Tangents 'n Tidbits

Supa Fly

2011-03-08T18:43:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday!!

2011-02-16T15:09:00.001-08:00

Somebody is 2 years old today...

And don't be fooled by this face-she's actually giving someone "the eyebrows." She soon cracks a semi-smile, which you can sort of start to see here. Eventually she bursts out laughing.

She cracks herself--and everyone else---up all the time. She has a million expressions and about as many words to match.

Her mama made the cake, below, post candle ceremony:

And in addition to bottles of nail polish and costume jewelry, I contributed some fun cake pops:

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!!

Except you are not really a baby anymore. Sigh.

Hiatus

2011-02-10T15:16:00.000-08:00

It's been about four months since I last posted and most aspects of my life have majorly changed in the last two. None of the transitions were easy yet none were forced upon me; they just sort of...happened. A whirlwind is a better explanation of how it felt, but hindsight reveals that the events of my life had been leading to where I am now for some time. And, overall, it's a good thing!

There have been numerous times over the last several months when I considered posting something. A fun, spur of the moment weekend trip to San Fransisco with some great photos almost made the cut. So did the yummiest mini pecan pies I made around Thanksgiving.

Oh, and I also quit my job, ended a relationship, said goodbye to wonderful friends, moved 2000 miles, found a job and more.

But, when it came down to it, I just didn't want to write down any of that.

I would never in a million years consider myself a blogger. Yes, I do have this site for some reason but I'd much rather read other people's blogs. I think my main problem is that I don't think the everyday of my life is all that interesting.

Isn't a prerequisite for bloggers to married/parents/foodies/photographers/interior designers?

Adding to that, I'm not much of a fluff person. It's not an easy task for me to be honest without being too personal. I tend to be very private but I'm not afraid to bare my soul when appropriate or necessary. But is a blog really the place for that? Perhaps I just need to loosen up a bit. Or a lot, depending on who you ask.

That said, I'd like to be better at this. A new year, a new season, a new start. Or not. It's worth a shot, though!

Glimpse of Heaven

2010-10-06T21:20:00.000-07:00

I am certain there are bits of Glory in the moments right before the sun drops below the horizon.

I firmly believe the beauty of sunsets is magnified a hundred times when coupled with the sound of waves breaking.

It is decidedly one of the greatest things about living in Los Angeles.

For a few minutes everyone on the beach stops and watches the sun steadily sink. Once the last bit of fiery orange disappears, everyone turns to gather their things and brush off sandy legs.

Then it's back to reality.

A Milestone

2010-09-07T19:35:00.000-07:00

I was out of town for a busy wedding holiday weekend, so after work I begrudgingly pulled out the Core Synergistic dvd for my first workout in 4 days. To say I wasn't looking forward to it was a major understatement.

After doing 3 or 4 push-up "stations"--on my knees, of course--I decided to throw caution to the wind. I got up on my toes...and did 10 normal-person push-ups!

I know it sounds super lame, but I honestly can't remember doing regular push-ups before. Hooray for me :D (If I did, it was high school...but even then it's really hazy, so I'm thinking not so much.)

Now, off to prep for my fantasy football draft! I know what you're thinking...and I agree. Clueless. But, it's a fun way to do something with the ~~Boy~~ ~~Man~~ ~~Boy~~ Man. Plus, on the off off chance one of us win (well, more likely for him) we'll be $90 richer!

I Love Books!

2010-09-01T21:30:00.000-07:00

I have read several dozen books the last six months. I don't even remember most of them. I usually read at least a book a week, sometimes three. It largely depends on the book. I've gone through my personal library (again) and usually have a book or two checked out from the library. I've read plenty of fiction, but some of the most poignant have been non-fiction.

**Please don't remind me that with all of this time to read I could have easily read through the Word...maybe twice. I lament the fact for both of us. My main excuse is that I like to read my Life Application with all the footnotes and...life application...that I don't always get with my tiny Bible, which is much more portable.**

Anyway, I think there are few that are worth noting.

#1. The Hole in Our Gospel by Rich Stearns. READ THIS BOOK. IT'LL CHANGE YOUR LIFE. I am not saying that lightly. The minute I finished the book, I literally got online and sponsored another World Vision child. I now get to help little Flavio from the Dominican Republic as well as continue to support Elaste in Rwanda. I'm not saying that to point out how great I am. I could not have NOT sponsored another child. That's just what this book does. It forces you to act. Rich Stearns is the current president of World Vision and I truly believe his story and experience could be any of ours if we actually followed God's lead. Nearly every day, as I walk past a wide spectrum of God's children--of whom I usually can't get past the stench, profanity, or uppity business suit--I am reminded of this book and how it re-shaped my entire world view. Do I fail at answering God's nudges or in some cases obvious urgings? Daily. I'm a giant scaredy cat. Going out of my bubble is really, really hard for me. Just riding the subway can often push me past my comfort zone. READ THIS BOOK. IT'LL CHANGE YOUR LIFE.

#2. Raising Up Boys by Dr. James Dobson. This book has been around about a decade now but it had been on my reading to-do list for ages. No, I have no children, I'm not married, nor am I expecting. I don't even have a nephew. But we need good men in this world. How does a boy become a man? And what roles must each parent play in shaping who these little people will become? For me, this book is also a must read. We are living in a dangerous time when the very definition of a marriage and family is subjective and highly contested. From the structure of our education system to the fact that men are often seen as optional on-the-verge-of-irrelevant (or even detrimental), unnecessary from conception to college graduation. This book does not sugar coat topics and you may disagree with aspects of it but it will absolutely make you think (or re-think) about how you want to go about raising up your children. Totally worth it.
**Raising Up Girls by Dr. Dobson was recently released in hardcover, I believe.**

There are more books to comment on, but I'll leave you with an excerpt of a quote in the book I'm reading right now. Can you guess who wrote this? And who the subject of the book may be?

The people of the world still share...hope. The peoples of the world, despite differences in racial and ethnic origin, have very much in common. They want the dignity of having some control over their individual destiny. They want to work at the craft or trade of their own choosing and to be fairly rewarded. They want to raise their families in peace without harming anyone or suffering harm themselves. Government exists for their convenience, not the other way around. If they are incapable, as some would have us believe, of self-government, then where among them do we find any who are capable of governing others?

It makes me giddy :D

Do you Thread?

2010-08-28T22:11:00.001-07:00

Today turned out to be quite a girly day, at least by my standards.

I hit the mall in search of some shoes and accessories to go with a new dress I'm wearing to a wedding next weekend. Malls are exhausting. Then again, it was the third one I'd been to in three days. And I don't shop. Like, ever.

While there, I stopped by S.H.A.P.E.S Brow Bar because my eyebrows were in dire straits. I have only had my brows professionally shaped once before, a la wax. So when I noticed last weekend that this shop did threading, I was intrigued. I'd been hearing great things about it lately and thought I'd give it a shot. I read that this technique was more efficient, more hygienic since they use cotton thread, less painful and had fewer after-effects than waxing. And it was usually cheaper.

Well, it was definitely cheaper. It was 10 bucks plus tip.

But holy cow, I was not prepared for the pain. It wasn't a searing pain you get with waxing or pulling off a band aid but at least with those it's one and done. With the threading (and I'm still not exactly sure how it works) they grab each hair or a group of hairs and yank over and over and over. It feels like something in between a bunch of tiny needles and the poking of a fine-toothed comb. Weird, huh?

However, I was pleased with the results and more than pleased with the price. The only downside to this particular place was that it's first come, first serve so the wait was about an hour.

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I LOVELOVELOVE Fresh's Brown Sugar Body Polish from Sephora. I do not love the price tag. $38 for 7oz and (a freaking) $65 for a 14oz tub. Solution? Get someone to buy it for you. Or, make your own!

I've done this several ways, but tonight I didn't want to fuss and just made the most basic paste. Just mix enough olive oil with 1/4 to 1/2 cup of brown sugar (for one serving) in a small container that can travel with you into the shower. After I wash as normal, I slather the scrub all over my body, careful not to fall on my now-slippery shower floor. It's heavenly. After patting myself dry and dressing, I notice that my skin is not greasy at all, just nice and luscious. Try it! **Other nice additions: lemon juice, vanilla extract, essential oils, oatmeal, etc.***

Oddly, there is more girlishness is on the docket for tomorrow:

-Church and lunch with a girl friend (mmm, hello Senor Fish...they have the absolute best scallop and shrimp burrito known to man)
-cashing in the boyfriend's birthday gift and getting a massage!
-catching some of the Emmy's (I totally forgot about the 4pm live showing when I scheduled the stinkin' massage...)
-picking up the boy (man?) at the airport!

I could get used to this :)

Twenty-Six in Twenty-Six, Part I

2010-08-26T21:15:00.000-07:00

Since beginning the downward slide to thirty about a month ago (and fifty, if we're being truthful), I decided that I should make a list of things I'd like to do. I think it's a combination of a wish list, bucket list, and needs-to-happen list. Some things may never come to fruition and others are important for my well-being. And the rest? Well, they're just plain fun.

1)Write a letter to the Editor-I want to assert my opinion on a topic that interests me in a truly public forum. Basically, I just want to thoughtfully comment on something that I believe in and actually have to put my name on it. It's so easy to go through life never really speaking up or speaking out because we never have to take a stand for anything if we don't feel like it. Living in this country has yet to require that sort of boldness, something that I know that I take for granted.

2)Pay off debt-I don't have as much consumer debt as the average American (which I heard today was at its lowest level in years at $5,000, which is attributed to the Recession/Depression), but I just haven't quite buckled down enough to eliminate it. Plus, part of it is a personal loan from my parents since I "bought" their car. Well, it's been more like borrowed so far and I'd like to remedy that ASAP. Or, ASAIHMM: As soon as I have more money :)
Full disclosure: It will take several years for me to pay off my student loans. But I's gotsta start somewheres!

3)Learn to Shoot a Gun-Preferably at a firing range and not in South Central. It's a skill I've wanted to have for a long time. I'd hate to find myself in some terrifying situation one day and wish I'd made the effort to figure out what's what. Especially since I'm not very good at Duck Hunt.

4)Complete P90x-I'm 5.5 weeks into it, and for the most part it's still going well!! I am starting to see some muscles bulge in the triceps area and less bulge in other areas. I still can't do a pull-up, though.

5)Attend a Political Function or Rally-I may have a chance this fall with all of the election stuff happening. It's all just so exciting!!! And, I grew up going to political things. Hello, Straw Poll. I remember you bored me. Oh, and my parents even "chauffeured" a future presidential candidate when he was campaigning in the area for something. I recall being bored then, too.

6)Renew CPR Certification-I took the first half of an EMT course my senior year of high school as an elective one semester because I'm super cool. Part of the class was to become certified. Since it is only good for two years, I am WAY over due. Plus, I just think it's one of those things a person should be up-to-date on.

7)Run a Race-I've never actually signed up and run an event before. Not even a 5k. I don't think the Fun Run in elementary school counts. I'm not too fond of the idea of paying to run. It just seems silly. I'd rather pay for fun, not side aches.

8)Create a Budget...And Stick to It-I suppose this corresponds with Number 2, but I have about five budget templates saved in various places and have had read numerous books and articles about them, yet I've never actually fill them out. I probably could have completed this task in the time it took to write this post.

9)Leave the Country-But come back! The last time I left the country was 2004 (Italy and 4 hours wandering London) and I think it's time I venture into the world again. Even if I have to drive the 3-5 hours to Tijuana to do accomplish this goal. (Not gonna lie...driving south of San Diego makes me a little nervous.)

10)Take a Class-I have no idea what this will look like. Cake Decorating at Michael's? Hip-hop Dancing at the Y? Beginner's Italian? Sewing for Idiots? Culinary school? I'm actually considering all of these. Well, maybe not the hip-hop class but I have a friend who did it!

I'm sort of exhausted just looking at what's listed above and I have no idea what to add. I still need sixteen more. Make that fifteen. I just added another one.

11)Read through the Entire Bible Within the Year-How many times have I started this task and read Genesis, thinking I'd finally accomplish this goal, only to quit and try again...starting at Genesis? I have lost count. But I came across a website that has an (ambitious) plan that I may check out. For now, I'm trying to catch up on our church-wide plan and finish the second half of 2 Kings...by the end of the month.

I think an honorary item on this list should be to review the correct usage of commas, ellipses and parentheses...or not.

From the bowels...

2010-08-19T20:05:00.000-07:00

This is what my kitchen sink looks like right now...

...which is connected by a wall to....

...my tiny bathroom sink...which looks like this right now...AFTER THE USE OF DRANO.

I came home yesterday to the sound of my kitchen sink gurgling. It drained and purged a few times, but thought some Drano would work after I got home tonight. (I use a drain catcher thingy--no garbage disposal--so I'm not sure what the deal is.) Last night I brushed my teeth over the tub and this morning I used the bath faucet to rinse my cereal bowl.

Hopefully my unreliable building manager will call a real plumber and not try to fix it himself, all the while mucking up my floor and kitchen with who knows what.

As you can tell, I'm not a really big fan. I've lived here since...March? maybe and I still only have 3 of my four stove knobs. And no spare set of keys. Oh, and his "remodeling" skills have made it literally impossible to close my closet thanks to several inches of old paint. Hello, lead. You may be my new bff. Oh and when I gave him my rent check for August, he asked my why I turn on my air conditioning nearly every night. First of all...What? Secondly, creeper anyone? Thirdly, this building is ridiculously old and hot--it's summer--and I only have a tiny window unit in the bedroom. Living on the first floor, in an old building, in a less-than-stellar-but-fine-most-of-the-time area, there's no way I'll sleep at night with the windows open. So please don't admit to monitoring me. It makes my skin crawl.

Whew, I actually didn't mean to vent. I'm really not angry at all. Not even feeling that whiny. I think the best word to describe me tonight is just weary. Weary, but rather content, seems to be where I am lately. Almost like a nice, long nap will totally perk me up. :0)

All I can say is that I can't wait for what I'm sure will be a super fun Saturday filled with monitoring a plumber, trying not cringe at all the potential icky-ness.

Big Gulps, eh? Alright! Well, see ya later!

Shaky, dead, sore and lovin' it

2010-08-10T21:29:00.000-07:00

Due to an overwhelming response to my P90X pooost, I figured I should probably follow up.

Just kidding about the overwhelming part.

But Leah asked how it was going and I aim to please my only reader!

(Psst, check out her blog. She's an entertaining writer/wife/mama/recorder of funny husband convos!)

I am into my third week of my new workout regimen. Day 16 to be exact. I don't think I've ever been so physically exhausted. Granted, I feel MUCH better now than I did during the first week.

By day three, I could not straighten my left elbow without the assistance of my right hand. It was like this for a good 3-5 days.

I probably face-planted at least a handful of times during the first few workouts. Thankfully I was already close to the floor in crazy push-up and yoga positions. My arms are weak :(

I decided after that first week to switch from the Classic version to the Lean version. The difference is a bigger focus on cardio/core rather than Hulking up. But don't think that I wimped out, because the Lean program is still tough. Plus, if you need to have worked up a major sweat in order to feel like you really exercised hard (because shaky, dead, sore muscles just aren't enough), then you won't be dissapointed.

I'm still pretty psyched about doing this. I can't remember the last time I worked out 6 days a week for an hour or so each time. I'm starting to feel a difference in my endurance, strength and flexibility, so win-win-win!

Stay tuned--I'll let you know if I am ever able to do a pull-up :)

Biting the Bullet

2010-07-24T11:30:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to join a gym for months and months. But they are so expensive!! Especially near where I live. Since money is a little more than tight, I haven't been able justify the expense. Not only are there monthly dues but the start-up fee is staggering. But with my sister's wedding coming up this fall, I knew I wanted to get back into a regular workout routine that will kick my butt and lessen the likelihood of lunch lady arms. Nobody wants lunch lady arms.

So, I did it.

I ordered P90X.

And it's now in my possession.

I've seen the infomercial dozens of times and it looks pretty sweet. It's not cheap, but the total cost is about that of a gym's start-up fee. Plus, I don't have to schlep myself to the gym.

I even bought a pull-up bar, which is currently more of a goal item since I can't heft myself up at the moment. But I figure if nothing else, I can do abs with it :)

It is a 90 day program, which plan to start on Monday. This gives me time to do the whole program plus about 2 additional weeks that I'll use as a cushion in case I need to make up some dates before the big day November 5.

Wish me luck!

On My Mind

2010-06-25T22:31:00.000-07:00

Psalm 40:1-5

I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.

Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods.
Many, O LORD my God,
are the wonders you have done.
The things you planned for us
no one can recount to you;
were I to speak and tell of them,
they would be too many to declare.

What an encouragement! I often envision that I am stuck way down deep in some gooey, muddy pit and cannot possibly crawl out on my own accord. But by grace He's there, ready to lift me out. Trusting in what God has planned for me can be so difficult at times. But knowing that He has planned "wonders" for my life--"too many to declare"--brings much comfort. But thankfully David provides words for those of us who are often too impatient to wait on God in verse 17b:

You are my help and my deliverer; O my God, DO NOT DELAY!!
(All emphasis, caps and exclamation points are mine.)

It seems kind of silly at the moment, as if God is unaware of our pleading and desperate cries. But I'll take it because it's often the way feel.

Just keepin' it real.

My Jam

2010-06-19T22:40:00.000-07:00

Don't you love when God answers your ~~plea~~ prayer almost instantly? That totally happened today. I've been wrestling with some things and today after I dipped into Pity Party Land, I was ready to be at peace. The only problem is that peace doesn't usually come easily for me. Dithering back and forth between trying to work everything out in my head and throwing my hands up and giving it to the Lord, I hopped in the car. After all, a girl still has things to do. I cranked up the only Christian radio station available, immediately feeling energized.

After listening to a string of old-school songs (I still love Jars oh so much!), I was hoping to hear a particular song that has become my most recent jam. Yep, I rock out in my car to worship songs. Anyway, I told God, "This is it. I'm almost to my destination. I really, really, really need to hear this song and I only have time for one more song." As soon as I finished my demanding request, the next song started playing. I was happily shocked. God is so faithful!

You've probably heard this song quite a bit lately if you listen to CCM. Here's the song--it's not really a video, just a graphic with the music underneath.

Anyway, hope you have a song right now that makes you bounce in your seat and bang on your steering wheel in praise of Jesus! :)

PS- If I used the word dither incorrectly above, it's only because once a word gets in my head, I have a hard time shaking it. I'm not ashamed.

Catch up time

2010-06-07T21:27:00.001-07:00

Since it has been a month since I last posted--because I often don't care to make the time, if I'm being honest--I figured I'll write a post just highlighting what the heck has been keeping me away. And I'm not just not writing blog posts. I'm not reading them either, as my Google Reader currently has 401 unread items. If you saw the pile of receipts, bills and papers on my bedroom floor, you'd realize that I'm pretty okay with loose ends and unfinished business and leaving this until "later." Okay, maybe I shouldn't advertise that about myself. Any hooter, here's a quick rundown of what's been happenin':

-I went home in April and saw this little booger.

She snuggled down for about 45 seconds to watch the baseball game on TV. Atta girl.

Looks like she's enjoying herself, but do you notice the white-knuckled death grip?

-Can you guess where we went on a whim one weekend in May?

Okay, so that was pretty easy. We'd never been to San Diego, even though it's only two hours away. We hit up Sea World (total rip-off, btw, since Disneyworld is about the same price but with loads more to see and do), checked out the beach and saw a Dodgers/Padres game. We never go anywhere unexpectedly, so it was a refreshing change of scenery.

-I am frequently reminded how many weirdos are in LA. Example numero uno: I was driving home from work/the Metro station where my car was parked and was stopped at a light. I looked in my review mirror and couldn't believe what I saw. Some dude was playing his trumpet! The driver of the car, who was alone, was practicing in his car. Good grief. And people are worried about talking on a cell phone? How about a guy with a large instrument obstructing his view?!

-I recently made Pioneer Woman's cinnamon rolls for the second time and I can honestly say I have never had a better sweet in my life. And that's saying something. If you love buttery, sugary, cinnamony goodness and have little regard for a jiggle in your middle, please make these soon. Saturday would work, too. A word to the wise, though. Halving the recipe will still yield about 30 average sized rolls. You've been warned. Oh and another word. I used a half & half/1% milk mixture for the dough and straight half & half instead of milk for the icing and ohmygosh. So good. So so good. Oh, one more thing. Sorry. I do this a lot. I used vanilla extract for the icing instead of maple flavoring and coffee. Actually, I sort of winged the icing, but made sure to add the melted butter (which I'd never heard of before), which made a huge difference, I think.

I think I'll end on a delicious note before I write any more run-on sentences.

Until next time...

M.I.A.

2010-05-02T20:57:00.001-07:00

Yikes, it's been over a month. So much for keeping up with this thing. Does it count that I constantly think of things that may make for decent content and even put it on my ever-growing, rarely-finishing to-do list?

There I go with the hyphens again.
I have been incredibly busy these last several weeks so I'll use that as my excuse. I moved (again) and even traveled back home one very short weekend. Oh, and I didn't get Internet set up until last week so that didn't help.

On the docket for upcoming posts:

1. (Mis)Adventures riding Metro
2. Book reviews -- I read a LOT thanks to number 1 (not that number one)
3. Recap of trip home
4. Fun times moving
5. Good ol' politics
6. ... I can't remember. I'll have to check my list. Now, if only I could find it...

For now, friend, I'll leave you with this:

I love Trader Joe's. LOVE. And you need to buy these. Now. Seriously. Go do it. You can't possibly be disappointed. They are ready to go (well, defrost them first) and they are super cheap. And easy. And delectable.

Just sayin'.

What are you?

2010-03-26T21:20:00.000-07:00

There's been this thing about what we eat floating around online for a while. Basically the point is "God took great care in preparing just the perfect foods for us in creation" and "You are what you eat." If nothing else, it's interesting. I like interesting. Plus, I like knowing what my food can do FOR me instead of TO me. :)

If I am what I ate for dinner, I'm sweet and marshmallowy and doused in milk. (Know what I had?)

(I borrowed the graphics from MommyLife)

	A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye... and YES, science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.
	A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. All of the research shows tomatoes are loaded with lycopine and are indeed pure heart and blood food.
	Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.
	A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop more than three (3) dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.
	Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.
	Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and many more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% calcium. If you don't have enough calcium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.
	Avocadoes, Eggplant and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine (9) months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (mo dern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).
	Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm as well to overcome male sterility.
	Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.
	Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries
	Oranges, Grapefruits, and other Citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.
	Onions look like the body's cells. Research shows onions clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. Garlic also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body.

I'm soooo LA

2010-03-21T13:39:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm not. At all. But you'll see what I mean in a second.

The "sanctuary" at my church is set up a little differently than most churches I've attended. We are all seated in sort of a semi-circle, where you can pretty much see everyone in the church.

As we were singing the opening songs today, I was looking around to see who was there. And lo and behold, I spotted them.

Who, you may ask?

THE JONAS BROTHERS.

They were at my church. Well, Nick, Kevin and Kevin's wife. I was pretty giddy at my sighting and I could not tell you a single song of theirs. I had heard they were Christians which is cool, but was even more psyched that they were at church. Weird, Christians in church. I know.

But the best part? No one paid them any mind. No announcements, no whispers, nothing. They were able to sing/pray/listen and then leave like normal people.

I guess it's sort of an LA thing, though. Celebrities are often seen out and about and most are usually left alone. Like yesterday, for example.

My friend and I were at one of the outdoor malls and she said she saw Jason Lee walk by. I wasn't sure so we followed him and his kid into H&M. Hey, I had to get a good look! Turns out, it was in fact him. (P.S. He is actually quite attractive when he doesn't look like Earl from My Name is Earl. He also looks like he could be David Arquette's brother.)

Anyway, aside from our tiny stalk-fest, there was no crowd, no pointing, nothing. He was free to bicker with his wife in the aisles of H&M and no one cared.

I think that's one of my favorite things about LA. While it's certainly a superficial town and fame-seekers flock here, by and large most celebrities are given an opportunity do normal things most of the time.

Vegas Baby!

2010-03-20T13:56:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we met up with my dad and brother in Vegas. We didn't get out of LA until about 8:30pm on Friday so we didn't pull into town until after midnight. Thank you Vegas traffic...in LA. It's always crazy heading east out of LA.

I was all ready for bed when we arrived, but somehow we ended up driving around and wandering around the Aria, just to check it out. No, we did not stay there. We were finally able to go to bed at 3am or so. You can imagine my joy when I woke up at 7.

We grabbed breakfast at the casino. Note to self: never go to a buffet when it changes from breakfast to "brunch"...unless you want Chinese food and fried chicken and do not want pancakes or cereal.

The main attraction for the weekend was a Cubs-White Sox exhibition game.

Normally the Cubs do their spring training in Phoenix, but who wants to spend a long weekend there? (I do not love the desert, but if there are bright lights and the chance to win some money, I can make an exception.)

Here's my dad and brother and I:

It was COLD. Like, wearing a winter coat would not have been out of line. It was probably in the 50s but the wind was unreal. I think I had peanut shell remnants blow into my eyes every five minutes. For about 5 hours. (We were there REALLY early :) )

The Cubs were up right away but then down for most the game, which combined with the cold made it not the most pleasant. However, they rallied for a very exciting comeback and WON! I was pumped. I think it was the first time I've been in attendance when the Cubs have won, so I was even happier than I normally would be.

He was wearing his W shirt, but it was too cold to take off the jacket and show it off. And I forgot to tell him.

We went to the Hoover Dam Sunday afternoon, but do not have any pictures. My camera is dead and Chris' iPhone was about to die, so I had to buy a disposable camera. Did you catch that? A disposable camera. It's been about 10 years since I've used one and didn't realize until we were driving back to LA that I never "charged" the flash for any of the indoor pics. So I'm pretty sure I'll have very dark pictures from there. Oh well.

It was so nice to see my dad and brother, donate some money to the city of Las Vegas and just hang out. Now, if only my dad would have smuggled THIS into his luggage...

See? She even has her own hat!

Hyphenated

2010-03-02T21:13:00.000-08:00

I have had "write post" on my to-do list every day for the last week and a half. I think I've decided that I'm more of a list-maker than a list-checker-offer.

I even jotted down a few outlines for some posts I was considering. Whilst at work, even. I'm still considering them, but they may not be as relevant or of interest anymore--to you or me. The topics are pretty random.

Like my love/hate relationship with the Metro.

Or how I'm ready to call off this whole give-something-up thing.

Or that I had my butt kicked a couple weekends ago by a bunch of ramp-jumping three year-olds on snowboards.

Or that this girl had a BIRTHDAY a couple weeks ago.

Are you kidding? THIS is my piece of cake? Where's the frosting??

Who knows, maybe I will post about them after all. We'll see if I ever get around to it. By the time I do it'll be Easter. Or the Fourth of July.

It's the thought that counts, right?

Fatso Tuesday and Other Randomness

2010-02-16T16:13:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday. That means tonight we will probably finish off the last of this birthday cake I made for my friends.

It looks very simple but my, my is it tasty. It is my version of Cheesecake Factory's Linda's Fudge Cake. I love ganache. Oh and please disregard my unsteady piping. Letter are hard! I love doing the little flower doo dads, though.

I start my job tomorrow. Finally. It took them ages to give me a start date. I've been spending today doing some odds and ends that I doubt I'll have time for in the near future. I did my taxes and only need to print and e-file----hello refund!

I also went the grocery store. I think this is my favorite chore of all. I could wander the aisles for hours if left to my own devices. But there is one grocery-related thing that is even better than that: saving loads of money.

We shop at a grocer that has "member rewards." I feel like most large cities/chains have these. Basically, if you sign up with the store you are privy to in-store discounts and coupons. On top of all that, you earn "points" each time you shop, which ultimately turns into money. At the end of each quarter are given special corresponding coupons.

Today, after scouring the weekly ad and the pantry, I came up with a modest list. I know I'll always be adding a few items once I get there based on unannounced sales and availability, especially produce. By the time the cashier had finished ringing up the 30 items, the total was $81.21. This was before any member pricing or coupons were figured. After my store card and coupons were scanned, the total dropped to $19.41. I did not pay full price on anything today and still walked out with bread, milk, fresh and canned produce, pasta, soup, steak, chicken, cheese and hummus.

I can't help but feel a bit smug as I leave the store. Thank you, Ralphs. I think I love you.

Well, the dishwasher is running, and I have laundry going. I am about to head to the kitchen to throw dinner in the crock pot. I'm going to try a new mac and cheese recipe. I'll post it if it turns out. There will be heavy cream, so I doubt it'll be a complete failure.

Happy Pancake Day!

This is It (Not a movie review)

2010-02-08T19:29:00.000-08:00

Four days. Not bad. I'm rather proud, actually. But don't expect this to be a pattern because I just may fall off the face of the earth. Again. It's been known to happen.

Easter is April 4, I believe. Which means Ash Wednesday is February 17. Which means in exactly 8 and a half days at this time I will probably be cranky. In 13 days, the gloves will probably come off. Day 39 will be, well, I'm sorry world. I cannot and will not be held accountable for my actions.

Let me explain. This year for Lent I will be giving up SWEETS. I will not be the only person foregoing dessert. But it is still a huge, major, massive, stinkin' deal for me. I'm already lamenting my surefire demise. It will kill me. Okay, maybe not, but it's still how I feel.

Here are 3 reasons as to why this is a big deal:

1. I have never participated in Lent. For whatever reason, it was never observed in my family or church growing up. I knew of the Fish Fridays in school and that my friends were supposedly giving things up, but it was never highlighted in my life.
2. This girl has gots to have her dessert. I have a really bad habit of needing something sweet to top off meal or an evening. Isn't there scientific research that proves chocolate does a body good?
3. I love to bake. I spend a LOT of time online perusing recipes, bookmarking and scribbling down ones I'd love to try. (For cooking, I use recipes for ideas. I rarely cook from a recipe. However, baking is a whole other world. Measurements are generally recommended and not "to taste," as in cooking.) It's sad that I know the last treat I will concoct before Lent begins are the oh-my-gosh-are-they-yummy Blackout Cupcakes with Chocolate Ganache (a la Cheesecake factory's Linda's Fudge Cake) for my good friend's birthday on Saturday.

So while the above reasons will make it difficult, here are the reasons I'm doing it, in no particular order:

1. Spring Cleaning. I have never really been a participant in New Year's Resolutions but do go through seasons where I am really determined to accomplish something. Last spring/summer it was running. I was half-way done with my half-marathon training when I was sidelined by injury and, well, life. I had never run so much or so well! I am looking to kick-start my wellness again and figured that giving up ~~so many calories~~ something that I really enjoy would be a great start. And if I could lose a couple pounds without really trying? Bonus!
2. Quiet Time. I am looking forward to using that time to get into the Word more during times I'd normally be looking for recipes or whipping up batches of goodies. It's something I've always struggled with, and although cooking/baking does not take priority, I just like the idea that I'm freeing up more time so I will have even fewer excuses.
3. Competition. I'm really competitive. With others, with myself, with the computer in online boggle... I hate to lose and hate when I don't follow through with what I say. Still waiting to run that half-marathon... This is something that will be incredibly difficult yet totally achievable if I stay the course. So far only the Boy knows of this plan (actually, was this his idea?) but now I'm letting ~~the world~~ you three know, too.

We're still figuring out the rules: What counts as sweets? Just confections and candy-type things? How about honey on toast? Or sugar in tea or coffee? Frozen yogurt/sorbet? It's fruit, you know.

But the most major question of all: Do margaritas count as sweets? I shudder to think...

P.S. I have a margarita recipe that is amazing, no mixer involved. It's been called The Truth Serum before. Just sayin'.

Oh Gorsh

2010-02-05T14:37:00.001-08:00

Okay, I am officially terrible at keeping this blog up and running. It has been 7 months, more or less, since I last posted and my oh my have things changed.

I am back in the land of sun, stars and fake ~~boobs~~ tans. And sushi. Oh, and hiking in shorts and tank tops.

However, it nearly killed me leaving this almost one-year old behind, though. (I may or may not attempt to smell the Burts Bees Baby wash while at Target...)

Who doesn't love avocados? If you don't, please don't tell me.

Thankfully there is Skype, although due to the nature of mobile children, it usually turns into a session of my sister holding the webcam and following Riley around like those zoo cams you see online. We watch her lick her reflection in the mirror, pick fuzz out of the carpet and generally practice all of her new and ever changing skills.

Let's see, in an attempt to not recap the mundane details of the last 7 months, I'll highlight this past week.

I am waiting for my job to start up, so I have had some time on my hands. I have:
-watched several episodes of I Love Lucy
-hiked with a friend twice
-been a 'reporter' for a friend at one movie premiere red carpet (Dear John)
-saw one Kirstie Alley hiking at the trail head of a park
-eaten 3 bowls of Frosted Flakes (in 36 hours)
-practiced self control yesterday and did not spend $300 at Costco (only $21.76...some was the Frosted Flakes)
-viewed and bookmarked about 8,329 recipes
...and more things you could care less about.

Maybe I'll stop back in another seven months or so? One day this blog will be a priority. Maybe. :)

Reasons

2009-06-27T11:24:00.001-07:00

So it's been two months since I've written a post. Well, more like one if you count that Conan video I posted. But that's it. I just can't seem to find the time.

Reason #42 Why I Am Not Blogging:

I currently have 186 unread items on my Google Reader. That thing will suck my soul dry if I let it have its way. The minute I log in I'm bombarded with all sorts of things. The first thing I do is make sure I always read updates from friends (and news about babies, babies, and did I mention babies?). And then there's all the political and religion-based stuff I read. Seriously, it'd be a full time job keeping up with all of it.

Which leads me too....

Reason #78 Why I Am Not Blogging:

I am gainfully employed. I have not had a "normal" job since I was in college. Being up, showered and everything before 7am is a crime. And it's only going to get worse as so-called mandatory overtime begins next week. They are looking for everyone to each put in an extra 52 hours the month of July. Suffice it to say some people were less than pleased. But I am looking forward to the extra money, if the hours don't kill me first.

Reason #3 Why I Am Not Blogging:

Get a load of THIS girl. Seriously. How could anyone find time to do anything with this face lookin' your way?

She is 19 weeks old! Her 4-month birthday was on the 16th, but if you go week by week, she's actually closer to 5 months than the date on the calendar shows. Clear as mud? But don't worry, it's not like we actually go around spouting out her weeks...too tough to keep track of.

Oh, and she weighed in recently at 13.5lbs (50th percentile) and 25.5 inches (90th percentile) long. We've got a string bean on our hands!

She's so fun right now. A big fan of smiling and giggling, she grab at your face when you talk down on her level and LOVES when you nibble on her toes or make kissy noises on her tummy.

There you have it. A few reasons why I have been absent from this thing, although I doubt the five of you who read this were all that curious :)

I Love Conan

2009-06-02T20:20:00.000-07:00

It's been a really long time since I've posted. I have a million reasons why and may explain sometime, and I even have a few posts currently saved to my drafts. Oh well.

And now the reason I'm posting today...

I am sure many of you (you know, the five of you that check in once in a while) have seen this video, either live or taped. Or online. But I have to post it here because I laugh every time I see it. It's from Conan's first night at the Tonight Show.

Hope you enjoy it as much as I have!

More Like Not Me Sunday

2009-04-26T21:34:00.000-07:00

I doubt Mckmama is doing her blog carnival where everyone fesses up about the things that may or may not have happened to them lately. She is still in Boston with Stellan, waiting to see what their next move is. Head over to her site to check up on them.

If I tried to recount a week's worth of things that simply did not occur, we'd be here all day. So, I decided to just tell you about yesterday instead.

Sunday, at a picnic for my cousin's kid's 1st birthday, my niece did not spit up all over the front of my shirt and it did not drip down underneath to my belly button. I totally did not give myself a mini sponge bath in front of some relatives and others who weren't so relative.

Oh, and I did not keep the shirt on and wear it to a friend 's baby shower 7 hours later. That would be disgusting.

My 10-week-old niece did not shriek through the majority of said two-hour baby shower. She's way too mild mannered for that and I'm sure no one was annoyed by her screaming. It was not reminiscent of this:

Happy Monday! Hope yours is filled with less baby bodily functions and ear-piercing cries :)

Death to Pepe Le Pew

2009-04-25T21:55:00.000-07:00

I have been meaning to write this post for about 10 ten days now. Not because it's all that important but more because it majorly disrupted things.

Last Wednesday night (10 days ago...wow, I was just guessing before) I was moving about my living area--the family room in the basement--and getting ready for bed. It was around midnight or a little after.

I hear this scratching and squeaking outside one of the windows. Some of our basements have deep, three-feet window wells, so it's not unheard of for something to fall in. Usually all we find are mice. Well, this was quite a bit louder than a mouse. And creepier.

I was afraid it was a person, so I went upstairs like a little kid and woke my dad up to come check and see what was outside my window :)

We slowly pulled back the curtain and shined a flashlight on it, careful not to startle whatever it was.

Lo and behold, a skunk. Well, what the heck do you do? The thing can't get out. We have no idea if it has rabies or anything like that. Also, it's dark out so it'd be tough to see if he had any friends lingering about. You don't want to go out and risk getting sprayed. (We thought of trying to put something down there to help it crawl back out, but again, the stink.)

So, our last middle of the night option was to call uptown to the police dept and see what they had to say about it. (We didn't use the emergency number, don't worry.) They sent a guy over a few minutes later.

When the cop showed up, his first solution was, "Well, I'll just go shoot it." Um. Okay.

So we went and warned my sleeping mother a gun would be fired at a skunk outside her window.

She sat upright and said she was going to be shot dead in her bed. No, really. That was her first response. I'm not even sure it was a question.

We ended up trekking out to my grandma's house at 2:30am to stay there because the stench engulfed the house. Thankfully we weren't directly hit, but the window took the blunt of it and the odor just sort of seeped through.

The upstairs/main level of our house smells fine most of the time now because it's been able to air out. However, the basement is still stinky. Not quite burning-my-eyes-and-throat stinky like it was initially, but still too gross to sleep/constant breathe.

I've been camping out upstairs on the floor in the baby's room since, while my sister's been on the living room couch. The greatest news tonight is that we hauled up a twin mattress from a non-stinky storage room downstairs that I will now use until the stench disappears from my normal sleeping area.

Anyway, here's a lesson to sum up a VERY LONG NIGHT: Shoot a skunk only if you are unable to get sprayed on your own. Or you're a cop in a small town and never get to use your gun.

P.S. The funniest thing about the skunk shooting is that the cop then decided to put the skunk in a garbage bag and then PUT IT IN HIS CAR to dispose of it. Um, not so bright. Suffice it to say that the guys who had to use the car the next day weren't so pleased with the decision.

Thoughts on Blogs, Babies, and 'Bama

2009-04-09T21:49:00.000-07:00

I am going to preface this by saying that I am fully aware that I have had baby on the brain lately. Not so much because I'm dying to have one tomorrow or anything (I'll consider it for next week, though), but because how could you NOT have baby on the brain while lovin' on this lil sweetie pie everyday:

Baby Girl here is going to be 8 stinkin' weeks old in a few days. Where has the time gone??

Plus, it doesn't help when you know a dozen pregnant ladies right now, either.

Okay, back on track...

Earlier this evening, I indulged my 100-times-a-day habit of checking on the updated Tweets by Mckmama about how Stellan is doing (not awesome, so check it out and pray!)

She sent out a post alerting everyone to pray for and learn about the mother of a very sick baby girl, April, who may not make it in-utero, and most likely not outside of the womb. What makes this new blog/story so interesting for me is that the mom is an unmarried, Christian woman. Let's just say that it's not exactly the easiest position to be in. Having a baby out of wedlock? People may shake their heads and move along. A Christian girl gets pregnant and all hell breaks loose. Well, that's not entirely fair. Some people are incredibly loving and look past circumstance to see the person. But I think most would agree that Christians tend to be a bit more likely to gasp, whisper and stare/glare than their secular counterparts.

I digress again...

Anyway, the first post I read ended with something that caused me to write this post: "God does not punish people with babies (sorry, Mr. President, you got that wrong)."

Even though she has been through a lot with the unexpected pregnancy followed by the dire diagnosis for her baby girl and who knows what else, she is confident that this girl was no accident and is of the greatest value, both to her and to God.

And yes, the President actually said that babies are punishment (if the pregnancy was a "mistake"). Watch the video. Seriously. And if you aren't already familiar, check out how extreme our President is on the issue of abortion.

This really got me thinking about how people view babies. I can understand that having a baby can be really difficult for some people, especially when the result (a baby) is not an ideal situation for whatever reason. I get that. BUT instead of thinking of this "unplanned" baby as PUNISHMENT, I think we should look at him/her as an OPPORTUNITY.

We make mistakes. Every single one of us. Some seem bigger than others. Some mistakes are exposed to the whole world to see while others stay a secret. But I think that while God most importantly offers forgiveness--for sure and for certain--he also offers us the chance to change the direction of our lives with our next decision. And the one after that. And the next one...

Most, if not all, of the sin in my life is based purely on selfishness. It's all about me. I'd venture to guess that it's the same for you, too. When Obama suggests that he'd rather his daughters have an abortion rather than face the "punishment" of having a baby at an inopportune time, I find myself glad I'm not his daughter. I like to think that a father should be the one to comfort and support his child in a time of need instead of compounding the problem with severe physical pain and psychological anguish.

I am so thankful that I have a father here on Earth who loves me regardless of my mistake and does whatever he can to help me choose a better path. He's the bestest. And I cannot even fathom how much more this is true of my Heavenly Father!

I'm having a really hard time grasping how huge--and wrong--this view of unwanted children is. It actually makes me feel ill. And angry. Very angry. Because to me the answer is clear. But no one ever said doing the right thing would be easy, and we are living in the middle of a world consumed by selfish desires and little else.

Last thoughts...

Is having a baby out of wedlock or at an inconvenient time truly punishment? Or is it the chance to turn a potentially ugly situation into a beautiful representation of God's love and grace?

Seriously--How can you not be in awe of how good God is when you look at this sleeping angel??

Stuff I'm Diggin'

2009-04-03T21:48:00.000-07:00

I am a big fan of snacks. I don't think I'm much of a grazer throughout the day, but recently I have been noticing that I get super pumped over some of the snacks or mini-meals I've had. They aren't even unique or original, but they make me happy :)

1. Hummus. It's wonderful. Except the red roasted pepper kind. Blech. Gimme the real stuff: the garlicky, beany, tahini-y kind. Anyway, I think it was at Zankou Chicken in Hollywood when I first fell in love. (It's this awesome Lebanese/Mediterranean place...way good.) I was picking up a lunch order for work (ah, the days of being a PA...) and I decided to get a small side of it for myself. As a girl who loves her carbs, I was pretty psyched about the warm pita that accompanied the hummus. I wasn't even out of the parking lot before I was sampling my lunch. I had thought I had tasted hummus before, but this wiped out any vague memory of it. It was that yummy. So now I spread it on sandwiches, dip carrots or other veggies into it...but really, all I want to do most of the time is eat it with a spoon!

2. Indoor S'mores. I know I'm not the brainchild of this delightful invention, but I wish I were. It's not health food, but it has to be a tad better for you than the full-on chocolate bar version. All you do is take couple chocolate graham crackers, slap a marshmallow or two between them and pop them into the microwave for about 10 seconds. Or until your marshmallow is on the verge of exploding. And then enjoy the gooey deliciousness. Pure genius.

3. Chocolate Milk. We're talking Nesquick here, not the store-bought, syrup-in-a-jug stuff. Sometimes I feel like I'm sorta kinda on the verge of being hungry but a) it's either too close to meal time or b)I'm just not sure what I'm in the mood for. (Or c) there's a good chance it's boredom.) Either way, I have found that drinking a small glass of milk often cures this dilemma. I don't know if it cures the thirst part or the hunger part--or both--but it works. I find this especially helpful when I'm in the mood for something sweet but nothing heavy like a dessert. That's where the Nesquick comes in. It's perfect. It can be fairly healthy, too if you use skim milk. And it adds extra calcium to your diet. Bonus!

4. Couscous. Is it a grain? Is it a pasta? Is it entirely under-used by most people? (It's pasta, and yes.) Oh how I love love love its versatility. I could eat that stuff all day. It as easy to cook as instant rice but has the fullness of a good, whole wheat pasta. My most recent concoction consisted of Tri-Color couscous mixed with Italian-style tomatoes (drained) and garbanzo beans. It made me happy. I ate it as a main dish for dinner one night and then had it cold as a salad for lunch the next day. And the next. It's also good with nuts, raisins...the combinations are endless. It cost me about $6-$8 for a 32oz canister. So. Worth. It.

5. Spinach Salad. I hate salad. What is the point? Am I a rabbit? But I have been scarfing this spinach salad I've been making A LOT of lately. I put a couple handfuls of baby spinach on a bowl or plate, depending on whether it's my main dish or side dish. I then scoop some 1% Cottage Cheese on top. I don't use much, just enough to act in place of the dressing. Feta is yummy, too. I then section an orange and toss it with the other two ingredients. Top it off with some freshly ground pepper. (To section an orange, simply cut the peel away--including the pith/white stuff--with a knife instead of peeling it like normal. Then roughly chop into bite-size pieces. This ensures you get the best juicy, non-stringy fruit.) The different flavors totally and strangely compliment one another, and I'm sure it'd be great topped with some beans or cranberries, too.

Ahhh, I love beans. But they should be their own topic someday. I have much to say about them and all their glory.

Should you be so lucky to read all about it some time!

Watch this video!!

2009-03-31T21:14:00.000-07:00

I've mentioned many times in this blog how much I frequent Mckmama's blog. And I've also told you about her super sick baby boy and linked to her stuff for you to check out. Well, tonight the local Minneapolis television station ran a story on them and interviewed Jennifer.

Check it out! And keep praying for this sweet little guy!!!!

Um, Are Ya Kidding??

2009-03-28T23:24:00.001-07:00

This is what I saw when I looked out onto my deck on Saturday night around 10pm:

Even Maya seemed confused since it had been in the sixties just days before...

...But the wild beast was not disheartened...

...For she quickly decided to make a snow angel as only she can!

Yikes! Well, we love her anyway.

A couple inches of SNOW on March 28. With more forecasted for next week.

Good thing it wasn't 80 degrees in Los Angeles today. Oh--it was? Awesome.

You Tell 'Em!

2009-03-25T12:21:00.000-07:00

I think this speech by British MEP Daniel Hannan to the Prime Minister is quite fitting for us in the US. Perhaps the Pelosis and Reids in the Administration will get a similar earful should some bold and fed-up politicians take note?

Sorrow and Joy

2009-03-25T07:25:00.000-07:00

My heart has been seriously troubled by how little Stellan is fighting for his life. Again. First in-utero, now only a few short months later. I even had dreams about it last night. I installed a button on the top right sidebar that will take you to the updates on how he's doing.

I read this today on John Piper's blog and thought I'd just reprint in its entirety since it's pretty short. I think it's fitting and something we should never forget to remember.

The Sorrow and Joy of the Seasoned Soul
March 25, 2009 | By: John Piper

It is not a sign of a seasoned Christian soul that steady joy is untinged with steady sorrow.

Or to put it positively, the seasoned soul in Christ has a steady joy and a steady sorrow.

They protect each other. Joy is protected from being flippant by steady sorrow. Sorrow is protected from being fatal by steady joy.

And they intensify each other. Joy is made deeper by steady sorrow. Sorrow is made sweeter by steady joy.

For the seasoned Christian soul, I do not see how it can be otherwise while people are perishing and we are saved. I do not see how it can be otherwise while these two passages are written by the same inspired man:

I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. (Romans 9:2-3)

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. (Philippians 4:4)

PRAY. And then a rant.

2009-03-23T15:11:00.000-07:00

First and foremost, go over to My Charming Kids to get an update on MckMama's sweet baby boy Stellan. He is in bad, bad shape. They were told he'd die in the womb but was born this past fall perfectly healthy, no signs of sickness. Over the weekend, that all changed. He got sick and was diagnosed with the same disease and is fighting for his life. Please head over there to check out what's going on and PRAY PRAY PRAY. Although the names aren't listed in the blog, the parents and Jennifer and Israel. The have three other little ones, four and younger, at home.

If I Twittered, I'd tweet it. But I don't.

And now my rant, which isn't nearly as important as Stellan. But it's also been on my mind, so I'll proceed.

With our government asking a lot from us these days (ka-ching!) and most likely doing some serious damage to the future of our country, I think everyone should take some time to really learn about who exactly is running things.

We already know most people didn't take the time to look past the charismatic rhetoric of our President to see who the man truly is and what he stands for. I'm sorry--"Hope" isn't a destination.

We also know that the man in charge of the Treasury is above paying his taxes. Who isn't these days? But you know there'd be hell to pay if one of us shmucks failed to file ours. I doubt we'd be offered one of the most important positions in the country.

I digress... Well, sort of.

One of the President's nominees for the Health and Human Services Secretary is Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (D-KS). She is being touted by certain Christan groups as being great for the pro-life and pro-family movement. However, as this article from Caffeinated Thoughts points all, not all is as it seems.

Once again, important facts are glazed over and even tampered with in effort to highlight certain agendas.

It's a well-researched article and doesn't seem to be mudslinging in any way. Make up your own minds, obviously. But it definitely deserves a read and more importantly, your consideration.

Any body else tiring of not really knowing who all these people running our country are?

To sit back hoping that someday, someway, someone will make things right is to go on feeding the crocodile, hoping he will eat you last--but eat you he will.
~Ronald Reagan

Monday, Monday

2009-03-16T09:46:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

She is giving away a prize to a random person who plays along, so it'll be worth your while to check it out!

I am not excited that it's supposed to hit 70 degrees today. Finally! (I miss L.A. weather!!)

I am not shocked that my niece is one-month-old today. That means I have totally been able to sleep peacefully through each and every night for an entire month.

I am not looking for a job while I'm still hanging out in the Midwest. Who needs money?

My list this week is super short but since I don't have babies to play with, dogs to walk and some sunshine to enjoy, we'll just say I'm lazy :)

Happy Monday!!

3 1/2 weeks!

2009-03-12T11:08:00.000-07:00

Snugglin' with Grandpa...

Easy-Peasy Cherry Cobbler

2009-03-07T20:12:00.000-08:00

In the mood to bake but without the fuss, I whipped up a super simple and satisfying treat.

Alliteration anyone?

With a can of cherry pie filling as my muse, I briefly scoured my family's trusty Better Homes and Gardens cookbook, circa 1960.

I didn't have the ingredients for a pie crust, which was okay by me since I wasn't really in the mood for pie.

But I just wanted something warm and yummy for this cold, rainy night.

I found a recipe for the biscuit portion of a peach cobbler and voila!

It seriously takes about 30 minutes to prep and bake this dish.

Empty pie filing into an 8x8 glass baking dish. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 1 Tbs sugar, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt. Cut in 1/4 cup butter, until coarse crumbs appear.

In a small dish mix 1/4 cup milk with a slightly beaten egg. Add to dry mixture. Stir until batter is moistened.

Spoon batter over pie filling.

Pop in the oven for about 20 minutes until done or desired browning is achieved.

Serve immediately piping hot...with vanilla ice cream, of course! I also think it's good by itself at room temperature.

P.S. In the 30 seconds between setting the dish on the counter and grabbing my camera, my mom somehow managed to help herself to some cherry goodness.

Potty-Training

2009-02-26T22:25:00.000-08:00

Photo by thejbird

I sort of feel like a stalker, but I can't help it. And to be honest, I am not that ashamed. There is a blog out there I check everyday at least once. If I only have a minute to get online, I've been known to check and see if there are new posts up instead of checking my email.

Okay, maybe a little ashamed.

Anyway...

I am at the point in my life where it seems everyone is having kids. Latest count of people I know who are expecting this year: 10. The list used to be longer, but a half dozen friends and family have recently had babies.

So, I figured this blog post from MyCharmingKids was timely. It's one family's take on the ever-fun task of potty-training.

While she suggests methods that may or may not work at all for me someday when I have children, I like the idea that I can tuck this info away and possibly incorporate it into my future routine.

I have participated in potty-training (other people's) toddlers and it is NOT something I particularly look forward to attempting. It's a lot of work! But hopefully tips like these help ease all the anxiety and trepidation...of the parent.

Happy Aiming!

To Speak or Not to Speak: Who Gets a Voice?

2009-02-24T00:14:00.000-08:00

There is a video on YouTube that has been making the rounds lately. Perhaps you've seen it.

WorldNetDaily published an article about a 7th grade girl who competed in a speech competition where she chose the topic of abortion.

After being told she wouldn't be able compete unless she chose another topic, she stood her ground and decided that she would continue with her speech, regardless of the consequences.

Check out the article and the video. Pretty compelling for a 12-year-old.

Time for Not Me!

2009-02-18T08:37:00.000-08:00

It's that time again. Head on over to MckMama's to see what everyone else has or has not done this week.

Here's what I surely didn't do this week:

I did NOT start this list last Wednesday because I have zero memory capabilities right now.

I did NOT grab a breast pad to quickly soak up some water I spilled on the table.

I did NOT forget to remove my old socks before trying to put on a clean pair. I am NOT too tired to know the difference between one layer and two.

I do NOT want to snuggle this little girl at all hours of the day. I am NOT looking forward to spoiling her just a lil bit.

Even though she is far too even tempered and just plain cute to ever have a major cow at the ripe old age of one week old, I do NOT melt (and even sometimes giggle) when she looks like this:

I have NOT been sneezing my head off all day. I have way too much to do to be getting a cold. I will not be downing tons of fruit and vitamins (gag me) to keep this at bay. And I am certainly not attributing my fuzzy-feeling head to the dry air because dry air cannot keep me from loving on this lil girl.

I am probably NOT going to stop posting about this sweet babe anytime soon. Okay, so that was true.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-02-18T08:32:00.001-08:00

Not Me! from the Maternity Ward

2009-02-16T10:04:00.000-08:00

Hopefully you've taken the chance to check out MckMama and all of her Not Me! friends before. If not, head on over to see what the fuss is all about. It's definitely worth your time and may make you laugh a time or two.

I have NOT just endured two sleepless nights of contractions.

I have NOT suffered through sharp pains throughout my body for the past 36 hours .

I am NOT totally exhausted beyond belief.

I am NOT currently at the hospital waiting for my sister (yes, I'm just a whiner) to give birth to my niece.

My sister is NOT being a nazi at this very moment about what all of us can and cannot eat while we are here, regardless of how near we are to her or her room when stuff is being eaten. :)

I am NOT super thrilled to see this baby's sweet tiny face in just a few short hours!!!!

My Funny (and Sweet!) Valentine

2009-02-14T21:29:00.000-08:00

The Death of Generations (and generations...)

2009-02-11T12:33:00.000-08:00

I have been spending a lot of time lately thinking about what what it will mean for us if President Obama is able to fulfill one of his major campaign promises with FOCA, or a similarly named bill. And to be honest, it literally makes me sick to my stomach.

What that new legislation will mean is that there will be zero accountability when it comes to abortions. It will remove any restrictions in place today. Babies will be killed at all points of pregnancy, minors will not need parental consent, the ban on partial-birth abortions will be lifted, doctors and facilities of faith will face fines and/or loss of licenses if they refuse to perform an abortion, OUR tax money will be spent on providing abortions to foreigners overseas...the list goes on.

Did anybody pay attention to this during the campaign? Do people not care about little babies getting a shot at life? Is receiving a paycheck from Uncle Sam more important than protecting little ones? I seriously do not understand this. To me, it's unfathomable. However, we are about to face (and truly, are in the midst of) the most horrendous slaughter humanity has EVER known. There are plenty of stats to back that up, too.

There is an article at Boundless that is worth a read.

Also, if you would like to better inform yourself on the issue, check out www.fightfoca.com

Below is an unreferenced prayer pulled from Boundless article. Its date of origin is unknown for now, but its timelessness perfectly fits our current situation.

Father of Lights, the time is dark and our eyes are dim. Our kings, ordained for the protection of the weak, expose them to death, yet cry 'hope.' Our people have lost their way and are deceived.

Light in the Darkness, we call upon you that we may be undeceived and follow you once more. We humbly and earnestly implore you, not only that the evils in the land be turned back, but that we have the courage to stand against them.

Holy Spirit, hear our intercession for the repentance and conversion of those highly placed who do wrong. Renew a right spirit within them. We beg the same mercy for ourselves, who have stood by and called evil good. Assist our prayers, and enable us in all times and places to give you thanks.

In the Name of the Trinity, Amen.

P.S. The sonogram is my niece, whom I will get to meet in a few days!

Not Me! Monday

2009-02-08T20:36:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

It's been a long time since I've participated in this, but I figured I could probably come up with a couple things that have happened recently.

If you are unfamiliar with Not Me! Mondays, click on the button or links to see what it's all about. It's a lot of fun to read--you won't be disappointed. And hey, you may end up feeling a little better about yourself along the way!

I was at the store with my mom and sister last weekend getting the last few random items on our list. It had been a long day of running a bazillion errands (after catching a movie, of course.) We were in the bath and beauty section and I realized that I really, really needed razor blades. For the past six weeks I had been using a crummy disposable razor I stole from my sister. It's safe to say that my skin looked like it had gone through a wood chopper after my showers. So, like a good daughter, I held onto my item until we finished shopping and waited in line to pay. It would be so UNLIKE me to just drop my expensive pack of razors into my mom's already-full cart. That would be silly and quite ridiculous since I am most definitely too old to ask (ahem, expect, sometimes) for my mom to purchase things for me. So I didn't. Or did I? All I know is that my legs have thanked me.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For the last year or so I have really made an effort to try to change at least a few easy things in my diet to make it more "organic." The easiest thing I've found is to buy organic milk instead of regular milk. After I read a hundred different articles on just how junky normal grocery store milk is, I had a hard time buying it. Plus, it tastes a whole heck of a lot better. (But let's be honest...sometimes a person just can't find the courage to hand over $3.50-$4 per half gallon every single time the milk is gone. I have definitely switched it out on occasion.)

So when I arrived at my family's home and find out that my expecting sister has switched to organic for the sake of her and baby, I thought that it would be nice to not have to worry about fitting "my" milk into the fridge. Or paying for it very often. However, I soon learned that since it was so expensive, my sister preferred that I didn't use her milk unless it was a milk emergency. I get that. I can be quite reasonable at times. So I most definitely do NOT sneak the "good" milk when it can go unnoticed or no one is looking and regular milk just won't do. I am NOT that calculating. I am ALWAYS a much more considerate person than that.

Oh, and I do NOT think theft is becoming a theme here.

I am sure there are plenty of other occasions where I have totally handled things awesomely but just can't think of them right now. Throughout the week, I always do/say/see something that
I think should go in a Not Me! post--if I were to ever get around to making one--but I never remember them or write them down. Or remember to write them down.

Well, here's to a week of NOT working on forgetfulness or the act of general thievery...

I'll Fly Away

2009-01-16T07:20:00.000-08:00

Someday. And I'm pretty psyched about it. Well, when I think about it.

I recently heard one of my favorite all-time hymns on the radio. It was a bit more jazzed up than what may be found in your traditional Sunday service. It's a song that had always resonated with my as a kid, probably because it first reminded me of my grandma. As I grew, I noticed it always stirred some excitement me. Now, I'm not one who is usually into hymns, at least traditional old-people hymns. But of the few that I really enjoy, this has to be one of my favorites.

It is also one that challenges me. I feel like I spend a whole heck of a lot of time concerned about the ephemeral. Don't get me wrong--there is a lot to be said for striving to live a life worthy of being considered a Christ follower. Christ says as much throughout the New Testament. But why do we (ahem, that's a resounding I) strive so hard for the things of this life when our hearts and souls really belong to another place, our true home, a place of eternal awesomeness? (Yes, I know what I just said and, well, I meant it.) I am a firm believer in working on being content with our current life circumstances while simultaneously longing for home. I don't think anyone would say that it's an easy balance to achieve, but I am positive that it possible.

For me, I hope to let my mind linger on thoughts of heaven far more than I have in the past. And, if I've been neglectful, hopefully God will give me a little nudge by playing a song or two to remind me.

There are a million variations and lyrics to this song, but here is one of the more traditional versions:

I'll Fly Away

Some bright morning when this life is over
I'll fly away
To that home on God's celestial shore
I'll fly away

I'll fly away oh glory
I'll fly away
When I die hallelujah by and by
I'll fly away

When the shadows of this life have gone
I'll fly away
Like a bird from these prison walls I'll fly
I'll fly away

Oh how glad and happy when we meet
I'll fly away
No more cold iron shackles on my feet
I'll fly away

Just a few more weary days and then
I'll fly away
To a land where joys will never end
I'll fly away

Indeed, we will!

Busy Busy Busy

2009-01-07T10:23:00.000-08:00

4000 miles over five days within a two-week period. 8 states crossed--three were crossed three times, two were crossed twice. A lot of back-tracking, it seems.

I need a vacation from my vacation. But will someone please do the packing for me? And while you are at it, you may sit in a camped vehicle for me. For 17 hours. Three different times. Each one way. Not that I'm complaining. Well, not too loudly, anyway. At least my next venture has me flying home. That will hopefully be a much more comfortable experience. And that's not saying much.

My travels have been anything but tame and I don't expect to be able to relax a little until next week. Here are just a few pics depicting what's been going on.

This was a nice beginning to my travels. I was JUST on my way out of town:

So that is still a headache I get to deal with. And a neck ache.

Then, I had a chance to have a little fun in the snow. Gotta love the ensemble. But hey, it was a balmy 20 degrees, so I had to take advantage of the "heat wave":

After Christmas, I attended an out-of-state wedding. Here's an image of the table centerpieces. I love mirrors!

And, last but certainly not least, the diaper cake I made for my sister's baby shower:

Next up: hopefully a nap!

No Wasted Leftovers

2008-12-12T00:15:00.001-08:00

And I don't mean cookies...

I had the awesome opportunity to spend some time with some great ladies tonight. We decorated Christmas cookies and laughed...a lot! As the year and our Lifegroup both come to an end very soon, it started me thinking about how I ended up where I was tonight: in the company of wonderful women, in a city 2000 miles from my hometown--where I've lived for nearly three years already. Time has flown, for sure. I came up with a bullet-point list of the events leading up to tonight.

-January 2004: Visit some family friends in NoCal so that I could interview for an internship. During this time I headed down to SoCal with a friend to visit his brother, Disneyland and a church. My friend has a man-crush on the worship leader at this church (my friend also leads worship...he's a huge fan of this leader) so we attended. We almost didn't make it due to rainy, gross weather combined with a late evening the previous night.

-March 2006: I move to SoCal.

-April 2006: I decide it's time to find a church and remember the church I had visited. It was the ONLY church I had ever heard of or known anything about. It reminded me of the church I attended in college, so I felt at home immediately.

-April 2006 through December 2007: Loving church and attending fairly regularly but not really plugged in despite it's great Young Adult ministry. I blame me for that and my lack of being super outgoing.

-January 2008: Attend the Passion Conference with a small group from my church. I hardly knew anyone there but had really felt God calling me to get connected. I felt this was my best shot. I met a couple of the pastors, who I had been chit-chatting with about wanting to find a Lifegroup but none listed online were anywhere near my house. They then thought of a girl who they thought would be great. I meet said girl the following week at a coffee shop. The moment I walked in I couldn't believe it. I had seen her numerous times before and always thought she looked familiar, like someone from my school. As I had correctly guessed, she had been on the worship team at our college ministry. 2000 miles away. SMALL WORLD.

-Today: I am able to call this wonderful group of ladies not just my Bible study or Lifegroup, but friends.

God did a lot of things in order to get me where I am today. That is not lost on me. I am struck by the reality that God really does have a plan--and more importantly--knows exactly what's going on even when we don't. When things are hard and we can't see past our own struggles, God is right there with us. But what is awesome news for my heart tonight is that none of our hardships are wasted. God always uses what's going on in our lives to help us ultimately become exactly how He wants us. Our pain, sorrow, frustration and even joy are constantly being used by God to mold us into people who look a little more like Jesus. Bit by bit, day by day. There are no leftovers in our lives that can't be used for our good and God's glory.

How awesome is that?

The Unequaled One

2008-12-08T17:48:00.001-08:00

I spent this past weekend with a few hundred other young adults from my church. The retreat was held outside of the city, so that in itself was refreshing. The 3 1/2 hours it took to get there in traffic was not as refreshing. It was a wonderful time to meet with God (well, He met with me exactly where I was) and spend quality time with some dear friends. The sessions were good and I was loving the worship!!

Here is a journal excerpt of my reflections on the entire weekend:

Jesus is the Unequaled One. He pursues me, always and forever. No matter what. Regardless of how I treat Him or (fail to) respond to Him. I want my life to reflect Jesus' work in me. No more compromises. I am no longer going to live as if there is nothing or very little at stake.

Love God. Love others as we love ourselves. Love ourselves because we trust that God doesn't make mistakes and He only wants the best for us. He is more than deserving of our love and faithfulness in return.

Today another thought has been swirling around me head:

Am I living a life that is worth or consistent with being a Christ-follower?

It was a fantastic weekend that left me feeling refreshed and with lots of things to think about, which excites me. I had asked God prior to this weekend to break my heart and show me things in my life that deserve my immediate attention. He definitely delivered!

Here's a picture of our room (minus the boy) at breakfast. Most of these girls are in my Lifegroup:

This picture was taken during the Reindeer Games. It was basically a huge competition with five stations. This one was where we had to pull a teammate across the pool in the tubes while they tried to grab Christmas bows and put them into a bucket. About 90 minutes later my friend and I quit during our 3rd event. Oops.

60 Degrees ( Okay, 70) and Freezing

2008-12-03T10:22:00.000-08:00

Somewhere along the CA coast

I am pretty sure I am a wimp. I spent 21+ years living in an environment where it was pretty much hardcore winter for 6 months out of the year, where you'd often wake up in the morning hoping the streets have been cleared and that your car starts. Where, if the temperature happened to hit forty degrees, everyone was out in shorts and long sleeves.

I'd like to say it's taken me three years to acclimate to the almost always pleasant weather of Southern California, but I'd be lying. I think it took about 6 months. By the time I went back home for that first Christmas, my body had somehow forgotten what it was like to need to regulate its temperature. In all actuality, my body rebelled. I was so cold the entire 2 weeks I was there. Even riding in the car provided a place for me to chatter my teeth, despite the fact I was wearing a heavy winter coat.

This is why I am nervous. I am soon going to be spending the next few months in what I affectionately call the Tundra. I am going home for a little bit and I don't think I could have picked a better time of year: the dead of winter. I think I may die. Slowly, for sure, since that's how you freeze to death. Everyone keeps telling me that I'm being dramatic or exaggerating, but I tell you I am not. I don't care how many layers I put on, how consistently I wear long johns when I leave the house, it is nearly impossible for me to stay warm for very long. And here's the "kicker," as my mom would say: You start sweating to death the minute you walk indoors. You can't win!!

Here's an example of how wimpy I've become. I am sitting at home now with my space heater on, under a pile of covers...and according to my desktop weather alert it is 62 degrees outside. When I tell this to my family members, they all act like it is a warm spring day. Um, no. Brrr.

I will endure. Mostly because I don't have a choice.

Good thing snow is pretty. That is, until you are outside for 2 hours shoveling the driveway and then have to go out a few hours after that to do it all over again.

Here's a pic from last year when I enacted a little child labor--she had a blast, though!! (She's at the bottom of the driveway and the street is behind her--clearly the plows hadn't come through yet...)
P.S. I just checked the weather for my hometown...it's lightly snowing and the windchill is 12. Awesome.

Great Raffle for a Great Cause!!!

2008-12-02T10:34:00.000-08:00

I almost want to preface this by saying "I'm sorry for referencing this other blog so much, both here and whoever I talk to in person" but sorry. I'm not! :)

There is a(nother) great thing going on over at My Charming Kids. She has gotten together some some fantastically worthy organizations that help little ones and their families and put on a raffle to benefit them. It's called Rebel for a Cause and all proceeds go to these families in need.

So not only is it just a great cause, there is an AMAZING prize package for the raffle winner. It's a sweet Canon camera package--that's right, lots of goodies involved!! Check out the button to the left on my sidebar and it will take you straight to the contest where you can read up and get involved.

It's definitely worth your time--and your money. Only ten bucks for a ticket. Hurry, because the contest ends on December 14th.

Happy December, by the way!!!!

:)

Today is Not Me! Monday

2008-12-01T00:16:00.000-08:00

I've read several weeks worth of Not Me! Monday posts from MckMama over at My Charming Kids and decided to give it a shot. Why not? I never like to try out new things. Not me! :) Head on over to her site to see what she and others HAVEN'T done :)

This week I...

I did not offer/insist to prepare Thanksgiving dinner for 7 people at friend's house to ensure that it went well ( 5 of whom were 20-something males who could have never attempted such a feat on their own...) Nope, not me. I am never controlling or bossy. I am always the first to go with the flow and be laid back about everything. I never get worked up about unimportant details.

I did not stay up one night until 3am reading the blogs of strangers, which I wasn't thoroughly enjoying. I certainly have better things to do with my time, like sleep. Which is why I did not force myself to finally go to bed after realizing I had to get up in a few short hours to finish thawing a turkey. I am much more organized and put together than that.

I did not decide to write this post several days ago but forgot what I was going to put in it. I never forget what I am about to do. I've never walked around with my toothbrush in my mouth for 10 minutes--without toothpaste--because I was putting away odds and ends around the room. And I would never be so flighty as to ask my boyfriend if he had seen me move my toothbrush because there is no way I would forget that I had just taken it out of my mouth and was now IN MY HAND while I asked him. Not me. My mind is way too sharp for that!

To-Do or Not To-Do?

2008-11-30T00:07:00.000-08:00

I'm the type of person who has the attention span of a gnat. This doesn't mean that I can't focus on one thing for a long period of time. It's more like my mind is so crammed full of things to think about that I can jump from topic to topic to topic so quickly that a lot of the time my thoughts appear completely random and disjointed. I tell you that it is not usually the case, and when I need to connect the dots for an unsuspecting listener, I can do so rather quickly. It rarely makes sense to anyone one else but me, but I'm okay with that. It must just be how I'm wired.

I love to-do lists. I like knowing exactly everything I need to get done. Plus, I figure it's a good way to get out on paper all of the jumbled thoughts I just described above. My lists are quite detailed at times, from making my grocery list based on the aisles in the store to even listing my tasks in the order they need to get done. You may think "duh, who doesn't?" but let me explain. Yes, it makes sense to put things in chronological order. However, I often go beyond that and list out the order I need to do things just to get to actual items on my list. Confused? Say I need to schedule an appointment to have the cable guy fix my satellite dish. The beginning of my list would look a little like this:

-Look up DirecTV phone number
-Call DirecTV to make appt.
-Write appointment on calendar

It is a little ridiculous. I think spend more time making the list than actually doing the task! That implies that I always accomplish what I've set out to do because I made a list :) Yeah, not so much. I have good intentions, I swear. I've been plagued with procrastination since childhood. I would be told to clean my room and I'd end up spending hours reminiscing as I looked through every item in my closet. Some things never change.

I've considered giving up the To-Do list, but doubt that I can survive without it. Even if nothing ever gets done, I believe it's therapeutic.

I guess I should just be happy that I feel quite satisfactory when I cross off a day on my calendar, like I've accomplished something for the day.

Yeah, I'll take that.

General thievery--and a list!

2008-11-27T01:10:00.000-08:00

I saw this post on some random blog I came across while reading a different blog. I thought it was interesting and kind of fun. So I stole it. I'm not even going to reference it.

I have put the things on the list that pertain to me in bold.

Bought everyone in the bar a drink
Swam with wild dolphin
Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
Been inside a Pyramid
Held a tarantula
Taken a candle lit bath
Said I love you and meant it
Hugged a Tree
Bungee jumped
Visited Paris
Watched a lightening storm at sea
Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
Seen the Northern Lights
Gone to a huge sports game
Walked the stairs to the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Grown and eaten your own vegetables
Touched an iceberg
Slept under the stars
Changed a baby’s diaper
Taken a drip in a hot air balloon
Watched a meteor shower
Gotten drunk on champagne
Given more than you can afford to charity
Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
Had a food fight
Bet on a winning horse
Asked out a stranger
Had a snowball fight
Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
Held a lamb
Seen a total eclipse
Ridden a roller coaster
Hit a home run
Danced like a fool, not caring who watched
Adopted an accent for an entire day
Actually felt happy about your life, even for a moment
Had two hard drives for your computer
Visited all 50 states
Taken care of someone who was too drunk
Had amazing Friends
Danced with a Stranger in a foreign country
Watched wild whales
Stolen a sign
Hitchhiked in Europe
Taken a road-trip
Gone rock climbing
Midnight walk on the beach
Gone sky diving
Visited Ireland
Been heartbroken longer than you were in love
In a restaurant sat at a stranger’s table and ate with them
Visited Japan
Milked a cow
Alphabetized your CDs
Pretended to be a superhero
Sung karaoke
Lounged around in bed all day
Posed nude in front of strangers
Gone scuba diving
Kissed in the rain
Played in the mud
Played in the rain
Gone to a drive-in theater
Visited the Great Wall of China
Started a business
Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
Toured ancient sites
Taken a martial arts class
Played a computer game for more than 6 hours straight
Gotten married
Been in a movie
Crashed a party
Gotten divorced
Gone without food for 5 days
Made cookies from scratch
Won first prize in a costume contest
Ridden a gondola in Venice
Gotten a tattoo
Rafted the Snake River
Been on television news program as an “expert”
Got flowers for no reason
Performed on a stage
Been to Las Vegas
Recorded Music
Eaten shark
Had a one-night stand
Gone to Thailand
Bought a house
Been in a combat zone
Buried one/both of your parents
Been on a cruise ship
Spoken more than one language fluently
Performed in Rocky Horror
Raised children
Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
Picked up and moved to another city
Walked on the Golden Gate Bridge
Sang loudly in the car and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking
Had plastic surgery
Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have
Wrote articles for a large publication
Lost over 100 lbs
Held someone while they were having a flashback
Piloted an airplane
Petted a stingray
Broken someone’s heart
Helped an animal give birth
Won money on a TV game show
Broken a bone
Gone on an African safari
Had a body part below the neck pierced
Fired a rifle, shotgun or pistol
Eaten mushrooms gathered in the wild
Ridden a horse
Had major surgery
Had a snake as a pet
Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
Slept for more than 30 hours over 48 consecutive hours
Visited more foreign countries than US States
Visited all 7 continents
Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
Eaten Kangaroo meat
Eaten sushi
Had your picture in the paper
Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
Gone back to school
Parasailed
Petted a cockroach
Eaten fried green tomatoes
Read the Iliad
Selected one important author who you missed school to read
Killed and prepared an animal for eating
Skipped all of your school reunions
Communicated with someone without sharing a common language
Been elected to public office
Written your own computer language
Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
Build your own PC from parts
Had to put someone you love in hospice care
Sold your own artwork to someone that didn’t know it was yours
Had a booth in a street fair
Dyed your hair
Been a DJ
Shaved your head
Caused a car accident
Saved someone’s life

Looking at this list makes me think that while there are many things I would love to do at some point in my life (and plenty I could care less about), I have already done some exciting things in my life. It's so easy to get caught up and bogged down by the day-to-day that I often forget how great my life truly is.

"I have come so that they may have LIFE and have it to the FULL!" John 10:10b (emphasis and exclamation point mine)

Fruit Fly Eliminator

2008-10-14T19:44:00.000-07:00

Since I mentioned fruit flies in my last post, I thought I'd share a great way to get rid of them. I know it's beginning to be really cool in most areas, but here in SoCal bugs never seem to really die.

Like most of my "ideas," I found this remedy online somewhere. Like most of my "ideas," I can never properly credit them.

Here's what I do to rid my kitchen of those annoying creatures:

I put a half an ounce or so of balsamic vinegar in a Pyrex custard dish, or any short, tiny bowl. I then cover it with plastic wrap and poke just a couple of really small holes in the top. The bugs are attracted to the acidity (I guess) and end up either drowning or being trapped inside the bowl and eventually dying in there. It's a win-win, really.

-->Don't make the holes too big or it'll be easy for them to get out. <--

I usually put it near the fruit bowl on the table or away from where I'm working in the kitchen. It works fairly quickly, too!

P.S. I've tried other acidic liquids (red wine, apple cider vinegar, etc.) and nothing has worked nearly as well as balsamic vinegar (or worked at all, really).

Something Smells Good in Here

2008-10-14T18:33:00.000-07:00

I love to cook, but I especially love to bake. Except cookies. For some unknown reason, I cannot make good chocolate chip cookies to save my life. The dough tastes great (which is the real reason I make cookies) and the cookies usually taste fine, but somehow they always turn out really messed up. If being graded, I'd get an F on presentation.

Anyway, I get super excited when I find a recipe that is not only easy to follow but actually turns out well. I have not had much luck in this area lately. Let's just say that me and Rachel Ray's Everyday magazine aren't on speaking terms. I tried two recipes out of the latest issue, a soup and a pasta, and both tasted like onion. The pasta wasn't even the least bit edible. Since then, I've been been hesitant to try new recipes I've come across.

I apparently had bananas on my counter too long, as a new swarm of fruit flies threatened to overtake my kitchen, so I decided to toss the overripe fruit in the fridge until I decided what to do with them. Since fall has arrived, I've been in comfort food-mode and ended up making banana bread. I needed a recipe so I called my mom, who spent the next 30 minutes (while still on the phone) going through a pile of scrap pieces of paper with random recipes scrawled on them. I gave up. I turned to the Internet and was delighted at what I found.

Below is the recipe I used to make one of the most decadent banana breads I've ever had. I found it on Food Network's website. I had everything on hand and it was really simple to put together. I'm not a big nut-in-my-food person, but I did sprinkle some sliced almonds on top of the batter that ended up adding a nice, finishing flavor. But as it happened, they all ended up in the middle of the loaf, looking like a nut mohawk.

BTW--This bread smelled AWESOME as it was baking!!

BANANA BREAD

Cook Time: 60-70 minutes Yield: 1 Loaf

Ingredients
1 cup granulated sugar
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 large eggs
3 ripe bananas
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

Directions
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Butter a 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan.

Cream the sugar and butter in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

In a small bowl, mash the bananas with a fork. Mix in the milk and cinnamon. In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

Add the banana mixture to the creamed mixture and stir until combined. Add dry ingredients, mixing just until flour disappears.

Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Set aside to cool on a rack for 15 minutes. Remove bread from pan, invert onto rack and cool completely before slicing.

So Good They Suck

2008-10-08T14:47:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday proved to be the most disastrous showing in sports history. Yes, I said it.

Good thing I'm not the betting type. Although, $130 for a ticket wasn't exactly a sound investment. It's a good thing I love baseball games or it would have been a complete waste.

At the entrance gate they passed out Dodgers towels to wave in the air. We used them as napkins. However, by the 9th inning I was about ready to wave my towel in support of the team who actually showed up ready to play. But because I was decked out in a Cubs t-shirt and jersey, I refrained.

At least the Dodger Dogs were good!

(In all fairness, I would naturally root for the Dodgers had they not been playing the Cubs. I would like to see them go the distance this year, if possible. That is, if there are no goats in their history.)

Fall Has Arrived

2008-09-30T17:18:00.001-07:00

I love this time of year. The weather is crisp, the trees are turning all sorts of beautiful colors and the air just smells good. It is one of my favorite times of year.

Too bad I rarely get to enjoy any of those things anymore!

Now fall consists of the temperature often reaching the 80s and 90s, brown, dry vegetation waiting to be consumed by wildfires, and air that you can, well, see.

Okay, so it's not really that bad. Can't complain about wearing tank tops and flip-flops all year. But I do miss the falls in the Midwest. For many people I know, it signals that it is finally time to break out the sweaters and head outside for some pick-up football games. That is, when no one is crowded around the game showing on TV.

However, I know that fall is really and truly here when I find myself getting caught up in the most magical time of year. That's right: Baseball playoffs. After 162 regular season games, it's time for 8 teams to fight to the death for bragging rights for the next year. Hopefully this year will provide us with a World Series worthy of our patience during the entire season. In some of our cases, we've been patient for the last century. It's time.

It's all so exciting--I can hardly contain myself! Go Cubs Go!!!!!

Oh Dear...

2008-09-18T17:46:00.001-07:00

I was briefly looking over my pathetic little excuse for a blog and realized something that I think I’ve always known about myself but willfully ignored. My writing “voice” and my speaking voice sound nothing alike! Or do they? I hope not. I fear that when I write I may sound a bit, um, pretentious. Okay, maybe a lot. But I swear I don’t mean to sound that way!!! I really and truly believe that what comes out on paper is what was naturally flowing in my mind. I honestly can’t help it, without doing some serious editing afterwards. Maybe there is some great divide between my think-and-speak section of my brain and the think-and-write part. (Whether I think before I speak is a whole different topic, and if put to a vote, I’m sure it’d be a resounding ‘no’.) Then again, I am pretty certain that on occasion I end up speaking in the same manner in which I write, much to the chagrin of those having to listen. Do I sound like an idiot? And how often? I have been told that I can be confusing. Was that just a nicer way of telling me to shut up, no one understands, and please sound like a normal person?

I am very disconcerted by all of this. I mean, discombobulated. I mean— Oh dear...

I give up.

From Mountain Daydreams to Amish Homes to the Old West

2008-09-17T08:58:00.000-07:00

I have a not-so-secret desire to live somewhere near the mountains in a rustic and rural town, worlds away from the busy, crowded cities. I love the idea of essentially being in the middle of nowhere. You would think I have had my fill, growing up in a small town in the Midwest, right? When I become frustrated by the daily irritations of trying to co-exist with 8 million others, I often want to pack up and move to Montana. (I'm sure it's just as easy as that, too.) At the same time, I have to try to force myself to forget the fact that I can't stand the winter and have basically become a weather wimp. In Los Angeles, 60 degrees is FREEZING.

I then try to reason with myself that if I cannot live in my own private, mountainous reverie, I could possibly live in a house that seems as if it belongs against the backdrop of a beautiful range. I can't say that I absolutely love the idea of living in a cabin that looks as if it was built from a set of Lincoln Logs, but I can remember always being drawn to older looking homes with exposed beams and careful woodwork. I simply like simplicity. I believe it is more versatile and serves as a neutral--but certainly not boring--backdrop for any sort of design or decorating scheme. Plus, who says you can't install imported textiles and fancy appliances if it is your heart's desire?

With all this in mind, I was instantly intrigued when I came across an article in the Wall Street Journal. It is about people who seek out Amish contractors to build their homes based largely on the craftsmanship and work ethic of these contractors. Not to mention having a home that is built faster, cheaper and better than your average run-of-the-mill contractor, at least according to the article. Beyond business, though, the article also gives a small insight into the worldview of the Amish. There is a note that scholar Erik Wesner has a blog chronicling his study of the various Amish sects and cultures. I only checked it out briefly, but his blog seems to contain a wealth of fascinating information about the history, lifestyle and future of the Amish community.

I have been a long time fan of the history and time period concerning homesteaders and pioneers, who founded the American prairies and territories of the West from roughly the 1850s through the early 1900s. I am clearly no expert, but I would venture to guess (and maybe even hope a little) that much of the cultural aspects of the contemporary, conservative Amish would somewhat resemble, or at least echo, the lives of those 150 years ago. In the near future, I look forward to roaming through the bookstore in hopes of a few great reads that will tutor me on the lives of these incredibly interesting people.

The Blogosphere

2008-09-15T10:43:00.000-07:00

I love blogs. There is no limit to what can be shared and discussed, and more importantly, no rules. A blog can capture moments of the everyday or highlight social and political issues that impact us all. It can be a place to connect with distant friends and family or to showcase our latest culinary achievements. The possibilities are endless!

As exciting as that may be, it also leaves me feeling incredibly nervous that I will not be able to tap into my creative reserves. For one who often has the opportunity to take part in the creative process of reality television (and no, that's not a contradictory statement), I am terrified of being without a game plan. I was always the kid in school who could write vivid and detailed text analysis or research papers but always stared at my blank sheet of paper when asked to go off page and write something from within.

I honestly do not have a vision for this blog. I cannot even begin to describe what I think this blog will become. All I can say at this point is that I hope, in time, it becomes a mirror that accurately reflects things in life I value, enjoy, dislike, can't believe, struggle with, and love.