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2010-07-26T13:22:00.000-07:00

I have had a lot of people ask me how the cloth diapering is going and how to get started - so I thought I would post here so I can refer back later :) This was something I typed up for a former bride who is due in September. Does anyone think there is a baby boom going on right now? I think there is and I blame the economy! lol Luke was the 2nd to last baby born at the hospital on 3/31, and it was a record number of births for the hospital that month. The nurses didn't have an exact number for me, but they said a normal month was 40-45 babies, and they were inching up on 70 once we got there! Plus I have noticed a ton of my brides, and former schoolmates that are pregnant right now, older on average I would think. But I digress...

Cloth is going great! It is really so much easier than I thought it was going to be!

First of all, if you haven't already, I highly recommend joining your birth month group, and the cloth diapering group at http://www.babycenter.com/ That site is PACKED with information, and really helped me answer just about any question I could possibly come up with.

I also recommend starting a baby registry on Amazon. Even if you don't tell anyone about it, you can research and read reviews about the products and put them on your registry, so you can buy things there as you want to, compare prices, and don't have search for stuff and remember everything when it comes time to buy stuff. I am still buying stuff that I put on mine as it becomes necessary, because you don't need everything right away.

I am using cloth during the day while Josh is at work, and disposables at night, so he will change them. lol I'll get him into it soon.

There are basically 4 kinds of cloth diapers, All in ones (AIO), Fitted, Pocket, and Prefolds. AIO's are the easiest, and closest to using a sposie, because you just put it on and fasten it. Fitteds are about the same, but need a waterproof cover, so they are a two part system. Pocket diapers have a pocket that you slide one or more absorbant liners into, but are waterproof on the outside, so no cover needed. Prefolds are what our parents used basically, they are what most people think of when you tell them you are using cloth diapers. You can buy those in different sizes, and they need the waterproof covers too. I recommend against the Gerber birdseye ones you see at Target and such. Those are great for burp rags, but they aren't as absorbant as the other kind and they are bulkier too.

I'll link you to what I have liked best so far. I think its a good idea to buy one of each style to start and see what you like best. We used disposables full time until his umbilical cord fell off at about 2 weeks.

AIO: Kushies - I just got these, they were a good deal, but I think they run a little large, and they are a little "stiff." I am holding off judgement until he gets a little bigger. The nice thing about these is, they have a liner that is attached at one end, that you can fold to the middle if you have a girl, or to the front for a boy. And since it isn't attached all the way, they dry faster than most AIO's.

http://www.amazon.com/Kushies-Reusable-Ultra-Diapers-Infants/dp/B0000649E1/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1273617524&sr=1-1

Pocket: Happy Heiny's

http://www.amazon.com/Happy-Heinys-Pocket-Diaper-Large/dp/B000KAHIFK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1273617072&sr=8-1

FuzziBunz:

http://www.amazon.com/FuzziBunz-Cloth-Diaper-Apple-Green/dp/B002OL1TTO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1273617463&sr=1-1

The fitteds I am using they aren't making anymore I don't think... But I have one of these too and like it a lot:

http://www.amazon.com/Thirsties-Fab-Fitted-Cloth-Diaper/dp/B001W0XYXM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1273617718&sr=1-1

Covers for fitted or prefolds:

http://www.amazon.com/Bummis-Whisper-Diaper-WHITE-15-30lbs/dp/B001B9ZIW4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1273617821&sr=1-3

I bought the prefolds at a store in Portland. I think this is their online shop - http://shop.milagrosboutique.com/

I also use flushable, biodegradable liners so the diapers don't get so poopy. Its nice, you just put one in and throw away the poop. We have sprayers on both of our toilets, which we still may use as his poop changes, but this is SO easy!!

http://www.amazon.com/Kushies-Flushable-Biodgradable-Diaper-Liners/dp/B000V0QTMC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1273618332&sr=1-1

Overall, I think the prefolds were unnessessary. They are the cheapest choice, but if you don't mind doing a load of laundry everyday, its possible to just do the other kind, and just buy a few here and there until the baby gets here. My mom kind of talked me into them - but I think that was because she didn't know how far cloth had come. She reaches for the pockets first now :)
They are GREAT for burp rags though! So I am glad I bought them.

Most recently I have discovered Sunbaby diapers on Ebay. They are new pocket diapers and are super cheap. I think I got 10 with 10 liners for less than $50. They wash and dry the best, and the covers can be used as covers for the fitted or prefolds too.

The other confusing thing is sizes. There are "one-size" and sized diapers. The fitteds I have are sized, I have 5 each of small, medium and large. I think they smalls will only last another couple weeks because he is a moose... lol The one size diapers have snaps which you use to fit them to your baby.

Snaps vs Velco (aka Aplix) is another debate. The consensus is that the snaps may last longer - through multiple children, but the velcro is easier to use and its easier to fit the kid in them more tightly. I think the velcro is easy, and so long as you remember to close the tabs before you wash them, it doesn't hook up to everything.

Oh gosh, and one more thing, laundry detergent. You can't use most normal laundry soap because it leaves a film which makes the diapers not as absorbant, and they get stinky. I think this is what I got:

http://www.amazon.com/Charlies-Soap-Powder-2-64-Loads/dp/B0018B15FE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1273618685&sr=8-1

This one a lot of people use too:

http://rockingreensoap.com/

Washing is easy, but a little more labor intensive than normal laundry. I do a prewash with cold water and a scoop of detergent (I think its about a tablespoon) then a cycle on hot with a scoop of detergent along with an extra rinse and fast spin cycle (both extra choices on my washer.) I dry them with a dry towel in the dryer to get them dry a little faster. I take out the pocket diapers and covers after one run-through. AIOs and fitteds take an extra cycle.

If you want to see this stuff in real life, there is a cloth diaper store in Corvallis, but its never been open when I have been through town.

http://www.weebunz.com/index.php

I've bought a few things at Bambini in Eugene:

http://www.bambinieugene.com/

Good luck! It makes me feel so much better to at least be making a little bit of an effort to not put so much into the landfill. :)

2010-04-07T12:36:00.000-07:00

I can't believe its been a week. A week ago today I was terrified beyond words. We barely slept the night before. I cried for most of the drive to the hospital. While I sat in the prep room I calmed down as I saw the doctors, nurses and anesthesiologist getting ready I calmed down a little, but got nervous again as I left Josh and they wheeled me back into the OR.

It seemed like forever that I was in the OR without him, getting the shots to numb me from the waist down. My nurse Josh (whose wife's name is also Angela!) was fabulous, holding onto me while the shots went in. I thought there would only be one, but there were many! I was laid back down and they started to prep me, it was all going so fast that I thought Josh wasn't going to make it back there in time! Just as they were about to make the first incision - Josh was brought into the room and sat down next to me. Everyone knew we didn't know what we were having, so I asked out in the room "Any bets on what it is?" Nurse Josh very confidently said, "Its going to be a boy." Everyone chuckled and the surgery got underway.

The anesthesiologist peeked over the drape and gave us the play by play. "only a few minutes now" "I see a foot" Josh and I stared at each other, tears in our eyes. Josh told me how proud he was of me. "The baby is out" said the anesthesiologist, and nurse Josh said "I was right!" Josh wasn't sure what he was referring to and asked for clarification, and our doctor said "Its a boy!" right as Luke started crying. They gave me a quick peek over the drape before they whisked him away to the warming table. Josh followed and took pictures for us.

After he was a little cleaner, they laid him on my chest for a few brief moments. He was so close to my face, that I couldn't focus on him very well, but I knew he was perfect.

After a few moments of this, the nurses took Luke and Josh away to the nursery while I stayed in the OR and got stitched up the rest of the way. After a few minutes a phone call came into the OR with the official weight - 10 lbs 3 oz! Everyone in the room oohed and ahhed when the nurse read off his weight. Josh was in the room at the other end of the call and the nurse there remarked at how everyone reacted! The Dr remarked that with a baby that big, (not just by weight, but also nearly 23" long and a head 15.5" in diameter!) that I probably would have ended up in the same position even if he had been head down.

I don't feel like I was "cheated" out of a normal birth experience, because my birth plan from the beginning was always "get the baby out," period. But, it is weird. I wrote in a Facebook status update that I was going to be headed to the hospital to "get a baby handed to me" and thats basically what happened, and I couldn't be happier! I knew from about 5-6 months that I was going to end up getting a c-section. His head was in the same spot from the moment I could feel him from the outside, and *never* moved. He likes his head rubbed, and I have to wonder if it reminds him of me rubbing it from the outside. :)

Josh and I stayed in the hospital together for three nights. It was so nice to hang out as a family, and be taken care of for a few days before heading back to the real world.

We're home now - thank you so much to everyone for the kind words, flowers, gifts - everyone has been so wonderful!

2010-03-08T10:32:00.001-08:00

The morning after my baby shower in Portland, Traci and I set off for downtown and took a few maternity shots :) I love them - thank you so much Traci!

2010-03-06T09:35:00.000-08:00

Baby shower #2 was thrown by my BFF Traci in Portland! I was so excited - almost everyone who was invited came! Including my mama and sister who flew up from Palm Springs! :)

One of the activities was decorating onesies with fabric paint! I have so many awesome onesies from it!

I love this blanket made for me by my friend Sheri :)

Sheris SIL Carrie made me a beautiful baby carrier - it is so perfect! I can't wait to use it for real - check out her Etsy site, I think she makes them custom!

Thank you to Traci for an awesome perfect day! :)

2010-02-21T23:22:00.000-08:00

A couple new pics for 34 weeks! :)

2010-02-17T22:59:00.000-08:00

One of things I am doing to get ready for baby is making and freezing food. Buying meat in bulk and making double batches of things. This soup is SO yummy! It makes a HUGE batch - so I half it for dinner, or have half for one meal and freeze the rest, leaving out the pasta and spinach for the frozen batch.

You can prepare soup through step 2 up to 1 day ahead, but do not bring mixture to a boil; instead, cool, cover, and chill. To reheat, lift off and discard fat; bring soup to a boil.

Yield: Makes about 5 1/2 quarts; 10 to 12 servings

Italian Sausage and Pasta Soup from Sunset Magazine

Ingredients

2 pounds hot or mild Italian sausages (or spicy bulk sausage)
3 carrots (12 oz. total), peeled and chopped
1 onion (12 oz.), peeled and chopped
4 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
3 quarts fat-skimmed chicken broth
2 cans (14 1/2 oz. each) diced tomatoes
2 cans (15 oz. each) cannellini (white) beans, rinsed and drained
1 tablespoon dried basil
2 cups dried large shell-shaped pasta
4 quarts spinach leaves (about 12 oz.), rinsed
Salt and pepper
About 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Preparation

1. Squeeze sausages from casings into an 8- to 10-quart pan over high heat and stir often, breaking them apart with a spoon, until browned and crumbly, 8 to 10 minutes. Spoon out and discard all but 1 tablespoon fat from pan.

2. Add carrots, onion, and garlic; stir often until onion is limp, 5 to 7 minutes. Add broth, tomatoes (including juice), beans, and basil and bring to a boil.

3. Add pasta, reduce heat, and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until pasta is just tender to bite, about 10 minutes. Skim and discard fat. Stir in spinach and cook just until it is wilted, about 30 seconds. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve soup from the pan, or pour into a tureen. Offer parmesan cheese to add to taste.

2010-01-30T10:42:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I headed down to Southern California for a dentist appointment to replace my front teeth! Yay! Pretty teeth! :) On Sunday my fabulous family threw me my first baby shower!

We played a fun "concentration" type game where you had to match the clue with the name of the candy bar. For this one, it was Milky Way, and Breast feeding :)

Loved this present from my cousins! They attached all of the presents to a clothes line with clothespins - super cute!

So many of the fabulous women of my family!

2010-01-30T10:40:00.000-08:00

30 weeks - 3/4 done!

2010-01-30T10:32:00.000-08:00

29 weeks! Getting bigger!

2010-01-06T12:08:00.000-08:00

Third Trimester! 2/3 done! :)

I am up 8lbs from my pre-preg weight, and all is well! Feeling movement every day, although as soon as Josh puts his hand on my belly to feel it, it stops - lil' bugger! The doctor says that must mean that he is a calming influence, lol

2009-12-28T23:22:00.001-08:00

It started with a Facebook status update. A friend of mine posted that she was eating a red velvet cupcake and I made the mistake of reading it out loud, saying I was jealous. Joshes immediate response, "Can you make those right now?" Um, no. But I made them the next day :)

He was very impressed with the bright red batter:

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe courtesy Paula Deen, 2007

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons red food coloring
1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting:

1 pound cream cheese, softened
2 sticks butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
Chopped pecans and fresh raspberries or strawberries, for garnish

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 (12-cup) muffin pans with cupcake papers.

In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In a large bowl gently beat together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla with a handheld electric mixer. Add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet and mix until smooth and thoroughly combined.

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake tins about 2/3 filled. Bake in oven for about 20 to 22 minutes, turning the pans once, half way through. Test the cupcakes with a toothpick for doneness. Remove from oven and cool completely before frosting.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla together until smooth. Add the sugar and on low speed, beat until incorporated. Increase the speed to high and mix until very light and fluffy.

Garnish with chopped pecans and a fresh raspberry or strawberry.

Cook's Note: Frost the cupcakes with a butter knife or pipe it on with a big star tip.

2009-12-10T11:54:00.001-08:00

23 weeks - a little bigger, but I am still the same weight as pre-baby. I was down 10 after the first trimester, but have been slowly gaining it back...

Not feeling a ton of movement, but a little here and there, mostly on my left side - must be where it is able to get through around the placenta! I get a few good kicks, especially in the evening after dinner, but I don't think anyone on the outside would be able to feel it quite yet.

2009-12-09T12:55:00.001-08:00

Cloth diapers have been my obsession for a few weeks now. My mom and my Aunt Cathy have been very pro-cloth since the beginning and I thought they were crazy. While my mom wanted me to do a diaper service, thats not available here in BFE anymore, so I started looking into doing it myself - and OMG there are a LOT of choices!! Plus, I haven't even started yet, and already have nay-sayers, "Oh, that will last about a week" I have never been afraid of failing - but please let me have a chance to try first! Sheesh!

I remember Amber talking about cloth diapering about a year ago, and how one of the reasons she and BJ were doing it was because BJ hated the feel of disposable diapers. I didn't really think about it at the time, but looking back, it struck a chord with me - I hate them too! The thought of putting all that plastic in the landfills makes me feel bad (and I am not particularly "earthy" in any other way) and, since I am going to be at home with this little one most of the time, I don't have the luxury of needing that convienience. Trust me though, if I were working full time, I would be stocking up on disposables like there was no tomorrow right now!

Now, because I live in the middle of nowhere, I haven't gotten to see any of these in real life, except for the few I have purchased online already. I am hoping a trip to Portland next week remedies that - I am looking forward to checking out Wee Bunz in Corvallis, and thanks to a bunch of coupons I won on Ebay, a trip to Babies R Us to stock up on gDiapers - one of my choices:

gDiapers are a cloth/disposal hybrid. The outside is cloth, the inside liner is plastic and holds either a prefold diaper/cloth liner, or a biodegradable/flushable liner. The disposable liners can be composted/or flushed, or will degrade in 50 days in the landfill. My thought right now is to use cloth and make my own liners for home, and use the disposable liners for when we are on the road or at Grandma's house.

I have ten of these heading my way - BumGenius Bamboo fitted Diaper:

They get great reviews, and were cheap, so I couldn't pass them up!

I have a few more on my registry that I am hoping to see in person soon - my plan for the newborn days is to use Indian Prefold diapers with Thirsties covers:

Of course things may change, but I don't see any child created my Josh and myself to be small in anyway, shape, or form - so I am trying not to go crazy with the teeny tiny sizes, because I am sure they will be in them for a week, two max!! lol

Other brands I am considering are BumGenius 3.0 One Size:
And Fuzzi Bunz one size:

So, I think that's it for now - there are SO many choices, lots of handmade brands too! But I think I will try all of these out and see what I like best before I venture into that world! Wish me luck, and of course comment below if you have insight!

2009-11-30T10:45:00.000-08:00

22 weeks today! I need to remember to have Josh take a pic when he comes home for lunch! I want to have this as a pregnancy diary of sorts, so here are a couple pics that have been sitting on my desktop for a while:

This was getting the ultrasound a few weeks back - I look SO much bigger laying down apparently!

And getting my H1N1 shot a few weeks before that! Josh and my dad were really on my case to get it - I was calling all around the state trying to track one down, I ended up getting it at my OBs office during my regularly scheduled appointment anyway!

Next up on the topic of obsessive research and discussion - cloth diapers!

2009-11-18T14:24:00.000-08:00

20 weeks! Halfway through!

2009-11-13T18:06:00.000-08:00

Couldn't help myself!

I bought this shirt from this adorable Etsy seller Winney & Bea that I found through Megan Duerksen's blog Whatever - this is one of those blogs that I read all the time - and I have no idea how I found it, but its in my google reader! lol And so glad for it now :)

2009-11-12T12:24:00.000-08:00

Its a....... BABY!

Glad its still in there - I apparently have an anterior placenta - meaning that the placenta is between my skin and the baby, so that's why I haven't felt much movement.

The little one wasn't very cooperative at the ultrasound, so I may have to go back for a second one, depending on if the doctor likes all the angles that they were able to get. The tech had us turn our heads when she scanned down to the "danger" zone - although from what she was saying, it has its little legs crossed and wasn't being helpful in that area anyways, so we probably wouldn't have been able to find out the sex even if we had wanted to. The techs were so supportive about us not finding out - even saying that they don't like to even see what it is if we don't :)

2009-11-10T08:42:00.001-08:00

Well if there is something I know I *can* do - its shop!

I have finally discovered the beauty and fabulousness that is Goodwill :) Now, don't get me wrong, I have always like thrift shopping, but I have to go in looking for something specific in order to not get overwhelmed. Plus, I have always been so good at shopping at places like Ross and TJ Maxx, that I've found that the sale prices there aren't really much more than the regular prices at GW.

Until now. Goldmine of Goodwill? Baby clothes! My god. New, barely used clothes for practically nothing!! Traci and I braved the mother ship - the Goodwill Outlet in Sellwood, where everything is unsorted in bins, and sold by the pound!!

This is what 16.5 pounds of baby clothes looks like! For $22! Traci turned out to be REALLY good at this, it took a while to get her warmed up to the concept, but once she was going, we went through every bin!

I am on load 3 of washing, pressing and sorting right now. We wern't picky as to whether it was girl/boy/non-gender specific, so I am sorting in those bins as I go. I'm leaving out the non-gender stuff, and will put away whatever I don't need for next time, or for my SIL Kate who is (hopefully) going to have another one soon!

My MIL warned me that I shouldn't buy too many clothes or else people won't be able to buy anything for the baby. I assured her that there are never too many clothes, and if I have to change outfits every hour, it will be done in the name of fashion :) Poor kid.

2009-11-01T19:55:00.000-08:00

So as the wedding season wraps up, I find myself trying to figure out how to keep myself busy. I'm thinking I should be doing more to get ready for the baby to get here! So, any advice? I'm a little crafty, I know how to sew and even have a great machine around here somewhere :) I signed up for a quilting class at the local quilt store in December.

Since we're not finding out what we're having, it makes it a little more challenging to do super cute boy/girl things. I was thinking about a scrapbook, sewing blankets, etc.

Any suggestions?

2009-09-29T16:10:00.000-07:00

Yup Yup!! Its about time huh? :)

2009-05-02T22:09:00.001-07:00

Since discovering it at Trader Joes many years ago, Vodka Sauce has been one of our favorite things. When I stumbled upon this recipe, I knew I had to try it out. Trust me when I say I don't like onions or tomatoes... but I loved this. :)

Ingredients:

2 cloves garlic
1 lg. shallot
1/4 yellow onion
1 Tbs. butter and 1 Tbs. Vegetable oil
1 14.5-oz. can diced tomatoes, drained
3 fresh tomatoes, chopped
1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 C. Half and Half
1/4 C. vodka
1/2 Bag of Rigatoni

1/2 Lb Shrimp

Directions

In a saucepan, brown garlic, shallots and onion in olive oil, about 5 minutes. Add canned tomatoes, fresh tomatoes and crushed red pepper. Mix and let cook on medium to high heat for 5-10 minutes. Add half and half and vodka and stir. Let cook for 5-10 minutes. If the mixture doesn’t thicken, quickly stir in 1 Tbs. flour. Keep heated until serving.

Saute the shrimp in butter and garlic. Serve over cooked penne or rigatoni or pasta of your choice. I chose to put the noodles and sauce in a baking dish - cover in grated Parmesan cheese and bake in the oven for about 15 minutes, sprinkling on the shrimp with about 5 minutes left.

2009-04-29T18:14:00.000-07:00

So I recently broke from my hardline against Apple products and got an iPhone. My defense being, it really is the coolest phone out there. I compared all of the similar phones out there and it won hands down. That, and, EVERY person I am related to within a 10 mile radius, along with my husband, has one... and I was bored when I was with them all and they were playing with their phones.

Long story short, I asked on Facebook for app suggestions, and one of them was BigOven (http://www.bigoven.com/) I knew I had moved a couple Pork Chops out of the freezer and into the fridge this morning, so I typed in "Pork Chops" into the search and this the first one that came up.

De-LISH! Hands down winner according to Josh too! (I used vegetable oil for the frying part, because I was out of Olive, and I added some Feta that I had in the fridge to the parmesan)

Garlic - Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops

These savory pork chops come out juicy, tender, and are complimented wonderfully by the parmesan, sage and garlic. This great dish can stand alone without needing a sauce or gravy to flavor it...and makes an easy dinner in less than an hour.

3/4 teaspoon salt
4 (1/2-inch thick) center-cut loin pork chops (bone-in or boneless)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried rubbed sage
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
3/4 cups Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup dried seasoned bread crumbs (I use Progresso garlic and herb)
Olive oil (for shallow frying)
4 large cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
Lemon wedges, for serving
Parsley sprigs, to garnish

Spread Parmesan cheese in a shallow dish. Beat eggs with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in another shallow dish. Spread bread crumbs in a third shallow dish.

Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Combine salt, pepper, sage, and thyme, and sprinkle generously over both sides of chops, pressing seasonings into meat with your fingers. Bread pork chops one at a time. Dredge seasoned chops in Parmesan cheese, coating both sides completely, patting to adhere. Then, using tongs, carefully dip both sides of chops in egg mixture, letting excess drip back into dish to ensure thin coating. Finally, dip both sides of chops in bread crumbs, pressing crumbs with fingers to form an even, cohesive coating. Place breaded chops on wire rack set over baking sheet, allow coating to dry for about 5 minutes. (The recipe can be done ahead to this point; cover chops loosely with wax paper and refrigerate for up to one hour.)

Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-low heat with enough olive oil to come halfway up the sides of the chops, about 1/4 cup. To flavor oil; stir in garlic, and cook until lightly browned. Remove garlic from skillet and discard or reserve for other uses. Increase heat to medium. When oil shimmers, add chops and fry 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy, or to an internal temperature between 150 and 160 degrees F. Drain on rack set over baking sheet, then transfer to a warm serving platter. Serve with lemon wedges and garnish with parsley sprigs.

I think I had the oil too high, so they did "brown" a little much - but the inside was juicy and moist.

2009-04-15T21:28:00.000-07:00

{Tagged by Jessie and Kambria}

OK - so I saw the tag from Jessie first, and I thought, ok that's cute - maybe I'll get to that. Then I clicked over Kam's blog, and saw it again. So I thought I better get on it. I didn't even move my butt from the chair, so no primping... obiviously. lol So, the rules:

You must take a picture of yourself right then and there....no primping.

No makeup - just a little of that lipstick that never comes off, love that stuff. Eyes looking a little crossed... usually means tired, or alcohol is kicking in. :)

I'd tag someone - but it seems like I am the last one to do this!! So, I am tagging everyone who reads this blog who hasn't done it yet :)

2009-02-27T21:21:00.000-08:00

Life changes...

Well! A new adventure is around the corner for Josh, the wieners, the cats and me! We are moving to Bandon-by-the-Sea... that's right! In April, we will be coast dwellers. It has all happened so fast that I haven't had much time to absorb everything... but Josh will be working at my dads company and I will be opening a real studio space in Bandon! :)

All my wedding work will stay the same - I have always considered myself a "state-wide" photographer - and I LOVE driving - so nothing will be any different on that front.

I will miss all you Albany/Corvallis folks so much - but I will be around almost every weekend over the Summer :)

I want to get those portrait sessions done that we have been putting off too - ask me about the "special friend" package that I have going until I leave.... and of course send me an email whenever - cardasphotography @ gmail.com

kiss*kiss

<3 Angela

2009-02-23T20:42:00.000-08:00

Yellow Curry Chicken with Potatoes

This is one of my favorite things to get when I go out for Thai - this is the cheap and easy version :) There are LOTS of different ways to make this, many that take hours and start from scratch. This was one I found online with the fewest amount of ingredients and shortest amount of time to make! I use Chicken, but also good with shrimp - but put them in at the end when the potatoes are tender, and cook only until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Serve over rice.

2 3/4 cups unsweetened light coconut milk

3 tablespoons yellow curry powder, hot or mild

1 pound boneless chicken breast or tenders, cut in big, bite-sized chunks

2 cups chicken broth

3-4 small white potatoes, cut into bite-sized chunks (about 1 1/2 cups)

1 medium onion, cut into thick wedges (about 1 cup)

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 can water chestnuts

In a medium saucepan or heavy skillet, bring 1 cup of the coconut milk to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until it begins to thicken and becomes fragrant. Add the curry powder, and cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring to dissolve it into the coconut milk. Add the chicken and cook another minute or two, tossing to coat it with the sauce.

Add the remaining 1 3/4 cups coconut milk, the chicken broth, the potatoes, onion, salt, and brown sugar, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to maintain a lively simmer and cook, stirring now and then, until the chicken is cooked and the potatoes are tender but still firm, 6 to 8 minutes.

Remove from the heat and serve hot or warm.

2008-12-30T13:45:00.001-08:00

So, sometimes I like making things from scratch. Other times? I just want something warm and yummy for dinner without a lot of hassle. This is where soup is born:

I found this at Albertson's a few weeks back and thought I would give it a try. It is by the canned soup - but on the top shelf - I tend to look up there when little old ladies ask me to get something down for them.

This stuff is YUMMY and soup-er (sorry - I couldn't resist) easy to personalize.

Once I had the soup made per package instructions, I added the following:

1 can of corn
1 lb of cooked and seasoned chicken (chopped up pretty small)
1 head of broccoli
salt (of course) and pepper

I let it all just simmer for about an hour - and then served with Ham sandwiches.

2008-12-23T13:38:00.000-08:00

Peanut Butter Filled Chocolate Cookies

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup butter softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup peanut butter
1 egg
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup sifted powdered sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter

Preheat oven to 350 degree F. In a medium mixing bowl stir together flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda. In another mixing bowl, beat together butter, the 1/2 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, and the 1/4 cup peanut butter with an electric mixer until combined. Add the egg, milk, and vanilla; beat well. Beat in as much of the dry ingredients as you can with mixer. Stir in remaining dry ingredients by hand with a wooden spoon. A powerful Kitchen-Aid mega mixer could be used the entire time I'm sure. Form chocolate dough into 32 balls about 1-1/4 inches in diameter.

For peanut butter filling, in a medium mixing bowl combine powdered sugar and the remaining 1/2 cup peanut butter until smooth. (I don't know if this was a factor or not, but I used chunky peanut butter and the mix didn't combine correctly. I added about another 1/8th of a cup of peanut butter and it worked up nicer) Shape mixture into 32 (3/4-inch) balls. On a work surface, slightly flatten a chocolate dough ball and top with a peanut butter ball. Shape the chocolate dough over the peanut butter filling, completely covering the filling. Roll dough into a ball. Repeat with the remaining chocolate dough and peanut butter filling balls.

This part is a little tricky - at least it was for me - so I took pictures as I went:

1. Original ball of chocolate dough

2. Flatten dough ball in the palm of your hand so it makes a little "cup"

3. Put a little pile of the peanut butter mixture in the center:

4. "fold" the edges up and over the peanut butter. Its almost like flower petals closing over the mix.

Place balls 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake ‘em in for 8-10 minutes or until they’re just set and surface is slightly cracked. Let cookies stand for 1 minute. Transfer cookies to wire racks; cool. They will be slightly soft so don’t overbake!

MMMMM....

2008-12-21T11:15:00.000-08:00

I would have taken my own picture of these - but they are all gone... I thought we had one left - but Josh ate it! Colleen from the ReStore made these for our Habitat for Humanity Christmas party and they are amazing! As good or better than what you would buy in a store!

Simply Sensational Truffles

Prep Time:
15 min

Total Time:
1 hr 15 min

Makes:
18 servings, 2 truffles each

What You Need

2-1/2 pkg. (20 squares) BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate, divided

1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened

decorations: chopped PLANTERS COCKTAIL Peanuts, multi-colored sprinkles

Make It

MELT 8 chocolate squares. Beat cream cheese with mixer until creamy. Blend in melted chocolate. Refrigerate until firm.

SHAPE into 36 balls. Place on waxed paper-covered baking sheet.

MELT remaining chocolate. Use fork to dip truffles; return to baking sheet. Decorate, then refrigerate 1 hour.

Kraft Kitchens Tips

Size-Wise

Chocolate truffles are rolled in a variety of coatings for a sweet treat that is perfect for gift-giving or for serving on a special occasion.

Substitute

Prepare using BAKER'S White Chocolate.

Special Extra

Sprinkle truffles with crushed peppermint candies in addition to, or instead of, the chopped peanuts and colored sprinkles.

2008-12-16T17:33:00.000-08:00

The house smells amazing... ;) Dinner tonight is:

Curried Split Pea Soup

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup chopped onion
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
12 ounces dried green or yellow split peas, picked over and rinsed
5 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon curry powder

Place the butter into a large (4 to 6-quart) saucepan over medium-low heat. Once melted, add the onion and a generous pinch of salt and sweat for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the garlic and continue to sweat for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, making certain not to allow onions or garlic to brown.

Add the peas, chicken broth and curry powder. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook at a simmer until the peas are tender and not holding their shape any longer, approximately 45 to 50 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Using care and a stick blender, puree the soup until the desired consistency. Watch out for hot splatters.

2008-12-15T20:27:00.000-08:00

So lets see if I can get this up and running again shall we?

So I have thought a lot about what I could do with this blog - my "personal" blog. My life it seems, is the business - but I swear there are other things I do besides take pictures. Like, for example, EAT! Or more specifically, cook. And I am constantly searching for recipes - even if I have made them a hundred times. Now, if I was an organized person, I would print and laminate each individual recipe card and have a cute little box where I kept them all - in alphabetical order and cross referenced by main ingredients. Me? Not going to happen. But I can bookmark my blog and look stuff up that way.

SO! I am going to share my favorite recipes! I find them all over - recipe books, online, Alton Brown is a permanent favorite... and family ones of course! So, if you are still around - I hope you enjoy!

I am going to kick it off with one of my favorites - Chocolate Waffles!

This is my waffle maker:

I LOVE it!! My mom got it for Josh a few Christmases ago (he tends to get kitchen appliances a lot for some reason) This:

Also a HUGE hit at my house.

But back to waffles. Josh tends to like to fixate on a certain dish and make it over and over again until he finds the perfect recipe. (His Vodka Sauce is amazing) So a few years back, it was waffles. We tried every prepackaged variety on the planet, in-store, online, mail order... you name it. We settled on a few favorites - but this is mine! Courtesy of my boyfriend... I mean Hero - Alton Brown.

Ingredients

7 ounces all-purpose flour, approximately 1 1/2 cups
1 3/4 ounces sugar, approximately 3 tablespoons
1.5 ounces cocoa powder, approximately 1/2 cup
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3 whole eggs, beaten
2 ounces unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
16 ounces buttermilk, room temperature
4 ounces chocolate chips, approximately 3/4 cup
Vegetable spray, for waffle iron

Directions

Preheat waffle iron.

In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. In another bowl beat together the eggs and melted butter and vanilla, and then add the buttermilk. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir in the chocolate chips just until combined. Allow to rest for 5 minutes.

Ladle the recommended amount of waffle batter onto the center of the iron. Close the iron top and cook until the waffle is crispy on both sides and is easily removed from iron. Serve immediately or keep warm in a 200 degree F oven until ready to serve.

*******************************************************************************

I eat mine with Peanut Butter and whipped cream....MMMMM!!!

2008-04-26T10:02:00.000-07:00

Hey!! As you can probably tell - I am not updating this blog very often... lol This is supposed
to be my "personal" blog - but my job is my life - so I update that one a lot more often!
(Cardas Photography Blog)

But - I actually did do something for a week that wasn't work related!! Thats right - HOOKER CAMP!! Five exciting days of hooking rugs with my family. And, for like the fifth straight year, I didn't go to the beach - which is across the street from the Twin Rocks Friends Camp...

The "Tablecloth" here is actually a HUGE tree skirt hooked by my sister Mary:

The whole crew: Me, Mary, Colleen, Mary Beth (moms sister from Connecticut) and mama.

My teacher for the week Joan Reckwerdt - giving us a lesson on finishing rugs:

Mama, working on her rug - a self portrait!

This is Robin - she was the officiant at my wedding! yes - I was married by a hooker....

I didn't have any rugs in the rig show this year - too busy to finish anything - but this was Moms - I love it!!

And finally - here I am - hard at work:

2008-02-23T18:25:00.000-08:00

I am a packrat and a slob. Oh yes I am. And I am not inspired to do things by myself. Thats what my sister Colleen is for. She cracks the whip and keeps me focused. So here are the before and afters of an entire day spent in the bedroom....

And After - I wish I had taken a picture of the back of Colleens Trucks with the EIGHT bags of clothes and shoes that we brought to the Goodwill....

More pics from her visit on Ripleys Blog!

2008-01-27T11:45:00.000-08:00

Let it Snow!!!

The wieners aren't 100% sure... :) But they had some fun anyway.

We also put the cats out in the snow. They have been watching from the window all day. They are indoor cats - so Josh was hoping if we put them out in this miserableness it might change their mind about their desire to get out there all the time....

2008-01-11T22:01:00.000-08:00

So I did it - I started a Facebook Account. Who else is there? Make me your friend - or whatever. :)

I think this will get you to my page.

Facebook Page

I have been amazed at the amount of people I know on there! I had it search my email accounts and I have people as my friends that I only sent an email to once for some reason... lol

Anyway - sent me a holla if your there. :)

Angela

2008-01-10T00:16:00.000-08:00

$59??!! Damn - I hate that I have to buy two of everything...having twins is hard!

2008-01-02T21:02:00.000-08:00

Best. Commercial. Ever.

2007-12-17T23:58:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from the Meredith Family - Josh, Angela, Mike, Cooper, Sam, Matt and Simon the garage cat (not pictured)

2007-12-13T14:26:00.000-08:00

Introducing my brand new website!!

Its finally "live." Thanks to all my fantastic clients for helping me fill it with my favorite images. Please take a look and let me know what you think!

http://www.cardasphotography.com

Angela

2007-12-10T19:09:00.000-08:00

It was a rare weekend off this past weekend. I have been so busy lately and I was really looking forward to the weekend away with Josh, Kate, Ezra and Liam and all the dogs to Newport!

And I think I have found my new photography assistant. I have had a camera in this boys face for nearly four years now. This weekend he was suddenly and completely enthralled with the whole concept. And he didn't do too bad either!

It took a little bit to get him to look through the eye piece... but once he did it was all good.

And the result - a group shot!

More shots from the trip --->>>here<<<---

2007-12-01T22:50:00.001-08:00

Attention Fellow Photographers!!

Sara of Sara Lil Photography and I are hosting a Shoot With Beckstead workshop on April 14th & 15th 2008 in Corvallis Oregon. We are so excited!

American Photo Magazine named him one of the top 10 best wedding photographers in 2007!

Information on the workshop: Oregon

If you are a photographer interested in attending please contact me at:

angela@cardasphotography.com

Spaces are limited.

2007-11-29T21:12:00.000-08:00

I'm alive! Thanks for all the reminders - I need to get better about keeping this one up as much as I keep the business one up!

Speaking of, on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving I volunteered at the Albany Boys and Girls Club for their Thanksgiving Feast - I put more pictures of that on the Photography Blog --->>> HERE <<<---

Thanksgiving rocked. I love it. It might be my 2nd favorite holiday - right behind Independence day :) We spent the actual Thanksgiving day at Kate and Ezras house. It was supposed to be at our house, but since Peets is open on T-day - Kate had to work, and Tina (joshes mom) invited three extra people - it was going to be pretty sucky to make everyone come all the down to Albany to squeeze into my tiny house. SO - I cooked the turkey and the mashed potatoes and Kate cooked pretty much everything else!

For the recipes, you HAVE to try this for the turkey. This is the third time I have made it, and it is perfect and moist and delicious every time:

Thank you to Alton Brown of course - my hero. This is from Good Eats Episode EASP01
Romancing the Bird (A Good Eats Thanksgiving)

1 (14 to 16 pound) frozen young turkey
For the brine:
1 cup kosher salt
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 gallon vegetable stock
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
1/2 tablespoon allspice berries
1/2 tablespoon candied ginger
1 gallon iced water
For the aromatics:
1 red apple, sliced
1/2 onion, sliced
1 cinnamon stick
1 cup water
4 sprigs rosemary
6 leaves sage
Canola oil

Combine all brine ingredients, except ice water, in a stockpot, and bring to a boil. Stir to dissolve solids, then remove from heat, cool to room temperature, and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.

Early on the day of cooking, (or late the night before) combine the brine and ice water in a clean 5-gallon bucket. Place thawed turkey breast side down in brine, cover, and refrigerate or set in cool area (like a basement) for 6 hours. Turn turkey over once, half way through brining.

A few minutes before roasting, heat oven to 500 degrees. Combine the apple, onion, cinnamon stick, and cup of water in a microwave safe dish and microwave on high for 5 minutes.

Remove bird from brine and rinse inside and out with cold water. Discard brine.

Place bird on roasting rack inside wide, low pan and pat dry with paper towels. Add steeped aromatics to cavity along with rosemary and sage. Tuck back wings and coat whole bird liberally with canola (or other neutral) oil.

Roast on lowest level of the oven at 500 degrees F. for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and cover breast with double layer of aluminum foil, insert probe thermometer into thickest part of the breast and return to oven, reducing temperature to 350 degrees F. Set thermometer alarm (if available) to 161 degrees. A 14 to 16 pound bird should require a total of 2 to 2 1/2 hours of roasting. Let turkey rest, loosely covered for 15 minutes before carving.

And the Mashed Potatoes were also heavenly - we added the real bacon bits from Costco. Also from Alton Brown - on All Star Thanksgiving on the Food Network

3 1/2 pounds russet potatoes
16 fluid ounces (2 cups) half-and-half
6 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tablespoons kosher salt
6 ounces grated ParmesanPeel and dice potatoes, making sure all are relatively the same size. Place in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and then reduce heat to maintain a rolling boil. Cook until potatoes fall apart when poked with a fork.

Heat the half-and-half and the garlic in a medium saucepan over medium heat until simmering. Remove from heat and set aside.

Remove the potatoes from the heat and drain off the water. Mash and add the garlic-cream mixture, salt, and Parmesan; stir to combine. Let stand for 5 minutes so that mixture thickens and then serve.

Liam was great - he is all potty trained and speaking more and more clearly everyday - he is so stinking cute. He loves the wieners. I talked to him on the phone a few days before Thanksgiving, Josh was up there with them and I was at home. I asked Liam which one of the wieners was him favorite - he said "Coopah is..." Basically Cooper is a masochist and loves how rough a little kid can be to a dog and Mike barks and nips at him. But he told me at Thanksgiving that he loves them both equally.

Friday we headed down to Bandon for our second Thanksgiving on Saturday. Josh spent Saturday golfing with my dad while I hooked with my mom and Colleen. I am aiming to have that huge Sunflower rug done in time for rug camp in April.

I slacked on taking pictures - but man! Ripley is so fast - he is hard to catch a shot of. This is him and Cooper running from the kitchen. I think its the only picture I have that is even a little bit focused of them... The three of them never stopped. Ripley was a little much for Cooper to take - he retreated into his kennel voluntarily to escape the constant puppy play.

So better late than never - HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2007-10-01T21:27:00.000-07:00

I got a new car today!! I don't like the reason why, if you want pictures just email me.... unless you are Joshes parents. Then everything is great! :) :) :)

2007-09-15T13:09:00.000-07:00

I have a wedding today in Newberg and then I am leaving for Las Vegas at the b.c.o.d. tomorrow morning. Wish me luck, and I will see you next week!

Love and Hugs,

Angela

2007-09-10T21:57:00.000-07:00

Truth be told, I am a slob. Not a dirty slob, just a cluttered, messy, busy one with WAY too much stuff.

So this weekend we made a trip to IKEA and bought the Expedit shelf I have been coveting for a long long time.

There were some issues in the assembly - the wood dowels that are supposed to hold it together went all the way in flush with the side instead of half way in to support both sides like they are supposed to. So we screwed in some screws instead - it pushed a little piece through the side - but we just turned that side towards the wall :) So - some pics:

Before:

This is after a little cleaning already - a lot of the boxes were in front of the desk and a lot of papers were under the desk, and the far left of the desk was covered in crap too...

After, Still some organization to do on the buffet on the left:

And on the bakers rack on the right - but its a start!!

2007-09-01T15:09:00.000-07:00

Long time no blog huh? Well its been a busy Summer. The only thing I have going on this weekend is a Bull Riding at the Oregon State Fair - so I am going to go see my pictures hanging in the photo exhibit and then take some pictures of bulls. :)

Had some fun yesterday, my buddy Sara (a photographer in Corvallis) and I headed out around Corvallis to take some shots of each other. What do you think?

2007-08-05T12:43:00.000-07:00

Its been a long summer so far - and my house has suffered for it.

So - I have one Saturday off between June and September. Do I use this beloved weekend to sleep in? No, in fact Josh forgot to turn the alarm off, so I was up at 6:45a. Do I travel to a far away land to recharge my batteries and maybe get some sun on these pasty white legs? Nope. So what do I do? I arrange for a guy to come clean the carpets, and my sister comes up from Bandon to help me empty the house to do so. Thursday and Friday morning were spent emptying the back bedroom (the scrapbook room/computer room), the hallway and the living room.

So - we had the house emptied by 9:30 - with the carpet guy coming at 11. We used that time to go to *EVERY* furniture store in Albany looking for a new corner entertainment unit. Apparently that is strange request. Most stores had nothing that fit the bill - the others were tremendously over priced - some even had built-in fireplaces. So we bought a paper and hung out reading it on the back porch while the guy cleaned the carpets. In the back section of the paper Colleen saw a Corner Entertainment unit advertised in Sweet Home, so the trek for the day began. We thrifted our way from Albany to Jefferson, Lebanon to Sodaville to Sweet Home. After some time to wait for Josh to get off work to help us load it into the back of the truck, and yummy Mexican food for dinner - we ended up back at home with this:

I wasn't too sure about it when I paid for it, but it fits so perfectly in my living room - it isn't even funny. Its a custom made piece, its even signed by the guy who made it on the bottom! Oak isn't my favorite tree once it is cut into lumber - but this does match the fireplace mantle and the other wood accents in my house - so really, what more can you ask for.

The other reason Colleen was in town was to pick up a couch she had found on Craigslist a few weeks ago - so we were off to Philomath to pick that up last night. We saw a lot of the Willamette valley this weekend!

Now thrifting is one of my favorite things - and I love seeing what the best thrifter I know (Amber) brings home with her each trip. Myself however, I am lazy, and a packrat. So its hard to get to out of my PJs on a Saturday morning - plus I am usually getting ready to head out to a wedding. But, when I am on a mission and have a goal? I really love heading out with the Garmin and scoping out the coolest finds. I really couldn't thrift without a GPS - frustration would ensue.

So - at the insistance of Amber - I will share my finds :)

The most interesting find was actually that black camera case. Inside it had Hoya UV filters (which actually do fit on my Nikon 50mm lens), and a video camera lens adapter that we found on Ebay for nearly $100. I have a feeling that someone took the camera out, but didn't clean out the pockets. Quite the steal for $.50 (what happened to the cents symbol?) The Manilow album is for Eileen - she is a Fanilo.

The cameras are my favorite find. I decided to collect antique cameras a couple months ago - and I just love finding them. I am looking for working ones eventually to use for fn - but right now I just look for cool looking ones, and I think this one fits the bill. I love the built in bellows.

A few other finds - Colleen got a quilt for $2 that was beautiful! I bought a whole box of Christmas lights (that we put on the inside of our outdoor tent over the back patio), a few books and some brand new khakis and shorts. Except for the TV unit, I think I spent exactly $30.

On another note - the new season of "Feasting on Asphalt" started this weekend. Its Alton Brown from "Good Eats" riding up the Mississippi River on his BMW motorcycle eating at hole in the wall restaurants. I love Alton Brown - I would love to be his photographer on this show - it looks like so much fun. Last year he went from South Carolina to Los Angeles. I need to figure out how to get him down the West Coast next year so he can hire me to go along - although his current photographer is amazing :)

2007-07-28T09:33:00.000-07:00

Wow! I knew I was going to be busy this Summer, but I really underestimated myself. If you have tried to make plans with me lately? I am really sorry - I swear I will call you in October. :)

I did find time to enter some things in the Linn County fair however. And I came out a big winner!

My rug got 1st place in the RugHooking Category (not hard since I think it was the only entry) but it got "Reserve Grand Champion" in textiles overall (2nd place). The grand Champion? A little (and I mean little) 3" x 4" cloth pillow. Oh well, I don't do it for the fame and fortune thats for sure.

I entered a bunch of pictures as well, This one won 1st place in the "Pet" Category:

This one got 1st place in the "Linn County" category:

And this on got 2nd place in the same "Linn County" category. This one also won a special award. It was chosen as the photograph to represent Linn County at the state fair!

So, onto the State Fair for me :) Check out the Cardas Photography blog for wedding updates, I try to put up at least a couple pics from each session right afterwards.

2007-07-01T22:59:00.000-07:00

So I got home Friday night after a celebratory Margarita with the gals in Eugene, spent one night in bed and then got to shoot my first wedding of the summer! The first of 12 in a row in fact!!

Toni and Travis are my fab couple from this engagement session:

I was so excited to get to Photograph their big day. I had met the whol family during the engagement session and they were such a fun group. I am still working on the pictures - but here are a couple of my faves. More on the ----> PhotoBlog <----

2007-07-01T22:44:00.000-07:00

Whew! What a week!!! So last week was Teacher Hooker Camp. Thats right. I whole week where I go and learn how to teach hookers. Its more stress than fun for me. I am in charge of printing the report from the weeks events and have it bound and printed by the morning of Friday. No small task with 25 classes reporting, meetings, treasury reports and full color pictures of every rug taught during the week included. I also decided to be an over achiever this year and burn DVDs of all the pictures I took during the week this year and last for 75+ woman. Sheesh.

You may recall from last year that I taught this rug:

There were so many great interpretations returned this year for the rug show!!

Lynn Howard, Leann Rudolf and Cec Caswell all returned with their finished cats this year. See? 8 Cuts equal finished rugs. :)

I was so proud to see them come back! I am teaching the "Freshman" next year! So excited.

However, I need to finish four pieces before I go back next year to actually become a certified teacher. I also need another student, so if you have ever wanted to do me a big favor... I mean learn the fine art of Rug Hooking, let me know. And Amber - we need to have once a month Craft night! Maybe then I will actually get something accomplished!

2007-06-14T01:13:00.001-07:00

{100th post} :)

No big reason to post, I just saw this quote and loved it.

"If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything."

— Mark Twain

2007-06-11T20:51:00.000-07:00

Another blog? Yup. I realized the other day that my typepad blog lets me have three blogs on the same account. So I started a photo blog that is just for the business photography. Probably not going to see any wieners there - unless they are someone elses...

Here it is:

Cardas Photography {PhotoBlog}

Angela

2007-06-08T20:48:00.000-07:00

I know allergies can't kill you, but I think they are coming close this year.

Last weekend was a migraine for most of Sunday - today was a 2 hour unintentional nap.

I drove down to meet Colleen in Eugene. Driving through the "Grass Seed Capital of the World" the whole way down. Literally from 1 mile south of my house to 1 mile north of Eugene (40 miles total) is one big field of allergy. I picked up Colleen at the Monaco Coach factory so she could go shopping with me while Glen (visiting from Australia) took the tour.

First stop was a couple of garage sales I found on Craigslist. Now, I watch my buddies Amber and Sharyn go sale-ing all the time and I love seeing their treasures. I however, don't get my butt out of bed early enough generally and I usually have better luck finding bargains at the mall, or Ross. But I hit the motherload this trip. I have been thinking about starting a new collection: antique cameras, perhaps even using them!

I saw these babies sitting out on a table and scooped them up, casually asked Colleen to loan me the money, and practically ran to my car with giddy excitement. Aren't they pretty? And both of these, along with the flash for the camera were a total of.... wait for it..... $1.75!!!! So cool. The one on the left is actually a Brownie 8mm video camera. Since Josh is a Videographer I figured it could also be included in my camera collection :)

I also got two white button up shirts and a beautiful clock for my guest room - all for under $5 total.
We ate lunch at Red Robin, and I drove home through the Valley of Death, I mean the Willamette Valley, and got home about 3:30. I sat in the yummy leather chair and pretty much passed out until Josh walked through the door at 5:15. This is the worst my allergies have been in about 8 years - I am going to blame global warming.

2007-06-03T12:49:00.000-07:00

I just joined an online group for photographers. A very well renowned wedding photographer from England happened to look at my website (the horror!) and told me I needed a picture of myself on my "About me" page. So, after going to Bare Essentuals at the mall and getting my makeup done, I had Traci snap a few shots for me. Most people at the office liked the middle one, but other business friends of mine liked the more reserved one on the left, so I chose that one to be on the safe side...

2007-06-03T12:09:00.001-07:00

Please, I beg of you, the next time I mention taking the train to California - please shake me. Hard.

Friday May 25th 4:10 pm On time departure from Albany. I didn't miss the train and have to banzai to Eugene to catch this time.

Saturday May 26th 9:30 am: 2 hours late arriving in Martinez, CA. Not bad really. I can handle showing up at 9:30am instead of 7:30 am - your day is not really ruined, especially if you usually wake up at 9:00 on a normal day anyway. I sat next to a very nice lady who was on her way back to Los Angeles, and got a lot of hooking done.

Monday May 28th 11:00pm: The way home. On time leaving Martinez - great! I sat next to a very nice little British man who shared his laptop and headphones with me so I could watch Mr and Mrs Smith before going to sleep. Somewhere around Mt Shasta is where the long wait began. They tell us that there is a broken track and it is being fixed and we'll be on our way soon. About an hour and half later we move forward, about 100 yards, and stop again. Yup - you guessed it, another broken rail. This time they know it is going to be a while, so they back up to the exact spot we had just been stopped at, and let us out to stretch our legs - for about FOUR HOURS. I was supposed to roll into Albany about Noon on Tuesday - instead it was about 9:00pm.

So yes, I will agree with the 27 some odd people that told me last Tuesday - I need therapy. So I am going to try out that novel concept - again - on Wednesday. He claims he can cure me in one session. We'll see. The problem with this issue I have with flying is - you need to fly to see if it worked! Crap. Test flight to Finland anyone?

But - seeing my grandparents, Aunt and sister was fun! The reason I went down was to celebrate my birthday with my Grandpa! He and I share May 24th as our birthday - I turned the big 3-0 and he the big 8-9. Cathy busted out the Dom for the occasion. Not bad at all. I am still a Rum girl myself though.

These are my adorable grandparents Pat and George. Shortly after this picture was taken Nana dropped some blue cheese on Cathys very newly reupholstered couch - leaving a huge black mark in the ultra-suede. Cath did a great job of holding her composure when, in trying to spray Spot Shot on the stain, it unintentionally sprayed ALL OVER the back cushions. It dried, but the stain was still visible - so Mary flipped the cushion over. Perfect solution if it was my couch. Cathy still assures me that she knows its there.

2007-05-23T20:23:00.000-07:00

OK - so I am watching American idol by myself - Traci had to up and go to Boston instead of hang out with me this week - the nerve). So, you will need to bear with my commentary. Spoiler alert if you haven't watched yet :)

With that stupid "Golden Idol thing" they have Jumped the Shark. Bleck.
Kelly Clarkson rocks however - love that chick!
Smokey Robinson, seriously, back away from the Plastic Surgeon.
How cool for Blake to get to perform with Doug E! Life highlight for him, I'm sure.
I think Carrie Underwood is adorable - but whats with the prom dress over jeans?
totally going to see Evan Almighty (watching in real time tonight)
I want one of those kids in that choir! how stinkin cute were they?
Seriously, stop with Sanjaya.
Can that little girl not cry?
So excited for So you think you can dance to start tomorrow!
The new dance of the American Idols seems to be "Marching in Place"
Love Jordin! So glad she won - I love Blake - but she is he whole package. Her parents are so cute! Winning for the big girls - gotta love her.

So, its been a while since I blogged for real huh? Lots of catching up to do! I now know how to do CPR thanks to first aid training at work. Of course we took it very seriously.

Celebrated my birthday (a smidge early) with my parents at my house last night on their way to Idaho - super fun. Dad took over the big new (to us) chair (thanks to Amber) and watched the Golf Channel while Mom and I went to the monthly hooking meeting in North Albany. He also figured out how I can get my camera to go to 3200 ISO! Woo Hoo ! I know this won't be interesting to most - but I love learning what that camera can do! Canon is slowly but surely winning me over.

I am attempting the Amtrak again this weekend. Please train gods - don't punish me like you did the last time. I seriously pray that they trip home takes the normal 15 hours rather than the 25 it took in January. I am bringing hooking this time - so maybe I will actually get something accomplished. Since I am not taking my car Josh is getting my car windows tinted for me for my birthday present :) I am taking the train down to visit my Grandpa and Nana in Walnut Creek California. May 24th is his birthday too! I was his 59th birthday present :) He is turning 89 tomorrow!!! Big sis Mary is making the trip too. I hope to go into San Fran on Saturday. I have been dying to check out this store : Timeless Treasures

Our friend Jami came over and introduced the wieners to bubbles! I could tell they didn't like the taste - but they weren't putting 2+2 together about how the floating orbs of fun were contributing to the bad taste. They would look at me and stick their tongues out a few times, but as soon as the bubbles started again they were right back at it.

Heres to a new decade - cheers :)

2007-05-19T17:57:00.000-07:00

I love Google games. Go to Google and type in your name+ needs and see what comes up. You might be surprised what you need :)

Angela needs a family who will access and work with a therapist. (I KNOW, RIGHT!!!) *<---I didn't type that extra comment - it came that way!!!*

Angela needs a psychiatric evaluation. (damn, are all the angela's in the world crazy?) *<---I didn't type that comment either!!!!*

Angela needs to constantly "feel" the presence of God

Angela Needs Some Advice.

Angela needs help!

2007-04-30T21:41:00.000-07:00

I spent Saturday photographing a super cute couple! Mikela and Jesse are getting married in September and I am looking forward to photographing that too!

I had never been to Portland's International Test Garden before, it was stunning! I can't wait to go back when the roses are actually blooming.

2007-04-27T07:55:00.000-07:00

I got this from both Mary Kate and Margaret (my So. Cal cousins) so I figured I better get it done :)

Hello All:

Welcome to the 2007 edition of getting to know your friends. What you are supposed to do is copy (not forward) this entire list and paste it into a new e-mail that you'll send or post. Change all the answers so they apply to you, and then send this to a whole bunch of people including the person who sent it to you. The theory is that you will learn a lot of little things about your friends, if you did not know them already.

1. What time did you get up this morning? 7:45

2. Diamonds or Pearls? Both

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Jackass Number 2

4. What is your favorite TV show? Veronica Mars

5. What did you have for breakfast? Coffee

6. What is your middle name? Susan

7. What is your favorite cuisine? Anything Mexican

8. What foods do you dislike? Tomatoes and Onions

9. Your favorite Potato chip? Fritos or the Crunchy Cheetos

10. What is your favorite CD right now? The Rasmus or The New Pornographers

11. What kind of car do you drive? BMW 328is

12. Favorite sandwich? Turkey and Dry Salami from Big Town Hero

13. What characteristics do you despise? Rude, self righteous

14. What are your favorite clothes? All of them

15. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Finland

16. What is your favorite brand of clothing? Anything that fits

17. Where would you want to retire? Anywhere as long as I am retired

18. Favorite time of day? Nighttime on the couch with my husband

19. Where were you born? Fontana CA

20. What is your favorite sport to watch? Dancing with the Stars

21. Who do you think will not send this back? Beth K

22. Person you expect to send it back first? Traci

23. Pepsi or Coke? Coke

24. Beavers or Ducks? BEAVERS!

25. Are you a morning person or night owl? Night Owl

26. Pedicure or Manicure? Pedicure (and a Fill)

27. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? Wienerdog Races are Memorial Day weekend at Oaks Park

28. What did you want to be when you were little? An Oceanographer

29. What is your best childhood memory? Summers

30. Piercing? one in each ear. (used to be many more)

31. Ever been to Africa? No

32. Ever been toilet papering? Definitely!

34. Favorite restaurant? Ringside or Campbells in Portland

35. Favorite flower? Gerbera Daisy or Sunflowers

36. Favorite ice cream? Umqua Chocolate Peanut Butter

37. Favorite fast food restaurant? In & Out

38. How many times did you fail you drivers test? (written) Twice, behind the wheel never

39. From whom did you get your last e-mail? Margaret

40. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Target

41. Bedtime? 11 p.m.

42. Whose responses to this are you most curious about? yours

43. Last person you went to dinner with? Kate and Ezra

44. What are you listening to right now? Morning News

45. How many people are you sending this to? 100+ :)

46. Favorite magazine? BHG Scrapbooks Etc

47. What time did you finish this e-mail? 8:04 am

2007-04-19T12:44:00.000-07:00

Rug Camp: Day 4

More progress on the rug. Thank you Turbo for the suggestion about placemats! My teacher thought that would be a very cool idea - so that might be next.

I am trying to have this done by June!

I think this is my favorite sunflower now:

2007-04-17T08:09:00.000-07:00

Hooking Camp: Day 1

I got a lot done toady. Doing the flower petals like this makes it go so fast! I have one more done than this pictures that I hooked at night.

I am so happy that my vision is coming through! I so rarely know EXACTLY what I am going to do. But when I saw this gigantic rug last summer - I knew what it was going to look like when I finished it.

This is my favorite single flower so far.

So fun! Everyone keeps oohing and ahhing over it. I think mostly because it is SO different than what everyone else here is working on - but I am an attention whore - so it works out well for me.

I need to go into Tillamook today. Me, the queen of packing and the person who has enough clothes to clothe a third world country - only brought one pair of jeans. One. Seriously. For a whole week. Not going to work.

2007-04-15T23:41:00.000-07:00

I have internet access!!! Maybe not that amazing a concept for some - but I am currently on the bottom bunk, in a cabin, in BFE Oregon. I have been lucky that my cell phone worked in past years. Oh yeah - why am I sharing a little cabin in the woods with my mama? Because I am at Hooker camp. Thats right - six straight days of hooking, why? Because I am a:

He he :) You know I am getting that baby printed on a tee-shirt, I just wished I would have done it so I could wear it this week!

Josh and I spent Saturday night in Newport - very deserved after the hell that taxes put us through Friday night. Those are five hours of my life I would like back. Lets just say that a big ol' check is on its way to the IRS as we speak. I hate being honest - and being married to someone even more moral than myself, oh and 1099's - I don't care much for those either.

But I do like the beach! April is lovely at the Oregon coast - the weather can go either way, (and it will go the other way later this week) but the hotels are empty and so are the restaurants.

I love this shot of Josh - it might make it to my wall of fame. I bought a polarizing filter for the Canon - skies look so much better with it on.

Got to watch the sun set too.

Mama picked me up Sunday and we headed up the coast to Rockaway - with a brief stop at the outlets in Lincoln City. Wish me luck on my wool sales Thursday. If I hit my sales goal I am buying a new lens for the Canon.

Go me!

2007-04-06T05:23:00.000-07:00

I just *love* it when Josh works the early morning shift.... not really. I would rather continue my life without being aware that there are actually *two* 3:30's in the day. I don't complain too much - because I am not the one driving to work - but its still annoying. The wieners want out of bed as soon as they hear the garage door open. And once I open the bedroom door and see the bright glare of the hall light - I am awake too. Now, said wieners are asleep on their bed under piles of blankets, and I am sitting bleary eyed at my computer with not enough coffee left. I never can make coffee right if I don't make a whole pot...

Some wiener drama this week. Josh got the boys this huge bone over the weekend. Of course it was every dogs dream: a bone as big as they are! Cooper was fine, but Mike was puking all day Tuesday and into Wednesday. I brought him into the vet on Wednesday afternoon. After TWO hours of sitting and waiting - they basically told me to give him some Pepto and watch his poop to make sure that the bone fragments were coming out ok. And, oh yeah, no more bones.

Taylor rocked at the Skateboarding event on Sunday - so fun to watch him. I really wish I knew how to skateboard. My balance and coordination never could accommodate that - even before my ass was this size.

My engagement shoot was canceled for tomorrow. The groom was in a car accident, so we'll try again when the bruising goes down. SO - I am open tomorrow :) If you have been wanting to schedule that family portrait session give me a call!

2007-03-31T23:07:00.000-07:00

Yes my friends... it was the social event of the year. And I was there.

Amber and BJs wedding was DEVINE!! Of course knowing Amber, it was all about the details. Buttons personally made for every guest (mine was an american flag, joshes was a microphone.) a photo booth that was packed all night, keys for every guest that could open boxes that contained prizes, a candy "bar," and open bar, cotton candy... I could go on and on....

I was not the official photographer - but amber knew I wasn't going to come without my camera. I'm mad at myself however - I had the ISO set wrong, so I didn't get very many shots, but I have put up a few here:

Amber and BJs Wedding Reception

There were so many good ones of her dancing with her dad that it was hard to choose just the two that I did. I will of course have my camera at hand for brunch tomorrow as well. We are staying at a pretty hotel tonight, but we will be heading back down to Albany tomorrow - maybe stopping to see Taylor skateboarding in Salem on the way home. So more tomorrow! TTFN

2007-03-31T09:35:00.000-07:00

I am a lucky lucky girl!! This was on my front porch this morning!

I won a contest from Making Memories last Wednesday and this was the prize. So cool! I do tend to be on the lucky side when it comes to contests. I just tell everyone that it is just because I enter so many - that odds are I am going to win something!

So big thanks to Making Memories!

2007-03-28T11:41:00.000-07:00

OK - THIS is why I would want to learn how to knit. How cute is this???

Its a jacket. For an apple. Brilliant. This is from the Etsy store of jacqueline that I found through another scrapbookers blog.

But too many hobbies for me already. Knitting will have to wait. Quilting is wanting to make a comeback before I start something totally new. :)

2007-03-27T21:56:00.000-07:00

Another day in the backyard with the wieners....

2007-03-25T21:15:00.000-07:00

OK - I found the coolest site and I want to play!

http://trashthedress.com/

But I need your help!!

I am inviting you to Trash your Dress!!! I am looking for former brides - married in the past 1-2 years (or heck longer if you can still fit in your dress!!! I would not be in that group!) who realize that their wedding dresses are sitting in their closet collecting dust! And I want to take you out on an adventure!! I want to buy you lunch and spend a couple of hours with you on location TRASHING YOUR WEDDING DRESS!!!!!!!!

Let's face it - you are a different woman than you were when you got married! More confident, adventurous, and brave!! You've been watching Americas Next Top Model and thinking - "Hey! I can do THAT!" You have to agree to let me post your wedding dress trashing pics to my site and my portfolio.

Email me if you would like to play! I have ideas I would like to try and I would love any ideas you would have as well. It may be the beach, downtown Portland (or Albany!), the beach, a field of tulips, Oregon State - you name it!!

ALL Brides will receive all of their images as 4x6 prints and their favorite image as an 11x14 print.

So email me at cardasphotography@gmail.com if you want to have a fun day of romping through the water - the fields or even the streets of downtown. Get your friends together and lets make a day of it! If you can talk your husband into it - even better!

*Disclaimer* Your dress may get dirty, even wet - but OxyClean is an amazing product. :)

2007-03-19T08:40:00.000-07:00

So no one can accuse me of not being a good little Irish girl! I made Corned Beef and Cabbage on Saturday and it wasn't too bad. It was the first time in my life I have made cabbage and I thought it turned out pretty good. It needed a lot of salt (but hey, what doesn't?)

Sunday was dinner from a completely different continent - and I thought I would share the recipe. Now, I make curry recipes all the time - but Josh requested one more along the lines of a "Soup." Its not really a soup - but it has a soupy consistency and then you pour it over rice and it soaks it all up. Its what you would get if you ordered "Yellow Chicken Curry" at a Thai restaurant, and I thought it turned out delicious!

CURRY CHICKEN SOUP

2-3 chicken breasts (diced into squares)
6 potatoes (diced)
2 tbsp. curry
1/2 onion, diced
1 can Cream of Chicken soup
1 can chicken broth
2 cubes chicken bouillons (or more if desired)
1/4 c. lemon juice
1 tbsp. white vinegar
Black pepper, cooking oil (corn oil)
1/4 tsp. salt
Tabasco (optional)
Cooked Rice

Preparation: Rinse with lemon juice, and salt. Drain. On a skillet pour 1 1/2 tablespoons cooking oil. Heat. Place chicken in the skillet. Cover. Put on medium heat. Crush chicken bouillons into powder. Pour onto the chicken parts. Saute'. Cover, keep at medium heat. Add black pepper and vinegar, saute'. When chicken is just cooked add curry. Saute'. Simmer covered. Add onions, saute' at least 5 minutes on medium low heat. Mix together 1 can broth and 1 can Cream of Chicken soup and add to chicken. Last, add peeled potato s. If skillet is not large enough for all the ingredients, switch to a casserole pan. Simmer in low-medium heat approximately 20 minutes. To serve use a dash of Tabasco if desired. Pour over Cooked rice. Feeds 4.

2007-03-17T15:25:00.000-07:00

So, I haven't blogged much because my life is pretty boring. I have in my head that I should blog something interesting.... yet my days have been filled with work or cleaning my house. Fun fun.

Well - I did get two of my wisdom teeth out last Monday. So easy. I know some people have more difficult extractions than I did, but I really saw no need to be put to sleep. So many people told me I was crazy to just have them numb it. But it was seriously like 2 minutes total. I didn't even notice that he pulled the top one, I thought he was just setting stuff up or something. I had them done in North Bend, and then my mother took care of me while I slept for the next two days. For not having anything besides Vicotin I was sure exhausted!

I drove up and back to Portland to work on Friday. The weather was so perfect in the afternoon for the drive home. It was that perfect temperature for driving 74-ish. Warm enough to have the windows down and the sunroof open, but cool enough to not need the air conditioner. I know that hot weather gets people cranky and all - but I do think that air conditioning in cars has caused a decline of friendliness on our highways. I had the radio blaring Al Green, David Byrne and The Cardigans (love those random radio stations) with my arm hanging out the window for a good 20 minutes. Somehow it made the traffic more bearable. It is that time of year however that I need sunglasses but don't know where a single one of my 20 pairs are. So I bought another one today.

Today Josh and I actually did something. Usually we just hang around the house - but we did get out in this beautiful weather. Being as it is going to rain tomorrow and through next week - I thought we should take advantage of it while we can. We drove through the fields to Lebanon to the auction at the Boys and Girls club for the local high school. I donated my services for a family portrait session to the silent auction. I can't wait to meet who won it! The live auction was crazy - they made some big bucks from what I could tell! There were lamps and chairs going for upwards of $400 and $500!! Way out of my league - so we took our chicken bar-be-que lunch to the park across the street and sat at a picnic table and ate. So nice!

These pictures are from the drive home. Josh took some backroads I had never been on and actually stopped the car so I could get out and photograph them - what a guy huh? Usually I am trying to get a good shot through the windows of my car as we speed along - but my car is way too dirty for that right now. That usually means its time for an oil change - the only time my car ever gets washed.

I am heading down to Eugene tomorrow for a meeting with one of my brides to help her with her invitations. She is using the pictures I took of them at their engagement shoot! How cool! I also have a meeting on Monday with a girl who is driving up from Springfield about her wedding. This summer is filling up already! I thought I liked having my weekends open since getting out of radio - apparently not. lol

2007-02-23T08:32:00.000-08:00

I got 16....

This one is just for fun, but good luck! It seems like basic info, but do we really pay attention to detail in our day to day life? Some of these are easy, some are tricky. No cheating allowed! That means absolutely NO looking around (even at your own self), no getting out of your chair, no using anything on or in your desk or computer!

There are 25 questions based on US information/knowledge concerning things we see every day or have known about all our lives, but the average person on gets 7 correct!

Write down your answers as you go. REMEMBER - NO CHEATING!!! BE HONEST!!! Look only at this screen and your piece of paper as you write down your answers. Check answers (a link is at the bottom of this post), AFTER completing all the questions.

Then, leave a comment here letting us know your score and, if you have one, a link to your online journal where you place your results.

LET'S JUST SEE HOW OBSERVANT YOU REALLY ARE. Here we go!

1. On a standard traffic light, is the green on the top or bottom?

2. How many states are there in the USA?

3. In which hand is the Statue of Liberty’s torch?

4. What six colors are on the classic Campbell’s soup label?

5. What two numbers on the telephone dial don't have letters by them?

6. When you walk does your left arm swing with your right or left leg? (Don't you dare get up to see!)

7. How many matches are in a standard pack?

8. On the United States flag is the top stripe red or white?

9. What is the lowest number on the FM dial?

10. Which way does water go down the drain, counter or clockwise?

11. Which way does a "no smoking" sign's slash run?

12. How many channels on a VHF TV dial?

13 On which side of a women's blouse are the buttons?

14. Which way do fans rotate?

15. How many sides does a stop sign have?

16. Do books have even-numbered pages on the right or left side?

17. How many lug nuts are on a standard car wheel?

18. How many sides are there on a standard pencil?

19. Sleepy, Happy, Sneezy, Grumpy, Dopey, Doc. Who's missing?

20. How many hot dog buns are in a standard package?

21 On which playing card is the card maker's trademark?

22 On which side of a Venetian blind is the cord that adjusts the opening between the slats?

23. There are 12 buttons on a touch tone phone. What 2 symbols bear no digits?

24. How many curves are there in the standard paper clip?

25. Does a merry-go-round turn counter clockwise or clockwise?

So, how do you think you did?? Click this document to open the list of Answers.PDF

2007-02-05T15:52:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much to Angie!! Check out her blog here: It's a Cupcake World

I answered one of her fun trivia questions and she sent me a handmade monogram! I happened to have an empty frame just sitting around and it fit in it perfectly! Some day my dream is to have a whole wall of "a's" hanging on a wall in my craft room.

Thanks again!

2007-02-05T15:25:00.000-08:00

What a strange trip it was.... So I don't fly. Everyone who knows me knows this about me. Anyone who has flown with me in the past knows that I shouldn't be doing it... So - I have to go to Southern California for work last week. Josh needs some work done on his car, so I leave my car here for him to use, and take the train. Fabulous experience on the way down, I missed it here in Albany, so Josh had to drive me to Eugene to catch it there, but overall very nice. I got on, had some dinner, went to sleep and woke up in California! Fabulous right? Well - the way back, not so great. First, it was two hours late to leave Oakland - nighttime, downtown Oakland, not so fun. Then, not once, not twice - but THREE TIMES we had to stop in the middle of no where because they had to fix something on the tracks. TWENTY FIVE hours later I roll into Albany. Not at 1:30pm Sunday afternoon with plenty of time to catch the Superbowl commercials, but MIDNIGHT....argh.

<------This one was taken during the three hour stop in Klamath Falls.

Had a great time in So Cal. though. Worked a ton, saw Beth - hi Beth!! Her hubby is home on leave, so I don't think she'll see the internet this week ;)

I didn't get my teeth fixed, I will have to have all my wisdom teeth removed in Oregon instead. Cheaper that way I'm sure, but no mom here to take care of me... My "wife" Traci is a great mom substitute however!

Thats about it - back to work tomorrow. TTYL - a.

2007-01-16T09:45:00.000-08:00

SNOW DAY! SO I am stuck in Portland!

Traci is making me eggs and bacon as I sit on the couch watching the news and watching the snow come down outside. I think we may end up with four inches of this by the time its all over.

This has been a crazy winter. I remember not to long ago when it was a very strange event if it snowed! Now its about once a week. Damn global warming ;)

I miss my Jeep! I would totally be at work right now if I had my Jeep, but the Bimmer doesn't handle the snow as well unfortunately. So a snow day for me and Traci.

Her Lab Sadie enjoying it though!

2007-01-01T11:33:00.000-08:00

{Happy New Year}

Josh and I spent last night as the photographer and videographer for the hoof n' holler rodeo. Good times. Just waking up, having some coffee. I am getting too old for squatting in the dirt and staying up until 1:30am....

Happy New Year everyone!!

2006-12-23T08:31:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a fun day! I got to do an engagement session with Toni and Travis. They are getting married June 30th next year, I can't wait! Such nice kids. Here are some of my favorites:

2006-12-19T07:51:00.000-08:00

Warning - Picture Intensive!! :)

Back from a long relaxing weekend at the coast. People thought we were crazy for heading over there so soon after the storm, but it was perfect! The sun was shining, it wasn't too windy and there was hardly a soul in sight! Except at the hotels - I thought Josh was nuts for making me make a reservation - I mean really - who stays on the ocean in December in Oregon? The place was packed with people who still were without power!

Our first stop was the Astoria Tower, I had heard about it from Amber's Blog a while back and knew it was a must stop. I saw it the highway and then we followed the signs to the top. It totally doesn't look that bad from the ground, but once you start climbing the 192-ish stairs - its feels like you are climbing a ladder straight up, for-ever. It is now three days after I made the climb and my legs are still sore.

I was also not nervous in the slightest about climbing it. It reminded me of the Statue of Liberty! How fun! Then Josh started getting nervous and asking me if I was scared, and pointing out how rusty the stairs were and on and on and on.... then I was scared. I was like - I won't fly - but I will walk straight up into the air? How stupid is this? When we got to the top we both stayed close to the tower, took our pictures and basically headed right back down!

We went to check into the hotel, but they weren't done cleaning them yet - so we headed to Ft. Clatsup. This is where Lewis and Clark stayed with their crew for a couple months getting ready to head back to the East Coast. The original replica was built back in the 50's and burned down about a year ago. They just finished the new one and have been talking about it on the news all the time - so we figured we would check it out. It was cute, but a pretty quick stop :) We did learn how to write with a quill pen though...
Sunday was Josh's 35th Birthday! Now he can finally run for President! LOL We headed down the coast Sunday morning on our way to Newport. We were in no hurry since it was so late before we could get into our room the day before, so we took our time. We stopped at Cannon Beach, and took the scenic route around the lighthouse at Cape Mears.

The hotel in Newport was empty! I think we were two of maybe five people staying there Sunday night.

So - all in all a nice weekend at the coast. Hard to believe from the pictures that it was mid-December huh?

Back to work today - Merry Christmas early if I don't see you! :)

xoxo Angela

2006-12-05T07:24:00.000-08:00

Except for my sister (who I was shopping with all weekend) my Christmas shopping is done!!! I don't know if I have ever been done this early, ever!! Josh is in charge of his Dad and his little brother and thats it. I think taking care of two presents isn't asking too much, is it? ;)

Colleen and I literally shopped until we dropped this weekend. Saturday in downtown Portland, Sunday in Salem and Monday in Albany. We filled her car to the brim! After Costco in Albany, we almost had to call Josh to give me a ride home! I don't know how she did it, but everything fit!! No, we didn't really buy that many "depends" LOL that is digitally "altered" to hide the real present underneath. :)

We almost had to return the Charmin, but eventually it did make it in between us in the front seat:

So, after a long weekend of shopping, its back to Portland for me! Gotta work to pay for those melting credit cards.... lol

2006-11-23T05:40:00.000-08:00

{Happy Thanksgiving}

Let me be the first to say. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

2006-11-18T11:52:00.000-08:00

Well its all gone. The contents of my computer that is... I am trying not to think about how much I lost - because I did back up a lot. Maybe 70%? But again, trying not to analyze too much as to avoid bursting into tears. I was puttzing around on the internet when I decided to look at some pictures on my memory card. I plugged that in, and then everything froze up. I restarted, but it never came back up again.

So clean slate right? lol I downloaded the latest version of Firefox - which rocks. It spell checks everything for you! All the time! No matter what website you are on, it underlines in red words that are spelled wrong, you just click on it and it tells you the right way to spell it! Dig that feature a lot.

So I lost all of my pictures from my Photo a Day for October and November. Since I post them on my other blog: Photo A Day I might be able to save some.... Thankfully I had uploaded most of my pictures to Costco, and Josh had our California Roadtrip pictures saved on his computer.

Overall - its just a pain in the butt.

Plans for Thanksgiving anyone? I am volunteering at the Boys and Girls club for their Thanksgiving dinner on Tuesday, then we are heading to Bandon for the holiday. My mother fell the other day, so we are having dinner at Colleens house instead of moms. So yeaha! Day after Thanksgiving shopping in Coos Bay! Not quite the same as Portland, but its still a tradition none the less.

So, lesson for the week? Back up everything!!!

a.

2006-11-12T21:04:00.000-08:00

Do you ever want something so bad, no matter how irrational, that you can practically taste it?

Thats how I currently feel about this camera. The Nikon D200. Isn't it pretty. It better be for $2000+!! I don't *need* it. My D70 is a lovely little camera that has done me well. I do *need* a backup camera for sure, but yes, a used D70 for $400-ish off Ebay is a much more logical investment for the task. *sigh* I know all of that, but dangit it is SO cool. I hate technology. They just keep making things better and better.

The reason I need a backup camera? I have *SEVEN* weddings scheduled for 2007 already! So exciting.

I ran over Bambi on Wednesday on my drive home from Portland. :( I was crusing at 70 and all of a sudden I came up on a deer carcass in the road. It was pitch black so I thought it was just trash or somthing, but it didn't blow away. I was driving side by side with another car, so there wasn't anywhere to go but right over the front of it. I took it to Les Schwab to have it checked out, and they could hardly believe that I had really run over a deer. No damage at all thank goodness.

In other news, blustry night around here. Gusts are expected up to 60mph here and 80mph on the coast. My sister just called me from Bandon because she's bored because their power is out.

I hope Beths flight got off ok - you know I always worry when anyone flies, not just me! She got a hang out with me for a few hours this afternoon before flying back home to Alaska. We went to Target and Ross, then back to my house for my (read: Alton Brown's) famous stove-top macaroni and cheese and Cashew Butter - separately, not in the same dish.

Back to P-town tomorrow. I am meeting with a bride at Kells in Downtown, where her wedding and reception will be held. How cool is that?

TTFN!!

2006-10-26T10:08:00.000-07:00

Thank you for the wake up Sharyn. lol Sometimes I just need a kick in the pants.

Roadtrip of all Road trips is coming up on Saturday!! This time - trailer free travel! :)

Here is our route - its a doozy:

Total Est. Time: 31 hours, 20 mins Total Est. Dist: 1694.62 miles

So excited. Still a little bitter about the concerts being cancelled, but what are you going to do?

Seeing tons of family, mine and Joshes. Bringing the camera and tons of memory cards - you know I am making a Roadtrip Scrapbook when I get back of course... but no wieners this time. I really want to bring them - but they are safer at home then on the road.

TTFN!

2006-09-30T22:38:00.000-07:00

Totally forgot to mention! Best. Movie. Ever. I have now seen it twice and oh yes, I will be first in line when it comes out on DVD. Although I wish it was just Johnny and Bam and maybe Jeff Tremaine.

2006-09-30T20:14:00.000-07:00

So many disappointments as a result of bands from Finland.... So little time.

I know that was random, but that is how my life has been these past few weeks. I had tickets to see my very favorite band in the whole world: The Rasmus for September 25th in Sacramento. They decide not to play that show and head home. Fine, I'm sad but whatever. I'm sure they will be back in the Spring. I sold the tickets for a little under what I bought them for. They were the opening act and would have only played 8 songs, so no biggie, we'll catch them next time.

Next up, we have tickets to see H.I.M. another band from Finland, but more popular. They are headlining this tour, big arenas, no worries. Josh looks online, the San Jose show we were going to on the 29th of October is cancelled, but the rest of the tour looks fine. Since we will receive a refund for those tickets, I buy tickets for the next night in San Diego, since we have 2nd row center seats in LA for the 31st. Not two minutes later, we read that the whole tour is cancelled because they need to get back into the studio to work on their next album. I call bullshit. Really? You couldn't play six more gigs and wait three more weeks to get back into the studio? The songs are vomiting out of you at such terrific rate that you NEED to get a microphone and an engineer in front of you to catch the melodic spew THAT FAST? Josh is heartbroken.

So, I have been so inspired by Ambers transformation of her little abode that I decided to paint my bathroom. I love just walking by and looking at it! It looks much more dramatic in real life than in the pictures. I bought the shower curtain with Kate last weekend at Target for like $12. I took it with me to Home Depot and matched the green in the ribbon for the walls. Love it!! It only took me about two hours, but it made such a huge difference.

Trying to keep up with the Photo a Day I apparently inspired my best friend Traci to do it too. She just turned 30 earlier this month and wants to do it for her whole 30th year.

Also - I have another blog just for my Photography. If I haven't sent you the link for that its right here: Cardas Photography

TTYL!

2006-09-11T18:25:00.000-07:00

So I have found what I want to be for Halloween.

<------- OMG how cool is that. I bet my buddy Amber would love to knit it for me!! Whadda you say Am???

Now I need to find the Gold Bikini.

ETA: Here is the site with the instructions

Leia Hat

2006-08-29T21:59:00.000-07:00

So I don't know how many people know this, but I am one of the worlds biggest Sara Evans fans. Back when I was in radio I lobbied hard to get her on the air I liked her so much. Talented, writes her own songs, super nice. What more can you ask for?

I am more of a rocker now that am out of country radio - but I still love Sara. So when my buddy Morgan (who works for a radio station in Portland) called me up on Monday to see if I wanted to go to the show in Salem, I was all over it!!

Denise came up there with me, and her son Justin was at the show too. Sara was fantastic of course!! We stood the whole time because I was running so late, but we were right behind the sound board, so it sounded better than anywhere else in the place!

I have to mention that she is going to be on Dancing with the stars this season - so I am totally watching and voting!!

Good times.

Back to Portland tomorrow. I think we are actually going to scrapbook tomorrow night at the store near Tracis house.

Speaking of Scrapping... I don't know if anyone is signed up or not, but if enough people do, I will be hosting the crop at The Scrap Yard on Friday night. See you there?

2006-08-18T22:24:00.000-07:00

So. Josh and I aren't exactly what you would call "movie people." I tell my friends, if the sentance starts with "Have you seen..." the answer is most likely "no." {Unless it is Clueless, Grease 1 or 2, Field of Dreams or Legally Blond. I have seen all of those at least 10 times each... but I digress.}

The last movie I saw in a theater was either Starwars III or Ghost Ship - whichever came out last. So - you see the caliber of the movies I choose to spend my time in a theater watching as well.

So we did it. It came out tonight and we watched it. The title does not lie. There were indead Snakes and they were in fact on a plane. And it was bad. Oh yes. So bad. So bad it was good? I wouldn't go that far, but it was pretty freakin' funny. Samuel L. Jackson is the next Chuck Norris.

So bad....

It actually made me feel a little better about flying if you can believe it! I thought I was idiotic for going to see a movie about a plane being hijaked by snakes, but hey - they lived right? Well, at least the important people did.

Here are some tips in case you ever find snakes on your plane:

Snakes on a plane safety tips

Oh, and I *need* this shirt: LOL

2006-08-14T13:12:00.000-07:00

Some more shots from yesterday:

Click here: Cassie and Chad

2006-08-14T00:06:00.000-07:00

OK - a couple pics and then I have to get to bed! My goodness, long hot day!! But what a beautiful setting! Mt Pisgah in Eugene is one of the prettiest places I have been to a wedding. A must-see if you live in the area!

Congrats to Cassie and Chad - such a cute couple! A couple of my favorite shots:
I have about 800 more to get to... but not tonight!! :)

2006-08-12T23:43:00.000-07:00

I mean seriously. Could this kid get any cuter?

He is so stinkin' cute!!! He knows Auntie Ang is the one with the camera in his face all the dang time. And he loves it!

More Liam pics here

Crazy weekend. And its not over yet! Mom came Friday night while I was working at The Scrap Yard. I helped her with an album. She still has two more to get through. Gifts for family. Today was spent copying pictures, lunch at Red Robin and shopping! She bought me a Cuisinart Food Processor:

I am so excited! Now I can cook like Alton Brown!! Well, I can at least food process like Alton Brown.

Speaking of A.B. Do you love him or what??? I have been watching Good Eats like 10 times a day. And don't even get me started on Feasting on Asphalt. I totally want to do that! Maybe not on a motorcycle, but maybe someday!

If you have a waffle maker you must try his Chocolate Waffles!

7 ounces all-purpose flour, approximately 1 1/2 cups
1 3/4 ounces sugar, approximately 3 tablespoons
1.5 ounces cocoa powder, approximately 1/2 cup
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3 whole eggs, beaten
2 ounces unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
16 ounces buttermilk, room temperature
4 ounces chocolate chips, approximately 3/4 cup
Vegetable spray, for waffle ironPreheat waffle iron according to manufacturer's directions.

I am shooting a wedding in Eugene tomorrow. Josh is filming it too. Wish me luck!

2006-08-07T19:12:00.000-07:00

I made the drive up to Salem today to the Oregon State Fairgrounds. I entered five pictures into the fair. Now it is juried, so there is a good chance that they won't even hang my entries, let alone that they will win anything at all. I figured that it couldn't hurt to try right?

Here are the pictures I entered:
ETA: #5 - I couldn't find it on my computer until this morning! lol

All of these were 8x12 except for the one with Josh and Mike walking on the beach, that one is 12x18 I think...

We'll see how I do. I will be thrilled if just one of them is hanging in the hall when the fair opens. lol

2006-07-31T07:25:00.000-07:00

Headed to PDX for the week. Back to my old job. Traci had a vaca planned since before she started working there, so I will be filling in. Should be fun! I'm babysitting Sadie too - so maybe I will get some exercise in this week by taking her on a W-A-L-K every night.

I am back to another old job on Friday too! I will be returning to my radio roots Friday night at the Santiam Canyon Stampede. I will try by very hardest not to say Santiam STAN-yon CAMP-ede. Gets me every year. Its a very fun event in Sublimity.

Rumor has it that I won't have internet at Traci's house this week. NoooooooooooOOOoooooOoo!!! Thank god the Tivo and satellite works or else I would be staying in a hotel.

TTYL

2006-07-20T21:11:00.000-07:00

So I finished up the editing and delivered the Cd's to the mother of the bride on Monday. Totally intoxicating! Its hard to describe - but I am sure I was talking a mile a minute when I got home. I was so happy to share the pictures - it was like an adreneline rush!

I posted some of my favorites here:

Nick and Tami

Let me know what you think! I have another wedding this Saturday and man! Is it going to be a hot one!! I heard it could get as high as 103!!! I am already planning a run to Costco tomorrow morning for a case of water to put in a cooler in the trunk. I am thinking about having some cold washcloths in there too.

I just don't do heat. It not like in California where you are basically running between air-conditioning or hanging out in the pool. I have an a/c unit in my bedroom, but what a boring day that would be. I guess I could sort through my clothes... nah - too hot!!

Speaking of organizing... My goal for this weekend is to clean up this room! It is currently Joshes old office (before he got his laptop), my scrapbooking dumping ground and cat pee heaven. So gross.

I have it mostly empty now and I am going to steam clean the carpet tomorrow and hopefully have it all clean and nice smelling by Sunday. Wish me luck!!

2006-07-15T23:13:00.000-07:00

Wow!! What a day - So much fun though! I photographed Tami and Nicks wedding in Brownsville. The cutest couple. Here are a few of my favorite shots so far:
Denise was a total asset. She was my assistant and gave me suggestions for poses, straightened the veil and dresses and held my lenses and bags. She rocks.

I took almost 1000 pics! I just love having all these new pics to play with. I am just going through them all right now to see if anything sticks out to me as needing a tweak - but I should be able to deliver the pictures tomorrow. Hows that for turnaround? Mine took like 2 months! lol

Great day - can't wait to do it again next Saturday! :)

2006-07-07T08:57:00.000-07:00

SoI figured out the other day that I have been home five nights in the past three weeks. (More now since I have been home since Sunday - but still) Its hard getting used to being at home. I have woke up every day this week in a panic that I am running late to get on the road to Portland and I haven't packed or anthing! I am driving up there today, but it won't be until after noon, so I am all good.

So you heard how my trip to San Diego ended... last week in Eugene went much better. And yes, its true, my annual "vacation" is 45 minutes south in a dorm at the U of O. This was my fourth year at "McGown Western Teacher's Workshop." Basically a week of intense rug hooking training in which I am preparing to be a certified instructor. There are a lot of requirements before you get your actual certification, but I have a lot of them done at this point. The most challenging was the teaching. I was assigned a pattern to develop into a rug last June, and had to teach it to a class of 12 this year. It went really really well! Here is the final product:

It was really simple, the point of the class was to introduce people to rug hooking without a lot of expense. All the wool used in the rug was "as-is", "as-I-Found-it" (meaning it may have been dyed, but it was left over from another project) or used clothing. One lady in the class said that she didn't like any of the patterns offered that day, but she chose my class. She said she still didn't *love* the pattern, but the way I presented it made her want to like it a little bit more. Hey - what more can I ask for! There was one lady in my class who is my idol, she is so talented and has been hooking for like 50 years. Even she liked the class! yeah!

So, I am just getting started working from home. It is a challenge, but I think I can do it! I have a big desk set up in my kitchen, and I am ready to go! :)

2006-06-21T22:13:00.000-07:00

So my 2,000 mile journey came to a screaching halt. Litterally.

So we all know I don't fly. But I agreed to work the San Diego Expo because I could drive there. And it turns out that my father inherited a 60 year old racing sail boat that just so happened would be ready to pick up while I was down there. So I took my parents Jeep and headed down the road last Tuesday.

Everything was going swimmingly! I made it down there no problem. Worked the expo - picked up the boat at the harbor and headed back on the 1,000 mile trip back up the West Coast, boat in tow. It looked like this when I left:

Made it to Livermore Ca Sunday night. Got back on the road first thing in the morning giving updates to my parents along the way. We decided to meet in Drain OR to exchange vehicles and pass off the boat.

About 30 miles from the drop off point something went terribly wrong. Thankfully I was all alone on a straight stretch of the highway or else it could have been much much worse.

I was cruising along at 55 when The trailer started to swing uncontrollably from side to side. I wasn't thinking about the boat at the time. I was only thinking about keeping the Jeep straight and up on all four tires. After about 5 seconds the trailer detached from the truck and went "Sailing" back behind me into the concrete median.

I was right at an exit, so I stopped the truck, jumped out and ran back onto the freeway to assess the damage.

It was a heap - litterally. The boat had flipped upside down on the trailer and was smashed into the median. I looked at the heap and said outload to the three very nice men who stopped to help me, "I just.. I just, don't know what to do with this..."

A few minutes later an ambulance and State Trooper arrived at the scene. The very nice men helped me shove the heap off the road to get traffic flowing again.

I shut down I-5. Pretty impressive really.

A quick hysterical call to my husband and father got everyone on the road to Roseburg to save me. The State Trooper called a tow truck place and got the heap moved to his place in Glide.

Colleen, Liz and Lex hopped in their truck with a new trailer and were there in about an hour.

I was too embarressed to take pictures of the scene, but here is what the trailer looked like after wards, and the boat on the ground after getting it untangled and flipped back over:

In case you don't know, there should be a hitch attached to the right side there...

The saddest part is, this is like the coolest boat ever in its class. It has won countless races over the 60 years and now may never sail again. The mast was broken in two and they don't make them anymore - so now we are on the hunt for another one.

If you know anyone with a Geary 18 they don't want anymore, please let me know.

2006-06-03T20:51:00.000-07:00

So - in a word. My wieners ROCK!!!

My buddy Traci saw a listing on Craigslist about Wiener Dog races at the Multnomah County fair last week. I emailed and got Mike and Cooper signed up.

All of the "newbies" - those who had never competed before, raced after 2:00. There were two heats, two semi finals and the finals.

Cooper came in second in his heat. Mike came in first in his. In the semi finals, Mike came in 2nd and Cooper third - moving them both into the finals.

Right off the bat, Mike GOT IT.

Gates open, Mamas at the other end, RUN!!!

Cooper, I think got lucky, because he always
had another wiener next to him who got it, and he chased that one to the finish line. So it was a long day, I was on the Portland news being interviewed about my wiener racing strategy. Its like :10 seconds long. (If you want to see it Josh got it off Tivo and I can email it to you.)

So in the finals Mike came in Second - Cooper was fourth or fifth. The top three got ribbons. So it was a fun day. I don't know if I have laughed that hard in a very very long time!! :)

2006-05-28T10:12:00.000-07:00

So I spent ALL DAY yesterday scrapping. I have been saying that I need to make an album for Rachael and Jeffs baby Ava for months now and yesterday I just did it!! It took like six hours, but I delevered it last night with the rest of the presents. Rachael is due in two weeks! OMG, I am so excited to squish that baby.

You can see the whole album here:

Avas First Year

Today, I hook. Tomorrow - we race Wienerdogs.

2006-05-24T15:05:00.000-07:00

Its my birthday... its my birthday... I love my birthday.

I'm 29 today (for the first time) lol

I had a special lunch with all my co-workers today. And my parents are coming through Portland on their way to Idaho. Josh is on his way through on his way back from Yakima and we are all meeting for dinner at The Ringside

Happy Birthday to my Grandpa too! He's 88 today!! I was the best birthday present he ever got!!

ETA: Happy Birthday to Trish, Carol and her husband and Erin H. TOO!! Sheesh - What a great day!! Ooh yeah remember Tommy Page? I was in love with him during the whole New Kids on the Block era and its his birthday too!

2006-05-21T09:12:00.000-07:00

Ok, why didn't anyone tell me that MySpace was going to be this addicting?

It all started innocently enough. I couldn't sleep one night last week, so I hopped on to see what all the fuss was about. Well, I wanted to post a comment somewhere, but you can't do that unless you are their friend, and you can't be there friend unless you have a myspace page.... so I did it. What the heck.

But I kid you not, within hours of being on there I had friend requests from three people that I went to MIDDLE school with and I hadn't talked to in over ten years! not to mention, family members and more. Too funny. Oh btw here it is: http://www.myspace.com/angelacm

Its not cool or anything, its just there....Denise - don't freak out about the profile picture - you look adorable I swear.

Heading to Portland early this week. But I get to leave early too, my birthday is Wednesday. (29 for the first time...) so I am taking Thursday and Friday off.

Have a great week!!

2006-05-04T22:17:00.000-07:00

Back again. I was offline for a while. Josh finally hooked up my computer again, this time to a wireless conection. So now I can drag this CPU, monitor and keyboard anywhere in the house to check my email! Woo Hoo! Well, that and there isn't a ghetto looking blue cord stretching from the back of the house to the kitchen anymore...

I have my photo a day updated through April. Check out the amazing before and after pictures of my garage! My sister Colleen came up for the weekend for the express purpose of cleaning out my garage. I am a bit of a packrat you see, and my husband is not much better. We had about 25 people drive by or even walk up and start pawing through my things thinking it was a garage sale!! I think we said "We're just cleaning" about 100 times. One woman completly ignored me and kept looking through my things! I had to tap on her shoulder to get her to look up at me!!

I came home sick this afternoon. I thought it was allergies for while, but I think it is way past that at this point. Dizzy spells and everything. There is nothing better than sleeping in your own bed when you are sick. I pretty much burst in to tears at the gas station earlier today when I couldn't find my wallet. They wouldn't take a check and I had 30 miles of gas left in the car and I all I wanted to be was home. Thank god I found it in my trunk.

Anyone headed to the Scrap Yard this weekend? Danea will be there teaching - she is truly one of the most talented people I have ever met. Can't wait to see her in action again.

TTYL!