Best of Life Seen all Week

Wordless Wednesday

2012-02-15T09:13:00.000-05:00

No words needed...

I am a Fan...

2012-02-13T21:15:00.002-05:00

1. Pacers Fans 2. Pep Squad 3. Pacers 4. Kathleen Hardees?

I am a fan of working from home.

I am a fan of dr. pepper.

I am a fan of Instagram.

I am a fan of sending my BFFs photos everyday.

I am a fan of avoiding folding laundry.

I am a fan of twitter and 140 of describing moments.

I am a fan of Whitney Houston dance parties.

I am a fan of my blue velvet sofa.

I am a fan of hoodies and yoga pants 3-5 days of the week.

I am a fan of the Pacers.

I am a fan of having a momo who makes valentine's day special.

I am a fan of staying up late.

I am a fan of working hard.

I am a fan of regular night outs.

I am a fan of sweet potatoes.

I am a fan of lists.

I am a fan of starting many projects.

I am a fan of documenting life.

I am a fan of blogging.

1. Neon Signs. 2. Tile Floor at Durr's old Apt. 3. Hamburger from Bru. 4. Chocolate Covered Strawberries for Bridal Shower.

PS you can find my last "fan" post here.

Favs on Friday - iPhone Photos

2012-02-10T08:59:00.000-05:00

If you haven't already noticed 75% of my photos taken these days are snapped on my iPhone - which is really quite sad because my SLR takes much better photos. But regardless my I have documented my life in 1,000 ways til Sunday and I love it. So thus this weeks favorite thing is iPhone photos. iPhone photos I love you even if sometimes you make my sparkley shirt look like fireworks and your coloring is off - you still can be snapped in two seconds from the time I pull the phone from my pocket. Too see more favorites check out here.
Oh and photo collages taken from random Feb happenings this has been a strange month. Bring on more strange I got this!

Baptism - Another Big Thing That Happened!

2012-02-08T07:30:00.000-05:00

I am not sure how I missed blogging about this already because in the scheme of things it's bigger than the super bowl/jimmy fallon/turf by a lot.

Early in January I met with Pastor Aaron, he and I had a chat and we talked about baptism and If I wanted to take that step. I told him I have been waiting for God to speak to me with "a burning bush" to tell me to do it (pardon the metaphor). And we talked about it some and he said to pray about it. I ran home from our lunch in prayer. I decided there was no better time than the present it's time to stop waiting for signs and just to follow God's plans for me. Christianity should not be like a coat that I wear sometimes and take off and put on. Anyhow at the end of January I was baptized by pastor Ben at IMC. Almost all of my family got to come and a TON of my friends came to support me. My whole citigroup came up on stage to support me and pray for me - it was awesome. My apologies for the cheesy grin in the above photo that water was "cold" and I had "shock face" before that and I distinctly remember telling myself to smile for the camera.

Photos were taken from Indy Metro Church's Facebook.

So this one time my friend invited me to the Jimmy Fallon Show...

2012-02-07T20:04:00.002-05:00

you can see from this photo we also had great seats!

and I actually told her "no" because I had a bunch of things to do and well I haven't really had much "home" time. But then I changed my mind. And even though I had never even seen the show I'm am so glad I did change my mind. I rushed downtown to meet her and two other friends and we got wristbands and tickets and strict instructions on when to be here for the live taping and what not.    And then we spent the day seeing TURF one last time and then going two super bowl parties and then going to the Jimmy Fallon show which was the first LIVE taping ever.   It was truly an awesome experience.
I appreciated Jimmy's opening number which was like a tribute to Indiana in a goofy sort of way. And then special guests were some world champion giants, Adam Sandler, and Andy Sandberg and musical guest FloRIDA. And of course Jimmy was funny too. All that was great but my most favorite part was actually - the house band "The Roots".
How did I not know about the Roots until now - do I live in a bubble? They are kind of like a mix between rap and jazz and they have a excellent tuba player with hips like Elvis (SWOON).    I'm now only slightly obsessed and I have downloaded several of their albums.   If you have never heard of them google "Walk Along" on youtube.
Anyhow big shout out to my friend Adam for the tickets and to Amy for inviting me and persuading me that I should go. I learned my lesson I will keep saying "Yes".

Jimmy Fallon in Hilbert Circle Theater (snapped by nate)

Damon Bryson Image from here.

Image from Jimmy Fallon Live Website. That's Jimmy chest butting the mayor.

PS this post is in lu of the Tuesday 10 because well - I had three things on the list "Jimmy Fallon" and "the Roots" and "Damon Bryson" - so they deserve their own blog.

Hiking with Momo Adventures #1 - Cultural Trail

2012-02-05T10:43:00.000-05:00

This is an art installation and the solar panels collect energy to light this up during the night.

So last weekend we did hike #1 for the monthly hiking with momo adventures (#22 on Da List). Since it was January and weather in Indiana could be a foot of snow or sunny and 55 I thought it best to do a paved trail. So we hiked Indianapolis cultural trail. For those of you that don't know what this is it's a trail that connects all the cultural districts in Indianapolis to each other with bike/walking/handicapped accessible paths all built with green products and there are art installations along the way. It's actually probably one of the coolest urban things happening in Indy, and they are still building it. It has a part that is pretty near me that is still under construction but maybe soon I will be able to bike into Indy without feeling like I will be killed by a semi on the roads.

We walked from the War Memorial along Alabama - which isn't far but it was chilly so it was far enough for Momo. I invited my friend Busyao to join us and I think she had fun. It was a beautiful day for a hike despite the chill. Anyhow enjoy the photos.

Starting point. They haven't changed the War Memorial Plaza much for the trail.

All the intersections have painted lanes.

More of the texture of the path.

Mosaic at the Murat Theater it's awesomesauce.

That mural on the wall there is one of the 46 mural's painted for SuperBowl 46. I'm going to tour them all soon.

Our feet on the trail.

Love the hexagon pavers - good call city planners.

Running

2012-02-04T15:00:00.000-05:00

Let's take like a minute to talk about Katie + running - and go:

I started running in like April of last year.
I didn't like it.
I hated it.
I was slow as molasses.
I dragged Lita to the track a handful of times.
I didn't want to run more than a quarter of a mile before I started walking.
I kept thinking I would like it.

I wasn't consistent.

I only ran when I felt like it or the weather was nice or the hotel treadmill was open.

I was lame.

I ran/jogged maybe 70 miles from April to November.

I set a goal to run 40 miles in November.

I didn't hit 40 miles but I was consistent.

I got out and ran around the block and then around it again.

I found I ran faster not fast but faster.

I decided to make it a habit and either before work, at lunch or after-work I would run.

I went for a jog before going to play or showering.

I found I could run a mile continuously it wasn't that hard.

I slowed down a bit in December.

I was not impressed by the cold.

I didn't have access to treadmills in hotels.

I hear my bad ankle crack outside.

I actually slipped on black ice on Christmas Eve bruised my backside and cut my hand.

I got up again and ran on the 26th regardless.

I set another goal 366 miles in 2012, in January.

I am not planning to run marathons.

I am not planning to run as fast as I did at 18.

I am not planning to run every day.

I am just planning to run.

I bought underarmour and actual running socks.

I ran 21 days in January.

I ran when my feet felt heavy.

I ran when it was snowy.

I ran when it was cold enough to freeze my fat.

I ran when it was rainy.

I ran in between conference calls.

I ran down hills.

I ran up hills.

I ran to meet people.

I ran home from meeting people.

I ran faster than Jono.

I ran 3 miles without walking.

I ran 4 miles without walking.

I wasn't fast.

I wasn't as slow as I thought.

I took a few days off - so what.

I keep thinking that I will start to like running.

I actually still do NOT like running.

I can however say it's not on the hate list anymore.

I am proud to say I am already 20 miles ahead of my goal of 366 miles for 2012.

And that's all I have to say about that.

One Month Down - Da List Status

2012-02-04T12:34:00.002-05:00

January FLEW past me. It was a crazy good month. So many local adventures, so many friendships strengthening and blossoming, so many good talks, so many laughs, so many good things. With the exception of the first I spent the entire month sleeping in my own bed and I didn't even travel out of the state. This might be the first month since 2007 that actually happened. And you know I'm okay with it and it's a bit weird but it's cool all at the same time. I learned I can just "Chill" and I even enjoy "Chilling".

Anyhow an update on "Da List" for January:

I crossed 6 items off the list.

#3 Trivia Night
#10 Restyle Filing Cabinet
#23 See Live Music - I went to Worship Roadshow and saw a live musician in Starbucks.
#25 Vintage Game Night
#32 Lunch with Jilly
#45 Send JJ and FCH a MLK/Christmas Gift

I started on 8 others.

#2 Study the Bible More
#11 Run 366 Miles
#12 Visit Thea and Paul - Travel booked.
#22 Monthly Hikes with Momo
#44 10 Crafty Projects
#47 Document Life
#50 Read a Book a Week
#51 Monthly Videos

Anyhow enjoy some random Instagrams from January.

TURF - Presented by IDADA

2012-02-04T11:05:00.003-05:00

This is quite possibly my favorite Super Bowl exhibit experience in the city and it has nothing to do with football! They converted the old Interim Library into art installations featuring Indianapolis Artists. It's FREE! It's accessible! It's COOL!

I wish I had photographed all the installations but instead you get just a snippet. I'm so glad I got down there before the last day of the exhibit - which I think is tomorrow. Anyhow many of the exhibits are interactive they encourage touching and moving around to see them from different angles. Many use recycled materials and multi-media format. Check it out if your in Indy it's worth finding parking in the Super Bowl Chaos and going - FYI it's a quick jog from Mass Ave.

Anyhow enjoy some snaps I shot, which don't really do it justice.

Favs on Friday - Red Shoes

2012-02-03T08:21:00.002-05:00

Red Shoes are one of my favorite things. I have 9 pairs of red shoes. Some that are dressy others that are not. Most of my clothes are gray/black with a sprinkle of color in my non-work attire but I have all these Red shoes it must be the wizard of oz in me although none of them are "sparkley". Anyhow they just make me happy. To see other Favs check out Shay's blog here.

Indy Super City - Superbowl Kickoff

2012-01-31T17:24:00.001-05:00

In case you haven't already heard - Indianapolis is the host of the 2012 Superbowl. It's bringing so many fun events and people to the city. It's really a big deal around here first time it's been in a cold climate - I secretly want a foot of snow ;) Funny thing though if we were to compare it to the Indy 500 there are actually only like 1/5 of the people who attend Superbowl. However this is a MUCH more televised event, and every business in town is having a party of some sort.

Anyhow I went with a guy I have been dating to check out the Superbowl village the other day. And sadly we didn't get zipline tickets but we did manage to have a good time anyhow. The Indy cars and numbers on the circle are cool. The streets that have been redesigned are awesome and will live once the NFL trailers have packed up and gone home. If you live in Indy and haven't gone yet you should check it out especially if you have kids or want to buy some NFL gear - but either way it's a once in a lifetime event I will be returning at least two more times so watch for more pictures.

Tuesday Tutorial - iPhone Case Revamp - Crafty #1

2012-01-30T23:08:00.002-05:00

Here's my first Crafty Project of the year (#44 on Da List). It was super simple too.

1 - Purchase iPhone case you don't love that's on sale.

2 - Bust out some nail polish and jazz it up. I did Blue and Pink Stripes you don't have to be exact at least with the kind of cheapy case I bought

3 - Let dry overnight (no joke)

4 - Put that case back together and Ta Da Revamped iPhone Case. (best part about this project is that you can change the colors frequently if you want)

Dear Jackie & Lisa - 52 Books Book #3

2012-01-29T22:51:00.000-05:00

Dear Jackie and Lisa -

For Book #3 I read "A million little pieces" by James Frey. It's a book about an addict and his story of going thru rehab. It goes into details about the withdrawals and ups/downs of getting clean and sobar. It really does portray addictive behaviors in through the writing. I wasn't entirely impressed with the story though it's almost as if the author played both sides of the fence in terms of recovery. It was interesting enough to keep my attention however it since parts of the story are fabricated I liked it a little less as I like true stories. Anyhow that's 3 of 53 down.

Happy Reading Girls! Katie

Tuesday 10 - Mid January Loveliness

2012-01-24T20:23:00.000-05:00

I have been meaning to blog more regularly all month - so many things happening just keep delaying this. But I'll work on making time for it. Anyhow here's a Tuesday 10 to tide you over.

1. Avocados - these were on sale this week and I bought some - I'm planning to make avocado wraps to use up all the leftover tortillas from taco bar. (Jono and I are on a use up the leftovers kick)

2. THE WEATHER - is it January or April?

3. My neighborhood Marsh is under remodel and I'm excited to say I might want to shop at the new one!

4. Citigroup

5. IMQG just kicked off a new year with an awesome meeting I'm so jazzed for all the 2012 things we're planning.

6. Indianapolis - There is no better time than right now to live in Indy and to get to work from Indy it truly is a super city - all you left and right coasters Midwest is Best!

7. Polar Bears - The Polar Bear and I go way back (my teddy bear is a Polar Bear.

8. Vintage Game Night

9. Regular Thursday Night Dinners with Queen & Ricky and whoever else we round up. Love Love!

10. This newly finished Instragram project in my hallway. It just makes it a little more special when passing thru.

Here in the next few days I'll get a post about book three too.

#25 Vintage Game Night

2012-01-23T21:46:00.001-05:00

Friday night we had vintage game night (#25) at the bungalow. It was crazy fun. Jono and I each made a soup and we served it on the prison trays. We had a crazy awesome group of friends.

We played Girl Talk, Family Feud, Encore and just were altogether merry. I must say I was slightly disappointed Jono didn't have to prank call a boy and tell them he liked them in the girl talk. But Kemi really represented when she had to go next door and ask for toilet paper there was NO hesitation on her part - awesome. We also attempted to play Dr. Laura however the instructions are atrocious and we gave up. Anyhow it was much fun and don't be surprised if we don't have this again soon, but I get to cross it off the list anyhow.

#32 Lunch with Jilly

2012-01-20T08:13:00.001-05:00

Made some more progress on my list this week. I went and had lunch with Jilly #32 CHECK It was actually "Brunch" and a trip to the toy shop but I'm still counting it! I love that she wore her New York gear and I wore Boston gear. LOL! It was a fantastic lunch - nothing like a good cry, accompanied by smiles to make friend time awesome. Jilly I love you and I miss our daily time together, no more six months between hangouts. Here is a picture we snapped with my Instax while on Mass Ave for the record we did not eat at Old Point.

So for Progress on Da List I think that takes me to 3 and 1/12 DONE. Not too bad.

Tuesday Tutorial - File Cabinet into Dresser

2012-01-17T05:12:00.000-05:00

BEFORE.

I bought this puppy at a thrift store for $20 a month ago. I knew when I saw it that it was perfect for a dresser - the drawers are sooo BIG. It also takes up much less space than a dresser. So I brought her home and did a little research on spray painting. So here's a a simple tutorial for you for today.

1. Sand - you don't need to get too crazy with the sanding it's more important to remove any finger grease than it is to remove all the old paint.

2. Remove the hardware - I couldn't get the faceplate off without bending them so I left them (I think it's fine.

3. Prime that puppy. Don't skip this step. If anything I wish I had put on a second coat of primer as it would have made one less coat of aqua.

4. Spray Paint nice even coats. Hold the spray can about 8 inches from the item to avoid dripping. I recommend spraying from top to bottom - I used the new Kyrlon some kind of Aqua. Oh and well ventilate the area i sprayed this in the garage and had to open the big door and it was still kind of toxic.

5. Move that puppy into the house.

6. Ta da - filing cabinet is now dresser. FYI each drawer is perfect for clothes and easily equals two of my old dresser drawers. Once I finished redoing the other bedroom projects I will share.

#10 on my list is done. And I absolutely love it.

Dear Jackie and Lisa - 52 Books #2

2012-01-15T23:02:00.002-05:00

Dear Jackie and Lisa -
I finished my book #2 - I Love Everyone (and Other Atrocious Lies), by Laurie Notaro in record time this week - I actually finished this on Thursday. A friend of mine gave it to me (thx Dee) eons ago telling me that this women reminded her of me. If you are going to read this book - don't think that this will give you any perspective on the real life of Katie though as aside from the fact I get into interesting situations sometimes I can honestly tell you these are not the same situations I have been in. The book reads quickly and tells mini stories about the life of a writer. They are are not entirely connected but still connected, and there's enough information to keep your interest. Anyhow the book was humorous, a fast read and a little bit raunchy at times, it's definitely not the typical book I would pick up. It's not likely I will read this again so if either of you wants it let me know and I will ship it right out.

Happy Reading Girls! :o) Katie

Oversized Chevrons for FCH & JJ

2012-01-14T16:43:00.000-05:00

I'm starting out the year right and getting projects done - this is JJ and FCH's MLK/Christmas present #45 on my list. It's also my first quilt in 2012 (only 11 more to go #6). This is an over-sized Chevron quilt I didn't really use a pattern just did 1/2 square triangles to make chevrons. The finished blocks were like 18 inches square so it was BIG. I absolutely love it despite it's wrinkly. The quilting mimics the chevrons and is only on the cream. The fabric is Kona Charcoal & Cream, Lotta, Some Moda print dot and city and some random robert kaufman gray circle I had leftover from that purple quilt. The back is pieced from scraps as well as JJ's portion of our family picnic blanket. I used this fun black hounds-tooth on the binding you can't really tell from the photos but it was just an added punch. JJ and FCH I hope you love it and I can't wait to come visit so we can picnic on it.

I haven't a CLUE why these photos are sideways and upside-down they are right side from my camera, and that back is really blurry but you get the idea and Thanks to jono for holding the quilt for me even though I gave him a hardtime that his wingspan wasn't big enough.

Tuesday 10 - Twenty Twelve in All It's Lovely

2012-01-11T17:57:00.002-05:00

Here's a little list for this week of things I love.

1. Clipper Tea - I like Earl Grey but I imagine they are all delicious and fair trade too.

2. Melody Miller Typewriter Fabric - Can you say yes!

3. Completely awesome lunches and fellowship on Sunday after church - it was crazy what normally is like 3-5 girls was like 20 people awesome.

4. Straws

5. The "new" vintage sofa - and to to think I hesitated when I bought this. Now of course I need to make the blue mesh with the rest of the living room.

6. This Lazy in blue. - I cannot wait to put this up on the wall FCH (JJ sent it to me in LARGE format)

7. New challenging projects even though there's 5 of them

8. The sofa's friend chair

10. The weather this week (God if we can hold off on the extreme cold a little bit longer thx)

10. A soon to be completed project that I will share next week as a Tuesday Tutorial.

Dear Jackie & Lisa - 52 Books - Book #1

2012-01-09T07:13:00.000-05:00

Dear Jackie and Lisa -

I finished my first book just in time. For Book #1 I read "Hug Your People" by Jack Mitchell. Lisa - you asked me if it was a self help book - and I told you "No" well I sorta lied. In ways it actually is. It gives you ideas about how to run your business/project/work lifestyle and really if you change that aspect of your life you are helping yourself so classify it as self help sure.

I definitely think this is a book for people not only who manage people but for anyone who wants to improve on their niceness culture. It provides you with easy to put to use ideas and tips on just good old being nice - and doesn't everyone need to be nice. I actually plan to use some of the ideas with Katie twists in my own job as well as in my house. Look out people whiteboard I'm getting a whiteboard for the kitchen (which yes I know is half remodeled).

Overall would I read it again? Not in it's entirety but I might reference the interview section when interviewing and the review section when reviewing etc. Onto the next book.

Happy Reading Girls! :) Katie

PS Thank you Jones for lending me this one.

Best of 2011

2012-01-08T22:56:00.002-05:00

And the winners are...

Best Big Thing - Big Gus Worlds Largest Chainsaw

Best Weekend Layover - Toronto with L's (they also close seconds for best hosts)

Best Roadtrip Taken in a Cube - Burlington, VT (I'm thinking we should rent a cube once a year)

Best Summertime Activity - Italian Street Fair (clearly we need to work on getting Bri-town to smile.

Best Record - Scandalous Music for Nice Girls (Michele I need to still make a copy of this puppy).

Best Room with a View - London - County Hall Marriott Honey Moon Suite

Best Ferris Wheel - London Eye

Best Dance Moves - Momo at Schreve's Wedding sadly I cannot find a photo of her just me.

Best Wedding - Schreve and A

Best White Trash Activity - Brickyard Practice (I got in for free but still got a wicked sunburn)

Best BFF Time - Lafayette

Best Sun Rise - Sandstone Beach UP (might also be best swim)

Best Penguin Adventure - August I cannot wait to come back years later and find these.

Best Hosts - John and Jo Ann (thanks for the stories, food, hospitality, and memories)

Best Castle - Rosenborg

Best Photobooth - Wedding Booth

When I look back 2011 was awesomesauce I have been truly blessed with the best family, best friends, and best adventures more than I could have asked for.

New Years with Big Things

2012-01-08T22:05:00.002-05:00

For New years I took a roadtrip to St. Louis with my mom and sister. We saw many big things. It was so spontaneous and fun. And it was good to get away just a few days. It was also awesome because Momo and Lita had never been to St. Louis. So of course a trip to the arch was needed. We didn't really plan anything except the arch before we arrived. When we got there we looked up places on iPhone Apps, and in a magazine in our hotel room and we planned what we wanted to see - interesting weirdness mostly with a side of ice cream, and pizza for Lita. It was great to plan it out that way so we could map it all out and hit stop after stop instead of being like "what's next". It worked well. Anyhow now for some photos.

Da Arch

Big Ugly Indian. This sculpture is apparently repulsive even to the artist. I kind of liked him.

Union Station.

Giant Snapping Turtle.

Giant Tortise

Mini Giant Baby Turtle (that's an oxymoron)

Lita on Snapping Turtle

This could eat you.

Elephant at the zoo - you know what I loved about the zoo - it's FREE - meaning we could just go and see what we wanted and leave.

Like the Penguin Exhibit

Which you can practically touch. It was great for the last Penguin adventure of 2012.

Giant Shoe Made of Shoes.

Giant Catsup Bottle.

We had lunch at this adorable diner when the other place we attempted to try was closed.

View from the arch.

Here we are at the top all blurry and such.

We also went to Goodwill Outlet - which is kinda "yucky" but I did spend $0.22 and got a hand made hat and a coin purse. And we saw this guy which made the adventure priceless. Yes that's right he's wearing a fur cap, green sunglasses and his GIANT earphones. He was all business looking for some great finds.

I also snapped this photobooth strip.

I found a giant bobble head which BTW they do NOT want you to touch. Whoops luckily I did not have to buy him as he was $10K and I don't even know his name.

Favs - Goals & Lists

2012-01-06T21:16:00.002-05:00

Quick blog post tonight - I have like 9 other posts in the works but I need to read my book for this week. One of my most favorite things is Goals and Lists. I'm a super big dork I know! But I love making my big 52 things list every year I actually start it on my phone in notepad long before it ever gets posted here. I also have other more like daily goals and lists I track in my phone things like put away clothes and get gym socks. Anyhow I think if you are reading this you should link up to Thea's blog with your goals for 2012 (yes that's goals not resolutions - goals are attainable measureable items, resolutions are just empty thoughts). Do it because it's cool. Do it because it's fun. Do it even if you only have 4 goals. Happy Friday people! Click Here to see the other Favs on Friday.

December - Best of Life Video #12

2012-01-03T18:38:00.000-05:00

Here is the 12th and final installment of the Best of Life Videos from 2011. I accidentally deleted like three segments of the footage too - whoops! Song is Joe Cocker's - I Get By with A Little Help from My Friends. If you need to see the rest of the videos they are here. This has been a fun way to document my life and I love that it's full of imperfections because so is life. In 2012 I'm thinking I might need to change it up a bit - but I'm not sure if I will or not yet.

2011 Quilting by Numbers

2012-01-02T01:10:00.002-05:00

6 Completed Quilts

3 Additional Tops

2 pieced backs

45 blocks on deck

5 charity blocks

5 bee blocks
Prepare to DOUBLE those numbers in 2012 - Yes that's right!

Seems like a lot more when it's all posted together sorry the photos are ridiculous.

Best of Life - November has Come - Video #11

2012-01-02T00:54:00.000-05:00

Here is the 11th segment of my videos for 2011 - the songs used are November has Come by Gorillaz and Changing by Airborne Toxic Event. I found some templates in the editing software and I'm liking creating these much more now - this has been a fun project and I can't wait to continue it in 2012 and document more of my life this way. To view prior videos click here.

If you can't get the above to work you can view the video here.

"Da List" 52 Things in 2012

2012-01-01T21:44:00.001-05:00

2012 already that means it's time for another list! Last year I completed 34 items on my list and I finished two things 1/2 way. As I've said before it's not about completing everything as much as it is exploring things I want to do and holding myself accountable. 2011 was a great year so many memorable moments. My friend Rachael told me that it was the year of the girlfriend - she is partially right as for me it was more the year of the friends. I easily made 10 new friends last year - lasting great friendships and I strengthened other friendships I had as well. It was the year of the penguin for our family and we went off on many penguin adventures. It was also a good year for crafting even though I have so many 1/2 finished projects.

Anyhow I'll be recapping some special moments later this week but without further ado here is "Da List" of goals.

1. Station Wagon (you still allude me)

2. Study the Bible more - In Progress

3. Trivia night - Done and we won with our secret weapon aka Lynley (you rock girl)

4. Go to the Horse Races

5. Have SJ and Jackie to Indy

6. Finish 12 quilts - #1,

7. Layover trip with Jono

8. Go Camping

9. Family Vacation (oh how we look forward to these)

10. Restyle my Filing Cabinet - Done

11. Run 366 miles

12. Visit Thea and Paul - Booked

13. Use my letterpress

14. IMQG Showdown (yes that's right I'm putting it on my list)

15.Take Lita to a Club

16. Italy, Asia, or Africa

17. Make end tables

18. Go back to college or at least take a class

19. Give tell it hurts

20. _____________ with JJ and FCH

21. Dinner at new places with Schreve and Alicia

22. Monthly Hiking Adventures with Momo and Family

23. See some live music - Done Worship Roadshow, Starbucks Acoustics,

24. Make something in my food processor

25. Vintage Game Night - Complete

26. Grow another vegetable - beans, broccoli, asparagus

27. Canvas painting with Alicia

28. Adventure with Jeanne and Kim

29. Install my new door

30. Thrift at least once a quarter with Rach and Tish

31. Dinner at new restaurants

32. Lunch with Jilly B - CHECK

33. Seal my floors

34. Spend time with Minniears

35. Spring Break in Montreal

36. FaceTime Sammie

37. Scrapbook with Queen

38. Brown County Hike with Schreve and Alicia

39. Naco Taco truck with Kathleen

40. Eat at Recess

41. Clean the studio

42. Watch some of my favorite movies

43. ______ with my Citigroup

44. 10 crafty projects - Crafty #1,

45. Send JJ and FCH a MLK/Christmas Gift - COMPLETE AND RECEIVED

46. Ride a new bike trail

47. Document Life

48. Visit Memphis

49. Do something out of my comfort zone

50. Read a Book a Week - Started See 52 Books
51. Continue with the monthly videos

52. Make Another List
PS if you want you can also make a list even if it's not 52 things and link up on my Aunt Thea's Blog here.

#7 West Coast Tacos

2011-12-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

So #7 on my list of 52 things was to eat West Coast Tacos and cross this off my list recently. Food trucks are all the rage in Indy right now I think there are like 9 of them all around the city. And West Coast I think it one of the original ones. So I hit it up with a friend in the snow.

They really only serve one kind of taco with various meats or a burrito and various beers/sodas on any given day. When I went it was teriyaki tacos. No lettuce, no tomatoes, no cheese - I don't know if this is how it is everyday or not but I would have liked to have some lettuce for my taco. Otherwise they were very flavorful and yummy with a unique asian sort of taco and with a soda it's only $6 - pretty cheap. Kathleen and I decided however we needed to try out the Naco Taco truck next because that's the authentic mexican kind.

Yes that's right - Santa brought me a Door for Christmas

2011-12-28T20:00:00.000-05:00

Actually it was my sister Lita! But I'm stoked to get my door installed this week, and I was super pumped to have it under the tree too. I know everyone is jealous. This Christmas we might have had the most presents under the tree ever and that's not really a joke. It's crazy because we are grown-ups now. Anyhow we got some fun surprises - including my door. It was a good relaxed christmas with no places to go and no real pressure.
We had a interesting menu for the day starting with Swedish Pancakes, we had thai for lunch, and then we had a feast of everyone's favorite dishes for dinner. And here are the few photos that we took - for some reason I majorly slacked on photo taking but I did get a shot of facetiming with JJ and Chris who couldn't join us this Christmas. I hope everyone had a great holiday.

Bokeh Bokeh

2011-12-28T07:30:00.000-05:00

So I thought it would be really fun to have Christmas Bokeh with fun shapes but I failed miserably when trying to take these photos. But I thought I would share my attempts anyway because Jodie did try very hard to help me get this - and it did not help that I'm not sure where my lenses for my SLR are. WHOOPS!

Thanks MUCH Jodie for helping even if I need a remedial class. Maybe next Christmas I will have mastered this skillset.

Here is a photo where I did actually get them to look like crosses unfortunately momo doesn't look so happy.

Look snowman bokeh

And snow man boken with my knocking cat

Snowflake bokeh

Penguin with snowflake bokeh

Cross bokeh

Christmas tree bokeh

And some heart bokeh

And this is what I was trying to make my bokeh look like - this is Jodie's. Something to add to my list for next year learning about aperture. Thanks again Jodie.

Movie Time - War Horse

2011-12-27T17:30:00.000-05:00

So for Christmas we went and saw War Horse. Which is a movie that is about a incredible horse - not Mr. Ed. It's a love story about a boy and his horse and the journey that takes place when they get separated and how they find each other again. I thought the movie was good although not really believable. At least not to me. The end scenes were just like Gone with the Wind to me - WTG with that Steven Spielberg I kept expecting the son to tell the dad it's just about the land or the horse or something. Anyhow it was a good movie worth seeing however I am glad I saw it as a matinee so we could save a little money.

Momo's House Quilt

2011-12-27T11:38:00.000-05:00

This was Momo's Christmas present. It's a wonky house quilt - it's very fitting for her new house she bought this year. The plaid fabric was linen that was from grandma's stash and I used part of our 30 year old picnic blanket in the binding so mom can have part of that blanket as it was falling apart. The back is a what I call the "lake tahoe" vintage sheet I brought on Tisha's birthday thrifting.

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

2011-12-25T16:46:00.002-05:00

Today is Grandpa's Birthday as well as Christmas. I hope it was a good birthday Grandpa. Image from here these are Tea cupcakes interesting

Happy Birthday to my Librarian Bodybuilding Quilting friend!

2011-12-23T14:50:00.000-05:00

Rachael may you have an awesome birthday! Enjoy your trip and 30 will be sweet I know it. I can't wait until you get back so we can celebrate - please just don't make me sew 1,000 hexagons together in 24 hours.
PS yes that's a Spinach cupcake right there.

Black Market

2011-12-22T08:19:00.005-05:00

So you might have heard already but went to Black Market for dinner the other night and it was GOOD. I mean it was FABULOUS! Black Market is on Mass Ave here in Indy and it's in a spot you have to know it's there or you really will miss it. We did the first time by. I enjoyed everything about it from the communal eating tables, to the menu with like 8 choices, to the wine. It's an awesome dining out experience in Indy. It's a little pricey but trust me you will enjoy eating there so much you won't mind. I had the Indian Stew which was so flavorful I wanted to eat with my eyes closed. And Jono had the rabbit and dumplings which was also worthy - his beers were also yummy surprisingly he did not order a Stella.
The menu changes about once a month so I cannot want to come back again and try something new.

Black Market

www.blackmarketindy.net/

922 Massachusetts Avenue

Indianapolis, IN 46202

(317) 822-6757

Tuesday 10 - Random List

2011-12-20T18:00:00.000-05:00

I like lists so here's a list for this week's Tuesday 10 it's a list of random things about me. Things you might know things you might not...

1. The Bungalow is 1 in 9 in my neighbor that recycle - yes I counted the bins last week while running. And on average we have 2 bags of recycling to every one trash here.

2. I work in corporate training and have built e-learning classes - however I don't like to take e-learning courses myself.

3. I don't like to wear coats especially when I drive (however I do see the necessity of them).

4. I prefer Walgreens over CVS

5. There is a hatchet in the SUV, there's also a Blackstreet CD, 5 umbrellas, and some random dudes sweatshirt.

6. I have 5 kinds of jam in the fridge.

7. I never finished that book about Ben Franklin but I did recently finish one about George Washington and The Bell Jar.

8. I cannot even tell you the last time I wore make-up aside from mascara and chapstick - must have been someone's wedding but it wasn't my brothers.

9. It's 5 days until Christmas and I have yet to finish my siblings gifts (Crunch Time)

10. I use a fresh towel daily.

Above see photo from the December Penguin adventure - yes I'm wearing a penguin hat.

You wanna go Thrifting for your birthday??? Done and Done!

2011-12-18T22:48:00.003-05:00

So for Tisha's birthday we took it to the streets of Indy for sweet potato waffles at Maxine Chicken and Waffle's where they spontaneously serenaded her with an awesome birthday song - Rach and I couldn't have planned it better it was priceless. And then we went thrifting, where we all found awesome finds and Tish got a second birthday song from of the awesome Salvation Army staff downtown. Rachael came home with like 3 dresses to remake, the best sweatshirt handmade by someone. Tisha got a few dresses, and something pieces for her bedroom remodel. And I also found some bargain's bringing home a quilt top to finish, a picnic quilt for the car, a new board game, and a soon to be refurnished item for my house (that's for a project post in 2012). It was a good time. I hope the rest of your celebrations were grand.
Rachael bought this belt which she also got a sword tossed in for free.

Check out my new game - yes that's right The Indianapolis Tryology

Tisha got this lovely dress which once it's all rehabed will be sweet.

Here is a quilt top I got to finish.

I think this is priceless and so Rachael - she is trying on her $3 dress in the parking lot over her clothes. She should buy the truck behind her as it clearly matches the dress.

Happy Birthday Tisha!

2011-12-17T21:15:00.002-05:00

Super happy 30th birthday to my friend Tisha!
I hope your day today was awesome. 30 is going to be a good year - I know we'll have many fun things. I am so glad we have become friends and I cannot wait to be 60 years old with our blue hairs still talking about quilting at Maxines.

Fav on Friday - Nerd Glasses

2011-12-16T17:16:00.002-05:00

I'm so pumped to have my new nerd glasses. Aren't they fun you can't really tell but they are green. They are big and they are nerdy and I love them. I plan to wear them all the time so I can look smarter. To see other favs click here.

Tuesday 10 - Mid December

2011-12-13T17:30:00.000-05:00

Here's a list because today's Tuesday and life is good.

1. Fingernail polish. I am totally in love with this blue from Essie.

2. Decking the Halls (having a pine tree in my living room makes me want to get up in the morning)

3. Seasonal baking. I'm thinking that I need to just make some bread or cookies or something.

4. Getting and Being Crafty (aren't these ornaments made by my friends awesome).

5. My Mass Friends I miss you already (sorry the entire state is NOT included in this image)

6. This hilariously awesome site - http://handmaderyangosling.tumblr.com/

7. This quilt my friend Rachael is working on. I totally want to steal it or recreate it. I saw it again this weekend and it's awesome! (Rach be careful when I come over I might hide it under my coat.

8. The color gray.

9. Bobby pins made by my friend Lindsay. You should get some here.

10. My iPhone - Seriously I love it.

Til next time peps.

Gather Round the Christmas Tree

2011-12-10T20:54:00.001-05:00

Today we went and got the Christmas tree and did a little celebrating. Yet again we went to Lowes to pick out our tree this time there were lots of choices so we actually got to select one instead of just getting the last one under $100. We even got them to net and trim it. It was so fancy - although we decided we didn't really care for netting it's a pain to remove. I got it all decked out including with my new ornaments I've been picking up all year on my travels and my bacon ornament. And now my tree is glowing and it smells like pine trees at the bungalow it's lovely.

Up close of my bacon ornament - Allegory it's awesomesauce!

Here's the tree all decked out. I think I need to get some new tinsel as my old stuff is kind of "flat"

Our Stockings and the cards we have received so far.

And a tradition of taking photographs in our giant ornament hanging from the fan.

Dear Santa

2011-12-09T18:00:00.000-05:00

I wrote a letter to santa in my head the other day, because people keep asking what I want for Christmas it went something like this...

Dear Santa - I've been pretty swell this year. I've had many ups and many downs but mostly I've been good (lets forget about that one time or that other one time okay). So if you can manage to bring me that vintage mercedes station wagon I will graciously accept it in my driveway instead of you shoving it down my furnace vent because that would be a tight squeeze. I understand it's a big job so if you can't work that out here are some other things that would be delightful gifts: Gym Socks, Kayaks, Faucet, Door for my bedroom (no need for doorknob I have it), Instax Camera, interesting lamp could be thrifted, big white towels, and world peace for good measure.

Thxluv Katie

PS I also need a new carry on suitcase because Delta damaged mine.

Goodbye Massachusetts

2011-12-09T08:52:00.001-05:00

This week I said goodbye to Massachusetts - it was my last week traveling there for my current project and yes I know that later this afternoon or in two weeks my boss can still call me and tell me that my next assignment is in Mass (and it's highly likely with my luck). But I really feel as though I'm coming to an end of the Mass Chapter in my life and I'm ready to move onto new assignments in new cities with new faces. Although I will miss all my friends there and my team and the city of Boston. I'll keep you posted on what's in store next.

Tuesday 10 - December

2011-12-06T23:13:00.001-05:00

A little Tuesday 10 for today. 10 things I'm currently loving on.

1. Donut Makers - aren't these lovely.

2. Spoonflower Fabrics. Aren't these yummy everyone should buy some.

3. Sparkley Toms

4. And signs it's not winter yet!

5. This cartoon.

6. This Quote - I think I want to spend 2012 doing this.

7. Words with Friends

8. Prayer

9. The spirit of Christmas

10. And last but not least. Running faster and further and not hating it as much.

Have a great week!

Making the Christmas Season Brighter One Poncho at a Time!

2011-12-04T10:10:00.001-05:00

(A special thanks to my friend Michele for putting that Poncho on the tree and sending me this snap)

Oh No It's December!

2011-12-02T09:18:00.001-05:00

I feel as though I slept thru or missed all of fall? I know I must have been there and I did have some adventures but it's so hard for me to wrap my hands around it already being December. I'm still in the I want to grab my flip flops and tank top mode - trust me here in Indy it is not the kind of weather for that. So here it is the second of December and I figured I should share y monthly goals aka the remainder of my list from November + a few things:

Clean my bedroom
Volunteer at the Winter's Farmers Market
Finish my Northern Europe Journal - I stopped at day 4 yikes!
Make Living Room CUratins
Ornament for Lindsay's Swap
Seal Hardwoods
Ornament for IMQG
Christmas Gifts
IMQG membership cards for 2012
Clear out Lita's old room
Make a decision about the job offer
Run 35 miles (I'm making this less than last month because hey it's cold outside)
Finish out my 52 in 11 list strong maybe 5-10 more items (that's doable right??)
Sew the buttons that came off in the wash back on my coat
Christmas Tree
Winterize Yard
Have some fun!

PS the photo is from my it's my 5/12th's birthday and I got my wireless printer working party yesterday. Any gifts can be sent to the bungalow. ;o)

Around Here End of November

2011-11-30T19:00:00.000-05:00

(Getting Ready for Making Things Party, Dinner, and Bowling)

Another mish mash of random happenings in November. Early in November I made a giant list of things to do - like the entertainment center, return library books, finishing two quilts, replace the doorknobs, jog 40 miles (I did 38.75 as of today - I was so close), see Kelli and Lucy before they move, etc and I'm happy to so I completed 38 of the 50 items - the rest I'll just carry the rest over to next month. It's amazing what one can accomplish when you are living and working in the same city 75% of the time. To suffice to say it's been an interesting month, I'm kind of sad to see it go. But onward and upward to celebrating December and all the awesomeness that comes with the spirit of Christmas.

(Bowling)

(Happy Birthday Momo!)

(MTV Video Awards, Nails, and Cocktails)

(Holiday Cheer, Jono goes Asian, Shrum's, Boilermaker)

(Dufours, Snowman, Birth of a new project)

So that one time my hair was in my eyes aka #45

2011-11-30T07:06:00.000-05:00

So a few weeks ago I got together with some BFFs Kim and Jeanne and Kim's kiddos. And we celebrated friendship and christmas and just being together. Spending time with the Shrum's was on my list at #45 this year so I can cross that puppy off now too. We had a fun time checking out the sights in Lafayette. Hotspot #1 was the Rainforest Car Wash - which sadly was closed! We were so looking for the giant moving animals inside but we did enjoy the creepy looking head outside. (FYI note my hair would NOT get out of my eyes despite my best effort to use barrettes I think it's time to get it cut off.

And then we hit HotSpot #2 the Metal farm family in downtown. It was much less impressive than we anticipated we almost missed it was so small. But we still stopped in to see it.

Hotspot #3 was world's largest Boilermaker. He was hard to photograph with all five of us even with the timer. But we tried our best however it didn't work out as we would have liked. After that we were cold and hungry and we went to lunch and just enjoyed each others company. It was a good time. It's crazy too me how much older Syd and Sammie are now - I guess they grow up sometimes.

Quilt the Jay McCarroll Free Spirit Challenge

2011-11-29T20:32:00.001-05:00

My quilting guild the Indianapolis Modern Quilt Guild (IMQG) had the opportunity to participate in the Jay McCarroll Free Spirit Challenge, where we got fat eighths of each of the prints in the Habitat Jewel Patterns. IMQG gave us the rules use the prints and you can add three other solids. I couldn't make myself use "da bears" print but I used all the others and pieced this top making strips of various sizes adding three solids an aqua from my stash and chocolate and berry kona. I broke the rules a little as the back using some extra dot print and I used a pink Kona on the binding as well because it was handy. I love the result and I hope the recipient does too and if you are reading this blog and it's your I hope you don't remember when you get it under the tree. Thanks to Jay McCarroll and Free Spirit for donating us fabric it an awesome challenge and I had fun with it.

Thanks to my momo for holding it up for me.

Movie - J Edgar

2011-11-28T19:30:00.000-05:00

I think this is my second Movie in November I think I saw something on a date early on. Regardless to say the date and that movie aren't worth mentioning.

J. Edgar however was a great. Can we say Oscars??? I think this might have been the first movie I've seen all year that has Oscar potential although perhaps I'm forgetting something that was stellar.

I usually don't care for Leonardo Dicaprio and his big head or baby face. But his performance as J. Edgar Hoover was great. The movie tells the story of the making of the FBI as well as J Edgar. I don't want to give anything away but YOU SHOULD SEE IT.

Once Upon a Time It was Thanksgiving

2011-11-28T17:30:00.000-05:00

That's right once upon a time it was Thanksgiving.
We slept in. And then we went to celebrate at Momo's new house - yup that's right momo bought a new place. It has a teeter totter too. But that's another story for another time. We celebrated thanksgiving with a Chinese family it was their very first American thanksgiving ever. The Jones & Co crew also taught them about thanksgiving. We ate all the essentials - Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce, Sweet Potatoes, Chinese Chicken, and stuffing - no pumpkin pie not all the Joneses really like pumpkin pie. So instead we had cakeballs. They taught us about traditional chinese foods. And then we taught them how to Wii (not that I'm an expert), and then black friday so they could Wii at home. A good time was had by all.
This year I was thankful for gas under $3/gallon, and for all the awesome travel opportunities in 2011.
The End

PS one of my very favorite things about holidays are random texting taking place. Who doesn't love getting texts with awesomesauce photos like this?

Happy Birthday Momo!

2011-11-28T13:06:00.001-05:00

This was scheduled to post Saturday. But for some reason it didn't so I forced it today. Happy Birthday Momo! I hope it was super awesome. And I hope you are loving your new car.

Helping Heroes Block

2011-11-27T21:23:00.001-05:00

This is my block for Val's Helping Heroes Project. I'm pretty sure I didn't follow all the directions right. But hopefully she can still use it. Its a string block made from scraps actually most of these scraps were leftovers from binding because they were already cut into strips. I have several other things to share soon too. yippee skippy!

#2 - Surprise Balls

2011-11-25T11:46:00.001-05:00

#2 on my list was make Surprise Balls. Which are basically many gifts wrapped in streamers to form a ball. Way back before Easter I bought a bunch of things to make these but I never could find things for the boys to get surprise balls. So I just made up ones for my mom and Lita and gave them to them for Thanksgiving. They are very fun to wrap and to open. I wish I had photographed the goodies inside. But let's just say that my mom and lita now have finger cymbals! I think I'd like to make these again with some kind of "theme" but I haven't worked out the details yet. Either way another thing crossed off my list.

Project - New Entertainment Center

2011-11-20T21:36:00.001-05:00

So I did a little thrifting last week (you might remember the new games at the bungalow). Not only did I get games but I also found this beauty. It had a lot of character very 1960's and it was $10 so I couldn't resist it since we have a new tv in the bungalow and it needed a new "entertainment center." We brought her home and a little sanding and minwaxing and knobs - then it was a new dresser/entertainment center.

I wish I had a before of this little nook in the living room - it's like night and day different.I love the new dresser and I didn't have to sacrifice storage and the whole project was less than $25. And added bonus it's so my bungalow.

Week in the Life Novemberish

2011-11-19T19:34:00.001-05:00

mexican after church.

As usual I've been taking lots of random iPhone photos - probably more than normal. Just another way to document life. I've never done one of those "week in the life" of Katie, but if I did I image it would pretty much be snapshots of this (only more I'm only sharing this small sampling of the photos taken). Well that's what it would look like when I was HOME. It would include cocktails and probably more skyline and no home projects when I am on the road.

bed hair and skyline

Indy at dusk or probably a little after.

My RL Stine Book Collection, finished quilt, and a lightbulb that needs replaced.

The entertainment center project (finished project coming soon)

Mexican by Jono and Cabbage in planters.

IMQG @ the Urban Folk Art Fair

2011-11-19T10:00:00.000-05:00

Earlier this month Indy Modern Quilt Guild did some demonstrations on Modern Quilting at the Urban Folk Art Fair. It was fun to just make random blocks and and to see the girls that came out. As well as to be able to display our quilts. I'll have you know that I made like 4 triangle blocks which is very out of my norm I usually am all squares and rectangles - and the points while they were not precision were pretty nice even if I do say so myself. Thanks so much to Lindsay for organizing this month's event - it turned out excellently. Here are a few of the snapshots I took of the event:

Linsday's Sewing

Rachael Sewing

Elizabeth showing off blocks.

Here are the blocks we have pieced.

Proof I made Triangle blocks. Crazy I know.

Rachael showing off her stacked books. She's a Librarian you know.

And Me - cleaning up.

See you in December IMQG's and if you are reading this and sew or quilt or want to learn and live in the Indy Area you should join us December 9th.

Katie's Pink and Yellow Quilt

2011-11-18T17:55:00.001-05:00

I finally finished this quilt! I feel like it took years (I actually did start making it in back in January). It's actually pretty large in size - so let's chalk it up to that. I didn't really follow a pattern naturally. I used two vintage sheets and some vintage printed white cotton that was in grandma's stash to make this so I can officially cross #37 off my list. The quilting actually matches the blocks even in spaces where there is no block it's just the yellow. The back is pieced from blocks I didn't use and scraps of the prints left over and some pink fabric from Crimson Tate. I really wanted to have a hot pink and white binding for this but it seems I only have hot pink and other color fabric so I ended up using something I originally bought for a friends baby quilt, and of course because this is so big I needed more than I had so I used some leftover pink from Crimson Tate (Rach this is why I buy yardage clearly a 1/2 didn't cut it). Best part about this quilt is I'm keeping it. I started it with the intent of having it be one that stays at the bungalow - since I have only 2 quilts I made here.

Close up of the quilting. I love the imperfection.

And the back - you know the back actually is turned the wrong way. But it still works.

Here you can see where I "Signed" it. It actually says Katie 2011 not my last name - stupid bad lighting.

It's too large for the pink chairs which originally was where I was planning to have it. so it's going off to the sofa.

Favs on Friday - Weekend

2011-11-18T11:14:00.001-05:00

My favorite thing this week is the WEEKEND. I had a great week but sometimes a girl just needs a weekend. I have a lot of projects to accomplish and I'm going to Lafayette to see some very special girls this weekend - we have some adventures planned. So here's to the weekend! To see other Favs click here.

PS I will be back soon with other posts I've been working on my to-do list recently instead of blogging and I have lots of random things to share.

Game and Soup Night @ the Bungalow Just Got More Interesting

2011-11-14T19:53:00.001-05:00

I picked up some new board games at the thrift store - $4.50 for all three. I spotted "Dr. Laura" from a mile away, it was meant to be mine. Who doesn't want a board game who's tagline is "mortality matters". The object of the game is quite hilarious and I'm pretty sure it's never been played - thank you 1990's you make awesome things with shoulder pads and goofy board games. I also got 1978 Careers which is brand new they never even took the rubber band off the money. I have no idea how to play Careers however some of my older friends have asked if I had it before. Several times now I've almost bought Probe but for some reason it's usually like $5 I know crazy expensive? But this time it was $.99 - so the time was right.
I want to call people up and have them over for Soup and Game Night tonight I'm so excited however I need to work on my to-do list that's 51 items long.

London's Calling

2011-11-14T17:30:00.000-05:00

This is the LAST one of my posts from Europe. I could talk for days about all the adventures we had, things we saw, people we met etc. But I figure it's time to end these posts on Europe which are ultra photo heavy. London was our last stop on the trip. And while I like London because there is so much to see and do. The shopping and food is fantastic - there are so many little gems hidden in this city. I feel as though the city is just saturated with people. It's too crowded you can't ride the tube without feeling like it's rush hour (and it's two pm on Sunday), the tourist attractions are WORSE, and since this was mom's first trip we hit them all up. Although I must saw this hotel we stayed in was by far the best and nicest and the honeymoon suite with a view of Big Ben made me want to get up in the morning and stay up all night - shout out to the County Hall Marriott.

I could continue rambling on about some of the things we saw but instead I give you like 60 photos - so feast your eyes...

This was our bed in our honeymoon suite - it's too funny to be sharing a suite with your mom.

Big Ben and Mom - I am shocked she didn't run up and kiss it! (Oh wait she loves another Big Ben).

The majority of the photos of me taken on this trip look like this. Thanks for trying momo.

The lobby of the hotel.

Protestors at St. Pauls. I'm not sure if they are protesting capitalism or just that it's in crisis?

"People are Not Profit" are they protesting slave trade??? - You might also notice.. The actual people protesting seem to be missing or in their tents, apparently these were the laziest protesters ever.

The Tower - I love that the sun flare is hiding my gray hair that desperately needs to be dyed.

Piccadilly Circus. I love all the double-decker buses in London. I love that they come every 10 minutes. I love that they have stops that are convenient. I love that PEOPLE ride them - perhaps someday Indy will get there.

Sherlock Homes.

Trafalgar Square - if you ever get a chance to read about Nelson and the battle of Trafalgar do it. It's very interesting.

I love this silhouette photo. I only took like 22 of the same one.

And yes this was a penguin adventure we found penguins in Denmark and in England.

This is actually the view from our hotel room - try not to be jealous.

We rode the London Eye right at dusk and I loved it! The perfect time to see both day and night. My photos aren't awesome but my memory is.

We went to the changing of the guards - which I was NOT impressed with - Show up 2 hours early with ladders and chairs and picnics and such and you might get to see something.

Best of Life October Video - Living the Good Life

2011-11-12T08:25:00.001-05:00

This month I had a lot of ridiculously horrible video footage. I'm not entirely sure what I was doing when filming. so my apologies in advance for the shake and the quick clips. Songs are Beatles - Come Together and One Republic the Good Life. Here's the link to youtube for those who can't get it to work here.

Copenhagen Denmark

2011-11-11T18:38:00.001-05:00

I have to admit Copenhagen was rather delightful. It's a beautiful city, filled with beautiful people, history, and interesting things to see. I wish I could have spoken or read a little more Danish. But it was a manageable city and was actually my favorite place we visited on our trip. We saw all 3 of the castles - Rosenborg, Ameliaborg, Christianborg. The changing of the Danish guard was awesome we literally could have reached out and hugged the guards although we did not. Tivoli was pretty although not my favorite place - I guess I'm just not into amusement parks.

Thanks to John and Joann's suggestions we were able to navigate the city on the bus fine, even without being able to pronounce street names. Now for some photos...

Tivoli - it was Halloween Fest there.

This is the view from our hotel room.

This was my favorite meal the entire trip - it's a Kebob in a wrap of some sort. It was excellent and only cost $2 in American money.

The Opera House - it was very windy in Copenhagen. I love how someone is riding their bike right behind me.

Ameliaborg

Changing of the Guard

It's the beer bottle guys again.

Rosenborg Slot was beautiful inside and out. I LOVED the lions although I will spare you all 20 pictures of them.

Nyavn - was adorable although we didn't eat or have coffee there because we tended to be there early on it in the day.

This place was adoreable. John suggested it and it's cute inside and the burgers were pretty good. It was also like a dining car inside.

Nauset Beach

2011-11-11T09:22:00.001-05:00

This week I got to spend some time in the Cape - Hyannis, Nauset, Brewster. Not as much as I would have liked because well it's a long haul from western MA and well I was there for work. But still the beach is the beach even if it's foggy when you get up early to jog or when you return at dusk and the sun is setting. The water was icy cold and the sand was equally as cold but who cares. The place was entirely empty and I spent some time there meditating and praying and it was so peaceful. And a good reminder about how truly blessed I am to have this job where I can live in mid-america but get sent to amazing places. Sometimes I need to be more grateful for these moments and spend less time being annoyed by the 3 hour delayed flights.

Fav on Friday - Games (Especially Vintage)

2011-11-04T09:00:00.001-04:00

I had forgotten how much fun games are, and then last night I had some friends over and we busted out a few of my vintage games and I remembered why I collect them other than their cuteness. And I remembered how much fun they are. We learned that we really don't know how to play Clue even 1949 Clue and we decided that one of my "newest" games Tabloid Teasers could be the best game ever - sorry kids you can't buy it at Target it's vintage. To check out other Friday Fav's click here.
Oh and one more thing Rachael and Tisha - I found several more people on deck to play my Girl Talk at the slumber party.

Fall is Running Away

2011-11-03T17:00:00.000-04:00

That's right before I know it fall will be gone and it will be winter. Boo Hiss! I was worried while I was in Europe I would miss all the good leaves I didn't miss them all but I missed most of them. So here I am trying to enjoy what's left of fall before I'll trade my sweaters for coats. My Canadian maple is holding onto her color, for just a while yet so I can live it up!

Miami of Ohio Of Course

2011-11-03T12:00:00.000-04:00

The other day we went to Homecoming at Miami. It was so warm in the sun that we thought it would be warm in at Yager. Sadly it was NOT really. Additionally we were very sad to learn they didn't sell beer inside for some reason I think last time we went they did. We had a good time despite these two minor snafus. PS sorry my photos are sideways I swear I rotated them in Photoshop. Stupid computer.

I appreciate that not all signs of the Redskin are gone.

Jono and I were all kinds of decked out in our Miami gear

Not sure if you can see my ex-roommate Syklia out there but she's going to Miami now and she's will be preforming at the Macy's Day Parade with the band.

And one more just to prove that we did watch the football game.

A Vintage Modern Quilt

2011-11-02T19:30:00.000-04:00

I know you are all sick to death about hearing and seeing about my trip to Northern Europe so I thought I would take a break from posting about that and post instead about quilting.
I have been buckling down trying to finish a quilting project I started oh back in January - you might remember me making these blocks. Well I am in the home stretch with this quilt finally it just needs to be basted, quilted and binded. I'm shooting for finishing early Saturday morning so I can take it to the Urban Folk Art Show with IMQG. Oh and the best part - I'm planning to KEEP this one! I decided when I started this project it meant to stay here at the bungalow - so I guess when I buy a new sofa it better match the pink in the quilt and the pink chairs.