Friday, December 31, 2010

30 Days of Me: Day 30

It is day thirty of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "in this past month, what have you learned".

In the last 30 days I learned that there is really no reason for not posting a blog at least a few times a week. I had a plan, made the time, and followed through. There were a few days in the beginning where I kept forgetting but then I put up a post-it note reminder on my laptop.

Having a specific goal in mind definitely made it easier. I really like the concept of the 30 day challenge and will have to make up one for myself for the next 30 days for this blog. I think I might do a 30 day picture challenge. Hmm...

But in the meantime I'm going to take a week off this blog to recuperate from holidays, in-law visit, and finish off the updates on the Book-in-a-week site.

I hope you ring in the New Year with a bang and a sparkle and lots of love!

Thursday, December 30, 2010

30 Days of Me: Day 29

It is day twenty-nine of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "our favorite song".

I don't have a favorite song but if I had to listen to one song every day for the rest of my life then it would probably be... I don't know what to say so I'll simply say "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious".

Yes, I'm talking about the song from Mary Poppins. That movie has been on my mind a lot lately for some reason. It's a fun song that is upbeat and I can't imagine it ever bringing me down. Here are the lyrics in case you want to sing it to yourself tonight while you're lying in bed trying to fall asleep:
Um diddle diddle diddle um diddle ay
Um diddle diddle diddle um diddle ay
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
Even though the sound of it
Is something quite atrocious
If you say it loud enough
You'll always sound precocious
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Um diddle diddle diddle um diddle ay
Um diddle diddle diddle um diddle ay

Because I was afraid to speak
When I was just a lad
Me father gave me nose a tweak
And told me I was bad
But then one day I learned a word
That saved me aching nose

The biggest word you've ever heard
And this is how it goes:

Oh, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
Even though the sound of it
Is something quite atrocious
If you say it loud enough
You'll always sound precocious
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Um diddle diddle diddle um diddle ay
Um diddle diddle diddle um diddle ay

He traveled all around the world
And everywhere he went
He'd use tis word and all would say:
"There goes a clever gent"

When dukes refused to pass the time of day with me
I'd say me special word
And then they'd offer a cup of tea!

Oh, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
Even though the sound of it
Is something quite atrocious
If you say it loud enough
You'll always sound precocious
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Um diddle diddle diddle um diddle ay
Um diddle diddle diddle um diddle ay

You know, you can say it backwards
Which is dociousaliexpilisticfragicalirupus,
But that's going a bit to far,
Don't you think?

Indubitably!

So when the cat has got your tongue
There's no need for dismay

Here, here!
Just summon up this word
And then you've got a lot to say
But better use it carefully
Or it may change your life

Um, for example?

Yes?

One night I said it to me girl
And now me girl's my wife!
Oh, and a lovely thing she is to!

She's supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

30 Days of Me: Day 28

It is day twenty-eight of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "a picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?"

The first photo was taken last December and depicts my attempt at creating a smokey eye, yet again, and failing. But it is definitely better than the raccoon eyes I have created in the past. I honestly don't know why I keep trying.



The second photo was taken via Facebook webcam last month and is currently my favorite picture of myself that I keep using to update my social networks. I only wish it was a better quality and less grainy.


How have I changed since the first photo was taken last year? Well, my hair is probably five inches longer and I know it is definitely blonder. My weight hasn't gone up so that is a good thing. I'd like to say I'm more relaxed but I'm still working on that. I'd like to say I'm less whiny but I'm still working on that. I'd like to say I'm productive but I'm still working on that too. So basically, other than the physical and being one year older, I haven't changed a hell of a lot. I guess that is something to work on for 2011.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

30 Days of Me: Day 27

It is day twenty-seven of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "why are you doing this 30 day challenge".

I like challenges, especially short ones. And for some reason 30 day challenges are fun for me. I've been working on a few the last few weeks. There's the hair challenge which I haven't completed yet because it requires me to actually do my hair and put make-up on and take photos (or bug Jeff to take photos) and there is the Zendalas challenge which has been an enjoyable mindless creative outlet that I seem to be continuing on past the original 30 day challenge and finally there is the 30 dresses in 30 days blogging challenging over at the Curvy Shopper I started not long ago. But the main reason I wanted to do this particular challenge was to get me visiting my personal blog on a regular basis with the hope of keeping it up after it is over (maybe with another 30 day challenge).

Sunday, December 26, 2010

30 Days of Me: Day 26

It is day twenty-six of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "what you think about your friends".

I don't want to center anyone out specifically but I like to think of my friends as supportive and encouraging people who love to live life, even if it is overwhelmingly busy at times.

True friends never stop being your friends. When life gets hectic and you don't hear from them for days on end or some times weeks it doesn't mean the friendship is over. Friendship almost always picks up where it left off at least that is how I see true friendship.

I have friends that I have grown up (or old) with and ones that I have never met (online). They are all important to me in their special way and I appreciate and love what they bring into my life.

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas

It's late on Christmas Eve or early on Christmas morning depending on how you want to look at it. I still have stocking stuffers to wrap so I'm considering it Christmas Eve.

Jeff and I had our Christmas supper tonight (ham) and will have leftovers on Christmas Day after we get back from the theatre. Every year we take in a movie on Christmas Day. It's Jeff's turn to pick and he's limited it down to Tron Legacy or the latest Narnia.

However you spend your day I hope it is lovely.

30 Days of Me: Day 25

It is day twenty-five of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "what I would find in your bag".

I used to be one of those people who carry everything but for the last five years or so I've whittled it down to what I consider the necessities... at least for me.
  • wallet
  • car keys
  • house keys
  • mini mirror
  • emergency lipstick
  • folded up cloth bags from Baggu (shopping bags)
  • tape measure
  • CAA card
  • mini flashlight
  • floss
  • mini eye drops container
  • MOO cards for BIW and PlusShe
What's in your bag?

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

30 Days of Me: Day 24

It is day twenty-four of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "a letter to your parents."

You have no idea how incredibly hard it is to write a letter to my parents. A/ They have been separated since my birth. B/ I've never met my father and have already written him "the letter" with negative results. C/ I'm pretty much estranged from my mother -- she gets a Christmas gift every year and I respond to her letters on the few occasions she sends them but contact is pretty low.

I remember when I was really little that I was close with my mother, like all kids are I guess. But as I grew into my teens I began to see her for what she was and while I can accept who she is I refuse to put myself into situations where I am the one who gets hurt. I think I deserve better than that no matter how old she is getting. In my opinion, getting old is not a get out of jail free card, it doesn't erase the history that preceded it.

So, as you may have guessed there will be no "Dear" parent letter today. I hope you have better luck.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

30 Days of Me: Day 23

It is day twenty-three of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "something you crave a lot".

When I think of cravings I immediately think of food. The first food craving that comes to mind is salt usually in the form of potato chips. I went about six years without having a potato chip and about the time I started having my seizures I couldn't get enough of them buggers. I've never been an "additional salt" kind of person. I add it to recipes as they are written less a quarter or half but I generally don't add it to food except my other craving food -- french fries. If french fries don't have salt they suck. I don't want ketchup or vinegar (although a good malt vinegar is a nice change) or mayo on my fries, just the salt.

The other thing I think of when I think of when it comes to food cravings is "comfort". When I think of comfort food my first thought is black bean pumpkin soup -- for the last few year it has been one of my favorite comfort foods. The warmth, the heat, the smell, the color. It's a complete package of comfort. It freezes into individual servings beautifully, too.

So... what's your craving?

Monday, December 20, 2010

30 Days of Me: Day 22

It is day twenty-two of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "what makes you different from everyone else."

What makes me different from everyone else? This is an interesting question. In essence, I believe there is absolutely nothing. I'm a tall fat blonde woman who's married with no kids. I want to be treated with love, respect, and kindness. I want to be successful, loving, and kind in return. While I would like to think I'm different. I know I am not.

I believe that we are all basically the same with mirror physical traits and desires. It's easy to focus in on physical characteristics and habits but with a world with over eight billion people I really don't believe anyone of us is all that unique. Sure some of us are more beautiful, smarter, successful, dangerous, etc but to look at them, really look at them, they are just like everyone else... or at the very least like someone else.

With so many similarities you would think we would be nicer to one another. Since we are all practically family.

30 Days of Me: Day 21

It is day twenty-one of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "picture of something that makes you happy".

I took this picture on my iPod today. It's a picture of Suzie and JD getting along. They seldom come near one another unless it is to hiss or slap one another. This is the closest they have ever been. Suzie is on the blue sweater that she has slept on for the last ten years. For the last year JD had kind of taken it over. For some reason today Suzie decided she was sleeping on it and she wasn't budging or acknowledging JD. He was kind of put out by her being there but didn't do anything. He just hopped up and plopped down next to her and went to sleep. This makes me very happy.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

30 Days of Me: Day Twenty

It is day twenty of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future".

Since I'm already married it kind of seems like a moot point. I can't imagine myself with anyone else. Jeff and I started dating in 1988. After celebrating twenty-two years this October I realized we've been together for more than half my life. When it comes to getting old together I often think I'm the one that should go first because the loss of him would be so devastating on too many levels. He's the person I share everything with and I can't imagine my life without him. Even writing this short thought has made my eyes well up. So that's enough about that.

This is a photo of Jeff and I from 1991 (because I was too lazy to go get one from upstairs for one from 1988, and it's the middle of the night). I can't believe I wore white pantyhose.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

30 Days of Me: Day Nineteen

It is day nineteen of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "nicknames you have; why do you have them."

When I was in grade school I had a lot of nicknames.
  • My Aunt Ida used to call me "Charlie Brown". I have no idea why.
  • My "adoptive" brother used to call me "Cabbage Head". Supposedly I used to visit his mother's garden and go straight to the cabbage patch.
  • There was a boy named Alan who used to call me "Turkey Tits". He was an ass.
  • And of course there was "Four Eyes" which every kid with glasses surely had to put up with.
In adulthood my nicknames have been fewer -- thankfully.
  • My most common nickname is "Moe". It started in high school with my girlfriends. "Moe" if you don't know is just an abbreviated nickname for Maureen. Some people use "Mo" but mine has always had an "e" on the end. It just makes sense to me because there are two e's in Maureen (Yes, I know there is no "o".) Moe has pretty much become my personae for all my online dealings. Mostly because it's just easier for me to type.
  • My other nickname is "Moey" which is what Jeff calls me. His mother started calling me that the last few years and it annoys the hell out of me. I've asked her a few times to not do it. I like it when Jeff calls me Moey but not anyone else.

Friday, December 17, 2010

30 Days of Me: Day Eighteen

It is day eighteen of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "plans/dreams/goals you have".

I'm really not a long term planning type of person. Beyond making sure the mortgage gets paid off in the next four years I try not to think too long term.

Most of my short term goals revolve around time management and productivity. I want more of both!

As for dreams, most of my dreams have to do with renovations for the house and yard. They definitely include someone (not Jeff, he deserves down time too) else doing them and having them all done with a week, two at the most. That is totally impossible but that is what dreams are for.

I would also like to do some more RV traveling in a less rushed atmosphere. The three weeks we did a few years ago was just too short. And wi-fi for internet would be a must. I want to be able to work from the RV anywhere. I'd love to drive to Alaska, Vermont, West Virginia, Maine and of course go through Canada again.

My few plans/dreams/goals in a nut-shell.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

30 Days of Me: Day Seventeen

It is day seventeen of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why."

There are so many people I could think of that I would want to switch lives with for one day. One day is excellent because you get a glimpse of the fun stuff you expect but don't get completely ruined by whatever bad stuff we can't possibly know about.

The first person who comes to mind is Steven Spielberg. I have always had an addiction for movies of all kind. Even B (and C) movies. But Spielberg has produced many of the all-time best films in the world of which I have numerous favorites. I would love to have that cinematic genius for one day to see through his eyes as he creates a moving masterpiece.

My Top Fave Steven Spielberg (directed) Movies
  1. Jaws*
  2. Close Encounters of the Third Kind
  3. Raiders of the Lost Ark* (and sequels)
  4. E.T.*
  5. The Color Purple
  6. Empire of the Sun
  7. Jurassic Park*
  8. Amistad
  9. Saving Private Ryan
  10. Catch Me If You Can
  11. War of the Worlds
  12. Munich*
The ones with a * are extra special and I highly recommend if you haven't seen them.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

30 Days of Me: Day Sixteen

It is day sixteen of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "another picture of yourself."

I took this picture on Facebook to make my profile look festive for the remaining weeks leading up to Christmas. I took a second one for my Twitter profile so they wouldn't look exactly alike.

Monday, December 13, 2010

30 Days of Me: Day Fifteen

It is day fifteen of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play".

Thanks to today's task I actually learned how to put my iPod on shuffle. I've had it for almost two weeks and I haven't even played music on it yet. My ten songs are (I warn you now I have a lot of old stuff):
  1. Voulez Vous (Abba)
  2. Swing (Harry Connick Jr.)
  3. One More Night (Phil Collins)
  4. Can't Fight the Moonlight (LeeAnn Rimes)
  5. Rene and Georgette (Jenny Gear)
  6. Cinnamon (Tommy Roe)
  7. Money, Money, Money (Abba)
  8. California Dreamin' (The Mamas and the Papas)
  9. Pilgrim (Enya)
  10. The Sound of Silence (Simon & Garfunkel)
Apparently, I have so much Abba on my iPod that the probability of more than one song appearing is pretty high! I also realized that these musical choices make me appear much older than I actually am. My CD collection is more varied than my iPod collection but I have always been interested in music older than my generation. I blame it on the movies I watched growing up.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

30 Days of Me: Day Fourteen

It is day fourteen of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "a picture of you and your family".

The only time we take a picture of all of us is at Christmas. We haven't tried yet this year. It's usually an event full of laughter, flying fur, and numerous retakes. In an effort to delay the inevitable here is my make-shift family photo done the easy way (I only decided at the last minute to add the names/salutation/graphic to use with our Christmas letter).



The photo of Jeff is a bit blurry because I cropped his head out of the full shot. I took this picture with my iPod when he was out putting up lights. It's currently my iPod wallpaper so as you might have guessed I really like it.

30 Days of Me: Day Thirteen

It is day thirteen of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "a letter to someone who has hurt you recently."

Well, there's no one who has hurt me recently (fingers crossed) that I wish to write an open blog letter too so here is my Christmas letter which I still working on (it's been passed to Jeff for his additions):

Season's Greetings Everyone!

We hope this letter finds you all happy and healthy. It's hard to believe we are almost to the end of 2010. Where did the year go? Well, we'll tell you where some of ours went:

In January Jeff finished up the semester and started teaching a new class about the environment. Maureen started a short-lived writing assignment with the Budget Fashionista. No worries, it was a good experience and she's happier working for herself anyway.

In February Jeff's back gave out unexpectedly and took a few weeks to get to normal. It's been a bit twitchy all year but seems to be holding up. The first real snow fall will be the test.

In March our new addition (JD, the feral kitten that moved in Sept 2009) had his first car ride; a toodle around town. He peed all over his kennel and his lovely fur coat and mewed the whole time -- fun had by all! Jeff had a better car ride with Shelby when he took her on a Duke camping trip for a weekend. This is one of Shelby's favourite things -- lots of kids to dote on her, fresh air and sleeping with dad.

In April we had a few minor renovations when Jeff added French doors to the kitchen entries (he's so handy). With the extra mouth to feed, feeding times were becoming challenging with all the food theft going on (JD likes both Suzie's and Shelby's food, and Shelby likes Suzie's and JD's food). Now we can close the doors and feed JD in the kitchen while Shelby and Suzie can relax eating in the living room.

In May Jeff signed up to help organize Nicholson's 50th Reunion. He put a lot of work into developing a website, maintaining a Facebook page and arranging for memorabilia.

In June our furnace fan died just in time for the hot weather. We were without air conditioning for one week because they were so busy.

In July Jeff decided all on his own without any help from Maureen that he wanted to remove the shower tiles from our main bathroom. We had talked about it for many years because many were looking cracked and the grout was diminishing. Once he started ripping out the tile he noticed the drywall underneath was spongy, so he ripped that out too, then he noticed the tub was rusted so with much effort and an additional hole in the wall the tub was taken out. So that was a planned weekend job quickly turned into a three week nightmare. The whole house was glad when it was over. It was a very hot and humid month, thank goodness for air conditioning. JD turned one this month. After looking through many photos and talking to a few experts we decided that JD was a least half Maine Coon (a very large breed of cat). He currently weighs 13 pounds. Maine Coons don't stop growing until their fourth year. In which case it's expected he'll weigh almost 20lbs.

In August Shelby turned ten. Hard to believe really, it seems like yesterday she was driving Maureen nuts. Oh yeah, she was. Some things never change. August was a special month because Jeff's parents Mavis and Gene came for their first visit since Gene's hospitalization last year. They terrorized us for a whole week -- the critters loved being spoiled.

In September Suzie turned fifteen which is also how long we've been living in Belleville.

October was a difficult month as we found some more strange lumps on Shelby and to be safe she had surgery to remove them. Luckily they turned out not to be cancerous but she suffered numerous skin infections in the incisions and ended up having three sessions of antibiotics. We got around to getting our passports this month. We have no travel plans but at least we have them should we win a trip to Hawaii. It could happen.

In November JD had his official one year check up and received a clean bill of health and a shot in the keister for good behaviour. Yes he peed in the kennel again. Jeff and Maureen are hoping he will grow out of it by the two year mark.

And here it is December again and we are writing all of you. Mavis and Gene are making the journey to visit us on the 27th for a week. All the crew is excited to have the company and to celebrate the New Year with them.

Thanks for making it through another Christmas letter / short-cut year in review which mostly centers on animals and what kind of mischief we get into ripping the house apart (that was Jeff).

Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Jeff, Maureen, Suzie, Shelby, and JD too.

Friday, December 10, 2010

30 Days of Me: Day Twelve

It is day twelve of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "how you found out about Blogger and why you made one".

I've had this blog for five years. At the time Blogger was the premium option for creating a blog. It offered a variety of themes and was easy to use almost immediately. I was a regular visitor of a few blogs but didn't really get into the idea until a realized there were a number of Book-in-a-Week writers/members who were making use of it.

Even though all my other blogs have migrated to the WordPress format I continue to keep this Blogger blog so I can keep in touch with the technology as they update it and I guess for sentimental reasons -- it's important to remember where you started even with blogging.

What do you use for blogging? Blogger or Wordpress or something else?

Thursday, December 09, 2010

30 Days of Me: Day Eleven

It is day eleven of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "another picture of you and your friends".

Here is a picture of me and a bunch of my twitter friends. Why did I choose my twitter friends? Other than Jeff they are the people I spend most of the time with. They are a hoot (bet you can't find my picture!):

Wednesday, December 08, 2010

30 Days of Me: Day Ten

It is day ten of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad."

When I was growing up (I'm growed up, don't you know) I listened to a lot of music whenever I could. At one point I was so proudly on the hub of what was hot, unique, and introspective. I was very eclectic when everyone else was either into pop or heavy metal. I guess I still am today but I am stuck in the past when it comes to music, buying maybe two or three new CDs a year.

I don't listen to music according to my moods really (not like I used to), but my mood is often affected by music and I try to avoid sad provoking music as much as possible unless I'm in the proper frame of mind.

Happy -- silly songs tend to make me happy Barbie Girl, I Come from a Land Down Under, Sound of Music, Wizard of Oz, and Footloose.

Sad -- for some reason, Air Supply makes me sad even though I think Phil Collins is a music making god. Johnny Cash, Jewel, Norah Jones, Nina Simone, and Boys on the Side.

Hyped -- pretty much anything that Ricky Martin would shake his hips to. Blondie, Madonna, and Will Smith.

Mad -- Avril or Alanis Morissette; enough said.

My all time favorite artist this year is Adele "Make You Feel My Love". Here's the video for it:

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

30 Days of Me: Day Nine

It is day nine of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "something you’re proud of in the past few days".

The first thing that came to mind is how well I'm doing on my iPod playing Angry Birds Seasons. I think that sentence kind of says a lot about me. Not all good but kind of funny.

Jeff bought me an iPod for my birthday on Saturday. It arrived on Friday (yes, it was a surprise) and when I told my twitter friends about it the first message I got back was from Roxie/Maria: "you must download the Angry Birds Game." After getting my iTunes up to date and syncing my tunes I was ready to surf "apps" and the first thing that showed up was Angry Birds Seasons. 99 cents later and it was mine. And a new addiction was born.

One of my first action after downloading the game was to watch this youtube video which gives the back story as to why the birds in the game are so angry at the green pigs:


When the game is first opened up it kind of looks like those monthly calendars that you open up and there's a little treat inside (picture, chocolate); in this case it's a new game to work through where the birds sling shot through the air to destroy the green pigs and their abode for points. Different birds have different tricks they can do (i.e. one is an egg dive bomber). Each game seems to have three levels (based on number of points attained) that you can work through until you get three stars.

The first day I had no clue what I was doing and was sling shotting all willy nilly. Now that I'm on to day seven I feel like I've attained some skill and am getting more precise with my shots. I'm also reaching final victory quicker by destroying all pigs which can range from three to seven. In some cases with a few birds left over.

There you have it -- something I'm proud of in the last few days. If you have a phone where you can download apps I have to say "you must download the Angry Birds Game" too.

Monday, December 06, 2010

30 Days of Me: Day Eight

It is day eight of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "short term goals for this month and why".

All of my short term goals are work related. Why do I want to get them done? Because it's efficient, because they need to be done, because some of them I've been procrastinating on and it will feel good not to have them hanging over my head. I'll limit my sharing to five.
  • Finish changing over book-in-a-week site so all pages are nice and pretty and the background has less noise. I feel pretty good about the look and feel and have had good feedback from members. Hopefully this will be the last month I will be working on site changes.
  • Finish the ebook I've been working on for the Large and Lovely site. I've had formatting and anxiety issues with this project but things are zooming along. I look forward to finishing it and sharing it with the BellaOnline readers.
  • Complete this 30 days challenge with no more "oops I forgot". I fell off the wagon on Friday as I was gearing up for my birthday weekend and computerless Saturday.
  • Publish at least three of the lenses that have been patiently waiting in the cue for the last year. I have fifteen works-in-progress at the moment. I usually have about 10 at any given time. Some have been in there longer than others. I would really like to clear 3 of the older ones out.
  • Drink more water (you may not think this work related but when I drink more water I work better).
What are your short term goals for this month?

Sunday, December 05, 2010

30 Days of Me: Day Seven

It is day seven of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "a picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you".

This is a panorama picture (using the 360 app on my new birthday iPod) of my creativity board which sits on a base above my desk. It really hasn't changed much over the years -- I add the occasional slip of paper, notecard etc.

I look at it every day while I'm sitting here, numerous times actually, waiting for the computer to boot, or restart, unfreeze, or if I'm just looking for a mental prompt. Every time I read a quote or note I've posted it is like I'm reading it with fresh eyes. I never know what I'll learn from that particular moment or what it will spur on. One of my favorite recent additions are the glass push pins with the words: wish, inspire, cherish, joy, and laugh (Etsy). They are great reminders.

I highly recommend making your own creativity board whether it is above your desk, or above your microwave, or just a cut out piece of cardboard stuck on your book shelf.

Saturday, December 04, 2010

30 Days of Me: Day Six

It is day six of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "favorite super hero and why".

I think my favorite super hero has always been Wonder Woman. She was the first super feminine super hero I came across in my childhood through television (Lynda Carter) and comic books.

While the tv series could be a little campy at times I still enjoyed the loving and strong character; yes, I also thought she was incredibly beautiful. In the comics, Wonder Woman went beyond what television could do at the time for the budgets they had. She expanded my imagination and provided a sense of feminine strength I didn't feel I had in my life.

At 40 (today), I still love her. (Please Joss Whedon, hurry up and make a Wonder Woman movie before I'm 50!)

Friday, December 03, 2010

30 Days of Me: Day Five

It is day five of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "A picture of somewhere you’ve been to."

This is a picture of Mount McKay. You can see it almost from any lookout in Thunder Bay, Ontario. I grew up in Fort William end of town looking at this sill every day. To the average person it probably isn't much but I have always thought it was beautiful during every season. I didn't get the opportunity to go up until my late teens when I went with a good friend to a Pow Wow put on by the Ojibway First Nation. It was an incredible experience sitting on the ground watching women and children and men in native ceremonial garb dance around while drums vibrated through the earth. It has always been one of my fondest experiences.

When Jeff and I were dating he took me up to a manufactured lookout that gives a splendid view of Thunder Bay in the summer. Another fond early date had us going up there in the winter, or at least trying, and getting the Bel-Air (big car Jeff was driving at the time) stuck in the snow. His dog Sandy was with us and not particularly co-operative. It was the first time I heard Jeff swear.

Every time we back to visit I'm always excited to see it. It like an old friend standing up to welcome me home.

Thursday, December 02, 2010

30 Days of Me: Day Four

It is day four of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task: "A habit that you wish you didn’t have."

This is easy and it is a little embarrassing. But luckily I already got it over with and mentioned it on day one:
"For the last two years I've had this incredibly weird habit of picking (picking, not biting) at my fingernails. The nails are so short my fingertips actually hurt. I used to have lovely nails. Not super long but long enough to be considered feminine and fun to paint. I'm not sure why I developed this habit."
Every day for months I make a goal to grow my nails. Some days I will even go so far as file them smooth and apply a conditioner only to find that by evening I'm picking at them again. It is an insane habit.

But I think I've found a reason and a solution. Yesterday while I was driving home with Jeff I realized why I developed what is essentially a boredom habit. For a good twenty or so years of my life whenever I watched TV or went on long drives I also knitted or crocheted something at the same time; usually something easy like an afghan, keeping my hands too busy to be picking anything let alone my fingernails. Essentially my hands were always kept busy.

It seemed like the busier I got on the computer the less time I put in to crafts like knitting and crocheting. The whole nail picking of the last few years must have developed out of my lack of keeping my hands busy with thread art.

My solution? To take up knitting/crocheting again. Now to find a project pronto.

Wednesday, December 01, 2010

30 Days of Me: Day Three

It is day three of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task: "A picture of you and your friends."

My closest friend is Jeff and it has been that way since 1988. This is a somewhat recent picture of us (within the last two years). We had gone for a winter hike and there was a flash snowstorm. It was a great day and I think it shows:

It's not the greatest picture of me but I remember having so much fun that day and laughing an awful lot. It's hard to believe I don't wear glasses anymore -- and so much more convenient. Glasses are not conducive to hiking in the snow. I think we'll have to make a point of going back again this winter.

Three days down and twenty-seven to go.