New idea...

Since I only had 2 comments on my last post, and only 1 new follower, I shouldn't be indulging my new idea (because I said I needed at least 5 comments!) but I had a great idea as to what my one "theme day" could be...

I scrapbook, but not as much as I'd like. I was working on one page the other night, and brought one completed album to work to show other "dog moms". I thought - hey I really enjoy scrapbooking and I also enjoy sharing this with other people! I'm definitely no expert, and I'm limited budget-wise, so I have to get creative, but I have a great time doing it, and I least I feel that I'm doing a good job! (So don't burst my bubble! :o)

So, my idea was to pick one day (probably Saturday or Sunday) to update with photos of the progress of pages I'm currently working on, or something I've completed. Or, share some photos and ideas on how I'd like to add it to my never-ending album.

Here are some pictures of pages I've made so far:

I also started thinking, if people liked this, and I got a little better, I might be able to make some money doing something I love. People are always telling me that they used to scrapbook, or wish they could, or bought all the materials but then never got around to it. I would love to help them put it together, and I wouldn't charge much. Then they would be happy that they had a nice scrapbook of their memories put together for them!

Now, how to get started on that without peddling myself or feeling like I'm asking people to just give me money out of the blue. Maybe I'm not meant to start my own business!

But, is the idea worth it? Would you read it? Any scrapbookers out there that would start following or sharing ideas/comments? Should I start "Scrapbooking Saturday"? Help!

Themes?

I think it would be fun to do a blog “theme” or two. That way I can interact with people who may read my blog, and maybe attract more people to follow! So, general poll:

Would you be interested in or willing to comment/follow my blog if I had something like:

• One day a week, I shared about a book I was reading, gave a recommendation, or asked for reading suggestions?
  
• One day a week, I shared a recipe, or asked for suggestions/if you made it, did you like it?
  
• One day a week, I mentioned a wish or random thought or observation, and asked for opinions or responses?
  
• One day a week, I posted my favorite picture of the week (whether I took it or found it), and asked for thoughts the picture may “stir up” for you? Or for you to share a picture similar, etc.?

I want at least 5 comments posted before I decide!! Please help! I’ll also take any other suggestions, if you think I may already have a very light theme in my previous posts, that I could bring more to light. I thought about doing a “doggie theme” one day a week, but that would limit the people who could respond, and I talk about Bailey all the time anyway, so that might be difficult.

Let me know! So, comment and make sure you sign up to follow my blog! Thanks!!

Cozy Weekend Update

I’ve been having a deep desire to be “cozy” recently. There’s just something about being home when it’s cold, putting on the PJ’s and curling up with hot coffee. I must admit, I didn’t really read any of my books this weekend, and I’m actually disappointed in that. I think if I blogged on my “progress” on the books, that I’d be better at holding myself accountable for reading them. But I digress.

We currently have a large group staying at the hotel, and though they don’t do it often, the managers at the hotel asked those of us in administrative positions to help in the operation over the weekend, since they would be very busy. So I was supposed to work at our outdoor pool from 7:30 am – 3 pm Saturday. But, guests don’t really like swimming outdoors in 19 degree weather with freezing rain falling down at high speeds apparently, so they closed the pool officially Friday night when the ice storm started. I knew before I went to bed that I didn’t have to get up early so that was awesome!

Saturday – I was able to sleep in, which is great, because I was supposed to work all day! So, I got up around 10 am or so, while Justin slept later (curled up with Bailey, by the way – so sweet!) and made myself a nice breakfast of toast with jelly, bacon and an egg sunny-side up! Then as the day went on, I watched a Hindi movie and really was just a couch potato all afternoon. (Hey – it was sleeting outside! The dog park was out of the question.) Instead of reading, I’ve been watching a lot more of my Hindi movies lately. I recently got the urge to watch my movies, or to find one or two new ones. They just put me in a good mood! I decided to watch one movie Friday night that I just haven’t seen in a while, “No Entry”, and then I downloaded new movies that sounded really good. Saturday morning I watched “Kambakkht Ishq” (that has my favorite male actor as the lead).



I ended up really enjoying it, and the songs were fun too! I did have to go in to work around 5 pm, to help direct guests to late meetings and dinners, but fortunately only had to stay for about an hour and a half, and came right home. Justin and I looked around for some firewood, but everywhere was sold out, because it had been sleeting all day, and was freezing. Bummer – but at least I had my blanket and my big dog to keep me warm!

Sunday – Again, I was supposed to work at our outdoor pool, but it was still only expected to hit the high 30’s or low 40’s, so we found out Saturday night that the pool was closed again. I got to sleep in again - sweet! I watched the other movie I downloaded, “Kuch Naa Kaho” (with my favorite female actress in the lead), and loved that one too!

I worked again Sunday night, just directing more guests, and made it home in time for the Rockies/Phillies Game 3. I started to watch another movie, “Shabd”, with the same lead actress, but that stopped 30 minutes in, as Justin asked me to watch the game with him, until the very end. I’ll have to watch my final movie tonight then. But it was a pretty close game – so I’m glad I didn’t miss it! Go Phils! (I have to say that now, hehe…) The game didn’t end until 12:45 am or so, so needless to say, I’m exhausted this morning. I wish my lunch was long enough to take a nap, but it’s only an hour, and that involves a least 20 minutes of driving round trip.

On a high note, the pool was closed AGAIN today, and tomorrow, so I get to spend time inside, warm at my desk. And I didn't have to work at the pool at all! I do know that I have to come in at 6:15 am to direct more guests, rain or shine, so no 1 am bedtime for me tonight!!

Nature got my memo...

So, remember my last post? Where I asked if it was Christmas yet?

Nature totally got my memo.

The forecast for today called for a slight chance of rain and/or snow, but I usually don't go by those since they're usually wrong. Boy, did I have to kick myself for doubting the forecast or what?

This is the view from my balcony right when I got home from work.

Later on, you could see the snow starting to accumulate on people's cars, and all the bushes, etc.



Then, when I took Bailey out, I grabbed my camera. So here's my "backyard". And more solid proof that I'm not lying!

And if you still don't believe me, or you're in the mood to watch falling snow (and hear my sarcastic comment...), then click the play button below!

Tonight's the night of Jim and Pam's wedding, so I'm going to let the fire go in my fireplace and settle in!

Is it Christmas yet?

We get a certain number of paid days off based on how long you've been at my work. You must use them all before your Anniversary Date (date you were hired) or they're gone, and on your Anniversary Date, you get your paid days renewed. You use 'em, or you lose 'em. I only wish we had a "rollover" policy. But, alas, we don't, and I had to use my remaining days before October 10th.

So 2 weeks ago, I took a Friday and Monday off, resulting in a 4 day weekend, filled with lots of shopping and time with my mom. What made it even better was the fact that she took me to Michael's and I bought materials to make my very own, very first Christmas wreath! All the Christmas stuff was 30% off (hey - it was September) and even though Christmas was still a few weeks away, I couldn't resist the sparkles and the sale and can't wait to put it all together!

No, that's not mine, and I didn't buy that many accessories for my wreath, but it is red/white/silver, and I'm SUPER excited to put it together. I'm trying to fight my temptation to put it together ASAP, but I don't want to finish it too early and then lose the "buzz" from being "crafty" - especially since it involves Christmas.

And on a guilty note, it was actually so cold at one point this weekend, that I almost played Christmas music. I had my iTunes open, and I could see my Christmas playlist, and I fought it - and didn't play anything. But I can't wait much longer. Check out the weekend forecast coming up:

Yes, that's a forecast for a mix of rain and snow showers. So we'll see. BUT - if it snows, I'm going to have to play "Let it Snow". I just have to.

So Christmas - are you here yet? Please hurry! In the meantime, I will have to decorate my apartment with fall things.

Bring on the cold!

So it's Saturday night, and I just wanted to share a few of the great Fall things I'm enjoying:

• Today's high = 57 degrees. Currently = 51 degrees. Expected low = 38 degrees.


• Windows open, fire raging!

• Bratwurst cooked on the grill, with college football on in the background (Miami beating OU currently...may change by the end of this post!)
  
• Fall flower bouquet from the store with a cute pumpkin candle holder - gotta love fall decorations!

• And a nice warm doggie next to me on the couch! (That is, when he's not walking around the corner to the window in the bedroom that overlooks the parking lot so he can scope out what's going on)

I can't wait for winter! I'm one of those weird people that wakes up every day just wishing it would snow. Most people around here dread fall and winter, and keep saying they'd like it to stay warmer just a little bit longer. I say - bring on the cold, bright days and the freezing, cozy nights! Being cold just gives you the opportunity to wrap up and cuddle and be cozy inside and when you're outside, you get the best scenery in the winter months!

Imagine - sitting in a big cozy char, in peace and quiet, or with some nice music going, maybe Harry Connick , Jr. You're holding a warm cup of coffee, reading a good book, with a dog napping nearby and a warm fire going. Outside the window, snow is just starting to cover the ground in a layer of soft, white sparkles, and you have no other plans for today.

Doesn't that sound nice? Who wouldn't like fall or winter after that?

Oh, and I'm also currently enjoying pumpkin ice cream!!

Return to Blogging

And it feels good to be back! I was still pretty busy over the past month and made sure to keep taking pictures. I knew one day I would be able to have my computer fixed and could upload photos.

Fortunately for me, both of Justin's parent's are I.T. geniuses! One night over dinner, either Justin or I mentioned my problem, and his dad said "well bring it over and I'll take a look at it". My first thought - if he can do ANYTHING for free, then it's worth it! It's not like he could make it any worse. So I brought it up to them on a Friday night, and then by Tuesday - he'd fixed it! He even updated my version of Internet Explorer and put Microsoft Office 2007 on it. And all for free, which was just awesome of him!

I cannot express in words how EXCITED I am to have my computer back! I've been alternating between my BlackBerry and my iTouch for internet and I can't tell you how much I underestimated opening the lid to my laptop and being able to type normal and see things in full scale! So if I can give out any advice, cherish your computers!!

And so now, I’m relaxing on the couch with my dog while uploading pictures and, of course, blogging. I can’t wait to get back into blogging and posting the fun random thoughts and pictures. And to keep up with everyone else! But in the meantime, I kept myself busy by going camping twice, hiking and dressing up Bailey. Oh yes, I'm one of those dog owners. But at least I take him to do "manly" things, like camping. It was a great finish to this summer. Enjoy!