Thursday's Through The Lense - May's Favorites

Welcome back to my weekly photo post.  Since today is the last day of May (please, 2012, could you slow down...just a little bit?), I'm going to post some of my favorites of the month.  Enjoy!

Mom's famous 3-Layer Chocolate Cake

Just north of Phoenix on Memorial Day Morning

The Spokane area 

Gondolas on the Spokane River

Field in Idaho around the Grangeville area.  Not sure what the flowers are.

Same field, just a different section and unedited.

All were taken with my iPhone camera.  And all but the last one are edited with either Picfx, Camera+, Intagram, or a combination of all three.

So What Wednesday

Happy Hump Day!!

It's time for one of my weekly link-ups: 





This week I'm saying So What If:

* I still have WAY too much stuff in storage at my parents. I'm a grown, married woman.  Why is my stuff at their storage?  Well...because I have no room here for it!!  Seriously!  We'd have to get a storage unit for my stuff if we brought it here.  Or give up the spare room/office and I'm not willing to do that.  So it stays in AZ until we have a house. Then I'll go get it.

* I get a little miffed (ok, upset) when my "friends" don't wish me Happy Birthday on Facebook (or via text for those that have my number).  Yes, I'm a bit of a birthday whore.  No, I don't expect gifts from anyone ever.  But I would like the recognition.  You don't have to write anything fancy.  Just a simple "Happy Birthday" to let me know you saw the reminder on your events page on Facebook that it was my day.  (PS thanks to those that did wish me well on my day if you read this).

* It especially upsets me when someone I was once close to doesn't say Happy Birthday me but they do to others.  Actually, upset is the wrong word...let's go with hurt.  It effin' hurts!!

* I apparently needed another post to vent about my lack of birthday wishes.

* I am so ready to have a house.  I love looking at what's available in the area.  And Mr S and I have looked at colors for our living room, kitchen, bedroom and guest room already.  I think we've made up our minds on two of them.  The house in only 8 months or so away.

* I just want to spend the day by or in the pool.  It's about to be overrun by kiddos (school's out on Friday) and I feel like if I don't do it now I won't get the chance to be kid-free till fall.  But the best time to go (afternoon) I'm still working.  If only my laptop was waterproof!

* I will sit outside in my lawn chair on the balcony this afternoon to soak up some sun while I work.  The benefits of working from home.  Let's just hope my office phone doesn't ring.

And that's all I've got for today.  I hope everyone is having a great week so far!

Birthday Weekend

For those that don't know me personally, I am a holiday baby. I was born on Memorial Day weekend. Those of you who are also holiday babies (Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, etc.), you know what it's like:  no one is in town for birthday parties and everyone that is in town has other plans with their families. I don't remember many birthday parties as a kid. I think it may be that I didn't have many because of the holiday. I pray that my babies aren't holiday babies. And if they are, I will do everything in my power as a mom to make them feel special on their day like my parents did for me!

I am usually a bit of a birthday whore (apologies to those that don't like this word, but there really isn't much other way to describe it).  I LOVE the attention of being wished happy birthday.  In fact, I tend to rate your level of friendship to me on whether or not you text/call/comment on Facebook a happy birthday to me.  However I DESPISE being sung to in a restaurant.  No idea why...I just do. I will even wear a birthday pin at Disneyland/California Adventure and have random strangers and cast members wish me happy birthday.  But don't you DARE get the servers at a restaurant to sing to me. I will not be held responsible for my actions.  I digress...

This year, unlike years past, I have been just "blah" about my day. Maybe because it actually fell ON Memorial Day this year. Or maybe I'm finally growing out of being a birthday whore (HA!). Whatever the reason, I just wasn't into it this year.

But that was OK because I convinced Mr S to take Friday and Monday off (tech support doesn't take a break for a national holiday) and go with me to Arizona to see my parents. It was great!! I haven't seen them since the wedding in November, so it was definitely time. And while there wasn't a big to-do with them over my birthday either, Mom did make her signature 3-Layer Chocolate Cake (at my request).

 

Amazing...as always! 

So here's how the weekend went down:

Friday Mr S & I left at 7 am for AZ.  We got to Mom & Dad's about 3-ish.  BLTs for dinner followed by presents (some kitchen stuff from the wedding registry) and a trip to Wal-mart (in reverse order).  Mr S & I saved our pennies and dimes to buy my parents a new TV and Blu-Ray player.  Such a delight blessing them with something they needed so badly.  We spent the rest of the night setting it up, and the computer Mr S built for them, and making sure all worked the way it should.

Saturday we all ventured to Prescott for lunch at Red Lobster (birthday girl's request) and some shopping.  Saturday night we just chilled at the house and watched the newly set up Netflix on the new TV.

Sunday was breakfast at Georgie's followed by a quick grocery stop. That night we had steak and potatoes for dinner (another birthday girl request) and more cake.  Oh that cake is so good!

Monday Mr S & I left at 6 am and got home about 2 that afternoon.  Since it was my actual birthday we had a little celebration:  sushi for dinner and I got a new charm for my bracelet:

Pandora Camera Charm

While it was a bit of a whirlwind with all the driving we did on Friday and Monday, it was such a great weekend. I loved spending time with my parents and my husband.

I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weened too!

Tuesday's Traveler - Mornings

Let me just tell you...I am NOT a morning person.  At. All.  It requires a full cup of coffee and some me time to just adjust my brain to the fact that my body isn't in bed anymore. 

I am very blessed - I work from home.  Because of this, I am also very spoiled.  I start my day at 7:30 AM.  I get out of bed about 10-15 minutes later.  My work day starts at 8 AM.  It is very nice that my office is 10 steps from my bed and there is no dress code.  I do work a full day:  8 AM - 5 PM Monday through Thursday and then 8 AM to 3 PM on Fridays (as does the main office in Alabama).

Unfortunately, because I travel for a good portion of my job, this doesn't really help me when I'm out of town.  And yet, somehow,  I do what is needed.  I'm up 2 hours before my first stop (or attempted stop).  I really don't know what it is that allows my body to adjust so quickly to being on the road.  Or what it is that tells it I'm home and don't really need to get up two hours before work just to "wake up".  I can't explain it.  I even had another travel rep for another company ask me how I did it when I mentioned I wasn't a morning person.  Maybe it's just that I know I've got to do what I've got to do and that is motivation enough.

Now if I could just harness that thought process into my school work, I might actually make an A in this class.

Safe travels to you...

Nail Files - Week 21

I was obviously MIA last week with my nail color.  I played it safe anyway...used a pale, shimmer-y pink from my Julep Mystery box.  Nothing fancy.  But, as usual, perfect for working:

This week, however, I dove into that Mystery Box to the color that I fell in love with as soon as I opened that box - Marisa (which also happens to be the name of one of my BFFs)

LOVE THIS COLOR!!!

Unfortunately, I smudged my left thumb nail...despite waiting almost 20 minutes after applying the top coat (this is why I hate bottom, color, top coats - too long to dry).  And before you ask, I didn't put them all on in a 30-minute window.  I did my base coat (aka strengthener) and waited a half hour or so.  Then my color.  This one I waited at least an hour before doing anything.  Then the top coat.  And I waited about 20-30 minutes before going to bed.  That's all I did...go to bed.  Ugh!!  Oh well...I've kept it on since Tuesday, smudge and all.  Of course my tips are chipped now (serious house cleaning went on this week before heading out of town).  So I need to do my nails again, but I have no motivation to do so.  They will remain blue chipped through the weekend.

Besides...it's my Birthday weekend.  I can do what I want!!

So what are you doing with your nails this weekend?  Come on over to Tara & Vicki and share with the rest of us nail polish obsessed folks!

Thursday's Through The Lense - Volleyball

I have had the hardest time decided what I wanted to post this week for pictures.  I couldn't find where I'd posted any of the volleyball pictures I took from a few weekends ago in Vegas, so here's my hubby (Mr. S) and the Smart Aces ballin' it up in Sin City.

 Mr S during warm ups

Miss A working on spikes during warm ups

Mo (aka, beast).  He made this look so effortless!!

Mo serving

Mrs V with her spectacular jump serve

Mr. S headed for the spike with support coming in from Ms M and Mrs V

Once again, Mo showing us how it's done.

Now this was, obviously, a non-pro tournament.  I think the Smart Aces ended up placing 3rd over all.  It was a great weekend and lots of memories.  And, best of all, I made some new friends (which is always a plus)!

Enjoy...

So What Wednesday

Hey y'all!  Sorry I've been MIA since last week sometime.  It's just a little difficult to get the motivation to post when I'm on the road.  I just get so worn out lately that when I get back to my hotel room I crash on the bed in front of the TV till it's time to sleep. 

Anyway, to get back in the swing of things, I'm linking up with Shannon again for another installment of




This week, I'm saying So What If:

* I am, as usual, not unpacked from last week yet.  That's my plan for today.  I've GOT to do laundry because the Mr & I are headed out of town Friday!

* I am actually a little excited about my new class I started today.  I'm sure the reading will be boring, but I'm looking at it as one more step towards that elusive Bachelor's Degree.

* I failed my last class...with a big Fat F!!!  I have to retake it (that makes three to retake now...the other two hold a W).  I have no excuse...I just didn't do the work.

* It's less than week till my birthday and I'm just not that into it.  The only exciting thing will be the 4-day weekend (two of which will be spent driving) in Arizona with my parents.

* We haven't been to DL since March.  It's been a little busy and money's been a little tight.  *but seriously, I think I'm starting to go through withdrawals*

* I still have craft stuff for about 3-4 different projects and I haven't touched them since I bought the stuff!

And that's all I've got.  What are you saying "So What" to this week?

Tuesday's Traveler - If Owned A Hotel

Earlier this year, while staying at a Resort/Casino/Hotel in Vegas for a conference, I started posting randomly on Facebook things I would do if I owned a hotel.  Since my days on the road are a little crazy, and I'm on the road this week, this is a quick and easy post to do.  And I hope it adds a little humor to your night.

If I owned a hotel...

1.  I would NOT charge any fee for internet (cord connected or WiFi)...ever or anywhere.  Free in the room.  Free in the lobby.  Free in the breakfast area.  Free by the pool.  EVERYWHERE!!

2.  In keeping with number 1, said internet would be strong enough to support every room at double occupancy with both people in the room on the internet streaming videos.  I mean let's face it...free WiFi is great, but if the speed sucks, what's the point?

3.  I would use Charmin Ultra Strong TP in all bathrooms.  There is nothing worse than flimsy little single-ply TP when you have just...well, I'll leave that to your imagination.

4.  I would supply larger towels.  I'm talking what most stores consider "bath sheets".  I am a big girl - 5'8" and enough to love that the normal little flimsy towels just don't cut it.  What hotels consider a towel is what I use at home to wrap my wet hair in after a shower.  I need something that is almost as tall as me from end to end, so I can get a proper body wrap, and at least 2.5 feet wide so I'm covered from boobs to butt.

5.  In keeping with number 4, towel warmers.  Ok, ok, I know, it's a luxury.  But a girl can dream.  Besides, this is my hotel we're talking about.

6.  There would be two packets of regular coffee and one of decaf coffee in each room.  And more than one creamer/sugar packet that is changed out on a monthly basis.  Now, some of you may be thinking "that's something you can have housekeeping do".  Well, I don't have housekeeping come to my room when I'm on the road.  I've heard to many horror stories (and I also used to work housekeeping eons ago).  Besides, if I'm only in a room two nights, what's the point in wasting that time on tidying up when she'll be cleaning a day later.  Now I could as for these things when I come back at the end of the day.  But I'm usually so exhausted that it's the last thing on my mind...until I wake up. As for the creamer/sugar packets, the only reason I want them changed out every month (or so) is because I've stayed at a hotel before where the packet I opened was hard stuck together.  Not quite sure what happened there, but it wasn't pretty.  And I wasn't happy.

7.  Free, excessive parking.  No charge, ever.  And lots of it, always.  And wide, diagonally lined spots.

8.  Free bottled water to every guest.

9.  Some sort of free breakfast.  Whether it's just a buffet with fruit and cereal and juices or a full blown "what would you like off the menu", it'll be free to everyone.

And I think that about does it.  I'm sure you're thinking I'd never make any money off this hotel.  But if I have happy customers, I'm a happy owner.  What would you like to see different based on some of the hotels you've stayed at?

Hugs...

Nail Files - Week 19

I am so happy it's Friday!  I spent all day Wednesday thinking it was Thursday and all day Thursday thinking it was Friday...even though I had the revelation on Wednesday after noon that I was not a day ahead as I'd have preferred.  My brain is just all out of whack this week.

Anyway...

On to the color I've been sporting since Tuesday.  For those of you that come here often (as in, every Friday from Tara or Vicki), you may have noticed I've mentioned Julep a couple times in the past.  In April I signed up and am now a Julep Maven (as we're called).  Every month I have the option to purchase that month's box in my "signature" style, which was determined thanks to a quiz you take when you enroll.  I am, according to Julep, "Classic with a Twist".  My first box was great (see here and here for the colors I got). Mavens get to preview their boxes online before ordering, and see what the other "styles" are getting that month.  Well, let's just say I was less than pleased with my May box...but the "Bombshell" box looked pretty nifty.  So I ordered that one.

The colors are Sarah & Fina. There's also a little tote (that has Julep Nailpolish pouches), a foot scratcher-thingy, and some pedicure lotion (which I have yet to try).  Sarah is pink and glittery and is on the transparent side.  It would probably be good with a couple coats or over another color that is similar.  The Fina is slightly metallic, and what I went with after having the hubby choose from a swatch of colors on my nails (the black is a China Glaze I bought last month and haven't worn yet)

He chose the "blue", so that's what I did:

Over all, I like the color.  It's definitely a spring/summer color.  The only issue I had, and I wasn't the only one this month, was the brush was a little wonky.  But apparently a lot of colors in the May boxes had that issue.  I just had to email them and let them know and they are, supposedly, working on getting a new one out to me (the Sarah brush was fine). 

I also ordered the Cinco de Mayo mystery box last week (same price).  It came two days ago: 

Mini "Facial for hands", glass nail file, and four colors!  The dark color is kind of a shiny navy blue, and I can't wait to try it!!  The pink has some sparkle to it and looks to be good for a work week.  The orange/peach looks fun for the summer.  And the tan I'm not so sure about.  It might make for a good base under a glitter.  I'll keep you posted on that one.

If you're interested in becoming a Maven, check out this link (which will also let them know I sent ya):  Maven.

Hugs...

Thursday's Through The Lense

I really don't have a specific direction to take today with pictures.  I got my wedding CD about a month ago. I've not ordered ANY from my photographer yet, but I so want to.  So I'm going to share the ones that will probably find themselves on the wall in Ring Manor.

 Family

My three new siblings

My parents

His dad & step-mom

Wedding party

My FAVORITE!!!

 Pomegranates and Wind-chimes

**All photos courtesy of Sage Taylor Photography***
Yes, I own them now, but I still wanted to give a shout out to my AMAZING photographer!

Enjoy...

So What Wednesday

Once again, I'm linking up with Shannon over at Life After I "Dew" for another installment of





So What If...

* my husband is currently more active and "fit" than I am.  He runs three times a week and then does some other type of working out two other days.  My work out consists of walking to the bathroom or walking to the kitchen.  There is the occasional walk around the mall once or twice a week. 

* I hate the fact that he is more active (let's not even talk about that he lost 50 pounds between August and January just by running/working out...no diet change).  And yet I don't do anything about it.  I am not a walker/jogger/runner for "fun", or whatever you want to call it.  I get bored very easily when I work out.  (if you have any suggestions, I'm all ears)

* we desperately need to go grocery shopping (we have enough dinner stuff for two more days) but I have absolutely no desire to go out in public.

* I haven't done my paper for class.  It was due last night.

* I registered for another class that starts on the 23rd, despite my track record with this one.  And despite the fact that I head out of town the weekend I start said class.  I want to finish my degree.

* my current school attitude is "as long as I pass the class".  I was a straight A student in HS and JC.  Now, not so much.  While I do have a dream for my degree, I'm also just wanting to get done with it.

* we gave his dad & step-mom a "night out" for Christmas and have yet to offer to babysit so they can use those gift cards.  Maybe this summer....

* I still haven't unpacked or washed clothes from Vegas last weekend (27-29th) or from my trip last week.  Attention ladies and gentlemen, Motivation has left the building.

* I just want to sleep the day away...who doesn't?

That's all I've got this week.  What are you saying So What to?