Designer Line

Twenty-nine plus five...

2011-08-08T00:01:00.003-05:00

It's my birthday. Again. the big 34 - but I am planning to claim 29+5 this year instead. Had a great weekend with friends and goodies - that is what life is all about!

Friday evening, got to go to dinner with Knitterista. We shared an awesome bottle of wine called Marco Negri. It was the most amazing bubbly white I've ever tasted. I am hooked. It was very good with our Upper Crust Jimmy the Greek Pizza and Mediterranean Salad.

An excellent start to my birthday weekend, she handed me a fabulous little pouch. Inside, a killer recycled magazine bead necklace. What a great way to be green!

Saturday evening, got to meet up with good friends at Red Robin. Always a fun atmosphere. We had good laughs and some funny birthday cards came about so I'll share:

Inside: "Cheers to you on your birthday!"

lol - if you know my OCD, then you will get this...

Inside: "Don't drink and dress."

Evil Tula Kitty Card

Inside: "We're at that perfect age - somewhere between

sweet sixteen and 'none of your business'!

Following dinner, we all went for a 30 minute Ironman game of laser tag at Laser Quest. We all had a blast, and some took it a little more serious than others... It has been a great weekend.

Makes turning 29+5 much easier.

Design Humor

2011-06-22T08:38:00.001-05:00

A little architectural humor to start your day...

Penguin Paradise

2011-02-14T19:31:00.008-06:00

A couple of weeks ago, a suspicious package was delivered by the Postal Woman. Inside, were the ingredients for the "coolest" weekend I've had in a long time. I was introduced to the love of penguins as a child, by our kid-sitter Joy. She passed on her collection of stuffed penguins when they were retired from her possession. There were dozens of them, including a battery operated penguin slide.

I never thought I would actually get to meet a penguin up close and personal, but thanks to the Penguin Adoption Program and the related Valentine events at the Fort Worth Zoo in Dallas, Texas, it became a reality!

The package includes two stuffed penguins, an adoption certificate, good for one year, two photographs; one African Penguin, and one Rockhopper Penguin; brunch for two adults, and two zoo admission passes. I have to say that for the price and for the fun, it is a great way to provide food for the penguins and other animals for a whole year!

The gallery had eight tables set with black linens, candlelight, and a centerpiece of paper flowers and marshmallow hearts. There were "mocktails" called Hearts Spritzer. The buffet menu was amazing as well. Definitely something for everyone.

The Penguins soon followed. Much smaller and way more cute than I ever expected, I was immediately thinking that this whole event was what P!nk refers to "too School for Cool".

Jack is a Rockhopper Penguin from New Zealand. He is 15 years old, and has been featured on the Jay Letterman show, and has been exposed to much publicity in his life. He was also about 15 inches high, and was cruising through walking around like he owned the place. And he did.

His mate was the center of the photo op that was set up for guests as well. She is 3 years old.

Following the initial brunch, was a game. It was the "Newly Wild Game" in which three couples were called front and center to expose personal information about their love lives. The first couple have been married for about 14 years, and were high school sweethearts. The second couple has been together for five years, but never engaged, and the third couple have been married for three years.

The topics of the game would make anyone blush, but mating rituals of the animals were exposed as well, and we were even introduced to several different animals from the zoo. Owls, Alligators, Birds, and even a dog that protects farm life from animal attacks from Mountain Lions.

During the game, the second couple got engaged... they even won the game too!

I would highly recommend this program and event to anyone who can get there next year! It was much better than I ever anticipated, and was well planned and emceed.

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

Following the brunch, we headed out to check out the Zoo. I have heard it is one of the finest in the country. I have to say that it is very aesthetically pleasing, and I felt like the animals that are housed there are very well taken care of and have fun areas to roam around in. The general paths and infrastructure of the zoo was well planned and well maintained too.

I enjoyed all of the exhibits, however the flamingos were amazing as were the lion and lioness who were happily playing, and the gorillas too. The penguin exhibit though was very cool, as I have not seen one since I visited the aquarium in Boston several years ago.

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

valentine penguin photo credit and brunch menu by the Fort Worth Zoo.

Forecast: Snow. Remedy: Shop!

2011-02-08T19:45:00.005-06:00

Snow Snow Snow. White Blizzard, Flakes, Ice, Snowpocalypse 2011; Part Deux. It is hovering above and nudging at the windows as we type.

So what is there to do when you're snowed in and cabin fever is prancing in your mind? Online shop? Build Snowmen? Bake? Check. Will think about it. Everyone bought all of the baking stuff... so that leaves shop online.

Etsy has been a long standing favorite place to shop. They always have something perfect for an upcoming birthday, anniversary, and holiday. Even little goodies for yourself. The best thing is that everything is handmade... mostly unique; and even though I have paid for something I did not receive onetime it is still a favorite place to peruse.

Here are some of my favorites in case you were wondering. Enjoy the snow. I mean, online shopping during the snow.

Etsy
designerista

Mid Century Guru

2011-02-02T12:34:00.002-06:00

Even though I can always call my local Herman Miller Representative for a tour of the showroom, I have been eagerly awaiting the upcoming George Nelson Exhibition at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.

It was when we stopped by to visit the "From Sketch to Screen" exhibit in the summer of 2010 that we saw the poster in the lobby. George Nelson, creator of the Marshmallow Sofa, my all time favorite Coconut Chair, and

the Cigar pendant luminaire; among others, of course. I think it will be a site to see vintage models of the furniture, or perhaps originals even. I fully admit that it is always delightful to see the pieces of furniture that we studied in school, and the designers that left us their legacies.

I think it is wonderful too that we have a museum facility right here in Oklahoma City that caters many fine showings of art and collaborations. I think Oklahoma City is truly an up and coming place. They even show some really great films too!

Now if only the snow would clear up so I can finally get there!

The Dark Mist Glowing

2011-02-01T20:55:00.006-06:00

For the last week or so, we have received word that the ultimate blizzard, or "snowpocalypse" would be rolling in to leave a lifeless city with many church, school and municipal closings. In preparation, I ran errands; to the bank, grocery store, and then to the liquor store. What is a snow day without a glass of Merlot?

I finally looked outside to find a wonderland of blizzard and winter storm mix. Breathtaking, yet
I have not seen anything like it in a very long time, since Christmas of 2009 I believe. The weathermen on the television are saying that this is the worst winter storm ever in Oklahoma, and that it has set a new record. I don't even recall anything like this when I was younger.

I spent my afternoon watching old movies and chick flicks I have not seen in awhile;
Cinderella. Clueless. Superstar. The occasional weather update and sappy movies on Lifetime, cleaning house and rocking out to the Black Keys.

What better to do on a day when you cannot get out and do something? Stay safe and warm everyone! It will surely clear up soon.

With Friends Surrounding

2011-01-22T16:00:00.002-06:00

I have not been feeling well lately and have been inside with sick days and snow days. It was time to get out to make my way beyond the queasiness.

Last night I attended a lovely dinner with some great friends at the new Sauced on Paseo. I used to bake for the little hole in the wall, but I have not been there since it was purchased by a new owner, so when Melissa said she wanted to host her birthday there, it was very welcomed. Their Spartacus Pizza with feta cheese, tomatoes, bell pepper, and other Mediterranean goodness there rocks, just FYI. They also have awesome salads. Eat Local!

A birthday, some nice laughter with friends, discussion of heart break, and two sparkling grapefruit Izze beverages later, I was told that I have many stories. Perhaps it took longer for me to find my inner rebel in life than most people do, but I am satisfied. No longer naive, no longer agreeable, and no longer just schlepping while life passes by. I keep reminding myself that it is time to actually live life and to scale back on the studying and to dream of more goals, too...

The Nights of Wonder

2011-01-21T02:12:00.002-06:00

The whole "what's your sign" zodiac speak popped up in conversation just the other evening. Perhaps it was the recent articles in the news regarding the 13th sign that brought it to surface.

Much of the media hyped it all up and threw it out of proportion when we woke up on January 13th with a "new" 13th sign. For myself, one who do not regularly follow a daily horoscope, I had a few moments of Leo withdrawal when I learned my actual birth date was no longer included in Leo, but Taurus rather.

Once a Leo, always a Leo; but our discussion reminded me of a book that one of my very best friends gave to me a long time ago: How to Spot a Bastard by His Star Sign. The funny thing about this book in all of its darkness and as some have referred to its "horrorscopes", is that when comparing the descriptions to certain people I have come across in my life, mysteriously they are more often than not right on. In a most humorous approach, of course.

Live for the moment. Wait for the signs, maybe even steer clear of the signs. And get your daily horoscope here.

The Taste Was Sweeter

2011-01-18T21:30:00.003-06:00

Friday evening, we celebrated a birthday. A yearly tradition, and unable to avoid it, it was the 39th celebration for this certain someone. I remember when he turned 35 even... my my how time does go by. We went to a lovely feast at Chelino's in Bricktown, and then for dessert and coffee at the Melting Pot. This has become seemingly a favorite place of gathering for all of us. We sat around chocolate fondue with Bailey's Irish Cream, and a new one we have not tried before, Smores.

This past weekend, I traveled to visit one of my very best friends and to participate in her annual re-gifting party, where "one person's trash could be another's treasure." I love this idea, but I have never attended in the past, but this year I did. Just the night before however, I was telling my girlfriend that I did not know what to take, because this Christmas I really had no complaints. She immediately gave me the solution - The Booty Pop.

I went with anticipation of coming home with something really gnarly, but with all of the beautifully wrapped packages, and Christmas sweaters, how could there be anything so wrong?! There were indeed some delightful and crazy things that people received for Christmas. Among them, a suction cup grab bar for the shower, a snuggie, a home-made apron (which I received), a little girl's purse, a novel titled "Steak", and even an alarm clock that looked like a chicken. There were many giggles and raised eyebrows, too.

I had a great time though, and am definitely looking forward to next year's event. And on a side note, I am so proud of the hostess with the mostess. She truly showed me her full inner Martha Stewart.

The Light Was Brighter

2011-01-08T17:09:00.012-06:00

Yesterday evening was one of the most beautiful sunsets I have seen in awhile. It was very colorful. I guess it would be fair to say that I have not witnessed many sunrises or sunsets lately, so maybe it is time to stop and take something into appreciation. God's own reminder to me that the week was over.

Today I visited the final day of the Creativity World Biennale Exhibits hosted by Artspace at Untitled. I think all of the visual arts presented in these installations are very interesting, simple, and are captured by several artists who appear to have the same intent.

One exhibit though that I had failed to pay too much attention to in the past is one that is very much worthy. Brian Eyerman's color changing acrylic dowels or fiber optics. I stared for several minutes as the projector behind changed colors and the edges lit up. I have always been attracted to sparkly things, glitter, and shine; but this was mesmerizing.

"Out of the Box"

All in all, I am happy about participating as a volunteer for the exhibit as a whole, experiencing it, finding a new reaction to each installation, each time I saw them.

The Creativity World Biennale, 2010

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

The Grass Was Greener

2011-01-07T00:45:00.005-06:00

Again, I am resolution-less for the new year. I did not eat black eyed peas, and I failed to find myself with a slice of Vasilopita bread for a chance at the coin baked inside that is supposed to bring good luck and prosperity for the new year.

You know that old saying that the grass is always greener on the other side. Well, when life hands you lemons, you're supposed to make lemonade.
The start of this year has not really been going according to plan, although what is there really to plan? A friend of mine often informs me to just breath in and breath out; the secret to life so he says.

So now that all of the holidays are behind us, it is time to set new goals for this coming year. Ideal goals vs. defiant acts of Wonder Woman though will need to be weighed. Reality sets in now.

Welcome to 2011. Chinese year of the Rabbit. Snake Eyes. and, the alarm clock malfunction Y2K like effects on the iPhone.

photo credit and frickin cute handmade sign by Bekah Jennings

The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly.

2010-12-31T14:58:00.011-06:00

I think all in all I would have to say that this past year has been pretty decent. It was good, bad, and ugly in some sense. I have had lots of personal growth and plan to continue that over the next year as well. It was not all peaches and cream. I guess I can easily say that it is not perfect for anyone, but this year has gone by so quickly too. Here is my recount of mostly good that has come out of 2010.

I recall now having Christmas and New Years all in one weekend. I have recovered from the emotional wounds of this, and have taken it upon myself to make this year even better. Sans snow. I think we only had one more big snow day in the early spring. Fair enough. Last winter was pretty harsh for being here in Oklahoma. This year has been a bit more mild it seems.

Aunt Hazel's Carrot Cake. The people at work still talk about this and wonder when the next one is going to show up. I will have to work on another one soon, perhaps. I hate to gloat, but even my friend Melissa tells me it is the best carrot cake she has ever had, and she doesn't even like carrot cake. I think I have converted her to the love of it.

I think the IIDA Fashion Show, Color & Couture, was definitely a great event and for a great cause. It is nice to see your fellow friends and coworkers participate and bust a move.

I completed and earned my Motorcycle Endorsement on my drivers license! That was something fun to do, the course was fun as well as some of the people who took it along side. It was a weekend of hard work and an exam to sweat through. But I am glad I did it, and now the big determination will be scooter vs motorcycle. We shall see.

My friend welcomed her new son into the world, we celebrated with a fabulous shower and a robot theme.

My museum appreciative friend and I went to see From Sketch to Screen at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. The installation was only featured in Oklahoma too.

I had a great birthday with friends and family. 34 is around the corner. That's ok. I have 8 months left.

Carrie Underwood Came to town. Even though I was in the nosebleed section with Knitterista, it was still a fabulous show.

And I studied and stressed for two months to take the NCIDQ exam. I passed all three sections on the first try. I still cannot believe it. License and Registration, here I come. I had to take it to get it off the burner. The process of applying to the local board and to NCIDQ took nearly a year. By the time I receive my certificates, more than a year and a half will have passed. But I am glad that it is over with. Next goal, the ARE.

To celebrate, Ms. P took me to the Cheesecake factory. I am so blessed to have such great friends.

I experienced my first earthquake.

I worked the Girlie Show again this year, and had a great time.

I donated my high school and college car to the American Heart Association.

And for Thanksgiving, my brother cooked a free range organic turkey. We had greek food to go along with it. It was a nice holiday and I saw lots of family I have not seen in awhile. It was the first Thanksgiving I've had visiting two dinner tables.

I spent three Saturdays in November and December volunteering for Untitled Artspace to celebrate the World Creativity Forum. I had a great time and met some new and exciting people, and saw a few from the past as well.

Spinning Bits

The Mejjlby Stone

I sat on my friend's jury during her mock trial.

I finally got to see the Nutcracker Ballet for the very first time. And from the Nosebleed section too. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic Orchestra was amazing too. Definitely a must see again.

And I had a pretty great Christmas this year as well. Tula and I went to see Santa. And we didn't get snowed in for Christmas this year. In fact, it has been a pretty warm fall and winter.

So now it is New Years Eve. I have not even begun to consider resolutions for the coming year, but I think though I have pondered some change.

Fa la la la la. La la. La la.

2010-12-26T01:28:00.014-06:00

Where to begin? Oh Where to begin... The holiday round up. Brought to you by Dasher and Dancer, Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid, and Donner and Blitzen... and of course, Rudolf too!

The holidays this year have been quite eventful so far, unlike last Christmas when it snowed so much that it was nearly impossible to travel and so many people were stuck and missed the holidays too.

Last night we went to midnight Divine Liturgy for Christmas, and got to bed late. Sleep was far from enough, however we awoke to fresh cinnamon rolls and attempted to patiently wait for everyone to sit around the tree for the gift opening.
A few of the fun goodies obtained this year include:

New shoes and boots.

I love shoes. They are the item that most people associate me to. Oh yeah, cupcakes too. But these are magnificent with all of the zippers that give them their edge. I have to say that after a day of waltzing around in them and while whipping up fresh Tsatziki sauce in the kitchen, they proved to be quite comfortable. I have no complaints really.

I also got the cutest pair of new boots too. They are a wedge heel and of gray suede with fun ribbons of ruffles floating up the sides. They are pretty warm too. I am glad I spotted these during the fall as so to allow Santa plenty of time to get the elves on it.

The ritual of barbie tree ornaments:

Every year, Santa brings a new Hallmark Barbie Keepsake Ornament. This year I managed to bring three new ones home to my tree.

The Siren Barbie Doll - she is feisty and with red hair. She screams "fetish of men in uniform." I am totally digging her Za-Za jewels and fur stole. Love.

It's All About the Shoes! - Pink and Shoes. Can't be beat. Every girly frou frou dream. No Shame.

Movie Mixer - Must be straight out of the movie Legally Blonde! She is so cute and adorable. And Pink!

Books:

I always enjoy a great entertaining or recipe book.

The Williams Sonoma Entertaining: Inspired Menus for Cooking With Family and Friends

I have taken a few minutes to glance through the book and I do admit there are some really delightful and realistic/simple recipes that can be done pretty easily and without a whole lot of mess or painstaking attempts. On that note, several recipes include some fresh fruits and vegetables and only require some preparation work rather than more combining ingredients over a stove.

The Flour Pot Cookie book: Creating Edible Works of Art

This cookie book is dedicated inside "to the bond between Mothers and Daughters" and rightfully so, since that is where most of us learn to cook.
Although some of the decorated cookies inside are similar to others I have done in the past, there are still several good ideas and inspirations to work with. Most of these are fondant cookies, which I am more of a buttercream fan myself when it comes to decorating for taste and time.
For good measure, my sister threw in this oh so cute diva high heel cookie cutter. I am feeling a need to bake coming on.

And finally, Naughty Cakes. Every baker needs a little spice in their cabinets, you know.
Again, more fondant use on these cakes, but they are definitely fun, and can make for a great party some day.

Reindeer Games

2010-12-24T18:11:00.003-06:00

My sister always sends humorous cards for any holiday, birthday, or celebratory occasion. We received this one just the other day. She cracks me up. I am even excited it is printed on 30% Post Consumer Waste. Yay Green!

Inside:

"Hoping all your Christmas joy arrive right on time"

So Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2010-11-25T14:15:00.001-06:00

Today is thanksgiving. A time to count our blessings, as my friend Katie always reminds me to do. I have realized over the last few weeks that there are indeed many things to be grateful for.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Day Twenty-five
Today I am Thankful for:
1. The pursuit of happiness
2. Life
3. Love
4. The unknown
5. Rock and roll

2010-11-24T23:06:00.001-06:00

Day Twenty-four
Today I am Thankful for:
1. A short workweek
2. Holiday lights
3. Humor
4. Time
5. Gratitude

2010-11-23T12:34:00.001-06:00

Day Twenty-three
Today I am Thankful for:
1. Dependability
2. Loyalty
3. Trustworthiness
4. Honesty
5. Disappointment

2010-11-22T09:44:00.001-06:00

Day Twenty-two
Today I am Thankful for:
1. Alanis Morissette
2. Craziness
3. Flamboyance
4. Feminism
5. Being a Woman

2010-11-21T23:14:00.003-06:00

Day Twenty-one
Today I am Thankful for:
1. 70 degrees on a November day
2. Chicken tortilla soup
3. Wool
4. Choices
5. Having had a wonderful weekend

2010-11-20T12:54:00.001-06:00

Day Twenty
Today I am Thankful for:
1. Historic Building Register
2. Legos
3.Sour cream sauce
4. Habitat for Humanity
5. Art

2010-11-19T23:12:00.001-06:00

Day Nineteen
Today I am Thankful for:
1. Big teethy grins
2. Swiffer dusters
3. Memories from my trip overseas
4. Birds
5. Weekends

2010-11-18T20:54:00.001-06:00

Day Eighteen
Today I am Thankful for:
1. Having been raised by good parents
2. The sunrise and sunset
3. Forgiveness
4. Courage
5. Modern medicine

2010-11-17T22:11:00.001-06:00

Day Seventeen
Today I am thankful for:
1. AutoCAD software
2. The cumbersome weather
3. Long hair
4. Wednesday
5. Enjoyable people to work with

2010-11-16T12:28:00.001-06:00

Day Sixteen
Today I am Thankful for:
1. Automatic 1.6 gallon per flush; water efficient toilets
2. Grid paper
3. Once in a lifetime opportunities
4. Words of encouragement
5. Personal growth

2010-11-15T13:21:00.001-06:00

Day Fifteen
Today I am Thankful for:
1. Cloudy skies and rain
2. Social networking
3. Strong ankles
4. Chicken salad
5. Orbit pink bubblemint gum

2010-11-14T16:52:00.000-06:00

Day Fourteen
Today I am Thankful for:
1. Starbucks singles coffee packets for coffee on the go.
2. Teamwork
3. Afternoon naps
4. 800 thread count cotton sheets
5. Goose down

2010-11-13T19:48:00.000-06:00

Day Thirteen
Today I am Thankful for:
1. Red leaves
2. Muffin
3. Cheesy Red Lobster Biscuits
4. Vodka
5. My favorite (and only) brother Greg. Happy Birthday!

2010-11-12T20:33:00.001-06:00

Day Twelve
Today I am Thankful for:
1. Birthdays
2. Red Wine
3. Knowing that powdered sugar + butter = frosting
4. Balsamic vinegar
5. Candles

2010-11-11T14:00:00.001-06:00

Day Eleven
Today I am Thankful for:
1. All of the selfless individuals who serve. Happy Veterans Day
2. Cool weather
3. Vacuum cleaners
4. Comfy pajamas
5. Lipstick

2010-11-10T13:57:00.001-06:00

Day Ten
Today I am Thankful for:
1. Online shopping
2. USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc.
3. Colored Sharpies
4. The smell of carrot cake
5. The text to blog option on blogger

2010-11-09T12:03:00.001-06:00

Day Nine
Today I am Thankful for:
1. New Shoes
2. Fresh sliced lemons
3. Hand lotion
4. Post-its
5. Hundreds of plastic laminate options

2010-11-08T12:33:00.002-06:00

Day Eight
Today I am Thankful for:
1. The 50' sprinklered building dead end corridor code inclusion
2. Blue sky
3. My beautiful geraniums that survived the summer heat
4. Train whistles
5. Biodegradable plastic

2010-11-07T17:09:00.002-06:00

Day Seven
Today I am Thankful for:
1. An extra hour of sleep
2. Warm sunshine
3. Smiley People
4. The discovery of the wheel
5. Strapping young men

2010-11-06T12:47:00.000-05:00

Day Six
Today I am Thankful for:
1. Security that will walk you to your car
2. Saturday's to sleep in
3. The "girlietini"
4. Three blankets on my bed
5. $1.29 baked potatoes from Wendys

2010-11-05T13:01:00.001-05:00

Day Five
Today I am Thankful for:
1. Fridays
2. Health Insurance
3. Feta Cheese and Kalamata Olives
4. White-out
5. Chocolate

2010-11-04T12:54:00.001-05:00

Day Four
Today I am Thankful for:
1. The people I work with who challenge me daily to be better
2. Friends who give tough love
3. Friends who offer support
4. Aunt Glenda
5. The colors of fall, the bareness of winter, growth of spring, the life of summer

2010-11-03T12:38:00.001-05:00

Day Three
Today I am Thankful for:
1. Hot Showers
2. My education
3. Philip, the eternal optimist
4. My legs; and the daily 10-15 minute 3-4 block walk in heels
5. The lunchroom sisters who always smile and who sell me my daily cup of coffee

2010-11-02T12:00:00.001-05:00

Day Two
Today I am Thankful for:
1. Elizabeth and Allison for not fearing climbing the ladder in the dark.
2. Earbuds
3. The 19th Amendment
4. Knee High Boots
5. Tula's wet nose waking me up in the mornings.

Thanksgiving

2010-11-01T12:31:00.002-05:00

In this season of Thanksgiving, I am going to be thankful for the things I have in my life.
Today, I am Thankful for:
1. My job
2. A roof over my head
3. All of my wonderful friends and family
4. Pat on the Black nail polish by Sally Hansen
5. Hot coffee on a cold day

So This is Christmas

2010-10-14T20:32:00.004-05:00

I know it is not even Halloween yet, and I have already been looking at Christmas tree ornaments this year. I even purchased a couple of them so far. Anyway, here are some of my favorite holiday picks.

So much for traditional, I find myself skewing for the designer aspect of the holiday season, which may or may not be appropriate, but either way, I feel that it is the time of year to think back on everything we are thankful for, and with that being said, it is memories and experiences. Many of these will always remind me of the things I have done in my life and for that, I am grateful.

For Tula: The Blue Whale from Crate and Barrel
I saw this one, and knew it would be her 5th Christmas ornament. I love the lapis hue for one, and it is simple and of blown glass. Fragile too of course. But for the price, it was a good purchase.

Other top ornaments I would like to get this year are the owl ornament (very cute btw) and the Global Girls.

This year I think W est Elm has a very nice assortment of holiday ornaments as well. For myself, I couldn't resist the Elaborate Chandelier. And I have to say that it is pretty elaborate. I received a box the size of a shoebox, and inside was about 10 yards of foam wrapping, enough bubble wrap to pop for hours, and finally the ornament itself. It is about 5 inches tall, and about 3.5" diameter, but yes it is very delicate looking, but it will look great on the tree with the lights and all of the dangling crystals. Love.

I think that CB2 outdid itself this year too as far as ornaments go, and the selection. In recent years, I have not seen so many. I am totally digging their play on mid century modern. I think George Nelson would be proud. And who knows, maybe even Charles and Ray as well. Anyway, I am loving the cosmic ornaments, and sure enough, one of them is called "George", among Elroy and Astro, too. The colors are fun, and even though not so girlie as my tree typically is, I think these could potentially have a good home for 10 months of the year, and be on display for the other two.

The next set of ornaments "nuclear family" also from CB2... Crack me up. Sooo cute and reminds me of one of my friends who just had a baby. I think she would love these. I am seeing a trend here with the cosmic roll. I thought it was the 80's were back, but now I am thinking of Buckminster Fuller and the Cranbrook.
I think my tree will make a slight transformation this year.

In Days of Old

2010-09-30T03:11:00.004-05:00

Last sunday would be my grandmother's 92nd birthday. I have spent this last week studying like mad for an upcoming exam, but for some reason one of the stories she used to tell us growing up has surfaced in my head.

A bit of a hellion she would admit to being, in her youth of grammar school, she often instigated dubious behavior and as such, the schoolhouse smelled of garlic, the life of a frog was taken among stories of joyriding in a model T Ford "speeding" along at 35 mph.

It was once a very cold day, and all of the children were in the classroom. It was apparently snowing and all of the students would rather be outdoors playing in the snow. So Reba took a clove of garlic and placed it on the radiator causing the entire schoolhouse to become scented with an aroma that indeed compelled the principal to close the school for a day due to the smell.

On another occasion, a scare with a toad was to be in order for the instructor. On this particular day, Reba and her fellow classmates found a frog and placed it on the teacher's lesson book on her desk. They covered it with a piece of paper hoping that when she sat down, she would move the paper and find the frog there and scream.
As such to Murphy's law, the teacher had a few announcements to make and while standing above her desk in the front of the classroom; leaned over, closed the book with force and proceeded to lean upon it, squashing the innocent amphibian.

Reba May, September 26, 1918 - February 25, 2005

Cinnamon and Honey

2010-09-11T13:58:00.004-05:00

I am not sure who wrote this, but I received it in an email yesterday. Thought I would share it with anyone who wants to read it, but I thought it was interesting anyhow.

Cinnamon and Honey-- Honey is the only food on the planet that will not spoil or rot. It will do what some call turning to sugar.

In reality honey is always honey.
However, when left in a cool dark place for a long time it will do what I rather call "crystallizing".

When this happens I loosen the lid, boil some water, and sit the honey container in the hot water, off the heat and let it liquefy.

It is then as good as it ever was.

Never boil honey or put it in a microwave. To do so will kill the enzymes in the honey.

Cinnamon and Honey
~ Bet the drug companies won't like this one getting around.

Facts on Honey and Cinnamon:

It is found that a mixture of honey and Cinnamon cures most diseases.
Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also accept honey as a 'Ram Ban' (very effective) medicine for all kinds of diseases.

Honey can be used without any side effects for any kind of diseases.

Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, if taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm diabetic patients.

Weekly World News, a magazine in Canada, in its issue dated 17 January, 1995 has given the following list of diseases that can be cured by honey and cinnamon as researched by western scientists:

HEART DISEASES:
Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread, instead of jelly and jam, and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack.
Also, those who have already had an attack, if they do this process daily, they are kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heart beat.
In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as you age, the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and veins.

ARTHRITIS:
Arthritis patients may take daily, morning and night, one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week, out of the 200 people so treated, practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain, and within a month, mostly all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain.

BLADDER INFECTIONS:
Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it.
It destroys the germs in the bladder.

CHOLESTEROL:
Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in
16 ounces of tea water, given to a cholesterol patient, was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours.
As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol is cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

COLDS:
Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and clear the sinuses.

UPSET STOMACH:
Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears stomach ulcers from the root.

GAS:
According to the studies done in India and Japan, it is revealed that if Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

IMMUNE SYSTEM:
Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

INDIGESTION:
Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.

FLUENZA:
A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural ' Ingredient' which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

LONGEVITY:
Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Take four spoons of honey, one spoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of water and boil to make like tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans also increase and even a 100 year old, starts performing the chores of a 20-year-old.

PIMPLES:
Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste.
Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. If done daily for two weeks, it removes pimples from the root.

SKIN INFECTIONS:
Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.

WEIGHT LOSS:
Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. If taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

CANCER:
Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month three times a day.

FATIGUE:
Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body.
Senior citizens, who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts, are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M. when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, increases the vitality of the body within a week.

BAD BREATH:
People of South America, first thing in the morning, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water, so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

HEARING LOSS:
Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing. Remember when we were kids? We had toast with real butter and cinnamon sprinkled on it!

You might want to share this information with a friend, kinfolks and loved ones. Everyone needs healthy help information ~ what they do with it is up to them ~ share with your email buddies!!!!!

Cup Cake Lady

2010-08-11T23:19:00.002-05:00

It becomes apparent to me now that I must feed my coworkers a little too much cake and a little too often. I like doing though, but also it comes with a price and a label. "Cup Cake Lady" it is.

There is a very nice man in my office who is an architect and has done some illustration work for a very long time.

When I came into the office this morning, he gave this drawing to me, which was on the envelope of a birthday card addressed from the office crew.

I can't help but smile when I look at it. All of the cupcakes, even a spatula. Glasses, and topped off with a wonder woman cape and a tiara. I guess he knows me well.

Inside of the envelope, this cute card with this cute little girl on it with a cupcake. "Feeling this age forever..."
inside: "priceless! Happy Birthday!"

Along with everything else, a lovely chocolate cake showed up. That I didn't have to bake. ha!

3 for 33

2010-08-09T21:32:00.000-05:00

I have always enjoyed my birthday, and just birthday's in general. This year I decided to have a full on birthday weekend to celebrate turning 33 with all of my friends over 3 days.

Friday, August 06, 2010
Friday night was an evening out at Groovy's - a disco club in Oklahoma City. A few friends gathered and danced and drank beneath the disco ball for hours. A friend of mine's husband even developed a new dance for all of us to do. It even involved animal moves... and it sounded good at the time. Following Groovy's, a few of us headed over to the COPA to continue the spectacle. Too soon the evening came to a close and we found ourselves at IHOP enjoying breakfast at 2 a.m.

Saturday, August 07, 2010
Noon on Saturday came way too quickly. It was time to prepare for the evening Rockband party. Wearing tattered jeans, I baked a hot pink chocolate guitar cake, whipped up some homemade salsa, and some feta dip.

Slowly, an intimate crowd poured in to open up their inner rock star. We had a good time singing, and busting some moves. Before I knew it, it was creeping into the morning hours once again and was time to call it a night.

Earlier that day, I received a package in the mail. I was pleasantly surprised to find this. A large scale spiderman wall decal. I had mentioned it to my sister some time ago, and sure enough, he has arrived.

Sunday August 08, 2010

By sunday at 10:30 a.m., I woke up tired and hurting from all of the excitement. Who knew that playing so much rockband would make your legs hurt. Or maybe it was all of the dancing on concrete in high heels. So on sunday, my design competition that I had been working on for the last couple of weeks would be due by 6 p.m. I only had to work on a few final details (which fro some are the most timely)... format it, and print it, and have it bound for submission. It took me nearly 5 hours to complete it what would have been 2 hours of work. But I managed to make it somewhat on time to the plans for Sunday Evening.

Appetizers and drinks at Cafe NOVA - however on Sundays, they are only open for brunch. We visited Musashi's instead. My friend Erin and I ordered a lovely pineapple infused vodka martini at Musashi's, complete with a sugared rim. And some edemame. Delish.

I got the monarch butterfly necklace from Erin as well. Someone has been poking in my etsy favorites ;)

Following drinks and appetizers, we headed around the corner to one of my favorite restaurants, Iron Starr Barbeque. They even serve my favorite COOP Beer there as well as their fancy mac and cheese. I had my usual beef brisket sandwich with a side of fancy mac and cheese and fried okra. Even decided to try the orange mango martini there too.

I laughed when Leslie and Dave's gift was super heavy... come to find out, it was baking groceries. Fab. And from Portia and Joel, a shoe cake server. With a glittery gold heel.

We all had a great time I presume, and I was glad I got to see many people that I have not seen in awhile. It is a shame that work and life get in the way too often. So, this is what birthday's are
for.

Last stop for the evening was Orange Leaf. After dessert, I was ready for bed. Long weekend, but a good one.

21 Jumpstart...

2010-06-26T14:00:00.004-05:00

Cheesy title I know... ah well. Since it has been awhile since I posted a new Intelligence Deck Card, thought I would take a few moments out of my less than busy day to do so. Card 12 of 50... in no particular order...

Le Chic Chick knows... How to Jump - Start a Car...

"When jump-starting a vehicle, always wear glasses or sunglasses to protect your eyes. Never lean over the battery. Inspect both batteries before connecting booster cables. Do not jump-start a damaged battery. Be sure vent caps are tight and level. Vehicles should be close enough for the cables to reach but should not be touching. Make sure both ignition switches are turned to the OFF position. Always consult the vehicle owners' manual for instructions that are unique to your car's make/model.

Connect positive (+) booster cable (RED) to positive (+) terminal of DEAD battery.

Connect other end of positive (+) (RED) cable to positive (+) terminal of CHARGED battery.

Connect negative (-) cable (BLACK) to negative (-) terminal of assisting battery.

MAKE FINAL CONNECTION OF NEGATIVE (-) CABLE TO ENGINE OR FRAME OF THE CAR WITH THE DEAD BATTERY. This should be an unpainted area, some distance away from the battery, with easy access such as a bracket or bolt. Don't connect it directly to the battery. Batteries release explosive gases. this last connection could cause a spark. If this happens close to the battery it could possibly explode. Start DEAD vehicle and remove cables in REVERSE order of connections."

The Small Things in Life are Free

2010-06-22T21:32:00.002-05:00

I was leaving an appointment the other afternoon and spotted a little family of ducks. I sat and watched them for several minutes. They just kept coming out of a small wooded area and walked over toward a makeshift pond that formed because of the rain and flooding last week.

Just a little reminder to enjoy the small things in life...

Baking Extravaganza

2010-06-20T21:12:00.000-05:00

By far the busiest weekend of cake baking, and little sleep. But I got it all done.

The first was for a 50th wedding anniversary, more appropriately, Golden.
A champagne colored frosting with dark chocolate harlequin and gold dragees. I was fortunate to locate a local shop who carries them so that I didn't have to order them online. The golden sanding sugar came from Williams Sonoma. Not available online though.

The second, a grooms cake for a co-owner of COOP Ale Works, a local Oklahoma City brewed beer. Have to admit that it is becoming one of my more favorite brews anyhow. The groom contacted me and said he wanted a sheet cake that had their logo on it. The more I thought about it, the more I felt it needed to take on a little dimension. So I constructed a barrel vault of cake, frosted it, and fashioned a COOP logo on the front of the keg. I think it turned out fun, if I do say so myself. I got to see the groom smile about it, so it was worth the work.

And last on the list, a baby shower for one of my friends I work with. She is having a girl, but likes turquoise and brown together. So cupcakes of carrot cake with pink cream cheese frosting, chocolate sprinkles, and a turquoise dragee was necessary. The mom to be is due in just a few weeks, but we all enjoyed the evening shower over a small dinner gathering at the Pepperoni Grill.

Out of this World

2010-06-05T21:22:00.004-05:00

Cake of the week: Vanilla with a solar system theme. I was corrected at dinner this evening, where my friend insisted that Mercury wasn't really red. We came to an agreement on the understanding that the surface closest to the sun is hotter than the surface facing away... Pluto however, being the smallest is (and if I am thinking correctly, isn't even labeled as a planet anymore...) a silver dragee in the far corner. My interpretation of the dusty ring that surrounds the planet Saturn is of sugar and dragees as well. I had a good time mixing colors in the frosting in order to make this happen as well.

Suddenly, Last Summer

2010-05-30T14:41:00.004-05:00

Just one year ago, I was boarding a plane for Italy, the start of our 12 day cruise along the Mediterranean Sea. Dad dropped us off at the airport. I remember weighing my baggage and checking my frequent flyer miles before I left the house. Just 9 hours later, we would be in a fast moving passenger van on our way to Civitavecchia, Italy where we would walk the streets and take photographs, enjoy pizza and gelato, see lots of scooters, and view the edge of the sea. I still recall the apartment we stayed in, an efficiency apartment with two bedrooms and one bathroom and a kitchenette. I remember having breakfast with Vivian and Greg, playing with our iPhones at the table and enjoying fresh cheese, peaches, and pear juice. Then we boarded and departed.
I still have fond memories of our journey. All fourteen days. Naples and Pompeii in Italy, Athens, Greece, the Island of Mykonos, the Island of Rhodes, Ephasus, Turkey, Egypt, the Island of Corfu, and then back to Rome and Vatican City. It was an amazing and humbling fourteen days abroad. I have to admit though that I was glad to get back to my baby Tula at home though.
After watching the movie "Letters to Juliet" over the weekend, I admit I would definitely be up for round two in the small towns of Italy; Verona, Florence, Naples, and Sienna. It brought back many memories of all of the architecture, people, and food.

Patty Cake, Patty Cake...

2010-05-27T20:13:00.003-05:00

So I've been doing an incredible amount of baking lately. This most recent bakeathon included a Rockstar theme for my 3 year old neighbor, Hudson.

Cream Cheese Frosting on Lemon Cake
Whole Cake

Sugar Flame Detail

Cream Cheese Frosting on Red Velvet Cupcakes

Since I had some black frosting left over, I decided to drop in the office this past Monday with a cupcake courier full of treats. They did not fly off the plate as fast as cupcakes normally do in the office, but they did look a bit different. I guess there is something to be said about fluffy pink buttercream frosting vs. something that could end up to be licorice. Dunno. Anyway, I thought they were a bit of black magic, Harry Potter-esque perhaps even. Anyhow, they were all consumed, and many compliments were given. Some were unsure though exactly what the frosting was. Perhaps this could be an unofficial experiment of messing with the mind, and the colors associated with certain foods. Ok, I'll cease the rambling. You can decide for yourself.

Chug A Chug A Chug A Choo Choo!

2010-05-15T20:35:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday to Flynn! I remember the day he was born... just three years ago. Well this year, mama ordered up a Thomas the Train birthday cake!

One of my friends let me borrow her Wilton Choo Choo Train 3-D Cake Pan, (c.1974) to get this one done. It turned out amazing for this birthday cake. Even though it is not a true "Thomas" it still works great for one, and much funner than a simple mold too. Definitely a fun project.

Strike A Pose

2010-05-07T23:30:00.000-05:00

This year is the first year I have attended the Oklahoma City Center IIDA Color & Couture Fashion Show. It is an excellent event to catch up with fellow designers, enjoy a few cocktails, and see some fresh faces strut down the runway for a great cause. The proceeds from the event were donated to Positive Tomorrows, a non profit organization devoted to helping underprivileged children with transitional and educational needs.
It is definitely a wonderful event though, handmade gowns of design materials used in residential and commercial design projects like tile, carpet, wood veneer, plastic laminate, rubber base, vinyl wall covering, various upholsteries and much more. It was really fun to see in person this time what the design teams developed.

Below are my iPhone photos from the event. They are not the best quality, but you can still get the idea.

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

Days of Dress Up

2010-04-24T21:47:00.006-05:00

I have been thinking about getting back into some ballet classes in the fall, an adult class mainly. The last time I went home, I looked through all of my old ballet costumes that were kept in a box up in the attic at the parents house. I pulled them out and realized I probably could not get one leg in most of them. haha.
So I found these while cleaning. They no longer fit, and they are definitely worn and tattered. They are my first pair of point shoes (c.1988) when I took ballet classes many moons ago. I cannot find the heart to part with them, so I wont.

It's A Zoo Out There!

2010-04-10T21:17:00.001-05:00

This is the first time I attempted a zebra pattern on a round cake, or any cake for that matter. It was like trying to figure out how to upholster a round ottoman or something. A definite evening of slow and individual steps to create an edible pattern. This one was a fun task though, I would do it again. The birthday party was held at the Oklahoma City Zoo on a gorgeous spring afternoon near the Goose pond. What a great place for a childhood birthday party!

Vanilla Cake with Buttercream Stars

Easter Candy

2010-04-03T19:56:00.000-05:00

For Easter, my sister sent me a card. I don't think I have laughed so hard in a long time.

Inside:

"Wynona and Eunice figure out a way to
keep from eating too much candy at Easter."

Top O' The Mornin' To Ya!

2010-03-17T21:40:00.001-05:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Don't get pinched.

We celebrated at the office today with some chocolate chip mint cupcakes. Yum.

Birds of a Feather...

2010-03-01T22:11:00.006-06:00

So I saw this cake online recently. I was actually online hunting for the cake that was in the background at the party scene in the film "Dear John". It was a white multi-tiered cake with buttercream frosting, and with richly colored birds flowing down one side of it like a waterfall. I would love to stare at it for hours. I know the big thing this season is birds. They are everywhere. On pillows, dishes, mugs, and even bedding.

Anyhow, this cake in the image to the right is the Martha Stewart "Songbird Cake". I have been admiring it lately too, but honestly did not know whether to love it or hate it when I first saw it. But, I liked it enough and needed a reason to bake from it's inspiration. I like the natural and organic forms placed on the circular tiers, in it's simplicity, but it still appears a bit busy. I do admit though, that I am fond of the tree trunk base that it rests upon. What a heavy cake though. Somehow it is a balanced composition.

I finally found a great reason to bake this past weekend. My friend Lily's birthday. This wedding cake with multiple tiers would not be suitable, so I settled for a shorter cake, a 10" round base with a 6" top.

Robin's egg blue was an appropriate color for the frosting, and the little bird accents from PotteryBarn were the perfect addition.

Her birthday party was a blast, and the cake was a hit; chocolate cake with buttercream frosting. It tasted great too, even with a margarita in one hand.

So Happy Birthday, Lily. I hope you had a great birthday week full of excitement and joy. I know you got to have your cake, and eat it too.

Spots of Blue

2010-02-21T21:59:00.005-06:00

For some reason, everyone around me is having babies. The last baby spurt occurred with several I work with in circa 2006-2007. Now, there is another crop coming through. I can't even count on one hand all of the people I know who are giving birth this year.

To celebrate, a baby shower was at hand today. The theme was baby blue, and giraffes. I baked a delightful cake and cupcakes for the event. I have never decorated an animal print cake, so this was the first, and I believe it was successful. It tasted good, too!

For the mom to be, I purchased a few things from her registry at Target. I was excited that this particular item was available for purchase: The yellow hooded duck towel, as it is simply too cute. Also a few little things to go along with bath time. There was quite a showing at the shower today too, I am excited that she received lots of fun things to be used when baby Aiden arrives.

Celebrate. Good Times. Come On.

2010-02-21T21:36:00.003-06:00

What a weekend. I am glad that it has slowed down long enough for me to sleep now. Saturday, I catered a retirement party. It was a fantastic event and location, at OhSpace!, which is a residence also used for entertainment space as well. It is equipped with a kitchen, plenty of seating, and an ipod ready sound system so you can play your favorite tunes. It is open, but has enough privacy and separations to allow everyone to have a good time.

I spent most of friday evening preparing the food, which was a success. The menu included the following:

Jalapeno Brochettes, Greek Salad, Pasta Salad, Spinach Dip, Chips and Salsa, Guacamole, Queso,
Chocolate cake with cream cheese filling, Mini cheesecakes, Lemon tarts and a yummy Punch.

There are a few leftovers that I will be taking up to the office tomorrow, but for the most part, everything was delicious and everyone had a great time, including the retiree himself.

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

NINE

2010-02-15T22:29:00.004-06:00

For Valentines Day this year, I got to see the musical "NINE" at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art Theater. It was showing as part of the Oscar Nominated Film tribute held by the Film department in the Museum.

I have not often visited the Museum for films, a few during graduate school for design courses, but this one was purely for fun. After seeing the previews and learning about the fabulous cast of the musical, I wanted to see it. But after learning about the eye candy that was to be, I was intrigued and wanted to see it even more.

Aside from the music, it was a beautiful film visually, and I have to hand it to Danielle Day Lewis for his mostly believable Italian accent.

The film reminded me of Rome and when I visited this past summer. It was the most beautiful and upbeat place I have ever been. I would be happy to live there with only a Vespa scooter, a train ticket, and Tula. Oh, and maybe a job in a fabulous Italian Architectural office, too.

The architecture and costumes in the film were most magnificent and I enjoyed seeing Kate Hudson in a lively role. She has become one of my favorite actresses. (Perhaps yes, I am fascinated by chick flicks)... But the cast was spectacular too with Fergie, Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Judi Dench, Marion Cotillard, and Sophia Loren.

I missed it while it was on it's run at the box office, but I am glad that I had the opportunity to pick it up at the museum.

Love, Life, and Lent

2010-02-14T23:30:00.000-06:00

I went to see the movie Dear John. I have seen it twice now. It is a message filled with choices, decisions, and reality. It is about priorities vs. opportunities. It is about sacrifice, love, and commitment. It is about life.

I have become my own valentine this year. I have embarked on a journey to question whether God's love for us is the only true love. I am entering this lenten season, on this Sunday of Forgiveness, perhaps not only with sacrifice, but with the need and desire to nurture myself. I am not perfect. I have made choices, and decisions. I have faced reality. I have made priorities and have taken and missed out on opportunities. I have sacrificed, I have loved, and I have made commitments.

I am living life.

I have wonderful friends who ask me everyday what I am thankful for, my accomplishments, my goals, and to remember my talents, skills, and blessings. Things could be different and I could have failed.

The opening narrative to the film, and what is to be a letter to his [John Tyree's] father states:

"There's something I want to tell you. After I got shot. You want to know the very first thing that entered my mind, before I blacked out? Coins.

I'm eight years old again on a tour of the U.S. Mint. I'm listening to a guy explaining how coins are made. How they are punched out of sheet metal. How they are rimmed and beveled. How they are stamped and cleaned; and how each and every batch of coins are personally examined just in case any have slipped through with the slightest imperfection.

That's what popped into my head.

I am a coin of the United States Army. I was minted in the year 1980. I have been punched from sheet metal. I have been stamped and cleaned; and my ridges and have been rimmed and beveled. Now I have two small holes in me. And am no longer in mint condition.

So there's something else I want to tell you. Right before everything went black. You want to know the very last thing that entered my mind?
You."
- Sgt. John Tyree
from the motion picture, Dear John

Hug Me, Kiss Me, Love Me, Text Me

2010-02-14T00:02:00.003-06:00

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

I baked lots of goodies this week. Sugar cookies, and cupcakes to be exact. I made conversation cookies, too inscribed with frosting. Each one labeled with one of the following "Hug Me"; "Kiss Me"; "Love Me"; and "Text Me" which by the way was the new conversation heart phrase this year.

Snowed In...Again

2010-01-29T20:28:00.007-06:00

I feel like a slacker. With my blog anyway. Not slacking at anything else though. Still baking and taking and running and working and playing wonder woman on a daily basis. It's nice though. I need a vacation, however. A four day weekend snowed in with no hope of leaving the house soon is hardly a vacation. At least I am thankful I have power, heat, running water, and that I actually went to the grocery store before the storm this time.

This crazy weather here with two winter storms is just unheard of. I do not recall this much snow and ice in the last several years. Usually it is just once during the season and it comes and goes and then everyone gets back to their daily lives.
My office shut down early yesterday morning before lunch. I got home, and caught up on my dvr of television episodes saved for the last few weeks, including Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, Desperate Housewives, Community (one of my new favorite shows btw), and the Office, Project Runway, Big Love, and watched "Carrie" which I have never seen before. Creepy movie, by the way...

Tula has been hanging out with me and cracking me up today. Although I have been cleaning house and baking lemon pound cake all day, she still managed to find ways to grab my attention and to make me laugh. One of those, while looking over and seeing her sprawled out on the console table like she owns the place. But then again, she does own the place. I just pay the bills.

I don't know if I can sit inside without going stir crazy for two more days though. I guess Tula will just have to keep me entertained :)

Aunt Hazel's Carrot Cake

2010-01-28T22:39:00.000-06:00

So the other day at the office, I am approached by a coworker who graciously passed out his aunt Hazel's Carrot Cake recipe. I took one look at it, and responded with "so what, am I just supposed to go home and bake this?!" So the next day, he rolls into the office with about three cups or so of pecan halves from his pecan trees. These pecans were so delicious, that I called and told him there would not be enough for a requested extra large carrot cake that was to be brought into the office this last week.

So I baked four 10" layers on Sunday afternoon, and made a double batch of cream cheese frosting. I didn't finish frosting the cake until Tuesday, and showed up with it on Wednesday. But it turned out to be very delicious, simple, and heavy at the same time.

Recipe

2 C Flour
2 C Sugar
2 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Salt
1 tsp Baking Powder
2 tsp Baking Soda
1-1/2 C Vegetable Oil
4 Eggs
1 tsp Vanilla
3 C Grated Carrots

Mix all dry ingredients together. In a mixer, beat eggs and add oil and vanilla. Add dry ingredients one cup at a time. Fold in carrots by hand.
Bake in 9x13 pan at 350 degrees for 50 minutes or until done.

Frosting:
1 8 oz pkg of Cream Cheese
1 stick of Butter
1 box of Powdered Sugar
1 tsp Vanilla
1 C Chopped Pecans

In mixer, add cream cheese and butter. Then add powdered sugar a little at a time and then vanilla. Fold in chopped pecans or use for decoration.

Kymaerica with Eames Demetrios

2010-01-23T21:55:00.000-06:00

Some good friends of mine let me in on the arrival of Eames Demetrios in Oklahoma City on Friday January 22nd. Eames is the grandson of the late Charles and Ray Eames, mid century designers of whom I am very fond.
Anyhow, he came and presented his latest project at COOP Ale Works in Oklahoma City. The warehouse was a great place to host. With lots of good fresh brew on tap, it was delightful and interesting.

He spoke about Kymaerica, a linear idealism in the world not separated by countries, and within each linear space, a story lives. Eames has traveled and placed plaques all over the world with these stories to represent the space and to create "buildings made of wind".

After drinking a pint of 10% COOP DNR... Trying to keep up was interesting. But it was interesting, and some nice stories were told.

I even made cupcakes to take. Red Velvet, with Cream Cheese and Chocolate frosting. To celebrate the Eames legacy, decorated them with some mid century chairs, and Ray's small dot pattern. They were just something fun to bake, since we needed to show up with treats to share.

All in all it was a great evening. He is head of Eames Office, which successfully released in 2008 a set of postage stamps that I purchased and saved. He signed them for me, "To Melissa, Glad you saved the stamps. Best, Eames Demetrios"

All Rolled Up Into One

2010-01-04T21:03:00.001-06:00

I was worried about not celebrating Christmas before New Years day this year. We ended up with both rolled up into one short afternoon of gifts, food, and waiting for Greg and Vivian to return, and for family to stop by.

Greg and Vivian arrived back from Mexico around 2 in the afternoon, just in time for lunch. We had a huge meal, topped off with pie, and then I left to head back home. Missed out on my sister and brother in law this year though. We are still waiting to have Christmas with them.

Santa was good to me this year though. He dropped this off into my stocking first off. Hallmark's 2009 Keepsake Christmas Ornament. I have always girl crushed on Wonder Woman. I even have some red boots, and my mother recalls my outfit from when I was young. But I love my Christmas ornaments, and this one definitely scores big points with me.
I do enjoy the Barbie Christmas ornaments too. Santa left this one too, the Celebration 2009 Barbie Ornament. She looks great on the tree too. Pink and sparkly.

Next up, a few other fabulous finds. The MINI t-shirt. It is simple and classic, just like the real deal.

Also, a big must have from Santa:
The Williams Sonoma Cookie Cake pan. Looks like a big giant oreo cookie, and I've been eying it for months. Finally made one too. Turned out pretty yummy if I do say so myself.

Greg and Vivian gave me Bride Wars, a classic chic flick which I definitely needed in my collection, and a nice warm shawl. My friend Erin knitted me a cowl for helping her out at the Girlie Show this year. Its way cute and warm too.

Glad we all made it together despite the big Oklahoma Blizzard of 2009. Glad my friend's who were in a big car accident made it out with no real injuries. Glad the holiday was appreciated more than usual.

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish

2010-01-02T20:44:00.001-06:00

So I finally made it to Tulsa for Christmas, that is on New Year's Eve. Decided to take my godson to the Aquarium for the afternoon, since I did not make it there on Christmas Eve as originally planned.

We ate happy meals at McDonalds for lunch, and then headed to the aquarium. I have never been there, so to see it finally was great. We went inside and entered through the gift shop. After the distractions and purchase of new camera batteries, we were on our way to discover that star fish feel scratchy, and that shrimp are really clear little sea creatures.

We saw a beaver nest, otters, and all kinds of wild fish, tropical fish, colorful fish and blah fish. Stone fish, stone crabs, stone starfish, an octopus too. The coolest thing though, is the shark tank. The engineering of this capability is amazing, with cool lighting, and sharks swimming towards you from all angles. Feeding time would have been very cool to see.

After, we dined at Maggie Moos ice cream, and then I took him back home.

Got to see my BFF I grew up with in Tulsa on New Years Eve. We made spaghetti, and lots of nice snacks along with my pineapple walnut cheeseball, spinach dip, etc. Rang in the New Year sans my brother and Vivian, who decided they would much rather be in Mexico where it was warm.

I'll Never Dream of a White Christmas Ever Again.

2009-12-27T23:55:00.003-06:00

This Christmas, I managed to purchase all gifts on time, hosted a girls Dirty Santa dinner party, wrapped all gifts with ribbons and bows on top, had the tree up the day after Thanksgiving, mailed off Christmas cards, and attended loads of holiday events, birthdays and festivus.

Somehow and someway though, I missed Christmas. It was the fault of the weather though. I've never missed Christmas with even a part of my family. Ok, I've never spent Christmas alone even. It wasn't entirely alone though, as Tula was here keeping me warm. But I am still in a bit of shock that I did not see any of my family or friends on Christmas Day.

New Year's eve however was a different story. I woke up to light sounds of sleet tapping on the windows. I trailed on to work though with little difficulty driving. There were not many people around anyhow since most were on leave. I had so much work to complete so I did not call in, but should have. The airport and the office officially closed at 11 a.m. and I made it home by 11:20 a.m. and had the car packed by noon. I needed some cash for the turnpike toll, so went across the street to the ATM where I got stuck in the snow, but managed to back out of it. I made it back onto the main street with little visibility and none at times. I felt claustrophobia settling in, and turned around for home.

Driving Conditions

I barely made it up the driveway into the garage for one, but then realized that I had no food in the house because I had not planned to be here. I called for pizza, where it was an un-guaranteed delivery, and a two hour wait at that. Soon after, my next door neighbor called asking me for a lunch date, so I cancelled the pizza and we went to the grocery store instead. We laughed at the extreme snowfall and blizzard like conditions, she helped a couple of people out of unmoving situations, and walked with me through the grocery store for staple items. Even went running after my knitted hat that went flying off when I wiped out onto my bum in the parking lot after slipping on ice.

We got back home and heated up frozen pizza's and watched the snow drifts develop in the back yard. We munched on snacks and then decided to take naps. I managed to get back to my house in knee deep snow, and came in thankful for the tile entryway. The power flickered on and off throughout the afternoon, and Tula sat by me as I napped all afternoon.

Christmas morning rolled around, and I realized that I could not give my gifts to those I purchased for. I always enjoy watching people open gifts. I spent the afternoon on facebook, watching movies on television, and enjoying a hot bath or two. Oh yeah, and the bucket of frozen cosmopolitans in the freezer came in handy too.

Saturday I did not feel up to risking a drive to Tulsa, of which I have heard the streets are still in poor condition compared to those in Oklahoma City. I did clear off the driveway though and went to babysit my favorite little twin six month olds. I had no trouble driving in the neighborhood despite no shoveling and little melting, and soon discovered the main roads were in excellent condition for driving, yet a few cars and trucks sat on the sides of the highways waiting for their owners to come pick them up.

Before

After

I went to babysit, left after the ice on the streets began to freeze up again. Made it back to the neighborhood no problem, but then got totally stuck turning the corner onto my street. I woke up my neighbor asking for help when a total saint in a Jeep came up behind. Dude seriously had a snow shovel in his truck too. He dug me out of the snow, and I made it home. It took about seven tries to get the poor MINI up the driveway and into the garage, but I made it. I didn't dare leave the house today though.

I heard this evening there is to be more snow this week. Will I ever make it to visit my family and have a Christmas? Celebrate things I've taken for granted? It was something to spend Christmas cooped up in my own house for four days with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and macaroni and cheese. Thank goodness for Tula here, she has definitely kept me most entertained. I am thankful though, it could have been much worse. I heard there were many people stuck snowed in under inches of snow on the Turnpike and with no movement because of accidents and such. I don't know how many of those people had no blankets or water or food with them, and how many of them had small children and pets with them too.

How Melissa Got Her Groove Back

2009-12-13T21:35:00.000-06:00

I love my dinner parties, playing Hostess and the Mostess. Some of the girls came by for a Dirty Santa party and dinner to get in the mood for the Holidays. The food was amazing, and the company better. With the tree up and decorated, holiday music playing, and gifts piling up in the corner to open and steal, dinner of tilapia fish, cheese manicotti, greek salad, and lots of good appetizers filled the kitchen and our bellies. It was nice to have a prayer before a meal too.

I set the table and made Christmas ornaments for the guests. We drank wine and laughed, and played several games of "Apples to Apples".
This was the first time I have tried mulled apple cider with spiced rum, and peach schnapps, alone respectively, of course.

It was my first dinner party since February 2007, and it felt nice. I want to have them more often. I feel like I have my groove back, and it feels good.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

2009-11-29T17:30:00.002-06:00

I love the holiday season. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years all rolled into about 40 days of eating, shopping, gabbing, partying, drinking, and celebrating. The origin having centered around the birth of Christ, it has grown a little out of hand with the extravagance, but at the same time, I believe that people are reminded about what matters most. Being thankful for what we have and our achievements that we have earned in life, and the things we have done for others.

I am struggling right now with choices to be made and decisions to finalize. They are not easy, and I have been unable to find the answers from others, so I have come back to find them from myself. I am having a difficult time reaching inside for them, so it is time to ask God to guide me through my path.

I put up my Christmas tree this year for the first time in two years. I found all of my ornaments that remind me of times and places and journeys Ive taken through life. Some of them Ive left in their boxes and some I will give to others, and some remind me of good things that I will keep and display to remind me each day of the season. When I went to Disney World, I admit I dropped too much cash on ornaments, but for me, that was kind of a once in a lifetime experience, so I can justify it I guess.

Some of my favorites this year are:

Buzz Lightyear and Woody

T-Rex
(I love it that he is enjoying a Mickey Mouse treat...)

Tinkerbell

Just to name a few anyway. I love my ornaments though, I found the ones that I bought when I visited Alaska, Michigan, New York, Chicago, Rhode Island among others. Forgot about my barbie shoe tree's, barbie keepsakes, and my girlie tiara tree topper. I'm very excited for Christmas this year. Have most of my shopping done, and cant wait to see my Godson's face when he opens his gifts this year!

Magic Kingdom

2009-11-28T00:56:00.003-06:00

So I am 32 years old, and I finally visited Disney World, Magic Kingdom. It was quite a fun and fantastic place indeed. When my friend and I arrived, the ferry boat took us across a small lake slowly towards Cinderella's Castle. It grew larger as we got closer. I could hardly believe that I was there. It was a great day outside too, the weather warm and sunny. There were tons of little girls roaming the streets in their princess attire purchased at the local shops along Mainstreet USA, where the afternoon parades begin. Hundred's of people lined the streets to see the characters come out on their floats. One by one they came about, followed by dance troops with ribbons and banners, singing "celebrate the place where all your dreams do come true."

Following the parade, we went to the Monster's Inc. Laugh In, to generate power through laughs, instead of screams... The show was quirky and funny. I was totally digging the light fixtures they had in the studio though... they were pretty cool. Looked like some "googly eyes" if you will. I have to say though, that the carousel of progress was very cool, I believe it was built by Walt Disney for a World's Fair in the 60's. The characters in the theater were brought to life by Walt's voice. I thought that was very cool. My favorite attraction, however, at the Magic Kingdom, was the Buzz Lightyear Ride. It is a train of many cars and lots of targets inside to shoot at. Kinda like laser tag, and you get a score card to rank yourself when you finish. Let's just say I had to enjoy this one more than once :)

I also visited Disney Downtown. A lovely place with lots of restaurants and shops. I dropped too much cash on Christmas Ornaments though. I got T-Rex, from Toystory, Buzz and Woody also from Toystory, and then couldn't resist a Cinderella and Tinkerbell too. All in all, a few days to escape reality and visit a magical place that I definitely want to see again someday.

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360 Degrees

2009-10-19T14:29:00.004-05:00

Dear Black Eyed Peas and U2:
Amazing show last night in Norman, Oklahoma.
Thank you for coming to see us!

Everything was so cool, the space set up, even the t-shirts!

Playlist:
1. Breathe
2. Beautiful
3. Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
4. No Line on the Horizon
5. Elevation
6. In A Little While
7. Unknown Caller
8. Until the End of the World
9. Vertigo
10. I'll Go Crazy
11. Sunday Bloody Sunday
12. Walk On
13. One
14. Where the Streets Have No Name
15. Ultraviolet
16. Moment of Surrender

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Leo in September

2009-09-22T00:02:00.003-05:00

I enjoy reading the daily horoscope, have for years. Something about it eludes to wonders and hypothesis. Sometimes right on key, sometimes way off. Today's, horoscope for Leo, however reads:

"Something you have been competing for will finally be yours. You worked hard, and you deserve it."

I am quite intrigued by this statement. Could it be career wise, or could it be that I will lose all control and go for the big bad red kitchenaid? Only time will tell...

Final Days of Summer

2009-09-19T22:51:00.008-05:00

Today was a nice day outside. Two official days of Summer left, then the days will begin to darken early. It has been a decent summer. The weather hot, a great vacation overseas followed by a super tan, a fabulous birthday, a wedding in Newport Beach, RI, lots of hard work, and a trip to visit my friend in Dallas.
I went to the office for a bit, cared for the neighbor's dogs, Izzy, Meredeth, and Gabby.

Contemplating a new addition to the family myself, in the form of a dachshund.

I re-mulched the front garden, I didn't realize it needed a lot of sprucing. I added a couple of red mums against the blonde colored brick on my house too.

Today was OU vs. Tulsa, final score 62-21 in favor of crimson and cream.

Ive been cleaning house and getting rid of un-needed items and today I found a birthday card from a few years ago. I love the shoes, they are so sassy on the cover with those little crystal chandeliers dangling on the heel.

Inside, it says:

"Hey Glamour Girl:

Happy Birthday! I wanted to tell you that you really INSPIRE me. You have worked really hard and it is paying off. I hope this card gives you a chance to look back and realize how far you've come. I think you will achieve all your goals. Love L."

I can't even say how I feel right now - I needed to find this on a day like today. It made it so much better than all of the good things that have already happened today. This last year has been a roller coaster ride of all sorts. Everything is coming together and I continue to keep doing what Ive been doing.

My horoscope told me the other day that something good would be coming soon. I believe it. Perhaps when I figure out where to get settled I will treat myself to the 90th Anniversary Kitchenaid Mixer with glass bowl. Gorgeous. *drool*

So close, yet so far away.

Another Year Older. Another Year Wiser?

2009-08-16T00:02:00.005-05:00

It has been such a busy and crazy week... I have not had time to post. Birthday 32 has come and gone, but it is not too late to report on the fun and excitement.

I arrived at work to good coffee and flowers, a pink boa, and party hats all supplied by Liliya. It made the day just fabulous. I could not have had it any other way.

Later in the evening, several friends and family arrived and gathered at a local restaurant in Oklahoma City, Musashi's. I felt that a Japanese Hibachi Grill would be a fun dinner for everyone, and it was. I got to see several people who I have not seen in quite awhile, and we all got to catch up. My parents came down with my brother and his girlfriend also. It was a great evening for all.

Got some goodies too, my friend Knitterista brought me the cutest screen print "Let Them Eat Cake" from a shop on Etsy.

I also got some make up that I had recently discovered from Mary Kay. There are some new things that are out right now that will make life fabulous. Like this, this, this, and this.

Got a little cash too, so when I went down to Dallas to visit my good friend L and to see Legally Blonde the Musical, I stopped off at the little robins egg blue store to check out the Frank Gehry collection created for Tiffany & Co. There is a fabulous little ring, "Torque" in the collection, so I picked one up for myself and one for L too, since her 30th birthday was just a couple of weeks before mine. For my 30th birthday, she had given me the Tiffany Blue Purse Pen, the one I used to drool over when I was a poor college student. We sat in my studio apartment on pleather seating and the dwelling with the walk in shower located in the kitchen just next to the micro-gas stove. She reminded me that I mentioned that "if I had that pen, I would write all of my checks with it" :)

So for 30th birthdays, it is Tiffany & Co. for her too... a beloved architect and design, perfect for the aspiring architect to be too.

All in all, it was a great week, and a great birthday month too. I feel older now, desiring something big, promises to get it together and get it done.

Wearin My Brand New Shoes...

2009-08-04T16:56:00.004-05:00

There is this song I really enjoy. I first heard it a couple of years ago when I went down to Dallas for a baby shower for a friend of a friend. We were driving to Costco, and this song was on the iPod. By Paulo Nutini, "New Shoes."

"Hello new shoes, bye bye, blues...
hey, I put some new shoes on
and suddenly everything is right.
I said hey, I put some new shoes on
and everybody's smiling, its so inviting"

It has been a super long time since I have purchased a new pair of shoes for myself. And for a festive occasion, these are fabulous, glamorous, and maybe a little over the top for work, but who knows, they might just need to be introduced.

Rome, Italy

2009-06-13T16:47:00.002-05:00

I can now tell everyone that I did Rome in 14 hours. It was a long day, and I cannot wait to get on the plane tomorrow to go home. The port docked in Civitavecchia early and we had a uniform exit waiting for our color to be called. We left the ship and gathered our luggage. Everyone was tired, but ready to see Rome. We had two vans and drivers waiting for us at the port. We got all of our luggage and everything and headed off to our apartment in Rome. The drivers were well dressed, very European chic, and drove 200 km on the highway, and weaving in and out of the traffic.

We arrived at the apartment and took several trips on the elevator to the third floor with all of the luggage. I found a tiny room off of the kitchen to possibly sleep in. We freshened up a bit, looked at a map of Rome, and headed out to do some sight seeing.

We purchased bus tickets and found a bus to the Coliseum. We arrived and I was in awe and excited about how massive and extreme it really was. We waited in a very long line to enter, but it was worth it. It was the most interesting piece of history Ive seen since Pompeii. It is a very eroded structure though, and it is hard to fully imagine the way it looked in all of its glory and what it stood for.

We saw brides standing outside in the streets in their gowns, horse carriages with brides and grooms, and even a coming out parade complete with transvestites and visible body parts. It was an interesting combination of Basilica architecture and a sexual event. None the less, it is the local flavor and was a nice understanding of the culture.

We had pizza at a local restaurant for lunch, and then went around the city to the Vatican, St. Peter's Basilica which I was very excited to see. Raphael's masterpiece and the center of attention just inside of St. Peter's Square. It is magnificent with all of the large statues of the popes, martyrs, and saints on the entry walls. The Sistine Chapel was closed for renovation so we did not get to experience it, but St. Peter's Basilica was definitely a humbling experience. I have seen photographs and learned about Bernini and the famous altar, but to go inside and see everything and the massive scale, detail, and triumph was breathtaking. I had studied the sculpture of Michaelangelo's Pieta, and for the first time laid eyes on it. There was a choir singing in the chapel and too many emotions and thoughts ran through my head, so all I could do was photograph the light shining into the structure from the dome and the windows in all of its magnificence.

When we left the basilica, we walked down to the tombs of the Popes. They are below the basilica and there are many tombs with the pope resting as a sculpture on top of them, then there are simple tombs like for John Paul, and then some which are entombed into the structure itself. Each one was unique, and there are several places left for future Popes. Everything was white except for the tomb of St. Peter, where relics and his body are supposedly kept.

Upon leaving the Vatican, the evening began to set in. We walked through the streets looking for more sites. We visited the exterior of the Parthenon, and had a dinner of pizza in the square just below. It was exciting to have dinner while sitting just several yards from one of the oldest structures in Rome.

We walked around all day long exploring, and did not get back to the apartment until nearly 01:00. We had just a few hours to get things together, get a shower and head to the airport for our 05:55 flight to Amsterdam.

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The Last Supper

2009-06-12T16:38:00.001-05:00

The final day at sea. It was relaxing, and I am eager to get home to see my baby Tula. My neighbor who was kind enough to feed her every day and check on things had text messaged me just a few days into the trip telling me that Tula hissed and tried to bite her. I worried I would come home to angry cat. It has been a wonderful two weeks, but a little too much together time. Tomorrow we are visiting Rome. I am very excited to see more of the architecture that I studied in school, but the same time, want to vomit rock and marble.

We passed by an erupting volcano today, Stromboli. I studied this volcano in school when I took geology courses, and a special course titled "Earthquakes and Volcanos". There is a type of lava called stromboli, it is rope like, and is named after this particular volcano. There is a small village at the base of the mountain, and there were people on boats enjoying the sea. You can see a giant crater in the side of the volcano, and I wonder if the locals monitor it and whether they have planned emergency evacuations and such...

Our last night on the ship and a final formal evening. The dinner waiters and servers took photos with us and we said goodbye to our staff who had been most helpful and friendly during the stay.

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Corfu, Greece

2009-06-11T16:26:00.001-05:00

Our final stop before porting again in Civitavecchia, Italy. A short stop to the Island of Corfu which involved the use of tender boats to remove passengers from the ship to the shore for the afternoon. It seems that the set excursions the ship had organized were canceled due to tour guide strikes on the main land. We have not participated in many of the organized tours which exception to Egypt, so we ventured out of foot to the city filled with streets of paved limestone, side walks, boutiques, shops, and eateries.

It is much more difficult to bargain for itms in Corfu like the other places we have been. It is not a small village, and is quite modern. We visited a scooter shop to rent scooters for the afternoon to get around. They asked for drivers licenses and insurance. We provided some, then they asked if we had a scooter license. The old man, made me laugh with his heavy Greek accent when he raised his arm up and said "No scooter license? No scooter." So we carried on by foot and eventually made it to the center of town.

Everyone is getting tired and worn from all of the traveling and walking around for several days. We did some light shopping and had lunch at a local restaurant. The food was delicious and I once again dined on an appetizing cucumber and tomato salad, bread, and calamari. The calamari in greece is spectacular compared to what we find here, with exception though to what the wonderful cooks prepare at the St. George Orthodox Church Greek Festival each year in Oklahoma City.

There are many gardens and Venetian facades of balconies and flowers that tower only a few stories above the streets. The island is quiet and beautiful, and one of the more beautiful harbors we have seen too. The waters are not calm today, and the tender boat rocked back and forth as we ventured back to the ship.

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Sick At Sea

2009-06-10T16:24:00.001-05:00

Today Merangae lessons and a trip to the infirmary. Antibiotics not healing the staph infection... need to seek a different kind. Yeck.

Something exciting though, Gregory Scott, the fabulous violinist joined us for dinner at our table in the formal dining room. We got to talk with him and learned that his mother was a ballerina, he has always been interested in music, and that his next performance would be on the Queen Mary.

Alexandria and Cairo, Egypt

2009-06-09T16:09:00.001-05:00

Today was quite exciting indeed. We visited the Pyramids of Giza. We took lots of fun photos and saw many local beggars and children who were friendly for money. We hired a tour bus for our excursion, and our tour guide, Amr, was quite funny, interesting, and entertaining. With a bachelor degree in philosophy and also one in Egyptology, he was quite knowledgeable and exciting to listen to while on the two and a half hour journey to Cairo. He was able to to involve everyone on the bus in discussing what is needed to build a pyramid.

Once we went down near the sphynx, all chaos took hold. We took more photos, purchased a few things from the people setting up shop, and then my greatest memory which I will never forget occured. I found a scarab box that I wanted to purchase. I asked the man how much it was, and he said "$25.00" so I said well I dont have that much cash on me. He then said "$15.00" so I said "no thank you" and walked away as the rest of my party was heading towards the bus. As I was several steps away under the hot sun, the man came running after me. "Mam, for you, $5 if you show me your eyes." Sure enough I smiled, flipped my sunglasses up to flash my brown eyes at him. I reached into my blouse for my cash I had stashed away and handed him the money. He smiled and waved and I walked on.

Upon leaving and seeing the entire busload of people up ahead, I was running behind. I was walking when I suddenly heard screaming. I looked and there was a young man being dragged by an older man, and the kid was losing his shoes and was crying and screaming. There was another man in his traditional dress and head covering, holding one hand in the air and yelling in Arabic. He had an open bag below him. I for a moment wanted to intervene, but then quickly remmbered that I was in a foreign country and could not. I just had to scurry away as fast as I could. I do not know what the child did, or what his fate would be, but Ill never forget that moment.

We boarded the bus again, and were surrounded by locals with papyrus. They waited for more tourists to show up, and wandered away as we drove off. We stopped for lunch at a local hotel where they had prepared a buffet of local and international dishes, which were all very good by the way. We were greeted at the granite steps of the hotel with an Egyptian band wearing traditional dress and playing music with bag pipes and drums.

After lunch, we visited the papyrus institute to see how papyrus is made, and then we visited a local jewelry shop. Once we finished there, we headed to the Egyptian Museum. Amr took us through and showed us the major points in the museum which included the articles found in King Tutankhamen's tomb from the Valley of the Kings. There were thousands of artifacts in the un-ar-conditioned and poorly lighted space. Beads, sarcophaguses, shoes, mummified animals and crocodiles, mummies, gold jewelry, stone figures, old kingdom and new kingdom artifacts. It was all very interesting of course and took me back to my days in design school and humanities courses.

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It's A Lovely Day At Sea, Sir!

2009-06-08T16:06:00.000-05:00

Mostly a boring day at sea. Lots of hot sunshine, tanning, and salsa dance lessons. A wonderful musician, Greg Scott came to play with the house orchestra. He was amazing, in fact so amazing that I cannot believe he accepted a gig on a ship. He is much better than this, but it was a great show anyhow. Oh and I won some cash playing roulette. :) Red seems to be the lucky color.

Ephasus, Turkey

2009-06-07T15:54:00.002-05:00

After beginning the day stuck in an elevator with no power or mechanical ventilation, we settled on a local driver who would take all nine of us to Ephasus to explore a few antiquities. One being the house of the Virgin Mary. They are unsure whether she is actually buried here, but they do know that this is where her house was, and that she died here. There is a small chapel that is built where her house once stood. Fountains of holy water and pilgrimages of Catholics pour in each year to visit and pay respects.

On the way down the mountainside, the ancient town of Ephasus stands. We walked amongst more marble and rock ruins. I've definitely seen my share of fallen ionic and corinthian column capitals. The city was once a beautiful place, that is for sure.

We visited the temple of Artimis also before heading back tot he pier at Kosudusi to board the ship. Next up, the highlight of the tour, Egypt.

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Rhodes, Greece

2009-06-06T15:44:00.001-05:00

Rhodes, Greece is definitely founded upon medieval gothic empires of French, Spanish, and Moorish influence. The island is surrounded by a giant stone wall, a fortress if you will. Many interesting details are woven into the fabric of the city. The city relies on tourism to feed from, and there were many bazaars. The calamari was delicious though. It was a very hot afternoon, but some gelato was favorable and some light shopping. The town is a virtual winding pattern of rock and stone with occasional interesting details. There is a large castle there, which I passed on touring, but it was an interesting place anyhow.

I am turning 32 in two months and two days, however I am feeling 80 about now.

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Mykonos, Greece

2009-06-05T15:35:00.002-05:00

Today we parked in Mykonos, an Island in Greece. The village is a sea of white washed structures, blue and red doors, window shutters and many shops. The locals rely on tourism to survive. Most of teh city consists of shops on the street level and residences above. The streets are paved with rocks and then painted with white wash and lacquered. The local people go around the village and paint over the white paint with a lacquer fionish to preserve the freshness of it. There are several windmills on the island, but I am not sure if they are active or producing energy.

The air smelled of fish in some areas, but the sea water is blue and beautiful. There are many boats in the sea and a few people sat on a small beach. The sand was rocky, and appeared to be not so clean, but perhaps it is in other areas.

There is a local seagull there named Petros. He is apparently the only one who lives there and is friendly if you move close to him. The local residents were very friendly as well, and very helpful.

It seemed like a short day, we are already back on teh ship and heading towards Rhodes, Greece.

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Athens, Greece

2009-06-04T15:17:00.001-05:00

We arose early for breakfast, eager to meet Themis, our cousin from Kalamata. He works in the airline industry in Athens, so he agreed to take some time off to meet us and to spend some time with us and play tour guide for a day. He was waiting anxiously for us as we stepped off the ship. We brought him an OU t-shirt and we all greeted him with hugs and kisses. We left the port in Piraeus, and walked about a mile to a bus. We purchased tickets and took the boos to a train station where we boarded and then headed towards the Acropolis. He graciously led us there even though he has been there many times before.

The site was quite intimidating though staring down at us. We purchased our tickets into the Acropolis for about 11Euros each, and began hiking upwards. To the left when you enter is a museum and artifact building. I am not sure what it was originally, but it has been recreated using the original structure and marble. Concrete and lintels and wooden doors were added. Up top there were many glued laminate beams that made up ceiling joists. There was a long room inside with various artifacts, sculptures, coins, and other ancient pieces that were displayed by period.

To the right was a row of statues that appeared to be before the Roman rule and led to a temple for the god of technology and fire. We visited it first... yet looked to the long walk up a mountain to the Acropolis. We took photographs and glanced at the view overlooking the city below. It was very impressive.

Next we headed up the mountain toward the Acropolis. There were small pebbles of marble everywhere we stepped. I know that the people who erected these structures might have been slaves, however the individuals who lived near the Acropolish and who were general residents had to have been fit individuals.

After stopping for water, we walked along a marble layed path up several steps and an incline. We oeverlooked the ampitheater, which is still used for concets and events. It is literally built into the side of the mountains. It was spectacular and unline any of the photographs I have ever seen in my architectural and interior design history courses. I do have to say that it is a place that you must visit to get the whole idea.

After climbing more steps and another incline, we approached the top of the mountain and entry into the Acropolis. The columns were massive, and the structures larger than I had interpreted or imagined. There were many people visiting and taking photographs. we walked around the Parthenon to a raised concrete pedestal with a falg and took more photographs of the city. After resting a bit we walked to the other side of teh Parthenon which is undergoing restoration to the the Erectheon. I was excited to see the Caryatids too, the female columns. They are still much intact, I was impressed and surprised. Everything was definitely a site to see.

We left the Acropolis and walked to a local restaurant for an afternoon lunch. I was thinking that the Gyros sandwhich would be different to what we find here in the United States, but it was not. They even serve it up with french fries. I treated myself though to a tomato and cucumber salad with a piece of spanakopita. They were delicious though. We sat with Themis and talked to him a bit more, and he showed us photographs of the rest of the family and his pet dog.

We experienced some of the local beggars who harass people and run down the streets. It was quite entertaining, although not for those involved. There was a starving cat who ran off to possibly feed her kittens with a piece of chicken unfinished by my brother's girlfriend.

Later we walked towards the center square of Athens and witnessed teh changing of the Guards for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The soldiers were in their traditional foustanella and stood still and erect while we each took a photo with them. Only one person is allowed to stand next to the guard at a time.

Following a bit of shopping, it was time to head back to the ship. We boarded the train to Piraeus and then took a bus down near the port. We stopped for drinks just outside of the port, and for some final chatting with Themis. He told us that we must come back and visit for at least a week. We had fresh loukamathes just before we walked back toward the pier. We all said goodbye to Themis and thanked him for playing tour guide all day. It was fun to meet hime, and I am glad that we did.

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I Love it When We're Cruising Together...

2009-06-03T15:09:00.001-05:00

Today is a day on the ship and I finally slept an entire night. In fact I overslept today and missed out on the afternoon ballroom dancing course. I am glad I took so many ballroom classes at OU awhile ago, but would have been nice for a refresher. Instead I learned that our whole party overslept so we ended up in the dining room for a late lunch. The food here is actually pretty good, the fruit is very nice, and they always have a fun carved watermelon when you walk in. Today that had lamb carved for lunch, it was delicious.

I took some time today to watch the waves created by the ship as it cruised along the Mediterranean. Pools of white foam were created in the blue water. The water appeared to be cold even in the warm sunlight. There was an evening for tuxedos and formal gowns. The special on the dinner menu was escargot and roast duck.

There was some entertainment tonight following dinner. It was an impersonator of Elton John. I have to say despite his obviously false wig or hair do, he was an excellent pianist and he did manage to spout off his English accent and did rather genuinely.

Tomorrow morning is our journey to Athens, Greece. We will be meeting our cousin there for the first time. I am excited to meet him, and he is excited to meet us too. Our day begins quite early, so it is off to bed now.

Naples, Italy

2009-06-02T14:57:00.003-05:00

We awoke and dressed for breakfast at 08:30. Most of us had been up all night laying in bed waiting for the morning to begin. Breakfast was pleasant in the upper deck overlooking the port in Naples, Italy and the water. It looked a bit rainy and cloudy, but I really wanted to head out to see a few things during the day. Pompeii is located about twenty minutes south of Naples, a definite must see for anyone. Fascinating piece of history unearthed.

We hired a van, and all nine of us piled in like sardines. We arrived and the taxi driver said he would wait for us while we visited. I was impressed by Pompeii, and the modern idals of urban planning and symmetry. The masonry was unbelievable, and there are many magnificent artifacts and mosaics found. I imagine it was a most modern and beautiful place to have lived before 79 A.D. when Mt. Vesuvius erupted and covered it with ash, preserving it. I am excited to say I have indeed visited Pompeii.

The rain held out long enough for us to visit and photograph for a few hours. It began pouring again once we boarded the ship in the evening.

We had a late dinner on the ship, it was rainy again. I found a karaoke activity at night so we all headed up to the bar. I enjoyed a virgin mango and banana frozen concoction of some sort. I would be soaking in as much alcohol as humanly possible, however I was blessed with slight infections that required heavy doses of antibiotics. Nice. So just a few more days of them to heal, then real party time will occur. I opened karaoke night for everyone with "Alone" by Heart. I think it was well received, I mean I did have some cheering sections, so I ate it up, naturally. I did however land at the casino in some winnings from playing roulette where I demaned to play with the pink colored chips. I thank my previous place of employment for entertaining the holdiay parties with casino night. I do well with roulette, and won some cash.

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Checking In

2009-06-01T22:00:00.002-05:00

We boarded the Legend of the Seas Cruise Ship just after noon. we checked in, filled out a health form, and sat on the ship for lunch. Our bags were delivered to the appropriate rooms while we were introduced to the various locations and activities on the ship.
I found our stateroom, small and cozy, yet quaint. Two twin size beds, a small love seat, television and shower the size of a port o john. I hung my clothing as there are no irons permitted. The jet lag caught up to me by dinner time.

I enjoyed a cut of beef sirloin steak for dinner with tortilla soup and blueberry cobbler al-la-mode for dinner. The main dining room facility is actually fairly decent but is dated to when it was built some time in the 80's. I retired after dinner to sleep and awoke at 02:00 to a bobbing ship in the sea. I heard thunder and lighting flashed through the window. I watched the waves crest in the sea, and the moon was visible through the clouds. I lay in bed with my ipod the rest of the morning and listened to play lists that I created before leaving home. It was nice to just lie down and relax with no worries about work. I have to admit though, I do miss Tula very much. I imagine she feels abandoned and does not understand where her momma has gone. She is in good hands though.

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Civitavecchia, Italy

2009-05-31T23:55:00.002-05:00

We landed approximately 16:03. The coliseum was visible from the plane, and was quite a sight to see from the air. We landed and I was the last off the plane. The plane ride from Minneapolis to Amsterdam was quite cozy with movies, games and good company of a woman sitting beside me on her way to Munich. Following, the plane ride to Rome was filled with locals who clapped when we left Amsterdam and also when we were descending to land in Rome. They clapped again when we landed, and due to the weather intense winds, we were thrown around a bit while landing on the runway.

We had a man waiting for us with a sign which had our name written on it. we som how managed to cram all five of us and many bags of luggage into a small van, where we drove approximately 60 miles or so down to Civitavecchia, Italy. The driver spoke little English and was signing to himself in the van. We smiled. We saw many types of trees and homes on the journey down. We held our breath while he drove through lanes of moving vehicles, and as he put the pedal to the metal to turn corners. I was familiar with the driving habits of those living in foreign locations, however had never experienced it for myself. Until now.

We drove past the choppy waters of the Mediterranean. The colors of the local town are muted with yellows, greens, and pink. The window shades and fins are fascinating. The city here looks old and new, unplanned and somewhat orderly. Our small apartment is tucked within the seams of the old and new.

We settled in, and quickly went out to sample the local cuisine. As we walked I followed behind the crowd, gawking at the structures, taking photographs and being called out as a slow poke. It is difficult being a designer, analyzing everything as I walk past and being unable to photograph, so I did. Others do not see the world as I do, and I have difficulty in understanding it through their eyes as well.

A small pizzeria is where we found ourselves, overlooking the sea. The restaurant was packed, and all eight of us where packed in and around the corner table. We conversed over several different types of pizza, and they brought out several samplings of various pizzas. A four cheese pizza with tomatoes and basil on a white sauce was delicious, and a squash and chicken pizza too. They cut the pizzas into squares and mix up all the of the slices to that there is no order and you get to try everything. They serve it on pieces of round plywood, approximately 1/4" thick and set them up on bases so that they sit above your plate. You can just see over them to the other side of the table. We followed the meal with a dessert pizza made with crust, nutella, and sprinkled with powdered sugar. We found ourselves indulging in gelato too as we walked the brick paved streets back to the apartment.

We slept for the night, the time change however is adjusting well, and it would be now nearly midnight where it is 06:00 here. It is lovely not to have to report to work just now today, but instead board a cruise ship within the coming hours.

Ciao!

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You look like a kitty, and you smell like one too.

2009-05-10T22:06:00.004-05:00

Today was Tula's fourth birthday. I cannot believe how grown up she is getting! (oh wait, she is a cat... hehe). Happy Birthday to Tula, and many more.

oh, and Happy Mother's Day out there to all the Moms.

Fun on the Floor

2009-02-20T23:05:00.007-06:00

I must admit that it is an honor to have been contacted to write an article for home carpet ideas about this website, Fun on the Floor. I opened it up expecting to see something that might make me blush, but sure enough, it was carpet!
In my years of specifying yarn dyed, solution dyed and tip sheared wovens, I must say that the contrast of commercial vs. residential flooring has captured my eye.
The first thing that drew my attention at Fun on the Floor was the "lookbook". Here, you have the ability to choose looks, colors, textures, and patterns geared toward a specific room in your home or office by assigning a name to your area such as "living room" or "office". You can browse through some of the photographs and save and print the images that inspire you and allow you to make an interactive and thoughtful decision on flooring for your home.
Read what satisfied customers have had to say and take a tour with Danielle Proud, a designer in the UK. she guides you through a home so you can see various installations of Fun on the Floor carpeting. Stripes, florals, custom patterns, bold colors and muted tones can be viewed throughout, and not on floors alone... "From dramatic to fun to practical ideas," she says!
One of my favorites in the house is a technology I have not yet seen or experiened here in the United States. Innovative imagination exists with the intricate use of LED lighting woven into the flooring! Oh how I would love to test drive this magic carpet!
The website also allows consumers to order carpet samples easily and learn about carpet fibers, weaves, and pile. The website also suggests means to measure your space and plan your budget and material needs.
I feel the educational aspect of this will allow consumers to better be advised on their needs with flooring and the durability and cleanability of the product despit the look, texture, and feel.
Overall, I feel the website is user friendly, easy to navigate, is straight forward, and educational about carpet! I have experienced many commercial carpeting websites which allow you to look at images to see the pattern and direction, but this one is still fun, useful, an simple enough for the average Joe! Take a few minutes and let your imagination wander and generage new ideas for your home.

Images used with permission: Copyright Fun on the Floor; and via Flickr.

Single and Fabulous!

2009-02-14T23:53:00.003-06:00

Today was Valentine's Day. My sister dropped off something for me today, she came to the door with a look on her face that was surely up to no good. "Hang on a minute." she said, "I have something in the car for you." I waited inside because of the cold weather, and she came running up the porch with a bag, and a giggle. "I saw this and thought of you" she said. I looked inside and couldn't help but laugh. A bottle of "bitch" literally.

I sat in a hot bath today, ate Blue Bell Banana Split Ice Cream, talked to some friends, and made my self a date on the sofa with the DVR and nearly three weeks of unwatched television. Instead though, just got back from Dinner with Ms. P. We share an obsession of pink alcoholic beverages served up in martini glasses. Tonight, it was a pomegranate martini. Very nice, and tangy and had just one.

I recall an episode of Sex and the City titled "Single and Fabulous!" (exclamation point). I even have the t-shirt with the famous slogan. There is something commercial and negative about being single on Valentine's Day. It was a last minute decision to get outside in the cold and to meet up for dinner. Neither of us were excited to get out and about in the crowds of PDA and couples while standing around waiting for tables, but we always have something to talk about and laugh about, and so time rolls by, almost too quickly. We had a great evening. I miss working with her and hearing her laugh every day, with her famous words and sayings which include: "oh hell" "mother of pearl" and "get it done, and your golden".
I have a small bag of Dark Chocolate Dove hearts in my purse left over from work on Friday. I passed out a couple of them to the waitress and a few passer by's. My chocolate affirmation as I like to call them inside the wrapper tonight states "Go where your heart takes you." Something to think about I guess.

Never Look Back

2009-01-29T20:16:00.003-06:00

I have recently taken a step back to really look around, and to be thankful for everyone and everything I have in my life. I have been challenged, and I have grown. I continue to learn and be humbled. For this, I am thankful.

I cross over these tracks twice a day. Once during the sunrise and once during the sunset. I never really ever stopped to look though. I was nearly hit by a train here once, usually in too much of a hurry to get to work or to get back home. This evening though I stopped to look. The tracks never end. They go and go but they lead the way back home too.

Things are in perspective. I can see and there is a big smile on my face.

New Year, New Life

2009-01-27T16:46:00.004-06:00

Today is a perfect day for blogging. A nice ice and snow storm to dampen the city and to close all infrastructure. It is nice to sit around in the pj's and house shoes too. We have received upwards of an inch of ice today on the streets, but we have not had a good winter storm in awhile, and were quite due for one, and one that produced crunchy grass.

It is a new era now... discovering fun new things each day, and letting go of a little bit of the past. One new thing, Apple Martinis at the Cheesecake Factory. Yum. It was late in the evening on Christmas Eve, and Ms. P and I decided to go for a drink. To satisfy the final days of 2008, and all of the things we have been through together, and alone.

There is something delicious about it. I had broken my tradition of a bellini or cosmopolitan, and took a chance on another. Very satisfying to accept a bit of change and growth. Moving on from things that have occurred in the past, and have lots of fun planned for the future.
The new job is quite suiting. I have met many interesting individuals, and have had fun learning new things about myself in the making.

2009, you have unleashed a wild woman.
Goals are as follows:

1. Signing up for a safety course to learn to ride a motorcycle. Getting that "M" endorsement
2. Gonna take up the offer of my next door neighbor to head over to the shooting range.
3. Register for more exams... take them... and pass them on the first go round.

And on another note, the Chinese New Year of 2009, or 4707 it is the year of the Ox. I was not born during the year of the Ox, but interestingly enough, people born during this year "tend to be painters, engineers, and architects. They are stable, fearless, obstinate, hard-working and friendly."

Santa Baby...

2008-12-13T23:47:00.002-06:00

Today I did something Ive been wanting to do for the last couple of years... I finally took Tula to Petsmart. They had Santa there, so we went today to check out the birds, fish, and to sit on Santa's lap. The only time Tula has really been outside of the house is when I take her to the veterinarian... she always knows she is going to go, and gets mad in the car. She was pleasantly surprised today, but a little unknowing as to where she was, but warmed up quickly and became quite the attention getter too.

Ive been working alot lately, so I have not really been into the spirit of Christmas this year. I have not put up any decorations or a tree. Will just gather dust I guess. The LEED AP exam is just a couple of weeks away... better get back to studying.

Happy Veterans Day

2008-11-11T23:24:00.005-06:00

I love federal holidays, a day off work to sleep in and to do much needed things around the house and what not. Today though was a day to honor all of those who have served our country selflessly. Ive been feeling patriotic since I began my new job - the important days like this are celebrated among colleagues and friends.

I had not known any war veterans other than those in my own family, but they are all around us. One recently told me that it is an honor and a privilege to wear his uniform every day.

So to all of you who serve, thank you, and happy veterans day.

Happy Belated Halloweekend

2008-11-04T21:26:00.003-06:00

I always look forward to Halloween each year - the fun costumes, fun baking projects, and carved pumpkins. This year, I kinda went with last year's costume a bit, nothing new or spectacular by any means because I knew I was not going to celebrate much at the office. I did however get my bake on and whipped up some yummy cupcakes made to look like candy corn. They were a big hit indeed.

One thing I love about Halloween is seeing all of the pets dressed up. Yes some are hating life, yet some embrace the attention and ooh's and aah's. This year, Tula had a pink wig. No, I didnt leave it on her all evening, just long enough to get a few laughs and a few photographs.

Hope you had a great Halloween and weekend to follow through.

Laziness

2008-10-13T13:17:00.004-05:00

Today is a federal holiday. I slept in until noon (call me lazy) and now I am doing a little picking up around the house, and watching the storm clouds roll in. I am getting excited for Halloween, I ordered a piece for my costume last week, and got Tula her costume a couple of weeks ago as well. I have lots to be doing instead right now, but Im procrastinating and will do them later :)

So, are you looking forward to Halloween? What do you love about it?

You Figured Me Out

2008-09-25T02:42:00.006-05:00

Someone commented on something I said the other day. I mentioned there were many people out there doing some amazing things, and he responded "so why don't you do it?"
It got me thinking... What is it I want to do exactly? Truth is, there are so many things I want to do I cant make a decision on what do and when. Don't get me wrong, I definitely know what I want in life and how to get it... but it is the question of when.
So why do I do it? I am sure each of us want's the most out of this one life we receive:

God.
As I told one of my good friends just yesterday, He has a plan and a path for all of us. Hardships come and go while we become humbled.

Career.
For me right now, I have invested in my career. I have taken the first step and registered for the USGB C or US Green Building Council LEED AP Certification Exam. It is something Ive had sitting on the back burner for awhile now, but I am ready to move forward and take it. Then it is on to the NCIDQ... and then the ARE. And a few thousdand dollars in testing fees.

Family and Friends.
A coworker reminded me of something today that I had enjoyed once before; movies at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. This weekend, the Manhattan Short Film Festival is playing. I have to say it looks rather enticing. It is 120 minutes of short films with themes. Once the showing is complete, a vote takes place for the best/ favorite film. I have been so busy that I have not even met up with friends or classmates to enjoy the events at the museum. However, my friends and I did take some time out for a special birthday amongst us and went to try something new and fun. Pole Position, indoor go-karting. Invigorating, a rush of excitement and racing flags all around. Crashes, yelling and screaming. Best of it, a sock cap to mash down your hair while you are supporting a racing helmet which is first and foremost made with firey crashes in mind.

I have been spending a lot of quality time with my friends lately. Since I've left my old job and started a new one, I have met many new fabulous individuals but have kept up with the old too. I have even made some new friends that I would have never met before either. I am finally realizing what it means to have a life. Not that I didn't have one before, but it is different now with no classes and homework. New responsibilities, and I am certainly up for the challenge.

So now, what lies beyond God, Career, Family and Friends? I don't know exactly, but I am going to find out.