By the firelight

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"Fires are a big deal when we go camping!"
(taken at Ginnie Springs)

Happy Anniversary Spa Day

This year for my anniversary I went to Essentials and had a massage and a much needed facial!  My friend J went with me and she had a facial and we ate lunch together.  It was a wonderful, relaxing experience.  I did notice that it is much more wonderful and relaxing when you aren't the one paying the bill though.  I do miss those days when my boss would take us for a spa day after a particularly good quarter.  Must be something about having a female boss.  The guys I work with know barely know what a spa is, much less would they spring for a spa day.

I went and visited my mom and dad after and then went home and started to read, but ended up sleeping the rest of the day away.  I can't say I'm too happy about sleeping so much, but I guess I needed it.

Sorry for the phone in post today, but this is all I have.

Char

Pineapple Upside Down Cake for Mom's Birthday

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"Homemade pineapple upside down cake for mommy's birthday tomorrow."

Just what I needed

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"Banking on this big mug of Earl Grey

to soothe this headache away."

I'm a New Great Aunt

Say Hello to Grace Elena Noel.  She was born around noon today. Isn't she a cutie pie???  I can't wait to meet her!!

Generosity

Working for generous people, is always a plus.  What's even better is working for generous people who have generous friends.

Thanks to one of my bosses, this is what we had for dinner last night, gratis... courtesy of him!

Stone crab claws with drawn butter

Fresh rock shrimp from the east coast waters

I picked up some scallops and wrapped them in bacon just to gild the lily :-)

Handmade bacon wrapped scallops with cucumber dill sauce

What a fantastic dinner.  I'm a lucky girl.

Char

The Birthday Girl

Happy 4th Birthday Miss Zoe. We love you!
Aunt CharChar and Uncle John


Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Christmas Morning

Here are some pictures of how I spent Christmas Morning:

Mmmmm Coffee

Zane posing for a picture

Zoe posing with a napkin on her head.  Silly Goose!

They opened their stockings, now waiting patiently for breakfast!

Finally we can open our gifts!

The big reveal!  Just what we asked Santa for!

Zoe:  I want to ride it!  Zane:  I want to put my lollypops in the basket!

Ready to go!

Zoom~Zoom~Zoom

I can do this too!

Helping daddy put on the bell

Hangin with mama!

Special thanks to my sister and BIL for letting me share Christmas morning with them again this year since John had to work!

C

Thanksgiving

Being as it is Thanksgiving, and being so inspired by my friend Lisa at The Cutting Edge of Ordinary, I just wanted to jot down some of the things I'm thankful for.

I'm thankful for my wonderful husband.  He is truly the light of my life and loves me like I have never been loved before.  He makes sure I know it every day, not just in his words, but in his actions.

I'm thankful for my crazy family.  They.Drive.Me.Crazy a lot of the time, but I love each and every one of them.  They are all special to me, and I would be very sad with out them*.

I'm thankful for my Cats.  Squeak and Catria have been extra loving to me at just the times when I need it.  Squeak knows me better than I know myself.  I pray that she will feel better soon, and stop getting older, because I just can't bear the thought of losing her.  Squeak has even showed her amazing loving timing to John this year, at just the moment he needed it.  I love her so much.

I'm thankful for my neighbors.  I truly cherish them, and am surprised and delighted by their generosity and kindness.

I'm thankful for my job.  I have met a very special friend and two bosses who I couldn't be happier with.  My job is challenging and just the right amount of crazy for me :)

I'm thankful for my house.

I'm thankful for the many friends I have made through blogging and online.  I am grateful for all of you.  We may not have met, but I feel a strong connection nevertheless.  I look forward to sharing a cup of coffee or a martini with you at some point in the future!

I hope everyone has a happy Thanksgiving!

Char


* - I still reserve the right to move to Alaska!

30 days of truth - Day 2

Something you love about yourself.

I love that I seem to have the ability to make people laugh.  There is just something about the feeling it gives me that I love.  I can't do it all the time.  Most of the time it backfires on me and I inexplicably offend someone... but I can, and do make people laugh sometimes.  And I like it.

Have I ever made you laugh?


What do you love about yourself?

Char

30 days of truth. Day 1

I came across this in the blogosphere and thought I would jump on the wagon. I think this is great.




This is the list if you want to add your own:


Day 01 → Something you hate about yourself.

Day 02 → Something you love about yourself.

Day 03 → Something you have to forgive yourself for.

Day 04 → Something you have to forgive someone for.

Day 05 → Something you hope to do in your life.

Day 06 → Something you hope you never have to do.

Day 07 → Someone who has made your life worth living for.

Day 08 → Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.

Day 09 → Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.

Day 10 → Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.

Day 11 → Something people seem to compliment you the most on.

Day 12 → Something you never get compliments on.

Day 13 → A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)

Day 14 → A hero that has let you down. (letter)

Day 15 → Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.

Day 16 → Someone or something you definitely could live without.

Day 17 → A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.

Day 18 → Your views on gay marriage.

Day 19 → What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?

Day 20 → Your views on drugs and alcohol.

Day 21 → (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?

Day 22 → Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.

Day 23 → Something you wish you had done in your life.

Day 24 → Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)

Day 25 → The reason you believe you’re still alive today.

Day 26 → Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?

Day 27 → What’s the best thing going for you right now?

Day 28 → What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?

Day 29 → Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.

Day 30 → A letter to yourself, tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself

DAY 1



Something you Hate About yourself:



I wish I was better at picking up hints.  I wish that I didn't second guess myself so much.  I need to learn to TRUST my gut.


What do you hate about yourself?

Char

Mommy love

The Spohrs are Multiplying - mom-seeking-manual

After reading the above entry in the blog above, I had to comment.  I am really struggling to put words to how I am feeling right now, but I just wanted to share that blog entry with you and also share my comment.  That's all I can say about that now :-(

Dear Heather, I'm so sorry for the loss of your Aunt. I have only recently started reading your blog. You've been through so much. I have to tell you what prompted me to comment was this line "I have the love part down pat. I smother my Annie with so many kisses that sometimes I think, “Self, maybe you should cut down on the kisses and do some laundry. Also, something stinks and it’s probably you.” But then I reply to myself, “no…the laundry can wait. MORE KISSES!”" I SO totally get that. I don't have children of my own yet.. we have been trying unsuccessfully for over a year now. I can totally hear myself saying what you said there. Hopefully Someday. XOXOXO, Charlene

Love this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4nbq2Hrh90

Lap Band Update

Someone asked me today some things about my lap band and how it is going.  She's thinking about getting one herself.  I haven't posted an update here in a while, so I thought this would be a good topic and I'm sure some people are interested but for whatever reason, don't really want to ask me.  So here is some info, and if anyone has other questions, please let me know.  It has been a great experience for me, and I am happy to answer any questions.

A curious friend wrote:



How much weight did you lose and how long to lose it?

I have lost up to 90 pounds, I've kept about 75 of it off. I've had the band since May 2007. I need to go and get another adjustment, I've just been putting it off.

 Why no liquids with meals?

Liquids with meals allow more food to go through and you don't feel as full. This has been the most difficult thing for me, and part of the reason I haven't lost more weight.


Did you PB ( vomit) often?

I still do PB. Nearly every day. It is my own fault though. If I eat something too fast, or if it isn't moist enough, it gets stuck and comes back up. It isn't the same as vomiting like you know it now though. It's very different.

Any foods you can't eat?

I used to have a lot of trouble with bread and rice. I can eat them both now, as long as the bread is well buttered or mayo'd, and the rice has some kind of sauce or gravy on it. Dry meat is out... boneless skinless chicken breasts are difficult, unless eaten with a sauce. I also find that It is VERY difficult for me to eat first thing in the morning if I don't have a warm drink first. Texture is very important. Like with bread, the crunchy veggies are almost always needed to get the bread down too.

Do you drink wine or alcohol?

I definitely drink my share of wine and alcohol with no problem! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you think of anything else, ask away.  I'm an open book!

You might also want to check out my blog.  There aren't a ton of posts about the lap band, but you can find some.  www.lifedramatic.blogspot.com.

I'm very excited for you.  Even with the little bits of trouble I have, I would definitely do it all over again!  It is totally worth it!

Char

Tears of joy tonight

I spent an amazing weekend with my husband at a spectacular wedding, in a beautiful hotel. We danced, he serenaded me, we had a sublime room, and may or may not have uh oh - how did that fluffy pillow end up in our suitcase?? ;-)

I started a new job today, that I think I love. I think I love my job. I don't think I've ever said that before.

A sweet friend of mine brought tears to my eyes tonight with her apple picking adventures. Click the title of this post to visit her blog and see lots of love and happiness, and some pretty damn good food!

My comment on her Apple Picking '09 blog: "I have never been to an apple orchard. I cannot imagine the heaven that must be. One of these days I'm going to follow in my Grampy's footsteps and pick Cortland apples in Maine in September. Sniff, sniff. I love your stories and photo journalism Lisa. You are truly a blessing."

I have a full life, a one in a million husband, a family that is wonderful and loves me, and loves each other. I am truly blessed.

Char

Camera Woes - from my spaces.live blog

September 22


Camera Woes

We really want to get a new camera, but I've been on the fence for a while now - unable to determine what I want. Tonight, I figured out the problem...

In a perfect world, I’d get the D90, unfortunately we’d still need to eventually get other stuff for it.

I am sure I’ll be happy with the D80 – If not there’s always ebay J

http://nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Digital-SLR/25412/D80.html

So if I were to make a wish list for everything I think we’d need (Stuff that I had before Shaun took our last set up) – These are the things that I’d get – In order of importance.

1 – 699.98 – The camera: The Nikon D80 & a lens: 18-55mm basic lens with vibration reduction for sharp focus - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00128SQDC/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=A3LJ5WMKNRFKQS&v=glance

2 – 184.88 – Not the highest end flash, but not the lowest end either - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0002EMY9Y/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=A3LJ5WMKNRFKQS&v=glance

3 - 89.99 – High Speed Memory card – necessary for fast focusing – large capacity – cause well - we will take a lot of pictures - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0013TVAB0/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=A3LJ5WMKNRFKQS&v=glance

4 - 63.50 – Nikon backpack case – This is the only type of case I would buy – I was worried Nikon wouldn’t have one. – Whew! - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000WZV5FW/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=A1A5WKXZLE8CDR&v=glance

5 - 109.99 - 50mm lens – necessary for great indoor shots of people (esp kids) this is the lens that Rusty uses indoors - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00005LEN4/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=A3LJ5WMKNRFKQS&v=glance

6 - 219.88 -55-200 Vibration Reduction Lens – Nice zoom – includes vibration reduction for the all important sharp focus. - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000O161X0/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=A3LJ5WMKNRFKQS&v=glance

7 - 13.59 – Digital Field Guide - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0470120517/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance

8 - 33.34 – 52mm 3 pc filter kit – protects and enhances remaining three lenses - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00004ZCKX/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance

9 - 99.95 – Macro lens – for taking food photos – also Long zoom – think the red barn picture – amazing lens for the price - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000A0UHXU/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=A17MC6HOH9AVE6&v=glance

10 - 22.54 – 58mm circular polarizer – must have for above lens (Protection and polarization)- http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00007LA0T/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=A17MC6HOH9AVE6&v=glance

11 - 134.88 – Battery back up system – uses camera batteries or AA batteries in a pinch, gives camera ability to show us battery life - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000HJ5N2Y/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=A3LJ5WMKNRFKQS&v=glance

12 - 36.14 – Extra battery – Use in battery back up system instead of AA batteries – Lasts longer - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000BYCKU8/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance

See why I’ve been on the fence so long.

Char