Yeah, sure, youbetcha!

In a Month....

2012-01-23T07:00:00.000-06:00

In a month I'll be with these people:

wearing this shirt:

sitting in this venue:

watching these guys:

Some take spring break trips to Florida or Mexico.
I prefer to go back to my old stomping grounds--my Alma matter--and pretend for just 24 hours or so that I'm young, in college, and enjoying a hockey game with friends.

Granted, when I was young and in college, I was sneaking into frat houses and drinking cheap beer out of red keg cups.

(I make no guarantees about the frat houses this time around)

(though, the last time I was in a frat house, I passed out in the men's bathroom, while on the toilet doing my business after drinking WAY too much trash can punch)

(true story)

I've turned on the comments. Not because I need affirmation that passing out in the opposite gender's bathroom is a common occurrence in college, but because I want to try and see if I'm pas the "stalk my own comments" phase. We'll give it a go.....

Photos courtsey of google images. Except the first two. Those are mine.

Happy Birthday Big Guy...

2012-01-20T07:00:00.000-06:00

Dear Big Guy:

Happy Birthday! Thanks for snapping like a cracker at the humane society and adopting me. I know I can be a pain in the rump....chewing your shoes....needing to go outside every 60 minutes....chasing the barn cats. But I think you're a pretty neat guy. I don't like sharing you with the lady who feeds me, though.

Love,

Maggie

Dear Big Guy:

Happy Birthday.

Now plug in the electric blanket upstairs on your bed so I can nap in a cozy spot.

And while you're at it, get rid of that dog. She's a pain in the neck.

Love,

Stella

Dear Big Guy:

I love you more than the dog, cat, our new coffee maker, and waffles made on our waffle iron combined. But more importantly, I love you for letting me try my crazy ideas (like putting half our monthly income into savings), painting the rooms different colors than you remember as a child, for not making me feel SO bad for having different political views than you, and just being us. I like us.

Love ya.

My Walkin' Buddy....

2012-01-10T07:00:00.000-06:00

Someone is enjoying this mild winter weather.

I'll give you a dollar if you can guess who.....

(and it isn't the dog)

Pinterest Review: Cinnamon Rolls on the Waffle Iron

2012-01-06T07:00:00.000-06:00

This has been floating around pinterest for quite some time. The idea of using your waffle iron to make cinnamon rolls, cookies, brownies, or anything else under the sun. Rachel Ray even did waffle iron cooking as a spot light.

I mean, if Rachel Ray is doing it.....

So, I thought I'd take a stab at making cinnamon rolls on the waffle iron as seen on Pinterest. The key to this is that you use canned cinnamon rolls. I have not seen a recipe using "from scratch" rolls. Therefore, this was done using canned cinnamon rolls.

(Don't get me wrong. I don't mind a roll from a can now and again.)
(But once you've made your own from scratch? Well. There's just no comparison.)

Here's my Real Deal review on making these.

Pro:

No need to wait for the oven to preheat
No messy pans (other than your waffle iron)
Easy breakfast

Con:

With Rachel Ray's Waffle Week, and other pinterest pins doing similar things, we thought that they were eaten as waffles rather than rolls (I mean, silly me....it is made on a waffle iron). While the original poster showed a thicker end product, I just through they'd spread out thinner with our really heavy iron. I thought if they'd do that, we'd be able to eat them like a waffle, rather than a roll. Guess what? Not so much. These are VERY dense and thick. My suggestion would be to flatten them out some and then put them on the iron if you want to eat them like a waffle. If you want a "roll", then leave as is.

Otherwise, the original poster's tutorial is spot on. Very helpful and easy to follow.

Here's how they do it:

Heat up your waffle iron. We have a very old, and very well seasoned Sunbeam. And as I mentioned, heavy. The lid on this sucker isn't light (again, which is why I thought they'd spread the rolls out a bit more). It's so old that the power cord is wrapped in fabric!

But seriously? It's the best damn iron.

Put your canned rolls onto the iron.
Close and cook for about 3 minutes.

Wala! Rolls ala Waffle Iron.

We ate ours with a little butter and syrup. The Big Guy did try one with the frosting that came in the can, but thought that the butter and syrup was better.

Would I do it again?

Sure. But as I mentioned earlier, I'd roll them out first and then put them on the waffle iron.

This would be fun to do with house guests!

Who's coming to visit?

History wasn't my best subject....

2012-01-04T07:00:00.000-06:00

Over Christmas break, the Big Guy and I invited his sister and her husband out to see a movie. While we were driving to the theatre, we were talking about the trip to the UK that we'll be taking later this year.

I mentioned there was a website that I found on my first trip to England where you can take your own self-guided walking tours. They were pretty much spot on and a nice alternative to paying for a tour. One of the tours is the Westminster Walk. You take the tube over to Westminster Abbey & Parlament, walk over to Buckingham Palace, over to the Prime Minister's residence....it's really cool.

On this tour, the website says that you can pay to visit Westminster, or you can attend mass. In the car I said, "I'd sit through a Catholic mass just to take in Westminster."

Everyone in the car said, "Westminster isn't Catholic."
Me: "What? Seriously?"
Big Guy: "Nope. It's the C of E " (Church of England)
Me: "Well, I learned something today!"

During the movie I thought, "They're pulling my leg and just messing with me." I got home after the movie and googled the Abbey and sure enough. They're not Catholic. But it had me wondering why. Where did I miss THIS piece of information?

For example:

1. The title Westminster Abbey: Abbey's are where nun's live. Nun's, to my knowledge were only Catholic. Guess what? Nun's are in other faith's, too. But I mean, really. I thought that nuns were only Catholic! I can also blame this on the Sound of Music from the song, "How do you solve a problem like Maria". I quote: I even heard her singing in the abbey...

2. The use of the word mass: OK. I know it's a stretch, but in my little part of MN....you only hear "mass" when you're talking about Catholic church services. Every other church calls their services...well...services. And again, from the Sound of Music... "She waltzes on her way to Mass..." See!!

3. Exhibit A from the Royal wedding:

Bishop. (technically the Archbishop)
Pointy hat.
I mean, really....

4. Exhibit B from the Royal wedding:

NUNS at the head of the church.
See point #1 above.

OK. So they're not Catholic. I know my testimony won't change anything....but it helps me to at least feel like I wasn't asleep during every meeting of my World History 101 class in college.

Storing Christmas Cards....

2012-01-02T11:56:00.002-06:00

One of the things I LOVE about Christmas are the cards & letters that I get from friends and family all over the world. In the past I've simply packed them away with the other Christmas stuff and then the following year I'd have something to read again before decorating. But then, sadly...I'd throw them out.

I mean, what do you do with them?

I was visiting Amy a few years ago she pulled out a folder that she keeps her family's holiday cards and letters. I saw that and said, "I can do that!" As I was putting my cards away for 2011, I thought I'd give you the details on how to do this yourself if you're wanting to save the cards, but have no idea what to do with them. Here is my collection o f cards since 2006...

This is the box I store the cards and letters in. I got this at Archivers, they're by Lineco. Here's the link to the boxes so you can see a little more about it.

Basically, I take all my cards (look...here they are!).....

And sort them by type. Folded cards, long photo cards, square photo cards, cards that came with letters....

I then use an expandable ring and paper punch (the rings came in a pack of 8. I just keep the extra's in the box). I punch the smaller cards first, working my way through to the cards with letters. I keep the cards & letters that came from the same family together. I put them on the ring and wala! Done!

Is anyone else sad to pack away the Christmas stuff?
*sigh*

Pinterest Review: Candy Gift Basket

2011-12-30T07:00:00.000-06:00

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I participated in the Secret Santa exchange at work. I had the only guy out of the group and his "likes" were pretty minimal. I saw an idea on Pinterest and wanted to replicate it as best I could without breaking the bank.

I didn't go quite as overboard as this photo:

Have you seen how expensive candy bars are?
What happened to candy bars being 60 cents?

Here is the link to the "how to" on making a candy boquet. Here is my Real Deal review on how to make a candy gift basket bouquet.

Remember...this is just my two cents. Take it for what it's worth.

PRO

The blogger uses different types of "baskets"--actual baskets, a round cooler, etc.
The blogger shows different kinds of baskets she made, some very full with candy, others with just a few different pieces. It is nice to see baskets that are minimal and really full!
Greal listing of supplies and step by step photos.

CON

The blogger used a hot glue gun to secure the candy to the dowel rods. While I have one, hot glue is just messy. I used packing tape on mine and it worked just as well.
She mentioned using dowel rods of different sizes, or trimming the ones you have with a cutter. If you don't have a cutter, you might want to look at smaller rods that you can actually break apart yourself. Ghetto? Sure. But no one will see that piece when you tuck it into the foam.

Overall, the tutorial was pretty easy to follow, based on the photos. I appreciated the variations and ideas for other uses of this basket.

Here is how mine turned out:

First, off, I forgot to pick up the floral foam. So, I used a box from a 4-pack of wine that I use for cooking. It's a party right? ha!

I then stuffed it full of newspaper so that the dowel rods fit snug and didn't wobble all over the place. I also used a little packing tape, too. Worked like a charm.

See?

I purchased 1/8 inch rods. They're very thin and break easily--which is good because I didn't have a cutters. I was able to get 5 rods for less than $2. I then taped the candy to the rods. I left most of the rod exposed. I liked how it gave it "height". I painted the rods with some white craft paint. I filled the bucket with crinkle paper and wala! Gift basket!

I am happy to report that it seemed like he liked it!

Then again, this also came with a pan of Special K bars, so....

Santa's Direct Line....

2011-12-26T07:00:00.000-06:00

On Christmas Eve, before dinner, the nephews got a call from Santa while he was on a layover in Norway.

Super Z (the youngest) was a bit star struck.
Mr. P (the oldest) looked like he was trying to solve a mystery...who is this guy...is he REALLY Santa? Oh, if he only knew....

Here's the video that the Big Guy took of the event. The sound is a little off, but it's touching none the less.

Here's hoping that Santa made it to your house on time and that his conversation with the nephews didn't cause any delay.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Family Secrets....

2011-12-22T07:00:00.000-06:00

As a child growing up, I loved going to visit Santa. I don't think we own a "bad Santa picture" where I'm crying and freaked out to be on his lap. But I loved the magic of Santa....from circling photos in the annual toy catalogs, to making lists, visiting him at the local mall or department store, making cookies for him to enjoy, and even leaving out carrots for the reindeer. My mom still has a letter written by Santa, which was left for me when I was a child.

When I started dating the Big Guy, I remember my first Christmas with his family. His mom collects Santa items. Ornaments....figurines....you name it. I always thought, "she collects Santa's like I collect snowmen". I never really thought much of it.

But imagine to my surprise when I found out that the Big Guy's aunt is actually Mrs. Claus. Which means that the Claus's--aka Mr & Mrs Kris Kringle--are the Big Guy's aunt and uncle.
Seriously.
I can't make this up.

No wonder my mother-in-law collects Santa's!

My nephews are now getting to the age where they are wondering if there really is a Santa.

Source: ironaccents.com via Tona on Pinterest

My mother-in-law does this. Which makes complete sense, since she's related to Santa and all.

When the Big Guy's uncle heard this, he knew he had to act fast...but with the delivery of toys around the world coming up on Saturday, his schedule is tight. So on Saturday at 5:00 p.m., Santa himself will be connecting to my in-laws computer for a Skype chat with the nephews. He's going to be using his laptop on board the sleigh to check in with the boys.

Oh yes.
It's true.
Santa is pretty fancy.

I'll be sure to take a video of it and post it for you to see along with photos.

I better be on my best behavior.

Nothing is worse than coal in your stocking--even as an adult.

Pinterest Review: Gift Card Box...

2011-12-19T07:00:00.000-06:00

I have my secret Santa exchange at work today! The person I picked out of the hat was the only guy who signed up to do the exchange. He's a young kid, who put the following on his "likes" list:

Food that isn't good for me (read: junk food)
Movies
TV

Well.

That narrows it down.

So, for the last 2 weeks, I've left him different junk foods in his box with little notes. But when it came to the final "big" gift, I decided to do a little gift basket with treats and 2 gift cards (Best Buy and iTunes). But rather than throw all kinds candy in a basket and cards in an envelope, I decided to do something a little different. I'll showcase the gift basket later this week and how I put it together.

I wanted gift card boxes and found this idea on Pinterest.

Here are my gift card boxes.

Cute, huh?

Guess what they are made from:

YES! Laughing Cow cheese boxes!

I found the idea here. You'll find a tutorial there, too. Here's my Real Deal review....

Pro:

Creative use of the boxes. Fun to recycle them!
Can be easily created for the celebration (Christmas, Birthday's etc)
Great way to use up paper scraps from scrapbooking and card making.
The blog post tutorial was easy to follow.
Very easy to make. Total time was 20 minutes.

Con:

If you don't own a circle cutter with a 4 inch diameter, (I don't), you have to find something that you can trace--just as the directions state. Keep in mind there is a rim on the lid if the box--which is not discussed on the tutorial, so tracing the box itself will give you a circle of paper that is too big. I used a jar I found in my pantry.
The original poster had a paper-slicer which they used to cut the thin strips that are wrapped around the outside. If you don't have a paper slicer/paper cutter, you want to cut them at 3/8ths of an inch using a ruler and a scissors.
The box is just large enough to hold the actual gift card. So unless the card has a dollar amount on the back, you'll need to let the gift recipient know how much is on the card.

Overall, I think this was spot on and easy to do.

And if you're like me, you've raided your fridge for the Laughing Cow boxes and tossed the cheese wedges into a baggie.

See?

Where I test Pinterest Projects....

2011-12-13T07:00:00.000-06:00

Ya'll know I love Pinterest. Recently I commented on someones blog regarding projects I loved on pinterest. I also added the one I was really disappointed in (more on that in below). She replied back via e-mail, "I agree! Why is that still being pinned? So disappointing!"

The thing is, 98% of the stuff pinned on pinterest come from little ol' blogs like mine and yours. We discuss what we created and show all the steps on how to create something. But often what is lacking are the "real deal" information. I mean, what blogger isn't going to say that the project was "so easy!" Why would you encourage someone to do a project that is a nightmare?

But honestly. That "so easy" statement isn't always true.

For example. This pin has been floating around pinterest for quite some time.

I have no doubt that the strawberries that this person made turned out fine. But when I made them and followed the directions? I got strawberry mush. Brown....mushy....disgusting....strawberries. Nothing chewy like this picture suggests.

Had I known that, I wouldn't have wasted $5 on strawberries and a few hours of my time.

So, here's the skinny on how this will work:

*I will review the "popular" pins on pinterest--ones I see floating around week after week.
*On my pinterest page, I am posting comments on all of my pins that I try. Not all are food related (thank God...my waistline can't take it!)
*See something you want me to test? Leave a comment with the link and I'll give it a go (yes....I'll open comments!)
* I won't be sticking to a schedule, I'll just post them as they happen.

Got an idea or see something you want me to test? Pass it along!
It's winter in Minnesota, people. I got nothing better to do.
(except let out the dog.)
(I'm always letting out the dog.)

Attempt #80 at a New Post...

2011-12-12T08:29:00.002-06:00

I've tried talking about so many things for a new post. Including:

*Making Bacon/Whiskey/Marshmallow/Caramel bark: it took every pot & cookie sheet in my house to make. Result? All I tasted was chocolate. That's not a bad thing, mind you, but that was a lot of work for a so-so dessert. I sent it with the Big Guy and his team inhaled it.

*My run-in with a jerk at Target over my use of coupons for toothpaste and q-tips, but in turn my bill was still $115: Yes. It was. I had 4 items for myself...the rest were items for 2 teenagers off the Salvation Army Angel Tree. So, yes, Mr. Jerkface, my bill WAS $115 and yes, I DID use 2 coupons totalling a dollar. But you know what? The rest of my bill was put towards 2 girls who wouldn't have a Christmas otherwise. And it was worth EVERY FREAKING PENNY.

*My observation at the grocery store: a woman used a grocery gift card to try and buy lotto tickets. That wasn't the worst part. Worst part: the card was provided to her as an act of charity from the Salvation Army. *sigh*

*Making Samoa Bark (you know...Samoa's...the girl scout cookie?): Not as labor intensive as the other bark. But all I taste is the damn chocolate!

*My yearly physical with a new doctor tomorrow: Yep. Let's hope that this doctor isn't like my old doctor. I seriously think my previous doctor worked in a NASCAR pit crew...because her physical exams were 10 minutes or less. I don't need to be there all day. It's just hard for me to talk to you about my questions when you're zipping around and you're halfway out the door before you ask, "any questions?"

*My Secret Santa exchange at work: I have the one and only guy who signed up for secret Santa. His wish list said, "I like food that I shouldn't have, movies and books." Alrighty then. He's gotten candy for the last two weeks. I predict I'll be sent his dental bill from his next check up. I'm trying to come up with good ideas for a gift but I'm stumped.

Yep. Those are the posts I've stared, edited, deleted, restarted, left half finished, or just haven't hit publish.
Aren't you lucky that I shared?

Have a great week!

Our Holiday Card (Blog Edition)...

2011-12-02T07:00:00.000-06:00

I love Shutterfly.
Love. Love. Love them.

I have more photo books than a normal person should have.
I created our "Save the Date" cards for our wedding using their photo cards.
I've created holiday cards for years using their service.

So, to make our cards for 2011, it was a no brainer. Normally I write a holiday letter AND send some sort of photo. This year, I got creative and combined the two....

(to see a full size version of this card and read our Top 10 List, click on the photo and you will go to the Shutterfly site. Click "view project" and you'll see the full image and be able to read the text)

Classic Initials Christmas Card

Turn your favorite family photos into Christmas cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

How cute are they?!?
When I ordered these, I thought they would be traditional photo material. They were actually sent on very heavy "card" paper and I couldn't be happier with how they turned out. They went into the mail today and I know our family and friends will love them!

Obviously, for our family and friends I used my husband's name, not "the Big Guy". Though that would have been fun to see who noticed....because I guarantee you, someone wouldn't.

By embedding this project into my blog I will receive a $10 gift certificate (which will not go to waste in my house!). The big wigs at Shutterfly did not contact me to do this....I found it on their website! You can do it, too, by embedding a project to your blog or website. Contact Shutterfly for details.

Hello, 40... (sigh)

2011-11-30T07:00:00.000-06:00

Facebook messages....

Funny card from my husband....

Free coffee drink at Caribou....

Homemade chex mix....

Pasta soup for dinner....

Text messages....

Phone calls from both sets of parents (mine and the in-laws)....

Harry Potter #7-part 2....

Organizing the Big Guy's office....

Helping the Big Guy get past a level in Angry Birds....

and this....

It's a nightlight in the shape of the leg lamp from A Christmas Story, given to me from my mom.

Perfect way to ring in the Big 4-0, don't you think?

Why I Could Never Be on a Bowling League...

2011-11-27T13:29:00.001-06:00

Exhibit A....

Our first game of bowling. (I'm the third person listed).
Not bad! I broke 100 as did Tracy.

Exhibit B...

Our third game of bowling.
Dead last.

I blame it on the fact that the lane next to us was filled with kids and the kept taking my ball to bowl.

Gratefulness Lost...

2011-11-22T20:36:00.001-06:00

As we celebrate Thanksgiving this week and reflect on what makes us grateful, I can't help but think that true gratitude and thankfulness has been lost.

One Target employee really dislikes the idea. He started a petition asking Target to reconsider so that the employees could spend more time with their families on the holiday. He got an astounding amount of signatures because the petition went viral (something like 250,000...).

I've been there. I worked retail for 6 short months as my primary job (not just a part time, extra money gig like this guy is doing) when I lived in Michigan with the ex. While I had a part time gig teaching at a local university, I needed to make more money. Meijer hired me on the spot as a manager.

I had never worked retail. But I knew that my weekends were gone. I knew that I'd work odd hours. I knew that holiday's weren't a guaranteed "day off". I took the job out of necessity.

I knew that the store was closed one day a year--Christmas. FINALLY! A guaranteed day off! But, that was short lived. I was asked to report to work on Christmas day, 10:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m. to help get ready for the "After Christmas Sale."

Yes. I hated it.
Yes. I would have rather been at home.
Yes. I would have rather spent time with my family.

But I had to work.
It was my job.
My responsibility.
I needed the income from this job.

So, dear Target employee, unlike those who are saying, "it's your job...deal with it", I am one of the few who get it. It would be nice, wouldn't it? Just once to have a day off on a holiday? But, dear Target employee, you need to count your blessings.

YOU HAVE A JOB.

You have a job in a time when so many don't. Where so many people would gladly work at 11:00 p.m. to bring home a paycheck. You work in a community where there are people in line at a food shelf for free turkeys and veggies so they could make a meal for their family. You work in a community where people are still being laid off every. single. day.

You have lost your gratefulness, young man.

Snowy Weekend....

2011-11-21T08:13:00.001-06:00

It snowed this weekend and this little girl got her first taste...ever.
She went NUTS.

Seeing her run, jump and "plow" the snow on her nose, is enough to get over the fact that it actually snowed.

I'm working on being able to telecommute from San Diego.
So far, my school isn't so keen on the idea.

I Know Bacon is a Garnish, but Really....

2011-11-17T07:00:00.000-06:00

I'm away on a work trip and while in the airport, I loaded up on the required magazine-to-miles-traveled-ratio. I picked up the latest Food Network magazine and as I flipped through, I found this...

While we love bacon I can't help but wonder when bacon became OK to put in a drink.
Candied or not....I just can't do it.

The Big Guy on the other hand....he is all for it.
Sorry, hon. You're on your own.

Holiday Wreath (yes. From Pinterest)

2011-11-14T07:00:00.000-06:00

When I did the Pinterest link up a little while ago, I mentioned that I was going to make a rag wreath with some Christmas material I found. I made the wreath. It looks like a pom-pom for a cheer squad. That's what happens when you pick green, white, red and black.

OOOPS!!

I really wanted something fun for a wreath and found this on pinterest.

To which I bought these supplies (the orange snow fence is NOT required for this project. ha!):

I dug out the glue gun.
Dusted off the glue sticks.
And began to create my wreath.

Total cost:

Foam wreath form: $2.45 (I had a coupon to save 40%)
Ornaments: $35 (ouch)
Glue gun & sticks: free (already owned)

Tips:
*wait to do this AFTER the holiday season and get the ornaments on sale. That was my downfall. While I bought a "bonus pack" of that included 42 ornaments of various sizes and colors, I needed 2. They cost me $12 each, and that was on sale.
*I also used miniature ornaments, and needed 3 packs of 24...costing $11 total. These mini ornaments filled in the little spaces.
*It really did go quickly....an afternoon, tops.
*The link above gives you step by step instructions--and they were spot on.

Final result.....
I love it.
The Big Guy said, "It looks like something from the 70's."
I refrained from comments about his age.

Quick Craft Project....

2011-11-07T07:00:00.000-06:00

I went to Crafts Direct this weekend, which is like a JoAnn Fabrics and Michaels all rolled into one. They have lots of great stuff, too. From fancy paper, to wood items, to holiday decorations....I have to admit that it's good thing that Crafts Direct isn't in my little town.

I'd be broke!

But, there were some sales deals and I created this for about $6 (Harry Potter books extra)....

Keep in mind, I'm not actually wishing that this will happen. That snow can stay away for a long....long....time.

**Edited to add: I posted this on my facebook page and a friend asked, "How did you do that?" It was simple really:

6 wood blocks
White paint
Sand paper
Vinyl rub on (that I cut apart)

I painted the blocks white and sanded the edges to give them a worn look. I cut apart the rub-on, and pressed it to the blocks. The blocks are not attached to one another, so I can be creative with how I display them.

40 Things Before I'm 40, only a few weeks left (CRAP!)...

2011-11-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

If you're new to my corner of the interwebs, or need a refresher, I made a big blod claim that I would try to complete 40 items before I turned 40 in November.

Did you look at the calendar?
Holy Moses. It's November.
And my list? Yep. Not done.

Here's the list again. I've crossed out what I have completed.

Note: I've crossed out some items because they're just not possible and are highlighted in green. Like seeing the shuttle launch. They're not doing that anymore, and while we attempted a trip to go--I got a new job and didn't have PTO for 6 months. So... you get the idea.

1. Sign up and complete a 5K
~~2. Bike the~~ ~~Paul Bunyon trail~~
~~3. Go on the~~ ~~Rip Cord at Valleyfair~~ ~~with my cousin Karla~~
4. Read the Bible~~5. Go on a trip to somewhere I've never been (airport layovers don't count).6. Learn to make jelly/jam and how to can (with my mother)~~7. Attend an information session on adoption~~8. Attend the Opera9. Pay off my credit card and shred it when it's paid off~~10. Take a photography class
11. Eat a small steak (I haven't eaten beef since 1993)12. Learn to shoot a hand gun (my husband will LOVE this one)
13. Go zip-lining14. Go out to the Split Rock Light House on Lake Superior
~~15. Learn to make~~ ~~lefse~~16. Research my family tree and find out more on my dad's father (he was adopted and we have very little information on his biological family).
17. Write a children's book18. Watch every movie that earned the Best Picture Oscar since 1990 (borrowed from my friend Wendy's list)
~~19. Try every drink on the~~ ~~Caribou Coffee menu~~20. Re-learn sign language (I took a class in college, but have slowly forgotten it)
21. Swim with dolphins22. Send a message in a bottle~~23. See a shuttle launch (this is the last year, isn't it?)~~24. Visit the Minneapolis Institute of Art~~25. Read the entire Harry Potter series again26. Ride a Unicycle~~27. Go to one game for every MN sports team: Timberwolves, Wild, Twins, Vikings28. Go to a Minnesota Orchestra Concert
29. Write a letter to President Obama30. Learn to juggle31. Take at least one course online and finish it32. Make an alumni donation to UND33. Own something with the new UND nickname (I don't have to like it...)34. Learn to make artisan bread35. Go through a corn maze36. Make a birthday calendar and send cards to those who have a birthday
37. Read the entire For Better of For Worse Comic Strip Series (that one is for you Kevin)
38. Make 100 handmade greeting cards39. Make a gingerbread house from scratch~~40. Watch every episode of Friends (believe it or not, have not seen them all...)~~
What's left?
A bunch of stuff that I need to try and cram into the next month, that's what is left. Add in there that I have 2 work trips, this could be quite the challenge. So, let's be realistic shall we? Here are the ones I plan to complete before my birthday....

11. Eat a small steak
24. Visit the Minneapolis Institute of Art
25. Go to a Wild game (T-wolves are done, Twins are done, Vikings...no thanks)
32. Make an alumni donation to UND
39. Gingerbread house from scratch

Lord have mercy on my soul!

Recycling is what Pinterest is about, right?

2011-11-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

Not only recycling old stuff into something new.
But also recycling posts I've already done on this blog.

Recycling. It does the earth good.
Or my blog posts.
You get the idea....

Over at Young House Love (and Bower Power, and House of Earnest) they're doing another Pinterest Challenge to share what you've made, inspired by Pinterest. I love this because it inspires me to do more fun, creative stuff! (I told my mom the other day that I was working on a project that I found on Pinterest. I said, "yeah...it's my new thing." She replied, "I think Pinterest is your new thing..." Yep. It is.)

Anyway, I've done a lot of fun things from Pinterest. The first time they did this challenge, I showcased my House Rules. Here's some of what I've created since then (if you want to see more details, you can click the post where I showcased the project. Links are below)....

1. Re-purposed China Cabinet:
I saw this:

Source: Uploaded by user via Kelley on Pinterest

And thought, "what do you know. I have one of those in the garage." It went from this:

to this....

and when we buy our first (and only) house, it will be used as a linen storage in a guest room. To see the original post, click here.

2. Chalk Board from an Old Window:
I saw this:

Source: littlelucylu.com via Liz on Pinterest

And upon taking some brush and weeds out to the back-40 at the farm, found a stack of old windows. I thought, "hey. I could make a fun chalk board out of that!" It went from this:

to this....

and I have more compliments on how cool that is and friends asking me to make them one--crooked hooks and all (ha!). Sorry friends, this was the only single-pane window I found. It's all mine and you can't have it.

To see the original post, click here.

3. Rag Wreaths
This is my new project. I am LOVING these.
I saw this:

Source: sassysanctuary.blogspot.com via Kelli on Pinterest

And thought, "SUPER CUTE!!" I also thought, "I could do that and not get bored and quit 1/2 way through!" So, I picked up the supplies and wala....

A cute little autumn wreath! I have stuff to make a Christmas one too!

Here are my tips:
*Be sure to use fabric that is similar in feel. Thinner fabric works best. Anything with glitter or metallic thread woven through it can be a little thicker and a little tougher to tie.
*I double knotted to get the wreath to be fuller.
*Don't worry about the strips of fabric (they measure approx. 1 inch x 6 inches) being "perfect". They're tied to a wire wreath frame, no one is going to notice. Trust me.

Total cost? About $15.
I have this down to a science. I can watch 5 episodes of Sex and the City or 5 episodes of Friends (all on DVD), and get this done. Perfect for a Sunday afternoon on the couch.

So, head on over to Young House Love and see what people have been inspired to make from Pinterest! And if you want to follow me on Pinterest--go for it (my little link it over on the left).

Though lately I am finding that I am pinning food...which explains why my pants are tighter than normal...

Puppy School? More like Puppy Boot Camp...

2011-10-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

We're in puppy school.
And it's brutal.

I'm not kidding.

You know how people say that when someone joins the military, and they go to basic training, the role of the drill Sergeant is to break down the recruits to them build them back up again?

Apparently we signed up for puppy boot camp rather than puppy school.
And the "break them down and build them up" part? That's not for the dogs. It's for the owners. This week I was on the floor with the dog (only one person is allowed to work with the dog at a time) and was told the following:

"Stop petting your dog!" (she told us last week to praise with a pat to the head. Now, we aren't allowed?)
"You're holding your leash too tight!" (guilty...stupid choke chain)
"Stop walking with your dog!" (she was laying down and we're told not to "pull them up" so I walked a few steps)
And when I had a question about holding our leash, she mocked me without hearing my question.

The funny thing is...she's REALLY GOOD at getting dogs to do what they are supposed to do. We've seen her correct dogs pulling on the leash in less than 90 seconds. Dogs listen to her, which we need to learn from. We knew going into this that she was an old bird (she's almost 70) and didn't mess around.

But.

I can't help but wonder if this is the best way for ME to learn. In this situation, I'm visual--see, practice, repeat. I want her to tell me when I'm not doing something right so I don't lead Maggie with bad habits. But scolding me and mocking me makes me shut down.

The next few weeks the Big Guy will be the primary handler due to my work schedule...which is good because I'm this close to telling the old bird where she can stick her choke chain and 6 foot leash.

Where have all the comments gone....

2011-10-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

....I turned them off. That's where they went.

I've shared this before....I didn't start blogging with the hope of making it big. I knew pretty early on that blogging about the fact that my husband can't fold sheets, or that my cat is a freak, or that my dog thinks her water dish is a frisbee would not earn me fame and fortune.

But I've noticed a trend over the last few months.
I'm crazy-stalking my stats page to see if comments had been posted.

It started out simple enough. I had down-time at work. Down-time resulted in "I wonder if anyone posted a comment". Which resulted in, "It's been an hour. I wonder if anyone has posted anything yet?" Which then resulted in me thinking, "Maybe it's the blog post. Maybe its not good enough. I need a BETTER blog post!" But when the fun posts I like to create didn't feel like they were good enough, I would stop blogging all together.

Stupid, huh?

I know people read this blog. The number of comments is not proportional to the number of readers. I've read lots of blogs and never leave a comment. But it took this crazy self-blog-stalking to realize that it's OK to turn off the comments and blog about the random stuff that make me smile and laugh. I want to write fun posts, not get caught up in the comments.

So, I'm having my own intervention.
Comments are being shut off.

If you really want to connect with me--I'm on twitter.
Though I mostly only write to celebrities and the Chobani Yogurt people.

This has to STOP....

2011-10-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

Back in March when I was on my way back from a work trip from Chicago, I had dinner with Julie and her family. I got to their house and before we loaded up in the car to leave, I noticed this on their kitchen counter:

I joked and said, "New lunch box for Little Miss L?"

Julie said, "No, that's Micah's." (her husband)

When Micah came down to the kitchen so we could leave I said, "Nice retro lunch box, Micah-san!" To which Micah said to me, "Oh. I love the Karate Kid! And don't even get me started on the remake with Will Smith's kid. I have boycotted that movie."

I sat there wide eyed.

I exclaimed, "ME TOO!!!"

I just couldn't watch the remake. The memories from 7th grade, going to see that movie in the theatre full of other 7th graders, cheering and clapping when he kicked the snot out of Johnny with the crane technique. I'm sorry. But nothing can replace Karate Kid.

But this has become an epidemic, people.

First...it was the Karate Kid.

Next...Footloose.

My first cassette tape that I ever bought was the Footloose Soundtrack. And believe it or not, I can play the 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon game using myself. Really. I don't talk about this, but I do have a friend who's immediate family includes an A list movie star.

Just sayin'.

And now there are movies popping up left and right that are slated for a remake.

Did you hear that Steel Magnolia's is next?

Yes it is.

So, I thought I'd give my list of movies, from my junior high & high school years, that should never, ever, ever be remade.

Top Gun:

I'm sorry, say what you want about Tom Cruise, I love him still. And no matter how hard you try to remake that volleyball scene, it just won't be the same. I have to admit that I bought a fake leather jacket with the patches on it to match his Top Gun jacket.

Goonies:

No. No. No. No. Don't do it. Sean Astin was probably one of my first crushes and I had his pictures in my room from Bop magazine and Tiger Beat. When this movie came out, oh my word....I watched it over and over again. And yes. I now own the DVD. Thankyouverymuch.

Sixteen Candles:

Long Duck Dong. Farmer Ted.

Enough Said.

Oh, and my favorite line, "She at the church, she getta mar-ed to oily bo-hunk."

Farris Buhler's Day Off:

"I asked for a car, and I got a computer."

"You're Abe Froman? The Sausage King of Chicago."

"My best friend's, sister's, boyfriend's, brother's, girlfriend, who heard from this guy, who knows this kid, who's going with a girl saw Ferris pass out at 31 flavors last night. I guess it's pretty serious."

Who could remake this movie to this level? No one.

What about you?

What movies do you put your foot down regarding a remake?

Week 12 with Maggie....

2011-10-07T11:22:00.003-05:00

To read Maggie's story, click here

Getting into the crate is a no-brainer.
Thinking the couch is hers and hers alone.
Chasing barn cats.
Chasing Charlie.
RUNNING when she's off the leash.
Getting her to come to you with treats because "come here!" doesn't work.
No more puppy teeth.
Snoring.
Weighing close to 30 pounds.
Chasing the Frisbee (I think we have a "fly ball" dog!)
Thinking her outside water dish is a frisbee.

Nipping.
Small tears in clothes as she reaches for the frisbee.
Only 2 pee-in-the-house accidents this month!
(one of which was on her pillow? huh?)
One bag of dog food a month.
Puppy school next week (AMEN)
Walks around the farm.
Puppy kisses.
Sleeping through the night.
Looking at photos and thinking, "WOW. She was so little!"

Looking at her sit in the kitchen thinking, "crap...she's BIG!"

Check out other "fur kid" stories at Kelly's Korner!

Someone is off to Puppy School....

2011-10-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

Which is good because clearly she's mistaken her bowl for a frisbee.

Sunset on the Farm 1

2011-09-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

Old Window as a Gift....

2011-09-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

I haven't mentioned this on the blog yet, but my friend Amy and her husband are in the process of adopting a 2nd baby. They have the baby with them right now, and in a few days, the process will be closed. So I think it's pretty safe to say that baby Z is now home!

(Here is where I would upload a photo of me & the baby.)
(But due to time, we only got a photo on Amy's camera.)
(You'll have trust me that she's one super-duper cute baby.)

When Amy and her husband adopted Mr. J, I made her a month's worth of freezer meals. But because we adopted a dog, I just didn't have time to do that again.

I mean, just look at what I have to deal with every day.

I decided to use one of the old windows and make Amy something special that she could use for both kids. You don't need my step by steps....you can see it yourself in the photos.

The best part were these....

I saw this on Pinterest (I know. Shocker.) and thought it was a great idea. So I added it to the window (along with a corkboard & chalkboard). Now Amy and her husband can write little notes to the kids with a dry-erase marker!

When it was all said and done, it looked like this:

That is probably the last of my "old window" crafts for a while.

Well. Until I see something cool on pinterest again.

Pinterest Strikes Again....

2011-09-14T06:40:00.000-05:00

What do you get when you take an old window from the original farm house....

Plus the Martha Stewart "recipe" for your own chalkboard paint?
You get this.

I added the hooks myself (they're a little crooked, oh well....).

Total cost?

$3.50........Grout
$5.00........Paint Sample (you get a pretty big sample)
$2.97........Hooks
FREE.......Window, sandpaper, paintbrush

$11.47

I may just start taking orders!

Ten Years...

2011-09-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

Approximately 1 week after the World Trade Center collapsed, I was coming home from work, trying to get back to a normal routine. I was living in Michigan at the time, with my (now) ex-boyfriend.

I opened our mailbox and took out the latest edition People and Sports Illustrated. Like every other issue coming out that week, they were dedicated to 9/11. I flipped through the pages, looking at the pictures and reading the stories. I was drawn into the heart break. The heroism. The wondering "why".

At the end of the Sports Illustrated magazine was a column by Rick Riley. It was titled, Four of a Kind.

(read it here)

The next day, I made a copy of that article and hung it in my cubicle at work.

When the ex and I broke up, and I moved back to Minnesota, I hung it in my cube at my new job.

When I left that job to work at camp, it was hung up at my desk. It made the trek to camp every summer.

When I left camp to teach at the shady, unethical technical college, I hung it up on my file cabinet.

When I got the job at the online school? Yep. In my cube it went.

It is now hanging up, in my office at the local community college.

Every desk that I've worked at, this has been hanging up as part of my "personal decorations." And every job I've worked at, someone has asked about it. It's been read by camp counselors from around the world. I've used it in the classroom to discuss so many topics I've lost count. It's been read by university presidents, students, and administrations.

Like clockwork, just last week, the new Dean of Technical Programs stopped by to see me. He saw the article and he asked, “What’s that article about?”

I pulled down the now off-white, wrinkled, paper—with its heavily taped corners and pin-holes. He sat there, quietly reading. He said what others have said, and what I've said for the last 10 years….

That is the best article about 9/11 that I’ve ever read.

You may agree or disagree with that statement. But while we reflect on 9-11 this weekend, let’s remember that we—as a nation—banded together and did just the opposite of what those hijackers and Al-Qaeda wanted us to do.

We fought back.

We stood up.

We said, “you’re not welcome in our thoughts, in our hearts, on our soil.”

And it all began with 4 guys on Flight 93.

Curse You, Pinterest....

2011-09-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

I love, love, love pinterest.
I've gotten some very groovy ideas from that site.

One of which is this:

Well. Look what I just happen to have in our garage....

This was my Gonie's (pronouced Go-Knee).

My dad's mom. Otherwise known as my sassy Grandma. Need proof?

See? She was a BEAUTY QUEEN!

Who else has a photo of their grandma as a beauty queen in their living room?

As I was saying, I have her old hutch in my garage and I've been wanting to do something with it. While I could use it as it was intended--a china hutch--sadly, it has seen some better days. It spent probably 10+ years in my grandpa's workshop. That shop isn't climate controlled, so it's been rained on, snowed on, sat in tropical humidity, and even been pooped on by the occasional bird.

Gonie's hutch needs some love.

This weekend we didn't have plans, so I went to work on the hutch.

The photos aren't the best, but the color of the hutch was a dark, dark, DARK brown. The hutch is solid wood, but also had veneer covering much of the hutch. Because it sat out in the wood shop, the veneer was bubbling and peeling away from the wood. I decided to peel off the veneer.

Thank God the weathered-worn-distressed look is in, because I chopped the hell out of the woodwork trying to take off the veneer. After some sanding, and staining, this is what I have....

I've decided to leave the doors off because they are badly warped. And honestly, I kinda like it without the doors. It sadly, won't fit upstairs or in our bathroom (the ceilings are too low), so I can't use it like the pinterest photo, but I can use it as a great shelf/desk area!

I think Gonie would be happy with the transformation.

Farm Friday: It Puts the Peanut Butter on the Bread....

2011-09-02T05:00:00.000-05:00

All around the farmstead are these big, beautiful plants in the fields.

It's hard to believe that just a few months ago they were small seedlings, and now they've sprouted up all around us. Their big bushy greens busting out from the ground....

And of course, the big, gigantic, bulb of....

The Sugar Beet.

THIS is what the Big Guy works with everyday.
THIS is what causes his clothes to smell AWFUL.
THIS is what puts the peanut butter on the bread, people.

And if anyone ever says that you're eating too much sugar, just tell them, sugar is a vegetable.

Have a safe holiday weekend, everyone!

It's all about the Guac...

2011-08-31T05:00:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite blogs, Boo Mama, is having a link up for dips! Being a girl who has a fondness for dips...I thought I'd play along. I have yet to meet a dip I didn't like.

Today, bloggy people, you are in for a treat.
My famous guacamole recipe.

Famous because it is requested by friends and family.
Famous because it has been a staple at work potlucks.
Famous because my husband didn't know good guacamole until he met me.

Now. I can't take all the credit for this recipe. It has been adapted from the Alton Brown recipe. When I mentioned to my friend RJ that I make a damn good guacamole, he wanted to see my recipe as he was a guacamole snob.

Talk about pressure. Good news is...he liked it.
But we tweaked it slightly.
And this, my friends....is THE guacamole recipe.
RJ and Big Guy approved.

Ingredients:
3 ripe avocados, halved, seeded and peeled
1 lime, juiced
1/2 t kosher salt (if you're using reglar ol' salt, cut back on this a bit.)
1/2 t ground cumin
1/2 t cayenne (oh yes! Cayenne!)

1/2 a medium white onion, diced (this is critical. yellow? red? nope. White!)
2 roma tomatoes, seeded & diced
Up to 1 T chopped cilantro (this can be strong, so start with a little and add more if you want)
1 clove of garlic minced

In a large bowl, toss the avocado in the lime juice. Coat well and drain off any excess in a small bowl (you'll use it in a minute!). Using a potato masher, add the salt, cumin and cayenne and mash up the avocado. Fold in onions, tomatoes, cilantro, garlic and 1 tablespoon of the reserved lime juice.

Let this sit at room temp for 1 hour before serving.
(if you're a food freak like me....it's OK. It won't spoil. Promise.)

Now, be sure to check out Boo Mama's blog and find a dip or two!
I'll be over here, warming up my Little Dipper Crockpot....

Doggie Photoshoot in my New Hat....

2011-08-29T05:00:00.000-05:00

OK, Maggie. We're going to take a photo of you wearing my new, handknit, stocking cap that Grandpa brought back from Norway. The nice bloggy folks want to see how your growing and I want to show off the hat.

Hold still, will ya? OK. OK. You need treats to do anything remotely cute. Fine. Have some treats.

OK, seriously, Maggie, hold still. You want to lay down? You can't be THAT tired. You just woke up from your 6th nap of the day. Here, have another treat.

OK, I'm serious. You need to hold still.
Yes. Yes. This is a camera.
Yes. I'm taking your photo.
No. You don't need to go outside. We just went 2 minutes ago.

Oh, for crying out loud.
Forget it.
Thank goodness I already talked to Grandpa last week to thank him for the hat.

(thanks again, Grandpa!)
(Jeg elsker du!)
(and I still think the calendar in your kitchen is written in Swedish, not Norwegian)

2011 3-day Wrap Up....Dr. Seuss Style

2011-08-25T05:00:00.000-05:00

"Congratulations! Today is your day! You're off to great places! You're off and away!"

(opening ceremonies)

"You have a brain in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction your choose. You're on your own. You know what you know. And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go."

(I was the crew co-captain for sweep--so I literally decided where people would go!)

"You'll look up and down streets, look 'em over with care. About some you'll say, 'I don't choose to go there.'"

(Top photo: our team with Dynessa, route safety...who had to look up and down streets! Bottom photo: on Jody's couch. Read about it here)

"Out there things can happen and frequently do to people as brainy and footsy as you!"

"You'll find the bright places where Boom Bands are playing. With banner flip-flapping, once more you'll ride high! Ready for anything under the sky. Ready because you're that kind of guy!"

"I'm afraid that sometimes you'll play lonely games too. Games you can't win 'cause you'll play against you. And when you're alone there's a very good chance you'll meet things that scare you right out of your pants. There are some, down the road between hither and yon, that can scare you so much you won't want to go on. But you will go through the weather be foul. On you will go though your enemies prowl."

(click here for her story)

"And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.) Kid, you'll move mountains! So be your name Amy, Dynessa, Kelley, Debbie, Angie, Annette, Rachel or Lyndsey, you're off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So.....GET ON YOUR WAY!"

(We missed you Amy! But are so amazed at what has come your way!!)

3-day Hangover...

2011-08-22T10:26:00.000-05:00

I currently have a Breast Cancer 3-day hangover.

Maybe I can use the 4-year old expired motrin that is in this lovely headband....

Update and photos coming later this week.

I'd do it now, but I have a dog to watch, a house to clean, laundry to wash, groceries to buy and a detox to plan for all the sugar and carbs I've eaten all weekend.

Apparently She Doesn't Want me to Go....

2011-08-18T07:15:00.000-05:00

I was doing laundry to pack for the 3-day this weekend.

I turned around and this happened.

Sorry, puppers. The sad puppy eyes won't work.

You're stuck at home with the Big Guy.

My Daddy....

2011-08-15T07:05:00.001-05:00

Last night I talked to my dad.

He's currently laying in a hospital bed, by himself, waiting to have open heart surgery tomorrow. You know that phone call....the one you make before something BIG happens. Trying not to talk about the "what if's" because you don't want to jinx it. Sort of, "If I don't talk about it, it can't be real and it won't happen."

Well. It's very real.

And yes. I DID offer to fly to Ohio to be with him before and after surgery. I DID offer to come out after he got home to help take care of him. I did this SEVERAL times.

But my daddy is stubborn.

He's proud.

He's not one to be fussed over.

And told me to "stay home".

So, I am.

If you're the praying type.....

If you're the "keep you in my thoughts" type....

If you're the "thinking of you" type....

If you're the "sending good ju-ju" type....

Whatever type you are....

Could you be thinking of my daddy today?

Because I really don't want to have to use that Power of Attorney just yet.

I'd prefer to save that for when he's 95 and refuses to move to Minnesota because it's too cold.

**EDITED TO ADD: All went well! He's now in recovery, the breathing tube has been removed and he's on some wonderful, super-duty pain meds. My Aunt Kathy said, "You may want to wait until tomorrow to call....apparently he's not making sense." ha!

ACK! I need a Photo!

2011-08-12T08:31:00.003-05:00

In my new role at the small community college, I work very closely with the upper administration--the college president, the VP's (one of which is my supervisor), deans....you name it.

Next week, before classes begin is the annual in-service for the entire college. I've been asked to work on a presentation that normally I would present. But because of a a little thing called the Breast Cancer 3-day, I will be gone.

I joked with my supervisor about inserting a photo into the presentation saying, "This is Kelley", because she keeps saying how she wishes I could be there (sorry, the guilt trip isn't going to work...I'm going to the 3-day).

Well.

Yesterday she says to me, "I think you should put a photo into the powerpoint presentation! That would be fun!" I laughed and said, "OK" and then panic hit me.

Serious photo?
Funny (but appropriate) photo?

What do you think?

Who knew that this would be the "big decision" to make today!

Week 3 with Maggie....

2011-08-08T07:00:00.003-05:00

Slobbery squeeker skunk
The $3 bone got taken away by Charlie
An owner who feels bad and buys her a new one
Chewing on sticks
Getting into the crate is a little easier
Still rough housing with Charlie
Chewing on ice
Lethargic after getting her shots
A quiet restful afternoon after getting her shots
Ringing the bell successfully to go outside (YES!)
Having fewer potty accidents
Not a fan of a clicker
Nipping at ankles
Cuddling on the couch
Pig ears
Chasing grasshoppers and digging up a red-ant nest
Owners with sinus infections and bad summer colds (ugh)
Napping on the couch

Pinterest Project: House Rules.

2011-08-02T07:01:00.011-05:00

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I LOVE PINTEREST.

One of the blogs I read, Young House Love, is having a pinterest challenge today to show off projects that you've made or have been inspired to create based on something you've seen from pinterest.

Here is what I've decided to create:

I knew that the letters were stenciled on, but I didn't want a plaque that big. When I saw this old camping chair....

I knew that was exactly what I needed.
The Big Guy helped me out by cutting off the rivets.

And soon, we went from this....

to this...

I then, took off the hinges, painted the chair with a bit of white paint left over from our various wall painting adventures this winter.

I went to JoAnn's and found smaller stencils and penciled out what would be our house rules. Some stayed the same. Some were different. But they are "us", and the Big Guy even said, "hey! I like that!"

I then painted in each letter...
And wala.....
The finished product.

What I learned...

This is actually the 2nd set of rules. The first set (photo evidence below) didn't turn out. One of the reasons I didn't like it was because the paint was too thick. It didn't dawn on me until 1/2 way through the project to thin out the paint a little with some water. The result was easier painting, but the first half of the project looked gloopy and messy.

I wanted to outline the letters to make them pop. Originally I decided to use a thin marker,

but....

I thought I'd get done faster with a thicker marker. Well...it just made it look really, really, messy. That and it made it look like a 5th grade art project.
I haven't been in 5th grade in, like, forever. So....

I may take a belt sander to it and start over with a new set of rules.

That, or make firewood.

Week One with Maggie....

2011-07-29T07:05:00.032-05:00

Toys she has no interest in.
Peeing on the floor.
Peeing in her crate during the day.
Peeing outside.
Dry crate at night.
Lots of water in the evening.
Barking at the farm cats.
Rough-housing with Charlie.
Stella going nose-to-nose and showing her who's boss.
The dog whimpering at the cat because Stella freaks her out.
Wishing she was a year old and housebroken.
Treats.
Begging at dinner.
Slobbery $3 pork bone that's been in her mouth all week.
Trying to get onto the couch to cuddle.
Puppy kisses.
Teaching her to ring a bell to "go potty".
Wagging hind-end every time we come home
Knowing that, really, she's doing more for us than she knows...
A comfy dog bed...

Something tells me that our pup is adjusting to life in our house just fine.
Us on the other hand?

Don't ask.

My New Workout Plan....

2011-07-25T07:00:00.043-05:00

Back in January, the Big Guy and I bought an exercise bike. I really like it, but summer hit, and with it being so warm, the bike isn't getting used as much.

So we got something new....

This is Maggie. A 12 week old Collie & Lab mix.

Yep. This little girl is giving her pet parents a run for their money.
Emphasis on "run".

She runs towards the garden.
She runs down the row of lilac bushes.

She runs towards the burn barrel.
She runs towards the barn.

You get the idea.

She's sweet. A bit timid. Doesn't care for her kennel too much right now. And LOVES being outside.

She's also caused the cat to retreat upstairs.
We may never see her again...

It's So Hot

2011-07-20T07:00:00.001-05:00

It's so hot.....

....that the camera fogs up when you go outside.

That's just wrong.
(It was 120 degrees with the heat index on Tuesday.)
(again. That's just wrong)

My New Obsession....

2011-07-18T08:37:00.002-05:00

If you need me I'm here.

Are you on pinterest?
If so, follow me and I'll follow you! Just click the link on the sidebar.

Need a "how to" on this whole pinterest thing? Here's a blogger's "how to" on what it is and why it is the coolest thing since Oreo Fudge Creme Cookies.

(have you had those cookies? OH. MY. WORD.)
(or as the grandpa on the commercial says, "FRANKLIN DELANO!")

Farm Friday: Hydrangeas

2011-07-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

Outside of our garage is a beautiful, old hydrangea bush.

I love how this bush is now in bloom and you can see all of the stages of the hydrangea life cycle.
From the buds.....

To the green blooms....

To the full blown white blooms.....

To the new farm dog.....

Wait.
That's not a new dog.
It's Charlie! Only he's now shaved for the summer.

I'm off to go stalk our online silent auction and then watch Harry Potter this weekend.
Have a good weekend!

Kitchen Sink of Blog Posts (#6)

2011-07-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

I have a few thoughts rolling around in my head, that I thought I'd do another Kitchen Sink blog post.

*It's HOT. And humid. People say, "Oh it wouldn't be so bad if it weren't so humid." I don't care what you say. Hot is hot. Regardless of the humidity. And all it makes me want to do is eat ice-cream.

*I stumbled across Katy Perry's video Friday Night and had such a good laugh that I downloaded the song. Yeah, its kitchy and silly and in 6 months I'll probably say, "why did I download this song?" But when the video has Corey Feldman, Debbie Gibson, the band Hanson, Kenny G, and some of the Glee kids....how could you not smile?

*This is why we bought a weather radio....

Tornado warnings....heavy winds....hail.....
And a husband who decides to be a storm chaser....
And a cat who hid in the basement all night.

*I've always enjoyed reading but I have to say that the Hunger Games series is AMAZING. It's a young adult series and it's a bit science-fiction based, but it is great. If you haven't read them yet....go get thee to the library and check out these books!

*Harry Potter #7, part 2 starts Friday. Amen.

*I don't know if I'm a fan of the new Blogger layout for posting. Anyone else feeling like a fish out of water? I know I'll just need some time, but still....

*Our silent auction for my 3-day team starts today. As always, no pressure to purchase anything. However, should you find something that you think a friend would like, please pass on our link. FREE SHIPPING!!

Have a good week!
I'm off to eat some ice-cream.
Did I mention it's hot?

2011-07-08T07:00:00.001-05:00

Farm Friday: The Garden
My in-laws plant a garden every summer. They asked us if we were interested in planting anything. I was excited to finally plant a real garden rather than 2 or 3 plants. So, we headed off to a garden center and purchased a cart full of plants.

We planted the usual.....tomatoes, peppers....but we also planted this....

Know what it is?

Brussel Sprouts!
We had brussel sprouts for the first time last fall when one of our favorite restaurants grilled them and added them to a butternut squash gnocchi dish. WOW! Were they ever good.

Then again, anything cooked with bacon and blue cheese is a winner in my book.

2011-07-05T07:00:00.003-05:00

So Long, Ol' Pain-in-the-Butt.....

Dear Dell,

I know we've been close for some time. In 2002 I used my first Dell computer when I worked at camp and it was a swell relationship. It was fast and snazzy and when flat screen monitors came out I thought I had hit the jackpot.

When I moved on from camp, I knew I needed a computer, and with a little pushing from one of the camp directors, I was told to get a Dell. So I did and we were like peanut butter and jelly. We got along so well! Even though I'd always owned Mac's in the past, I went with you because....well....you were cheap and it was what I could afford at the time.

But soon, you became too needy.
Blue screens.
Crashes.
I wanted to keep you around so badly that I even rebuilt your hard-drive--twice.
Yet...it just seems like you're still too needy for me. And I can sense your attitude because you keep giving me the proverbial finger every time you pop open the disk drive...even when I don't need to use the disk drive.

So. It's time to end our relationship.
Don't worry, I'll still tell people about the good times.

What's that?
Is there someone else?

Yes. Yes there is. I'm sorry.
He's smart.
He's slick.
He's thin and light and boots up when I ask it to, rather than making me wait 10 minutes.
So long, Dell. It's been nice knowing you.

Love
Kelley

Welcome Back, Mac.....Oh how I've missed you.

2011-07-01T07:00:00.014-05:00

Farm Friday: Barn Kittens
Out on the farm, there are two adult cats. They are 100% outdoor cats. They are also 100% wild and untamed. While I'll find one snuggling up against Charlie on our back deck now and again, they want nothing to do with people.

Every summer the barn cat population increases. This summer is no exception.

While we aren't able to get up close to them, I was able to get a little video with my camera the other day. There are 4 little furballs and they are just a hoot to watch.

(It's clear that I have no children, because my camera skills are shaky.)
(the cat in the grass kills me. Keep watching. I promise it's cute.)
(there is also no audio...other than the gusty wind. So, turn off the sound)

Have a safe 4th of July, everyone!

2011-06-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

Because She Won't Believe Me....
I am one of those people who won't thaw their frozen food on the counter. Some people do (*cough* Amy *cough*) and are just fine with it. In fact, some people (*cough* Amy *cough*) will poke fun at you and say things like, "I'll even make you dinner and I won't thaw the chicken on the counter."

*eyeroll*

I can't help it. I prefer to thaw my food in the fridge. But when the Big Guy forgets to bring up a pound of ground turkey from the freezer, and you plan to cook it in less than 24 hours....you sometimes have to take drastic steps.

It is true.
I set it on the counter to get a head start at defrosting.

I'm posting proof because Amy won't believe me if I told her otherwise.
So there.

Proof that I did indeed thaw my ground turkey on the counter
(kinda....I put it in the fridge after about an hour or so).

2011-06-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

Farm Friday: Rainbow Cake, Part 2.
Over Easter, I made a rainbow cake for a family gathering. You can read about it here and see photos.

My dear, sweet, Godson, Spencer, was upset that he missed the rainbow cake. With his 21st birthday just around the corner, I promised him that if he came out to visit us on the farm, I'd make him a rainbow cake.

But because we were only having a handful of people out to the house, making a 6 layer cake just didn't make sense. So, instead, I made the box mix and portioned it out into 6 even servings. I then colored them and layered them into a loaf pan. The result?

I don't know about you, but I think it turned out pretty darn cool.

2011-06-21T08:40:00.000-05:00

Will You be my Tour Guide?

Back in 2008, I wrote this blog post about going to the Olympics in 2012.
And in a little more than a year, yours truly and the Big Guy will be headed to the UK.

Here is our plan:

Leave in mid-July to do the tourist stuff.
Hit the Olympics on July 28th (day 1 of competition)
Leave the UK on July 30th to come back to the States.

I've been to London before and LOVED it. I am excited to go back.

As we start to plan this trip--what should we see?
Any place that you've been that I must include? I have my favorites, of course, but would love to hear yours.
Never been, but wanted to go? What would you include?

2011-06-13T07:00:00.002-05:00

Shameless Plug....

Our annual online silent auction is set for July! Mark your calendars!

We have items from:
Lia Sophia Jewelry
Scentsy
Vera Bradley
Caribou Coffee

We also have:
Quilts (two quilts!)
Homemade cards
Artwork
Homemade Cheesecake (sorry...Minnesota residents only)
...and more!

Have an item you want to donate? Do you have some connections and can get us a sweet deal? Contact me (leave a comment and we'll contact you!) and let's chat!

100% of the money raised goes to Susan G Komen for the Cure.

2011-06-10T07:00:00.006-05:00

Farm Friday: Rhubarb (and a recipe!)
Like the asparagus patch that comes back year after year, there is also a rhubarb patch.
A really large rhubarb patch.

How large is large?
7 VERY LARGE plants.
How large is large? Let's just say that the plants are up to my waist. And I'm 5' 6". So...

For this city girl...that's a lot of rhubarb.

So, I've been trying some different rhubarb recipes. And I've found a winner.
Sticking with a Minnesota company (is that the same as buying local?), I found this recipe on the Land O' Lakes website. I have tweaked it ever so slightly. If you find yourself with some rhubarb, go ahead and try this recipe for Blueberry Rhubarb bars!

You can find the recipe here....

And here's a tempting photo of the bars I made this weekend!

2011-06-03T07:00:00.001-05:00

Farm Friday: Lilacs
They're in bloom and smell awesome.....

2011-05-31T07:00:00.000-05:00

40 Things Before I'm 40 Update: Split Rock Lighthouse

I have to say that I'm a bit biased about my home state of Minnesota. I know that we're known as the "Land of 10,000 lakes", but I have to tell you that northern Minnesota is probably one of the prettiest places in the USA. I know when people travel to MN, they often hit the Mall of America (it is pretty cool), but I seriously want to encourage anyone who is thinking of traveling to MN, to consider going "up north".

There are so many things to do for free (or for minimal cost) that it would be a shame NOT to go up north.

Now that I've done my bit for the Explore Minnesota campaign, here are some pics from our trip to Split Rock Lighthouse.

Location: Two Harbors (approx 20 minutes north of Duluth)
Website: Check it out here
Cool fact: the precision equipment for the light itself came from Paris, France

It was very cold. Very windy. Very rainy.

But we went! And would go back in a heartbeat!

2011-05-27T07:00:00.002-05:00

Farm Friday: Asparagus

The farm has a wild asparagus patch.

Is it a bad thing to eat asparagus at every meal?

I hope not.

Wondering how we prepare it?

Toss in a little oil (I use a gallon zip lock bag...less mess).
Sprinkle with sea salt & pepper.
Grill until tender.
Eat.
Enjoy.

2011-05-25T07:00:00.001-05:00

Clearly, they KNEW we were in Town....

Why else would they have a drink called the Opulent Sugar Daddy on the special's board?

Yeah. OK. I know...enough with the Sugar Daddy stuff.
I promise. No more Sugar Daddy jokes for a while.

2011-05-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

I Slept in a Lighthouse....
This weekend, the Big Guy and I celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary by going up to Two Harbors, MN and staying at the Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast. We received a gift certificate as a wedding gift and took advantage of it for a weekend get away.

This lighthouse is a real, live, honest-to-goodness, working lighthouse. Now owned by the historical society in the area, they renovated the building and have now opened it as a bed and breakfast. The lighthouse operations are actually automated and run by the Coast Guard in Duluth.

The Big Guy walked out onto the pier and got these fun photos

We went up in to the lighthouse itself....up into the tower with the rotating light. It was pretty cool and a little freaky all at the same time....

The one photo I didn't get was the sign that said, "Please do not climb the ladder--Thank you, The Lighthouse Ghost."

Oh. I forgot to mention it.
The lighthouse is haunted.

Yep!
And I experienced it first hand.

The room we were in was a fairly large room, but sadly, the bed was a full size bed. We currently sleep on a king. We looked at that bed and we knew instantly that we both wouldn't sleep well in that bed. The Big Guy tosses and turns all night. I like to sprawl out. It just wouldn't work. I took the roll-away bed out of the closet (the room technically slept 3, so that's why there was a roll away bed). I set it up running perpendicular to the full size bed, but it wasn't touching the bed.

At about 3:00 a.m., I felt the bed being pushed. I was started awake thinking that the folding legs of the bed were collapsing. I got out of bed and realized that they were not collapsing or folding under. I crawled back into bed. As I dozed off, the bed got pushed again, like someone was trying to push it out of their way.

I thought nothing of it, thinking it was maybe the wind coming through the window was blowing the blankets. Or maybe I have restless leg syndrome?

The next morning at breakfast, two of the guests were talking about how the lighthouse was haunted. There was a ship that sank off the shoreline in the late 1800's and two stow-aways on the ship died. Apparently they are the ghosts of the lighthouse. This was confirmed by Rose, the staff member who makes breakfast and keeps the lighthouse beautiful and tidy.

I guess someone didn't like the fact that I wasn't sleeping in the same bed as my husband! But I'm sorry, lighthouse ghosts....we just don't fit in a full size bed.

Maybe that is their way of telling me to go on a diet?

2011-05-20T07:00:00.005-05:00

Farm Friday: Inhaling Sunshine

Google Images

“It’s the best feeling in the world to take sheets off the bed, wash them, hang them on the clothes line to dry and put them right back on the bed. It’s like you're inhaling sunshine.” –The Big Guy

I couldn’t agree more.

(But I didn’t put those sheets back on the bed)

(I feel that if I don’t rotate the sheets in the linen closet I’ll keep using the same ones and they’ll wear out.)

(same with the towels)

(you do that too, right?)

2011-05-16T07:00:00.001-05:00

The Sugar Daddy Joke Never Gets Old....
Amy got me this.....

A Sugar Daddy lunch box.
It's reasons like this that I thank God we're friends.

Don't get the joke? Read here and here.

2011-05-13T12:24:00.003-05:00

I Believe I Shut Down Blogger....
Yesterday I wrote a SCATHING post to be published this morning. And shortly after I put it into 'scheduled' mode, Blogger took a nose dive.

~~And now, the post is missing from my dashboard.~~ And now the original post can be seen here, but I may be the one who single-handily took down blogger.

Why?

Because I was really, really, REALLY P.O.'d at Google check out, and as you know, Google now owns Blogger. So, if my really upset post took down Blogger....I apologize.

What's the big hoopla?
My Google Checkout account had been suspended because I tried to make a payment to secure the custom URL's for our 3-day team webpages.

Seems simple enough, right?
Not so much. Rather than taking me to a page with my account information, the link provided to me to make payment, automatically tried to charge my card. The charge didn't go through because the address google has on file (our old address) does not match the address on file at the bank (the farm address).

Rather than be able to update it and move on my way....Google wanted me to provide them a copy of my drivers license AND a copy of a recent billing statement (for a credit card, utility bill, etc.) to prove I lived where I live.

SAY WHAT?!?

I was furious.
Why did they need that?
Oh. Yeah. I know. Protection against identity thieves. I get it.
But they weren't going to get that from me.
Nor should they get that from anyone else. Google has no right to ask for copies of private information like that. I felt obligated to stand up and say "NO!" and provide options that would satisfy both google and myself.

In the end, I won. Google eventually worked with me in the end and everyone is happy. They have $20 dollars in their account and I have the Card Blog and the Auction Blog URL's for one more year. But it came down to 4 days worth of e-mails to get me to this point.But I feel it necessary to tell those of you who have secured URL's through Blogger by using Google Check out to remember to update your user information BEFORE you receive the "time to renew" e-mail. Otherwise, you, too, may have to provide copies of your personal information.

And if Google reinstates my blog post....well....so be it.
Maybe I'm destined to be a detective because the screen shots I uploaded certainly made me feel like I was a member of the investigation team on Law and Order.

(did you just hear the Law and Order "bom bom" sound, too?)

2011-05-09T07:00:00.002-05:00

3-day Garage Sale & Quilt Raffle....
In 2008, I participated in my first Susan G Komen for the Cure 3-day walk. This walk takes place over 3 days, and the participants walk 60 miles during that time. In order to participate in the walk, walkers make a commitment and agree to raising $2300. This means that before they can walk one step, they need to have that money accounted for--or they don't walk.

To do that, teams do a variety of fundraisers. Our team, Amy's Angels, has been doing a number of different fundraisers over the years. This last weekend was our annual garage sale. This year, a new walker on our team, lives in a neighborhood where they have a community garage sale every year--and it is well known in their town. This is good news for us....because this could mean big bucks!!

I wasn't able to attend on Friday, but came by at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday with Amy and her son, Mr. J. We showed up and couldn't believe the amount of stuff we had in this sale. Look at this!

And that was only what was out on the lawn and driveway. This isn't nearly what was left in the garage!! I'm happy to say that my little tote of items, sold (at least, I think they did. I didn't anything of mine left.....)

We also had a quilt raffle. A couple who is friends with one of our walkers donated the time and materials to make this quilt. It was no small quilt....it was a queen/king!!

Isn't it neat! Such fun colors. I said that this would have been a great quilt for a girl's room. So fun and retro.

We had the drawing at 2 p.m. and we had 3 little fellas who helped us draw out the name from the 10 gallon tote.

Yes. A 10 gallon tote held the names.

While we are still waiting on the totals for the garage sale, we did raise approximately $1800 just on the quilt raffle alone. We sold them for $1 a chance and many people bought $20 or more worth of tickets because they knew it was going to a great cause.

The girls who put together this garage sale and raffle did a GREAT job. This was one of the best garage sales that we had and it was all because of their hard work. One of the great things about our team is that we are all pretty much on auto pilot. We all have our events to work on and they all go off without a hitch.

And of course, Mr.J made getting up at 6:30 a.m. on a Saturday a lot of fun!

2011-05-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

Farm Friday: Charlie
I mentioned a few posts back about a meal disaster that not even the farm dog would eat.

This is the farm dog.

Charlie.
Or as I like to call him, Charlie B. Barkin
(name that movie)

He's a good dog.

He loves to rub his rough, wet nose up against you and nudge you until you pet him.

I came home the other day and as I got to the curve in the driveway, which runs parallel to our garage, I noticed Charlie laying in the yard. Head on the gravel road. The dog didn't budge one inch as I drove by.

I came out of the garage with my camera and snuck up on him....

I'd be lying if I didn't check to make sure he was still breathing. He's an older dog, and he wasn't moving.

Then I noticed he was running in his sleep and whimpering.
Chasing rabbits?
Birds?
Barn cats?

As I got up to him, he opened one, groggy eye and looked my way....

Well, hi there Charlie B. Barkin!
How was your nap....

That good huh?
No. I won't be bringing you any of that left over pasta dish ever again.
But I'm sure if you asked the Big Guy there may be a pork chop in your future.

I love that dog.

2011-05-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

Update: 40 Things Before I'm 40....
Oh, snap!
It's May!
How did that happen?
It also means I'm 6 months away from the big 4-0. And it also means I'm 6 months away from completing this list. I'm not doing too badly....actually!

Here's the update.

5. Go on a trip to somewhere I've never been (airport layovers don't count).
--In May we're going up to the North Shore...someplace I've never been! Photos to come after the trip! We're staying in a bed & breakfast....yum!

9. Pay off my credit card and shred it when it's paid off
--DONE! D....O....N....E....done! Whoooo! (and the cards have been shredded well before I paid it off so that I couldn't add to the debt).

14. Go out to the Split Rock Light House on Lake Superior
--Doing this in May!

16. Research my family tree and find out more on my dad's father (he was adopted and we have very little information on his biological family).
--I've hit a serious dead end with this one. But! I did find out more about my grandma's family (my dad's mom) and discovered that I am able to be a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution!

19. Try every drink on the Caribou Coffee menu
--Seriously, people. This one is a no brainer. DONE! And they've added new drinks....and yep! DONE!

23. See a shuttle launch
--We actually made plans to go in April, but with my new job we couldn't do it. DARN IT!

25. Read the entire Harry Potter series again
--DONE

28. Go to a Minnesota Orchestra Concert
--DONE! We did this right after my birthday!

31. Take at least one course online and finish it
--I wrote this when I worked for the online university where I could take classes for free. I don't work there now, so this one may be a challenge to find something I like. Sadly, my new school is a state run school, which means I'm union, which means I can't take classes for free for 3 years. So....any ideas?

33. Own something with the new UND nickname (I don't have to like it...)
--Well. This may not happen due to the fact that the ND House and Senate have blocked the name change!!

34. Learn to make artisan bread
--DONE! I have photos to post (once I download them)...

36. Make a birthday calendar and send cards to those who have a birthday
--Done(calendar) and In progress (on the cards). I have been doing this throughout the year!

38. Make 100 handmade greeting cards
--DONE!

40. Watch every episode of Friends (believe it or not, have not seen them all...)
--I'm on Season 4 right now!

To be clear, this update was more for me than anyone else, because I needed a swift kick in the rear-end on this list!

2011-04-22T07:59:00.000-05:00

Farm Friday (OK, not really....)
I know that normally I do a fun, random posting about life on the Farm on Friday.
But today, I'm writing a very short post because I have such exciting news.

As of this morning, (actually, as of about 10 minutes ago because I just made the online payment)....

WE HAVE ZERO CREDIT CARD DEBT!

I am no expert, but really, we just made a commitment to spending less, saving more and paying off the debt a little at a time and wala! Paid off.

Thank you for allowing me to shout out my news!
Happy Friday and Happy Easter everyone!

2011-04-18T07:00:00.001-05:00

Ace of Cakes Ain't Got Nothin' on Me.....
This weekend the Big Guy and I headed down to my Grandpa's house for an early Easter gathering. Well...it was billed as an "Early Easter", but really? It was to meet my Grandpa's girlfriend, Lois. She wanted to meet all of us. Grandpa asked....we went. My mom even flew in from Montana!

Because our family gatherings have been pot-luck style since about 1982, I agreed to bring dessert. I decided to make a rainbow cake!

What started out as individual cakes tinted with a boat load of food coloring.....

Ended up as a frosted tower of sugar goodness (no, the frosting isn't funfetti--those are crumbs from the cake....clearly I still need practice).

And when sliced, it looked like this.....

My goof ball husband.

When I served the first slice, the room gasped and a really-loud, "WOW!!" was heard by all.
I'm serious!
They gasped!
They wow'd!

All for a cake!

Thankfully we didn't need to worry about a sugar coma. My grandpa tests his blood sugar....so, if anyone was in real trouble, he would have known what to do. I hope.

2011-04-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

Farm Friday: Something Unique....
When I got my new job, I remember getting my hair cut at my little hometown Aveda salon. When I told my stylist where we were moving, she said, "I LOVE old farm houses. They have so much character." I sat there, nodded and thought, "yeah...character...sure. But it's in the country."

Today, I totally understand what she was talking about.

Take this photo for example:

You may be looking at this and thinking...."why are you showing us a photo of a hardwood floor?"
Well.
It's not the floor.
Nor is it a wall.

It's the ceiling of our living room.

(pardon the dust....we're still hanging the trim...)

Yes! The ceiling of our living room is made of real cedar planks. And I have to tell you, there are days that I sit on the couch and just find myself looking up at the ceiling and thinking, "that's just cool..."

Shhhh....don't tell the Big Guy....but I think I may actually like it here.
I guarantee you I'll change my tune when summer hits (NO A/C....sigh)

2011-04-12T07:00:00.002-05:00

My Only Fur Comes from the Cat....
I was in Chicago last week for a work trip. I stayed at the very swanky & very, very, very expensive Fairmont Hotel.

I totally love going through the drawers and snagging the free stuff in a hotel. As I was reading the hotel "book" (you know...the book with the room service menu, hours of operations, etc) I noticed this:

Yeah.
I'll just be over here eating the banana bread that I brought from home and drinking water out of the tap.

2011-04-08T07:00:00.003-05:00

Farm Friday: Shoveling Dirt is Dangerous....

I came home earlier this week to see my husband, the Big Guy, out in the front yard with a spade shovel, a 5 gallon bucket, and a pile of dirt that had been scraped up earlier this winter from the driveway. He was scooping up the dirt and putting it back into the driveway to help fill in some of the deep tire tracks we've created in the soggy, gravel driveway.

Here he is....~~talking about who knows what with one of his friends~~ hard at work.

As I looked out the kitchen window I couldn't help but notice that my husband was wearing a gun holster, which--yes--contained a handgun.

Scooping up driveway dirt is a dangerous job.
Thankfully, I've got my husband to protect me!

And for the record, my husband's hobby is a gun collecting.
They are all locked in a gun safe and are stored unloaded.
We take gun safety seriously.

2011-04-06T07:00:00.001-05:00

And I Thought I was a Picky Eater....
You know that dinner wasn't very good when:
1. You eat half of your serving, and instead have a bagel with peanut butter
2. Your husband doesn't want to keep the left overs

3. The farm dog doesn't even want to eat it.
Curious? It was this, but I used tri-color-veggie pasta rather than spaghetti.

2011-04-01T07:00:00.012-05:00

Farm Friday, edition 4….
Exhibit A.
My homemade laundry soap.

Yes. I make my own laundry soap. If you want to see how to make it…you can read about it here. Total cost for the laundry soap? About $1.40 per batch and each batch makes enough for 28 loads or so. I’ve been doing it for about 2 years now!

Exhibit B.
The bag that held the extra soap that didn’t fit into the bucket I keep near the washer.

Exhibit C.
A hole in the bag.

Exhibit D.
The mouse poop that was discovered near the bag of laundry soap, which now has a hole in it.

Yep.

Two weeks ago the Big Guy says to me, “I don’t want to alarm you, but I think we have a mouse.” My reply was, “How do you know? You realize that there is never such a thing as ‘a’ mouse, right?” He said he saw one in the basement and thinks that the mouse got in when they carried in an old love seat that had been out in the garage for a few weeks prior to our move.

He set traps, and the next morning I had a text message that read, “Got ‘em”
“Em” being plural. There were two.
I said to the Big Guy, “I hope they didn’t take ‘love seat’ literally and procreate.”

We reset the traps, and caught nothing more.

On Sunday, I was taking items down to the basement for storage. As I set down some empty totes near the shelves in the laundry room, my eyes happened to catch a glimpse of Exhibit D.

I. FREAKED. OUT.

We reset the traps again.
Really, though….eating laundry soap?

I hope that they got sicker than a dog eating laundry soap and got the hell out of my house.

2011-03-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

When did the Old Lady Move In?

Heating pad.

Icy hot.

Advil.

When did the old lady move in and leave behind all this stuff for her achy muscles?

Oh, wait.

That's mine.

Who knew that deep cleaning a rented townhome would cause me to have to use all of these items on a Sunday afternoon?! If this isn't a reminder to get thy rear end on the exercise bike we bought back in January, I don't know what is.

2011-03-25T07:00:00.002-05:00

Farm Friday, edition 3…

Once I cross over a major highway out in the middle of nowhere, I love that I can see our place.
See that grove of trees?

Yes. That one.
That is where we are living!
I promise house photos when it isn't surrounded by a small lake due to melting snow.

I love how that one pine tree towers over the big tree in my in-laws yard.

But to be honest, what I am really looking forward to is all of this snow melting away and these big ol’ bushes to start blooming. Because you know what these bushes are? These bushes that boarder the property?

Lilacs.

COME ON SPRING!

Yeah, sure, youbetcha!

In a Month....

Happy Birthday Big Guy...

My Walkin' Buddy....

Pinterest Review: Cinnamon Rolls on the Waffle Iron

History wasn't my best subject....

Storing Christmas Cards....

Pinterest Review: Candy Gift Basket

Santa's Direct Line....

Family Secrets....

Pinterest Review: Gift Card Box...

Where I test Pinterest Projects....

Attempt #80 at a New Post...

Our Holiday Card (Blog Edition)...

Hello, 40... (*sigh*)

Why I Could Never Be on a Bowling League...

Gratefulness Lost...

Snowy Weekend....

I Know Bacon is a Garnish, but Really....

Holiday Wreath (yes. From Pinterest)

Quick Craft Project....

40 Things Before I'm 40, only a few weeks left (CRAP!)...

Recycling is what Pinterest is about, right?

Puppy School? More like Puppy Boot Camp...

Where have all the comments gone....

This has to STOP....

Week 12 with Maggie....

Someone is off to Puppy School....

Sunset on the Farm 1

Old Window as a Gift....

Pinterest Strikes Again....

Ten Years...

Curse You, Pinterest....

Farm Friday: It Puts the Peanut Butter on the Bread....

It's all about the Guac...

Doggie Photoshoot in my New Hat....

2011 3-day Wrap Up....Dr. Seuss Style

3-day Hangover...

Apparently She Doesn't Want me to Go....

My Daddy....

ACK! I need a Photo!

Week 3 with Maggie....

Pinterest Project: House Rules.

Week One with Maggie....

My New Workout Plan....

It's So Hot

My New Obsession....

Farm Friday: Hydrangeas

Kitchen Sink of Blog Posts (#6)

Hello, 40... (sigh)