tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48209746955936647032024-02-21T23:43:05.711-08:00shrugs 'n kissesHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03020121868998000309noreply@blogger.comBlogger255125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820974695593664703.post-60719566329718468132012-07-25T17:07:00.000-07:002012-07-25T17:07:00.177-07:00Count down to the Olympics!<br />
Guess what?!? The Olympics will soon begin! I am so excited! I was spending some time today pondering what Country I wanted to support this year, and found this blog: <a href="http://eattheolympics.com/about">http://eattheolympics.com/about</a><span style="background-color: white;"> In support of the Olympics, this couple has set out to eat a dish from each of the 204 competing countries. I might have to try some of their recipes. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://eattheolympics.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d3hg9SY-gCY/UBCCrQS35FI/AAAAAAAAHvY/VSgiF60kquI/s320/eto-header.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03020121868998000309noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820974695593664703.post-47498285112761311102012-07-16T07:29:00.000-07:002012-07-25T16:46:15.939-07:00Happy Birthday Karenna!Yesterday Karenna and I made a princess cake for her birthday: <br />
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKh-zy4CYflpKDCYRfTAa96Xa2ij5ZNeTSO11uPx6jxXB78BGVpxa_jMjhLIfMmE64znAJq67GId5kIELtxZIOOXzc1dS62QDZd6Ylq0Q6Mov1g8q_IATjORGco4FkbGay5lI91NlWNs/s1600/177475_418921471482940_181973079_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKh-zy4CYflpKDCYRfTAa96Xa2ij5ZNeTSO11uPx6jxXB78BGVpxa_jMjhLIfMmE64znAJq67GId5kIELtxZIOOXzc1dS62QDZd6Ylq0Q6Mov1g8q_IATjORGco4FkbGay5lI91NlWNs/s320/177475_418921471482940_181973079_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I think it turned out really well! I think my favorite part is the pearl necklace. That girl has a serious vision on what she wants, in pretty much all aspects of her life. I'm really happy she kept her expectation realistic on this one. </div>
</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03020121868998000309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820974695593664703.post-84620519884990737122012-06-28T01:03:00.000-07:002012-06-28T11:23:40.452-07:00I'm A Nerd<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWT5ss1lWSY4ErOJ4-V_J6yz8JbMQXdCW0pcsys4lmfQFpbFwV-TNKfeVvuyAinXzhmL9rJI4lJVyq-saV7SsqvPySY8zhG5yDW2B5wTOESflKkZ4wu_m6RgO1Zi0sAQOJ1eet3-wX3Ds/s1600/Spanish+learning+cards.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWT5ss1lWSY4ErOJ4-V_J6yz8JbMQXdCW0pcsys4lmfQFpbFwV-TNKfeVvuyAinXzhmL9rJI4lJVyq-saV7SsqvPySY8zhG5yDW2B5wTOESflKkZ4wu_m6RgO1Zi0sAQOJ1eet3-wX3Ds/s320/Spanish+learning+cards.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I didn't realize how well that statement fits me. It's almost embarrassing. Almost. But I think I'm okay with it because it is so much fun for me! A group of friends and I decided we want to learn Spanish, so instead of showing up and practicing stuff, and creating a plan together, I decided I needed to take charge of this one by making flash cards for the whole group (12 of us) along with "blue cards." When I was learning Portuguese I was given a Yellow Card, with all the conjugations, on the front and some irregular verbs on the back. I loved that card. <i>Loved it.</i> I carried it with me everywhere. So I decided we need one of those for Spanish. And not only did I made it, but I also laminated it and made a tri-fold out of it. I love how it has turned out! I'm so excited for our next meeting! I'm going to do common phrases on the next batch of flash cards-- Including "Dame um beso." and "¿Quieres bailar?" Any other suggestions on really important things we should know?Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03020121868998000309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820974695593664703.post-52774122504548572802012-06-22T22:57:00.000-07:002012-06-28T10:59:19.388-07:00Sing With Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjORG0sqIs0S3gS8U935k3XzqKeqgAkEr-4v7HuimYRI4hE5IpQRCnv9j2y3klszkcpcjfR3qvY_JiP38GG4eaC8kjf-4oW_WVMJygZnTDuSRezfgru4WmmkKlIJr9UK9QgdbqSStruJk/s1600/Disney+Sing-Along.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjORG0sqIs0S3gS8U935k3XzqKeqgAkEr-4v7HuimYRI4hE5IpQRCnv9j2y3klszkcpcjfR3qvY_JiP38GG4eaC8kjf-4oW_WVMJygZnTDuSRezfgru4WmmkKlIJr9UK9QgdbqSStruJk/s320/Disney+Sing-Along.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
How have I never been to a Sing-Along at the Disney Concert Hall?!? So. Much. Fun. This particular one was Disney songs, but they do different themes, too. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world, because not only do I have fabulous friends who take me to events like this, but they also do it up VIP style with food, and the front of the line, and prime seating! Thanks, ladies! I'm so in for next month!<br />
<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03020121868998000309noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820974695593664703.post-39881161355622420072012-06-14T23:05:00.000-07:002012-06-14T23:05:03.717-07:00I've been negligent, haven't I?I know, I know...but my posts have started ending up like my letters used to: unfinished, forgotten, and eventually discarded. I have several that I've started, and then never finished, usually because I haven't been able to upload the accompanying pictures, and everyone knows that blogs are better with pictures. Well, I'm going to start doing that again (I hope)! And as I was catching up on some older drafts that were waiting for pictures, I also found some posts that were never published for unknown reasons...so I've published them too. There are some really old posts that I'm finally posting, and to make it easier for you, here's a list of their links:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://shrugsnkisses.blogspot.com/2010/03/feel-burn.html" target="_blank">Feel the Burn</a><br />
<a href="http://shrugsnkisses.blogspot.com/2010/04/longer-than-it-should-be-you-have-been.html" target="_blank">Longer than it should be: you have been warned.</a><br />
<a href="http://shrugsnkisses.blogspot.com/2011/10/dear-coworkers.html" target="_blank">Dear Coworkers,</a><br />
<a href="http://shrugsnkisses.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-eve.html" target="_blank">Christmas Eve</a><br />
<a href="http://shrugsnkisses.blogspot.com/2012/02/mother-teressa-said.html" target="_blank">Mother Teressa Said:</a><br />
<a href="http://shrugsnkisses.blogspot.com/2012/03/cake.html" target="_blank">Cake</a><br />
<a href="http://shrugsnkisses.blogspot.com/2012/04/memorial-day.html" target="_blank">Memorial Day</a><br />
<a href="http://shrugsnkisses.blogspot.com/2012/05/basketball-champs.html" target="_blank">Basketball Champs</a><br />
<a href="http://shrugsnkisses.blogspot.com/2012/05/track-meet.html" target="_blank">Track Meet!</a><br />
<a href="http://shrugsnkisses.blogspot.com/2012/05/national-train-day.html" target="_blank">National Train Day</a><br />
<a href="http://shrugsnkisses.blogspot.com/2012/05/happy-retirement-pablo.html" target="_blank">Happy Retirement Pablo!</a><br />
<a href="http://shrugsnkisses.blogspot.com/2012/05/eclipse.html" target="_blank">Eclipse</a><br />
<a href="http://shrugsnkisses.blogspot.com/2012/06/weekend-in-havasu.html" target="_blank">Weekend in Havasu</a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03020121868998000309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820974695593664703.post-59946612014934532962012-06-10T15:57:00.000-07:002012-06-14T23:05:14.490-07:00Weekend in Havasu<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Yesterday I drove out to Havasu because I needed a vacation...I probably spent as much time in my car as I did in Havasu, but it was away from home (well, really, away from work...) so I took it. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h4OGJ9vjKQs/T9ZkPGErpzI/AAAAAAAAHmU/qoc_LTqp_NU/s1600/IMG_2994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h4OGJ9vjKQs/T9ZkPGErpzI/AAAAAAAAHmU/qoc_LTqp_NU/s200/IMG_2994.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
I took the ferry boat across to the Casino for lunch. The Security guy there was being nice and carded me-- It was funny because he looks like he's a teenager, and while I might look young, I definitely don't look like a teenager any more. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I don't really remember why these guys are famous, but when you see a statue like this, you've gotta get a picture with it, right? Read on sir-- let's map out this town! (Maybe?)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WzQpTq7a-H8/T9ZkvyVncMI/AAAAAAAAHpc/BddeC2w0wz0/s1600/IMG_3019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WzQpTq7a-H8/T9ZkvyVncMI/AAAAAAAAHpc/BddeC2w0wz0/s320/IMG_3019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8bDY2rjzzLo/T9Zki_T0onI/AAAAAAAAHoU/wnhAem1rkUM/s1600/IMG_3010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8bDY2rjzzLo/T9Zki_T0onI/AAAAAAAAHoU/wnhAem1rkUM/s200/IMG_3010.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="150" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After lunch, <span style="text-align: right;"> we took a drive up to </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oatman,_Arizona" style="text-align: right;" target="_blank">Oatman</a><span style="text-align: right;">, a ghost town. We got there pretty late, so most things were already closed, but the few shops that were open were full of super friendly people. I love those small town folk! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oHpe_tmQ_Xo/T9ZkbpYN0qI/AAAAAAAAHns/hKuK62o0k-Y/s1600/IMG_3005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oHpe_tmQ_Xo/T9ZkbpYN0qI/AAAAAAAAHns/hKuK62o0k-Y/s320/IMG_3005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: right;">There were burros (Really? When did we stop using the word donkey?) wondering all over this town, with flashing signs warning that they were crossing, and every where you looked they were called another word...I'd tell you what it was, but my mom wouldn't approve. ;-)</span></div>
<div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-abpnUaqFj00/T9Zk11ujVBI/AAAAAAAAHp8/zb809PHegbI/s1600/IMG_3023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-abpnUaqFj00/T9Zk11ujVBI/AAAAAAAAHp8/zb809PHegbI/s320/IMG_3023.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To get there I was driving in the middle of no where for what felt like forever. But just because you are in the middle of the desert, doesn't mean you can get anywhere any faster, because the speed limit was 40. Except for the town we passed through, where the speed limit was 25. All the way through it. And I didn't see a single person. Not even in a passing car. </div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
And through all of this I realized that I super miss being able to take vacations like this. Have you been wondering why you haven't see blog posts about my vacations? It's because I didn't have a dependable car. I knew the end of my Jetta's life was coming so I'd done some research and found a new car that I wanted to buy and on the way there my baby girl pretty much exploded...Luckily the car I was going to test drive was a good deal, because there was no way my Jetta was gonna make it home. So now I have a new car (!!!) and the freedom to take off just because I want to. I'm so excited!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03020121868998000309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820974695593664703.post-68537189476260017262012-05-20T20:00:00.000-07:002012-06-14T22:13:10.731-07:00EclipseIt's so cool to "see" an eclipse. I'm still amazed that this works: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LM0LzHO7bIY/T9ZlBH1qsEI/AAAAAAAAHq0/XoOZWuF4WuA/s1600/IMG_2942-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LM0LzHO7bIY/T9ZlBH1qsEI/AAAAAAAAHq0/XoOZWuF4WuA/s320/IMG_2942-2.JPG" width="230" /></a></div>
<br />
I tried to take pictures with my camera, but shockingly this is what I got:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eUBZymdHlI8/T9ZlBhStz_I/AAAAAAAAHq8/H98JyoYKhuc/s1600/IMG_2940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eUBZymdHlI8/T9ZlBhStz_I/AAAAAAAAHq8/H98JyoYKhuc/s200/IMG_2940.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03020121868998000309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820974695593664703.post-22017642849737721892012-05-19T21:40:00.000-07:002012-06-14T22:12:34.006-07:00Happy Retirement Pablo!High School was a long time ago for me, but even so, I remember Pablo. He was an amazing teacher for me. I entered his class behind, but really felt he helped me improve. I remember how uplifting he made the class. I don't think anyone ever felt dumb or wrong. Even when a mistake was made, a joke would be made, along with the correction, and an explanation, but all in a loving way that helped improve, instead of put down.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wWNzGme8rFE/T9ZlJqyIzXI/AAAAAAAAHrs/-Y2duulQtG0/s1600/IMG_2935-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wWNzGme8rFE/T9ZlJqyIzXI/AAAAAAAAHrs/-Y2duulQtG0/s320/IMG_2935-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I was an awkward, quiet kid, so he would have no reason to notice me, but he was always very warm and friendly. I never expected him to remember me, but I still wanted to see off because I will never forget him. The line was 4 years long, and I had a few other things to do so I took off. But I did get an email address from his wife, and if I can find my way with words, I will try to let him know how much he helped me. Even though I don't really speak much Spanish, I do understand a lot of it. And I know for sure that I would have had a much harder time learning Portuguese if I had not started with his Spanish foundation. <br />
<br />
Thanks Pablo! Enjoy your retirement-- you deserve it!</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03020121868998000309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820974695593664703.post-55217420295366975692012-05-12T17:30:00.000-07:002012-06-14T22:11:45.248-07:00National Train DayHappy National Train day!!! I've always been a huge fan of trains, and then last year I became a <a href="http://shrugsnkisses.blogspot.com/2011_07_01_archive.html" target="_blank">train travel convert</a>. I love it so much! So, this year I had to celebrate somehow. My sister and I got weekend passes for $10 and spent the day in LA,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zNGqcHGMM-o/T9Zk66v2IDI/AAAAAAAAHqc/7du6TUc7j9k/s1600/IMG_2916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zNGqcHGMM-o/T9Zk66v2IDI/AAAAAAAAHqc/7du6TUc7j9k/s320/IMG_2916.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
there was a lot to see in the station,<br />
<br />
free stuff to be collected,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R_1uZnVPISg/T9ZlDxzNe6I/AAAAAAAAHrM/PYdwXRRaAzk/s1600/IMG_2929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R_1uZnVPISg/T9ZlDxzNe6I/AAAAAAAAHrM/PYdwXRRaAzk/s320/IMG_2929.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
a trip across the street for taquitos at Cielito Lindo, where I made friends with a fireman who was super excited to see me. Shrugs.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8szoK6aN22Y/T9ZlCzLgGUI/AAAAAAAAHrE/z8nlklCECtI/s1600/IMG_2925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8szoK6aN22Y/T9ZlCzLgGUI/AAAAAAAAHrE/z8nlklCECtI/s320/IMG_2925.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Z55Ht-jknM/T9ZlGMqrbUI/AAAAAAAAHrU/MgD6hLDPeKc/s1600/IMG_2924-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Z55Ht-jknM/T9ZlGMqrbUI/AAAAAAAAHrU/MgD6hLDPeKc/s320/IMG_2924-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QwFmZG5nsAo/T9ZlHCzj5rI/AAAAAAAAHrc/RBTLVfb4_iA/s1600/IMG_2930-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QwFmZG5nsAo/T9ZlHCzj5rI/AAAAAAAAHrc/RBTLVfb4_iA/s320/IMG_2930-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And the ever fun run-in with with weird people. <br />
<br />
PS-- did you know there are LA Sheriff's patrolling the train taking tickets? That was a surprise to me! I think that would be my favorite assignment, if I were a Sheriff (not that I ever want to be...because I'd be <i>really</i> bad at it).Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03020121868998000309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820974695593664703.post-69538894407652547362012-05-05T12:45:00.000-07:002012-06-14T22:10:58.495-07:00Track Meet!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cvLuXAY_6fM/T9Zb9zx6XqI/AAAAAAAAHjE/n56VRjgfNF4/s1600/IMG_2910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cvLuXAY_6fM/T9Zb9zx6XqI/AAAAAAAAHjE/n56VRjgfNF4/s320/IMG_2910.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Who knew the elementary school has track meets? I didn't know it, at least not until I was watching the kids this week and got to take them to theirs. My boys did really well, and came home with all sorts of metals.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LcgeEJP46DI/T9ZcAEXIkGI/AAAAAAAAHjU/938h_6RrddU/s1600/IMG_2901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LcgeEJP46DI/T9ZcAEXIkGI/AAAAAAAAHjU/938h_6RrddU/s320/IMG_2901.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
I had to leave before all the awards were given, but I did get to watch a friend receive her metal! Yay! Isn't she so cute?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Effbmj2tPCg/T9Zb-8-6S8I/AAAAAAAAHjM/R-PW85w1If0/s1600/IMG_2909-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Effbmj2tPCg/T9Zb-8-6S8I/AAAAAAAAHjM/R-PW85w1If0/s320/IMG_2909-1.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also got to see some pretty fashionable people. Like this one...that's denim blue jeans, under baggy corduroy shorts, in case you can't tell. </div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03020121868998000309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820974695593664703.post-57861566205350180022012-05-04T22:23:00.000-07:002012-06-14T22:10:21.680-07:00Basketball ChampsI caught the last game of two of the kid's teams, and they were both really good!* I didn't get any pictures of the younger team, but this team had decided to use superhero names on their shirts--so funny! That's Professor X, Hancock, Wonder Woman, Batman, Spiderman, The Hulk, Dead Pool, Mr. Showtime,** Ms. Incredible and Superman<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j4apmaX3Xek/T6i-0VCK-TI/AAAAAAAAHOA/5U4ugzt_S6A/s1600/IMG_2880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j4apmaX3Xek/T6i-0VCK-TI/AAAAAAAAHOA/5U4ugzt_S6A/s320/IMG_2880.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
* That's high praise coming from a non-sport's fan.<br />
**I don't actually know the story behind Mr Showtime, but the 7 people taking pictures had a hard time getting pictures that show everyone's names, mostly because Mr Showtime's arms were in the way of other names...I guess his name really fits him! </div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03020121868998000309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820974695593664703.post-33382690481296765812012-04-28T18:00:00.000-07:002012-06-14T22:09:30.344-07:00Memorial Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O2gZYwGjsOs/T9Zk9ri4WdI/AAAAAAAAHqk/OIHgQe2jw3w/s1600/IMG_2977-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O2gZYwGjsOs/T9Zk9ri4WdI/AAAAAAAAHqk/OIHgQe2jw3w/s320/IMG_2977-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I'm such a nut for Memorial Day! I love going to as many celebrations and commemorations as I possibly can. I always feel such gratitude for people who have done so much for me. Every time I think about our service men and women, I feel guilty that I don't do more to help protect our liberties, or give back to those who have given so much. But I do honor them all in deep within my heart. Thank you.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03020121868998000309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820974695593664703.post-90238448270249710912012-03-25T16:42:00.000-07:002012-06-14T22:08:42.488-07:00Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kUN-6Vn732Q/T9ZcIGRFj3I/AAAAAAAAHkU/WjuzhGToF10/s1600/IMG_2815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kUN-6Vn732Q/T9ZcIGRFj3I/AAAAAAAAHkU/WjuzhGToF10/s320/IMG_2815.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm pretty excited about how this birthday cake turned out. The people I dance with think I'm a pastry chef because I will take cupcakes in for birthdays, or holidays. I just like doing it. I am not really good at it, but it's fun to get out my mom's old cake decorating tools and play around.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03020121868998000309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820974695593664703.post-46579442807606364152012-02-27T14:00:00.000-08:002012-06-14T22:07:44.227-07:00Mother Teressa Said:<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered; Forgive them anyway. </b></i></span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>If you are kind, People may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be kind anyway. </b></i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; Succeed anyway. </b></i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>If you are honest and frank, People may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway. </b></i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway. </b></i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>If you find serenity and happiness, They may be jealous; Be happy anyway. </b></i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway. </b></i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give the world the best you've got anyway. </b></i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; It was never between you and them anyway.</b></i><br /><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I know I fall into the trap mind set of "what's the point?" all the time. I like this quote because it's also a good way to start the ball rolling on the right foot. It is totally true that when it comes down to the final day, the only important opinions of your actions are yours and God's; but also, if you are doing your best and putting all that good out there, there are going to be a lot of other people who will in turn offer you their best. I find myself in a regular debate with a friend about a certain relationship which doesn't seem to measure up. My friend feels betrayed by a family member and wants to punish the betrayer, which is totally understandable, but that is a relationship is long term, and there will be a lot of future interaction. It is more likely that forgiveness and kindness will bring about better <span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 5px; color: #4d4e51; font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default; position: static;">reciprocal</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default; position: static;">action </span></span>than the alternative. My friend understands this, but it's more difficult in practice. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It makes me think about myself, and how often I "know" I should behave differently than I do. Last night, I was talking to another friend about our interactions with certain people. We are both fairly kind people and don't have many difficult interactions, but it is still a struggle sometimes. We each have a difficult person in our lives, and we always discuss (not in a gossipy way, just in an observational way) how they need to be more considerate of the people around them. But it makes me wonder who could be having a similar conversation about me...And it reminds me to make sure I'm living my life in a way that allows me to feel comfortable with the aftermath of my actions. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I feel like I've finally begun to accept that I am who I am, and people can take that or leave it, but I'm doing what I think is best for me. I still want people to like me, and I want to do what's right, but now I want to do things because I want to, and not because someone else expects me to. When dancing, I'm okay with saying "I'd rather not dance with you this song" or "It is <i>not</i> okay to treat me that way." </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03020121868998000309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820974695593664703.post-55683960105472710322011-12-29T13:00:00.000-08:002011-12-29T16:35:19.439-08:00Dear Mom, Dad and Grandma G<table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/b5pJOhZ0Csjz1axUTihUhuJ1iNqlTE6LUcvILN--feo?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8m5_Zxr8_Mm4t7TSOFTTbw0-E5P7lKAc9PIDzo-aZrCXcmll9cYriYWh1Y2MZc7nitk7nrG_16S0fhWjFnyCy24XHcQJvn95Th49jw_wE0CDH83hoN__z8jObitEsa5hYWm18WOokWI/s640/image.jpg" height="640" width="457" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/shrugsnkisses/2011BlogPictures?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCJjAk6TWzofy9wE&feat=embedwebsite">2011 Blog Pictures</a></td></tr></tbody></table>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03020121868998000309noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820974695593664703.post-32636746118486044222011-12-24T20:26:00.000-08:002012-06-14T22:06:52.821-07:00Christmas Eve<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I think this is just such a cute set of pictures of my niece with Santa. First she is playing with his bells (she loves bling!):</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3j2S1qjnk6M/T9ZcB8WOpVI/AAAAAAAAHjc/ZX3ZaHcvjqk/s1600/IMG_2734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3j2S1qjnk6M/T9ZcB8WOpVI/AAAAAAAAHjc/ZX3ZaHcvjqk/s320/IMG_2734.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Next she looks up to see who is holding her (probably looking for more bling):</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EQNuORETVOQ/T9ZcDBcLb3I/AAAAAAAAHjk/_rbH0LUq5BU/s1600/IMG_2735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EQNuORETVOQ/T9ZcDBcLb3I/AAAAAAAAHjk/_rbH0LUq5BU/s320/IMG_2735.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And then there's this:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FFpKU6VMVUY/T9ZcD57grmI/AAAAAAAAHjs/z8sDiAQZE34/s1600/IMG_2736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FFpKU6VMVUY/T9ZcD57grmI/AAAAAAAAHjs/z8sDiAQZE34/s320/IMG_2736.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03020121868998000309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820974695593664703.post-33655281105390871872011-12-22T18:18:00.000-08:002011-12-22T18:20:12.991-08:00Because it's true...I saw this and thought of a few of my friends...so I hope you all read this:<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.sortacrunchy.net/sortacrunchy/2011/05/pinterest-a-beginners-guide.html"><img src="http://www.sortacrunchy.net/.a/6a00e54fb985aa8833015432676a75970c-320wi" alt="Therealone" /></a> </div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03020121868998000309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820974695593664703.post-34842625764694744422011-10-14T19:24:00.000-07:002012-06-14T22:05:00.547-07:00Dear Coworkers,I understand my office is <i>huge</i>, and is large enough to house 4 smaller offices, so I really don't mind sharing it with (all of) you...but that does not mean that you have your own office. We stare at walls facing different directions, but again, that does not mean you have your own office. Because you are apparently unaware, I just thought I'd jot down a few things that you should not be doing when sharing an office. <br />
<div>
<u><br /></u><br />
<u>Inappropriate behaviors for office sharing:</u><br />
<div>
<i>Humming</i>-- Whether it's a full song, or short strings of random sounds (as you are prone to do for most of the day).</div>
<div>
<i>Whining</i>-- incessantly complaining about things. If you want more desk space, move the box off of the desk next to you. You don't have to tell me about it. No, you can not take a desk/table from somewhere else in the room--Especially not the one that has the cutting board on it. You do not need an L-shaped desk. I promise. You are a temp.</div>
<div>
<i>Repeating the same conversation several times</i>-- If we already had the conversation, and you have no new information, do not start the same conversation again. My answer will still be the same. No, you cannot take that table with the cutting board on it. It gets used there. </div>
<div>
<i>Spitting</i>-- I understand you are eating sunflower seeds, but I do not want to hear it. It was your choice to shove a handful of them into your mouth. Just swallow it. Or eat them one at a time. Or find some way to remove the chewed up shells without making the spitting sound. Also, don't leave them laying around where I have to look at them. The cup of gross shells on your desk is gross. Throw it away at some point.</div>
<div>
<i>Addressing me when you are having a conversation with yourself</i>-- "Heather, I'm done...I'm done, Heather...la-de-la...ho-hum....Heather...hum-hum-whistle." Especially when I am on the phone. If you know I am on the phone with a customer, I'm doing my best to ignore all the noise around me, and you talking at me isn't helping.</div>
<div>
<i>Whistling</i>-- especially what I can only describe as Whistle-Turrets; random, non-song related, 4 note strings, repeated. See <i>humming</i>. </div>
</div>
<div>
<i>Drumming</i>-- small rock band spurts are fine, and can be fun...as long as I'm not on the phone. <br />
<i>Playing music--</i> if no one else likes it, don't play it. Or at least be willing to take turns listening to other people's music choices if you insist on having a radio playing in the shared office. <br />
<br />
Okay, so I admit, some of these things are from a different office. I just thought I'd add them for future reference. I understand that we all do things like this every once in a while, and that's not such a big deal...but it feels like it's closer to most of the day. Actually, it feels like there is a cumulative total of 30 minutes a day when this stuff <i>isn't</i> happening.) I haven't yelled at you for any of this yet, and I'm trying to be understanding and patient, but please, please try to considerate of the people around you. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B8kYqlj9Y8Q/T9aEEI6qtFI/AAAAAAAAHsI/8_kES6ewYVI/s640/hi_chew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B8kYqlj9Y8Q/T9aEEI6qtFI/AAAAAAAAHsI/8_kES6ewYVI/s200/hi_chew.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
You are a good person and I do like you, so here, have a Hi-Chew. You can have your pick from all of these flavors. You can even have one of each flavor, if you want to. I know you all love them as much as I do.<br />
<br />
Warmest regard,<br />
Heather</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03020121868998000309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820974695593664703.post-42524440526782225632011-08-12T12:45:00.000-07:002011-08-12T14:07:56.810-07:00I am 100% celebrating my BirthmonthIt's been a great one this year! On Tuesday, I got to do the birthday dance and let me tell you-- it was <i><b>fantastic</b></i>. Magical, even. I recorded it, and while you might not be entertained by this video, but I grin every time I see it, so I'm putting it on my blog anyway. <div>
<br /><iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zGmiWzAyf6w?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
<br />
<br /></div><div>PS-A special <b><span class="Apple-style-span">Thank You</span></b> to everyone there --I had so much fun!!!</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03020121868998000309noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820974695593664703.post-569822625980509812011-07-26T17:47:00.000-07:002011-07-28T10:25:19.538-07:00MP3 Purchased<div style="text-align: left;">That's right--I actually did buy an MP3. Not just for my bike rides, either. I bought it for the train ride to Chicago. What, you didn't know I was taking a train to Chicago? Don't feel bad, because as much as I feel like I've been shouting it from the rooftops for 2 months (at least), last week everyone was shocked when I mentioned how excited I was for it. Because I was SO EXCITED for it! I've been home for a few days now, and am still giddy about my adventure. :-)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4cyAaiMoaKWz4FWeGkqJ8uJ1iNqlTE6LUcvILN--feo?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrGKy8o4PpSdMg-8gLogwmt1nLfdGwGH1OGOh1xhaHhT-aAFka5dKVC9n4v9nTJTXgnljlIzNwRKH3phsJznfiBJE_Y3BTsnK7zkqMHMFka0sumNqzHOsjLtZt-5C-oQdluPLq0Fd9x8/s288/IMG_2244.JPG" height="288" width="216" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Trust me: You need to take a train ride, and you need to have a sleeper roomette when you do it. I'm totally planning a trip to Seattle soon, if you want to come with me. I am a convert. Travel by train is so much more enjoyable than flying. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Sure, it takes longer, but I promise it is worth it! Okay, I guess I can't promise that. You have to </span>enjoy leisure time and have the ability to entertain yourself. Of course we had books to read and <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-2-kHcs86dECkRP9_PMeUuJ1iNqlTE6LUcvILN--feo?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnE7XT8i-q7Gfe_YTJYcpvfRpzu-UAKAqJsY18520pD7EwKyTdeh4_rZqcTR8Guo8-RadgN9rTIkwI1hShOpbJoyKb-NWDyTAB0K8EHbRCxwcmQDHZOXEdtg3mWdOKxQ3UJS9kG_NZG8/s288/playing%252520cards.jpg" height="153" width="288" /></a> games to play games and friends to make, <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TA6fuN8rBHFCxAw8MvIP6uJ1iNqlTE6LUcvILN--feo?feat=directlink"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOI5FBR4TaMmC-LIwa4vQCrApj599uyJVqPtTtKgWF-SZER3QcBDTsYcQdgjN8BXLm_brIW4xvgMYZk60n_DJmLsDdQMKdoX0FZ4Ve_u-uioXinpy64Eii8pgc8wMbuZdGQPunhEb1cck/s288/Finley2.JPG" height="216" width="288" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">but even with all that to do, I still found myself staring out the window at amazing views:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iY7SxR1u6mJgdhR727z4B-J1iNqlTE6LUcvILN--feo?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u5irKmiJbKU/TjBHJ0svGCI/AAAAAAAAGiM/gu7A2YH8Vc0/s288/045.JPG" height="137" width="288" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pw7IYmsP8f_AMSpst6Fzl-J1iNqlTE6LUcvILN--feo?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pQQIezq6yLw/Ti8y5YPby5I/AAAAAAAAGgU/MibT1HA0N6g/s288/IMG_2259.JPG" height="216" width="288" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uujWxHuf6HxCFkPeNA_NguJ1iNqlTE6LUcvILN--feo?feat=directlink"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fIcqd_AnxmY/Ti8zYPr4uaI/AAAAAAAAGgc/oHij5MrHjak/s288/IMG_2263.JPG" height="216" width="288" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hUYH7PRLBRb3IiZQ-WpFDuJ1iNqlTE6LUcvILN--feo?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nxZ3vYaRvbo/Ti8zJMA5PHI/AAAAAAAAGgY/RWpus1scSoM/s288/IMG_2261.JPG" height="216" width="288" /></a> </div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">I could have spend 2 more days looking out those windows!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">...Not to mention all the fun to be had once we reached our destination...</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2-gzRUxSIlXwThmSgF03I-J1iNqlTE6LUcvILN--feo?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LgSoTfslPHc/Ti8z6QJw_QI/AAAAAAAAGgo/7ufYnMhWKUY/s144/IMG_2380.JPG" height="144" width="108" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qFXPrTQj_YTdPVXCpSrlhuJ1iNqlTE6LUcvILN--feo?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MYB_EZnTwTg/Ti80NY6KAlI/AAAAAAAAGgs/nZlgHOPVGsM/s144/IMG_2388.JPG" height="108" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ecjKvV_IRJhKvaky8QEONOJ1iNqlTE6LUcvILN--feo?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-fwwXnRx-y-bL2BLmXnOeJem7Rsp4GIUL84Rs4WPpqHTk6CSIFy78yr7fnSUt5zk6jiSS6ocSOtX2byJquo4M4tK1FrzjDRrrxZyYT63vLiupUa49E3lw4kONYO06kcDJ8O3iHNXhhg/s144/IMG_2416.JPG" height="144" width="108" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/35MoL7ucrlFcCKB4wiuMRuJ1iNqlTE6LUcvILN--feo?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8xxmhGWnj_A/Ti80xA0PFEI/AAAAAAAAGg4/V5mMjWmadO8/s144/IMG_2466.JPG" height="144" width="108" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nQ0VKxkPkf20RI7qQwRWyeJ1iNqlTE6LUcvILN--feo?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yYdGrUMv37A/Ti8znuuVafI/AAAAAAAAGgg/oOmuW7_OBjo/s144/IMG_2302.JPG" height="108" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IKSz0SZZampWi090tGylCuJ1iNqlTE6LUcvILN--feo?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MY3ksgyTCXw/Ti80xK38NSI/AAAAAAAAGg8/kbjlj4xqOQk/s144/IMG_2465.JPG" height="144" width="108" /></a></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Edited:</b> If you want more information about our time in Chicago, check out <a href="http://rachelsaysso.blogspot.com/2011/07/chicago-chicago-that-toddlin-town.html">Rachel's post</a>. She's fantastic.</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03020121868998000309noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820974695593664703.post-3223446533581641012011-05-03T14:49:00.000-07:002011-05-04T10:43:57.938-07:00I might have to get an MP3 player...<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Not so much because I really want one...but rather because I really want to play this song <iframe src="http://www.opendrive.com/files/listen.php?file_id=25578371_rMyDn&autoplay=false" height="35" width="370" style="border:0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true"></iframe> while I ride my bicycle. Because I bought a <i>bicycle</i>! And I'm super excited about it! <a href="http://www.huffy.com/products/Product.aspx?pid=349|5|17">It looks like this</a>:<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKqEwDfMDuiM1Fr0JP6-k8xZ2hOFlGG3vmW_lt-Urfo_ZVjgDehpQiBr3orhPgbo7_G6-yJuN6lcZiZS3a8Q0x1lujG0lf6a54hgs1NoxqmqGXlAsUsqtsvMjPDWRqVwB9PiK_uREU2k/s320/My+bike+cropped.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 207px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602917882886942994" />Kinda cute, right? I'm going to start riding my bike to work, and around town, and on the bike path that crosses my town, and at the beach...Anywhere else you think I should go? I'd be willing to let you show me. Want to take a ride today?<div><img src="http://store.electrabike.com/eSource/ecom/common/prodesc/images/368421_LG.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And this is the basket, because I obviously need a basket on my beach cruiser, right? I mean, where else would I put my strawberries?</div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of cute, check out <a href="http://www.chp.ca.gov/html/bicycleriding.html">this guide</a> from the CHP. That was handy of them!</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03020121868998000309noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820974695593664703.post-72131520633549109282011-04-18T23:46:00.000-07:002011-04-18T23:47:48.739-07:00Translation<div style='text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;'><a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVadUP9gAk-4fFyurVsDgS_1vJVdwc-qEK00oRtJvhNwph6YKsAX4t-atOIz2XJkXi_9KAuZwN8j2HWdAIEFbQAueDiaHNKYe_sJxDcDcT6XFEPGzQFUrw9vLa96nRgsBTR-NYYjS-xa8/s1600/IMG_1801.JPG'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVadUP9gAk-4fFyurVsDgS_1vJVdwc-qEK00oRtJvhNwph6YKsAX4t-atOIz2XJkXi_9KAuZwN8j2HWdAIEFbQAueDiaHNKYe_sJxDcDcT6XFEPGzQFUrw9vLa96nRgsBTR-NYYjS-xa8/s160/IMG_1801.JPG' border='0' alt='' /></a> </div><br />I've been teaching my nephew random words from several languages, with frequent "pop quizzes" in which I ask "what does ____ mean?" Today he pointed to a patch on his shorts (shown above...sorry it's blurry, but this is the best I had because he insisted on being the one to take the picture, and since I was driving, I didn't have to much of a chance to argue with him) and said: "Do you know what this means?" I replied that I didn't know, and he said "Win. Not when, like waiting; win like...win." It took me a few minutes to understand what he was trying to explain to me, but I am totally impressed that this 4 year old even thought to explain the distinction.<div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03020121868998000309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820974695593664703.post-18639111592027321542011-03-25T16:30:00.000-07:002011-03-29T15:33:25.416-07:00Tomorrow: Earth Hour 2011<object width="426" height="257"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4Mxjbip6y04?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4Mxjbip6y04?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="426" height="257"></embed></object><br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.earthhour.org/widget/vote/Widget_wLogos.htm" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" width="480" height="420"></iframe>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03020121868998000309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820974695593664703.post-83889361111407266172011-02-22T12:27:00.000-08:002011-02-26T10:20:04.555-08:00VisitorsI went to church on Sunday, deciding to visit a different building. On the 2 parking places closest to the entrance, saw signs like this:<div><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/M-Ar09MT8B9pOwqeDYG5beJ1iNqlTE6LUcvILN--feo?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_3WuT0jrhRZs/TWMOkFhVxNI/AAAAAAAAGB8/jASY2r9CUQI/s640/IMG_1748.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/shrugsnkisses/2011BlogPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCJjAk6TWzofy9wE&feat=embedwebsite">2011 Blog Pictures</a></td></tr></tbody></table>And I had to wonder...What super important person was attending church there?* I'm totally bad at recognizing celebrities, so that is probably didn't see them. I may never know.<br /><br /></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span">*Or are those always out there? </span></i></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03020121868998000309noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4820974695593664703.post-47317156831738398982011-02-21T11:45:00.000-08:002011-02-21T17:36:50.927-08:00"It's snowing!" SLAM!I know, I know--I've been fairly absent for a long time. I'm not sure what's wrong with me. I still do things and think "this would be a great blog entry" and "I'm so blogging about this" but I never actually make it to my blog. I assure you that I am still alive. For the last few months, I can blame my absence on work. I've been working <u>a lot</u>. In fact, I'm working right now, so I can't blog much, but I wanted to make sure I start posting again. <div><br /></div><div>A few nights ago I decided to take an evening drive. I used to to that all the time, but it's been a while. Life must be going well for me. ;-) Anyway, I was driving around, and headed up to Baldy. </div><div><br /><iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://www.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=34.223123,-117.667952&daddr=&hl=en&geocode=&mra=dme&mrsp=0&sz=16&sll=34.223123,-117.671921&sspn=0.009723,0.021973&ie=UTF8&t=h&ll=34.203284,-117.662544&spn=0.099381,0.145912&z=12&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://www.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=34.223123,-117.667952&daddr=&hl=en&geocode=&mra=dme&mrsp=0&sz=16&sll=34.223123,-117.671921&sspn=0.009723,0.021973&ie=UTF8&t=h&ll=34.203284,-117.662544&spn=0.099381,0.145912&z=12" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small></div><div><br /></div><div>About the time I came out of the tunnels, there was snow on the ground. To all you people who need your snow, this picture was taken just (Edited: I guess I probably shouldn't say where I live...) miles from my house*: </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0m4p5DEHlOMDFbuJb_xeCGzRfiMKsNyQha7O_p_7AREjfTWpsqj9nsHtzaDvaRQ1OrxNwo7NhsgYlPare9Uk6_R1xW2hecCL1O7Rg3oXKI0SD0SHfsVkYV_r3ZSg14BCaxGVPv_yWFLk/s1600/IMG_1743.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/AVvXsEh0m4p5DEHlOMDFbuJb_xeCGzRfiMKsNyQha7O_p_7AREjfTWpsqj9nsHtzaDvaRQ1OrxNwo7NhsgYlPare9Uk6_R1xW2hecCL1O7Rg3oXKI0SD0SHfsVkYV_r3ZSg14BCaxGVPv_yWFLk/s320/IMG_1743.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576320045745540786" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>What?!? I am so glad I was wearing my super warm Old Navy Pea Coat! We got out and had a little snow ball fight, tried to read the gangsta tagging in the snow, and then quickly got back into the warm vehicle. </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, did you notice that <span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>A</b></span> </span>up there on the map? That's about how far up I made it. When we started sliding on the road I insisted the truck be turned around. The driver said we'd just go to the Village and then turn around--not that much further, right? But if you know the area, you'd also know that there is a big hill by the school, and I didn't want to chance sliding down it and not being able to get home.** I know, I'm a baby; but I stopped wearing diapers long ago, and and if we'd gone any further, well, they would have come in handy.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>*Which is exactly how it should be--Snow belongs in the mountains, not in my front yard/driveway/commonly used streets.</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>**Granted, I do know people who live very near that same hill, so we could have paid them a little visit, but I didn't see the need to mention that...</i></span></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03020121868998000309noreply@blogger.com2