Saturday, January 31, 2009

Oh a blessed Saturday

I welcomed the start of this weekend with open arms {or should I say sleepy eyes}! I have been so run down this week and have been looking forward to relaxing coupl of days.

Well I got what I was wishing for! Husband was at school all day today studying for his big test on Monday. I was so happy when he told me he was going to campus because the idea of spending the day listening to him go on about this cardiology disease and GI condition just made me even more tired!

Needless to say, I still didn't accomplish much today, but I did manage to get 10 hours of sleep last night and another couple of hour naps today! And, hello there's still tmorrow to accomplish something {or get some more sleep}!

Unitl then, I will leave you with a pretty picture and tidings for another good nights sleep tonight!




I love me some Calla Lillies!

{Image from Mthree studio}

Friday, January 30, 2009

An Image for Today - Friday

Bright



image by: maryfrances photography

Mary Frances uses the sun to tres beautiful results! And her eye for artistry is wonderful! Go ahead, look for yourself!

Here are just a couple of examples...





Wednesday, January 28, 2009

An Image for Today - Wednesday

Winter...



Image by: Leigh Miller Photography

Oh this glorious day in the wonderful Mid-west I am just happy that I made it to work in one piece this morning. A foot of snow over night and people reacting like they have never seen snow before makes for some really nasty road conditions.

Happy Wednesday everyone!

A New Face

As some of you have seen I am attempting to give this little blog a face lift. It has (and continues to be) a long process. So what do you think?

I would love your input...What do you think is the most important part of a blog layout? What would you like to see on this blog? And what would you like to know about me, your bloggity host?

And while you're here make sure to click the 'Follow this blog' link and show me some love!

And because every post should have a picture...



Image from [b]ecker's blog

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Pretty Things by Jessica Lynn

Congratulations Jessica Lynn of tying the knot!!

She just opened a new shop for penning special events!



She has a unique style and really affordable! If you have a special event coming up take a look at her work here!

An Image for Today - Tuesday

Love Stands Still...



Image by: bobbi + mike

To really appreciate this shot take a look at it from their site here.

One of my all time favorite images ever! I love the how this image shows the love of the moment while the activities of the everyday are but a blur around it.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

An Image for Today - Thursday

Closer to Spring...



Image by: James Christianson

At last...a reprieve! The temperature has reached 40!

I love the winter, but I am so tired of bone chilling temperatures and no snow.

We are getting so close to spring... we could walk from here!

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

An Image for Today - Tuesday

Simplistic Beauty...



Image by: Ron_Crain on flickr

Don't you just love the simplicity of a tall, elegant calla lilly?

It is one of my favorite flowers...What is your's?

On Inaguration

$150 million dollars spent on a ridiculous pageantry that everyone could have just watched from home...

Congratulations to us we have our first black President. It is a good, historic thing...I just wish it was a different person to make it there...

Funny - Robert and Obama both stumbling over the Oath of Office

Confusing - Obama's speech seemed to be disconjointed and condratictory ('We will not apologize for our way of life,...America must play its role in ushering in a new are of peace' and goes on to list the things that we need to change to help the world)

Offensive - Joseph Lowery's benediction - a clip - 'Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around... when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right. That all those who do justice and love mercy say Amen. Say Amen'...

Completely uncalled for - Former President Bush being mocked and booed as he enters the Inaguration



What did you think about the historical events of today?



For view at my own feelings you can find them here or just ask me about them.

The Meaning of a Pledge

the definition of the word pledge as a verb:

pledged, pledg·ing, pledg·es
v.tr.
1. To offer or guarantee by a solemn binding promise

A pledge is serious. And a pledge to be a servant to another means that that person has control and power over you, to order you as they see fit.

Below is a video that is wonderful in concept, but fatally flawed in execution. And sadly carried out by celebrities meaning that the blind will follow them...

They have pledged to be servants of Obama.

No one serves the President...that is something they do in monarchs or dictatorships.

Here, in this wonderful, free country, we pledge to the United States of America.

We pledge to the betterment of the country and the care of its people! NOT a single person!

MySpace Celebrity and Katalyst present The Presidential Pledge

"I don't want them punished"




I will not elaborate further, but if you need to read more head over here or you can hear if for yourself below...

A Nation in the Process of 'Change'

The change that I see is not a good thing.

We are simply repeating the same mis-steps as other great powers in the history of the world.



We are stepping away from the foundation that our country was built upon. Every other nation that has followed this path has failed. Rather than restating that which has already been posted I will refer you here to read more.

What is the solution to this?

We need to educate our children and ourselves. It is important to know the ideas that the nation was founded on, but more than that. We must understand why those ideas were so very important to the founders of this nation and why they are still important today.

We have confused what is a right and what is a privilege.

No - Health insurance is not a right! Health care is a right, but insurance coverage is not because it does not cause you to go untreated. You will still be cared for without it.

No - Abortion is not a right. Choosing who you have sex with (or not at all) and your choice of contraceptive is a right. No one (by law)can force you to have sex...if they do it is considered rape. (Believe it or not I have had some one argue with me about young 'unprivileged' girls not have a choice about not having sex.)

No - Welfare is not a right. I have heard (from a very trust worthy source) of kindergarteners wanting to grow up to be on welfare. It is given as a charity to help those who need it to get back on their feet. This is something that the community should take upon themselves, through the church or charity groups, not the government.

What is a right?

They are stated in the Bill of Rights. These rights are straight forward, but many people stretch their words to make the Bill of Rights conform to their idea of what it says.

I have been thinking of posting each Amendment with a discussion of each. What do you think?

Friday, January 16, 2009

An Image for Today - Friday

But mom, I can't move my arms!...



Image by: Turtle & Dragon on flickr

Burrr, its cold out there!!!

At least we're starting to reach for the positive side of the thermometer. And tomorrow there supposed to be a heat wave! It might reach 30!

I plan on going home and reading a book in front of a roaring fire all.weekend.long while Husband and Boy play video games all.weekend.long!

What are you doing to stay warm in this frigid weather?

Have a great weekend!

Robots are Temperamental

While I can't really say or discuss what I do for a living, on a day to day basis (like I know who all care so much, right?}, I can still talk about the instruments that I use.

So there's this robot...



...and he has a mind of his own. Right now, he hates me. I mean, all I want him to do is grab my samples, weight them, and put them back! Is that so hard?

Well apparently it is, he dropped one. Now I have chemicals all over the internal scale and an afternoon of cleaning and calibrating ahead of me. Yippy!

Thursday, January 15, 2009

An Image for Today - Thursday

Be very very quiet. We're hunting rabbits...



Image by: Sloan Photographers

This little girl is so cute and looks like she is about to pounce on the camera.

Thank you jessica for introducing me to this photographer!

I love the amazing use of light and the vintage touch that makes each image feel warm and welcoming. Most dramatic, though, is the way the eyes of the subject light up and shine.

And just because I can't help myself...here's another.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

An Image for Today - Wednesday

Destroy the old and build the new...



Image by: bobbi + mike

An image from one of my very favorite photo couple of the destruction of the old Indianapolis Colts stadium reduced to rubble, while the new stadium towers over the scene.

And I will say farewell to Tony Dungy and hello to Jim Caldwell

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta = Approval

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta = Husband's Approval



I tested out this new recipe last night and Husband loved it! I went to take a picture of a plate of it and he had taken all of it. So sorry its such a bad picture, but it was all that was left on his plate.

Ingredients

3/4 box of whole wheat penne pasta
1 head of broccoli
olive oil
1 shallot chopped
2 clove of garlic chopped
2 skinless chicken breasts cut into strips
2 tsp basil
1 can fat free cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup chicken broth
salt and pepper

Directions

Boil pasta and broccoli until cooked. Sauté the garlic and shallot in a small amount of oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper to taste and cook chicken until browned and thoroughly cooked. Add basil, cream of mushroom soup, milk and chicken broth. Allow to simmer and reduce. Then, add the cooked pasta and broccoli and stir to combine and heat through.

It was really tasty and I might even try mix it up a little next time. Maybe we'll try some peas or another veggie!

Have you tried any new recipes lately?

This recipe was adapted from zestycook.com

An Image for Today - Tuesday

in the dog house...



Image By: Jennifer Photography

My morning started off with a huge scare followed by a cold jog and oh is Little Puppy in her dog house!

I put the dogs out this morning and checked on them a few times...they were running and playing and pulling on their ropes. Husband went out to bring them in after their hour of play time and came back in asking me "where's the other one?"

WHAT? Are kidding me? The Little Houdini has done it again!

So we were jogging through the neighborhood calling for her this morning. It.is.cold.out! We finally spotted her and she came running up to Husband just as happy as could be, with no cares in the world or realization that she was 'free'.

She does this on occasion, but we have no idea how she gets the clasp on the rope off the collar all by herself {hello no opposable thumbs!}

Do any of you with dogs have little houdinis like mine? Any suggestions on how to keep her on her rope? I am open to suggestions!

Monday, January 12, 2009

An Image for Today - Monday

What's taking so long...



Image By: Jennifer Photography

Nephew Sweet Pea was just the cutest when we opened Christmas presents and Husband is so good with the kiddies! Sweet Pea cannot really talk yet, but he learned quickly...if you can't get your toy out of the packaging my Uncle has the tools for the job!

Husband {being the Boy Scout that he is} always carries a small knife with him and every gift that Sweet Pea opened was {as typical with kiddo toys} fixed to the packaging with countless zip ties. Heaven forbid we would actually want the kid to play with the toy!

After every gift Sweet Pea would pick up the package, carry it to Husband, and look up at him with a sad, hopeful look on his little face. Husband would cut it free, but the wait seemed unbearable.

I love to watch men {especially Husband} interact with little ones! I think it has something to do with the two extremes in size {Husband is really tall} that makes so sweet.

Friday, January 9, 2009

An Image for Today - Friday

Hehe, Bubble wrap goes pop...



Image by: Jennifer Photography

Nephew Sweet Pea discovered the wonders of bubble wrap this year. His face was perfect when he got one of the bubbles to pop all by himself!

Anyways, have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Sofrito Chicken - Wins Approval

Sofrito Chicken = Husband's Approval



I found this recipe on Gina's Weight Watcher Recipies yesterday and made it last night. I thought it was pretty good and Husband really liked it...I think its a keeper! Oh and for your information its really healthy, but then I changed it some and made it a little healthier {and household friendly!}. It makes enough for me, Husband and a full leftover meal. So here it is...

olive oil
3 shallots chopped
3 garlic cloves chopped
1 can petite diced tomatoes
~1.5 tsp ground cumin
~2 tsp garlic powder
3 skinless chicken breasts
chicken broth
1 bunch fresh cilantro chopped
salt and pepper to taste

Add oil to a deep skillet and allow to heat. Sauté the shallots and garlic until soft and move to the perimeter of pan. Season chicken with salt, pepper and garlic powder, then place in middle of pan and allow to brown on both sides until fully cooked. Add tomatoes and cumin to pan and allow to take on a darker red color. Add the broth and 3/4 of the cilantro. Cover and allow to simmer for 10 minutes. Serve with some fresh cilantro on top!

Sounds yummy doesn't it?

So what have you been cooking?

{image from Gina's Weight Watcher Recipies}

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Oh so sorry! and An I mage for Toady - Thursday

I know! I have been gone for quite some time, but I promise you I am back now!

The holidays were extremely busy and my Christmas break was extended a few days longer than expected. Stomach flu = not a good start to the new year!

I'll post more later, but I didn't want anyone thinking I had forgotten you or given up on my blogging adventures!

An Image...

No really lets play...



Image by: paul+photos=moody on flickr

Doesn't this picture make you wish that it would snow and you could go home and play with snow puppies? I wish it would snow enough to make it fun.