Friday Fill In #202

This week, I'm going to give you a choice of fill-ins OR a different kind of fill-in (or both). A friend emailed me a list where you have to identify Christmas songs by the initials of the first words of the first line of each song. Each Friday until Christmas Eve I'll post 9 more of these songs and if you'd like to play along, great!

So...here we go!

1. The best thing about a birthday celebration is having friends & family around.

2. I am not a fan the passage of time.

3. I went shopping recently and the most interesting thing I bought was a green bow ring and jangling earrings for Christmas parties this season.

4. I love the child's game candyland.

5. The reason is I remember playing it over and over and over again as a child!

6. I despise the snow and cold.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to the city parade to watch my future little sis-in-law with the pageant princesses, tomorrow my plans include another Christmas parade to watch a friend's daughter cheer and Sunday, I want to sleep, but I have a Christmas party at my soon to be grandmother-in-law's!

AND/OR

1. HYAMLC: Have yourself a merry little Christmas
2. TFNTADS: The First Noel (the angels did say)
3. GRYMGLNYD: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (let nothing you dismay)
4. ICUAMC: It came upon a midnight clear
5. SNHNAICAIB: Silent Night (holy night, all is calm, all is bright)
6. OTFDOCMTLGTM: 12 Days of Christmas (on the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me)
7. DTHWBOHFLLLLLLLL: Deck the Halls (with bows{sp} of holly, Fa la la la la la la la la)
8. YBWOYBNC: Santa Clause is Coming to Town (You better watch out, you better not cry)
9. JTTWTLHC: Joy to the World (the Lord has come)

*yeah...had to look up some of these from google. :)
Fun stuff! :)

Such a horrible poster

Well...time for another apology! I'm getting really bad at this. And it's not that I'm super busy, I just haven't done it. Which is odd because I'm about to get super busy! It's that time of year!! And I'm so excited!

Christmas is my favorite holiday season!! I love snowflakes and snowmen and gingerbread men and all that fun stuff (not a fan of Santa decor, but to each his/her own). I love getting a tree, real or fake, and decorating...filling that green booger with so many white lights you don't know what color the tree is anymore!! And most of all, I love that it's the celebration of our Lord's birth! :) This year I actually have room for a full size tree...but I have no idea how to get it home and up to my 2nd floor apartment. So I may just do another mini this year...especially since Stephen and I may be staying at his dad's Christmas Eve. Another thing I'm excited about...actually spending Christmas day with the love of my life!!! (Last year he had to work so we did Christmas early and I went to AZ). I'm so looking forward to this year!

On a different note...I've discovered my clothes fitting more and more tightly and it's time for me to get back into doing something about that! I can feel the effects of my weight on my body and it's just not healthy for me, at my age, to be this way! So, effective immediately it's time to start! Slowly, though, otherwise I'll burn myself out of this faster than I start. So, first things first...cutting out sodas. That's a hard one for me because I love my dark, carbonated, sugary goodness!! But that's the start. I need to start back into some sort of exercise regime, but that's the next step...we're doing baby steps for now! :)

And, the final new excitement in my life is that class starts today! Two more courses, to make my life busy, have begun today: Critical Thinking and Industrial/Organizational Psychology! I'm working my way to a BS in Psychology. It'll take a couple years, but that is the ultimate goal! And I'm very excited to finally be back on track with that, even if it means taking some fun out of my weekends.

Well...that's about it for now. I'll try to get back into the swing of some of my original posts: Monday's Mug and Friday Fill-In. And I'll try to do more updates as I can too...but you know me!

Hugs!

Monday's Mug!!

Finally back in the swing of things!! Here's this week's installment...You know the drill -
A random picture (aka, mug) from 2010. Each week will be different...it may be flowers, animals, people, or just plain ole scenery. It may be shopped or not. Just depends on how I'm feeling.

Here we go......



The view from where I live!!! Yes, folks, I live here!! :) Now, I'm upstairs so I have a couple trees blocking the full view when they're in full bloom. But it's a lovely place to be!! :)

And we're back!!!

1. One of my strongest beliefs is that God loves us no matter what we've done.

2. My To Do list for the next week is huge!

3. The sky is cloudy with a threat of rain and wind and cold, so I want my most comfy sweatshirt, a good book, and some Hot Apple Spice from Starbucks!!!

4. Just being in the same room as my love is comforting to me.

5. I always thought I'd be younger when I got married...turns out I'll be older. :)

6. Last night, after driving to my love's house, I carried in my stuff and then I went outside to look at the full moon (ok, I saw the full moon as I was walking in).

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to school work, tomorrow my plans include San Francisco for the day/night and returning to SD at midnight and Sunday, I want to rest, but I have an event in LA that day!

Lazy daze

No, I didn't spell it wrong...I've been in a daze the last few weeks. As a college rep, October is my busiest month. Between junior college transfer fairs and high school college fairs, plus all the office work that goes with it (emails, phone calls, making sure I'm registered and have my parking permit, after-event forms)...and then my boss tosses in an extra trip that takes me out of town for four days (unfortunately it was a work trip). It's no wonder I'm over half way through this month and have no idea what's going on. It's a miracle I'm able to keep up with my school work too.

Yeah, that's right...I'm taking classes, two!!...on top of the rest of my busy life. I've got an A in one and either a high C or low B in the other. And I've done more writing for these two courses than any other course I've done...and they're not even English or writing classes!!

So what's been happening since my last post...the beginning of September. Well, not too much to be honest. I just had to look at my calendar to see what's been going on. And again, not much besides work and school. There have been two trips to Disneyland...the 26th of Sept and this past Sunday (The 17th). So that's been some excitement. The trip my boss pulled me to was to San Francisco for Fleet Week. Pretty spectacular...but I love that kind of thing: Navy ships, jets, prop plane aerobatics, and the Blue Angels. I got wore out with all the walking we did...three blocks from Fisherman's Wharf area. But it was fun.

Now that I've updated you on my life, I'm going to make a steady effort to be more consistent with this...again. I'll go back to doing the Friday Fill-Ins and the Monday Mugs. But we'll see about the Stealing Sunday Meme's. Those get a little tiresome filling in so much information. And I'm afraid I'm overwhelming with all the same information over, and over, and over, and over again.

And I may add a new topic..."Weekly Weight Watch" to keep myself going on this whole diet and exercise thing. I'll look for tips or recipes that might be beneficial. And keep you posted on my goals. After all...I've got an important event coming up next year that I'd like to look my best for!!! :) But that won't start till after the first of the month...just in time for holiday eating, but life will slow down some and I'll be able to focus more on healthy cooking/eating and exercising without all my running around. This body is in serious need of some physical activity and toning!!

Well...that's all for now.

Hugs...

Monday's Mug

A random picture (aka, mug) from 2010. Each week will be different...it may be flowers, animals, people, or just plain ole scenery. It may be shopped or not. Just depends on how I'm feeling.

And here is this week's photo:





My parents!! Celebrated 39 years of marriage this past June. They are the reason I am who I am today!!

Majorly Personal Meme, Part The End

41. What are your plans for this weekend? relax, rest, clean/organize

42. Do you think someone might be thinking poorly about you? Why might that be? no...I don't have many people I know in SoCal...and those outside of SoCal (aside from close friends) I don't really care what they think of me.

42. What features don't you have that you would like on your cell? not much I can think of...maybe turn-by-turn directions or something like that.

43. How many people can comfortably sleep in your bed? one - comfortably. two - snuggled

44. What are you hoping happens by the end of 2010? engaged

45. What was the last video you watched on YouTube? don't remember

46. Would you ever agree to an open relationship with someone? no

47. Is there something that you could never give up? no sure

48. Would you, (or did you) prefer a small, intimate wedding reception, or a big-scale, over-the-top reception? somewhere in the middle :)

49. What’s bothering you right now? nothing

50. Do you hate anyone? no

51. What were you doing at 12 am last night? playing online at Stephen's

52. Was this summer a good one? How warm was it where you live? it was an ok summer...mild heat too. only about two weeks got over the 95 range

52. Is the last person you kissed before your current situation mad at you? no!!

53. Can a man and woman be friends without having feelings for each other? absolutely!!

54. Do you think long distance relationships work? If you’ve had one, tell us about it. I believe they can, but I've seen to many not work to try it

55. Do you know why it’s called “Random Boredom“? because you'll randomly get bored, even if you're doing something?

56. Do you thing that it’s always the man’s responsibility to initiate sex? no!

57. Have you ever made love while you were in the same room with another couple? no

58. Tell us the best thing about your current or most recent S/O. He treats me like a princess and loves me just the way I am.

59. Tell us the worst thing about your current or most recent S/O. he stresses over money too much

60. Would you write one question in today’s comments so that we could have our followers allow us to steal their questions? We’ll need at least 15. Probably not.

#192

1. Family is very important to me!

2. Driving back and forth to and from San Diego got very old very fast this week!

3. I love a good long hot bath!

4. Stephen makes a good meal.

5. I've got the Friday "don't wanna do nuthin" bug!

6. CA people not knowing how to drive up a hill on the freeway: wth!!!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing, tomorrow my plans include hanging at Casa de K3 and Sunday, I want to do some more relaxing...and maybe some organizing of my work junk!



Happy Labor Day weekend to all!!

Monday's Mug

A random picture (aka, mug) from 2010. Each week will be different...it may be flowers, animals, people, or just plain ole scenery. It may be shopped or not. Just depends on how I'm feeling.

And here is this week's photo:




Stephen and I from the Dodger's game we went to in June. They played the Angels and the Angels won. :)

The Majorly Personal Meme, Part 2

21. If you were to live your life without your best friend, what would change? I'd be lonely!!

22. Tell us about a era of your life that you really miss. Kindergarten...I miss nap time!

23. Have you ever been betrayed by someone that came as a complete surprise? Without revealing the person, if yes, tell us about it. not really...

24. Do you ever think that is a good idea to hide your feelings? sometimes you need to hide them when revealing them would only make the situation worse

25. Tell us about your favorite year when you were a student. senior yr in HS...was a breeze!!!

25. When was the last time you were in a very good mood? What caused it? today...sushi and a spending the day with my amazing boyfriend

26. Have you ever had a romantic relationship with a sibling of a good friend? no

27. Tell us about the last thing that you did that you truly regret. being mean to a girl I graduated high school with. we were really close and I shut her out one year for no good reason. Other than that...I try to live a life with no regrets!

28. When did you laughed today? too many times to count

29. Do you trust easily? yes

30. What do you care about that you wish more people would? hmmm...not really sure

31. Is it easier for you to go without food or go without sleep? without sleep...this chica likes to EAT!!

32. What non-alcohol beverage do you enjoy drinking the most? diet or regular cherry soda

33. When you walk into a room full of strangers, generally how is your confidence? not very high

34. Does talking about sex with anyone but your lover make you uncomfortable? not really

35. Do you tend to believe members of the opposite sex mostly behave the same way? yeah

36. Did you drink any alcohol this week? If yes, what? yes...a Bikini Martini on Friday and a Smirnoff Raspberry today

37. Would you ever consider being a vegetarian? no...I love steak too much!!

38. Do you believe that there’s always room in your heart for someone? yes

39. Do you believe in the concept of soul mates? yes

40. Last week, we had a few players criticize our victim’s questions. Which is fine to do and we value your opinion. Would you ever consider writing questions for Bud and me to post on a Sunday Stealing? yeah, but I'd probably get writers block if I were called upon to do so.

# 191

1. You do your thing; I do mine and sometimes we might actually get something done!!

2. Coffee is what's been on my mind on and off all day (I've only been up an hour, cut me a little slack).

3. Remember when we spent almost every weekend in the pool at the Bradshaw House! I miss that summer!!

4. Vinylmation, reading, and NCIS are three of my favorite obsessions :-)

5. During the last year I have grown...I hope.

6. Stephen puts a smile on my face.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Cheesecake Factory for dinner than Michael Buble' concert, tomorrow my plans include The USS Midway then dinner at Doug & Alicia's and Sunday, I want to go to church and then take a nap!

Monday's Mug

A random picture (aka, mug) from 2010. Each week will be different...it may be flowers, animals, people, or just plain ole scenery. It may be shopped or not. Just depends on how I'm feeling.

And here is this week's photo:



Reuben & Elise Cope. :) This is the lovely couple who's wedding I was in two weekends ago. So much fun...such a beautiful bride and handsome groom. Just an all out great time was had with amazing friends I haven't seen in over a year! :)

Congrats to the new couple!!

The Majorly Personal Meme, Part 1

a day late




1. Are you happier now than you were five months ago? absolutely

2. Have you ever slept in the same bed with anyone that you shouldn't have? yes...and that's all I'm going to say about that.

3. Can you sleep in total darkness? prefer it that way, to be honest.

4. Your phone is ringing. It’s the person you fell hardest for, the one who got away, what do you say? I've got the one I fell hardest for...no one got away from me!! :)

5. What do you think about the weather this summer? a little too hot for my taste

6. How many people do you trust with everything? one

7. What was the last thing you drank? peach tea flavored water

8. Is there anyone you want to come see you? Beck

9. Name one thing you love about winter? snuggling!!

10. Have you ever dated a Goth? no

11. What are you looking forward to tomorrow? being out of the house all day

12. Name something you dislike about the day you’re having? the fact that I've eaten three hostess cupcakes today...I disgust myself sometimes!!

13. What's the longest that you have committed to one person and one person only? 1 year, 6, months, 10 days...and counting

14. What’s the first thing you did when you opened your eyes today? rushed to turn the stupid alarm off

15. Has anyone ever told you they never want to ever lose you? yes!!! <3

16. Is there anybody that you wish you could fix your relationship with? not that I can think of off hand

17. Could you go out in public, looking like you do now? absolutely not!!!

18. Do you think things will change in the next 3 months? How? yes...I think they will get better!! Don't know specifics, but I like to stay optimistic.

19. Do you believe that you never know what you got until you lose it? not usually

20. Do you have a friend of the opposite sex you can talk to? yeah...my b/f :)

#190

1. Laughter is always the best medicine!

2. "T* here is" are the three words that started off the last email I sent. *name has been removed for privacy purposes...that and it was a work email. :)

3. What I'm most looking forward to today is when the work day is over.

4. Stephen puts a smile on my face.

5. Where in the world is Carmen San Diego?!?

6. COFFEE... just what I needed!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to RESTING, tomorrow my plans include cleaning my apartment and laundry and Sunday, I want to go to church then have a nice dinner with my love!

Monday's Mug...WAY LATE!!

GASP!!!! I can't believe I forgot this! And I was going to do it Monday too! Oh well...here is this week's shot!



I'm a lover of all things Turtle. So this is one of the fellas from Sea World San Diego. :)

Lateness for the Friday and Sunday stuff

Hi....sorry I'm late! LOL!! I've been out of town since Wednesday of last week and I wasn't sure what kind, if any, of internet access I'd have while in Michigan so I left my lapper at home. But here's the catch-up for Friday's Fill-In and the Stealing Sunday Meme. :)

~~~~~~



*writing this as if I'd done it on time on Friday*

#189
1. Music calms me down and makes my day so much better.

2. Coffee and being left alone is what I like first thing in the morning.

3. The first thing I said this morning was: who want's the first shower (I think...I don't remember the first thing I said Fri morning while I was in Michigan)

4. Pizza; it's what's for dinner tonight.

5. It's all been a fun and interesting time!

6. Sleeping is what I feel like doing right now.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to hanging with the other bridesmaids in the condo, tomorrow my plans include Elise & Reuben's wedding then reception and Sunday, I want to sleep...but I'm going home, so I'll sleep on the plane!

~~~~~

Crafty 50 Meme - Part II



26. What do you normally smell like?

Not sure...fav lotion/perfume is Japanese Cherry Blossom, though

27. Do you like Carrie Underwood?

yes!!

28. Been to “The Vegas”?

A couple times

29. How far away do you live from your parents?

7 hour drive

30. Are you happy with your job?

not right now...they owe me mileage money!!!

31. Where do you work and what do you do there?

Sorry...can't put that here...too public. But I can't tell ya I'm an admission's counselor for a college.

32. What did you get in the mail today?

haven't checked yet...but I'm hoping for a reimbursement check from work!

33. How do you like your steak cooked?

medium

34. Britney Spears…is she back?

unfortunately

35. What do you usually order at Taco Bell?

chalupa or crunch wrap supreme

36. Have you ever sat all the way through Gone With the Wind?

no...not yet. I've seen the whole thing, but at different intervals at different times

37. Have you ever been to Mt Rushmore?

no...it's on the list, though

38. Is it just me, or was The Marine (w/John Cena) a really horrible movie?

no...it wasn't that great

39. Are surveys like the cocaine of myspace?

sometimes

40. Where is your favorite place (that you have actually been to)?

Disneyland, if we're talking attractions. Not sure about anything else.

41. What is your favorite candle scent?

Spiced pumpkin...which is odd because I don't like pumpkin pie

42. Do you believe places can really be haunted?

no

43. Do you smoke cigarettes?

no

44. Have you ever been to NYC or LA?

yes to both

45. How many states have you been to where all you saw was the airport?

a lot!!!

46. Do you think 50 questions is enough?

yeah, why not

47. Are you currently planning a trip?

yes...hopefully Vegas in Nov. If not, than AZ in December

48. Is Ryan Seacrest gay? Should anyone care?

don't think so...don't really care

49. Do you take anti-depressants? Sleeping pills?

no to both

50. What do you think about space travel?

interesting concept...still not sure if it's real or just a conspiracy.

~~~~~

Alright. There is the Fri & Sun stuff. I'll get Monday's Mug up later today, along with an update from life.

TTFN...

Monday's Mug

A random picture (aka, mug) from 2010. Each week will be different...it may be flowers, animals, people, or just plain ole scenery. It may be shopped or not. Just depends on how I'm feeling.

And here is this week's photo:



La Jolla, CA. I, unfortunately, don't get there very often. But it's one of my favorite places to go when I can (it's about an hour's drive, give or take). This was taken in February. Such a beautiful day!!

Crafty 50 Meme - Part I

Another something new to do: a weekly meme on Sunday (from Sunday Stealing)



1. Introduce yourself.

I'm Steph...aka - a daughter, girlfriend, friend, music lover, reader.

2. It's Wednesday at noon, where are you usually?

home...hiding from my work computer

3. What kind of laundry detergent do you use?

Tide

4. What brand of shampoo is in your shower right now?

Tresemme' & Aveda

5. Did you ever get into a bar and drink before you were 21?

no

6. What countries have you been to?

Mexico

7. Do you watch MTV anymore?

Did today the first time in years!!

8. What do you think about Oprah?

Glad she's leaving TV!!

10. You need a new pair of jeans: what store do you go to first?

New York & Co

11. Did you ever watch The O.C.?

nope

12. What kind of car do you drive?

Chevy malibu

13. Honestly, is that car insured?

yes

14. Do you like sushi?

oh yes!!!!

15. Have you ever been to Tiffany & Co. or Saks 5th Ave?

yeah...Saks is overrated, but not so much that little blue box. :) It's a girl thing!!

16. Did your parents spoil you growing up?

Two words - only child. You do the math!! :)

17. Do you like roller coasters?

yes

18. What magazine(s) do you buy regularly or subscribe to?

People, Cosmo, Self

19. Do you remember the old WB show “Popular”?

never heard of it

20. When you go out do you prefer to go to a dance club or to a bar?

bar...no pressure to dance. And most bars have a game on!! LOL!

21. What do you think about gay marriage?

probably piss people off with this, but against.

22. Who do you think will be the next president?

Hopefully not Oprah

23. Are you registered to vote?

yes!

24. Do you own an iPad?

Sort of...my boyfriend and I "share" one...but it's in his possession most of the time. I think he cries a little when I take it for the day. LOL!!! *love you baby!!*

25. Is your bathroom filled with beauty stuff?

uh...yeah...I'm a girl!!! It's not all crazy over the place, but you'll find nail and hair stuff under the sink, makeup on the counter, lotions and perfumes on the counter, and more hair stuff in drawers and in the medicine cabinet.

What a week!!

Ah...the joys of simple blogging. Something I've not been able to really do since starting this page. Where to begin...how about last week?

SO......

Monday (the 26th): I had an education fair on the USS Makin Island down on Naval Base San Diego (aka 32nd street). My day consisted of waiting...and waiting...and waiting. And when that was over...I got to wait some more!! But the ed fair itself was good for me...I had a lot of interest, so it was worth it. When it was over, I headed straight to the hair dress. I am now auburn haired!! Which is great cause it really makes my eyes pop!! I love it!! And, last (but NEVER least), it was Stephen's birthday. But since we both had to work, we celebrated at Disney the day before.

Tuesday: summed up in two words - cleaning & errands. Why? Because my parents were flying in on Wednesday and I wanted my place to be as clean as possible. That really didn't go so well and I ended up doing most of the cleaning before heading to pick them up Wednesday. But I did get groceries bought and some stuff taken care of.

Wednesday: more cleaning. Then Stephen and I went to get the parents. And that's where the "fun" started. Half way to San Diego, the car started making this awful knocking noise. Thankfully we made it to the airport, dinner, and back.

Thursday: continuation of drama from Wed - took the car to the shop. Basically needed a new engine for $2900. And they kept my car all weekend. So I borrowed Chris's van (Stephen's brother) to drive around some...but not much.

After that, things pretty much run together. Unfortunately we weren't able to do all the fun stuff we planned with my parents due to the sudden drop in cash availability. But I think they still had fun. They flew back to AZ on the 3rd and I went back to work on the 4th.

And now it's Friday! Tomorrow consists of some quality time with Mr Sunshine. Followed by some QT with my love! :) Looking forward to just us two for a day or two. Monday and Tuesday will be back to the daily grind. And then Wednesday I fly to Michigan for Els's wedding! All but one of the old gang will be there and I'm so excited to see everyone!! It'll be great fun!

I may not have access to Internet to do my Friday fill in next week...and even if I do have access, Friday is the rehearsal. but I'll definitely fill my readers in on the details once I return. And I hope to have some pictures too.

Till then....

TTFN....

#188 (it's a few hours early, but read it as if you were reading it on Friday!)

1. Life is a precious gift...cherish it. It'll be the best/wildest/scariest/most amzing ride you'll ever get on!

2. Some days I wonder where I left my desire to keep going to work.

3. My last text message (or IM) ended in these three words: I love you!

4. Sushi is what I'm thinking about for dinner sometime soon.

5. On the 1st day of August my parents took Stephen and I to Pancake House for brunch!!

6. There are days that I'm lively and energetic. Today has not been one of those.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to not a whole lot as Stephen will have my car, tomorrow I hope my plans include laying out by the pool for an hour or two then a Fry's run and Sunday, I want to go to church for the first time in many months...then read some of my new library books!

Monday's Mug

A random picture (aka, mug) from 2010. Each week will be different...it may be flowers, animals, people, or just plain ole scenery. It may be shopped or not. Just depends on how I'm feeling.

And here's today's shot:


A shot of the backside of Sleeping Beauty's Castle. Once I get my editing program downloaded, I'll be toying with it and making it more artsy. But I hope you enjoy it for now.


*side note: it's been a crazy week this week, so I'm sorry to have neglected the in between stuff. Once things calm down, aka my parents leave, I'll be able to devote a some time to an update. Till then, you'll have to live off what I can offer. :)

hugs...

1. I'm going to go a little bit crazy with my parents in town this week.

2. I wish I had more sense of adventure and daring.

3. Perhaps today you can make it a point to not do anything stupid!!.

4. I don't know of anyone that has true adventurer’s spirit.

5. Compassion is doing for others with out regard to what they can do for you.

6. Always try to keep a positive outlook no matter how difficult.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to trying not to kill my mom, tomorrow my plans include dragging my poor boyfriend into my family drama (well, at least letting him spectate on the bickering between my mom and I), and Sunday, I want to sleep...but we're going to Disneyland instead. :)

Monday's Mug

A random picture (aka, mug) from 2010. Each week will be different...it may be flowers, animals, people, or just plain ole scenery. It may be shopped or not. Just depends on how I'm feeling.

Here ya go:


In honor of his birthday today...I give you a pic of my love, Stephen (and me). :)

1. I feel ridiculously exhausted...of course it's 5AM and I'm only half way through my first cup of coffee.

2. Work...I don't know if I'm ever going to catch up.

3. Do one good thing for someone every day if you can.

4. Everyone, no matter what they think, is completely unique.

5. It's hard to know how much sugar you get for a dime.

6. Every day never follows suit.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going out and meeting some new people, tomorrow my plans include a wedding the relaxing and Sunday, I want to be a kid...oh wait, I will be...at DISNEYLAND!!

~~~~

And there you have it. Waxing slightly philosophocial today. Maybe because it's early and I'm not on my game yet. Or maybe it just needed to be said. Who knows. My brain is still a little fuzzy right now anyway.

Hugs...

Monday's Mug

Again, something new I'm going to try to commit to (as of 7/19). A random picture (aka, mug) from from 2010. Each week will be different...it may be flowers, animals, people, or just plain ole scenery. It may be shopped or not. Just depends on how I'm feeling.

So let's get started!!



Taken in March when the tree outside my apartment was blooming. I'm going to miss this tree when it's time to move.

A few days late, but thought I'd try something new. :)

And...here we go (#185)!

1. This is what life does. It lets you live and learn, despite the pain from the learning.

2. Why can't everyone learn to appreciate the moment?

3. Upon reflection I have found that I have no regrets in life.

4. I haven't seen my best friend for quite a long time.

5. Later, you wake up feeling like you never got any sleep.

6. I want to sail to the far and boundless sea.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing with a good book, tomorrow my plans include lunch at Joe's Crab Shack with Stephen & Chris and Sunday, I want to go to church!

Christmas in July

That's probably the thought they're going with this weekend. I mean, they are premiering their Christmas Ornaments...in July. It's trendy, I admit. And for most it works, present company included.
Who?

Hallmark!!!!

Tomorrow and Sunday (July 10 & 11) is the Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Premier Weekend! And I am so there! Good thing I don't have a lot of money to spend, otherwise I'd have no money when it's all said and done with. Yes, I'm addicted...and I have no desire to quit!!

It all started quite innocently three years ago. I bought my first, first edition keepsake ornament in 2007...Doorways Around the World. I'd always been intrigued by the HKOs, but never ventured into purchase mode for any of the series. I thought I'd dabble...give it a whirl. And it probably wouldn't have been that big a deal except for one tiny little problem: my mom. I love her...don't get me wrong...but sometimes she aggravates the schnikeys out me!!

Here's how it happened: I bought the Germany door.
Here's my mistake: I told her about it and how I was all excited about starting a series.
Here's where it went kaput: Christmas 2008 gets close and she tells me not to buy MY ornament this year...she will...and for future years for the series.
Wait....what?!?! Don't get me wrong, I'm not ungrateful or anything. But this was MY thing..to do for ME...I WANTED TO DO IT!!!! ARGH!!! (See what I mean about driving me CrAzY!?!)

So, I blame her for this addiction (yes, that's right, I take ABSOLUTELY NO responsibility). Because if she hadn't decided to steal my thunder, I wouldn't have had to go looking for a new series to buy.
I will say my addiction was postponed a year due to my move to CA. But Christmas of 2009, I started two new series. And I made it EXTREMELY clear to her that she was to keep her grubby little paws OFF!!!

And I plan on two, or more, this year.

Maybe even delving into one or two or three that started in the past few years that I missed...which would mean hunting the interwebs for last years, and previous years, editions and trying not to pay too much for them. What? I can't have a series starting with second/third/fourth in series. The series must be complete!!!
And I can quit whenever I want to...I just don't want to!!

For those wondering, here are the addictions:
*Doors Around the World: Germany (07), Mexico (08), Ireland (09), and Italy (10). Sadly, Italy is the last in this series (oh, and Mom has them all in my "hope chest").
*Visit From Santa: Santa w/Polar Bear (09), Santa w/Deer (10) - this is one I started last year.
*Mickey's Christmas Carol: Mickey as Bob Cratchit (09), Scrooge McDuck as Ebenezer Scrooge (10) - another I started last year...one of my favorite Christmas movies!!

New this year: *Frosty Fun Decade - "Look forward to ten years of fun with this frosty new ornament series. A different snowman will arrive each year to help commemorate the season.
*Oh So Sweet - "Each ornament in this new series will feature a delightfully decorated cupcake."
*STAR TREK™ Legends: "Each of the ornaments in this new series will feature a different character from the original STAR TREK™ television series." (This is a maybe. It'd be for Stephen, but he's not a fan of the original series...he's more of a "Next Generation"-er.)

Potential pick ups:
*Season's Treatings - this is only on the second year. The only problem...all the online prices for last year's are about $100!! This year's ornament is only $10.95. Last year's is apparently very hard to find and very popular...all it has on it is a couple mini cookies and rolling pin stamped with 2009. We'll see how that goes.
*Santa's Sweet Ride - on it's 4th year.

It's just too cute!! Only problem is it's four years in, and I'm not really a Santa person. If it hadn't been for the polar bear (and promise of future animals), I probably wouldn't have started the "Visit from Santa" series. I'm not fully committed to this one: 07 found Santa in a car, 08 was a plane, and 09 was a boat. I can't imagine there's much left in the transportation industry. We'll see...

And there you have it...one of my many addictions that I am refusing to seek help for (unless it's monetary help in the form of you giving me money to buy these!). On another day, I'll discuss a current, year-round addiction: Vinylmation!!

I'll never get used to this

While I was setting this blog up, my world got rocked! Quite literally, actually. A 5.9* earthquake struck SoCal about 13 miles north of Borrego Springs. (*according to first look at geological site after re-entering the apartment when it stopped SHAKING! After checking the site 15 minutes later it was reduced to a 5.4). So where is Borrego Springs and 13 miles north, you ask? Well, pull out your trusty maps.google.com and find Temecula (where my derriere is currently resting) and go mostly east and a tad south. You'll see Borrego Springs in a white area surrounded by green (if your looking at the same map as me). Now...to the top of that green you will see where it's a flat line...that is 13 miles N of Borrego Springs (your precise coordinates are: 33.417°N, 116.483°W). That location is about 40 miles (driving through winding roads) from Temecula. Not quite sure how that calculates in "straight shot" mileage, but you get the idea. IT'S CLOSE!!!

This is the second one in about a month for me. The third that I've actually felt since moving to CA in 2008. I don't know if I'll ever get used to the feeling of your "secure" home shaking. This one felt a lot bigger than the last one (come to find out that is due to it being a lot closer) so I actually did what one should do in this situation...make my way outside. As I got to my door, the shaking (think slight jiggling up and down feeling) subsided. But as I stood at the top of my stairs I was watching my building sway like a tree in a breeze! Only someone who's been through this will know the feeling that brings to your insides...I'm gonna go with mushy, but not in that amazing just kissed way. Once I was back inside, it took a good 20 minutes to get my hands to function properly (typing this helped) and quit shaking. I'm feeling a little more stable now.

So I just took a minute to look at the geological site again...there have been numerous aftershocks since. Thankfully, I haven't felt any!! I've had my world rocked enough for one day, thank you!

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsus/Quakes/ci10736069.html