Light in the Darkroom

Heard this song standing in line at Sears last night...oh the memories!!!

Sargie getting ready for the snow in his fashionable bomber jacket.

The Christmas trees in the backyard during the snowfall.

Sargie playing in the snow...a little.

One of the many robin's trying to take cover in the now bare trees during the snowfall.

My car underneath the snow.

My mom and squirt shovelling away...I think I was supposed to be helping lol.

The path that we dug for Sarge, so he could move about the backyard freely.

Hardwork always pays!

Not that I promote either of these wireless company's because well I'm not with either one of them, but in the battle of the commercials, Verizon clearly has appeal! I laugh and sing along...AT&T you better step it up!



And here's a throw back...hilarious...

This commercial is cute...reminds or some trickery I would pull! I especially love the little girl laughing into the pillow on the sofa...

Hope all of you shoppers out there are partially done with your gift buying. There's only ten more days to go and then Christmas will be here. I'm still holding out hope for a white Christmas, but the temperatures keep going up and down and then back up again, it doesn't look too good.

Anyhow, back to studying...Good luck in your ventures and Happy Monday!!

I absolutely LOVE this song right now...so I'm sharing!! Enjoy!

So I stumbled across these commercials and I have not ever seen them on television, however in the first on I love the line: "One foreign yetti hikes with a teddy..." and in the second I love the line: yikes there's the clown...I think clowns are scary anyway so I agree!

Yay how wonderful to have a mini snow event!?! I have to say I prefer snow during the week when there is a possibility to sleep in, but I'll take it any day as opposed to no days at all. It was really pretty to look at...I like to call them wishful snow storms because I wish there was more. I don't like it to snow and disappear :-( none the less we should have more soon as this is just the beginning of winter!!!

Keeping with the spirit of the season, I going to do 4 weeks of holiday commercials. This first one is super cute!!!! Talk to the moose....

I am finally done cooking!!! I need a round of applause for that...I started baking Wednesday after work and just finished cooking the last item maybe an hour ago. I don't want to think about the oven, 350 degrees, or anything that needs an hour to be done. I will speak on my successes and one failure with the Thanksgiving feast this year.

In the midst of it all I have discovered what I really want for Christmas or my birthday, or a "hey just wanted to let you know you rock" gift....a Kitchenaid professional 600 series, 6 quart, bowl lift stand mixer in empire red. I LOVE this beautiful piece of machinery! Just look for yourself...

Isn't it just cherry red perfection??? But alas I think all of my hint dropping is going to fall upon deaf ears. I'll probably end up purchasing it for myself. Which is fine too, but if it were presented to me with a big bow around it...I definitely wouldn't complain!

Outside of the hoopla and grandeur of cooking fantastic goodies, I started thinking of what I am truly thankful for...and yes not just on yesterday, I do visit this topic often. I made a short list...

1. Health - it is soo important to understand and realize that life is short and with so many different diseases and ailments around, I am thankful to be well and able to do the things that I choose to do. To not have to take multiple medications in order to get out of the bed and get the day started.
2. Shelter - with the many people that have lost their homes, though some have been fortunate enough to be able to lean on family and friends, there are some who have nowhere to turn. It is their car, a shelter or the streets that they no w call home. I am thankful to have a home. Even though the neighbors SUCK...I am happy to say that I have some.
3. Friends - not associates, but true friends that I can call about whatever and whenever and just talk, cry, laugh or anything and be accepted and loved for being just who I am. I've come across many people (most this year) who can't just be themselves, it's a persona for every different group of people they come across. I am thankful for the opportunity to let my true colors shine.
4. Happiness - strange, maybe, but for me, happiness is equally important. Without a light heart, joy or laughter...many of life's tasks I would probably never complete. Being happy intimidates others who are not free to experience this emotion. They complain about everything whether it happened to them or not. I am thankful that through happiness I am able to look at things from two perspectives, getting the whole picture, and seeing the sunlight through the clouds.
5. Family - even though they drive me crazy every hour of every day, without them...I would be lost. I love them lots the craziness included. They deal with me, which is a big task, mood swings, attitudes, laughter, joy, pain, sorrow...I am still loved the same. I appreciate that sooo much.
6. Dreams - just being able to dream something and actually fight and try to achieve it. Some people don't poses the drive in life to keep going, persevere through it all and still get back up when you get knocked down. I am thankful to dream uninhibited.

I hope that you all were able to reflect on the many different things we have to be thankful for. I'm sure my list will differ from many in one way or another, but I think even just realizing that you have a lot to be thankful for is more than a 75% start.

Have a Great Weekend!!!

Til Monday.....

Boy has this week really been a whirlwind of events...I am happy to be in the comfort of my home on a Friday night (~insert the grandma jokes here~) especially with thanksgiving around the corner this will truly be one of my only nights to relax for the next week or so! I'm super excited to cook my new experimental items along with a couple of tried and true dishes in the mix. I'll be sure to post some pictures as they come out of the oven!

Firstly, I would like to extend my extreme gratitude to any and everyone who has served in the armed forces or are currently serving today. It is a great task and unbelievable selflessness that truly allows a person to put their life on hold and on the line for so many others to fight for the belief of freedom and liberty for all. I stand 110% behind all of those who serve this country with pride and dignity. I hope that you all have done something not just today, but everyday to recognize these individuals. Regardless, of your political beliefs, I hope that you support our troops.

So I can't really say that I necessarily ♥ this infomercial, but I saw it last week and it was really weird, but I watched the whole thing! And yes before you ask, how it plays below is how it plays on TV with all of the mixing included for your entertainment. At the very least you'll laugh and if not in the beginning at least at the end when someones grandma is talking and laughing. I hope I don't see this on TV again!!

Can I just say that I am LOVING Sesame Street Week on Google. Today is none other than my favorite character....Oscar the Grouch! Why the little green furry creature that lives in the garbage can makes me smile, I really can't say, but awesome to see him!!!

Welcome Friday! Not much happening this weekend. I have an exam I HAVE to study for. I pretty much know the information, but it's the minor details that I have to work out. Squirt's birthday is tomorrow and I am supposed to giving her 19 gifts for her 19th birthday and so far I have a grand total of *drumroll please*.....1!!! Round of applause people please lol. What am I doing, I have no clue. I don't know what else to get her. I really have to put my thinking cap on for this one. I wish I could just give her the one gift and $18, but I already know that's not going to fly :-)

And of course go to google! It's Sesame Street's 40th Anniversary and today google has Bert and Ernie in for the "O's". I can't help but to think about the rubber ducky song...

Go to google! It's Sesame Street's 40th Anniversary and today google has cookie monster taking a bite out of google which just happens to be a giant chocolate chip cookie!! And yes at 26 I'm still just as excited about sesame street lol!

Go to google! It's Sesame Street's 40th Anniversary and google has big bird's legs as the "l" in the logo. There's always something interesting!

Wow, November already eh? It doesn't even feel like October existed, at least to me anyway. I'm guessing it's time for me to prepare for the holidays. That means, cakes to bake, cards to write, gifts to buy, and limited rest to get. I'm pseudo looking forward to the next 2 months, but I'm going to write out a plan so that I remain stress free (or at least try to).

Today is a bittersweet day. My brother would have been 34 today. I miss him terribly, but it doesn't hurt as much anymore. It's been 8 years now and even though I may get a little teary eyed here and there, I've let go of the anger that went along with it. I can look back and remember the good times, the fights and the words he used to make up. The memories good and bad make me smile. So today while I wish him a lovingly happy 34th, I'll reflect on it all, even the mischievous times when I used to get him in trouble!

My father's surgery went really well...he should be home sometime this weekend *fingers crossed* He's pretty drugged up right now and only stays awake for little spurts of time, but the surgeons are hopefully that this last surgery should alleviate a lot of pain that he was experiencing. It's kinda tough seeing someone you look up to and look at as indestructible when your a wee little one, in pain and actually realizing those visions have met reality and no man is "super" on Earth.

In lieu of the current economic state of the United States, I have a new found respect for anything that was made in America. It's different to hear statistics on the news regarding the rising unemployment rate, but to actually know families that it's affecting is a totally un-real experience. With that stated I would like to call this my top most wanted American rides. Foreign cars will always have an appeal to the masses, based on past reliability, and current/future technologies, but don't count domestics out yet. Every time I see an upgraded model, the features just get better and better. I'm not trying to tell you (or maybe I am...send it back...send it back!!!) trade in the BMW 6 series or Mercedes E-class with infrared technology, but you may find that all of those creature comforts that appealed to you when first purchasing, you don't even utilize. You might actually be pleasantly surprised!

*Disclaimer - No Fords were harmed in the making of this list...we just don't like them!

1. Dodge Challenger -

I absolutely LOVE and I really do mean LOVE this car!! It is hot and an added bonus is I get to see it every week on NCIS: LA...it just purrs every time it's started. Dreaminess! Too bad no one I know has one :-(

2. Chevy Camaro -

Old school body...new school technology. I love this car too, though not as much as the Challenger but it is pretty close!

My Daddy has a Chevy SUV and since I basically drove his SUV and my little car when I was learning how to drive I got spoiled. Nothing compares to a riding up high and being able to see everything. It rides like a car, very smooth and easy to operate the controls. Also has bucket seating in the second row, Squirt and I loved it!

4. Cadillac STS -

I like to get my grown woman on from time to time and this ride is definitely a go getter. There isn't a smoother ride out there!

5. Cadillac CTS -

Nice car, not better than the STS in my opinion, but dad and Squirt like this one more.

6. Buick Lacrosse -

You want luxury comparable to the foreign cars...you got it! This car has all and more, just take your pick!

I am not endorsing AT&T at all, but I love this commercial...it's so cute!

Have you ever had a week that you just felt the need to revert back to childhood and kick, scream, scratch and fall out on the floor turning in circles? Thus my week of pure hell has come to a close and not a moment too soon! I literally woke up Thursday feeling the need to have a lovely glass of wine to get me through the first part of the day. I know there are plenty of personalities that we encounter on a daily basis, but I feel like I hit the jackpot last week; from stuck up and rude, to ignorant and just disrespectful. Maybe somethings in the water or maybe in the air, I don't know, but this week has to be better.

My father is having his 3rd and hopefully last surgery on his spinal cord tomorrow. He seems to be pretty relaxed this time around. I'm a little nervous, but things are expected to go well. I know it's going to be a longer surgery than his previous ones. I'm prayerful.

Oh and in other news, Sarge thinks he's super dog and for some reason loves to chase the deer in the woods behind the house. I made Sarge fashion forward and bought him this chartreuse colored collar and what does he do...snapped it in half on a rampage after the deer! I'm running out of colors! I try to give him a different look every time we buy a new one so we have already had black, red, purple, blue (two shades) and now green. Since he is dark brown with tan shading, he looks really nice in the red and the green. I thought about getting him pink, but my father may have an issue with that lol. Maybe I can find an orange one, that would be lovely because it's my fav color and also looks good with brown. I'll be sure to post a picture of the new accessory.

Yesterday we had family brunch and football at my aunt's in Silver Spring and let me just say we had sooo much food it was ridiculous. Of course since we're from the country we had fish and grits, but not just fish, we had spot, croaker, black bass, lean and perch! I was soo full from croaker and lean that I couldn't even get any perch :-( There was also eggs, biscuits, bacon, sausage, salmon cakes, cinnamon buns, doughnuts wine and juice. I love breakfast so that was great for me! We watched the Pittsburgh/Minnesota game together and I just love talking trash, but I was worried a few times though, but my boys worked it out and gave Minnesota their first L of the season....oh well!! I suppose family's not bad all the time, but don't quote me on saying that!

Happy Monday!

Finally someone had pity on us lowly workers and decided to turn the heat on in the building. Thank You! I am the first to admit I hate being hot and am more of a fan of AC as opposed to heat, but as much as I love winter, I would like to leave it outside! It's hard typing with frozen fingers ya know?

Moving forward, since it is ghoul and goblin season I was thinking of dressing good ole' Sarge up as something this year. I haven't quite thought about it too deeply yet, but it will definitely have to be something that he can't finaggle his way out of too easily. Maybe an Elmo, or a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, or a Moo Cow?? I'll post a picture once we decide what he will transform into!

I would also like to extend a HUGE Congratulations to Amster and Eddie on their expected baby joy coming in March! I am soo ecstatic!! This will be baby #3 in my circle of friends. My mother is pressed to have a grandchild, but I told her I would get a puppy and she could watch him anytime she wants....of course that didn't fly too well, LOL. Oh well, maybe I can borrow a baby for a day and it will make her feel better :-)

Have a great day!

Well well well the cool weather is finally here, whether it's here to stay that's yet to be seen, but I'm enjoying the crispness for now.

~Tuesday I had an exam in my astronomy class and I was quite entertained. I always find humor when there are multiple choice selections that make absolutely no sense. I then wonder though do people really pick these answers? I hope not, you would really have to be crazy to think, for instance:

Sitting at my desk this morning, listening to the radio, and if you live in the area you've probably heard the Washington Post commercials that run down some of the topics discussed in the paper for the day and to my utter surprise, Old Bay seasoning has an article!!! My fingers started typing super fast so that I could read about my favorite seasoning. Old Bay is celebrating its 70th anniversary and as a tribute, there is a separate section to discuss creative ways to use Old Bay because of course, it's not just for seafood - I thought I would list the things I mix Old Bay with:

• Grits - I know you may find this weird but if you try it...I'm guaranteeing you'll love it!! The key is to mix it in the water before you bring it to a boil and add the grits. They will have an orange-ish tint!
• Scrabbled Eggs - Only a little and some pepper jack cheese.
• Ground Turkey - Depending on where it's getting cooked, on the grill is a definite yes!
• Chicken - If it's being fried or broiled
• Vegetables - If they are being roasted in the oven (but not asparagus)
• Ketchup - To eat with french fries
• Ground Beef - Occasionally

Something missing? Yes, I do not like Old Bay on seafood even though it started off as a seafood seasoning because I find it too overpowering! I prefer to taste the seafood as opposed to the seasoning and since most seafood has a light flavor any way, garlic and pepper with a splash of lemon work just fine for me.

Happy Hump Day!!

Happy Monday! My allergies are really having fun...yesterday was the lovely post-nasal drip, today is the congested, I dare you to make any sudden moves head pressure. I really don't know which is better/worse.

Yesterday was a good day of football. The home team (Redskins) won...finally, although the 1st half was sad and pathetic. The Cowboys lost to one of my favorite teams...the Broncos (4-0)! And my lovely Steelers are finally back in the winners circle. My son's (not really my son) team the Saints are 4-0 as well. I'd say not just good...it was a great day of football.

I definitely have a laundry list of things to complete today, so I wish you the best Monday ever!

Have a productive day!

From our excursion to the Baltimore Aquarium last weekend...

Zoey...being Zoey...busy as usual!

*Disclaimer*

I have been an absentee blogger and I find myself saying this more and more. With school starting my time has not been my own, however I am going to make an effort to write at least 3 to 4 times a week.



Welcome to October!! I cannot believe that we have less than 3 months to go before the start of 2010. I have no idea where this year has gone. Although I have completed many things I set out to do this year, I have a feeling that I'm only at the half way point and the pressure is on! This month is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month, make sure you try to do something to support the cause.

My personal goal for the month is to try and be more understanding of other people. I didn't do such a good job of this last month and it's really hard to see other's perspectives when you already have in your mind how a task or operation is supposed to go. I feel like I am this constant art project - meaning pieces of me are continually reinvented...I've been sanded, recolored, redrawn, rethought, and still I continue to evolve with each new process. It is a very difficult for me to step outside of this box I call "home" and be accepting of other's ideas, whether good or bad, but at the same time if it means in 3 months and 13 days that at 27 (yuck I hate the way that sounds) I am a more accomplished and well rounded individual then, I am very humbled and appreciative of the experience. I guess it really does take almost losing something really great to make the light bulb turn on...Lesson Learned.

Happy Friday and Enjoy this Cool Crisp Fall Air!!

PS. My wish for Chicago to be the 2016 Olympics location has officially been silenced...Rio anyone?

A rock fish from the weekend's fishing trip...



Happy Monday!!

Apparently a giant sized caterpillar that likes to eat green peppers! Who knew!!

So this isn't really a commercial (a little false advertising on my part!), but it spoofs one of the songs I like right now so I thought I would add it to share...It's really cute!

So the wait continues...I have been confirmed for two classes, but I am still waitlisted for the others. At first I was 1, 6, 13 and 16...then later I had received the #1 position class and moved up on the waitlist to 5, 7, and 11. Yesterday, I received the #7 position class and moved to 4 and 9 for the other two. Today I'm feeling grateful to be in 2 out of 4 and am now thinking of dropping the other two...I'll decide on that later.

I had a very opinion based conversation yesterday. I have ill feelings toward the whole situation just because the opinions of others should not be forced upon me or to be made to feel as though they represent factual information. Everyone has an opinion on who I should be, where I should be, what I should be doing. I'm trying not to be affected by it all, but it's very disheartening to hear certain words or terms applied to yourself. From all of it though decisions must be made...I'm unsure of which path I am going to take at the moment.

My hopes for a positive upturn starting today seem very gray and dim...

Well, first and foremost Happy September! Isn't this weather just wonderful?!? I love autumn air, even if it's not officially autumn yet, I can't tell!! I know you summer folks are not enjoying it at all, but hey as much as I burned up in August...you should have no complaints what so ever!

My week is already off to a bang and it actually started with the ending of last week into this week...

Saturday - Zoey's 1st birthday. I was the official photog for the event however it was soooo hot I had just gotten my hair done, but off course it doesn't look like it now. I also received a letter from my school saying that I had to turn paperwork in no later than the first day of class, which by the way was Monday (yes, yesterday).

Sunday - well Sunday wasn't too bad it was a good day, I got a lot accomplished and had dinner with a couple of friends. I like to think of Sunday as the quiet before the storm.

Monday - Had to go to school to turn in paperwork. Well I started at the bldg where the office requesting papers was originally located only to find out they were relocated completely and I do mean COMPLETELY across campus due to renovations. If you ever been to UMD and you hear Susquehanna...you cringe. The bldg is randomly placed behind south campus housing/dining and considering I was semi north campus when I received the information, it was not a happy walk.

Tuesday (today) - I am sooo tired and apparently it shows because just randomly sitting here at my desk I happen to look at my feet and discover I not only have on two different shoes, but they are totally different colors. Argghhh how in the world did I do that???

Hopefully beginning with hump day, my week begins to turn for the better!

Happy Monday!

Since we had torrential downpours Saturday thanks to Bill, my weekend ended up being pretty uneventful. I did puppy-sit a Yorkie on Sunday, Deano, he was pretty entertaining. It's been so long since I have been around a puppy I forgot how much they sleep! Cute little doggie, but not my taste. Oh and we had cake and ice cream for my grandmother on Saturday for her b-day.

Also, befitting that this is hurricane season, the weather channel has a hurricane tracking page which is very interactive and informative. I like watching and learning about the wonders of mother nature; hurricanes, volcanoes, earthquakes, tornadoes, and tsunami's. I can remember being a little girl and having all of these books on volcanoes. Anyhow, check out the page if your interested in seeing the tracked information for the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans from this year and years prior.

I've been thinking that I need to do a little contact clean-up. I have way too many numbers for people that I just do not talk to. Maybe I'll just start randomly calling folks, but more likely than not I'll just hit delete. Hopefully none of them will call me so I won't have to do the embarrassing "who is this" spill. I hate saying that, it just seems as though if they have my number I should have theirs. Ok so now that I have talked myself into possibly not deleting anything, lol, maybe I'll just go through my 1,000+ emails *sigh*

Happy Tuesday!

{commercial later}

First off Happy Monday...I can't believe it is yet again a Monday, but I am blessed and happy see another one!

Next, my apologies for being an absentee blogger the past couple of weeks, I've been pretty busy. I promise to do better!

We had the office MWE (model work environment) event on Wednesday and when I tell you I was excited that it went extremely well, that is an understatement. I pretty much planned and shopped for the event myself as my help was indisposed :-/ which didn't really turn out too bad, but I went to the store at least 3 days in a row. I have never cleaned so much chicken in my life, and might I add that I HATE cleaning chicken...that is the worst animal to clean. I definitely cannot clean chicken and eat it the same day, bad bad thoughts! Aside from that making the burgers was pretty simple and the side dishes was pretty quick too. I was really glad that everyone showed up, some with kids in tow and some that hadn't even said they were coming! I would definitely call it a very successful MWE.

I am taking on a project for a friend of mine. I hope to have it done as a Christmas gift as I'm not sure how long it's going to take to complete, but I'm excited!! I will try to show you pictures as I put it all together, but they will be limited as she is a reader.

I also have a thought on the "Cash for Clunkers" program. While initially $4500 sounds like an awesome reward for a car that you no longer want, or may still want, but figure you can get a better one - please weigh your options. You'd be giving up a low insurance, no car note vehicle for a full coverage, 3-5 year monthly bill and maybe only 3-5 mpg increase in gas mileage (which still depends on how you drive). Unless your car is dead to the world, it doesn't sound like such a great deal to me, but to each its own.

Good Happy Monday Morning!

First, It's that time again...one of the best times of the year...SHARK WEEK on Discovery!!

Secondly, It's August...that means new and exciting things to come...just wait and see!

Lastly, I pose a few question to you, probably more rhetorical than not, and I mostly know the answers already, but humor me...

I have a signature!!! I'm super ecstatic I have a "mark" to leave!

P.S. Amster....here is a pic of Sargie-poo, there are a few more if you visit my older post from this month. My faves by far are the ones with his duckie!

Well this isn't really a commercial per say...more of a farewell to dare I say it...I just may...aww what the hay...you may hate me for this * ah hem (clearing throat)* Political Barbie...which may in all actuality be an insult to Barbie! (I hope no Republicans take offense, but clearly you shouldn't want to claim this one either :-/)

Since my dear Sargie can not speak for himself I will make this declaration for him...

Remember the cute ducky that I bought for Sarge and I told you it looks nothing like it does here? Well as promised here he is...de-stuffed and a bit turned inside out...poor ducky I guess he really didn't stand a chance! For some reason Sarge loves all of his froggy toys but everything else...down the tube!

It hasn't even reached noon yet, but I have reached all sorts of levels of attitude awareness today. For the life of me I cannot begin to understand why it is that "certain" people always have to be in control of everything...we all have these types...

• Mr. Know It All - well the name says it all...I know it all and you know nothing! Even if he is wrong he is right. If it's your job he can most certainly do it better.


• The Exaggerator - if it can be embellished it will be...even if it can't they will make it so big and unbelievable that you may actually start believing it.


• Ms. Perfect - everything she does is perfect...closely resembles Mr. Know It All, but will definitely not try to do your job, she'll just tell you how you should have done it.


• The Passer - If you looking for this one to take responsibility...look elsewhere.


• The Do Nothing - If it envolves lifting a finger don't expect it to be done by this one.

There are more, but considering the type of way I'm feeling right now...this is a good start. I am glad that this week is almost over.

On a lighter note...I bought Sarge a ducky at PetsMart a couple of weeks ago and I have a couple of pictures to share. I will take a picture of what the poor duck looks like now and post it tonight...but these were his better days...

My Tuesday commercial has turned into a Thursday event this week, but not to fret I promise it was worth the wait!!

I got to see my favorite baby in all the land twice this weekend and of course my trusty not soo dusty camera was along with me. Of all the pictures I actually have four favorites this time around. Since Zoey is getting older now, (10 months!!) she is truly a busy body and very expressive...but admittedly it's hard to get pictures of her because I believe she has perfected her speed crawling!

Happy July, I'm 6 days late in wishing you well for the second half of the year, but better late than never as they say (whoever "they" may happen to be!!)

A lot has transpired this week...from the metro rail accident to the passing of Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. It's still a little hard to believe that MJ is no longer here. We have been singing and dancing to his songs since yesterday evening...just a state of shock, but time is promised to no one. It really just makes the statement "...live life to the fullest..." a little louder. Condolences to all those who have lost someone this week.

Wednesday, Jasmine and I ventured out to the garden across the street from my window at work to check out the sunflowers. If you don't know...SUNFLOWERS are my favorite flowers!! They just make me feel happy and cheery, and not to mention the giant ones are just amazing to look at. I heard from a co-worker that the garden is going to be replaced with a memorial for... ok I can't quite remember so it's either Roosevelt, Ford or another President, I just can't put my finger on it right now. Anyhow the point is we try to enjoy it every year that it's still around since we've been hearing rumors of the memorial coming soon for the last couple of years.

I also have a picture of Joey, our resident groundhog! He comes out often when Sarge (the dog) is not around...I'm not sure what it is that he eats in the backyard but he's hilarious to watch.