All Kinds of Happiness!

So, since I'm trying to get back into the swing of blogging, I figured I'd catch you up on a couple of things...

My Birthday was a couple of weekends ago. Yeah, the big 3-1. I think 31 was a little more difficult for me than turning the big 3-0 last year. Maye I just don't like odd numbers, I don't know. 

Microsoft Clipart

I'll be honest, my Birthday kind of sucked this year. I had to work (I try never to work on my Birthday), which wouldn't have been so bad except for the fact that it was new student orientation. And K-Dog was gone. Let's just say there were some parents that apparently didn't care for me much. And they basically fired intense, crazy, accusatory questions at me. And my new Vice President happened to be watching. It turned out fine- the VP and my other colleagues in the room said I handled everything really well and a lot of other parents came up to me later and told me they appreciated what I had to say, my humor, and that I did a great job. A few actually told me they couldn't believe the other parents' behavior. One sweet woman actually leaned across my table (I was at a resource fair at that point) and patted my face and told me I did a really nice job and she felt so bad when the parents were hassling me.

But on the upside...I got some beautiful, cheery flowers and a balloon sent to work from my mom, my friend/coworker took me out for an AMAZING sushi dinner and brought me a Kung Fu Panda cupcake (her son's b-day is the day before mine), I had lots of Facebook messages/texts/emails/phone calls sending love my way, and I even saw The Crush...and he touched me. (But we're not gonna talk about that now.)

Last weekend was my mini-vacay/Birthday re-do weekend. I took a few days off from work and went to visit my brother in the Twin Cities. Have I mentioned how much fun he and I have together? Which is still funny to me, given we used to fight like crazy when we were younger. Anyway, it was nice to get away for awhile and spend some quality time with him. AND.... let me introduce you to LuLu...

Isn't she pretty? My lease was basically up on my Saturn (which I loved so much), so Brother and I went car shopping. Such an adventure. After a little drama with GM screwing me over on trading in my Saturn, I managed to get a lease on this beautiful 2012 Kia Sorento. She's got a bit more room than my Vue did, which is nice, but doesn't feel like a big bulky thing...except when I'm backing up...but I have a camera to help with that...though I'm not used to using it and end up feeling a little seasick backing out of my long driveway. :-/

Can you believe this weekend is my second House-iversary?! I can't. In some ways it feels like a lot longer...but mostly I can't believe I've owned my house for 2 years. Wow. I better get crackin' on these darn projects!

Lastly... I hope you all have an awesome and safe Fourth of July weekend! I hope you all get a chance to relax and have fun!

Microsoft Clipart

Simple Pleasure

{Microsoft Office Clip Art}

I love slicing a fresh lime and throwing it in my Nalgene bottle full of water. As soon as I open it at work in the morning, I catch the subtle scent of the lime and it makes me happy. So refreshing!

What simple pleasure are you enjoying these days?


*Yes, I know I've been MIA for some time...but I'm hoping to blog a little more now that things are calming down a little. AND I have some big house projects to work on this weekend...hopefully I'll have some before and after pics to share later!

Life Lessons...From a Tomato

I've got spring fever. I daydream about warmer weather and fresh herbs right from my backyard.

So naturally, I ordered the new seeds and supplies catalog from an awesome place, Seeds of Change. They're certified organic and do some great community projects. As a bonus, the catalog is seriously fascinating reading. 


It got me thinking about my tomatoes last year. I definitely learned a few important things. And I realized these lessons didn't have to be just about the tomatoes anymore...


Embrace diversity! Difference is a good thing! There are more colors, textures, shapes, and sizes out there than you probably realize. Embrace them all. There's more out there than just generic, hothouse tomatoes.

Have patience & hope. I was so excited for my tomatoes to get here, once they started growing. After eagerly checking their progress week after week after week I started losing patience. I started losing interest. And I started thinking that my tomatoes were going to rot before they actually produced anything edible. But then, their true colors started showing and I felt a bit silly for losing patience, interest, and hope. Who am I to rush nature? It'll happen when it's supposed to and that's that. 

There are always going to be a few freaks. Nuff said.


Sometimes things aren't going to go the way you expect. From the moment I bought my little tomato plants, I had been daydreaming about all the tomatoes I'd have by the end of the summer. I was thinking about all the different ways I could enjoy my big harvest. I secretly wondered if I could convince my mom to help me can some tomatoes for later. Oh, the possibilities! Then my plants only produced a few tomatoes. Not even all at once so I could make a batch of salsa! One precious ripe tomato at a time. Which brings me to my next point...

Enjoy what you have. I admit, this one is sometimes difficult for me. I sometimes think more about the things I want instead of making the best of what I have. But boy, when it came to my tomatoes, I savored each one! 

Learn something from the experience and make it better next time. Honestly, this is probably my personal motto. I try to learn something, even from really crappy situations {cough, last job, cough cough}, and try to make it better the next time. You can bet I'm going to (try) growing tomatoes again this year. But I'm going to do a few things differently. We'll see how it goes.

So tell me.... what lessons have you learned from a tomato? Or carrot or cucumber or pumpkin or...whatever!

PS- I've also learned a lesson or two from this amazing tomato!!!

Easy Peasy

I've been thinking a lot more about small changes that make us happy (happier?) in a big way. I'm guessing it's because of all the great ideas I've seen out there in blogland, but I think it's also a bit related to the book I just finished. {More on that book later, I promise.}

I knew buying a house and making it my own would be a process, but I don't think I expected I would sometimes sort of "forget" that it's my house and I can change things, darn it! But every once in a while I will catch myself thinking, "grrr, this drives me nuts" or "I don't like that" and every once in a while I will realize, "Oh yeah! I can change that!" Does that sound crazy? Any other somewhat-new homeowners out there feel similarly?

For example...how long did I live with this hateful door before I took it down? Or the ugly-floral-print-swag-thing draped ever so carefully over the curtain rods in my bedroom? What about those dark curtains in the bathroom I recently mentioned?

I mean, my DIY Homeowner Heroes certainly do not wait to change things around!! I've been inspired ... and I am giving myself permission to start changing things I don't like! Especially when the changes are relatively simple things I can do in a short amount of time!

I made a very quick, very minor change today...really it was more of a rearrangement...and it made me smile. And again, I thought, "Why? Why didn't I think of that sooner?" It's too boring to explain, but basically I rearranged the curtains on the patio door/window so that they would no longer get in the way when I opened and closed the door (it's not a sliding door), plus without my make-do quick-fix, it doesn't look so ridiculous.

It's with a tiny amount of embarrassment that I share this next easy change...The other day I took out a shelf in my small bathroom closet so I could fit the garbage can inside. See, my dogs are the type that will get into the garbage, even though they've been disciplined for it countless times. So after I was entirely fed up, I just started leaving the small bathroom garbage can on top of the back of the toilet. It didn't really fit elsewhere and in the moment it was easy to do...yet...a little embarrassing. I mean, my garbage can was on top of the toilet. {In my defense, other people don't use that bathroom too often.}** Finally, I rearranged a few things and took out a shelf so the garbage can would fit neatly inside the closet! Voila! No more surprises when I get home and the dogs don't get yelled at! Now...if I could only keep them out of my laundry baskets...

**{OK, OK, if I'm being totally honest, I ended up with the garbage basket on top of the back of the toilet in my half-bath downstairs. I've since removed a lot of random crap from the teeny cabinet under the sink and stored the basket there.}

Discovered!

Run, don't walk (figuratively speaking) to this blog near you: 1000 Awesome Things

I just discovered it and must say, it's a good thing. It brought a few smiles to my face just now (which I needed...who doesn't??)! I am sure it will be one I check on regularly.

So...am I the last to the party, yet again? Did the rest of you already know about this little gem??

Made It...Barely

The way the day started...at 12:22 am with random text messages from a friend who shall remain nameless...I figured it was going to be quite a day. I managed to get to work a little early for my 8:00 appointment (I hate 8:00s) and things seemed like they were going to be OK.

No. Another urgent situation came up that left me feeling ready to curl up into the fetal position and not move for the rest of the day. But I got through the day...we all did.

And now I'm going to eat some boneless wings and have a beer with my peeps! Hello Winter Break, I am really, really glad to see you.

PS- I did eventually get back to sleep after making sure the nameless friend was not manic, bleeding to death, suicidal, or drunk.

I am Grateful...

...for fuzzy bees that sit on flowers long enough to get a few perfect pictures.

...that I took a LOT of pictures over the summer so I can enjoy them in the dead of Wisconsin winter.

...that it is Wednesday and halfway through the week.

...this institution celebrates Sacred Hour each Wednesday. We're given this hour each week to use for reflection, prayer, connection, etc. There is Common Prayer offered each week, but usually I just use the time to close my door, and read or rest, or sometimes even to practice biofeedback!

...for Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies and made from scratch mixed berry muffins.

...for ChapStick.

What are you grateful for today?

Aw, Shucks!

I got an award! Thanks Suz, you're awesome!! I'm flattered!

I've mentioned Suz's blog here before, and if you haven't checked her out, seriously, do so! Be sure to read all about her recent mission trip to Dubai, check out her book reviews, and read all about her other adventures in being a {gulp} new 30-year-old!

So now, I'm supposed to accept this award: Thank you, I accept. :-) Check.
Link back to the person who awarded it: Suz. Check.
Tell you 7 things about myself (see below) and tag 15 other lovely bloggers (hmm..).

Without further ado, seven things about me:

1. I have a freakishly good memory. Seriously, it sometimes irritates people. Or impresses them when it's handy. K-Dog loves when I can tell him where I last saw something on the disaster area that is his desk. True story, I'll say something like, "That book is on the left side of your desk, under the stack of papers, about 2/3 the way down." And I'll be sitting in my office.

2. It takes me forever to make certain decisions. For instance, I still haven't decided on paint colors for my kitchen and dining rooms, bedroom, or bathroom. Not that I'm in a rush, but seriously. I think this indecision is actually a family trait.

3. I might get to teach Human Sexuality next summer! I am excited and terrified about this. I was the TA for the class while in graduate school and I did some guest lecturing. But teaching it all by myself? Yikes.

4. When someone suggests that I "just ask The Crush out" I simultaneously want to laugh, cry, and throw up.

5. I just joined Facebook at the end of last April. Yup. As in, about five months ago. I hate Facebook drama, and working with college students, I see a lot of it. Since I've joined, there are times I think it's fun and times I think about closing my account. I still hate Facebook drama. And I'd rather blog.

6. I've recently been watching all the seasons of 24 on Netflix Instant online. I get sucked in each time, even though the show is entirely too predictable. Seriously. Yet, I'm addicted. It may be that I have a crush on Jack Bauer and think he gets cuter every season. Except when he cries. I hate when he cries...he looks fake and kinda scary. I should know, I see people cry every day at work.

7. Looking back, I think the research I am most proud of is my Master's thesis. I was thinking about it again the other day and I really feel as though it is my baby. All mine. And I'm proud of it. Yet, it's not published and likely never will be. That's a story for another time... But I kind of miss doing research like that. If only there were more hours in the day.

OK, now... onto the bloggers... Hmm. I don't think I even read 15 blogs that I could tag, but here's what I've got:

EKN at Tales of Our Journey
Kim at Kim's Spot
N at N's Wonderful World
Amber at A little bit of everything

Um... I think that's all I've got. I mean, I read a bunch of other blogs, but they're not really those kinds of blogs. So here's to the four I chose!!! Woohoo! Cheers ya'll! Enjoy!

Technicolor Pepper

Thanks to my brother, I got to enjoy this delicious, multicolor pepper!

She was purty AND tasted good!

Color!

Finally! My Yellow Giant Belgium is turning! Lovely, yes?

It's the Simple Things...

 Tell me, what simple thing has made you happy today?

Hello My Lovelies!

My pretty Giant Yellow Belgium. You are looking ravishing these days- all round and perfectly formed. Keep up the good work!

 

Oh, my sweet Bell Pepper. Although I'm excited to see you in all your yellow glory, I must admit you look stunning in green too!

"Just for Fun" He Says...

Last night my friend, BK, and I were going to have a "strategic planning meeting" to discuss how to approach a massive project: taking out those hateful shrubs in front of my house. The bushes that couldn't be taken out because of these little guys.

We looked (again) at the job waiting for us...we planned to get started after work today (Friday) and then work most of the day tomorrow (Saturday) after our reinforcements arrived. I'm not going to lie, both of us were panic-stricken.

BK wanted to just cut a branch or two "just for fun". Clearly we didn't stop.

I cannot describe how much I love those bushes being gone. After we were finished for the evening, we sat on my porch swing and for the first time, I could actually see the street! Love. It.

We're going to tackle the other side after work today and see how far we get - though I bet we can get through the others, especially because we might actually use the electric reciprocating saw this time!

I also cannot describe how grateful I am to BK!

More pictures to come, stay tuned!

Happy weekend!

Lunch Time

Finally! Finally, finally, finally. Proof of life inside the Birdhouse!!

"Wait! Come back!"

The Kindness of Neighbors

 
I got a little present yesterday...

It's fresh...

And green...

And downright gorgeous...

And apparently of Hungarian descent.

I'm totally cool with that.

In the Garden Right Now...Part Deux

 

Just for fun.... here's what that Bell Pepper looked like just one week ago. 

NOT in the Garden Right Now...

...my first Jalapeno! Because I ate it!

And it was good. I sliced it up and threw it in with some pasta, olive oil, fresh tomatoes and herbs, and a little salt. At first, I only threw in a few slices of the smaller end, as I didn't know how spicy it would be. It tasted so fresh and so... pepper-y, but very mild like a Bell pepper. Mm. Later, I sliced up the rest and threw it in with my leftover pasta, but first I ate a slice with the seeds. Whew! That side packed more heat!!

I can't wait for more!

In the Garden Right Now...

While I Was Out...

SO much happened...in the backyard, anyway. :)

The basil plants exploded. Trust me... this was much smaller when I left.

So did the parsley.

And the tomatoes. This is the same Black Krim I posted here. Pay no attention to the grass....it also grew like crazy while I was out (apparently it rained almost all week).

Lastly...

I have a baby jalapeno pepper!! Isn't it so cute?

It's pretty phenomenal what nature can do...I'm grateful I can watch and learn and enjoy. :)

Tell me... how does your garden grow?

Good Intentions...

I had good intentions to blog about a number of things this week...

but that did not happen. Obviously.

And tomorrow morning (very, very early, mind you), I'm leavin' on a jet plane! For my "real" vacation. Woohoo!

Which also means... a vacation from my lil' blog and all three or four of you devoted readers. :) I'm not even taking my laptop.

I'm not taking any study materials either!! But I am taking sunscreen, a book or two, maybe a magazine (if they come in the mail today, fingers crossed), a camera, and a long list of people I want to see and food I want to eat!

And when I return.... I'll be 30. Good gracious, where has the time gone?

Have a great week y'all!!