MiniMolli

LOVE This!!

2009-02-26T10:40:00.000-08:00

I've watched it several times now. I'm mezmerized by it and it just makes me happy.

Knits - Finally!!!

2009-01-09T12:37:00.001-08:00

I've finally managed to update my etsy shop with some of my knits. I've had a hard time this winter keeping anything in stock. I've litterally had peices sell before they were even off my needles. Along with several custom orders, my fingers have been pretty busy!

Here are a few of the items I've got in the shop:

Hope everyone had a nice Holiday Season!

Pumpkin, Pumpkin, Pumpkin! (think Marsha, Marsha, Marsha!)

2008-09-16T10:45:00.000-07:00

The pumpkins are consuming my life! Not to mention my house/garage/storage! See here for details:

New2Glass

I think I've already picked my favorite this year - and this year I'm keepin it all to myself!

Been working my fingers off knitting too. Hard to believe with 80-90 degree weather that fall clothes are already in the stores. I don't know why it's so hard to knit when it's 90 degrees and sweltering! Although there was a crisp air this morning. It didn't last long but I think it might have been just enough tease of the fall to get my fingers a'knittin! Photos to come...

Tug my heart...

2008-08-08T21:34:00.000-07:00

UPDATE:

Otis is gone. His owners finally showed up last night - just short of a week! Very, very sad. I hope they take care of him... If the stars align there's a possiblity we might get to see him again. Apparently the couple is opening some sort of cafe/resteraunt thingy downtown and once they open he will be a prominent resident. His name was actually 'Chewy' but he'll forever be Otis to me!

Story goes...

Monday evening, right around 5pm I recieved a call from my husband. I was expecting the usual... 'Do we have plans tonight?' or 'I'm on my way home - do I need to pick anything up?'. Instead I heard a serious but almost giddy voice, 'I have a problem'.

- What do you mean?
"Well, I have a dog in my car."
- What? why?
"I watched two cars lock up their breaks and screech trying not to hit him and I couldn't drive away without getting him out of the road, otherwise he would be dead - what do I do??!"
- Ok, take him to our Vet and have them do a Scan to see if he has a chip - their only open for 20 more minutes so hurry!
"No chip"
-Ugh, ok bring him home.

5 days later...
- Ad in the local news paper (for 3 days)
- Ad in local lost and found craigslist (for 5 days)
- Ad in several online lost and found, pet detective, etc... web sites (5 days)
- Posters plastered all around where he was found (4 days)
- Signs posted at Humane Society, Shelter had no calls
- Log filled out at local Vet - FOUND ad

- Collar, leash, dog bowl, bed, food, treats, toys... all bought
- Thourough baths given
- Lots of walks, love, kisses - given
- Several offers from friends and others to give sweet, well behaved puppy a forever home

On the 5th day eve...
- Phone call from a man "You have my dog..."
- Phone call from wife "My husband called, I wanted to make sure you have the correct number, check your caller ID."

Seriously, just this afternoon we had a discussion that it could be possible that no one was actually looking for this absolutely sweet, well behaved, absolutely cute as a button puppy. It had been 5 days with ads all over the place. We saw no LOST ads in the paper (it is free!) and drove around the neighborhood looking for signs.

I really want, deep down in my heart to believe that all people are good willed and want to do the right thing. But, truthfully I know this isn't always the case. There are lots of people out there who only see $$. "Oh, yea I lost a pure bread so and so dog... just what you said on the poster - that's it exactly! I'm so glad you found it! We've missed him!"

My husband seems to lean towards the optomistic side of things. He really wants to give everybody the benifit of the doubt and I admire this quality in him. I can't help but not feel the same way in certian cases. Anyone that I don't know personally, I need proof. If you have nothing to hide then proof shouldn't be an issue and we can all be happy.

Ok, so I've gotten off track here... So, without anymore hype here's the sweet pup we've had for 5 days - We've been calling him Otis:

We might have to say goodbye tomorrow to never see him again... and that just sucks!

Feelin the Love

2008-06-27T11:31:00.000-07:00

So, if you know me you know I have a weakness for Eames era things. I have a crazy affliction for chairs - I can't explain it... it just is. Just look at the image headlining this blog. Seriously, there are a total of 14 (14!!) period chairs (this includes the dining chairs that are reproductions) in our 1400 sq ft house. Not including my Aeron office chair and two stools. Oh, and two vintage chairs in the garage awaiting a makeover.

Anyhow, my husband gracefully deals with my addiction and on rare occasions feeds it. Yesterday he was very excited to present me with these stamps. Not only did he buy the stamps, but he bought 3 books of them (2 to selectively mail out and one to keep for myself - duh!), and apparently he had been stalking the post office waiting for these stamps to come in. So much so that the day he walked in and they had the stamps the lady behind the counter saw him and excitedly yelled "Eames!".

I'm definately feeling the love ;) Now, who is going to be lucky enough to recieve these lovely stamps... hmm. I may just have to keep them all to myself!!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update: As if the postage stamps weren't enough, these came in the mail yesterday! Rubber stamps with an inkpad. I instantly want to stamp every surface in my house now!

If I dodn't know any better I'd think someone might be trying to butter me up or something ;)

Crazy kitty can't catch a break

2008-06-26T09:56:00.000-07:00

Just when things were going well. We finally built a screened in enclosure for our outdoor cat PK. It extends off the back of the garage an has a kitty door into the garage so she can go in and out. We had been keeping her in for longer periods of time (especially at night) which reduced all the little scratches (and some big scratches and bites) from fights. Everything was going peachy, until...

Sunday morning I walk out to feed her and let her out to roam a bit. I found her sitting on top of her cat tower with a gash from one side of her face to the other, bleeding and sneezing... ugh. After a 2 1/2 hour trip to the vet emergency room and $300 bucks, she had to be sedated and needed several stitches. Even the vet was baffled by how such a strange cut could have happened. I think she actually said "If only you could talk little girl, you'd have some kind of interesting story..."

Best we can figure, we found some blood and bird feathers on the chicken wire surrounding her enclosure. That crazy kitty tried to pounce a bird on the other side of the wire! From the looks of it she almost got it too. Bet she'll think twice before trying that again. At least I hope so...

That crazy kitty

2008-06-19T14:35:00.000-07:00

This photo was a total fluke. I was taking pictures of some class cups and after she inhaled her food she came to investigate what I was doing. As you can tell she's still licking her chops. I thought it was funny but it's probably one of those faces only a mother (pet owner) could love! hehe... it cracks me up!

She's much more attractive in person - I swear!

Pure Life Soap Co.

2008-06-04T09:49:00.000-07:00

I LOVE these products! Totally organic and everything feels/smells so fresh! I bought my first bottle of the Coconut & Guanabana lotion a few months ago at our local natural food Co-Op store but when I went back recently to purchase more, they no longer carried the line!!

I found them on sale here and just ordered a bunch. I won't need to buy shampoo/conditioner/lotion for quite a while now! Yippeeee!

Mmmm... Saffron

2008-04-01T07:40:00.000-07:00

Yummy Saffron Brioche Buns.

Here is my attempt:
The yellow liquid is actually just Milk with ground Saffron and a lilttle sugar. It was very cool to watch this happen immediately as I mixed the ingredients!

The yeast in the middle of the flour with just enough Saffron Milk to cover and bubble.

I think my ratio of the top knots to muffin was a little off. I made them a little too large for their own good. Although I don't think this affected the flavor a bit! Overall these are really really good. Soft, moist, fluffy and just a bit of sweet. Scott and I decided the perfect way to eat these is warm with a little brush of honey... yuuummmmmy!

You can find the original recipe and more glamourous photos here:

http://www.designspongeonline.com/2008/03/in-the-kitchen-with-delicious-days.html

Magnolia says it's spring

2008-03-04T13:25:00.001-08:00

Feels like our Japanese Magnolia bloomed a bit early this year but she was definately a welcome sight! She's already bloomed and lost all of her petals and now the leaves are coming out. I can't wait to set up the swing under her full canopy and relax in her shade.

My favorite new scarf

2008-02-11T10:26:00.000-08:00

This has to be my favorite new scarf to knit. It's soo easy and quick to make. I sent one to my sister for Christmas and she immediately placed an order for 4 more, which are pictured here.

Just in case you're a knitter you can find the super easy pattern right here.

Yes WE Can.

2008-02-08T19:20:00.000-08:00

My husband and I had a conversation this evening, about my previous post. To sum it up, he assured me that even though I may feel like I don't know the facts, my gut feeling is well founded. I'm a no nonsense type of person and if my gut is telling me something it's pretty likey that my brain has approved it. Anyway, I just wanted to tell him... Thank You and I Love you! - MUH!

Yes WE Can...

Confession...

2008-02-05T07:32:00.000-08:00

OK, if you know me - you know that I NEVER talk about politics. I don't know what has come over me recently but here it is. Not that I'm actually making any political statements - just writing as my mind wanders.

I have to confess - I've never voted. I've only been old enough to vote in two previous elections but always felt underinformed. Mostly my own fault. I guess I felt that if I'm going to vote I needed to immerse myself in the facts. Really do some reasearch on each candidate and all of their views. I thought... all or nothing, because it's such an important decision that not voting must be better than voting for the wrong person for the wrong reasons. This attitude applies to me in a lot of areas. If I don't feel that I know enough about what I'm talking about, I try not to talk about it, sit back and listen to what others say. The problem with this is that I NEVER feel like I know enough.

But in reality who really knows ALL the facts? Who knows ALL the views of each candidate? And I'm starting to realize that more and more people vote for all kinds of reasons.

This article is a good example and it scares me. Maybe my reasons are better than I thought.

When It’s Head Versus Heart, The Heart Wins

I ran across this video this morning and while I found it very moving I also found it a bit disturbing in relation to the above article.

Back from the Dead

2007-12-14T09:28:00.000-08:00

I'm honestly not sure where the past few months went. It doesn't feel like Christmas (or December) at all to me. Of course 70 degree weather in Dec will do that I guess.

I have been soo busy and I think I'm having memory trouble. I think I need one of those hand held Brain Age things to practice with (HINT HINT - stocking stuffer??). I can hold a conversation with someone and then totally forget it two days later. Or even worse don't remember what I did two days or two weeks ago. The days are beginning to run into eachother ugh - NOT good.

Anyway, I've been a busy bee knitting like crazy. My friend Jeni asked me to knit some scarves, hats, purses to put in her boutique this winter. I've had a lot of fun finding cool and unique patterns (and making some of my own up). My favorite (and most laborous) scarf sold the first day it was put on sale. YEA! I've posted a few photos for your viewing pleasure... I will also be putting things up on etsy eventually since we have quite the short winter here in FL. Click the photos for larger versions.

Miss Kitty is doing fine now, she's back to her normal bitchy self! It's likely that she will get sick again but I'm taking steps to try to avoid that. I've somehow adopted another kitty, or rather she adopted me (I'm NOT the crazy cat lady! - I SWEAR!) but more about her later.

Baby girl is sick...

2007-09-19T11:18:00.000-07:00

My poor Miss Kitty is sick. She's struggled with cystitis for most of her life (UTI's and crystals). This time it's been bad and just won't go away. We've had numerous trips to the vet and even one to the emergency room. I can usually tell when a bout is coming on because she gets very lovey and wants to be in my lap all day long and if you know Miss Kitty this is very uncharacteristic. The vet usually shrugs this off until there is blood in her urine. This made me mad this time because I feel that it could have been prevented if given the antibiotics early on. But, the worst part is that something else is going on too and she's not keeping any food down... uck. I mean that very literally, UCK! No fun for anyone. I had the pleasure of waking up at 6am this morning to her about to vomit on my pillow. Thankfully I was able to grab her and put her on the floor before anything actually escaped.

The worst part is that I'm leaving to go out of town tomorrow and she starts on a new antibiotic today. Luckily my wonderful in-laws have been so kind to keep an eye on her. I know she will be in good hands I know she likes them very much. When they lived with us after hurricane Ivan she even slept and cuddled with them several nights and she still seems to be OK with them whenever they come by. I just hope she doesn't get any worse and they have to try and take her to the vet... whew - talk about a fiasco. Poor baby - she even looks pitiful in this photo... Don't worry baby girl I'll hurry home!

I Remember...

2007-09-11T07:36:00.000-07:00

I thought today I would share my view from that horrible day 6 years ago. These photos were taken from our apartment. Along with many others, this fateful day has become a peice of me that will never ever go away.

I really can't believe it has been 6 whole years. It seems if I close my eyes I could put myself right back in this photo. The feeling of nauseasness just as strong.

I will also never forget the color of the sky as the sun began to set behind the smoke. The darker it became the more purple the sky turned.

Oh yes, I Remember well...

Troublesome

2007-08-29T07:06:00.000-07:00

This is a direct quote from another blog I read... very disturbing and sad to hear this:

"About a month ago, my brother was deployed for an 8 day stint in Iraq for a small patrol mission. He told us this, and I believe I shared the story with you all. Basically, just security on a strip of road. 8 days, he was back.

But recently, he shared what he really did (and to those who know, the camel part of the story is still true). Now I know why he told us what he did, because it kept us from worrying, and when he told me, he asked me not to share any of it with the family or anyone else, but did give me clearance on one thing to share, and when he told me, I was outraged and decided I have to share it with everyone.

On his 8 day run, his convoy was attacked by a roadside bomb. Thats all I can say about that matter, and there were no causalities. But, from the impact of the explosion, it cracked and broke an armor plate in my brothers Flak jacket. It took the impact to prevent my brothers bones and body. Great.

(Here's were you should place a piece of rawhide or a bone in your mouth, to prevent you from hurting yourself)

After the mission, the government, our government, THE same government who's sending these 18 years old over to fight...charged him for the broken plate. Well, charged isn't really the right word. More like robbed him, because they just deducted it from his pay.

Thats right folks. Our government is run like a China shop. "You break it, you bought it".

They charged him for a piece of armor that was made to save his life. Let that sink in for a second. Our men and women, who are giving their lives for the freedom of the country, are getting charged for the armor if something happens to it. You'd think the least our government could do is keep the armor in supply. This isn't a fucking car, or a new piece of sporting equipment that needs to be replaced. It's the one thing keeping our men and women from coming home in a plane, or a body bag.

Oh, incase you were wondering, the charge was $700 for a 5"x9" piece of Kevlar Composite. And thats about a week's pay in the army at my brothers rank.

I ask you share the story with everyone you can. Lets educate the world from a first hand perspective. And if need be, send our troops supplies. At least there won't be the governments markup on it.

Flash"

Twins??

2007-08-21T08:46:00.000-07:00

I cracked an egg for breakfast today that contained two yolks.
Not sure how I feel about that - needless to say I couldn't bring myself to eat it.
All I could think about was how cute the little twin chickies would have been.
Ugh, I don't see myself eating eggs for a while.
Has anyone else ever seen two yolks in one egg before?

Post Secret...

2007-08-13T07:52:00.001-07:00

This is quite an astonishing project. I've been watching it for a while now and it's really taken off. Sometimes it seems a little dramatic to me, or should I say some people seem a little dramatic to me but I guess that's what happens when you feel so passionately about something. I've never mailed anything in, I might someday if I feel the urge to do so. Meanwhile I do enjoy reading the blog every sunday - in some way it makes me feel better and reminds me of the strength I have to deal with whatever life throws my way. Hope you enjoy the video.

flight of the concords

2007-08-10T12:56:00.000-07:00

I didn't care for this show the first time I watched it, but it's totally growing on me. I caught this one the other day - too funny! If you get HBO definately check it out. I think you can watch clips on the website if not.

Peanuts for you...

2007-08-09T11:08:00.000-07:00

Today is a tough day for me. My grandfather would have been 81. I probably would have sent him some assortment of peanuts and hem-hawed about calling, not knowing exactly what to say. He wasn't much for talking on the phone but his voice always perked up on the other end when I called. We would talk about the weather and his next visit. He would fill me in on the local basketball team's stats. He would thank me for the peanuts and say I shouldn't have - that all he cared about is hearing my voice. But I knew that he would enjoy that afternoon with a beer and peanuts watching some game on tv. It seems impossible sitting here today that I can't call and hear his voice - especially since that's all I seem to want to do.

Pier after Dark

2007-06-22T12:03:00.001-07:00

My husband took this photo last weekend.

We were all hanging out at my mom's house out on their pier - it was pretty dark out, as you can tell.

He did an extended exposure and my uncle (where the bright light is) was having trouble with his camera and the flash was going off multiple times. This helped make the extended exposure photo pretty cool. You can see me in 4 multiple different places. Click on the photo for a larger version.

Now, I just need to read the manual and learn how to reproduce this ;)

Instant Karma

2007-06-18T09:05:00.000-07:00

I have to say, I do feel better after purchasing this.

Good music, good cause. Check it out:

http://instantkarma.org/InstantKarma.html

Seriously...

2007-05-22T13:23:00.000-07:00

10 simple ways to save yourself from messing up your life

1. Stop taking so much notice of how you feel. How you feel is how you feel. It’ll pass soon. What you’re thinking is what you’re thinking. It’ll go too. Tell yourself that whatever you feel, you feel; whatever you think, you think. Since you can’t stop yourself thinking, or prevent emotions from arising in your mind, it makes no sense to be proud or ashamed of either. You didn’t cause them. Only your actions are directly under your control. They’re the only proper cause of pleasure or shame.

2. Let go of worrying. It often makes things worse. The more you think about something bad, the more likely it is to happen. When you’re hair-trigger primed to notice the first sign of trouble, you’ll surely find something close enough to convince yourself it’s come.

3. Ease up on the internal life commentary. If you want to be happy, stop telling yourself you’re miserable. People are always telling themselves how they feel, what they’re thinking, what others feel about them, what this or that event really means. Most of it’s imagination. The rest is equal parts lies and misunderstandings. You have only the most limited understanding of what others feel about you. Usually they’re no better informed on the subject; and they care about it far less than you do. You have no way of knowing what this or that event really means. Whatever you tell yourself will be make-believe.

4. Take no notice of your inner critic. Judging yourself is pointless. Judging others is half-witted. Whatever you achieve, someone else will always do better. However bad you are, others are worse. Since you can tell neither what’s best nor what’s worst, how can you place yourself correctly between them? Judging others is foolish since you cannot know all the facts, cannot create a reliable or objective scale, have no means of knowing whether your criteria match anyone else’s, and cannot have more than a limited and extremely partial view of the other person. Who cares about your opinion anyway?

5. Give up on feeling guilty. Guilt changes nothing. It may make you feel you’re accepting responsibility, but it can’t produce anything new in your life. If you feel guilty about something you’ve done, either do something to put it right or accept you screwed up and try not to do so again. Then let it go. If you’re feeling guilty about what someone else did, see a psychiatrist. That’s insane.

6. Stop being concerned what the rest of the world says about you. Nasty people can’t make you mad. Nice people can’t make you happy. Events or people are simply events or people. They can’t make you anything. You have to do that for yourself. Whatever emotions arise in you as a result of external events, they’re powerless until you pick them up and decide to act on them. Besides, most people are far too busy thinking about themselves (and worry what you are are thinking and saying about them) to be concerned about you.

7. Stop keeping score. Numbers are just numbers. They don’t have mystical powers. Because something is expressed as a number, a ratio or any other numerical pattern doesn’t mean it’s true. Plenty of lovingly calculated business indicators are irrelevant, gibberish, nonsensical, or just plain wrong. If you don’t understand it, or it’s telling you something bizarre, ignore it. There’s nothing scientific about relying on false data. Nor anything useful about charting your life by numbers that were silly in the first place.

8. Don’t be concerned that your life and career aren’t working out the way you planned. The closer you stick to any plan, the quicker you’ll go wrong. The world changes constantly. However carefully you analyzed the situation when you made the plan, if it’s more than a few days old, things will already be different. After a month, they’ll be very different. After a year, virtually nothing will be the same as it was when you started. Planning is only useful as a discipline to force people to think carefully about what they know and what they don’t. Once you start, throw the plan away and keep your eyes on reality.

9. Don’t let others use you to avoid being responsible for their own decisions. To hold yourself responsible for someone else’s success and happiness demeans them and proves you’ve lost the plot. It’s their life. They have to live it. You can’t do it for them; nor can you stop them from messing it up if they’re determined to do so. The job of a supervisor is to help and supervise. Only control-freaks and some others with a less serious mental disability fail to understand this.

10. Don’t worry about about your personality. You don’t really have one. Personality, like ego, is a concept invented by your mind. It doesn’t exist in the real world. Personality is a word for the general impression that you give through your words and actions. If your personality isn’t likeable today, don’t worry. You can always change it, so long as you allow yourself to do so. What fixes someone’s personality in one place is a determined effort on their part—usually through continually telling themselves they’re this or that kind of person and acting on what they say. If you don’t like the way you are, make yourself different. You’re the only person who’s standing in your way.

- thanks gnat ;)

Hiatus

2007-03-19T08:30:00.000-07:00

Yea, it's been quite a while since my last post. Life just seems to get in the way.
Work has been crazy - keeping me very busy. Looking up now though, I think this past weekend was the first in a long time I didn't feel like I needed to work.

Personal life has been quite hectic also. I've had 2 deaths in my immediate family recently. One was a very sick aunt which everyone was relieved that her suffering is now over. The other my grandfather who got sick and passed very quickly. I miss him terribly and think about him every day. Probably more than anyone realizes. He was very much a father to me and I can never thank him enough for that. I was very lucky I got to spend a lot of time with him throughout my life as well as in his last few months. It still feels as though I'm having a bad dream and the next time I call he will answer the phone and say "Hi, sugar".

note: I wrote the above post a few weeks ago but never posted it - I'm not sure why. Maybe because it's a bit personal, but there's something about writing it down. Since then I went to stay with my grandmother for a nice long visit. She is so strong and wonderful. Even though she misses my grandfather terribly, she marches on, grateful for the 53 years they had together. She is constantly teaching me - whether she realizes it or not. I wish she lived closer, maybe someday she will. I can only hope my marriage will be as wonderful and rewarding as theirs was. I have faith that it will.

Celebrity Star Wars

2006-10-25T11:51:00.000-07:00

Hehe...
Celebrity Star Wars

Party People

2006-09-08T13:28:00.000-07:00

Ok so I just got back from a long weekend in New Orleans.
I have to say:
12 girls for 3 nights in New Orleans = $1056
12 girls for 3 nights in New Orleans for a bachelorette weekend/birthday dressed up in 80's costumes and wigs during Southern Decadence = PRICELESS!!!

I have to say that it was my best vacation ever. Not only was it my Bachelorette weekend it was also my birthday. My friends totally rock.
I think the best part was celebrating my birthday at 12am and dancing until... then waking up again and celebrating my birthday all over again - it was like 2 birthdays in one!!
Oh, or the fact that I kicked two other bachelorettes asses in arm wrestling contests. duh...

All I need to know now is who is getting married next cause I'm ready to go again! Ok maybe not quite ready yet - I need about a year to rest up.

Awake and troubled

2006-07-26T23:02:00.000-07:00

Oh, so much drama... I have taken many faces lately. That of ambivolace, defiance, task master and recently enemy of tools. Yes, enemy of tools... within the past few weeks I have become the enemy of an iron rake and a cordless drill - both have beaten me and left scars (ok, maybe just bruises- but still, ouch!). I'm very lucky that I don't have a black eye right now. Bruised cheekbone and nose but luckily because of the frozen blueberries, no black eye.

In some strange way I think I crave the stress of projects. It really gives me something to do and keep track of and be control of - or at least try. I'm a pretty easy going person - I don't like conflict and will usually let things run their course, until... I feel I'm being taken advantage of, or I feel that someone is not doing their fair share. And let me tell you, when I get on a roll (as gnat says "war path" - 'you better watch out'). Not that I'm a mean person - but don't you dare try and get away with shit that's you know is not right. So many people underestimate me. I guess I'm pretty reserved until I feel I need to step up. Not in a huge way but for example: REAL STORY - we hired a company to come out and spray for termites in our new porch (before the cement was laid - THANKS RYAN ;) However, when the guy showed up he refused to spray because the base of the porch was not filled in yet (with dirt) and it wouldn't do much good for him to spray with only half of the dirt in. Totally understandable - no problem. But at this point - I was standing outside with the guy, he says to me "I need to talk to your husband to figure out what is going on here." He asked me if I was able to get ahold HIM. Now, I mean no offense to gnat here but #1 I am not married (YET). #2 I am home all the time and know more about everything going on #3- HELLO - I am standing here, ask ME whatever you want to know?!! I replied "What he knows, I know and then some - what do you want to know?". He was still reluctant to talk to me. WTF?! Finally, he realized he was not going to get past me until finally I called the contractor on speed dial and got an immediate answers for him. Arggghhhhh!!! Don't f*@#! with me B!@ch!
Ok, fine, this may be miniscule to most people - but it's the highlight of my day!! ugh...

Oh yes and that is just the beginning of the war path... be afriad, very afraid... and don't you dare mess with my Miss kitty :{

And the Stress has begun....

2006-06-29T10:54:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been a while since my last post. But with good reason! I'm in the midst of planning a wedding. But that's not the worst part. We're also trying to have a front porch built on our house, a pergola built in the back yard, a new fireplace and mantle built in our living room and a new landscape design in our back yard (which we're actually doing most of the manual labor ourselves)! Whew! That was tiring just listing it all. Well, needless to say I'm starting to feel the stress. Oh and did I mention that the wedding we're planning is going to be in the back yard?! Yup. So everything is high priority and has to be done before the end of September.

I have to admit, I do enjoy all the projects. It keeps me busy and in the meantime I'm getting great workouts by working my ass off in the yard (need to shape up before the big day!). But, lately I've started to have weird dreams. Now, I'm not the most organized person, however, I'm by far not the worst. I try really hard but my brain can't seem to concentrate on only one thing at a time. I'm constantly worrying about 10 things at any given time. I have several TODO lists and most items are on at least one of the lists if not several of them. The lists are randomly scattered throughout the house so when I happen upon them I can remember what I need to do.

The dreams go something like this: I'm suddenly walking down the isle and realize I have no flowers and we totally forgot to buy wedding rings.
OR, everyone is having a good time eating, dancing when all of a sudden my cat (who is strictly indoors) jumps up on the table with the food and digs in.
OR, we’re in the middle of our vows and the trash man comes by and spills our trash into the street for everyone to see (of course this couldn’t logistically happen since our wedding is on Sat evening and the trash man comes Friday morning, but still it’s a freaky dream)

I'm also trying very hard not to bother my fiance too much with all the details. I know he's under a lot of stress right now with work and trying to get his hot glass shop up and running before the only one in town closes for the summer. I really want him to enjoy this experience and not be stressed out with all the details leading up to the wedding. The last thing I want is him standing at the alter thinking "Damn, was all this really worth it?!", which could possibly happen seeing as he wanted to elope.

Ok, so here's a perfect example of my current state of scatterbrain: I began writing this entry about 45 minutes ago. Between then and now I have (in no particular order because most of them taking place simultaneously):
- fixed lunch
- spray painted the stumps in the back yard for the stump grinder guy to see
- looked at my friends baby registry (only to see that nothing is available online)
- did a google search for new air registers for my living room
- did a goodle search for Ray LaMontagne lyrics (for possible wedding songs), only to also see that he is going to be playing in New Orleans (House of Blues) exactly 2 weeks after I go for my bachelorette weekend (arggh)
- convinced my mother that I we don't need seating for everyone at the wedding
- searched some more for air registers – why the hell can’t I find a good looking brass in 6”x12”?!!
- google search for porta-potty rentals
- told my mother that she doesn't need to pay for my wedding dress (seeing as I got it at an astonishing bargain price) but it would be nice if she could help out with the rentals: to which she kindly responded 'no, but let me know if I can help with anything else - like make phone calls'
- asked my mom to call and ask about renting a porta-potty (she hasn’t responded yet)
- fended off a crazy kitty trying to jump on my keyboard
- suddenly remembered that I started a blog entry and decided to finish it.
Now you’re caught up.

Whew!

Ok, I HAVE to at least attempt to get some work done today.

This can't be good...

2006-05-22T11:14:00.000-07:00

NOTE: The number next to MiniMolli's photo friday entry. Ugh...
Go ahead, see for yourself - click the image.

Photo Friday - "The Road"

2006-05-22T10:21:00.000-07:00

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Photo Friday - Adolescence

2006-05-09T15:13:00.000-07:00

Click to Enlarge

I had a hard time with the theme this week. I decided on this flower from a bromeliad that has lots of little blooms in their adolescent stage of life.

Attack of the wooden frog

2006-05-04T08:52:00.000-07:00

I've heard stories before about the attack of the wooden frogs but never have I witnessed one, until now... I had a feeling this little frog was up to something. It's apparent now the croaking I heard late at night was him planning a viscous attack.

This morning I happened to walk into the sunroom when I saw this...
Froggie: Ahahhaaa! I have finally conquered the IN-famous Miss Kitty. Uh, oh... I think I've awakened her. Oh shit, I better get outta here quick.

Miss Kitty: Oh hahaha, not so fast little Froggie. My plan has worked, you only THOUGHT I was asleep and now here you are within my grasp.

Miss Kitty: [CHOMP], ouch! Your defenses are good my friend. My teeth are tough but not tough enough.

Miss Kitty: Mmmm, you sure are tasty though. I think we might be able to strike a deal here little froggie. Today is your lucky day...

Ok, I'm a total geek. Think my commentary sucks? Have a better one? Leave a comment!

-Mini

New Blog

2006-05-04T06:51:00.000-07:00

I've created a new blog, actually a photo-blog here: minisphotos.blogspot.com. I'm going to try and post a picture a day. I want to try and learn more about my camera and how to use all the settings so don't be suprised if there are some experimental ones! By using the camera every day I'm hoping to become more comfortable with it and get some good practice in.

I'm definately a beginner and have never taken any type of photography class so any critique you would like to give is more than welcome! Even if you're not an expert yourself feel free to tell me what you like/dislike about the photo. Now, I just need more visiters!!! Spread the word dear readers, spread the word... all 1 of you! Hmmph.

Photo Friday - "Famous"

2006-04-28T08:32:00.000-07:00

Famous Fibers

My Herman Miller Rocker

photofriday.com

Inconsiderate jibber-jabber

2006-04-26T12:18:00.000-07:00

At the chance of sounding like an old fart this is something that continues to bother me. In recent weeks I've ran into several really inconsiderate kids(teenagers).

Episode #1

One sunny afternoon my mother and I went to get some mexican for lunch. We decided snacking on some chips and salsa and sipping on ice cold beers on the outside patio was the way to go. About 1/2 way through our first beers a couple of teenage girls sat down 2 tables away. Our then quiet lunch turned into something like so:

Girl1: "hehehee, haha!"
Girl2: "SHUT UP! hehehe..."
Girl1: "You did NOT say that!"
... you get my drift

Now, this is fine I have no problem with giggling girls.

Beer #1 is gone, mom goes to get 2 more. A car pulls up in the parking lot and parks in the back of the lot. It's obviously a car full of boys that the girls know as the giggling has now turned into squeals. As the boys don't seem to be getting out of the car it would seem like if the girls wanted to talk to them they would actually have to get up and go over there.

This is where my logic fails. Instead of getting up and walking over the girls decide to stand up on their chairs and scream "Hey baby! What chu doin?!... - Who's that in the car with you?... You going to the movie tonight?... don't you bring that bitch Amanda with you, I'll dump my coke on her!... etc..." and on and on.

Now this in itself isn't quite enough to push me over the edge. I can try to ignore it and keep sipping away at my corona. However, that fact that my table happened to be smack in between the girls and the parking lot, kinda put me in a tissy. I can tell you for a fact Girl#1 still had her tonsils. And I'm pretty sure some of her spit made a break for my salsa. I'm literally sitting 3 feet away from her staring at her waiting for her to finish and acknowledge my presence. And when she finally does come down off the chair she sees me staring at her and grins and winks at me. Then promptly goes inside because her break is now over and someone has to refill the napkins.

WTF? Of course my mom is giggling because #1 she had one more beer than me and #2 she can see how pissed I'm getting. She then followed up with "Don't worry sweetie, you were never like that!". Damn right I wasn't, at least not to anyone that wasn't my mother.

Episode #2

Ok, so a few days after the mexican screaming incident. I'm at the grocery store in the produce department. In front of me is an older gentleman with his daughter (maybe 14 years old). She's very athletic looking and high energy as she's bouncing around and running circles around her dad. Apparently she thought her dad was taking too long in choosing the right group of grapes so she picks up 3 oranges and begins to juggle them. Yup - juggle. She eventually drops one on the floor and tries again. A minute later her dad has chosen the perfect grapes and moved along. She notices this, puts the oranges back and catches up with him. Am I the only one who finds this disturbing?!

Ugh, have teenagers always been like this and I'm just now noticing. Maybe I really am getting old...

Golden Glass

2006-04-21T09:31:00.000-07:00

Golden Glass

This weeks photo friday theme is "Golden". The picture above is of one of my fiance's peices of hand blown glass. The colors in this peice are just amazing. To see what I'm talking about go here: www.photofriday.com. There are so many amazing photos this week! I'm definately not a photographer but good photography sure does inspire me - and makes me want a better camera!

Oh, and if you see a photograph that you really like - vote for it on the photo friday website!

You betcha...

2006-04-17T14:03:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it turns out I was on the right track with my Photography Fridays invention... I swear I didn't know about this until today:
http://www.photofriday.com/
Who knew?!

I'm excited!

Boring, I know...

2006-04-14T14:20:00.000-07:00

Ok, I totally forgot about photo friday. Ugh, I suck. Here is a photo I took about a year ago. It's Thyme that had started to grow down the side of a terra cotta pot that sits outside my sunroom. I like it. It makes me hungry, mmmm. This photo is also on a wall in my kitchen.

to HNT or not to HNT...

2006-04-13T07:40:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I think I'm done with the whole HNT thing. I used to enjoy going through the list of people who participate and seeing the different creative photos they come up with each week. However, 75% of the people who participate now, post pictures that I really don't need to see. I didn't start doing HNT to look at naked (no not nekkid - actually naked) photos of people. I did it because I love photography and it seemed like a neat creative outlet and a reason to get creative with the camera once a week.

I understand that everyone has their own ideas of what is creative and there are still a lot of people who participate in HNT that do strive for more creative photography rather than just showing some risque body part. I will continue to frequent those blogs because I do enjoy them. I also know that I will lose a lot of traffic once I stop HNT but that's ok with me. The people who visit my blog and see or read things they like will come back HNT or no HNT.

Instead of posting photos on thursdays I'm going to create my own schedule for creative photography. Photography that may or may not include myself. Stay tuned for more. I think fridays will be my photography days. Yea, friday sounds good...

HNT - Relaxed

2006-04-06T11:18:00.000-07:00

I'm way late today, wait what am I saying - I'm always late getting my photo's up for HNT. I didn't get much sleep last night - see post below, so I'm a bit exhausted and going the comfy route today. I love this shirt. It's so comfortable and breezy. Happy HNT!

Birdie from hell...

2006-04-06T06:44:00.000-07:00

If you think all birds sleep at night and only chrip during the day, let me fill you in... Last night I think I had a total of maybe 2 hours sleep in 10 minute increments. I started to hear the chriping at about 10:30 last night. I was all nestled into bed reading a book when it sounded like a car alarm of constant chriping went off. Ok I thought, no problem, it will stop in a minute. Man was I wrong, and to add to the misery I swear this bird had a menagerie of chirps and would only reapeat each three times then move to the next. Maybe, just maybe if it had been the same chrip over and over I could have drowned it out.

At one point I had convinced myself that there was no way this was a bird, I don't ever remember hearing them at night. I thought for sure this was some kind of new motion detector the neighbors had installed and was stuck in the ON mode. I know, doesn't make much sense but after several hours of constant chriping and no sleep it made plenty of sense to me. Around 1am gnat finally came to bed but no matter what we did we couldn't drown out this damn bird. We normally have a fan in the room to drown out the normal noises of the night, it's usually set on low but last night we upped it to HI. As soon as we did this I swear the bird upped its volume. Gnat had the idea to go outside and give the tree a little shake. Seeing as we have around 20 trees outside our window, I don't know which tree he decided to shake but he was as tired as I was of this bird. The chirping stopped for approximately 5 minutes.

Around 3am I got up opened the door and clapped my hands as loud as I could. No good, the bird didn't even skip a beat. On top of this, gnat was apparently able to drown out the noise with his snoring. GREAT... I took my pillow and retreated to the other bedroom (on the same side of the house, with no fan to drown anything out). I shut the doors, stuffed the windowsill with pillows, layed on my side, proped a pillow over my exposed ear and held it in place with my other arm. This worked for about 20 minutes as soon my arms began to fall asleep from the odd position and I could still here gnat snoring in the other room. I got up and walked through the house to see if the noise was less in any of the other rooms. At this point I think I could would have been happy to sleep on the kitchen floor or in the bathtub if it were quiet. Unfortunately, I could hear this damn bird equally throughout the house. I'm normally an animal lover but I have never so badly wanted to strangle an animal, or at least cut it's vocal chords. This basically went on the entire night. I tossed and turned the rest of the morning, I would fall asleep for about 10 minutes at a time before the chirping would wake me up again. It's now 9am and the damn thing is still going, although now it is taking breaks between driving me crazy. If I thought I had decent aim I would be in the garage searching for the pellet gun. It's more likely, however, that I'd end up shooting my foot than a bird.

I swear if this continues much longer, I might be forced to call in an expert (AKA Fluffy the feline terminator). Don't let all the white fluffiness fool you. The first time I met Fluffy he had a squirrel in his mouth. I really hope it doesn't come to that. For your own sake birdie, go perch in someone else's tree!

Are ya Nekkid?!

2006-03-30T09:05:00.000-08:00

I've become accustomed to answering this specific quetion from Gnat quite frequently.
Goes something like this:

Gnat calls: "Are ya Nekkiiiiid?!"
Mini says: "yup"
[Gnats head begins to swirl with ideas...]
Mini follows up with: "under my clothes!"
[giggling ensues]

Oh, and this photo is a preview of my newly refaced fireplace.
Happy HNT!

Sllllllaaacker!

2006-03-29T12:01:00.000-08:00

I know, I know... I've been totally slacking on the blog front. But I have been so completely slammed with other shit. My dad came to visit for an entire week and I can't express what a wonderful time we had. I don't get to see my dad very often but when I do we always have the best time. During this visit he toally worked his ass off. He repointed our house (fixed the bricks and cracked mortar where the house has settled), he helped with some seriously needed landscape (which mostly included pulling the crazy hellaishious (is that a word?) hedges out from around the house, and he refaced our fireplace (complete with salvaged bricks from old city streets) that looks absolutely awesome! Now, every time I look at the fireplace it reminds me of my dad and warms my heart. How cool is that?! We still have to find a mantle and re-tile the floor around it but it's going to look great. I'll post before and after photos once it's completely finished.

Lucky HNT

2006-03-16T09:04:00.000-08:00

"May you always have a clean shirt, a clear conscience, and enough coins in your pocket to buy a pint!"

Boy do I wish I was Irish today. I damn sure need the luck. Today I've declared this scarf my lucky scarf. Not only because it's partly green and it's one of my favorites that I've made, but because I'm on a serious deadline at work and I'm going to need all the luck in the world to meet it by tomorrow. So, even though it's 68 degrees outside I'm going to wear this scarf all day and hope it brings me the luck of the Irish.

I've posted today's photo in color because of the green but, if you know me at all, you know I couldn't leave the black and white version out. Scroll down to see it.

Hope everyone has a wonderful St. Patricks Day and some Luck in one way or another ;)

HNT - Memory

2006-03-09T08:19:00.000-08:00

Today's HNT is a little different. It's more of a memory that this photo inspires. I have always loved this photo. I know it's not the best picture quality but it still touches my heart. This is a photo of my father and I taken by my mother just before sunset at my dad's house. My dad used to get so upset at my mom because that damn camera was always attached to her hip and it seemed most of the photos she would take I was typically half nekkid. Apparently she tried to clothe me but as a baby I didn't like wearing clothes and would just strip them off. My dad is a very modest man and to this day still gets embarrassed when he looks at a lot of these photos.

Even though my dad hated the fact that my mom was always snapping photos, I'm so grateful she did. They give me the chance to go back in time and remember what a wonderful childhood I had. I can sit for hours and look through all of them, most of them triggering some sort of memory. Sometimes I'll even look at one I've seen a hundred times and remember something new.

Not to say that my childhood was uneventful. My parents divorced when I was 2. However they remained close and lived nearby. I began having seizures shortly after and continued to do so for the next 9 years. I was constantly in and out of the hospital having a myriad of tests run and by age 6 I'm sure I could have set up my own IV. Despite all the hardships I still have fond memories of everything. I have to attribute this to my parents and grandparents. I only hope my children can have the same kind of fond memories that I do.

I suppose this post was inspired by the fact that my Dad is coming to visit in approximately 10 days. I'm so excited. I haven't seen him since September and he will get to see my new house for the first time. He's going to help out with a few projects around the house and I couldn't be happier. And even though he probably won't like it, I'm going to take lots of photos.

Time permitting I'll try and post another photo for HNT later today. Damn work is getting in the way...

Weekend Destruction

2006-03-06T11:41:00.000-08:00

NOTE: The building you see in these pictures is the detached garage. After re-reading this I could see how it could be mistaken for the house. When looking at the first picture, the house is to the left.

Gnat and I were busy bees this weekend. We got a lot accomplished over the weekend so I thought I'd post some pictures. We've needed to get this project done for a while now, seeing as it has been in dire straights since Hurricane Ivan (9/04). Here are a couple of before and after photos:

This photo is a before shot from the front. You can see a square of concrete that sunk below the rest. This broke a water pipe during Hurricane Dennis and cost us around $400 in water bills. Luckily the water company was able to write it off as "Hurricane Related" and we were reimbursed the money. The carport was missing several pieces of aluminum on top and the posts were all rusted and would flake off if touched.

Here is another before photo from the side. Notice all the ugly ass hedges that have probably been there 50 years.

Here's a mid-destruction photo. This is the carport after gnat had taken the sledgehammer to it a few times.

Viola, after photo from the front: No more ugly hedges, the sunken cement square is now gone (we're thinking of planing something cool there - or make it a fire pit), and NO RUSTY CARPORT! WOOHOO! I personally had lots of fun pulling those hedges out with the truck. We also found this lovely umbrella to lounge under until we get around to building the Pergola. We'll probably re-finish the concrete to make it look nicer and add some brick benches surrounding - maybe a fireplace or fire pit. Eventually this will be the site of a hot glass studio. We hope to knock out the wall of the garage and add sliding doors that will open up to a glass shop furnished with a full on furnace, glory hole, annealers, etc...

It looks great at night with a fire in the fireplace and the umbrella lit up with mini lights. So much so our neighbor practically begged to come over and join us. Now we just need a taller hedge to block his view ;)

Finally, we decide to relax for our first meal in our transformed back yard. We sat under the umbrella with a fire going in the background and a nice grilled Filet Mignon (topped with feta), corn on the cob and vegetable skewer for dinner after all the hard work (yes, we're drinking whiskey out of styrofoam cups - we're classy like that):

We still have lots left to do, but have definately made good progress so far. Wish us luck and the energy to keep it up! I have a feeling we're going to need it.

Artistic HNT

2006-03-02T10:25:00.000-08:00

It's funny the process I go through to get a good photo. I don't know if I would call it anal but I go through many many ideas and photos before I get one that I really like. And if I don't REALLY like it - it doesn't get posted. No half ass for this chica.

I do, however need to learn when to move on and not dwell on a certian photo idea. I got very frustrated today because I couldn't get the shot I wanted - it just was not working out and I was damned and determined that I was going to keep trying until I got it right. I even started to get pissed off about it when I thought, ya know, I shouldn't get so upset. Photography is a hobby for me and I should be enjoying it. So I sat down and relaxed for a minute, when to give Ms Kitty some love - when I saw it. The painting in this photo is one I did a few weeks ago. I love the texture. So, I grabbed a paintbrush and the camera - and wham. This was one of the first photo's I took. Funny how things work like that.

I know it's not very sexy or revealing as a lot of others HNT photos are - but it's mine and I like it. I hope you enjoy seeing it.

100 Things about Me:

2006-03-01T20:12:00.000-08:00

** Updated: 100 completed! Thanks to gnat (see his additions below 63-100). **

Ok, I totally ripped this idea from another blogger. But I thought it was a good idea so here goes:

100 Things about me:

1. I am a virgo
2. I am a complete computer geek
3. I tend to rebel against the computer geek in me and try to be very creative and artistic
4. 4 is my favorite number (all the good cartoons were on this channel when I was a kid)
5. I have a weakness for mid-century eames era furniture
6. I really enjoy refinishing old furniture to make it my own
7. I don’t enjoy planning projects – I’d rather dive right in and get my hands dirty
8. I grew up living in my grandparents house
9. I have a wonderful relationship with my grandparents
10. Feet really gross me out
11. I am very ambitious when it comes to handiwork
12. I have had a wonderful, well paying job for the past 6 years
13. I eventually would like a career change
14. I love cooking
15. I own my house
16. I love my house in all it’s 1930’s character
17. My car is the best car in the world (MINI Cooper S)
18. I hated cats before I adopted one, then eventually two
19. I now have a soft spot for all kitties
20. I’ve never been arrested
21. I almost got arrested once
22. I can’t commit to one paint color in my house – I constantly want to change them
23. I enjoy gardening
24. I tend to kill most plants
25. I used to work in an ice cream store
26. I got tennis elbow from scooping too much ice cream
27. I have one half sister who has always lived far away
28. I have not graduated college with a 4 year degree
29. I starred in a commercial once
30. I knit a lot (the European way – not the American way)
31. I am learning to paint with oils
32. I mostly paint abstracts with acrylics
33. I love taking photography in the sun light
34. I have a weakness for black and white pictures
35. I love going to the beach
36. I don’t visit the beach enough
37. I know how to surf and own my own board
38. I accidentally flashed my fiancé on one of our first dates
39. He was teaching me to surf at the time
40. I own my own snowboard/boots/etc…
41. I don’t have any tattoos
42. I would wear flip flops year round if I could
43. I work from home
44. I have an online shopping addiction
45. Sometimes I go up to 4 days without leaving the house
46. I’m afraid of the dark
47. I hate cleaning the bathtub
48. I know how to blow glass
49. I prefer silver or white gold over gold
50. I enjoy Pilates even though I don’t do it enough
51. I used to be a competitive swimmer
52. I love a good grilled filet mignon
53. I’m no good at talking on the phone
54. The keys most used on my keyboard are worn down
55. I have come to despise seeing movies at the theater because of inconsiderate people
56. I have a low tolerance for messiness
57. I hate driving in the rain and will avoid it at most costs
58. I once spent 7 hours at a blackjack table during a tropical storm
59. I would like to learn to play the guitar
60. I believe I made up the word purrducken (nickname for my cat pixie)
61. I’m finding that coming up with 100 things is more difficult than I thought
62. I can’t resist watching Globe Trekker
63. Ok, so I lied this is not quite 100 things yet – it’s late and I’m getting sleepy.

Ok, I'm seriously grinning from ear to ear right now. I had a hard time coming up with 100 things last night so when gnat read my blog this morning he decided to help me out. These are from him, with no influence from me whatsoever.
He totally rocks.

63: When she laughs hard she might snort, and it makes her laugh more.

64: When she really does not like something she crinkles her nose like Bewitched and shakes her head.

65: Her eyes change color depending on what she wears. Green and Blue cause dramatic changes.

66: She makes a wonderful Manacati(spelling?)

67: She has a almost conpulsive sweeping habit. This a good thing not bad.

68: She knows how to messure and cut timber and frame up a wood celing.

69: She is a expert and sanding and staining wood. Not just furniture, but doors as well.

70: She has a pair of white cargo pants that look so good on her she could use pictures of her ass to recruit men to the navy.

71: She has a freckle on the bottom of her foot.

72: She does not like the way her toenails/fingernails grow. This I find strange she has wonderful feet.

73: She looks great with long or short hair.

74: Her Eyelashes tend to curl up more durring the summer and her eyebrows become very blonde.

75: She has a naval piercing.

76: She can regrout a countertop.

77: People think she is Patrica Arquete(spelling?)

78: She is a task master when it comes to paying bills on time. Thank god, otherwise nothing would get paid on time left to me.

79: She has a cow lick.

80: She love French Onion Soup.

81: Her favorite drink is Crown and Diet Coke.

82: She likes her chilli mild.

83: Her Ipod has new music on it every week.

84: She loves her faimly without reservation or judgement.

85: She very loyal to her friend.

86: She is shy until after the second crown and coke.

87: She is easy to make laugh.

88: She angers quickly if you hit a nerve but she lets it go just as fast.

89: She once had to tell the police "He is just drunk and hot".

90: She has not been to a hockey game in 8 years.

91: Her Favorite resturant in NYC is Molly's Grill on 23rd and 3rd. Seriously.

92: She does not smoke.

93: She loves tomatos slow grilled on toast with cheese.

94: Friday morning is her "Breakfast" morning.

95: She has an amazing ability to put up with extream asshatery.(insert me).

96: She has made her own drinking glass, out of glass, which she uses.

97: She loves tupperware.

98: Her hands get crazy sensitive when the weather changes.

99: Sour Patch Kids make her tongue look funny.

100: She is 7 months from getting married.

Time for a Mardi Gras HNT!!!

2006-02-23T09:02:00.000-08:00

Don't think I need to explain my inspiration today. If you haven't heard of Mardi Gras you should be shot. Hope everyone has a wonderful Mardi Gras and a Happy HNT!

Mardi Gras Fever

2006-02-22T11:36:00.000-08:00

I've actually never been to New Orleans during Mardi Gras. Seems crazy since I live so close. It will happen some day. Not this year though - too many other things going on. This year I'm getting geared up for the local festivities. Gotta find my hot pink floor length beads. WOO HOO! Gnat got some pretty cool throws this year. Too bad I'm going to have to duck and run if he starts to throw any my way. Last year he tried to throw some beads that he had been saving all night for me. He wanted to make sure that I caught them and no one else had a chance of snagging them. I'm not sure if it was all the booze or all the excitement but he must have had a flashback to his baseball years. I watched him wind his arm and throw the beads straight at me. I honestly had no time to think or duck before they hit me square in the eye. Yup, that one stung. The beads were mighty nice though.

Such a Slacker

2006-02-16T14:35:00.000-08:00

I admit I've been a total slacker today. My internet connection was down most of the day so I decided to hang outside seeing as it was absolutely gorgeous weather. I did take my laptop and got a little work done but mostly napped in the hammock - as you can see from my photo this week.

It's not my best photo ever but it's late in the day and I figured I needed to post something. Here's to hoping tomorrow is just as nice!

Hmmm, HNT Already?!

2006-02-15T23:23:00.000-08:00

I guess it is already Thursday (1:20 am my time) so technically I could post an HNT photo, however I don't have one yet. I need to wait for the sunshine and inspiration to come in the morning. Been out way to late with friends... Good times though, totally worth it. I had a great time tonight. I laughed more tonight than I have in a while... I hung out with gnat and two lovely ladies that totally inspire me. Each in their own way. Every time I see them I learn something new and they both fascinate me.

Anyhow, no HNT yet... stay tuned. I will post something sometime in the morning. Off to bed, hopefully for some good zzzzs.

What is she looking at?! - Happy HNT!

2006-02-09T08:05:00.000-08:00

Today is a 2-fer. I couldn't resist posting this photo. My inspiration today came from none other than my crazy Ms Kitty. For some reason she was mesmerized by the shadows on the curtians. Occasionally the curtians would sway and she would try to attack a shadow as it seemed to move. Shortly after I took this photo she jumped to attack a shadow and fell off the side of the couch... crazy kitty. Maybe I should rename her Grace.

Cold, Cold, go away!

2006-02-08T07:12:00.000-08:00

No, I'm not talking about the weather. Although it did dip into the 30's last night and the high for today is only 57 :( I guess I can't complain seeing as it is February. Anyhow, I'm talking about this stupid coughing (more like hacking) flu/cold shit that's going around. The cold itself is not so bad. Stuffy nose, itchy throat, head and chest congestion. The horrible part about it is that it's lasted for almost 2 weeks now!! One of my friends is rolling up on 3 weeks of nastiness. Ugh. Go away already!!! Not to mention that my hands look like someone took a cheese grater to them. They are very sensitive and this hot/cold weather yo-yo shit has sent them into dire straits. No matter how much lotion I put on them the tops of my hands actually burn and itch. Uck. Ok, enough bitching for today.

On another note, everything in my yard seems to be blooming. Here are some photo's I took this morning. The one on the left is the Japanese Magnolia tree. It's blooming like crazy right now but unfortunately has no leaves. Poor thing has been through hell with all the hurricanes. I'm not sure if it knows who it is right now.

Now the flowers below are a mystery to me. I had no idea this plant would bloom. It's more of a succulent than anything. Gnat, I bet you can't guess which plant this is from. I'm astonished by it.

February HNT!

2006-02-02T11:42:00.000-08:00

A little late but here's my photo for HNT today.

I'm not sure what inspired this. I was completely uninspired earlier this morning, probably because it was dark and gloomy outside and I think I'm coming down with a cold. Anyhow, I saw my guitar sitting in the corner and thought since I don't play it at least I could take a few pics of it. Guitars need love too.

Hope you enjoy.

Handblown Goblets

2006-02-01T12:29:00.000-08:00

I love goblets. I don't know exactly what it is about them that I like so much. And no it's not the wine that goes in them... ok fine, maybe that's part of it. Anyhow, I've just recently discovered my fascination with them but I'm hooked. It doesn't hurt that I can have my own "one of a kind" goblets made by none other that gnat.

This is a photo of my favorite two. The picture doesn't do them justice, they're beautiful. I use the red one regularly (it holds more wine) ;) Not to mention that these two are probably only the 5th or 6th ones he's ever made! Pretty impressive gnat! I can't wait to see more as your goblet skills progress.

Phlaughachewwww!!! Uhh ehem..

2006-01-31T12:50:00.000-08:00

Whew, I feel better now that I got that out.

What is it about nighttime cold medicine that keeps me up until 3:30 am?!
I don't get it. I'm actually not sure I slept at all last night. Just laid there with my eyes closed for a few hours. Ugh...
At least I got some much needed work done - oh and I finally got to see War of the Roses from start to end. What a movie.

TGIHNT!! (thank god it's half nekkid thursday!)

2006-01-26T10:46:00.000-08:00

I needed a little creative outlet today. HNT did just the trick. I love taking pictures in the sun light. This week seems like it's just been exhausting. Counting down to friday happy hour and sleeping in on Saturday. I need it. I've posted two photos today becuase I really liked how it looked in color. Hope you enjoy! Oh, and just in case you're wondering what the hell HNT is - go here.

Let me count the ways....

2006-01-19T09:35:00.000-08:00

I love my shoes! Ok, I admit it... I love shoes. When I was younger I used to hate my feet. I remember thinking if there were one thing I could change about myself it would be my feet. As I grew older I discovered that my feet didn't look to damn bad in a nice pair of shoes. Enter my shoe obsession.

Here you can see a pair of my new shoes (I also bought them in green). You can't see it so much in these photos but the dark parts of the shoes actually have suttle little polka-dots on them.

Oh, happy HNT!
Go here if you don't understand what HNT is.

Compromise HNT...

2006-01-12T08:45:00.000-08:00

I've been meaning to post new pics of my beads and today happens to be HNT day, sooooo..... here are a couple of my creations. The first two are the same bead, just differnt angles and I wanted to show the color because it's really pretty. Hope you like.

Happy New Year!

2006-01-05T09:51:00.000-08:00

Ok, this is going to be a quickie... this photo is basically my life right now. Work, energy drink, booze, work, work.

I will be posting more bead pictures soon maybe next time I take a break from work (don't hold your breath).

Happy New Year!

Picasso Shmicasso!

2005-12-30T07:04:00.000-08:00

Check it out, make your own and be sure to leave a comment with a link for me to see! Enjoy!

You can also see mine here.

One more Photo for HNT...

2005-12-29T09:40:00.000-08:00

Apparently we're supposed to post our favorite HNT pic of the year. However since I haven't been doing this very long you can still see my favorite on this page. Scroll down to Happy HNT! from Dec. 15. Or click here. That is by far my favorite so far.

I love the stockings in this photo. I actually forgot I had them until recently. I bought them in Norway and I definately don't wear them enough! Happy HNT!!

Oh, I almost forgot - no new beads to post yet. All the beads from last week turned out horrible. I think the annealer was too hot and they all got gunk on them and lost some of their shape. Oh well, live and learn. Just means I'll know better next time.

Another Fabulous HNT!

2005-12-29T06:26:00.000-08:00

Happy HNT! This is a photo of my friend CorkChop's tatoo. Hope you enjoy!
Maybe if I get bored later I'll put another one up of myself.

No More Donuts?!

2005-12-28T16:32:00.000-08:00

It's official the "Time to Make the Donuts!" gentleman died. In other news, Gnat has heart palpatations, but was reached for comment and quoted:
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!".

Merry HNT!

2005-12-22T10:29:00.000-08:00

Happy HNT! Apparently we are supposed to do some special christmas hnt today but since I never got the memo I'm not doin it! nah. I took this photo a couple of weeks ago. You can sort of see xmas lights in the background. We have the lights strung across the brick face of our fireplace. No lights on the mantle this year, not only because they caught on fire last xmas but because we STILL haven't replaced the mantle. I know, we suck.

I worked at the glass shop again last night. I think I made about 7 or 8 beads in 3 hours. Stay tuned for photos I still have to go pick them up today. Cross your fingers that none of them broke.

Oh, and you might notice I've removed the link to the gnat on account of he really sucks and he deleted his blog. I really don't know why except that he wasn't happy with the direction it was going. Maybe he'll start a new one for those of us who really like reading his random mind dumps. Huh gnat? huh? huh?!

My New Addiction

2005-12-19T14:45:00.000-08:00

I think this may be my new addiction. While I do enjoy glassblowing that damn furnace is so freakin hot! If you've ever been in a glass shop you know what I mean. My skin literally breaks out if I stand near it too long. 2300 degrees will do that to you. I know that your body builds tolerance to the heat after a while but damn it's hot!

Maybe I'll get into it more after the furnace is built at the house and I can practice in the back yard whenever I feel like it. But, until then I'm hooked on flameworking. There's something about playing with a large flame and molten glass. It's mesmerizing, relaxing, yet energizing all at the same time. I can't wait to do it again.

Here is a sample of what I've made so far. I know they're not very exciting but I'm still a beginner. I'm allowed to suck for a while. This shit is a lot more difficult than you think!

Oh, and on a side note: WARNING: Christmas Party + open bar + owner who lets you refill your own beer from the tap = Not so good Monday morning.
On days like today it comes in handy to be able to work on the couch in my pajamas!

Quite possibly the best cookies EVER!!

2005-12-15T12:14:00.000-08:00

Butterscotch Coconut Cookies

(You can thank Williams Sonoma for this awesome recipe.)
I've made these cookies several times and they always dissapear almost immediately. They're great for parties but save some at home for yourself or else you won't get any...

1 1/3 cups flour
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter at room temp
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 ¾ cups sweetened shredded dried coconut
1 ½ cups butterscotch chips

Preheat oven to 325. Have ready 2 baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
Sift the flour, baking powder, paking soda, and salt together onto a sheet of waxed paper and set aside.

In a large bowl using an electric mixer on high, cream the butter until fluffy and pale yellow. Add the granulated and brown sugars and continue beating until the mixture is no longer gritty when rubbed between your finger and thumb. Add the egg and vanilla and beat on low until blended, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix on low speed or stir with a wooden spoon just until blended. Add the coconut and butterscotch chips, mixing or stirring just until blended.

With damp hands, shape the dough into 1-inch balls or drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.

Bake the cookies until golden brown around the edges, about 15 min. Let cookies cool briefly on the pans on wire racks before transferring them to the racks to cool completely.

Makes about 4 dozen cookies.
Enjoy!!

Happy HNT!

2005-12-15T10:04:00.000-08:00

I told you I'd end up only posting once a week! I actually almost forgot about HNT but Gnat promptly reminded me this morning ;)

My Debut of HNT

2005-12-08T12:04:00.000-08:00

So you may or may not notice I've changed the look of my blog. I didn't like the old template at all so I sort of put together another one. I like it - for now.

On to the HNT (half nekkid thursday). I think it's a fun idea and a reason to take creative photos. Plus, who wouldn't like seeing half nekkid pictures of strangers once a week?! There's a link to the rules/descriptions on the sidebar. It will also give me a reason to try and post at least once a week.

So, here's my photo for today - it's a little shy but maybe i'll warm up in the weeks to come.

Days like this...

2005-11-11T10:25:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love days like today. Although it's been unsually warm for November it has been quite nice weather for being outside. A cold front came in last night dropping the temp to a high of 72 today (was in the 80's yesterday). Sunny and warm with a cool breeze. I can smell the jasmine and the scent of freshly mowed lawn. What is it about a nice cool wind that makes everything seem so fresh and crisp? I love it. I love working at home on days like this. I set up my laptop in the sunroom, open all the windows and breathe deep.

I need you...

2005-11-09T20:18:00.000-08:00

My fiance sometimes wishes he never had a cell phone, even considers getting rid of it sometimes because it's such a pain. This shouldn't bother me, our parents didn't have cell phones at our age, they really shouldn't be a necessity. But it does bother me, just tonight I had a reminder of how it bothers me. I went out right after work for a few drinks/dinner with some girlfriends. On my way home I encountered some construction which detoured me out of my way and towards the arts center downtown. I knew my fiance was there blowing glass tonight so I stopped by to say hello, not something I do very often (usually I'm holed up at the house watching Lost and Martha Steawart Apprentice). He really appriciated me stoping by as a suprise and although I don't go up there very often I really enjoy it when I do. I left him at the shop and went home. Ate a little snack and had a glass of wine, checked my email, browsed ebay.. the usual. I got up to pee then realized I was cold and went into my closet to get a sweater. I walked by the back door and sensed something was wrong. The back door was open and the deadbolt was unlocked. I quickly shut the door and locked it but still wonder how long it has been open. In reality I know it was probably me or my fiance that opened it earlier in the day and forgot to completly shut or lock it. Still, this freaked me out. I reached for my phone to call my fiance, not sure what he could do about it from far away but I just wanted some re-assurance and maybe just to hear his voice and let him hear mine would make me feel better. I then realize he left his phone at home and it was ringing in the other room. This scared me. What is something really was wrong?! What if I need you, even if it is just for re-assurance? I hate the feeling that I can't reach you. when I need to...

My cat is the devil

2005-10-18T08:24:00.000-07:00

I really think my cat, Pixie, is going through some kind of adolesence rebellion stage in her life. She has always been a sweet cat - a little needy but sweet. After the first couple of mishaps I didn't think much of it, but now she's becoming quite the terrorist.

Clue #1: I woke up a few weeks ago and found a little pile of cat puke in the dining room. Ok, fine no biggie - I clean it up. She probably ate part of a plant or a bug (she likes flies). Only I then find another pile a few feet away - ugh. Walk into the kitchen to get another paper towel, yup another pile. What the hell is this cat getting into? Later in the day I sit on the couch only to find another pile beside the couch and one on top of the side table that obviously was a puke-and-run because it was splattered across the table and running down the side as well as the wall beside it. All I can say, is thank god for hard wood floors.

Clue #2: As the weather is finally starting to cool down I've been opening the windows and doors of the house - of course leaving the screen doors shut and locked. I've never had an issue with the cats and screens before - they just like to sit and watch and smell the world outside (they're strictly indoor cats). The other evening my fiance and I are sitting in the living room with the doors open and the cats both perched at the front door. All of a sudden I hear pixie snarl - which I've only heard once or twice before. The next thing I know the screen door flew open and pix was out the door chasing another cat that had come up on the front porch. Luckily the cat she chased only went into the neighbors yard and not across the street. The not so great thing is that those neighbors just moved in a few days before and here I was running screaming across their front lawn after my cat (picture no shoes, running through a freshly watered lawn trying not to trip over my long skirt). All while they were sitting outside eating dinner. They're gonna love me.

Clue #3: I'm fast asleep in bed since it was approx 2:30am. My fiance couldn't sleep so he was up on the computer playing games. I begin to hear strange distant sounds - still trying to figure out if I'm really awake or just dreaming about weird noises in my house. Finally, my fiance bursts into the bedroom turning the light on and making me jump sraight up in bed. I'm still in a haze - not sure if I'm awake or still dreaming. He says 'It's pix, somethings wrong with her she's going nuts!'. Apparently she had tried to climb into a gift bag that I left on the dining table and got her head and front right arm stuck through one of the handles - which immediately meant she had to begin flailing around the house like a mexican jumping bean. She was now under the bed. I tried to coax her out gently but quickly grew tired of this and was worried she was cutting off her air supply. I ended crawling under the bed to try and grab her just in time for her to run out from the bed and onto the chaise lounge in the bedroom. I finally got to her and was able to remove the bag handle from her head when I realized she smelled. I mean smelled really bad. At some point during the episode she must have pooped on herself and it was smeared all over her. Not to mention she had jumped up on the chaise and was sitting on a pile of clean clothes.

I can't wait to have children...
Oh, and if you were wondering, yes the photo is of Pixie - doesn't she look sweet?!

I knew I'd suck at this...

2005-09-30T11:35:00.000-07:00

I tend to think that I need to have something important or at least really funny to post. I need to get over that. I'll post more later - I promise. Meanwhile, check out my new chairs!! Only one pictured but I've got two - love em.

Working on Setup

2005-09-16T11:46:00.000-07:00

Apparently I have to post something in order to see what this freakin thing looks like!!