A tot blog blog.

2011 Holiday Letter

2011-12-10T14:08:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Here's your two favorite crazies from the holiday party at the Ung's house last Christmas.

Yes, a picture from last year's festivities, our schedule this holiday season hasn't allowed for much. In the last few months we've been preparing from Mom and Todd to come out for Christmas. YAY! We're so excited! This meant saying good-bye to our old grandpa green couch and getting a sleeper sofa so we can all crash together. We sort of love the new couch. Its funky plaid pattern, suits us well. If you're looking for an excuse to come to Seattle, the couch is worth it. Ha!

Seriously, we've both been working on coming back from Never Never Land which has had us away from all the fun.

Peter Pan, uhm... Jonno has been preparing for the police officer exams and took his written test a few weekends ago. He scored very high. We're all super proud of him. You should see him! He's so fit as he has been preparing for the physical exam since September! He'll take that (and no doubt rock it!) in the coming weeks.

Wendy... nooo Mia (that's me and this is where I'll stop sounding crazy by referring to myself in the third person) has been preparing to go back to school. In May I will FINALLY graduate from KU. I'm taking two classes online from KU, one class and a research project at Shoreline here in Seattle. We're still hammering out the details of my project and I'm not going to say another word so I don't jinx it!

The whole back to school thing means I'll be saying goodbye to my classroom at BH to work part-time, as school allows. This is totally a leap of faith, but I'm confident God won't let me fall (too hard)!

The Lord has been so good to us this year, for example...

Here's a picture from Mom's graduation this year! I was able to go home to celebrate this honor with her! I'm so proud of my role model! She received one of the few awards from her school and graduated with Honors.

We did some travelling around our neighbor to the south this year, Oregon.

This is me during our last breakfast at Sunriver Resort for our Valentine's Day Trip.

In February we made good on our delayed 2010 birthday trip and went to the Mt. Hood National Forest, Bagby Hot Springs, and the Sunriver Resort Area. The drive there was spent with me pointing and saying "Look at THAT!" and "Oh my gosh! So beautiful!" about every 5 feet. We spent a lot of time at the resort enjoying their saltwater pool (We've got to get one of those!) and the hiking trails. We hiked through part of the national forest to enjoy the hot springs. The area was so peaceful.

In June we celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary by staying at the Twilight famous, View Point Inn. During the evenings, dinner mostly (yum!) we enjoyed the Inn and by day we enjoyed the sights of the Columbia Gorge River area. We really enjoyed the falls whose views rivaled the scenery in Hawaii (at least we thought so!)

Here's Jonno at the base of Latourell Falls. When he hiked back up to me he was soaking and "Ooo That's cold!"

Here's the two of us at Multnomah Falls. Obviously one of us didn't dress appropriately for hiking that day...

For the 4th of July holiday Patty and Dennis made a trip out to see us! What a good time we had because Jonno and I love playing tourist too. We love having visitors! We were able to take the "kids" all over Seattle and to some places outside of the city when we'd had enough of the traffic (so easy to do here!).

Here are the kids at a little park off of Lake Union in Fremont. Don't they make a handsome group?!

In August my mom and I took a road trip from Kansas City to Seattle. Here's the two of us acting crazy and we hadn't left the state yet...

We had a blast bonding over cheap hotels, Maroon 5's "Moves like Jagger" and seeing a moose for the day trip we took to Yellowstone.

Mom stayed with Jonno and I while she prepared for her nursing exams, but of course we couldn't let her study the WHOLE time.

We rented a surrey on Alki Beach and laughed our faces off after discovering I can't drive it either.

We took her to our favorite brunch place, Portage Bay. They know how desperate Seattlites are for coffee so they give it to you while you're waiting for table.

Throughout the year we've been able to take in Seattle's art and music scene. We've enjoyed Les Miserables at the 5th Avenue (so much we got season tickets!), the Aladdin preview night at the 5th Avenue, The Seattle Rock Orchestra's Radiohead Night, and the Frames. Last Christmas Jonno and I, trying to take the emphasis off stuff in our life, got each other experiences. I got Jonno tickets to see Cash'd Out a Johnny Cash cover band. We had a good time... as you can tell.

And the pinnacle of our year... Disneyland! Our lives will never be the same!

"Ahhh! We're dying from the joy in our bursting hearts!"

"Mia get off the phone! We have to go meet Mickey Mouse for the 50th time!"

Mom and Todd took us for our birthdays and the grins from ear to ear have yet to leave our faces. We're looking forward to ~~living~~ going there again, hopefully in May, which is not soon enough!

The year's been good to us, thanks to God. We were able to help out at church some this year. We sponsored a couple going through RCIA and helped out with the Young Adult Group. St. Benedict's has been a nice place church home for us!

We've had a year of learning how delicious food from the Ballard Farmer's Market is, learning more about local wines, tasting and enjoying Jonno's smoked meats (brisket to DIE for!), mastering our gluten-free baking, falling in love with Bellingham, discovering we might be able to do this whole kid thing, and realizing that biking is ton of fun and we can't wait until they open the trail near our place again!

What we're looking forward to in 2012:

More visits from friends and family.
More Disneyland.
More Epic Battle of the Orange Squishy Chair by Romeo and Nickls (our dogs)
More fun.
More time in church activities as life slows down.

With Love,

Mia, Jonno, Romeo, and Nickls

Ressurect the Beast

2011-03-07T22:11:00.000-08:00

I haven't blogged in forever and haven't really cared to, but apparently a few people still care about what I have to say or what I'm doing from time to time so I think I'll blog.

Also because I really wanted to tweet about this event, but the 140 character limit makes it kinda difficult.

Here's the event:

White Buffalo: Poetry and Song, featuring Lem Sheppard, J.T. Knoll, Adam Jameson and Al Ortolani will be performing at the Kansas City Writer's Place at 7:00 p.m. on Friday April 1st. We'd love to see you all there. The Writer's Place is located at 3607 Pennsylvania in KCMO.

I'm telling you to go to this. I know these guys... Lem taught me how to play guitar. Al used to teach at my old high school. I still remember some guy Jeff pissing in his trash can during class. JT writes for the Morning Sun and about a million other things. He's the dad of a kick ass guy I know and hopefully is still married to my former gifted-ed teacher Linda. This is a spectacular collaboration of local folks that are trying to Ressurect the Beast aka literary culture/ art in Kansas.

Yes, go out and support anyone that is perpetuating the idea that there's more to Kansas than wheat and Westboro.

311/ Ziggy Marley Concert

2009-06-09T08:50:00.000-07:00

Last spring we went to the 311/ Ziggy Marley concert downtown. They put on one heck of a show! Going into the show it was first time I've ever been patted down by a cop. Yeah... they found my nine... HA HA HA! I don't know why they chose to pat down a bunch of reggae musical loving pascifists.

I managed to talk Jonno into taking the bus to and from the venue. Afterwards we decided never to ride the bus at 2am again. They weren't joking when they called it the crack bus!

As sign we stopped in front of after the show.

Downtown Seattle at 2am.

I think this was something we saw a few days before the show...

Ballard, which is a lot like Lawrence. Apparently these are pictures from activities besides the concert.

Jonno's a ZOBMIE!!

New shoes for the show!

This was the inside of the venue, WaMu Theater.

Going into the show!

hodge-podge

2009-03-16T18:38:00.000-07:00

Clicked My Heels Three Times

2008-12-29T22:47:00.000-08:00

I'm here in Kansas for a week and have access to a computer that actually will upload these darn pictures (My computer is D-E-A-D!!). I know it has been forever since my last post. Sorry! Life in the city is busy busy busy!

An UPDATE: Jonno is back in school this quarter. He's working full time with a restaurant supply company that encourages advancement. I like the idea of that especially since he seems to like it there and his benefits are nice.

We've had some serious downs, but I think we're on our way back up and are even talking baby, but I wouldn't bet on the production crew coming in anytime soon. Our lives are still to topsy turvy, besides we just found out my cousin is going to have a baby! This is my family's first baby since I was born so we're all pretty excited.

I've taken a break from school (although I only have two classes left) to improve my mental health, social and religious life, three parts of me that need some serious attention! I've finally gotten a job that I adore with co-workers that I also adore. We work long hours, but working for an international company geared to make the lives of children of all incomes and races better isn't for the lazy. I've taken over as the head of our region's space in a women's/ homeless shelter that we supply with all of the supplies one of our classrooms would have including teachers. Everyday I'm challenged by my students, but it is like a fun game to me to come up with new lessons and activities that trick them into preparing for Kindergarten and learning. I laugh so much at work. I still can't believe that pay me for this.

We're settling into Seattle and our new lifestyle, I think. I was in Lawrence yesterday and didn't realize how much I had missed it. I've found my favorite place in the whole world, Carkeek Park and have made contact with the park stewards to begin taking classes on how to become a steward as well. Those won't begin until the winter and salmon seasons pass.

We've found some restaurants and coffee places we like to frequent. There's this little coffee place just a stone's throw away from our apartment. They're always open. I swear they'll be open during the apocalypse because their baristas are so dedicated.

Jonno's been anxious to start taking Brazilian Ju Jitsu classes from the school/family that founded this style of martial art. From what I gathered, it is the style and family that basically started the ball rolling on mixed martial arts and the UFC, which we all know he really enjoys. I don't want him to go to these classes because they couldn't be a worse part of town, but who am I to keep a man from his bloody, broken head and bruised dreams? I just hope that's the other guy and not my handsome Cat.

Of course we've done all of the touristy things and have learned that we love eating at the rotating restaurant at the top of the Space Needle. We also love eating the good seafood. Can you tell we're no strangers to the dinner table?! All I can talk about is eating!!

We've had some visitors and even spent Thanksgiving with some of Jonno's family in Portland. We had a great time and Romeo made a new friend with our cousin Rachel's dog. She's a big dog named Lola and Romeo loves her. The two of them played so hard during our Thanksgiving that Romeo passed out in the car on the way home. Because he was so tired, he was sleeping so soundly on my lap I had to check him to make sure he wasn't dead!

So these are part of the pictures of Mom and Todd's trip to visit Jonno and I for our birthdays and just of our lives in Seattle.

Here is Romeo in THE snow. Seattle hasn't had a snow like this in 20+ years. Of course it happens after we move there and throw away our ice scraper!

On one of our snow days Jonno and I went on a 1/2 day hike down to Carkeek. Isn't it breath-taking?

On our way back from the hike we stopped at our little place to get these delicious brownies and some hot chocolate (since I can't have coffee anymore!)

One of the Carkeek trails.

The beach at Carkeek covered in snow.

A view of the beach.

This is part of the road down to Carkeek.

Take at a look at those hikers! And yes... it is true Jonno is minus one beard! He had has to keep clean shaven for his job. Apparently, their a conservative company and don't allow beards.

This is one of the boats in the annual lighted boat parade. It looks a lot like the boat in "Spirited Away" doesn't it?

Our little Christmas tree. Jonno bought me a real one this year since I was having a bit bahhumbugitis.

Our first gingerbread house! We made it then Jonno ate it!

This is a wall in one of the parks downtown.

Our bathroom... hmmm wonder what we use that drill for? :S

Our little, but organized entry way. I designed this and now I don't loose my keys anymore!

This is an entryway to church in a vineyard on San Juan Island. This is a beautiful place where most people come b/c of the orca whale pods that travel close to its shores. Although the whales are great, I recommend you visit this place in the off season as well.

Here are the rows of grapes covered to prevent frost and bug damage.

There's the side view of the church. What you can't see were the droves of immigrant works that were resting on the hillside just behind the church. We were not received well as we crossed their space to enter the church.

This is Roche Harbor.

At Lime Kiln State Park we saw this little guy. Romeo was transfixed with him. It was hilarious to watch him try to scamper over the huge rocks that lined the coastline as he tried to get as close as he could to sea lion.

These trees, I wish I could remember their name now, were scattered throughout the park. Their roots and limbs we bent and crooked in ways that reminded me of fairy tales and enchanted forests. So I tried to climb them in an attempt to be a fairy.

This is my handsome of the handsomest husband. How do we not have 10 kids by now?

Here's our little guy! Look at that determination on his face! He wanted sea lion for lunch!

Mom and Todd, don't they look like a good match?

Here's the shoreline everyone tries to see the whales from.

This was before we ever got to San Juan. Romeo and Jonno are waiting for the ferry in this picture.

Todd in a Napoleon-esqe stance on drift wood at Carkeek Park.

Me on that same piece. I'm so happy at Carkeek. It is my favorite place in the whole world.

Jonno and I at Pike Place Brewery. When you're married it seems like you can never take a picture where you both look spot on. Maybe we had been drinking?

Me... and what the heck am I doing?! We're at SPUDS, the greatest fish'n'chips place in Seattle.

the seattle-sized post

2008-09-01T09:15:00.000-07:00

We've been in Seattle forver a month now and I'm just getting to this post. This last month hasn't been the easiest. Moving away from home and starting a new life away from friends and family has been a bit of a chunk of experience bigger than we were ready to chew. The weekends have been so much fun though, almost like a vacation. It seems every time we venture outside of our front door we are vacationing.

We can't start the great Seattle post without remembering what I left behind. These are my students from Kansas.

Aren't they cute?!

And now, the trip begins. Is our little car loaded down or what?!

St. Joseph, MO right after we had left Patty and Dennis' house. I was relaxing all ready!

Here's Iowa, or South Dakota, maybe Nebraska? I dunno, but we weren't in Kansas anymore.

We managed to drive though most of South Dakota in the night. When the sun rose the next day we had dead presidents staring at us! Ahhh! It's JFK!

And the Gipper, South Dakota must be okay after all.

More dead presidents! Is this state morbid or what?!

Mt. Rushmore was pretty cool though, but we had to sneek Romeo in illegally. Apparently, dogs aren't allowed to see presidents.

Look! There was a Gardner here before us. Miles Gardner was one of the workers who made Mt. Rushmore.

I think this is the tail end of SD or maybe the small corner of Wyoming we cut across.
Romeo didn't care about much of this. He slept most of the drive there.
I'm pretty sure this is Montana. Seriously, this trip was nothing but a blur!
Oh yeah... maybe that was Wyoming before.
We saw some teepees around Custer's last stand.

And Romeo still didn't care.
Yeah rocks!
And hills.
And more hills! Are we there yet?!
Nope, there were still more rocks to see.

And a beautiful hill in the morning. (I had slept through Idaho.)
And flat landscape... could this be Washington?!
We are in Washington! And surprise it is raining!!!
And raining harder... are we to Seattle yet?!
Romeo thinks so!

We are!! This is the floating bridge. (We know it as the 520 now.)
Tunnel!!!
And highways!!!
And buildings!!!
More buildings!!

And more tunnels!
We're almost to our apartment!
This the view from our apartment. It hasn't changed since we got here.
And the view from our balcony.
Our first weekend we wanted to see the whales. We decided to go to Anacortes. They were having a music and art festival so we decided to look around.

It was Jonno and Romeo's first times to a pier.
It's a boat in a boat!!
It's a Cat and a Tot!
Yay water!
Anacortes was cute.

And eerily similar to older places in Kansas.
We had a good time. And I ate crab cakes for the first time.
The second weekend, during our craigslisting adventures, we made it west Seattle.
The city!
And industrial type things!

The harbor, I think that's what it is.
And this magical place called the Starbucks Center. When you see this mermaid, think Godzilla size... she was huge!
And kinda scary...
A whole center just for Starbucks?! Whoa.
Let's go home now!

Ohno! We took a wrong turn and now we're really downtown!!
But it is cute.
But busy.
What a cute old fire station!
And the buildings are so tall!

Really tall.
And the buses have accordians in the middle of them! I love to sit in the bendy part.
The tallness of the city has worn off by now.
This is downtown the day I got my city haircut.
And the building where the salon is.

We went to the Pike Place market after my haircut. Of course, I naturally went to the very first Starbucks!
What a view!
Jonno's pretty pleased with it.
Oh yeah... that's a good view too!
Time to go home again... Did we every make it back?

Wait, there's flowers at the market to see! Lots of flowers.
And people's butts.
This is inside the main level of the market.
Some remnants of cool old Seattle remain.
This is from the third weekend we were here. We decided to go to Arlington for a salmon bake and festival. (Norwesters really love festivals!)

Here we are!
Tent city!
And sand sculptures!
And crazy tree climbing! (He had on special shoes to climb that tree even!)
Lots of trees to climb. I decided to stay on the ground.

On the way home we found giant percolator!
That same weekend we went to the park. This place used to be an oil refinery, but they turned it into a pretty cool park off of Lake Union.
Pretty neat huh?
Shimmering Lake DeVictor! Oh... no that's Lake Union and the city!
And some dude playing with his dingy... pervert.

And knights! This is a cool park!
Another shot of the city as we head to Kite Hill!
The view from the top of Kite Hill.
It's a pretty sweet view.
Yeah.

And a little cloudy that day in Seattle... big surprise.
With all this adventuring we got hungry! Time to go to our store!
Jonno and I think this place should be called Breakfast Anytime We're Open. We say this because in our fourth weekend we decided to go to the Pike Place market to shop. Being Kansans, we knew we had to get to the market shortly after the sun did or all of the good produce would be taken. Not so in Seattle!!! Farmer's markets don't open until 9!!! We got to Pike Place at 630am and this restaurant was not open!
More of old Seattle.
Pike Place before it is open.

It's actually quite pretty when it isn't being mobbed with people.
The sterotypical Pike Place shot.
Part of the market, just opening.
Inside the market... still too early to be open.

Mmmmm....
Cool signs...
And quite places... this is not typical.
Also not typical... Mia smiling this big before 8am. If you look behind us you'll see why I could smile so big so early.
Pirates took over Starbucks!!

Ahh... more shops...
and EVIL CHICKENS!!! AHH!!!
Who's that in the window?
Ohh... I see what's in this window... yum.
Ahhh... time to relax near home. We're at Richmond Beach!

Gotta wear the raincoat. It is standard dress here.
The beach on a cloudy day.
Romeo loves the beach.
Romeo loves Jonno.
He loves watching the waves come in and go out. And we love watching him!!

The SEATTLE post.... not quite yet...

2008-08-19T20:49:00.000-07:00

Here's your taster!! More posts about our move to Seattle later! Doesn't our car look insane?

Now, to more important stuff! No, it isn't my cleavage it is the beginning of the pictures from our 2nd wedding anniversary! I got a pretty new necklace!

Awwww... it is enough to make you sick.

We went to Yokohama (in Lawrence). This is supposed to be tatami mat seating. Wiki tatami and you'll see why that is SOOOO wrong!

This is the inside.

And that's me in my new outfit! Woot.

This is the outside of Yokohama. Oh Lawrence, I miss you.

After a quick change of clothes we were off! But to where?

To get CHEESECAKE ON A STICK!! Look out cheesecake! You don't stand a chance!

And you penut butter cookie dipped in chocolate, you are no match for the Cat!

After all of the eating we walked it off at a fun day of rollercoasters and what not at World's of Fun. What a great anniversary! Stay tuned for my Seattle instalment... maybe.

P.S. Everyone say a BIG prayer for my SIL. She's havin' a baby tomorrow!!! :D

Found some old pics

2008-07-25T06:48:00.000-07:00

One of our first pictures of our beloved Space Needle!

Part of Seattle.

The first Starbucks! (Surprisingly, the QFC Starbucks next to my work makes a better wet cap!)

Our old place! I'm still working to make our new place on Lake Washington just as cute.

Romeo making a card.

It Happened at the Romeo's Birthday!

2008-07-05T08:01:00.000-07:00

(How devine is this?! An ELVIS movie set in Seattle, translated into ITALIAN!!!)

Today is the 5th. After the bash and crash of the 4th, Romeo's birthday, and what was most of my summer... we're finally decided on moving to Seattle. I actually believe that really God had decided for us and this is why...

Starting this whole story in motion was Jonno's graduation and my up and coming graduation. It was time, as in the time is up, for me to decide what the heck I want to do. My WHOLE life children of been inadventanly put in my path (not as in mother's shoving them in front of me) through school, activities and the determination of people telling me I should be a teacher.

So, bound and determined to prove them all wrong (I'm terrible with kids right?!) I applied for this camp position in some unnamed place in Washington, assuming I wouldn't even get the job because I didn't have enough experience. (Granted this was after I had applied for my current job 6 months ago assuming I wouldn't get it because I didn't have enough experience and now they want me to be a lead teacher after hiring me for program director.)

During the application process I said, in jest, to Jonno, "Hey it would be really easy for us to move to Washington if I got this job. I could look for places to live during my weekends off." Which set him in motion applying for graduate schools there.

I got the camp job in Washington (and remember I found this job in some remote section of craigslist), but turned it down after being offered the sweet position I have now.

So... that closed the book on us moving, right?

NO, just a week or two later Jonno got accepted to a school in WA. Now, we're going.

No wait... I have to get a job first and so does he. Our first problem was getting cash monies to get to Seattle for interviews. Problem mysterously solved. Our second was lack of experience. Problem mysteriously solved. In fact, I remember before this all started I said a prayer to God. I said, "Lord, Jonno and I are at a turning point in our lives. Where should we go and what should we do? Can you make it so obvious for us that there is no doubt what we should do?"

Three interviews later and I've got them all, including a job that would be so dumb for me to pass up.

That was the beginning of June. The rest of the summer as been spent pacing the floors, selling our furniture (possbily in vain?!), and packing (for no reason?!) as we waited for Jonno to get a job. In the end of June he went for interviews and in the last week we've been hearing back from these places. The first response was no, they'd had people with more experience apply.

(This was the point where I had a melt down. We weren't going. I wanted to go now that I was sure we weren't. I cried and cried and threw a huge fit. REAL mature.) The VERY next day Jonno heard back from the second place. They had filled the position he had interviewed for BUT someone else had put in notice... would he like a job?! Could he start the 4th of August?

I mean GEEZ! REALLY?! Could it be anymore devine? Not only had someone been moved just for Jonno, but God was making the move time PERFERCT (considering just days before this we had put out move out date of the 31st in with our landlady).

There are so many instances of devine intervention. I'm not doing it justice, but I really feel at this moment that we must go to Seattle. We're being placed there for a reason.

In the thick of this it was Romeo's birthday yesterday. He turned 3 (or 21)! He got ice cream, and a new pig toy to tear to shreds. Thank you grandma! Today he's back to his usual tricks!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUBS!!!

Jonno's been offered a job as an accountant.

TEXAS

2008-06-23T05:51:00.000-07:00

Night time in the airport...one of us is sleepy. The other is not...

Shapes! (They looked cool when I was tired!)

Fishes in the hotel lobby!

Texas shapped waffle! How about a little geography with your syrup?

Here were are at a bbq place. Everything WAS bigger in Texas, including Jonno's appetite!

Downtown Dallas. We made it here without dying on the freeway! YAY! This building was designed by I.M. Pei.

Ooops! This was a picture from my trip to the rainforest... actually, we're in the Dallas Aquarium! But where are the fish?!

Looks like this guy ate them all! He was HUGE!!! I'd say he was longer than my car and almost wider!

"I'm a manatee!" (but not a fish! Where are the fish?)

AHH!!

Is this a fish?! Yes is it! CREEPY!

And this one too! CREEPY!

AHH!! Fish are CREEPYYY!!

Whew! Good things that's over. Let's watch some penguins kissing... awwwww!

Flamingos!

And the aquarium's entrance... heeeyyy...

What the heck is that? Texas's version of Godzilla?

The market!

Nice melons, market...

Our detour to Italy! Ciao Texas!

And what this WHOLE trip was for... RADIOHEAD!!! *said using my best teeange scream*

Rainbow? For their "In Rainbows" tour? Too perfect.

Crazy light shows!

I'm telling you this was insane to see!

Whoa.

Look at us... we still can't believe it!

After the show was over.

Time to repent! Off to the Byzantine church in Houston!

And some really bad art!

We must hide from the bad art in the bamboo! Hide Jonno! Hide!!

Noooo, silly Jonno! HIDE in the bamboo! (It must be time for lunch.)

But first, MORE ART!

Can somebody pronounce this?!

Look, we caught a dinosaur!

.... and then went to Pompeii.

Whoa. I'm convinced this sign ate my cellphone.

Or maybe the church did?

No no no... the STREET did it! Darn you street in Houston! Oh well... cellphone or no, it was time to move on.

Welcome to Zavalla! After a jaunt of losing my cellphone and getting a speeding ticket it was time to eat!

And sight see... that's it, no... really... this is what we saw.

"Ugghh.... we've been in the car too long! "

"Curse you Jonno!"

"Curse me? Why not kiss me?! smooch, smooch!

"Rawr! I am a tiger that will eat your kisses!"

"Fine! I'll just pick my nose while this Mexican guy watches."

"Ohhh... that reminds me, maybe I left my cellphone up there!"

Back to Dallas, look at all of the bugs we've killed during our long journey.

Shiny ball! Let's go there!

Alas! It was impossible to get to. Let's get a drink instead.

So close! Let's go home.

MY DREAM JOB!!! OMG!!!

2008-06-20T06:46:00.001-07:00

At 25 I've been offered my dream job. I just can't believe it. The Great B.H. called me yesterday and said they'd like to hire me. I said, "YAY! I love you guys!" and the lady on the phone said "We love you too!!" LOL.

I'm pretty excited, but my head is spinning with everything that is happening right now.

Next week Jonno goes to Seattle for interviews and job hunting.

The week after that is our two year wedding anniversary and we certainly have to celebrate the heck out of this one!!

The week after that is the 4th of July and Jonno and I are going ot Pittsburg.

And the week after that Jonno will probably be moving to Seattle.

In the meantime, we've been apartment hunting, going home as much as possible, packing and getting rid of our things, cleaning, working. I've been working on school stuff. What a mess.

Pictures of the maddness are coming!

A refresher course!!!

2008-06-12T04:59:00.000-07:00

I've had some personal encounters lately that have left me pretty speechless in the etiquette department. So, I'm going to throw you all a life line. I think some of these can apply to everyday life as well. And yes, I know I'm breaking one of them by doing this!! Shame on me!

By Liz Ryan
Rude Awakening in the Workplace

Certain behavior is simply unacceptable in the corporate world. Here are 10 easy ways to be the Emily Post of your office

If you start a new job nowadays, get ready to absorb a load of information in a hurry. The typical employee orientation lasts a day and is jam-packed with facts. You'll learn what each department does and where it's located, the chairman's favorite football team, and a few hundred other details designed to help you navigate your new office. So it's funny that, during this barrage, no one fills you in on a few points of basic workplace etiquette. But it's not too late.

Here are 10 tips for office types -- hang them near the coffee station.

Put down the BlackBerry.
If you're sitting in a meeting, you're supposed to be participating. So put down the BlackBerry device, and pay attention. You wouldn't hold another conversation during the meeting, would you? (If you would, that's rude, too.) BlackBerries are the grown-up substitutes for the Gameboys that kids are so attached to -- they satisfy the need to press buttons, not to advance communication. There's a reason some people call them CrackBerries. Put it down, and listen up.

Keep invitations private -- or include everyone.
Remember in fourth grade, how you weren't allowed to hand out your birthday party invitations in class? Schools make these rules so that no one will feel left out. It's no different in the corporate world. If you walk up to three people and say to two of them, "So, Stan and Judy, want to grab some lunch?" you are saying loudly to the other person, "You are chopped liver." It's incredibly rude. If you are Stan or Judy, smile brightly and say, "I'm only going if Diana goes, too."

Keep personal habits personal.
I can live with a quick hair-brushing at your desk. And I think most of us wouldn't flinch if you reapply your saucy pink lipstick right there in your cube. But you can't floss your teeth, tweeze your eyebrows, or -- God forbid -- clip your fingernails. Yet all of these things happen in offices. Who dares to tell the perpetrator to stop? Here's how to do it: Send an anonymous Monk-e-mail to the miscreant. You can control what the monkey says. Have the monkey say, "Wouldn't you be more comfortable performing that function in the rest room?"

Treat money like religion or politics.
Money -- how much you make, how much other people make, or how much you spend -- is not an appropriate topic for the workplace. It's fine to say, "Finally! We closed on our new house." It's not O.K. to say, "Six hundred grand for a two-bedroom, isn't that crazy?" No one cares. It's tacky. Don't speculate about what other people earn or spend, either. Like religion or politics, money is a topic that's best discussed elsewhere -- not at work.

Avoid document spam.
We all deal with loads of unwanted e-mail every day. We expect to get spam from people pretending to be Jessica Alba and Arnold Schwarzenegger. We don't expect to get spam from our workmates, least of all the kind that comes with a huge file attached. If you're sending someone such a document, please make sure that he's expecting it. Receiving a huge e-mail file is like a visit to the dentist. You wouldn't do that to a friend, would you?

Keep your soap opera to yourself.
It's terribly rude to involve your teammates in your personal dramas, and the worst offense is to ask them to lie for you. If there's someone who may call and whom you'd rather not talk to, it's fine to tell the receptionist that you're unavailable. But no one should be asked to sign on to your personal soap opera by confirming fictional details. Your colleagues don't get paid enough to be expected to make up stories or further your inventions in order to save you a little conversational discomfort.

Keep quiet about religion and politics.
We're delighted that you're running for city council. It's perfectly lovely that you direct the youth handbell choir at church. These fun facts about you fall under the heading of "how you spend your time outside of work," and those kinds of details help us know our co-workers better. The line you don't want to cross is the one where you say: "Can you stand those [Democrats/Republicans]? What a bunch of turkeys." Or: "Are you familiar with my religious denomination? I'll bring some pamphlets for you tomorrow." Nix on both. To be inclusive, and to keep from being intrusive, it's vital to keep your political and religious views to yourself at the office.

Only give solicited advice.
One thing you can say about office workers today: They work their tushes off, and do the best they can. Before you offer advice, please check to see whether it's welcome. There's nothing worse than stepping out of a meeting room after delivering a PowerPoint presentation, and having a colleague say, "You ever want to really learn PowerPoint, look me up." I think back to music school, when my roommate Bev was practicing a violin solo in a practice room, and I was studying music theory in the corner. There was a knock on the door, and an older violin student stepped into the room. He took the violin from Bev's hand, said "here's how you play that," and played the piece. Good thing it was an expensive instrument, or Bev would've bashed him over the head with it. Ask before you offer advice. When giving advice, expertise may be less important than goodwill and tact.

Don't wear cologne.
There is a subset of the population that gets sick -- sometimes really sick -- from the chemicals that are used to make cologne and other scented products. Who are you wearing scent for at work, anyway? Save it for a night on the town.

Don't yell.
Do you know what they say is the worst thing about prison? Not the deprivation, the awful physical surroundings, or the smells, but the unceasing noise. Too much noise is punishment. Speak in a moderate tone at work, especially when you're on the phone. You may not be aware of the volume of your voice. So tone it down, please, before you get one of those Monk-e-mails telling you to douse the decibels.

Get a job!

2008-06-06T20:49:00.000-07:00

I've been to the Seattle...

I went last week for interviews and have been offered two jobs from the interviews I had. I'm really excited about these new centers, but BOY AM I SCARED!!!

I just took somethings to a friend's house for a sale we're having this weekend since we're all moving out west and I am happy and sad at the same time.

Some days I can't wait to move. Other days I want to chain myself to the apartment here and never leave. Looking back on pictures of the millions of times we've rearranged this apartment as we made it our own while making our marriage really a marriage it makes me not want to leave.

Then I think this new place will give us a fresh start and this is when we will REALLY find out about this whole marriage thing, but truly we'll be doing this our whole lives.

I don't know what I'm afraid of really, but the D is workin' on overtime... so I must need to be moving west or this wouldn't be so!

Movin' on.

2008-04-20T05:08:00.000-07:00

YAY Sunday! The big big day of Patty's Birthday! YAY!!! This also means the clan will be coming to our place for international num nums, cake, ice cream and... wait we don't have cable! AHHH!!! Everytime we've gotten together we've gathered around the TV at one point or another. EEEK!

I can handle this, right? So everyone is coming around 3ish and I'm in a good mood and ready. Jonno was an awesome help as always and I've got most of the foods together. I've also got big news! The camp in Washington wants to have a phone interview with me! Everyone pray extra extra hard (*glaring at some of you* even if you don't want us to go...)

Jonno got his applications in for grad. school(s) and now we play the waiting game!

WHOA.

2008-04-17T10:40:00.001-07:00

I love this floral arrangment! It is up in the Lawrence Arts Center right now.

This is one of my new favorite flowers. What is it?

The view during our picnic.

Since last weekend I think life may have shifted into 5 gear, no wait, isn't that reverse? That could be right... no life is for sure in the fastest gear.

What started it all I'm sure was Crystal's birthday extravaganza's. Friday was a sleep over thing at Genna's. I had too much fun (time always flies when you're having fun). The next thing I knew it was 7am on Saturday, too cold, and us ladies were headed to the Lawrence Farmer's Market. What us girls won't do for fresh produce!

Due to the cold and SNOW... yes I said SNOW, we nixed the lame market adventure and went to breakfast at Milton's. MM HMMM MMMMM!!! I love that place. I had two cups of coffee too many and we were on our way. Later I got to go shopping with Crystal and we went to the book giveaway at the Lawrence Public Library. Free stuff is sooo awesome. When you're a grown-up and get free stuff you get that "I just found an Easter Egg!" feeling.

The day passed and at night Genna and I headed to Crystal and Brandon's for another birthday party for her (seriously I thought I celebrated a lot!). I had so much fun I stayed up 'til 5am or so. I never do that! It was totally worth wasting my whole Sunday trying to recover. Brandon and Crystal are excellent hosts.

On to the week... I've got bad news and good news.

Bad news is... well it isn't really bad news just more like "ohhhhh noooo... uh.... news". My aunt it sick and is going to have her heart looked it. I must admit I am nervous about this. I love my aunt and am nervous for my cousins. I love them both too!

Good news, Jonno and I have decided to make big plans and apply for grad. schools and jobs in Washington state. No, this has nothing to do with the fact that a close friend of ours is going there. What started it all was me applying for this camp opportunity in Sultan, WA. Then out of the blue one day I said to Jonno... hey why don't we just move there? And now here we are waiting for acceptance letters to return.

In other good news, my exercise study is done May 14th. So far I've lost over 22 pounds. When the study is over I plan to give my body a break and swim as my cardio for a while.

Other good news, Jonno and I have gotten to do on two dates this week! YEAH DATES! For our first date we had a picnic in the park/car (It was too cold for me to actually sit outside!) and then we went and did our own little gallery walk around downtown. It was a lot of fun talking about art and being with Jonno. I love his perspective on things.

For our second date we went to this new restaurant called Jo Shmo's. The food was crap, but that is all you're really supposed to go there for is to play bocce! Oh I love playing bocce! We had a great time and even played bocce with strangers. They were nice strangers though... and GOOD and bocce!!

imitates zombie moan

2008-04-13T12:05:00.001-07:00

Yeah I made it to Sunday in one piece! But wait... where in the world did my weekend go?! On Thursday I was BEGGING Friday to get here now that it is Sunday I'm begging it to stay! OH PLEASE WEEKEND, DON'T LEAVE ME!

Yeah! Saturday Again.

2008-04-05T05:24:00.000-07:00

I'm so glad it is the weekend again, but I'm having a hard time thinking of anything positive to write. I've had an overall decent week, but I've just been in this foul mood for the last two weeks or so. So maybe before I start with my monologue of events I should say 5 positive things... right?

1. I rearranged the office. It is nice and I like it.
2. I am wearing 12's and 14's comfortably now.
3. I'm reading a really good book.
4. Jonno and I had a good money meeting earlier this week.
5. I got to sleep in today.

Let's just leave it at that. Yeah. Oh and this weekend I start taking my belly dancing lessons and the weekend after that I'm taking photography lessons. I've decided to fill up my social calendar and see what happens.

The Sick

2008-02-10T15:09:00.001-08:00

SNOW DAY!!!

Somebody left the camera in the car overnight! WHOOPS!

Snow plows are scary.

But, they can do this! YAY snow plow!

Pit stop for a juice box!

Our destination!

And this is what we drove all that way for!!

No! This is what we drove all that way for... The Eiffel Tower (and my double chin! What a bad picture...GROSS!)

Lot's of words in the museum, these were on the wall.

These were in the floor!

This is not a word. Kinds scary huh?

We saw this and decided we should have lunch... or something.

So we went looking this...

And found this instead...

And this... and then we went to Bo Ling's.

Two weeks+ since I posted last... wow I stink. My new job is going well and I've learned a lot more since I posted last. I've learned that 1) Kids are germ factories. There is no vitamin, no vaccine, no drug on this planet that can keep you from their germs. This is partially because they have some sort of genetic tracking device that finds your face so they can sneeze or cough directly at it. 2) Children are tiny models of the people that surround them, seriously. Imagine a mirror of yourself walking around. Scary, huh? 3) Children's toys are impossible to take apart. Where do the batteries go? How did they get them in there in the first place? How do you take them apart to clean them? Now I know how they came up with MENSA. It was to form a crack team of baby-toy-take-apart people. MENSA really stands for Men Enabling Neonate Stuff Annihilation.

I know all of this because I've had the sick for over a week now. I think I'm going to give up and finally go to the doctor this week. Also, I must learn to just let myself be sick. Last Wednesday I had the perfect opportunity to just let myself rest, but I just HAD to spend the day with Jonno ;)

It was one of the most fun days we had had in a while (and quite cultural too!). That's what the pictures from up top are from.

Oh yeah.... Happy pre-Valentine's. Don't forget to tell somebody you love them!

Same Stuff... different day.

2008-01-27T06:29:00.000-08:00

*side note: I made this post a few days ago, but keep forgetting to post it! I think my spirits are much lighter now, but I still want to share this weight loss madness with everyone so maybe someone out there can have solace in that they are not the only person who has gone crazy over losing weight. P.S. I am totally FREAKIN' over the democratic caucus next week!!!

I think I'm getting used to the steady hum of what life with a scheduled job and school has become. This week I hope to FINALLY work in my EBL time to constitute what I would consider a full schedule.

Mom's here this weekend. That's good. She notices that I am losing weight, but I'm not really sure if I have. We'll see tomorrow! *fingers crossed* Weight loss is hard! REALLY hard! There are so many factors trying to strike me out it seems, but then again there are teams worth of factors cheering me on. Speaking of... if you're interested in playing kickball let me know. I need like 5 more people for my team!!!

Some days I wish I had magical powers and I could just snap the cravings and pounds away. You know that even if you lose weight you aren't guaranteed to be beautiful? There's loose skin and old visible stretch marks? Sounds gross, I know. What's the solution to that? Plastic surgery? But isn't that what I'm trying to avoid by doing this weight loss thing the natural way? UGH! But if I say tight skinned and chunky, I just read, any baby I may have has a greater chance of birth defects or I could die sooner, or get sick more. Am I making the trade of beauty for health or health for beauty? Why can't I have my cake and eat it too? (Well eating cake is what got me here in the first place. No cake for me.) And why do I feel the need to be pretty? Magazines? Society? Or is it just me?

Do guys really care about all of this? Do some women not care about this? If so, I'd like to be one of them.

Ultimately, I just want to be healthy. Yeah... I think that's right. *twitch*

The last week(s) have been good, despite my negative words above here. I had a rockin' girls night at my house. I've come to learn that the mixing of friend "groups" doesn't always yield the best results. I'm okay with that though. By keeping things separate it allows me to enjoy the most of each friend/ friend group that I can; instead of mixing them all together at once and playing the balancing act while trying to spend time together... not too quality if you ask me.

My friend Crystal and some family members had some good news this last week. That and the constant love from my kids at work has kept me in a pretty jovial mood. I love it when people in my life are getting blessed (even though it may not be happening to me... yet!).

Work is busy. The kids have been phasing into their new rooms. There's a lot of crying involved and me wondering if I'm going to need a hearing aid sooner than later as a consequence. I love my new job though. I love the kids and think I get better at my job every day. Do I think this is something I could do for the rest of my life... probably not. Teaching as a forever job would mean I need more school. No thanks. Yeah... NO THANKS! Having my own kids and being the rockingest mom every... yeah thanks! Yes please!

Home life is good. Jonno has been INCREDIBLE with the new schedules of school and work. The apartment has been kept relatively tidy, which is nice when I walk in the door. We're staying fed, as is the dog, and getting plenty of sleep. Oh yeah, and there's some quality time in there too, but I wouldn't mind bargaining for more. :D Married life is good. I wouldn't change that for anything.

This week is looking full again. I've got stuff going on EVERY night and EVERY day. How do people with kids keep up with it all?! But I get paid this week, yeah. I'm looking into planning a few trips. Oh and the big VD is this month! Lovers on your mark... Get set... GO!!!! At least that's how I feel anyway. Valentine's Day is SOOOOO overrated. (But somehow I still feel a little down when it isn't celebrated with me some how involved. Maybe that's just my love for holidays, parties, and mail?)

As for graduation... *cue suspenseful music* I don't know. Right now I'm enrolled in 1 campus class and 1 on-line class. So far I haven't done a thing for either. In order to graduate this spring I think I have to add another on-line class. Given my last year... I don't know if I'm ready to push myself over the edge... just yet.

I'm discovering that I really enjoy taking life at my own pace. It is just everyone else's expectations/ timeline(s) that make me stressed and worried; then subsequently back track. And who enjoys living life in reverse?! Not me. Why can't being a happy person just be enough for people? That's good enough for me and seems good enough for God at the moment. I know his push when it comes around. :)

Kids!!! KAWAIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!

2008-01-17T16:54:00.000-08:00

I started my new job 4 days ago and too say the least... I am tired. I love my new job. Hopefully, I'm not jinxing myself by saying that. I guess I should start with a run down of each day.

Monday
7am-840am: At Quail Run for the before school program. During this organized chaotic time we play a lot of different variations of Dodgeball. So far I've played, elimination, jail break, star wars, army-navy-air force, medic... this is just to name a few. I have also learned, during this time, how to play Mancala and Skip Bo.

845/9am - 11am: At Stepping Stones as "The Floater". This I love, because I get to spend time with toddlers and babies. I'm having trouble learning all of there names because there are about 30+ kids in the before school program, 20 +/- kids in the toddler rooms, 16+/- babies. Add to that the kindergarten kids that I pick up every day and the after school program kids, PLUS the staff... yeah wow. That's alotta names!! So, back to my job... so far I've learned a new version of London Bridges, how to make wiping a nose fun, and that you can paint a snowball. I can change diapers, and surprisingly enough... not get irked by spit-up. That was a HUGE surprise for me. I think bodily fluids are so gross.

11am to a little past noon: Go to two local schools and pick up the kids. I have about a billion Kate's and Katie's in my group, all of them are really Katherine's. I love this group. They're hilarious. From them I've learned that gymnastics, trampolines, pools, and well anything that makes noise are awesome. Oh yeah... and they'll TOTALLY take advantage of you. I soooo showed them today though!! BOOO YEAH!!

At this point I go home, eat, sleep, exercise... whatever.

Tuesday
Same morning routine

330pm-6pm: Quail Run after school program. MORE organized chaos. Lots of dodgeball... I've learned all about artillery, cavalry, musketters, Star Wars, princesses, unicorns and what a Toaster Struddle is. Oh yeah, and I can play Risk and Boggle now. I'm going to start considering myself the gaming queen if I keep learning games at this rate.

The rest of the week is an every other day sorta thing. I'm beat today. I even took an hour nap and I'm still tired. I love this job though. Still holding out for the job with insurance! Let's all keep our fingers crossed.

The great thing about this week is that I've felt very loved. I've had good responses/ contact with people this week. The kids are always showing me some love, and as always, Jonno's been great. When I'm feeling so loved like this, life is A LOT easier.

wooo yeah!

2008-01-12T07:20:00.000-08:00

FEED MEE!!! UHHHHH!!!!!

Oh I am so good! (now that my tummy is full, grrrrr.)

Where's that food? I don't want Tot to get hungry again... *nervous twitch*

Two posts in the same week! Is it even possible?! Good news, I got new job. I will be working at this place that is kinda like a montessori school. I'm their new lead teacher for the before and after school program. I'm pretty excited about it.

I like kids, a lot. I like getting paid. It is like the best of both worlds! YEAH!

Since I last posted not a lot has happened. I had my two jobs interviews (One I'm still waiting to hear back from... let's hope they call me since they offer HEALTH INSURANCE.) and went out to dinner with Jonno.

I'm still holding out for the other job though. I would REALLY love to have health insurance. That would so rock hard core, like I two electric guitar duet jam-out session-type awesome.

A few days ago. I got to spend sometime with Genna. I had to share her though, but I'm getting used to that. She made different types of humus and then we went downtown. Genna treated me to tea, thanks! And I found this AWESOME magazine with a cd all about RADIOHEAD. YEAH! My day was pretty much made after that.

This morning I went out to breakfast with Genna (ALONE!! HA HA SUCKERS!) and had salmon and an egg. It was delicious. Oh yeah and I had a yummy cup of David's Blend. Hells yeah.

So yeah, that's me.

The Winter Break of 2007!!!

2008-01-10T08:55:00.000-08:00

This is going to be one crazy long post, but bear with me, it should be worth it! These pictures and stories therein pertain to the winter break of 2007... *ominous music plays*

It begin innocently enough. Weelding (sp?) my tree-saber sword, I beat Jonno until he agreed to but the tree up. This was Novemeber. (Don't I look verocious?)

The merriment began, after the beating, and all was well.

Even Romeo helped.

No merriment can be complete without yakionigari, made by me.

Behold! The tree.

And presents! (bows by me!)

In Atchison, the Christmas season begins with tour of homes. I am convinced this tour of homes is to make us grateful for the long trip Mary had to make in the wet and cold to have Jesus. It was wet. It was cold. We walked. I am grateful that Lawrence does not start of the Christmas season this way. I can be thankful for Mary without this tradition. Yay Mary!

BTW... are we a group of sexy ladies?! Check out the two newbies on the right. That is Sadie and her mommy. They are super nice and pretty... for strangers. :D

After the tour of homes I stayed the night at Patty's, too frozen after the tour of homes to travel, and I had smores with Max. He is the funniest person I know.

This is the divine spread of our FOOD PARTY! All y'all ladees need to kook up some co-cookin' and come to the next party.

After the foods party we had to take Cybil home b/c she is a slave at Hy-Vee.

But the rest of us went out boozin' until the wee hours of the morning. (Will you look at the height on my hair?! DAMN!)

This is where we boozed.

And this is what happens when Genna boozes and I decide not to dance. (She beats me!)

After the boozing the ice came.

But that didn't stop Christmas from coming!

Or me from cooking and eating (look at the BUTT as if me stopping eating was possible!) Here I'm making poticia filling.

And here I made toasted ravioli.

For an early Christmas, my mom got a new place. This is where I hide in the new place. (Don't tell anyone!)

This is my bathroom in the new place.

This is the nook where we internet and drink coffee.

This is the living room where we drink coffee and become TV zombies.

This is the dining room (part of it) where we drink coffee and eat. Sometimes we play games here too.

This is my room. We don't drink coffee here.

I am upset because we don't drink coffee here.

This is not the new place, but it is crazy, huh?

Romeo learned how to unwrap this Christmas. Too cute!

Todd did too.

I've always known how to unwrap, but by the looks of my face, not in the morning. Yikes!

Mom also has trouble in the mornings.

This is our tree. Todd and I decorated it. It is a Mardi Gras themed tree.

This is from the eating time of Christmas. Jonno likes the eating time.

I do too.

And so does my family! That's when the table was 1/2 set.

This is when it was 1/2 empty! Look! We all sat at the table together this year!

Aren't we a handsome bunch? I love my family.

I love Jonno's family too. Wii have a lot fun.

This is dinner at the Gardners. I bet you thought that Thomas plate was mine, huh?

Hallie is sad because she didn't have a place at the table. We are getting the cold shoulder in this picture.

This is all of our family now! (check our the new addition on the bottom! I *heart* that one!)

And our tree. Isn't is beautiful?!

Now wasn't that beautiful story?! There's more to come because I have in internet in my house now!! YAY!

Entrée Exchange Party

2007-12-02T13:32:00.000-08:00

Entrée Exchange Party

What in the heck is an entrée exchange party?
Pick a dish to cook. It is best that this dish is easy to freeze and thaw. It is also good if you can make a lot of this dish at one time. For web-site suggestions check out http://atotblogblog.blogspot.com or ask your hosts Cybil and Mia!

Cook your dish. For this exchange we will make 4 servings per person in attendance. So, if 4 people are coming, and you were making calzones, you would make 16 calzones.

Package your dish for freezing in containers that you don’t mind giving away (for this it is best to find a recipe with directions on how to thaw and reheat your dish). You can either then freeze your dish or bring it to the party packaged and ready to freeze.

Make copies of your recipe and thawing/ reheating instructions and bring them with you to the party.

When?
December 8th, 2007 at 4 o’clock we will meet at Crystal’s house. We will exchange dishes and have some goodies to eat. After dinner we will go to RC's Backdoor in Martin City bar to watch Crystal’s band and have some Mexican beers and people are welcome to a sleep over at Crystal’s after the show!!

Please RSVP to Cybil or Mia by Tuesday December 4th. After all RSVP’s are in we will contact everyone with how many people you should cook for! Oh yeah… please RSVP with your recipe! Thanks!!

Web-Sites
http://lifestyle.msn.com/FoodandEntertaining/Recipes/ArticleCL.aspx?cp-documentid=2099915

http://www.mormonchic.com/recipe/recipebox/pages/make-ahead.asp

http://www.ca.uky.edu/hes/fcs/factshts/FN-SSB.095.PDF

http://www.angelfire.com/bc/incredible/indexfreeze.html

http://www.babycenter.com/0_frozen-assets-10-easy-recipes-to-freeze_1461090.bc

IN RAINBOWS!!!!!!!

2007-11-06T14:12:00.000-08:00

So my birthday month is over. *tear* I had a really great one. I received some lovely gifts in the physical, metaphysical, spiritual... even my all time favorite band from forever seemed to know I was turning 25 this year. They came out with a new album (announced and download-able just 4 days before my big day) and this was after years(?) of the entire world thinking they no longer existed. (thanks thom xoxo)

I had chocolate cake in so many different forms in so many spontaneous ways it was stunning. All in all turning 25 was pretty painless. I think the next year is going to be pretty good.

All your base are belong to us!

2007-10-01T10:36:00.000-07:00

So, I finally got my digicam and computer working at the same time! WOOT! This is what I've been up to this semester so far (minus the ucky stuff).

I finally go to see the Benedictine Abbey in Atchison, Ks. It is beautiful inside. I highly recommend you go.

And I met up with Jonno and his gang from work (This is not them in the picture!) This is an oompa-band from the Lutheran church German Oktoberfest in South Park.

They're renaiming cauliflower now? I think this is French? Chou-fleur?

I've been busy... picking out my activities.

Romeo's been busy too! He's so tired now!

I got new shoes! WOOT!

And we tried them out at the batting cages in Atchison, Ks.

Say hello to Atchison!

And say hello to Jonno! Doesn't he look tough?

We found this flippin' sweet place to have breakfast right next to our house. It even has a live piano player! I love it! Oh yeah and see that thing at the bottom of my plate? That's an ENGLISH MUFFIN! I didn't even know what those were! There are really good with jam.

At the beginning of the semester we went to this cool bar, Johnny's Tavern, before we went to see my friend Ben play at the Gaslight Tavern. Paper Owls rock!

And they have a kickass old-school game table with Galaga and a billion other I love. Obviously Jonno loved it too.

And I love their long-island iced teas.

This is the Gaslight (not to be confused with the bar from Wayne's World). I really like it there.

I like it here too! Every Thursday Jonno and I go here! It is awesome b/c a bunch of strangers eat together and even say a little prayer too!

This is what the inside of the ECM looks like. Sooo cozy!

This is one sweet ride.

This is one sweet couple!

The Compy is B-A-C-K!!

2007-09-29T19:02:00.000-07:00

My compy is fully recovered! *crosses fingers* Here are some pictures for you to enjoy!
I grew these plants this summer and then the damn catipillars killed them!

This is the dog and I.

This is my puppy!!

Tot Mythbusters!

2007-09-26T08:13:00.000-07:00

I received an e-mail today stating that Barack Obama was sworn into congress on the Koran and not the Bible. This myth is cause for alarm to some people because of his partial Muslim education and potential presidency.

Well rest your pretty heads because I couldn't find a thing about it. What I did find was this:

Obama's Swearing-In Ceremony
- Notice he has only ONE book under his hand and that's the Bible.

Publication: Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL)
Publication Date: 05-JAN-05
Format: Online - approximately 1077 words
Delivery: Immediate Online Access

Article Excerpt
Byline: Eric Krol Daily Herald Political Writer

Democrat Barack Obama took the oath of office Tuesday, marking the culmination of his yearlong political ascent and start of what will be a closely watched career in the U.S. Senate.

The 43-year-old former state senator from Hyde Park via Harvard and Hawaii is the nation's fifth black senator, just the third in the last century and second from Illinois.

Placing his hand on his family's Bible, Obama was sworn in in Washington, D.C., as his grandmother and brother from Kenya watched. Later, Obama re-enacted the swearing-in with Vice President Cheney with his wife, Michelle, and daughters, Malia, 6, and Sasha, 3, by his side.

Despite the stately setting and the day's historic nature, Obama said he wasn't nervous.

"No. It's sort of like getting married. You have one really important line, but it's short," said Obama, adding he's more worried about learning the various rules in the often-Byzantine Senate process, including something as basic as how to address his colleagues...

NOTE: All illustrations and photos have been removed from this article.

Now look at Sen. Keith Ellison being sworn in.
-Look. He's got his hand on two books. That's the Koran.

For more info. go here.

Keith Ellison was sworn in on THOMAS JEFFERSON Koran! Why be outraged at Obama's Muslim background when one of our founding fathers was interested in the Koran as well? And if I'm not mistaken Thomas Jefferson wasn't Christian at all.

Shooting Guns.

2007-09-19T09:44:00.000-07:00

So, I went to the doctor yesterday and apparently I have trigger finger. Below are a series of diagrams I was able to find that illustrate what is wrong with my hand...

The odd thing is I have NO IDEA how this started. I've only shot a gun, maybe twice or three times in my whole life. I don't play video games. Meh.

In opposition to this new ailment of mine (which the doctor thinks I can just live with for now since it isn't causing me troubles at all) I think I'm going to give myself a reason to have it. I think I'm going to start shooting guns, lots of guns. Perhaps I might even become a gun connoisseur or a mythical sharp shooter like Mr. Rogers was. (Won't you be the sharp shooters neighbor?) Granted, I plan to use my powers for good, not evil, and not for sugar-honey-ice teaing my pants.

Maybe I'll become the new Bond girl? Or have my own action movie series like Steven Segal? Who knows.

Feux-Balkan Weekend!

2007-09-02T06:40:00.001-07:00

These are a little out of order b/c I can't quite figure out how to post them in the right order. Here goes!

Yesterday the ice cream man came! Horray! Gramma's love ice cream!

Tot's love ice cream too! (and spongebob!)

We didn't love the street dance. What happened to my little town?!

Thank goodness the jolly trolly never changes.

And the vendors are always there...

Before all of the shenanigans got into full swing, we had lunch.

And I got some kisses in for dessert! Love u mom!

What a nice place, huh?

But not as sweet as the sight of the ice cream man driving down your street!

Happy times (in our pajamas!) Thanks for the ice cream Todd!

DIGICAM REVIVAL

2007-09-01T14:18:00.001-07:00

Welcome to my world! Won't you come in?

Oh! Are you sure you want to? Is Jonno peeing on the bed or his is buttoning his shirt?! Who knows.

And am I smelling the newly febreezed carpet or passed out? Who knows.

We may be crazy... crazy in love!

And we're for sure crazy in love with this fella!

I XOXO JONNO!

2007-08-28T11:00:00.000-07:00

Jonno =

Because he found my digicam!! WOOT!!! Life is GOOD!

TechNO!!!

2007-08-27T10:39:00.000-07:00

Digicam is lost... so lost and the compy is officially in the shop so this blog is B-O-R-I-N-G. Life has been so fast paced I'm begging to think I died and was brought back to life, but in the process I was brainwashed into becoming this INSANE secret agent. This would explain the large expanses of time that I can't seem to remember. During these times I must be off pulling off my secret missions and that's when the brainwashing comes into play. (I hope everyone got that I'm on a bit of a coffee fueled sermon at the moment, but you can't afford to miss this!)

The weekend was awesome. We had girls night on Friday and boy oh man did it feel GREAT to recharge my estrogen tanks. I love girl time like a fat kid loves cake, seriously.

Saturday I went to the Kansas State Picking Championship in South Park. It was so super lame so I went home. I slept for the rest of the day, which ended up being ALL DAY. I so cat-like in my behavior. I'd sleep, get up, eat something, pee, stretch, then go back to sleep. It rocked. Saturday night I went to the carnival and it was AWESOME! I got a slap bracelet (hot pink!!!) and an orange rubber duck with a sailor hat on. I have full plans for a bubble bath involving Jonno's Superman bathroom things and this rubber duck. Heck yeah! After the carnival we met some strangers at Henry's. I had a TERRIBLE classic cap and talked to them. (YES, oh yes... I as in me, talked to STRANGERS!!!) It was a lot of fun. After this I went back home and back to sleep.

Sunday I got to go to church with Jonno. I love that. Then I got somethings done around the apartment, not too exciting, but I still feel accomplished.

Today is Monday. Blah. I miss the weekend.

-m.

Back to School

2007-08-20T07:29:00.000-07:00

This weekend marked the official back to school/ last hurrah time before the first full week of school. Saturday I got to see my mom and Todd at the Cheesecake Factory in KC-town, spent some time with Jonno and then went out to the Jazzhaus with Genna. We saw this amazing cover band called Sellout. Sunday I woke-up at 6AM to the sounds of glass breaking and the dog in full attack mode. I called 911 and still am not sure what went down. At 930am I woke-up again, dying for some breakfast. Genna and I dined on fine morning meals while being wooed by the sultry sounds of a live piano player at First Watch.

Now it is Monday and the fun is over. Completely over as the EBL, works 1 and 2, school, and life pile it on.

To this I say, bring it. And they reply "It's all ready been brought'n." (note the "Bring it On" reference.)

ugh. and I still have not found my digicam.

James Bond Me

2007-08-06T13:02:00.000-07:00

As you all know good and well, I'm doing this thing at the EBL. Well, this morning I was scheduled to be there at 7am so I would have just enough time to get my work-out in and make it to the truck at 8am for my day in the field (notice I didn't say field day... today is NOT a field day. blah) with Bill.

A little after 7 I made it to Robinson where the EBL is housed. The building was locked. I then proceeded to walk around the building... cussing to myself. I must have looked insane in my orange and pink flowered pants, stalking around the building like I was about to shoot someone, talking to no one but myself. I made it to the back of the building where they had the basement doors open to do work on the pool. So, I snuck in, careful not to be notice for fear I would be ARRESTED (I'm braving jail to bust my rear on a treadmill? Who have I become?!) for breaking in. I had to climb up some crazy ladder and begin the winding maze of challenging hallways to the EBL. Just call me Zelda, because I made it.

At 720am I made it into the EBL, watch and heart thing on, feet on the treadmill. I'm thinking to myself I still have time to work-out and then RUN up hill to Lindley to meet Bill. At this moment, that precise moment of optimism, the girl running the front desk tells me I have to be on "The mill" for 50min! WHAT?! 50min?! That's like a triatholon or something right?!

Apparently in order for me to burn 200 calories I have to die for 50min. every morning. I think someone has miscalculated somewhere... anywhere. Seriously, I'm going to buy the coordinator of this study a calculator and some lessons.

So I work out for 50min. Die, am reborn again and come sprinting out of the EBL only to see Jonno. I'm thinking to myself, "Why in the world is he here?! Perhaps someone saw me walking in my pj's and called to tell him I've finally lost it?" And then it hits me, like Bruce Lee's fist to some anonymous foe... I don't go in the field today. Ugh.

That's my morning. The afternoon is looking up, no really, it is.

Malfunction

2007-07-31T06:44:00.000-07:00

We switched where the bedroom and office are and now I can't find my digital camera and the latptop doesn't work. Who says change is welcome? So for now we'll all have to deal with pictureless posts until I can put my Humpty-Dumpty of a move back together again.

I've got some things to look forward to:

- Genna is moving across the street tomorrow.
- Jonno is going to graduate this May, God willing.
- I'm going to graduate next fall, finally.
- Mom's going to Alaska for some time to herself.
- I finally figured out how to make my own computer network and I'm going to set that up.
- I have two job interviews in the next few weeks.
- Friday is Modest Mouse!!
- Thursday I will see Patty and Dennis.
- Wednesday I will see my Mom and Toddbot.
- They upped my time at the EBL and will again next week.

Life is looking up (or maybe I just got so sick of looking down I refuse to believe in anything else but up) and may be okay. For now.

I went to the batting cages with Jonno yesterday. Man can that Cat hit! Whooo! I hit a few balls myself, but they weren't traveling nearly as fast as Jonno's in the major league cage. I had a really good time and didn't mind getting sweaty at all. Then we made an awesome dinner together and ate outside. It was a lovely day.

The EBL

2007-07-26T06:57:00.000-07:00

Today was the second day of working out at the Energy Balance Lab. I was really looking forward to my exercise this morning and had a really good experience. This is the routine there:

- Arrive, grab a water and my spiffy watch (it monitors my heart rate, duration of exercise and calories burned)

- check in, see how many minutes I exercise that day (it is 30 for now) and do this crazy survey thing while I put on this strap around my bra line. The strap also monitors my heart rate by sending information to the watch and whatever treadmill I'm on.

- get on the treadmill and work my heart rate up to between 122 and 130.

- keep my heart rate between 122 and 130, every 10 min. I have to tell someone a bunch of information.

- finish exercising and give them my watch so the info. off of it can be downloaded.

I met a girl today who was completing her last day in the study. She was in the 600 calorie group like I am and was really excited for me. She said I was going to get burn out, but to stick with it because I was going to lose a lot of weight.

I'm pretty excited about all of this.

Grandpa

2007-07-23T07:09:00.001-07:00

Hi.

I just wanted to let you know that my grandpa passed away on Sunday morning, I have been with him since last Friday. My mom, aunt and I were with him at the time of his passing. He's struggled a long time with bone and prostate cancer. My family has a long road ahead of them after the loss of both our matriach (my grandpa's wife and my beloved grandmother) and patriach. Please keep us in your prayers and thoughts. If you need to reach me I will be with my family in Pittsburg for a few days and can be reached on my phone if it is an emergency.

This was my grandpa's obituary run in the Morning Sun paper this morning.

http://morningsun.net/stories/072307/obits_20070723013.shtml

Thank you,

Mia

Pictures from Japan

2007-07-03T18:21:00.001-07:00

This is actually in Loveland, CO after K redecorated a Cake shop with her puke.

We love Ted.

Look its Alaska! Or Canada?

And this is Japan.

Welcome to Japan.

Don't stick your hand in the elevator doors!

mmmmm... yaki onigiri.

The La La La love hotel. In Japan this is where people go to do it.

This is a rice field. People do not go here to do it.

Notice something wrong with this picture?!

See that white tiny speck in outerspace?! Yeah... I hiked there. It is Matsuyama Castle.

And after such a long hike I had to use this! Go here to see how I had to!

Ahh... Matsuyama Castle. So pretty.

And so are these lovely ladies!

In Japan Tommy Lee Jones is the boss. Rar.

But not of this place. A nice old lady was the boss at our hostel. No one messes with old Japanese ladies.

Ahhh! Dogo Onsen. Be a little naughty while you get clean!

At the port for our ferry to Beppu we ate, got some kohii, and got married?!

Stereotypical Japan. It is lovely isn't it?

This dried fish parts at the sushi train were not so lovely. Ewww.

But the mikon was lovely! It is SOOOO good in sherbet!

And our room at Kokage was even more the lovely.... it was probably the best part of the whole trip!

Our beds. In Japan you sleep on the floor and put your bed away when you aren't using it.

Looks like I need to be put away in this crazy get up! I look drunk in this crazy yukata!

Flowers are everywhere too spite the urban sprawl.

Kokage had its own onsen!

This is where you wash before you bath. If you want to get a good idea of this watch, "Mr. Baseball" with Tom Selleck.

In this building I was buried in hot sand and left for dead... well left to relax anyway. I still thinkg I'm getting the sand from this place out of my hair.

They think they know English there... but not really.

Domo arigato Mr. Roboto!

Photos!

2007-05-13T16:52:00.000-07:00

Here we have more pictures of the new apartment. I am unveiling it one room at at time! Bwaa haa haa! The plan in the living room is to add a 4ft. espresso brown chair rail using white molding and liquid starch espresso fabric all round the living room. I think it will give it just the touch it needs. I'm going for a loft kind of look. I hope that's what everyone is seeing!

Sleeping Dog. Sleeping Tot.

Patiently waiting for Jonno to come home.

NE corner of the living room. It's a reading nook!

Oh Mustard! We couldn't leave you at the old apartment!

Walk way from the kitchen to the living room. Southwest end of living room.

Reading nook again.

View from the NE corner of the room.

View from the NW corner and hallway.

View from the NW corner of the living room.

SE corner of the living room. A music nook!

View from the E of the living room where the sliding glass doors are.

What is Dark Tower?

2007-04-30T12:52:00.000-07:00

The Dark Tower Character Test

You are Susannah! Your tough and somewhat harsh side is softened by your caring nature. You feel responsible for others, and even if you are in a worse situation than they are, you feel it is your duty to help them first. But in the end your fierce, stubborn spirit will help you overcome any handicap!
Take this quiz!

Quizilla |
Join

| Make A Quiz | More Quizzes | Grab Code

An Important Message from MoveOn.

2007-04-24T10:34:00.000-07:00

Hey Gang,

Even if you don't want to participate. Please watch these videos and get some different perspectives on the war. You know I'm all about educated decisions.

p>VideoVets: Tina Pearson

VideoVets: Sam Schultz

VideoVets: Andrew Horne

VideoVets: Rose Forrest

VideoVets: Garret Reppenhagen

VideoVets: John Bruhns

VideoVets: Karen Meredith

VideoVets: Kevin Denton

VideoVets: Michael Breen

VideoVets: Jim Metcalf

VideoVets: Michelle Barish

VideoVets: Susan Sykes Berry

VideoVets: Lindzi Bittinger-Baird

VideoVets: Jessica Sweeney

VideoVets: Jordan Long

VideoVets: Brendan Duffy

VideoVets: Peter Granato

VideoVets: Sheila Nitze

VideoVets: Shelly Burgoyne

VideoVets: Sonny Flores

VideoVets: Brian Van Riper

VideoVets: Pamela Osborne

VideoVets: Milt Longbottom

Sayonara!!

2007-04-24T10:11:00.000-07:00

I'm going to Japan!! WOOT!
Be prepared for the onslaught of images to come!

Weekend, finally a REAL post!

2007-04-22T10:03:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't posted in forever. Everyone is just going to have to get over that. This post is mainly for Genna who hasn't seen Lawrence and all of its changes in a while. The descriptions are not very good, because I think I ate raw turkey meet after three cups of coffee and I'm not feeling so good at the moment. There's some other pictures too from Patty's birthday!

The Mass St. Deli is now closed. Notice that they painted the railing out front? It used to be green. No one knows what it is going to be yet.

So they opened another store for skinny ____ girls. Like Bitches wasn't enough?! This one is right next to Chipotle.

This place, Ecoboutique was above where Backwoods used to be. I gues they've had enough business to open a bigger store which is right next to Henry's on 8th. I think you would like their clothes.

This music shop used to be in that little alleyway between the parking behind the Antique Mall and Mass. Now it is next to the Ecoboutique place.

I made cupcakes!

It is a three-headed tulip! AHHH!! Like that three-headed other thing! What is it called?

In between the court house and Enstin Bros. There's been that vacant lot for forever. Well now they're doing something there. I hope it will be an arcade. You know, it is at the intersection of 11th and Mass.

The Granada FINALLY fixed their awning. Remember how it was rusted out and about to fall down? You could see the insulation and wires. Now it is shiny! WOO WOO!

Good-bye Qdoba (and hopefully my fat ass soon!) Can you see my reflection! Chunky butt!

Instead of Qdoba there's going to be this place.

So there's more pictures to match this on down, but this is that building they renovated that is now part of the Eldridge. They put Granite on the outside, but then got paint or spackle or whatever the hell it is on it. So rude, obviously not a geologist at work here.

That anime store is officially closed now.

There's a long story behind this, but basically, the church across the street from Tuck's job got hit bad by some microburst that happend last year. They're just now getting around to fixing the damage and this guy was trying to fix the right spire. I guess he fell in and got stuck. It was this HUGE ordeal with lights and fire truck and cranes. Awesome, like that girl that got stuck in the well around 20 years ago. Do you remember that? They had to dig another well next to the other well to get to her? I wonder what happened her?

Another view of that church.

The church next to that one glassed in it's breezeway. It looks really nice now.

Okay, just south of where Starbucks is there's the shop with the art and that really bad barbeque place. Do you know what I'm talking about? Well remember that shop that has be for sale for FOREVER? They finally sold it to someone and now they have this disgusting deer heads out there for God and everyone to see. Gross.

There are some more pictures that match this further down. This is the witchy place that got renovated. Now it is SUPER nice. Just look at that door!

This is what our favorite antique place looks like now. Remember it is right across the street from those ridiculous lofts?

They're cutting up the sidewalk all up and down Mass and putting these things in. I don't know how I feel about them yet. They can't possibly be good for high heels.

This is Max. Isn't he hilarious?

This is where the witchy store used to be, the one that burned up. It used to be all windows on that east side. Now it is part of the Eldridge. People stay there when they're going to be in town for a while, but it is right across the street from the fire dept. STUPID!!

Here's the front of the same building. It is SUPER nice on the inside.

The Border's cafe is renovating.

They put up this HUGE black tarp on the inside. It makes me think of a haunted house and I want to go make one in there for fun.

Java Break/ Dive, I can never remember the name. You know, that place in front of AstroKitty? They just put this in front of their shop.

She didn't close! Remember she used to be next to House of Cha? Now she's next to Francis Sporting Goods. That's the place with the manekin in the window that scares me. Remember?

I think this is 7th St. Its just the same.

This is the cake I made for Patty's birthday. You can't tell but it had real flowers on it that were edible and it said happy birthday on it in Hawaiian.

I grew these from seeds! YAY!

As you can see it was a wild party. Quite a bit of leiing going on.

This is the view from the front deck. That's my solar light that I haven't decided what to do with yet.

Genna, here's the market. Doesn't look very active does it?

I fro'd my hair out for Easter.

The bathroom of the new apt.

More of the bathroom.

The other cake I made for Patty's birthday. Not the real cake.

Jonno impersonating Rob Schnider's hula dance in "50 First Dates."

So that is it. I hope you enjoyed the tour. I'm going to go cut out my stomach now!

xo, mia.

Another week? Two Weeks?

2007-03-17T08:07:00.000-07:00

I guess you could call this spring break. I had the nuttiest week of my life thus far. It all started a few weeks ago when I couldn't stand checking my e-mail anymore.

I was waiting for Dr. J to e-mail me about the EDMAP and finally I was like, "Come on God! Please just let me have some peace of mind today. I need to know today." So I went to class, came back and checked my e-mail and WALLAH!! there is was... an e-mail from Dr. J. There was also a super awesome Brazilian song playing on my radio at the exact same time.

So, the EDMAP project is on and I met with Dr. J this week and talked about the terms of my appt. Basically, I'm gonna get paid to live my dream. My dream being... playing outside. Granted it isn't much, but I say getting paid to live your dream is a pretty sweet deal.

While all of this was happening I had two tests this week. The first test I was so nervous to hand it in. That test was on Monday. Tuesday I get up every morning like I do and started to go through my notes from the previous day. I get to my notes from Monday's class and realize... *cue dramatic conclusion music* that I had taken one of my essay answers home with me! OH SHIT! I got the situation taken care of, but not without a mild heart attack.

Then on Tuesday I had another test. I studied my rear off for this thing and then get to class the teacher tells us the whole thing is take home. Ohhh he button-hooked us! I'm glad he did it though b/c the test was impossible.

It has been a pretty bizzare week. I'm glad I don't have class or work this week coming up.

The Thrill is Gone.

2007-02-25T07:41:00.000-08:00

My mom just left for Pittsburg. It's 9:45AM, Sunday. She always seems to leave early on Sunday. Now I'm sort of beside myself as what to do with my day. Hmmm... the temptation is to go to Peir 1 and use my $20 off coupon since the store is closing and everything will be super cheap. But, I gave up spending money on myself for Lent and with all of the expendatures of a move and paying off the mob... well Pier 1 doesn't seem to be in my horizons anytime soon.

I could work on knitting some more while I watch a Mizayaki film. This option seems nice, but I really should do something more productive.

I think after weighing all of the options I am going to pack and work on school things. I might possibly get some cooking out of the way too since this week promises to be busy.

Before I get started though, I'd like to say a word because this is something I've been thinking about for a while.... HAPPINESS. It is a good thing to have. You make it yourself, recieve it as a gift from other people, or find it in a religion. Once you've got it, it has been proven to improve your health, increase your lifespan, effect your success, and you can give it away to other people. Best of all... all of these wonderful things (and I'm sure there are more) associated with happiness ARE FREE. Happiness doesn't cost you a dime. Yet, there's a problem, at least with me there is. I let people steal it from me and worst of all they do it right in front of my face. Now, if someone were trying to steal my things, job, ideas, or husband I would be unstoppable in my fury, but yet I do nothing when they take my happiness. So, essentially I let them.... WHY? With a commodity so precious as happiness that can work even when you don't have things, ideas fail, jobs end or husbands leave, why I am not more diligent to keep it?

I say I'm going to work extra hard to hold on to being happy and staying that way. It should be the hardest thing for people to take away from me, despite their words or actions, because it is inside.

-m.

Tell Me Kansas Isn't Beautiful and I'll Tell You, You Are a Liar.

2007-02-24T19:21:00.000-08:00

My mom's up for the weekend and as par for the course we went to KC. Here's some pics I snapped on the way back to L-Town. You've got to click on the to get the full effect.

FTD = WAR!

2007-02-18T15:22:00.000-08:00

I've got a few pictures. I'll do my best to explain them.

Jonno is supposed to look like he's hold the rock up, but my aim was off. This picture is still funny though.

Beltless?! Was a time they weren't?

Downtown Lawrence.

Winter from my back yard facing a barren field this season. (Click on this one to see the snowflakes!)

Check out the ice on the river!

What was left of the ice on the river after a day of 60 degree weather.

Snow!

I love the old houses coverd in snow. I can just imagine a horse drawn sled sitting in front of this place.

Did you know there is a LAKE in downtown Lawrence?! Neither did I!

Here they are filling the lake.

Apparently the lake has been frozen and people will ice skate on it. That cement thing is the entrance to the "rink."

Here is some left over icey on what is truly Shimmering Lake DeVictor.

Jonno is admiring the shimmer.

I am convinced that people are fighting in the Middle East because FTD is the only florist. Granted I haven't done my research here, but dealing with this company (which I think is being run by dung beetles and lint) has made me feel more frustrated and cheated than anything ever. Don't even get me started about the stabbing rampage I dream of every time someone even mentions F-T-D. Ohhh... evil company, if they are the only florist in the Middle East then NO WONDER. They even make me want to jihad.

I just got home from a long and busy weekend in Pittsburg. It was such a bizarre weekend, but I'm secretly (I guess not so much now that I'm posting it on the Internet.) happy about some of the things that are going on. I know my mom and I are going to be a lot happier eventually after things settle down.

I didn't know what true cowardice was until now.

-m.

Damknit!!!

2007-02-13T15:52:00.000-08:00

My knitting class was canceled tonight on the count of the crappy weather that has befallen us. School wasn't canceled and I went by gosh, but my stupid class was canceled!! I REALLY wanted to knit!!!

Now I'm home for the evening and Jonno and I are going to watch movies. I'm tired.

A funny cartoon, because we all need it.

2007-02-11T17:48:00.001-08:00

http://www.starterupsteve.com/swf/endoftheworld.html

Quiz Show... work edition, part deux.

2007-02-07T08:50:00.000-08:00

1. What time is it? 1050am

2. Name? Tot

3. What are you most afraid of? Reaching other people's ideas of failure.

4. What car do you drive? Kia

5. Have you ever seen a ghost? Yes.

6. Where were you born? In a hospital.

7. Ever been to Alaska? No, but I'd like to.

8. Ever been toilet papering? No.

9. Croutons or Bacon Bits? Neither.

10. Favorite day of the week? TUESDAY!

11. Favorite restaurant? At the moment, Zig and Mac's.

12. Favorite Flower. Bells of Ireland.

13. Favorite sport to watch? College football.

14. Favorite Drink? Snow Tiger.

15. Favorite Ice cream? Chocolate toffee

16. Disney or Warner Brothers? The WB!!

17. Favorite fast food restaurant? Sonic.

18. What color is your bedroom carpet? Wood. The floor is wood.

19. How many times you failed your driver's test? 0

20. Before this one, from whom did you get your last e-mail from? Google Alerts

24. Favorite TV show? Project Runway

25. Ford or Chevy? Honda

26. What are you listening to right now? People gossiping... I'm at work.

27. What are your favorite colors? blue, red, green.

28. How many tattoos do you have? None, yet.

29. Do you have any pets? Romeo is my special boy!

30. Which came first the chicken or the egg? Hmmm... they're both so tasty.

31. What would you like to accomplish before you die? A few things...

Knitting and Knuckles... In your face!

2007-02-07T06:45:00.000-08:00

Last night was my first knitting class. It was a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to learning how to make a lot of neat things... mostly for babies and kids. I've discovered that knitting is hard... really hard. It is going to take a lot of practice to get me to where I can make clothes and toys. I had a good time estrogening it up.

After class Jonno picked me up and as we were headed to the gym we saw this one guy pounded this other guy in the face. It was really scary. We stopped and called the police. Jonno went to get the one guy off the other and then after it was safe I went to see if the beat-up guy needed first aid. The police came and cleaned up the situation. I was really scared though because that was the first bloodied person from a fight I had ever seen. Actually the first bloodied person I had EVER seen. It was terrifying. I hope this isn't a trend of goings on after my knitting class.

Quiz Show... Too Cold to Be Out Edition.

2007-02-01T11:59:00.000-08:00

Your Five Factor Personality Profile

Extroversion:

You have low extroversion.
You are quiet and reserved in most social situations.
A low key, laid back lifestyle is important to you.
You tend to bond slowly, over time, with one or two people.

Conscientiousness:

You have medium conscientiousness.
You're generally good at balancing work and play.
When you need to buckle down, you can usually get tasks done.
But you've been known to goof off when you know you can get away with it.

Agreeableness:

You have medium agreeableness.
You're generally a friendly and trusting person.
But you also have a healthy dose of cynicism.
You get along well with others, as long as they play fair.

Neuroticism:

You have medium neuroticism.
You're generally cool and collected, but sometimes you do panic.
Little worries or problems can consume you, draining your energy.
Your life is pretty smooth, but there's a few emotional bumps you'd like to get rid of.

Openness to experience:

Your openness to new experiences is high.
In life, you tend to be an early adopter of all new things and ideas.
You'll try almost anything interesting, and you're constantly pushing your own limits.
A great connoisseir of art and beauty, you can find the positive side of almost anything.

The Five Factor Personality Test

Quiz Show... picture edition!

2007-01-30T17:00:00.000-08:00

What clothing Item are you???
Tee-shirt

You are a very laid back sort of person-you will get things done when it needs to get done-even if it is last minute. You take everyday as it comes. You love to relax

Take this test

What Classic Bombshell Are You?
Audrey Hepburn

You are Audrey Hepburn! You are the epitome of class. You are elegant and regal. You love to express yourself in many ways, including dance. You also love helping people.

Take this test

What Disney Princess are you?
Belle

You see past the bad things in people. You also don't settle for someone who is below your standards. You care about your education and you love your family. It takes a lot to win your heart, but once someone does they can count on you to be loyal.

Take this test

What alcohol are you??
CROWN ROYAL

What a b-e-a-u-tiful name! Crown is a one of a kind! You know when you get on it you know you'll be feelin good in a minute! And you know everyone else going to be living it up!

Take this test

what fighting style do you have?
Martial Artist

Sir/madam or should I call you "Master".

Take this test

Saturday on a Tuesday

2007-01-30T11:40:00.000-08:00

All weekend long I slaved away on this project and part presentation I was supposed to be a part of on Tuesday. That's today. Yesterday, Monday, the professor for the class e-mailed and said he was too sick to hold class. So, I've been in... ALL DAY so far.

Tuesdays and Thursdays I don't work because I have just a small enough gap between classes that I can't make it over to west campus to make it worth it. At 230pm I have another class so Jonno and I have been enjoying each other's company for most of the day.

This morning we slept in and then Jonno snapped these lovely pictures of me as I woke-up.

I think I'm rubbing the sleep out of my eyes.

Here I may have been trying to rock out or partially growl. Regardless, my hair is so awesome.

After wakeing-up I got straight to work on some homework and got most of it done for the next week. That was nice. While I was doing that Jonno made breakfast smoothies (yummy). We talked for while and then we had an "episode" with what I thought was going to be a new and good way to make potato soup. I was wrong and we ended up with 1/2 the kitchen and myself covered in potatoes. We did not have soup, but mashed potatoes.

We did an exercise video together and some ab exercises and then we had lunch. Lunch was a team effort and quite delicious. We had roast (I had made that earlier), mac'n' cheese and our newly and brutally made mashed potatoes. After that we decided we had an abundance of bread so we made stuffing. 1/2 way through we realized we didn't have everything we needed. So we improvised. Hmmm.... we'll see how that worked out tonight at dinner.

Now I have to get ready for class, but I just wanted to post this because a lot of stuff is going on in our world today and we really should appreciate each other. I think when we can we should take any moment we're offered to spend it with someone we love (friend, spouse, relative, whomever) and just enjoy the time together. You never know when Heaven will want them and it is SOOOO worth it.

love, mia.

Quiz Show... Weekend Edition

2007-01-28T14:18:00.000-08:00

I've all ready done this one and sent it out to people, I'm feeling a little different today and not in a hurry like with the last one so I'm going to do it again.

Four things about ME!
Things you may not have known about me....

Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. 1st job- Working for my mom.

2. Student Hourly in the Dean of Fine Arts office.

3. Lab Tech at the USGS

4. RA at Corbin Hall.

Four movies I would watch over and over:
1. Over the Hedge

2. Madagascar

3. Spirited Away

4. The Jerk

Four places you have lived:

1. Pittsburg, KS

2. Lawrence, KS

3. Florence, Italy

4. that's it...

Four TV shows you love to watch:
1. Project Runway

2. Flip This House

3. The Soup ("Fettucini!!")

4. SpongeBob.

Four places you have been on vacation:
1. Colorado

2. St. Louis

3. Minnesota

4. Hawaii

Four of my favorite foods:
1. Grandma's sunny-side up eggs with toast

2. Mom's French toast (with warm syrup)

3. PB 'n' J from Indo Tea House

4. Mac'n' cheese

Four places I would rather be right now:
1. Hiking with Romeo and Jonno.

2. bed... "You're right, I do work to hard." - jim gaffigan

3. Walking down the Hill as I graduate.

4. Eating delicious food as I have a house warming party with all of my friends and fam. in my new house.

School, a three ring circus.

2007-01-28T07:23:00.000-08:00

I've completed my first week of school and so far I am TERRIFIED. Not so much of the school because I've been here for eons it seems, but of one class. Professor Brown's class about Brazil has me having nightmares about Brazil and what it will do to me if don't do the billions of assignments we have for it. Seriously, it is the second week of class and all ready I've got an over-whelming group project with possible presentation due Tuesday and another 700 word who-dunnit due on Thursday. Shenanigans!

I'm mostly done with my first project which is why I'm ranting to you now. The first project, I don't know what this teacher expects (You never do on the first anything no matter how much they describe what they want. You only know until they grade it and get it back to you. You can only pray your mind reading skills have been honed to a high enough level to earn yourself a decent grade.) or my group for that matter. We can only write about 4 towns in our transect, but the information is coming at me like I'm standing at the bottom of Iguacu Falls and I can't pick what to focus on. Then what I have picked I'm praying its right and no one else covers it. Ugh. I need a Bohemia.

Other than school I have been busy domesticating myself and enjoying time with Jonno before the semester gets into full swing. You should check out http://jonnoandmia.blogspot.com for info. on what we've been up too!

Quiz Show... work edition.

2007-01-24T10:07:00.000-08:00

*TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF - The Survey*
Name:	Mia
Birthday:	10-14
Birthplace:	Missouri
Current Location:	John Brown Burned it down.
Eye Color:	green
Hair Color:	brown with violet streaks
Height:	5'5"
Right Handed or Left Handed:	right
Your Heritage:	balkan
The Shoes You Wore Today:	I finally got to take my darn hiking boots off to wear my cons.
Your Weakness:	patience, procrastination
Your Fears:	failure
Your Perfect Pizza:	pineapple no sauce
Goal You Would Like To Achieve This Year:	I'd like to lose weight and get good grades.
Your Most Overused Phrase On an instant messenger:	lol
Thoughts First Waking Up:	my neighboor is an asshole.
Your Best Physical Feature:	i've been told i have a ba-dunk-a-dunk. whatever that is.
Your Bedtime:	11pm-ish
Your Most Missed Memory:	summer after my senior year of h.s.
Pepsi or Coke:	pepsi
MacDonalds or Burger King:	i love that clown
Single or Group Dates:	groups lately since jonno and i are making friends.
Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea:	green tea!
Chocolate or Vanilla:	Chocolate
Cappuccino or Coffee:	Cappuccino
Do you Smoke:	only when i'm on fire.
Do you Swear:	Yeah, definitely.
Do you Sing:	not willingly
Do you Shower Daily:	That's the goal...don't usually make it though
Have you Been in Love:	Yeah
Do you want to go to College:	"Look around Helen! We're at the threashold of hell!!" - Clark in Christmas Vacation (and how I feel about school right now.
Do you want to get Married:	I am married.
Do you belive in yourself:	sometimes.
Do you get Motion Sickness:	nope
Do you think you are Attractive:	no
Are you a Health Freak:	healthy may think I'm a freak.
Do you get along with your Parents:	most of the time.
Do you play an Instrument:	sorta
In the past month have you Drank Alcohol:	Yes.
In the past month have you Smoked:	no!
In the past month have you been on Drugs:	No.
In the past month have you gone on a Date:	yes
In the past month have you gone to a Mall:	yes.
In the past month have you eaten a box of Oreos:	no, i'm trying to change my lifestyle
In the past month have you eaten Sushi:	no. :(
In the past month have you been on Stage:	no
In the past month have you been Dumped:	Nope.
In the past month have you gone Skinny Dipping:	Nope.
In the past month have you Stolen Anything:	Nope.
Ever been Drunk:	oh Lord.
Ever been called a Tease:	yeah.
Ever been Beaten up:	no, but I've done some beating!
Ever Shoplifted:	Nope.
How do you want to Die:	something with fire and explosions .
What do you want to be when you Grow Up:	A mommy, author, person to persons, geographer, artist.
What country would you most like to Visit:	Japan at the moment.
*In a Boy/Girl..*
Favourite Eye Color:	jonno's color
Favourite Hair Color:	see above.
Short or Long Hair:	Short, I am picky about that.
Height:	Taller than me.
Weight:	I don't care, really. If he cares about how much I weigh, then I'd kick his ass. :-)
Best Clothing Style:	Casual and relaxed. I don't like uptight people.
Number of Drugs I have taken:	prescriptions?
Number of CDs I own:	too many.
Number of Piercings:	2, but I can't use them.
Number of Tattoos:	None.
Number of things in my Past I Regret:	zero.

That Fresh Cut into a New Piece of Construction paper.

2007-01-24T10:00:00.000-08:00

I've been battling the forces of distruction with little lists of things that make me happy. The first list says:

- Rockin' out in my car so hard that everyone (including myself) laughs.
- Hugs from friends.
- They way both of my dogs run to me, bark and smile when I get home.
- Pretending I'm an Olympic swimmer and making that fake crowd sound when I finish a lap.
- How the floor feels spongey after being in heals all day.
- Get Fuzzy comics.

That's what I've got. I've been working hard and things are looking up. I'm lucky that God has been looking out for me these last few days.

-m.

Internet Hilarity!

2007-01-22T12:44:00.000-08:00

I got this e-mail today, which I thought was an e-card from a family memeber. Istead I got this link and it is HILARIOUS!!

Grandma Update

2007-01-22T08:14:00.000-08:00

I got this from my mom this morning. YAY!

Hi all,

Just an FYI, Grandma is doing great! She did amazingly well during her surgery and post-op. I took her home Saturday before the bad winter storm. We have been making sure that all is well with her and that if she needs or wants anything, it is taken care of.

She is going back to the pulmonologist in a week and back to the surgeon in 2 weeks. She is hoping as she gets well to cut back on her oxygen use, we are keeping our fingers crossed.

Brian is having his 2nd carpel tunnel surgery done this Wednesday. The right one is healing well and he seems able to use it more all the time.

Thanks for all of your prayers and support.

If I haven't answered anything, let me know.

Love you all!

Becky

Just a note also. I would like to plan a Birthday celebration for Grandma's 90th Birthday. I know it is 2 years away, but I wanted everyone to know and I will most probably need help with planning it. So if you have any good ideas I would love to hear them.

Quiz Show...alone and un-televised, Part Deux

2007-01-20T12:52:00.000-08:00

1. Has this year been fun?: It has just started and so far it isn't too bad (if you don't mind chaos).

2. Did you enjoy your birthday?:
Last years birthday was pretty fun, but Jonno still doesn't get the whole "Mia's-Birthday-for-a -Month-She's-an-only-Child" thing. He's working on it.

3. Been to church?
Not yet. That all changes tomorrow.

4. Cried yet?
Yep, I'm a regular water works.

5. Had someone close to you pass away?:
No, just the fear of it looming over my head.

6. Pulled an all nighter?:
School just started and I have a bedtime.

7. Went shopping?:
Mmm, hmmm, I've had a little shop therapy.

8. Been Camping?
Jonno and I recently camped in the living room if that counts. Its too cold to be outside.

9. Been to the beach?
Last summer... too long ago.

10. Bought something for over £200 ($400)?
Yeah, my rent every month. I consider it an investment for better living.

11. Met someone new?
Well yes I did! I hope she'll be my friend someday. *cue Sesame St. music*

12. Been out of your home county?
No. :*( *tear*cry*

13. Gone snowboarding?
I don't like having both of my feet strapped to the same thing.

[[In the past month...]]

1. Kissed someone?
Oh I'm married... you bet I have.

2. Slept in a friend's bed
Nope.

3. Sneeked someone over?
If you count putting Mommy Bear in the bed with Jonno and I then yes I have, and I'm damn proud of it too!

4. Sneeked out of your own house?
I've sneeked around my house to try and scare Jonno.

5. Been to a bar?
I don't think so.

6. Bought a car?
No, but if the Kia keeps it up I'm going to have to.

7. Been called a whore?
noooo... that's a strange one.

8. Drove somewhere?
Yeah. I hate driving.

9. Done something you regret?
I have none.

[[Lasts...]]

1. Thing you bought?
A coffee and a muffin, my belly was grateful for that purchase.

2. Person you hugged?
Jonno

3. Person to call you?
My mom. I think she's stalking me.

4. When was the last time you felt stupid?
This morning, I have a bad habit of not thinking before doing things.

5. When was the last time you walked/ran over a mile?
This morning. I'm a chubby chub trying to get in shape.

6. Last person who you watched a movie with?
Mommy Bear and I watched the Chapelle show DVD's last night.

7. Who last told you they loved you?
Jonno

8. Who makes you smile most?
Jonno

9. What are you listening to right now?
Radiohead

10. What did you do yesterday?
Worked someplace where they don't want me. Slept a lot. Watched Chapelle Show. Did laundry with a bunch of crazy people while "Throw Momma From the Train" was playing.

11. Song that's stuck in your head right now:
None because I'm listening to Radiohead on my ipod.

12. Hugs or kisses??
I like 'em both.

13. Do you think your ex misses you?
Like a lost winning lottery ticket.

Quiz Show...alone and un-televised.

2007-01-12T20:07:00.000-08:00

100 random things about me...

1. Ever give an engagement ring?
No, but I've gotten one. :)

2. Longest friendship?
As long as I've known JR... seems like lifetimes.

3. Last gift you received?
Jonno brought me coffee at work. So, so nice.

4. How many times have you dropped your cell?
I'm surprised it still works. Why do they make them so darn small?

5. When's the last time you worked out?
This afternoon.

6. Things you spend a lot of money on?
Groceries and rent.

7. Last food you ate?
I had cheddar ale soup compliments of my wonder husband and his knack for sympathy.

8. First thing you notice about the opposite sex?
That he's usually doing something silly.

9. One favorite song?
Do Ya Think I'm Sexy by Rod Stewart.

10. Where do you live?
In an apartment, for now.

11. High school you attended:
Pitt High

12. Cell phone service provider:
Cingular

13. Favorite mall store:
Point me to a shoe store and I'll point out to you an empty bank account.

14. Longest job ever had:
I worked for my mom for at least a million years.

15. Do you own a pair of dice?:
No.

16. Do you prank call people?:
Hmmm... I leave silly voice messages for kicks.

17. Last wedding attended?:
Amy and Matt's

18. First friend you'd call if you won the lottery:
Genna

19. Last time you attended church:
Too long ago, I don't like going without Jonathan.

20. How old are you?
Old enough to know better.

21. Biggest lie you have heard?
That Bush is president.

22. What do you want to drive?
A Volkswagen gt.

23. Where's your favorite place to eat with friends?
Free State or Milton's.

24. Can you cook?
Yeah, but that doesn't always mean it is good.

25. What car do you drive?
2001 Kia Sportage

26. Best kisser?
My husband of course!

27. Last time you cried?:
Surprisingly, I don't remember.

28. Most disliked food:
I loathe berries, especially seedy ones. I think they are disgusting and figs, oh figs are so gross.

29. Thing you like most about yourself?:
I throw one heck of a party.

30. Thing you dislike most about yourself:
I enjoy being outdoors to a fault and to my own detriment.

32. Longest shift you have worked at a job?
Power weekend at Corbin Hall as a RA... three days baby. What a nightmare.

33. Favorite movie?
Spirited Away

34. Can you sing?:
I am able, but not willing.

35. Last concert?
Joanna Newsom with the D-kid sometime last month.

36. Last kiss?
Too long ago... weekends stink!

37. Last movie rented?:
Christmas Vacation. "Is your house on fire Clark?"

38. Thing you never leave home without?:
shoes.

39. Favorite vacation spot?
Hawaii

40. Do you like Chinese food?
Ohhh egg drop soup...

42. Is your room clean?:
The bed's made.

43. Laptop or desktop computer?
Laptop!

44. Favorite comedian?:
Mitch Hedburg

45. Do you smoke?:
Not unless I've recently been on fire.

46. Sleep with or without clothes?
What a naughty question! With, it is too cold not too.

47. Who sleeps with you every night?
The Cat.

48. Long distance relationships work?
Well, I'm married now.

49. How many times have you been pulled over by the police?:
Oh dear.

50. Pancakes or french toast?
Mom's French toast!

51. Do you like coffee?
Two for Tuesdays!

52. How do you like your eggs?
Sunny side up, if my grandma makes them.

53. Do you believe in astrology?:
What a load of junk.

54. Last person you talked to on the phone?:
The Cat.

55. Last person on your missed call list?
Luke

56. What was the last text message you received?
"I found 4 of them." from the Cat.

57. McDonalds or Burger King?
I love the clown.

58. Number of pillows?:
If the Cat is around, usually two. When I'm alone, like 6.

59. What are you wearing right now?:
KU sweatpants. KU t-shirt. KU Geology hoodie, and a smile.

60. Pick a lyric, any lyric or song?:
Ohhh Barracuda...

61. What kind of jelly do you like on your PB & J sandwich?
Grape.

62. Do you play pool?
I play in the pool.

63. Do you know how to swim?:
like a fish.

64. Favorite ice cream?
Chocolate Toffee from braum's

65. Do you like maps?:
I am a geography major.

68. Ever attend a theme party?:
Not only have I attended, I have thrown a few as well.

69. What is your favorite season?
fall.

70. Last time you laughed at something stupid?
This evening as I was jumping rope in the living room.

71. What time did you wake up this morning?
715 some time.

72. Best thing about winter?
winter break!

73. Last time a cop gave you a ticket?
Hmmm...I think 2002 or 2001.

74. What's the scariest thing you've ever done?:
Had left hip reconstructive surgery.

75. Name of your first pet?
bobo

76. Do you think pirates are cool or overrated?
Pirates ARRRR awesome.

77. What are you doing this weekend?
Hanging tight in the apt. b/c the weather is crappy.

78. Who's your best friend?
Jonno.

79. What is the third letter of your name?:
i

80. How old are your pets?:
Romeo's a little over year.

81. What color is your backpack?
Which one?

82. Are you sick?:
yeah, I'm just getting over the creep and crud, delux edition.

84. Is the bathroom open?:
mm hmm.

87. Are you smiling?:
Should I be?

88. Do you have on eyeliner?
No.

89. Do you miss someone right now?
yeah...

90. If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go?
Japan at the moment.

91. Do you have a Myspace?
Now that I'm married its our space.

92. Are you in high school?:
No, thank God.

93. Do you have a crush?:
mm hmm and he is so hot.

94. What is your favorite nickname for yourself?:
tot.

95. What color is your bathing suit?:
It's is black b/c I am a very serious swimmer.

96. What's your favorite brand of water?:
something with bubbles.

97. Did you go on vacation last month?
Hmm... I didn't go anywhere but the usual, but this month I might.

98. Have you ever been on a cruise?:
No, I do not want to die on the ocean.

99. Do you have a sister?:
Mm hmm.

100. Are you upstairs?:
You have to go upstairs to get the apt., but there are no stairs in it.

Another Semester of Mystery

2007-01-12T17:26:00.000-08:00

Genna and Crystal at some cafe that we love and I can't remember the name of right now.

This is Derek during the "Bun Incident". I think this picture perfectly captures the spirit of the event.

My new 'do. (You'll need to click on this one to see the full effect.)

New 'do!

Genna reaping the reward of the "Bun Incident" and yes, she is wearing a Christopher Walken t-shirt.

Next week I start school again after a wonderful winter break stuffed to the brim of fun. Most of my break was centered around my blasted second job and nutty family. Most of the family excitement will be posted on our blog there will be some pretty funny pictures on there.

The other highlight of my break was Genna. She came home for two weeks and it was great to see her. With her in Japan for the last forever I've had a lot of time to myself. I've done a lot of soul searching and re-prioritizing. Now that school is about to start I feel like part of my "old" self has returned and I feel a change taking place in my brain. I hope it is for the best. I'm excited to see what I do with my remastered self this semester and see if I've made a change for the better. I think I've got a few things to overcome to ultimately be as succesful as I'd like, but I feel like I have the Lord, handy life tools, and some good people at my side to help.

I'm REALLY tired of being lazy, procrastinating, constantly feeling anxious or depressed, tired, feeling over-whelmed, sick, and hopeless. At this point I'm the heaviest I've ever been in my life and was in the worst place I've ever been. With school looming in front of me and this break behind me, I feel, now, the best I ever have. I feel more capable, willing, eager, content and blissful than I ever have. I hope everyone is willing to support and make a change with me, because life as it was, was horrific. I don't ever want to feel that way about my life again.

You know that feeling you get right before you speak to a group of people or right before you open a potential acceptance letter from somewhere? That's how I feel right now.

It is over.

2007-01-11T09:20:00.000-08:00

Well the second job phase of my life is now over. We were laid off yesterday and I am FINE with that. I'm getting ramped up for this coming semester. So far in preparation of a new me I have...

Implimented a goal program for better health. It is working.
Scheduled a hair appt. for a new head of hair as of 1/11/06.
Made some new friends.

I hope this works! Wish me luck!

Christmas

2006-12-29T09:08:00.000-08:00

Christmas was just wonderful. I got to see a lot of my "family" and recieved some really delightful gifts. I'm blessed. I didn't get the Christmas cards or newsletters out this year and I really don't care. I'm tired of killing trees!

Genna is home now and life is a whirlwind of work, putting the apartment back together and fun. I really should be giving more attention to my blog, but doesn't posting less mean I'm doing more?

A tot blog blog.

2011 Holiday Letter

Ressurect the Beast

311/ Ziggy Marley Concert

hodge-podge

Clicked My Heels Three Times

the seattle-sized post

The SEATTLE post.... not quite yet...

Found some old pics

It Happened at the Romeo's Birthday!

TEXAS

MY DREAM JOB!!! OMG!!!

A refresher course!!!

Get a job!

Movin' on.

WHOA.

*imitates zombie moan*

Yeah! Saturday Again.

The Sick

Same Stuff... different day.

Kids!!! KAWAIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!

wooo yeah!

The Winter Break of 2007!!!

Entrée Exchange Party

IN RAINBOWS!!!!!!!

All your base are belong to us!

The Compy is B-A-C-K!!

Tot Mythbusters!

Shooting Guns.

Feux-Balkan Weekend!

DIGICAM REVIVAL

I XOXO JONNO!

TechNO!!!

Back to School

James Bond Me

Malfunction

The EBL

Grandpa

Pictures from Japan

Photos!

What is Dark Tower?

An Important Message from MoveOn.

Sayonara!!

Weekend, finally a REAL post!

Another week? Two Weeks?

The Thrill is Gone.

Tell Me Kansas Isn't Beautiful and I'll Tell You, You Are a Liar.

FTD = WAR!

Damknit!!!

A funny cartoon, because we all need it.

Quiz Show... work edition, part deux.

Knitting and Knuckles... In your face!

Quiz Show... Too Cold to Be Out Edition.

Quiz Show... picture edition!

Saturday on a Tuesday

Quiz Show... Weekend Edition

School, a three ring circus.

Quiz Show... work edition.

That Fresh Cut into a New Piece of Construction paper.

Internet Hilarity!

Grandma Update

Quiz Show...alone and un-televised, Part Deux

Quiz Show...alone and un-televised.

Another Semester of Mystery

It is over.

Christmas

imitates zombie moan