February 23, 2011--Today's favorites

I went and did some grocery shopping today. There is a place nearby called Plow Boys that has GREAT prices on fruits and vegetables. So, I took a picture today of my favorite vegetable right now. I am love, love, loving spaghetti squash. Probably mostly because I can make it be whatever I want... pasta, dessert, dinner, you name it. It is super low in calories and great fiber!

Then, on my way home, I stopped to buy some milk, and I saw this little gem in the store. I thought of Jeff. Now, I know it is past the big V day, but I am working on not taking for granted my relationships. So, I picked him up. He is pretty cool. Jeff says I only got him 'cuz he was on sale for 75% off. Whatever... never look a gift horse in the mouth I say. He is a cutie, though. Besides, he says I love you! How can a person resist that?

I also got some apples today... well... some... lets just say 3 different kinds. So many, that the guy in the store said to me... wow... you must really like apples. Yep, I have become somewhat an apple connoiseur. Today's little delights were Braeburns, Golden Delicious and Pacific Rose. I also have some Pink Ladies in the fridge. You can never have too many apples!!!!

February 21, 2011-A pineapple

So, for a few weeks now, I have been working on three quilts. I got two of them done, and now I am trying to finish up this one. It isn't easy to get them all done. It is like having fifteen things on your plate that are unfinished. BUT, I have been hauling the pieces to this one back and forth to work for WEEKS. Now, I just have to put the borders on it, and it will be done. I think that will be some time in March before that happens. But, there is no time constraint on it, so whenever is good!

Did you know that the pineapple is the sign of hospitality?

February 20, 2011-San Diego

Today we went to San Diego. Jeff needed to get some new clothes to marathon in, and last week, I received an email to get a free year at Sea World. Now Sea World is not my favorite place to go. BUT, I really like the tide pools and the bat rays. I like to be able to touch the animals. So, for FREE, I guess I can suck it up and go to Sea World once in a while.

February 18, 2011-Food adventure

Jeff and I had to go to the tax advisor today, and we have been watching a couple of food shows on the travel channel and on the food network. We decided that on our way to and from the tax guy, we would make a couple of visits. So, first we stopped at Norm's. I haven't ever been to Norm's, but I see the ads on the TV all the time for the bigger, better breakfast for $5.99. Can't miss out on a deal!

Then, afterwards, we stopped at Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles. I had the salad. Kinda funny when you think about it because it sure isn't what they are known for! Jeff said the chicken was a little dry, but sometimes it isn't about the food it is about experience!

Also, today, as we were leaving the sunrise was AWESOME. I love sunrises and sunsets, so I took another one today! Down near where we were, there was the academy of motion picture. What a cool building that was. AND, as we were leaving, Jeff saw the Flynt Productions building. I think he was hoping he could get a job... LOL! Just kidding!

February 17, 2011--Sugar, sugar!

Last week or so, I bought 4 boxes of cake mix. They were 75cents a piece, and I couldn't pass up a deal. I tried to buy the kinds that I liked the least. For example, I don't like lemon or orange. So, I bought one of each. I also got Spice cake mix. Not my favorite either. I have learned how to make these new cake pops, and I am really thinking they are cool. So, today, I made these orange flavored ones with orange sprinkles. There really isn't too much danger of me eating them all as I could do without them. Kinda a good move on my part. BUT... I am hoping that the tax guy thinks they are cool because actually that is why I made them. He is really a nice guy and I always feel sorry for him how hard he works and for such late hours. So, I thought I would surprise him with some goodies. He may throw them in the trash, but that is okay. I won't know! I also working on some ideas for a cookie/cake/goodie ministry for church. I haven't figured out all the details because I am still working it out in my head. But, if anyone needs some big sugar rushes, let me know!!! I can hook you UP!

February 15, 2011-- My valentine!

Last night when I got home, I saw these beautiful roses on my dresser! They are sooo very beautiful and I LOVE flowers. Any time of the year, not just Valentine's Day. So, there they were... 3 dozen roses in all their glory. I just had to share them with everyone else. SO, if you didn't get any, I am sharing them with you virtually!

February 13, 2011-- A few treats

Yay! Valentine's Day! Any excuse I have to bake is so much fun for me. As always, though, I get all excited and go overboard. Some really cool things have happened this time, though. I didn't have the urge to eat them all. That is something completely new for me. Usually I will have half of them finished before I can get them to school. Along with baking, I also got to work on my photography which was composition this week. Two in one! Double bonus! I can't wait to give people all their little gifts tomorrow and to give Jeff his tickets to Avenue Q. I love treating my loved ones to little somethin' somethin's!

February 8, 2011-My dailies

Today I was thinking about my weight loss and my own personal journey. I took a picture of my food journal as every day is a brand new day. I have the choice to either use it for good or not. I am working really hard at sticking to my program. It isn't easy but I am doing it.

Also today, I was reading my daily devotional and a couple of scripture verses came up. I took a picture of the two of them to remind me of two things... first... that it isn't a fast race It is a journey and what am I going to do on my journey? will I be an inspiration to others or will Ifall short? And.. have I lived the commandment to love the world? I strive for it every day and some days I am much better at it than others. But, I am working on it. I am not perfect (thankfully) and all Ican do is reach every day to be a blessing to others. There has been much discussion about sustenance. In the devotional it talked about the ultimate sustenance comes from connecing to God's will for the world and God's will for our own lives. Funny how sustenance on my food journey is similar to the sustenance on my life journey as well. Every thing comes full circle eventually, I guess.

February 5, 2011-Photography challenges

I have been a little behind in my photography class that I am learning. I was having some trouble keeping my hands busy today, so I decided to take a walk with my camera. One of the lessons today was on how to make water stop by increasing the shutter speed. Kinda fun, so I tried it out on a local fountain. Then, I took my favorite subject out to get photographed. He never complains and he always lets me take a billion photos. I think I am finally "starting" to get the whole photography thing. It just takes me a little bit and I have to take serious notes otherwise, I need a drawing. But, the good thing is I am getting it. Baby steps!

February 1, 2011-Chocolate

I come from a long line of chocolate eaters. My dad LOVES chocolate. My mom LOVES chocolate. My grandma LOVES chocolate. I would say it pretty much runs straight through my family. So, in November and December, when I was doing my sugar detox, I had some serious chocolate cravings. When you are having one, the best way I know how to fix it is to buy chocolate. What better way to do so then to go to the after Christmas sales. Then you can get your favorite chocolates at a DISCOUNT! I am a sucker for a chocolate discount. So, I STOCKED UP! 10 bags of my very favorite candy on earth, the nectar of gods, yep, you guessed it... M&M's. One can never have too many bags of those around the house. Now, I haven't eaten them yet. I had one piece on Sunday, and it just wasn't the same. I am saving them up for that day when I REALLY need them. You know, like when we are all scrapbooking together. I am sure they will be important then, right? So, until then, they are hiding in my closet. Out of sight, out of mind. It is a funny story, though. After all, who buys 10 bags of M&M's?