My Wish for You...

It's a Wrap

I can't believe I am not out shopping today or planning a late night wrapping session. All my shopping was done on Monday & I wrapped the last present this morning around 9:30.

We are home from our Christmas Eve church service (it was lovely) and now I am waiting for the turkey breast & potatoes to get closer to the finish line so I can get the veggies & rolls going.

It's just Bob, Olivia & I here today. After we eat we will watch a Christmas movie, open the gifts from Bob's parents & the new PJs Santa dropped off early. Then we will settle in for our long winter's nap...lol!

Hope you all are having a nice Christmas Eve with your family and/or friends!

One of the Last

My last post about Photo 101 until I get my slide scanner that will allow me to share my best images taken for the class with you all.

My final grade...

A

Snow Day

Both Bob & Olivia have snow days today! The snow started falling after midnight last night & by 5AM there was over 5 inches on the ground with more than that still to fall. The official total at the airport was 11.4, but we are about 10 miles southeast of there where totals are higher. We ended up with about 13 or 13.5.

Other than some light flurries that won't amount to much the snow is over. Our driveway and "porch" are all cleaned up & we're ready for he next round Saturday night into Sunday - another 4-7! Woohoo!

Should the 4-7 be right, that will move us to the second snowiest December on record. I'm hoping we smash the record of 49.5! Which is possible since we have snow in the forecast every few days & it doesn't look like that pattern will change any time soon.

Photo 101 is Over

Today was my last Photo 101 class! I am both happy & sad that it is over!

We watched the slide shows of all the students in my class. From the looks of some of the images, I'm not sure some of them got much out of the class, and at least one of them is a photography major.

I got a B, and am very pleased! I knew I wouldn't get an A since I wasn't able to work out time to shoot in the studio. If we shot in studio it had to be during my class hours, and with DD in school & mom at work during that time it just wasn't possible.

I learned a lot in this class and am looking forward to the next one which starts Jan 23!

Now to get those slides digitized so I can share some of my best images with you all.

Ta Das Times Three

1. semester project photos picked up CHECK
2. hair stylist gift purchased CHECK
3. Bob's secretary's gift purchased CHECK

Ta Da lists are so much better than to do lists! :)

Photo Shoot in the Bitter Cold

Today is the day that every single photo for my semester project needs to be taken. Olivia got out of school early today & we went to the park to take some pictures. Talk about not the best day to be at the park -- it was 12 degrees while we were out there. BRR!! Drove to a location, shot a few frames, went to the car to warm up...err...I mean to find a new spot!

The pictures are taken and have been dropped off for processing! I will pick them up tomorrow morning & am praying that this snow is mostly cleaned up by the time I have to make that LONG trek again!

He's Home

After a short getaway to New Orleans, my great husband is home! Hooray!

To Dos Turn to Ta Das

Yesterday was a pretty productive day!

Saturday's To Dos
pick up truck CHECK
take Olivia to bank CHECK
take Olivia to work CHECK
ship packages CHECK
drop off dry cleaning CHECK
buy slide film CHECK
meet friend for quick lunch CHECK
pick Olivia up from work CHECK
shoot at least three rolls of film of Olivia for semester project (weather did not cooperate!)
go shopping with Olivia (Olivia did not cooperate...lol -- teen attitudes have to have consequences, right?)
go to dinner with Olivia CHECK
go to see TWILIGHT with Olivia (see shopping)

I'm such a mean mom! :)

New "I Adore"

I have added another blog to my Blogs I Adore list in my side bar. Lisa from Coastal Nest is a fun lady with a GREAT talent for decorating. I want to move into her house!! :)

Ugh...

It took $654, but my car is ready for pick up. I have a full day planned for tomorrow that includes walking up to the shop to pick her up.

Since Bob is out of town I have been driving his truck. I like it a lot, but it's just not mine so I'm not as comfortable driving it. I'll be happy to be driving my little Blazer again!

Tomorrow's To Dos
pick up truck
take Olivia to bank
take Olivia to work
ship packages
drop off dry cleaning
buy slide film
meet friend for quick lunch
pick Olivia up from work
shoot at least three rolls of film of Olivia for semester project
go shopping with Olivia
go to dinner with Olivia
go to see TWILIGHT with Olivia

I need a nap after typing that...lol!!

Good News Time Two

1. Got my photography exam back and got 100%! Woohoo!!

2. Talked to my teacher today about the View Camera Techniques class waiting list. He said he would talk to the instructor of that class for me. He did, and I am able to join the class! All I have to do is show up on the first day & he will sign an "overload" so I can take the class.

Three cheers for cool instructors who will pull strings for their students! :D

Fun with Macro

A little over a month ago I spent a little time playing with the macro setting on my digital camera. These are the same daisies I used in my studio shoot for photography class. They lasted over two weeks and I got lots of photos using them...

You can see the rest of them here!

My "Bottom Part"

Shelbi over at Keeper of the Chocolates wrote a lovely entry about the things we surrender as mothers. Things that are less than perfect, but in the grand scheme of things are worth surrendering.

There are several things that come to mind for me, but the main one is Olivia's room. Especially her closet & drawers. My closet & drawers are in perfect order most of the time. Each piece of clothing has its place.

I got tired of nagging her about straightening her clothes, and a few years ago I gave up that battle. However, there is a trade off -- she is now responsible for putting away her own clothes and ironing anything that was shoved in a drawer that is too wrinkled to wear. If I find something she has not worn & put in the hamper because it was too wrinkled, I keep it for at least a week. We are both much happier that this issue has been put to rest.

The inside of her drawers can look like this...

As long as when the drawers are closed the dresser looks like this...


That was one sweet surrender!!

Tree #2

I finished decorating the real tree in the living room just a few minutes ago. I love the color scheme of ornaments on this tree, but I definitely need to find more ornaments that are NOT round, glass balls.

Abstract Photo Fun

Trouble Returns!

The end of last January I had to take my car in because it got "stuck" in 4 wheel drive. I was able to get it out, but it would not go back in. They kept it for two days trying to find a problem and found nothing. They reset something (I left last year's paperwork with them & can't recall what they reset.) It worked fine for the rest of last winter & for the little bit of winter weather we have had so far this year until Thursday morning. So that Chevy is spending a couple nights with our mechanic.

Confession...

I don't think I ever told you all that my mom is a "h00ker", and we're all proud of her...lol!

Rug h00ker that is...LOL!! The photos above are of the one made for me for last Christmas. I got it back recently because she entered it in a couple shows and wanted to photograph it for the records she is keeping of the projects she has done.

It will go in our home office -- the only room that hasn't been redecorated since we moved here in 2000. This rug will serve as inspiration for color & style. I can't wait to get going on it after I complete a few other projects!!

Poinsettias

in non-traditional colors make me smile...

Grr!

Why did we wait to sign up for view camera? As of about 10:00 last night, there were three spots remaining. This morning there was only one! My friend got the final spot & I am on #1 on the waiting list crossing my fingers someone will drop! And really hoping they drop before classes start. I will be checking my school email daily now since we have 48 hours to respond or it goes to the next person. Guess how many times that account had been checked before today. If you said ZERO, you are correct!

Final Exam

My photography final exam was today -- I think I did very well! Only two more classes to go...

Signing up for the next one tomorrow. I'll be taking a view camera class. Not so much to learn about the view camera as to learn to develop & to fulfill a requirement so I can take the Composition class that really interests me!

New Look

My new look is really an old look! I have revived my blog look from last winter, but with different font colors. The header has 2007 because that is when it was created. I am not confused about the year...lol!! I don't want to add my ancient photo editing program to my computer now, and have yet to pick up a newer version. Photo editing is not at the top of my list of priorities right now. Gifts to buy, gifts to wrap, cards to write and mail out, etc are priorities.

I think I have fixed the issue with a portion of the header disappearing in IE after scrolling to the bottom of the page and then back to the top.

Oh No!

I just realized my blog's dressed for fall & it's now time for winter! I will change my look in the next few days!

Tree #1

I got one of our Christmas trees up and decorated Sunday evening, but had to purchase a new topper. I was a bit sad the old one stopped working until I found the perfect replacement at Target today.

There are a few more pictures of our Christmas decorations here.

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.

Just for You, C :)

South Beach Diet "Revisited"

Most of you probably remember my post earlier this year about trouble with weight gain and other symptoms that had me thinking I had hypothryoidism. Most symptoms are gone or aren't as severe, but not the weight gain. I have gained more weight since then. I still eat healthy foods and appropriate portions, I exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep. Since nothing seems to be working, I have gone back to South Beach Diet Phase 1.

I never "left" SBD, but none of my doctors suggestions have worked so this is the last resort. If going back to the SBD Phase 1 works, I will move on to Phase 2 to lose that weight that has crept back. If Phase 1, again, does nothing, I will schedule another appointment with my doctor who will probably refer me to an endocrinologist.

My fingers are crossed that this will work!! Today is Day #2!

Thirty Years Ago...

today my mom & step-dad, Pat, were married!

Happy 30th Anniversary Mom & Pat!!

I remember the day you got married like it was yesterday! Scott & I couldn't have had a better "second dad"! I love you both! Hope you have a wonderful day!

I'll Be Back

Bob being off work all last week put a cramp in my blogging schedule, but I hope to be back in full force this week! :D

A Different Thanksgiving

Bob & I are seriously considering changing up our Thanksgiving traditions this year. We are thinking of serving a meal at a nearby homeless shelter. I love my family and all, but I think it is time for Bob, Olivia, & I to make traditions of our own.

When I mentioned it to Olivia she said I would rather go to grandma's. Well, of course, she would. However, I told her these people would rather not be homeless. She got my point & has come around to the idea.

I think this will be a great thing for us to do as a family!

Real Simple Thought of the Day

Love this one...

Joy is the best makeup. ~ Anne Lamott

My Husband Goes to Vegas

and all I get is this crazy picture sent from his Blackberry...

My Fall/Winter Fashion

Olivia & I went shopping this afternoon. She had money from her paycheck burning a hole in her pocket (This is what's leftover, as she calls it, after the 50% we require her put into her savings account.) She bought herself some goodies and never once hinted that I should buy it for her. She thought about her purchases a lot longer than she would have had Mommy been paying. She's starting to think of how many hours it takes her to make a certain amount, and realizing it's "real" value.

I also made a few purchases to freshen up my seriously boring fall wardrobe. I picked up this sweater in perfect plum at TJ Maxx for $19.99, this sweater in dark brown (not on website), and this top for under it. A couple more of the fun fall sweaters that are out there, and I will be all set!

My Inspiration

I decided on a subject for class tomorrow: A large white pitcher of daisies with a few strawberries "scattered" on the table. I will vary the props around the main subject a bit and go with what looks best! I am also bringing along a white bowl, yellow & white cloth napkins/dishtowel, Granny Smith Apples, and Bartlet Pears.

I am sure most students will be doing something "fallish" which is what I was thinking initially, but decided against it. I want to use something that would match a room in our home so I can print & frame if they turn out as good as I am hoping.

I found inspiration in a photo on flickr. You can see my inspiration photo here!

Matthew Zucker's Photography

For photography class tomorrow, I have to figure out what I am going to use as my subject for some studio work. The instructor gave some websites to look at to get ideas. One is workbook.com & the other is photo.net. I have been spending a little time on workbook.com where I ran across this:


I love this image!!

I'm still trying to figure out what to bring tomorrow. This has me stumped!!

Need...err...I Mean Want

I want a slide scanner. I have taken quite a few shots for my photography class, and some of them are really great. The problem is right now I have no way of getting those slides onto my computer so I can share them with you.

So far our assignments have been...

• People, Places, and Things (at least 36 images of whatever you want -- at least 10 images had to contain people)
• Shutter Speed (at least 36 images -- 18 of them blurring action & 18 of them stopping action)
• Aperture (at least 36 images -- 18 with limited depth of field (subject in focus background not) & 18 with extended depth of field (entire image in focus)
• Graphic Images & Abstract Color (at least 64 images -- extreme close ups, intentionally out of focus, moving camera, moving zoom as you take picture, etc -- the FUN stuff)

Shutter Speed was my least favorite. I think my favorite images are from the Aperture assignment, but there are some GREAT ones in the Graphic Images & Abstract Color as well.

My quiz average so far is 101% (yes, we get a couple extra credit questions on them). We have our mid-term exam this week which I think I will do well on. We have only turned in the first two assignments at this point, and only have the first back graded. I got a B+.

I am enjoying this class and learning a lot in it. I plan to take another next semester!!

I *heart* Neil Cavuto

While watching Shep Smith on FOXNews a bit ago, he was talking to Neil Cavuto about the Dow's plunge today. In a follow up question to the announcement that President Bush would speak tomorrow, Shep asked him what our leaders should be out there saying, and his answer was they should just SHUT UP! I love it! :D

White House Goes Pink

No Paris Hilton did not move in...LOL!

First Lady, Laura Bush, flipped a switch to light the White House in pink light tonight in honor of breast cancer awareness month. Wish I could find a pic on the web because the shot I saw on TV was spectacular!

ETA: you can see the White House bathed in pink light here & here.

Fall Look

I did a little housekeeping and got my blog ready for fall. I still have a few tweaks left, but it is mostly complete!

I used a Shabby Princess digital scrapbooking kit for my banner & background once again. I don't have the name of the kit easily accessible right now, but will give credit and include the name on my sidebar.

Editing to say: Complete other than the strange phenomenon of half my header disappearing when I scroll back to the top of my page in IE. Things that make you go hmmm. If you use IE, don't scroll up to the top of the page after scrolling down, and that will solve it...LOL!!

I will look into this when I have a little more time.

*giggle*

Our Homecoming Girl

The finishing touches!


All ready to go!


Just being silly!
(I love the way the light hits Olivia's face in this pic!)

Shady Lane

For $475,000 a 3,000 sqaure foot 4 bedroom, 3 bath home in Ashwaubenon, WI can be yours!! The taxes are $7,525.00! :eek:

Why is this house important enough for me to mention? It is owned by D.L. Tynes. Who is D.L. Tynes? Deanna Favre!

Front


Kitchen


Living Room
It's near an area we would love to live someday, but I don't think Olivia is ready to switch from her school to one 130 miles from here. Not sure we are ready to plop down that kind of money on a home right now either! It's nice having a mortgage payment that is the size of a rent payment.

Dear Miss Olivia

Please stop growing up!

Olivia is going to her first homecoming dance this weekend. After school she & I went shopping for a dress and found one pretty quickly. The shoes are proving to be the difficult thing to find. She wants a ballet-style flat in patent leather, and we can't find a pair anywhere. I have a few more places to hit. I know we will find something, but it is frustrating when you have something in mind and just can't find it.

Another Night of Music

I went to see Celine Dion with Olivia's friends mom. We had a GREAT time. Celine was GREAT live!! I was hoping she would sing my favorite song -- her cover of Heart's Alone -- and I was not disappointed!! :) I'm just glad I didn't cry because that song usually does!

We're In

Woohoo!! It has been 26 years since the Milwaukee Brewers have made it to the post season. Needless to say, fans here (me included) are pretty excited about it.

My favorite then)...

Paul Molitor

My favorite now...

Ryan Braun

Fun Baseball Weekend in Milwaukee

The Milwaukee Brewers are in the playoff hunt for their first post-season appearance since the 1982. They open a three-game series at home against the Chicago Cubs tonight. The Brewers are tied with the New York Mets in the National League Wild Card standings.

Hopefully, by this time on Sunday we will know that the Brewer's have secured their spot. However, with the rain on the East Coast there could be several games that would impact the Wild Card standings that could be postponed due to weather. Let's hope they are able to get the games in and that the Mets lose one more game than the Brewers.

Words, Photographs, Silence

When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence. ~ Ansel Adams

I Don't Get It

People know the dangers of drunk driving -- yet they continue to do so. You would not believe how many reports of a pedestrian or a bicyclist being killed in a hit-and-run accident we have had here lately. More often than not, when authorities find the suspect in the hit-and-run, the reason they ran is uncovered -- they were drunk at the time. The latest incident really made me sick...

A 25-year-old woman was killed in a hit-and-run accident around 9PM Sunday. A short time later, police in a neighboring city noticed a car with what looked like "fresh" accident damage -- headlights dangling from the cables AND steam was coming from under the hood. As they followed her a description of the vehicle involved in a hit & run matched this vehicle. They pulled over the vehicle which was driven by a a 21-year-old woman. When the woman was asked about on her car, the woman said it happened a couple days earlier. Upon inspection of the damage, police found the hit-and-run victim's PURSE hooked to the car. The woman failed the field sobriety test and has TWO prior drunk driving convictions.

How can someone have so little regard for a human life? It makes me ill!

I think there are several things that contribute to the problem in Wisconsin. These are just a few...

• Drinking is a part of the culture.
• Punishment for repeat offenders is TOO LENIENT
• Discussions of drunk driving are too focused on fines, loss of license, etc. instead of LOSS of PRECIOUS LIVES.

If you choose to drink, that is completely up to you. However, please take the bus, call a cab, or have a designated driver.

Does Anyone Know...

where this week went?

The roof is COMPLETELY done...
DirecTV is operational again and includes another room in the house...

That means I am officially done getting things ready for someone to come do work at the house. Now I need to get this place put back together. Once the house is put back together I will not feel so "pressured" to get things done and will have a more scaled back weekly schedule. It will be a nice change from the last few.

Our Sub Girl

Olivia started her job Friday night! She is working again right now. So far she really likes it. In fact, she said it was FUN. Lets hope she continues to feel that way about having a job. :)

It's funny to see her with the calculator adding up her hours & figuring out how much her check will be. Last night, Daddy had to burst her bubble and remind her of Uncle Sam's portion. Welcome to the workin' world Miss Olivia!

Hurricane Ike

Those in Ike's path are in my thoughts & prayers! Be safe!

Seven Years Later (9-11)

I will never forget the sky that September morn. However, I wonder had that day been "normal" would I remember the beautiful shade of blue the sky was that morn? I don't think I have seen it that shade since...

Not Much Better

I have not been much better about blogging this week. It's a freakin' 5 hour class! Why does it feel like my life revolves around it right now? Don't get me wrong I LOVE it, but it's a lot of "work".

Hopefully, I got a good grade on my first quiz. I know I blew one question as I totally blanked. I had the right answer, but didn't write it because I thought it was wrong. I could kick myself for that -- never leave a question blank -- guess if you don't know! GRR! I need to remind myself that I am learning how to use an SLR camera, and what matters. Not whether or not I can recall the name of a part of the camera when it's on a piece of paper with no other hint around.

Amazing

No matter your political views or which candidate you are backing for the November election, you have to admit this is one POWERFUL video...

Break Time

I took an unintentional break from blogging this week. This week just kicked me in the backside. Today is the only day I have been able to stay home and the only reason I am here is because I came down with a late summer cold or something Tuesday.

I have missed you all and hope to be back on schedule next week.

Woohoo!!

Remember that orientation? It's happening right now!

Remember the plan for the new roof? It's happening right now!

We ended up going with barkwood for the color. After seeing, hickory on a couple homes we just didn't care for it. The contrast between the colors in the actual shingle were too great and it kind of looked like plaid or checkerboard up on the roof. It would probably would have looked find, but a roof color mistake is a bit tougher to fix than a paint color mistake. Not to mention a bit more costly.

So far they have the roof over the second story done (or nearly done). I am lovin' it so far. I will post before, during and after pictures once the project is completed. It looks to me like that could be as early as tomorrow.

Photo 101

It was really weird to be back in the classroom after being out for nearly 20 years. Of course, we will be learning the how to use an SLR camera. The class is not only to teach about how to use the camera, but how to look at things more creatively. We won't be learning developing and we don't use the film you would think we would (negative film). We use slide film. Our slides are put into a slide projector after they are graded for a group critique -- YIKES. Hopefully, my classmates aren't too brutal...LOL!!

There are only two places in the area who develop slide film in house, and since we need them back quickly we have to use local. The nearest place is about 40 minutes from my house & a little further from my friend's house. We are carpooling to school & we will also take turns running films out & picking up. No sense on both of us driving out there.

We have our first assignment, and it is due Thursday. I have to get out and get shooting so I can have them developed and back by Wednesday afternoon or evening. Other assignments we get a lot more time for, but this one is only worth 10 point that will go toward our lowest project grade. It is basically for the instructor to see where everyone is and for us to get a feel for how he wants the assignments done.

I plan to have my film scanned to CD or purchase a slide scanner so I will post some of my assignment photos from time to time so you guys can see my progress (hopefully...lol).

I am a bit nervous, but really excited to learn new things at the same time.

I'm Tired

Today was my first photography class, and I am pooped! I will tell you all more about it tomorrow.

Happy Anniversary...

to a Milwaukee legend!

The anniversary celebration kicked off today. There are TONS of things going on around town in connection with the 105th. I am hoping to head down to the parade Saturday Morning.

Another Birthday

Happy Birthday to my crazy brother! Hope you have a wonderful day!!

A friend is a brother who was once a bother. ~Author Unknown

Scott & I gave you a hard time when you were little. We know you loved it. :) I love you, Joshie!

DWTS Celebs & Partners

Here they are...

Lance Bass (singer) & Lacey Schwimmer
Toni Braxton (singer) & Alec Mazo
Brooke Burke (TV personality) & Derek Hough
Rocco DiSpirito (chef) & Karina Smirnoff
Maurice Green (Olympic gold medalist track and field star)& Cheryl Burke
Kim Kardashian (TV personality) & Mark Ballas
Cloris Leachman (actress) & Corky Ballas
Cody Linley (actor) & Julianne Hough
Susan Lucci (soap opera actress) & Tony Dovolani
Misty May-Treanor (Olympic gold medalist beach volleyball player) & Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Ted McGinley (actor) & Inna Brayer
Jeffrey Ross (comedian) & Edyta Sliwinska
Warren Sapp (NFL player) & Kym Johnson

No stars I am super excited about seeing except maybe Ted McGinley. I think he is hilarious. Cloris Leachman is 82 so that should be interesting as well.

I am THRILLED that Maksim is back this season. Bob will be happy to see Edyta is back, and something tells me he will be rooting for Brooke Burke...LOL!!

The Show!

Saturday night was Girls Night Out! We saw Sara Bareilles, Maroon 5, and Counting Crows.

First up was Sara Bareilles. We caught the very end of her show. She was OK. It was her last night on the tour with Maroon 5 and they brought out wine, flowers, teddy bears, bananas and stalks of celery for her. I wasn't there when they brought it out so I am not sure why they brought out bananas & celery...LOL!!

Next up was Maroon 5. They were AMAZING, and I have a new celeb crush. He might even be at number one right next to David Cook! Adam Levine (lead singer) is hot, hot, hot!

Adam.
Originally uploaded by Search Party Insider

We like them all, but the main reason we wanted to go to this show was to see Counting Crows. Every time you hear about one of their shows, the talk is how good they are live. Unfortunately, that didn't hold true for this show. We were quite underwhelmed by their show. How can Counting Crows do a show and not sing Mr. Jones? The best part of their show was Sara Bareilles joined them.

I <3 CVS

CVS
Shelf: $69.71
Paid: $13.68
Saved: $56.03 or 80.3%

That brings my numbers for the week to:

Shelf: $286.30
Paid: $116.34
Saved: $169.96 or 59.3%

This shopping also brought my most of my stockpile where it needs to be. I don't think I will spend half that this coming week. :)

Slightly Frustrated

As most of you know, Olivia was hired by Cousins late last month. She was told in the phone call when they hired her she needed to get her work permit and then call once she had it. She had her work permit two days later and called the person she was supposed the second we got home.

During that phone call she was asked when she would be available for an orientation. She said anytime, and was told someone would get back to her with a time. Two weeks had gone by since she had that conversation so she called to find out if a time had been set only to find out they already had an orientation AND that she was told about it. The person she spoke with on the phone spoke very loudly and I could hear every word. There were no messages left at our house or missed calls from this number or any other number we don't recognize. Also, if someone was supposed to be at an orientation and didn't show, wouldn't you call to find out why? We always did at McDonald's.

So now she has to wait until sometime after school starts for her orientation and to start working. Part of me wanted to call this person and tell him he needs to hire a secretary or keep better track of what he tells his new hires. Instead, Olivia is going to put in more applications in hopes that when (or should I say if) he calls she can say I found something else.

Birthday Wish

Happy Birthday Dad!

The father of a daughter is nothing but a high-class hostage. A father turns a stony face to his sons, berates them, shakes his antlers, paws the ground, snorts, runs them off into the underbrush, but when his daughter puts her arm over his shoulder and says, 'Daddy, I need to ask you something,' he is a pat of butter in a hot frying pan. ~ Garrison Keillor

That quote is true -- just ask my brothers...LOL!! Sorry, boys! ;)

Results: This Week's Game

Pick 'n Save
Shelf: $144.75
Paid: $34.32
Saved: $110.43 or 76.2 %

Woodman's
Shelf: $71.84*
Paid: $68.34
Saved: $3.50* or 4.8%

*The Woodman's shelf & saved amounts are not as high as they should be. The amount I listed as saved and included in the shelf price is only what I had in coupons. Because of the way their sale items ring I cannot tell what was on sale and what was not. I didn't write down regular prices so I could figure out my savings, and I am not going to start...LOL! I know I saved, and that I saved even more than when I did needs shopping at Pick 'n Save. On average, I would say regular prices are 10-15% lower at Woodman's than at Pick 'n Save on the items I normally purchase.

If you would like to play "the game", first timers can sign up for a $1 four week trail at thegrocerygame.com. Tell 'em penny-penn at sbcglobal dot net sent ya! :D

I still have to make a trip to Walgreen's or CVS. I haven't decided which one I am going to hit this week, but I think it will be CVS since I have a couple larger ExtraCare Bucks that should be waiting to print.

He's Here

Back in January I told you about The Bronze Fonz coming to Milwaukee. At the time the estimated an unveiling of Labor Day, but it was a couple weeks ahead of schedule. The Bronze Fonz was unveiled today. Here are both versions (flesh & bronze...lol)...

The statue looks more like Wink Martindale to me than the Fonz. *snicker*

What Were You Wearing?

Do you remember what you were wearing ten years ago today? I do...

Happy Anniversary Bob! I love you!!

Confession about our wedding pictures: I don't really like any of the pictures of me from the wedding. Our photographer said my "real" smile looked too harsh in pictures and that I should try not to show my teeth when I smile. It made me very self conscious which in turn made every smile look unnatural and forced.

I wish I wouldn't have listened to that clod!

Digital TV Conversion

Last week I took grandma to get her DTV converter box. I swear that woman is going to drive me insane with it...LOL!

The PBS station in our area isn't broadcasting digital yet so she gets some other feed for that channel. I told her she will have to watch that channel the way she used to until Sept 1 when they start broadcasting.

The remote for the converter box only controls the box and the power for the TV which had to be programmed. I was very clear when I told her she needs to put down the new remote and use the old one if she wanted to watch PBS. However, she decided she could do it with the converter remote anyway. She turned on the TV, left the receiver off as she should, then tried turning on the PBS channel with that remote. Because that remote doesn't work with the TV it was still on channel 3 and she insisted that she doesn't get any channels at all any more on her TV. She ended up pressing so many buttons to try to get the TV to work that she deprogrammed the code for the TV power button.

While over there today, I fixed the problems, showed her how to get PBS to work, and wrote down all the instructions. So a few minutes ago she called and wanted to now why she only gets channel 3, but there are so many different "channel 3s".

I give up...LOL!!

Evening Rain

We have had a beautiful stretch of weather in recent days. Tonight brought some much needed rain. I enjoyed much of that evening rain curled up with a good book.

Tell me how many beads there are
In a silver chain
Of evening rain,
Unravelled from the tumbling main...
Thomas Lovell Beddoes

Canon's Captures

Here are a few shots I have taken with my new digital camera. I am lovin' it so far.

Yep, I still LOVE taking floral & sunset shots! :) They don't run away when I come with the camera like Bob, Olivia, Boomer, & Chevy do.

GRR!

Those Packers really know how to screw things up this season. They play their first pre-season game tonight. It just happens that the network that it is being aired on in the Milwaukee area is ABC. The same network that should be showing the finale of The Mole tonight. That episode will be shown, but not until SUNDAY AFTERNOON! Grrr -- what's wrong with airing it after Jimmy Kimmel like they do other shows that are preempted for whatever reason. Guess they don't realize one of the final three is from the area!

I know I can watch it online tomorrow, but it's just not the same so I feel like complaining!

For the record, I know it's not really the Packers fault, but after the saga of the last month or so I feel like blaming something else on them...LOL!

Photography for Two

Olivia hasn't gotten her "official" schedule yet, but her school uses a program where parents and students can check their grades. Olivia logged into that site yesterday and noticed her classes for the first term were listed. She got Photography. When she signed up we figured she wouldn't get it. There is only one class per year, the number of students are limited. They pick who gets into class seniors first, then juniors, and so on. It also goes by the date you registered for the class, but your grade comes first. Being a sophomore & signing up near the end of the registration period we figured Olivia wouldn't get it, but it was worth a try.

Looks like Olivia & I will be learning the same things this fall! :)

The school provides the cameras so we don't have to go on the hunt for another one. Thank goodness!

Back to the List

I don't recall if I mentioned it here or not, but shortly after the only grocery store that had a list available in my area closed I canceled my membership to the Grocery Game. I had more than enough stuff from CVS & Walgreens. I still used the principals of The Game to keep up my stockpile. The two years of requesting a list for my favorite grocery store has finally paid off. This week a list for that store became available! I have rejoined The Game.

I couldn't wait to use my list for the first time in nearly a year. The second I signed up I went though the list, marked the items I wanted to purchase, printed only those, pulled my coupons, and went off to the store. I couldn't find a single thing from that list. The whole time I was in the store I was thinking I am going to have to cancel if my stores sales are completely different the store the list maker uses. I was getting kind of bummed.

Later that evening, I decided I better read the game rules for my store. Apparently, I should have done that before I went to the store because I was a day EARLY! *snicker* On the bright side, my list is ready to go. I won't shop that list until the last day of the sale because it is double coupon day.

Guess I shouldn't have been so excited about getting back to the list & read the rules before running to the store! OOPS -- hehehe!

Two Steps Closer

Two steps closer to being all set for my photography class. Wednesday I picked up a camera bag & today I paid the tuition! The last step (unless I decide I deserve some back-to-school clothes -- hehehe) is the book. I have found several options to purchase it new at lower than bookstore used prices and a couple low priced used options as well. I will decide which one to go with next week.

The Answer

The answer to Tuesday's question is New York Jets. Brett has been traded to the Jets! Boo Green Bay Packers management!

What Will I Be Wearing This Season?

New York Jets or Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

I have a feeling we might know very soon.

Yes, I am Spoiled

Two cameras in two days! :)

I mentioned a while back that it was time for a new digital camera for us. I also mentioned that I would probably stick with Nikon. I was leaning toward the CoolPix S600. However, after reading some reviews & holding one in person I changed my mind. I ended up with the Canon PowerShot SD790 IS! They were the same price -- the Canon had a quicker start up & time between shots, the LCD is larger, the camera just feels sturdier, and everywhere I looked the SD790 got better reviews.

I have been playing around with it a bit yesterday & today, and so far I really like it. I can't believe how much faster (start up & from shot to shot) it is than my old Nikon!

Camera Located

I have found a Canon Rebel T2 that was only used with one roll of film. This person gets rid of clutter & I get something I need! WOOHOO!!

If my camera angel stops by, thank you from the bottom of my heart! :)