Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time

Christmas is over, the tree is down, and we are back to work. We had a wonderful Christmas with my family and Andrew's parents came down to the 'Boro to spend it with us. We are doing Christmas again on New Year's Day when Andrew's brother and his wife come in. I am not complaining....we get to eat a Christmas dinner again. It is so nice having a mother and mother-in-law that like to cook.


I always get clothing for Christmas from my parents, but this year it was a little different. These all had room for an extra large belly! I ended up exchanging a few things and picked up a belly band for the time being. They make a few of my pants more bearable...you know, just out of the dryer, eck! I am not sure when I will actually need maternity clothing, so I have picked up/ordered a few pieces so that when the morning comes that nothing fits right, I have something comfortable to wear. I ordered a pair of jeans from ON and I hope they are as nice as the picture b/c the ones I have seen in person are bad. I may end up in skirts/dresses the majority of the time.

Baby got a few gifts also. Mommy and Daddy got baby a lamb floor blanket. Grandma and Grandpa Snyder got baby a cute animal themed onsie and a little stuffed monkey that matches almost perfectly the nursery set I am leaning towards. Great Grandma got baby a ducky onsie with a hat and socks and a little ducky to go with it. Grandma and Grandpa Coleman just got back from Disney and brought baby a stuffed Eore, bib, and a Micky sippy cup. What a lucky baby to have so many people that love it already!


I finally have some pictures to post for you from when we told the soon-to-be grandparents. The cookies are from when we told Andrew's parents. We met them for lunch so I brought dessert. The last two pictures are on the cruise at dinner the first night. I told my parents I forget I had a picture to give them. I brought my first ultrasound photo.

What not to say to a pregnant woman

OK, so I am not that pregnant, but there are a few things I have found to be...inapproiate...rude...to say to a pregnant woman. First, was it an accident? When friends ask, no biggie. When a stranger (or someone you really don't talk to very often) asks this, it is rude. Why is it someone else's business? I have been nice so far, but some poor person is going to catch me on a bad day and I might have to respond with, "No, it wasn't an accident. Would you like to know the exact day and hour this child was conceived?"

Next - this happened this evening at my office's Christmas dinner (at B McNeel's - LOVE it!). We had tons of good food and I said, "I like this eating for two thing!" My ever so thoughtful father said back to me, "Well, you know you will have to lose the weight after the baby is born." I told him he better not call me fat any time these next few months or I may forget to run his payroll. Do not comment on a pregnant woman's weight, or even their future weight. Weight is a touchy subject for any woman, but is especially so when they are aware they will get bigger in the next few months.

End of vent...

Who is getting coal for Christmas?

Miss Molly, that's who. Now if she will just stop sneaking her presents out from under the tree and opening them, Santa Paws will forget the coal and leave her with some new chew toys.

Revenge of the Fatties

Today, I ate 3 donuts in 3 hours. I know, gross. I now feel terrible. That much sugar so early is a bad thing. After eating those delicious dunkin donuts I was reminded of a show that Andrew and I was every so often on G4: Attack of the Show. (This is the only thing I ever watch on G4.) In particular the episode called Revenge of the Fatties. Kevin and Olivia (yes, that is where I got my girl name) dressed in fat suits for the entire show. OK, sounds dumb, but I honestly laugh until I cry every time I see it.

I finally found it on YouTube and you may not care to watch it, but I have to post it so that I can always watch it whenever I want. The break dancing is my favorite part.

I love clean carpets

After wanting one for a while now, we finally decided to purchase a new vacuum. OK, we were almost forced to. Our old vacuum wouldn't stand up on its own anymore and I managed to break a piece off a few weeks ago. I am still not sure where that piece came from...maybe it kept the thing standing? Either way, I ordered my new one today on Amazon and it arrives TOMORROW! Holy cow that is fast! I didn't even opt for the overnight shipping. I am so excited to come home from work to vacuum!

Also good news, I think my fatigue is starting to go away. I am still ready to fall asleep at 8:30ish every night, but I haven't wanted to close my office door and sleep under my desk the past two days - which means I have been more productive at work! I even cooked dinner last night. Not just grilled cheese, but a relatively labor intensive dinner. I am hoping this isn't fluke, and it a sign of things to come.

Twilight - the movie

What word can I use to describe this movie? Oh yeah - BAD! Seriously a disappointment. If you hadn't read the book and went to see the movie, you would be lost. It moves so fast you just won't really get some of the stuff. If you have read the book then you will me mad b/c it doesn't stick with the book. It changes things - moves and adds and keeps things out of the movie that were in the book.

And the acting...oh my gosh. It was so incredibly painful. But now I can see these actors as the characters as I read the book. Well, almost. Carlisle looks like a Ken doll in the movie, but I think it is just his hair...And Charlie just looks creepy to me. And Edwards Volvo looks like a station wagon (OK, dumb, but still a little disappointing!).

I just don't know what to say. I didn't expect much, but I expected a little more than this. I am glad I saw it because it gives me a better visual of the characters, but that is all it did for me.

Anyone looking for a desk?

*UPDATE* It looks like I have a taker. Unless you hear from me otherwise, the desk has found a home!

Or know of someone that is? We have a set of office furniture that is just too much for our little office. We are keeping one of the desks and the bookshelf, but will be getting rid of the other desk. Here is what it looks like:

Our options are to either give it away, or break it down and trash it. Kind of sad to trash it, but I hate keeping stuff just b/c I can't get rid of it. Cluttler is bad (unless it is shoved in the back of a closet).

I am keeping this offer open until Dec 19th. Let me know by then if you or someone you know would like it and it is theirs! All they have to do it come pick up. If I don't hear anything by Dec 19th, I am going to let my husband break it down and take it to the dump.

Oh, I should add it is in good condition. Here it is in our office:

And the diminsions: Christopher Lowell Shore Computer Credenza, 30 1/2''H x 61 3/8''W x 23 1/2''D, Antiqued White

It used to have a hutch that went on top, but I think we got rid of that some time ago. If we still have it in the attic, you are more than welcome to take that also! Here is what it look like (when we lived in the apartment and used it in the dining room):

Good Days

I love having good days. You know, where it starts with you getting up and feeling good and having a super yummy breakfast, then taking a 1/2 day off at work and meeting your husband to pick up a few Christmas gifts, and then running one more place to hear a baby's heartbeat.

Wait, what?? Baby's heartbeat?

That's right! And not just any baby - OUR baby! I'm pregnant!

I am so excited to finally feel ready to share the news! Today was our second appointment, and not that seeing a little blob on the screen 4 weeks ago didn't make it feel real, but actually hearing the fast little heartbeat today was unbelievable!

Baby Coleman is due on July 7th and we are also waiting until then to find out if it is a boy or a girl. (You are probably thinking "Don't you want to decorate the nursery!?" Don't worry, I have that covered...I currently have two ideas that I am playing with and love them both. I do love to plan, but I can totally plan around this gender surprise and still be 100% happy with the outcome.)

Along with that information, I feel I should share that I ate meat...and oh, was it good. I haven't kept that from you for too long. It only happened for the first time last week. =) This baby wants some protein! I had a good 4 month run. I have yet to actually prepare any meat though.

I am off to eat what feels like my 8th mini meal of the day and then to read some of my book before crashing early like I have the past few weeks.

Weekend Accomplishments

I didn't do much this weekend, but I did accomplish three things I am proud of:

1. I finshed the 3rd book in the Twilight Saga and started on the 4th and last
2. I beat my first song on Guitar Hero on Hard! It was a little rough, and I can only do one song so far, but it is a start.
3. I scored a free drink at Starbucks! I always use my customized card to pay for my drink and lately I haven't been getting what was on the card (a peppermint mocha) b/c it is just so sweet, I can't do it everytime. But everytime I order, the same guy is at the register and always gives me a hard time about it. Last week I actually ordered that drink, and he wasn't there to witness it. Andrew went Saturday and used his customized card the the guy mentioned the girl that never gets what is on hers and he gives her a hard time. He said, "yeah, that would be my wife." We went Sunday before church and he was working and to prove I do order what is on my card, I orded a Peppermint Mocha. And since he finally witnessed it, he gave me my drink free!

Cruise Photos!

Grey's

Random post on Grey's...

I LOVE Lexi Grey with Mark Sloan. Maybe b/c individually they are also two of my favorite characters. I hope it isn't casual...

Izzy and Denny - enough! The man is dead. Hopefully Alex telling her "I love you" will be enough to snap her back into realizing the she has a shot with something living. She has started to become one my least favorite characters. I actually like Christina better.

Dr. Owen Hunt (Christina's new love interested) I am going back and forth on. I originally didn't care for him much. But we recently started watching the HBO series ROME and he plays Lucius Vorenus and I really like him as that character. And for some reason, it makes me like him a little more as Dr. Hunt. Still unsure about him. I will also add, it was really strange hearing Christina laugh...am I the only one that thought so?

Seriously??

I have to whine and moan for a minute...so, our trip to Washington has been cancelled b/c the training didn't come together. No big deal, easy to cancel...so I thought. Why the heck do they charge you $150 to cancel a flight on Orbitz for!? Oh, but that is just the Airline fee...then Orbitz charges you $30 more...b/c it is so difficult for that computer to understand you cancelled. Waste of money. At least Southwest gives you the entire ticket price back in a voucher when you cancel. It is now costing me more to cancel the darn thing than I will have in credit once I am through.

I love Southwest. Unfortunately, Andrew's office requires them purchase their tickets through Orbitz (why? maybe they enjoy getting screwed when they have to cancel??) So I am refusing to go on any future trips with him. Unless they let me fly Southwest, forget it. I don't like throwing money away.

He feels bad now b/c I am furious and I can feel my blood pressure rising. It isn't his fault...he didn't plan on this...he was positive and thought, "I can use it for my ski trip in the spring." Sorry buddy, you can't transfer tickets...so you better take me with you (actually, I am a horrible skier and I would be there more for entertainment as I rolled down the bunny slopes.)

I am really just angry b/c I don't understand what the heck an Airline fee pays for. Explain to me what cost goes into me cancelling my flight, and I will quit whining. I understand the ticket is non-refundable so I expect a voucher/flight credit. I just hate paying for nothing. I could use that $180 for something that actually exists...like the Dyson Vacuum I want...I will be ticked about this for a while.

Enchantment of the Seas

Ah...a nice relaxing week doing nothing at all. That is what I like.

A week ago, I was boarding the Enchantment of the Seas, getting ready to spend my Thanksgiving on the beach. I will start by saying that the Enchantment was my least favorite ship. It recently went under some renovations, and they pretty much split the boat in half to extend and add a new section to the ship. I wasn't crazy about the layout as it frequently felt like a maze and the crew on this ship wasn't A+ either. However, that did not ruin my vacation! =)

We boarded Monday afternoon (very quickly I might add) and got settled into our rooms. This was the first time I have stayed in an inside room. It wasn't bad. I slept very hard since there was no natural light. I honestly don't remember what we did that night. I unpacked the bags while Andrew explored the casino I think. Then we headed off to dinner.

Tuesday was our first day in port and we were in Key West. Andrew and my father went to a Museum while Mom and I walked the streets and visited a few stores. She found a winery and key lime pie shop that she liked. I found a random store that made amazing peanut butter/chocolate fudge. We didn't really do much here but walk around. We went back on the ship to grab lunch and hang out on the pool deck. While up on deck, my brother sat in with the band on the pool deck and played the drums. Not his idea, my Grandma asked them if he could, and my brother didn't want to hurt her feelings by telling her he didn't want to. He was nervous b/c he had never played with them before and didn't play their kind of music. After he started, he became more comfortable and ended up doing very well. (I have video I will post later.) That evening was formal night so we headed to the dinning room in our nicest clothing! It was a smoke free night in the casino, so I checked it out a little with Andrew before going to bed.

Wednesday we were in Cozumel, Mexico. I wasn't really looking forward to anything here and probably would have just stayed on the ship, but I wanted to actually go into Mexico. So I got off with Mom and bought some bottled water for the beach for the next day. Dad, Andrew, and Will went on an ATV excursion thought the jungle to Mayan ruins. Evidently Will was mischievous and was considered a danger by the people running the excursion...they made him ride in the very back where they could keep an eye on him. Dad came back covered in mud (also thanks to Will). They all were disgusting when they returned, but had a ton of fun. I read my book and took a nap (I enjoyed sleeping on this trip). I also experienced another first on the ship - my first visit to the spa. First thing Wednesday morning, I enjoyed a massage and facial. I will definitely visit again on future cruises.

Thursday was turkey day! We got up an went to a private beach in Belize. I enjoyed laying in a hammock and reading my book. It was a cute little beach but so very hot! They also had a cute monkey caged near the hammocks that I went to see. I didn't touch it, but Will did. He claims it was reaching out to him...who knows what disease that think could be carrying...I felt bad for it. It even had a tip jar (and by jar, I mean an empty Clorox bottle that said TIPS). That night was Thanksgiving dinner in the dinning room...nothing compared to my moms, but it will do! I don't think our waiter cared for me (the feeling was mutual) and he seemed very annoyed at the fact that Megan didn't finish all her ham and I gave my turkey to my husband. I figured it was easier to give it to Andrew than order the turkey dinner without turkey and have my waiter roll his eyes at me. Just making his job a little easier, but whatever, that is why he got the minimum tip. (I totally got spoiled with our waiter on my first cruise our assistant waiter on our second cruise). I went to the casino again that night since it was smoke free night again. I only played quarter roulette...I can make $20 last a long time there. Andrew hit the blackjack table with Dad, Megan, and Will. Megan made $150 - it was a good night for her.

Friday was our last day and it was spent at sea. I slept in and went to breakfast with Dad and Andrew. I spent the day hanging around the boat not really doing anything in particular. I would read inside, then outside, then find Mom by the pool, then I hit Ben & Jerry's and finally ended up at roulette in the casino. Andrew was there and entered the blackjack tournament. He did really well and ended up being 4th (out of 64 people entered). Unfortunately, cash prizes started at 3rd place. So close.... That night we decided to skip the dinning room and try out the Wind Jammer for dinner (another first!). I was surprised that I actually enjoyed it more than the dinning room! I tried a few things and had a chocolate sundae for dessert. That last evening I watched The Terminator 3 (it was showing in the room and I had never seen it before) while I packed our bags and Andrew went to gamble one last time. He was out until very late but it paid off! He did very well and made money! (And I got something out of that...he bought me Guitar Hero Aerosmith when we got home!)

Traveling home on Saturday was exhausting, but we were starving once we got back to Murfreesboro, so we went to Garcia's since we had nothing at home to eat. I miss my afternoon naps and having my food prepared for me. But I am glad to be home in my own bed and to have Molly around.

I will post pictures and video soon!

Finished

I finished just finished Twilight. I managed to read 500 page book in 24 hours. This coming from a girl that typically doesn't read for fun. I am taking the second one and putting it in my carry on bag and then high in the closet so I can't start it until I leave...or the night before while I pack my carry on.

Who knew a book about vampires could be so interesting. I will say, they aren't scary vampires. When I recommended these to Cassie, I told her I pictured the main character to look like Tom Welling (Clark Kent on Smallville). Edward isn't a bad guy. He protects Bella (his Lana Lang) and is so careful not to hurt her, like his instincts would naturally lead him to do.

Sooooo good. Like I said, not scary, however, it did freak me out a bit when I was reading the part of story containing the bad vampire and my crazy dog starts barking at the corner of the room...the empty corner. Nothing freaks me out more than a dog barking at emptiness. OK, I lied - I am also afraid of all scary movies and gnomes...and when Andrew hides and jumps out at me...gets me everytime.

Twilight

I am not someone who reads a lot. I usually stick to Nicholas Sparks and the Shopaholic series. They are easy to read and not terribly long. Monday, a girl I worked with suggested I read the Twilight series. She said she doesn't really read much, but she read the first book in one day on her vacation. Then finished the second one on Monday. I knew it had been made into a movie and was going to be released this week, but still wasn't sure what it was about, except that it had vampires. Not really on the list of things I care to read about.

However, I was interested after seeing the movie trailers and decided I might as well pick up the book and read it on vacation next week. She suggested I purchase the first two, in case I read through them quickly. Last night I sat down to start Twilight because I knew if I started in the airport, I would never get into it. (I can't concentrate with people walking around and keeping track of luggage and all the activity going on.) Well, I will be finished with the first one before I even start packing. I read half of it last night. It is so good. I am hooked.

She now had advised me to purchase the third before I leave. I will probably take her advice.

I am now passing on the advice. Give it a try.

Tag, I'm it

Emily tagged me. Here is the deal:

Go to your fourth picture folder and then go to the fourth picture in the folder.Write four things about the picture and then tag four other people.It's amazing what you'll find!!!


1) This picture was taken on the best day ever - my wedding day!
2) You can't see it, but my shoes had stones all over the top of the bands. They were the third pair of wedding shoes I bought (well, those Cindy surprised me with at my shower) and they were the ones I loved. Unfortunately, the stones kept catching on the massive slip under my dress, which made it hard to walk without getting caught and tripping. So to fix this, I had to cover all of the stones with scotch tape. =( I still have those shoes but had them dyed black. I love them. =P
3) Poor Andrew. He got seriously pelted with bird seed on the "run" to the limo. A month later, he was at work and he felt something weird in his ear. He still had a piece of bird seed in there.
4) I am also sporting my "something old" and "something blue" in this picture. Something Old - my grandma gave me an old handkerchief my grandpa brought back from overseas while in the army. I pinned it to the inside of my dress. Something Blue - my panties. =)

So, since only 4 people read my blog, those are the four I will tag:
1) Cassie
2) Casey
3) Emily
4) Mary Leigh

And since 3 of you already have been tagged, I only expect to see Cassie complete this. She need to update anyway!

3 months

OK, so I have done the no meat thing for three months now. Not too bad! I feel good and I don't miss the meat. Well, a grilled ham and cheese did sound good the other day, but picking out the gross fatty pieces didn't sound too good. So I got over that real fast.

The only difficult thing: everything (at least soup wise) is made with chicken broth! Which doesn't gross me out... so I may need a new category for myself: I don't eat meat b/c I don't like it, but it if is made with chicken broth, I am OK with it. What on earth would that be? I won't label myself vegetarian anymore. I will just say I don't like meat. Does that make sense? Or sound stupid?

So if you have me over sometime to eat, don't worry about making something with chicken broth in it. Just remember, I will still refuse the actual meat, as eating off a bone, being served veiny piece of chicken, or even thinking about the fact that I am eating an animal mid-chew still makes me want to vomit. Do know that I am fine picking the meat off the top of things, like a pizza.

Now, I really want some potato soup...or pizza.

This would only happen to me

As I left the doctor today, I pressed the unlock key on my car key. I walked to my car and opened the door and hopped on in. As I did, I thought, "wow, my car smells really good. Wait, I don't have a blue iPod. And where are my fixed asset files?" I quickly realized THIS WAS NOT MY CAR! It looked just like mine on the inside and out! Seriously, the interior was identical. I jumped out as fast as I could, laughing at the same time, and entered my car - the one parked right next to it.

I am glad no one saw me. But, why did this person not lock their doors??

Going to the Capitol

I am very excited. Normally when Andrew goes out of town on business, he invites me along, but I always decline. He usually has to visit agents in Mississippi and New Orleans. From what I can tell, there isn't much for me to do in Mississippi and I have been to New Orleans and wasn't impressed. But this time, he has to go to a training seminar in Maryland. I wasn't too terribly excited about Maryland, but when I looked at exactly where he would be training I was eager to go. It will be right outside of Washington, DC! By right outside, I mean about 1 mile - super close. So this time I am going! I love DC and the museums and the ability to walk to pretty much any "attraction" I want. He is only training for one day, so we are staying two extra days to explore.

All I am waiting for is the confirmation from his boss about the exact date of his training...I already have the hotel and airline tickets picked out and ready to be booked. Something also good for me, the metro system. I don't have to figure out how to get around DC in a rental car the day I am by myself. Actually, I would just end up hanging out at the hotel b/c I am terrified of driving in new places and I have been in DC traffic and I will never attempt it even with someone else with me.

Now I am trying to get over my fear of riding the mass transportation system alone. Andrew let me know that they lifted the gun ban in DC, but I don't' have a carry permit. I guess I can walk with my keys between my fingers in case I need to punch a mugger. =P I have a feeling my mom will send me off with some pepper spray when she finds out I will be walking alone that day. I remember her giving me some when I was at MTSU and had a night class.

Back to my previous post about WebMD - I managed to hurt my middle left finger. I am not sure how, but the joint is a little swollen and it hurts to bend it (kind of a bad finger not to be able to really bend). I have taken some Aleve and jumped on WedMD to see if maybe there was another way to treat it at home before calling the doctor. I typed in my symptoms and this is what I get FINGER INJURY. Really? I didn't know. It wasn't much help today. Although, at least it didn't convince me that I had some rare finger disease.

Please don't be offended if I accidentally point my middle finger in your direction. Unless I glare at you at the same time...then you should take offense. =)

WebMD

WebMD is one of those websites that you would probably be better off if it were blocked on your computer. It can convince you that you have almost any disease. Select a few symptoms you are experiencing and it will pull up 10-20 different possible. Yesterday, I thought for a few minutes that I had Leukemia. I know...it only lasted about 5 minutes, but that was when I decided enough with this silly symptom checker. WebMD will only be used by me to learn about illnesses and diseases once the doctor has diagnosed me or a family member/friend. Self diagnosis can be dangerous.

Something else I was thinking about yesterday while waiting to get blood work done - why do they buy vinyl furniture for the waiting room? And why is the girl that is about to draw my blood popping and smacking her gum? I wonder if it will make it difficult for her to concentrate and get a vein on the first try? OUCH! Yeah, missed...but lucky for me, the 3rd times a charm. She is going on my list of people to refuse to let draw my blood in the future. Yes, I request NOT to get certain people. Some people are just bad at it and the gum popping is unprofessional.

I also send food back to the kitchen at dining establishments when it isn't correct. Yes I am one of those people - I am picky and not ashamed of it. To be fair, I am not mean when I send it back, but I am also not shy about getting it right.

The one thing I haven't gotten the nerve to ask yet - I don't want this one guy at the Smyrna Starbucks to make my drink. He has unusually long nails that he obviously never cuts. It is a hygiene issue for me. I don't like for him to make my drinks. I can't bring myself to be the person that orders the picky drink (not so picky compared to others) and then requests a certain Barista to make it. I just always hope I visit on a day he isn't working.

My post is kind of a downer today. I like the occasional rainy day. It usually calms me but I just don't feel good today so it has made me a little pessimistic. It is still early in the day so hopefully the moodiness fades away.

49 Days

In 49 days (or 7 weeks) I will be boarding the Enchantment of the Seas. I could easily leave today if given the opportunity. This might be my best Thanksgiving ever.

Side Note: I started to watch Cast Away for the first time on Saturday night (I know, it is old and I am a little behind). I will never fly across the ocean. It takes a lot of courage for me to get on a plane when it is only up in the air for 60-90 minutes. I would not be able to handle being over water for hours. I hid under a blanket while the plane was taking its nose dive into the ocean. Just watching that makes me sick to my stomach.

Coffee - Nice to drink and look at

I did it - I painted the entire hallway Coffee and I am so happy I did. So pretty and it looks different depending on how the light hits it. This is exactly want I wanted:

I am still having trouble finding the color I like for the rest of the house. I can see it in my head, but I have yet to find it in a paint swatch. They all either look too pink or too green. I have four different paint sample cans now and they are all spread across different parts of my great room walls.

I am not the only one in the house that likes to paint. Check out the Arf Work Molly did last Saturday:

Yes, it was messy and yes, she managed to sit in it and get it on my jeans. It was washable and everything turned out OK. They also cleaned her up for me and so it was no work for me!

My currently spotted hallways

I went to Lowe's last night to pick out my paint. I tried to get a hold of Cassie for some help, but my phone died and so I was dependant on Andrew's phone and was hoping she had the number, since I didn't leave it. By the time I ate dinner and was at Lowe's making my final decision, I hadn't heard from her yet. Luckily, around the corner walks Mary Leigh, who is working on a project of her own. She told me I could get samples (I didn't know that!) and test and see which colors I liked best. She also convinced me to get a really dark brown. I went home and put them on the walls in a few places. Here is the craziness that is going on down my hallway today.

Here are all three colors on the wall: the dark brown, then Coffee (the middle color), then Tawny (the lightest).

I liked the really dark brown color, but I also really like like my dark wood furniture and frames, so I didn't feel like it was going to work for me.

And when I asked Andrew what he thought, he referred to that color as "Mr. Hanky the Christmas Poo." Have to seen South Park? At least I decided against that b/f he gave me his opinion, b/c that could have really ticked me off if I wanted to use that color.

My last two colors: Coffee and Tawny

I know this looks confusing, I am going to paint the Coffee on the wall with the clock (normally there isn't a clock there, but a picture...I was just seeing if I liked that color with my great room stuff. the plant also doesn't belong in the hall) and then the Tawny on the other walls.


I have a wall I think I will use the Coffee color on in my great room too.

And I know the light color is pretty close to what I have now, but it is almost white feeling and it is flat...I want egg shells and a little darker/warmer. Will the colors above achieve that? I need opinions. I am picking up paint at lunch to do the hall this evening.

Thanks. =)

AllPosters.com

I love AllPosters.com for a few reasons. 1) I am REALLY bad at picking out art. I like photography, but I don't have any in my house. I have a piece I like in the office and a couple in the dinning room, but that is it. I always find "posters" that I like (or art prints??). 2) They are CHEAP! I do very well to order them from this website and then get them framed when Michael's has framing half off.

I am really excited today b/c I finally found something cute for my guest bathroom! You may or may not know, I repainted the cranberry bathroom to a bright teal. All the "extras" are white to keep it simple and let me repaint that bathroom easily without having to spend a lot on a new curtain, towels, and accessories. All I wanted was a picture to go above the toilet, and here is the one I found:

Ok, at first I was thinking "rubber duckies will make it look like a kid's bathroom." But as I kept looking, I kept going back to this one. So I finally gave in a bought and decided, oh well, a kid will use that bathroom one day.

Then I found these and I have them written down so when I figure out where I want to put them in my bedroom, I can jump on and order them quickly:

I haven't done anything in my master bed or bathroom. Just paint. They need curtains and wall art and I have been neglecting them. I really really like these and I am determined to find a place for them. Any suggestions on placement or frame and matting color?

Also, after talking to Mary Leigh, I decided to try painting my hall, entry way, great room, and dinning room myself...I am starting in the hall and entry way working my way to the dinning room and finally the great room. Wish me luck...I have no idea when I will actually tackle this...I am nervous.

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

Sounds different, right? They had samples of one of the new Signature Hot Chocolates at Starbucks this morning. It was a a delicious hot cocoa topped with whipped cream, sugary caramel sauce, and salt. Yes, salt. I loved it...not something you should get everyday, but one of those drinks that you should not make low fat or sugar free. A splurge - because I just don't think it would be nearly as good if you didn't make is sweet, rich, and creamy. Kind of made me think of a pretzel with caramel on it. Worth a try!

I am sure that I can convince James to help me recreate it at the office on one of our slow days. I love fall...

My Coffee Allowance

Andrew and I get a coffee allowance. Because if we didn't, who knows how much we would be spending on specialty coffee beverages a month. To keep us in line, I jumped online to order a couple of Starbucks re-loadable gift cards. But I didn't get just any gift card, you can now DESIGN your own! After playing with it for a while and stressing about which I liked better (yeah, I worry about small details like a color or simple picture...I need to lighten up) I ended up with a simple card that I could put a drink order and my name on. I thought it was cute and the most uncluttered of the choices. Check it out:

Mine lists a Non-fat, No-Whip, Peppermint Mocha. Yum! Perfect for the upcoming cold weather!

Make your own!

Note: I can totally see how some can see this as a completely waste of time and money, but I like having things that show my personality.

Also, I get to go to the Cheesecake Factory tomorrow! Which means while I am there, I will also have to do a little shopping and visit Whole Foods Market. I am looking forward to tomorrow.

And, I am still hungry and haven't found any breakfast yet.

Would you eat breast milk ice cream?

Cassie came over to watch the season premiere of Grey's last night and I wanted to make sure we had something good for the mom-to-be to eat. As she pointed out, I am always worried that I won't have anything that she would like to eat on hand, so I try and plan ahead. What can I say, I want to take good care of my friend, and technically, I am making sure that two people don't go hungry. So I stocked up on Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream and got Cassie her most requested for flavor: Phish Food.

Yes, I said stocked up. Normally, I would only buy one or two little cartons - one for me and one for Andrew. But they were BOGO free at Publix and that is like Ben & Jerry's giving away free ice cream! So when I called down the aisle and asked if I could "stock up" on it, Andrew should not have surprised when he looked in my basket and saw 8 cartons of Ben & Jerry's. But you see, I notice trends with the sales at Publix and I take advantage of them when possible. (At any given point I could have 4 boxes of Cheez-Its or 6 different types of pastas on hand. Like I said, I take advantage of the sales trends.)

This morning I just online to read the news before actually starting my day of number crunching, and I find this headline on the MSN front page:

PETA to Ben & Jerry's: Make ice cream from human milk

Can we say "yuck"? Do I need to run back and purchase more before breast milk ice cream becomes the standard?

Side note: I just went to heat up my breakfast and I dropped it on the floor. Bummer. The guys at the office follow the "five second rule" but I can't handle the thought of eating food off the floor. So in the garbage it went. I am now starving and thinking about Ben & Jerry's - a dangerous combination.

Also, check this out. You can create your own ice cream flavor. There are some odd possible combinations out there.

eCreamery

I spent all morning in the kitchen

Why? Because I am trying something new. There are only two of us, and that creates a lot of waste. If we don't finish something, it sits in the fridge for a few days and then neither of us wants to eat it. We aren't leftover people. After one day, we throw it out. See? Wastefuland expensive. We also like to eat a few things that are labor intensive, so they don't get made that often. Luckily, they freeze really well! So this morning I made a double batch of veggie chili and a regular sized lasagna. First I made my lasagna and while it was baking I made the chili. Hopefully, we will throw out less food which will save us money in the long run. The other reason I decided to try this was because sometimes it is so much work to make dinner, and this is easy. Pop the homemade dinner out of the freezer and heat it up. I portioned them in individual sizes so that we can each eat different things if we want also. We will see how this works!

Lasagna is cooling while my chili is simmering and waiting for the addition of the sweet potatoes.

Downside - the mess it made! But I got quite a few servings out of it!

Also, I found the pasta bowls at Harry & David and I LOVE them. I might have to go get some more. I only bought two...

Tomorrow I am probably going to be working on cookie dough. I love having frozen cookie dough (and frozen cookies). Well worth the time of making extra to freeze!

Riding on "E"

On the way back from lunch today, I stopped at the Shell at the first Smyrna Exit. However, I didn't get any gas b/c they were out of the regular and mid-grade level of gas. I didn't want to pay that much for premium, so I went closer to the office to get gas at another station.

Right down the street from the office, we have two gas stations on either corner. They also didn't have regular or mid-grade level gas. At this point I was going to put a few gallons of premium in to get me around this evening and fill up near the house in the morning. But they didn't have that either! They both were completely out of gas!

I told my Dad about it when I got into the office and evidently those two stations have been totally out of gas all week. So my question...

Should I call AAA now and tell them I am out of gas and have them bring me my two free gallons so I can make it back to the 'Boro to get regular gas? Or wait until I am driving I-24 home and completely run out?

If I don't show up for GNO at Barnes & Noble on time, look for me on the side of I-24E and pick me up there. Just kidding - let's hope it doesn't come down to that.

Today I will mourn...

...the loss of my pink CHI hair dryer. Time of death was 6:03am.

It was disappointing to turn it on this morning and get nothing but the stink of melting plastic. It would heat up but no air would come out. It will be missed. I ran to the guest bathroom and grabbed my spare hair dryer and while using it was thinking to myself ,"I wonder when Ulta will have another 20% off coupon?" And then it hit me - that CHI lasted me a whopping 14-15 months. That is it. And now I am using a hair dryer that I bought my freshman or sophomore year of college. Maybe I won't spend the money on a new one...yeah, it dried my hair so fast and was extremely quiet (as much as a hair dryer can be), but it was trouble from day one when I couldn't get that stinkin' diffuser to stay on the nozzle.

So I am in search of a treasured 20% off coupon for Ulta, but will wait a while to buy a new one. It depends on how much I actually miss it. As of today, I couldn't bring myself to throw it in the garbage. Sad, I know, but it still looks like new.

Color Career Counselor

I like to take quizzes that tell me about myself. Yes, I usually know the outcome, so it is no surprise, but still fun.

Try this one: Color Career Counselor

Depending on the colors that you are least and most attracted to, they will determine your 1st and 2nd best occupational category. You can pay for more information, but I just wanted to see what it would basically say about me. My results:

Best Occupational Category
You're a CREATOR
Key Words:Nonconforming, Impulsive, Expressive, Romantic, Intuitive, Sensitive, and Emotional

These original types place a high value on aesthetic qualities and have a great need for self expression. They enjoy working independently, being creative, using their imagination, and constantly learning something new. Fields of interest are art, drama, music, and writing or places where they can express, assemble, or implement creative ideas.

CREATOR OCCUPATIONS: Suggested careers are
Advertising Executive, Architect, Web Designer, Creative Director, Public Relations, Fine or Commercial Artist, Interior Decorator, Lawyer, Librarian, Musician, Reporter, Art Teacher, Broadcaster, Technical Writer, English Teacher, Architect, Photographer, Medical Illustrator, Corporate Trainer, Author, Editor, Landscape Architect, Exhibit Builder, and Package Designer.

CREATOR WORKPLACES: Consider workplaces where you can create and improve beauty and aesthetic qualities. Unstructured, flexible organizations that allow self-expression work best with your free-spirited nature. Suggested Creator workplaces are advertising, public relations, and interior decorating firms; artistic studios, theaters and concert halls; institutions that teach crafts, universities, music, and dance schools. Other workplaces to consider are art institutes, museums, libraries, and galleries.

2nd Best Occupational Category
You're an ORGANIZER
Key Words:Self-Control, Practical, Self-Contained, Orderly, Systematic, Precise, and Accurate

These conservative appearing, plotting-types enjoy organizing, data systems, accounting, detail, and accuracy. They often enjoy mathematics and data management activities such as accounting and investment management. Persistence and patience allows them to do detailed paperwork, operate office machines, write business reports, and make charts and graphs.

Looks like I did a good job of finding a career that suites me. Accounting and organization go together like peanut butter and jelly. I feel like everything I colored purple describes me.

Your turn! Let me know what your 2 best categories are!

Unique Names

I have been trying to read up on Sarah Palin this week and while I was doing that, I noticed the unique names of her children: Track, Bristol, Willow, Piper, and Trig. I like unique names like Bristol and Piper. I am a little lost on Track and Trig though. Willow I just don't like.

Some celebrity names have grown on me like Shiloh, Suri, and Emerson. I don't think I will ever be a fan of names like Sunday or Apple. Days of the week and objects/food are out of the running for my future children names. Places are OK: Paris, Savannah, Georgia, etc.

The worst by far: Kal-el.

Poor kid was named after a comic book hero.

Nothing important today, but I will leave you with image that I thought was funny:

Labor Day Hike

Yesterday I went hiking. The great outdoors aren't really my thing, unless it is an open air mall. But it was a family outing and I was there. I didn't do too bad and since I went, I didn't have to go to the MAC that evening! Here are a few pictures!

I'm Waiting

I am ready for the cooler weather to arrive. I want to eat chili, drink hot cocoa, and to buy some new sweaters. I just got my new LL Bean catalog, and I keep opening it to the page that has this sweater. Why on earth do I have the desire to buy a sweater when it is still 90 degrees outside?

Hurry up fall...

The Bachelor - Jason Mesnick!

I am not sure how many of you watch The Bachelor or The Bachelorette, but I have seen a few seasons. I haven't watched every season b/c sometimes I just don't want to add and extra show to my already full line up of fall TV shows. However, I am really excited about the next Bachelor.

You may remember him from last season with DeAnna. From day one, I had him picked as my favorite and thought he would go far.



It is Jason Mesnick! Come January 2009, he will get his turn to choose from 25 ladies. Also, he will be the first Bachelor to have a son, so I am interested to see what part ABC has Ty play in this process.

Cake Wrecks

Found a new blog today. Gave me a good laugh.

Cake Wrecks

I actually laughed so hard I cried at a couple of the picture listed back in May. Especially the fireman cake. Make sure to read the comments from the person that writes the blog. It makes most of the disasters even funnier.

The big 18!

Happy birthday to my brother, Will!

TasteBook

I have a few projects running through my head. I usually start and then get distracted and end up finishing a lot later. For instance, I have get to get those cafe chalk boards done in my kitchen. I need help with that so my estimated finish time will probably depend on when I can get the assistance. So this week I moved on to something else!

I need to scrapbook - I have two cruises I haven't finished scrapbooking for. Yeah, I am kind of behind, but I do better in the winter. It makes sense to stay inside during that time of the year.

Back to my new project - I have been thinking all week about how to organize my favorite recipes. I hate when things don't match so I can't display them (like my nice cookbooks). I have many recipes I have printed online and gotten from others. Today I found my solution. I stumbled on a website called TasteBook. You actually make your own cookbook. They look nice on the website. Maybe I am behind and you have already heard of this. If you haven't check it out when you need to organize your recipes. They are reasonably priced and you can add recipes in the future if you want to expand that cookbook.

It will take me a while to get all my recipes typed in but when I am done I think I will be very happy with the results.

Quote of the Day

While watching the Olympic swimming trials yesterday:

"Do they call it freestyle because you can pick any stroke? Like breaststroke if you are really good at that?"

This individual shall remain nameless, but I assume they thought freestyle swimming was the same thing as freestyle dancing. I guess they also didn't notice that all 8 swimmers in the pool were choosing the exact same stroke during the 100 Freestyle. What are the odds of that happening...in every heat.

Gave me a good laugh.

Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili

YUM! I found a really good vegetarian chili recipe and wanted to share it. I added some chili powder to the recipe but I still think it needs to be spicier. Next time I will try and kick it up a little. Oh, and I would cut the sweet potatoes smaller. That is just my preference though!

6 servings

2 medium-large sweet potatoes
2 tablespoons light or extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
2 to 3 garlic cloves
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
One 32-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
One 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
1 or 2 small fresh hot chilies, minced,
or one 4-ounce can chopped mild green chilies
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt to taste

1) Bake or microwave the sweet potatoes on high until just firm, about 3 to 4 minutes per potato. When cool enough to handle, peel and cut into 3/4-inch dice. Set aside.

2) Heat the oil in a large soup pot. Add the onion and garlic and sauté over medium heat until golden. Add the bell pepper, beans, tomatoes, chilies, cumin, and oregano. Bring to a simmer. Cover and simmer gently for 15 minutes. Add the sweet potatoes and continue to simmer until the vegetables are tender, 10 to 15 minutes.

3) Season lightly with salt. If time allows, let stand off the heat for 1 or 2 hours, then heat through as needed.

Embellish it: Pass a bowl of chopped fresh cilantro for sprinkling over the top of individual portions.

Calories: 202
Total Fat: 5 g
Protein: 8 g
Fiber: 8.5 g
Carbohydrates: 33 g
Cholesterol: 0 g
Sodium: 222 mg

Found the recipe here. I will probably be buying this cookbook.

Wedding Cake

Every so often I like to go check out the website for the guy that made my wedding cake. When we found him, I believe he had just opened his shop that year (2005). It was small and served lunch as well as designed cakes for weddings, showers, and birthdays. I loved my cake (strawberry) and found Jay to be so easy to work with! He has since moved to a bigger location and stopped doing anything but designing cakes since his business took off. I have run into him at a bridal show and other weddings since my own and he always has greeted me with a hug and smile!

Today I wanted to check out how he was doing and if his website had been updated. I looked at new pictures of his cake designs (and wished I have picked one of those for mine - they are amazing!) and then noticed a link to read his blog. There wasn't much on the blog; maybe 5 or 6 entries so I assume he is pretty busy. But, boy, was I surprised to read in his second to last post that he designed the wedding cake for Sara Evans! I couldn't find any pictures and was disappointed but it sounded so cute!

If you get a chance, take a look at his website. I love that the cakes both look and taste amazing. He is a wonderful artist!

Maples Wedding Cakes

Painted Clay Studio

This afternoon, Lashlee and I went to Painted Clay Studio and painted some clay! She made a piggy bank and I made two new coffee mugs. In a few days, we can pick them up and they will be glossy and ready to use! This is what they looked like before we attacked them with our paint brushes.

And this is what they looked like after. They haven't been heated yet so they aren't glossy or as dark as they will be. I can't wait to see them on Tuesday!

I had so much fun and I am already thinking about what I want to make next and who might want to go with me next!

I just wanna be a sheep...

bah, bah, bah, bah.
Ok, so I think only Cassie will get that, but I was looking through old photos from our South Dakota mission trips and came across that one.

What a "ruff" life

This is my Molly girl...

Being uncommonly lazy today...

We also like to call her Wild Thang and Pig Pen. If you ever see us at the Bark Park, you will know why. We will be the owners of the only dog chillin' ever so happily in the mud puddle.

Remember, always wear your old clothes to the Bark Park...my dog isn't the only wild one that will greet you with dirty paws. =)

Two years ago today...

...this is what I was doing:

August 5, 2006