Well, another year, another month of blogging down. I did it again this year. Strangely, this year was harder than last year. But, I did it. I even did it without even having to time any of them back.
But beyond NaBloPoMo, life continues. Yesterday, the photo job was *not* fun. There were some really nice customers and one that made me want to rip the weave (a bad one at that) of her head and smack her with it. NOTHING was good enough. Normally I can just vent a bit and go on. That didn't seem to cut it today. THEN, I came home and cried at about every third sappy commercial.
Oh well. I've only got a few more weeks at the Photo Job. I'm counting down to my last day already. That isn't good. I totally don't want to do it anymore. It has gotten un-fun. But, I need to do it because I need the money. *sigh* I love photography. I love portrait photography. I love taking portraits of kiddos. I just need to remind myself of that more, I guess.
Sill, what is wrong with me? Must be PMS. Yeah, that is it. I'm blaming my moodiness on PMS.
Showing posts with label NaBloPoMo2. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NaBloPoMo2. Show all posts
Monday, December 1, 2008
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Day 30: Weekly Winners November 23-29
The brainchild of Lotus at Sarcastic Mom... Click on the badge for more Weekly Winners.
Memories of Thanksgiving 2008 -- Sorry there are so many, but I couldn't narrow it down any further. I hope you like them. The first are from the Turkey Trot and the rest are from the day.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Day 29: I love my tree
It's a tree I got last year at the end of the season. It was a great deal on a 7.5 foot pre-lit tree. It as some lights that randomly twinkle. It's really a pretty tree. .
There is that bit in the middle of the tree, though. It blinks. I don't like blinking trees. Random sparkling is fine, but the whole section? I must find that bulb. It's going to drive me batty (-er) if I don't find it
There is that bit in the middle of the tree, though. It blinks. I don't like blinking trees. Random sparkling is fine, but the whole section? I must find that bulb. It's going to drive me batty (-er) if I don't find it
Friday, November 28, 2008
Day 28: Black Friday
Well, I was determined NOT to go shopping today. I don't like shopping and I hate crowds, so Black Friday is not a good day for me to be out and about. Unfortunately, through poor planning on my part, I had to go to, of all places, Target to go to the pharmacy because I didn't have enough to last the weekend. I went around noon and that was the best time to go. Must have been between waves of shoppers because I got an up front parking place and there were others available. I wandered a bit because he script wasn't ready. Not overly crowded inside, either. Got my prescription, grabbed lunch, considered going to a couple of stores and thought better of it.
Tomorrow the fun really starts at the photo job. Oh joy.
Tomorrow the fun really starts at the photo job. Oh joy.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Day 27: Thursday Thirteen #22 -- Thanksgiving Edition
In no particular order...
1. My family and friends who support me.
2. A young girl who made an impossible decision to give her baby up for adoption to my friends PJ&M
3. The fact that I live in this country where I can speak without fear and worship without fear
4. My contnued good health.
5. Having the ability go back to school full-time
6. I passed both of my written exams on the first try
7. School is going well
8. My cats are healthy
9. I was able to contine working at my job on a part-time basis so I am not totally without income.
10. This blog where I can vent and whine to my heart's content
11. Those who read this and comment (or not)
12. Comfy clothes (because I didn't mean to, but I over ate today... and it was soooooo yummy.)
13. Good weather today for the Turky Trot
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Day 25: Canned Cranberry Sauce or Fresh Cranberry Relish?
A message board I participate in had a discussion today about cranberry sauces. Personally, I prefer a fresh cranberry relish.
My Granny B made one that I adored. I looked forward to it every year. Granny was not known for her cooking, but that cranberry relish was a favorite of mine. I asked for her recipe on year and she gave it to me in a Christmas card. I meant to keep that card and I think I did for a couple of years, but at some point I lost it. I could kick myself for losing it. I have been on a quest for "her" recipe for a couple of years now.
I've found one that is really close... close enough, really. Here it is...
Ingredients:
1/2 cup walnut halves
1/2 cup sugar
5 strips orange zest
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (donot thaw if using frozen berries)
1/2 large navel orange, peeled, cut into quarters
Instructions: Preheat oven to 350° F. Place walnuts in a baking pan and toast until golden brown and fragrant, about 8 to 10 minutes. Cool slightly.
Insert metal blade in food processor. Process sugar and zest until finely chopped, about 45 seconds. Add cranberries, orange and reserved nuts; pulse until coarsely chopped, about 10 to 12 times. Pulse several more times if a finer consistency is desired.
Or, if you prefer...
My Granny B made one that I adored. I looked forward to it every year. Granny was not known for her cooking, but that cranberry relish was a favorite of mine. I asked for her recipe on year and she gave it to me in a Christmas card. I meant to keep that card and I think I did for a couple of years, but at some point I lost it. I could kick myself for losing it. I have been on a quest for "her" recipe for a couple of years now.
I've found one that is really close... close enough, really. Here it is...
Ingredients:
1/2 cup walnut halves
1/2 cup sugar
5 strips orange zest
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (donot thaw if using frozen berries)
1/2 large navel orange, peeled, cut into quarters
Instructions: Preheat oven to 350° F. Place walnuts in a baking pan and toast until golden brown and fragrant, about 8 to 10 minutes. Cool slightly.
Insert metal blade in food processor. Process sugar and zest until finely chopped, about 45 seconds. Add cranberries, orange and reserved nuts; pulse until coarsely chopped, about 10 to 12 times. Pulse several more times if a finer consistency is desired.
Or, if you prefer...
Monday, November 24, 2008
Day 24: Ideas for Christmas gifts?
While hunting around on the internet for a couple of Christmas gifts I need to get I stumbled on this and it made me giggle. The top-ten Bacon Flavored Gifts... I kid you not.
Now, I like bacon as much as the next person, better than some, I'm sure. But I draw the line at these, I'm afraid.
1) Bacon Flavored Coffee
2) Bacon scented candles
3) Bacon Flavored Ice Cream (this place also has one called "Viagra")
4) Bacon Salt The website describes it as: "a zero-calorie vegetarian, kosher certified seasoning salt that makes everything taste like real bacon."
5) Bacon-flavored Mints
6) Bacon Flavored Chocolate
7) Bacon Scented Bubbles (if the dogs react to this like the cats did to the catnip bubbles, don't waste your money.)
8) Bacon-flavored Beer
9) Bacon-flavored Water
10) Bacon Flavored Toothpicks
Now, I like bacon as much as the next person, better than some, I'm sure. But I draw the line at these, I'm afraid.
1) Bacon Flavored Coffee
2) Bacon scented candles
3) Bacon Flavored Ice Cream (this place also has one called "Viagra")
4) Bacon Salt The website describes it as: "a zero-calorie vegetarian, kosher certified seasoning salt that makes everything taste like real bacon."
5) Bacon-flavored Mints
6) Bacon Flavored Chocolate
7) Bacon Scented Bubbles (if the dogs react to this like the cats did to the catnip bubbles, don't waste your money.)
8) Bacon-flavored Beer
9) Bacon-flavored Water
10) Bacon Flavored Toothpicks
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Day 23: Yep, it's Christmas
**Weekly Winners will be posted at some point. A day late and a dollar short. Yep, that's my life.
Every year that I take pictures during the Christmas season, I am amazed at the things parents say to their children (and the photographers) during sittings. So, as you, dear readers, head out to your local portrait studio, I would like to give you some advice. My top three tips for today...
1) It's the Christmas season, folks. Everyone had the exact same idea that you did. Yes, photos make great gifts. No, I can't fit you in right this second.
2) Remember that I am a photographer, not a miracle worker. I cannot make you miraculously lose 40 pounds. I cannot make the gray hair go away. Yes, the magazines have that capability and I am sure that you have Photoshop on your computer, but you aren't at *that* kind of studio.
3) If your child is not a "smiley" child at home, I am likely not going to be able to get "smiley" pictures. Along the same line, sometimes a portrait of a non-smiling child (even a normally smiley one) can and does make a very striking portrait.
Please keep these things in mind.
Every year that I take pictures during the Christmas season, I am amazed at the things parents say to their children (and the photographers) during sittings. So, as you, dear readers, head out to your local portrait studio, I would like to give you some advice. My top three tips for today...
1) It's the Christmas season, folks. Everyone had the exact same idea that you did. Yes, photos make great gifts. No, I can't fit you in right this second.
2) Remember that I am a photographer, not a miracle worker. I cannot make you miraculously lose 40 pounds. I cannot make the gray hair go away. Yes, the magazines have that capability and I am sure that you have Photoshop on your computer, but you aren't at *that* kind of studio.
3) If your child is not a "smiley" child at home, I am likely not going to be able to get "smiley" pictures. Along the same line, sometimes a portrait of a non-smiling child (even a normally smiley one) can and does make a very striking portrait.
Please keep these things in mind.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Day 22: Oh, yeah. I'm supposed to blog every day
I was all ready for bed. PJs on, medicine taken, alarm set for tomorrow morning. I was laying there thinking about my day and going over all of the things I did and didn't get done today. Thinking of my sittings and the things I could do differently to make them go smoother. I realized that the one thing I hadn't done was blog today. Oops.
So, talk about dedication. I got up and I'm blogging now about the fact that I almost forgot to blog today. Now, isn't that exciting and aren't you glad you stopped by to read this? :)
So, talk about dedication. I got up and I'm blogging now about the fact that I almost forgot to blog today. Now, isn't that exciting and aren't you glad you stopped by to read this? :)
Friday, November 21, 2008
Day 21: Long Day at Work
Generally now I only work on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Hot Dog Place. There was a presentation that needed to be finished and since it is a "short" week next week, it needed to be done by today. So, extra hours, here I come!
But, boy was I tired at the end of the work day.
It did serve to take my mind off of the fact that Maxie was having a dental done. (The reason for the thorough exam on Monday.) For a cat, dentals include being put under -- a scary prospect for any senior cat, even a relatively healthy one.
There were no complications. He now has shiny white teeth. No extractions. That is good. I did end up with one ANGRY kitty, though. The vet techs and vet all refused to get him out of his kennel because any time anyone walked by his kennel, he hunched up, hissed and yowled like a rabid cat. The vet was amazed that I would stick my hand into the kennel with all that ruckus. I couldn't seem to convince any of them to try, though. I assured them he was all talk.
He told me how awful I am for doing that to him all the way home and for about 30 minutes after we got home. Since then, though, he's been curled up asleep.
It's funny how routine life has become and how comfortable that is. I like it.
But, boy was I tired at the end of the work day.
It did serve to take my mind off of the fact that Maxie was having a dental done. (The reason for the thorough exam on Monday.) For a cat, dentals include being put under -- a scary prospect for any senior cat, even a relatively healthy one.
There were no complications. He now has shiny white teeth. No extractions. That is good. I did end up with one ANGRY kitty, though. The vet techs and vet all refused to get him out of his kennel because any time anyone walked by his kennel, he hunched up, hissed and yowled like a rabid cat. The vet was amazed that I would stick my hand into the kennel with all that ruckus. I couldn't seem to convince any of them to try, though. I assured them he was all talk.
He told me how awful I am for doing that to him all the way home and for about 30 minutes after we got home. Since then, though, he's been curled up asleep.
It's funny how routine life has become and how comfortable that is. I like it.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Day 20: Thursday Thirteen #21
In no particular order...
1. Dirty Jobs
2. House
3. The Starter Wife (when I remember to watch it)
4. CSI:Pick any of the three (Las Vegas, New York, Miami)
5. Dr. Who (The new series on BBCAmerica)
6. How Clean is Your House (BBCAmerica)
7. Ghost Whisperer
8. Good Eats
9. Late Late Show (At least Craig Ferguson's opening monologue)
10. Sanctuary
11. Ghost Hunters
12. NCIS
13. Valentine
hmmm... seems I watch a lot of CBS
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Day 19: Just another day
Nothing terribly exciting to report on today. It was just another day in the life of me.
Maxie is still in his collar. Buddy is tormenting him about it.
Maxie is still in his collar. Buddy is tormenting him about it.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Day 18: Poor lampshade kitty
Got the bloodwork results today and my diabetic kitty is healthy with the exception of the licked spot. So, for a few days, he gets to wear the cone. Poor guy.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Day 17: So we went to the vet today
Maxie has been a bit clingy and sleepier than normal lately, so I decided it was time for a check-up. Because of the diabetes, he *should* see the vet every six months, but I'm a bad kitty's person and he only gets in about once a year or when something seems "off."
So... At the lovely hour of 7:30 a.m., I loaded a very unhappy cat into my car and off we went. I was serenaded the entire 30 minute drive. Then he sang to the receptionist and charmed everyone with his leash skills. He is a healthy 18.8 lbs. and was happy and purry until it was time for a blood draw. It took two techs to hold him down and the vet to draw the blood. The poor vet tech then had to clean herself and Maxie up because Maxie literally had the sh*t scared out of him.
He's got a spot on his tummy that he's licked raw, so I'm going to have to get him an e-collar tomorrow so that he doesn't lick it anymore and it can heal. I will get pictures of that as soon as I get them... teehee.
I'll know the results of all the tests tomorrow. In the mean time, I thought I'd share Maxie's pain and humiliation of the vet with you. Poor kitty...
So... At the lovely hour of 7:30 a.m., I loaded a very unhappy cat into my car and off we went. I was serenaded the entire 30 minute drive. Then he sang to the receptionist and charmed everyone with his leash skills. He is a healthy 18.8 lbs. and was happy and purry until it was time for a blood draw. It took two techs to hold him down and the vet to draw the blood. The poor vet tech then had to clean herself and Maxie up because Maxie literally had the sh*t scared out of him.
He's got a spot on his tummy that he's licked raw, so I'm going to have to get him an e-collar tomorrow so that he doesn't lick it anymore and it can heal. I will get pictures of that as soon as I get them... teehee.
I'll know the results of all the tests tomorrow. In the mean time, I thought I'd share Maxie's pain and humiliation of the vet with you. Poor kitty...
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Day 16: Weekly Winners November 9 - 16
The brainchild of Lotus at Sarcastic Mom... Click on the badge for more Weekly Winners.
A few shots I took at the Veterans Memorial in Keller on Veterans Day.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Day 15: According to my sister, I'm normal
Thursday evening I kinda felt bummed, then yesterday I was totally blue and weepy and just wanted to cover my head up and disappear for the day. Today, I'm all better. C says that that is normal.
As someone who has depression, I never know if what I'm feeling is a "normal" reaction or if a "just a blue day" is just a blue day. I'm glad to know that I'm normal at least in yesterday's emotions.
And now a Cheezburger, just because I'm a geek and this one made me laugh and now I have the "Time Warp" stuck in my head...
more animals
As someone who has depression, I never know if what I'm feeling is a "normal" reaction or if a "just a blue day" is just a blue day. I'm glad to know that I'm normal at least in yesterday's emotions.
And now a Cheezburger, just because I'm a geek and this one made me laugh and now I have the "Time Warp" stuck in my head...
more animals
Friday, November 14, 2008
Day 14: Not much to say today
It's been one of "those" days. Lots going on, but nothing much to report, I guess one could say. Maybe tomorrow I'll feel like writing.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Day 13: Thursday Thirteen #20
Since today is the 13th day of November, I'm going to do a history lesson of historical events that happened on each day of the month.
1. November 1, 1966 - NFL awards New Orleans its 16th franchise (All Saints Day)
2. November 2, 1993 - Dow Jones hits record 3697.64.
3. November 3, 1948 - Chicago Tribune reports: "Dewey beats Truman"
4. November 4, 1994 - San Francisco: First conference that focusses exclusively on the subject of the commercial potential of the World Wide Web.
5. November 5, 1872 - Susan B Anthony fined $100 for trying to vote for Ulysses S Grant
6. November 6, 1975 - 1st appearance of Sex Pistols
7. November 7, 1492 - The Ensisheim Meteorite, the oldest meteorite with a known date of impact, strikes the earth around noon in a wheat field outside the village of Ensisheim, Alsace, France.
8. November 8, 1965 - "Days of Our Lives" premieres on TV
9. November 9, 1888 - Jack Ripper's 5th & last known victim, Mary Jane Kelly, found
10. November 10, 1775 - Congress forms US Marine Corps
11. November 11, 1918 - Armistice Day-WW I ends (at 11 AM on Western Front)
12. November 12, 1946 - A branch of the Exchange National Bank in Chicago, Illinois opens the first ten drive-up teller windows.
13. November 13, 1990 - The World Wide Web first began.
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
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