tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9420065539326864392024-02-21T00:27:32.878-07:00Live the Life You Love...Go Confidently in the Direction of Your Dreams. Live the Life You've Imagined.
- ThoreauJessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024892424417171490noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942006553932686439.post-89727055766727954372011-05-29T18:26:00.001-06:002011-05-29T18:29:30.203-06:00This one's for you, TootsIn honor of Memorial Day, I would like to introduce you to a very special lady.<br />
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This is my grandma Nancy, or Toots, as I affectionately called her. She was my real dad's mom. It's difficult to put into words how much my grandma meant to me. She passed away last November after a short battle with liver cancer. It happened so fast that I'm still grappling with the reality that she's gone. I like to pretend that she's still in Boise doing her thing. Taking care of everyone around her, reading books in rapid fire succession, serving on church committees, and watching her soaps.<br />
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</div>I spent a lot of time with Toots as a child. We lived in Boise, and she watched me after school and all summer long while my mom was working. I have fond memories of playing beauty parlor with her while watching the Golden Girls. We'd bring her make-up tray into the den and take turns applying garish red lipstick on each other and teasing our hair like Blanche's.<br />
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When I visited her last fall, we played beauty parlor again. Except this time I was using dry-shampoo to wash her hair and helping her brush her teeth in bed because she couldn't get up anymore. She used to change my diapers and now I was returning the favor. Even in the midst of very awkward and unchartered territory for all of us, she was making jokes. You couldn't beat her sense of humor and outlook on life. She was once told me that "this too shall pass" after I shared a difficult time I was having. Those wise words still get me through the low points.<br />
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Right after high school my aunt Melinda, cousin Alison, grandma, and I went to New York for a week. My grandparents are originally from New York and raised their children there until Auntie M was a senior in high school before relocating the family to Boise, Idaho. We stayed on Staten Island and toured their old haunts. The photo above was taken in front of the home they owned there. We ventured into Manhattan and must have walked 60 blocks that day. Even in her 60s and with multiple knee surgeries, grandma was a trouper. It was a wonderful trip and I'm so grateful that we went.<br />
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Grandma was caring and thoughtful but sharp as a tack and didn't mince words. She once told my 20-year old mother that her ass was getting wide as they were making the bed. Another time she sneaked up behind my grandpa as he sat in his chair waiting for dinner to be ready and whacked him in the back of the head with a frying pan. Then she ran like hell and locked herself in their bedroom. Evidently, he wasn't saying very nice things and she got fed up. My family history is full of stories like this and much worse. Auntie M and I have long talked about writing a book and revealing all the craziness.<br />
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In the midst of that craziness, I convinced grandma to escape to Warm Lake with my family (step-dad, mom, siblings, and pets) for a week. From the outside it may seem weird that my mother's ex-mother-in-law came on vacation with her "new" husband and their kids, but it was perfectly normal to us. I loved that I was able to give grandma a week away from the stress and hardship of home. We had such a great time reading books in the cabin, reading books by the lake, taking walks, playing poker, and talking talking talking.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqW9CTcYssP3C8-0D6DOdhKDuPbImCJFHgWbxvjhkpk-vV_B6ww2gP3V03w8gPfYQlLVL8cB9X8Tv7bLrSYRyyajZyV2VOqD74ow7SJzFyXnDYnnQs9wFRmirPd7T0wwkuCjoTAAEJAmE/s1600/DSC03893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSoT24BuUUGi2z2h95syPyfyI2au04Sa85AJtXBrim1OULdV9Q8YhY8q69Sn5b5PlmKlqUfIKgexHEb_8JaDkntQOcZo7HaLumynQEeYGW8_8yII5OBSbBCT15D3wx9If_gLRawM3hS_4/s1600/DSC03818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSoT24BuUUGi2z2h95syPyfyI2au04Sa85AJtXBrim1OULdV9Q8YhY8q69Sn5b5PlmKlqUfIKgexHEb_8JaDkntQOcZo7HaLumynQEeYGW8_8yII5OBSbBCT15D3wx9If_gLRawM3hS_4/s320/DSC03818.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaB-LuBZOOIRLbCYpLf0YsHaf3FFGUiRC-gCgtK0ADm77WtNsVo4BUOeSE1bNiJM5Fouuhotec6ulD_fQolI9-biieNihS7NTk2FYJigOCs2e-ZsUXVzvnwanmB0FWHmsWgORy7REeafQ/s1600/DSC03911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaB-LuBZOOIRLbCYpLf0YsHaf3FFGUiRC-gCgtK0ADm77WtNsVo4BUOeSE1bNiJM5Fouuhotec6ulD_fQolI9-biieNihS7NTk2FYJigOCs2e-ZsUXVzvnwanmB0FWHmsWgORy7REeafQ/s320/DSC03911.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Toots taught me to take care of the ones you love, to not let anyone take advantage of you, and to love Frank Sinatra. I learned to Waltz while watching Toots and Pops dance to this song. I remember that even then I recognized how much these two individuals meant to me and how I would cherish the memory of watching them dance in the living room.<br />
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Please enjoy this song and then go call your loved ones. You never know which phone call will be the last.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Like Frank says, "Someday when I'm feeling low, when the world is cold, I will feel a glow just thinking of you." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-mUOfDEcQ2R-v_WhuLq2p0Z3gn8-QZmYIJa2t4SEp_cjSnZKMuRuUyk2ngdEW3ZvmlgaH2En0In7yzcdh_gOtKm4zpL6EDb8zLrG3Ya7GvRdMaWVVKy6M_mv3eH9ClLnYHbHIiRiSW4/s1600/Toots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-mUOfDEcQ2R-v_WhuLq2p0Z3gn8-QZmYIJa2t4SEp_cjSnZKMuRuUyk2ngdEW3ZvmlgaH2En0In7yzcdh_gOtKm4zpL6EDb8zLrG3Ya7GvRdMaWVVKy6M_mv3eH9ClLnYHbHIiRiSW4/s400/Toots.jpg" width="311" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nancy Granquist Scharf</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">March 30, 1930 - November 22, 2010</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024892424417171490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942006553932686439.post-26984517597923185172011-05-15T22:05:00.000-06:002011-05-15T22:05:02.593-06:00Dunzo!We accomplished two big things today.<br />
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1. We finished our last Financial Peace University class and are official graduates. I can't believe it's been over three months since we began. Time flies when you're saving money and slaying debt!<br />
I wish I could report that we've paid off thousands but truth be told, we haven't. We've paid off the low hanging fruit debt and are charging ahead (sans plastic, that is). According to the debt snowball calculator, at our current pace we will be debt free (except for the house) in 2013! Credit cards, student loans, car loans, everything! <br />
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2. The coop is done and in place! It was a long and arduous process made easier by a new friend, Van. He was one of the <s>un</s>lucky lumber guys I requested a coop package price from. He gave me a number but then also offered to help me build it. The best part? He's building a house not far from us and had enough leftover material to build the coop for <b>free!</b> I just had to purchase windows ($2 ea. at the recycling center), tar paper ($5 from Habitat for Humanity), shingles ($22 from HD), and hardware including hinges, latches, hook and eyes (approx $40).<br />
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Van even took me under his wing and taught me how to frame, insulate, frame, etc. I see these things laid out in plans at work and watch other people turn them into reality, but I'd never done this stuff myself. We spent about 20 hours over a couple of weeks putting it together. The last step was transporting it and turned out to be the most complicated part of the whole deal. You see, the coop probably weighs close to 500 pounds. No joke. It's made of 2x6 redwood, insulated, finished inside with tongue and groove paneling, has an A-frame roof, shingles, Certainteed shingles, and trim. (The only things it's missing are A/C and indoor plumbing!)<br />
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There was no way we could just lift it onto a trailer and bring it home. In fact, it's too big to fit through the opening of our gate so we had to take apart the fence. I'm getting ahead of myself...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Transporting the Coop: A step-by-step breakdown</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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Problem: Find someone who owns a vehicle with a hitch. Solution: Scotty, our painter friend.<br />
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Problem: Find a trailer. Solution 1: Borrow a trailer from a friend-of-a-friend down the street. Arrive to find the trailer has a flat tire and is blocked by a Jeep. Solution 2: Scotty has a friend with a trailer, but it's full of aspen logs. We have to unload the trailer before it can be used. And it was raining.<br />
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Problem: Find a Bobcat/skid steer/forklift to hoist the coop off the trailer and into place. Solution: Diamond Rental had a forklift but it was no ordinary forklift. This baby was street legal and could lift 5,000 pounds 16 feet into the air. Lucky for us, Scotty was also a qualified forklift operator.<br />
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Problem: Getting the coop into the backyard with such a gargantuan machine. Solution: Very kind (and very strong) neighbors saw our plight and came to our rescue. It took 7 people to carry it 25 feet. With 2 breaks.<br />
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Tonight is their first night in the new digs. I'm hoping we built it well and that they'll survive.<br />
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In the end, these $3 chicks turned into a bigger fiasco than we could have imagined. I can't tell you whether or not it has been worth it. I'll let you know how I feel when the first egg is laid.<br />
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I promise to post photos later. It's been an exhausting weekend and I'm ready to crash!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024892424417171490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942006553932686439.post-75580839029641387182011-04-26T23:36:00.000-06:002011-04-26T23:36:11.353-06:00Chicken Sh*tThe chicks are about 5 weeks old now and have probably tripled in size since we brought them home. Want to know what else has tripled in <b>size</b> and <b>quantity</b>? The title of this post should be a clue.<br />
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I had no idea that two seemingly innocuous chickens could produce so. much. shit! And let me tell you that there is nothing cowardice about chicken shit. I'll spare you the details (consistency, size, shape, color, etc) and you can take my word for it.<br />
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The chickies (or chickybooms as I call them) are still living in the bathroom downstairs but it became evident after cleaning up today's fecal production that they are ready to be moved to the great outdoors. At least I assume they're ready because I'm ready. That's all that matters, right? To be fair, their feathers have come in and they seem to enjoy being outside. Lots of worms and grass to feed on.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKVWg0jd8UtEQJ-Ghz8PIVSVZJE_GijojIXAtz2aJQA5cbl_pCHRawEbjjta-p-bYCwp6_c8UwT74TEeKfo6-wMhOsc9876ZqM7l5DN4O9IAOyHyox1smEzpA9gIzAHrsaueg-PLJ1kI/s1600/Chickies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKVWg0jd8UtEQJ-Ghz8PIVSVZJE_GijojIXAtz2aJQA5cbl_pCHRawEbjjta-p-bYCwp6_c8UwT74TEeKfo6-wMhOsc9876ZqM7l5DN4O9IAOyHyox1smEzpA9gIzAHrsaueg-PLJ1kI/s400/Chickies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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A couple weekends ago, we removed the pavers from half the existing dog run and let them run (kinda) free when the weather permits. Since the weather can only improve from here (seriously, 12"-18" of snow in late April?), I think it's time to get cracking on building the chicken coop. I found some pretty sweet and super detailed plans for a coop and even have a material list to obtain chicken coop lumber package bids with. The lumber sales guys probably thought I was kidding. But I wasn't. I want a lumber package and it better be well-priced or I might "accidentally" leave them off the bid list for our next multi-million dollar project (I'm kidding. Kind of. Bwahaha)<br />
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Next up... sweet talking my dad into spending an entire weekend at my house to build their sweet nest.<br />
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Any ideas for coop names? Casa de Pollo? Cluckville? Help a chick out.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024892424417171490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942006553932686439.post-76766851520431839502011-04-17T21:19:00.000-06:002011-04-17T21:19:24.511-06:00Just Hanging<div style="text-align: center;">Just a little project I wanted to share. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I found this little gem at an architectural salvage place. It looked perfect for my office. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitr6yY5trU_FS9tR8fspNPCR0fs2KfRbTnes1PBVZRd-MXuQyB4MVCTAAF8Q-IBHnJ2jJr4xyNO5ekneeBrkAEtB9toOm0sAHt1cI5jfVm25GpHKZE8xLPXpKbvwey_atFl42MLtKm-_8/s1600/coat+hook+original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitr6yY5trU_FS9tR8fspNPCR0fs2KfRbTnes1PBVZRd-MXuQyB4MVCTAAF8Q-IBHnJ2jJr4xyNO5ekneeBrkAEtB9toOm0sAHt1cI5jfVm25GpHKZE8xLPXpKbvwey_atFl42MLtKm-_8/s320/coat+hook+original.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But it was a little beat up and needed some TLC. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5aT0C_S1OU2LCKlkJ1oPdUzxAgydcmbr1qUDfpB0_MEOulkCsaUG_m9zezzoaKdrXruX8w31CxVYsxijpXg2HDivHE5xzE6zQzJqtqcbQ-Mc1m2YzJ_WOU5TGzwccfyBM80SqSW8m0gA/s1600/Coat+hook+gunk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5aT0C_S1OU2LCKlkJ1oPdUzxAgydcmbr1qUDfpB0_MEOulkCsaUG_m9zezzoaKdrXruX8w31CxVYsxijpXg2HDivHE5xzE6zQzJqtqcbQ-Mc1m2YzJ_WOU5TGzwccfyBM80SqSW8m0gA/s320/Coat+hook+gunk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I started by scraping the goo off. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Lg6UemLOz0E6ks9-Q4GinqUDFj4nyc0PBYuG5DHNuGOfnz7Nk-F80B07EHWb3t7tngZUJYBf_eFyDCe-p1KkZGeSxMbe5oNX2SB6oHfyLiGFXznFNeAbiGZUif5gPM4e_VaVyY7O3nQ/s1600/Coat+hook+paint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Lg6UemLOz0E6ks9-Q4GinqUDFj4nyc0PBYuG5DHNuGOfnz7Nk-F80B07EHWb3t7tngZUJYBf_eFyDCe-p1KkZGeSxMbe5oNX2SB6oHfyLiGFXznFNeAbiGZUif5gPM4e_VaVyY7O3nQ/s320/Coat+hook+paint.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then taped off the glass and added a few coats of SW Acanthus. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfKzZ-x9TRaJRWnoTzcSoS8aLBLOPStEtG02d0jUTSYtjukpK7kFSr4XxE86EPn4VxTuxPmirMky71YOvqfG-nT5ynmNrY46BtdFkV0Svew7Ix0CqAeemxdXdlTTd4MAT5MV48Gz_0TY/s1600/Coat+hook+hardware.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfKzZ-x9TRaJRWnoTzcSoS8aLBLOPStEtG02d0jUTSYtjukpK7kFSr4XxE86EPn4VxTuxPmirMky71YOvqfG-nT5ynmNrY46BtdFkV0Svew7Ix0CqAeemxdXdlTTd4MAT5MV48Gz_0TY/s320/Coat+hook+hardware.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I added a couple of D-hooks to the back. Reattached the hardware and ... ta da!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJR4WUnCc5w776If0trGwyuPse2uQYUtP7vhkxZSwUPj1WmdCtqRAaFW01zfCQ3oolifmnSqQ913DcV5op52b_OCmnspfoRBqQIl4plH4UHVC0XnC3THKo7KsNnbqxQJMMb1ayzMrgEA/s1600/coat+hook+finished+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJR4WUnCc5w776If0trGwyuPse2uQYUtP7vhkxZSwUPj1WmdCtqRAaFW01zfCQ3oolifmnSqQ913DcV5op52b_OCmnspfoRBqQIl4plH4UHVC0XnC3THKo7KsNnbqxQJMMb1ayzMrgEA/s320/coat+hook+finished+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She's done! And she's purdy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5YzeREV6M-6u4iQlFHts7CbpbBKAvSRS0eXjPEgzkO_SBQHfJR6rnebSs9pCOio690oWrl9g5ockl-ePgXD8BNh8Ss9cQTXkYI1GWpzCR0P3zxk51674l9OuSdc62LrzNr7WQcgSfxc/s1600/Coat+hook+finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5YzeREV6M-6u4iQlFHts7CbpbBKAvSRS0eXjPEgzkO_SBQHfJR6rnebSs9pCOio690oWrl9g5ockl-ePgXD8BNh8Ss9cQTXkYI1GWpzCR0P3zxk51674l9OuSdc62LrzNr7WQcgSfxc/s320/Coat+hook+finished.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just what the doctor ordered. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A couple things I learned:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1. I should have put a layer of tape around the edge of the mirror then taped the paper down to that. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. The paint job would have looked better if I'd sanded first. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What have you been up to lately?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024892424417171490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942006553932686439.post-15969281137736755382011-04-04T22:45:00.001-06:002011-04-04T22:46:53.880-06:00Clueless<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You know the TV show Dawson's Creek? </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Jason just asked me if Creek was Dawson's last name.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Never a dull moment with this guy. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span></span>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024892424417171490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942006553932686439.post-54876850355022859482011-04-03T17:44:00.001-06:002011-04-03T17:46:15.501-06:00Ee I Ee I Oh!And on this farm we have some chickens. Ee I Ee I Oh!<br />
<br />
I've been thinking about getting chickens for a while now. As in at least a year. Our living situation didn't allow for it until we bought this house. It helps that we live in a pretty rural place and livestock are everywhere. Take this sight, for example. We took advantage of a freak warm front by taking the pups on a stroll. This is Inga telling a few horses and a bull what's what.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwDBepH08j_d3JPkFJXWPZBnpqYfcBAUbTyFtxN5AwoOiGsdpjZUiFPQNoyA-Q3gWMCv2i_u97UFWe9ek27LioRtex1ksYLPoFGpwcbpdVOyHATIkti4oy7Lpvg3geRsuXosZwv1A-0tI/s1600/Inga+v+Bull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwDBepH08j_d3JPkFJXWPZBnpqYfcBAUbTyFtxN5AwoOiGsdpjZUiFPQNoyA-Q3gWMCv2i_u97UFWe9ek27LioRtex1ksYLPoFGpwcbpdVOyHATIkti4oy7Lpvg3geRsuXosZwv1A-0tI/s400/Inga+v+Bull.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANcOzwSZJhCvxpzUwC957IbQ-N5scCK8JkWOSptLaWuW044I480gcbEVgBesCMDPexJemkkcKB7avn1KpLBGS_17ac7TcfYLHiPNunZwkQxRUSK64_52Mg3TsQFbo3r5LlRT712ftKpg/s1600/inga+v+horses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANcOzwSZJhCvxpzUwC957IbQ-N5scCK8JkWOSptLaWuW044I480gcbEVgBesCMDPexJemkkcKB7avn1KpLBGS_17ac7TcfYLHiPNunZwkQxRUSK64_52Mg3TsQFbo3r5LlRT712ftKpg/s400/inga+v+horses.jpg" width="400" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">She's so tough behind a barbed wire fence and thirty feet away. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There's even a man who drives by our house every morning hauling hay in a flat bed truck. He's accompanied by a big black dog who warns everyone they're coming - in case the diesel engine wasn't warning enough.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yesterday, there was a man operating a petting zoo outside the local grocery store. The only animals in his zoo were baby goats (Does that still qualify as a zoo? Or does the term zoo imply multiple animals? I don't know.) Farmer Joe quelled Jason's fear that we'd be going home with a gallon of milk and a pigmy by informing us that you can't own a goat within city limits. They're considered livestock. But chickens aren't...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On our way home we passed the local hardware store. Many of you might be picturing a big box store like Home Depot or Lowes. Not here. You couldn't fit Home Depot's employee break room inside this place. But it gets the job done. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There was a placard outside that read "Get your chicks here!" The bar across the street could make use of that sign, too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A few bats of my eyelashes and assurance that we'd "just look" and we were pulling into the parking lot. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fifteen minutes later (and armed with some guidance from the ever-helpful staff) we walked out with these sweet chicks. They are two-week old Rhode Island Reds. I named one Ginger and Jason named the other Reznor (As in Trent Reznor, the lead singer of Nine Inch Nails. I'm sure he'd be flattered). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In about six months they will begin laying big brown eggs - about one a day each. I will finally be at peace about the eggs we eat because I know that they're coming from some well fed and well loved chickens. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERp7iPel5OD1wo0CYw9w-NvQ3fOQSFy6JnJ7CnHPlrSFtzzQJSzUxftA9z3X4bJrG46UUzKAHXZUCjQ1CRGKKzziAMd4vI1fgrI-fvwgB-w8XR3isHeSPfKzIigTOWgCelF3hOh_OHOg/s1600/Ginger+%2526+Reznor+in+the+grass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERp7iPel5OD1wo0CYw9w-NvQ3fOQSFy6JnJ7CnHPlrSFtzzQJSzUxftA9z3X4bJrG46UUzKAHXZUCjQ1CRGKKzziAMd4vI1fgrI-fvwgB-w8XR3isHeSPfKzIigTOWgCelF3hOh_OHOg/s320/Ginger+%2526+Reznor+in+the+grass.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiP8g8ZP4Nx6ZeK_2GQeb0bhhvdj5zMJhFS9MHBMn0zPOLRDwb85Eu6c9bGHwiPUwB65o7Szd7ld7o6e6I-VcKYA_PDk8-dS-_WdXZk9lt6xNLo4uS7HIvWrZ2zQSXF-fAoGhGhTNuwNk/s1600/Ginger+%2526+Reznor+in+my+lap+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiP8g8ZP4Nx6ZeK_2GQeb0bhhvdj5zMJhFS9MHBMn0zPOLRDwb85Eu6c9bGHwiPUwB65o7Szd7ld7o6e6I-VcKYA_PDk8-dS-_WdXZk9lt6xNLo4uS7HIvWrZ2zQSXF-fAoGhGhTNuwNk/s320/Ginger+%2526+Reznor+in+my+lap+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ginger (left) and Reznor (right)<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The pups have been super curious about them. But so far the chicks haven't been mistaken for squeek toys. Here's hoping we arrive at some cross-species harmony.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>They are currently residing in a box in my office. We will eventually build them a coop when the weather improves and they outgrow their box.<br />
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</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrPCKqf0h3FmjIQMWVUSldVyc-vWLcDww6NHghWBrB3S303cy2PF3LD4JFFX8xn1B3PmFIig0m9culYkbBZMhtXl8L8-nxR3sUhD3VzggMy-VVaqqLTlTmgkY0kvUkN_9hngNVPKDVDoc/s1600/Holding+Ginger+%2526+Reznor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrPCKqf0h3FmjIQMWVUSldVyc-vWLcDww6NHghWBrB3S303cy2PF3LD4JFFX8xn1B3PmFIig0m9culYkbBZMhtXl8L8-nxR3sUhD3VzggMy-VVaqqLTlTmgkY0kvUkN_9hngNVPKDVDoc/s320/Holding+Ginger+%2526+Reznor.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love at first chirp<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Stay tuned for our next farming adventure - starting an organic garden! </span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
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</div></div></div></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024892424417171490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942006553932686439.post-61685835951574529752011-03-20T15:14:00.000-06:002011-03-20T15:14:48.214-06:00Show me the green...... and I'm not referring to money, although, if you're offering, then I'll take that too. For the first couple months we lived here something about our upstairs just bugged me. I couldn't put my finger on it until -aha!- I realized that everything was some variation of brown. Hardwood floors, knotty alder cabinets, tan walls, darker tan accent walls. Boring.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">(T<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">hese were taken at night so take that into account when judging the photo quality. You can still get a sense for the monochromatic blah that's going on.) </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHztwf3LCiQP2sfoaXN1KpSjJHopzcJJQJMNrzNAWbmF5_8ehn_QVoH5eoDbIV-40Ery9lZAkaehSxKYqqQXV-62aWfvH_FtcswTcf55EHrbJkqU96SDNK1mm9l6olXOiZrGYgBgpnELQ/s1600/DSC05670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHztwf3LCiQP2sfoaXN1KpSjJHopzcJJQJMNrzNAWbmF5_8ehn_QVoH5eoDbIV-40Ery9lZAkaehSxKYqqQXV-62aWfvH_FtcswTcf55EHrbJkqU96SDNK1mm9l6olXOiZrGYgBgpnELQ/s320/DSC05670.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPs0T5JLfNIErug4Y1V7bXC6qYBWgWAxwGvZWhWzlfWWffr2nAmsg9FabjtkSQS7CbLXnt1ymsAkqaF69RzddzH88uI-10uoFUjrUDhE3_t7n-8xwKRusOTk1zVoH4qfjPtI-Apyj_8U/s1600/DSC05671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPs0T5JLfNIErug4Y1V7bXC6qYBWgWAxwGvZWhWzlfWWffr2nAmsg9FabjtkSQS7CbLXnt1ymsAkqaF69RzddzH88uI-10uoFUjrUDhE3_t7n-8xwKRusOTk1zVoH4qfjPtI-Apyj_8U/s400/DSC05671.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvG-ox-537WIX6o7_k_Qks7dBs65wmZn8NKDlkBkLGAA9YyKpXsmoCkA8ZBsZ4MRbOn-a90vxzfGHz5A8gSzrx0DVyZSmosA0oajXWyurHsWri2OvqMfssEXe4fGa4X8sloCAWmBs22hw/s1600/DSC05672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvG-ox-537WIX6o7_k_Qks7dBs65wmZn8NKDlkBkLGAA9YyKpXsmoCkA8ZBsZ4MRbOn-a90vxzfGHz5A8gSzrx0DVyZSmosA0oajXWyurHsWri2OvqMfssEXe4fGa4X8sloCAWmBs22hw/s320/DSC05672.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
I started thinking about what color would liven this space up in a soothing, natural, contemporary kind of way. I also had to take into account that whatever color chosen would extend throughout the entire first floor of our house because there are no natural breaks in the wall anywhere.<br />
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Let the inner dialogue/argument commence.<br />
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<i>Purple</i>?<br />
Ick. Why would you even consider that?<br />
<i>Blue</i>?<br />
No, our bedroom is blue and that would just be too much.<br />
<i>Red</i>?<br />
No. I want cool colors to let the floors feel warm.<br />
<i>Orange</i>?<br />
Did you not hear me about the red?<br />
<i>White</i>?<br />
Ok, that's it. You're fired.<br />
<i>Aha! Green?</i><br />
Hmmm.... yes, I think green could work. But not yellow-green. More like a grey-green with a cool tone. And something subtle that will provide a good backdrop to whatever else is going on in the room. Good work, self!<br />
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Out came the Sherwin-Williams color deck. And the Benjamin Moore color deck. And the blog stalking. And the google surfing with search words like "green living rooms"<br />
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I settled on 7 possibilities and collected samples. Here's what I came up with:<br />
From left to right: SW Acanthus, SW Recycled Glass, SW Bonsai Tint, BM Tea Light, BM Nob Hill Sage, BM Prescot Green and BM Kittery Point Green.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">(<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Can you detect the awful underlying pink hue in this wall color?)</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_4vrLzFhvH80OA1k9iIPrZ3PN0eIoQJ-7yQDWJkZUU6DGcqZaxtbG7pu6TVrcEPolDrVC0FN54hZhtyGA9OISLZ9baPIf5yNjGFTc4iqfsHIhzMK-jyjZ3S_fwOo3tnpfCjgpWMB5cA/s1600/DSC05712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_4vrLzFhvH80OA1k9iIPrZ3PN0eIoQJ-7yQDWJkZUU6DGcqZaxtbG7pu6TVrcEPolDrVC0FN54hZhtyGA9OISLZ9baPIf5yNjGFTc4iqfsHIhzMK-jyjZ3S_fwOo3tnpfCjgpWMB5cA/s640/DSC05712.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
We mutually agreed that rather than painting the whole upstairs, we're just going to paint the "accent" walls because they bother me the most. My top picks are the Acanthus (far left) and the Kittery Point (far right). Jason only likes the Tea Light (fourth from the left). Here are some close-ups.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYjkLHHJP-OsyZGwVs_v0cvpKiI8KeLzU4Mk-OcYLK7ccfS7uX8-a9OsUMvtf_LHjbxvTUNg3hE6auuMvcQ9SgixZudeWacerAnuFFW-SlTMsGMwqnEYpuvx8_z-CZiIRzRzq7sWZ-pk/s1600/DSC05713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYjkLHHJP-OsyZGwVs_v0cvpKiI8KeLzU4Mk-OcYLK7ccfS7uX8-a9OsUMvtf_LHjbxvTUNg3hE6auuMvcQ9SgixZudeWacerAnuFFW-SlTMsGMwqnEYpuvx8_z-CZiIRzRzq7sWZ-pk/s320/DSC05713.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(These look blue-er in this photo than they are in real life)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmVCp2r7Ahgb3I4nFwTNXgTWfCKTi3aCoTewo7FZmryWT31Rw3uxFFwL8dmAsUKHp2f6VKXrIKJbAO5SPKGyCIyotbv00pbwIhY-cQt3MGHdSQ_S1kAPWWjbBCs3O9cj-yr-TRKmIJSU/s1600/DSC05714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmVCp2r7Ahgb3I4nFwTNXgTWfCKTi3aCoTewo7FZmryWT31Rw3uxFFwL8dmAsUKHp2f6VKXrIKJbAO5SPKGyCIyotbv00pbwIhY-cQt3MGHdSQ_S1kAPWWjbBCs3O9cj-yr-TRKmIJSU/s320/DSC05714.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
What do you think?<br />
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Once I choose a color, I can stop wasting money on paint samples ($6 bucks a pop starts to add up) and start saving that money for a new fixture to hang above the dining table...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwT6-Ncsg7eK4ImOzlq1VWyvrVN2uA6T8ltr0UP8hzaBkjU9_nhlJENUWEGOSnYSQGrfMVvIMD8t0NfZnsqFb6fXM0mt1oghXdAzGhhUPQmRpILhu2jvLaey-VoYja5ZujCgPBTH1ZxU/s1600/tiella+bronze+lowes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwT6-Ncsg7eK4ImOzlq1VWyvrVN2uA6T8ltr0UP8hzaBkjU9_nhlJENUWEGOSnYSQGrfMVvIMD8t0NfZnsqFb6fXM0mt1oghXdAzGhhUPQmRpILhu2jvLaey-VoYja5ZujCgPBTH1ZxU/s200/tiella+bronze+lowes.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiella Bronze courtesy of Lowes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsm4eQjSIc5pybW4QCf128NzLJO4OOh_Kzc4q-lN9G3wxvER6Dz3sEtqo8co1Gpc4CMaSYDD7TMlAbwGRh5rFer8-ZZrPszF57D2lUUeLC9t5_5v7mY36eNI_IKwmYoeJKVlp-9i9joZc/s1600/Overstock+Indoor+5+light+antique+bronze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsm4eQjSIc5pybW4QCf128NzLJO4OOh_Kzc4q-lN9G3wxvER6Dz3sEtqo8co1Gpc4CMaSYDD7TMlAbwGRh5rFer8-ZZrPszF57D2lUUeLC9t5_5v7mY36eNI_IKwmYoeJKVlp-9i9joZc/s200/Overstock+Indoor+5+light+antique+bronze.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5 light antique bronze - Overstock.com</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMzXLDRVkwLTCnmqRXadbFtbRnrAGarSdtnKiwxeYyAtnUz84A3TwgHko8U2oNpb-RnVYs4YneycFkVHUtKNqASVusmx9sCAy_y0hSqcYnek5jfUGXMTt6KvgHEQCTmEPOgonSAoiNchg/s1600/serena+drum+chandelier+oly+studio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMzXLDRVkwLTCnmqRXadbFtbRnrAGarSdtnKiwxeYyAtnUz84A3TwgHko8U2oNpb-RnVYs4YneycFkVHUtKNqASVusmx9sCAy_y0hSqcYnek5jfUGXMTt6KvgHEQCTmEPOgonSAoiNchg/s200/serena+drum+chandelier+oly+studio.jpg" width="173" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Serena Drum Chandelier by Oly Studio. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm leaning toward the Serena by Oly Studio or the Tiella Bronze from Lowes. But we'll have to see how things shake out. You never know what Google will turn up when searching "moderately sized drum chandelier that looks natural yet sophisticated in oil rubbed bronze that I can install myself" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024892424417171490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942006553932686439.post-8834653874948881812011-01-30T20:21:00.000-07:002011-01-30T20:21:41.288-07:00Weekend Wrap UpLast week was b-a-n-a-n-a-s and this week will prove to be the same. I made use of the two days furloughed from work by reuniting with my good friend Dallas (and our mutual friend Jack Daniels... more on that later), snagging my mom's sewing machine, and doing some old fashioned chores.<br />
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Dallas and I worked together on the ASUU Sustainability Board at school. In addition to enacting some serious change at school, we were best buds. (We make a good team) My favorite memories from senior year often involve getting a mid-day Friday buzz with Dallas at Green Street and then going home to take a nap. Ahhh those were the days.<br />
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Since then we've both taken the marriage plunge and purchased houses. He managed to one-up me though because he and Liz are expecting a baby this summer. I'm in no hurry to catch up to him.<br />
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Anyway, we don't get to have very much one-on-one friend time anymore and were both really excited to hang out on Friday night. Dinner at Bajio was followed by bar hopping in Sugarhouse (enter Mr. Jack Daniels) and ended with hip hop dancing at the latino nightclub Karamba. Holly hell. I haven't danced that hard, laughed that much, or stayed up that late in a <i>long</i> time!<br />
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In keeping with the evolution process of our house, I decided to snag my mom's sewing machine and figure out how to sew new chair pad covers for our dining room. I'm not one for following a pattern or really thinking things through, but I somehow managed to make four awesome chair pad covers. Truth be told, I still need to finish attaching the velcro closures on three of them. Nevertheless, it was a success! Thanks to Laura for her much needed words of encouragement and advice throughout the ordeal.<br />
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Today was spent cleaning, sewing, doing laundry, and putting together our first real budget. Dun-dun-dun!<br />
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It was scary (the budget, not the cleaning) but we managed to do it the Dave Ramsey way. This time next month we will begin the snow ball debt destroying process! We're also attending Financial Peace University on Sundays beginning this month and I am super excited about it.<br />
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But I have to make a confession, too. I promised Jason that I was finished spending unnecessary money on house-related expenses. But then I spent $60 at the fabric store. I felt guilty about it the moment the total flashed on the register. But like I told Jason, this will have to be a gradual change for me and I am still making progress. There. I feel better... and my butt feels good on these new cushions.<br />
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Thanks for reading this super long rambling post about my weekend. You're a real friend.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024892424417171490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942006553932686439.post-4647953445478687312011-01-23T14:04:00.000-07:002011-01-23T14:04:40.379-07:00I've been convertedFor our anniversary, Jason gave me a Kindle. I l-o-v-e my Kindle. The instantaneous books and portability won me over in less than 10 minutes of use. But this post is not about my conversion from a hardcopy book lover to a Kindle believer. Stay with me here...<br />
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My best friend Kirstin gave me an Amazon gift card for my birthday. Knowing that I was a Kindle addict (and being one herself) this was a wonderful gift. The first book I purchased was called Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand. (It was great, and I highly recommend it.) But it was my 2nd digital purchase that may have changed my life forever.<br />
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I purchased Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover. I'm 51% of the way through it (I know this because my handy Kindle told me so) and already applying the principles to our life (Jason is roped in even though he hasn't read it...yet!)<br />
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We are ready. We are going to navigate our debt with gazelle intensity. I've started evaluating how much I could get for everything in my house that's not nailed down... including the wondrous blue curio cabinet from a few posts down (any offers?). Just keep your hands off my Kindle. I need that for the Baby Steps.<br />
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You may be wondering, how much debt could they possibly have? Well, we don't have as much as the "average American" but we have enough that I feel held back. I'm tired of giving my paycheck to other people.<br />
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My biggest financial downfall is something that I confessed to being obsessed with in my last post. My purchases tend to be small, like less than $20 at a time, but I make many of them. They add up fast and before I know it, I've spent $300 and have a bunch of small "things" to show for it. Well not anymore!<br />
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If I start pulling out seemingly weird phrases like, "I can't get coffee with you because I want to live like no one else," you'll know where it's coming from. This process is not going to be easy or anywhere near it. But it will be worth it. Your support and encouragement will go a long way.<br />
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So you see, Kirstin didn't just give me a gift card, she has single handedly impacted our future. Thanks, K.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024892424417171490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942006553932686439.post-84695818105059985932011-01-16T21:19:00.001-07:002011-01-16T21:21:02.206-07:00Weekend AcquisitionsWant to know why I look forward to weekends? No, it's not because I get to sleep in (although that is a bonus). It's not because emails can go unanswered or phone calls silenced (also a perk).<br />
<div>I love weekends because I finally have time to comb thrift stores for treasures. The hunt is my favorite part. You never know what cool stuff is waiting for you. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Just check out what I found this weekend!</div><div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJnwsE-6fbz3flRBrlp8hPSqcrBThAxTw4hJ1odc6GN4K0HsEo9Hzc0FeEXaQYGPxzZ7ow3MEcIUb-N763U6DNVLF0ONJVerOgrCzuBW6mM9xUmAqT4f1BF86a8-F-7eE4Lo2qowzpKNo/s1600/DSC05547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJnwsE-6fbz3flRBrlp8hPSqcrBThAxTw4hJ1odc6GN4K0HsEo9Hzc0FeEXaQYGPxzZ7ow3MEcIUb-N763U6DNVLF0ONJVerOgrCzuBW6mM9xUmAqT4f1BF86a8-F-7eE4Lo2qowzpKNo/s320/DSC05547.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Perfect new (to me) desk chair: $10</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnhZRs80JaeiQ5VqFatb5tRV0YXRgX7DseI9KjHvz0WCfDvPGEjrMj1d0B5qG9_Bh_x4uqV0DBOzH9wWtYKGCOgxQJi0UKoCyARUN7X3zKs1iCNoV8OFSHgIy57q-AbuFwNuW8cF_ioY/s1600/DSC05540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnhZRs80JaeiQ5VqFatb5tRV0YXRgX7DseI9KjHvz0WCfDvPGEjrMj1d0B5qG9_Bh_x4uqV0DBOzH9wWtYKGCOgxQJi0UKoCyARUN7X3zKs1iCNoV8OFSHgIy57q-AbuFwNuW8cF_ioY/s320/DSC05540.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pair of beautiful patina lamps: $16</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(I know I've found something cool when everyone in the store stops me to remark/lust after them. Hands off... they're mine!)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkaBruchKP7hbnrP9ycOlWLs0qYyTBy1Xf676LJzKH-ura6RVO2OrZLlsSos7t6cFHfLehtAGD-r3aYEr-FXLyxReUf0XKsEwH_EuzJNaoJdEXAcKimTSIPkZT9Xxs-oSElK2FrXWEK9M/s1600/DSC05541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkaBruchKP7hbnrP9ycOlWLs0qYyTBy1Xf676LJzKH-ura6RVO2OrZLlsSos7t6cFHfLehtAGD-r3aYEr-FXLyxReUf0XKsEwH_EuzJNaoJdEXAcKimTSIPkZT9Xxs-oSElK2FrXWEK9M/s320/DSC05541.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Old books in just the right colors with hidden history: $9</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pottery Barn paisley table runner: $10</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirEJhQKtd9turp47OXUlQOnl3UuY7i65ckijLAEOHYvYXwRM4C5WDX6C3HNSwFznHBX4Dp3SNAKhfv2iZZIXbkpxWe5xOrQlpj_A_KTY4PPSC1tbVsrxTM9DGF4bl0Ttt-v6ITACEfboM/s1600/DSC05539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirEJhQKtd9turp47OXUlQOnl3UuY7i65ckijLAEOHYvYXwRM4C5WDX6C3HNSwFznHBX4Dp3SNAKhfv2iZZIXbkpxWe5xOrQlpj_A_KTY4PPSC1tbVsrxTM9DGF4bl0Ttt-v6ITACEfboM/s320/DSC05539.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Bringing the entry table together: Priceless </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(The lamp on the right needs a little repair. I'm going to become well-versed in lamp mechanics soon)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And if I ever need a reminder why I love living here, this will do the trick. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024892424417171490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942006553932686439.post-75767371580685072932011-01-10T20:26:00.001-07:002011-01-10T20:26:46.954-07:00CurioAs previously blogged, I have become consumed with house related projects. Now that I own 2,700 square feet I have been concentrating on finding furniture so that it's not so sparse. Considering we moved from a space half the size, I have a lot of room to work with. Enter KSL and Craigslist. I am borderline obsessed with these sites. I check them numerous times each day (or hour depending on what else is going on) and even look in neighboring cities. I'm lucky enough to sit between two cities with their own Craigslist pages, and I've learned that the goods in Provo are just as good but cheaper than those in Salt Lake.<br />
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This weekend I coerced my dearest hubby into venturing to dreaded Utah County to look at a curio cabinet I found on CL. I think he was equal parts concerned that I'd be abducted into a cult if I went alone and tempted by my offer of Bajio after checking out the goods.<br />
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The goods were better than good and a deal was struck. We loaded the cabinet into J's car and squeeeeezed into the front seats. I delivered on my promise of Bajio and then we made the trek home.<br />
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When we arrived I threw my index fingers at the sky like a wide receiver and our garage was the end zone. I am so grateful we made it home safe because any other outcome would have been disastrous for us... and the cabinet.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Behold! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1z8rOEK_oCIyNWezgs9ERdk5AZkRtptwF2S9BjlO2EfOzRlcIJ-TMTeaoop88k06YJLpelD8lSul9oCMxqzs7sasyBip3XmRYRsq9XT4J-e1vi07zB-W5131KlbAmu2G8cg4-tBpNQ_s/s1600/DSC05532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1z8rOEK_oCIyNWezgs9ERdk5AZkRtptwF2S9BjlO2EfOzRlcIJ-TMTeaoop88k06YJLpelD8lSul9oCMxqzs7sasyBip3XmRYRsq9XT4J-e1vi07zB-W5131KlbAmu2G8cg4-tBpNQ_s/s400/DSC05532.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(It was worth the risk and $75)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The question remains, do I leave it in its current state (read: wonderfully distressed) Or do I paint it and what color? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next project... finishing our bedroom. Mr. J doesn't see the harm in leaving the mattresses on the floor, but I do! We need a bed frame. That reminds me, I haven't checked CL in like 2 hours... wish me luck!</div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024892424417171490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942006553932686439.post-37935017826515572612011-01-02T21:18:00.000-07:002011-01-02T21:18:33.642-07:00New House WoesSince purchasing our home a few months ago, all I've managed to do is paint our bedroom and begin choosing paint colors for other rooms. Building other people's homes took precedence over personalizing my new house. I'm also in the middle of refinishing a desk for my office. The thing that I don't want to be bothered with but have no choice right now is our plumbing. This weekend the temperature in Hickville (a.k.a. Heber) fell to -14 overnight. You read that right. -14! A few of our lines froze as a result and we've been trying to unthaw them ever since. So far Jason's shower and the washer are better, but the potty in my bathroom still doesn't work. Even worse than the frozen pipes is the clog in our main line. I'll save you the details, but there is a lot of junk pouring UP through the drain in our utility room. A drain is supposed to suck down, not push shit up. We rented a snake and went to town, but it's not budging. The professionals will be here in the morning. I'm hoping that by the end of tomorrow I can 1. Use my toilet and 2. Go back to dreaming about paint colors rather than sewer lines.<br />
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Pictures to follow! (Don't worry. I won't post pictures of the junk - just the beautiful color of our room!)Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024892424417171490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942006553932686439.post-74508623364310786572010-10-02T19:41:00.000-06:002010-10-02T19:41:20.505-06:00Our "Almost" House<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jason and I have decided to make a bold, grown up move... literally. We decided to buy a house rather than continue renting. It was a pretty easy decision: we're both settled in good jobs and sick of paying so much money toward someone else's mortgage. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since our lease ended on September 30th, Jason and I accepted my grandpa's generous offer to live with him (rent free!) until we could find and close on a house. The downside was that our beloved pups have to live with my parents until we can move into a new place. But we're lucky that my parents are willing to take care of them during this transition. So we packed all the belongings we don't require on a daily or weekly basis into a POD and moved in with my grandpa. I've traded the luxury of walking to/from work for the luxury of sharing coffee and the newspaper with my grandpa over breakfast. He's quite a guy. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finding a home that was affordable, in decent condition, and well-located was not so easy. We've been looking for a solid 3 months and after four (yes, four!) rejected or outbid offers, we finally found and secured the perfect home for us. We call it our almost house, because it's almost ours. If all goes well, we'll close on the 26th. Here's a teaser picture...</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="982934.jpg" height="300" src="webkit-fake-url://6DC2200D-84D6-4325-9835-E64B98F85290/982934.jpg" width="400" /></span></span></div><br />
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<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Great curb appeal? Check!</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two-car garage? Check! </span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fully fenced yard? Check! </span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And that's just the outside. </span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I began daydreaming and making plans for the interior before the ink was dry on our accepted counteroffer. Today, I found this bowl and plate at Anthropologie (love the store. just can't bring myself to shell out that much money for anything in it) and am using it as inspiration for my "reading room." Yes, this house is large enough for Jason and I to each get rooms of our own to do whatever we like with. </span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="073145_003_b.jpg" height="320" src="webkit-fake-url://E7BFFDB9-C5AF-48D5-9C7F-8884011A81D1/073145_003_b.jpg" width="214" /> <img alt="073143_001_b.jpg" height="320" src="webkit-fake-url://6B47486B-AA4F-402E-B51F-A1B41ABC607D/073143_001_b.jpg" width="214" /></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm thinking high gloss black walls above the existing white beadboard and bright floral print art on the walls. Love it! </span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomorrow I'm dragging Jason to Home Depot to think through paint colors for our bedroom. I have waited 4 long years to paint walls and change door hardware. </span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Send us happy thoughts and good energy that all goes well and we close on our "almost" home! </span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024892424417171490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942006553932686439.post-50195249963675127102010-08-12T19:55:00.000-06:002010-08-12T19:55:05.266-06:00Pupper Tuck<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDztP_XjUX9_q5XTQu3zU8SIValqkx9LEdxVnL4Y7Kr6PmDcCZDmNqoUN6ifZGKBhobw4qpm07RF94aUBnoSdaWySW3aaf03LzGa0Xd5IT9S4yuUUIxAK89T6wpng5frTGEUEa9U5LWo/s1600/Scan20_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDztP_XjUX9_q5XTQu3zU8SIValqkx9LEdxVnL4Y7Kr6PmDcCZDmNqoUN6ifZGKBhobw4qpm07RF94aUBnoSdaWySW3aaf03LzGa0Xd5IT9S4yuUUIxAK89T6wpng5frTGEUEa9U5LWo/s400/Scan20_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tucker<br />
1995-2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Today, we said goodbye to our four-legged family member, the patriarch of the furry brood. We rescued Tucker from some bully dogs at a kennel when he was just a puppy. I remember looking out the window as my mom opened the car door and this little black and brown bundle of energy flopped out. I thought, "Oh god, what has that woman done now?" But of course I was excited to have a puppy. He was the best puppy. The best dog. My best friend. Tucker always listened. He never passed judgment. I could always count on him.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWPB0Jw74PV8aZPAxgc3h66VzBk_gXfwk35u2jO9WD8kLKsdNPUq2CgMfYZJHYYnTubxZIq6vtGd3YjJMHQL9fxJWpv9rNDxJRnuMbqysBK3reypfJ3-lreYBxmpsGxmml1-0-IUny0c/s1600/Scan22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWPB0Jw74PV8aZPAxgc3h66VzBk_gXfwk35u2jO9WD8kLKsdNPUq2CgMfYZJHYYnTubxZIq6vtGd3YjJMHQL9fxJWpv9rNDxJRnuMbqysBK3reypfJ3-lreYBxmpsGxmml1-0-IUny0c/s320/Scan22.jpg" /></a></div><br />
My siblings never knew a life without Tucker and my heart breaks for them as they endure this hard life lesson.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWUz_P6UJzc-pdhiwN9Wqzxb9FRyv42gGkgeOATrqK7o0E2d-ncAeoU3oXUHBFlNeNOpU8xbHHoTUnFSoTUbdgY8Q4WLjJWHbKrDigvOMlBClCZ4JCyLE5INf4Tq59jLj76116s-3-rE/s1600/Scan23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWUz_P6UJzc-pdhiwN9Wqzxb9FRyv42gGkgeOATrqK7o0E2d-ncAeoU3oXUHBFlNeNOpU8xbHHoTUnFSoTUbdgY8Q4WLjJWHbKrDigvOMlBClCZ4JCyLE5INf4Tq59jLj76116s-3-rE/s320/Scan23.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Tucker was my mom's shadow. He never left her side. And in the end, she was by his as he took his last breath and left us for the first and only time.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh56HXhxpaZgLsW0pP64w2rRDCzO5F5qpCYOEvozTGjyPpAxCqXJx2SiT-Zj1buICKJufgJPh2G91HsFigd9TKcV1hwpq6HpmvtnFZb7zh9je9X7Uwuu8IQBlDaFrMRLnom1vrz3Ae-mU/s1600/P4130203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh56HXhxpaZgLsW0pP64w2rRDCzO5F5qpCYOEvozTGjyPpAxCqXJx2SiT-Zj1buICKJufgJPh2G91HsFigd9TKcV1hwpq6HpmvtnFZb7zh9je9X7Uwuu8IQBlDaFrMRLnom1vrz3Ae-mU/s320/P4130203.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Goodbye, Pupper Tuck. I will miss you forever and love you always.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024892424417171490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942006553932686439.post-91532875387344831002010-06-06T11:54:00.007-06:002011-01-17T22:24:35.731-07:00It's Getting Wild<div style="text-align: left;">The list of things I'm getting used to since moving to Park City has just been expanded to include the abundance and proximity of wildlife to where we live.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479730688087613938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY7HTFP4l-LcDkdb_EsPnwMzBeDORNueV0C4cn85DEi0mh8uo1mAuK8dZuMyEdTrCO92ugu8L6V93SQoD9U6fCkWargsqCBGmJWLrFYF-RMp4HLputHCB4I8uARwPhtseFVdcxUh0zpDc/s200/DSC04188.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 200px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 150px;" /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">"Bigoo"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div>I have the good fortune of living walking distance (I'm talking a 1 1/2 minute walk) from where I work. I also have the good fortune of bringing Bigoo (Big+Goo= Bigoo, a.k.a. Lucy) to work with me. </div><div><br />
</div><div>On our way to work Friday, we came out onto the sidewalk to find a 2.5 foot long snake just chillin'. It was just laying there minding its own business. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I made a quick assessment:</div><div>No rattle. Check! </div><div>Not a black mamba. Check!</div><div>Round pupils. Check! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div>(Tangent: Round pupils indicate that a snake is not venomous. Whereas, elliptical pupils indicate that they are. Good information, but let's hope you never get close enough to a snake for this information to be useful.) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div>Now I'm not afraid of snakes, or many reptile species for that matter, but I was afraid of the possible altercation between my hyper-curious labrador and this wild creature. But this was not the snake's first rodeo. It didn't move an inch and Bigoo stepped right over it (literally) without a hint of interest or recognition that it was even there. I, on the other hand, respected its "personal space bubble" and walked 3-feet around it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div>Great, now I have snake encounters on my way to work. But that doesn't compare to the phone call I got from Jason a couple hours later.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div>Our condo backs up to a wooded hill-y area that is undeveloped for many many acres. Every now and then, people take their own noise makers for walks around the back of our house so it's not uncommon for our puppers to go ape shit at the back door. Our other little noise maker, Inga, was doing just that at the screen door.</div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479730999372787154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVXywxrGef6IPgSIy45TEx6CXJKVGae3W9RkYjm2cXX6TzVZovVe3rgwn8JNao1cb5tZ5b_LhNtqjMC9Eq6AJM30B9iFPfRP8-MaFk0WgNmd3JS3cBXLl753RgwXBga_UO5n2Qs6Tfw0/s200/DSC04184.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 150px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ferocious guard dog</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div>As Jason attempted to quiet our 20lb guard dog, he saw movement out of the corner of his eye and turned to see a full-grown giant <b>MOOSE</b> (antlers and all) standing 30-feet outside our back door. Talk about an adrenaline rush. </div><div><br />
</div><div>He managed to snap off a photo before it meandered away. The photo mildly resembles those taken of Big Foot, but I swear that if you look close enough, you can see the outline of the moose in the background.</div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479729735479160850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpN4E-WR0ToBlMcT0C7CU981De0Ou4-7d1YRw0YIGzSBO1ikS6Z9lNvyZNem9Zz4v5xr7lVyqr4SLdSbHNSV4UCwmYfohrXPeReamDT4fZHAweqhmlrCJiG51B5AZou132OYp-LCBbqyM/s320/photo.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /><br />
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</div><div>Forget the snake. I can handle a little garter snake. But a possible moose encounter is another story. </div></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024892424417171490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942006553932686439.post-75677639354698239382010-05-01T10:01:00.003-06:002010-05-01T10:18:52.750-06:00I'm not your sweetheartI want to be taken seriously at work. Who doesn't? And when you're a woman working in a male-dominated industry, it's even more important to be respected. <div><br /></div><div>Most of the women that work in construction are in support positions. They enter and pay bills, schedule employees for jobs, file, open the mail, etc. Many of them are also married to the owner of the company. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now since I work for a pretty small outfit, I do complete all of these tasks (although I'm clearly not married to the owner of the company) but I do so much more than this. My title is operations manager (or COO, depending on the day) and my responsibilities extend beyond menial office tasks. </div><div><br /></div><div>Which is why I was so insulted yesterday when a potential client called me a "sweetheart" after I was able to get something he needed. As in, "Thank you. You're such a sweetheart." Sweetheart? Sweetheart? If I were a man, would he have called me sweetheart? No. He would have said, "Thanks, man, you're awesome." Or "Thank you, sir. I appreciate it." It was a subconscious (I hope) way of him putting me in my place and it felt really demeaning. He may as well have just called me a little lady. </div><div><br /></div><div>Did I say anything? No, of course not. For one, it happened so fast and then we hung up so I didn't really have a chance. And for two, I don't want to make a big deal out of something that he probably meant harmlessly. But maybe I'm just conditioned to resist causing contention and sticking up for myself. Maybe that's the "little lady" in me. </div><div><br /></div><div>Has anyone ever said something demeaning to you at work? How did you respond/handle it?</div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024892424417171490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942006553932686439.post-78308578800037291282010-04-11T23:10:00.003-06:002010-04-11T23:16:15.756-06:00Check, check, and check!I just love productive Sundays. Don't you? Let's recap this wonderful day. (I know most of you are sensing a hint of sarcasm, but I'm being sincere. No, seriously.)<div><br /></div><div>1. Slept in till 10:00 am. </div><div>2. Ate an incredible breakfast prepared by my incredible husband</div><div>3. Went skiing for several hours. </div><div>4. Took a 30 minute power nap while Jason caught up on the Masters. I am convinced that a golf tournament on in the background is the fastest way to fall asleep and provides the most sound slumber. Must be the inside voices used by the commentators.</div><div>5. Did our taxes. Pretty stoked about this. Thank you, Turbo Tax!</div><div>6. Made a tasty (technically vegan) dinner </div><div>7. Cleaned the house- including both bathrooms and some dusting action</div><div>8. Met some friends visiting from out-of-town for dessert</div><div><br /></div><div>It has been a great day. Let's hope this week follows suit. </div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024892424417171490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942006553932686439.post-52800141756662055232010-04-05T20:04:00.004-06:002010-04-05T20:16:38.976-06:00Mama needs a new bag of... cereal?One of my favorite foodie/fitness/healthy lifestyle bloggers, <a href="http://afoodiestaysfit.com/2010/04/bobs-red-mill-giveaway/">Teri</a>, is having a giveaway that I really want to win. So I am shamelessly using this post to earn two more entries into the contest. The prize you ask worthy of such valuable space? Why, Bob's Red Mill cereal products, of course! <div><br /></div><div>I care about this product giveaway for a number of reasons. Let me list them (in no particular order):</div><div><br /></div><div>1. I bake with Bob's Red Mill Flaxseed (my whole wheat flaxseed baked bread is the stuff of dreams)</div><div>2. They make wholesome, (moderately priced) natural food </div><div>3. I like to win stuff</div><div><br /></div><div>You should enter, too. I'm not easily intimidated so bring on the competition! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024892424417171490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942006553932686439.post-24630546241433766992010-02-15T18:43:00.006-07:002010-02-15T19:04:10.029-07:0025% of my life with 100% Devotion<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2JnkXee6x0bErc8bvmwelNGgh8xotIrXdYlgW5Ol6XPA8YRm5phq-pU7l_yb9rmBV0mRPIdUanRcCFx1kyd3e9a743Z6WwnNQCWUV3d5xFuAD7Lz8bbzWXsnOXZQ0jJfWCRyiACzJa8/s1600-h/DSC00852.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2JnkXee6x0bErc8bvmwelNGgh8xotIrXdYlgW5Ol6XPA8YRm5phq-pU7l_yb9rmBV0mRPIdUanRcCFx1kyd3e9a743Z6WwnNQCWUV3d5xFuAD7Lz8bbzWXsnOXZQ0jJfWCRyiACzJa8/s320/DSC00852.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438655182131064818" /></a><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEUyXWn42Lpg0MEntlbx8KFSNfu0qxss3sNf5bGolCRTfUNU3gRVNq5pM69xrRzUKeIVupNzV7_doeDOq9w_33RoAQlch_kd9-5gecrn10DQVJwQF15LeIjcpDN4EGajXxOikVzYGOos/s320/DSC03987.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438653458698568530" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Today marks mine and Jason's six year anniversary. Let's do the math: I am 24 years old. I have been with Jason for 6 years. Therefore, I have spent 25% of my life being Jason's significant other (girlfriend, fiance, wife). I find it to be pretty remarkable that two people who met at such a young age have been able to weather the storms that come with becoming an adult and growing together rather than growing apart.<div><br /><div>I love you, Jason. Thank you for loving and accepting me despite all my quirks, flaws, and craziness. It's been one hell of a ride thus far and I am excited to see what our future holds.</div><div><br /></div><div>xoxo,</div><div>Jessica</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024892424417171490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942006553932686439.post-80486074411051002232010-01-31T12:51:00.005-07:002010-01-31T13:29:53.084-07:00Sundance Fundance?<div style="text-align: center;">Living in a resort town comes with an expected flow of foreigners (i.e, anyone not from Utah) but the barrage was heightened ten fold in the last two weeks with the Sundance Film Festival. I had participated in this wondrous event when I lived in the Salt Lake valley. I saw Smart People with Dennis Quaid and SJP before it came out in mainstream theaters. I saw a documentary about the making of an opera about the making of the A-bomb and Oppenheimer's life (surprisingly interesting). I attended free concerts on Main street and reveled in seeing Adrian Grenier from Entourage walking down the street. I instantly became star struck and only stopped shrieking long enough to babble incoherently to my friend who had not noticed him walk by. Honestly, how can you not notice someone who looks like this, famous or not?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiab4h57KLstUi-smBirEt6Gv5HHM_LUIoRp4cBrzali8jv-4BRqiN1iPbox7Ezod0YEePEO7UTGs-B1o_1DuWxEL64EyVlDQwpB41zB489yEIlu7itvjrDhnlYB3WJi6VP2Yu-QuMFxTY/s200/adriangrenier.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433000367954979410" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyway, since moving to Park City my Sundance experience drastically changed. I expected it to be two weeks of nonstop fun and excitement cruising Main street in hopes of spotting someone famous; seeing movies that may one day hit mainstream theaters or just make me feel more cultured; finding our way into industry-only parties. Boy was I mistaken!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My daily ritual mail run became nearly impossible because of the insane amount of traffic and overpriced parking spots that were few and far between. They were seriously charging $20 to park in a city owned lot that I had parked free in the day before the festival started. Unbelievable.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Getting anywhere or doing anything was both outrageously expensive and time consuming. We did go out a few nights to Cisero's on Main street because a friend is staying with us while bartending there. We were able to participate in Sundance without having to shell out too much for it. Thank you, Steve!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And instead of seeing three or four movies over the course of 10 days like the years before, I only saw one and it's because a friend had an extra ticket. I just couldn't justify the time, money and effort it would take to get to the theater and deal with the crowds. (I really hate crowds)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I did see some recognizable people, however. I won't call them famous because two are reality TV stars and one is someone you would know but not likely be able to name. I saw Gretchen and Slade from the Real Housewives of Orange County at Smiths last week. It was really bizarre. I had just watched the most recent episode of RHOC the night before and then there they were walking down the aisle toward the deli. (She looks better on TV and he is really tall)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0fvgH9fnClaIkR7-1CNuEDqvzw7tRdWGQb-MTcnG4-m6VuNEcNTahV6_qTeXIqQs8I9NnO1vkuzHUnEo0Z-KqJXXXx0CZPCGG6ZVYlPqXp7v68-GvhatkRToDC4K3oz673m4KNV3kOug/s200/gretchenandslade.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433000385542172818" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The other guy I saw is named Danny Trejo and usually looks like this in movies:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 144px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvw_yh6TXJOEVQkQi75id6hD2Iz6gPZBnnPvT7NjXwR3DEZcSZxqHQPHiQMIXvn5fnCQIrMv-zi8fvJi9-iK7lP-l3et5tuX5zNvwsxtqgOGBpm2B6E94XTXra61ZjO-qQqdSTU2CktVY/s200/danny-trejo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433000377362508274" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">He looked a little nicer in person, but not much. There were no smiles for those he granted photo ops. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I also heard that Chace Crawford from Gossip Girl had been at a party we stumbled upon around 2am earlier that night. Of all the movies at Sundance, his was the one I wanted to see the most. But I didn't think my better half would enjoy 90 minutes of me drooling at the screen. Hey, I may be married but I'm not blind. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But now that Sundance is winding down, we locals can return to our normal routines. I can get the mail in under an hour for free and with less road rage. We can get into bars where they conveniently remember our names now that they can't charge a $25 cover. And I can start planning my vacation to a warmer climate in time for next year's film festival. </div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024892424417171490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942006553932686439.post-27888010358782783842010-01-28T17:53:00.002-07:002010-01-28T17:59:58.644-07:00PH 3I am grasping at straws for something to do today for Project Happiness. Isn't it sad that we have to seriously contemplate ways to bring us good feelings? I'm going to the gym again but I don't want to count that two days in a row. Hmmm... Maybe I'll give myself that long overdue pedicure while watching Bill & Giuliana (love that show!) or go to bed early for once. By the way, I am open to ideas. Also, I'm curious what you think of the new look and domain name. Better, right?<div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024892424417171490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942006553932686439.post-1839552693206796582010-01-27T17:54:00.003-07:002010-01-27T18:08:35.370-07:00PH 2<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, serif; ">If you read my previous post, you know that I am participating in Project Happiness which is simply a conscious effort to bring more happiness into your life- even in small ways.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">So for my second day I decided that the best way to bring myself happiness was by doing something for someone else. My friend and co-worker had knee surgery yesterday after a skiing accident and will be laid up for the next week or so. I knew that her family would be scrambling to care for her and take care of themselves, so I tried my hand at a lasagna recipe I found online and brought them dinner. It made me feel good to do something nice for someone who always takes the time to listen and help me no matter what.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Tonight my bit of happiness will be found at the gym. Bring on the endorphin induced euphoria! I especially enjoy going to the gym with my better half. He promised to wear this t-shirt if I buy it for him:</span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOAVffBmeRihsnMFYmF1qnsGecSxrYuwRzCgYlBTHZgwQ-YfQt6cHjOH8qGM4EChAcgf-9Ryh0szLTiWSI7Yw4m46_OG8Z5ifpAMZlDO6wDp2ZNu4LPcNauQ7XyWb1xLdbxVAUzezZ1E/s200/i_work_out_because_my_wife_is_hot_tshirt-p235185938714017858qmbr_400.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431590695557618434" /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Pretty sweet, right!? He'll look this good wearing it, too. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Have you joined Project Happiness yet?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024892424417171490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942006553932686439.post-29213262625209102702010-01-25T20:26:00.002-07:002010-01-25T20:38:19.442-07:00Project Happiness<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I was recently blog surfing and stumbled upon this wonderful thing started by Tamara. It's called Project Happiness. Go <a href="http://toddtamandpreslee.blogspot.com/">here</a> to read more about what she and others are doing to bring more happiness into their lives. <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Since everyone could use a little more cheer, myself included, I have decided to join in. This evening I am going to take a candlelit bubble bath, read a book, and drink a cold one. </div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBYXak2K6a4EAp7fqYAxFRpp68RpSFsiPxrSpBT5YrHeIckyFZh0mgcVY4q1iIVtr24qrBTbKX26LdjYuDgLnZImhHjHeBGMsKrrviNOUvRf379VuaPSL0MlAnsYV3vdNfyqtD-_h9Yb8/s200/bath.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430887642011484994" /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">What will you do to bring some happiness into your day?</div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024892424417171490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942006553932686439.post-41035536742371685462010-01-17T22:38:00.003-07:002010-01-17T22:50:40.182-07:00Hungry<div style="text-align: left;">Every once in a while my biological clock rings prematurely and I get baby hungry. It starts beeping when I see girls I went to school with having babies and I start to wonder if this is what I'm supposed to be doing right now, too. But then I push snooze and remember that they have always been light years ahead of me in checking off big life landmarks (i.e. getting married, buying a house, having a baby, etc.).</div><div><div>Sometimes I wish I could fast forward to the point in our lives when we're ready to make the decision to have a baby. It seems so far away. But if I were able to do that, then I'd miss all the great things we get to do in the mean time. Jason will finish school, I will earn a masters, we will have a house and have traveled and experienced life as a duo rather than a trio. </div><div>The other day I told Jason I couldn't wait to meet Caleb. Just saying it out loud made me tear up because it's true. I'm really excited to meet him, but in due time.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwbEyj4MG5HM8wzjqVkUG5yqhyia5DT10pKeTvN8whSFFX6Frz8tWwVkERrWovFeHxIBJcPdeev4nrj22SK_6zr_PRE4N_ixDpK3iiNnkQ1l7YxSGhkpoI1DBqJJgbox0AnUyQfvC6jCQ/s200/DSC04167.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427952748043120562" /><div style="text-align: center;">This is our nephew, Brayden. I fully expect my future child/children to look a lot like this- blonde hair, blue eyes and super adorable. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>And P.S., Caleb is the name of our future son and I have officially put dibs on that name since many of my cousins have started reproducing already. (I may be the oldest cousin on both sides, but there are a lot of girls in my family that have reached the age when you can get married and knock out some kids) </div></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024892424417171490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942006553932686439.post-47501810381052090212010-01-07T22:38:00.003-07:002010-01-07T22:53:33.511-07:00I'm Committed<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4ZzZi7YXVTROVS53fHzAa5lMzc1KEK_j1qvhXVDRi_5tbb3Zpuxj5aLzlW_zvRXiMaQ64Xhbqna8xTjld9p6ar3qyrrCsHYhQSTQj71uckHkr2EurScwUqdR9i71DPYMKYzTwTN8IPA/s1600-h/DSC03753.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4ZzZi7YXVTROVS53fHzAa5lMzc1KEK_j1qvhXVDRi_5tbb3Zpuxj5aLzlW_zvRXiMaQ64Xhbqna8xTjld9p6ar3qyrrCsHYhQSTQj71uckHkr2EurScwUqdR9i71DPYMKYzTwTN8IPA/s320/DSC03753.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424242196425602402" /></a><br />As many of you know, I fell in love with rock climbing this summer and spent a good chunk of time at the crag or the bouldering gym. Since moving to Park City I haven't been to The Front and it breaks my heart. I decided that the $70 monthly membership wasn't worth it considering all of my climbing was purely imaginative. So I cancelled it. Gasp! <div><br /></div><div>However, we joined the local rec center today and it felt really good to log some time on the treadmill and pump some iron. I even engaged our roommate in a pull-up contest. (He beat me but only by a few) </div><div>I am now resolved to get into amazing shape for climbing so that I am ready to hit the rock running when the weather allows. Here's how I plan to do it:</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Find and follow a work out plan geared for climbers' needs</div><div>2. Recruit a workout buddy to keep me focused (my roommate is a gym rat, which may prove helpful)</div><div>3. Frequent trips to Momentum will keep my eyes on the prize</div><div>4. A late spring climbing trip somewhere warm (and dry) will be my reward for sticking it out</div><div>5. Sending a 5.10d (the hardest I've climbed is a 5.10c) or higher will be my ultimate test and provide the greatest reward for my hard work. </div><div><br /></div><div>If anyone has a handle on a good climbers workout, please send it my way. I've looked online but I need a step-by-step guide, preferably with pictures and a schedule.</div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16024892424417171490noreply@blogger.com0