Sometimes I feel everyone could use a little inspiration - I'm feeling like I could a lot lately. I found this posted on Facebook, by my friend Kelly - it struck me, so I'm striking you with it. Some very interesting things here... all I've heard before but sometimes a reminder is mega necessary.
Please take a few moments and go through the list... stop and reread the ones that grab you, I did.
~Ang
This is something we should all read at least once a week!
Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio
To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick.
Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood.
But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie.
Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25 No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27 Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything..
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
My 4th Photo Scavenger Hunt
Click on the badge above to be directed to Kristi's blog to see who all has signed up!
The month of June brings a new challenge for me... and many others who will sign up. Here is a link to everyone who has entered so far (keep checking back as people add themselves).
Kristi will be going through all the photos over the next week or so and posting her favorites for voting mid-July... stay tuned and I will direct you to that post once it's finished. It will allow you to look at each category individually and see her favorites from each - rather than having to look through 20+ posts.
I'm not going to ask you to vote for me because I don't do this to 'win'. I do it for myself and for the challenge!
Hope you enjoy!
Here it is:
1. A View from Above (looking down) - Looking down on a spiral slide
2. A Macro Shot
3. Laughter - Jordan on Father's Day
4. Relaxation - Relaxing by a fountain
5. A Celebration - Wedding @ Gooseberry Falls
6. A Sunset
7. Sun/Lens Flare
8. A Bridge - Train Bridge; Minneapolis, MN
9. A Shadow - just me, hiking
10. A Garden - they are all over my yard
11. A Park - Monkey Bars
12. A Street Scene - Midway during Back To The 50's
13. Signage - My favorite beer AND my favorite sign; Minneapolis, MN
14. A Summer Activity - Kayaking
15. A Summer Treat - Hot Dog Vendor on Nicollet Mall? I can't think of a better summer treat!
16. Earth - Our Beautiful Earth
17. Air/ Wind - Fog is in the Air
18. Fire - Campfire
19. Water - Anoka Dam
20. Something Vintage (pre-1980) - 1945 Dump Truck Riding Toy
21. Something Made of Glass - Minneapolis Central Library Atrium
22. Something Made of Wood - Wood staircase in the middle of the woods
23. Something that Floats - Taylors Falls Boat
24. Something Railroad Related - The end of the Railroad
25. Something Round - Audi Emblem
Monday, June 29, 2009
Thoughts
I didn't want to blog about death, ever. I pretty much don't ever want to face it.
I feel that I need to at least say something about Michael Jackson passing away last week. I have strong feelings about some of the stuff going on. To me, it's heartbreaking. I understand death is inevitable, I know it will come, I know we must deal with it. The thing that makes his death the most alarming, to me, is the fact that he was young, too young to die anyhow. He was the King of Pop in my mind, it's tragic.
There was a lot of 'talk' about how his death is a relief and how the kids of the world can sleep soundly now that he is gone. This, to me, could be the most disrespectful thing I've ever witnessed from the human race. He was never found guilty of anything; acquitted is the word, I believe. That being said I am not suggesting anyone change the way they feel about him, hell, I think OJ is guilty, but the jury didn't. This is my blog though, so here is my opinion. The thing I find to be the most disrespectful is that he is dead and you say 'Thank God"?! If you had an opinion why didn't you voice it while he was alive? He obviously had issues, there is NO denying that... but shouldn't he be allowed to rest in peace like anyone else? Why bad mouth him now, what's the point? If you're happy he is dead, great for you, no need to disrespect. Sometimes opinions are better kept to oneself, as you may think mine is - don't read it then.
There have been a lot of celebrity deaths in the last week; Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson, Billy Mays - it's crazy!
I feel that I need to at least say something about Michael Jackson passing away last week. I have strong feelings about some of the stuff going on. To me, it's heartbreaking. I understand death is inevitable, I know it will come, I know we must deal with it. The thing that makes his death the most alarming, to me, is the fact that he was young, too young to die anyhow. He was the King of Pop in my mind, it's tragic.
There was a lot of 'talk' about how his death is a relief and how the kids of the world can sleep soundly now that he is gone. This, to me, could be the most disrespectful thing I've ever witnessed from the human race. He was never found guilty of anything; acquitted is the word, I believe. That being said I am not suggesting anyone change the way they feel about him, hell, I think OJ is guilty, but the jury didn't. This is my blog though, so here is my opinion. The thing I find to be the most disrespectful is that he is dead and you say 'Thank God"?! If you had an opinion why didn't you voice it while he was alive? He obviously had issues, there is NO denying that... but shouldn't he be allowed to rest in peace like anyone else? Why bad mouth him now, what's the point? If you're happy he is dead, great for you, no need to disrespect. Sometimes opinions are better kept to oneself, as you may think mine is - don't read it then.
There have been a lot of celebrity deaths in the last week; Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson, Billy Mays - it's crazy!
Just serves as another reminder to tell those you care about that you do in fact care.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
I Scream
would you, my loyal readers, be worried or concerned if I posted only this:
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
?????
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
?????
This and That
commitment - not something I'm afraid of or have a hard time with. When I commit to something, I'm in it.
I've committed to 365 Days of Hope - my daily photo blog. I'm around day 141 now and I'm finding myself starting to slack. I'm losing interest. I still care, I still want to do it, but I'm lacking motivation. I want to take pictures of things outside; last week it rained a lot, this week it's been wicked muggy... both great excuses to be indoors. I have all winter to take pictures of things inside though.
Day 131 - I took a picture of a f'n balloon for fuck sake!
I need motivation. I need inspiration. I'm committed to this for 365 days... not only to learn how to take better pictures and learn my camera, but to do something for a year, something that is mine.
Only 224 Days to go!
The Photo Scavenger Hunts have been great for my photography and my daily photo blog - I kind of feel like I'm getting burnt out on those too, maybe it's a bit of frustration from not being able to get a few shots, or wondering at the end of each how I'm going to get the last few shots. I haven't heard anything about a July Hunt, not quite sure how that makes me feel - I think it'll be nice to have a break, but I'd kind of like to have the challenge - hunting for things (and trying to make them 'outside the box') is pretty exciting. I like to be good at things, I like to stand out... these hunts allows me to try and be good and stand out.
I guess I kind of feel like I'm in a funk; completely normal for me, just generally I'm funky in the winter. I actually had a great attitude all winter, my mood was fantastic, and I had a lot of fun. Now comes the funk, I guess.
I want to get away... go somewhere, a beach sounds nice. No cash though, especially after the budget 'planning' of the last few days - I don't have the spare cash and I'm trying to pay the credit card down, not add to it. Although... not eating out and not drinking for a few months could really fund a nice little get-a-way. Maybe that'll be a goal. I wonder how I'd spend my time if I'm not out eating and drinking. I'm antsy.
I wonder where I'll go...
Happy Thursday peeps - is anyone out there anymore?
I've committed to 365 Days of Hope - my daily photo blog. I'm around day 141 now and I'm finding myself starting to slack. I'm losing interest. I still care, I still want to do it, but I'm lacking motivation. I want to take pictures of things outside; last week it rained a lot, this week it's been wicked muggy... both great excuses to be indoors. I have all winter to take pictures of things inside though.
Day 131 - I took a picture of a f'n balloon for fuck sake!
I need motivation. I need inspiration. I'm committed to this for 365 days... not only to learn how to take better pictures and learn my camera, but to do something for a year, something that is mine.
Only 224 Days to go!
The Photo Scavenger Hunts have been great for my photography and my daily photo blog - I kind of feel like I'm getting burnt out on those too, maybe it's a bit of frustration from not being able to get a few shots, or wondering at the end of each how I'm going to get the last few shots. I haven't heard anything about a July Hunt, not quite sure how that makes me feel - I think it'll be nice to have a break, but I'd kind of like to have the challenge - hunting for things (and trying to make them 'outside the box') is pretty exciting. I like to be good at things, I like to stand out... these hunts allows me to try and be good and stand out.
I guess I kind of feel like I'm in a funk; completely normal for me, just generally I'm funky in the winter. I actually had a great attitude all winter, my mood was fantastic, and I had a lot of fun. Now comes the funk, I guess.
I want to get away... go somewhere, a beach sounds nice. No cash though, especially after the budget 'planning' of the last few days - I don't have the spare cash and I'm trying to pay the credit card down, not add to it. Although... not eating out and not drinking for a few months could really fund a nice little get-a-way. Maybe that'll be a goal. I wonder how I'd spend my time if I'm not out eating and drinking. I'm antsy.
I wonder where I'll go...
Happy Thursday peeps - is anyone out there anymore?
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Budgeting
Over the past few days I've been working on an Excel spreadsheet trying to help myself budget my money. I've always had a good handle on my money but, as the organized person I am, it always helps to list everything out.
I've been using my banking website to track some expenses and help see where my 'leftover' money goes.. have you looked at your online bank? My bank (Wells Fargo) has something called My Spending Report - SO helpful! It basically breaks everything down to show where I spend money, it allows me to reclassify something if it's not right [for example if I go to the gas station and spend $3-$4 on a drink and some chex mix, that's going to get put under 'Gas/Auto' - while it really should go under 'Grocery']. Anyhow, I've know about this for a long time and use it quite a bit. You should check and see if your bank offers it - it's a handy tool when trying to figure out finances.
The one thing I've learned... and need to try and put in check is how much money I spend eating out! I really can't afford to eat out like I do, especially when a huge part of it is alcohol. I went to lunch with my girlfriend last week, a sushi lunch so you have to expect to spend a bit more, we drank wine... on our bill there was $31.00 in alcohol alone! Isn't that just f'n ridiculous?! On top of the actual cost with markup, you have to tip someone just for pouring it and bringing it to you... it's so much cheaper to drink at home. I eat out way too much and way too often, I just feel it's so much more convenient to have someone make my food and bring it than for me to do it at home. I'm lazy. Not to mention the people who get paid to do it... do it sooo much better than I. The restaurants that come up with this stuff... are in business for a reason and generally it's not stellar service.
I also realized how much money I put into saving each month ... my saving account has to have a certain amount of money put into it each month to stay active, perfect... I have it set up to take that amount out with EACH paycheck, to cover my ass. I also have a ING Direct saving account that earns hella interest, which I have a lump sum transfered to twice a month. I try really hard to not touch my savings, unless I'm dying for it.. and even then I try to put it back once a paycheck comes in. I do use my savings to pay for car insurance though, as I figure having money put into saving twice a month, one of those transfers can be for insurance (cause it's just the right amount).
Anyhow, if anyone out there has any magical advice or personal little tips they use for budgeting, I would love to hear them. I wish I could be one of those people who budgets every penny, but I enjoy going out way too much.
I've been using my banking website to track some expenses and help see where my 'leftover' money goes.. have you looked at your online bank? My bank (Wells Fargo) has something called My Spending Report - SO helpful! It basically breaks everything down to show where I spend money, it allows me to reclassify something if it's not right [for example if I go to the gas station and spend $3-$4 on a drink and some chex mix, that's going to get put under 'Gas/Auto' - while it really should go under 'Grocery']. Anyhow, I've know about this for a long time and use it quite a bit. You should check and see if your bank offers it - it's a handy tool when trying to figure out finances.
The one thing I've learned... and need to try and put in check is how much money I spend eating out! I really can't afford to eat out like I do, especially when a huge part of it is alcohol. I went to lunch with my girlfriend last week, a sushi lunch so you have to expect to spend a bit more, we drank wine... on our bill there was $31.00 in alcohol alone! Isn't that just f'n ridiculous?! On top of the actual cost with markup, you have to tip someone just for pouring it and bringing it to you... it's so much cheaper to drink at home. I eat out way too much and way too often, I just feel it's so much more convenient to have someone make my food and bring it than for me to do it at home. I'm lazy. Not to mention the people who get paid to do it... do it sooo much better than I. The restaurants that come up with this stuff... are in business for a reason and generally it's not stellar service.
I also realized how much money I put into saving each month ... my saving account has to have a certain amount of money put into it each month to stay active, perfect... I have it set up to take that amount out with EACH paycheck, to cover my ass. I also have a ING Direct saving account that earns hella interest, which I have a lump sum transfered to twice a month. I try really hard to not touch my savings, unless I'm dying for it.. and even then I try to put it back once a paycheck comes in. I do use my savings to pay for car insurance though, as I figure having money put into saving twice a month, one of those transfers can be for insurance (cause it's just the right amount).
Anyhow, if anyone out there has any magical advice or personal little tips they use for budgeting, I would love to hear them. I wish I could be one of those people who budgets every penny, but I enjoy going out way too much.
Monday, June 22, 2009
My Sad Songs
Plinky Prompt: What songs bring a tear to your eye?
Lots of history with this one... pulls hard on my heart strings, always has, always will.
I'm learning to cope in public.
If Tomorrow Never Comes by Garth Brooks
Ever since the first time I heard this song it has had a huge impact on me. If you really take the time to listen to the words.. .and really feel what it means... it's deep stuff, yo.
Basically this: What if something happened to you today... would the people you care about know how much you cared? Take the time to tell people what they mean to you... it's important.
Goodbye My Lover by James Blunt
This CD came into my life at a time where I was struggling with my current life situations - I felt I needed to be strong, I felt a crazy amount of love flowing through my body, I felt hopeless. Each time I felt empowered to make a decision of any sort... I would put this song on and cry like I've never cried before.
Just thinking about it now brings a tear to my eye. God, music is powerful.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Instructables
Another website for you people... especially the thrifty people or the Do-It-Yourselfers!
Instructables - Go here to learn how to do just about anything better. The site features instructions for do-it-yourself projects in a wide variety of categories such as arts and crafts, games, gardening, music, pets, and technology. User-friendly videos and photos guide you through the projects, and user comments offer firsthand accounts of what it's like to work on them.
Instructables - Go here to learn how to do just about anything better. The site features instructions for do-it-yourself projects in a wide variety of categories such as arts and crafts, games, gardening, music, pets, and technology. User-friendly videos and photos guide you through the projects, and user comments offer firsthand accounts of what it's like to work on them.
Random v.9.12
Weeds - So I started watching Season 4 (oops, I mean S4) of Weeds last night - I'm in loooooveeeee! I will say right off the bat though that I am thoroughly disappointed with the lack of Little Boxes, on the hillside... Little boxes made of ticky-tacky... Little Boxes, Little Boxes... They did play it for the first episode, but the others have some lame little intro. I do understand it no longer takes place in the setting to play the song, but damn yo! I love having that song stuck in my head... it's so joyful! Aside from that, I'm loving where the season is headed. I believe there were 5 episodes on the first disc... watched 'em all, loved 'em all, laughed out loud quite a few times. Am I using the word 'love' too much here? Do I care? No, because I LOVE this show. I'm going to buy the season after work today (along with Gran Torino). There's just something about that Nancy Botwin...
Blogging - It's falling off yo, people aren't doing it as much as they used to - makes me sad. I know summer is busy and all, but I so much enjoy reading the blogs I do. I think it's silly how we sit and read each others blogs to know about each others lives... like you, yes YOU... the one sitting there reading this right now - do you really care about my life that much that you're reading my blog? You must... and I'm glad you do - I love the attention, so thank you, Mr. or Ms. blog reader, I appreciate you. Now, that being said and you knowing that I like attention... why don't you leave a comment and say hello, especially if you never have, I'd love to know you're reading.
Plinky - On topic with blogging falling, have you guys checked out Plinky yet? To bloggers specifically, it really helps with ideas and keeps your blog going, so people don't forget about you ;) It generally takes just a short bit to type out an answer and the site is very helpful with adding elements to the posts, such as maps or images, and if you link it, it will automatically publish to your blog.
Panties - I used to buy my panties (E, I'm using this word just for you) from New York & Co., but they have stopped making the particular style I like... I just don't know what to do! I almost refuse to search out other options... but eventually my current panties will need to be replaced. I'm just a wreck over this as of late... my current panties are getting old and I'm going to need to do something soon. (This could be the dumbest thing I've ever written!) I'm not looking for options/suggestions here, just looking for some moral support.
Porn Star Names - Upon being asked to come up with a porn star name (for reasons that are just NONE of your business), I found this list of female porn star names by decade - on Wikipedia. Notice how in the 60's you have 3 names... now scroll down to the 2000's - isn't that F'n nuts! This obviously shows how much the porn industry has grown (and we still have 6 months left of the year). Just something I thought worth mentioning.
Blogging - It's falling off yo, people aren't doing it as much as they used to - makes me sad. I know summer is busy and all, but I so much enjoy reading the blogs I do. I think it's silly how we sit and read each others blogs to know about each others lives... like you, yes YOU... the one sitting there reading this right now - do you really care about my life that much that you're reading my blog? You must... and I'm glad you do - I love the attention, so thank you, Mr. or Ms. blog reader, I appreciate you. Now, that being said and you knowing that I like attention... why don't you leave a comment and say hello, especially if you never have, I'd love to know you're reading.
Plinky - On topic with blogging falling, have you guys checked out Plinky yet? To bloggers specifically, it really helps with ideas and keeps your blog going, so people don't forget about you ;) It generally takes just a short bit to type out an answer and the site is very helpful with adding elements to the posts, such as maps or images, and if you link it, it will automatically publish to your blog.
Panties - I used to buy my panties (E, I'm using this word just for you) from New York & Co., but they have stopped making the particular style I like... I just don't know what to do! I almost refuse to search out other options... but eventually my current panties will need to be replaced. I'm just a wreck over this as of late... my current panties are getting old and I'm going to need to do something soon. (This could be the dumbest thing I've ever written!) I'm not looking for options/suggestions here, just looking for some moral support.
Porn Star Names - Upon being asked to come up with a porn star name (for reasons that are just NONE of your business), I found this list of female porn star names by decade - on Wikipedia. Notice how in the 60's you have 3 names... now scroll down to the 2000's - isn't that F'n nuts! This obviously shows how much the porn industry has grown (and we still have 6 months left of the year). Just something I thought worth mentioning.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Strange News
I don't often blog current events because ... well... I just don't. As it seems many of my blogging friends are in a slump, I'm doing what I can to keep mine going (for me and, of course, for you) - I don't really have much these days that I feel like writing about, especially with the PSH's on my mind 24/7.
I heard a story on KQ this morning that shocked and awed me; completely worth sharing and I would love to hear what people think about it.
Imagine yourself at your High School graduation; your name is called, you walk up on stage... this is a huge moment in your life! You're excited, you're proud, you're happy. You look out in the crowd point to your friends thinking Hey, look at us, we did it, yo! You see your mom and blow her a kiss to acknowledge the fact that she must have done something right because here you are, about to graduate! Moments later the superintendent tells you to return to your seat because today you won't be getting your diploma.
"There's no fooling around up here" she says to you...
REALLY?! Fooling around?!
This happened to a kid, Justin Denney of Maine, last week. Many other graduates were also denied their diplomas for goofing around - throwing around beach balls and such - which I can almost understand, beach balls at a graduation is kind of unnecessary. I, personally, find it hard to believe that waving at friends and blowing your MOTHER a kiss is fooling around! Its a proud fucking moment in any kids life, prim and proper hardly applies to being handed a diploma.
You can read the Fox News article here for more details.
The assistant superintendent said Justin will get his diploma, but how special will that be for him... You only have one chance to walk up on stage and receive your diploma; talk about a bittersweet moment.
I would be quite upset... to say the least!
I heard a story on KQ this morning that shocked and awed me; completely worth sharing and I would love to hear what people think about it.
Imagine yourself at your High School graduation; your name is called, you walk up on stage... this is a huge moment in your life! You're excited, you're proud, you're happy. You look out in the crowd point to your friends thinking Hey, look at us, we did it, yo! You see your mom and blow her a kiss to acknowledge the fact that she must have done something right because here you are, about to graduate! Moments later the superintendent tells you to return to your seat because today you won't be getting your diploma.
"There's no fooling around up here" she says to you...
REALLY?! Fooling around?!
This happened to a kid, Justin Denney of Maine, last week. Many other graduates were also denied their diplomas for goofing around - throwing around beach balls and such - which I can almost understand, beach balls at a graduation is kind of unnecessary. I, personally, find it hard to believe that waving at friends and blowing your MOTHER a kiss is fooling around! Its a proud fucking moment in any kids life, prim and proper hardly applies to being handed a diploma.
You can read the Fox News article here for more details.
The assistant superintendent said Justin will get his diploma, but how special will that be for him... You only have one chance to walk up on stage and receive your diploma; talk about a bittersweet moment.
I would be quite upset... to say the least!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Making out in Valleyfair
Plinky Prompt: Where was your first kiss?
It was either the last day or one of the last days of 6th grade... our school was on a field trip to Valleyfair. For days before hand I would sit on the phone with my girlfriends talking about how to have my first kiss with Ryan; where it would be, what I should do, what time we'd be there. We would do 3-way calls, Ryan would be on the other line and my friends would click back and forth - God Forbid Ryan and I actually talk to each other about it... or let it happen naturally! UGH - girls are so silly.
Fast forward to the day of...
It's a cold day in June, extremely cloudy, light rain - then plan is to meet at Excalibur around noon. I'm obviously on time... nervous... freezing cold. Ryan shows up... shivering (from the cold not the nerves) - we embrace. All of our friends are standing around, watching. We look [deep and passionately, jk] into each others eyes... our faces move closer to each other and ... ... complete disaster! Our mouths are shivering from the cold - that has disaster written all over it! Our mouths barely work, our lips are freezing, our teeth hit... it was easily the most romantic moment of my life... NOT!
Afterwards we walk away from each other and back to our group of same sex friends...
The End.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Weekend Recap 6/13/09
It's been quite some time since I've recapped a weekend... aw hell, who am I kidding - I've done it like twice, just really not my thing, but I know a lot of people do it, so here I go again. It's really going to be more of a blog about Saturday at Gooseberry Falls. I'll start with Friday though...
Friday I had to wake up and go clean for my gma, no big deal, but I would have much rather been sleeping. The summer daylight hours are really screwing up my 9 o'clock bedtime! I do my thing and then make my way to a park nearby. Originally I wanted to snap a shot of this park for 'something wood' on the scavenger hunt, but I ended up with something different for that, so I figured it would fit well under 'a park'. I take a quick walk around there, snap a few shots and end up with a few more items crossed off then planned :) always a good thing! From there I head to downtown Minneapolis which, as you are probably learning, is one of my favorite places! I knew of a few things I wanted pictures of for the scavenger hunt - parked by the river and snapped a shot of the Grain Belt sign, stopped at the Library, and took a short walk down Nicollet Mall. At this time it's around 1pm and I've been able to cross like 5 things off my list... awesome! Then... I remember that a bridge in Nordeast is going to be imploded on Father's Day, so I think 2 things: 1. I need to find a spot to be when it goes down to get some pictures and B. I need to get some pictures of it still standing! - I head to the bridge. I posted this picture on my daily photo blog back in April and I do have some alright shots from that day. I get there and see that a lot of it has already begun to come down, the entire 'road' part of it is gone and there are construction workers all around.. I'm kind of sad, but I suppose it's gotta come down somehow. I didn't get many pictures and I'm pretty sure going to the implosion would be a waste of time, maybe not; I've never seen an implosion of anything...
Anyhow - I make my way home and do some picture organization and try to play catch up on Tivo. I then make my way to the grocery store to buy food to make dinner for Steve, poor guy has been working so much OT, he deserves a nice dinner on a Friday night. It was a really low key evening - I may have ended up with a decent buzz that night :)
Saturday was the big day to head up to Gooseberry Falls!!! I have never been there in my life and have wanted to go for years, since high school. Steven promised me we would go this summer... and boy did we! We got kind of a late start and ended up getting up there around 2pm. Our friends, Jess and Tim, met up with us and off we went. Normally I don't share my pictures on my blog unless they are for the scavenger hunt or they are of friends and silly stuff, but since I'm so behind on uploading to Shutterfly and I was absolutely blown away by the North Shore... you get a special (private) sneak peek!
Please note that NONE of these pictures are post processed! Click any image to enlarge.
This is the Middle Falls
Beautiful view on the way to Agate Beach
Looking out to Lake Superior from Agate Beach
Lake Superior (look at how clear the water is!)
Upper Falls through the trees
A cute little waterfall, I call it Mini Gooseberry
We had to do lots of rock walking, especially if we wanted good photos... here is Tim walking the rocks
Afterwards we went up to Split Rock Lighthouse, with only a little time before the park closed, we were able to go up inside of the lighthouse and see some amazing views of Lake Superior.
Looking down into the lake, again NOT post processed... this is just how beautiful it is!!
Looking North, Lake Superior
We sure do have some GREAT LAKES in this beautiful country of ours... I hope you appreciate the place you call home!
After all of our picture taking, and some of us not planning ahead to bring anything to eat, we make our way back to Duluth for dinner, around 7pm. We eat at Little Angie's Cantina & Grill, which was delicious.. but gave me one of the biggest food babies I have EVER had! The plan was to stop at PortLand Malt Shoppe afterwards for malts... my plan was to get a malt knowing full well I was going to have a food baby, however, once it came time I just couldn't, so I tried everyone else's instead - BOMB malts... if you're ever in Duluth... make it a point to stop!
With malts in hand the 4 of us go sit on the shore of Lake Superior, the sun had pretty much just set over the hill behind us and there was a lightening storm just up the shore... it was such a surreal moment for me. Minus the winter, I would love to have a place in Duluth, it's amazing up there! Beautiful weather, great friends, a huge lake... perfect moment. I was in awe.
By the time we got on the road to make the 2 hours drive home, we debated getting a hotel room but figured there would be nothing in Duluth available on a Saturday night. We were exhausted. Just outside of Duluth is Black Bear Casino... we decided a room was the right decision over falling asleep at the wheel or, even worse, hitting a deer and damaging a Laser Red Bi Turbo Audi S4 (follow all that?)... If you've ever wondered... Black Bear has concrete mattresses and bricks for pillows. It was awesome... NOT!
Sunday was spent mostly driving and unpacking camping equipment from last weekend and washing it and letting it dry since it was all wet and muddy from the rain we had. Cleaning from the weekend before feels good to catch up on, but its pretty lame to be dealing with all the stuff a week later. It is also not a fun chore to do alone, as setting up tents and trying to move them around is not easy.
On a side note, I learned this weekend that I am not very good at skipping rocks :(
Thursday, June 11, 2009
TFT: Parents on Facebook
Seems everyone is talking about it... so I'm curious what people think about it.
A few months back I had a friend request from my mother... I denied within seconds. After discussing it with her and telling her there was no way it would happen she said "I didn't even know I sent the request, it brought up people I might know from my email addresses and the next thing I know it says it's send a request to everyone." Fine. I understand the confusion of Facebook off the bat, hell I was completely clueless when I first signed up as I was an avid Myspacer. Now Facebook is all the rage and I much prefer it to Myspace, even though I still dislike 'the new Facebook'... I digress.
So she didn't mean to send the request knowing full well I wouldn't accept - wonderful, no harm, no foul. The next day I see a friend request from my aunt... Crap. I talk to my cousin and we panic together about our mom's being on Facebook and what the hell should we do?! I leave the request open for my aunt so I can ponder.
I spent quite some time on Facebook learning about Friend Lists and how I could make them work to my advantage in this situation. Turns out you can really get specific and make everything how you want it for specific people. Awesome! I make some changes (and block a bunch of my current 'friends' from seeing shit they have no business seeing) and then I accept my aunts request. Done.
Now... I'm seeing everyone's mothers on Facebook, and some dad's too! I guess the saying everyone and their mom is fitting for who is using Facebook these days. I know specifically my mom and aunt are not signing up to 'check up' on me, but it's still strange. I'm not one to post picture of myself doing something illegal or stupid, but it's still strange. My life is not super private, but it's still strange. As you may know from reading my blog or by knowing me personally... my mom is one person I do not like in my business.
Anyhow - my mom 'accidentally' sent me another friend request the other week... only this time I was prepared for it. I added her to a list and we're all good!
So...Thoughts For Thursday for today is: Have your parents joined; either one or both? Did you accept and if so, did you add them to a friend list and restrict what they can see? If you denied, why did you? Did you discuss it with them? I'd love to hear any stories you have and get your thoughts on it if you haven't run into the situation yet.
A few months back I had a friend request from my mother... I denied within seconds. After discussing it with her and telling her there was no way it would happen she said "I didn't even know I sent the request, it brought up people I might know from my email addresses and the next thing I know it says it's send a request to everyone." Fine. I understand the confusion of Facebook off the bat, hell I was completely clueless when I first signed up as I was an avid Myspacer. Now Facebook is all the rage and I much prefer it to Myspace, even though I still dislike 'the new Facebook'... I digress.
So she didn't mean to send the request knowing full well I wouldn't accept - wonderful, no harm, no foul. The next day I see a friend request from my aunt... Crap. I talk to my cousin and we panic together about our mom's being on Facebook and what the hell should we do?! I leave the request open for my aunt so I can ponder.
I spent quite some time on Facebook learning about Friend Lists and how I could make them work to my advantage in this situation. Turns out you can really get specific and make everything how you want it for specific people. Awesome! I make some changes (and block a bunch of my current 'friends' from seeing shit they have no business seeing) and then I accept my aunts request. Done.
Now... I'm seeing everyone's mothers on Facebook, and some dad's too! I guess the saying everyone and their mom is fitting for who is using Facebook these days. I know specifically my mom and aunt are not signing up to 'check up' on me, but it's still strange. I'm not one to post picture of myself doing something illegal or stupid, but it's still strange. My life is not super private, but it's still strange. As you may know from reading my blog or by knowing me personally... my mom is one person I do not like in my business.
Anyhow - my mom 'accidentally' sent me another friend request the other week... only this time I was prepared for it. I added her to a list and we're all good!
So...Thoughts For Thursday for today is: Have your parents joined; either one or both? Did you accept and if so, did you add them to a friend list and restrict what they can see? If you denied, why did you? Did you discuss it with them? I'd love to hear any stories you have and get your thoughts on it if you haven't run into the situation yet.
Now it's your turn... GO!
Point the getaway car East
Plinky Prompt: The getaway car is waiting outside – where is it taking you?
So, I've always loved road trips... and I've never done one to the East Coast. Who doesn't love the East Coast?
From Minnesota I would get to see:
*Chicago (a city in which I have fond memories, and a few bad) - either way it would be fun to stop for a slice or take in the view from the top of the Sears Tower again.
*Sandusky, OH - which is the home of Cedar Point Park, and I've always wanted to go play there!
*Cleveland - a city I've never been to and would like to see (but not DYING to go). I am curious about the culture there, after all, having a football team with just a color as your name and no mascot on your helmet (which looks more Orange than Brown)... what could these people be thinking?!
*Take the road to Buffalo, NY and of course make a side trip to Niagara Falls. Something I've dreamed of my whole life... Niagara Falls! Man, that would be awesome - I have a huge thing for waterfalls :)
At that point, I would direct the car back to the South a little so I could somehow make my way through Rhode Island - ever since I was little I have been in love with that state because it's the smallest, and I've kind of felt bad for it. Just being in it and saying I've been there would be a very exciting thing for me, for the rest of my life.
*I would really like to take the road that leads to Provincetown on Cape Cod as it's one of my favorite places I've ever been. I'm not sure if it's the actual cape or just the fantastic time I had while there... either way, I want to go back.
*Boston would be the next stop on the way to Portland, Boston is cute and I would like to see it again someday.
*Portland, ME would be the last stop. Not sure what to do once there... but being in New England and in the upper most Eastern state would be a neat thing for me.
The road home I would probably cruise through New York City, Jersey (and try to see some of the Soprano's sights), then I'd stop in Philly for sure and stay for a bit.
After that there really isn't much on my list to see, but I'd find things along the way to stop and look at, I'm sure.
Anyhow - it's kind of a long trip in a getaway car... but hey, it's how I roll.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Random v.9.11
**UGH... Do you ever just want to get away, run away, escape life - even if for just a weekend? Of course you do, you wouldn't be human if you didn't. It never solves any problem (assuming you have a problem to escape), it won't allow you to get anything done (assuming you're running from backlog), but it gives you the feeling of rejuvenation, it makes you forget 'real life' for just a few days; who doesn't want that?!
I feel like I say this a lot in my blogs (with no luck)... but if anyone has spare dollars laying around, taking up space in your sock drawer, or earning too much interest in your bank account... I'd love to take it off your hands for you - we can work together and figure something out. Promise, I'm generous.
I've been researching Vegas all morning... not cheap. Maybe I'll look into Philly next, I've always wanted to go there.
**How come when you go to McDonald's, Burger King, or any fast food place and order a burger with only ketchup, or plain or anything where they take things off... you don't get a discount? They charge for extra this and extra that, but if you want less than what you get for full price... you still pay full price! I'm in outrage!
**Don't ask me how I feel about this Brett Favre stuff... I'm not following the story, although I do know he had surgery and I do know the Vikings are giving him a time limit to decide what he wants to do... but again, I'm not following it.
**The day before I went to Missouri, I posted this on my daily photo blog, after work that day I got a ride in that car. It was my first ever time being in a Chevelle and it was one of the most exciting things I've ever experienced!
**Also surrounding Missouri - I decided on my 20+ hours in the car that I do in fact like the smell of skunk.
**My hours have been restored at work, I'm thrilled! Last week I actually worked overtime... we are swamped! Who knows how long it lasts, but for now it's good... so we roll with it!
**I've decided that it's okay to eat Chicken Wings, the real kind, on the bone. Steve and I have kind of been on a kick as of late, normally we hit up B-dubs and eat our faves. Last week we ate the wings at Kieran's in Minneapolis, they were super tasty... I like dry wings a lot I'm noticing, over wings full of sauce. We also went to Serums in Anoka, they have tons of wing spices/flavors, I ate one sauce with 3 peppers next to it - OMG my mouth was on fire! I managed to get 2 of them down... then didn't really taste anything else after that! :) I should be photo blogging about all the wings I've been eating lately.
mmmMMMmmm... now I want wings!
I think that's it ladies and gents... How is life going for everyone else?! Lots of summer plans?
I feel like I say this a lot in my blogs (with no luck)... but if anyone has spare dollars laying around, taking up space in your sock drawer, or earning too much interest in your bank account... I'd love to take it off your hands for you - we can work together and figure something out. Promise, I'm generous.
I've been researching Vegas all morning... not cheap. Maybe I'll look into Philly next, I've always wanted to go there.
**How come when you go to McDonald's, Burger King, or any fast food place and order a burger with only ketchup, or plain or anything where they take things off... you don't get a discount? They charge for extra this and extra that, but if you want less than what you get for full price... you still pay full price! I'm in outrage!
**Don't ask me how I feel about this Brett Favre stuff... I'm not following the story, although I do know he had surgery and I do know the Vikings are giving him a time limit to decide what he wants to do... but again, I'm not following it.
**The day before I went to Missouri, I posted this on my daily photo blog, after work that day I got a ride in that car. It was my first ever time being in a Chevelle and it was one of the most exciting things I've ever experienced!
**Also surrounding Missouri - I decided on my 20+ hours in the car that I do in fact like the smell of skunk.
**My hours have been restored at work, I'm thrilled! Last week I actually worked overtime... we are swamped! Who knows how long it lasts, but for now it's good... so we roll with it!
**I've decided that it's okay to eat Chicken Wings, the real kind, on the bone. Steve and I have kind of been on a kick as of late, normally we hit up B-dubs and eat our faves. Last week we ate the wings at Kieran's in Minneapolis, they were super tasty... I like dry wings a lot I'm noticing, over wings full of sauce. We also went to Serums in Anoka, they have tons of wing spices/flavors, I ate one sauce with 3 peppers next to it - OMG my mouth was on fire! I managed to get 2 of them down... then didn't really taste anything else after that! :) I should be photo blogging about all the wings I've been eating lately.
mmmMMMmmm... now I want wings!
I think that's it ladies and gents... How is life going for everyone else?! Lots of summer plans?
Friday, June 5, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Some of My Favorite Words
Plinky Prompt: What words do you love?
Necessary
I pretty much really only love to type it. Necessary... necessary, necessary - try it!
Or try necessarily. :)
One of the silly things about me... however, necessary is also a great word to use, but only when it's necessary. It's not necessarily necessary all the time, you know?
Mediocre
Mediocre is one of those words that, the first time I saw it typed out in my adult life I thought "What the hell does that say?!" Ever since then, I've loved it. It's also fun to pronounce the way it looks; it'll make people wonder ;)
Summer
Can you honestly tell me that the word 'summer' doesn't make you think happy thoughts or conjure up wonderful memories?
Fuck
It is against the rules of this website to list a 'taboo' word?
In all seriousness... Fuck is a wonderful word - it's fits everywhere! I use it more than I should, because I'm a lady and all, but I really don't think about it when I'm spitting it out. It can be a happy word, it can be an angry word, it can be a silly word... Oh, how I love the F-bomb! There is even a documentary on the word... look it up, if you're into dropping the f-bomb :)
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
My Time Capsule for 40 Years Out
Plinky Prompt: List all the things you'd put in a time capsule to be opened in 40 years.
This is just the beginning....
News Paper
With the economy today and many newspapers going out of publication; I feel it's important to not only have a newspaper for memory's sake but to also have a clue to what was going on in the news for the particular day. In 40 years time, a newspaper would probably blow someones mind - imagine how taken over by technology we will be in 40 years... a newspaper would be a huge blast from the past.
A Blackberry/iPhone
Simple really... to see how far technology has come in 40 years - right now smart phones are all the rage, seems everyone has one. Let's show the future where we are at in the present.
A List of "Current Events"
Current President, Current popular music, Current popular movies, current popular TV shows, current food trends, current fashion trends, current populations of large cities, price of gas, etc.
A List of "Future Predictions"
Basically things like "The world is going to end in 2012", "flying cars"... all the things we THINK are going to happen in the future... just like when I was little I thought the year 2000 would be just like on The Jetsons. These would be predictions of the world, not necessarily just my own personal predictions.
A Bottle of Reserve Wine
Why not give the future something to drink while their looking through the past?! Not to mention a bottle of Reserve sitting for 40 years... should I even continue?
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