charley!

Thanks for sticking around for 30 days.
I wonder if I can keep it up?
I promise I'll do better.
Maybe not every day, but better.

30 Day Writer's Challenge | Day 29

2010-09-17T14:52:00.000-07:00

I want my mommy!

I thought it was just tired vocal chords and an exhausted body. Today I know it is more. I feel like poo.

This morning I woke up feeling much worse than any other day this week and even the hot shower I finally managed, didn't make me feel any better. I've gargled, taken pills, drank wellness tea, and tried to get extra sleep. Nothing. I hate feeling like this and I especially hate being sick.

I need some of those sad little tissues. Not sure they would make me feel better, but they are funny.

This isn't very thought provoking or serious, but I'm pretty sure this is the best it's going to get at the moment. Maybe I'll think of something else to say later.

Maybe

30 Day Writer's Challenge | Day 28

2010-09-16T21:07:00.000-07:00

Preparing myself for happy tears...
This is dedicated to the one I love!

My bestie Charisse is days away from leaving on a jet plane for the other red, white & blue. ENGLAND! I simply can't believe she will be leaving me, alright us. I am so excited for her I simply feel like I will burst at the thought of such a fantastic experience. She will be in England for a year or more (not exactly sure) working on a masters program. Divine, the thought!

I realize it is silly that I will be missing her so, after all right now we are nearly 2000 miles apart and I haven't seen her in years. Such a sad state this unemployment has created in my life. It used to be that I would travel at a moments notice and visit friends all over. Now I have all the time in the world and no mula to make it happen.

Reese honey, I promise to do everything in my power to make the trip to see you. I simply can't imagine you actually LIVING in England and my not coming over to sit for a spell. I'll give you time to get settled, get the lay of the land, find myself a job, stock up on some savings and then I'm on my way over! I wish I were going to be in SLC this weekend so I could come to your party and celebrate this upcoming adventure. I would look at flights, but I would rather save my pennies for England and visit you there. Now I'm sure we will talk before you leave, but tonight I am feeling particularly emotional about losing you to the Brit's. Make some connections and find me a job over there...I'll come keep you company.

Now tell me...how much fun is THIS girl going to have in England!?

Katherine (me), Charisse & Monika

Besties get away to Las Vegas a million years ago.
Remember how much fun we had?
Me neither! Let's do it again in LONDON!

See you soon sweetie!

Side note:
You don't follow Charisse's blog now?
You will want to!
I expect epic international blogging while making her mark in the mother land.

Trippin over this table

2010-09-15T19:46:00.000-07:00

Apartment Therapy is amazing and I always find something to be envious over. Today I am trippin out over this table. It is completely divine!
The thought just crossed my mind that I would have to sit at this table all alone the majority of the time and I don't. even. care. I would take turns sitting in each seat.
And when the entire family or group of friends is over I will be able to seat (almost) everyone.

First: job
Second: house
Third: table

30 Day Writer's Challenge | Day 27

2010-09-15T17:38:00.000-07:00

Faker Faker
Booty Shaker

My throat is killing me. I'm blaming it on a stressful last weekend paired with some necessary high notes reached with these rock'n vocal cords.

Tonight I sat in the living room dwelling on not feeling well, being hungry, and not wanting to fix food much less the food in this kitchen. I gave in and went to the store with plans to buy everything. Or at least mint chocolate chip ice cream, because I knew it would make me feel better at least while it was gliding down my throat.

After first forcing down some hot semi-nutritious goodness I peeled the lid off the container holding the mint chocolate yumminess to find WHITE ice cream. Huh?

I checked the carton, it clearly said "MINT" so why is it white? It should be GREEN! When you buy mint leaves they are clearly green.

White mint chocolate chip ice cream reminds me of that guy you meet who exaggerates how great he is only to open his "container" (I mean, get to know him...get your mind out of the gutter!) to find he isn't the green goodness he said he was!

The white was still yummy.
I suffered through it.

30 Day Writer's Challenge | Day 26

2010-09-14T17:51:00.000-07:00

Luck be a lady tonight!

Roses, sandwiches AND ice cream showed up at my door today being carried by one very handsome man. Luckiest woman on the planet, that's me!

This handsome (although flat) man came my way via Colorado from one amazing blog friend, Shauna at My Mix of Six.

Shauna told me she's been on the watch for a man AND a job for me in Colorado...she's got my back! What a great friend.

So, any suggestions on who I can invite with me on my little outing for sandwiches? Don't get crazy!!! He can get his OWN ice cream!

Shauna, thank you so much!
You rock in a big way.
Huge.
Amazing.
Fantastic.
Love. Love. Love.

| Day 25 bonus feature

2010-09-13T13:36:00.001-07:00

I'm a talker too:

The Human Voice from StoryCorps on Vimeo.

30 Day Writer's Challenge | Day 25

2010-09-13T11:11:00.000-07:00

I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again, I am a big fan of National Public Radio. One of my favorite segments on NPR is Story Corp. I remember more than once sitting in a parking lot somewhere waiting for the story to end on the radio before I went inside.

Danny & Annie's story aired on Monday, June 14, 2010:

Danny & Annie from StoryCorps on Vimeo.

This was too good not to share.
Every woman needs a little Danny in her man.

30 Day Writer's Challenge | Day 24

2010-09-12T18:04:00.000-07:00

Note: Sunday is a day of rest

Searching for a job is only similar to a game of hide & seek in the way that both require you to look for something.

Unfortunately unlike searching for a job, a game of hide & seek usually ends with actually FINDING.

We used to play hide & seek in the house when we were little. That was fun because we had a lot of places to hide. Maybe searching for a job is more like a game of sardines, after all isn't the goal to join the individuals we are seeking?

If real life were like hide & seek or sardines when you opened the bathroom closet and found your little brother or sister crammed into the dirty clothes hamper, holding real still, hoping you can't see them. But what if they don't like your qualifications, skill set, experience or outfit they would reject you by reaching up and slamming the closet door in your face, not sending you a politely written letter.

Maybe hiring managers should take a hint from a few 9-year-old kids and slam a door in my face, at this point I think it might feel better than reading one more email with the sentence, "We regret to inform you that you have not been selected for this position at this time." Because those emails are my FAVORITE!

Especially when I get them on the Sabbath.
Dude, it's Sunday...give it a rest!

Note:
the rejection did NOT come from the job I
really,
really,
really,
really,
really,
really
want.

Just the job I
really,
really
wanted.

Keep praying!

30 Day Writer's Challenge | Day 23

2010-09-11T20:22:00.000-07:00

What I'm trying to say is I'm exhausted.

Who knew that day 23 would be the point in this challenge where, although I am super stoked I am still on top of posting, I might be feeling a little better if I had been on top of day 23 a little earlier in day 23.

You know what would really rock? Going to sleep only after completely turning off all of the alarms! Obviously that's not going to happen.

Have you heard of the city of Pompeii? Wiki only writes the truth so check out the details HERE if you need the know.

Why am I talking about Pompeii? Because I'm in the market for some manual laborers. Someone to dig me out from under all my rubble. Any takers?

30 Day Writer's Challenge | Day 22

2010-09-10T18:59:00.000-07:00

You are not the exception.
You are the rule.

Swallowing a teaspoon of pride sucks, a tablespoon might as well be the crap the dentist uses to make an impression of my teeth.

*gulp*

Let me preface the remaining content of this post with the fact that my father is AMAZING! He rocks on all levels.

With that said I have to apologize to some of the single men on the planet that I have complained about in the past. As a single woman I tend to blame my lot in life on them and that may not be the fairest thing for me to do. Let's be honest, things on the courting front have changed in the past 100 years or so.

Today, courting is something you might do if you need to pay a parking ticket, plead no contest (cause you done it!), or if your baby momma found you and your wages for that minimum wage job are about to be garnished for all that back child support.

Who would think anything about it except that the men are all go with the flow and women are hanging out watching chick flicks every weekend. The worst part is they don't even have to be Pride & Prejudice or Dirty Dancing, every other Friday there are three or four examples of how we are not the exception but indeed we are the rule coming out on the big screen!

But this is it, this is the end. No more blame game between the single women (at least this one) and men, it is clear it is your father's fault. And his father, and his father, and his father. Because somewhere along the line someone missed a step. Instead of teaching their sons how to court a girl with the straight up tell it how it is approach they were practicing their gossip game skills. You lose a lot of details that way folks!

It is however YOUR responsibility to fix this problem, single men of the world. Go ahead, try the kind of courting that does NOT require a summons. We're not looking for a blockbuster, but we are looking for our own chart topping, best selling love story. Imagine...YOU could make that happen!

Just once we want to actually be THE EXCEPTION!
YOUR exception.