Happy Birthday to MOI!

Picture of the Day 133

May 13: Acts 21:1-36; Judges 16; Psalm 42

"Money is a horrid thing to follow, but a charming thing to meet."
-Henry James

Cheesecake Factory has the best dessert

I don't get out for dessert often. If I do it's somewhere like Coldstone's, or, well, that's about it. And I generally don't order dessert when I eat out, saves money and calories.

But whenever I eat out at the Cheesecake Factory for dinner, I can't not order dessert. Hello, cheesecake. A massive piece of delicious cheesecake and an equally massive dallop of whipped cream. I try to try a different flavor each time I go there, but sometimes I just get stuck on one in particular.

Luckily though, I don't go there very often. If I did my waist line would be much larger. And we just couldn't have that happen now could we?

Picture of the Day 132

May 12th: Acts 20:1-16; Judges 14-15; Job 42

"I know that you can do all things;
no plans of yours can be thwarted..."
-Job 42:2

Get a Flat Belly Without Diet or Exercise

YES PLEASE! That's exactly what I want. A flat belly. Sans the diet or exercise.

Can you make that happen please?

No...? Fine! Here are some tips from MSN Health and Fitness.

• Perfect your posture - stand up straight! it'll help tone your tummy muscles.
  
• Drink up! - the more water you drink the less you retain. doesn't sound right does it? but it's true!
  
• Have a seat! - in regards to the bathroom... hummm...
  
• Masticate mindfully - sounds dirty doesn't it? don't scarf your food, chew it slowly and enjoy it.
  
• Turn to the "pros" - probiotics that is. they help with your digestive system.
  
• Walk it off - 30 minutes a day, that's all you need. a little metabolism boost never hurt anyone.
  
• Give up gum - something about ending up with more air that makes you puffy. but I use gum as a hunger suppressant.
  
• Supplement! - take your vitamins!
  
• Relax already! - stress causes bad hormones to be generated, so take 20 minutes a day to relax and unwind.
  
• A chuckle a day - apparently laughing will target a muscle that most ab workouts won't reach. plus, who doesn't love a good laugh?
  

Ok, now go read all about it for more details and information.

April Results

Updated!

1. Run (not walk) a 5k race.
   01 - So, ah, I've gone walking once or twice. That's a start!
   02 - I've gone walking a few more times than I did in January. That's progress!
   03 - Definitely went walk/jogging more often in March. Oh, and crunches, I've done some crunches!
   04 - HA! Well, I maybe went on a couple walky-jogs. I've yet to sign up to race in anything. Need more training!
   
2. Read the Bible in a year.
   01 - So far, so good!
   02 - I'm doing just dandy with this. I've completely read through Genesis, Exodus, and Hebrews. I'm almost done with Leviticus and Proverbs.
   03 - On track! In March I've finished reading though Leviticus, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon.
   04 - Still goin'! Finished Matthew, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
   
3. Lose 10 pounds.
   01 - So what if I told you that I was down 9 pounds by my own scale in just January alone? Yep, it's true. Wanna see my chart? Of course you do!
   02 - 5.5 pounds down...from returning cruise weight...
   03 -Down 1 pound. Hey, it's a loss! See chart below...
   04 - I warn you, I wasn't down. I kinda slipped. See chart below... (Shown is March and April)
4. Post a picture a day...taken on that day... instead of a quote a day.
   01 - Ok, so I've slacked a few days. But I get caught up!
   02 - After the cruise I slacked on taking a picture a day. But I was still posting a picture a day. I'll work on that...
   03 - Still not doing the best on the picture being from that day, but whatever, I'm posting a picture a day.
   04 - Still not a picture from that day, but posting pictures from within the time frame of the date. Flowers are in bloom and beautiful, plus they're easy subjects, so I've taken a lot of flower pictures.
   
5. Have monthly dinner party, or at least invite some friends over for dinner.
   01 - I failed for January. February isn't over yet though...
   02 - The last couple weeks I've had my family over for dinner on Friday nights. And I've volunteered to have TND at my house the 5th Tuesday of March. I'll let you know how that goes.
   03 - Woot woot! Hosted TND on the 5th Tuesday. Total about 15 people came. I made this for dinner. It was good! Making a vow to have people over more often.
   04 - Well, I had people over, wait no that was May 1st. Ah! Yes, I had a lunch buffet sandwich building business thing for those giving souls that helped work on my path. (I still need to share my path don't I?)
   
6. Down size possessions...aka clutter
   01 - I've gone through my closet and through my pile of purses.
   02 - I rearranged the living/dining room and went though some more of my closet.
   03 - Sure...? I actually physically removed the bags of stuff to get rid of. So I guess that counts since it was cluttering up my room.
   04 - Decided that my back room needs to be cleaned out and rearranged, especially the closet. So that is going to be my project for May.
   
7. Try new recipes from the cookbooks I have. (see #5, they will be guinea pigs...)
   01 - Boo me! How does cereal sound? Mac & Cheese...?
   02 - Ummmm... I haven't tried anything new. But I've tried new things that my mom has made. Does that count...?
   03 - Family = guinea pigs. Poor family...
   04 - Sure I've made stuff. What have I made...? Cake pops, I made cake pops!
   
8. Exercise a minimum of 3 times a week (walk/jog, Wii Fit, DVD, etc., see #1 which will lead to #3)
   01 - I've averaging about once a week of exercising on purpose. But I do activities that include activity.
   02 - Boo! I'm still on the once a week average. Time to kick it into gear!
   03 - Need to make a REAL commitment to do this on a regular basis. Once the habit is made I'll be in good shape. The time change has really kicked my butt though, I get home and I just want to be lazy.
   04 - See #1. I really need to start doing something, anything.
   
9. Daily make time for God.
   01 - Doing well. Spending lots of time in prayer. I'm not even kidding.
   02 - There is always room for improvement here. But I'm human and I'm trying. I pray more regularly and I'm in the Word daily. That's definitely moving in the right direction.
   03 - If you count my daily readings as time spent with God then I'm doing well. Although it's not always necessarily quality time though...
   04 - Prayer, reading, bible study, church, worship, etc. I do it all, but I'm still lacking. I'm by no means perfect.
   
10. Travel somewhere new.
    01 - Just got back from a cruise to Cabo about a week and a half ago.
    02 - Um, did I go anywhere in February? I don't think so. But that's ok!
    03 - Currently there are no travel plans and I don't like that! I need to plan something asap to make me feel human again!
    04 - I went to my favoritest place in California, back to where I went to college, San Luis Obispo. Although it was a quick day trip, it was well worth it. I saw family, I drank wine, I ate at Firestone's and walked around downtown, and went to Pismo. I need to go back again, but next time for a little longer.
    

Oh Happy Days

I'm one of those people, I'm sure just like many others, that believe that Mother's Day shouldn't be celebrated just one day a year. There are things that my mom does on a daily, weekly, monthly basis that I appreciate in her.

I'm sure as an infant I was thankful on a regular basis when my diaper was changed. I really don't remember if I was one of those kids that didn't like squishy in my diapers. Or every time I skinned my knee, my mommy was there to kiss it and make it better. Mom, I thank you that you let me play in the dirt, and get dirty. I'm extremely grateful that you didn't chase me around with handy wipes and antibacterial junk. I thank you for all of the family dinners that we ate together, as a family at a table, with a homemade meal; not separately in a rush after going through the drive-thru. I thank you for giving up so much to gain much more by being a stay at home mom. And supporting me though gymnastics, and 4-H, and attempts at playing sports (unsuccessfully I might add).
You're support and love helped formed me into the woman that I am today. Fully in awe of all that you've done for me throughout the course of my life. I pray that one day I'm half the mother that you are.

So Happy (belated) Mother's Day yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Now, as for you Dad. You only get one day to celebrate who you are, aside from Father's Day.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Picture of the Day 131

May 11th: Acts 20:1-16; Judges 13; Job 41

"Never trust the man who tells you all his troubles but keeps from you all his joys."
-Jewish Proverb

Star Trek

Let me start off with this, I've never been a huge Star Trek fan. I'm not a trekky. In fact, I left the room when my dad was watching the show. But my curiosity was peaked a little with the movie. And when I was invited to go see it with friends Friday night I decided not to pass up the opportunity.

So what did I think? It was really well done! It was entertaining, especially Captain Kirk (yum!) and the doctor...Bones...? I say go see it!

4 out of 5 stars
(just like Wolverine)

Picture of the Day 130

May 10th: Acts 19:21-41; Judges 11:34-12:15; Job 40

"My mother is a poem I'll never be able to write, though everything I write is a poem to my mother."
-Sharon Doubiago

10 Creative Ways to Earn Extra Money

Yes please! Who wouldn't like a little extra cash these days? I know I would, and I'm secure in my job.

I see some things that I just may have to look into.

So here are some ideas for you...

1. Do freelance work - If you enjoy writing or editing, this is for you!
   
2. Sell your books - I've been selling DVDs and CDs that I never listen to or watch. I'm about ready to go through my bookshelf too. I use amazon.com, but there are tons of places you can sell through.
   
3. Search circulating coinage - All you have to do is buy rolls from the bank, sort through them for older coins, then resell them. So if you don't mind your hands smelling like coins, do it!
   
4. Start a "business" - Do you have a hobby, skill, or are experienced in something? Why not use it to your advantage. I've actually been thinking of this lately. Not totally sure what I'd do though... I'll keep thinking.
5. Enter local and online sweepstakes - Are you a lucky person? I sure am not. But hey, it doesn't cost anything to enter these sweepstakes. So what's the harm?
   
6. Give your opinion-and get paid - May have to look into this one... Sounds easy enough.
   
7. Sell your junk - This to me would take too much time. I'd rather donate my junk and let a non-profit sell it.
   
8. Join a direct selling company - I'm not a sales person, so I'll skip thanks.
   
9. Be a secret shopper - I like shopping. I can keep a secret. Hummm....
   
10. Sell your photos to stock agencies - I'm going to have to do this one for sure! Y'all know I take a lot of pictures.
    

Hey, every little bit helps!

Check out this article for more information and links!

Picture of the Day 129

May 9th: Acts 19:1-20; Judges 10:1-11:33; Job 39

"It is one of the beautiful compensations of life that no man can sincerely try to be kind to another, without helping himself."
-Bailey

Single? How to Work a Wedding

Wedding season is here ladies! Me, well, for once in the past umpteen years I only have one wedding to attend so far this year. Which means that I have only have one opportunity to check out my options!

So here's some advice from a MSN Article...

1. Plan Ahead - Yes, apparently there is homework to do before going to a wedding, especially if you're single and on the prowl.
   
2. Work the Crowd - Time to break out of your shell little "Miss Non-Social, Outgoing Butterfly." I'm talking to myself here. Even if "he's" not there, his friend may be...
   
3. Don't Wallow - 'Nuff said!
4. Amuse Yourself - How many opportunities do you really have to get all gussied up? Now's your chance. Spend the extra time on yourself, go to the spa. Or just spend your evening at the kid's table entertaining them.
5. Have a Little Perspective - Go. Enjoy yourself. Regardless.

So there you have it. Check out the article for more information.

Happy hunting!

Picture of the Day 128

May 8th: Acts 18; Judges 9; Job 38

"I'm not offended by all the dumb-blonde jokes because I know that I'm not dumb. I also know I'm not blonde."
-Dolly Parton

It's Friday?!?

My word, where has the week gone. I've been home so far, all of 1 night. I think. Quite honestly I can't even remember.

I have so much to blog about, but I'm lacking the time to do it. I really wish I could properly post from work, pictures, hyperlinks, and all. 'Cause then I'd be able to, well, post properly from work. Work where even though I'm swamped seems to be where I have more free time for myself, as opposed to after work where I surprisingly don't.

Maybe this weekend I can get caught up. Or at least hopefully I can feel caught up.

So what have I been doing you ask? Well let me give you a run down!

Monday:
-Work
-Weight Watchers (BOO!) - WW has not been going well lately, maybe because I have not been exactly good with what I put in my mouth. After stepping on the scale I vow to myself that this week I WILL track and I WILL see a negative on the scale.
-Bible Study (Yeah!) - I love these gals! And I love the fact that we're 2 chapters away from completing the book we've been working on since November. I'm not lovin' the fact that in the next 2 weeks we'll be going over a chapter a week. Let's just say the average pages per chapter is about 25.
-Prep for bed (shower, yada yada yada)
-Sleep

Tuesday:
-Work - Took needed long lunch with gals from work and meet up with co-worker out on maternity leave with her little guy. He loves me. His smile said so.
-Got home and did a dance workout DVD with Kaitlin. Let me tell you, these white girls CANNOT bust a move! So I don't know if I'd technically call it a workout. Sure, we sweat, but the AC wasn't on. We pretty much did a lot of walking in circles with the occasional arm pump while the girls on the screen actually danced.
-Started a blog for the family catering business. Operative words, started. I have yet to post anything. But I'll let you know when I do. :)
-Dinner, rested for a minute or 2, showered, etc.
-I was IN BED by 10:10. That's my new goal. (More on that later.)

Wednesday:
-Work - Go figure. 71.4% of weekdays are spend at work.
-Hair Appointment - Woot woot! I got my hair cut. Not "just a trim", but cut. Kinda. Like an inch and add some layers. Can someone take a cute picture of me so I can post it? Let's go take them at the beach. My next appointment will be taking care of a problem that is happening more frequently than I would like. (More on that later.)
-Trip to Target - I love Target. 'Nuff said!
-Dinner with friends - I was a good girl! Side salad and a cup of soup at Chili's.
-Choir - I was guilted into going. I was torn on whether or not I wanted to sing in the choir at church in a month, and I was definitely leaning more towards no. But I was GUILTED into going. Let me remind you, choir doesn't start until 8:15, therefore I wasn't home until 10. So much for bedtime that night! We'll see if I stick with it. I need the "me time".
-Bedtime ritual, blah blah blah

Thursday:
-Work - here we go again!
-Destress, rest and dinner
-Took a drive - I drove a friend to the Sacramento Airport. Her flight was at 9:30pm, so we were there around 8:30. Enjoyed the nice quiet ride home, just me and my thoughts and my God. Talked to a few individuals as I neared home. (Maybe more on that later.) Home around 10pm. Geez!
-Night night

Friday:
-Work - I'm here! And I was 15 minutes earlier than I had been the past 2 weeks. And I even showered this morning! Go me!
-Tonight: Gotta make dinner for the fam. Doh! What am I going to make???
-Tonight: Movies with friends. Going to see Star Trek. Hummm... I'm not a Treky!

Weekend plans:
-Sleep in!!!
-Rearrange back bedroom. (I'll post pictures when I'm done.)
-Try to get caught up on the last 2 weeks of shows that I missed. I heart DVR.
-Church
-Plan/Organize wine tasting day trip. Talk with co-organizer who is currently in LA working. :)
-Figure out what I want to do for my birthday next week! EEK!!!
-Make mom something for mom's day
-Celebrate mom's day
-Shoot! Wrap present that is still in my car for mom's day!
-Dangit! Read chapter for Bible Study.
-Maybe some bloggy blog writing posty things.
-Laundry
-Geez, what do I want to do for my birthday?!?!

Picture of the Day 127

May 7th: Acts 17:16-34; Judges 7-8; Job 37

"There are three ingredients to the good life: learning, earning, and yearning"
-Christopher Morley

Picture of the Day 126

May 6th: Acts 17:1-15; Judges 6; Job 36

How great is God-beyond our understanding
The number of his years is past finding out.
-Job 36:26

Picture of the Day 125

May 5th: Acts 16:16-40; Judges 4-5; Job 35

"So may all your enemies perish, O Lord!
But may they who love you be like the sun
when it rises in its strength."
-Judges 5:31

A Pinch of Salt...

The best way to kill snails.

Or you can do like Emeril... BAM!

Although I don't have a garden overflowing with flowers, I still have snails. They congregate and hide along the fence line. But I took care of them tonight.

Muahahahahahahaha!

Wolverine

This past Friday night I went to the movies. Now, I haven't been to the theater since I was in Alaska and before that since D was here. So it's been awhile. But I went. And it was fun.

A group of, I don't know, 15 or so met up at the theater for the 9:50pm showing of ...

Wolverine.

So people came to my place prior to the movie to hang out and fellowship. Then we met the rest of everyone at the theater.

The movie was...really good. Hugh Jackman is easy to watch for an hour and a half, that's fer darn sure! There were certain parts of the movie that were not explained very well. I won't go into what they were in case you plan on seeing it. I don't want to ruin it for you.

All in all a good movie. If you want to see it, it's a definite must in the theater with the giant screen and surround sound.

I would say, 4 out of 5 stars. (Although, I don't know what I would consider a 5 star movie. But I rarely give a full 100%.)

I'm a dog person all the way

I love dogs. I detest cats. Dogs make me happy. Cats make me sneeze. Dogs are man's best friend. Cats think man is their servant. Dogs can be walked. Cats just roam. Dogs know when you're down. Cats don't care. Dogs love unconditionally.

So, what up now dawg?!?

*This is the opinion of one individual...Me.

Picture of the Day 124

May 4th: Acts 16:1-15; Judges 2-3; Job 34

"Money is only a tool. It will take you wherever you wish, but it will not replace you as the driver."
-Ayn Rand

Phil Wickham

A couple weeks ago my sisters and I went to a Phil Wickham concert. You see, he was playing at the church Paige goes to in Fresno for a whooping $10. $10 to see Phil Wickham, heck yes!
Charlie Hall opened. I had never heard of Charlie Hall. It took me a few songs to warm up to him. But I like him. He's an itty bitty guy with a big heart.
Here's me! It's intermission...I think. Now on with the show! Here's Phil. I was a bit worried at the beginning of his show. He did a lot of "free" hand motions and it kinda scared me. But I got over it really quickly! I love the way Phil sings. It's very romantic. But not romantic for physical love, romantic for God and how He romances us.
All it all it was a great show! And it was only $10! It was honestly like 2 1/2 hours of concert. If you've never heard of either of them, find them and listen to them!

The end.

Picture of the Day 123

May 3rd: Acts 15:22-41; Judges 1; Job 33

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world."
-Mahatma Gandhi

Tomorrows breakfast

Picture of the Day 122

May 2nd: Acts 15:1-21; Joshua 23-24; Job 32

"Common sense is genius dressed in its working clothes."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

My Bompy

Trim and season

it's that time of the year again

I'm at the place I used I work. The place I grew up visiting. The place where we can always count on a catering job.

I'm at the Spring Fair!

I'll keep you posted with pictures as I think about it.

Off to find a cinnamon roll or cotton candy or something.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Picture of the Day 121

May 1st: Acts 14; Joshua 22; Job 31

"... to love the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to obey his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and all you soul."
-Joshua 22:5

Which way is up?

Have you ever felt like you're super busy? Like you go from one thing to the next without catching your breath. You're busy at work. You have a busy social calendar. And when you have some down time you have choirs to do, laundry to fold, errands to run.

That's me right now.

Work is extremely business. For this I am grateful, especially these days. But for the last few weeks I've been eating lunch at my desk while working. I'm just busy. New projects all the time.

Case in point, I started this "quick" post 45 minutes ago.

During the week after work I'm always on the go for one reason or another. And on the weekends I'm working on things that need to get done or skipping town. Please don't get me wrong, I'd much rather have a full social calendar than a completely blank one.

All I can say is... thank heavens for DVR. Watch missed shows AND fold laundry. I'm a multi-tasker.

Ask me a question...

I'll tell you no lies.

Yeah! Someone actually asked me some questions!
----------
What is your favorite recipe to make?
You know, I don't know if I have a favorite to make. I do have a bunch that I know off the top of my head though. Like the corn casserole recipe. And Boboli pizza (which I just realized I don't have posted!). And easy peanut butter cookies. I would say that I enjoy baking more than I do cooking though.

What is your favorite recipe that one of your friends makes?
Oh. Ew. Ah. Eek! I have great friends that are wonderful at making things in the kitchen. Nothing at the present 11:36pm hour is sticking out in my head. But very rarely is there a time that a friend makes something that I don't like.

Although, there was that time that Mitch made chili with venison, he just didn't share that tidbit until after people were done. I thought it tasted a little...off... Not bad though.

Tell us a fun story from when you were in high school? College?
Let me say this. I had the absolute best college roommate. We lived together 3 of the 4 years, and even during the 4 she'd stay at the house frequently. We laughed all-the-time! During our freshman year Melissa was a big...wild. And, well, I was not. But I always told her that if she ever needed a ride no matter the hour to call me and I'd pick her up. This one time she took me up on that offer by the time we got back to the dorm parking lot my near spot was taken and we had to park far far away. At 2am. With an intoxicated Melissa. Now keep in mind that Cal Poly's campus is quite hilly, and our dorm was up hill (both ways in the snow barefoot). Every couple feet Melissa had to stop, squat, laugh, and make a comment about how far we still had to go. They weren't just your typical "man we've got a long way to go," comments, they were "whoa nelly! we're so far away." comments. It took us about 30 minutes. It should have only take us 5. It's totally a "you had to be there" moment. We still laugh about it, and many other memories from college.
----------
And so concludes the first episode of "ask Courtney questions, trying to stump or make a fool of her". Just kidding. If there is anything you want to know about me just shoot me a question. I'll bank them up and someday in the next 3 years have episode 2.

Any question at all. Sky's the limit.

Picture of the Day 120

April 30th: Acts 13:26-52; Joshua 20-21; Job 30

"The beauty of fragrance is that it speaks to your hear...and hopefully someone else's."
-Elizabeth Taylor

Days of May

May
1	May Day
	Mother Goose Day
	School Principal's Day
2	No Pants Day
3	National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy
	National Homebrew Day
4	Join Hands Day
	Respect for Chickens Day
5	Cinco de Mayo
	Totally Chipotle Day
6	National Teacher Day
	No Homeword Day
7	Great American Grump Out
8	No Socks Day
10	Astronomy Day
	Windmill Day
11	Eat What You Want Day
12	Limerick Day
	National Nutty Fudge Day
14	National Night Shift Workers Day
	Receptionist's Day
15	International Day of Families
	National Chocolate Chip Day
16	Biographer's Day
	National Bike to Work Day
	National Pizza Party Day
18	Visit Your Relatives Day
20	Eliza Doolittle Day
21	True Beauty Inside Out Day
	I Need a Patch For That Day
	National Wait Staff Day
23	National Taffy Day
24	International Jazz Day
	Tiara Day
	Brother's Day
25	National Tap Dance Day
	Neighbor Day
30	Hug Your Cat Day
31	World No-Tobacco Day

Picture of the Day 119

April 29th: Acts 13:1-25; Joshua 18-19; Job 29

"There can be no deep disappointment where there is not deep love."
-Martin Luther King Jr.

Picture of the Day 118

April 28th: Acts 12; Joshua 15-17; Job 28

"We desire nothing so much as what we ought not to have."
-Publilius Syrus

Top 10

I got tagged for a top 5 - top 10s thingy. So here it is!

Top foods
1. Mexican
2. Italian
3. Macaroni and Cheese with hot dogs
4. any and all desserts/sweets
5. reese's peanut butter cups
6. pineapple
7. egg salad sandwich
8. beef tenderloin
9. wine (comes from a grape therefore it = food)
10. Firestone's side salad

Top movies
1. Little Rascals
2. Lion King
3. Jerry McGuire
4. My Big Fat Greek Wedding
5. Dirty Dancing
6. Step Up
7. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
8. Enchanted
9. Maverick
10. Oceans 11

Top people
1. Jesus
2. Mom
3. Dad
4. Chris
5. Paige
6. Kaitlin
7. Rylen
8. Aunt Boo
9. Aunt Kate
10. (reserved for future special someone. he's in my top too, I just don't know who "he" is.)

Top gadgets
1. hair straightener
2. french press
3. iphone!
4. alarm clock
5. little rolly garlic chopper/mincer thingy
6. my camera - never leave home without it
7. the dishwasher
8. foot/space heaters
9. computers, most so the internet
10. non-stick baking dishes, pots, pans, etc.

Top of my style
1. denim jeans!
2. my rocket dog shoes
3. large purse
4. cute tops (generally solid colors)
5. hair pulled back (towards the end of the day)
6. comfy tops
7. pj pants
8. flip flops
9. casual, comfortable
10. "slightly" preppy

Ok. Your turn!

Picture of the Day 117

April 27th: Acts 11:19-30; Joshua 13-14; Job 27

"Confusion is the welcome mat at the door of creativity."
-Michael Gelb

Picture of the Day 116

April 26th: Acts 11:1-18; Joshua 11-12; Job 26

"The glory of the day was in her face, the beauty of the night was in her eyes."
-Lewis Carroll

Picture of the Day 115

April 25th: Acts 10:34-48; Joshua 9-10; Job 25

"That which chiefly causes the failure of a dinner party is the runny short-not of meat, or yet of drink, but of conversation."
-Lewis Carroll

With a quick trip to the beach

Aunt Kate

The Guys

I'm ready!

Well, mostly ready that is.

For what you ask? Well, tomorrow I'm going to Santa Margarita for a wine tasting festival, a fundraiser for Cal Poly Wine and Viticulture program as well as the Vines to Wines club.

I'm all about helping out Cal Poly.

And drinking wine.

I'm uber excited to go down to my ol' stompin' ground. As well as make a stop at the ranch, and visit my Aunt and family, and hopefully eat at a yummy restaurant in San Luis Obispo before heading home.

Oh, and did I mention I was going with 3 guys? Yea, I'm going with 3 guys. It's 3 guys and me. Although, one guy is married, his wifey is busy and can't join us.

Throughout the day, I'll send my bloggy site pictures to keep you informed of what's going on. Then later (you know, 3 1/2 weeks from now) I'll give you the full run down and share "real" pictures. How does that sound?

Gosh I'm so excited! I don't know if I'll be able to sleep tonight!

Picture of the Day 114

I love this bush, and these flowers. But alas, it only blooms once a year around Easter time. And for 2009, it is no more...
April 24th: Acts 10:1-33; Joshua 7-8; Job 24

"The mother of excess is not joy but joylessness."
-Friedrich Nietzsche

If pot is legalized, I expect increases in tax revenue

So here's the thing, despite marijuana being illegal there are a lot of people out there that use it. They're using it illegally. That's a fact. We all know it.

Sure, maybe there are some medical benefits to the drug. I really don't know though, I haven't done the research to find out how "good" it really is; and I haven't been faced with cancer or a condition that would give me the reason to try it.

But I don't smoke anyways. So I have no intention of ever using the junk.

Ok, well, only second hand once or twice while I was in college. But not by choice.

Our country is in a recession. We all know that. And if you don't, then get out of your box. Watch the news, read the paper, talk to people. Our country is hurting economically. People are being laid off, business/corporations are closing, the value of things are decreasing, the stock market is crashing, 401ks are gone. Those that have and/or are making money aren't necessarily spending it like they used to. I admit I'm one of them, I'm preparing for what may come later down the road.

So why not make marijuana legal?

It's a fact that people use it, buy it, sell it, grow it, etc. So here's the thing, if it's legalized the government can then earn tax from it. Maybe not have it available to purchase at every grocery store like cigarettes, but at tobacco shops. Give it a higher tax like cigarettes. Decrease the number of "busts" by the police, therefore decreasing the costs associated with them.

So maybe you ask, "how will we regulate those that are growing it at home?" Well, my dad makes beer at home. No one is regulating that. He goes to a brewery store to purchase his supplies (starter, yeast, caps, etc.). So it's gonna happen, people are going to grow it at home. BUT, if it's not illegal maybe there will be a reduction in the REASON to grow it illegally at home.

But what about drugs and work? Same as alcohol and work. Show up intoxicated and you're done.

Sure, maybe the snack industry may boom too. That would be another boost to the economy.

I really haven't thought about this much. I'm just following the plinky prompt. This is kinda a good topic. Very thought provoking.

What I Should be Doing

The night is still young. It's only 11:20. I can think of a million and ten things I could/should be doing right now. But I'm not. Instead I'm in bed.

So tomorrow I'll have a million and twelve things to do not including my ever growing list at work.

But that's ok. Because today I went to the (blasted) DMV where I took care of two things. I got my oil changed and car washed. And I purchased a couple options for tops to weston Saturday.

None of which i'm 100% sold on.

Tomorrow i'm leaving work early to get a massage. I'm so excited. But with that comes the " how clean do I want to be before hand?" question. You know I'll come out all slicked up and greasey.

It's worth it though.

I'll fill you in more on what's going on Saturday layer. Maybe after it happens. I'm über excited though.

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This one is for you though. I'm giving you the opportunity to ask me questions, whatever you want, and I'll answer them, however I want. Later next week I'll post the questions and my answers. Even if it's only one question. It'll be fun!

So ask away!

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Picture of the Day 113

Love to my Homies!Or maybe he's blowing grass on me...

April 23rd: Acts 9:26-43; Joshua 5:2-6:27; Job 23

"The whole world, as we experience it visually, comes to us through the mystic realm of color."
-Hans Hofmann

Picture of the Day 112

April 22nd: Acts 9:1-25; Joshua 3:1-5:1; Job 22

"Submit to Go and be at peace with him;
in this way prosperity will come to you..."
-Job 22:21

Picture of the Day 111

April 21st: Acts 8:26-40; Joshua 1-2; Job 21

"Work hard to improve your mind and body. Nourish your spirit. Do the things you fear."
-Robin S. Sharma

Slumdog Millionaire

A few weeks ago, Easter weekend to be exact, I rented (Red Boxed) Slumdog Millionaire. I had heard from numerous sources that it is a must see. Plus it walked away with a ton of Oscars.

Literally, the amount of awards the movie won probably weighed about a ton.

So I rented it. From a Red Box. I love the Red Box.

And let me tell you, it was a GOOD movie. Kaitlin and I watched it together, and we were both highly impressed with the movie.

I don't want to give it away if you haven't seen it yet, but plan on it. But I highly recommend it.

And you know what, I'm also highly impressed that the movie powers that be started trust accounds for the kids that are in the movie because the really are slumdogs.

So go rent it. Or red box it. Or iTune download it. Whatever your method is, watch the movie.

Picture of the Day 110

Aw nuts!
Ahahahaha! I crack myself up sometimes! Get it? Crack. You crack a nut open...

April 20th: Acts 8:1-25; Deuteronomy 33-34; Job 20

"Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame."
-Alexander Pope

RWRS

March 29th was the Rock and Worship Roadshow in Fresno. What a phenomenal concert series! Let me tell you how it went, what all happened. You know, the details.

First off. Tickets were not pre-sold. It was a come-stand-in-line-doors-open-at-4:30 situation. Tickets at the door were only $10. $10 to see Addison Road (one of my favorite groups), Tenth Avenue North, Hawk Nelson, Jeremy Camp, and MercyMe.

Mom, Kaitlin and I took of and made it to Fresno in time to go to church with Paige and Coleman at The Well, the church they attend in Fresno. I very much enjoy The Well.

So here's the Save Mart Center. There were lines forming at every door around the building. We were very fortunate to get there early enough to be fairly close to the front of one line.
We got in, got our seats, and watched the rest of the seats fill in. Paige was playing peek-a-boo behind Kaitlin.
Addison Road was on first. And they were on early. You see, the lead singer is/was extremely pregnant. Unfortunately I didn't get a picture of them.

But this group here is Tenth Avenue North. They are another new favorite group. I would recommend to everyone out there in Bloggyland to go out and get their CD.
Then Hawk Nelson was on. Honestly, they're not my type of music. So I took the opportunity to get up and go buy some CDs. And a pretzel. :)My buddies from way back when, Danae and Treva, met up with us. It was good to have them sitting with us too.
Sister picture. Thanks for the bunny ears mom!
Jeremy Camp was on second to last. He was good. Really good. I've like Jeremy Camp for many a year now, so it was a treat to finally get to see him in concert.
Last but not least MercyMe was on. They did a great job, and put on a great show.
The concerts were amazing. I feel truly blessed that I was able to attend. There were over 13,000 in attendance that night, filling seats that they hadn't expected to fill. God was at work in that auditorium. I pray that the vision of the performers will continue to grow and spread to all the unreached in our country.

And I'm now the proud parent of a sponsored child. Well, Mom and I are co-sponsoring. She's a little girl from Columbia. Speaking of, I need to write her a letter!

GOD ROCKS!

The Law of the Garbage Truck

This was sent to me. Ok, it was forwarded to me. Tomato, tomaato. Puts things in perspective a little. Enjoy...

One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really friendly. So I asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital! This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, 'The Law of the Garbage Truck.'

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets. So...Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't.

"Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!"

Things I Learned Today...

Chelsie and Bryan can't make it to church on time for the life of 'em!
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Splitting a quesadilla at Mundo's was just perfect for lunch. Combined with about 3 LARGE glasses of water. I was full.
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Chris spills things. George moves seats when Chris spills things.
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Katie has poopy work hours!
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We're going to be "sophisticated" friends and have a cheese and wine party. I'm excited! It's going to be excellent fun!
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Stacey sleeps late. I did already know that though. I technically did not learn that today.
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A car with a broken AC unit is NOT fun in 94 degree weather. I don't like AC460. Time to make an appointment to get that fixed. My car lately = money pit.
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It is better to sun burn on top of a sun burn. This way recovery is shorter. Opposed to getting a sun burn. It heals. Then getting another sun burn.
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I went golfing with 2 great guys (both attractive and both single...). It was great fun!
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Of the 2 guys, one is patient and the other will throw his club when frustrated.
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I'm a "consistent" golfer.
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Did you know that if you layer 2 tank tops (both white and wife beater type) that you will burn THROUGH them and end up with a BRA tan line? Yea, I didn't either.
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Red wine chilled really isn't all that bad. Agreed though that it has more complex flavors when room temperature.
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The early admission to the Cal Poly Wine Festival only had a limited number of tickets. I didn't know this. They are sold out.
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I love my new path!
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2 days of being in the sun = a sleepy me. The wine probably isn't helping either. Time to start settling down and going to bed.
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Blow drying your hair against a burnt back = extra burning.