Friday, November 6, 2009

Open Letter #1

Dear Attendee of UW Men's Hockey Game Who Happened to Sit in the Same Row As Me,
This must have been the first hockey game you've ever attended, because you obviously are unaware of common game etiquette. So common that it's posted on signs as you walk into the arena. One of the most important rules being, wait until a break in the play to find your seat. Perhaps if you had ever attended a professional game, you would have known this, since the ushers actually stop you from entering the seating area until play has stopped.
Because, really, when there is a power play on our half of the rink in favor of my (our) team, they are in the process of attempting to score, and you walk in front of me, it does not make me happy. So unhappy even, I am ashamed to admit that I spoke unkindly at you. Not towards you, but at you. I'm sure you heard me as you squeezed by, because when you left again 2 minutes later (!) you gave me a look of confused hatred.
I might have gotten over this blunder, had you not committed it again, later on in the game.
Next time, you need to be a little more considerate of the other spectators. Consider this your warning. If it happens again, you just might find yourself on the other side of the railing.
Sincerely,
A Disgruntled Season Ticket Holder
P.S. I'm only kidding about the railing part. But seriously. Don't do it again.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Random Bits, Odds, and Various Ends

Antiquing with my mom was much more fun than going it alone - especially since she knew what things were that I had no idea of, as well as if something was a good deal (yay basket!). I came home with 2 wire gym/locker baskets, a large, heavy pair of Milliner/Sewing (?) scissors - that may still cut, a gold bracelet for my Halloween costume, and a large wicker laundry basket to be used as quilt storage. I'll get some pictures on here once everything is cleaned up.
While I was out the other day, I found a few pieces for Pete's Halloween costume at JT Puffins, Halloween Express and TJ Maxx. It's coming along, slowly but surely. As for my costume, we're waiting on a sewing machine part to come in for a particular edging stitch. My mom is so nice to get this sewing foot just for me. :)  {Thanks mom!}
Last night Pete insisted on buying a RiffTrax and watching the corresponding movie: Twilight. Which, yes I own. If you are not familiar with it, RiffTrax is a recording of a couple people making fun of a movie - that you play right along side of the movie, so you hear both the movie and the poking fun. They started with Mystery Science Theater 3000 (also known as MST3K). I have to say, this kind of humor is more Pete's style, but over the years it has grown on me. The first half was much funnier than the later half, so it was a tad disappointing the hilarity level didn't keep up throughout the full length, but, overall, not a bad $3.99 spent.
Today: Listening to various Phantom of the Opera tracks, reading The Essential Garden Design Workbook, 2nd ed. (for some reason, as I have no yard in which to plant a garden), cleaning up antique treasures, watching a few eBay bids, house cleaning (as always) and possibly a walk in the fall weather.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Hello October

One of my favorite people to watch and blogs to read, Ali Edwards, is teaching a class on Big Picture Scrapbooking (another great resource). Of course I couldn't pass up this opportunity to take a class of hers! Today is the start of class, Yesterday & Today; "to help you meaningfully document and celebrate life by looking to the past before approaching the stories of today." I cannot wait!
Today: Switching the thermostat to heat, wearing a cozy sweater, antiquing with my mom, and Lifegroup later tonight.
Bring on the cocoa and warm cider!

Friday, August 21, 2009

Photoshop

Awhile back, I got a good deal on Photoshop Elements 7 from Costco, as well as a good deal on an intro to pSE7 book from Barnes & Noble. The thing is, I was so excited to get it, having waited for so long, that I promptly did nothing with it. Which totally doesn't make much sense. So, one of my goals is to begin reading the book and following along in PSE so I can become acquainted with the program and actually start to use it. Preferably by the end of the 2009.
But first, I must find the disc and re-install it, as my computer crashed a month ago and I lost some applications. That's what I get for not having a virus-protector installed. {sigh}

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Cleaning

I've been wanting to get our living space to such a place that all it needs is a little bit of work every day to keep it tidy and clean. This desire has been ongoing since... like forever. I came across a website that seems to lead one to this goal. I have tried off an on, but never stuck with it. FLYlady.net is indeed a good starting point. I'm curious if any of my blog readers have any ideas or suggestions about cleaning and keeping a tidy house. (There are only 2 of you aren't there?) ;)

Monday, August 3, 2009

Mondays

For some reason, if I am going to start something new or start something again, it always seems I wait for a Monday. Even though Sunday is technically the first day of the week. Same thing with 1sts of months - start something on the first of the following month. It may be procrastination, but also I like things to be neat, (although you may not think that if you were to look at our apartment right now) and having a beginning on the start of the week just seems orderly.
Fields of Gold by Allard One Photo: Fields of Gold by Allard One

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Halloween Costume Beginnings

One might think that contemplating Halloween in July is a tad crazy. But I would disagree. That is, if you plan to put some thought into it. :) Which I do, thank you very much. By starting now, I give myself time to shop for sales and use coupons for the various components of what I want to do. Some things are "in season" during other times of the year than October.

That being said, I have indeed made my costume decision. I am going to go as Annia Aurelia Galeria Lucilla, daughter of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelias; also known as Lucilla, from the movie, Gladiator. Because this is a little more complex and involved than your average wrap-a-sheet-around-yourself-with-a-safety-pin toga, I will more than likely wear it for more than just one Halloween.

At this stage in the game, I've only started my research of the costume, but have made some significant strides. I will post my progress here, along with the final version, once completed.

Here are some internet-provided images, as well as another Lucilla costume research site, which was the most helpful online source. It was a good jumping off point to the rest of my research.

This other costume research site is here, with some screenshots/screencaps as well as promotional photos.

Lucilla4

Photo: oncourse.iu.edu

Portr-lucilla3 Photo: romancoins.info

Halfbodyshot
Photo: dianethegeek.com

I began with general artwork/statues from the Roman era - evidence of the drape-y outfits.

Followed by internet searches for proper terminology of the dress pieces.

Which in turn led to the library searches. Extensive amounts of books about Rome, only one so far has yielded any assistance, Ancient Greek, Roman and Byzantine Costume & Decoration, Second Edition, by Mary G. Houston, published in 1931. It has illustrations as well as descriptions of what the various pieces of dress were. An excellent resource, highly recommended if you want to recreate an outfit from any of those time periods.

Next time I'll go over more images and some of my specific research findings.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Locked

I've been locked out of my Typepad account for a week or two - hence the non posts. But I'm back now. So, hi!

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Jumpology

I've been on Photojojo's mailing list for awhile now, and one of the subjects a few years ago was jumping - a sure fire way to get smiles! One of the links in the article led me to a Smithsonian article about the founder of the jumping photograph, Philippe Halsman. Which in turn led me to his book, titled Philippe Halsman's Jump Book, published in 1959, which I am currently reading. An inspiring book and concept, I thought we could try it out!
IMG_2175-2 IMG_2176-2

(Disclaimer - these first two photos were my first attempts at this concept of Jumpology - as such, the flash is a little strong and the backgrounds are so unspectacular, as it is simply the kitchen/hallway. That little yellow thing which I could have/should have photoshopped out is half of an Easter egg for the cat.)

Later, Pete and I went for a walk through one of the local parks around sunset, which gave some interesting lighting as well as swarms of, guess what, mosquitoes. (Ugh. So tired of them.)

IMG_2180-2 IMG_2182-2

I have to say, this could be a fun way to document the journey of life.

Today: A little road trip to Cambridge with mom, grocery planning, and possibly some more laundry.

Monday, July 6, 2009

Text the Bocce Fire

Yesterday was a wonderfully tiring day full of money spending and time spending in the out-of-doors. After researching phones online for several hours, I narrowed my choices of a new phone down to two for me and three for Pete. The problem was I had a hard time navigating one of the two and was vetoed on the other. I was told 'no' to the beautiful iphone, and ended up with the Samsung Eternity.
SAM_EternityBlack_color_front
Photo: AT&T

Which, by the way, after playing with it all day, is still a pretty sweet phone. I now have a full QWERTY keyboard and can text all fast and proper and not get seriously annoyed by the mutli-tap process. Pete chose the Samsung a777 in orange, which he loves. (The phone and the color.)SAM_a777Orange_color_openFront

Photo: AT&T

It only took an hour to pick them out and two different stores and two transactions to make the transfer to a new carrier. Thankfully, the store locations were close which also led us to lunch at Panera.

Afterward, we grabbed the cat and headed over to my mom and dad's for the rest of the afternoon. We bathed kitty, but only got in one Burn Notice, one Top Sniper, and one Barefoot Contessa before dinner. But by then we were ready for some time outside since the weather was so nice. A new bocce ball set was broken in, but for this lawn game, I was unable to demonstrate any kind of prowess on my part. [Shame] [Gloom]

Pete suggested a fire in the fire pit and a half an hour later, we were swatting mosquitoes again. With the moon as bright as it was, we dragged out the binoculars and telescope to check it out. This sparked some interest in the possibility of a visit to the Planetarium/Observatory. Perhaps in the near future.

Today: House chores, new phone exploration, cat medication application (how exciting), and more photo scanning.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Friends + Family

Whenever someone uses the "+" symbol, I never know immediately if they meant it to be read as ____ plus ____, or ____ and _____. In this case, I mean "and". As in friends and family. &.

Just so we're all on the same page.

I am so thankful that I had yesterday off from work, so that I could accompany my husband to Milwaukee to visit our friends and family. It seems that whenever we go to R&L's, we're the first ones there - at least that's how it's been the last two times. Hey, at least we're prompt! We must be channeling Zuko, Azula, Ty Lee and Mai. ;) 10 points to anyone who knows what I'm referring to.

Grilling is so much more fun when you have people to do it with, especially when you can hang around outside while it's happening. Not to mention, sampling the new blue Mountain Dew! I have to say, I've never grilled my 'mallows for smores - usually they're roasted over a campfire. But dudes, SMORES! How awesome are they? Delish.

After trying my hand at two new games - Yard Toss and Rock Band, Pete and I headed out to a family member's house for more grilled meat product and salad and soda. At that point in the evening I was stuffed and sadly did not have any more room for the yummy looking eats. By then the state bird had made its appearance and much swatting and scratching ensued. (And by state bird I mean the mosquito.) A yard toss game was also present, at which cousin T and I won all three games we played!


Big thanks to the Rob(b)s who hosted parties yesterday!

Today: New cell phones with a new provider for less money, but hopefully the same phone numbers. An easy-going Sunday with my fam and catching up on Burn Notice. Oh and the cat will finally be getting her bath.

Friday, July 3, 2009

BEES!

Well, bee, actually. I discovered one buzzing in the transom window above the walkout doors.

What is it with bees infiltrating my apartment?! I mean, c'mon. The last apartment we were in, 3 years ago, I had 4 bee-type-wasp things make an appearance.

I truly hope this is not a recurring theme.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

It's a Hope Update!

A month ago, Pete and I attended a live telecast by Dave Ramsey, Town Hall for Hope, a message about hope in the current economy's storm of fear. The video is up on hulu (my TV replacement) and available to watch for free. I highly encourage anyone reading this to watch it, and head over to his website if this sounds like something that interests you. It's an hour and 40 minutes, so watch when you've got some time. You can watch it in standard resolution or high resolution, it is up to you.

The Freshest

A few weeks ago, Pete and I went downtown to the Farmer's Market on the square, but didn't arrive until 10am or so and it was the first weekend opening of the season, so there wasn't much there. I've wanted to go earlier, but could never get myself up at 6 to do so.
Today, was another story. Since Pete didn't want to wake at such an hour on the weekend, I figured I'd try a different market than the downtown one.  Driving in the rain, I headed out to the FM in Middleton. Unfortunately I must have had the wrong address or wrong date, because I couldn't find anything.  Maybe another location would bear fruit (haha)...so I tried another place that is supposed to have a FM. But no, the second location was a dud too. I ended up taking a different way home, and ironically, stumbled upon white tents! With vegetables! And honey! And milk! A real Farmer's Market! By now, it's pouring. Of course.
The good thing with the rain is that not many people were out, so I only had to wait in line behind one person in one booth. On the other hand, I was completely soaked by the end of the trip.  I think my favorite encounter was with a vendor who was about 13 or 14, very polite but rather unhelpful. When I asked what kind of lettuce a particularly beautiful chartreuse head was, he laughed and said, "Oh, no! Don't ask me that! I'm not sure what kind it is, but Mother likes it best."  So I think to myself, well, if "Mother" likes that one best, I can't go wrong!
And I now have some deliciously fresh produce, bread, eggs, honey and preserves. Excellent.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Well ya see, it's like this

I sort of fell off the face of the blogearth. But I do have some fantastical news!
SOLD Yes, our house has sold, we closed on Wednesday, May 13, and the paperwork was finalized on Friday, May 15. The payoffs went through yesterday, and our mortgage accounts are at $0. (ZERO!) Yes, I know that is how it works when you sell a house, your mortgage(s) get paid off. It's just crazy to actually see that balance.
While we took a huge hit in the price and ended up having to pay (literally) to get rid of the place, it is no longer our responsibility, no longer a weight dragging us down. It is a monetary setback, and we are now back at square one with savings and debt reduction. On the other hand, we have gained valuable experience and knowledge. So, it's done.
Thank you everyone who was praying for us for the last year about our house!
Secondly, I have a job interview on Friday, which is really encouraging, especially following the situation with the house. So, more prayers requested, if you're willing to send 'em up!
Thanks for stickin' with me if you're still reading this blog, I really appreciate it!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Hope on the Horizon

This evening we will be attending Dave Ramsey's Town Hall for Hope, a message about the economy and what we can hope for.
townhallforhope

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Happy Earth Day

Such a generic title. I know.
I'd like to get to this movie opening today, to celebrate.Mainimage-v7 Surprisingly, Amazon alerted me to this, as opposed to Disney itself, even though I am on the Disney mailing list. Huh. Probably because I bought Planet Earth off of Amazon.  :)

UPDATE: I wish I could demand a refund of my $16.50. If by "the next chapter" they mean the identical footage already shot and produced and released in Planet Earth... then sure.
Having seen everything already - it was a disappointment. Even more so it was frustrating and irritating, as they gave human emotions to animals and added supremely tacky/stale/used/generic dramatic music, ruining the natural majesty of the animals themselves. They pretty much tried to cram the entire 5 disc set into 90 minutes - it was such a disarray of scenes... 10 seconds or so for each. Ugh. Disjointed. Not to mention the narration by James Earl Jones was flat, lacking the deep, gravely, rock-solid pitch he usually has...and that all his lines were either verbatim from Planet Earth, or so dumbed down it was scoffable.
I think the worst part was when the "daddy" polar bear didn't make it, "but his spirit will live on in the hearts of his young ones". There was an identical audible exclamation of disbelief and disgust from Pete and myself. (You're kidding me, right?)

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Thank you Lord

Someone just made us an offer on our house!
Now the paperwork just needs to go through.  I can't begin to explain this feeling of relief.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Write Everyday

It's something I've always wanted to do.  Maybe I can try and keep up with that.  Even if I don't publish it on the blog.  Just write something.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Apron Possibilities

One thing I'd like to change about my daily routine, is to wear my nicer clothes every day and not only when I need to leave the house.  In the past, I'd just throw on a pair of comfy yoga-type pants, a graphic/printed tee and maybe a sweatshirt.  But this kind of apparel does not make one feel very attractive or productive.  Just blah and lazy.  One could reason that while cleaning and cooking, you'd want to wear these types of clothes so as not to get your good clothes dirty.
Remedy:  An Apron
Duh.  How did I not think of this before?
Ok, on to the pattern searches.
I only found a few, but they all have potential:
Apron 1Apron 2Apron 3Apron 4
Butterick, McCall's, McCall's, Heather Bailey
But why make one when I could buy one for about the same price as fabric, the pattern and the time it would take to make it?
Good idea:
Apron 5
Fresh Pink Poppies Polka Dot Ruffled Full Apron - by My Sunday Apron

Apron 6

The BELLA Vintage Inspired Brown Modern Pears with Turquoise Full Apron - by Boojiboo
Apron 7

The FAMOUS CHLOE Vintage Inspired Black and White Damask Full Apron - by Boojiboo
I have to say, this last one just might be my favorite!!  It was featured in a SONY magazine ad.  SO DARLING!!
But then, I could just enter a giveaway and WIN one.  That just might be the easiest!
New To This Whole 'Mommy' Thing is giving a Boojiboo apron away, as is Simply Stacie.  So, ladies, here is a blog post about the aprons and your giveaways!

Thursday, March 26, 2009

What I Miss

Seeing as our house is still on the market in Texas, it is always on my mind.  And usually not in a pleasant, calming way, but a, nagging, unsettling, worrisome sort of way.
Well, at least something happy crossed my mind in regard to the house today - I love how I never had to turn on a light until about 7 or 8pm, because there was so much natural light streaming in through the windows.  It was so comfy and sunny, and I really miss that.  An apartment doesn't give you much in the way of natural light.  While we do have windows (and lots of them in one room) we don't get any more than an hour of a sun-patch.  It's all indirect light.  And, while I suppose that I should be grateful for that, I do miss the bath of sunshine you got when in the house.
On a completely separate issue, are cats supposed to massively shed for 3 months?

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

I think

I think I take on too many projects at once.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Foto Friday: Cannelle et Vanille

While I wish I was a genius in the kitchen, I am not,  but that doesn't stop me from drooling over other peoples' culinary talents.  Aran of Cannelle et Vanille, is one of those individuals who can not only make something delicious (I can just tell from the ingredients she lists) but beautiful as well.  She captures her lovely food with stunning photographs, making them even more mouth watering.  She can take something simple, like sorbet and make it look positively divine.
Uno2-490pixels
{photo from Cannelle et Vanille}

She also has a flickr site, with just the photos of her fabulous food.
......................................................................................................................................
Foto Friday is a weekly installation, occurring every Friday, exploring Photographic websites and books as well as other Photographic topics.

Just Have To Add

Google homepage 3-20-09
I am loving the homepage today!  Yay first day of Spring!  Yay Eric Carle!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

While I Wait

I just started (yes, another project) a free online .... system... for lack of a better word right now.... that deals with keeping your home and family and life organized, clutter free, clean and cheery.  One of the things that one must do, is every morning (for those who don't work outside the home) to "get dresses to shoes".  As for me, I still don't know why they insist on a grammatically incorrect phrase, but the gist of it is to get dressed from hair and make up, all the way down to tying up those shoe laces.  This way, you're always ready, and have a can-do mentality right from the get-go.  As for me, I am a firm believer in the no-shoes-in-the-house philosophy.  Less dirt, no scuffs, and more importantly, no broken kittie toes in the case of accidental steppage.  (just loud meows.) 
The solution to this is to have a pair of shoes only for house-wearing.  So, I stopped by DSW on my way home from dropping off Pete's forgotten keys, and was saddened to find not one satisfactory cute pair of tennies.  (They HAVE to have laces - no slip-ons.)  Enter the internet.  Behold, the shoes I am waiting for.
ASICS Women's Mateo Lace Up
Image found on goldencan.com.
I only hope the colors are more like the photo on dsw.com....

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

I've been busy!

Catchin' up on some projects...
IMG_0944
More coming soon!
P.S. Look what came in the mail on Friday:
IMG_0896-1 SO EXCITED!!!

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

I won something!

Not just any something, a really awesome something!  Holly Hanks, author of The Charmed Life blog, Design Team member of Label Tulip, Pink Paislee, and Chatterbox, Inc., held a giveaway on her blog last Wednesday.
 She graciously was offering a brand new copy of Elsie Flannigan's Love, Elsie Recipe Idea Box, a book that I have wanted since it came out, but everywhere had sold out of! 
Love elsie recipe idea box
And I won!!
Thank you so much Miss Holly!!!

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Once a month

Or so it would seem.  My track record for blogging this year.  Just about.
Huh.
Sigh.
Anyways, I could ramble on about some of the things going on in my life right now, but that would produce a slightly confusing and somewhat disjointed read.
So, I'll just complain about my evening.  How's that?
Well, actually just the movie we went to see tonight.
I'm sure many people out there will disagree with me (and others will emphatically agree) but I just have to say something about Watchmen.
First, a disclaimer that I have never cracked a comic about the Watchmen, let alone heard of them until they started running Watchmen covers on the EW magazine.  Obviously, my husband is not of the same camp as I.
I cannot believe that that movie only got an R.  And that it was 3, three -- THREE hours long.  I'm not SUPER squeamish, but really, the butcher knife, and the electric circular saw thingy.. c'mon. 
Then the movie just started getting ridiculous.  It so wasn't believable or realistic.  And I know it was a comic, but so was Iron Man and Batman, and X-Men, but somehow those characters and plots seemed so much more believable.  Suddenly, there is a blue and white and black tiger like thing with matching fur-covered horn-like appendages shooting out of its head.  Right.
Oh, and since it is CGI, we can show men-parts.  Full frontal.  Ugh.  Oh, and a almost pornographic bedroom scene, or really, flying owl-like hover craft- ship-plane-thing scene.  Which of course, had all the high school kids tittering and squirming.  Gross.
Speaking of gross, can I just say that the guy who sat next to me seemed harmless enough at first, but then as the torture dragged on, I heard smacking every 30 seconds or so... like, mouth smacking.  And not in the kissing kind of way.  Just, opening and closing of the mouth.  Constantly.  Then, about half way through, I notice he's picking his nose.  Often.  Yeah.  Sick.  THEN he starts leaning on the armrest, which my coat happens to be kind of resting on, so now I must get it dry cleaned.  And finally, the icing on the nasty cake, at the end of the movie, he stands up, I see a ball of socks in his hand, as he shoves his BARE feet into his shoes.  Um, this nasty person was BAREFOOT throughout the whole movie.  I was two seats from the aisle, but I would have rather braved shoving myself through the completely immature and super messy teenage boys who took up the rest of the row in the other direction than leave over the floor where the smacker-boogie-leaner-barefoot individual had sat.
Shudder and cry.
On a side note about the movie, Pete says of all the movies he has ever seen, it was the most faithful to the book/comics.  Which, in that case, I'll just pass on reading them.
And now, I don't have enough time to make bread in my bread machine for a craft gathering tomorrow, because I spend three hours at that movie.  Sigh.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

HAPPY happy HAPPY ha ha ha

(Zoolander reference - we watched it last night.)
I'm trying to stay positive about the whole Project 365 kit thing.  But now, my parcel has been lost by UPS.  And I have to wait for the second round of kits to ship out mid-February.  This doesn't seem TOO bad, except for the fact that I don't believe them anymore.  There has been SUCH a HUGE problem with this company, telling people different things, lying, etc, I don't know how to feel.
On one hand, my interest in this project is waning because I don't have a kit to work with and remind me, and be excited to put stuff in it... on the other hand my interest is waning because this is one big mess, and I don't know if I even want to keep doing it, when I may not even get a cute kit.
I know there are other options to the kit, hundreds of people have shared them.  Sigh.  I don't know.
My mood is probably building on the not selling the house, the not finding a job, and the trying to get out of debt and wow this is hard.
Maybe playing with the kitty will cheer me up.  It usually does.  :)
On a side note, 2 days ago Poppytalk featured the studio of a couple and I almost fell out of my seat!
Ben Floeter and Natalie Wright have an amazing place to create, and their work is just fabulous!
But these things were not what surprised me - I've never met Ben, but his dad is the man who married us!  He is a friend of my dad's!  Ack!  So, this was extremely cool.  A bright spot in my gray mood.
But then, gray is kind of in right now.  As far as fashion and design go.  ;)
Jcrewruffletank
tank found at J.Crew

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Is it still January?

I'd like to say it's been busy... and that would explain my absence.  But that would be false.  I've just been away from the blog for a few weeks. 
While I was gone, we went on one of these:
IMG_0174
To go to one of these:
IMG_0206
(a wedding)
And to visit this place:
IMG_0273
That 4 day trip involved two nights with 2 hours of sleep, a 4am wake up, a 4:50am wake up and one of the worst motels I've ever stayed in.  Shudder.  The wedding was beautiful, the company delightful, and the day at Disney, divine.  The weather was perfect for the two important days and crummy for the two travel days.  We'll be visiting Disney World in January from now on... no more of that July business.
-In other news, I'm still working on Project 365 - but without a kit.  There has been a HUGE problem with the ordering... and I thought I had managed to avoid most of it.. but no.  I still have yet to get anything in the mail.  I'm calling again today.
-We've been working on Every Monday Matters, and this week is to sign up for AMBER alerts, which we've done via cell phone texts.
-Last week was to turn off the TV more often and designate certain times to watch it.  We haven't had that problem much, as we don't get cable or the satelite anymore.  Sadly tho' this week I found a website you can watch shows on, for free.  I will have to make sure I apply this self-discipline to the website, so I don't spend hours watching Survivor, The Amazing Race, Fringe, etc online.
-I'm really starting to get serious about finding a job, as it is becoming more and more important to our income. 
-As for our house... well, it's still up for sale.  Prayer is constantly happening.
-Happily, I've begun a ladies bible study at church, and am enjoying it immensely.
-I just finished a project with A Life Well Crafted, but have to upload the photos and edit them.  I'll try and get those up tomorrow.
This post is really choppy and bulleted... but it's all I got for now. :)

Attribute Album

Ok, so I did get to this today. Yay!
This album could have been done for anyone, but I chose myself.  At first it seemed a little selfish, and somewhat braggy... but then I reminded myself those reasons are why I needed to make this for me.  To remind myself that I am worth these titles.  Some more than others, but still, all are a part of me.JillRadke_AttributeAlbum1-1 JillRadke_AttributeAlbum2-1 JillRadke_AttributeAlbum3-1 JillRadke_AttributeAlbum4-1 JillRadke_AttributeAlbum5-1

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Our Anniversary

A week or so ago, Pete and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary.  Not a big to-do, we're going to Disney with a few friends next weekend, so that will be our gift to each other.  But we still got each other cards and went out to a very nice dinner.  I  just wanted to share the gift from my parents (mostly my mom) who made us another quilt.  Her most labor-intensive one yet.  And my absolute favorite ever of her practical quilt repertoire.  (She makes small, art-wall-hanging quilts too.)
DSC_4723 I think she said it's called Flying Geese Around the Lake.  This is just one small corner.
LOVE IT!!
Thanks mom!

Saturday, January 3, 2009

One more goal (well two, really) and Bruce Campbell

Another of my goals for 2009 is to take a photo daily, as well as create something (somewhat daily).  This has been on my mind for months.  Well, it just so happens that someone has put these two things together into an easy-to-use, easy-to-keep-up-with kit. 
Unfortunately, it sold out in 2 hours.  Luckily, I was able to snag one kit.  It took me an hour and a half of dealing with their crashing server, but I got one.  From what it sounds like, hundreds did not.  I'm saddened to hear that almost all of them are taking it out on one person (the one who did the promoting of the kit) but I cannot blame nor judge them, as I was one of the few who's order went through.
What is this elusive kit you might be wondering?
365 It's called Project 365, (similar to the flickr site's project 365) and the concept is to either take a photo daily or keep some sort of memorabilia bit, such as a receipt or shopping list or report card or what have you.  Then journal about the day.  Nothing too fancy or complicated.  The appealing this is that it's all pre-cut and fits together perfectly, colors matching, etc.  You don't even need adhesive!
You put it all together to make something like this:
365maggie  (photo courtesy of Becky Higgins, created by Maggie Holmes)
Simply adorable.  Simply simple.
So, I will be fulfilling two goals in one swoop.  Check.
As for the Bruce Campbell thing, he was (maybe still is) promoting his new movie, My Name is Bruce, and as far as the promoting went, he showed up after each show to do a live Q & A.  If he had not be there in person, I'm not sure I would have gone with Pete to the show.  But still.  I took my camera, and immediately lamented that I failed to bring the zoom lens.  We had assigned seats, and were about 2/3rds back in the smallish auditorium (stadium seating style - it was a movie theater).
What I was able to catch are the following photos.  Blurry and far away.  A flash produced a dark foreground and thus had to use the lighting from the ceiling.  Bah.
DSC_4471 DSC_4478 DSC_4481
Here's what he looks like (for those who don't know) in a proper photo (minus the glasses - it was midnight, perhaps his eyes were tired.):
Bruce-campbell-01
I have to say, it was neat to see this guy in person; pretty funny at impromptu wacky questioning. 
The Q & A ended with one girl in the back saying, "I don't really have a question, I just wanted to tell you that I have a tattoo of you."
B.C. "Wow, that's awesome, where is it?"
Girl "On my calf."
B.C "How much did it cost?"
Girl "$400"
B.C. (surprised) "Well, here - it's not $400, but make sure it gets back to her." (And proceeds to remove a $5 bill from his wallet and it goes hand over hand to the back of the theater to her.)
It was pretty cool.

Friday, January 2, 2009

One Little Word 2009

Olw 2009 A few years ago, Ali Edwards put out a challenge to her readers to pick one word for the coming year that they will hold close to their hearts, to inject into their every day's work.  Something to embody your life for the next year.  Something to work on, to change, to keep as a reminder.
I have spent the last 3 years withdrawing into myself even more so than is in my normal character (to be self-sufficient and quiet and reserved).  I have not made the effort to branch out and meet new people.  To try new things.  To see new places.  To take a stab at failure.  To do anything that I am unsure about.
In choosing the word CONNECT, I am hoping to remind myself daily that I need to put myself out there and connect with other people.  Connect with the world in which I live.  Connect with my Heavenly Father.  And too, connect with myself.
It will take multiple reminders, most likely daily... even hourly.  But I hope to come out of 2009 with more courage to take that first step of putting myself out there and connecting with others.