For Today - August 19, 2011

FOR TODAY:
Outside my window….the heat and humidity are back and I’m not happy about that. We desperately need rain and I need some cooler temperatures.

I am thinking… about the start of school on Monday and how that will change my morning routine. The kids’ school drop off times changed and we need to figure things out…

I am thankful for…the stability my family enjoys due to our jobs and other blessings in our life. Even with the recent stock market downturn and economic fears, we are in good shape.

From the kitchen…there are lots of leftovers, but the kids have requested pizza for dinner. Since it’s Friday, I’ll probably give in… and eat a salad myself….

I am wearing… blue jeans and a lavender tee shirt. I’m longing to wear a sweater, though.

I am creating … nothing at this time. I need to finish my friend, Nancy’s baby’s pictures and then start on another photo book.

I am going…to buy new running shoes soon. My current pair is showing a lot of wear as they have probably exceeded the 500 mile mark.

I am reading…nothing right now, but hope to acquire Cutting for Stone from the library. It’s our book club’s current reading selection.

I am hoping… Caesar’s eye continues to heal. It’s looking so much better now, but has relapsed before. I am also hoping for some rain – the cornfields could really use it.

I am listening to … Gustav Holst’s Jupiter – such a wonderful, moving piece.

Around the house… the weeds have taken over the garden. We really need to put down mulch next spring (notice I’m not advocating we do anything this year…that’s what we do best – procrastinate!)

One of my favorite things…new photography iPhone apps that I have been playing with – mainly apps that combine several pictures into a diptych, triptych or mosaic.

A few plans for the rest of the week…our Book Club meeting tonight (always a fun time), and a long run tomorrow morning (hoping for 8 miles). I also need to purchase tickets to see Sara Bareilles at a local club – so excited she’s coming back. Of course, we’ll head out to the stable to visit Caesar and then there is all that normal weekend stuff to do around the house. We’ll be busy Sunday night, gearing up for the first day of school on Monday. It’s the end of summer!

A picture to share:


The prairie sky about a week ago – pretty typical this time of year. I think we are lucky to be surrounded by such beauty.
I wish you a wonderful Friday.

Read more...

For Today, May 13, 2011

Outside my window… clouds are bringing some coolness and relief from the 90+ degree weather days we’ve had since Tuesday. I don’t mind summer weather, but I prefer it to happen in July, not May.

I am thinking… about what I should buy Scott for his upcoming birthday. I’m quickly running out of time…

I am thankful for…the cooler temperatures this morning.
From the kitchen…homemade pizza. We have lots of potential toppings – chicken, shrimp, olives, bacon…

I am wearing… blue jeans and a deep brown top - probably too “dark” for spring.

I am creating … a Blurb book for Brian’s fifth grade teacher – it’s 99% done – I just need to proofread it one more time before uploading.

I am going…to the clothing store this afternoon. I realize my spring / summer wardrobe is seriously lacking since I am wearing fall colors right now.

I am reading…nothing at the moment (other than the People Magazine my friend lends me – oh yeah, that’s not really “reading”). I have a trip planned in a couple weeks, so I’ll get a real book to read then.

I am hoping…the TV repair shop calls soon with news that they received the parts needed to repair the HDMI ports on our less than one year old TV. It’s been almost 3 weeks since I placed the service ticket.

I am listening to … Adele’s 21 album, but I think I like her 19 album better. My kids are listening to The Lazy Song by Bruno Mars. I haven't gotten sick of it yet, but I bet by next week I'll bristle when it comes on.

Around the house…the air conditioning got turned on Tuesday evening, but it will go back to “off” position soon, hopefully to stay there for a couple more weeks.

One of my favorite things…my Contigo vacuum sealed, spill proof travel mug. I don’t have to worry about coffee spilling in the car when I accelerate or stop quickly.

A few plans for the rest of the week…a visit to the stable, a 7 mile run tomorrow morning, a soccer game then house “stuff”. Otherwise, the weekend looks pretty open. Next week will be hectic – a trip to Chicago, Scott’s birthday, band concerts and baseball games all thrown into the mix. You may not hear from me much as I run from one place to another.

A picture to share:

Taken a couple weeks ago, after several days of rain and clouds. The glistening water makes me happy and I start to hear Adele’s song, Daydreamer, in my head.
And so I leave you with a video of the song, performed live.

Enjoy the rest of your Friday.

Read more...

For Today - September 17, 2010

FOR TODAY:

Outside my window.... the combines are harvesting corn and beans, taking advantage of this beautiful end of summer day – clear blue skies, mid-seventies.

I am thinking.... September is more than half way gone? How did that happen?

I am thankful for…the changing seasons and all that comes with it.

From the kitchen…I need to make my big batch of sweet basil pesto this weekend. I hope I can squeeze it in on Sunday.

I am wearing…jeans and a dark brown tunic.

I am creating … still working on those Italy pictures! The last day in Florence – will I ever get it done??

I am going…to pick up the Bounce House this afternoon in preparation for Brian’s birthday party on Saturday.

I am reading…nothing right now, with the exception of the blogs I peruse. I need to get started on the Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest.

I am hoping…I can get it all done this weekend. So much to do.

I am hearing…my current favorite song – Uncharted by Sara Bareilles. And I am hearing it played in my head. Favorite line in that song –

Compare where you are where you want to be and you’ll get ... nowhere

Around the house…I need to vacuum the basement and family room so the boys sleeping over on Saturday won’t breathe too much cat hair in!

One of my favorite things…Pumpkin Spice Coffee for this time of year!

A few plans for the rest of the week…Book Club tonight, Then Running, Soccer, Cleaning, Brian’s Birthday bash, complete with Laser tag, bounce house and sleepover on Saturday. I think I’ll collapse on Sunday!

A picture to share -

After a prolific start, the hydrangeas faded quickly in the heat of the summer. Then the blooms started to dry and turn a deep pink, almost rust color. A sign of the impending fall.

Read more...

For Today - July 7, 2010

Outside my window….slow moving traffic on I-90 as we drive through Cleveland
I am thinking…maybe we shouldn't have left Cedar Point so early this morning
I am thankful for…a big truck that no one wants to hit as we weave through this traffic
From the kitchen…I think Grandma Fay is going to spoil us with ribs tonight
I am wearing…tan shorts and a light purple top.
I am creating … composite photos from Sunday night's fireworks ... They'll be uploaded as soon as I find Internet service for my computer
I am going…to enjoy our car ride to NY.
I am reading… “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”, on my iPhone, using the Barnes and Noble e-Reader app.
I am hoping…that was the end of the congested traffic - we seem to be in the clear again, now that we're on the East side of Cleveland
I am hearing…the dim hum of the tires on the road, and the faint beating of Poker Face, from Erica's iPod.
Around the house…my 16x24 wrapped canvas from Hello Canvas arrived!
One of my favorite things…reminiscing as we drive through Cleveland - it's where Scott and I met
A few plans for the rest of the week…fun times visiting Grandma Fay, some golf and laptop shopping (for Grandma)

And here is a picture I am sharing today - a classic Cleveland fixture - Dead Man's Curve along I-90.

Read more...

For Today - The End of June

From The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY:
Outside my window….a perfect summer day – clear blue skies, low humidity, 80 degrees.
I am thinking…about my sisters visiting my parents in Plymouth this week. I wish I could be there, too.
I am thankful for…open windows and fresh air.
From the kitchen…Bon-Bon Chicken (shredded chicken with Chinese Peanut Sauce), rice, tofu.
I am wearing…tan shorts and a light green sweater.
I am creating … several “aged” photos using PSE.
I am going…to spend time with the cats this evening since we were out yesterday.
I am reading… “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”, on my iPhone, using the Barnes and Noble e-Reader app.
I am hoping…the weather stays this nice through next week.
I am hearing…the soft sounds of the water flowing from the water garden outside.
Around the house…we’re keeping things neat as possible.
One of my favorite things…watching the kids get along and interact with the cats – so cute!
A few plans for the rest of the week…driving the kids around to their friends’ houses, to the pool, to the movies. At some point this weekend, Jill and I will go see “Eclipse”.

And here is a picture I am sharing today - some lilies from the water garden:

Read more...

For Today - Wednesday, June 23

I love the simplicity of this meme. If you want to participate, you can visit The Simple Woman's Daybook.

FOR TODAY:
Outside my window…sun and stifling heat and humidity.
I am thinking…about starting a Blurb Book.
I am thankful for…the great baseball season Brian’s team had, even though they lost their one and only game in the tournament final last night.
From the kitchen…we’ll eat leftovers tonight. With only two mouths at dinner tonight, nothing fancy is required.
I am wearing…khakis and a red polo shirt.
I am creating … a diptych for tomorrow’s Team Up Thursday blog post.
I am going…to spend time with the cats this evening since we were out yesterday.
I am reading… blogs, blogs and more blogs. I should be reading “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”, as it is the book club selection for this month.
I am hoping…tomorrow morning won’t be as humid.
I am hearing…Beethoven’s Romance in F Major for Violin. I am re-learning this piece, 25 years after I first played it.
Around the house…the cats are sizing each other up as Sammy settles in. Sammy gets the basement, Hannah and Rascal reign the upper floors when we aren’t around to supervise.
One of my favorite things…nice cool drinks to offset the heat. I’ve been enjoying the mango iced tea I made this weekend.
A few plans for the rest of the week…Brian and Scott are planning to go fishing on Thursday at Kickapoo, then we’ll go see “Toy Story 3” in the evening. Erica arrives back from her 5 day mission trip late Friday night.

A picture to share - Lavender at the Door, taken during my trip to London in late May. I found so many interesting doorways and threshholds there. Very different from what you see here.

Read more...

FOR TODAY - Friday, May 14, 2010

Outside my window is the inside of the office! I am sitting outside in the courtyard, where wispy clouds hang overhead.
I am thinking about the weekend activities.
I am thankful for the nice weather and the much needed rain.
From the kitchen - it's leftover night, although the amount the kids eat nowadays, there aren't too many of those!
I am wearing blue pants and a cream top, embellished with curlie-cues
I am creating entries for Project 365.
I am going to baseball tonight to watch Brian pitch for the first time.
I am reading The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.
I am hoping to get enough sleep tonight to effectively run early in the morning.
I am hearing the hum of motors from the compressors at work
Around the house - things aren't too messy right now, but that will change shortly
A few plans for the rest of the week: Horse riding, Baseball, Book Club, running, soccer, musicals, the Preakness and church
Here is picture I am sharing...some pretty yellow Columbine planted in the courtyard:


Have a nice Friday!

Read more...

One

I've been meaning to participate in this lovely meme that my friend, Lee, stumbled upon. A little perspective on what's happened and the potential of the future.

one hour ago: I was just starting to edit today's photos.

one day ago: I was watching the Super Bowl with great friends.

one week ago: I was editing photos on the computer while watching "Make It or Break It" with the kids.

one month ago: We were digging out of 6" of snow and dealing with sub-zero temperatures.

one year ago: I was training for the Half Marathon.

one decade ago: We lived in Indiana, Erica was 2 1/2 and Brian a mere 5 months old.

* * * * *

one hour from now: I will be cajoling the kids to get to bed.

one day from now: We may be buried in more snow.

one week from now: We have nothing planned!

one month from now: I'm hoping Spring will have arrived.

one year from now: We may be snowbound again.

one decade from now: It will just be Scott and I in the house - Erica will be done with college and Brian will be in college. Wow!

Read more...

Friday Fill-Ins - November Edition

1. The last band I saw live was Sara Bareilles – it was a fabulous show, read about it here.
2. What I look forward to most on Thanksgiving is all that food!
3. My Christmas/holiday shopping is going to be light this year because we’ll be traveling.
4. Thoughts of tasks I need to accomplish fill my head – isn’t that sad?
5. I wish I could wear those really high stiletto heels (since I’m only 5’3”). But 2” is about my limit. Plus I can’t balance on those tiny heels.
6. Bagpipes are loud! We know because we had the privilege to watch the opening of the Highland Games in Oban, Scotland back in 2007:



Have a great Friday!

Read more...

Friday Fill-Ins - First Fall Edition

1. I have a history of starting something and never finishing it 100%.

2. Photoshop is something I wish I knew [it would help if I had the software].

3. I'm eating (or recently ate) a banana.

4. I like to take pictures while driving on the road. [I never take my eyes off the road - I just hold the camera off to the side of my right temple and click away. You never know what image you'll get!]
This morning's example of "drive by shooting":


5. So that's it, that's where the 2016 Olympics will be held - Rio de Janeiro, not Chicago.

6. A little bit of something is better than nothing!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing at home, tomorrow my plans include an early morning soccer game and Sunday, I want to enjoy shopping in Indianapolis!

Read more...

Friday Fill Ins #123

I love my Starbucks Coffee!

1. Apples are to oranges as Starbucks Coffee is to Dunkin Donuts coffee – there is no comparison.

2. Life is like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re going to get and that's all I have to say about that.

3. I think I hear a symphony whenever you’re around (inspired by the song, Symphony, by Jessica Riddle, off the Wedding Planner Soundtrack.)

4. I get choked up when I hear the Star Spangled Banner and see that beautiful flag flapping in the wind.

5. Do what you want to do, but just make sure you think things through.

6. Erica and Brian made their way back from the creek, and behind him was a Radio Flyer wagon; in the wagon was a bucket filled with Wooly Worm Catepillars. You can read that blog post here.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to the baseball game, tomorrow my plans include copious amounts of yard work and Sunday, I want to _call my sister and mother and enjoy Mother’s day!

Read more...

Friday Fill-Ins #122

Tulips can grace my home during any season

1. The first rule of working in an office and getting along is applying the Golden Rule – treat those around you as you would like to be treated. That’s just the first rule - here are some additional common sense guidelines that work in so many situations:

• Learn people’s names; and their spouse’s / children’s names. Use them correctly!
• Get to know the people you work with – find a common bond or interest you share. Then take the time out to make small talk about those interests – it doesn’t take very long and really helps to build teams.

2. I love little neck clams and mussels, steamed with butter, garlic and parsley. Unfortunately, they are hard to find in the Mid-west – we usually have to travel to the North East to enjoy really fresh ones.

3. When I think of carnivals I think of the lady on the flying trapeze.

4. Tulips are my favorite spring flower. Lilacs are a close second.

5. Things on my desk include my coffee mug, my computer and pictures of my family.

6. Today’s damp, cool weather makes me wanna curl up on the couch.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a quiet night (most likely the baseball game will be canceled), tomorrow my plans include the annual Derby party at John and Laura’s and Sunday, I want to enjoy my time alone as the boys go to a Cubs game in Chicago!

To join in on this fun meme, go to Friday Fill-Ins.

Read more...

Friday Fill Ins #115

Today's view from Brian's Room. The orange things are goldfish swimming around.

1. When I look to the left, I see the Family Room. Normally, one of the kids (that includes Scott) is playing Mario Kart Wii on the TV.

2. Brian's Bedroom is the room that has the best view in my home. That's because his room overlooks the fish pond.

3. Let it work it's way out.

4. Dirty Deeds done dirt cheap! (Now I have a song wedgie in my head)

5. Jury Duty is a responsibility that all qualified citizens must share. I've never been called to Jury Duty. Scott served as the foreman on a jury once.

6. If you have any grievances, feel free to voice them, but please, don't just complain - try to provide a solution.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to sleeping well after this morning's 10 miler, tomorrow my plans include running 4-5 miles, grocery shopping and laundry and Sunday, I want to get the house straightened up! You know, that sounds SO boring! I need to get out more!

Read more...

Finally Answered - 5 Questions from Lee

Lee posted a meme on her blog that I chose to participate in - Lee posed 5 unique questions to each participant, a "get to know you more" dialog, but on a more personal level. I had fun with her questions, even though it has taken me almost a week to get them answered!

1. How did you get into your line of work? Is it what you studied to do? If not, why didn’t you go into the field you studied?

At work, I am in charge of the automation and control of our chemical manufacturing process. That may sound complicated, but it really isn’t. My degree is in Chemical Engineering, so working in a Chemical manufacturing facility is pretty standard. I do work more with computers, and that is something I pursued 15 years ago because I wanted to “know how those automation systems worked”. It continues to be a growing field, with lots of new technology and opportunity.

2. You are always so incredibly positive: is there any one thing for which you would like a “do-over”?

Gosh, there are days when I don’t feel very positive. When I commit myself in writing on a public forum, I am forced to really think about the message I am sending. Maybe I sub-consciously paint myself in a super “positive demeanor”. “Do-over” – I somewhat regret my senior year in High School and all the grief I gave my parents. I wish I would have stepped out of my comfort zone and applied to colleges in California, like Stanford or Berkeley. Don’t know if that would have changed my college choice, but if you don’t even apply…..

3. What is your most favorite theme or subject for your photography?
I don’t think I have a favorite theme or subject, although I find myself drawn to light and its influence on a subject. I love the golden light of the sunrise and the brilliance of sunsets. The beauty of nature never ceases to amaze me.

Is there anything you would like to learn to broaden your photography experience? There is always something new to learn, in any field and that includes my little hobby of photography! On the Post Processing end, I would like to learn how to use Photoshop for color conversions, addition of textures, color correction, etc. I have not focused on that end of photography because I want to take great pictures straight out of the camera. But I also realize that part of Photography is the conveyance of an emotion and that can be achieved through the application of these effects. I also need to improve my low light / flash skills and wide angle photography skills. I often go through my day “framing” pictures in my head, and I am often disappointed when I attempt to transfer that to the image off the camera. Part of that will improve with time and clicks of the shutter.


4. Do you believe in an after-life? If so, what is it like?
I definitely believe in an after-life. Our Sunday school class just finished up a series on Heaven and from that class, I believe that we, as mere humans, cannot begin to fathom what Heaven is like. I know it will give us a different perspective and we won’t need the things and comforts we seek on earth. I don’t want to go to Heaven anytime soon, but don’t feel anxious about what awaits me there.

5. How did you meet Scott and how did you know he was “the one”?
Scott and I met in 1989, having just graduated from college and in our first jobs. We were “enrolled” in a Engineering Management classes with a slew of Mechanical Engineers, so being the only Chemical engineers in the group, we were teamed together in the various project assignments.
I don’t recall how I knew he was “the one”, I just liked being with him, he has great moral values, is fun to be around and most importantly, he has great green eyes (that’s my weakness).

Read more...