Frosty

Tonight I was hemstitching fleece blankets for the local fabric store. My hemstitch machine resides in my unfinished basement next to the outside air vent. It's the only place in the basement with an electrical outlet and the temperature down there these days is, oh, 40 degrees, if I'm lucky. Every time I work on the hemstitch machine I emerge from the basement in a near hypothermic state. So tonight I got smart and bundled up to do my work. For the first time ever I emerged from the cold cement depths a warm gal. G captured the moment.

Yuletide Christmas Riddler

Can you name the Christmas carol based on the clues? See the answers in the Comments. How did you do?

1. Quadruped with Crimson Proboscis

2. Eight P.M. to Six A.M. without Noise

3. Minuscule Hamlet in the Near East

4. Ancient Benevolent Despot

5. Exuberance Directed to the Planet

6. Listen, Aerial Spirits Announcing

7. Trio of Monarchs

8. Yonder in the Hay Rack

9. Cherubim Audited from Aloft

10. Assemble, Everyone Who Believes

11. Hollowed Post Meridian

12. Fantasia of a Colorless December 25

13. A Dozen Twenty-Four Hour Yule Periods

14. Befell During the Transparent Bewitching Hour

15. Hypothermic Homo Sapien of Crystallized Vapor

16. Desire a Pair of Incisors on December 25

17. I Spied My Maternal Parent Osculating

18. Perambulating Through a December Solstice Fantasy

19. Adorn the Vestibules

20. Tin Tintinnabulums

Dank u Sinterklaasje

On the eve of December 5th, Sinterklaas sails by steamboat from Spain to the Netherlands with gifts for the children. The children leave their shoes by the chimney filled with carrots and straw to feed Sinterklaas' horse as he and "Zwarte Piet," or Black Pete, walk the roofs dropping gifts down the chimneys into the children's shoes. If the children have been good, they receive gifts and chocolate letters. If they are naughty, they get coal and sticks used for spanking.

I remember Sinterklaas coming to visit at my Grandparent's house. After telling Sinterklaas what we expected for Christmas, each of us would receive a chocolate letter. Then we would all sing "Sinterklaas Kapoentje."

Me (dressed as the angel that I am) and Sinterklaas

Many years later while several family members were planning a trip to Holland with my Grandparents, my Grandpa asked if any of us could speak Dutch. I broke out the only Dutch I knew - you got it - Sinterklaas Kapoentje. Everybody joined in with glee. Toni may have even harmonized. When we were finished with the song Grandpa shook his head laughing and said, "You guys don't know anything. That was terrible! Don't sing that in Holland." Apparently we completely slaughtered the words. Grandma tried to sweep up our mess by singing the song again properly, in her loudest most punctuated singing voice.

Here are the words, and how it is really sung.

Sinterklaas kapoentje
Gooi wat in mijn schoentje,
Gooi wat in mijn laarsje,
Dank u Sinterklaasje

Translation:
Saint-Nicolas Little Rascal,
Put something in my little shoe,
Put something in my little boot,
Thank you little Saint-Nicolas!

Vrolijk kerstfeest!

Spirit of Christmas

I have to give a shout out to Creche-A-Day. This is Michael's reminder of the reason for the season. I think it's quite clever.

Church Bag Sophisticate

Introducing my latest project, the Ava bag crafted by yours truly, using the finest damask fabric by Joel Dewberry and coordinating fabric on the inside. The pattern indicated "easy" and it is, in fact, reversible. I couldn't resist. Not only did I order enough fabric for one bag, I picked up some fabric for an additional two, which is really four. A girl can never have enough pretty bags. I figured I could have it made in a couple of hours. It started coming together quite nicely, and rather quickly until step # 9: "Make Curved Trim and Handle" when everything fell apart. It all started to read the same - sew right sides at trim on bottom of contrasting side to top of trim right sides together for the contrasting side of handle facing. I was confused. I had to unpick many, many times to get it right. I even ended up re-cutting a few pieces of fabric, it was that bad (or I am that much a perfectionist). Then getting the top stitching to work perfectly with both sides of the bag (remember it's reversible) was another challenge. This bag took forever to make, but isn't it lovely? It's currently my "church" bag. It's roomy enough to carry my scrips, Sunday school manual, writing utensils, Kleenex, pack o' gum, chap stick, meeting programs, announcements and a baggy of Cheerios should I get hungry in the third hour.

Thanks

It has become tradition to gather on the Sunday before Thanksgiving to feast with my Dad. Just before dinner, we all take a turn to express gratitude for something in our lives. I wanted to say “48 – 24,” {Go Utes!!} but felt it was inappropriate after hearing others give thanks for employment, food, family, and new running shoes. Since then I have been thinking a lot about what I am grateful for. Here’s my short list:

G: I love G. He is a great husband. I know he tries so hard to keep me happy, even when it must seem virtually impossible.

Family: I have a big family. I have four parents*, in-laws and a zillion siblings. Sometimes it is overwhelming, especially during the holidays, to have so many families to choose from and no way of being with them all at the same time. I was complaining about this fact once to a friend who reminded me that there are many people who are alone during the holidays and I am lucky to have so many options. She is so right. I am lucky.
*We are not polygamist.

Home: We may not have the biggest house or the nicest yard on the street, but to me my house is a mansion. Dorothy was on to something – there is no place like home.

Food: This year is a rough year for many families who are doing their best to get buy. I have heard of more food drives than ever for people who can barely afford to eat. It really makes me think twice before I open my pantry chuck-full of canned goods and groan about having nothing to eat.

10 Fingers: I have played the piano basically my entire life. I actually wanted to take piano lessons. It is something I’ve always enjoyed and have found pleasure in doing. My Mother told me once that God gave me a special gift. While I've always thought I was an ok pianist, her comment gave me a greater appreciation for my talent and willingness to share it with others.

There are so many little things too. For example, you have no idea how happy I am that the city added an extra lane on Beck Street to relieve the rush-hour traffic, or that Brooks Fabrics finally hired me as one of their hemstitchers.

May we all take an inventory of the blessings in our life and say a prayer of gratitude. Happy Thanksgiving.

Pandora

My new favorite love of all time is Pandora. Music of your choice whenever you'd like. My current "station"...Chicago. I get songs from Chicago, Boston, Journey, Elton John, Phil Collins, Toto, REO Speedwagon - REO SPEEDWAGON! It doesn't get much more mullet than that! I love it!

You can plug in any song, artist or key word and it will pull up any mix of similar songs and play on and on at no cost, totally commerical free! Try it!

Please Sun, Just Set

WARNING: if you are a die-hard Twilight fan I suggest you stop reading now. I’m about to exercise free speech and you might not appreciate what I have to say. Read at your own risk of being offended.

Last year my Mom and I made trip to Boston to visit my sister. While we were there my Mom started reading a book from my sister’s bookshelf called Twilight. Up until that point I had only heard of the book. My sister had given me her review. I wasn’t terribly intrigued by the subject matter so I never read it. My Mom finished the book before our four-day trip was over. Every spare second she was reading, reading, reading. I asked her what seemed like a question with an obvious answer, “Are you enjoying that book?” Her response was shocking. “No, not really,” she said. “The writing is terrible and the author goes on and on for pages describing what could be said in a paragraph…but I can’t put it down!” I’ve heard the same complaint from many, but they continue to remain faithful readers of the series. I wonder how books so poorly written can be so captivating?

Then came the movie announcement. Twilight frenzy and mayhem ensued. Every family blog in the country had a “Days until Twilight the Movie” counter on the side bar. This movie was to be the greatest hit since Harry Potter (another frenzy I could never understand. To this day I have not read more than the first 40 pages of book one. I did see one of the Harry Potter movies though. I slept through most of it). Then tickets went on sale. The faithful were scrambling to get in opening night. Ooh, the midnight showing – I’m there! Everyone wear your prom gowns!

STOP!!!!!!! This is out of hand.

Today while at lunch I sat with several Twilight lovers who were very disappointed in the movie. The bottom line: the book was better than the movie. Wow, if the book is as poorly written as everyone says how did the expectations for the movie get so high?

I just simply can not/will not get on this bandwagon. I don’t want to hear about the books or low-budget movie anymore. The word twilight has become as obnoxious as Sarah Palin. In fact, both of you can disappear together. The election is over. Go away!

You Look Tired

I swear at least once a day for the last few weeks somebody (each day is a different somebody) has told me I look tired. I look tired? Hmm. That's nice. What else is on your mind? Does this dress make me look fat? How about my hair - is it kind of flat, wet bird-ish? I've been a little slacker on my workouts. Tell me about my cankles, please.

Memory Lane

I recently invited myself over to my brother's house so he could burn some pictures he had taken recently to a disc for me. While he was in his picture files, I noticed he had pictures from many, many years ago, like pre-digital age. I want to post all 500 of them here because they're that much fun, but instead I'll just show a few random favorites:This is one of my all-time favs. This is G and I while we were dating. We took a trip to Mexico with my family and this picture was taken in the airport. Poor guy caught a Mexican bug and came home really sick. I'm surprised he married me after this trip. This is from that same Mexico trip as mentioned above. Here's my mom, sissy and me. My sissy reserved the Yacht Sylvester, with Captain Richard and his crew Jose. We went snorkeling, where most of the family was stung by millions of baby jellyfish, and fishing, where the only fish caught was a giant garbage fish. Everyone was pretty sea sick too. It was fun.
Here's John and Josh at my wedding. Yes, John is wearing my garter and Josh is embarrassed for him.This is about as a good a family picture as we can muster. I think this was taken when we were having a farewell party for my bro who thought he wanted to move to Florida. He drove there, decided he didn't like it and turned around and came home. Or wait, was this our farewell party for someone else?
Here's G and I again many years later. Isn't he so cute? He's funny too.

The Original Circus Animal

Did you hear? The maker of these iconic waxy sprinkled animal crackers went bankrupt and abruptly closed down. No thanks to our great economy and the increased cost of butter, milk and wax it takes to make these little puppies, err, elephants and camels. These crackers have become a cabin-weekend staple for me. Had I known my last cabin visit would be my last taste of childhood goodness, I might have thought twice before snarfing them down. To remember my old friends I bought this t-shirt. You can get it here. I'll probably never wear it, but I thought it was fun and the store says it will send a bag of animal crackers with it, while supplies last, of course. That's all I really want.

Post Election AH-HA

The other night G and I were discussing our thoughts on Barack Obama's 30 minute infomercial. While we are both Obama supporters, both of us expressed uneasiness on the tone of the ad - particularly where he focused on Americans facing tough times, barely getting buy, and Obama making promises for a better life. Populism, if you will.

Today Oprah Winfrey invited several respectable guests on her show to discuss the campaign and the election results. I was moved by what David Gergen, CNN senior political analyst (who has remained amazingly neutral during the entire campaign), had to say about Obama that really brought it all together for me. Gergen was reflecting on how Obama, in the last several weeks, has been lowering Americans' expectations that change is going to happen instantly. It's not going to come quickly and we all must realize that our new president is inheriting the worst economic mess since Franklin D. Roosevelt. He said, and this is what I loved, "Roosevelt's genius wasn't about bringing instant change. It took a good number of years to bring us out of the valley, but Roosevelt built a bridge of hope over the valley for many Americans and it made the times easier, psychologically, to get through. That's one the challenges for Barack Obama - to build that new bridge of hope to take these masses of people supporting him to make these forces of hope for the longer haul." I think this statement is right on. I don't think Obama is promising the world to those who are down and out, but he is trying to build that bridge of hope in American minds so we will all pull together to get our country back on its feet.

Coolio

I don't know what it is about this song, but when it makes it rounds in my disc player, I always press repeat to hear it again. Maybe it's because it reminds me of this kid I went to high school with who was a wannabe gangster, but his 6'3, skrawny, blonde, white-boy butt just didn't quite fit the part. Crank up the bass and enjoy the beat.

First Anniversary

Since G and I have no reason to really stick around for Halloween (no kiddies to take trick-or-treating and no invitation to a costume party...pity party...), we spent the weekend at the cabin. October marks our one year anniversary as cabin owners and there are few things I've learned along the way. Here are just a few of those things:

1. Take a jacket whether its January or July. It always cold at the cabin.

2. Before entering the shower, always check for large spiders.

3. Never watch, listen to, or be in the presence of the movie The Strangers or any other scary movie. You'll forever be afraid of what's out there in the darkness.

4. As comfy cozy as flannel sheets are in the winter, only use cotton sheets on the beds. You'll be waiting all day for flannel to dry in the laundry when you're trying to go home.

5. Car rides make you hungry. On the way up, stop for dinner, or at a minimum, a Diet Coke and a bag of Doritos. On the way home, stop for a Diet Coke, PB&J and any other unhealthy snack you can get your hands on.

6. Always be on call to help with laborious projects - whether its hanging "the dish" in sub-zero temperatures, digging a fire pit, leveling the ground, trimming trees, building horse shoe pits, or building and hanging window coverings, G always has a project in store and you get to help. Get ready, next summer you're all invited to help restain the cabin. Yippee!!

7. Hopefully all the appliances work when you get there. It's always a crap shoot.

8. Have a good time. Relax and enjoy the quiet.

If You Don't Hear From Me, This is Why

I'm having a heart attack. Seriously. Kate says I'm the ultimate worse-case-scenario girl, but I've felt this pain before. I must only be in the early stages since my arm isn't numb and I don't have an elephant on my chest, just a sharp pain.

This has happened before - round one was about four years ago when I was working 14 hour days due to increased regulation in the securities industry (thanks Elliot Spitzer) and my life was crazy. I went to the doctor because I was getting frequent bloody noses, shortness of breath and a tingly arm. Low and behold, my blood pressure was something like 150/90. What's the big deal? It runs in the family. My doctor freaked. "Oh my [heck], you are going to have a stroke!" was basically what he told me. I thought a heart attack, but a stroke...ok, or that. Luckily I got it under control (read: major lifestyle adjustment). I didn't die.

Now I'm in round two. I'm not working 14 hours days yet, but my life at work has turned upside down. Half my department is now searching for greener pastures so I get to pick up the slack. I'm the one freaking out now. Maybe the economy will turn around and we can hire Heidi back. I haven't taken my blood pressure - I don't even want to know.

UPDATE: I stopped by the Wal-Mart blood pressure machine the other day. I took the test four times. I was anywhere between 140/85 (my highest measurment) and 118/73 (my lowest measurement). So, I'm a little hypertense, but probably not going to die.

By-Low Baby has a Blog (say that fast 10 times)

I've decided, thanks to my brilliant friend and BLB partner in crime, AJ, to start a BLOG dedicated to By-Low Baby. Here we can dwell together in magical thinking. Let's talk fabrics and quilts and hemstitch machines. How about fleece hats, silk edges and all things soft? I'll teach you a thing or two and you can offer me advice. It will be fun. Come along with me and we'll get started!

Next Big Step

I have worked for my firm for almost ten years. I have watched it grow during this time period from 30 people (I was about the 30th employee) to nearly 120 employees. Our assets grew from under $1 billion to over $10 billion. Unfortunately, we are a market driven business. When the bear enters the room, things can get ugly. Today was ugly. For the first time in our firm's 30 year history, people were laid off. Nearly 30% of our people, including half my department. Good, hard working people. I am so fortunate to remain standing and employed, but I lost some really dear friends. I worry for them. I cry for them. They wonder, "Why me?" I wonder, "Why not me?" These are extraordinarily talented people. Every one of them. I will miss them dearly. Now is the time for me to refocus and adjust my attitude. There is a lot of work to be done. It is time to rebuild and grow again.

Coming Up at By-Low Baby - - -

By-Low Baby is accessorizing! To go along with the softest, coziest blankets in the world, now your little one can keep warm with our fleece hats! Here is a sneak peek at what's in store for winter. Oh how I wish I were a good photographer so you could see how cute these are in real life! Wait until you see them on a cute kid. I need some models - Clara? Eli?

Dressed in White

Dressed In White claims to sell "stylish" temple clothing. Do you think the dress pictured here is the most stylish dress in the store? I know the temple is not the place to be making fashion statements, but if I were in charge of advertising over there at Dressed In White, I would at least pick something for my model that's not so Little House on the Prairie.

Fall Fling

This weekend marked several "firsts" at the Gold-E house.
1. First snow of the season. Wait, it's not winter yet. This year, instead of getting our usual four seasons, it seems we've gone from winter to summer and directly back to winter.
2. The furnace is officially operating for the first time this season. I had to convince G it was cold enough to turn on the heat (especially since the AC was blowing just a few days ago). I think after this storm and the overnight lows dropping into the 20s he is convinced.
3. By-Low Baby had its first anniversary - one week since its launch! I know you've been searching for a perfect baby gift. What's better than the softest, coziest, not to mention cutest baby blanket sets? Take the handmade pledge. Support your local crafter.

A River Runs Through It

Something within fishermen tries to make fishing into a world perfect and apart - I don't know what it is or where, because sometimes it is in my arms and sometimes in my throat and sometimes nowhere in particular except somewhere deep. Many of us probably would be better fishermen if we did not spend so much time watching and waiting for the world to become perfect. ~Norman Maclean

For G's birthday I got him (us) a fly fishing lesson. We spent the better part of the day learning to cast, getting our lines caught on rocks, wading through high waters, catching, releasing, and losing fish. Although it was a cold and rainy day, the world couldn't have been more perfect.

By-Low Baby has Launched!!

By-Low Baby is officially on Etsy! Here you can buy my hemstitched blankets and burp kits and create your own crocheted edge. OR if you prefer, I will put the edge on for you. You can also buy already finished-edge blanket and burps. There's more! If you are in the Salt Lake area and you have your own fabric you would like me to hemstitch for you, let me know and I will gladly get it done.

By-Low Baby Blankets make great gifts for expecting mothers! Check it out - http://www.bylowbabyblankets.etsy.com/!

Tutorial on Creating a Witching Wreath

Since you asked, I am going to give you a little tutorial on how to make the black feathered wreath.

To begin you will need the following supplies:

One 16" wreath - I used a grapvine wreath.

One 6ft black feather boa

Two yards of thread or wire of some sort to tie the boa to the wreath. I used crochet thread :)

I bought my supplies at Michaels.

Lay the boa around the wreath to get an idea of how it will fit. It should wrap around twice.Once you get an idea of how it will fit, tie your thread or wire to the back of the wreath. You will wrap the thread around the wreath and the boa to hold the boa on the wreath. Continuing wrapping the thread around the wreath and the boa until you have covered the wreath with the feathers.

This picture is me wrapping the boa around the second time. Hard to tell what I'm doing. Sorry.

When the boa has been secured on the wreath, tie a knot in the thread in the back of the wreath.

Your work is done! You may need to make some adjustments, do a little fluffing, etc. to make sure you can not see any of the wreath and to ensure the feathers aren't smushed. Hang on your favorite door or wall and Happy Halloween!

Let me know if you have any questions. I now have an extra wreath. Who wants it??

Witching

One grapevine wreath: $3.99
One feather boa: $5.99
Buy it at Potterybarn: $49
The satisfaction of making it yourself: Priceless

Lost in Translation

As I was walking back to my office after lunch today I was stopped by a man on the street. The exchange went something like this:

Man: Ethscuth me...
Me: {I stop and give him my attention}
Man: Cuyahelmasobelacapthilo?
Me: What?
Man: Cuyahelmasobelacapthilo?
Me: Shake my head as if to say "I can't help you" and walk away. Really, I couldn't understand a word he was saying. Anyone want to translate? I think it's Swahili, with a lisp.

In a dfferent conversation I overheard while eating my lunch a man asked another man, "How's the stock market?" The second man said with a chuckle, "When I left it was down over 700 points." Haha, very funny I thought. When I got back to the office I looked to see how it really went today. Yes, in fact the market was down 778 points at the close-the worst drop ever. I guess that guy wasn't kidding.

Strange lunch hour.

"Wall Street to Main Street"

I was reading a post on a blog of a friend of mine who posed the question, "With all this "BAIL OUT" talk I ask what is your opinion on who really is responsible for this mess our country is in? Do we really put billions into the pockets of the wealthy & trust them or is there a right answer? How did we get to this point in our country?"

My opinion is too long for a comment box.

Who is responsible? I think it's a GREEDY society. People with a sense of entitlement (got to keep up with the Jones!) and corporate America executives lining their pockets. Where did it begin? People purchasing homes they could not afford, with the mortgage lenders and banks as accomplices. My skin crawls when I listen to people whine about their homes in foreclosure because they "didn't know" the details of their loan and eventually were unable to meet the mortgage payment on that million dollar home they purchased on a $50k/year income. No kidding. "I didn't know" is a poor excuse, a cop out. Be responsible, people! Read the fine print. Have an ounce of common sense. Sure, it's not only the irresponsible, "unknowing" buyers, but the lenders clearly were complacent, saw an opportunity to score big and BAM! took the money and ran. The big investment banks clearly didn't make very good risk assessments (ahem, Bear Stearns, Lehman, Merrill) and now I'm {representing the financially responsible people} left holding the bag. I find it hard to feel sorry for the parties involved. Hopefully there are some lessons learned and I would hope those responsible are held accountable.

Update: Read here for a more eloquent way of stating what's going on in our economy.

Walnut Street

I recently returned from a trip to Philadelphia, where I was attending an investment adviser compliance conference {have I already put you to sleep?}. I used to get excited to travel to big cities, particularly those oozing with history, such as Philadelphia. I am at a point in my life and career where traveling alone, for business, just isn't all that intriguing anymore. Nonetheless, I was not excited for this trip.

I arrived on Sunday evening. The weather was perfect and there was enough daylight to hit the pavement and checkout the city. I've heard many accounts from non-Utah natives about how dead Salt Lake is on a Sunday afternoon. Newsflash: so is Philadelphia. There was not much going on. I eventually found Walnut Street where I could tell, despite the Sunday afternoon lull, that this was "it." I eventually came to Rittenhouse Square where there was an art festival taking place. Unfortunately I got there as it was ending and the booths were beginning to pack up for the day, but I could feel the vibe. I took note of all the high-end shops such as Armani and Leon Max that I would never enter, especially wearing my $40 H&M jeans and $5 Target golf shirt. I'm too insecure for the up-down look I'd surely get from the sales people so I just imagined myself in 'that' dress, through the window. I also noted the restaurants along the street. One particular that caught my eye was Pietro's Coal Oven Pizzeria. They had sidewalk seating, which I love, and the place was hoppin' so I knew it must be good. The next night this is where I went to dinner.

I was seated inside the restaurant, but that was OK since the outside window/wall opened up so it actually felt like I was outside. I really wanted to order a slice of pizza, but my only option was to order a whole pizza. That didn't make a lot of sense since I was alone and surely I'd eat the entire thing. So I got the Pollo al Funghi. I was disappointed in my meal, not because it didn't taste alright, but because I was really hoping it was like the Chicken Picante at Alforno's. It wasn't even close. I indulged in the Bomba Gellato for dessert knowing I'd have to run a half marathon to burn the calories. It was worth it. I imagined that G would walk by and notice me sitting there. He'd come in, give me a kiss and we'd engage in good conversation.

All A Glow

Today is G's 35th birthday - look at the light of those candles, boy! I made him a first-ever two layer chocolate cake. Last night I asked him what his favorite cake flavor is - yes, we've been together for 8+ years and I really didn't know - you see, I've never been very good with celebrating birthdays. I have the best intentions, but never take much action. This probably makes me a bad wife, a crappy friend and, some day, a lame mom - my poor children are going to be so deprived of birthday celebrations. So here's to you, babe. Happy birthday! You deserve a cake.

Do Something and Do It Right Now

I read an interesting comment on one of my favorite craft blogs. Kathy Mack at Pink Chalk Studio said,

"In 2006 it was time for me to stop thinking about doing. I had a good time reading my own words about selling one thing. Too much planning can lead to crippling inaction. Do something and do it right now. Decide what you want to make and sell one thing before the year’s over. I guarantee it will lead to the next thing. Before you know it you’ll have a whole string of things. When that happens, watch out, you might just have a plan. "

Her words are so basic, yet insightful. This is the best shove I could get right now as I try to put By-Low Baby together. I have found myself literally crippled because I want a "plan" before I launch the site. So ok, this is it. I'm putting something out there today {eek}. Wish me luck.

Mexican Get-Away

G and I just returned from a much needed week-long trip with my family to Puerta Vallarta, Mexico. We had a great time doing a whole lot of pool-side lounging sipping Diet Cokes and eating plate after plate of quacamole, taking the kids down the waterslide, watching Noelle flail solo down the waterslide, boogie boarding, body surfing - where D practically broke his nose and nearly lost half his teeth - swimming in our own private pool, watching Dan take four million really good pictures of everyone and everything (good thing since 65% of my pics turned out blurry...awesome). We were chased by crabs and gigantic spiders. We saw rainbows, dreamy sunsets, Margarito the resident iguana, and a 150 year old turtle emerge from the ocean. We played water volleyball and took part in a grand Fiesta. Dan, Elizabeth, G and I took a day ATVing through Mexican ranches, little towns, cow heards and the jungle. We stopped along the way and while resting watched G get tricked into eating a pepper the size of a pea that was so hot he cried as fire shot from his ears. Eli was told a million times to stop playing with his "peeps," and riding the bus meant certain death to Eli when he exclaimed as we sped off, "We're all going to die!" We ate at the best road-side bbq eatery (for lack of a better word), lost 10 lbs from sweating in the sweltering heat/humidity while strolling through town, played cards late into the night, participated in water aerobics, and what else can I say? It was a good time. See for yourself.

All New Bathroom for Two

The bathroom you've all been waiting for is here, new paint color and all! Let me show you a few before pics first. You'll see the swarthy slate tile-rrrriippppped right out! Beautiful shower doors-rrripppppped right out! Cabinets and counter top with one sink - gone-zo. And the brown paint-well at least it's lighter :)

And now for the NEW!

The new European glass shower doors and all new tile with spanky detail:

All new, slightly darker cabinets, quartz countertops and an added key-to-a-happy-marriage second sink! {Nevermind the burned-out light bulb in the light fixture}
New tile around the tub:

Can you see the difference? How about all of that COLOR! Ok, I know. I'm such a disappointment in the color department. I do actually have a brilliant picture that I bought in Croatia last year to hang on the big blank wall in the tub cave, I just haven't hung it yet and it will -guaranteed-add colorburst. And if it were my choice, I'd buy really nice colorful towels that pop, but since I'm married to Mr. Bleach, I must stick with nearly white linens. Overall, I heart my new bathroom.

Toppins a Bag

My Mom gave me this little bird feeder for my birthday with the intention that I'd hang it at my cabin. I could tell she was bummed when I told her the Forest Rangers strongly urged residents against having bird seed in the area since certain types of seeds attracts bears and could cause more trouble for the other cabin dwellers and campers in the area. I have no idea if this bird seed is bear proof, but I decided to hang the bird feeder anyway. We only pull it out while we are there-perhaps this fact will lower the risk of a bear encounter. In the couple of visits since it was initally hung we have yet to actually see a bird perch here. Only hummingbirds have stopped by disappointed they are unable to drink. Nonetheless, this is the first item I've moved to the cabin that makes it feel like "me," even if the birds, and the bears, could care less.

What Color Will it Be?

I know it's hard to wait and you are all being so patient. What color will I choose? I'm sure you'll never guess. Luckily your wait is coming to an end. The painters will be return this Thursday and then watch out for the bathroom finale!

Bathroom Art

If you've ever been in my house, you know every wall is brown. Paper bag boring old brown. When we decided to remodel the bathroom, I made it known that we were going to paint the bathroom and our bedroom a different color. I need light, airy, and peaceful. Get me out of the paper bag. So I chose a charming yellow color for both rooms. I love my bedroom, but as the bathroom started coming together, it was clear that this yellow was not going to work. So now that the bathroom is 99.9% done, we told the contractor we want it repainted. "Ok, what color?" he asks. We don't know. G and I picked up eight paint samples at the home improvement store last night and came home to test them out. This morning I got up and decided of the nine paint colors on my wall, I don't like a single one. How could they all look so pleasing on the 3x3 inch card sample, but once on the wall it looks like cement or mud or paper bag? I was tempted to get a sample of "Breath Blue" or "Maine Mist" (can't you just see the colors by the name?) to be a little more trendy and bold, but no, since I am bold-averse I remain in neutral territory. By the end of the day today we had chosen the new color, which is not one you see here nor is it bold. The guys will be back someday to repaint. Sorry, you're going to have to wait a few more weeks for the big reveal. Until then we'll enjoy our bathroom art.

A Cowboy's Prayer

I was sent this prayer the other day. I don't know if I ever thanked the person who sent it, as it was received at a time when I really needed it. Funny how that is.

Lord, give me a wind in my face.

A wind with ice in it's teeth.

A wind in the mountains, too high for the fog.

A wind to stab me awake to the issues of life.

If we live and nothing ever happens,

well, it is a curse to our souls.

Always, always if we're alive, something's gonna happen;

if not then we're dead in our boots;

stuck in the slush and the muck and the mire.

So Lord, give me a wind in my face

to blow the fog from my brain.

A wind that cuts like a knife.

And, give me the strength to pull my feet from the miry bog.

The will to walk up the pathway too high for the fog.

Your Greatest Growth

I work in the financial industry and unless you live under a rock you know the market has seen some tough times lately. The firm I work for is no exception. So the other day one of our marketing guys, who, like any great marketer, can put a postive spin on any worst case, sent around this quote to help some of us adjust our attitudes:

"Your greatest growth comes during tough times and challenging assignments. When you're going downstream with a strong economic current and the wind at your back, you're less sharp and not totally aware of the external influences that are helping you along. It's only when you face a tough headwind, where you have to diagnose and fix a business challenge, that you achieve real growth. And as you build your skill set over time, you reflect back on these challenging experiences as the most important, so try to appreciate them when they're happening." - Phil Bolsta

I like it. I've read it several times and everytime I do I think, sheesh, this applies to My LiFe. Consider it.

Team U.S.A.!!!

I just watched the men's 4X100M swim relay. The French were quoted as saying they were going to "smash" the Americans. HA! Well, the Americans just crushed the French by 0.08 seconds, the fastest in world history, to take the GOLD! Incredible! I LOVE the Olympics! GO U.S.A.!!

How am I supposed to sleep with this kind of action going on?

I'm Sure These Pics are Worth More than a Thousand Words

I'm a bit of a blog-tag junkie, so if someone (Elizabeth) tags me, I do it. Here's the latest:

Pictures of Various Things in my House

# 1. The Inside of My Refrigerator:

A loaf of bread, a gallon of milk and a stick of butter. Well, two gallons of milk because G insists on 1% and I drink skim. You'll also find every condiment you could dream of. You might find some fruits and veggies that have not turned to mush...that's if you're lucky.

# 2. The Kitchen Sink:

It's my "duty" to load the dishwasher. As you can see, I'm domestically challenged because the only time the dishwasher gets loaded is when the dishes in the sink become so rancid the house starts to smell like a landfill.

Just kidding! This is my real sink. I go nuts if dirty dishes sit in the sink for too long, so this is a pretty accurate depiction of my sink on most days.

# 3. The Closet

This is my half of the closet. Looking at this picture it is obvious I have too many clothes. This being the case, why is it that I can never find anything to wear? Getting dressed in the morning is always a dramatic breakdown with G responding, "Is it hard being a girl, Pookie?" Yes it is.

# 4. The Toilet

I am realizing how ridiculous this tag is. Why would you want to see my toilet? Well, here it is. Plenty of good reading if you ever need toilet time at my house (Country Living, Rifle Shooter, Cabela's catalogue). This is actually my secondary toilet in the house, as my regular toilet is currently unhooked during the master bathroom remodel that is happening right now (more to come on that in a couple weeks :D).

# 5. Favorite Shoes:

I own many, many, many pairs of shoes (see the closet picture - 80% of those shoes are mine, plus there are more on the floor), but these are probably my favorites since I wear them the most. My running shoes - get me places; my flip flops for the times I'm feeling cool and casual; my hot pink shoes which provide eye-popping reactions from many because they are so bold and out of the box for me. They are so comfortable and surprisingly can be worn with just about anything.

# 6. Laundry Pile



Fortunately today is laundry day and most of it is done. Since I have the best husband ever who religiously finishes the laundry every week, this is what's left. There is a generous pile of towels in the background. We've resorted to owning only nearly-white colored towels. This is because G insists on bleaching everything. Any towel that I own of any color now has lighter spots where the bleach has touched it or is an entirely different color all together (e.g. forest green is now puke green).


# 7. Favorite Room



I think most people expect the bedroom to be one's favorite room. I like my bedroom, good things happen there, but I spend a lot of time in my great room too. It's a nice place to hang out. In the winter it's a scene right out of White Christmas - G and I "light" the fire (by flipping a switch), drink hot chocolate and watch a movie. The couch is great for napping and my table of memories makes me smile every time I walk by.


# 8. Where the Kiddos Are:

A twinkle in my eye...

# 9. Self Portrait

Here I am! Picture taken just for you.

# 10. Where I Would Rather Be:

With my Pookie on the Sea, eating sketchy dogs and bonitsa.