Todays Surprise

I got a phone call last night at 5:30 p.m. from the HR guy at work telling me to be to work the next a.m.(wed) at 7:30 a.m., he had a project for me. For a min. I grumbled but thought OK I can get there an hour before my usual start time no problem. Yes no problem because my stupid car died again, whatever it only 2 years old, and I had to take Kyle to work at 7 a.m. this morning so it worked out great. When I got to work I found out I would be spending the day shopping and going to the Children's Hospital to donate gifts for the 30 kids staying there over Christmas. YEAH!!!!! So off to Toys R Us I went and had a blast shopping. Then around noon I and my co-worker Justin took the gifts to the kids. We only were able to meet 2 kids but it was fun all the same. We toured the whole floor and learned a lot about the unit. They really have a neat place for those kids to live on temporary terms.
So now to pick up my husband and my hopefully fixed car. What a day on all levels.

2nd chance hope

They say life is full of second chances. Chances to make thing right or better for ones self. Well I really hope that today is that second chance for me. I have a job interview at a local hospital for a sterile processing tech. Something I really did not know much about but is a very important job! I was facebook chatting with an old friend this a.m. and was telling her the news of the interview and she told me she has a friend that does this SPT job, loves it. I like to organize and put things in there place so I hope this is the job for me and what I have been searching for. Aunt Patty I think this is as close to a nurse as I will get sorry to say.
Another part of the job I would like is the continuing education to keep your certificate. The old I have become the more I want to learn new things. I enjoy museums and documentaries more and more along with symphony's and reading. THIS IS GOOD as my mom would say.
So here's hoping on the J.O.B.!

Anger Birds

Here at the office, about a month ago, Shorty my co-worker discovered the Angry Birds app. I completely blame the app on my non-blogging. What an addictive game! Only problem is I'm stuck on level 3 and can not figure out how to open more worlds or what ever you call them.

So I have moved on to holiday Angry Birds.

Sara you need to find a hobby, says Sara. ahahhahahahahahah

Pie Update

So the pie never made the full trip to Oaks. It had a spot off! It has now been consumed by my co-workers and they have given it a thumbs up. Can't wait to make another pie!

BHG PIE

I tried my hand at homemade pie last night. The recipe comes from this months Better Homes and Gardens. Not wanting to fail or succeed alone I in listed the help of Makell and we made pie. Lets say it was an adventure with a big mess. Here are a few pictures.
( I cant believe we made dough and cream all by ourselves, we are becoming Betty Crockers)

The Articles said to make your Pie High!!!!

 Apples and Cranberry's with Cinn. Sugar, All Spice

 From Scratch Dough

 From Scratch Pastry Cream

 Before the Oven

 The Finished Pie-Its tall like the directions said/How to Serve?

Between the two of us I think we made a good looking pie and I hope it tastes as well as it looks. 
By the time we had finished it was to late to eat our fancy pies so taste testing will wait till this evening at Aunt Wendy's in Oaks, ND. I really hope this Apple Cranberry Pie turned out well and if so I will be baking it again. Special Thanks to Kyle my husband for buy the pastry blender tool and most the ingredients for this pie-sorry you are out hunting in Starkweather hunting and cannot enjoy this pie FIRST. LOVE LOVE YOU KW.

Eat Pray Love-Great Movie

So I finally was able to see the movie Eat Pray Love and to boot with my co-worker Josie. I've been trying for about 4 years now to get together for a movie with her and could finally coordinate schedules to make it happen. Of course by the time this movie date was official the movie went to the cheap seats ($2) in Moorhead. Safari is an older theater, not the oldest but still old compared to these new elevated seating with ultra screen theaters. We were both surprised as to how clean it was but the smell of bleach was strong.
I thought the movie was GREAT. I found it to be very reflective and make me think about my own situation. Again Great Movie-Thanks Josie

Turkey,Black Bean and Corn Chili

Just wanted to share a  meal, cant remember which magazine it was from, for Turkey and Black Bean chili. It's not a typical scorcher chili with heat packed behind every bite. It just a mild chili for those of us who cant take the heat. It called for chocolate chips and coco powder but I cant tell the difference if it's in the chili or not. It was pretty simple to make with just ground turkey, frozen corn, green pepper, onion, garlic, black beans, chili powder, diced tomato's, tomato sauce, oregano, unsweetened coco powder, a little salt, and I think that was about it. 
I'm really finding that homemade is turing out to be better. 
This chili has been feeding me for the last few days while Kyle is gone, funny!
Next I will be trying Squash Soup, dun dun dun.

Making anothers day

Yesterday on my way home from work I decided to pick up a few movies and fast food. Kyle is out west hunting in Medora so I have no one to cook for me. Yes I'm very spoiled. When I was in the line at McDonald's of all places I decided that I would pay for the person behind me's dinner as well. I have heard about people doing this at Starbucks or other drive up coffee shops and wanted to make someones day. I was a little nervous at first but told the pay window lady " And I would like to pay for the guy behind me as well." WOW did that throw her for a loop. She was a little stunned but ran both sales. (I kinda held up the line but oh well) I drove up to the window to pick up my food, looked in the rear view to see the reaction. Again, stunned look on the guys face in the truck behind me and looked as if he wasn't sure what was happening to him even what to do. I took one last look and drove away hoping I made his day. Try it...it was kinda fun.
Watched The Runways last night. It was a great movie and I would definaltly watch it again.Rock and Roll Baby!!!!!

Gloom, hopefully the sun will shine threw

I don't know if its the weather or the time of year but I did a lot of thinking this weekend. I hate trying to make life decisions and I wish I could see into the future to find out if my decisions are the correct ones or not. So many things have been rushing threw my mind the past month and that is why I have decided to see my counselor again to get something sorted out. I'm defiantly one of those people that find that talking to someone who is a stranger/counselor can be a big help.
Hopefully I can make the right choices about the things that have been on my mind.

Cards

I finally made time last night to start work on my Thanksgiving cards. I'm still a little unsure of the design I choose and how the colors are going to work but I have the card color picked and cut, done. I started folding a few but then was distracted my moms cat Scruffy(deaf cat, yes deaf) and  Law and Order L.A. Trying out the new distressing tool I got on a few as well. I hope to work on them some more this Saturday after work and get the rest folded, some of the pumpkins stamped out and colored in. I tend to have a glitter and embossing fetish so trying to keep these cards a little more simple this year. It usually takes me a good month to finish cards, that's working on them once a week. By keeping the design the same for all the cards this year I hope to speed up the process and work in other cards like Thank You's and just because cards. I will work really hard to remember to post a pic of the cards when they are done.
I'm using the Angel Company Winchester paper and card stock for these cards, THANKS TO CINDY!!

Motivation/Inspiration for today.

I dont know

Cities Bound

Well once again off to the Twin Cities for the 3rd time in the past 2 months. This trip is for a bridal shower for my cousin Rachel (from my dads side) being hosted by her sister Erin (maid of honor). It will be a brunch, I love brunches, and I'm looking forward to playing games and catching up with my two cousins I dont see that often.
Mom is joining me on this trip and I'm going to take her to Ikea tomorrow after the shower, she has never been to Ikea. We are in search of some new scrapbooking tables and some lighting. Hopefully we will find what we are looking for at a reasonable price.

I fell off the wagon

OK so I have been trying really hard not to drink soda. I have been off the good stuff for about 3 months now but still have the occasional Sprite, just one, if we are traveling or need a little fizz in the tummy. But today I really fell off the wagon and had a DR.PEPPER, dun dun dun. I figure it's like smokers trying to quit and how they say it takes about 5 times to really kick the habit. I don't order soda when I eat at restaurants and for alcohol beverages I chose Caesars or something with fruit juice. I count that as good progress.


So now I must forgive myself for the slip and post my water only note at my desk-get back on track. Remind myself to think about when Kyle told me they had to caulk ( that is what Kyle does for a living, caulking) a few pipes at the Pepsi plant that the soda had been flowing threw for a few years and corroded at the connections ( imagine what it doing in your guts).  Remind myself as well how much better my skin looks from the mass water intake.

Thank you CamelBack water bottle.

10-4, my score

I completely forgot to post my scores from Mondays bowling. Someone out there must have been rooting for me because I did fairly well.

Game 1  154
Game 2  196 error less game
Game 3  124

I have no idea how I pulled those scores off but the 196 is my highest game to date. So my average is still high and that helps to keep me focused.
I lost my concentration in the 3rd game for two reasons, 1 my hand and thumb started to get tired and 2 a not so good blast from the past was on the lane right next to me making me nervous. She and I were/never will be friends years ago we occasionally found ourselves at the same parties in high school. Her boyfriend at the time had a little crush on me(not to toot my own horn). Like most woman that did not go over well when we all were in the same room. She did give me a few stare downs and I think she figured out who I was because the same thing started happening to her, the lane and the pins were not in her favor.
Anyway I am still proud of my games and hope to do that well again.

How did I Do

So since I blogged yesterday about colors and decor, thought I would try to make my own pallet. How did I do?
Potential guest room when Kyle buys me my house was the inspiration for this pallet.

Color Boards

http://www.stylemepretty.com


Today I have been checking out blogs of blogger and found a wonderful wedding website that I wish I would have come across two years ago when I was married. I'm in love with this site and the ideas it produces. I have seen many bloggers use these inspiration boards and they are great.
My husband promised to buy a house this up coming spring and I think I will be using a color board like the professionals to style my new place, when it's purchased that is. ( I would love to have my friend Liz come to ND to help decorate and paint, if I really do get my house). Most of the blogs also have some neat tips for making your home stylish on a budget which is what I need since I have big ideas and fixed income.

My hubby's not home

Kyle has left for the next few days to Devils Lake/for work. What will I do!?!?
Well tonight is bowling night and I hope to keep on improving my game. Last week we had lane issues, to sticky then to slippery. By the middle of the second game the slide path was just right and I hit my 134 average.  But I did start the season with a 140 average so room to build tonight.
I love the gals on my team. I have been bowling with them for the past 4 years and I never thought I would last this long. It all happened by chance when my mom was making phone calls to business that might need record storage. One place she called answered with a familiar voice and name, Lana. Turns out this is the same Lana my mom was on a league with before I was born in 1980-1982. Lana still remembers my mom bowling a 290 when she was pregnant with me, moms best game to date. The other teams joked that is was an unfair advantage because there were two bowlers. (the article is in my baby book) Anyway we were invited to join the team and haven't left. It has been so fun getting to know theses gals and make them like family.
So wish me luck.....no quarter pay in the 5th frame and hopefully one error less game to boot. Cross you fingers for me.

Padgett Hoke

http://www.padgetthoke.blogspot.com/

http://www.etsy.com/shop/padgetthoke

Ms. Padgett Hoke is a person that I'm so glad to know. She is the sister of my best friend Elizabeth Hoke (Liz) who I grew up and skated with in Jackson Hole, Wy. Both of these fabulous ladies I don't get to see often but this past July, after 10 years, we finally could connect again and I miss them so much. I can't wait to see them again, soon I hope.
Anyway back to Padgett, for now, and her awesome I say awesome designs. I have copied both her etsy and her website for your viewing. Is there anything that Padgett can't do or does...I would say a big fat NO to that. Her creativity shines in not only her jewelry but her style and interior design skills.
Please check out Padgett's sites, you will be glad you did. Love ya P!

Love's so Far:

So far these are a few of my favorites.

I'm sure there will be more to come after the boss gets back from buyers market.

 SHE CAME BACK!!!!
www.allurebridals.com

Yesterday was a wonderful surprise when I went to my part-time job after a long day at my day job. My super patient and fun first time bride came back to  purchase the dress I put her in last Thursday. Though she was the one who made the pick, I had hoped I had given her the bridal experience she was looking for and confidence to purchase, this her dream dress. It was so fun when she stepped out of the room and her eyes lite up with excitement. Right then she had the moment of "YES To The DRESS". It showed all over her face. I could tell she was holding back emotions and ahhh seeing herself in this beautiful gown. At least 5 min. if not more she stood in the gown smiling ear to ear with mom and her two great friends. I kept thinking all weekend that I had blown the sale by not putting a veil on her but I was wrong she came back and put half down on the gown and it's being ordered for her TODAY! YES, my first sale only 3 days on the job with greatly appreciated and wonderful help from my new co-workers and my super fun patient, I must say it again, bride. I could not have done it with out them. Shout out to the Leeann's team*** So thank you very much Mary and your fun purple bridal shoes.You are awesome! Love Love the Dress. 

My part-time job.......

Note:

I think I blew it for the mom momment.The-WOW my daughter is getting married factor last week on my client. First time bride, great dress, bride had the momment but I should have put a vail on her to capture mom's emotions more. Hope they come back to buy. The dress was awesome on her, really the one. (second day on the job)

Can I get back on Track

Yesterday evening was the first day back working at the gym. I can't really say I work because I usually just sit there, wait for people to come in and sign up for membership or greet existing members. But yesterday I decided that I was going to workout while I wait for the time to pass, good idea right? haha.
I figured I better start off slow and hopefuly keep myself from getting discouraged.
Start: Level 1, intervuls, 20 mins. on the bike.
Sure enough I had eight min. left and a potental new member comes in. So I hopped off the bike gave him the pitch and he signed up. Yeah!! 
Next, while I was siging up the new member one of the members I had signed up this past spring came in for his regular workout. His reason for starting at Snap was that he had had a major heart attack last year and was now cleared to start working out regularly-slow and stready. He told me that he lives and works near so it work well for him to hope on his bike and come to the gym for strength training. He is a super talker like me so we had a good visit when he joined that day. 
I was really excited to check in with him after signing up the new member. I grabbed my phone and water bottle jumped on the elliptical next to his treadmill and " Hey hows the heart doing"! He started to tell me about things going well for his heart, that he was coming to Snap and going to classes at the cardiac center, met some good people to workout with there, stress at work, the doctor telling him that he lost to much weight to fast, and that he was asked to speak at a conference for people recovering from heart attacks. Like I said a huge talker like me and before you know it I had done another 20 min of cardio and it was time to go home. (Bing light on.....need a work out buddy)
So to wrap up the day I had a great workout, good conversation to keep me moving and a peanut butter and jelly for dinner when I got home with cantaloupe. Now I just need to keep up the workouts and also get back to those Pilate's classes at Soulista.
Sara says: " Get to the gym tonight no matter what excuse you come up with, go home at lunch pack a gym bag, dinner and after work at 7, get there!"

Baby Fever

Lately I have been having baby fever and as they say the clock is ticking. My husband is not at all on board with the idea and he's no spring chicken either. I can understand his hesitation to a point but come on. He has a child from a past relationship, not marriage, that has spoiled the whole experience and joy of children.
I know I didn't want kids right away since I needed to travel and figure myself out first but now there seems to be a hole developing and it needs to be filled.
Kyle and I have been together for almost 10 years and married for 2 of those so its about time. He is just so difficult to talk to most the time. I just don't know how to approach the subject again. I can't wait for ever or I will be to old to enjoy and or have a child.

For about a year now I have been reading 3 blogs very regularly. All three are on the eco wave length and provide tips and facts about being eco friendly and living an organic eco life. I would love to live a more eco-friendly life but you know North Dakota just doesn't provide much help. When you live in an area of hunting, meat eating, tractor driving crazy people it make the organic and eco a lot more expensive and hard to find. Oh and living with a hunter/meat eater to.
But I have taken one step and I started recycling a while back. Somethings I'm still unsure if you can recycle them but I have thrown them in the bin anyway. Adding to recycling Kyle(he has frequented the recycling center for left over unused paint and stains-that's earth friendly right?) and I purchased new glass container and recycled the old plastic ones we had used for left overs, lunches and such. Baby steps.

Moving on......I sent my resume to Alicia Silverston today. Why? She posted a need for a part time assistant. I'm sure she is looking for someone who lives in southern cal. but I wanted to throw it out there anyway. You just never know. I think I could learn alot from her and her views on the world. Just to spend sometime with her to learn how to be more organic and eco would be nice. I think that is why I love going to my aunt and uncles in CA so much as well. I learn so much from them and live life when I'm with them.

So if there is anyone out there that is living a more earth friendly life send me your tips.
That's if I have any readers out there in cyberland.

Decisions

If time machines existed I would be on the next flight to the future right now. I'm faced with a few decisions that maybe good or bad. But like they say "its the risks you take". Right?

As you will see I can't Spell

A little note out to Liz Hoke about the teacher saying we could not be partners on a project in 10th grade English because we both could not spell. ha funny!

Why I thought to blog

A few months ago I went for a massage at a place called Soulista, a yoga and Pilates studio. I was searchng for a new massage place after getting a letter from my old therapist saying she was going back to full time teaching, she was an independant therapist that I loved. ( My husband had told me about Soulista after doing the caulking work onthe building.) In checking out the Soulista website I discovered they offer massage and was excited to see the place and possiblily check out a yoga class as well. http://www.soulista.com/
The day came around for the massage and I was super excited and couldn't wait to see this new stuido. When I arrived Brenda the therapist was super inviting and I had to laugh a little becuase no one in the whole place was wearing shoes, which I guess is a yoga studio is a rule. Great fit, I love to be in bare feet yet contridictory to my shoe love. huh? Anyway after meeting Brenda and filling out the nessasary paperwork the massage was under way. I dont normally talk to the therapist while recieving a massage but this being a new place and therapist I decided to brake my little relaxation rule. We talked about what I did for work, what my husband does and where I grew up, the usual questions. And before you know it the massage was over and I was very pleased with her proffessional ways and to conclude the appointment she said " you are a very interesting person".
Very interesting person?!?! Could it be true? And this is why I chose to start a blog. I'm I interesting?
Oh and I did take a few classes at the studio but have not been back since my vaction in July. Not sure why I have not been back. I love the place. Lazy? YES! Why? Dont know.

I'm now a Blogger

I have decided to start a blog like everyone else in this world so well see how it goes folks!