Monday, December 29, 2008

The Dangerous Microwave Chocolate Cake-In-A-Mug challenge--cause I can't suck THAT bad can I?

So here's a little something about me: I'm a tolerably good cook, but I am an atrocious baker. I'm just no good at anything where you have to be super precise, but today I found myself on one of those recipe sites and I saw something that looked fast, fun and seriously suck-proof.

Dangerous Microwave Chocolate Cake-In-A-Mug

Recipe #338964 | 5 min | 2 min prep |

This cake is from Haydee's Chocolate Journal and is fantastic for those times where you want just one or two servings of all-natural, warm chocolate goodness. It's easily made with basic pantry items. I found the texture to be more spongy and very moist, It really was delicious. It fit perfectly in a regular-sized mug, although it did get a little messy when it puffed up. If you've got a slightly larger mug, I'd recommend using that.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Add dry ingredients to the mug; mix well with a fork.
  2. Add egg and mix thoroughly.
  3. Pour in milk, oil, and vanilla, and mix well.
  4. Add chips, if using.
  5. Put mug in the microwave, and cook for three minutes at 1,000 watts. Cake will rise over the top of the mug -- do not be alarmed.
  6. When finished, carefully remove mug from microwave and allow to cool a little. Tip onto a small plate prior to serving, if desired.
  7. Yields one generous serving or two "more virtuous" servings.

The ratings on the recipe were fabulous and seeing that it only took two minutes and I (lo and behold) already had these items in the house I decided I would try it out. I did leave out the vanilla and chocolate chips but I figured that they wouldn't make much of a difference. The Lowdown: I'm CRAP at baking. I even managed to screw THIS up. I think maybe three minutes was a little long in my microwave. Right after sticking a fork in the substance, which was a not-so-distant cousin of concrete, it began to turn hard and rubbery. My only satisfaction came from the fact that my mug was the perfect size and it didn't spill one drop in the microwave.

Seeing how the multiple ratings were so fabulous I have decided to issue a challenge to all. Think of it as a free blog post and a chance to do some fun easy baking with the kiddies, or maybe you just need a quick easy chocolate fix. Try out this recipe. Post a picture and tell me how it went. Then I can truly know if perhaps I REALLY am the worst baker ever. Feel free to experiment, just don't change the recipe basics, then share your experience.

I promise it takes less then two minutes and you just have to wash a fork and a mug! I'm really looking forward to the feedback!!!

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

all good things must come to a bitter, tragic end

As this year starts nearing to a close I've been looking back on some things and seeing which matters went well and which veered completely off course and crashed into a truck carrying crates of chickens.

One thing in particular that didn't go quite as I expected was The Great Blog Off. Initially started as a contest between Stubborn Foodie and myself and then expanding to include my sissy, Easily Amused, and my lovely friend Cheesy Goodness; the Great Blog Off was a competition to see who could post the most blogs throughout the year. Who would have thought that my sister would murder us all in the posts category? Even more shocking to me was the fact that Cheesy was in fact very deeply hedged in the second place spot with me bringing up a distant third and Foodie who was the "original" blogger so far behind I couldn't even smell her usual scent of baked goods.

Now I know that Foodie and I can both cry foul with our computer issues but in the end we really did just get out-blogged by the two people that I thought would do it the LEAST. So bravo to my sister and Cheesy!! You two win the prize!! (Just as soon as I get a suitable loveliness).

So now that I have tasted defeat---and it tastes like bile--who wants in on the next years GREAT Blog Off??? We'll start fresh and on equal ground on January 1st. I think we'll all be back to working computers, and we have some time to be thinking of fun posts as the start date approaches. Remember its all about quantity, not quality people (ok so if you want people to actually read it that might be flip-flopped). So hop on the band wagon. Remember its a win win, the more people who participate the more posts you have to read, besides everyone needs GOALS. It will motivate you! If you've just been a lurker as of late and thinking about starting to blog or just slacking on your posts, now's the time!!
PS... You're all still tagged. Please refer to previous post!!

Monday, December 15, 2008

Its all about Me Me Me!

Whats your Favorite brand of jeans?

I love me a pair of Silver Jeans. Extra bonus would be a flare cut. They are just really flattering, and they usually fit really well. Basically I love anything that cuts down on the size of my thighs like any other good red blooded American woman.

What is your favorite restaurant? What do you get there?

The Cheesecake factory is my favorite. I love that it has a huge menu and you can take even the pickiest person cause there's something for everyone. I LOVE the avacodo egg rolls. The toss up is usually the Chicken Madiera or the Miso Salmon. ::Homer Simpson Gargle::

What is your current favorite song?

Hmmm... Its a little older but I sorta love "Come on Get Higher" by Matt Nathanson. I don't know why it gets me, I just love the lyrics.

What's your "type"? Is that what you ended up with?

My type is most definitely dark hair, dark eyes, and usually darker in the skin tone area. Facial hair is a bonus. Not a whole beard. I like me a goatee. All men look better with a goatee. I prefer stocky rather then tall and skinny. Oh and hair, cannot emphasize how much I like a man with good hair. I pretty much hit the nail on the head... even if he's become such a skinny puppy!!

What is something unusual about you?

Well... here's one some might not know. Here I am; a tolerably good artist, drawer, painter, whatever, but I cannot for the love of all that's holy paint my own nails or toes. Its always a total fiasco. Thats what Randy is for :)

How do you describe your everyday style?

Pretty much on the business/classy side. I like to get tailored pieces and put them with jeans or hoodies or something else to funk it up. Throw on a long necklace and big hoops or other big earrings. We'll just say this.. my casual, isn't all that casual. I almost NEVER wear T-shirts.

What were the last three movie you saw? How were they?

Lets see... Transporter 3: The first one is still the best. Entertaining, in an action sorta way. Jason Statham is hot (for a English guy with no hair). Role Models: So funny. I laughed so hard. I love these new slightly crude but have a sweet side comedies. Hilarious. Bolt: Cute. Saw it in 3-D. Love Rhino the Hampster and the pidgeons.

What are your favorite TV characters?

How could you not enjoy someone so sarcastic and horrible as House?? Love him. He's such a jerk. I really enjoy Dwight on the Office. What a fruit loop. Oh and Christine on The New Adventures of Old Christine. If you've never caught it, you gotta see it. So funny!

What was the last book you read? How was it?

The last thing I read was The Joy Luck Club, and strange to say, but the movie is tons better. Really excellent film. I also just read The Longest Road Home by the author of Marley & Me. I forget his name. Easy read, entertaining, a tear jerker at the end.

You are asked to bring your best dish to a party, what do you make?

Ummm... Chicken Satay, or Guacamole. Come to think of it, fettucini alfredo with shrimp is usually received well.

What qualities do you find attractive in your significant other or a prospective one?

Randy is really confident. Thats really attractive. And of course a sense of humor. I tend to like people that are quick witted. And lets not under estimate the importance of good manners. Total deal breaker.

Is there a song that everytime you hear it, it reminds you of a certain memory? What is it and why?

So many. Songs are like life markers. UB40 will always remind me of summer and my sister. Come on Eileen--going to football games with Kristen in the trooper. That Discovery Channel song reminds me of clubbing with Suzi. Bitter Tears by INXS will always be torturing Amber. Lit is when I was first getting to know Randy. And Rollin by Limp Bizkit will always be my Heathen Diana song.

Do you swear?

Sometimes. Especially when driving. But I can turn it on and off reasonably well depending on the company.

What is your worst vice?

PROCRASINATION. Did I mention I haven't bought a single Christmas gift? No worries I have lots of worn socks guys.

Yeah yeah, being materialistic is bad. What is your favorite THING you own right now?

At this second?? My new Computer. Then my Murano is always way at the top of the list. Its sexy.

Coke or Pepsi?

Pepsi. My biggest love and worst nemesis. I'd rather have a big ole Pepsi then an icecream cone.

Beach, Mountains, Big City, Country, or Desert?

Beach! oh the beach! I LOVE San Diego. I wish I could live there. It just gives me the happy pee shivers.

Whats your favorite Candy?

At the moment I have almost overdosed on chocolate-covered Cinnamon bears. I don't think I have one just in general.

If you could dress your significant other (or prospective mate), how would you dress them? What do they usually wear?

Lucky for me, Randy knows the secret to dressing well: asking me if something looks good on him. LOL. Actually Randy has always dressed up to date and well. However if I could I would put him in one of those dress shirts and sexy vests with some distressed jeans. I don't think he'd ever go for it. A little TOO dressy for him.

What is your favorite dessert?

I like Pastries a lot. Probably because most of them are on the blandly sweet side. I had this friend who was gonna make me creme puffs one time... I also love tempura fried bannas and icecream. Tasty.

Whats your least favorite fashion trend?

SKINNY JEANS. Ugh... personally I think even if you can pull them off tolerably well you would still look better in ANYTHING else. So unflattering . If you're gonna wear them I hope its with BOOTS.

How much did you love doing this??

Hey if I can tag EVERYONE then I will at least have SOMETHING to read. There has been a scandalous lack of posts from everyone lately! Get going, and leave a comment you slacker lurkers!!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

I feel a make-out session coming on

I mentioned in an earlier post that we've recently made some big purchases. I finally gave up all hope for a Mac and decided a PC is better then nothing. Which is what I would continue to have for the three years it would take me to save up 3000 dollars without touching it. I lack self control. I admit it. Something would indefinitely keep coming up and the Mac-stork would never arrive.

So I know I said I would never own another, but Dell really did have some screaming deals. Besides my other issues all stemmed from our previous Dell being a laptop so I shouldn't encounter any of the same troubles this time around. Not only that but it seems my family has their very own Dell Technical Support whether she wants to be supportive or not (sorry Mel! Expect a call from me if I can't figure out how to set my TV up through it alone). Introducing the new desktop:



New desk, new printer, new high speed internet. Damn is that sexy or what?? I'm so enamored with the 24 inch monitor that I wanna open-mouth kiss it. Finally photo editing will not involve any nomad-type maneuvering. We've only been seeing each other for about a week but I think that maybe I'm in love. But I'm gonna wait till it says it first.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Bah Humbug!!

In the spirit of the season I thought it was time to spout off some festive crap followed by a disclaimer stating how this season has been good for me and how that means bad things for YOU as my friends and loved ones. So without further ado...

Every year right around this time I am once again reminded why I detest Christmas music SO much. Every store I walk into has the mindless droning of a musician who thought a Christmas album would be great to pad the ole pocket book. I'll go ahead and compare it to say... the Twilight movie. Its the music version of that. Lets hurry and make it and shove it out there to be bought by the masses while its marketable, who cares if it's MADE well? Anyway... I digress. Don't get me wrong. There are some good ones out there, but you can only play them so many times in a space of time between Halloween and Christmas (Thank you Cozy and FM100 for singlehandedly making my ears bleed) before you gotta start filling in the holes with the real stinkers. The following is a list of songs that if I never hear again I won't be all peein' my pants about:

5. Wonderful Christmas time by Paul McCartney. Love love love it when he tries to get that extra syllable to fit.
4. Little Drummer Boy by David Bowie and Bing Crosby. Say what?? Who said, "ya know, I know who would just be GREAT together!!"
3. Anything sang by the Chipmunks, Muppets and or fictional cartoon or holiday characters. Do I have Barney playing in my car? No. I don't wanna hear its equivalent sang while I'm shopping either. 'Nuff said.
2. Grandma Got Ran Over by a Reindeer by Dr Elmo. I can't believe stations even PLAY this. They are probably the same people that think Larry the Cable Guy is funny.

And finally the one you are all waiting for...

1.The Christmas Shoes by Newsong. Oh holy night, is that a BAD song. The person who wrote it should be publically flogged.

Did I miss anything??

And now on a last note, this year Randy and I decided that the bargains were too good to pass up, Christmas or no, on some things we have wanted for a long time. We recently purchased both a new desktop (post coming about THAT later) and a new flat screen TV. What does that mean for you??? You're all getting an old sock with candy in it. Sorry guys!

Monday, December 8, 2008

sweet sweet oblivion

Today my uterus tried to stage a coup. It mustered it's buddies; the Fallopian Tube brothers and Ovary twins to shake things up. Apparently it thought I would just roll over (without popping open my ever present mammoth sized bottle of ibuprofen) and DIE???

Silly, silly, little uterus.

I have since reestablished my tyrannical rule.

Peace out.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

babies scare me...

Its true. I am an annomaly, unique, a genetic freak of nature if you will---but its all true. Lets talk a moment about babies.

I am the youngest of two and my sister is considerably older then me. All my close friends growing up were all the babies of the family or pretty close to it. I never babysat and never had any inclination to. I don't have any kids, and for the most part, have had no desire to have any. Thats right. Somewhere in my genome sequence I missed out on that little guy that gives you a maternal instinct. When they were passing out hot heaping shares of "subconscious need to love anything soft, pink, and mewling" I was in the "sunshine, puppy dogs and lollypops, lala lala la!!" line.

I know some find stance on this topic completely unatural and think theres something wrong with me and thats fine. I, for the love of all that's holy, can't figure out why people wanna have whole litters at 18---so we're even. Its not like I haven't thought about it, and in the end I just came to the conclusion that I invest everything I have into ONE relationship--two, or heaven forbid more then that, would just not work for me. In essence i am too selfish an individual: I like money and things. Kids are expensive. I like to travel. I wanna go to places with a startlingly lack of grown men dressed as cartoon charecters. I like time to immerse myself in my interests. They do not include feces and or any other bodily expulsions.

Strangely enough to some, I'd much rather deal with teenagers. I get along marvelously well with teens. They are a little irrational at times, but look at my family! Thats nothing new. The Crazy is always showing out this way. So bring on the sullen teenagers. Especially the boys, they are less drama. And they don't crap their pants. I say that puts us on a level playing field.

My friend Di has a fabullous list she recites, titled: Another Reason Not To Have Kids. Perhaps she'll post it. Its hillarious.

In the meantime go ahead; cheer me on, pity me for my bad judgement, laugh, or maybe feel a rise of religious indignation about my decisions. Just don't call me to babysit.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

There's been a time or two where my declaration that I am the "Aunt to the cutest kids ever" has been challenged. I just wanna take a moment to gloat and to repeat my original assertion. I am aunt to the cutest kids ever. Go ahead... look at these and just TELL me I'm wrong. It will be all lies but just go ahead.


Yeah... what now???







Saturday, November 22, 2008

so.. like... yum.

Friday we visited Greg's at UVU. It is the student restaurant for the culinary department there. It was Japanese week and it was a great time. The food was pretty good, except it seems, for a certain soup that my sister, Randy and my mom got. It was called Egg Custard Soup. When the server brought it to the table it jiggled, not unlike jello or my thighs. As they started to eat it the conversation went like this:

Mom: What's in it?
Lore: I dunno. It scary.
Randy: It has... meat in it.
Mom: I can't figure out what it tastes like.
Lore: Ummmm...
Randy: It tastes like... Mushrooms

Mom: There's no mushrooms in there!
Randy: No, no.. like um.. bean.
Mom: Yeah.. Beef.(Ber and I begin to laugh as we eat our perfectly normal Miso soup)
Randy: Not Beef! No like... Pork and beans.. without the pork.
Lore: It yucky. I'm not eating that, I can't tell what's floating in it.
Mom: Yeah.. its smokey. I don't like it.
Randy: Yeah I know what it tastes like. Smoked ASS.

So there you go. The REST of the food was pretty good and the presentation was awesome. Its a very reasonable price for five courses and really fun for a change of pace.

Check it out!












Wednesday, November 12, 2008

so... that meant what??


I usually listen to the radio when I get ready for work. The morning show that I listen to has a "dream interpreter" on about once a week. I pretty much feel the same way about dream interpreters as I do about psychics, taro, and astrology, which means I sorta think in my heart of hearts that its a bunch of "hooey". That's the super intelligent way of saying that I'm a bit on the skeptical side.

Sometimes I think that the dreams are sorta self-explanatory. Sometimes I think she reaches a little bit. For example: a helicopter in a dream is about something in your life "taking off". A baby is about a "new beginning". Sharks attacking you in a dream are about somebody that is trying to verbally "drag you down". Thats all fine and good I guess, but personally I think maybe you should just lay off the Nyquil and Discovery Channel combo sometimes.

The night of the last dream segment I had a particularly interesting dream:
I was at work, but not my work (you know how dreams are). I was in a room talking to Randy when my friend Di called to me from the warehouse next door. I knew everyone was there with the bay door open watching the Wendy's across the parking lot because it was on fire. I didn't want to go but she said the police wanted to talk to me. I walked into the warehouse and they started to question me because apparently, I seemed to have had a history of arson.
Mmmmk. Yeah. My friends call me Matches.

Anyway... I started to get really angry because no one believed that I had nothing to do with it. I started to yell and get really upset when suddenly Di screamed, "No! she didn't do it! I did it! I'm sorry, it was an accident!! I was just so scared that I didn't say anything!!" She started to cry and hug me. I just kept telling her it was okay, that it was an accident and everything would be alright. Of course she didn't mean to burn down Wendy's. She liked the wraps!

After that Di went with the officers and I followed her "friend" out of the parking lot who was driving a beat down metro in a startlingly reckless manner.
Now... what does THAT mean Lori from Dreamzone dot com????

Saturday, November 1, 2008

busy busy busy like a little busy bee

Feels like I have been nothing but busy the last two months. Fall seems to be the time where everyone decides that they need pictures. And that's fine with me really but since I am still, for the most part, a computer nomad it makes things challenging. I've recently changed from my old photo editing software to Photoshop which has been a joy and a trial, but for being self taught in the realm of photo editing (I've never cracked an instruction manual or a book. Call it what you will but I tend to lean toward "stubborn" and or"lazy") I am feeling pretty good about myself. I still wake in the night from feverish dreams depicting a Mac, but I have also come to terms that I may not get one for a long long.... LONG time. That Mac is like the proverbial carrot on the string dangling in front of my face, just out of reach.

Alas... life sulks miserably on.

On a less brooding, self absorded note: These are pictures I did for Ky and Kayla for homecoming. They were sorta last minute and there wasn't any sun. Randy did reflector duty. Things came out ok. Its hard to take bad pictures of two annoyingly happy people despite drab weather.

Next up I did some family pictures for Suzi. This is a special appology for her for taking so long for me to get out there to take them . I'm SORRY!! Seems like I have plans for SOMETHING for every spare minute of my day. I'm glad that I finally got these done and to her. I was beginning to feel REALLY guilty!! This shoot was sorta challenging as little Averie has developed a shyness concerning me where she won't look me in the eye. Unfortunately that also translates to my camera lens too. Heh.

Its a good thing I plucked the hedgerow otherwise known as my eyebrows and took out all my facial piercings that day.


I do manage to squeeze in some fun too. Last week I got down to Palisades State Park in Sterling for a day of golf and photography. The golf game wasn't bad. I'm enjoying my sweet new shoes (thanks Ber!) and my cute new bag (thanks Baby!). Things are starting to come together. I'm even more sad then usual to see winter coming. Guarenteed it won't be long after the snow flies that you see a blog about my recent escape to warmer climes.

Monday, October 27, 2008

mishaps make the best stories


I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Mishaps always make for the most entertaining tales. Perhaps some day I will blog the horror story that was my date with "Fingers", or enlighten you about the time Lucky and I went on our first girl's only camping trip and our run in with "Joe," the girlfriend abusing drunkard. Maybe just maybe you'll hear the one about Chanel jumping out of the ravine charging golf cart. Maybe.

Today I will hopefully amuse you with an adventure titled: Tracy and the "So That's Why They Make You Sign a Waiver" Castle of Chaos

Last year right around this time Randy and I went on a double date with his charming work associate and his lovely wife. For anonymity's sake we will call them Jack and Jill. First off we went to Tepenyaki and had dinner there cause well... it makes me salivate. Sushi anyone?? O-kay... getting sidetracked. Back to the story. After we retreated to our home to decide what to do next. We finally went with a haunted house and all agreed on the Castle of Chaos. Mainly I think cause it had the best website. Or the coolest name. I forget.

Note to self: Do not make judgements on a night's activities by the coolness of websites or the awesomeness of titles. It will only end in tragedy, or at least one person being really really pissed.

Anyhow, it was a cold and rainy night. We drove downtown and got in line and were staggered by the admission price first off. Despite that we got the "X-Scream Pass" which was an extended part of the house for a little extra. I got ready for the mingled sense of anxiety, awkwardness, and very slight fear that usually accompanies your run of the mill haunted house. Silly me, I should have gotten ready for things more like pain, horror and disgust.

Things started just as they should and exactly how I expected. Lots of screaming teenage girls, bad make-up, fog machines, Randy and Jack making off-hand remarks to the actors. You know the usual. Then things took a turn for the worse. We entered a room where the actors herded two of your party into "coffins" that they had to lay in and they would pass through the wall while the rest of your group walked around and was confronted by your usual crowd of ghouls. Since we had gone to dinner, I was wearing a suit jacket and a sweater vest and didn't feel like getting dirty or rumpled so I opted to go around. After the corner the room had a strobe light. As I walked through the room one of the actors lunged at me in order to scare me.

Now maybe its an occupational hazard for the actor, but I didn't sign up for what came next. Perhaps thrown off by the strobe light, (I guess you never get used to them or maybe cause I just rule that way) the young man, who was wearing glasses at the time, while lunging at me, resoundingly, head-butted me. I was told later by Jack that you could completely hear the THWACK even with all the other noise going on. Everything went black, the pain was intense and I staggered a bit. The actor also staggered back clutching his head and mumbled "sorry" while holding onto his glasses which had snapped in half.

This was about the time that I noticed that he had hit me so hard one of my soft contacts had popped out of my eye. Fantastic. Super even. Did I mention I still had half of the house to go with that blasted extended pass? The rest of the first house was a muddled foggy mess in my mind. My head hurt, I couldn't see worth a damn, and I was royally pissed off.

When we got to the end of the first section we got to a waiting area where I found that we had collided so hard that I was wearing some of the accident prone kid's make-up. I had a white smear across my forehead (and a HUGE headache). Everyone had a good laugh. Well almost everyone.

Next up, thankfully the last of my trials. We entered into the second section and were told that we had two choices: go through this curtain by yourself or CRAWL on your hands and knees through a tunnel. OK then. They only let two of each party go the curtain route so I ended up crawling in my suit jacket and nice clothes through a tunnel where hundreds of people had already passed on this rainy night.

I. Was. Pleased.

The rest of the house consisted of my clutching onto the back of Jill's coat so i wouldn't get lost being that I couldn't see--fog or not, and trying not to be the "Really Bitter Person that Ruins Everyone Else's Good Time".

I'm now told that this year they make you sign a waiver cause they get "blood" and such on you and the actors can touch you but you can't touch them. Like blood flinging, grabby strippers or something. I think I pass.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Fall is almost here,,,



And frankly that blows... but it IS a good time to go out and get some pictures taken. Even if the colors are, in my humble opinion, lacking this year. We went up American Fork canyon and to Silver Lake Flats. You can skip that guys... the lake is more like a half empty puddle. Besides it's second strike is the actual unpaved road getting there. Not my favorite. We did a little hiking to get the aspen shots and were just lucky to come upon a train next to an old water tower on the way back down the other side of the mountain. All in all, it was a nice ride, the scenery was pretty and I got to torture a teenager AND his dad for a good part of three hours!! Too much fun!






Monday, September 8, 2008

happy birthday to me, me, ME!!

Because my birthday is coming up soon now, and I am going to be old, and also because I was raised to be crass and vulgar I thought I would make a list of things I want for my birthday. That way all my friends, loved ones and family members know what to get me. Especially those "trust fund baby" friends that are living modestly because they don't want friends like myself to know and treat them differently. Hey no worries!! I'll treat you like dirt the same as ever!! Now get me something!!

Also as a side note, could you PLEASE coordinate your gift giving with each other so I don't have to PRETEND to be excited about something I already got? Seriously that blows. How about we just use the comments sorta like a gift registry and you can say what fabulous thing you're gonna get me. Genius!! And while we're at it people... stick to the list. I don't like it when people go all "rogue" and think they are being "imaginative". Imaginative = Crap I Don't Want. Thank you.

First things first. We'll start out slow. I would like a iMac desktop computer. A fabulous machine I have been coveting for well over a year and which every Justin Long commercial successfully rubs my nose into. As a special bonus for whoever gets me this, I will take and edit family pictures for them for LIFE. Pretty sweet deal eh?? Eh?? Yeah I know folks, take it easy, first come first serve. Reminder: I only need one.

Next we have golf equipment. I'd like a new Taylormade Burner. I'm sure Randy could help you with specifics if you'd like to get a hold of him. I also am in need of a new set of irons and a pair of shoes. Lastly I really would enjoy a new bag. I'm really picky on the bag, guys. So make sure you covertly ASK me before you ASSUME that I like Nike, because seriously... what IS that?

Now don't think I left out my non-working nieces and nephew. Theres something on the list for everyone folks! I'd like some more Dolce and Gabanna Light Blue perfume. Its a better deal if you get it in the set with the lotion and bodywash so I guess that would be ok. But for heavens sake... get it gift wrapped at least. Show you care.

Next up is the new Cannon 50D. I've been thinking I really need something with a bit more oomph. If you know what I mean. And while we're at it, if you just wanna add on any of the Image Stabalizing lenses by Cannon, that would make an adorable gift basket. Any of the lenses will do really, I'm not picky. But lets stick with the Cannon. Knock-off's aren't really my style, if you know what I mean. I'm less particular about lighting equipment if you wanna do some add-ons.

And there you have it. I know what you're thinking, but the list is so short!! I know, right? I don't want much. I'm a pretty simple girl and my needs are relatively small. I tried and tried to think up more but this is all I could come up with. If you have any questions about certain specifics feel free to give me a shout out. Happy shopping!

Friday, September 5, 2008

boys and their toys


Yesterday Lore, Brittany, and I took Kyle to visit Randy. The idea was that Randy could take the tractor crazy kid on a ride on the back hoe. I was SHOCKED when instead Randy rattled up in a MASSIVE loader.


At first Kyle wasn't sure what to think about this huge loud thing and started to cry. He really didn't want to do anything but get off of it until Randy asked him if he wanted to go for a ride and run us over to which he answered with a prompt, "Yesh".
Figures.

Off they set on a nearly fifteen minute ride!!


What did we do when left by the side of the curb for that long with nothing but each other for company????



Who else thinks these are hillarious???? What can I say? Severe dorkiness runs in my family.


By the time they got back Kyle was all about the loader. He was dropping the bucket and steering and honking the horn.

Ain't no thing.



He had no sooner gotten off then he was asking to go for another ride. We think he liked it and it was lots of fun for us all to watch.

THANKS RANDY!!!!

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

In which I torture myself and learn a lesson in futility


Saturday I went golfing.

That in itself should be enough of an explanation for my title, but alas, not a very good blog post. It started out so well too. It was a lovely Saturday. I went with Randy and my good friend Ber to Spanish Oaks. Its a nice course. I enjoy it. It was delightfully sunny, but not too hot. Ber loaded us down with all types of "cart-goodies". I remembered my camera for once. It was a good first hole; a little rough off the tee, but no biggie. I was gonna have fun with people I love, stuff my face, get some exercise and work on my tan. All in all it seemed like it was going to be a pretty good time.

Then the second hole happened and in succession I started to have a complete meltdown. Not only could I not get off the tee but I couldn't hit any sort of second shot either. At first I tried to distract myself from my dismal attempts to swing a club by sticking licorice up Ber's nose and tripping on my own footwear but even that started to lose some luster after the state of suck continued. To make matters worse, Ber pretty much had the best 18 holes I've ever seen her play. If we only could have combined her game with my chipping and putting (the only thing redeming in any form throughout the day) we would have been sensational!! I noticed as my frustration and bitterness ensued that Ber started to get very quiet, shrinking to her side of the cart, perhaps, much like a frightened animal, that I might not notice her and thus not gouge her eyes out and wear them like olives on my fingers.

To include the preverbial cherry on top of my whip cream sundae of steaming crap, I had waited to get the camera out for the sun to get a bit lower and by the time it should have been perfect, big dark yucky clouds moved in and I only got one decent picture of the entire day. Add that to the fact that my dinner after at Red Robin was an equal disappointment the day was almost a complete bust!

Notice I did say ALMOST. There WERE some redeeming factors. I did say I got to spend time with two people I adore a whole lot, even while pissy. Randy as always was very patient, and tried to cheer me up and help me out. Ber totally could have rubbed my face into my sudden lack of complete hand-eye coordination, especially when her game was going so well, and never did. I really did work on my tan and ate a lot of junk food and I'm sure I burn just as many calories when I throw my clubs as when I actually hit something. And yes I realize I included eating junk food and burning calories in the same breath, but thats cause I would eat the junk food regardless. The burning off of those aforementioned calories is just a bonus. See... not so bad afterall.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

In Memory of...


A year ago today someone that I cared about passed away. This past year since his death has been hard on a lot of people that I have come to love and care about and of course myself as well. So on this day I wanted to take a moment to touch on some of the qualities of this extraordinary young man in the hopes that as we all continue on we can try to incorporate some of those traits into our lives and learn from his example, and in turn, celebrate his life. Because if anything can be said of Kiefer, you can definitely say he was inspiring.

Kiefer had just an ineffable sence of joy about life. He had a thousand watt smile. He knew how to laugh at himself and he knew how to make others laugh. Oftentimes you laughed without even wanting to, so crazy and harebrianed some of the things he said were, but you couldn't help it. You would just find yourself shaking your head in disbelief. Sometimes Kiefer would laugh about some joke that he found so hillarious he'd fall helpless on the floor but was incapable of telling you WHY he was laughing. In those cases you basically just started laughing at him. It was like he just couldn't help it. The joy would bubble out of him like a spring.

Kiefer, much like his father, had a most definite sence of self. He didn't care what anyone else thought or said. He could as easily stand on a stage giving a monologue from Julius Ceasar or make a fool of himself in the middle of Walmart in front of a gaggle of girls as he could debate private heath care with a family practitioner. I called him "No Shame" for a reason. He said what he wanted and wore what he wanted. If that included wearing eyeliner to soccer practice and taking flack from the coach, so be it. He didn't define himself by what he wore one day or what people thought of him. So many people would try to shove this long boarding, black clothes-wearing, faux-hawk-coifed kid into a certain box, and so many were surprised when they found that he lettered in debate (a skill he undoubtably rendered from his mother), and loved writing short stories and poetry.

Kiefer LOVED. And of course was loved fiercely in return. He had a huge extended family of friends and seemed to make more everywhere he went. He had a special affinity for those in need and extended himself to people that maybe needed a friend or a shoulder. This wanting to help others spread to social causes as well whether it be Sub for Santa or children in Africa without shoes. He wanted nothing better then to make people happy. He loved passionately and gave freely to those who needed it.

While a mischevious teen fond of sneaking out and planning non-parental approved adventures with his friends, making his mom crazy, and single-handedly giving reason for parents of teenage girls to lock all their doors, Kiefer was, above all, a young man with a huge heart. He was ambitious and smart, loving and passionate, tallented and imaginative and chock full of more self confidence then a teenager should rightfully have.

I take away my own lessons from Kiefer. His legacy for me has been to try and appreciate those I love a bit more. To maybe be a bit more passionate, a bit more caring, to laugh a little more, be a little crazy sometimes, and perhaps to take more joy in my life.

I hope others who knew him do the same. I miss you Kiefer!

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Just when you thought it was safe to delete the link...

I know that its been awhile and I thought what better way to get back on the good ole blog wagon then by going over some of the things that I am really enjoying at the moment. You know the things that make you smile right now, or make you happy, or make you drool. The basics. So without further ado...

1. My sister's Cricket flat iron. This thing makes my flat iron seem like I spent thirty dollars on it. Oh yeah. I did. Apparently this Cricket is a bit pricier. I know I will never shell out a hundred dollars on one so I basically just have to covet it. It makes my hair so straight and yet in some strange way doesn't make it look flat. I love it. Some days when I walk by I pet it. I think it likes that.

2. The Dark Knight. Come on. How could you NOT love this movie??? It was way more fantastic then I had anticipated. We promptly saw it a second time two days later and it was just as good. I think its probably the best thing I have seen this year. The Joker. The Joker people!! It doesn't need anything said further. Favorite line: "Why so serious!???"

3. Summer nights. I love the summer and summer evenings are my favorite times of the entire year! Whether its spent going on long walks, or hitting balls, or going for drives, it doesn't matter. Theres just something about them that makes me just shudder with happiness!! Best. Thing. Ever.

4. Randy, my sister, and I recently went to the Kimball Arts Festival in Park City and there was an artist there who did some fantastic original art. Usually I'm a little ho-hum about things I see there. It was the first thing that actually prompted me to wish I actually had the 900 dollars to spend on the piece. His name is Anthony Hansen and he does some incredible metal work. I totally fell in love with his hearts. They were rock and roll and whimsical and kick ass all at the same time. Check him out if you have a minute, http://www.anthonyhansen.com/. They were more fantastic in person.


5. Slurpees. I don't know why but there isn't a time when I don't think one of these sounds good. I'm usually a Coke Slurpee girl but the other day I got the orange Gatoraid one and was quite pleased. And you know what? I'm no summer icey treat snob. Oh no, I will take a Snowie and be just as happy.

6. Thats What You Get by Paramour. Love this song right now. And considering that I am always skeptical about female led rock bands thats saying a lot! Also Bust It Baby by Plies. I dunno, its hip hop and sweet in a way. I dig it.

7. El Pollo Loco. Its new. Its chicken. It comes with avacodo salsa. Whats not to like?? I would take this over KFC anyday. The Mac and cheese is really yummy too.

8. My new Ed Hardy perfume. Trendy? I guess it could be, but I didn't know it was. I just like the way it smells. Its still not better then Light Blue, but I've yet to find anything I love THAT much.


9. Golf. I suck. And sometimes I make myself frustrated and try to bludgen small mammals with my clubs, but I love it. I always have a good time even if I DO have a melt down. Randy is VERY patient with me. Everytime I hit that one shot that just works out right everything that was bad before fades away. Besides... have you seen my tan???

10. I did some pictures for G a while ago and I do have to say that he was a picture perfect little model. I bet he loves to hear that! Bwa ha ha. Anyway... these are a few of my favorites from the shoot!!

So thats what I'm feeling right now. How about you? What's really winding your clock? Got a differing opinion? Lets hear it. Either leave a comment or link up and make your own post!