Another Snow Day

Today the snow is falling and the wind is blowing and no driving is advised.  I'm snuggled up on my sofa with my laptop working away.  Actually, I think I've worked more this morning than I typically do when I'm at the office in the morning (we're a social group at the office). 

Anyway, I saw this feel-good Kid President video on Michaun's Facebook this morning and thought I'd share (turns out, The Today Show also showed it this morning, too).  I love listening to little kids talk.  And I also loved Space Jam.  Let's get out there!

I Voted

Tonight, Josh and I filled out our official ballots for the 2012 General Election. Every time I vote, I feel so proud to be an American. I am, however, a little bummed I didn't get one of those "I voted" stickers, but Josh snapped a photo of me with my Secrecy Envelope...which is essentially the same thing! I'm hoping for a real change this next presidential term!

A Good Laugh

So, the Presidential election is coming up in the next few weeks.  I'm actually pretty pumped for it.  This year, rather than fighting the lines at my local polling office, I am filling out an absentee ballot.  It arrived in the mail this week and I can't wait to fill it out.  You probably already know who I'm voting for...here's a guess...his last name rhymes with comney...

Anyway, as my Facebook feed is polluted with political opinions (I'm all about having an opinion on polarizing topics such as religion and politics, however, I feel there is a time and a place to share said opinion...and Facebook probably isn't the most appropriate platform for it), my good friend, Jaime posted this hilarious video.  I want to watch it again.  Ok, I did.  It's hilarious.  I love the part where the little girl is distracted by the sequins on her shirt...reminds me of someone I know...

Late Nights

Today, I got my eyes dilated at the optometrist. I love my optometrist. I started seeing him during his first year at the practice almost ten years ago. (For the record, I still have 20/20 vision.) I see him because, in the event my eyes fail me, he can heal me. That's what doctors do, right? I like to take preventative measures...when it's convenient.

Anyway, after today's stressful day at the office (and super tired eyes), I fell asleep on the sofa for a little "after work" nap. An hour and a half later, I decided it was time to a avoid the inevitable and take Sophie on a walk. Minna came over. We talked. She went home. I caught up on the new TV shows for fall onTuesdays (which are amazing! More on my reviews later). I also just scored my best time in solitaire. And in other news, the new iPhone update has left me without the ability to respond to emails on my phone. Sort of tragic. Sort of a blessing. I really need to create better sleeping habits! It's on my to do list...

Clean House

I'm feeling accomplished tonight. After I cleaned my house, washed dishes, framed a photo, took Sophie on a walk, checked the mail, and froze individual slices of yesterday's lasagna, it's time for bed. I love productive evenings!

I feel its also appropriate to share that tonight I'm blogging from my phone. We shall see how this turns out...

Also, I should probably catch up on some reading. Below is a photo of the magazines on my list...

All in a Day's Work

A few months back, I posted this photo of me on Facebook (shot during how-to photography). 

The shots below are the professional images from the shoot.  Thank goodness the focus is on the wood tray and not on my awesome hair!

Make a wood tray (source)

And here's a picture of the tray looking beautiful on location photography...

Make a wood tray (source)

The Kate Obsession Continues

Kate and Prince William are on a diplomatic overseas tour right now, so they're being photographed in detail, (I've already admitted my admiration for the princess here and here.)  Below are some of my favorite outfits from her recent public events.  She can really rock a classic dress...

One Day of Clothes in Singapore (source)

Third day in Singapore (source)

Visiting a mosque in a 1980s-inspired dress (source)

Then, the big news for Kate is a recent breach of privacy.  A French tabloid reportedly posted photos of Kate sunbathing topless at a private estate in the south of France.  I feel terribly for her.  She was just trying to relax before a whirlwind press tour.  At times like this, I have a grave distaste for the media...

Wellness

I had my wellness assessment at work this morning.  We get a discount on our health insurance if we complete it, and I actually look forward to it every year.  This has been the first full year I've been gluten-free, and I think it's been a good thing for me.  I didn't eliminate gluten to lose weight; I eliminated it to feel human and rid myself of years of tummy troubles (that's the nice way of saying it).  Anyway, this year's wellness assessment was actually nice.  I wasn't told I was at risk for being obese (maybe that's in the digital version I'll receive later).  I didn't get shuffled around between stations (they now have one person check your weight, height, body fat, measure your waist, and perform the blood test).  I had a lovely conversation with my wellness assessor (I made up her title; I'm pretty sure that's not her official title).  Her husband is a farmer in Bondurant and will get a 50% discount if he takes his corn to get dried at the grain elevator if he drops it off by Friday.  We bonded.  Anyway, so the really great part of my wellness assessment was this: I lost five pounds and three inches from my waist this past year.  Maybe it's from working out more intentionally (as in actually trying when I'm there and not pouting like a moody teenager about having to be there), but I guess my mom was right when she said I look "less bloated" now that I'm not eating gluten.  Oh, mom...gotta love the pure honesty.

And speaking of honesty, a friend of mine shared this hilarious blog with me.  It's written from the perspective of a toddler.  You will laugh, I promise.

Fab Finds: Bad Dogs

My friend, Jaime, posted a link to this blog on a friend's Facebook page.  It's a blog dedicated to dog shaming:  dog-shaming.com.  Here are some of my favorite posts.

Rainbow poop

Seashell

Bed hog

Coach purse

TV Shows

I'm a sucker for reality TV.  It's trashy, I know, but it's also a train wreck, and I can't help myself.  Last night, I got in a full episode of MTV's Teen Mom, and then I set the DVR to record TLC's (new-to-me) High School Moms.  Holy cow.  These shows were a total waste of my time, however, I watched Teen Mom all the way through (even forgetting to fast forward through the commercials).  When it came time for High School Moms, I just couldn't do it.  It's not that interesting.  It's like the drama-free version of Teen Mom.  And let's face it, that's why we watch it.  I'm canceling my recording of High School Moms.  Teen Mom has one more episode left in this season (which is the last of the four seasons).  I have to watch it. 

Then, since I'm a sucker for Internet research, I stumbled upon this super trashy website dedicated solely to gossip - and not the PC, fluffy people.com version.  I didn't know stuff like this even existed.  And for the big reveal, here is a website where you can waste tons of time reading dumb stories about people who have EVER been in the spotlight: wetpaint.com/

And on that note, when is Downton Abbey coming back to PBS?  Apparently there are about 11.5 million people who also love the show. I need some culture in my TV show selections...

MTV's Teen Mom

Favorite mom - Catelynn - she was the smart one.

I love the Abbey!

Manicures

Sometimes, I have to get manicures for work.  It's hard work, but someone's got to do it.  Here are some shots of my hands in motion.

Install crown moulding on your cabinets

Install a tile backsplash

Add a ceiling treatment

Add a frame to your frameless mirror

This is a perfect example of what a crappy manicure looks like.  I forgot about this shoot...and my nails show it.

Make ikat wall art

And this is an excellent example of why it's important to lower your voice when speaking in public (video link here).  Note to self:  lower your voice when on camera.  I guess when I'm nervous, it shows...


Here's an image from a few years back, before manicures were a requirement for how to photo shoots.

Install a tile backsplash

A Little Love

Sometimes, I feel it's necessary to share a little love.  I adore Taylor Swift.  I think she's quite remarkable.  I think her music is honest.  I like that she actually writes her own music (or at least most of it).  I like that she's real (or at least she seems like it).  She's not super caught up in all the hoopla of Hollywood (and Nashville?).  She takes funny pictures of her cat.  She has a sense of humor.  She's not dumb and can actually formulate complete sentences.  Anyway, I think she's cool.  One more reason I like her, she's releasing a new album, Red, on October 22.  That's only 13 days after my birthday.  So, I'm going to consider this my birthday present from Taylor.  Thanks for that.

Here's an interview of Taylor talking about her new album.  She's wonderfully candid.  One more reason to love her.  Also, I feel it's worth noting that I've purchased every one of her songs.  I have her first CD (the one where she threatens an ex-boyfriend by calling him gay).  I bought it when I was a junior in college and listened to it during my hour-long-each-way commute to my apprenticeship every day.  We bonded.

Taylor Swift concert | Des Moines | 2010

Thanks for going with me, Heather!

Yes, I made Heather take a picture of me in front of Taylor's tour bus/semi.

Drive-In Movie Theater

I've always been enthralled with the idea of drive-ins.  To be honest, I'm a little surprised it didn't make it on my 30 before 30 list.  Anyway, on Saturday, Josh and I are planning our first date since he started law school.  Since I have a baby shower in Des Moines Saturday morning, and then the Rascal Flatts concert on Sunday at the Iowa State Fair, we decided to try our first "meet-in-the-middle" date night.  I heard about the drive-in movie theater in Newton a while back, but always thought driving an hour to watch a movie was quite ridiculous (since there is a movie theater five minutes from my house, why would I drive any further than that?).  Well, the hour drive for a movie is actually perfect since it's right in the middle for both Josh and I to drive.  Plus, the main feature is The Bourne Legacy, a movie we wanted to see together anyway.  Then, upon completing further research, I discovered the Pizza Ranch in Newton has a gluten-free menu.  It looks like we'll be having g-free pizza and a drive-in movie on Saturday.  Knowing I have this to look forward to, will hopefully make this week a little more manageable...

Pizza Ranch's g-free menu, part 1

Pizza Ranch's g-free menu, part 2

Also, I feel it's important for me to put aside my preconceived ideas of Pizza Ranch being grungy small-town Midwest (read: outdated) restaurants that didn't stand a chance (I've been questioning the opening of a new Pizza Ranch in Ankeny since I learned about it).  I was wrong.  Pizza Ranch isn't hokey...and since they offer a g-free menu, I'm pretty sure - unless the g-free menu is awful - I'll be frequenting their establishments often.

One of Those Days

I'm usually a pretty happy person, but today I've had one of those days.  Things just felt a little "off" all day.  Everyone annoyed me.  Everything annoyed me.  My photo shoot turned out beautifully, but I was annoyed that my photographer didn't want to break for lunch when I did.  Um, have you ever heard of the term hangry?  Because that's how I get when I don't eat on a normal schedule.  My blood sugar drops...and so does my mood. 

I almost didn't take Sophie on a walk after work because I was just pissed.  Then, I bit my lip...for probably the third time this week.  Seriously?  What is wrong with me?  Maybe I should go to the orthodontist and have them check out my bite.  I've also been thinking I should get my retainer replaced soon - it's starting to crack and if I have to go a night without it, I'm sure I'll have a mental breakdown.  That thing is a huge comfort for me.  Probably because I had braces in college and don't want to go through the process again.  I look young enough without braces...they knock off at least five years...and I would really love it if people would look at me and assume I'm at least 20.

I'm feeling rejected a lot lately which is something I can handle in small doses (thanks, dad, for that), but it's been more difficult to handle lately.  Maybe I just need a hug from my mom.  That usually does the trick.  I was supposed to call her tonight, but I was feeling crabby and didn't want to take it out on her.  She's not the problem...

Maybe a picture of cute Sophie will help things.

Sophie smiles.  This is proof.

Styling Decisions

When I style a photo shoot, I always hope my shoots don't end up on Catalog Living's site.  Today, I was working on a Christmas story (politically correct version: Holiday story).  It is a front porch scene.  We used fake snow to make it feel like Christmas.  It was also inside the photo studio (even though the photo will look like it's outside).  Here's a picture of the box of fake snow I used.  It smelled like a mix of dirt and laundry detergent.  Not every day is glamorous.  For instance, today I had to make an emergency visit to the nurse's office.  Turns out I'm allergic to dwarf pine trees.  This, I'm convinced, is proof I shouldn't go outside and cements the fact in my head that I'm NOT a tree lover. 

I'm pretty sure this box is from 1989.  It smells about that old.

Things that make me smile

This past week was hectic.  I don't really remember why.  Probably because I haven't had a weekend home without any major events in about a month, and the build-up of not having clean laundry and a clean house in addition to the stress of a photo shoot in the studio this past Friday, and prepping for a photo shoot at my house this upcoming week...ok, now I remember why it was hectic.  My garage, kitchen, and dining room are still looking very patriotic from the items I shot on Friday.  Today, I should probably clean out the garage and hem the curtains we're using for the photo shoot in my dining room this coming Wednesday.

Anyway, one major highlight of my week was making this purchase at Costco.  I love Sharpies, and colorful Sharpies make everything happier!

24 colorful options!

This past Wednesday, we found out Josh received a full academic scholarship to the University of Iowa's Law School.  I'm really proud of him.  In the next few months, things will certainly be changing a lot around here.  We had to cancel our Florida vacation (that I had just reserved on Tuesday) since it was scheduled August 16-23 and classes begin on August 20.  However, his aunt was sweet as always and offered the condo to us whenever we could fit it into Josh's new academic schedule.  In an attempt to process all the life-changing news on Wednesday, we took Sophie on a little walk.  She was very happy about it (she loves walks!), yet confused as we went a different route than we usually go.  I can't get enough of her sweet smile and trust it will help make the transition into next chapter in our life a bit more manageable.

Sweetest Mini Schnauzer ever!

What Year is It?

On any given day, I have absolutely no idea what year it is.  Sometimes, I think it's still 2007.  Or, maybe 2010?  I get confused.  Probably because I work on so many stories at a time in different years and seasons.  For instance, today I had a photo shoot for summer 2013 and holiday 2012.  I love how random my days can be.

And speaking of random, I spotted this sign while on my photo shoot and can't really understand it.  Perhaps it was relevant when the studio was first built (it's a white room studio which means it's supposed to stay white and clean and the floors don't have corners to avoid warping in drop out photography).