Dragonfly Meadow

Making a Plan....

2012-01-16T14:13:00.000-08:00

I have all these thoughts and ideas swimming around my head. For some reason I can probably blame "laziness" that these thoughts and ideas have a hard time making it out of my head. Maybe it is the cold weather. Maybe it is the knowledge that in a month my time will be constricted due to school. But I find a sudden urge to get all my little thoughts, ideas, plans out into the open.

I am sitting in a local Cafe google-ing flower paper tutorials and pinning them to Pinterest. After I leave this shop I will head over to The Wal-Mart (our local gathering place of all kinds of local color) and pick up a few supplies. Sandpaper, crafting wire, glue, tissue paper... maybe some chocolate... Then it is home to: be creative - be inspired - be artsy - be off my couch!

First goal is to clean out the "Create" room and move my new child into it's room. A buffet I got for a darling price. It's cosmetic job will have to wait till warmer weather, but i can tuck it in and feed it full of wrapping paper, ribbon, tags....

After that project I am on to a few creative ideas for the walls of this room. Wish me luck in accomplishing this and staying off my couch!

Basic Potato Soup

2011-11-08T20:29:00.000-08:00

This one is perfect for a cold winter evening.

Basic Potato Soup

1 T olive oil

1 Onion Chopped

3 C Chicken Stock

3 C Beef Stock

1 Bay Lead

½ t dried thyme

3 medium potatoes cubed

Sauté onion in olive oil in stock-pot until soft. Add remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Lightly mash potatoes. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

I Heart Pie!

2011-11-07T23:35:00.000-08:00

I Heart Pie!

I am sure you all have heard me say this before.
Here's another one for you:

Pie is good, pie is tasty, I even don't mind when it adds to my waisty! (hehe)

Basic Pie Crust

2 1/2 Cup Flour

1 teas. Salt

1 teas. Sugar

1 Cup Shortening

1 Stick Chilled unsalted Butter, cut into pieces

4-6 Tabl. very cold Water

Mix the flour, salt, and sugar together in a large, wide bottom bowl. Cut the butter and shortening in until it resembles course cornmeal. You can leave a few pea size pieces. Add 4 tablespoons of water to mixture and mush with hands into a ball. If it does not stick together you can add one tablespoon of water at a time until it does. Remember that adding too much water can make it tough. (yuck). Divide in two. Place each portion on wax paper and flatten into a disc with your hands. Cover tightly with saran and refrigerate for at least an hour to overnight. (You can actually freeze it at this point for a later use). When ready lightly flour your work surface, the dough, and your rolling pin. Gently roll from the center out to create the round size you need.

Then of course you can make yummy Scoobie Snacks with the trimmings.

Place trimmings on a cookie sheet. Drizzle/brush with melted butter. Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar. Bake till golden. Hmmmm.

I Want to be Queen!

2011-08-26T22:01:00.000-07:00

I admit, and I may have admitted this before, I am a fair nerd. Growing up I started in 4-H as soon as I was old enough. I would spend my summers making projects for cooking, sewing, and other home ec. areas. I would also train one of my cows to tolerate me and let me lead it around. I was blessed with talent in theses areas and still have some of the trophies and ribbons I won. Luckily as grown-ups they still provide ways for us to use our skills and have friendly competitions. My focus is usually in the food preservation areas. Besides the Blue, Red, or White ribbons there are rainbow ribbons for special awards. You can also win the "best" in each category, as well as a few other special awards. A couple years ago my mom won the Best White Bread entry. The one I want, the one I am hoping to wrap my hands around this next year is: "The Queen of Canning". In order to achieve this the winner usually has well over 60 items entered. The 2011 winner entered 92. I have about 20 set aside at the moment, so I know I have my work cut out for me! But a goal is a goal and for now I shall, Can On!

#19 Read the Doctrine and Covenants/Pearl of Great Price Again.

2011-08-23T17:39:00.000-07:00

"Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not" (D&C 6:36).

When asked what is my favorite scripture, this is the one that comes to mind. It has helped and inspired me though many rough and good times. A year or so ago I finished one of my "50 Things" goals of rereading the Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price. I actually had made it a goal to reach this goal, plus reread the Book of Mormon also in a year. It was a rewarding feeling when I could sit my triple down and ponder the words I had read. Now onto the Old Testament :)

#39 Meet My Family in Ukraine

2011-08-23T17:09:00.000-07:00

I realized that although I posted some stories and pictures of my trip to Ukraine. I never listed it as finishing one of my "Fifty Things". Number thirty-nine is to Meet My Family in Ukraine. This would be the family of my Stepfather Benedict P. Eremenko. Papa passed away a year ago last October. Since he raised me from the age of 4 he really was a huge part of my life. The following April my sister, my mom, and I took a trip to Ukraine to meet his family and bring some earth from his home here in America. Meeting them was fun and rewarding as it was emotional and loving. I truly loved each one of my family members there as I met them and learned about their life in the Ukraine.

Anya, Vova, Aksana
Mom, Me, Aunt Lyda, Elya
Darilyn.

Ruslan, Mom, Darilyn, Me, Vitaly, Lyna.

If you would like to read more about my time in Ukraine here are the links:
That Easter Morn
My Ukrainian Family
Hello Ukraine
Papa

Blessed.

2011-08-19T09:50:00.000-07:00

I am having one of those moments. Not one of THOSE moments where everything is negative and everyone is hiding from me, (or they should be). I am having one of those moments where I feel totally blessed. Where I sit here and think wow, I don't know if I deserve this. I am filled with gratitude for patient people in my life. Forgiving people in my life. Loving people in my life. I am in awe of the little miracles that can make a simple day magical. I know there are times where I am buried into the "depths of despair", and I cannot see "the light simmering in the distance",
but today: I feel blessed

Ocean Boulevard.

2011-08-12T19:44:00.000-07:00

Some people not from Coos Bay/North Bend have asked me if Ocean Blvd leads to the ocean. In a way it does. It definitely is one of the main roads that gets you heading in the right direction. My draw to Ocean Blvd is that this is where I am residing. Last November I made a change and got a job working at Bay Area Hospital in Coos Bay. This of course meant that I then needed to move to Coos Bay. In January I got a call from some amazing family friends and in February I moved to Ocean Blvd. It has been quite fun to set my stuff up, decide if I need more, and eventually hang stuff on the walls. I like my style. It's comfortable. I makes me happy. I promised some friends that I would post photos, so here goes:

Ocean Blvd, Krista Style

To be filled.

2011-08-10T22:33:00.001-07:00

I so could write pages and pages of tasty recipes to fill us up with tons of lovely calories. That is not the theme of this post though. "To Be Filled", is what I was thinking when I traveled back from my GNO tonight. (That's Girls Night Out for those of you not used to the phrase). I love all my friends. I love spending time with all my friends. I love what I can learn from them. I love what I can share with them. I love the times we laugh, and the times we cry. I love the travel. I love the FOOD! Such good memories to cherish forever. But what I REALLY love... I love the feeling that I sometimes feel after leaving them. That "Full" feeling of happiness and contentment. When you can go home and know if you don't hear from anyone in a few days, it's OK. You know there are truly great people out there that love and care for you!

Great time ladies!

Reinventing Something Tastey: Cheesy Bread Spread

2011-02-06T16:09:00.000-08:00

Growing up my sister would make this yummy ooey-gooey-cheesy bread that we lovingly called, "Aunt Bonnie Bread". Aunt Bonnie was actually an Aunt of one of my sisters friends, but since we didn't have a name for this lovely treat we lovingly used her name. It consisted of cheddar cheese, green onions, and mayo mixed together and spread on to plain white bread. This bread was then toasted in the oven till all hot and bubbly and browned. A perfect after school snack or with about any dinner dish. Here I took that simple snack and dressed it up with a little kick.

The reinvention:
Cheese plate with Cheddar Cheese, Salami, and Sweet Spicy Mustard = Cheesy Bread Spread.

Cheesy Bread Spread

2 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
5-7 Salami Slices diced
1 Green Onion chopped
3 Tablespoons Sweet and Spicy Mustard
1 Cup Mayonnaise
One Baguette

Mix all ingredients together minus the Baguette.

Slice the Baguette into small round slices. Spread the cheese mixture onto each Baguette slice.

Place on cookie sheet and bake in 400 degree oven for approx 7-10 minutes. The Cheese should be melty, bubbly, and slightly browned.

(Event the picky eaters ate this when offered as mini pizzas)
Bon' Appetite!

Reinventing Something Tastey: Salmon Puffs

2011-01-24T13:15:00.000-08:00

Over Christmas and New Years I decided to take yummy items served on one holiday, and reinvent them for the next. This way you could limit your cost and trips to the grocery stores. And who doesn't like that. Well... I actually love trips to the grocery stores, especially during the Holidays... but that is another post in itself..

My first reinvention: Bagels with Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese = Salmon Puffs

For Christmas you had your basic Bagels and Lox, without the Lox since the texture makes me gag. For New years I took the leftover smoked salmon, cream cheese, added in some rosemary herb seasoning and puff pastry, and got- oh so yummy!!!

Salmon Puffs

1 8 oz pkg cream cheese
1/2 pound smoked salmon
2 Tablespoons rosemary seasoning
1 pkg puff pastry dough.
One egg white

Mix the cream cheese, salmon, and seasoning together in a bowl.

Using a little flour so the dough doesn't stick, roll out the pastry dough so it's a little thinner and larger. Cut the dough into 1 to 2 inch squares, depending on how large you want the puffs. Put a dollop of the salmon mixture onto each square and fold over the edge making a triangle, rectangle, or smaller square. (whatever floats your boat.) Place on a cookie sheet and brush some egg white on each one to make them pretty and shiny after baking. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 18 minutes and vuah-lah. Salmon puffs.

Bon' Appetite!

Sweet Sixteen!!!

2010-12-26T01:26:00.000-08:00

This last August Makenzie turned 16. Yep, it's true. 16.

It is hard to believe that the shy girl that would crawl under the table and flat out refuse to have her photo taken, is in the picture below.

Makenzie has become this beautiful, amazingly talented, young woman. She has found her intrests and develops them to her best each year.

Love you Makenzie!

Emma Lou

2010-12-22T16:03:00.000-08:00

This past summer I tried to spend a day with each of my nieces. I only got the opportunity with Emma and Heidi, but what a great time I had. Here is my ode to Emma.

Emma Lou May:

Emma was a trooper as I had to do laundry while we were together. She even entertained herself with her love of reading, and arranging my quarters by state.

Coburg Cafe was the place for breakfast. Check out her waffles- Yummy!

The Lane County Fair was the adventure for the day. Hooray for sheep... and ice cream!

This girl loves to dance. Not just any dance though, Irish dance.

She has Hazel eyes. This I did not know until I got the opportunity to really look into them.

Emma is quiet, until she is comfortable with you. Then she talks and talks and talks.... (this is a good thing)

I love that Emma loves. She is a kind and very caring person.

Emma.

Yee- Haw!

2010-09-20T20:23:00.000-07:00

One word... R-O-D-E-O !!!

I was able in the last few months to attend not one, but two amazing and historic rodeos.

The first one was the St. Paul Rodeo in , St. Paul Oregon.

This Rodeo celebrated it's 75th anniversary on July 4th with some of America's best bronk and bull riders. The town of St. Paul has a population of 400 and something that swells till people are parking miles down the road.

One super feature is a BBQ Cook-off. Talk about tasty! For a small fee you can sample and then get a nice sized serving of one of many folks BBQs that say - they are the best. I am still dreaming about the sauce.....

The second Rodeo I attended was the Pendleton Round-up.

Now this is not just a Rodeo. This is a Rodeo beyond all other Rodeos. When we asked a former Pendleton local what is a so significant he stated, "everything!". There was shopping, eating, entertainment, a carnival, parade, Native American beauty pageant. Even during the Rodeo there were new things for me to watch, such as Indian bareback horse races.

There were some of the best riders in the world present, with scores higher than I have seen before. Granted I would have given them all a perfect score, but who am I to judge.

This was one you should not miss. If it's not a goal for you to attend, make it one!

A day with Heidi

2010-07-18T14:30:00.001-07:00

I love that being back in Oregon allows me to spend more time with my family. What I don't get very often is one on one time with my nieces. Do to good timing I got Heidi for one whole day here at my place. It was spontaneous and absolutely fun!

After a breakfast of Raspberry Pancakes with powdered sugar we headed out for the day.

First stop: Eugene Saturday market
We perused all the fun stands of homemade items and enjoyed the locals making a little cash with their instruments. We hit the farmers market on our way out and picket up the best assortment of snackable items.

Second stop: The Blacksheep Gathering and Alpaca Festival
It was so much fun to teach Heidi a little about sheep and share stories about her mom and I when we were her age.

Third stop: Coburg Cafe
The only reason: some of the best burgers and shakes around!

Fourth stop: Strawberry Picking
Fifth Stop: A little antiquing - we were getting pretty tired at this point... sooo

The Sixth Stop: A little resting!

After a good rest we hit the Valley River Center for a little retail therapy and then headed back home to watch The Princess Bride and have a good nights sleep!

Such a fun time!

Memorial Weekend 2010

2010-07-04T00:40:00.000-07:00

During Memorial weekend we took the time to visit the grave sites of three generations of family. It was not only beautiful to see each place where family is buried, but it was also great to take the time to reflect on how each person effected our lives.

Bertha Ellen Winn Johns & Arthur Bailey Johns
My great Grandparents, as well as two great, great Uncles are buried in the Coburg Oregon Pioneer Cemetery. This cemetery is only a mile or so from where I currently live. I asked my mom what one of her favorite memories were of her grandparents. She stated that she loved her grandmothers button box, and that she would spend hour after hour sorting those buttons.

Betty Lou Phillips Johns & Dewain Winn Johns
My grandparents are buried in Coos Bay Oregon. One of Darilyn's favorite memories of our grandmother is of her driving around in her Pacer. This was a nice bright yellow one. My favorite memory of Grandpa Johns was of him sitting me on his knee and repeating over and over again in a sing songy voice, "there was a little girl who had a little curl, right in the middle of her forehead, and when she was good she was very , very good, but when she was bad, she was horrid!"

Benedict Pavlovich Eremenko
My dad is buried in a little cemetery on the top of a hill up Allegany. Surrounded by Pine and Myrtlewood trees it is hard to imagine a more beautiful place to be laid to rest. If I asked any one of my nieces what memory they have of their Grandpa each one would say how he called them his "little turkey". Heidi also threw in the memory of when her grandpa first introduced her to Coal and Sue - the Llamas.

Even though our Memorial weekend was filled with fixing fence lines, picnics, and lots of laughs. It was nice to spend time remembering those that we have loved and have already left us.

Papa

2010-04-23T11:15:00.000-07:00

Today is the day that we celebrate the birth of my Papa. During my recent trip to Ukraine I was able to go to the village that he grew up in. Zelenyy Kut. It is a small village 10-15 minutes from Kotovsk. The village still has the dirt roads that he must have traveled. I used to joke as I grew up that when he told the stories about having to walk up hill to school freezing in the snow- he was actually serious. In visiting there I was able to see the house where he spent his years till joining the Soviet Navy. The structures were still there, though only echos of what they used to be. I could still imagine him and his sisters working the fields. Growing their crops and tending their animals that would sustain them through winter.

Walking the dirt roads

Papa and his sister

Papa's childhood home

Not far from down the road is the village graveyard. Here is where his parents, cousins, and two sisters are buried.

Anya and her Great Grandpa

Through a trying experience he came to the U.S. in the early 50's. Later he became a U.S. citizen and continued working hard in his profession as a mill worker. After joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints he met my mom, they were married and would spend the next 33 years working hard on his land in Coos Bay.

Papa and his Naturalization papers

An instant family.

I never understood until later in my life how much he instilled from his upbringing into mine. I am grateful for learning of his love of the land and what it could provide. I love that in meeting his sister in Ukraine that I could see attributes and skills that they shared. Things that must have been taught in youth and passed on to other generations. I know he was happy that we went to visit his homeland. I felt him there. I also know he is bringing happiness to his family were he is now.

This is one of my favorites!

Happy Birthday Papa!

That Easter Morn

2010-04-14T21:18:00.000-07:00

This Easter provided a once in a lifetime experience. We woke up at 4:40 am so we could get ready to leave the house by 5 am. The walk was short, and surprisingly not cold. The first thing I noticed was that the road was blocked off to the church. As I got closer to the church I started to see all the people lined up facing each other, creating a wide path. It seemed that all the town of Kotovsk was there. Each person, or small group of people had a basket with eggs, Paska bread, and anything else they wanted to bring to be blessed for Easter. It was explained that the priest or "Batushka" was inside and one could go in and be blessed. The other option, which I noticed many chose, was to stay outside and wait for the priest to come out and bless all that stood in line, and their baskets. As the sun rose for the day it outlined the church beautifully, creating an almost glow. Finally, when the sun had risen the bells started to ring and the Batushka came out to bless everyone. How this was done was by him placing a small broom-like brush into a bucket of water, and then spraying all who wanted. He also blessed the baskets in the process. As he passed by he was followed by people holding a large basket that people could fill for the poor. After our turn we headed back to the house. We were at the front of the procession. As we walked there were so many others waiting. It really was a beautiful experience.

You can see in the basket the Paas died eggs mixed with the Ukrainian egg wrappers.

Later in the day we introduced Elya and Anya to an American Easter egg hunt, complete with Reeses, Peeps, Easter grass, and baskets. It was so rewarding to watch them hunt for the eggs hidden throughout the house. Then they treated us to a hunt for some Ukrainian presents for us.

The day was complete with wonderful food, family, and great memories none of us will soon forget.

My Ukrainian Family

2010-04-09T18:19:00.000-07:00

With the passing of my father this past year I was really worried about how I would keep in touch with the extended family in Ukraine. Not speaking the language myself kind of created a huge barrier. I really relied on him being able to contact them and then update me on how they were doing. Now that I was able to actually meet them my worries are now gone. I am so happy and grateful for the opportunity to spend time with them and get to know them in their home environment. I love them.

Lena (My Cousin) lives out in the village of Zelenyy Kut. She seemed to be more reserved, but that could be due to the language barrier. She makes sour cream and sells it in Odessa which is 4 hours away by train. I only got to spend a few hours with her but she did say I could come and stay forever if I wanted to.

Vetaly (Lena's husband) and Ruslan (Lena's son). Vetalty is so darn cute and charming. I loved to watch him move about the kitchen area preparing things. He always had a huge smile on his face. Ruslan works in the police at the train station in Kotovsk. He is not far from his father in personality.

Oksana (my cousin) and Anya (Oksana's daughter). Oksana is very polished and poised. She works long hours as a teacher in a private school. She is so good at her job. Actually she is good at everything she does. Oksana has a gift for making things beautiful. She redecorated her apartment in such a lovely way, paying attention to even the smallest details. She is very good at cooking and never ceased to surprise us with a new creation. I also loved watching her interaction with her family. I love how you could see how much she cared for each one of them.

Anya I already told you about in another post. I am sure I could write more though.

Oksana and Vova

Anya and her grandmother (Vova's mother). I loved Vova's mother. I was only with her a short time, and could not even speak with her. She had such a kind and gentle look about her. She radiated love and happiness. I just wanted to be near her.

Elya (Oksana's son). His other name was the little monkey. Elya is everything a little boy is supposed to be. Loud, funny, and mischievous. He had a cold while we were there so we did not see him as much as Anya. But he made up for it when we did get to see him. He loves to sing, especially American Christmas songs.

Aunt Lida. She is constantly making sure everyone is OK and has everything they need. She would not let us go out the door without all the proper footwear, layers of clothing, or an escort. Darilyn and I wanted to go out for a walk one morning and she just pleaded with us (of course in Russian so we had no idea what she was actually saying), not to go. She is a fantastic cook. I don't think I could even try to recreate some of them. She has some amazing stories. Some of my most memorable moments were when Aunt Lida would tell stories and Anya would translate.

Family.

eCTb, eCTb, eCTb

2010-04-06T23:42:00.000-07:00

In case you were wondering, eCTb is "eat" in Russian. This is the word that we heard most often here. They would ask if we wanted chai (tea)? We would say yes, and the next thing we knew there was a 3-4 course meal in front of us. Then Lida would come up and say "eat, eat eat!" The thing was though, it was all so good. All made at home food. The word Mcdonalds was not known among our family. My favorite? I don't know if I could name one! There were so many unique and oh so tasty things. Some were favorites that I grew up eating and had no idea were traditional Ukrainian dishes. Some others were ones that Oksana created on her own that I immediately would write down so I could try to recreate.

Lemon with sugar, coconut, and chocolate. (from Lena a cousin).
One of Darilyn's favorite.

Meatballs wrapped in puff dough. (Oksana original).

Oksana would make fancy jello! With fruit, ice cream, chocolate.

I could go on and on with all the food. One of my favorite days though was making kurtoflaniki. Ok this was spelled pretty much phonetically with the help of Anya. This dish consisted of thinly grated potatoes fried in thin layers and then you put a cheese mixture and fold it over. Lots of butter and oil, but oh so good. Lida allowed me to help and had me do the last few batches with her close supervision. After that I was allowed to help clear and set the table for meals. During the preparation process Anya and I danced around the living room singing "kurtoflaniki, kurtoflaniki" to the annoyance of my napping sister and mother.

Hello Ukraine

2010-04-06T08:09:00.000-07:00

It is 18.10 Kiev time right now, meaning it is 08.10 in the morning for all you Americans out there. We have arrived by a wild and crazy journey to Kiev today. The wild and crazy journey will have to wait for when I am ready to update you all on that part. For now, I will update you on our journey to Ukraine.

Papa had stated that when he passed away he wanted us to bring some inheritance to his family in Ukraine. Of course I could not object. Firstly, because I would never turn down an opportunity to travel to another country. Secondly, because I love him very much. When the time came for our journey Darilyn picked a date, I got time off of work, and mom purchased our tickets with our inheritance.

The flight out on the 29th was good. No complications. No problems. Pretty much some smooth flying and great pre-arrangements. Once we got to Kiev and got through customs my stress was rising a little. Who is meeting us at the airport again? Oksana's husband? Did he know the time? Where will we know where to met him? We walked out of the customs and baggage area and were greeted immediately by two of the most wonderful people I have ever had the privilege of knowing.

Anya

and Vova.

Anya (My cousin Oksana's daughter,) is a joyful burst of love and energy. She is one you immediately fall in love with and cannot wait to be around again. Anya was our translator for the journey. A pretty big job for one so young and small. She was amazing though and constantly came running whenever we called "Anya!" to help translate.

Vova (Oksana's husband,) is one of the finest examples I have ever met of what a father, a husband, and a friend should be. He never failed to come and escort us around the city. Never allowing us to carry bags, open doors, or even walk behind him. He always had a mischievous smile when he could not understand what we were asking, and would follow it with, "No speak English.", or a "Sorry, no understand. Bad translator." We were always grateful for the effort put forth for our safety, comfort, and need to get out of the house.

With Anya's translation and Vova's guidance we made it to the train station and to Kotovsk. It was my first time traveling by train and I was extremely happy that we had a sleeper. Once in Kotovsk we walked the short distance to Lida's house. Lida is Papa's sister. I had a hard time keeping the emotion in when I saw her. She is all that I ever imagined.

Enough stories for today though. It has taken me an hour to get this out and I am still feeling the movement of the train rocking as I sit here. Till then...

Welcome to Coburg Oregon

2010-02-23T09:51:00.000-08:00

I have had this post in mind for almost a year now. Funny how it just gets shoved back there. My mom was up visiting from Coos Bay the past couple days and one of our outings jarred the memory of this post:

Welcome to Coburg Oregon. In researching this Historic little town I found that the population is around 1000, the mail will only be delivered to the post office...in the Dairy Mart, and that it has made a name for itself in Antique dealing.

Arriving at the Dairy Mart to open my P.O. Box this is the sign that greeted me:

Yep, I had definitely left the suburbs of D.C. and Baltimore Md.

In doing a little family research I set out to visit Coburg's Historical Pioneer Cemetery. Here is where some of my Johns family is buried. My Great Grandmother, Grandfather, and two Great Uncles.

I enjoy a nice walk around old cemeteries just as much as the next person so in venturing out I found this:

The last name did start with an S. but.... really? I stood there a good few minutes laughing.

The one that really had me almost on the floor was this one. The front of the tombstone is beautiful with the name and some engravings of sheep, cowboy hat, and other farming items. No date though.

I had my mind busy imagining different scenarios in which this poor soul had been hung, and how the town in their guilt purchased the tombstone. No other stone lay nearby or with the same name. There is a local listing for this fellow though that currently lives in Coburg. Who knows, maybe he is just planing for his future and having a little laugh in the meantime. It's a mystery.

There are two other subjects I would love to post about here in Coburg. That would be the Antique shops and the Food. Alas I am finding this post too long already and will have to save those for another day,

Just Because.....

2010-02-14T14:45:00.000-08:00

It's February....

It's fun to create and share....

I want to make it a yearly tradition....

I like comments....

I love you faithful readers....

It is Valentines day, love is in the air, chocolate and cookies are being eaten, and I have had some pretty perfect moments in the last hour. So to celebrate my blissful feeling this day I am going to do another giveaway.

The rules:

1. You have to be one of the first 5 people to comment on this post.
2. You will receive a handmade item from me this year...sometime.
3. You have to love my item I make you, or at least pretend to.

Ready, set, comment!

2009 in Photo

2010-02-14T12:53:00.000-08:00

Clockwise from left upper corner:

Maryland Spring Blossom
Sunset Beach Oregon Sea Anemone
Golden Falls Oregon
Cape Arago Overlook, Oregon
Glenedan Beach Oregon
Oregon Mossy Tree
Oregon Crabs
Oregon Berries
Oregon Pine
Thanksgiving Pie
Oregon Queen Anne Cherries
Simpson's Reef Oregon
Heavenly Rainbow, Utah

The Best is Yet to Be

2010-01-10T20:24:00.000-08:00

This is the title of the talk I gave today at church. It is also the title of the talk it was based on by Elder Holland. I liked writing this talk. Mainly as with most talks we are asked to give, the one researching and speaking is usually the one that gets the most out of it. Here it is:

The Best is Yet to Be

Faith

I have moved 39 times in my life. Though some of those moves were small and across town, there were many that were distant and required preparation and faith to accomplish.

Before one of my larger moves and life changes I felt unsettled in leaving my current living situation and state. One night as I was studying I found peace in the scripture 1 Nephi 4:6. This is the time where Nephi was to retrieve the brass plates from the home of Laban. Here Nephi states, “I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do.” The faith Nephi must have had to first receive the promptings, and second to actually follow.

In this last move back here to Oregon I left behind in Maryland 8 yrs of acquired friendships, contacts, and safety. Though I knew I was leaving many things behind, I looked forward to being reunited with family, and seeing what I could become in this new phase of my life. A kind of “Starting over”.

Elder Holland opened the January 2009 BYU devotional address with the phrase:
“Look ahead and remember that faith is always pointed toward the future.”

Elder Holland continued in his address to talk about the trials of Lot. Lot was told by the Lord in Genesis 19:17 “Escape for thy life”. And, “Look not behind thee…; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed”

The hardships in leaving their home and comfort were nothing in comparison to the dismay of losing their wife and mother as she looked back, and in doing so became a pillar of salt. As Elder Holland points out, “She was not just looking back, her heart wanted to go back.”

Elder Neal A Maxwell, commented once on Lot’s wife and stated that, “such people know they should have their primary residence in Zion, but they still hope to keep a summer cottage in Babylon”. Her attachment to the past outweighed her confidence in the future.

Lot’s wife did not have faith. She doubted. Not only in her husband, but also in the Lords ability to provide her with something better that what she already had.

We see another example of this in Luke 9:61-62. As the Lord was traveling with Peter, James and John a man stated to the Lord, “I will follow thee; but let me first go and bid them farewell, which are at home in my house”. The Lords comment to him was, “No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

As we learn from the popular phrase, “Learn from the past, live in the present, look to the future.” The past is to be learned from, but not lived in.

Forgive and Forget

A vital part of looking towards the future by learning from our past is learning to forgive and forget. Elder Holland points out that: “There is something in many of us that particularly fails to forgive and forget earlier mistakes In life-either our mistakes or others. It is not good”.

In the mission I served my mission president strongly counseled to not have parents and or other family come and “pick us up” from the mission field. He told the story of a young man who when he came into the mission field was small and weak, both physically and spiritually. He watched this Elder stretch and grow. Accepting calls to leadership and serving faithfully. By the time of the end of this missionaries mission the Elder had changed to one of “mighty stature”. As was the custom at this time the Elders family came to tour the mission area and escort him back home. My mission President told us of how he watched the family tease and joke about the “poor companions” that had to put up with him. He watched as this Elder who had seen the Lords potential for him and had became strong in stature and spirit, slowly fade and doubt the Lords plan for him.

Repentance

As Elder Holland states: Let people repent; let people grow.
To often when couples are deeply hurt or even just deeply stressed, they reach father and farther into the past and find yet a bigger brick to throw through the window “pain” of their marriage. It is not right to go back and open some ancient wound that the son if god himself died to heal.

In DC 58:42 The Lord states: “behold he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, remember them no more”

This repentance has to be sincere.

We need to follow the example of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies, and bury our weapons of war and leave them buried.

One thing to consider at the start of this New Year is that our Heavenly Father doesn’t care as much about where we have been as He does about where we are, and with His help, where we are willing to go.

And really what is a new year, rather than just the star of something new. A time to renew. A new move to a new place. The same as each birthday we celebrate, or when we take on the covenants of baptism. Or when we receive the blessings of the temple. Each week in partaking of the sacrament. Daily in our prayers and conversations with our Heavenly Father.

As Luke records in Luke 17:32: The Lord reminds us to “Remember Lot’s wife”

To quote Robert Browning: “The bets is yet to be”

O Christmas Tree

2009-12-13T22:09:00.000-08:00

O Christmas Tree is a traditional German Carol. The author of the lyrics are unknown as is the composer of the lyrics. The tradition of bringing a tree inside and decorating it with candy, baubles and bells was started in the nineteenth century and is immortalized in the carol O Christmas Tree.

O Christmas Tree!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
Not only green when summer's here,
But also when 'tis cold and drear.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me;
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me;
How often has the Christmas tree
Afforded me the greatest glee!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
From base to summit, gay and bright,
There's only splendor for the sight.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
Thou bidst us true and faithful be,
And trust in God unchangingly.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee! !"

Welcome Winter

2009-12-11T22:01:00.000-08:00

Winter came down to our home one night
Quietly pirouetting in on silvery-toed slippers of snow,
And we, we were children once again.
~Bill Morgan, Jr.

Tonight is the first night of wintertime. Icy conditions keeping many at home in the comforts if warmth. Snuggling by a fire, drinking hot chocolate, doing projects that may have otherwise been left undone.

Or so that may be happening in some homes...

At my place I have the joy of finding other ways to keep warm, since my heating system has a mind of it's own. I am bringing in the warmth by baking.
Oven on = warm hands!

Here is the find of the season:
Dark Chocolate Cookies...

With Sour Cherries!

The chocolate is melty and yummy, and when you think your taste buds have found true bliss and think there is no better... they then get the tang of sour cherry. Ohhh ya!

1 -3/4 C Flour
1 -1/4 C Unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons Baking soda
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1 -1/4 C Unsalted butter
1 -1/4 C Granulated sugar
3/4 C Packed brown sugar
2 Large eggs
1/4 teaspoon Vanilla extract
12 oz Bittersweet chocolate chopped
1 -1/2 C Dried sour cherries

Preheat oven to 350
Sift together in large bowl: flour, cocoa, soda, salt.
Cream together in mixer: butter, sugars, eggs, vanilla.
Stir in chocolate and cherries
Form round balls and place on cookie sheet approx. 3" apart. Gently pat down each ball and bake for 9-11 minutes until puffed and cracked.

Enjoy!

2009-10-14T05:17:00.004-07:00

My sister and I have been with my Mom and Father for the past few day. Ben, my father has been in renal failure for some time and is reaching his end here on earth. On Monday I really felt that I should go to work on Tuesday. Tuesday morning came around and I still felt that pull to drive 2.5 hrs to work. I also felt that in going I would probably miss being there when Papa passed away.

Tuesday I awoke at 4:30 am unable to sleep and spent time with Papa while he slept. Before I left Coos Bay I felt to suggest family prayer. Our last call to our Heavenly father to watch over us as we part our ways.

In entering work I was greeted with a hug and an "I love you" from my fellow nurse. She had already in 4 hrs sent two of our residents to the emergency department for further evaluation. I also learned that one of our Long term residents had passed away during the night. I spent the day consoling her upset roommate who mourned the loss of someone who had never been nice to her. Comforting her with the words, "Now you have a guardian angel looking out for you." I moved from her to another resident who received word at noon that the niece he raised had also passed away. I spent time listening to how she had Alzheimers, and that he is very sad, but happy to know she is in a place of comfort. Work later brought me to calling the on call MD to receive orders to put one of my favorite residents on comfort care. (I know we aren't supposed to have favorites, but I just cannot help it!) Her resperations had dropped to 5 breaths per minute and I sadly watch and helped her get as comfortable as she could.

Work ended with a call from my sister that Papa had passed away. After gathering some necessities (chocolate) I headed for the 2.5 hr drive back to my parents. 2:00 am brought me there, a hug from my mom and a "I stayed up to lock the door" from my mostly asleep sister. And now it is 5:30 am again. 24 hrs after the start of my day. I think I am just waiting for it to all sink in.

Cookie Recipe- Finally

2009-09-14T08:54:00.003-07:00

Here is one of the recipes I tried ou tin the cookie bake-off. It is not the "winning" recipe, but it is the one that I have been thinking about almost every day thereafter. Surprisingly.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie

3 C Old Fashioned rolled oats
1/2 C whole-wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 C packed light-brown sugar
1 C granulated sugar
8 oz. (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 C natural peanut butter
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 C salted peanuts
2 C semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350. Stir together the oats, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

Mix on medium speed the brown and regular sugar, butter, and peanut butter until pale and fluffy. Mix on vanilla and eggs.

Add oat mixture and mix until just combined. Mix on peanuts and Chocolate chips.

Place balls of dough 2" apart on cookie sheet and bake until golden and just set; 13-15 minutes. let cool for 5 minute son sheets and then transfer to wire racks to completely cool.

A Little Pause...

2009-09-07T09:37:00.003-07:00

I have been slacking a bit on my blogging. Obviously. Reason being is that I am currently working on getting another blog up and going. This other one is about certain goals and how I'm getting there. The address in case you want to follow along: www.three-hundred65days.blogspot.com .

I will be back here soon, with recipes :)

Till then here is a pretty picture for you pleasure.

Kitchen-Cookie-Aide-Bake-Off

2009-08-06T12:42:00.020-07:00

Ever since I can remember my mom has had a large yellow kitchen aide mixer. There is even a dent on the kitchen floor where I accidentally dropped it once. Since we were lucky enough to be taught to use kitchen aides there is no other mixer to compare for us. My sister received hers when she got married. Yes I was envious, but since I knew I would soon be heading off for a mission the jealousy was subsided. Lucky me, I received one for graduating from Cosmetology school from my mom. The fun part of it was that it did not cost her but a loaf of bread. The Coos County fair gives a Kitchen Aide mixer to the best loaf of bread entered, and of course my mom one! A few weeks ago my mom decided it was time for a new mixer for herself. Trusty-flour-dusty that she has had for many years has developed a few personality traits that suggests retirement. So she announces that she needed a new one, and that she needed to make some bread. We of course understood her thought process since the County Fair was coming up.

And she won!!! It was a bit of a disappointment that it was not the usual Kitchen Aide, but a bit of money towards the one she wants is still a lucky day!

To celebrate her winning I decided to make a bunch of batches of Chocolate Chip cookies using my Kitchen Aide. OK I mainly did this since I was craving them. I am also overwhelmed with all my recipes. Which ones are good? Which ones are too good to put in the cookie jar? Here are the 5 contestants:

Peanut Butter-Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies- torn ages ago from some magazine

I could not stop eating this dough! It only has 1/3 C WW flour and the rest is oats. It also has salted peanuts! The cookies itself though was a little overwhelming for me. I think if I put Milk Chocolate chips instead of the dark it would have cut a little of the richness.

Chocolate Chip Cookies- My sisters friend Laurie Marks

This dough tasted like the cookie recipe you used to find on the back of C.Chip bags. Basic, yet good. The finished product had a classic cookie taste. Downfall- if the cookie was not cooked precisely right, not loo long, not to short, it was not the most scrumptious taste for your mouth.

Chocolate Chip Cookies- Martha Stewart: Comfort foods

This one was similar to Laurie's cookie with the exception of a bit more brown sugar. The brown sugar was not disappointing. I ate two of these for breakfast!

Chocolate Chip Cookies- "The Cookie" Cookbook

I have to admit that I had large expectations of this one. A cookbook dedicated only to cookies! This had to hold the best of the best- right? It held a disappointment for me. The cookies were the type that didn't flatted out when you cook them. Like they had too much flour or eggs. I didn't even try one. Looks hold a lot of power over me when I cook.

Chocolate Chip Butter Cookies- If I told you I would have to kill you.

This was a last minute entry for me. I had almost forgotten about this recipe tucked way. The secret ingredient of course being butter, and lets face it, butter is just tasty! I was not disappointed in this one. Dark Chocolate with creamy butter taste. If I had not eaten two of Martha's I think I would have eaten two of these!

Now for the results. I traveled far for some taste testers and now have to wait for the opportune time to have them well... taste!

I thought breakfast would be the ticket. What better for the first meal of the day besides some good ole' chocolate chip cookies and milk!

Five judges including myself. Armed with mugs of milk to cleanse the pallet in between bites. The winner- with two votes...

Laurie Marks- Chocolate Chip Cookies! Congratulations Laurie for submitting a recipe to a church cookbook that my sister gave me for Christmas many years ago and that now will go in my book of "the best of what I've got".

Even Sam tried to have a vote!

Preserving Memories

2009-08-06T12:32:00.009-07:00

You know how some smells can trigger the most random memories? One of those smells for me is the smell of fresh dill. Hmmmmm. Dill. I wanted to pick a little bouquet of it and let the smell permeate my house. But I didn't. The dill had a much better use in helping us make hmmm delicious pickles! I know there are those of you out there that think that dill pickles are Satan's tool, and that sweet is the only way to go. I won't hold it against you, I know we all have our own tastes. But homemade dills. Crunchy with a hint of zesty. Love them! I would post the recipe but since I made them at my moms I don't have it with me. But if you are interested in it, just let me know!

I will post however the recipe for your very own blueberry pie filling. This stuff rocks! It was a little thick in bottling it, so I have a few air pockets, but WHO CARES! De-lish. I am already making plans for pie-cobbler-crepes, when the snow is white and our days short. A bit of summer to brighten our days!

Blueberry Pie Filling

For 1 Quart

3 1/2 C Fresh Blueberries
3/4 C + 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
1/4 C + 1 Tsp. Clear-Jel
1 1/3 C cold Water
1 drop Red food Coloring (Optional)
3 Drops Blue food Coloring (Optional)
3 1/3 Tsp Bottled lemon Juice

Wash and drain blueberries. Combine sugar and clear-jel in a large kettle. Stir. Add water and food coloring. Cook on medium high heat until mixture thickens and begins to bubble. Add lemon juice and boil one minute, stirring constantly. Fold in berries. For preserving: Fill pint or quart jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Process immediately in boiling water canner for 30 min low altitude, 35-40 high altitude. Enjoy!!!

Crabbin'

2009-07-28T21:27:00.009-07:00

My friend Amy and I grew up in the same town of Coos Bay Oregon. We were even walking partners at our High School graduation. A couple weeks ago she shared with me a little of her family memories of CRABBING! I did not actually get to go on the boat, but I was there to help (mostly watch) Amy as she got the fire going, cooked the crab, and taught everyone how to prep them for eating. YUMMY! I don't think I could even describe how good they tasted! Thanks Amy for the great experience!

Broadbent

2009-07-15T17:18:00.010-07:00

My parents have been friends with the Little's for years. I remember picking plums in their orchard when I was much younger. I also remember getting sick from eating way too many of those plums! So when my mom excitedly popped the question "Do you want to pick cherries?" I could not help but say, "sure!"

I love the drive to Broadbent. To get there you have to drive through Couquille, past Myrtle Point, and right after the junction to head off to Roseburg, you take a left up their gravel drive. They don't have a commercial orchard. Just a few of each cherries, plums and I think pears.

We picked a flat with Duke at our side. He is the Little's dog that loves eating cherries off the branch. Huge- and hilarious! After our flat of cherries we head on home to start the process.

Pitting, bottling, and canning.

The end product: 7 pints pitted cherries to use in recipes. 7 pints with pits to each right out of the jar. 2 quarts for Darilyn. And lots of little jam jars.

Foam Anyone?

Home

2009-07-12T13:38:00.008-07:00

It seems that no matter where I am living or what I am doing, my parent's house will always have a feeling of "Home". Even though I have been sleeping on the couch there for years I know I always can. Things that trigger that nostalgic feeling for me is Papa yelling, "Woman!" when he is trying to get my moms undivided attention. Or the way he affectionately calls the cat, "You lazy old mutt." In fact any new animal brought into the house becomes a "mutt" once it is accepted.

My mom loves to help everyone. Sometimes this helping becomes her taking over, but we smile and usually just let her. She is extremely creative and loves to share her projects.

I love that when I am "Home" there is always some large animal claiming the brush. For years my folks have had llamas. How this came to be I don't know, but there they are staking their territory over the briers and weeds. "Get to the barn and feed the animals." A command I have been hearing for years. It used to be to my Sis and I, now my mom has taken over the claim of "feeding the animals."

We always had a garden. It used to be a huge 2 acre spread, now it is in planters outside the back door. Papa must have his little garden to tinker around in.

Even though my sis and I have moved on and away from my parents place. (I think ran was more accurate when we finished high school.) Their house will ways be a place of "home". With couches purchased new in the 80's. A cat that sounds like a wounded baby bobcat. A compost manure pile that would be any gardeners dream. And a pump house full of a food preservers wonder and awe. "Home".

Photo Tag - Macy's at Christmas

2009-04-19T21:42:00.007-07:00

I love this tag. Plus now that I actually have photo files it makes it so much more fun!

I tag anyone who want's to do this. Just let me know in my comments if you are, so I can see your photo!

1. Go to the sixth file in your documents/my pictures.
2. Go to the sixth picture.
3. Blog about that picture.
4. Then tag 6 more people.
5. Name your picture.

Macy's at Christmas

For anyone who has not experienced Christmas in NYC, you need to schedule it. The street performers, the light displays, ice skating in Central Park, the window displays, and especially the Rockefeller Tree. They all are special treats to add to the normal wonders of NYC. Macy's Department store is especially decked out. They have Christmas decorations from floor to ceiling everywhere, and have a whole floor designated just for Christmas decorations. I'll add a few more photos below, just for your imaginations pleasure.

The Macy's Believe -o- Meter

Macy's Window display

The Macy's original entrance

A Poodle Tree inside Macy's

April 12th

2009-04-12T21:57:00.003-07:00

Played with Sam, Took a nap, Made rolls
Laughed at my sisters buttering skills,
Gave Emma her very belated birthday gift,
Watched Heidi open her birthday presents,
Had lime jello cake for Heidi's b-day,
Watched D disgustedly clean the girls room,
Ate a yummy Easter dinner,
Listened to the kids play the Wii,
Hung out with D and Chris,
Watched the Amazing Race.

Heading West Day 2

2009-04-06T05:44:00.007-07:00

Today was filled with lots of fun adventurous stops.

Hard Rock Care - Indianapolis Indiana. So cool!

The Largest Cross in the world - Effingham Illinois. Who knew!

Nostalgiaville USA - Kingdom City Missouri. So Random!

Liberty Jail - Liberty Missouri

Now we are -hitting the road Jack- to head off for -some more, some more, some more, some more!

Heading West Day 1

2009-04-05T04:23:00.005-07:00

After a sad farewell to Maryland my sister, my niece, and I headed towards our destination of Ohio. It was a pretty easy drive although the winds were crazy and my car was still getting used to heading up hill. (Cant wait till the Rocky Mtns....)

Princess Rico Kitty

Our tourist destination for the day was Ohio - The birthplace of Longaberger. We stopped in Dresden for lunch at Popeye's Soda Shoppe and then it was my fun to introduce my sis to the Homestead and Headquarters. We luckily got there on the last day of their annual spring fling. If you can picture hundreds of middle aged Caucasian laddies all with baskets in hand you can picture the event. There was even a contest were 4 lucky contestants got to dash for as many baskets as they could carry off in 30 seconds. Good laughs there!

World's Largest Basket - Dresden OH

D and Kenzie enjoying the festivities at the Homestead.

We stayed our first night with our Aunt Sherilyn and Uncle Mike in Enon Ohio.

Now off to "day two" and all the new adventures it holds.

March 12th

2009-03-12T19:11:00.001-07:00

Exercise, updated blog, unloaded dishwasher, studied, ate lots of snacks, applied for a job, hung out with Seth, played with puppies, watched Grey's Anatomy, went to Relief Society, watched CSI, ate more snacks.

BBC classics.....

2009-03-12T04:02:00.002-07:00

I had a friend post this and was very excited to see how many I have read. The ones marked with an X are the ones I have read.

The BBC believes most people will have only read 6 of the 100 books here. How do your reading habits stack up?Instructions:Copy and paste, then put an 'x' after those you have read.Tally your total at the bottom.

1 Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen (X)
2 The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien (X)
3 Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte (X)
4 Harry Potter series - JK Rowling (X)
5 To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee (x)
6 The Bible (x)
7 Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte (X)
8 Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell
9 His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman
10 Great Expectations - Charles Dickens (x)
11 Little Women - Louisa M Alcott (X)
12 Tess of the D’Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy
13 Catch 22 - Joseph Heller
14 Complete Works of Shakespeare
15 Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier
16 The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien (X)
17 Birdsong - Sebastian Faulk
18 Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger (X)
19 The Time Traveller’s Wife - Audrey Niffenegger
20 Middlemarch - George Eliot (X)
21 Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell (X)
22 The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald
23 Bleak House - Charles Dickens
24 War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy
25 The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams
26 Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh
27 Crime and Punishment- Fyodor Dostoyevsky
28 Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck (X)
29 Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll (X)
30 The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame (X)
31 Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy
32 David Copperfield - Charles Dickens
33 Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis (X)
34 Emma - Jane Austen (X)
35 Persuasion - Jane Austen (X)
36 The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - CS Lewis (x)
37 The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
38 Captain Corelli’s Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres
39 Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden (X)
40 Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne
41 Animal Farm - George Orwell
42 The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown
43 One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
44 A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving
45 The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins
46 Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery (X)
47 Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy
48 The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood
49 Lord of the Flies - William Golding (X)
50 Atonement - Ian McEwan
51 Life of Pi - Yann Martel
52 Dune - Frank Herbert
53 Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons
54 Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen (X)
55 A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth
56 The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
57 A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens (X)
58 Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
59 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon
60 Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
61 Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck (x)
62 Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov
63 The Secret History - Donna Tartt
64 The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
65 Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas
66 On The Road - Jack Kerouac
67 Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy
68 Bridget Jones’s Diary - Helen Fielding
69 Midnight’s Children - Salman Rushdie
70 Moby Dick - Herman Melville
71 Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens (X)
72 Dracula - Bram Stoker (X)
73 The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnet (X)
74 Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson
75 Ulysses - James Joyce
76 The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath
77 Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome
78 Germinal - Emile Zola
79 Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray
80 Possession - AS Byatt
81 A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens (X)
82 Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell
83 The Color Purple - Alice Walker
84 The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro
85 Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert
86 A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry
87 Charlotte’s Web - EB White (x)
88 The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom
89 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (X)
90 The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton
91 Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad
92 The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery
93 The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks
94 Watership Down - Richard Adams
95 A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole
96 A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute
97 The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas (X)
98 Hamlet - William Shakespeare (X)
99 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl (X)
100 Les Miserables - Victor Hugo (X)

Ok 36, not too shabby!

To the First 5 People that Read This Blog........

2009-02-25T02:47:00.003-08:00

The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you.This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!
2- What I create will be just for you.
3- It'll be done this year.
4- You have no clue what it's going to be.

The catch is that you must re-post this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me! Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it!!!

I don't actually care if you post this on your blog or not. I just thought it was a fun and cute idea. So leave a comment!

February 12th

2009-02-12T19:09:00.002-08:00

Payed bills at Starbucks, Studied with friends, hung out with friends
ate pizza for dinner, watched mama Sandy make cookies, studied
had a great lunch, purchased some necessities at Target, went to bed at 2:something AM
got packed for my day, early morning internet surfing, cleaned my closet

Winter Wonder

2009-01-29T13:19:00.009-08:00

Like most of the U.S. this past week, Maryland got pelted with the loveliness of snow and ice. Normally I would think, oh whatever, as long as I can stay inside with my warm PJ's and tea. Unfortunately this one caught me while I was scheduled to work.

The name word I would associate with this storm is Kindness.

Knowing that I would be stuck in town I packed a bag and sought out a place to stay. The Sappington's were more than happy to help out. They supplied me with dinner, good conversation, a great nights sleep, the best breakfast I have had in a while, and a safe passage to work the next morning. The whole time I was overwhelmed with their love and kindness.

I missed the day of the actual storm since I was at work, but here are a few photos while the Winter was melting.

Sunrise, Sunset.

2009-01-24T18:05:00.013-08:00

Or Just Sunset!

Keep Oregon Green!

2009-01-21T14:08:00.010-08:00

I grew up with this Logo posted along all Oregon's Highways. It is mainly posted to prevent forest fires, but I think it applies to the photos below too!

Mossy Tree

Cool Mushrooms

Wild Rhododendrons

Picnic Anyone?

Sea Anemone

January 12

2009-01-12T22:22:00.003-08:00

I got this idea from my sister. The goal is to post 12 pictures each month on the 12th. These photos are to be of what you do that day. So.... here is:

January

Picked up Makenzie, Snacks from Wendy's, Emma's dance class.
Tortillas for dinner, Found a new perfume, Watched Nancy Drew with my nieces.
Called hospitals about New Grad positions, Ran errands with my sis, Found a great little antique store.
Played solitaire on the computer, Tucked my nieces in to bed, Watched Gilmore Girls with my sis.

Book Club Sistahs

2009-01-11T12:24:00.016-08:00

After my little adventurous 24 hrs of flights and tracking down my luggage I was able to take off to the coast with my sister and her book club.

So Many Choices!

They go once a year to a beach house near Depot Bay. This little trip consists of tons of food, laughs, and bonding. It does not contain sleep or negativity.

Gracie's Sea Hag

Rochelle

Darilyn

I had met these gals a year ago at their Christmas party. I love them! All so different with life experiences that they share like they have known each other for years.

Darilyn and Merilee

Jodi and Baby

Jen's Emily

Jodi, Rochelle, Aundrea, Candy

I am so glad that I have met them and was able to spend time with them at the beach. A little ray of sunshine to my nervousness of leaving my fiends in Maryland behind.

The Whole Gang

Things I Have Discovered This Past Year.

2008-12-31T13:47:00.005-08:00

It is almost weird that soon 2008 will be at an end. This day will never happen again. Then again any day that passes will never happen again. Although this day has it's specialty in our thoughts, I hope that we all can live each day that it is a special one given, that can not be repeated again.

Here are some random tid-bits that I have discovered about myself this past year.

I crave Cheetos.
Amy's frozen Mac and cheese is the best ever.
Even though green is still my deep down favorite color, Purple and certain shades of blue still give me the same happy smile.
I really dislike driving.
Gilmore Girls still makes me laugh.
I like Hellman's mayonnaise.
Jane Austen's will always be my favorite.
Soft things make me happy.
Potatoes are my favorite.
I have to stop and stargaze every night I see the stars.

Contest!

2008-12-29T18:02:00.002-08:00

Ok I realized today something really cool that happened on the 24th. Think you can guess? If you do you can win a prize. I have no idea what the prize will be, but I will make sure it is cool! So be the first to correctly identify the cool thing that happened on the 24th!

Twas'.....

2008-12-24T20:44:00.016-08:00

Twas the day before Christmas
and all down the street,
neighbors were visiting,
bringing something to eat.

Tami had cooked
in the kitchen with care.

Making club cookies and her fiddle-faddle
and then packaging to share.

Later on in the evening
off to the Huber's Farm House we go.
To share in the festivities
and watch the kids smile and glow.

There were nativities and reindeer,
and songs sung and played.
Old friends were cherished
while new ones were made.

Santa made an appearance
just like in the stories.
Then we all headed home
ready to celebrate the Savior's glory!

Now here I revel
among the Christmas tree lights,
wishing a Merry Christmas to all,
and to all a good night!

# 7

2008-12-23T18:51:00.006-08:00

It has been a week and compared to how great I felt, I am surprised I have not blogged sooner.

I have been in a constant full time school/study mode for the past 3.5 years. Now it is study, study, study for the boards!

The pinning ceremony was brilliant! We had a walk through the day before, but actually seeing everyone lined up in their whites with the candles, it was way great! The program was individualized. We had a slide show put together by Sandy a fellow student, and a special musical number by another student's family. Overall, not a night I will forget any time soon. It was especially great that my mom and sister could be there. I wore the white cap just for her!

I Heart New York!

2008-12-19T17:43:00.018-08:00

New York.

I love it!

I love the busy New Yorkers mixed with the awe struck tourists.

I love that you can be walking down 5th ave. admiring the high end shops such as Gucci and Prada, and then suddenly there is a historically old Church between all the modern buildings.

I love Central Park.

I love the Deli Markets that serve such huge sandwiches you wonder why they even bother putting on the bread!

(This is a half!)

I love that when you eat at these Deli's you get coleslaw and pickles as an automatic appetizer.

(This poor family had no idea what was happening!)

I love times square and all the lights, the shops, the people.

I love taking the subway. Granted it can be confusing at times, but so much fun anyways.

I love how at Christmas time the window displays are insanely detailed and cool.

I love how Macy's dept. store has become an icon for Santa and Holiday spirit!

What Color is Your Rainbow?

2008-12-17T03:27:00.002-08:00

For some reason I love these things. It is probably the same reason why I always have the erg to get a free palm or tarot card reading, but never do. The mysteries unfolded through the eyes of a mystical power. Hee-Hee.

Your rainbow is slightly shaded brown.

What is says about you: You are a deep thinking person. You appreciate the roughness of nature. You feel closer to people when you understand their imperfections.

Find the colors of your rainbow at spacefem.com.

It's a Plan

2008-12-13T05:45:00.002-08:00

My mom and sister fly in tonight from Oregon. This of course is a trip to celebrate ME! Who else? I have decided that being selfish once in a while is necessary to keep the confidence and self-love going!

Here is the fully changeable, but darn good if I say so myself schedule for the next few days. Of course it is in a rough style since we have to be able to go with the flow a little but, right?

And I will of course be taking photos and blogging whenever I can!

Saturday:

Timbuktu open till 11:00
www.timbukturestaurant.com

1726 Dorsey Road 
Hanover, Maryland 21076 
Phone: 410-796-0733

Sunday:

Bus 8:25 am

at White marsh (leave house by 7:15)

Arrive in NYC Penn Station at 11:45 am (Breakfast on Bus)

(Penn station is right next door to Macy’s)

Macy's 34th Street at Herald Square

Macy's is covered head to toe with spectacular holiday decorations. It can feel like a war zone around the holidays, especially the gift wrapping department, but their Santa is unbeatable.

Lunch at Carnegie deli http://www.carnegiedeli.com/

Location: The Carnegie Deli, 854 Seventh Ave. at 55th Street, New York
New York, 10019 Tel: 212-757-2245 Toll Free: 800-334-5606

Saks Fifth Avenue 49th and Fifth

Rockefeller Center 50th Street and Fifth Ave

Trump Tower 56th & Fifth

Tiffany & Co. 57th & Fifth

FAO Schwartz 58th & Fifth

Bergdorf Goodman 58th and Fifth

Bloomingdale's 59th and Lexington

Barney's 61st and Madison

Break at Alice's Tea Cup 156 E. 64th 212-486-9200 (closest train is 59th and Lexington: Bloomingdale’s)

Wollmans Ice rink www.wollmanskatingrink.com

Central Park near

East 64th Street

Dinner at Serendipity’s
http://www.serendipity3.com/main.htm

225 East 60th Street

between 2nd and 3rd Avenues

New York, NY 10022

(very close to Bloomingdale's)

Sanrio Inc
www.sanrio.com

233 W 42nd St
New York, NY 10036
(212) 840-6011

M & M World
www.mymms.com

1600 Broadway # 1
New York, NY 10019
(212) 295-3850

The Disney Store
210 W. 42nd St. @ 7th Ave
(212) 221-0430

CBS
1697 Broadway at 53rd Street, (212) 975-8600

Monday: Arlington Nat Cem and DC

Opens at 8:00 am

Smart Pass for parking
7.80 day fare use after 9:30 am.
Glenmont:12501 Georgia Avenue  Silver Spring, MD 20906

Tuesday: Graduation in the evening followed by the Cheesecake factory!

Over all I say, well done Krista, well done!

Priceless.......

2008-12-07T13:17:00.004-08:00

Finding 30% off coupon to use on top of already drastically reduced items:
$220.00 Saved.

Having the coolest waiter recognize you as a former frequent customer:
$4.00 Saved.

Spending an evening with a friend you can be 100% yourself around:
Priceless.

Presents for Me!

2008-12-05T15:32:00.003-08:00

I love to buy myself things, especially when I have a reason.
Merry Christmas to me.

For Christmas I purchased a camera. It has been years since I have had one. Ya, now I can have pictures of all the fun and interesting things I see!

And for Graduation. (Yes I did say graduation that will be a blog in itself).

My first computer! Now between the camera and the computer I don't have as many excuses for not blogging!

What Twilight Heroine Are You?

2008-11-14T14:32:00.002-08:00

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

A Day With Linus.

2008-10-31T13:42:00.009-07:00

So back on the 11th of October Richy and Marie (My Cousins) had plans to go to the DC temple. Since the only thing standing in their way was what to do with Linus, I happily volunteered for the task. I was aware of the energy and ingenuity it takes to keep a little one entertained for the day. I was still shocked at how much we accomplished!

One the way back from Brunch I asked Linus if he wanted to go to the park. He confirmed my theory that the prospects of brightly colored jungle gym equipment to climb on was a grand idea. Well, we made it 20 ft from the playground and Linus was too thrilled by the "sparkly dirt" to go any further. He proceeded to play and enjoy himself in the dirt until I suggested me move the adventure to where I live so we can play with trucks.... in the leaves. He agreed since truck and leaves were "GREAT!"

It was a blissful time. Linus, leaves, trucks, sprite, and cookies. I did try and feed him mac and cheese and corn dogs. The mac and cheese was not touched and the corn dog only got a couple bites. What can I expect when I already gave him sprite and cookies. (sorry R&M, hope he made it home without illness).

Here's some shots from our day.

A perfect Spritey-trucky moment

Moving leaves

Taking a walk

Fun at the little park we found on the walking trail

I didn't even wish that time was going faster, and was surprised when his parents showed up to get him. Ahhh, the bliss of family!

Photo Tag...

2008-10-01T13:01:00.004-07:00

The rules of the game: Go to your pictures folder and take the fourth picture from the fourth file and post it.

Since I only have a file on my flash drive; I just closed my eyes and clicked.

This is one I came accross for another tag. I love this photo!

I tag.... Gusti, Rachel, Darilyn, and Kellie. Can't waite to see what you get!

200 Have and Have-Nots....

2008-09-28T08:55:00.004-07:00

My friend Amy had this on her blog, and since I am a master at spending time on things BESIDES studying, here goes.

The ones in BOLD I have done.

1. Touched an iceberg
2. SLEPT UNDER THE STARS
3. Been a part of a hockey fight
4. CHANGED A BABY'S DIAPER
5. WATCHED A METEOR SHOWER
6. GIVEN MORE THAN YOU CAN AFFORD TO CHARITY
7. SWAM WITH WILD DOLPHINS
8. CLIMBED A MOUNTAIN
9. HELD A TARANTULA
10. SAID "I LOVE YOU" AND MEANT IT
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. STAYED UP ALL NIGHT LONG AND WATCHED THE SUN RISE
15. Seen the Northern Lights
16. GONE TO A HUGE SPORTS GAME
17. Walked the stairs to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. GROWN AND EATEN YOUR OWN VEGETABLES
19. LOOKED UP AT THE NIGHT SKY THROUGH A TELESCOPE
20. HAD AN UNCONTROLLABLE GIGGLING FIT AT THE WORST POSSIBLE MOMENT
21. HAD A PILLOW FIGHT
22. Bet on a winning horse
23. TAKEN A SICK DAY WHEN YOU'RE NOT ILL
24. BUILT A SNOW FORT
25. HELD A LAMB
26. GONE SKINNY DIPPING
27. TAKEN AN ICE COLD BATH
28. Had a meaningful conversation with a beggar
29. SEEN A TOTAL ECLIPSE
30. RIDDEN A ROLLER COASTER
31. Hit a home run
32. DANCED LIKE A FOOL AND NOT CARED WHO WAS LOOKING
33. ADOPTED AN ACCENT FOR FUN
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. FELT VERY HAPPY ABOUT YOUR LIFE, EVEN FOR JUST A MOMENT
36. LOVED YOUR JOB 90% OF THE TIME
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. WATCHED WILD WHALES
39. GONE ROCK CLIMBING
40. GONE ON A MIDNIGHT WALK ON THE BEACH
41. Gone sky diving
42. Visited Ireland
43. EVER BOUGHT A STRANGER A MEAL AT A RESTAURANT (PAY IT BACKWARD AT STARBUCKS)
44. Visited India
45. Bench-pressed your own weight(not since high school)
46. MILKED A COW
47. ALPHABETIZED YOUR PERSONAL FILES
48. EVER WORN A SUPERHERO COSTUME
49. SUNG KARAOKE
50. LOUNGED AROUND IN BED ALL DAY
51. Gone scuba diving
52. KISSED IN THE RAIN
53. PLAYED IN THE MUD
54. GONE TO A DRIVE-IN THEATER
55. DONE SOMETHING YOU SHOULD REGRET, BUT DON'T
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. STARTED A BUSINESS
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Been in a movie
60. Gone without food for 3 days
61. MADE COOKIES FROM SCRATCH
62. Won first prize in a costume contest
63. GOT FLOWERS FOR NO REASON
64. Been in a combat zone
65. Spoken more than one language fluently
66. GOTTEN INTO A FIGHT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DEFEND SOMEONE
67. BOUNCED A CHECK
68. READ - AND UNDERSTOOD - YOUR CREDIT REPORT
69. Recently bought and played with a favorite childhood toy
70. FOUND OUT SOMETHING SIGNIFICANT THAT YOUR ANCESTORS DID
71. CALLED OR WRITTEN YOUR CONGRESS PERSON
72. PICKED UP AND MOVED TO ANOTHER CITY TO JUST START OVER
73. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
74. HELPED AN ANIMAL GIVE BIRTH
75. BEEN FIRED OR LAID OFF FROM A JOB
76. WON MONEY
77. BROKEN A BONE
78. RIDDEN A MOTORCYCLE
79. DRIVEN ANY LAND VEHICLE AT A SPEED OF GREATER THAN 100 MPH
80. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
81. Slept through an entire flight: takeoff, flight, and landing
82. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
83. EATEN SUSHI
84. HAD YOUR PICTURE IN THE NEWSPAPER
85. READ THE BIBLE COVER TO COVER
86. CHANGED SOMEONES MIND ABOUT SOMETHING YOU CARE DEEPLY ABOUT
87. Gotten someone fired for their actions
88. GONE BACK TO SCHOOL
89. Changed your name
90. Caught a fly in the air with your bare hands
91. EATEN FRIED GREEN TOMATOES
92. Read The Iliad
93. TAUGHT YOURSELF AN ART FROM SCRATCH
94. KILLED AND PREPARED AN ANIMAL FOR EATING
95. APOLOGIZED TO SOMEONE YEARS AFTER INFLICTING THE HURT
96. COMMUNICATED WITH SOMEONE WITHOUT SHARING A COMMON SPOKEN LANGUAGE
97. Been elected to public office
98. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
99. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
100. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
101. Had a booth at a street fair
102. DYED YOUR HAIR
103. BEEN A DJ
104. ROCKED A BABY TO SLEEP
105. EVER DROPPED A CAT FROM A HIGH PLACE TO SEE IF IT REALLY LANDS ON ALL FOURS
106. Raked your carpet
107. BROUGHT OUT THE BEST IN PEOPLE
108. BROUGHT OUT THE WORST IN PEOPLE
109. WORN A MOOD RING
110. RIDDEN A HORSE
111. CARVED AN ANIMAL FROM A PIECE OF WOOD OR BAR OF SOAP
112. COOKED A DISH WHERE FOUR PEOPLE ASKED FOR THE RECIPE
113. Buried a child
114. GONE TO A BROADWAY PLAY
115. Been inside the pyramids
116. SHOT A BASKETBALL INTO A BASKET
117. DANCED AT A DISCO
118. PLAYED IN A BAND
119. Shot a bird
120. GONE TO AN ARBORETUM
121. TUTORED SOMEONE
122. RIDDEN A TRAIN
123. BROUGHT AN OLD FAD BACK INTO STYLE
124. EATEN CAVIAR
125. LET A SALESMAN TALK YOU INTO SOMETHING YOU DIDN’T NEED
126. RIDDEN A GIRAFFE OR ELEPHANT
127. Published a book
128. PIECED A QUILT
129. Lived in an historic place
130. ACTED IN A PLAY OR PERFORMED ON A STAGE
131. ASKED FOR A RAISE
132. MADE A HOLE-IN-ONE
133. Gone deep sea fishing
134. GONE ROLLER SKATING
135. Run a marathon
136. Learned to surf
137. Invented something
138. Flown first class
139. SPENT THE NIGHT IN A 5-STAR LUXURY SUITE
140. Flown in a helicopter
141. Visited Africa
142. SANG A SOLO
143. Gone spelunking
144. LEARNED HOW TO TAKE A COMPLIMENT
145. Written a love-story
146. Seen Michelangelo’s David
147. HAD YOUR PORTRAIT PAINTED
148. WRITTEN A FAN LETTER
149. SPENT THE NIGHT IN SOMETHING HAUNTED
150. Owned a St. Bernard or Great Dane
151. RAN AWAY
152. Learned to juggle
153. BEEN A BOSS
154. Sat on a jury
155. LIED ABOUT YOUR WEIGHT
156. GONE ON A DIET
157. Found an arrowhead or a gold nugget
158. WRITTEN A POEM
159. CARRIED YOUR LUNCH IN A LUNCHBOX
160. GOTTEN FOOD POISONING
161. GONE ON A SERVICE, HUMANITARIAN OR RELIGIOUS MISSION
162. Hiked the Grand Canyon
163. SAT ON A PARK BENCH AND FED THE DUCKS
164. Gone to the opera
165. GOTTEN A LETTER FROM SOMEONE FAMOUS
166. WORN KNICKERS
167. RIDDEN IN A LIMOUSINE
168. Attended the Olympics
169. CAN HULA OR WALTZ
170. READ A HALF DOZEN NANCY DREW OR HARDY BOYS BOOKS
171. BEEN STUCK IN AN ELEVATOR
172. HAD A REVELATORY DREAM
173. THOUGHT YOU MIGHT CRASH IN AN AIRPLANE
174. Had a song dedicated to you on the radio or at a concert
175. Saved someone’s life
176. Eaten raw whale
177. KNOW HOW TO TAT, SMOCK OR DO NEEDLEPOINT
178. LAUGHED TILL YOUR SIDE HURT
179. STRADDLED THE EQUATOR
180. TAKEN A PHOTOGRAPH OF SOMETHING OTHER THAN PEOPLE THAT IS WORTH FRAMING
181. GONE TO A SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
182. SENT A MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE
183. Spent the night in a hostel
184. BEEN A CASHIER
185. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
186. Joined a union
187. Donated blood or plasma
188. BUILT A CAMPFIRE
189. KEPT A BLOG
190. HAD HIVES
191. Worn custom made shoes or boots
192. MADE A POWERPOINT PRESENTATION
193. Taken a Hunter’s Safety Course
194. SERVED AT A SOUP KITCHEN
195. CONQUERED THE RUBIK’S CUBE
196. KNOW CPR
197. Ridden in or owned a convertible
198. FOUND A LONG LOST FRIEND
199. HELPED SOLVE A CRIME
200. COMMENTED ON A FRIEND'S BLOG TODAY

So I think I was about 128/200. WOW. That puts what I think is my mundane life in another light.

Favorite Childhood Memory

2008-09-24T11:06:00.004-07:00

What do:

And:

Have in common? They are a part of one of my favorite childhood memories.

The question was asked the other day, "What is one of your favorite childhood memories?" My first thought was of our trips up the river to Nasika Park. We would always wave a watermelon which we would promptly place in the river to stay cold. The other selections would be either KFC or Kielbasa sausage and french bread. We would swim and eat, eat and swim. Papa (Ben) would wear his cut off shorts and our mom would put on her swimsuit, something we did not see her in very much. I just remember fun, happiness, and the occasional crawdad scaring me enough to get out of the water.

This memory lead me to remember 4th of July's. Every year for quite a few years we spent 4th of July with my 4-H club. The Super Cows Incorporated. We would gather at my Aunts house with inner tubes, air-mattresses or anything else we could think of to float on. Then the procession would head through the fields to the river. I always had a chuckle and wondered what the cows must have thought about us, and how odd we must have looked. The float up river would take a few hours. By the time we got to Grandma Roods place the parents would have the BBQ blaring and as much potato salad we could eat. We would then proudly show our sunburns off at our next club meeting.

A part of the Coos River, Coos Bay Oregon

Most of my memories I thought of in response to the "What one is your favorite" question were memories made on the Coos River. I guess that's why wherever I have lived it has always been, Home.

No Food for Me.

2008-09-19T12:41:00.003-07:00

With a start like that you would probable assume that this is about starving myself to achieve the goal of a better figure. And what do you do when you assume? You usually are WRONG. Like now.

I need to rant. Rage. Let the frustrations fly. This is not a blog for the faint in heart.

I HATE NOT HAVING ANY MONEY!

I am sure many of you are already shutting your mind to remember the last time you felt this way,ect. Well stop, open them back up and listen to ME. (I just want to be selfish for a little).

Money. One minute you have it, one minute you don't. This past summer I did not do much towards the end since I had too much fun in the beginning. I understood this and knew the consequences before my fun plans in June/Jul. Now I also knew that in going back to school there would be a cut in my finances. More time in school = more time studying. But HELL (yep I said the H word) was not what I expected. I am even working much more than I thought I would, putting in 20-25 hrs on non test weeks and 12-15 on test weeks. You might be thinking 32- 40 hrs isn't that bad for a paycheck. I at first didn't think so either. Then reality hit. IT SUCKS! Let me spell it out.

35 hrs per pay period x 2 pay periods per month = 70 hrs
70 hrs at my pay after taxes = approx. 700$

200 rent (I know, very cheap. I find myself VERY lucky)
100 phone (have to keep the coping system open)
40 storage (stupid storage)
50 gym (must have stress reliever, my sanctuary!)
160 gas (that's being conservative)
= 550 in basic necessity
- 70+ church (many of you know what I mean. If you don't, I'll explain later)
- 100 Credit card payments (grand total is not much, just still paying for that great summer beginning)
= 720 grand total
Have you noticed that I am above the 700$ mark, and have not even mentioned Food or the 300$ I have to have in by Nov 1st for graduation. Not to mention all the fun things I want to do. Like drink diet coke, study at Starbucks. Drive a distance that is NOT close to home, go to the movies, go out to eat, BUNKO! Get the picture.

Yes you could say it is saddening. I am sad. And yes you could say, "just think how nice it will be when you graduate!" Yes it will be. But man.

I am sure you are all probably ready to have me end my rant. Thanks for listening. (Oh, and by the way, this was not written with the intent to have you drag money out of your account for me. It's just a rant.)

4 Months To A Better Me

2008-09-13T11:09:00.003-07:00

No, your math skills are not off. I did jump from 8 to 4 months. Let's just say that I was having a good, no, VERY good summer vacation. Filled with all the fattening foods and soda I could get my hands on. So yes, this does leave me with 4 months less on my year of a better me.

One thing I am not going to do is get all huffy and frustrated. I will just say, "Hmmm, those cookies, ect. tasted good", and get on with myself!

Let's look at the goals from the past:
January- Gave up Soda.
February- Added exercise.
March- Cut out my white bread products. No fast food.
April- Bye, bye, butter. Farewell fried.
May- Maintenance.

January- One thing I have learned. I love my soda. Yes you could say I am a bit addicted (she says as she slurps down her 44oz D. Pepsi). It is my sanity in a time of stress and very early mornings.

February- Exercise is my friend. I am getting in 4 days at the gym. Granted these are only 30 minute sessions, but hey, I'm getting there. Plus I think I could add in my job. 4-8 hrs, 4-5 days a week on my feet have to count for something right?

March- I can do this.

April- I can do this too.

Sept- I am going to focus on a little inward revamping. Daily scripture reading. I am not at the point for study. I just need to get the daily routine down again.

In Case Your Curious....

2008-08-30T21:36:00.002-07:00

I was catching up with a friend from high school and this was what I wrote her. I thought I'd share.....
in case your curious....

OK here is my life in a nutshell :) Graduated- hung in CB for a year or so- moved to Eugene, loved it- moved to Utah, loved it- served mission in Vermont for my church, loved it- moved back to Utah, got my heart broke, hated it, graduated from Beauty School, very hard socially, worked in a salon, hated it- moved back to CB, hmmmm, trial - moved to Washington, interesting, got my CNA license, worked in a Nursing Home- Moved back to Utah, worked in a Salon, loved it, got my heart broke, hated it- moved to Maryland, worked as a nanny, hated it, worked as a nanny for a different family, loved it, sold health insurance, disliked it more, worked as nanny again, loved it, started school for nursing degree, love it, work as a nursing tech in local hospital, love it, graduate in Dec- the rest still has to be written! sooo what do you think? Have any ideas what I should tag on once I graduate? I am taking suggestions.

Oh, and I also have a new address..... again.....

6405 Summer Sunrise
Columbia MD 21044

Inhale....

2008-08-24T17:36:00.004-07:00

You might have thought that this post would be about stress reduction and a funny stress story. But oh no, this post is about my realization that I LOVE the smell of LAVENDER!!!!!!! This realization has been slowly coming on since the beginning of summer. Every time I put on my facial lotion I cannot help but take a huge deep whiff. This is due to the lavender essential oil in my lotion. I also am soooo attracted to the flowers. The purple color contrasting with the green stems.... My goal..... when I am dead and gone to have people share stories about how I was always surrounded by lavender and smelled oh so good.

Bring on the Batter

2008-08-20T06:28:00.008-07:00

I am a waffle girl. I love the crispy outside and the soft inside. i even love it when they are crispy all the way through and I can eat them with ice cream. O own two different wafflers with a couple more on my wish list. So why is is that when I stay at the Koncurats I cannot get enough if these!!!!!

PANCAKES!

Some of you might be thinking."Whats the difference?" But there is, especially for my mouth! SO here are a few pancake ideas I indulged in during my stay last week.

They have the basic Aunt Jemima Pancake mix. I mix this up according to the usual directions. Then I added:

Blueberries-
Tons of blueberries, to the point that you wonder if there will be enough batter to keep them together. You will still question this when you put them on the griddle, but the batter will puff up. I topped these with butter and powdered sugar.

Bananas-
Tons of banana chunks. Same as the blueberries. These I topped with butter and cinnamon sugar. The bananas become a little caramelized if they are poking out of the batter.

I wanted to do Banana Chocolate chip the next day but had run out of bananas. So Chocolate chip- won me.

My problem here was that I was dumping in the chips and suddenly thought- THESE are NOT blueberries! So you can imagine how chocolaty my pancakes were. I still ate them topped with butter and Powdered sugar! YUMMY!

Sooo that was my adventure with pancakes. I did not have any original photos since I could not keep them on my plate without eating them! What are some of your favorite pancake ideas?

Splashing Around

2008-08-17T16:41:00.007-07:00

This past week my job was to hang out with the Koncurat's dogs. Literally. Jake and Zoe are two of the cutest puppies I have seen and been around. They had me laughing all week. Of course I was also extremely tired from getting up early every day to let them out. But I took all that in stride and had a great time with them.

This is Zoe. Do you see what I mean? Sooooo Cute! She has the puppy-dog eyes mastered!

Another highlight of my week was when Dani and her little girl Sarah came and visited. We hung out in the pool for a while and then had a little hot tub time. Sarah is almost a year old! Dani and Rich were able to adopt her last year after quite a search. She is happy and very loved with her little family.

What are we waiting for?

Oh ya, this is what I am talking about!

I think pool babe is my calling in life!

Goal for the Week

2008-08-05T05:55:00.003-07:00

Organizing and placing the last 7.5 years of photos and memories in scrapbooks.

(The view from my chair. All the photos are labeled with post-its in stacks in chronological order.)

This also includes the book I am making with just church history, one for nannying, my Monopoly book, and Tea tour adventures. I have put together what I have for the Tea, Monopoly, and Church History ones. Now I start on Nannying and finish with all the rest of these years in Maryland.

I know this is biting off more than I can chew, but I can't help it! How could I resist knowing that I had a half empty house and a huge dining room table at my disposal. It has been harder than I expected with balancing Gallagher responsibilities and hospital duties. But I have a goal and I'm sticking too it. I guess I should get going .... only 7 yrs to go!

Breaking Dawn..... Till Dawn

2008-08-04T08:34:00.006-07:00

Megan and I headed down to the Breaking Dawn release party in our fancy dancy new T-shirts! We each chose our one to love, she took Jacob so of course I had Edward, not that I minded :)

The party was hilarious with a debate on who Bella should choose, A Bella balance contest where the girls balanced twilight book son their heads, a trivia session and a small prom in the coffee shop. Megan and I would check in every now and again and laugh a little then go back to our cushy chairs to read.

My number was 510 to pick up my book. I was not actually the 510th person. The numbers started at 500 after the 130 preorders picked up theirs.

We headed home after that and I started reading about 1:00 am. I read till 7:00 am (I thought it would be cool to be reading breaking dawn as the dawn broke) and then settled down for a nap. I started reading again about 12:00 pm and finished around 6:00 pm.

Now I will just have to Wait it out till the movie comes out in December!

50 Things #28

2008-07-22T15:23:00.004-07:00

28. Read all of Jane Austen's Novels.

Last night, or pretty much early this morning I accomplished this goal. All I had left was Lady Susan, and since I could not sleep, why not?

Amazingly this goal has not taken very long to accomplish. My favorite? Pride and Prejudice. I love the whit that Elizabeth gets to have. Granted pretty much all of Austen's novels have witty characters, I just like this one the best.

Well one more done, and many more to have fun planning and accomplishing.

Share a Memory

2008-07-21T09:13:00.002-07:00

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

I love ......

2008-07-14T12:39:00.003-07:00

Need I say more?

Blueberry Picking

2008-07-14T12:30:00.010-07:00

Besides the little roadside rush into the brushes for a handful of berries I have not been berry picking in years. When D suggested this during my stay in Oregon I was almost jumping up and down saying lets go, lets go.

When we were little we spent a good part of our summer picking berries out behind Our Aunt and Uncles barn up the Coos River. When the Aunts would come and visit from Utah or other far away places we would get to venture up the river more to other less picked areas. These memories were are a mixture of sunburns, pricked fingers, and warm blackberries melting in your mouth.

My favorite part was actually the making of the Jam. Well, not actually the making of the jam, but the fist bite of homemade bread spread with the "foam" that settled on the top of the jam while stirring. The foam had to be spooned off so it would not get mixed in with the pure preserves to be bottled.

Blueberry picking with D and the girls was fun. It took a few minutes not to feel guilty about "testing" the blueberries as we picked. I was reassured that this was how it was done, the owners expected it. Hmmmmm, fresh berries.

It took less than an hour to get the amount we wanted. We then went to the cutest and yummiest cafe. I would tell you were, but I cannot remember. I just know that my heaven will look alot like this. The restaurant itself was quaint with stained glass and antique cool things everywhere. But I loved the view overlooking the market across the street. The feeling of being out in nowhereville with only the locals, but knowing that Portland was only a short distance away. Ahhhhh, just thinking about it again makes me all happy inside.

Portland Rose Garden

2008-07-14T12:26:00.017-07:00

Another adventure we had while I was in Portland was visiting the Portland Rose Garden. I could not believe that Darilyn had not been there. Granted I had never been there either, but she lives in Portland! :) I really did not have any expectations besides seeing a few roses. We were definitely treated to one fine hour of strolling along one beautiful rose path to another. The Girls had a good time running around and smelling different roses and coming back to show us which ones where their favorite.

Heidi and Emma

The Portland Rose Garden in an International test garden for roses. Truthfully I don't really know what that means. I am sure I could look it up, but I am happy in my ignorance. I cannot remember the name of my favorite rose, but I could point out to you exactly where it was.

Darilyn

Self Portrait with Leann Rhimes (there was actually a rose named after her!)

Every once in a while we would be walking and Darilyn and I would say at the same time, "That smelled just like Grandma." Grandma Johns had a huge fondness for roses and owned more than one bottle of rose scented perfume. Often when I would go over to her house I would spend most of my time in her room, going through and organizing her jewelry (really so I could gaze at each treasure), and smelling each one of her perfumes. I am surprised my mom never stopped me since after spraying 5 bottles of different rose scents I am sure I could be smelled all the way to the High School (2 blocks)

Grandmas Flower

Heidi and Emma

Farewell Rose Garden, till next year!

Seaside Oregon

2008-07-14T12:20:00.010-07:00

During my stay in Oregon my sister and I and Heidi and Emma took a day trip to Seaside Oregon. Darilyn had been wanting to show me this town for a while now. I love the beach! Of course I could not object to the excursion!

On the drive down we stopped at the Roadkill Jerky Stand. The name of the stand should have kept us away, but luckily Darilyn knew better. They had salmon, bison, elk, venison, and beef. We settled for the venison teriaky (or was it elk?) and a bag of cherries. Emma, Darilyn and I went through he jerky pretty fast and realized Heidi went through the whole bag of cherries just as fast. We had to laugh at the red stained lips of Heidi as she gave us her impish smile!

The little town of Seaside is so great! I love the small town feel with the beach boardwalk entertainment. Emma loved the carousel while we had to almost drag Heidi out of the 25 cent arcade. Luckily we ran out of quarters before too much damage could be done! The weather was chilly and of course we did not bring our sweatshirts. (we are in Oregon, why didn't we think of that!) We ended getting some great deals and purchased some cute touristy ones.

Emma on the Carousel

We spent an hour or so lounging and playing on the beach. The wind was blowing pretty hard but that did not deter us. Afterwards we piled back in the car and enjoyed a nice drive home.

Heidi loves the Sand

Modeling our sweatshirts (except Emma, she did not want to get it dirty.)

The May Family

2008-07-14T11:57:00.007-07:00

Here are some great shots of my sisters family.
Names: Chris, Darilyn, Makenzie (13), Emma (10), Heidi (8).

Family Reunion 2008

2008-07-14T10:57:00.022-07:00

I think I should have written this when we came home from FR a week ago. Since right now I am listening to my nieces being oh so sassy and wanting to lock them in their room. Family, gotta love them!

Uncle Art and his Grand-baby Andrew

Family reunion this year was held at Camp Attitude in Sweet Home Oregon. We had 60 plus family there. There were tons of kids and the laughter just kept going. Kathy and Andria were in charge this year and kept our schedules packed. We had field games, nature walks, a day at the lake, talent night, Our own "Amazing Race", dutch oven cook off, and much, much, more.

Uncle Clair

Mathew (2nd Cousin) and Kerry (Cousin)

Fun and GAmes

Makenzie (niece), Heidi (niece), Zack (2nd cousin)

Hoe-Down Time!

4th of July Parade

Service Project (Connor- 2nd Cousin)

Alisa (cousin) performing a belly dance for talent night.

One of the much mores was the food. Our family loves food. My cousin Kristi and her family brought down their Snow Cone and Cotton Candy machines. This was a family favorite!

Kayla (my second cousin) Enjoying cotton Candy

Dutch Oven Cooking

Caleb (2nd cousin)

What I love the most is all the family being together. My Aunts and Uncles are not getting any younger, and health is not the strongest in some. We never know each time we see them if it will be the last. This year I won the prize for traveling the farthest to be there. We did have Some family come from Ohio and Indiana though. It is so great to see such a mixture of family that does not get to see each other often.

By the end of the week you could see folks taking naps at random times in random places. Our final morning we stuffed (literally) me and my sisters family in the van with ALL of our stuff and bikes. Picked up some KFC and headed down the road to revisit memories in our head.

Chris (brother in law)

Connor (2nd cousin)

Us and the KFC

Our next one is scheduled two years from now and I am scheduled to plan two years after that. It is crazy to think about where I might be 4 years from now, but I am sure the time will fly!

(most of the photos are compliments of Will Wood - cousin in law)

Beth's Wedding

2008-07-08T16:53:00.013-07:00

On Saturday the 28th of June my friend Beth got married to Greg Whitesell. (This is the same friend that I took a trip to St.Michaels with.)

The day started out early as I picked her up at her parents to take her to the wedding site. We were almost there when she realized that she did not have her wedding license. We quickly resolved that issue and continued to prepare for the big day.

We started with make-up, moved on to hair, and finished with her beautiful gown, veil and tiara. I felt so honored and proud to be the one helping her.

Pictures followed and after a quick touch-up on the hair and makeup she was ready to walk down the isle. (after all it was already over 80 degrees and oh so humid by 10:30 am.) Beth was a beauty ad Greg looked dashing. I don't think anyone could resist a smile on their face. I know I had a hard time keeping the tears at bay!

After many more hours of food and visiting Greg and Beth "Took the Plunge" with all the little kids and started their new life together!

Thank you Linda for working so hard to make this day special for Beth.

Beth and Greg.....Hooray and Congratulations!

Photo Mosaic Tag

2008-07-06T23:29:00.004-07:00

This is a really cool tag... Try it out and post your results!

1. What is your first name? Krista - I love this photo. It was the first one that came up and I felt it suited me perfectly!

2. What is your favorite food? Potatoes - For some reason I cannot get this one to work.

3. What high school did you go to? Marshfield High

4. What is your favorite color? green - I love all the different shades in this shot.

5. Who is your celebrity crush? Eric Close - ya, the randomness of the photos that came up was hilarious!

6. What is your favorite drink? Water

7. What is your dream vacation? Soft sandy shores in a remote very warm location!

8. What is your favorite dessert? Ice cream

9. What did you want to be when you grow up? Physically I wanted to be too many things, emotionally I wanted to be loving and beautiful. I love the beauty of this flower!

10. What do you love most in life? FAMILY! This was cool to find on the family page since it is a photo of Ukrainian Palsinki eggs. A tradition with my family.

11. What is one word that describes you? Happy

12. What is your flickr name? Um, I don't have one of those, but I put in my yahoo name Louiegirl and came back with this!

Here are the instructions:

1. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.

2. Use only the first page of results, and pick one image.

3. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into Big Huge Lab’s Mosaic Maker to create a mosaic of the picture answers.

St. Michaels

2008-07-06T18:00:00.007-07:00

For a little getaway before my friend Beth's wedding we decided to head to St. Michaels Maryland. Once there we stayed at the Five Gables Inn and Day Spa. Oh My! I do not know why I have not been to one before.

St. Michaels itself is a quaint town on the Chesapeake bay. It is full of little shops and unique items. Beth got some funky clothes at her favorite shop Charisma while I picked out a really pretty shell and silver necklace. We both got some fun gifts for family and friends.

Our stay at the Five Gables was a package deal. For our stay we had a little porch with Adirondack chairs. We also had unlimited lemonade. putting the two together we had hours of relaxation on the porch drinking our lemonade.

The next day after our continental breakfast we both had a one hour massage. I say Oh My again! I had no idea what I was missing. Perfect bliss! It also helped that it was an Aveda concept spa so the scents and little samples were already products that I loved!

I had such a great time! Between the above mentioned fun, plus the scenery when I was taking my morning walk, the gourmet dinner, and all the fun people we met, this will me a memory I will keep around for quite some time!

North Carolina

2008-06-23T15:29:00.008-07:00

I had such a GREAT time!

Last Tuesday I headed out with the Gallagher's to visit the Grandparents in North Carolina. The drive took 8 hrs with stops for dinner and traffic delays.

Ryan spent most of his days golfing with his grandpa so that left Lisa, Megan and I to hit the Beach. I LOVE THE BEACH!!!! I have learned from past experiences and slathered myself with sunscreen. No sunburns here! The only nuisance we had was the seagulls. Man are they obnoxious. they would swarm around you if you had any food.

(seagull swarm)

(watchin' the waves)

Our one day we had Ryan with us we went to the Hard Rock Park in Myrtle Beach. This is the only Hard Rock Park in the world. Our thought is that it has... allot of potential. There was only one ride that was a thrill, Led Zeppelin- The Ride.

(Hard Rock Park)

(Led Zeppelin- The Ride)

We came back on Sunday with the same traveling conditions as before. Hooray!

Lisa gave me permission to take her car and daughter again anytime this summer.... hmmm... tempting!

New Address

2008-06-13T18:48:00.003-07:00

I have officially moved back in with The Gallaghers for the summer!

12706 Maryvale Ct. Ellicott City Md 21042

Keepin' It Real Tag

2008-06-03T19:01:00.016-07:00

My sister Darilyn tagged me for this. The rules are you have to take ten pictures of the following things. And you have to do it right away. No straightening, cleaning or wiping the snot from your child's nose. Then you tag five others. So here it goes.

1. The Fridge
This is a picture of my shelf in the fridge. I am thinking that condiments may be a family thing.

2. Your closet

3. Kitchen sink
I promise I have not been "doctoring" the photos, it just might be my lucky day!

4. Toilet
This is the newly remodeled bathroom. Oooooooh, Aaaaaahhhh!

5. Your favorite shoes
Do slippers count? I love these! All soft and squishy, yet lots of toe wiggle.

6. Favorite room
I don't really have one I am particularly attached to at the moment. This one used to be my study room, but my desk is gone now. I do go here every day though, and hide away with a book or a movie.

7. What your kids are doing right now
Well... since I don't have any kids this one was a hard one. I tried to take some random photos of Ryan and Megan Gallagher, but they did not work. So here is one of Megan and Sam in NY. Megan is on the right.

8. Laundry pile
(smile) I did my laundry yesterday!

9. Self Portrait

I just got my haircut today so you all get the oh so rare straight hair shots. I even threw in a self portrait side view. (Oh ya, if you take the shot from above it helps eliminate the double chin!)

10. Dream Vacation
I have been sitting here trying to think of "the dream vacation". I can only narrow it down to three.

India

Thailand

Italy

I tag Heidi, Nellie, Ganine, Jessica P, and Jamie L. I look forward to reading/viewing all your blogs!

Like a Vampire....

2008-06-02T18:33:00.006-07:00

Every day at work at the hospital I get to have a little chuckle to myself.

One of my tasks as a Patient Care Tech is to do blood draws. I still remember being nervous the first few times I stuck someone. Now I just waltz into the room with my little kit in hand and announce, "I'm here for a little blood!" I then proceed to set up my stuff with am impish smile on my face, and a chuckle inside. This chuckle comes from the fact that I cannot help but think to myself, "I like to draw blood, I do it well, like a vampire!"

I admit that this new boost of confidence has come from my recent completion of reading Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight" series again. Is this wrong? I have to think not since if I am enjoying it more my patients have to be also...right?

I love this series.

I am in anticipation of the next addition to the series. I am also quite curious about the significance of the book jacket cover.....

What we saw in NY

2008-05-29T06:23:00.005-07:00

Besides Times Square and the other places I have blogged about so far we also introduced Sam and Denise to a few other NY sites.

I love how when you are walking down 5th Ave, or many other NY streets, amongst all the glimmer and glam there is still the historic and beautiful architecture.

One of those is Trinity Church. Some of you may recognize the name. I love this church well... because it is featured in National Treasure! "Heere at the Wall" Where Broadway (which used to be called Heere) and wall street meet! It is were the Templar Treasure was hidden!(I know it was only a movie!) Megan and I had a good time laughing and running up to see it. We felt so famous!

We also walked along Central Park.

Sam and a Statue

This day the city had shut down 6th ave and were having a street fair. As much as we wanted to stay and look around, after getting our snacks we head for Canal street for our shopping adventure.

Sam and Denise

What we ate in NY

2008-05-29T06:06:00.007-07:00

I am sorry it has taken so long to get this adventure blogged out!

We had so much fun eating in NY. In general we would buy a couple meals or just a few appetizers and share them amongst us all. Our fist day we went to Roxy's Deli on Broadway. Luckily when we walked in we saw how huge the sandwiches were. We finally decided on one sandwich, fries, soup, fried mac and cheese and a hot dog. Then the waiter brought out the pickles and coleslaw. Oh my! The Pickles were so good. I laughed so hard about the fact that we were in NY City and raving about pickles!

Our Roxy's spread

Corned-beef sandwich (1/4 of it!)

Another memorable spot was this little place in China Town called The Dumpling House home of the "excellent dumplings". This taste I will not forget anytime soon. Denise decided she was on the hunt for some good ones around here. I wish her luck since I have never tasted Chinese food this good (and I am not even very fond of dumplings!)

For our last dinner in NY we wandered into Little Italy. The streets were blocked off so people could just walk around and enjoy each others company. We stopped at a little place to just have drinks and chat but ended up with a pie and full tummies!

Where We Stayed in NY

2008-05-22T17:16:00.011-07:00

We got to stay at two great hotels in NY. Both of them were Marriott Hotels. One of them overlooked Times Square and the other had a view of The Statue of Liberty and Ground Zero (depending on which side you stayed on). I felt so luxurious at these hotels. Right before I fell asleep the first night my last words were, "These sheets feel so soft!"

A view from our floor looking down inside the hotel. We were a bit high!

Our Times Square View!

Our Times Square view at night. I loved to watch all the cabs!

Lobby ceiling at the West Street Marriott.

Our Statue of Liberty view.

Megan and Sam having a relaxing time!

NY Transportation

2008-05-22T16:51:00.005-07:00

To get to NY and back we were lucky to have free round trip train tickets! Thanks Dave! We left from the Baltimore Penn Station and arrived at the NY Penn Station!

(Baltimore Penn Station Ceiling)

Most of the time we hoofed it around town. We did get a treat compliments of Lisa of a Pedicab ride from Central Park back to the Hotel. It was so cool. I kept going from saying, "Man I feel like a real tourist today", to, "I feel famous... hello peasant people walking along". When we reached the hotel the naked cowboy was outside so our driver turned around so we could cat call and take pictures. Good times! We did take a couple of cab rides. One from when we transferred hotels and the other when we had to get back to Penn to go home. The first one was not that bad, a nice driver that actually used his turn signal. Our second one though... his name might have been "Smiling Carlee", but his ride was everything but smiling. If you stereotyped what you though cab rides would be and then notched it up by 5, you would have his driving skills. Poor Denise had a little melt down after getting out of his cab. I just did my best not to look out the window. At least I could check that up for a real NY experience!

"What Happens in NY Stays in NY"

2008-05-20T19:20:00.003-07:00

This was our theme for last weekend. Not that any of us even dreamed of doing things that would be inappropriate to repeat, it was just fun saying it. Lisa and Megan Gallagher, and Denise and Samantha Bowers, and I took of early Friday morning for a full fun packed weekend in NY City. This was Samantha and Denise's first time going there. I love going with new people. The excitement is so new to them! Every time I have gone I have gone with different people. This has made each one of my experiences different and still exciting!

Sheep and Wool Festival

2008-05-18T17:47:00.004-07:00

Yep, you heard right. I found out about the Maryland Sheep and Wool festival and decided I HAD to check it out. There were more people there than the county fair! I saw booths from county 4-H groups to booths from local and not so local vendors. It was crazy, something I had definitely not been to before. I kept having little flashbacks of Darilyn and her sheep growing up. A couple times while I was watching kids fit their sheep for show I wanted to grab the clippers and help them out a bit. It was cool that I could still name alot of the breeds though!

Oh Sooooo Tasty!

2008-05-18T17:41:00.003-07:00

I picked these up on a particularly snacky day with the thought, "what the heck?" Little did I know how good they would be. I had to use extreme control to keep myself from eating the whole bag!

8 Months to a Better Me!

2008-05-15T17:39:00.006-07:00

Soooooo...... This past month had been a huge downfall in the Oh so healthy eating schedule. Not that I have gone totally crazy, I just could not keep up with my stress eating. Cause that's what I do when I get stressed, I eat!

One thing I have done better though is the exercise. I found this great route. I start from my house, hit some trails that spit me up out by 108, and cross 108 into Centennial Park. I do one lap around the park and then trace my path back home.

The total route is about 3.2 miles. I can add mileage or shorten the route depending on my time and shin splints!

To help with the motivation I purchased some new shoes and an Ipod shuffle. This way I can clip and go, listening to some upbeat jams!

Curry, Curry!

2008-05-15T17:19:00.005-07:00

Today I had something very tasty!

I like to cook my fish outside on the grill. I fold it into foil pockets to steam cook it. This way I can throw the fish in there still frozen and not worry about scorchin' it.

Today I put my fish in its pouch and thought.... how can I spice this up? While purusing my spice basket I found my curry powders. I chose my Bangkok blend and sprinkled a good dose on the fish, sealed up my pocket, and threw it on the grill.

While this was cooking I began thinking how can I make this better. Mangos!!! I chopped up some mango and watermelon mixed in a little sour cream and a dash of my Punjabi curry powder.

When the fish and the fruit mixed together with the different curry tastes.... WOW! Sooooooo Good!

Reconnecting

2008-05-02T04:29:00.005-07:00

In randomly googling for a former teacher of mine I came across some info on some friends from Jr. High/High school. After looking at their myspace page I decided what the heck, I'll give it a try. And look who I found....

This is Gusti. Formerly Gusti Rogers, now Gusti
Darling. Yes Darling, just like in Peter Pan. I wonder if she has ever
had any rooms painted up like Neverland? Or done a family photo with her and her husband as Peter and Wendy and the kids like the Lost Boys (kids).

Anyways. We became friends my freshman year in High School. We both had sisters
who were Seniors that were already friends, which made it obvious that we should be friends! She moved off to Ricks College right after High School and met her love
Anthony. Now she is in West Valley Utah with a great little family! I
have to say, I was happy to find her. It is always good to reconnect.

Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah.....

2008-04-22T19:30:00.003-07:00

My sister informed me that I needed to post. I informed her back that I really did not have much to say. Most of the exciting things that are happening in my life right now are happening at the hospital.... which I cannot talk about... so.....
She says I should just talk about whatever.

Today I finally got my student loans. I laugh at this since my semester ends in 3 weeks. I did however still rejoice In receiving my loans. This means... I can pay my bills. So today I paid my phone bill, rent, and credit card. Then I got a little crazy and purchased tons of Pampered Chef products (with the anticipation i will have time to use them over the summer), and some new shoes and pants for hiking (another hopeful summer project). I have to be good now and pay my summer tuition and pack the rest away for future adventures.

I also think I might be getting varicose veins. I know this is a common thing among nurses (and hairdressers). My hope is that i can ward them off long enough to enjoy a few more swimsuit summers. (not that I ever notice anyone else, it's just different when you are staring at yourself).

My next adventure is finishing this semester. I am all scheduled for summer and fall. Lets just get through this one. For end of semester i am going to NY with Lisa and Megan Gallagher, and some other friends. three days of frolicking through the streets of NY.

I am done rambling for now. If you all enjoyed this one let me know. I am sure I can come up with some more random things from my mind.

9 Months to a Better Me

2008-04-03T17:34:00.003-07:00

To recap:

January- Gave up Soda.
February- Added exercise.
March- Cut out my white bread products.
No fast food.

Not having soda or going to fast food has been pretty easy. I am feeling rather confident in those areas. Exercise could be better. I am only getting in 3 days a week right now. Not good if my goal is 5-6. I am just so darn tired! Maybe if I have some Coke.... Just kidding! I have decided to change the white bread products to no white bread products, white potatoes, (those who know me know my sacrifice for this one), and no white dressings,sauces, mayo, ect. I decided to keep the white rice, substituting brown whenever possible. (I am after all, still a poor college student.)

April-
Bye, bye, butter.
Farewell fried.

Spring Break 2008!!!

2008-04-02T05:26:00.007-07:00

Spring Break was actually a couple weeks ago, I am now finally taking the time to write!

My goals were to:
1. Move all my DVD's into a CD case. (Thanks Heidi for that great idea!)
2. Make a bunch of jewelry.
3. Do as little as possible.

It's not too often I can say I accomplished all of my goals for a week!

Monday I went with the Gallagher's to the International Spy Museum in DC. Besides telling you it was really cool, interesting, and great, I shouldn't say more. (You never know who's listening). It was funny how when we left the museum each person we looked at we were wondering if they were a spy.

We had lunch around the corner in China Town. Tony Chang's won our presence. It was really good food. I guess Tony's is a big place to go since he had pictures covering his walls with him and famous people. Our favorite part of the meal though was the end when we kept trying to have our waiter take out picture. Every time he would go to push the button the camera would die. We tried this about 4 times, each time the waiter would use his cute accent and say 1-2-3..ahhhhhh, because the camera would die. We finally opted for my phone to take a picture.

The rest of my week was hanging with Ryan and Megan, the Koncurat's cats, and catching up on my relaxin'. On Easter morning I treated my-self to a perfect pancake stack. I've never made or had one before, and it sounded good. Sadly though I could not finish it. Oh well I saved room for dinner later at the Krewson's.

The Krewson's had the nicest spread for dinner. I wish I would have taken a photo of the picture perfect table with tulips and all the grand fixins.

Over all good spring Break. My goal now is to try to keep this relaxed state as long as possible through the rest of my semester.

Letting Go......

2008-03-26T07:05:00.003-07:00

The past few years I have lived my life by craziness. My motivating force behind my movement every day was stress and the hope of accomplishment. I felt last week during spring break an actual relaxation. Truthfully I had to make myself sit and do nothing and whenever I would think "I need to do this, or that", I would make myself push it aside and say, "for now I am just sitting".

I realized amongst my relaxation that the effort I put into some of my "accomplishments" really were not getting me anywhere. In not getting anywhere in these projects I was not only hurting myself, but wasting other people's time. I needed to simplify and "Let go".

I have been working for the past 5 years for Steve Koncurat. It started as a very part time telemarketing job. I then became a receptionist/recruiter. After seeing the success of the salesmen I decided to try that out. Six months later I went back to recruiting. Here I have been since. I have trained and seen many other ladies come and go from what I do. I have run errands for supplies and basically labeled myself a glorified gopher! I have really enjoyed it.

I also have worked other jobs and juggled that with school. In other words I have not always been here and there were times I am sure Steve would have liked to drop kick me :) But he is patient and kind as seeing my need for a little cash now and then and has let me work as little and as much as I want.

Today I finally let go. Will I miss it? Of course, but sometimes letting go helps us actually move forward.

(My "cubby")

Our Heritage... Continued..

2008-03-14T12:38:00.004-07:00

This goes along with the post below. My sister and I started cooking when we were tall enough to look into the pot on the stove. One of the first things I remember my sister making was Cheesy Egg Bake. The fact that I still remember her making it, serving, and proudly standing over us to see if we approved cracks me up! ( and yes this was all done in our lovely yellow kitchen seen in a previous blog) So for your taste bud pleasure and a walk down our memory lane here it is....

Cheesy Baked Eggs
3 tablespoons fine bread crumbs
6 small slices cheddar cheese
6 eggs
grated cheese
salt and pepper

1. Heat oven to 325° and grease six custard or muffin cups.

2. Put 1/2 tablespoon bread crumbs on bottom of each cup, then top with cheese slices.

3. Break one egg into each cup, and sprinkle eggs with grated cheese and salt and pepper.

4. Bake for about 12 to 18 minutes.

5. Serve piping hot in custard cups or loosen eggs and slip onto a plate.