Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Katie Turned 25

December 28th was my buddy, Katie's birthday.  Her 25th birthday to be exact.  I won't tell you how much younger she is than me.  But here's a hint, she just had a mini landmark birthday and I'll be having a mini landmark birthday.  Please, don't guess though!  Don't say it out loud, it makes it true when you say it out loud and I don't want it to be true.  So, I'm staying in denial.

So, as I'm flipping back through my pictures to pick the ones to post, I've noticed that I didn't get any of the birthday girl!  At least, no good ones.  I fail!  Enjoy them anyways.

People talking.  Hello Katie's side back...
George and Devon.
Cake time!  Nobody thought to get candles though.  So matches were used instead.  (cool slow shutter with light effect)
Match candles = big fire on cake!
And not even all of them were lit.
Me.  And a giant glass for wine.  I swear you can fit about half a bottle in there.  Although, I did not test that theory.
Peter and Lauren even joined us from Jerusalem via skype!  Most of us haven't "talked" to them since they left last July.  It was so good to hear some of their stories.  Lauren is one of the most animated, expressive people ever!
Mitch waving good-bye to Peter & Lauren.
By the time we submerged from the "skype room", most of the people had left the party.  So the few of us left talked for a few more minutes then all headed out too.  I swear, it was 10pm one minute, then the next time I looked it was 1am.  Oops...

Happy Birthday Katie!  Let's do it again next year!

Ten for Tuesday

It's Ten for Tuesday time!  This week it's all about...Books!

  1. Favorite book(s) when you were a child and why?
    Oh my goodness, this question is making me go back into the recesses of my memory...  The first books that came to mind were the Paddington Bear books.  I loved his rain jacket and rain boots.  And, yea, the Berenstain Bears too.  I even had a cassette tape (that's right, a tape!) that read along with one of the books I had.  Good times...
  2. First “grown-up” book you remember reading (i.e. written for adolescents or with adult themes, such as The Outsiders or Catcher in the Rye).Ahhhh...  I honestly don't remember.
  3. Favorite movie that came from a book (even if you didn’t read the book and just love the movie).
    If I'm gonna watch a movie that was first a book, I always make it a goal to read the book first.  For the most part, if I watch it first, I won't read it even if it was on my "to read" list.  Just about anything Nicholas Sparks turned movie - The Notebook, A Walk to Remember, and even though I didn't like how the book ended I'm excited about Dear John. (Did you know that Sparks not only writes the books, but he also writes the screenplays for the movies?)  I know there are many more movies out there, but those are the first that come to mind.  Which reminds me, when does The Time Travelers Wife come out on DVD?  I haven't seen that one yet.
  4. Movie that you loved so much that you WISHED there was a book out so that you could find out more about the movie.
    Love Actually.  The Holiday.  Confession time, I like reading the kinds of books that if they were made into movies they'd be a total chick flick.
  5. Worst book you’ve ever read?
    Shoot!  What was that one book called...?  Ok, I know there was one this one time, but I can't remember what it was.  That's how good it was.  I'm probably gonna get shot for this one, but I could not get into Wicked.  I loved the play.  But the book, totally different and I just struggled to get to the point that I did before giving up.
  6. Book that everyone raves about that you either a) haven’t read and feel slightly dumb for not having read it or b) have tried to read and hated and so feel slightly dumb that everyone is getting something you don’t.See above - Wicked.  The Twilight series, I really have no interest in reading them.  (But Chelsea, the Harry Potter books are so good! :) )
  7. If you were forced to choose only 3 books that you could read for the rest of your life, which ones would they be? (Or if you were stranded on a desert island, which 3 books would you want there with you?).
    1)  The Bible.  2)  I'm gonna need something comical, so maybe like Big John's Bathroom Reader or something like that.  3)  (Mentally scanning my bookshelf...)  I'm drawing a blank.  How about... 
  8. Name one book that if you could recommend that everyone you know read, what is it?
    The Bible doesn't count, 'cause that's an obvious one.  I would recommend Captivating.
  9. What is your “guilty pleasure” reading?Yep, chick lit all the way.  It's really not that bad.  It's not dirty or raunchy, it's clean (for the most part), feel good kind of books.
  10. What book (excepting the Bible or other major document of your religion/faith) has changed your outlook on life the most?
    I don't think any book besides the Bible has changed my outlook on life.  I could see how some have possibly aided, but not changed.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Monday Musings

I haven't done this in awhile.  So I think it's about time to have a new episode of Monday Musings.  Or, in other words, there's a bunch of randomness going on up in my noggin and I need to get it out.  I'll keep adding throughout the day, so stay tuned.

Rounds 1:
...I forgot my banana at home.  Banana = breakfast.  Breakfast = sitting on my kitchen counter.  Don't worry, it's safe there.  But if I don't eat my bananas soon I'll have to resort to making many a-banana recipes.  Plus I've got like 5 in the freezer.  Banana peanut butter cupcakes anyone?

...I don't want to eat oatmeal for breakfast, but it's all I've got at my desk.  At least besides a can of green beans.

...It's raining outside.  Which is a really good thing here in the central valley.  And we really need snow that later will melt and help water the crops during the summer.  But it's raining.  And I have a small aversion to umbrellas.  I just don't like them!  Something else to juggle and handle.  And when it's raining and windy, well, there's really no point in an umbrella.  It'll either a) flip inside out, and b) won't protect from sideways rain.

...I have 2 loads of laundry to fold when I get home.

...Hummm...wonder what mom is planning on making for dinner at my place tonight...? (must post on that)

...Jill, I'll also post on how to throw a bomb party that people talk about for weeks following!  (add that to the list)

Round 2:
...What the heck!?!  2 times now I've scheduled something to post and it stays in draft.  That's why you heard about the NYE party before the Christmas party.  I better keep an eye on this thing, it's starting to have a mind of it's own.

...Due to the weather, it looks like it should be about 4:30pm.  Therefore, I don't want to be here anymore, my mind is in shut-down mode.  Not that I need that kind of excuse for my brain shutting down.  It shuts down frequently, and without a moment's notice.

Round 3:
...I love my new hair straightener.  No, I'm not vain, I just have difficult hair.  It's either, blah wavey/curly or after a quick blow dry and straighten it's, well, straight.  And I'm trying to grow it out.  I'm horrible at growing it out, I get bored and say "chop it off".  That's why one of my 101 in 1001 is to only get trims and to grow it out.  So that's what I'm gonna tell my hair lady Wednesday when I go in for a trim and color touch up, "just a trim, I'm growing it out."

...I love Crystal Light's water packets with live active.  But I can't find them anywhere any more, which makes me really sad.  The 2 grocery stores I frequent no longer carry them.  Was I the only person in the country that drank Crystal Light Live Active Natural Raspberry Peach flavored water?

...The palm tree that I can see out my window is bent sideways from the wind.

Round 4:
...Wednesday, in addition to getting my hair trimmed, I need to get my eyebrows waxed.  It's long overdue.  I can't keep them in control anymore.

...Foot heater + rain boots = smells like melting rubber.  Most of the afternoon I've been chillin' in my socks.

...I'm dreading going to WW.  I was good all last week.  And then the weekend hit.  And although I wasn't bad per say, I also wasn't good.

...I've gotten quite a bit caught up today.  I feel a little accomplished!

Round 5:
...I'm teaching myself how to add texture to pictures in photoshop.  That would be "learn one thing a in photoshop a week" for my 101 in 1001.

...My parent's kitchen has no ceiling.  It looks like a war zone.

Round 6:
...OMG my dog had BAD gas!  It seriously smells like skunk in my house.

December/2009 Update

Let's get these 2009 resolutions done and over with!
  1. Run (not walk) a 5k race.
    12 - This did not happen. 
    10/11 - Ok, you know what.  Let's just forget about this one for the year.  'Cause I'm gonna tell you the same thing after December.  I failed!  What I need to do is get into a regular walk/jog/exercise routine.
    09 - Nope, still hasn't happened.

    08 - Negative ghost writer.

    07 - Dare I tell you the truth? I'm sure you can guess what it is. Boo me!

    06 - How do you spell out the sound that is made on games shows when they get the wrong answer? Yea, that's the sound I'm making right now.

    05 - Ummm... I admit it. I SUCK! Besides moving the massive pile of bricks from my backyard I did
    nothing.
    04 - HA! Well, I maybe went on a couple walky-jogs. I've yet to sign up to race in anything. Need more training!

    03 - Definitely went walk/jogging more often in March. Oh, and crunches, I've done some crunches!
    02 - I've gone walking a few more times than I did in January. That's progress!
    01 - So, ah, I've gone walking once or twice. That's a start!
  2. Read the Bible in a year.
    12 - Completed!  In December I read/finished:  Psalm, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Luke, Ezekiel, and Isaiah.
    10/11 - I'm right on track to be done on December 31st.  In October I completed: Revelations, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, Nehemiah and Ester.  In November I read through: 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter and Jeremiah.
    09 - Finished reading John, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, 2 Chronicles, Malachi, Jude, and Ezra.  Currently a little behind with reading, but will be caught up by month's end.
    08 - Completed 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, and Zechariah.

    07 - In July I finished reading Mark, Hosea, 1 Kings, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, and Jonah.
    06 - On track! Finished reading Romans, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel and Daniel.
    05 - Keepin' up! Finished reading through Judges, Job, Ruth, Acts, and Joshua.
    04 - Still goin'! Finished Matthew, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
    03 - On track! In March I've finished reading though Leviticus, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon.
    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.
    01 - So far, so good!
  3. Lose 10 pounds.
    12 - I don't even know where I am with this.  Well drat, I just calculated that I gained 2 pounds from 1/1 to 12/31.  At one point in 2009 I was down 10 pounds, back in March.  Does that count?  No?  Yea, I didn't think so either.
    10/11 - My chart isn't updated.  So you don't get to see the little line that goes up and down from day to day.  I'm about at the same point I was in September, and my goal is to stay there into the start of 2010.
    09 - Dropped another 3.1 pounds!  Go me!
    08 - Down .2 pound.  Yep, every little bit counts!

    07 - So I don't know where I am. Mid July I got a new scale, which wasn't the same as my old one. There was about a 4 pound difference. So you'll get a number come next month. I'm just gonna go out on a limb and say I maintained.
    06 - From the first day of June to the last day of June I weighed the same. There of course was variation throughout the month.
    05 - Broke even...
    04 - I warn you, I wasn't down. I kinda slipped. See chart below... (Shown is March and April)
    03 -Down 1 pound. Hey, it's a loss! See chart below...
    02 - 5.5 pounds down...from returning cruise weight...
    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!

  4. Post a picture a day...taken on that day... instead of a quote a day.
    12 - Done!  And I included my daily bible reading in the posts.
    10/11 - Yep, it's done.  Although, just like in past months, the pictures aren't necessarily from that day.
    09 - Almost caught up...
    08 - Working on getting caught up.

    07 - Yep.
    06 - Something like that. It's getting done regardless. I have been playing more with photoshop and have been using photoshopped pictures.
    05 - Yep. A picture is going up each day. Sometimes there are lags between days due to intermittent internet.
    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.
    03 - Still not doing the best on the picture being from that day, but whatever, I'm posting a picture a day.
    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...
    01 - Ok, so I've slacked a few days. But I get caught up!
  5. Have monthly dinner party, or at least invite some friends over for dinner.
    12 - I wouldn't say it was monthly, but I did have friends or family over multiple times in 2009.  I'll say I completed it!
    10/11 - I'm thinking back... I can't remember if I did this or not.  Can anyone remember?  I am having a Christmas shindig though!
    09 - Hosted TND in September.  Homemade pizzas was a smashing hit!
    08 - Denied!

    07 - Hosted family. That's about it. July = hot = me no wanna cook in my west facing kitchen.
    06 - TND was at my place last Tuesday of June. Other than that it's just been my family. Nothing new and exciting has been made though.

    05 - Boo! I've had my family over. But I did gather friends for my birthday dinner!...at BJ's...
    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?)
    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.
    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.
    01 - I failed for January. February isn't over yet though...
  6. Down size possessions...aka clutter
    12 - Every church yard sale I'd send at least one garbage bag full of stuff.
    10/11 - Yea, I'm still finding stuff to get rid of.  I've got another yard sale pile started.
    09 - Sent pile to church yard sale!
    08 - Pile growing..

    07 - Moving things every now and then. I've got a little pile building up to get rid of.
    06 - Finally got the stuff from my baby box transferred into a rubbermaid box. I've found a few things around the house to move into the yard sale pile. Always a work in progress.
    05 - I rearranged my back room. Now when looking in it looks less cluttered. That counts, right?
    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.
    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.
    02 - I rearranged the living/dining room and went though some more of my closet.

    01 - I've gone through my closet and through my pile of purses.
  7. Try new recipes from the cookbooks I have. (see #5, they will be guinea pigs...)
    12 - I need to stop going straight to the web to find recipes when I have a nice little cookbook shelf full of books.
    10/11 - Oh...Kait and I made a recipe from PDub's site...sooooo good!  I've made zucchini bread and sweet potato bread.  They were good!  I also made a really yummy low cal, low fat Taco Soup.
    09 - Created best topped pizzas ever!
    08 - hummm...

    07 - Yea, ok, you got me. I'm pretty sure I didn't try anything new.
    06 - See #5.
    05 - New recipes tried for Memorial BBQ. One recipe is posted on my recipe site, the others will come shortly.
    04 - Sure I've made stuff. What have I made...? Cake pops, I made cake pops!
    03 - Family = guinea pigs. Poor family...
    02 - Ummmm... I haven't tried anything new. But I've tried new things that my mom has made. Does that count...?
    01 - Boo me! How does cereal sound? Mac & Cheese...?
  8. Exercise a minimum of 3 times a week (walk/jog, Wii Fit, DVD, etc., see #1 which will lead to #3) 
    12 - Fail.  Big time fail.
    10/11 - See #1.  A full time routine starts in January.  Problem this time of the years is a) I'm uber busy, b) it's dark before I get home from work, and c) I am not a morning person.
    09 - Walked lots while on vacation.  That counts, right?
    08 - Haha... ump...

    07 - I think maybe I went on a walk. Once. I did do some yard work. Three times. Wait! No, I lied. I went on more than one walk when I was down south. Haha! Victory!
    06 - See #1. Eeerrrrnnnnttttt, maybe that's how you spell it.
    05 - Boo...
    04 - See #1. I really need to start doing something, anything.
    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.
    02 - Boo! I'm still on the once a week average. Time to kick it into gear!
    01 - I've averaging about once a week of exercising on purpose. But I do activities that include activity.
  9. Daily make time for God. 
    12 - This one is hard.  Sure, daily I have a little conversation with God.  But it's the quality I really need to work on.  I also think this is one of those things that as Christians we will constantly strive to do better at and will never be where we think we need to be.  But at least the effort is being made.
    10/11 - Besides my daily Bible reading, I'm not very good at this one.  Especially since my reading doesn't always happen.  With time, it'll come.
    09 - Realizing that I suck at this!  Need to make a point to spend one on one time with God, and not multi-task with God.
    08 - Need to work on this more and more.

    07 - Started an awesome bible study book with my group called "Me, Myself & Lies" by Jennifer Rothschild. I highly recommend it.
    06 - Reading the bible daily is a help, fo shizel. Daily being stretched and molded.
    05 - Will be a continuous work in progress for the rest of my life.
    04 - Prayer, reading, bible study, church, worship, etc. I do it all, but I'm still lacking. I'm by no means perfect.
    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...
    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.

    01 - Doing well. Spending lots of time in prayer. I'm not even kidding.
  10. Travel somewhere new.
    12 - I didn't go anywhere in December.  Why?  Well, because I was just too darn busy!  I this one for 2009 is completed!
    10/11 - In October I went down to the ranch for a weekend and to Reno for a weekend.  In November I went to Apple Hill for the day with friends.
    09 - Went to Florida.  'Nuff said.
    08 - Stayed close to home in August.

    07 - Drove, by myself, down to Southern California for a twofold vacation: visit my college roommate and her family in Rancho Santa Margarita and to attend a cousin's wedding in Claremont.
    06 - Didn't go anywhere in June. Stay tuned for later months.
    05 - Traveled to ummm, the big town of Lodi. For the Zinfest. I had never been to that part of Lodi before, so it was new, therefore I traveled somewhere new. Go me!
    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.
    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!
    02 - Um, did I go anywhere in February? I don't think so. But that's ok!
    01 - Just got back from a cruise to Cabo about a week and a half ago.
There we have it.  My year in review.  My year according to my resolutions.  Good-bye 2009!  Hello 2010!

Motivation Monday - Opportunity

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Christmas Party

Christmas.  Christmas time.  You know what Christmas time means to me?  It means sharing the holiday with friends and family.  With those you love.  With those you hold near and dear to your heart, and those that reciprocate back.

I love entertaining.  The fun of planning a menu or picking stuff to make.  Trying new things.  Thinking outside the box.  Having a real reason to clean the house.  Wowing others with a) yummy food, b) a clean, fabulously holiday decorated house, and c) a time well spent fellowshipping with friends.

So, here we are, me trying to get caught up and you peeking into my little corner of the world.  How about on to the pictures?  Yea, good idea.  Warning, these pictures are...flashless.  I don't like using the flash whenever possible.  And even when I should be, I don't.  I need to work on that.

I tried to get all cool and set up my tripod on the counter.  It didn't work out so well.  But hey, you can see the spread.  And from one end of the house to the other.  Oh, and just ignore that goof with the remote.  I need to learn how to be more sneaky with that...

George and Devon.  So cute...  George took the remote and had some fun with it.

Liz and myself.  She's fun.  She's in my Bible Study group (we consist of 1/2 the group).  She's single, like me.  So we commiserate a lot with each other.  Or we just get together to enjoy a glass of wine and giddy girl talk. 

Carrie and Katie.  Carrie flew in all the way from Chicago for the party.  Well that, and the fact that she's from California and it was Christmas break.  And she missed her mommy.  But I'm uber honored that she made a special trip to Turlock for my party.

Random.

Oh pretty fire...


Scott, not asleep yet, which is shocking.  He's a good, fun guy!  And he has an a-mazing voice.

Random.  How 'bout that angle?

The catering crew even showed up!  No, I didn't have the party catered.  The one with the cheesy grin, you make recognize her as my favorite future sister-in-law, Colleen.  The one sipping her hot buttered rum, that's my sis Paige.  Poor things had to help mom with a catering job.  I'm glad they where able to come over after though.  Colleen, next year, ugly sweater party!  At your place!

I ended up with about 75 candy canes.  No joke.  I wanted some to decorate with, therefore I ended up with a bulk pack.  Then more showed up.  I have about 30 left.  Anyone want any?  I use them stir my hot cocoa.

So concludes the party.  Good time had by all.  People are still talking about it (which makes me happy!).  Obviously there are more pictures.

Hummm... Now I need to have a reason to have another party...  Any ideas?

Friday, January 15, 2010

New Year's Eve Bash

New Years Eve.  Always a great excuse to have a paar-tay!  And an excuse to have an adult beverage.

Or two.

Devon and George hosted this year's (2009) at Devon's new house.  It was great fun!  And you know how I'm gonna prove it?  Yep, with pictures.  Brace yourself.  It's gonna get a little crazy up in here...

Room shots!  (not to be confused with the jello shots that were consumed later...)


 Amiee, George, Lori, Rachel, and myself.  Lookin' quite lovely if I do say so.

 Devon's family.  The tall one in Red?  He's the one I went to see in Reno playing football.

 Another room shots!

And there was some Rock Band...

 
Do I look haggard?  I think I look haggard.  And my hair wasn't cooperating.  It was supposed to be curly (like from an curling iron), but it ended up just going blah.

 Food shot!

 Goof shot!

We'll end with more Rock Band.  Don't mind the chopped off heads.  It's about 5 pictures "stitched" together.

And, yea.  That's about it.  I got home that night around 3am.  Then had to wind down.  In bed around 3:30am.  And then I slept.  And slept.  And I didn't get up until about 12 hours later.  And you know what?  My dog slept too. 

Check out all the pictures.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Men's Intuition

This is for all you single ladies.  Or me.  So you know when you're interested in someone one and you send them 'signs' or 'signals', well, have you ever thought about how guys read those 'signs' or 'signals'?  I have.  And based on my track record I'm guessing I've got it all wrong.  Wrong I say!  I'm queen of receiving mixed messages, or so I think I'm receiving mixed messages.  So let's learn a little about men's intuition, or how they read our/my/your signals...

The Eye Line - It begins with the eyes:  if you’ve looked across a crowded room and held his gaze for more than five seconds, he thinks you’re interested.  Even if it was unintentional, like he looked familiar or had something in his teeth, but you held his gaze, and that’s enough of a signal for him to think about making a move.  Men also take it as they see it: if you’re fully engaged in conversation with your friends and not giving any of yourself to the room, he’ll most likely to think you’re not interested and stay away.  Good news if you want him to stay away; less so if you were hoping he’d pluck up courage and come over to talk.

Body Talk - Guys are looking for signs of interest.  If you are interested, this is when it’s best to stop being too cool and follow some of the conventional rules of the flirting game.  It may seem totally obvious, but laughing at his jokes and smiling while he's talks are signals he can read loud and clear. Take it a little further, reach out to him physically; touch his hand lightly, place your face close to his (um, like how close...?), and widen your eyes when he’s talking:  these are all signs he’ll have no trouble reading. Watch out though, if your eyes are wandering, glazed over or just plain dead while he’s talking, that won't go unnoticed either.  Most men have felt the distance of a disinterested woman, and know when they’re on a losing streak. Not all give up when they do, but many (especially the good ones) will.

To read the full eharmony article...

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Ten on Tuesday

I love doing Ten on Tuesday!  It helps me with the blogging lull.  You know, when I'm just too lazy to get serious about blogging and taking care of the 37 items in draft.  So yeah for Ten on Tuesday!

  1. Are you ususally late, early, or right on time?
    I think it's genetic.  My Mom is always late (love you Mom!), and I'm generally always late.  But only by a couple minutes.  And it's mainly because I underestimate the amount of time it takes me to get from A to B.  Sometimes I'm right on time though.  Don't count on me being early.
  2. What is your middle name?Ann.  Without an 'e'.  It's cooler that way.  It's also a family tradition that the first born daughter has the middle name Ann (sans e).  My great g-ma's name was Ann, her first born daughter (my grammy) was Lorraine Ann, her first born daughter (my mommy) is Allyson Ann, and then her first born daughter (ME!) is Courtney Ann.  And my first daughter (Lord willing I 1) have children and 2) have a daughter) will be ______ Ann.
  3. What are the last 4 digits of your cell phone number?
    5340
  4. How big is your bed?
    It's a queen.  Fit for a queen.  And apparently it's not big enough for my dog who thinks she's the queen.
  5. What are you allergic to?
    Weeds.  All types of weeds.  The stuff that grows wild in fields, the stuff that grows in your garden, the stuff that some people substitute as grass (like me...).  Big time hay fever.  Nothin' a little benadryl or zyrtec can't take care of though.  And praise the Lord I'm not allergic to any foods!
  6. What is the first thing you do in the morning?
    Push snooze, about 12 times.  No exaggeration.  Finally force myself to get out of bed, go to the bathroom, get on the scale, then shower.  Getting ready for the day (clothes, hair, make-up, breakfast, etc.) proceeds from there.
  7. What was your favorite TV show growing up?
    Who here didn't love TGIF?!?!  You know, back when it was good, back when Full House was still on.  Loved it!  Saved By The Bell was a regular after school show.  And in my younger, younger years the Disney cartoons.  Remember Duck Tales and Rescue Rangers, Gummy Bears (although I don't think that one is Disney).  Now those were good cartoons!
  8. Will you, or did you, go to your 10 year high school reunion?
    Yep, I went.  Oh my goodness that was almost 2 years ago!  Eek!  It wasn't a very big group.  And honestly, I think the 10 year is over rated.  It's the 20 or 25 that I'm more interested in going to.
  9. If a tree falls in the forest and nobody is there to hear it, does it still make a sound?
    Ah, duh!  Yes.  Just no one was there to hear it.
  10. What, in your opinion, is the greatest invention?  (You know, since sliced bread...)Oh dear.  Well, there are things that I definitely don't think about all the time, like soap and pillows and all.  But in the recent years, definitely the greatest invention is the iPhone!  Calendar, internet, contacts, grocery shopping list, camera, and mamy more all in one portable device.  Could life get any easier?  Don't answer that.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

#100...complete!

Yeah!  Check one thing off of my 101 in 1,001 list.  I've created a fan page for Courtney Ann Photography.

So, become a fan!

1 down, 100 to go...

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Being Single During Christmas at Church

This to me is hilarious!!!  Mostly because I can completely relate.

So, for all you single people out there, enjoy this list.  Heck, maybe keep score sometime. 

From Stuff Christians Like:
One of the most popular Stuff Christians Like posts of all time was #550. Surviving church as a single. But recently, a friend who is single came to town for the holidays and I realized I had missed whole chunks of awkwardness in describing the bottomless joy that is “Being single during Christmas at church.”
So instead of simply remixing an old post, I decided to create a holiday-focused scorecard. Think of it like a seasonal ale they put nutmeg in during January. It only comes around this time of year. Without further ado, I give you:
Being single during Christmas at church:

  1. Someone tells you, “It’s tough to be alone this time of year.” = +1 point
  2. They pat your head while they say that. = +2 points
  3. They slap your butt like a football player after saying it. = + creepy
  4. With bated breath, they ask, “Should I put you down as +1 for the Christmas party this year?” = +2 points
  5. You good friends hold secret “couples holiday dinners” they don’t invite you to. = +3 points
  6. They wince when the world’s worst commercials, Jared’s jewelry, come on TV and some horrible actress gets engaged right in front of you. = +4 points
  7. If you’re divorced they tell you, “I think this year you should really ‘focus on you.’” = +1 point
  8. They try desperately to find the silver lining and say things like, “It must be nice not to have to shop for anyone. My husband is so hard to get gifts for!” = +2 points
  9. When you tell them you’re OK being single during Christmas, they give you a look that says, “You are such a liar. It’s impossible to be happy and single during Christmas!” = +2 points
  10. They feel slightly guilty for watching romantic Christmas movies in your presence, like “Love Actually.” = +3 points
  11. Someone tells you, “Being single doesn’t have to mean being alone.” = +2 points
  12. Your friends have stopped saying “When you get married” because they’re not sure you’ve got it in you. = +1 point
  13. Your friends now say, “If you get married.” = +2 points
  14. Your friends now give you the marriage kiss of death and simply say, “God willing.” = +3 points
  15. You are given some sort of cross stitched artwork that contains the verses from Proverbs 31 about how a woman should be. = +2 points
  16. People tell you, “Maybe this will be your year” in the same tone baseball fans wonder if the Cubs will finally win the World Series this year. = +2 points
  17. You attend a holiday themed church singles event that is billed as “Not just a Christian version of speed dating,” but is in fact, a Christian version of speed dating. = +1 point
  18. A friend emailed you the link to this post because they knew you needed it. = +1 point
  19. A friend emailed you the link to this post and suggested you troll the comments to find other like minded single people. = +2 points
  20. A friend you only see once a year during the holidays, uses the S word when hearing you’re single. “Still?” = +1 point
  21. People spend an exorbitant amount of time telling you marriage success stories, e.g. “The instant my friend Jill stopped looking for a boyfriend this incredible guy came along and swept her off her feet.” = +1 point
  22. You’re divorced and someone gives you the incredibly encouraging advice, “God will bring you someone who will overlook your past.” = +2 points
  23. This is the first Christmas you realized you officially crossed the age threshold. Instead of people saying, “You’re young, it will happen!” they now say, “Maybe you’re called to be single.” = +5 points
  24. Someone makes a horrible joke about how this Christmas, you got the “gift of celibacy.” = +10 points
  25. Married friends feel compelled to over tell you how difficult marriage is so that you don’t feel like it’s a winter wonderland of constant awesomeness. = +3 points
  26. If you were given a kitten for Christmas people automatically think, “That was a doorway cat. You’re about to become the crazy cat lady.” = +5 points
  27. For Christmas, someone gave you a book about dating that had a man or woman, alone on the cover staring out over a lonely windswept horizon, eating a Campbell’s soup for one, probably listening to the haunting melodies of George Winston. = +2 points
  28. For Christmas, your friends bought you an annual pass to eharmony.com or another dating site. = +5 points
  29. They filled out your dating profile for you and made you sound 97% more awesome than you actually are. = +10 points
  30. The profile photo they used on your dating page is at least 10 years old. = +20 points
  31. At a Christmas party, someone tells you the wildly inappropriate compliment, “Where were you when I was single?” = +2 points
  32. People try to romanticize the tremendous amounts of free time you must have during the holidays without a family to bother you. = +3 points

What’s the craziest “single comment” you’ve heard?

Looking and Feeling Your Best

 It's a new year.  New resolutions.  New goals.  New outlooks.  I'm right there too!  With a new year brings new hopes.  A sense of a refreshed start.

Every year one of my resolutions/goals is to 1) lose weight by 2) exercising more.  But here's my problem.  I don't like to exercise if it feels like exercise.  I can't just go to the gym or pop in a DVD, because that is exercising.  Give me a garden to weed (not my own though) or furniture to move and I'm in!  Because that doesn't feel like exercising.  So what are some other ideas or suggestions that I found?
  1. Dance the night away - Yes, I admit, I'm totally jealous when I see the folks that are part of any of those dancing shows.  But for me personally, I have 2 left feet.  I even took ballroom dancing in college to try to get help.  It didn't help.  I can do a mean sprinkler move though, so I have that going for me.  But apparently, dancing is one of the best ways to burn calories, tone muscles, and feel incredible. Maybe I need to work on my lack of skill in the comfort of my own home.  With the blinds closed.
  2. Take the long way home - No, that doesn't mean drive the long way home and waste expensive gas.  It means, walk to places that are within walking distance instead of driving.  I do this.  Sometimes at least.  I walk or jog the entire .3333 miles to the post office to get my mail.  And I take my little plump doggy too.  She needs it just as much as I do.  I haven't been brave enough to walk the 1/2 mile to work, only because it's down the busiest roads in town.  Scary!
  3. Nature Calls - You know those perfectly beautiful days in the spring?  The days that you just yearn to be outside doing something since you finally can without freezing or the sun going down early.  Yea, so do that.  Go outside and do something.  Go hiking, walking, or whatever.  I'm pretty darn lucky.  2 hours from Yosemite, 2 hours from the ocean, 2 hours from San Francisco.  In 2 hours, I could be anywhere but home and walk around enjoying the scenery, different scenery.
  4. Sporty Spice - As a kid, did you play any sports?  Or enjoy any physical activities?  Me you ask.  Sure...  There was that one year in 5th grade I played soccer.  I could kick a mean soccer ball, but I couldn't run around chasing it for the duration of the game.  And I ran cross country one season.  Then I realized I couldn't run the duration of the meet.  (See a trend here.  And why do I want to run a 5k?)  One thing I loved doing though, was roller blading.  In fact, I still have them and plan on pulling them out one of these days.  Here's some trivia for you, did you know you can burn 400 calories per hour fishing?  I know, crazy!
So there you have it.  Easy ways to get out and get moving.  By getting off the couch and moving those limbs can improve your fitness level, reduce stress and increase happiness.  So...what are you waiting for...?

For the full article go here.

Catching Up

As per my 101 in 1,001, one of my goals (or to-do's) is to get and stay caught up on blogging.  So, this is how it's going to happen, I'm going to get and stay caught up on blogging.  Including here and here.  How's that for a plan?  Seriously though, don't be surprised if there are multiple posts in a day (the get caught up part). 

I do have about 2 dozen things in draft.  Meaning, I started a new post, gave it a title, and saved it as a reminder for later.  Now, a good 90% of these drafts are links to articles or sites that I wanted to share.  I'll try to mix it up and not bombard you with junk valuable information and not fill you in on my life. 

In the meantime, please, if there is anything you want to know about, feel I've left out, have a question, would like my opinion on, etc. just let me know in the comments.

Do Not Open Until Christmas...

Of course the dog couldn't wait.  She was antsy from the minute I put up her stocking with a couple toys and bones in it.  In fact, she successfully pulled it down.  Good thing the stocking hanger-upper thing was basic and flat, 'cause it would be broke if it wasn't.

This is Riley...

This is Riley's stocking...



This is Riley trying to get her stocking!

Then I thought, hey you know what, I use to get to open a gift on Christmas Eve, so why not give her one of the toys on Christmas Eve.  And this is what happened...

And the results.  Oh, the results.  I'm still picking up the results.

(please ignore the messing bed)
Straight for the squeaker!  That's all she ever wants.  The fluff and stuffing is just in the way.

And that ladies and gentlemen, is why you don't give your dog a new toy for Christmas.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Showering the Babies


Any day now, my little niece(s)/nephew(s) (whatever combination they may be) are due to be born.  Rylen will be officially at multiple full-term on the 8th.  And I am so excited for their arrival.  1) Then we'll know what they are.  2) So I can spoil them rotten.  3)  'Cause I looooove babies!  During November/early December, Rylen had 4, yes, 4 baby showers.  Double the babies = double the parties = double the need for gifts.  I went to 3 out of 4 and took pictures at 2 out of 3, so that's what I'm going to share with you.

Shower #1 - Work Shower - Mid-November
Ready to open presents?!?

 2 little sweaters from me.  One boy/gender neutral and one definitely a little more girly.

The cake... "Look Out World, Here We Come!"

Rylen, please don't kill me...  Look at her little belly.  Makes you wanna rub it doesn't it?

 Group photo!


Shower #2 - Late November

Guests...


Show stealer...

BFFs.  I won't tell you what I told her when we were taking this picture.  Hint though, it's about placement of parts of our anatomy...  'Nuff said!

Rylen is doing so great with her pregnancy!  I'm impressed and inspired!  I do know though, I'm not nearly as anxious as she and Jim are for the arrival of these two!

(Oh, and my gift at the 2nd shower is taking pictures of the babies each month of their first year as well as their 1st birthday).  Although, I'm sure picture taking won't stop there.  :)

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Ten on Tuesday

It's that time of the week again...
  1. Are there any movies that inspire you to bake/cook?
    Inspire, yes.  Movies like Julie & Julia, and...  umm... Ok, so that's the most recent and front of my brain movie I can think of.
  2. What's your favorite food blog and why?
    Ready for a list?
    The Pioneer Woman - 'cause a little more butter never hurt anyone.
    Bakerella - Cakes, pies, and pastries oh my!
    How Sweet It Is - Good, simple recipes
    CakeSpy - baked goods galore, plus bakery reviews from across the nation
    Tasty Kitchen - Technically not a blog, so there are so many good recipes there
    A Pinch, a Dash, and a Splash - my own little food/recipe blog (shameless plug, go check it out)
  3. Who's your favorite celebrity chef?
    I'm a huge fan of Sandra Lee (semi-homemade).  Mainly because they're easy recipes.  And I like Ina Garten, Rachel Ray, ummm...  I'd say Ree Drummond (aka The Pioneer Woman) is a celebrity now with her published top seller cookbook and all.
  4. What's your favorite kitchen tool?
    Garlic chopper/mincer.  KitchenAid.  I'm trying to think what I use most frequently...
  5. When it comes to cooking/baking, what's your speciality?
    Baking period.  I'm much more comfortable with cookies, cakes, etc.  I do fairly well at just about everything I attempt though.  Key word, fairly.
  6. When in the kitchen, do you wear an apron, if so, any cute ones you'd like to share?
    No, but only because I don't have an apron.  :(  I really need one though.  Soon enough I'll get one for myself.
  7. Is there anything that intimidates you when it comes to baking/cooking?  (ie. pie crust, yeast breads, sauces, etc...)
    Yeast breads for shizel!  And recipes with more than 9 ingredients.  I tend to skip over those often.
  8. What's the weirdest gadget in your kitchen?
    Ummmm...hummmm...nothing weird that I can think of.
  9. What's your go-to music for cooking/baking?
    I generally just turn iTunes on suffle and let it pick out my music for me.  I'm odd like that, I don't often "crave" a certain type of music.
  10. After several failures, what do you do to motivate yourself to get back in the kitchen to try again?
    Haha!  I'll make excuses, like, "well, I tried to make it healthier by substituting ingredients.  guess that didn't work.", then I try again making adjustments (or following the original recipe).  I won't let the kitchen beat me at my own game.  Kinda like it Julie & Julia, Julie had to successfully make a recipe to complete it.

101 in 1,001

“One resolution I have made, and try always to keep, is this: to rise above the little things.” 
John Burroughs

This year, no new year's resolutions.  Nope, no siree Bob.  I've decided to do something different.  Work on some life goals, miscellaneous things, and give more time than a 365 day year.

I'm gonna make a list of 101 things to complete in my life in the next 1,001 days!

The Mission:  Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1,001 days.
The Criteria:  Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

This list will be viewable on the side bar, and as I complete the items I'll update the listed item to link to the blog post that correlates.  Comprende?

Start Date:  January 5, 2010
End Date:  October 3, 2012
Items Completed: 6/101
Not Done
In Progress
Completed (link)
Completed (w/ date)
  1. Organize the my desk.
  2. Reach goal weight by the 1,001st day.
  3. Go on a road trip.
  4. Fly somewhere foreign over seas.
  5. Exercise at least 3 times per week for a month.
  6. Start a prayer journal and journal everyday for a month.
  7. Buy a house.
  8. Organize my clothes closet.
  9. Organize the back room closet.
  10. Organize my recipes.
  11. Get Christmas shopping done before December 1st.
  12. Use my sewing machine to make something.
  13. Build patio area in back yard.
  14. Run in a 5K race.
  15. Get car windows (rear and back left) retinted.
    Learn to knit.  I just realized this was a duplicate to #20, so I replaced it.
  16. Read Bible in chronological order.
  17. Read at least 7 books a year. (2/19)
  18. Dust/Clean ceiling fans.
  19. Start official photography business (legitimately with licenses/permits).
  20. Learn to knit or crochet.
  21. Attend a pro-photographer's workshop.
  22. No eating desserts for a week!
  23. Hang curtain rods in kitchen.
  24. No shopping at Target for a month.
  25. Hand wash/polish my hardwood floors.
  26. Spend a weekend in San Luis Obispo.
  27. Send 10 "think of you" "just because" cards. (2/10)
  28. Take a day off from work to do nothing.
  29. Weed front yard.
  30. Weed back yard.
  31. Create branding for photography business.
  32. Give e-harmony another shot for a 3 month period.
  33. Get and stay caught up on blogging.
  34. Get and stay caught up on balancing check book monthly.
  35. Get car to mechanic to get idle noise fixed.  4/27/10 (needed a new A/C relay switch thingie)
  36. Photograph at least 1 wedding.
  37. Try 2 new recipes a month, at least one from a cookbook I own.
  38. Organize pictures on hard drive.
  39. Spend a weekend in Carmel.
  40. Create an action in PhotoShop.
  41. Visit at least one state I haven't been to before.
  42. Have the best darn 30th birthday ever!
  43. Get a massage.
  44. Have a picture printed onto a canvas.
  45. Find and use a photo hosting site for clients. 4/28/10
  46. Get professional pictures taken of myself (maybe with family too).
  47. 2nd shoot with a local wedding photographer.
  48. Send in camera body to get fixed.
  49. Go to bed before 11pm for a week.
  50. Get to work before 8am for a week.
  51. Create a business plan for photography business.
  52. Be debt free (minus possible mortgage).
  53. Blog something personal everyday for a month.
  54. Enter some photographs into local county fair.
  55. Attend photography conference/convention.
  56. Walk Riley at least once a week for 3 months.
  57. Visit Time Square.
  58. Turn vacation and miscellaneous photos throughout the years into photo books.
  59. Compile a family recipe cookbook.
  60. Visit Yosemite in the winter.
  61. Throw a cocktail party.
  62. See a musical on Broadway.
  63. Learn to use chopsticks properly.
  64. No chopping off my hair, only trims until it reaches desired length (which is longer than it is now).
  65. Mail a birthday card when a friend or family member has a birthday for a year.
  66. Take a multi-vitamin daily.
  67. Use up products (cleaning, makeup, hair, etc) completely before replacing.
  68. Make/Bake something outside my comfort zone.  From scratch.
  69. Go to Disneyland when it's decorated for Christmas.
  70. Drive down Hwy 1 from Monterey to Morro Bay.
  71. Do a photoshoot during almond blossom season in an orchard.
  72. Journal/Track (WW style) for 2 months.
  73. Shoot in RAW for a month.
  74. Visit family in Santa Fe.
  75. Unload dishwasher once it's done, not 3 days later.
  76. Learn how to belly dance.
  77. Fold laundry once it's dry.
  78. Put away laundry once folded.
  79. Be in a relationship.
  80. Get married.*
  81. Do something spontaneous.
  82. Get a new camera body.
  83. Put no-scratch pads on dining room chair legs. 3/29/10
  84. Go wine tasting in Livermore.
  85. Go wine tasting in Amador County.
  86. Get tupperware organizer and organize cabinet.
  87. No candy for 2 weeks.
  88. Encourage one person to do 101 in 1,001.
  89. Eat at 4 new restaurants. (0/4)
  90. No eating out for 3 weeks.**
  91. Learn one new technique in PhotoShop each week.
  92. Get my own domain name.  3/16/10 (http://www.courtney-ann.com/ - not in service yet)
  93. Tithe every month. (3/22)
  94. Play a round of 18-hole golf.
  95. Visit Golden Gate Park.
  96. Buy 5 things from etsy.com. (0/5)
  97. Floss everyday for a month.***
  98. See a Beach Blanket Babylon show.
  99. Make dinner for the family one night a week for 2 months.
  100. Make a facebook fan page for my photography.
  101. Donate $10 to a charity for every goal not met.
* Or should I just give $10 now? Really it's not unrealistic in the next 2 1/2 years, but yes, I know it's all up to God.
**As in paying for a meal, eating at Mom & Dad's doesn't count.
***I know, gross right?  I so dislike flossing.  And I need to get in the habit.

Friday, January 1, 2010

Movies I've seen in 2010

January
1/4 - Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (DVD)
1/5 - Duplicity (DVD)
1/29 - When in Rome (theater)
 February
2/2 - My Life in Ruins (DVD)
2/5 The Women (DVD)
2/6 The Da Vinci Code (TV)
2/13 Valentine's Day (theater - so good, go see it!)
2/20 Couple's Retreat (DVD)
March
3/1 Ice Castles (DVD)
3/2 Love Happens (DVD)
3/11 The Time Traveler's Wife (DVD)
April
4/5 I Hate Valentine's Day (DVD)
4/9 High School Musical 3: Senior Year (TV)
4/25 The Last Song (theater)

Books Read in 2010

Finished in...

February
Am I The One? by James R. Lucas