THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY

I left my list down in the car, so...I'm trying to remember all the things I've added. And I actually wrote this stuff down during the week. All the great birthday wishes All the new elephants I received for gifts Going roller skating Meeting my brother and sister-in-law for dinner That goofy, drooly grin of Luke's (Steph's little boy) Teaching Cati to skate and her determination Making plans to do the roller skating thing at least once a month Zelda and her adventures in dating Getting a start date for the kitchen remodel Trying new recipes and having them turn out as keepers Those new Amy's frozen meals with the noodles and the cheese and the broccoli

I there's more, but I forgot.

THANKFUL FRIDAYS

I usually have this entry up and running first thing in the morning, but it just hasn't happened today. I'm very busy at work, which is nothing new, but I am and have been doing things this week that are all microscopy related. I am so happy and thankful that this job has finally started to transition into things I know. Some of the procedures and sample preparation is new, but I've been teaching myself and not having to depend on training from some one else in the lab. I am also thankful for the opportunity to learn and a acquire all these new skills to pad my resume. It's going to be so thick and luscious when I'm ready to send it! I am also thankful for random acts of kindness. We got home Tuesday evening, after a 6 AM teaching gig followed by long work day and a 5:30 PM teaching gig, to Chris's mom suggesting that she'd make shrimp fried rice. I flopped onto the couch and said that sounds great. And you know what? She put broccoli in it! That's the first time I've ever seen her put an actually vegetable in her fried rice. It was exquisite.

The birthday celebration continues on through the weekend with dinner tonight with my brother and sister-in-law. Tomorrow I meet Steph, Cati, and maybe Luke for lunch and roller skating. I can't wait. I haven't been roller skating in years and I thought what a great way to celebrate getting older. Let's just hope that no one ends up breaking a hip. I am so thankful for my friends and family and my health.

Happy Thankful Friday!

LOVE THURSDAY

I had a completely different picture planned for today, but it just didn't happen and I'm not going to even whine about it. Because really, I couldn't do the idea justice. I just don't know how to photograph the love and good wishes sent my way yesterday.

Yesterday, I turned 34. No big deal. I'm not the type to fret over age. It was a pleasant day. I did things at work that I enjoy doing like preparing microscope samples and actually getting to use the microscope. What made the day special was that every time I came back to my desk to check email and what not, there would be a new birthday message from some one. They all made my heart glow.

The previous night I had a dream where I was given a huge gift bag. The bag was taller then me, it was that big. It was full of seeds, seedlings and plantings, all to start my very own garden. Everything I needed was in that bag. The bag was a gift from all of my family and friends. The dream was beautiful. I love you all.

Happy Love Thursday!

THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY TUESDAY

Once again I let a week go by with out actually writing anything on the list. But that doesn't mean that there wasn't any thing to add.

• Having new food night with Zelda and LT
• Good conversation over dinner
• Children with British accents
• Meeting my parents for lunch, just the three of us
• The Darth Vader Goofy and Obi-wan Mickey dolls that my sister brought us back from Disney World
• Chris bringing me a cupcake
• Getting a chance to read my new book (The Lacuna)
• Making birthday plans
• Dad and I setting all the kitchen timers to go off at various times in Pier One
• The telephone booth at Utica Square
• Chris eating the stir-fry I made with tofu even though he doesn't really like tofu
• Doing more microscopy related things at work
• That dog with floppy jowls riding in a car with his head out the window

More stuff to come.

THANKFUL FRIDAY

Today is my mother's birthday. And even though there are times when she drives me absolutely insane, I am thankful for her and her presence in my life. She has always been there when I needed her most and accepting of that fact that she has a very independent daughter who tries to not need her. So Happy Birthday Mom! Also, today I am really thankful it is Friday. This week has been long and trying and yesterday, as I helped collect tissue samples from a mouse, I really felt like I hated my job. I know that if they would just let me do the processing and microscopy work on the samples, I'd be just fine in this lab. I already know how to run the microscope better then my boss; just let me at it. So, even though it is a bit cliche, I'm thankful for Friday. I am thankful for the being able to rest and not worry about work for a change. I am thankful for ReatRoaf night at Zelda's and the opportunity to spend some time with Mom tomorrow.

Most importantly I am thankful. Have a great weekend and thankful Friday!

LOVE THURSDAY

To write an entry about Love Thursday after the events in Haiti seems a bit trivial. But if any thing, I think it makes it more meaningful.

Last week it was so cold here that our washer froze and by Sunday it still hadn't thawed out. So, Sunday morning, Chris and I loaded our dirty clothes in the car and headed to our old Laundry Mat. The weekly laundry mat trip used to fill me with dread. It seemed like such a hassle, but for some reason I was actually happy to go this time around. I'm pretty sure Chris had something to do with this.

While our clothes spun in the washers, we planned our next trip to Portland and making a list of things we need to see and do when we go. We had two peaceful hours of laughing and planning mingled with working together to complete the laundry chore. It was even almost like a date.

While talking about the horror of the earthquake in Haiti one of my colleagues said that it just goes to show that life can change in a blink. Every day is a blessing. It's easy to sit here and complain about a frozen washer; silly really. I have so much and I am blessed that my loved one is safe and whole. I am blessed that he is with me even through the mundane tasks of life.

Hold those you love close and remember it can all change in a blink. Love...Thursday

THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY TUESDAYS

Just going to jump right on in there. When a student tells me, before class, that they have an injury Finally getting this plasmid made (I know. This means nothing to the masses) Buying clothes one size smaller then I'm used to and having them fit Sales at the GAP Meeting Zelda for dinner and a movie even though the movie was depressing and people talked through out Not going in to work on the weekend Soy candles that smell like spearmint Oddly, grocery shopping Another odd one, going to the laundry mat Cati's birthday party Steph's husband driving to the other side of town to thaw out our washer Converting one person at a time to my food church (Bwahahahaha!)

Enjoy!

ANOTHER UNDERWEAR ENTRY

Ok, so a couple of years ago I wrote this entry about finally buying smaller underwear. You think I would have learned something from that whole experience, but no. Nothing. I learned nothing.

The other night I was in VS with Zelda, buying my annual new underwear (something I do at the beginning of every year). My current cotton panties were getting baggy and loose and down right annoying. I figured they were just worn out, but on a whim I asked Zelda if this might mean I needed a smaller size. She gave me one of those looks like "are you sure you're not really blond?" and said "uh...yeah". I'm not trying to toot my own horn and be all "Hey look at me and all that weight loss" because I just don't feel like I've changed that much in the last couple of years. Also it just never crossed my mind that I would ever wear size small in VS underwear. I know people with way smaller asses then mine and I'm wondering if they can even find underwear that's not in children sizes. I'm thinking that VS is trying to make every one feel a little bit better about themselves and that size small is really size medium. All this to say that apparently my butt is smaller then it was two years ago.

But that bra I bought. The one with all the elephants on it. The one that I knew would be too small, but bought any way because it had all those little pink elephants on it. Totally does not fit. At. All.

THANKFUL FRIDAY

I am thankful to be back into some sort of routine. The holidays through off my usual teaching schedule, my sleeping patterns, and probably even my eating habits. I had gotten lazy about planning meals and not too enthusiastic about being in the kitchen making those meals. I noticed that I tend to rely on a lot of fake meat products when this happens and I'm not too sure that that's a good way to be eating. I am thankful for my new cookbook that arrived this week, full of inspiration and I'm ready to develop a meal plan with a bit more zing. I am thankful for the prospects of the weekend and the things I'd like to do like getting some things organized and maybe even going to a yoga class. I have one obligation but that doesn't happen until Sunday. I have weekend of time mine. Hope everyone has just as free weekend planned.

Happy and thankful Friday.

LOVE THURSDAY

I know the Flaming Lips concert was last week, but I'm just now getting around to uploading the photos I took at the concert. I can't believe that was only a week ago!

This entry isn't just about a great concert. The thing about a Lips concert is the good, fun, crazy energy that always seems to vibrate through out the crowd at one of these things. I've never experienced any thing like it at any other concert. People dress up in crazy costumes and there are always giant balloons floating around. It's one of the few times where you would actually feel comfortable turning to the stranger next to you and giving them a hug, or in my case telling them to nab that balloon for me.

If only we could be this bold and free in our daily lives. That's what this concert always inspires in me. It inspires me to squelch the insecurities, find joy in the things around me, and share that joy and love with other.

Happy Love Thursday!

THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY TUESDAYS

I have a big list this week. A great list. A list that makes me grin and, well, makes me happy. People who dress up in crazy costumes for the Flaming Lips THE FLAMING LIPS! Balloons the size of boulders The drunk couple that sat in front of us at the concert (hilarious) Seeing Chrome at the concert Kissing Chris at midnight on New Year's Starting a new project Setting up my first picture for that new project Sticking with our tradition of Indian Food for New Year's Day Filling up a journal Hopefully being a good listener to a friend in need Zelda's friend telling about walking to Wal-Mart during the blizzard and wearing socks for mittens because she didn't have any gloves Having a belated Christmas with presents and every thing with my adopted family Surprising a friend with treats Playing Apples to Apples with people who really make me laugh

What a great way to start off the year.

THANKFUL FRIDAYS

I have so much to be thankful for not just on today, but every day. Last night Chris said something about all the stuff we did last year and how it seemed that for once we were not saying good riddance to a year (i.e. Fuck You 2005).

I am thankful for finishing up yoga teacher training, seeing Zelda in a play, camping trips with Chris, my new job and my life as a yoga teacher. I am most thankful for every moment spent with friends, the conversations and the laughter. Also I am thankful for the tiny few readers who visit this blog.

May this year be as blessed as last. Happy New Year and Thankful Friday.

LOVE THURSDAYS

The blizzard that hit here last Thursday seemed to put every ones' holiday plans on hold while all the interstates and turnpikes shut down. There was a lot of grumbling about the inconvenience, but I couldn't help but get a little giddy. It's not often (if ever) we actually get to have a White Christmas.

I took this picture as Chris and I were flying down the turnpike to my parents house on Sunday. The roads were mostly cleared, but the snow is still around. I love how a blanket of snow can completely change a landscape. A field we pass by thousands of times suddenly seems new. Appropriate because the New Year is upon us.

So, we had to have Christmas with the family a little later. Postponement didn't make the Christmas dinner of oysters and shrimp taste any different or the time shared with loved ones any less special.

Happy Love Thursday!

TO RESOLVE

As the new year approaches every one's thought tend to shift to their plans and resolutions for the next year. I never make actual resolutions. Instead, I make up a list of things that I'd like to maybe accomplish. Looking back on last year's list, I realize that I didn't do that bad. I had two really big things to accomplish and surprisingly enough, I got those done. When I read over my little things list, I laughed out loud. I didn't do any of those things except move my iTunes to an external hard drive, learned something about my camera, and maybe watched an hour or two less of TV. That sock I was supposed to have finished is still toe-less. This week, I've been feeling a bit anxious and edgy about the approaching year. It's like that feeling you'd get on Christmas Eve when you were still little enough to believe in Santa, but not as warm and fuzzy, more knotty and stabby. I have things that I want to do next year, but the anticipation of it all is killing me. I want too much. I want to be crazy healthy, run a marathon, learn foreign languages, simplify, love my new job, be a better yoga teacher, finish knitting projects, have a food fight, go roller skating, go to New York, go to Yogaville, be super organized, relax more, camp more, ride the scooter more, be more charitable, be a better friend, be a better person....Can you see why I might need a Xanax?

I have started doing something towards the "be more charitable" category. Today I started my paper work for registering my bone marrow in the National Marrow Donor Program. I probably would have completed the application today if I didn't need some information that is at home. I heard a story on NPR recently about a little girl who needs a bone marrow transplant. After listening to her mother plead with listeners to be tested and register your marrow, I couldn't say no. I just couldn't think of a good enough reason not to do it.

In all honesty, it's hard for me to really plan much for 2010. I feel like 2009 has been a really really good year, something I haven't had in long time. And I'm just a little sad about leaving this year behind, but I know that the new year will bring just as much love, laughter and joy.

THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY TUESDAYS

What an odd week it seemed to be. Short work week and being snowed in. It all seems so surreal. I sat down to write this entry and realized that I hadn't added anything to the list. Nothing. Nada. But there were things that made me happy last week. I swear it. Being lazy for two whole days Watching This American Life on the Roku Snow on Christmas Eve (yes, I know it was crazy and messy, but it was really pretty) Buying this year's shrimp from our local fish market. Best idea. The shrimp were really good and the guy even cooked them for us Having a "no obligation" Christmas Having belated family Christmas dinner on Sunday with oysters and shrimp Dad telling us about getting stuck in his neighbor's ditch and having another neighbor pull him out with a tractor My parent's fireplace Christmas nachos Our dog in the snow Holding Heather's hand as we walk through an icy patch in a "if I go, you go" pact. Hooper's snores

THANKFUL FRIDAY

I am thankful to be in a warm dry house and that we've decided to postpone Christmas with the family until Sunday or Saturday (haven't really decided yet). This is our first Christmas with out obligations and I have to admit to being a bit smitten with the idea of it all.

I hope every one is safe and warm and with someone they love this morning. Be thankful for the tiniest Christmas gift. Merry Christmas!

LOVE THURSDAY

If I learned any thing crafty from my mom, it was how to tie a proper bow. I don't use the skill but maybe twice a year, but it's very much like riding a bike.

I think my minimalist approach to wrapping this years gifts turned out nice. And with every bow I tied, I could feel my mom watching over my shoulder with approval. I love that mom can take a simple task like tying a ribbon and turn it into something fancy with a fluff here and a twirl there.

Hope all is at peace and that every one has at least one bow to untie. Happy Love Thursday.

THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY TUESDAYS

Lately, I've had very little time to write things down on the list as they happen. What I usually do is add to the list while Chris and I wait for our breakfast on Sunday mornings at the Classen Grill (seems to be our new thing). The bad part is that I feel like I might be leaving some things out. The good part is that Chris some times helps out and reminds me of things or things I said. The List: The response to our Christmas card Holiday parties Making a waitress's day Introducing Zelda to Froast Oohing and Awing over Christmas lights Singing along to carols on the radio Looking at Christmas wrappings and ribbons Finally getting that wire to knit with (knitting with wire is HARD) Short weeks The mouse cartoon I put on my lab meeting presentation Shopping at the Farmer's Market (I know. This makes the list all the time, but it really makes me happy) Planning for the 365 day project (I need a big box) Knowing that someone will be sticking around for a little bit longer then expected (cryptic) Finding my own time for me Explaining the meaning of various slang words to my co-workers

Enjoy!

THANKFUL FRIDAYS

I almost skipped Thankful Friday today just because of all the things that I have to do, but time is so odd. Turns out I've spent most of my morning waiting on someone else just so I could get my experiment going. The first two weeks in this lab have been a blur. Finally, I've managed to slow things down and do things on my time. The week didn't fly by as quickly, but I feel like I've been a bit more productive at work and home and this is something I am thankful for this week. This week, I am truly thankful that today is Friday and that I don't have any real plans other then a movie and a couple of hours of work on Sunday. I plan on doing a bit of grocery shopping, laundry and dusting my room, and then practice being lazy. Maybe I'll start a new book or finally start on a necklace project I've been thinking about. The weekend is my oyster.

With the Holidays approaching I am thankful to have this time of quiet. I am thankful for my husband and his kind a generous heart. I am thankful for my family and my friends. I am thankful.

LOVE THURSDAY

I know this picture seems a bit dreary for a Love Thursday entry. But my entry this week isn't so much about the picture as it is about actually taking the picture.

Davenport Chapel, built in 1939 by the W.P.A, sits in the middle of a cemetery at the top of hill over looking Route 66. Often Chris and I will take Route 66 to meet my parents or brother and sister-in-law in Stroud for dinner. It's a good half way point for us. Every time we pass the cemetery I think of stopping and taking a picture, but we never do.

Saturday, I took the time stop. I also knew that I wanted the pictures to be in black-and-white but I had never used this setting on my camera. Taking the time to stop forced me to learn something new about the menu and features of my camera (I think I'll start calling her Bessy). It also reminded me to slow down and to enjoy the brief respite and peace of the day, something I've managed to loose track of over the past couple of weeks.

Happy Love Thursday!