Today's Smile: Lego Art

I found this interesting article on CNN today about a man who stop being a lawyer to do Lego art. I was thinking what is Lego art. I was thinking giant statues of Harry Potter however it was so much cooler. You can find out more information and see some of him pieces at his website. The pieces are very cool and really do look like art. He currently has an exhibit at a museum. Can you imagine Lego's in a museum. Legos are now "high brow" The whole concept just makes me giggle. I love Legos and used to play with them all the time as a kid. So it is almost like part of childhood is in a museum. However the sculptures are so much cooler than something I would make. Definitely check it out!

New favorite website: Pandora

I've updated my current obsession website to be Pandora. Pandora is radio from the "Music Genome Project." So basically you can create stations based on an artist or song and then it will find other music that is similar. Than you can rate the music thumbs up- play more like this or thumbs down-don't play this anymore. The more you rate the better your station gets. It is so awesome. You can also share stations with friends. I'm currently listening to my Nickelback station. I also have a Anna Nalick station and well as a Pon de Replay station (when I need some upbeat dance type music). Check it out! Or if you already have some stations I would love to hear them so send me them in e-mail!

Walking Google Ad

I love google and all google related products. If only could only get them to pay me for all the advertising I do for them! My favorite google product right now is the calendar. I love that I can keep like 5 different calendars (could have more if I wanted). I have my normal calendar for all my appt and activities. I have an exercise calendar to keep track of when I workout and for how long. I also have a birthday calendar to keep track of every one's birthday's because I totally suck at remembering. I have a reminders calendar to help me remember to pay certain bills and other things I need to do. You assign each calendar a different color and you can choose to display whichever calendars you want. For example Natalie and I shared our calendars with one another other. I generally have her calendar unchecked because I don't need to know what she is doing everyday. However if were are trying to plan a visit and can overlay her calendar and easily see when she is available. It is seriously the best tool ever! Especially since I'm on my computer all day at work everyday. If any one wants to check it out and doesn't have a gmail account just let me know and I'll send you an invite. Seriously why don't they pay me....maybe I should send someone and e-mail!

Enjoying the last moments of Spring

Spring is my favorite season of the entire year. I love the weather and the flowers. The last week has been absolutely beautiful. I've taken a walk almost every single day to just soak up the sunshine. Soon it will be summer and the sun will be too hot during the middle of the day. I will have to start walking with an umbrella at lunch again so I don't get burnt.

Some of the other reasons I love spring is that it is the beginning of produce season. I love berries of all varieties. I have already gotten some decent strawberries, blackberries, and cherries. I also picked up a really good piece of watermelon last week that Sean and I ate in one sitting. I wish I have room to have a garden this year. I plan on helping the guy across the street with his so I'll be ready to have one next year.

This weekend I plan on going to the nursery to get some flowers for my pots that I put on the front porch. My herbs are still growing strong. The cilantro is crowding my basil so I need to cut it back tonight so it doesn't kill the basil. I may have to transplant the basil to another pot if that doesn't help.

The above photo is from my trip to Seattle in March. It was taken at the Belluve Botanical Gardens. I'm thinking about having it printed in an 8 X 10. What you do you guys think? It is good enough for a bigger size?

Still alive.....barely!

So far today has been a bit rough. I'm still exhausted from my weekend festivities. This weekend was my friend Shari's bridal weekend. It started Friday night with hanging out at their place and then sleeping over and then ended Monday morning at a hotel downtown where we stayed Sat and Sun night. It was a super fun time involving lots of eating, girl time, and some drinking. I'll try to post some pictures later today or tomorrow. I know I always say that but I really will this time.

I'm trying to get some work done however I really just feel like crawling under my desk and sleeping. Hopefully I sleep better tonight than last night.

Today's Smile: Pack order

For today's smile I'm going to share a slightly amusing story about the pack order within my house right now.

Background information: Quincy my 45 pound Brittany spaniel is a fairly passive dog. Charlie my 11 pound cat has been above Quincy since they were wee ones. So basically Charlie rules the house.

Currently we are watching our friend's greyhound Cerin. Cerin is a 72 pound male greyhound. Just trying to give you guys a good imagine in your head of the size of this dog. He is a fairly dominant dog and established dominance over Quincy a long time ago. Well the order between him and Charlie has been ambiguous until now. Cerin has always been curious of Charlie and Charlie has always been a little unsure of him. Cerin will run after Charlie and he will go under the bed where Cerin can't get him. Well after much of this on many occasions Charlie has decided that Cerin just isn't scary. So this time there were having staring contests. They would just sit and stare at one another. It was like the cat was daring Cerin to come and get him. Well Cerin apparently decided last night to go up to him during one of these occurrences. I was on the phone at the time and I hear some hissing. I turn and look and Cerin is in shock and backing away for Charlie. From this point on last night and this morning Cerin skirts around Charlie with his head down. He doesn't make much eye contact when close and give him a wide berth.

It is quite the amusing site to see the large greyhound scooting around the small cat. Charlie is quite pleased with the outcome because now he can move freely in HIS house again. Cerin on the other hand seemed a little put off by not being at the top of the pecking order anymore!

Silly animals!

Where am I going to buy my produce?

One of my biggest concerns about moving to Ohio is the lack of a whole foods or other natural grocery store in Dayton. I'm extremely picky about my meat and produce items. I also buy a number of natural or organic items on a regular basis.

Today I did some research and discovered that Krogers has stores in Ohio. Better know to most Colorado folks as King Soopers. That is a definite plus since they tend to have a large section and good stores. I also discovered today "Dorothy Lane Markets." They appear to be a more natural type grocery store. They sell natural meat and organic produce. They only have three locations but depending on where we end up living it shouldn't be more than a 20 minutes drive. I also discovered a Trader Joe's. So things are definitely looking up.

My sister also introduced me to CSA's (Community Supported Agriculture). Using Local Harvest, I did some research and discovered that there are several close by (Dayton that is). Their prices seem fairly reasonable. Some were around 350$ for the year (June - October, once a week, 19 total). That is around 18.50 a week. I definitely spend at least that much on produce every week. Probably more. We won't be able to start in August, but we could do it the following year. The website also lets you search for farmers markets and other natural type stuff.

I also currently have a bunch of books from the library on organic gardening, compost, vegetable gardens, worm buckets, etc. I think one of my projects for the new house will be a garden. My herbs that I planted in a regular pot are going gung-ho, so perhaps my thumb is more of a brown color instead of black! I'll try to post a picture later of my herbs. (Should finally have some time tonight!)

I'm continually adding to and updating my pro list in an effort to be more okay with the move.

In search of a new purse!

It is time for a new purse. It has been time for some time now, but I can't find one I like. I have approximately 20ish purse already but I'm sick of them all. I just really want a new one. I've looked and looked and looked and haven't found the perfect one. While we were in Puerto Rico I scoured all the shops in Old San Juan but with no luck. Apparently I'm too picky.

I found a few possibilities in Macy's the other day...but I wasn't sure about a Kelly green purse. My brother-in-law said it would look good with the right outfit, but I don't tend to match my purses with my outfits. I mean if it is really going to clash I will use a different purse but otherwise....

I also looked at some lesport sac bags...but I wasn't in love with any of the patterns. I keep thinking about the green purse so perhaps I will go back and get it.

What do you guys think about a green purse (I mean a fairly green like grass green)? It was a nine west purse but I haven't had any luck finding it online.

Also any thoughts on borrowing purses...there are websites where you can borrow purse for a monthly fee. What do you think? I feel like that might help my purse fetish but I"m not sure if it would be worth the monthly cost.

Man I really want a new purse...I think about it all the time...not sure if that is healthy!!!

Today's Smile: Open Cola

WikiHow continues to amuse me greatly. The latest find, open cola! This article describes how to make a cola drink and is quite amusing. Be sure to read the warnings at the bottom about caffeine and how oils could burn the skin.

Allergy Season

Since getting back from Puerto Rico I've been suffering horribly from my allergies. I take my Allerga everyday and put in my eye drops and I'm still miserable. If it doesn't get better by the end of the week I think I will have to call my doctor and get a stronger Rx. It really sucks because this is my favorite time of the year. I love all the flowers and the new leaves...and the fresh produce at the grocery store. I got cherries this past weekend which I've really been enjoying.

I can't wait for it to strawberry picking season. I'm determined to go this year since it will be our last chance before we move. If anyone is up for a trip in the nearest future let me know. I'm still need to do some research to find an Organic farm close by. Strawberries are one of the fruits that is highest sprayed with pesticides and what not...plus I've decided that based on taste alone I've had better luck with the organic ones...although I suppose I could call the farms to see how much spraying they do since they are local farms. I understand that is a bit of a pain to be certified organic so some farms maybe close and just haven't gotten certified. Anyways enough babbling about that!

Happy nice weather to everyone! Also keep fingers crossed to nice weather over the weekend too!

Job Hunt!

I have officially started my job hunt for our move. It is a very daunting task filled with schmoozing and nightmares. I'm having to come up with all my possible contacts to see if they know anyone who knows anyone who could help me get a job in Dayton. So if any of you have an contacts with employees who work defense stuff like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, ITT,.... please let me know. A referal often goes better than just submitting a resume on their website. Also if any of you want to review my resume (tons of fun I know) let me know.

As for the nightmares...they started our last night in Puerto Rico. Sean woke me up because I was wimpering in terror....hopefully that isn't a bad omen.

Keep your fingers crossed for a quick job offer!

I'm Back!

Hey everyone! I'm back for my trip! Sean and I had an awesome time in Puerto Rico. I will post some photos later. It was a very relaxing trip and it was sad to have to come back to the real world. However it is nice to be home and we did miss Quincy and Charlie. Charlie has been my personal shadow for several days. He has even curled up with me on the couch which he never does! The house is still a bit of a disaster but I'm working on it....Sean it working on taming the lawn which became a jungle while we were gone!

I'll tell you all more about our trip when I post some photos!

Some progress

To do before Friday:
1. Call House of Brides
2. Find an alterist for Megs wedding
3. Pack
4. Clean the house
5. Find someone to baby sit my herbs.....(maybe Heather can do that and Charlie)
6. Organize trip to maine this weekend
7. Pack for trip to maine
8. Work 9 hours each day (mon - thurs)
9. Exercise at least 3 times per week
10. Mail cell phone rebates and saftey form
11. Call cell phone company to get phone adjusted for Puerto Rico
12. Guest list for Shari
13. Buy black swim suit bottom from tankini top
14. Buy more memory for my camera at Costco
15. Cat boxes
16. Rent
17. Take herbs to Dave and Mary
18. Clean sheet on bed
19. Wash some clothes for Sean

While I've made some progress...but things keep getting added to the list. Thankfully if all goes well at work today I only have to work 8 hrs since I worked 10 yesterday. So keep your fingers crossed that my documents get approved.

A contrarian's view of buying a house

I read this article today on MSN about how investing in stocks is better than buying a house. An interesting view point. I think he has a good points but there are other reasoning for buying a house besides financial. Give the article a look.

While I have never believed that renting is like throwing your money away it would be nice to be able to paint or customize my house. There is no point to improving my rental property because that would be throwing money away while doing some small improvements to a house might improve its value or at least you know that its yours and you can take pride in the improvements you make.

Lists, lists, and more lists

Here is an update on my progress so far on all the things I need to accomplish before leaving Friday! The completed tasks are in gray. Below are partial lists for our wants and would like for our house. The house hunt is on! (think the song "The heat is on")

To do before Friday:
1. Call House of Brides
2. Find an alterist for Megs wedding
3. Pack
4. Clean the house
5. Find someone to baby sit my herbs.....(maybe Heather can do that and Charlie)
6. Organize trip to maine this weekend
7. Pack for trip to maine
8. Work 9 hours each day (mon - thurs)
9. Exercise at least 3 times per week
10. Mail cell phone rebates and saftey form
11. Call cell phone company to get phone adjusted for Puerto Rico
12. Guest list for Shari
13. Buy black swim suit bottom from tankini top
14. Buy more memory for my camera at Costco

What we are looking for in a house the must haves:
1. Large kitchen
2. Open layout
3. At least 1 3/4 baths
4. At least 3 bedrooms
5. A basement (finished would be nice but not necessary)
6. At least 1400 sqft in top portion of house
7. Good sized yard. (fenced would be prefered)
8. Good, safe neighborhood (a family neighborhood, don't get any idea about kids yet though!)

The would likes:
1. Walk in closet in master
2. Big master bath
3. Separate family and living rooms
4. Eat in kitchen and dining room
5. An extra room or study or loft area for my craft room
6. Laundry Room not in basement
7. Two car garage
8. Patio or porch in back yard
9. Fire place
10. Double sinks in master

I think that may be enough lists for one day. Enjoy....And of course feel free to comment!

BIG MOVE to the middle of no where...

Well now that it is official I might as well announce it to the world. Sean and I will be moving to Dayton Ohio in mid Aug. All of you may be asking Ohio? What the heck is in Ohio? Well the Air Force Institute of Technology is in Ohio. Sean will be starting a masters program there in September. We will also have our follow on assignment there so we'll be there for 5ish years. Well I'm not that excited about moving to the Midwest, this is an awesome opportunity for Sean! I support his fully in this decision to better himself by getting his masters. Also I'm hoping that it will increase his earning potential so I can continue to convince him that I can be a stay at home Mom when we decide to have kids in several years. He is not so keen on this idea and keeps pushing the you can work part time thing.

One of the other good things is that we can buy a house! Sean and I are really excited about the possibility of owning our own house. I'm already thinking about colors to paint certain rooms and the garden I can have in the back yard. I'm also keeping my fingers crossed that I can have a space for my craft room again. We plan on having two guest rooms so all of you can come and visit when ever you like. I know Frontier flies direct from Denver so for you guys out there...cheap tickets maybe! As for the Bostoners it is only a short 850 mile drive! Just kidding there are airports and we will be willing to pick you up! We are also hoping to host family events if we have a big enough house. Like maybe Christmas or Thanksgivings one year! Family and friends are extremely important to me so I hope I can keep in touch with everyone! I will be of course keeping up this blog so you can always check it for the latest stuff I'm up to!

I know that Ohio will be a big change from Boston but I'm trying to go into it with an open mind so wish me luck! I will miss Boston more than I ever thought I would!!! It will never be Colorado but it was an awesome place to live for a few years and I wish it had been a few more. Sean and I have a jam packed summer already but I'm still hoping to fit into some of the things I want to do before leaving. Check back later for the list.

A week from today....

A week from today I'll be on an airplane on my way to Puerto Rico! I can't wait. Sean and I talk about it constantly. I have already started packing and getting ready for the trip. I feel like this vacation is exactly what Sean and I need. We haven't had a vacation just the two of us since our honeymoon almost 3 years ago. I can't wait to lay out on the beach and splash around in the ocean. I also looking forward to seeing the only rainforest in the US park services. I plan on taking tons and tons of photographs of everything. Photography is a newish hobby of mine. I have a digital SLR camera and with the new lens Sean bought me for christmas I should be able to take some awesome shots. Check back in two weeks for photos from our trip.

Today's Smile: Crazy patents

For today's smile I'm going to link to a blog about real life patents that are just plain nuts. Some of the inventions found on this site include: A weed cutting golf club, Penile Volumetric Measuring Device, and many more stupid, silly, and just plain nutty inventions. So check Patently Silly out! I'm positive it will make you smile at the shear stupidity or at the amusing diagrams. It may even make you laugh out loud!

Doesn't Bode well....

The start to today does not bode well....While showering this morning I conditioned my hair before shampooing! Apparently I was still half asleep or something! Then I rolled my ankle while walking into the building...luckily this happens often enough I didn't fall just stumbled a little. Keep your fingers crossed that this string of events doesn't continue the rest of the day!

At least it is Wednesday! We are halfway to the weekend and I can't wait! Sean and I are going up to Maine with two other couple friends. It should be a blast! The weather is still looking pretty good so let's hope it stays that way. I'm hoping to see some piping plovers birds. These cute little birds are endangered and every year from april to august volunteers in Wells keep their nests protected. For more information about these little guys and the protection program I found this article.

The end is in sight......

With my trip only less than two weeks away you would think I would be on the down hill, however it will be an uphill battle to the finish! I'm swamped at work between my two groups. Everyone should keep their fingers crossed that I get everything done on that front before I leave. As for my personal life the list keeps getting longer...

Here it is so far:
1. Call House of Brides
2. Find an alterist for Megs wedding
3. Pack
4. Clean the house
5. Find someone to baby sit my herbs.....(maybe Heather can do that and Charlie)
6. Organize trip to maine this weekend
7. Pack for trip to maine
8. Work 9 hours each day (mon - thurs)
9. Exercise at least 3 times per week
10. Mail cell phone rebates and saftey form
11. Call cell phone company to get phone adjusted for Puerto Rico

I'm sure I will come up with more later....It will definately be a sprint to the finish! At least I'll be able to relax once I get there :-)