Optimist or Pessimist?

You Are a Realist

You don't see the glass as half empty or half full. You see what's exactly in the glass. You never try to make a bad situation seem better than it is... But you also never sabotage any good things you have going on. You are brutally honest in your assessments of situations - and this always seems to help you cope.

Are You An Optimist or Pessimist?

Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow

This has been sitting in my draft folder for so long that I don't even remember where I originally saw it but I'm sure it came from one of the Blogs that I read on a regular basis. If you are reading this and recognize it as something from your site, please let me know so that I can credit you. Now onto the important stuff a glimpse at Jewells from yesterday, today and tomorrow.

==========

Where were you in 1987? In school? Working? Single? Married? Attached? What was important to you? What were you doing creatively? Tell us a bit about your life then.
1987 found me in the 8th and 9th grade and Churchill Junior High School in Salt Lake City, Utah. I was in the midst of the awkward *ugly duckling* stage of my adolescence complete with braces, glasses and zits. I liked school and got good grades and was involved in numerous extra-curricular activities including competitive swimming, girl scouts and church youth group. I loved being a "big sister" so when my mother asked me to do extra chores around the house like assisting my brothers with their homework and preparing family meals, I was thrilled. Some immediate things come to mind when I think about 1987, in no particular order they include:

• My bedtime was 8:30 p.m., yet I was desperately trying to convince my parents that it should be later.
• My hero was Janet Evans who broke numerous world records that year.
• I had my first kiss with the boy next door that summer.
• I went to Girl Scout camp for a total of 4 weeks that summer including a 2-week Mariner camp. My camp name was Fruitchew.
• I wore red glasses.
• I got my first CD player for Christmas and the first CD I owned was Phil Collins No Jacket Required.

Where were you in 1997? What would you like to share about the nineties?
In 1997 I was living in Salt Lake City, Utah and working as Business Manager for my mother's Speech Pathology private practice. I had been back in Salt Lake (from Oregon) for a little over a year and remember being frustrated in finding the right group of friends. In February, my parents ended their 29 year relationship in a bitter and ugly divorce that I was far more involved in that I would have like to. I March, my maternal grandmother passed away after years of living in a nursing home. Some random things about 1997 include:

• My salary was $18,000 a year.
• My car was a 1992 Honda Civic with TONS of miles on it.
• My Mom and I celebrated Mother's Day by exploring Gardner Village for the first time. It was a day I will never forget.
• I got my first set of golf clubs and lessons.

Where did you plan to be or think you'd be in 2007? Have you realized your goals? What is one thing about your present life you love and one you'd like to change?
I guess it depends of when the question was posed. When I was younger I always thought that my thirties would be the time in my life devoted to starting and raising a family but I have learned that life doesn't always turn out the way you plan it. But even though my life may not have turned out like I pictured it many years ago, in many ways I think it's better and really can't imagine being in any other place than I am right now. Some things that I love about my life right now:

• My career has gone in a direction that I would have never picked but am really pretty good at.
• I absolutely love Seattle and feel that I have finally found "my home" here.
• I am blessed with wonderful people in my life who support me, love me and encourage me more than I imagined possible.
• I have concurred cancer and will soon reach the 5-year milestone which seems so far away, not so long ago.

Some things that I would like to change:

• Identify my passion and work towards a career doing it.
• Lose some weight, get in shape and be more healthy.

How do you see your life in 2017? Do you have any goals or dreams for your future?
Life in 2017 seems really far away, yet it will be here before we know it. Some things I know that I want for the future:

• To be healthy and cancer-free.
• To be working in a job/field that I am truly passionate about so that work is pure joy in my life.
• To have a home that is nurturing to my soul and a place to share with others.

Weekend Wrap-Up

I had a relaxing weekend which is just what I needed after the holiday craziness of last week. The highlights:

• Played pool with Don and watched the OSU Beavers finish their season with a win over Maryland in the Emerald Bowl.
• Put all of my Christmas gifts away in their new homes.
• Did 3 loads of laundry.
• Enjoyed what will likely be my final Egg Nog Latte of the season.
• Saw the movie Juno (a recommendation of my little brother Jimmy) which I thoroughly enjoyed for it's witty writing and classic one liners. Allison Janney's performance was awesome as no one can deliver shocking and hysterical lines with the finesse that she can.
• Cleared the rest of the cheesy holiday movies off my TiVo.
• Slept, a lot!

I make the weather!

This has been one of my favorite quotes since I heard it for the first time a few years ago. Enjoy!

I have come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element. It is my personal approach that creates the climate. It is my daily mood that makes the weather.

I possess tremendous power to make a life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated and a person humanized or dehumanized.

If we treat people as they are, we make them worse. If we treat people as they ought to be, we help them become what they are capable of becoming.

–Goethe

Please excuse my mess

I am in the process of making some changes and much need updates to my blog/website. However, in order to do so I need to clean up the many items that have accumulated in my "draft/ideas" folder over the last couple of years so you may see so somewhat random things appearing in the next few weeks.

Stay tuned for more news on the upcoming changes as I will be ready to tell you all about it in the next couple of weeks.

My perfect cocktail recipe

The Recipe For Julie Anne

3 parts Savvy 2 parts Love 1 part Brilliance Splash of Naughtiness Serve over ice

What's the Recipe for Your Personality?

Only a little weird

You Are 24% Weirdo

You're a little weird, but you'd be even weirder if you didn't have a few quirks. You are just strange enough to know it, but nobody else seems to notice your weirdness. That's because, deep down, everyone is a little freaky!

Are You A Weirdo?

Spam of the day

Received this morning. I have no idea what they are selling. Do slot machines use chips?

==========

From: "Holly Shafer"
Subject: slot machines sale

US$ 999 bonus with every new signup! limited time only,

Poker chips, numbered poker chips, personalised poker chips ,
The alluring Welcome Bonus is set on $500

Celebrating Christmas in front of the fire

Fire thanks to TiVo, which thankfully requires very little maintenance. :-)

A bit of Christmas Spirit

Your Christmas Sprit Level: 70%

You have a lot of Christmas spirit, and it's evident to most people who know you. You love most things Christmas, and you do your best to make sure everyone has a great holiday. While you like the more commercial aspects of Christmas, you truly know what the spirit of Christmas is about. You're all about giving, being kind, and sharing the spirit of Christmas with everyone you know.

Do You Have the Christmas Spirit?

Which Peanuts Character am I?

You are Lucy!
Take this quiz!

What color Christmas tree should I have?

You Should Have a Gold Christmas Tree

For you, the holidays represent a time of optimism and wealth. You definitely have a generous spirit, and you give a lot during the holiday season. You really go over the top for Christmas. Everyone on your list gets a great gift. Even if you don't have a lot of money during the holidays, it's the one time you pretend like you do. Your gold tree would look great with: All kinds of metallic decorations You should spend Christmas Eve watching: Miracle on 34th St What you should bake for Santa: A ton of cookies, cupcakes, and candy. You would enjoy spoiling him.

What Color Christmas Tree Should You Have?

Cinderella's Castle at Christmas

Tonight is our last night at Walt Disney World. :-(

I took this picture on Wednesday night when we attended Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Cinderella's Castle is lit up like a "glass slipper" just as she requested of the Fairy Godmother. It was absolutely breathtaking.

What the holidays mean to me

What The Holidays Mean to You

For you, the holidays are about celebration. You enjoy all the fun and fellowship that the holidays bring. You celebrate the holidays in a minimalist style. You are likely to only give one great present and decorate your house with a few special items. During the holidays, you like to feel cozy and comfortable. You're happy to stay inside with a roaring fire and a warm drink. You think the holidays should be decadent and indulgent. You never mind gaining a few holiday pounds... it's worth it! Your favorite holiday memories strongly evoke your senses. You are vividly aware of all the tastes, smells, and sounds of the holidays.

What Do the Holidays Mean to You?

Apparently I know quite a bit about Christmas

You Know a Lot About Christmas

You got 7/10 correct You know tons about the history and traditions surrounding Christmas. When you celebrate the holidays, you never forget their true meaning - or all the little fun details. Random Christmas fact: Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer was originally a promotional gimmick for Montgomery Ward.

How Much Do You Know About Christmas?

Tropical Lunch

Enjoying lunch poolside.

Disney World Fireworks

A couple of pictures of the fireworks from Disney World that I saw from my hotel room balcony last night. It was good practice with my new digital camera. Despite the distance these turned out well so I can't imagine what the pictures will look like that I am able to take up close next week. :-)

The view from my hotel room

Muggy day in Orlando.

Introverted Girl

You Are An Introvert!

You're not necessarily anti-social, but you do tend to need a lot of alone time. You tend to think before you talk, which doesn't make you the loudest person in the room. While you aren't outgoing, you are a good listener - and you tend to be a loyal friend. And you enjoy your friends as much as any extrovert does, in smaller doses. You're more of a conversation over dinner type than a party animal... and so are all your friends.

Are You An Extroverted or Introverted Girl?

Your Pilgrim Name Is

Mercy Bratteridge

What's Your Pilgrim Name?

A Few Good Expenses

Sent to me by my former boss who would have no problem expensing a whoopi cushion if he thought he could get away with it. In my daily routine, I refer to "volume control" and "total cost of ownership" so this made me chuckle. Enjoy!

The needles in my sewing box

Marked with my brothers name and likely from his junior high years when he tried and failed to make the transition from Jimmy to Jim.

Seen at the Drug Store

I didn't know that fairies got to wear crowns.

Quote of the Day

A conversation with a colleague about accountability reminded me of the following quote this monring. I first heard it when I was teaching customer service at a previous job. It has always stuck with me because I believe it to be true, we do make our weather!

I have come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element. It is my personal approach that creates the climate. It is my daily mood that makes the weather. I possess tremendous power to make life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration; I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis is escalated or de-escalated, and a person humanized or de-humanized. If we treat people as they are, we make them worse. If we treat people as they ought to be, we help them become what they are capable of becoming.

--Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

My kind of drinkin

Wine tasting with dinner before the symphony.

Quote of the day

I love to make soup. And I am often told that my soup is very good. I saw this quote and fell in love with it. A possible explanation for why I love making soup? You decide.

"Only the pure of heart can make good soup."

-Beethoven

Foggy Seattle Morning

Crossing Lake Washington in the fog.

Uh Oh! Another quiz

It's time for another quiz! This is a copy of a quiz that was passed out at the beginning of a meeting at the office this week. I had seen a few of the questions before but was challenged by a few of them. I only missed two, how will you do?

Take My Quiz on QuizYourFriends.com Can you Ace my quiz? Yes! No Let's Find Out!

Human Nature as a Fable

A colleague and I were on a conference call yesterday and the conversation migrated to human nature and why we do the things that we do even though we know that we will likely get the same outcome as we have received in the past. She reminded me of the tale of the scorpion the and frog which I hadn't thought of for years, the full text is below.

The Scorpion and the Frog

One day, a scorpion looked around at the mountain where he lived and decided that he wanted a change. So he set out on a journey through the forests and hills. He climbed over rocks and under vines and kept going until he reached a river.

The river was wide and swift, and the scorpion stopped to reconsider the situation. He couldn't see any way across. So he ran upriver and then checked downriver, all the while thinking that he might have to turn back.

Suddenly, he saw a frog sitting in the rushes by the bank of the stream on the other side of the river. He decided to ask the frog for help getting across the stream.

"Hellooo Mr. Frog!" called the scorpion across the water, "Would you be so kind as to give me a ride on your back across the river?"

"Well now, Mr. Scorpion! How do I know that if I try to help you, you wont try to kill me?"

"Because," the scorpion replied, "If I try to kill you, then I would die too, for you see I cannot swim!"

Now this seemed to make sense to the frog. But he asked. "What about when I get close to the bank? You could still try to kill me and get back to the shore!"

"But then I wouldn't be able to get to the other side of the river!"

"Alright then...how do I know you wont just wait till we get to the other side and THEN kill me?" said the frog.

"Ahh...," crooned the scorpion, "Because you see, once you've taken me to the other side of this river, I will be so grateful for your help, that it would hardly be fair to reward you with death, now would it?!"

So the frog agreed to take the scorpion across the river. He swam over to the bank and settled himself near the mud to pick up his passenger. The scorpion crawled onto the frog's back, his sharp claws prickling into the frog's soft hide, and the frog slid into the river. The muddy water swirled around them, but the frog stayed near the surface so the scorpion would not drown. He kicked strongly through the first half of the stream, his flippers paddling wildly against the current.

Halfway across the river, the frog suddenly felt a sharp sting in his back and, out of the corner of his eye, saw the scorpion remove his stinger from the frog's back. A deadening numbness began to creep into his limbs.

"You fool!" croaked the frog, "Now we shall both die! Why on earth did you do that?"

The scorpion shrugged, and did a little jig on the drownings frog's back.

"I could not help myself. It is my nature."

Then they both sank into the muddy waters of the swiftly flowing river.

Now the question I am left pondering, how do you get someone to realize that their "nature" is harmful to the company, to themselves and to others? If I could answer that question then I wouldn't have a problem, now would I.

Georgeous Sunrise over Lake Union

Quote of the day

"Invent your world.
Surround yourself with people,
color,
sounds,
and work that nourish you."

--SARK

Happy Hour Sunset

The perfect sunset and a great way to end the day.

Harvest Time

Tomatos from my patio garden.

Dream Liquor Cabinet

This is one insane liquor cabinet at The Ram in Kent.

You might be from Utah if...

• You keep your clothes in "Chester Drawers."
• You don't pronounce T's in the middle of words. (Moun'n, Lay'n)
• You think a "G" at the end of a word is silent. (You comin' in fer dinner?)
• You know what Fry Sauce is made of.
• You go to the duck pond to feed the Seagulls.
• Green Jell-o with cabbage mixed in doesn't seem strange.
• You can pronounce Tooele.
• The U is not just a letter - Neither is the Y.
• You have actually eaten funeral potatoes.
• You've gotten both heat and frost burns off your car's door handle in the same month!
• You are not surprised to hear words like "Darn, Fetch, Flip", "Oh, My Heck" and "Shoot"
• Your tulips get snowed on three times after they come up and twice more after they bloom.
• The largest liquor store is the state government.
• You can go skiing and play golf on the same day.
• 30% humidity is muggy and almost unbearable.
• You know the difference between a 'Steak House' and a 'Stake House'.
• You've broken down on the highway and somebody stops to help you.
• You can see the stars at night.
• You were an aunt or uncle before you were three.
• You have more children than you can find biblical names for.
• Your family considers a trip to McDonald's a night out.
• You feel guilty when you watch Monday Night Football.
• Your kids believe the deer hunt is a national holiday.
• You drink Coke from a brown paper bag.
• At least two of your salad bowls are at the homes of neighbors.
• There is a similarity between a ward basketball game and the L.A. riots.
• You think Jack Daniels is a country western singer.
• You negotiate prices at a garage sale.
• You can make Jell-O salad without the recipe.
• You've heard about BYU football in a testimony meeting.
• You have two gallons of ice cream in your freezer at all times.
• Your father-in-law thinks Ronald Reagan was a liberal.
• A member of your family wrote in Lavell Edwards for president in the last election.
• Sandals are the best-selling shoes.
• Hotel rooms all have the Book of Mormon.
• You buy your wardrobe at the local grocery superstore.
• You learn about the Mormon Church by taking history in elementary school.
• You live in a state where Democrats always come in third place, unless a zoo animal is running. Then they come in fourth.
• Schools stay open, even if two feet of snow falls overnight, but closes for the opening of hunting season.
• People wear shorts and T-shirts if the temperature rises above 32 degrees.
• People wear socks with their sandals.
• There is a church on every corner, but they all teach the same thing.
• The most popular public transportation system is a ski lift.
• In-state college football rivalries are bigger than the Super Bowl.
• You don't have to breathe cigarette smoke until you walk outside the building.
• Every driveway has a minivan and a pickup truck.
• When you buy a new vehicle, cigarette lighters are optional equipment but ski racks are standard.
• Every time a new family moves into your neighborhood, the local elementary school has to hire a new teacher.
• Every time a new family moves into your neighborhood, your whole family has to go and meet them the next day, after you helped them unload their moving truck.
• Your paycheck has an additional 10 percent deduction.
• More movies are filmed in your town than in Hollywood.
• You've never had a Mormon missionary knock on your door, unless you are having them over for dinner that night.
• You make a toast with red punch at your wedding reception.
• You have more raw wheat stored than some Third World countries.
• Your idea of a good time is playing Pictionary in the cultural hall.
• Your idea of a wild party is a six pack of Pepsi and a PG-13 movie.
• You and all your friends come to your mother for a haircut in her kitchen.
• You measure Kool-Aid by parts per million.
• You actually get these jokes and pass them on to other friends from Utah.

The moral of the story... Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow you may be in Utah!

Wine Tasting in the Willamette Valley.

The beautiful Eola Hills of Oregon wine country.

Wow! Beaver Nation

It didn't look like this when I was here.

OSU... 12 years later

Decoration in the hotel lobby. Go Beavs!

DAMN Good Candy

Candy from IKEA.

Quote of the day

Today's quote of the day is borrowed from Tanya one of my blogging friends and daily reads.

“The aim of life is to live,
and to live means to be aware,
joyously drunkenly, serenely, divinely aware.”

--Henry Miller

Is the war over?

I received these plastic toy soldiers from a marketing campaign put together by a local marketing and PR agency that wanted me to throw all of our marketing and PR needs their way. I added them to the shelf in my office where the rest of my toy collection lives. It didn't take long for one of my colleagues to add the blue post-it notes labeling the green team for "the company" and the tan team for our competitor. When I arrived at the office this morning the soldiers were all knocked down except for a victorious green soldier. I think this was a result of the housekeeper being in the office overnight as the chairs in my office and boxes under my desk had been moved. But is has me wondering, have we won the war?

I'm a yellow crayon!

You Are a Yellow Crayon

Your world is colored with happy, warm, fun colors. You have a thoughtful and wise way about you. Some people might even consider you a genius. Charming and eloquent, you are able to get people to do things your way. While you seem spontaneous and free wheeling, you are calculating to the extreme. Your color wheel opposite is purple. You both are charismatic leaders, but purple people act like you have no depth.

What Color Crayon Are You?

Diet Coke Cake

I was reading one of my favorite blogs last week when I saw this post about Diet Soda Cake. It claimed that you could make a cake using a box cake mix and a can of diet soda. So last night during an impulsive moment Katharine, Nancy and I rushed into the house to try it. My cake choices were limited to Spice cake and Cherry Chip so we opted for the Spice cake. As Katharine poured the Diet Coke into the cake mix she commented that "this better work" as she sacrificed a can of her favorite thing in the whole world for the cause. We baked it according to the package directions and were pleasantly surprised by the results. It was light and fluffy and moist. And obviously low-cal!

I brought about half of the cupcakes into the office this morning to taste test them on my colleagues and everyone has loved them, several have accused me of lying and refuse to believe that it's just cake mix and a can of Diet Coke.

In an attempt to learn a bit more about this I did a google search on Diet Coke Cake and boy did I get a wealth of info. Turns out that quite a few people swear by this method of cake preparation while dieting and they have been super creative with the cake and soda flavor combinations, including:

Yellow cake / Diet Sprite, with a dollop of Cool Whip -- tastes like a "Twinkie"
Orange cake /Diet Mountain Dew
Cherry Chip cake / Diet A& W Cream soda
Lemon cake / Diet Lemon soda
Yellow cake/Diet Orange soda
White cake / Diet Peach soda
Spice cake/ Diet Lemon-Lime soda
White cake / Diet Ginger Ale
Chocolate cake / Diet Cherry sodas
Devil's Food cake / Diet Coke/Pepsi
Chocolate cake / Diet Vanilla Coke
Devil's Food cake / Diet Vanilla Coke
Chocolate cake / Diet Root Beer
Chocolate cake /Diet Cherry Coke
Marble cake / Diet Cream soda
Lemon cake / Tangerine Diet Rite

Happy Baking and Diet Coke Cake making! :-)

Bionic Woman

See What You're Made Of - Visit The Official Site

QotD: This one time...

Vox Question of the Day - Did you go to summer camp? Which one? What did you enjoy doing?

I went to camp every summer as a kid. I went to Girl Scout camp at Camp Cloud Rim in the Wasatch mountains east of Salt Lake City.  I usually signed up for Mariner camp and loved everything about the water including sailing, swimming and wind surfing.  I also enjoying arts and crafts and love campfires and singing camp songs.


Originally posted on my Vox site. Full post moved here September 7, 2010 in anticipation of Vox's closing.

Another pretty sunset

Seattle has the best sunsets in the summer time.

Grown-up Lincoln Logs

I assembled and stocked Don's wine rack this evening. I was really pleased with the final product and he made a really yummy dinner.

Seattle By Night

Birthday Sunset

The perfect end to a great day.

Happy Birthday to me!

Perfect sunset for a perfect birthday.

Solo Dining Perk #73

You have time to play with your food and no one looks at you funny.

I'm Gryffindor!

Just took the Sorting Hat test on OK Cupid! and I am a Gryffindor! What are you?

Your Score: GRYFFINDOR!

You scored 24% Slytherin, 12% Ravenclaw, 72% Gryffindor, and 32% Hufflepuff!

You might belong in Gryffindor,

Where dwell the brave at heart,

Their daring, nerve, and chivalry

Set Gryffindors apart.



Gryffindors are known for their courage, audacity, and devotion to what is good and honest.

Link: The Sorting Hat Test written by leeannslytherin on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the The Dating Persona Test

No surprise there!

You Are Most Like Charlotte!

You are the ultimate romantic idealist You've been hurt before, but that hasn't caused you to give up on love. If anything, your resolve to fall in love is stronger than ever. And it's this feminine optimism that men find most appealing about you. Romantic prediction: That guy you are seeing (or crushing on)? Could be very serious - if you play your cards right!

Which Sex and the City Vixen Are You?

Me as a Simpsons Character!

I was playing around on the Simpsons Movie website this afternoon and created an avatar of myself as a Simpsons character. Follow the link to create your own.

This Song Make Me Think of You

I got the following email from my little brother, Jimmy, this morning.

To: JewellsinSEA
From: Jimmy
Subject: This Song Makes Me Think of You

I hope you enjoy it. It is called Kill The Director by The Wombats.

Cheers,

Jimbo

==========

The song file was attached so immediately imported it into iTunes and listened to it. It is upbeat, which is a quality that I quite like in songs, but after the first verse I was perplexed as to why it reminded him of me. The lyrics:

I’ve met someone that makes me feel seasick
Oh what a skill to have
Oh what a skill to have
So many skills that make her distinctive
But they’re not mine to have
No they’re not mine

Whenever she looks i read the nearest paper
No i don’t care about the soaps
No i don’t care about the soaps
Though i’m acting like i’m in an Eastenders episode

If this is a rom-com
Kill the director
If this is a rom-com
Kill the director please

I pulled up the lyrics online and was following along and remained perplexed until the end of the song came along and then it was crystal clear... Bridget Jones.

Carrots help us see much better in the dark
Don’t talk to girls; they’ll break your heart
And this is my head and this is my spout
They work together; they can’t figure anything out

So with the angst of a teenage band
Here’s another song about a gender i’ll never understand
Here’s another song about a gender i’ll never understand

If this is a rom-com
Kill the director
If this is a rom-com
Kill the director
If this is a rom-com
Kill the director please

This is no Bridget Jones
This is no Bridget Bridget
This is no Bridget Jones
This is no Bridget Bridget
This is no Bridget Jones
This is no Bridget Bridget
This is no Bridget Jones
This is no Bridget Bridget
This is no Bridget Jones
This is no Bridget Bridget
This is no Bridget Jones
This is no Bridget
Bridget Jones

Oh, he knows me so well! It's not as compelling as when he called in the summer of 1999 shortly after I had left our hometown of Salt Lake City and moved across the country to start a new life to tell me that every time he heard Wide Open Spaces by the Dixie Chicks he thought of me. Or the time that he told me that every time he hears Wildflowers by Tom Petty he thinks of me. But this song is still fitting and oh so funny!

I have added it to my *Summer Mix* and will certainly smile every time I hear it.

What my latte says about me

What Your Latte Says About You

You don't treat yourself very often. You find that indulging doesn't jibe with your very disciplined life. You are a very serious person. You don't have time for silly antics. Intense and energetic, you aren't completely happy unless you are bouncing off the walls. You're addicted to caffeine. There's no denying it. You are responsible, mature, and truly an adult. You're occasionally playful, but you find it hard to be carefree. You are expressive and friendly, but you are never pushy.

What Does Your Latte Say About You?

Seen on the evening commute

It takes a big man to ride a pink scooter.

QotD: Signed, Sealed, Delivered

Vox Question of the Day - How do you sign your emails?

With my initials, JAB. Occasionally I will change it but I would guess that 90% of the time it's my initials.

Originally posted on my Vox site.  Full post moved here September 7, 2010 in anticipation of Vox's closing.

My Favorite Beach

We had dinner in Cannon Beach with this amazing view of Haystack Rock last night. The view was awesome and so was the food.

QotD: What I Love About Summer

Vox Question of the Day - What do you enjoy most about summer?

Here are my favorite things about summer:

• Spending time with family and friends at grilling on the deck
• Holidays that are celebrated with fireworks
• Warmer weather (although I don't like it too hot)
• Wearing sandals
• Longer days
• Growing plants on my deck
• Spending more time outside, especially on my deck
• Alfresco dining
• Weekend getaways

Originally posted on my Vox site. Full post moved here September 7, 2010 in anticipation of Vox's closing.

Less Prissy than Expected

You Are a Bit Prissy

From time to time you can be a princess, but these days, who isn't a little high maintenance? You know what you want, and you're definitely not afraid to ask for it. (Just refrain from having a temper tantrum if you don't get your way!) There's nothing wrong with having high standards... as long as they're occasionally low enough to allow spontaneity and fun!

How Prissy Are You?

QotD: My Movie Cliche' Moment

Vox Question of the Day - What movie cliché would you most like to live out in real life?

Two came to mind, they are:

• I would love to have a crazy high speed chase where I am able to avoid hitting cars, people or objects and escape from whomever is chasing me completely unharmed and without a scratch on the car.
• I would love to have a classic movie kiss. The kind where soft romantic music plays, you are surrounded by soft lighting and time slows down as a result of the passion exuded from the kiss.

Originally posted on my Vox site. Full post moved here September 7, 2010 in anticipation of Vox's closing.

There will be fruit

The first blossom appeared on my patio tomato plants yesterday.

QotD: Grown-Up Boot Camp

Vox Question of the Day - What are three things you want to learn, and three things you can teach others to do?

Things I want to learn:

1. To knit.
2. More about digital photography.
3. To sail.

Things I can teach others:

1. Setting up an iTunes library and using an iPod. (Inspired by a recent project to do just this for my friend Jenna.)
2. To sew.
3. To make pies.

Originally posted on my Vox site. Full post moved here September 7, 2010 in anticipation of Vox's closing.

Breaking News Update

In case you spent your weekend under a rock like I did and missed the following important events here is an update.

• Elwood, a 2-year-old Chinese Crested and Chihuahua mix, was crowned the world's ugliest dog at the Marin-Sonoma County Fair in California over the weekend. He placed second last year but won the title, bragging rights and $1,000 dollars this year. When you more closely examine the other contestants you understand what a sweet victory this is. I am a dog lover and didn't think there were dogs in the world *this ugly.* My innocence is shattered. If curiosity is killing you and you must see a pic, click here. But remember, you were warned!
• The Beavs are National Champions again! Oregon State became the first team in a decade to repeat as College World Series champions, following a victory over North Carolina on Sunday night. You can read highlights of the game, here. They received a heroes welcome when they arrived back in Corvallis yesterday afternoon. Pics can be found, here. Go Beavs!

That wraps up the breaking news from my corner of the world! Happy Tuesday!

QotD: Bail Me Out

Vox Question of the Day - Who would you call with your one phone call if arrested? (No lawyers)

This question may be difficult to answer if I we hadn't already discussed this, but alas I have a plan! (Just in case, of course). True friendship is those that will take care of you when your sick, help you move or bail you out of jail. I would call Don. And if Don happened to be with me, I am pretty sure that we would call Kat! :-)

Originally posted on my Vox site.  Full post moved here September 7, 2010 in anticipation of Vox's closing.

QotD: Worst. Hairstyle. Ever.

Vox Question of the Day - What was your worst hairstyle decision ever?

When I decided in college that I would look really cute with a short, pixie, Katie Couric inspired bowl cut. I did it and it looked horrible! Absolutely horrible. I wasn't cute like Katie Couric, not even close. I don't show many pictures from that phase of my life cause they are OH SO BAD!

Originally posted on my Vox site. Full post moved here September 7, 2010 in anticipation of Vox's closing.

Yes/No Game

This has been sitting in my "drafts" folder for months and months and now I have no idea where I originally saw it. Oops! Anyway, here we go.

===========

THE RULES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
1. You can only say Yes or No!
2. You are NOT ALLOWED to explain ANYTHING unless someone messages you and asks!
3. DO NOT SAY ANYTHING BESIDES YES OR NO!!!
4. Repost this as the Yes/ No Game!

==========

Over 18? - Yes

Kissed someone who is a good friend? - Yes

Danced in front of your mirror naked? - Yes

Ever told a lie? - Yes

Tripped on mushrooms? - No

Done Ecstasy? - No

Been arrested? - No

Kissed a picture? - Yes

Fallen asleep at work/school? - Yes

Held an actual snake? - No

Ran a red light? (they mean in a car) - Yes

Been suspended from school? - No

Totalled your car/motorbike in an accident? - No

Been fired from a job? - Yes

Sang karaoke? - No

Done something you told yourself you wouldn't? - Yes

Laughed until something you were drinking came out your nose? - Yup

Caught a snowflake on your tongue? - Yes

Kissed in the rain? - No

Sang in the shower? - Yes

Sat on a roof top? - Yes

Thought about your past with regret? - Yes

Been pushed into a pool with all your clothes on? - Yes

Broken a bone? - Yes

Shaved your head? - Yes

Blacked out from drinking? - Yes

Played a prank on someone? - Yes

Been wrongly judged? - Yes

Stayed up longer than 24 hours straight? - Yes

Had a gym membership? - Yes

Felt like killing someone? - No

Made your (ex)girlfriend/boyfriend cry? - Yes

Been in a band? - No

Shot a gun? - No

Liked someone with nobody else knowing about it? - Yes

Played strip poker? - No

Donated Blood? - Yes

Loved someone you shouldn't? - Yes

Have a tattoo? - No

Have or had any piercings besides ears? - No

Me as Ice Cream

You Are A Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Girl

Creative. Expressive. Unique.

What Flavor Ice Cream Girl Are You?

QotD: Never Ending Boat Ride

Vox Question of the Day - What's the longest boat ride you've ever been on?

I believe the longest boat ride I have even been on it when my family took an all-day sailing excursion from Lahania, Maui, Hawaii to Molokini crater for a day of snorkeling. We were on the boat from early morning to late afternoon except when we were in the water snorkeling and swimming. The boat was absolutely beautiful and the captain had sailed it around the world. I loved the entire experience except for the sunburn that I had the following day, Ouch!

Originally posted on my Vox site.  Full post moved here September 7, 2010 in anticipation of Vox's closing.

QotD: Discount Shopping

Vox Question of the Day - How many discount cards do you carry in your wallet and where are they from?

1. Safeway Club
2. QFC Advantage
3. Fred Meyer Rewards
4. AMC Movie Watcher
5. Capers Cache Card
6. Albertson's Preferred Card
7. Barnes & Noble Member
8. Hallmark Gold Crown
9. Silver City Restaurant & Brewery
10. Subway Club
11. Tap House Grill
12. Rock Bottom Mug Club
13. Emerald City Smoothie (Punch Card)
14. Taco Del Mar (Punch Card)

Originally posted on my Vox site. Full post moved here September 7, 2010 in anticipation of Vox's closing.

Always Siblings

I read an article this morning on my RSS feeds from the New York Times regarding recent research proving that firstborns have a higher I.Q. than the siblings that follow. You can check out the article here: Research Finds Firstborns Gain the Higher I.Q.

Upon reading this I immediately send an email to my two younger brothers with "Sorry Guys" as the subject line and the link as the body of the message. This began the following email chain:

Dave (middle sibling): You may be smarter according to this, but I'm still taller!

Jimmy (youngest): Whatever, I am still the best looking.

Dave: I'm still taller.

Me: I can't argue with either of your points but I'm still smarter. :-P

I always have to have the final word! And I couldn't even think of anything witty or fun to say so I just restated the obvious which is just obviously annoying.

Quote of the day

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and it may be necessary from time to time to give a stupid or misinformed beholder a black eye."

-Miss Piggy

Rock, Paper, Scissors

You Are Scissors

Sharp and brilliant, you can solve almost any problem with that big brain of yours. People fear your cutting comments - and your wit is famous for being both funny and cruel. Deep down, you tend to be in the middle of an emotional storm. Your own complexity disturbs you. You are too smart for your own good. Slow down a little - or you're likely to hurt yourself. You can cut a paper person down to pieces. The only person who can ruin you is a rock person. When you fight: You find your enemy's weak point and exploit it. If someone makes you mad: You'll do everything you can to destroy their life

Are You Rock, Paper, or Scissors?

QotD: Do Not Want (To Eat)

The Vox Question of the Day - What do you absolutely refuse to eat?

Foods that I am allergic to which include blue cheese and coconut milk because dealing with the consequences is not fun at all. I only eat foods that cause stress to my gastric system in moderation including broccoli and cabbage. Other than that I am pretty easygoing. I like to try new things and am a firm believer that you can't say you don't like it if you have never tried it. I figure it's worth trying cause it will probably just taste like chicken.

Originally posted on my Vox site. Full post moved here September 7, 2010 in anticipation of Vox's closing.

Oh Dear God

They sell Wedding Barbie at David's Bridal.