She's at it Again

A little over a year ago I introduced you to Shelbi -- jewelry maker extraordinaire! She is at it again at ShopMarigold.etsy.com. I didn't think it was possible, but her pieces are even more stunning this time around.

I've ordered two pieces from her in the last week or so:

• birthday gift arrived and is PERFECT for the person I had in mind.
• Christmas gift I just ordered last night so it hasn't arrived yet, but I know with Shelbi's talent it will be PERFECT for that person as well.
  

If you are looking for a unique gift for someone on your list, you cannot go wrong with a piece from ShopMarigold!

It's Here

My new computer arrived Saturday morning just as FedEx tracking said it would. I finally have the necessary files from the old computer (mostly photos) over to this one.

The wireless router was giving my trouble when I initially tried to set it up Sunday afternoon, but when I tried again Monday morning it worked like a charm and has ever since.

I'm still working on getting this room reorganized since we don't need the monstrous monitor taking up the entire desk any longer.

First "Real" Snow of the Season

We got our first real snow of the season overnight! Woke up to a beautiful white blanket -- the kind that sticks to the trees. I couldn't help but think I was driving through an Ansel Adams photo while I was driving Olivia & her friends to school.


Do not confuse my shots with those of Ansel Adams...lol!!

What the Heck

happened to last week?

Last week was a busy, busy week -- DH came home early a few times due to having meetings and/or speeches out of the office. We all know what having a husband home does to our routines, don't we? LOL!!

I did write a few thoughts down & will upload them by Wednesday...

TGIF

This has been one hectic week,and I am so glad it's Friday! For once we have no plans the weekend aside from church. I am looking forward to spending time at home. That's not just because my new computer will be here tomorrow! :D

Grade A Pictures

Aside from the week that I studied the wrong notes & ended up with an 82, my quizzes & tests have been in the A+ to A- range. However, the A in the assignment had alluded me until now that is...

I got an A on my studio lighting assignment -- woohoo!! That's the one I used this as the inspiration.

Checkin' Daily

I've been checking daily to see if the ship date for our new computer has changed. It hasn't so far! Fingers crossed it will ship on tomorrow! I can't play on a screen that I can actually see some of the images I have not been able to and to be able to look at & edit the photos I take again.

Happy Birthday Dad

Today is Bob's dad's birthday! They moved to Tucson in 2006, and we haven't seen them since Aug '2007. We talk and email often, but it just isn't the same as being able to stop over at their house at any time like when they lived about 4 miles from us. I miss those days and look forward to seeing them soon!!

Hope you have a wonderful day, Dad! We love & miss you (and mom too, of course)!

Weight Loss Journey

I have moved to Phase 2 and am down 1 more pound -- coming off slowly, but at least I found something to get the number on the scale going down rather than up. The 2 weeks on Phase 1 must have been what my body needed to get moving.

I spoke with my doctor last week and am going to continue with what I am doing until early Feb. She will test my thryoid levels again & we'll discuss the need for seeing an endo then. Other than the uber slow metabolism all the symptoms that motivated me to have my thyroid levels checked are gone so I don't think there is any reason to run to a specialist at this point. When we have my numbers in Feb, it may paint a completely different picture, but for now I am comfortable with this path.

Sucked In

(pun intended...lol)

What do I have in common with millions of teens, including Olivia, and at least three other adults? I am addicted to the Twilight series. I finished Twilight in two days and will begin reading New Moon tonight.

Confession: This, this, and this are on their way to my house. Only one is for me. The other two will be under the tree Christmas morning for Miss Olivia.

SBD Week 2

Forgot to update you all on my weight loss progress from week 2 of phase 1. I lost 2.5 lbs from Nov 3 - Nov 9. That brings my total to 5, and more importantly, I had to buckle my belt one notch smaller. :)

Christmas Comin' Here Early

We're ordering a new computer tonight! A laptop - woohoo!!

C...Hopefully, the mouse doesn't arrive too far ahead of the computer & taunt me with his squeaking...LOL!! Yes, we're ordering your recommendation! :D

Thank You

Corpse Flower

Shortly after the election, the hype in the area turned from politics and to the butterfly garden at Milwaukee Public Museum. In 2002 a Titan Arum was planted, and it was expected to bloom any day. A Titan Arum is also known as the Corpse Flower for the rotting flesh smell given off when the plant blooms.

Saturday evening brought news of the plant collapsing and most had given up hope that it would bloom. However, it did today & you can see it here live. Thankfully, they don't have it hooked up to smell cam...LOL!! I don't know that the refresh is necessary anymore, but before it bloomed the plant grew at a rate of an inch an hour.

There is another Titan Arum in the butterfly garden that could bloom next year. See we aren't all about beer & the bronze Fonz...ROFL!!

Are You Job Hunting?

I hear there will be approximately 5000 positions open in the White House and Federal Departments, Agencies and Commissions. If interested in a non-career position, you can apply at change.gov.

I have to say thanks, but no thanks...LOL!! Can you imagine the headaches of any position career or not in one of those jobs? YIKES!! Not to mention the checks one would have to go through to be even interviewed in the first place.

Another Birthday Wish

Happy 60th Birthday to Pat*!!

Hope you have a wonderful day celebrating it your style
low key, just another day, no big deal...

*Pat is my step-dad who I prefer to think of as bonus dad!

One Down...

Quite a few more to go! I began Christmas shopping today. I hope to be done shortly after Thanksgiving this year. We'll see if that actually happens...

Happy Birthday Carolynn

Brown & Pink Birthday Cake
Originally uploaded by PinkCakeBox

Hope you have a wonderful day, my friend!
xoxo

Today's the Day

End of Week 1 Phase 1

During week one, I lost a whoppin' 1.5 lbs. I didn't expect to have the huge loss I had during the same week the first time I did phase 1. I am slighly disappointed with such a small loss, but at least it's a move in the right direction.