Knitting!

Today has been filled with MTV (Made, My Super Sweet 16, and Engaged and Underage--all guilty pleasures ;)) and lots of knitting!

Here's my Razor Cami so far...yep, I agree that it looks reaaallly small (kind of more like a hat than a top...). But it's stretchy...so I'm hopeful...



An explanation for my non-knitter friends...the red yarns are my "lifelines" so if I mess up, I can pull out the knitting and start from that spot...as much as I like the KU colors, the red yarn won't be there when I (hopefully) wear the tank top (or give it to the nearest tiny 10 year old)

I think you should...

I can't say I'm a huge Snape fan, but really, he's got bad hair, he wasn't cool at wizarding school, and they've suspected him all along...how lame would it be if it turns out he is the evil traitor?? But who knows...I've been wrong before ( a few times ;) )

Anyway, I've been busy recently. My flowers are still surviving (minus the impatient, which has gone to that "big flower pot in the sky"). It's been pretty hot and dry here, and they are suffering a little bit because I don't water them everyday (or every other day...). Thank goodness for moisture control potting soil! Without it, I probably wouldn't have any plants at all!

I am still working on the Razor Cami...I've finished the bottom ribbing, and put in a lifeline, so if I screw it up in the lace (quite possible), I won't have to rip up the whole thing again.

You will be mine...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6133773

(in a slightly different color)

=)

Got the sock kit sent yesterday (yay!)

Swap update...

My swap partner's (Hi Liz!) sock kit is packed up and ready to go...but I don't want to spoil the surprise...so this is all you get to see of it!

I can't mail it until Friday, but it's waiting by the door and ready to take the trip to Alaska!!

My Green Thumb (maybe)

In the front



On the balcony

They're still alive right now, so that's pretty promising...but the Impatient in the front is looking not-so-hot...I'm not sure if regular watering is going to save it or if it's heading to the overgrown field behind my apartment (where all my gardening failures rest in peace ;) )

Hogwarts Sock Kit Swap Trivia

As much as I hate to bump my last post from the top of the page...I'm a little behind with my Hogwarts trivia answers...

Who says...

"Greatness inspires envy, envy engenders spite, spite spawns lies"?

Answer: Lord Voldermort

Swap update: I have the yarn, stitch markers, needles, and pattern all ready to go. I'm making the bag this weekend and it'll all hopefully be in the mail next Friday (15th) or the following Monday! =)

YAY!!

We're engaged!!!!!!!!



Details details....We were getting ready to go out to dinner. John was on the floor putting his puppy Callie's crate together, and I walked over by him to get my cell phone, and he was on his knees and said "wait, I have something for you" and pulled a ring box out of his pocket and asked me. He said he wanted to catch me off guard and he definitely did!

=)

7 things...

I've been tagged to tell you seven random things about myself...and I'm supposed to tag 7 people...

...but I think all the people I know in blogland have already been tagged, so if you're reading this and haven't written seven random things about yourself on your blog and then tagged 7 other people, go for it! ;)

1. I am convinced I'm going to "English Major Hell" because I sold a hardbound Complete Works of Shakespeare back to the college bookstore for a grand total of $8 ;)

2. When I was 13, a sunflower picture I'd taken to the Kansas State Fair was seen by someone from Kansas Banker Magazine. They contacted me and paid me to use it for a cover of one of their issues (my first and only magazine picture/cover so far). My grandma still has that issue of Kansas Banker in her magazine rack!

3. I have seen two black bears while hiking alone, which is scary and exciting and amazing all at the same time (one didn't see me at all and the other seemed as startled/scared as I was and booked it into the woods).

4. Despite my current outdoorsy-ness, I'd actually never spent the night outside or in a tent until after I graduated from high school.

5. I talk to myself, a lot...

6. I haven't touched my film cameras since I got my digital one...I still have a half-used roll of film in one from 3 years ago...I'd rewind it and get it processed but the battery in the camera is now dead (oops)

7. I am very forgetful. I am horrible at remembering names, and it usually takes me two tries to make a grilled cheese sandwich because I forget about the first one and burn it black.

And another...

Me and Bren

On the bike path around Dillon Lake

If this is worth a thousand words...

...then I don't have to write anything, do I?

;)

I had a wonderful vacation and this picture was taken near (well...kind of near) Silverthorne, Colorado.

More to come...

KANSAS!

Hi from Lawrence! I got here yesterday after an uneventful flight from Columbus and here I am in my sister's house getting ready to watch her graduate from KU! =)

It's great to be back...I'm looking forward to good food, good shopping (!!) and seeing all of my family!

=)

HSKS Trivia

Trivia #1
What's the name of this potion?
This potion has the colour of molten gold, and while exposed to the air, large drops will leap like goldfish above the surface without spilling.
Oops...I mean, Felix Felices..

Trivia #2
Which book is this line from?
"Harry and Cho were now too embarrassed to look at each other, let alone talk to each other; what if Ron and Hermione started going out together, then split up? Could their friendship survive it? Harry remembered the few weeks when they had not been talking to each other in third year; he had not enjoyed trying to bridge the distance between them. And then, what if they didn't split up? What if they became like Bill and Fleur, and it became excrutiatingly embarrassing to be in their presence, so that he was shut out for good?"
Half-Blood Prince.

Trivia #3
Who utters these words?
"Oh I am glad I'm not on duty. I wouldn't fancy having to go and tell the Irish they've got to stop celebrating."
Arthur Weasley

=)

Tiredness...

I promise I'll have exciting stuff to post sometime soon...had fun visiting family up in Ohio...and now I'm cross-eyed tired and trying to decide what all I HAVE to do tonight and what I can leave for tomorrow...I'm guessing most things will be left until tomorrow ;)

Baby Shower!!

Some pictures from the baby shower of the table, the quilt blocks we decorated, and Michelle, Amber and me. =) So fun!

Razor Cami, Take Three...again ;)

Well...I'm three rounds in. I actually have 156 stitches and (as far as I can tell) it's not a knitted mobius strip...now as long as I'm paying attention and not watching Grey's anatomy when I get to the lace part, we should be all good.

I hope! ;)

HSKS Trivia Question

Question: Who says, "You will have your reward, Wormtail. I will allow you to perform an essential task for me, one that many of my followers would give their right hands to perform..."?

Answer:Voldermort

Swap update: Well...I haven't gotten anything for it yet, but I did just get my partner! =)

HSKS Questionaire

1. What Hogwarts house have you been sorted into?
Ravenclaw

2. List your three favorite double-point needle brands, including size and length.
I don't have favorite brands yet...but I like 7" metal needles (the ones I like are blue-colored and from Hobby Lobby...aluminum maybe? ;)

3. Would you like to try a new brand needle? If so, which brand? Size? Length?
Most needles would be new to me, but I prefer metal over wood or bamboo


4. If you are a RAVENCLAW, do you prefer the colors in the film or the book? Do you have a strong preference?
As much as I like to stay true to the book, I really prefer the movie colors

5. If your pal decides to send candies or chocolates are there any that you don't like? Gosh, I love dark chocolate, chocolate with nuts, more chocolate, sour candies, etc. etc. but I don't like white chocolate, reeses pieces, snickers, butterfingers, or suckers


6. What are your favorite scents?
cucumber melon, fresh/outdoorsy type scents (rain, grass, etc), mint/peppermint, coffee, and all those candles/scents that smell exactly like baked goods =)

7. Do you have any allergies?
Nope

=)

Swap!

As you can so from my new badges, I'm doing the Hogwarts Sock Kit Swap. I'm really excited about it!! Yay Ravenclaw!

And the first trivia question...
Who's talking in this conversation...."There is nothing worse than death, Dumbledore!" "You are quite wrong. Indeed, your failure to understand that there are things much worse than death has always been your greatest weakness."

Answer: Voldermort and Dumbledore

New Glasses!!

They came in today! =) I'm really loving them!

Yay quizzes!!

Find out which Jane Austen Heroine you are here

According to the quiz I am Fanny Price(and with my awful memory, I can't remember who that is or which book she was in)but it means that I am...

"Quiet, shy, and analytical, you observe and feel much more than you can convey. You're patient with others to a fault; people may take advantage of your compliant nature. However, in matters of great importance to you, you will stand your ground, as you always care for your beliefs and convictions. Others view you as the standard of moral uprightness."


Jane Austen Leading Ladies
created with QuizFarm.com


And, I don't want to leave my male readers (well...my boyfriend) out...go here to find out which Jane Austen hero you are!

Razor Cami, Take Three...

enough said ;)

I was very frustrated two days ago when I realized I'd messed it up again, but tonight I am REALLY tired and the idea of couch + knitting + a new Grey's anatomy makes me incredibly happy.

We had a work conference in Paducah (far Western Kentucky, 5 hours from here)...the drive there was uneventful...I'd even forgotten about the time change (it's in the Central Time Zone) which totally saved me from being late and gave me time to stop for breakfast...

Then coming back, I didn't pay a whole lot of attention to the directions, got to Elizabethtown, missed the road that takes you to Lexington and was all the way to Louisville before I even realized something was wrong (well...when I saw a sign that said "Louisville 17" that seemed a little wrong)...it was only about 30-40 miles added on to the trip, but I can't get over the ridiculousness of thinking I was getting closer and closer to Lexington and then wham!! being in Louisville. ;)

I have once again learned the lesson that I should read the entire directions before I start driving and probably look at a map...

Razor Cami, Take Two...

Well yesterday I got my yarn and circular needle (yay!) and started on my very first tank top....

actually, since I had twisted the stitches before I started the first round...I actually created my very first knitted mobius strip...oops! It was kind of interesting but not quite what I was going for ;)

So, we'll see how the second time goes...

What I've been doing...

I've also been doing some planning for my friend Amber's baby shower, and I'm so excited about it! I'm still working on the food. It'll be in the afternoon...so if you have any wonderful food suggestions, I'll be glad to take them!

=)

Hope you're all having a wonderful weekend!

Yarn is on its way!

Yep, I just completed my very first online yarn purchase and should be seeing my yarn early next week. I also had to get my very first circular needle (or would it be needles?), so that'll be exciting, too!

New things...

I just ordered new glasses today (not that I don't like the glasses I have, but they're four years old, my prescription has changed slightly, and I actually have eye insurance to help out with the $$)...so I'm hoping that they'll get in soon...so I can post an awesome picture of them and me! =) I was going to link a picture of the frames....but that would ruin the surprise...you'll just have to live in suspense ;)

I am also plotting a new knitting project. It's http://ohmystars.net/craft/knitting/prazorcami.html
except I think I'm going to do it in Elann Collection Esprit, French Blue (hehe...I say that like I know what it is, when really I got the yarn idea from here) so thank you to those ladies for the wonderful ideas and knitting skills! I can't wait to make something cute for me...and something that's not a toddler sock (sometimes I get into a little bit of a rut... ;) ). I've never made a tank/shirt/anything like that before, but the pattern sounds doable...so keep your fingers crossed! (and now since I've told everyone about it, I better go get that yarn out of the "cart" and actually check out!)

I also already made my new recipe for the week--balsamic pork chops with grapes--it was okay...but not good enough to bother typing up ;) Hopefully next week's recipe will be worth sharing...

So...

...which Grey's Anatomy character are you??

Find out here

I was very concerned that I'd end up being an Izzie (sorry if you like her, I'm not a fan) but thankfully I'm an Addison (well...not so much an adulteress, but amazingly gorgeous and intelligent, I can work with that ;) )

Edited to add...

I haven't touched the soup again since I had my first bowl. I think I may have been more impressed with the idea of the soup, rather than the soup itself...

Not that you shouldn't make it if the recipe rocks your world, but for my part, I won't be making it again.

Lucky

This week's new recipe ~ Lucky Chinese Soup




And it really is lucky, because I don't have to type out the recipe! Find it here.

I really liked this soup, and I also liked that it was different than anything I've ever cooked. It was also the first time I've ever purchased or used tofu. I still have half a brick (I guess that's what you'd call it) of tofu left, so I'm hoping to find a use for it.

It wasn't hard to make, but it was so much like something you'd get for take-out or off a chinese buffet, that after a few bites, I was thinking, "Wait...I made this? I started with ingredients and made this??"

Seems a little amazing to me.

New (Old) Pictures

Hi everyone...well, I finally got over my Flickr hang-up of wanting every photo on there to be my best, most perfect, most wonderful and I figured it was time to not be quite so picky...

So there are a bunch of new (old) pictures on my Flickr page...makes it a jumbled mess of Spring, Fall, Winter, Wyoming, Kentucky, South Dakota, Milwaukee, Seattle...but I'm really happy with it...I'm also hoping to get some more local, Kentucky pics up in the near future (have to take them first...)

Baby goats!

If one baby goat is this cute, imagine how cute 44 baby goats are!!

Livestock Club went to C2H2 Farms to visit this evening, and they have all sorts of animals, tons of goats, chickens, cute dogs, rabbits, cows...such a beautiful farm and a perfect evening! I hope I can go back and take some more pictures!

Mmm...

My new recipe for this week was...

Orange Cookies!

I have to say, I am VERY partial to chocolate in all desserts, but I decided to try something new. These are good...and since they taste like fruit (kind of), you can eat several without feeling guilty (if you don't think too hard about the sugar, shortening, and icing). I also halved the recipe (didn't need 12 dozen) but I'll put the whole recipe in here, in case they look so good that you must have 12 dozen ;)




Orange Cookies
From: Taste of Home's "Best Loved Cookies and Bars"

1 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup buttermilk
3 eggs
2/3 cup orange juice
4 1/2 teaspoons orange zest
3 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder

Icing
4 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 teaspoon orange extract
1/3 to 1/2 cup orange juice

• In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Add the buttermilk, eggs, orange juice, and orange zest (it looks really funky after you add that stuff--don't worry, it'll turn out okay once you add the dry ingredients!). Combine the dry ingredients; gradually add to creamed mixture
• Drop by teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.
• For icing, combine the confectioners' sugar, orange extract, and enough orange juice to acheive desired consistency. Spread over cooled cookies. Yield: 12 dozen
  

And, in case you're not in a baking mood...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjxY9rZwNGU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZ0jRuASVEQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39qdhbkTko4

I do love embroidery and kittens...

;)

Glories of the Garden

Pictures of my pictures in the UK Arboretum "Glories of the Garden" Art Show. The artist reception was last Sunday, and even though I've seen these pictures about a million times, I can't get over how nice they look all framed and hung up (especially the picture that's up at the Singletary Center--the one with the white wall and the fancy name tag).

Spring Foward is "ruff"

I love it being lighter in the evenings BUT the mornings are terrible (well, more terrible than usual) for at least a week.

Anyway, despite my not wonderful feelings about the time change, I got a TON of stuff done today. I caught spring cleaning fever and have been cleaning, and cleaning, and cleaning all day long. Everything in my apartment is cleaner than it's EVER been...except for my second bedroom, which is a wreck. I'm hoping I can tackle it sometime next week...after I got finished with my bedroom I was done for the day.

I did have energy to make dinner and it turned out lovely (!!) and incredibly easy to clean up, which was good because I didn't have the heart to mess up my perfect kitchen ;) This wonderful, incredible meal was...

Pork Chops with Apple Cranberry Sauce (and a baked sweet potato)




Seriously, the best porkchop I've ever had (the picture doesn't really do it justice, but when it comes down to it, I really wanted to EAT the porkchop, not take a picture of it or style the food or do whatever people do to make food look really appetizing and not just like mush on a plate) . I guess part of being inspired by food blogs means I should actually be including the recipe...which I'm planning on doing, but right now I think I need some ice cream. ;)

ETA: Recipe Time!

Pork Chops with Apple-Cranberry Sauce
From: Betty Crocker's Quick and Easy Cookbook

4 boneless pork chops (3/4 to 1 lb)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. coarsely ground pepper
3/4 cup apple juice
1/4 cup cranberry juice
1/2 tsp. dried majoram
1/4 cup Craisins
4 medium green onions, sliced (1/4 cup..I think I used more than this)
2 tsps. cornstarch

1. Spray 10-inch non-stick skillet with cooking spray; heat over meduim high heat, sprinkly pork chops with salt and pepper. Cook in skillet, turning once, until brown.

2.Stir in 1/2 cup apple juice, cranberry juice and majoram. Cook over medium low for 5 minutes. Stir in cranberries and onions. Cook 3 to 5 minutes, turning pork once, until pork is slightly pink in center.

3. Mix cornstarch amd remaining 1/4 cup apple juice until smooth. Remove pork from skillet and cover to keep warm. Stir cornstarch misture into skillet; cook and stir until thickened. Serve sauce over pork.

Yum!

hmm...

I'm getting inspired by all the food blogs I've been reading (and I'm getting very, very hungry) so I'm thinking I might start adding pictures of the new recipes I try to my blog...then I'll have more reasons to post AND more incentives to actually try new recipes

=)

A few clicks and...

...when it's not in black and white, the water in this picture is murky green with floating, fuzzy-looking, dark green accents (algae?)...the boys I was with thought it was filled with goose poop (which, it turns out, is a very similar color green)...

Oh, the things you learn during a field trip to Salato Wildlife Center...

Yay for cute cupboards!

Awhile ago, Christina suggested that I post a picture of my new dishes...but I've never had enough of them clean to actually take a picture...until now...



Ta da! =)

The multicolored plates/bowls are Fiestaware...I currently have sets in peacock, cobalt, shamrock, scarlet, and turquoise...trying to decide if I should branch out to even more colors or get more sets of the colors I already have (thoughts?)

The big blue bowl is actually a set of mixing bowls from William Sonoma that I love love love.

The red bowl by itself is a "Big Bowl of Self Esteem" from Our Name is Mud...you can see a bowl that's almost like it here. They also have lots of other really cute dishes (I've had my eye on a set of mugs that say "innocent bystander" and "troublemaker")

I also have adorable chocolate dishes that Erin got me for Christmas (the white plates and bowls)

It seriously makes me happy every time I open this cupboard--I don't think I've ever been this in love with dishes in my whole life! ;)

XOXO

Happy <3 Day!

This has never been one of my favorite holidays...BUT it is an excuse to eat lots of chocolate and that's never a bad thing (even if you're buying it for yourself...which I highly recommend and plan on doing this afternoon. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that by the time I get to Rite Aid it will be 50% off--double the chocolate!)

Edit: Unfortunately, the candy wasn't 50% off (I bought it anyway)...but there was a box of chocolate delivered to me at the office. John for the win ;)

Uhoh...

http://www.brunching.com/images/geekchartbig.gif

After avoiding anime for a really long time ("no, I don't like anime," "it's too weird for me" etc. etc.) I watched a bunch of Cowboy Bebop episodes this weekend and LOVED LOVED LOVED it.

So, according to the chart, I USED to be at the square second from the top(fans of scifi/fantasy literature) and now I'm in the next box down (people who watch anime but don't care about subtitles)...

Hmm...and I really love the Firefly television series...so I guess I was already on that row...

Unless...well...

...unless you count reading a big chunk of Piers Anthony's Zanth books...

So I'm actually another box below that...


Shoot.

;)

SNOW!!! FINALLY!!!

I had an awesome time going on a day hike today with EKU's Adventure Program. It was snowing and just BEAUTIFUL!! See...

Saturday Silliness...

Directions:
If your life was a movie, what would the soundtrack be?

1. Open your mp3 library
2. Put it on shuffle.
3. Press Play.
4. For every question, type the song that's playing.
5. When you go to a new question, press the Next button.
6. Don't lie and try to pretend you're cool.
7. Don't skip songs.

My Movie:

1. Opening credits: Girls not Grey--AFI

2. Waking up: Sweet Melissa--Pat McGee Band

3. First day of school: Helena--My Chemical Romance

4. Fight song: Sugar We're Going Down--Fallout Boys

5. Breaking up: Fum, Fum, Fum--Mannheim Steamroller (for that Christmas break-up I guess)

6. Happiness: Easy as the Rain--The Little Willies

7. Life's okay: Pink Triangle--Weezer

8. Mental breakdown: Storm Coming--Gnarls Barkley

9. Driving: Guess Things Happen That Way--Johnny Cash

10. Flashback:More Than I Can Take--Fallout Boy

11. Getting back together: Breathing Meditation--Deepak Chopra

12. Wedding song:Make Them Hear You--Black Eyed Peas

13. Birth of first child: Crickets at night (nature sounds)

14. Final battle scene:Hypnotise--the White Stripes

15. Death scene:Now and Always--David Grey

16. Funeral song:Girl from Athens--Pat McGee Band

17. End credits:December--George Winston

Try it out and let me know what you get...it's kinda fun! ;)

Geography anyone?

http://www.rethinkingschools.org/just_fun/games/mapgame.html

So, I tried out my geography skills when it came to Africa and the Middle East...it was bad, embarrassingly bad...

I figured I'd post it so you can either join the "Wow, I really don't have a freakin' clue where anything is" club or, if you do well, be my geography tutor ;)

Nothing like the smell of...

So I started drinking green tea, enough caffiene to get me going in the morning (without the crash that coffee gives me), antioxidants, whatever else...

But then this morning, I smelled it and thought, "Gosh, that really reminds me of something. What is it?"

Another sniff and it pops into my head, "Poultry barn..."

I'm not sure how often I'll be drinking green tea in the future.

;)

Wonderful...

So, of course, being the obsessive person that I am, I did drive 35 miles (roundtrip) to buy the second book, New Moon (but I am going to buy the first book from Amazon to save myself some money) and I just finished it. It was wonderful, but I'm always a little sad when I finish a book. I get so sucked in that when I get to the last page, it's almost a shock to realize that it's not real, not actually happening, that the characters don't actually exist...and that I can never read that book for the first time again. It's like the day after Christmas...

Obsession...

So I'm usually a fairly normal person (ok...don't laugh ;) ) but recently I've become more than a little obsessed over a few things...

Like yesterday, I started reading Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (and, of course, finished it) and I honestly cannot stop thinking about it. I guess teenage vampire love stories really do it for me, who knew?!? I've even been to the authors website, which has only made it worse...because she has "soundtracks" to go along with her books...so now, on top of really, really needing the next book, I also need to steal all those songs off the internet (I mean, go to itunes and purchase them all in the legal fashion). Our library here has two copies of the next book but they're both checked out...so my very next thought is that I need to drive to Lexington where I could buy both books, and if necessary, I could read my borrowed Twilight over again to tide me over....it's straight up craziness, seriously...

The author is also an Orson Scott Card fan (so much in common, maybe I'm destined to write bestselling young adult novels...). If I haven't sold you on vampire stories, at least go out and read Enders Game and Enders Shadow. After reading those, I spent some time wondering whether I could call my far-off-future child Ender, without him getting beat up on the playground (unlikely). So when I end up with a dog/fish/houseplant named "Ender," you'll know why.

My other obsession, which isn't as new and not quite as scary, is Grey's Anatomy. I really never thought I'd be "that person" but I have honestly said things like "I really hope George and Callie get back together. They're cute together." I know they're characters. I know they aren't real. But for that hour, it's like they are, like there really is a hospital where all the surgeons are gorgeous and involved in crazy love triangles--I also love that Meredith snores (because all wonderful, intelligent, beautiful girls snore, right? ;) ) so, yeah...obsessed...

Two other obsessions:

Knee High Smartwool Socks with dots They're Smartwools, they're warm, they wick away sweat, they're knee high AND they have polka dots on them...it does not get better than this. I am currently planning to move somewhere cold enough to wear them everyday.

Fiestaware (my current favorite color is Peacock) but since I already have a set in Peacock, as soon as pay day gets here, I'm buying a turquoise set (so much for saving all my money ;) ) They seriously make me happy every time I use them. I had no idea it was possible to be this excited about dishes...

So there you go, a peek into my head...apparently it's filled with vampires, surgeons, socks and dishes...

abbie = investment expert?

That's right...I spent all day today learning about investing, saving for retirement, stocks, bonds, etc. etc...all interesting stuff (seriously, I am actually interested in financial planning)...I'm excited that now I can look at the stock ticker and understand what the numbers mean...I don't think I'll be buying any stock, but I do know what the numbers mean

However, now I'm stuck with the overwhelming feeling that I should save all my money and NOT BUY ANYTHING ELSE...

Luckily, I think with some sleep, that feeling will pass ;)

Hardcore walking...

I decided that I'd use netflix to try out some new fitness DVDs. Partially to help inspire me to keep my exercising resolution and partially because, even on the 2 at a time plan, I run out of movies I want to see...

So...today, I got Leslie Sasone's Walk Away the Pounds 30 minute walk. Oh my goodness...that's some serious walking! Luckily, even though it's hardcore, it's not too complicated for the totally uncoordinated (um, like me). It's also nice to do a workout where you can actually do everything they show you (I can do most of the things on my yoga dvds, but pilates..not so much). I may have to keep this dvd for awhile...

Flickr!!!

Oh my goodness...so I finally decided to put all my favorite photos in one place...and now I am TOTALLY addicted to flickr! I want to take a zillion more pictures right now so I have more to put up. I want to stay up all night looking at other people's pictures. I want to watch my page like a hawk to see when people look at mine and which ones they look at the most and who comments on what...

I'm also in love with the flickr badge I have here on my blog...isn't it cute? =)

It's bad...really bad... ;)

Luckily, spending less time online wasn't one of my resolutions--and I'm actually doing pretty well with those...still need to read a book this week (which is what the weekend's for) and try a new recipe (also weekend...and I need to go to the grocery store first) and I only have to exercise ONE more time to get to three =)

On with the new!

Well I've survived one day back at work after the long vacation, and I have been super busy around the house (packed up Christmas, re-potted my sickliest-looking house plant--looks better already, did dishes, changed burnt out lightbulbs, etc. etc.). Whew...

I really think it needs to get colder so I can go into hibernation mode...I could really go for some hibernating

Happy 2007!

Wishing everyone the brightest and best 2007! This year, I'm planning on posting more often AND posting more pictures (which will require taking more pictures--never a bad thing).

My other resolutions:

Exercise 3 times a week

Try a new recipe once a week

Read one book a week

Maybe by posting them here I'll feel more accountable--like I HAVE to do them ;)

Last day in SD

One last picture and I'm on my way to Ohio...with a stack of gifts for John (but shhh...don't tell him ;) )

Merry Christmas

Hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday! Just had to show you the awesome gingerbread castle that my sister, Erin, made (and that Brenna and I helped with)...my crowning achievements were the tree with the red dots and the dragon on the top ;)

Hi from South Dakota

Yep, I'm home for the holidays...enjoying spending all day in my PJs and hanging out with the "wild dog pack" (my parents' dogs + my sister's dogs = 5...with two more on the way with my other sister). It's cold and snow/sleety here...but, since I don't have to go outside, I don't really mind ;) I'm also kind of helping my sister make a gingerbread house...actually she's really making it and I keep distracting her with random flash videos and things from the internet (a house full of laptops and wireless internet, fun!!)...Can you believe she hadn't ever seen the kitty cat dance?? It's one of my favorites

That's about it here...hoping everyone has the chance to hole-up inside today and do not much of anyhing ;)

Uhoh...

My sister is growling at me because I'm not posting enough...so here you go Bren ;)

Fun Christmas stuff...

The Chipmunk Song at normal speed
http://www.i-am-bored.com/bored_link.cfm?link_id=20380

and then, Charlie Brown and his friends "shake it like a polaroid picture" ;)




Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and New Year!

<3
Abbie

Christmas Tree

I just put it up yesterday, and I love it! Now, I just need to get some gifts to put underneath it...

Something to do...

if you know how to knit, crochet, or sew fleece into scarves or hats...

http://www.supernaturale.com/glitter/viewtopic.php?t=25785

and as an added benefit, knitting, crocheting, and sewing are proven to reduce holiday related stress ;)

Red River Gorge

Milwaukee

Go Heather!!

Just wanted to brag on my friend, Heather...she's running the Chicago Marathon today!!!!!!!!!! Isn't that awesome?!?!?! Everyone think happy, fast thoughts for her =)

I'm also in Milwaukee for our national 4-H agents' conference...typing in the dark because I'm the only one awake in our hotel room (me and three other girls are staying together).

So what can I tell you about Milwaukee....well, yesterday I got to eat chocolate cheese! Sounds gross but is actually really good, it tastes just like fudge! I also bought 5 cookbooks at the Taste of Home Visitors Center Outlet (mmm lots of new things to cook), got to visit the biodomes in Mitchell Park, and ate Guiness Onion Soup (apparently it's good to cook with even if you don't really like to drink it).

Anyway, thats about it from here...I wish someone else would wake up (or that I could sleep in a little more--amazing that I never want to wake up for work, and now that I CAN sleep in I'm awake at 7 am...shaking my head)

Rainy days = Good pictures

...if you can keep your camera from getting too wet ;)



Here's one of my newer pictures--taken during "Biotechnology and YOU" camp. I took one kid from my county, and I wasn't in charge of anything. So, while they were extracting DNA from strawberries and learning about fingerprinting, I got to walk around in the rain taking pictures of canoes.

what a slacker..

I know, I never post...AND on top of that...I got a new computer and haven't reset my counter to not count me, so my blog looks more popular than it actually is ;) hehe

I don't have too much new going on...I've been working and watching my new Grey's Anatomy Season 1 and 2 DVDs (so addictive...now I can barely watch this season's shows because I'm used to being able to watch 5 or 6 shows right in a row). I went to Ohio last weekend and got to see John and Callie (what a sweetheart, but not so good at letting me sleep in...she'd be wiggling at my feet or standing in my hair at 6:30 A.M. ;) )

I also can't believe that no one commented on my last posts...c'mon, hot guy, adorable puppy...clearly no one appreciates my attempts to beautify the internet ;)


When at first you don't suceed, try, try again ;)

I've also been waiting to post until I had something really good/interesting/deep/inspirational to say...but it turns out that the more meaningful I try to be, the less I actually post

Luckily, other people have lots deep/inspirational/interesting/thoughtful things to say--specifically in the "This I Believe" essays segments they do on NPR. I love it when I catch those segments on the air...they've made me laugh, cry, and given me goosebumps all up and down my arms...You can read and listen to the essays online at http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4538138

Puppy pictures

I didn't take that many pictures while I was on vacation, but this was one of my favorites (John is playing tug-o-war with Hero and Bailey in my parents' backyard)




And here's the newest girl in John's life. I'd be jealous but she's just too darn cute! Her name is Callie and she's an 8 1/2 week old Brittany Spaniel. John and his family got her yesterday night, and she's already keeping him on his toes! Even though I can't meet her for about two more weeks, I'm claiming adoptive puppy parent rights right now ;)

Happy Birthday to me!

Yep, I've been awful at posting...but I have an excuse! Earlier this week, John and I drove for 17 hours to get to my parents house in South Dakota (with only two wrong turns by me...State Route 55 towards Chicago is not the road towards my parents house ;) ). We've been playing with the puppies (with my parents' dogs and Erin's dogs here that makes five!), watching movies, eating out, and I think today may be marathon shopping day (yay!!)

And...on top of it all, yesterday was my 26th birthday, and it was just wonderful! We went over to the community center and got to do some rock climbing there, AND the community center also has an indoor pool with a great water slide-so I went down the slide four times =) I even got my dad to try it out! Later, John and I went to Dairy Queen, and checked out the awesome flea market here. Then it was present and dinnertime! =)

I won't go on about my gifts because that seems a bit tacky, BUT I am glad to say that, as long as Best Buy pulls through with some quick installation, we won't be listening to old U2 and Top Gun tapes on the drive home ;)

Back from Louisville

I had to spend three days in Louisville helping set up the 4-H area at the Kentucky State Fair-rough, huh? I had a blast and got to check out a couple cool places in Louisville like...

Lynn's Paradise Cafe which I saw on the Food Network a few weeks ago. So, naturally, being the Food Network junkie that I am, I had to go check it out! Lots of fun, great food! =)

Also The Knit Nook where I bought two sets of needles and drooled over yarn...cute place =)

Let's just pretend...

that I get tagged for things ;) I saw this on Kirsten's blog and I feel like writing about books, so here ya go. I'm a BIG book person, and I picked my college major (English-and just English, not English Ed or anything that actually translates to a job) because I wanted all my homework to be reading (with some pesky writing every now and then). Then during all that English coursework, I actually developed a perverse love of editing and proofreading (not always evident in my typo-laden posts), but that is another post entirely...

Books that changed my life
Fahrenheit 451 - Ray Bradbury
Desert Solitaire - Edward Abbey
Illusions - Richard Bach
Lord of the Rings (I LOVED it, and finally reading it prevented me from being a total outcast in my family)

Books that I read more than once
Chronicles of Narnia - C.S. Lewis
Far Appalachia: Following the New River North - Noah Adams
From Beginning to End, The Rituals of Our Lives - Robert Fulghum
Many more...

Books that I would want in a desert island:
Honestly, on a desert island, I'd rather have a HUGE supply of magazines (Cosmo, Glamour, Health, etc.)

One book that made me laugh:
Tim Cahill's travel books make me laugh out loud no matter where I am (I think I've frightened people in airports before)

One book that made me cry:
I tear up reading "From Beginning to End" by Robert Fulghum

One book I wish I had written:
The Harry Potter Books

One book I wish had never been written:
White Noise by DeLillo


One book I am currently reading:
Harry Potter and the Socerer's Stone (again)

I'm back

Gosh I love vacations

and that pretty much sums it all up ;) I've been vacating in Ohio since Thursday, and I may actually be relaxing a little bit. We've been to an outdoor concert, went to see a really fun blues band at a bar, went out with friends, went swimming, visited camp, went out to eat, and yesterday, I managed to find two birthday gifts for John at the mall...amazing! I figured a procrastinator like me would be stuck with something crummy...BUT I found exactly what I was looking for, on sale!

Today we're making a trip to Athens (yay!), doing some mountain biking, and celebrating John's birthday (one day early since I have to drive back tomorrow). Hope everyone else is having a good week (and Bren, that your move is going smoothly, I can't wait to hear about your new place!!)
=)

Another flower picture...

I'm not sure what these flowers are...but I really like them. I had to move all the flower pots up to the front so they aren't getting baked by the sun. I just hope my neighbors will (please please please) remember to water them while I'm gone.

And Christina asked me a question in her last comment, which actually isn't too awkward to answer in a post (especially since my blog is mostly visited by a few friends and family members). My photographs are for sale. However, I'm still in the process of figuring out prices, frames, etc. If you go back to the post I made before the Mushroom Festival (April 2006), and would like your pictures to look exactly like those...the cost for a 4x6 (framed size = 8x10 I think, I don't have one left to measure) would be $35, and for a 5x7 (framed size=almost14xalmost17) would be $60, plus shipping. Different sizes/frames are possible but will probably take a fair bit of emailing back and forth. If there's something you're interested in, leave a comment or email me.

If you just want a print, I'm not sure how much that will be. I'll get back to you ;)

I'm even willing to sell photographs to people I don't know who randomly find themselves on my site, but, since-unlike my friends-I don't have junior high pictures I can blackmail you with, at this point, you'd have to pay by check and then I'd send the picture. I won't feel hurt if you don't take me up on that offer, but I thought I'd put it out there ;)

Eventually I'll have a site with all my pictures and I'll be able to take orders and tell you right off what prices are, but I'm still getting there ;)

Taking a little break...

Yep, turns out that work continues even after the county fair is over...now that doesn't seem very fair, does it? ;) Right now I'm so brain scrambled that I'm forcing myself to take a break, with the hopes that afterward, I'll be 100 times more effective (or something like that...)

I wouldn't have so much scrambling to do, but in just one more day, I'll be on vacation for a week! I'm going up to Ohio and I have big, big plans for the week, like sleeping in, and sitting by the pool, and trying not to think or talk about work (and you can ask John how good I am about not thinking or talking about work...not.very. good.)

But you know what? I'll start not talking about work right now...

So it turns out my chiropractor likes a lot of my pictures and has 6 (!!) that he's interested in. I'm so excited about the idea of having pictures up in his office, just the fact that someone would want to buy 6 of my pictures, and the money that six pictures could bring. =) And once people see them, will they want to buy them too??

I also made a batch of chocolate chip cookies last night...and did my best to be generous with them. I probably should've given more away though, because now they are ALL I WANT TO EAT...exasturbated by the fact that I don't have a whooole lot of other food...I'm going to let myself have just one more, for now ;)
=)

Oh Thank Goodness...

Yes, I have officially survived the county fair. We had exhibit pick-up today and it was amazing to see how quickly all those exhibits disappeared.

I guess I'm not TOTALLY done, because after that was over I put all the state fair exhibits into my car and since it was raining, decided I'd take them over to the office later. It's later now, but I'm still putting it off ;) And I'm not entirely sure how I'm going to move a bale of hay all by myself anyway.

hanging in...

Yep, I survived 4-H Camp (two weeks ago...I'm just really behind), AND the first day of the county fair (today) AND today is ALSO one year of working in my job!

Yay me!

I'm too sexy for this catwalk...

I just found out a few days ago that my sister was in a fashion show in Kansas City (wow!) modeling a dress made by her friend, Martha! Exciting, huh?

Read the article here When they talk about the dress by Martha, and the model with the baby, that's my sister and the baby that she nannies for

=)

A green thumb after all...

Turns out I can grow flowers from seeds! My very first bachelor's button bloomed last night/yesterday...and here's a picture!

A good one...

The Real Work
by Wendell Berry

It may be that when we no longer know
what to do we have come to our real work,
and that when we no longer know which way to go,
we have come to our real journey.
The mind that is not baffled is not employed.
The impeded stream is the one that sings.

abbie attempts to have a more exciting blog...

by actually posting on it ;)

Been kind of busy recently...just bought new running shoes that I love love love...and I'm on week five of the beginner runner's plan from Runners World (click here to see the plan)It's taken me about 2 months to get there...decided that exercising when I can, and cutting myself some slack when I couldn't was better than just quitting when I had a week that I didn't get out enough. I'm pretty psyched because this is the third time I've tried it, and the best I've EVER done...maybe all my amazing running (Yay Heather and Christina!), glacier climbing, triathloning friends have rubbed off on me a little ;)

All the little flower seeds (wildflowers, old fashioned seed mix, and bachelor buttons)I planted are sprouting up...except the ones I planted in my two ceramic pots that don't have draining holes. With all the rain we've gotten, those have pretty much turned into stagnant pools...oops! It's true, all pots need to have holes in the bottom or be placed inside where they can't get downpoured on...BUT I still consider it a personal victory that I could grow plants from seeds. =) I'll post pictures when they look more flower-y.

Umm...other exciting news...I sold one of my photographs at the Mushroom Festival! I sold the rocking chair picture (you can see it if you scroll down). Then the flower picture became a mother's day gift for my boyfriend's mom (it's from her garden). The fence picture is back on my wall where it belongs, and the tree and the pier pictures are hanging out here...because I don't want to pay 30-50% comission for someone to sell it in their store (yeah...no thanks). My chiropractor did take a CD of my pictures today (I put together an awesome power point...I wish you could see it)...he's looking for stuff to put on his office walls...so I'm hoping he finds something that'll work. He wants 11x14s and it'd be so awesome to see my work that BIG! =)

That's about it...oh, and I have tons of food in my house, and all I want to eat is cheese sticks from pizza palace...craziness! I think I'll break down tomorrow and just go buy some, and maybe then I'll be left to eat my chicken (and everything else in the refrigerator) in peace.

mmm...

Ben and Jerry's Oatmeal Cookie Chunk Ice Cream...really, go buy some ;)