Motivation Monday - Government

Hair Help!

I have a major problem right now.  Involving my hair.  Short of rubbing a dryer sheet all over it I don't know what to do. 

I have static cling hair!  Help!  What will fix it?

I brush my hair, and it looks like I rubbed a balloon all over it.  I "smooth" it down with my hands, and it looks like I rubbed a balloon all over it.  I pull on a shirt or sweater, and it looks like I rubbed a balloon all over it.

What do I do to not look like a science experiment???

Ideas.  Tips.  Suggestions.  Products that work. 

All are welcome!

Please...

Inside the Mind of the Single Guy

For all you single ladies, have you ever walked into a room full of (or with at least one) single guys and wondered "what's he thinking?"?  Well I have.  Many times I have.

So let's see what the pros say is "inside the mind of the single guy"...

• Real guys like real girls
  Just be yourself!  The first thing you need to know is that real guys like real girls. You shouldn’t pretend to be someone you’re not. Guys consider phoniness a huge turnoff.
• Independent women rule
  For the single guy, the great thing about being single is his ability to have a full and rewarding life independent of a relationship; so it’s important for you to have the same. Be strong, independent, and fully in love with your own fabulous single life.
• It's okay for you to make the first move
  There are single guys out there who might prefer that you make the first move. In fact, apparently a lot of guys report that they like it when a girl makes the first move. It lets them know she’s interested (and it’s a real confidence boost!). Just remember though, after you make the first move, leave the rest up to him. Guys want and need to be part of the delicate dating chase. If you do all the work, they’ll just stop chasing.
• Physical intimacy means different things to different people
  One very crucial thing to know about some single guys is that sex and intimacy can be two different things. Sleeping with someone does not necessarily mean they’re looking to get serious with her. If you’re taking your physical relationship to the next level, you might want to have a conversation first to make sure your intentions and his are clearly stated. (FYI, I do not support this bullet point or what it is implying)
  
• Most single guys are not marriage-minded
  The sooner you understand that most single men are not on the prowl for a wife, the easier it will be for you to relate to your date. Approach dating with the attitude that they just want to have fun and meet a variety of interesting people until they meet someone worth committing to.
• Commitment is not a bad word
  When the right girl does come along, most single men are comfortable committing. By taking their time and really getting to know the women they date, guys again have the right idea. Take a page from their dating playbook and just have fun dating and relating! That way, when you do meet someone truly special, you’ll not only know he’s The One, but you'll be ready, willing, and able to commit because you’ve successfully played the field.
  

So there you have it.  Insight (cliff notes version) straight from the sourse - the mind of a single guy (via this article). Next time you go out lookin' for a guy, try these tips and see if they work.

Then report back to me because I'm uber curious!

Picture of the Day 319

November 15th: James 3; Jeremiah 25-26; Psalm 131

"It isn't the great big pleasures that count the most; it's making a great deal out of the little ones."

-Jean Webster

Today's project...

2 strands of icicle lights
4 stands of normal white lights
~15 screw hook thingies
1 tall ladder
1 super long extension cord
a couple hours of solo work
= a house ready for Christmas



The outside at least. And yes, the wreath on the door with be replaced with a more holiday appropriate one.

Pleas note, the lights won't be lit again until after Thanksgiving. I'm a beliver that each holiday should get it's time to shine (none of this Halloween to Christmas and skipping turkey day).


- Posted from my iPhone

Photo Update...

Check out my latest photo shoot with the Danbom family... 

So much fun. 

Minus the mosquitoes that is...

Picture of the Day 318

November 14th: James 2; Jeremiah 23-24; Psalm 130

"The only real elegance is in the mind; if you've got that, the rest really comes from it."

-Diana Vreeland

Picture of the Day 317

November 13th: James 1; Jeremiah 21-22; Psalm 129

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

-James 1:12

Picture of the Day 316

November 12th:  Philemon; Jeremiah 19-20; Psalm 128

"It's completely usual for me to get up in the morning, take a look around, and laugh out loud."

-Barbara Kingsolver, High Tide in Tucson: Essays from Now or Never

Halloween

If you know me, you know that don't do Halloween.  I don't dress up, I don't get all hyped up, and really, I'd rather turn the porch lights out and cuddle inside in the dark.

Face it, the best thing about Halloween is candy corn mixed with peanuts.

But this year, this year I went to a party.

And I dressed up.

As a Stud Finder.  Complete with tool box (aka my purse/camera bag for the night), tool belt, and stud finder.

Where, oh where is a stud?

Others dressed up too.  We have a "Not a Morning" Person, a Lady Scott, and a Sailor Moon.

For being a "not morning person", Kaitlin sure looked bright eyed, chipper, and bushy tailed!  It's like she was in the movies with the magic morning make-up too.

This year's customer for me though, well, it was a bust.  As there were no studs to be found, only studs that were already nailed.

So here I am, as a Studless Finder.

 I'm tempted to start carrying that device around with me in my purse (not the tool box).

Thoughts?

Picture of the Day 315

November 11th:  Titus 3; Jeremiah 17-18; Psalm 127

"It is our choices...that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."

-J.K. Rowling

What Men Really Want

Want some more tips and advice?  Articles maybe?  I hope so, cause I'm cleaning out my inbox and am finding some good stuff in there! 

So what do men really want...?  This is the age old question that I'd like to know too...

1. Men Want Support
   Let him know you’re on his side, that you’re a team together against the world and all it can throw at you.
   
2. Men Want Admiration
   Admiration will make all his achievements seem a little more worthwhile.  Take an interest, understand the details, help him celebrate: the further he goes, the closer you’ll feel.
   
3. Men Want Humor
   ‘Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.’ -Victor Borge, and in difficult and good times alike, a couple that laughs together stays together.
   
4. Men Want Sociability
   Just because two have become one it doesn’t mean that the one has to sequester itself from the world.  He’ll want to show you off, admire you as you socialize with ease, know that he can throw you in any social situation – whether with friends, work colleagues or family - and you’ll at least try to go with it.
5. Men Want Freedom
   He loves you, he wants to be with you, he needs you – but you’re not glued at the hip and he does have interests outside of the relationship.  What makes him happy will ultimately make you happy.
   

Interested in the full article?  Visit it here through eharmony.com.

Picture of the Day 314

November 10th:  Titus 2; Jeremiah 15-16; Psalm 126

"The hardest years in life are those between ten and seventy."

-Helen Hayes

Go Wolf Pack!

A few weekends after I went to the ranch, I went to Reno.  This trip was with Devon and George to go to Devon's brother's college football game at University Nevada-Reno.
See, Reno.  "The Biggest Little City in the World".  Maybe that's an overstatement, biggest little city in the world.  But still, Reno is like Las Vegas not on steroids.  Vegas = steroids.  Reno = unsteroids.

We pulled into Reno sometime around 9pm Friday evening.  Dumped our stuff off at the hotel then headed down to scope out the gambling scene.  And you know what, there was a gambling scene.  Smoking included.  I forgot about it being legal to smoke in the casino.  Gross!  Just so you know, at one point I was up $15 from where I started.  Then the "what-if, maybe" kicked in and I kept going.  I ended up leaving down $40.  Oops. 

Saturday afternoon was the football game.  First we had breakfast.  Then I bought a Wolf Pack long sleeve hoodie.  Had to fit in you know.  Collin Kaepernick, #10, starting quarterback, future NFL star!

 

The Wolf Pack won!  70 to 45, or was it 35.  Regardless, they beat Idaho.  Collin ran in 4 or 5 of the touchdowns.  See that poof of smoke?  Yea, that cannon would go off everytime Nevada scored.  You'd think I would have gotten used to it.  But no, everytime I jumped. (Picture of Collin making touchdown.)

 

Post game photo ops.  Devon and myself.  We were waiting for Collin to come out of the locker room.

 

George and Devon.  Such a cute picture if I say so myself.

 

After the game we had pizza and wings at Collin's courtesy of Devon's parents.  Then we went back to the hotel/casino to see if we/I could win some of my money back.  No such luck. Oh well, $40 towards a weekend of entertainment isn't too shabby.

We left for home around 9:30/10ish the next morning and were home by 1:30ish.  All in all a good weekend away. 

For more pictures go here.

Motivation Monday - Effort

Picture of the Day 313

November 9th:  Titus 1; Jeremiah 13-14; Psalm 125

"The secret to staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age."

-Lucille Ball

Picture of the Day 312

November 8th:  2 Timothy 4; Jeremiah 11-12; Psalm 124

"Never work before breakfast; if you have to work before breakfast, eat your breakfast first."

-Josh Billings

Picture of the Day 311

November 7th:  2 Timothy 3; Jeremiah 9-10; Psalm 123

...but let him who boasts boast about this:

that he understands and knows me,

that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness,

justice and righteousness on earth,

for in these I delight.

-Jeremiah 9:24

All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
-2 Timothy 3:16

Picture of the Day 310

November 6th:  2 Timothy 2; Jeremiah 7-8; Psalm 122

"Just because something doesn't do what you planned it to do doesn't mean it's useless."

-Thomas Edison

Weekend Away

A couple weeks ago (ok, who am I kidding?, it was like a month ago), I took a weekend out-of-house and went with my parents and Paige to visit Aunt Kate, the ranch, and other family.  I'm gonna make this brief, but full of pictures.  Because, well, it was awhile ago and I gotta get caught up somehow.

Here's a view of the ranch homestead from, well, up on a hill on another part of the property.  That little cluster of buildings toward the bottom of the picture, that's the town of Santa Margarita.  I love the ranch.  I love the history of the ranch.  Not only that it's part of California Mission's history, but also the family history.

While driving around gates have to be opened and closed.  Since dad was the only male in the truck he got suckered into official gate opener and closer volunteered to handle the job.  He's so studly!  I love my dad!

The owners of the ranch haven't allowed deer hunting on the property for the last 3 years.  Which is great because we saw a lot of bucks while we were out the drive.  I like to tell people I shot a buck while I was there.  Get it, with a camera!  Hardy har har.

Maybe one of my favorite pictures of the trip.

This weekend was "all about Paige".  You see, we have family that has a vineyard and they were harvesting this particular weekend.  And since Paige is studying wine (growing, making, partaking) in college, mom and Kate arranged a "learning weekend" (aka an excuse to visit the ranch and family, and assist in partaking of wine in large quantities).

And then there's my adorable 11th cousin, Reagan.  Daughter of my 8th cousin, Michelle.  I can never remember how the cousin to the inth degree system works, especially on my mom's side.  But isn't she a doll!

Grapes at the vineyard.  Pozo Valley Wine.  It's good stuff.  Go to their tasting room, try it and buy it.  Or just take my word and order a bottle of Zin and a bottle of Cab.  Their blend is really good too.  As is their late harvest Zin.  Heck, just get a bottle of each!

While Debbie was driving us around their property in Pozo we saw a black bear.  Which is funny, because that's what Aunt Kate was trying to find at the ranch while driving us around.  Oh well, we still saw one.  She was happy.  We were happy.  Not sure if the bear was happy.

So here's a good story.  My mom had a cassette tape (remember those, pre-CD?) of my grandparents interviewing Uncle Guy and Aunt Grace.  But the tape broke.  So, my handy dad figured out how to splice it back together, then he put it on a CD to share.  The CD player wasn't loud enough, so Aunt Kate put it on in the truck and turned the volume up.  It brought tears to my eyes to hear Grammy and Bompy's voices again.  What a sight though, there was at least 10 people gathered around the truck listening, including 2 of my cousins (these I know are 1st cousins!) who never met their maternal grandparents.

A beautiful sunset from Pozo.

Back on the ranch...  Seriously, I wanted to get some pictures of some of the cool stuff my Aunt has around her house.  Like this old sign of another ranch, the Chimineas, that my grand grampy Claude owned.

The guy not in plaid, that was my great grampy Claude, Aunt Kate and my Bompy's dad.  I never knew him.  But from all the stories I've heard, he sounds like a great guy.

One of the original Disneyland train cars.  No joke.  The owners of the ranch (no one I'm related to) bought it.  Why?  I don't know.  Kicks and giggles and to say you own the original Disneyland train.

Under the wood exterior of this massive barn is a barn made of rocks that dates back to when the California Missions were built.  In fact, it's along the mission trail between Mission San Luis Obispo and Mission San Miguel (I think it's San Miguel).

Aunt Kate's daughter-in-law, Bonnie, shares a building with Pozo Valley Wines for her catering business and little gift shop.  She is a phenomenal cook!  Very talented!

Shall we end with a flower?  Sure, let's end with a flower.  'Cause flowers are happy and pretty and colorful.

Hope you enjoyed the not so brief recap of my weekend from a month ago.  It was such a good, refreshing time.  I always look forward to going down to the ranch, it just feels like home.  Plus it's only 15 minutes from San Luis Obispo (my ol' stompin' ground). 

For the complete album of pictures go here.