Judy's Parlor

One more week...

2010-07-08T11:05:00.000-07:00

2010-06-23T10:08:00.000-07:00

I'm kind of in love with this cutting machine. The Cricut and the other ones all have cartridges and a gazillion accessories that cost more than the machine...but the Silhouette is pretty much a plug'n'cut machine -with great software to allow you to get even more creative with shapes and designs. It'll cut everything, too - except fondant. But why would I want to cut fondant? I want to have cool shapes of paper and vinyl and iron-on transfers that look professional.

Clever...

2010-06-22T19:29:00.000-07:00

So - often it happens that you'll finish a book - or pile of books - and need suggestions on what to read next. Sometimes I'll just browse Amazon or check out Good Reads for ideas - but no more. I'll be using The Book Seer . You just enter what you finished reading and it'll make suggestions for you. Now - obviously if you didn't like the book you just read - you should choose a book you liked and go from there. But it's fun. And I like the old timey guy.

Perhaps?

2010-06-19T18:16:00.001-07:00

I spend a lot of time on the interwebs looking at pictures and collecting ideas. All kinds of ideas - for parties, for food, for games to play, for crafts to make. I saw this one and for sure want to make some. These are handkerchiefs, cut up and gathered to make it super cute. I just wonder if my mom would send me handkerchiefs from the collection she has. Because, for reals - she's got a gazillion - and these would be so cute in hair and pinned to stuff. Just sayin'.

Rejection...

2010-06-14T08:47:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's hard to tell people that you don't want them around anymore. And sometimes it's not. But - either way - a fun way to tell people that you'd be better off without them. And here's a handy way to send your message: Reject-o-Matic

Go and enjoy...but if I get one from you - so help me....

Not throwing stones...

2010-06-14T08:06:00.000-07:00

Now - I happily admit that I will go to the Googles with any question for which I don't already have the answer...this includes researching The Head of the Class episode listings. But whoever did this has WAY too much time on their hands.

They made My Little Ponies into movie characters . For reals, yo. For your viewing pleasure...

Be sure to click the link to enjoy more...

Punches...

2010-06-13T14:31:00.000-07:00

So - you know how you'll say, "Oh - I want one of those..." and pine over something for a really long time? Could be anything from clothes to technology to a trip. But usually it's just frivolous enough that you realize that you could probably better spend your money on something a little more practical. But then - one day that item crosses the line between want and need - and you finally justify the purchase. This happened to me yesterday. And in all my nerdy glory I present what I've been waiting to buy:Yes - I bought a paper punch. Actually, I bought three. A 2" circle, a 2.5" circle, and a 2.5" scalloped edge circle. Labels and tags are going to be so easy. Not that they were particularly hard before - but I'm just saying - these will be much more polished. And fancy. Okay...and yes I can't wait until they arrive in the mail. I am also fully aware of what a nerd I am.

Happy Sunday!

It's a trend...

2010-06-12T10:08:00.000-07:00

Do you have any tattoos?

No - I don't. I haven't found an image or message that I've liked SO MUCH that I wanted it on my body - forever.

Are you sarcastic?

No.

What movie has had the most profound effect on you?

Since I'm drawing a blank - the movie that makes me cry every time is the first Harry Potter film. At the end, when Neville is given 10 points for standing up to his friends...it still gets me!

Have you ever walked into a wall or a sliding glass door?

I walk into walls a lot. I RAN into a screen door. You never live that kind of thing down...

Favorite number?

Five.

Is your hair curly?

My hair is curly. Very curly lately as I've been using some new products. I'm trying not to fight the curls - but people - you always want what you can't have. I would love to have thick, straight hair. I've had people hate me because of my hair...within the last 6 weeks.

What was the last CD you bought?

Who buys CDs anymore? My last download was Michael Bublee.

Do looks matter?

Yes, they do. Even if they are deceiving, they still matter. Even if you know that you've done your best with what you've got - you show the world that you will do your best no matter what.

Who was the last hand-written letter you received from & have you written back?

The last letter I got was from Elder Garrett serving in the Belgium, Brussels/The Netherlands mission. I have sent mail to him since then - but I don't think I replied to that letter specifically, yet.

Do you sleep with the TV on?

No - I don't have a TV in my room and that noise would just bug me after a while. My sounds/music fades out after an hour.

Do you have good vision?

I have very poor vision. I've worn glasses since the 1st grade and one day hope to have vision correction surgery.

Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people?

In this room? There are well more than three people that I actively cannot stand to be around. Odds are if you're reading this post - you aren't one of them.

How often do you talk on the phone?

At least hourly, if not more.

Are you a "touchy-feely" type person, or do you only hug or touch those closest to you?

I don't think I'm overly "touchy-feely" but I have hugged people that I didn't really know.

Is there something you always wanted to tell someone, but didn't/couldn't?

Most of the things I haven't/couldn't tell people are things that would not help the situation or help them. Mostly, I'm full of candor.

Have you ever fired a gun?

No - I'm not a big fan of guns.

Where was your last picture taken?

At a birthday party at the house.

Day Two...seriously

2010-06-11T09:27:00.000-07:00

More questions - always more questions. You think you know someone...and then ...well...you know them a little better...

Do you rent movies often?

I've been a proud member of the Netflix community since 2002. I love, love, love Netflix. I even had Netflix when I lived NEXT DOOR to a Blockbuster. I go through phases of watching a movie every night to having a movie for weeks at a time. I am in love with the Watch Instantly feature - which has the ghetto Super Mario Bros. show!

Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in?

Currently there isn't anything sparkly - but my "Fabulous" accessory is very shiny. If that counts. See:

And yes - that is a "Grandma" mug from Disney World. Of all the mugs on the wall at the biggest Disney store - I pick up the one that says "Grandma" on the handle. It was fate.

How many countries have you visited?

Just England...and the Charles De Gaulle airport - which doesn't count as "visiting" France.

Have you made a prank phone call?

Oh man, I lika to maka de pranka phone call. In junior high I was the queen of the prank phone calls. I would never break character and giggle.

Have you ever been on a train? If so, what's the longest or farthest train ride you've taken?

Despite what my brother says, I do enjoy a train ride. The longest one was from Portland to Boise. And I played cards in the club car with senior citizens while my Mom had a near two year old to wrangle all while having a killer headache.

How many different ways have you had eggs?

8: Deviled, hard boiled, egg salad, scrambled, fried, over easy, poached, basted, omletted.

Do you have a cell phone AND a house phone? Which do you use more?

There is a phone at the house but I use my cell primarily.

Do you use lip balm?

I use Soft Cheeks. And will take this bully pulpit to say how much I HATE Burt's Bees. I really cannot stand the flavor or feeling or smug packaging. Such a smug brand...

Can you use chop sticks?

Not with much success. I have a cute "training guide" that will keep the chop sticks together for me - but are really for like 3 year old Japanese children to learn how to use utensils. But I have very little dignity, so I use it.

What is the last thing you'll see before going to bed tonight?

The app on my iPod/alarm clock that plays falling rain.

Which do you prefer - phone, e-mail or letter?

I prefer an e-mail. But I do love getting phone calls and letters. But - at work it's hard for some folks to remember to send an e-mail.

Have you ever eaten Nutella crepes?

HAVE I EVER!?! Oh, Judy, I have and they are divine. Although - I can't think of too many things that aren't enhanced by Nutella.

When was the last time you cried?

May 18, 2010

What was the last question you asked, and did you get the answer you wanted?

Most questions are posed the Oracle - and usually I do get the answers for which I am looking. But that's more for trivia. Answers from people...I get plenty of answers I don't like or that are unexpected.

Favorite time of the year?

I love autumn. Cooler weather, more rainy days - better food options.

Not much new...

2010-06-10T07:42:00.000-07:00

Friends - summer has arrived and this is the first summer in a while that I've had a normal job - where you work during the summer. I will be headed to Girls Camp at the end of July (for which I am buying myself a bullhorn/megaphone) and hope to not get a sunburn this summer. I also have a goal to post more. Finding things to post about is proving a little more challenging as not too many of you care about calling sub-contractors or how certain co-workers are STILL confused by the computer machine. So - it'll be what it is.

And here's what it is today: some random questions and their answers.

What's the last thing you do to get ready to go somewhere?

I check my purse for the essential items (phone, gum, Soft Cheeks) and then find my keys.

Are there any famous (living) people in your family?

So - I'm not related to anyone famous - or infamous - which I guess is good.

What’s the closest thing to you that's red?

My pencil cup - see:

What is the last dream you remember having? Any reality to it?

I dreamed the other night that I was at Disney World with the Malleys and we were spending our last afternoon there and then packing up and heading home. In the dream we were having a hard time determining who had the tickets, etc. The reality comes in that we really were at Disney World in February. But lost tickets?! Don't let's be silly!

Did you meet anybody new today?

So far, I have not. I thought I had - but turns out I'd met that guy before. Good thing I didn't say anything to give away the fact that I didn't remember him.

What's the strangest craving you've ever had? Did you fulfill it?

I don't usually crave "strange" things - or things I've never eaten. My strongest craving was for steak fries. And I don't think I fulfilled it that day. But I've had steak fries since, so I guess I'll say yes. And now I just want steak fries.

What does watermelon make you think of?

Watermelon makes me think of several things. First, it makes me think of my luau birthday parties - where my folks made fruit bowls out of them. Second, is that it is NOT a dessert item, no matter what the folks at Camp Namanu try to tell us. It's a great summer treat anytime - but please don't try and tell me that THAT'S dessert.

Are you emotional?

Oh yes - highly.

What is your preferred mode of transportation?

I prefer to be a driver of a car. I do love to fly. If I just need to get to a place that's a long distance away - I'll fly. But if the road trip is just as much about the stops along the way - then I do enjoy a good road trip. I have this fantasy of owning a Vespa, though.

Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it?

I bite the ice cream. Usually it's melting so licking is also required, but I'm for sure EATING that ice cream.

Do you have any gray hairs?

Oh, yes. Some lucky people get to play "Pluck Miss Five's gray hairs!" and they know who they are. I dyed my hair once this year and it lasted for several months. I'm due.

Do you like the person you are today?

I don't think I do. I'm on edge today - and my brain seems disconnected from my body and location. I'm certainly not the kindest version of myself - which is not good.

Would you go out to eat with someone who committed a violent crime? (murder, for example)

I'd need to know the history and what happened but, generally, no. Also - did a murderer invite me to dinner or are we just having to share a table? This question reminds me of Ken Craig's story about the lady who said, "Let's say I stabbed a guy..."

What's the last song you heard that you knew all the lyrics to?

Don't Stop Belivin' - Journey. On the drive into work.

Were your parents strict?

No, they really weren't. There were rules and expectations and you knew that Mom would smack the ever-living-Hell out of you if you were a smart mouth (which I was) but the rules were not crazy or weird or unfair in any way. Except the rules about laundry - which I will never understand. We never had a curfew - you just had to be on time and ready for whatever you needed to be doing the next day.

Would you go sky diving?

No way, Jose! I just want to say that I have adrenalin rushes regularly enough - I don't need to fall out of a plane to have that.

What is your favorite word and why?

Today, I have to go with turd. It's funny to say, it's funny to read. It doesn't come up often so - it's also great because it's no overused. Turd burger? FUNNY.

Sew LO Patterns GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2010-04-03T10:52:00.000-07:00

I know I keep saying I'm on my way back...but I'm pondering what would happen if I won the Sew LO Patterns GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

I might just make you one. Might. YOU.

Coming back...

2010-03-04T07:39:00.000-08:00

It's been far too long since real thoughts and ideas have been on this blog. I have pictures and stories to share - but really - it'll take a bit to get back in the swing of things. For today - I have a list of things I'm thinking about...and what I could really use:

A bowl of...Fruity Pebbles
A plate of...finger sandwiches
A stack of...new pretty papers
A room full of...good books and comfy chairs
A box of...Ding Dongs (Hostess style)
Tickets to...a funny show
A copy of...Ponyo
A set of...paper punches
A book of...inspiring ideas
A day to...watch movies to prepare for the Oscars

Feel free to recreate this list on your blog/facebook page/journal. I'd love to read what you're needing today...

2010-01-26T16:32:00.001-08:00

It's not too late...

2009-12-22T09:49:00.001-08:00

So - 2009 has not been the best year for my blog...and currently I have so many other details to finalize for Christmas...BUT:
I just wanted you to know about Paperless Post . It's the coolest e-card/e-vite site. They have great templates and lots of personalizing options. You can also track who's opened their card or invitation and the recipients can reply to you! Beautiful and classy and easy. These computer things sure are awesome.

So - go check out their site and sign-up and send out those Christmas cards!

Simple Saturday

2009-11-28T13:56:00.000-08:00

Today was the ward Simple Saturday. Since it was my first one - I went with Simple instead of Super...just to figure it all out and see if people were really interested or if they were just making a big fuss because a tradition might go by the wayside. We hosted the event here at the house, and had about 15 people here. It was just the right size group for the house and meant that we didn't have to haul everything to the church. Here's a few pictures from the day!

Of course, the house was decorated for Christmas!
The ribbon tree project.
Each kit was individually packaged and labeled. Thanks to Trixie Lamour for the small baggies - they were perfect!
In the family room was the embroidered napkins project
In the dining room we had a Christmas star project and in the living room was the gift tags table.
Christmas star - with label! You can't really see it - but it looked good.
With people actually working on their projects - it was a lot of fun to sit and visit.
We also had wassail and a soup fest: creamy broccoli cheddar, southwest chicken, and a homemade turkey and wild rice that Reyna made. We bake'n'served rolls and bread sticks and it was such a fun time. I'm very pleased with the outcome. And now - very ready for a nap.

The Roadshow...

2009-11-16T14:47:00.000-08:00

Below is the roadshow that I helped the youth produce. The theme was "superheros." The quality isn't that great as it was recorded on someone's phone - because the official recording didn't get started until after our performance. Turn up your speakers...and really - it's the dance number at the end that sells it.

Things to know: 1. The stick says "Kindness"
2. The dark part was a battle scene in slow motion/strobe light awesomeness
3. Reyna choreographed the finale
4. Everyone did their own costumes - and we won BEST COSTUMES.

Getting ready for the holidays...

2009-11-15T07:01:00.001-08:00

A buck an ear...

2009-10-21T20:17:00.000-07:00

I should be sleeping...but I saw this and had to share.

I want a print so bad - but where do you hang such a piece? Is it bedroom art? Bathroom? Where does one hang such an inspired work of art? Apparently in the Austin Art Garage . Also, he is not wearing a hairnet. And look at that forlorn little eye...LOVE IT!

Sharing honestly...

2009-10-19T13:15:00.000-07:00

So - this note floated past on the Facebooks today - but I'm not really into "tagging" people - so here are my answers...just a random glimpse into Miss Five's world...

1.What was the last thing you put in your mouth
A mint from Sonic that was in my purse

2.Where was your Facebook profile picture taken?
In the orchard at the Elegant Farmer in Wisconsin

3.Can you play Guitar Hero?
Yes...on MEDIUM even!

4.Name someone who made you laugh today?
Reyna and Seth made me laugh today. Independent of each other...

5.What time did you go to bed and why?
I shoot for 10pm because I like lots of sleep. Often it's later though due to reading and hanging out watching shows.

6.If you could move somewhere else, would you?
I don't think I would. I like where I am and what life is doing right now.

7. Ever been kissed under fireworks?
No

8. Which of your friends lives closest to you?
My friends Reyna and Seth live closest to me...roughly 5 yards away.

9. Do you believe ex's can be friends?
It completely depends on why they are an ex. If it's because you both realized it wasn't going anywhere but no one was hurt, then sure. Otherwise...no.

10. How do you feel about Dr Pepper?
I like Dr. Pepper. It makes me think of my Grandpa Siple - back in the day that was his beverage of choice.

11. When was the last time you cried really hard?
Really hard? Mid-May. Just hard? End of September.

12. Who took your Facebook profile picture?
Reyna

13. Who was the last person you took a picture of?
The Malleys and Coldwaters in the apple orchard.

14. Was yesterday better than today?
No. Not that yesterday was bad - but today is more mellow and involves a massage.

15. Can you live a day without TV?
Yes. I can. There are shows I love but can totally live if I'm behind in watching them.

16. Are you upset about anything?
Oddly - no. Which I do think is weird for me.

17. Do you think relationships are ever really worth it?
This is a dumb question - if I'm being honest here.

18. Are you a bad influence?
Oh yes, and one day I DO hope to use my forces for good - but what can you do!?

19. Night out or night in?
Night in.

20. What items could you not go without during the day?
My computer/iPhone. Soft Cheeks. My glasses/contacts. My watch. My sleep mask. Woobus.

21. Who was the last person you visited in the hospital?
Reyna - who was having a baby.

22. What does the last text message in your inbox say?
"Hard to sum up in a text." So I called...

23. How do you feel about your life right now?
I feel good...pretty, pretty...pretty good.

24. Do you hate anyone?
Hate? I think there are people I would happily cross a busy intersection to punch - but hate?! Hmmm...yes?

25. If we were to look in your Facebook inbox, what would we find?
Some notes that I just haven't deleted.

26. Say you were given a drug test right now, would you pass?
Yes. I would. You would find prescription meds...but they're legit...so it's cool.

27. Has anyone ever called you perfect before?
Not the actual word, no...I get a lot of "Is there anything you can't do?!" And in my head the long list of what I can't do begins...

28. What song is stuck in your head?
Oh man, it changes all the time. At this very moment, "I Know You By Heart" from Beaches. WHAT?!

29. Someone knocks on your door at 2:00 a.m., who do you want it to be?
A handsome and clever snuggle bunny who just "had to see" me.

30.Wanna have grandkids before you’re 50?
No...because that would be quite tricky with the math...

31. Name something you have to do tomorrow?
Get ready for the first Roadshow rehearsal.

32. Do you think too much or too little?
Too much - and often about very unrelated things...

Was this a REAL thing?

2009-09-28T13:12:00.000-07:00

Wise

2009-09-21T21:24:00.000-07:00

Cynicism is far too easy to be useful.

Carmen

2009-09-21T21:14:00.001-07:00

My paternal grandmother always included a package of festive napkins in every box she ever sent us. We had napkins for every holiday and plenty of random designs, too. When they arrived (and I was still a young girl) I thought it was a little weird. I also thought maybe she just thought we spilled a lot and needed the help. But now that I've grown up I see what a fun gift they really are. If ever I have occasion to mail a package, I hope I have some fun and festive napkins to include. Like these from French Paper :

Craigs = awesomeness squared.

2009-09-20T20:15:00.001-07:00

Bishop Craig is the one without the glasses...and one of my heroes. As is his wife, Katie - director and editor of the film. This project was created for a Stake Youth Standards night - as a warning to not just wander around YouTube - because you never know what you might find...

My favorite moment has to be the end - when all the other bishops join the shot - those smiles KILL ME. Also - one bishop is resting his head on another bishop's shoulder. Awesome (notice the capital A).

Just because I couldn't remember the words...

2009-09-11T12:18:00.000-07:00

There was a time when I didn't know all the words to The Ballad of Davey Crockett and I would just repeat lines...like:

"Born on a mountain top in Tennessee,
Greenest state in the land of the free,
Kil't him a bear when he was only three...kil't him a bear when he was only three!
DAVEY! DAVEY CROCKETT!
King of the wild frontier!"

Fortunately my dear friend put the song on a cd for me - and now I can sing all the verses by heart. YES I CAN!

Today - I couldn't remember this song:

So - now I'll just listen to it repeatedly until I know it or get punched in the neck...

GLEE?

2009-09-10T06:46:00.000-07:00

So - last night was the much anticipated and ice cream celebrated premier of Glee. I'd waited since MAY to see this show...and...I have to say it: It wasn't great. They'd certainly promoted the heck right out of the show - but they'd also don't that horrible thing that movie previews do: show all the funny bits ahead of time - so there is nothing fun or surprising left for the actual show. Most of the setups in the show - well, I just don't care that they're going to pay them off - and hate the fact that somehow we're supposed to root for our hero to cheat on his wife?! A pretend pregnancy?

I will give it time - because I really want Glee to be what it was in the pilot episode: funny and surprising and full of great (nerdy) singing and dancing. Is that too much to ask? Below is the extended trailer...if somehow you missed it...because you were stuck at the bottom of the ocean since May...

Delightful browsing...

2009-09-08T13:09:00.001-07:00

It's been so long since I just wandered around the Interwebs - and I know I've been remiss in finding fun things for you folks to look at...so here's a new fun shop: Greer Chicago

Aren't these such cool things!?

Coasters...funny and functional. Just like me!

A pack of commendations - for just anything. I'd keep these in my purse to just hand out. That's what I'd do.

A perpetual calendar...reminds me of "Corky and the Sperm Whale."

Today...

2009-09-08T13:01:00.000-07:00

So - the wedding of Geoff and Alexis is over - the party was grand. As soon as pictures are available, I'll post them. The story of the weekend will come soon - but I need more time to sit and type...

Mr. and Mrs. Taylor return from the coast this evening...to begin the drive to Colorado...with Trixie and Corky. Hopefully they will post pictures of the festivities in Cortez.

After the reception, we had a LOT of strawberries left over - so - being the industries little beaver I am, I made some strawberry bread from this recipe from 4 Reluctant Entertainers ...and just pulled it out of the oven. It smells really good - and has tons of sugar in it...so it should be very tasty.

***Update: Bread = delicious. But make sure you cook it long enough...***

2009-09-06T17:47:00.001-07:00

Encyclopedia Miss-Fivica

2009-08-24T21:05:00.000-07:00

Friends - I have been absent for FAR too long - and it's mostly been due to several factors: not as much time and not tons of things to talk about...

So - in an attempt to jump start my blog again - here's some much needed info for the Encyclopedia Miss-Fivica...

***********FOODOLOGY***********

1. What is your salad dressing of choice? Bleu Cheese or Red Wine Blush Vinigarette

2. What is your favorite sit-down restaurant? Restraunt Bleu...the student restaurant at the culinary school in Portland, Oregon.

3. What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of? Mashed potatoes

4. What are your pizza toppings of choice? Canadian bacon - or if I'm in Canada: ham.

5. What do you like to put on your toast? Butter and crack jam. Or cinnamon sugar that my dad makes.

***********TECHNOLOGY***************

1. How many televisions are in your house? Three...plus laptops that can stream shows...

2. The color of your cell phone? Navy

3. How long would it take you to look up who invented the Rubber Band? Google tells me that it took me 0.40 seconds. So there.

4. Have any idea how many Megahertz your computer has? The one I'm working on has 2.6...or something...

***************BIOLOGY******************

1. Are you right-handed or left-handed? Left handed...and it's not a disability.

2. Have you ever had anything removed from your body? Teeth and hair and infected stuff. (Over share?)

3. What is the last heavy item you lifted? A giant container of peanut oil

4. Have you ever been knocked unconscious? I nearly passed out once - but not by being hit on the head.

************BULLCRAPOLOGY**************

1. If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? No - too much pressure. Deadlines are a little annoying.

2. If you could change your name, what would you change it to? I really wouldn't...but maybe Your Highness.

3. Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000? Would I have to train for the experience or just do it and get the cash. If it's the first - then NO. If it's the second then: MAYBE.

************DUMBOLOGY******************

1. How many pairs of flip flops do you own? Currently only one pair. Weird.

2. Last time you had a run-in with the cops? The last "run-in" was in high school when our cast party was too loud and then we invited the officers in for cake.

3. Last person you talked to? Reyna and Seth

4. Last person you hugged? Eloise

**************FAVORITOLOGY****************

1. Season? Spring

2. Holiday? Thanksgiving. Or Easter.

3. Day of the week? Tuesday - but we've been over this.

4. Month? May

***********CURRENTOLOGY*****************

1. Missing someone? Yes

2. Mood? Alert

3. What are you listening to? The bugs outside...

4. Watching? Reyna, wrasslin' the baby...

***************RANDOMOLOGY*****************

1. First place you went this morning? The bathroom.

3. Do you smile often? I'd like to think I do.

4. Sleeping Alone Tonight? Yes.

***************OTHER-OLOGY*****************

1. Do you always answer your phone? Mostly - if I hear it and can get to it in time.

2. It's four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it? My Dad.

3. If you could change your eye color what would it be? Blue

4. Do you own a digital camera? Yes - but it currently has a stuck shutter...so...no.

5. Have you ever had a pet fish? They were my brother's fish...

6. Favorite Christmas song(s)? The Drifters version of "White Christmas," Leon Redbone's "Christmas Island," Alvin Stoller's "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," and "Christmas Is All Around" by Billy Mack.

7. What's on your wish list for your birthday? That'll be on a post for next year.

8. Can you do push ups? No...but I like push-pops. Does that count?

9. Can you do a chin up? Which chin?

10. Does the future make you more nervous or excited? A little of both...

11. Do you have any saved texts? A few...the classics

12. Ever been in a car wreck? Oh yes...super special.

13. Do you have an accent? I feel like I'm starting to...which is funny. Two months and I sound like Ditka's sister...?

14. What is the last song to make you cry? Let Us All Press On.

15. Plans tonight? Staff meeting, reading...eating some chocolate?

16. Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom? Not the very bottom, no. But I think I could see it.

17. Name 3 things you bought yesterday. Dude, it was Sunday.

18. Have you ever been given roses? I have and it was awesome.

19. Current worry? Not forgetting things I need to get done...

20. Current hate right now? Lying, cheating, dirt bags

21. Met someone who changed your life? Lots of people have changed my life - I'm very lucky.

22. How will you bring in the New Year? Hopefully watching Four Brothers.

23. What song represents you? "Hang On Little Tomato" by Pink Martini

24. Would you go back in time if you were given the chance? Sure!

26. Do you have any tattoos/piercing? I have pierced ears - but my left ear has bionic strength and closes overnight if I don't have something in it.

27. Will you be in a relationship 4 months from now? I am hopeful.

28. Does anyone love you? YES.

29. Ever had someone sing to you? I've been sung to sleep a lot.

30. When did you last cry? During my lesson in Relief Society yesterday.

31. Do you like to cuddle? Yes, I do.

32. Have you held hands with anyone today? Yes

33. What kind of music did you listen to in elementary school? Cyndi Lauper and Jimmy Buffett - no joke.

34. Are most of the friends in your life new or old? Both, I would say.

35. Do you like pulpy orange juice? I do - but for my birthday I was delivered fresh squeezed orange juice and it had been strained of all pulp. It was amazing.

It must be true...

2009-08-24T19:58:00.000-07:00

According to the Interwebs here is what it means if your birth month is August...which mine totally is...

AUGUST

* Loves to joke
* Attractive
* Suave and caring
* Brave and fearless
* Firm and has leadership qualities
* Knows how to console others
* Too generous and egoistic
* Takes high pride of oneself
* Thirsty for praises
* Extraordinary spirit
* Easily angered
* Angry when provoked
* Easily jealous
* Observant
* Careful and cautious
* Thinks quickly
* Independent thoughts
* Loves to lead and to be led
* Loves to dream
* Talented in the arts, music and defense
* Sensitive but not petty
* Poor resistance against illnesses
* Learns to relax
* Hasty and rushy
* Romantic
* Loving and caring
* Loves to make friends

Head over here to find the meaning of YOUR birth month. Unless your birthday is this month, too...then...nevermind.

You needs a snack...

2009-08-24T19:47:00.000-07:00

In case you're sitting there, needing a snack - you should go and get extra hungry at Cheese & Burger Society . The images are mouth watering and the descriptions are worthy of a National Geographic documentary. Go forth, and behold the beauty of the Cheese & Burger Society .

2009-06-24T22:08:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure why I want one of these so BAD...but I do!

Happy Father's Day, DAD!

2009-06-21T22:05:00.001-07:00

My Dad is so wonderful - thoughtful and helpful and brave and resourceful. He is uncomplicated and clever. He also chews his chips in the rhythm of Jingle Bells. No lie. I love him.

Might need one...

2009-06-18T15:44:00.000-07:00

Image from here

Fun...in the sun or the shade...

2009-06-15T18:02:00.001-07:00

Just in case you need some summer activities that are indoor - head over to Orisinal and play their many fun, beautiful, not at all annoying games. I love them. They are so pretty and the music is great. Choosing which game to play may be the worst part about them...

So very clever...

2009-06-14T07:49:00.000-07:00

So - you just need to head over - I can't do it justice at all. Just go to Twig and Thistle . Now.

Which do YOU prefer?

2009-06-11T23:08:00.000-07:00

When faced with the following options, my choices are in bold...and italics. Just in case you couldn't tell by the bold. I just like to be thorough. You know me.

Chocolate or raisins

Ketchup or mustard

Blue or green

Purple or yellow

Dogs or cats

Manta rays or sea horses

Cows or horses

Drums or guitars

Flutes or trombones

Crayons or markers

Batman or Superman

Climbing up or sliding down

Baths or showers

Shouting or whispering

Quarter or penny

I know this isn't terribly entertaining or exciting. But I needed to post something. I'm not apologizing here, I'm just saying...

It was a perfect day...

2009-06-06T13:07:00.001-07:00

My Eternal Family

The Portland Oregon Temple

The Lovely Couple

Ralph and Wavie Siple

Geoffrey and Miss Five

Brent and MaryKate Berg & The Crockpot and the Missus

Three Generations

This is our family...

May 23, 2009

All pictures by Amy Cannon

The After Party

2009-06-06T12:25:00.000-07:00

Grandma and Grandpa go through the line of the lovely luncheon

The theme of the luncheon was Circles.
One eternal round...round flowers, round food, round accents.

So many friends and family

Sandwiches on rolls, pasta salads - and my favorite - Tracy's Caprese

Lemon Blossoms - a big hit

All pictures by Amy Cannon

Today is a great day...

2009-05-15T08:48:00.000-07:00

Today is great because:

The Binghams should be having their baby today.

I got to lay in bed as long as I wanted talking on the phone.

The sun is out and the sky is blue.

I have several great books to read.

My "to-do" list is pretty short and easy to accomplish (but I wrote it out anyway!).

Tonight I have ballroom dance class.

I'm not at work.

I'm getting ready to have family and friends visit for a very special event.

This afternoon I have a dental cleaning.

My many blessings are quite obvious.

Oh the week I had...

2009-05-10T22:25:00.000-07:00

So - this past week was not the greatest...

Sunday: Tried to unplug griddle. Plug burst into flames in my hand. Result = second degree burns, bandages and sedation.Monday: Attacked by student. Kicked and hit and threatened.
Result = me sobbing in my car for 30 minutes and then pressure washing in the backyard.

Tuesday: Having to debrief attack. Cried some more.
Result = Extreme relief when the Binghams had a false alarm and I called in a sub for Wednesday.

Wednesday: Binghams didn't have baby. Head filled with pressure and was quite queasy all day.
Result = sleeping most of the day away. Kind of a waste and kind of a relief.

Thursday: Attacking student back at school after suspension. Continued with nausea and cold symptoms.
Result = not swine flu.

Friday: All students at school were flying high. Other staff getting slapped in the face.
Result = sheer joy at having made it through the week and to be at my dance class.

The weekend was SO much better - and going into this week things are already looking up. It's only a three day week at work, thanks to parent/teacher conferences.

Beaverton Farmer's Market 2009

2009-05-10T21:46:00.000-07:00

A tradition continued this weekend with the season opening of the Beaverton Farmer's Market . You may remember that for the last few years, Dad and I have gone on the opening day to get flowers for Mom for Mother's Day. This year had a few added bonuses including a perfect blue sky and temperature and my brother working at the Market in the Bungalow Bread Co. booth!

Of course, Dad and I get there about 45 minutes before the opening bell. This allows for rock star parking (which is challenging for this event) and to wander the booths to get a head start on flower selection. We love the ladies at Ferrier Creek Nursery and the gents over at Ross' Nursery. The flowers are beautiful and a great price. Dad and I also love being able to just wander and see everyone getting ready and setting up.

Have you been to the Bungalow Bread Co. ? If not, you need to fix that...

They pretty much had to bake for two stores - the main store and the Farmer's Market booth. Well over 50 loaves...no fishes.

After the bell rang, we handed the checks over and we got our flowers loaded in the car. It was now 8:06 a.m. so Dad and I stopped for a breakfast crepe. And yes, I had a crepe with Nutella and bananas and whipped cream and cinnamon. Yay breakfast! Also - Zest Crepes is BRAND NEW! And they are good. Do stop if you're at the Market another day this season...

Dad had a savory crepe with ham and Gruyere, so he needed a maple bar chaser. Pretty standard, really.

I'm sure in love with this picture because it's so "my Dad." Suit, tie, maple bar, perfect 'stache.

While they were setting up, my brother was loading and hauling and stuff...so now we get to see him in action...

Their booth was pretty much this busy all day.

Geoff tells the customers all about the delicious breads and cookies...

But really - don't you think you need to go to the Farmer's Market ? It's so fun. The cool booths, the live music, tasty foods and delicious smells. And then you can go home and take a nap! Be sure to stop by and try some samples and get a loaf or two. May I recommend the Cinnamon Chip and the Cheddar Garlic breads? Perfect for french toast and grilled cheese sandwiches, respectively.

Awesome...

2009-05-10T15:37:00.000-07:00

So - there is this tradition of wearing your prom dress or suit/tuxedo the next morning to church. I really dislike this tradition. It seems so weird and conspicuous. And some of the outfits look pretty silly and out of place at church. But then - two boys showed up today in these beauties...and it made my day...The butter yellow tux is so great - white shoes to match. And then you have the powder blue - with TAILS! What you can't see are the perfectly matched "cons" he's sporting. This picture was snapped in the hall, right after these boys had helped to distribute the Mother's Day gifts. Awesome.

F-U-N

2009-05-09T14:34:00.000-07:00

I would love some of these...so if you're headed over...stop and get some at the store, would you?!

Listen...do you smell that?

2009-05-09T10:07:00.001-07:00

I know several little boys what need one of these...bad.
Head over to Wu and Wu and get one...or two...

Death Salad...

2009-05-03T08:44:00.000-07:00

So - okay fine. I almost killed a missionary last night. Mom had forgotten to tell the rest of the family (okay fine - me) that she'd signed up to serve dinner to the missionaries. We were on their calendar and they called mid-day to confirm. Good thing I had some delicious croissant sandwiches and salad and fruit left over - right?! At the shower I'd let the ladies know that the chicken salad had nuts in it. I forgot to mention that to the Elders before they started eating...and only a few bites in Elder Victim had to ask if their were nuts. People only ask if there are nuts in something if they are ALLERGIC to nuts...am I right?!

Good thing for me his allergy isn't TOO severe - just throat closing!! But regular old Benedryl did the job of antidote - and he ended up having Dino Bites and BBQ sauce for dinner. I feel so bad - because, man...I wasn't trying to kill him.

But believe me - if I was TRYING to kill you...you'd know.

Baby Shower for my friend Petie...

2009-05-02T16:24:00.001-07:00

Today I hosted a baby shower for my friend Petie from Table and Singlepot . She's having her third baby and her first girl.

Miss Five and Petie before the ladies arrive. She just came from Russ...lucky.

Tables with fresh growing flowers and candles...room for all.

Giant cupcakes waiting in the kitchen to be served...

Up close...the picks were all different papers - to match the birds I made for the flowers on the tables.

See?!...MATCHING!
I am particularly proud of these birds because it was a project of tracing and cutting. I am not a good cutter-outer of things. At all. These few that I made took me a LONG time. And I am VERY proud of them.

The luncheon was cashew chicken salad sandwiches (on croissants), fresh green salad with cranberries and feta, and fresh fruit salad (including mangoes and pineapple).

There were lots of cute gifts - cuz it's a girls shower! But the HIT had to be the sparkly pink Converse that Kourtney brought. WOW. Do they come in a ladies 9?

So, now it's over. The shower was such fun. I got to meet new ladies and reconnect with a friend from high school! And mostly - I got to have lunch and visit with my friend, Petie.

Good luck, Miss Petie - and I am very excited to meet the newest Bingham!

You saw this, of course...

2009-05-02T07:51:00.000-07:00

Of course, you did. But somehow - if you didn't...get a drink and sit back and enjoy...

Final part of the random questions.

2009-04-27T09:45:00.000-07:00

56. Do you have good vision?
Heavens, no. Even WITH my contacts - I do not see well.

57. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people?
Oh sure...that list is long and distinguished.

58. How often do you talk on the phone?
At least five to ten times a day.

59. The last person you held hands with?
One of my students, walking down the hall.

60. What are you wearing?
A black shirt, red plaid pajama pants and my cute pink pinafore apron.

61. What is your favorite animal?
Baby ducks. I want one...or two. My mom says, "No."

62. Where was your profile picture taken?
I took it from the Interwebs...

63. Can you hula hoop?
Yes...but will I? No.

64. Do you have a job?
I do - I work with aggressive and angry kids. And they yell a lot. And sometimes I think I'm going insane. Other days I laugh a lot. I think a lot of moms feel the same way about their kids.

65. What was the most recent thing you bought?
A rotisserie chicken.

66. Have you ever crawled through a window?
Yes.

RQ 5

2009-04-26T09:45:00.000-07:00

45. Ever walked into a wall?
I've walked into many things I wasn't supposed to walk into

46. Favorite color?
I really do love lots of colors - pink, red, purple, blue, green, orange...uh...yeah...lots of colors...

47. Have you ever slapped someone?
Not that I remember - but I think about doing it - A LOT.

48. Is your hair curly?
Is it ever!

49. What was the last CD you bought?
A Child's Prayer...lullabies...

50. Do looks matter?
Yes...

51. Could you ever forgive a cheater?
Only at board games...not at life.

52. Is your phone bill sky high?
It has been...man.

53. Do you like your life right now?
Yes, I do.

54. Do you sleep with the TV on?
No, way.

55. Can you handle the truth?
I can - but I can also handle what I want to hear, too.

RQ 4

2009-04-25T09:44:00.000-07:00

34. Who are you going to be with tonight?
Tonight I was with my family and the missionaries.

35. Are you too forgiving?
I am a TOTAL sucker when people ask for forgiveness. But I have a hard time when I just need to forgive - on my own.

36. Ever been in love?
No...I guess not.

37. What is your best friend doing tomorrow?
Well - tomorrow is Thursday so she's got to be up and ready for the day by 8:45 a.m. when I call her. Then she'll work in her office and take her son to pre-school. She will also watch out the window for the grumpy mailman.

38. Ever have cream puffs?
Yes - and I could really go for some right now

39. Last time you cried?
Sunday afternoon...talking about the plans for May 23.

40. What was the last question you asked?
What the heck, man!?

41. Favorite time of the year?
I do love a lot of the year - but I really love springtime. I love rain and sun and flowers growing and jelly beans.

42. Do you have any tattoos?
No - I cannot think of one image that I would want on my body for more than a week.

43. Are you sarcastic?
Only when I'm speaking out loud

44. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect?
No...did anyone?

RQ 3

2009-04-24T09:44:00.000-07:00

23. Do you rent movies often?
I have a 6 year old Netflix subscription and I love it. I even lived right behind a Blockbuster for a while - and still - I only used Netflix. So, yes.

24. Is there anything sparkly in the room in which you are?
All the candle holders that are glass or crystal is as close as it's getting...

25. What countries have you visited?
England, France, Germany, Mississippi

26. Have you made a prank phone call?
Oh yes - in junior high school - I was the QUEEN of prank phone calls.

27. Ever been on a train?
Yes - I love the train. The perfect trip is from Portland to Seattle - in Business class.

28. Brown or white eggs?
White eggs - the brown eggs just seem so trendy.

29. Do you have a cell-phone?
Yes - and I love my little Juke.

31. Do you use chapstick?
I use Extra Emollient Night Creme by Mary Kay

32. Do you own a gun?
NO.

33. Can you use chopsticks?
Not without my special training wheels guide thing...

Random Questions 2

2009-04-23T09:43:00.000-07:00

12. Are you emotional?
Yes - and yet - I can also be the cool headed voice of reason. But I also cried during music last Friday because the song we were singing was so sweet and tender.

13. Have you ever counted to 1,000?
No. Why would I do that?

14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it?
I do both. But mostly I bite it. Do I seem like I would "take it slow" when it came to ice cream?

15. Do you like your hair?
I like the color of my hair and that my hair is very obedient. It will do what it's told. But my natural curls make me crazy - so, of course, I want straight hair. But I only have straight hair every six weeks when I visit Russ for a haircut - and he straightens it.

16. Do you like yourself?
Huh...I'll get back to you on this one...

17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush?
No - I don't think I would - unless he was paying and I got to hang out with some Secret Service agents. Then: maybe.

18. What are you listening to right now?
My mom's white noise machine (grrr) and my dad prepare a baked potato and raccoon through the kitchen, "Did all the salad get eaten?"

19. Are your parents strict?
Not particularly - because really - they didn't have to be. Geoff and I weren't too deviant. And they just made the expectations clear and knew that we would meet them. Or die.

20. Would you go sky diving?
No, thank you. My worst dreams all involve the feeling of falling. So - no. I don't want to fall from stuff.

21. Do you like cottage cheese?
Yes - I do - but to me cottage cheese is a compliment to savory things - especially potato chips. The idea of eating fruit with cottage cheese makes me want to barf.

22. Have you ever met a celebrity?
Well - I talked with a local news anchor and I stole James Spader's water from a set once. And I had a meal at the Hamburger Hamlet with the bass player of Maroon5. That's about it.

Not that you wanted to know...

2009-04-22T21:37:00.001-07:00

1. What is the first thing you wash in the shower?
My hair - Aveda only. While I was in California, during the shoot, one of the school staff asked me if I used Aveda products - and that it smelled really good. Um...why was she so close to me? Can you really smell it from normal person distance?

2. What color is your favorite hoodie?
Baby blue Camp Namanu hoodie - minus the string...for safety sake.

3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?
Yes

4. Do you plan outfits?
Oh yes! If I'm invited to a function or to participate in a program or something my FIRST concern is what I'm going to wear.

5. How are you feeling RIGHT now?
I'm feeling tired and pleased and a little worried.

6. What's the closest thing to you that's red?
My pants. Uh-huh!

7. What was the last dream you remember having?
I actively dream every night - and remember bits the next day - but right now I can't think of one.

8. Did you meet anybody new today?
Yes - I met a really dumb girl at the spa. Seriously - she's SO dumb. And way too tan.

9. What are you craving right now?
Banana creme pie

10. Do you floss?
Yes - daily - because I've got this gap in my teeth on the back right...and...well...I just have to floss everyday, okay?!

11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage?
Stinky. And Carnies.

New goodness!

2009-04-11T12:31:00.000-07:00

I've been a faithful follwer of marta - and have even purchased a few of her mini-diaries (which I bought to send to my dear friend - only to discover she'd done the exact same thing!). marta uses high quality paper and binds the journals by hand. And now - there's this fabulous blog - new to me - called Sherbet Blossom . And there is a great interview with marta and a giveaway of one of the mini-diaries! You should go and check out all the beautiful and creative ideas Hannah has and enter the giveaway. But - don't be sad when I win...okay?

Not about Disneyland...

2009-04-06T21:17:00.000-07:00

So - I know you're totally still waiting for me to write about my time at Disneyland - but this isn't it. This post is about how I'm so excited to have all the talks from the most recent General Conference as podcasts. While I was not able to watch the Saturday sessions, I'm now almost caught up because I've been able to listen to the talks on my iPod...during my break at work and while I was shopping at horrible WinCo. I like the prices at WinCo (which is why I shop there) but I have a hard time with the atmosphere and people. But it was SO MUCH easier not to get angry while listening to the conference talks. So - if you want to get the talks in podcast form head over here . I used the link to go through iTunes - so this isn't any kind of tutorial about how to make it work if you don't use iTunes.

You're MOM has a birthday....

2009-04-04T07:59:00.001-07:00

Today is my mother's birthday. She's older this year...than she was. And this picture perfectly captures my mother in her most natural and preferred setting. Take note of her smile. And her relaxed posture. Also note that her computer is handy - and her drink is perfectly at arms length. You may also notice that her outfit is very classy - and that she's wearing a sweater while sitting next to the fire. (She hates being cold, people.) Her hair is in a cute and stylish bob - which is not how her hair looks now - but I can assure you that it is still cute and stylish. You may not realize by just looking at this picture that she is at the coast, enjoying a quiet weekend.

Debbie loves:
her family
doing excellent work
Diet Pepsi
her white robe
staying in touch with her friends via the Interwebs
a sunny, warm day in her beautiful backyard.

Debbie hates: (which is not to say that other people LOVE these things)
the wind
rough-housing
car trouble
grocery shopping
running out of toilet paper
headaches

I love my mom because:
she laughs easily...except for that one time when they were burning that tree...
she taught me to love music
she has high expectations for herself and others - and is always ready to cheer you on.
we say the same things at the same time - in the same tone/way. A lot.
she an outstanding teacher.
she is a hard worker - and will do what it takes to get the job done well.
when she does cook - it's really good. Really Good.
she opens her heart to many people.
she has great style and fashion sense.
she knows what's what. And she does - she knows EXACTLY what's what.
she will do anything in her power to help her family.

Mom - I love you and hope your day is just what you want.

While I was away...

2009-04-04T07:26:00.000-07:00

This has been a full and fantastic week...and here's what I've been up to:

I flew to Burbank, and was picked up by Wonderful Ryan. We then went to lunch at the ever busy and delicious Porto's ...having some of the most delightful desserts after. There was this elegant raspberry mousse - that had a surprise of chocolate in the bottom. Yes. YES.

After lunch, Wonderful Ryan drove us down to Del Mar, introducing me to tons of music and literally making me hurt and sore with laughter. Incidentally, Wonderful Ryan and I were wearing the same outfit. Jeans and a purple top. That made us laugh, too. We arrived at the hotel and got settled and met up with the rest of the 6360 Crew for the first shoot - which went really smoothly and was a lot of fun. It also included a trip to the San Diego court house - and some funny footage of one of our crew running down the hall in her socks, only to try and slide and instead smack her face on the floor. I'm not sure if/when that footage will be available...but I'll let you know.

After we were all wrapped for the day Wonderful Ryan and I went to dinner at Il Fornaio in Del Mar. It was so lovely and elegant. It was just what I needed at the end of the day. Then I got a frozen custard cone...and slipped into a sugar coma.Tuesday was more shooting and then a drive back to Tujunga to the Aunt Hill. Wonderful Ryan and I stayed with Deeder and Karen for the rest of our trip. Tuesday was great - but I didn't do much. An extreme nap was taken and then I remember snacking...and then going to bed.

Wednesday was one of our "off" days from the shooting schedule, so Wonderful Ryan made reservations for us at Gordon Ramsy's at the London Hotel.
You should go check out the full menu, but for those who are interested, I had:
Caprese salad with burrata mozzarella and aged balsamic; Roasted breast of jidori chicken with braised romaine hearts, creamy pomme purée, lemon thyme jus; and chilled coconut tapioca with passion fruit, candied ginger, milk chocolate and star anise gelato. I also couldn't figure out how to make the lights brighter in the ladies washroom. So, yeah. It was so sophisticated and polished...I loved it. From there we went up to the Griffith Observatory walking around learning new things and then watching the new planetarium show. I highly recommend it! We then drove back to the Aunt Hill and had dinner and got ready for the last two days of shooting.

Thursday was an early day - but my schedule was very light. We shot all morning and then met for lunch at the Pasadena Police helipad for our traditional lunch catered by the incomparable Pie 'n Burger . I've talked about them before - but still - SO GOOD. If you're ever in Pasadena and can't think of a place to eat: Pie 'n Burger is your answer. In fact, the question doesn't matter - Pie 'n Burger should always be the answer.

After lunch, Wonderful Ryan and I killed time before our next call by attempting to go to the Huntington Museum - but not having tickets - we decided to go to the mall and ended up testing the massage chairs at Brookstone. With time sufficiently killed, we headed over to Pasadena City Hall to film the interviews...and guess who else was shooting there?! The cast and crew of Parks and Recreation! But, sadly, we didn't see Amy Poehler. But then we were done and I went home and crashed and sat on the couch watching the first DVDs of Summer Heights High .

Friday will get it's own post...so you'll just have to check back in...

Other Images from: here and here

Could I pull this off?

2009-03-29T08:46:00.000-07:00

I've seen these and in my head I think that I could pull these off...but I just don't know. Only one way to find out, right?

Which do you like? Head over here to see more!

Picture from here

I said it...

2009-03-29T08:40:00.000-07:00

I love Tom Jones.

Image from here

Just in case....

2009-03-28T20:27:00.000-07:00

Now - in the event you can't be having a Monte Cristo at the Blue Bayou on Friday...and you can't convince Josh to make you one...here's how you can make it your ownself:

Disneyland's Blue Bayou Monte Cristo Sandwich via Mouseplanet.com

4 sandwiches

Ingredients

BATTER
2/3 cup water
1 small egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder

SANDWICHES
8 slices white bread
4 slices roasted cooked turkey (1 ounce each sandwich)
4 slices Tillamook swiss cheese (1 ounce each sandwich)
4 slices smoked ham (1 ounce each sandwich)
vegetable oil, for frying

GARNISH
confectioners' sugar, for dusting
fruit, compote
currant jelly, sauce

Directions
BATTER: Place water, egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl and using an electric mixer, mix well at low speed. Add flour and baking powder and mix until batter is smooth. Chill.

SANDWICHES: Make 4 sandwiches, putting cheese between ham and turkey. Cut into fourths and put a toothpick through each quarter.

Heat about 6" of oil to 340 degrees in a fryer. Dip sandwiches in batter to cover all surfaces. Deep fry sandwiches until golden brown, turning as needed. An alternate way of frying it to put approximately 1/4" oil in a large pan and fry the sandwiches on both sides until crispy and brown.

Remove from oil and take out toothpicks. Drain on paper towel to remove excess oil. Sprinkle sandwiches with confectioners' sugar. Serve with fruit compote and currant jelly sauce.

Image from: la-foodie.com

Fun...and educational!

2009-03-28T20:07:00.000-07:00

So here's a fun book that I'm really wanting - it's found over at Jayson Home & Garden.

This would be such a great thing to have for your house guests, or family and friends or all the other folks you have stopping by that you'd want to get to know a little better...and have more interesting conversations than: "How's work going?" "Fine."

Don't forget to turn out the lights!

2009-03-28T18:37:00.000-07:00

So - tonight is Earth Hour - so don't forget to turn off your lights from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., local time. Of course, if you're not in my time zone - you may have missed it - but still - you could turn your lights off for an hour tonight!

I desire:

2009-03-28T11:03:00.001-07:00

So - these are Whoopie Pies. And don't they just look so good? Creamy insides - doughy chocholate sandwiches. HOLD ME. Also - they have a mix people! Just head on over and order yourself (or meself) a mix: http://www.stonewallkitchen.com/prdsell.aspx?L0=Chocolate+Whoopie+Pie+Mix

Next Week...

2009-03-27T14:31:00.000-07:00

Just in case you need me next week - I'll be in Southern California...working on a project with my Aunt and her production team. Here's last year's project...

2009-03-27T13:35:00.000-07:00

You might also find me here...maybe...eating a Monte Cristo sandwich.

Image from http://www.themouseforless.com/

Considering...

2009-03-27T13:25:00.000-07:00

Am going to ride the Max downtown to see this this afternoon...

Image via: www.impawards.com

Spring Break...

2009-03-27T11:19:00.000-07:00

Clearly - life here in the Parlor has been slow - and quiet. But in case you were wondering, here's what I've been up to for Spring Break 2009:

I was asked by some dear friends to house/dog sit for them while they're in Flordia. Their dog, Ginger, and I have been having a great time. She's very mellow and affectionate and we get along great. The house is huge and gorgeous and quite peaceful...

I have been reading a lot! It's so quiet here - that I've finished three books and still have quite a pile of books to enjoy!

On Tuesday afternoon, I joined my friend Dana in leading a music workshop for our senior Primary kids. I taught two "sessions" - Introduction to Conducting and Get to know the Songbook. Dana taught Theory and an Introduction to the Organ. We had some very sweet kids join us and we had a lot of fun. Then we had Cherry Floats for the treats...and that ain't bad!

I had a delicious dinner at Five Guys - and yes, it really IS that good. Should you be coming to visit sometime soon - this would be part of the culinary tour. Assuming, of course, that you like meat and deep fried things. And aren't allergic to peanuts...

I spent a little time at the Beaverton City Library- where I totally forgot to update my account, but was able to replenish my pile of books. I really don't like the feeling of not having a book to

read.

Please consider this blog updated.

Images from: here, here, here, here, here, and here

This time NEXT week...

2009-02-17T23:27:00.001-08:00

Not like the last time...

2009-02-17T23:25:00.000-08:00

Things have slowed down a little around the old homestead - and so here's a little something for me to work on - and you, too!

The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make! But you probably will . . .I'm just saying.
2. What I create will be just for you.
3. It'll be done this year. That gives me a good 10 1/2 months to get it done!
4. It will be a surprise.

The catch is that you must repost this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. The first 5 people to do so, and leave a comment telling me they did, win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me! Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it!

10 Days...

2009-02-15T08:10:00.001-08:00

Can you even stand it?!

What's in a name?

2009-02-15T08:00:00.000-08:00

I did this instead of getting ready for church in a timely manner. Now I have to hurry to be on time. We all make choices, people...

1. Your real name:
Chanel Marie Taylor

2. Witness Protection Name: (father's & mother's middle name):
Alan(a) Marie

3. NASCAR Name: (first name of your mother's dad and father's dad):
Ralph Logan

4. Star Wars Name: (first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name):
Taych

5. Spy Name: (favorite color & favorite animal):
Red Puffin

6. Soap Opera Name: (middle name and town you were born):
Marie Portland

7. Superhero name (2nd fav color, fav drink and add "THE" to the beginning):
The Pink Roy Rogers (Hey that's awesome! I have no idea what my power or cause would be...)

8. Fly Name: (first 2 letters of 1st name and last 2 letters of last name):
Ch'ta...and pretty much - that's how I expect to be known from now on...

9. Street Name: (fav ice cream, fav cookie):
Belgian Chocolate-Chocolate Plain

10. Porn Name (pets name and street you live):
Charlie Basalt

11. Your gangsta name; (first 3 letters of name plus izzle):
Chaizzle

12. Your Iraqi Name: (2nd letter of your first name, 3rd letter of your last name, first two letters of your middle name, last two letters of your first name and the last three letters of your last name):
Aamaellor Taylor

13. Your goth name: (black and the name of one of your pets):
Black Florence.

Shankapotamus...

2009-02-07T23:07:00.000-08:00

My Dad may now have a new nickname on the course...

Countdown...

2009-02-07T09:28:00.000-08:00

17 Days until he is home...

Not about food...

2009-02-07T08:48:00.000-08:00

I am so happy that Neil Gaiman won the Newbery this year. I'd been talking up Gaiman at school and now the librarian HAS to buy the book...it's a NEWBERY! But not everyone is happy...

The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Who's Not Honoring Me Now? - The Newberry Awards

Colbert Report Full Episodes
Funny Political News

Christian Bale Parody
Joke of the Day

Something for your wall...

2009-02-07T08:24:00.000-08:00

I think these are awesome message boards from Matteria - a cool collection on a wall would be stylish AND efficient.

Wait...what?

2009-02-07T08:04:00.000-08:00

Now - we all know I loves me a Disney waffle (and if you didn't, you do now). But this seems a little odd. And I want some. Now.

And yes - I know that I haven't posted in forever - and now it's just videos - of foods. I know. I know.

Drama...Scandal...Happiness

2009-02-07T08:02:00.000-08:00

Fun for today...

2009-01-24T13:01:00.000-08:00

Oh, I agree with Miss Reyna - and you should head over here ...and read some funny. I laughed.

2009

2009-01-18T13:24:00.000-08:00

I know it's been quite a while since I've posted...I don't know that I've really been up to all that much since my last post.

I helped family friends stage a musical honoring their grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary.

I went to Chicago to ring in the new year with the Malleys.

I did finally go back to work after having a three week vacation! Going back was a little rough but mostly we're all back in our routines - and we have a day off tomorrow to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. (WHEW!)

I attended the reorganizing of our ward. We got plenty of new friends in our ward and it's been fantastic learning new names and figuring out where everyone sits. Awesome.

I went to Five Guys Burgers and Fries with a few of the Binghams - and then played Wii with all my Bingham friends!

I finally saw Australia which I loved - but then was sad to discover that the soundtrack is not available...boo.

I've had a few fun dinners out with friends and fun dinners in with friends.

Overall: 2009 is shaping up nicely. The pace has been slower than the previous few months and I am grateful for that. Now I know that the reason I'm not "getting to things" is because I'm not interested in them, rather than my previous excuse, which was being "too busy." Recognition is the first step to healing.

The winner!

2008-12-26T13:01:00.000-08:00

So - apparently I had a contest - and forgot to announce the winner and the prize! To recap, here's the picture:
And the winner is: A TIE!

Granelda Thudpucker who submitted: "You put your fork near my plate again...."

AND

Art who submitted: "I got turkey on the plate and on the brain, but who's the turkey with the camera?"

Thank you all and congrats to Granelda and Art! Your prize of a cool new mix CD mastered by Miss Five will be in the mail soon.

So this is Christmas...

2008-12-25T18:18:00.001-08:00

I have had a wonderful Christmas this year. The Taylor family is quite traditional and our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day traditions are pretty set in stone...except when one of the four members of our family is serving an LDS Mormon mission . Last year was a little rough as we weren't really sure how to DO Christmas without our boy. But this year we figured it out and, though different, our Christmas Eve and Christmas day have been wonderful!

We had our six Elderos over to enjoy Christmas eve...

Playing dominoes and eating treats

We even had a stop-by of carol singers! They sang a barbershop arrangement of Jingle Bells - so fun!

Then it was time to open presents - all the Elderos got new ties!

Trixie opens some of her wonderful gifts. That scarf isn't just keeping her warm...it's also the perfect accessory to her outfit!

In the picture before this one, Dad was making a really dumb face and it made us all laugh...

And I'm still laughing about it...

Dad and Miss Five - can you tell we're related?! This is just as we were heading out the door this morning in search of eggs. And the Safeway was out of eggs. And the fourth location we tried had the needed eggs.

Merry Christmas!

I'd like to buy the world a Coke....

2008-12-22T10:36:00.000-08:00

Live Blogging!

2008-12-22T10:16:00.000-08:00

So - it's a for REALS snow day here in Oregon...Taylors lost power - and we all know how Miss Five does without WiFi...

So I'm at work today with my Mom and I know it will be so exciting to read what I'm doing...so I'll keep updating through the day. Maybe minute to minute...you don't know!

10:17 a.m. I'm almost done drying my pant legs by the giant radial heater. I may have 1st degree burns on my legs - the heater is THAT hot. I've finished my egg McMuffin and am enjoying my water while I wait for Mom to give me my first project. Also - there is easily a foot of snow outside. And my Mom used a 7 inch plastic dustpan to "shovel" the walk. You should have seen it.

10:28 a.m. I typed up a label for a shipment to Azerbaijnan and am now working on a new Christmas mix. I have well over 24 hours of Christmas music and I think I'm going to send my mix to the radio station since all they have is "All I Want for Christmas is You" and "Oh Holy Night."

10:30 a.m. The power is allegedly back on at our house - so hooray for PGE! Woo Hoo! I'm hoping we don't need to get a hotel room for the night - even though we packed for it! We might need to get two rooms - one for Dad and Me and then another room for Mom and Kyle.

10:41 a.m. Another of the staff members is coming to work...so I have to move computers. But don't worry - this thrilling blow by blow of the day will keep coming...

12:13 p.m. I've been playing Scrabble online with my friend Matt who is in Russia. It was so fun to chat with him and get totally creamed at Scrabble. I was working really hard to avoid all the bonus squares. SUCCESS!

1:05 p.m. Actually been working for a little bit now - getting file labels typed up for the previous month's orders. And waiting for the delicious lunch to arrive. I'm pretty excited about that...pizza.

2:35 p.m. Lunch is over and now it's back to making more labels for files. During lunch we were notified that the UPS driver was off in a ditch, waiting for a new truck and a tow out of the ditch. The driver also said, "If you want your packages to go out, you'll need to bring them to me. That's what they told me to say!" And we did want those packages to go out - so the packages were delivered to the ditch by the Intrepid Tundra Adventurers. Now I have the radial heater going on my feet...what a day for "working!"

3:28 p.m. I am discovering that my local friends who were traveling away may not be traveling away. Am currently not working and instead trying to figure out how to help them save Christmas.

3:46 p.m. Menu planning...and hoping I get it right...

4:00 p.m. Just one hour of work left! Har har har...

4:26 p.m. Just sent the last of the labels to the printer. Now the trick will be getting them ONTO the files by the time Dad gets here at 5:00 p.m.!

This never happens...

2008-12-21T09:57:00.000-08:00

So...here in the NorthWest...they've canceled Christmas. I enjoyed a "snow day" every day last week. School was canceled, programs were canceled, parties were canceled, tennis was canceled. And here's why:

Crazy tons of snow in Beaverton!

The view out the front door...

There's easily over six inches of snow...and we just don't do that here in Oregon.

The view out the back. Wow.

They canceled church today - which means that all those choir rehearsals were in vain. Well - not for me - I don't sing in the choir. I'm just saying...

And thus concludes the weather report.

The pudding...

2008-12-16T21:41:00.000-08:00

They say the proof is in the pudding...well...here's our pudding. Last night was the fifth annual Taylor Holiday Home Evening. It was such a ball - even though several families were unable to attend due to the icy roads and dicey weather. This year the Taylors perform "Mamacita, donde esta, Santa Claus?" Please do enjoy...

A few stills...

2008-12-16T11:05:00.000-08:00

It's always fun to get glimpse, isn't it? Here are a few pictures from the Holiday Home Evening...Trixie and Miss Five are the mamacitas...and NO, I don't have a lazy eye.

The Elderos are The Beach Boys

Mark...oh...my...word. Isn't he delightful!?

We had amazing performances - Lexi and McKay (and their parents...I KNOW, RIGHT?!) were gangstas

Neutral Mask...by the McDermotts. I always get creeped out by seeing neutral masks smiling... BAAA!

Of course, I have one million pictures from last night - but if you want to see them all - you'll have to stop by and see the slide show...and all the other performances.

Shuffle survey...

2008-12-15T08:15:00.000-08:00

This post comes from a survey - where all the answers come from song titles. I put my iTunes library on Shuffle and then each song title was my answer to the question...please do enjoy:

IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
Traditions of Christmas

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
That Fine Mister

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Olympic Hymn (Him?)

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Jesus, The Very Thought of Thee

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
The Christmas Song

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Woodstock

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Bad

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Bleeps

WHAT IS 2+2?
The Rain in Spain

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Love at Home

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Ebudae

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Gone

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Our Finest Dreams

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
I Don't Need Anything But You

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
I Dance Myself to Sleep

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
The Ballad of Davey Crockett

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Heal Me, I'm Heartsick

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Circle of Friends

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
The Joy You Feel

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Orpheus in the Underworld - Can Can

WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
Grow for Me

HOW WILL YOU DIE?
Metaphors

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
Slouching Toward Bethlehem

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Magical Mystery Tour

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
Loves Me Like A Rock

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
Drown in my Tears

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
Lovetown

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
Rich and Poor

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
Nothing in This World Can Stop Me Worrying 'Bout That Girl

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
Feed the Birds

Get on it!

2008-12-13T15:36:00.000-08:00

If you haven't been over to Design Mom - you need to head over and get in on her Twelve Days of Christmas giveaways - get clicking and commenting!

Dominate State '08

2008-12-07T22:23:00.000-08:00

Saturday night was the Oregon State High School Football Championship game...and I totally went to support Southridge High School - which has a lot of kids from church on the team. And, DUDE...they totally WON. Here are some pictures from the game...

I rode to the game with my doppelganger, Malia.

OH MAN... this guy had the most amazing hat. I've never seen a Naugahyde hat in person...but this was spectacular.

It got quite cold. And yes, I'm wearing pigtails with ribbons in the school colors. I'm also wearing a shirt, a polar fleece vest, a scarf, and a denim jacket all UNDER the wool coat that you see.

This is the moment when we realized it was a done deal - and we were just seconds away from the win.

Final score and the HD jumbo-tron showing the winning team! Way to go Skyhawks!

CAPTION CONTEST...

2008-11-28T12:44:00.000-08:00

This picture cracked me up...and so I'm hosting a caption contest. The winner will get something special from Miss Five her ownself! Get commentin' because the contest ends at 10:00 p.m. PST on Sunday, November 30, 2008!

Arts and Crafts...

2008-11-28T12:35:00.001-08:00

Part of the Taylor Thanksgiving Feast of 2008 included arts and crafts. Here's what we made:

Elder Tu'itakau (from Tonga) in his pajamas wearing his matching blue turkey

Mark - he's sure excited about HIS turkey

Jordin (who DID make a turkey head-dress) and Trixie sporting her pink turkey. Trixie was all pink yesterday - and sure looked great!

Elder Gray (from Utah) colored his turkey beautifully, but wasn't so safe with his scissors.

JANE Boland in her turkey head-dress. Excellent!

Elder Kavanaugh (from California) got very creative with his turkey - including one wing that was purple and the other that was blue.

The Feast

2008-11-28T12:23:00.000-08:00

The Taylor family had quite a departure from our normal Thanksgiving day festivities...we had people OVER! And we had such a wonderful time...check it out!

I am especially proud that we had seats for all 17 people! No one had to sit on a piano bench or on the floor or anything!

We also had matching "service" for everyone. Well, one table was it's own set of china/stemware/silverware...but everything matched, DUDE! Awesome

Featured here: Elder Cook, Jane Boland and the back of Nikki's head. Nikki followed the rules that pajamas were to be worn. But everyone WAS dressed comfortably - and really, that's what matters most, right?

Looking from the dining room into the living room. Featured here is Merrie Boland, then at the next table (left to right) Bobby Boland, Jane Boland's head, Jordin Roth, Elder Cook's head, and Nikki's hair. Mom sat in that empty chair. At the furthest table you can see me and Petie. Josh also sat with us, but had stepped away from the table when this picture was taken.

After dinner, games were played...like "Wash the dishes!!" and "Store the leftovers!" and "Where's the PIE?!" We also had rousing games of Apples to Apples and Dominos. I also tried to box Jonah on the Wii. I was not successful.

I was so delighted by the day - and had so much fun with people that I loved. And I really do love all the people that joined us yesterday. Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to you!

2008-11-27T00:49:00.000-08:00

I'm looking forward to this...

2008-11-09T20:40:00.000-08:00

Mail order...

2008-11-08T09:24:00.001-08:00

Dear Seth -
I know this isn't what you wanted for me - but I had do go with what my heart told me. I surely do love the iPhone - but all I really want is a phone. Just a phone. I have my amazing Touch, for which I am still grateful, and that does all the other jobs I might need. I'll let you know when it arrives - but here is what I am expecting in the mail in just a few days...
Love -
Miss Five

Image via here

AUTISM: The Musical

2008-11-01T11:02:00.000-07:00

You should find yourdelf a copy of this documentary - and see it. Even if you've only ever just heard of autism - this is such a beautiful film. Seriously - see it.

SPOOKY!

2008-11-01T09:47:00.001-07:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Halloween, full of tricks and treats! We had a wonderful Halloween - with the local zone of missionaries coming over for a night of festive fun!

We set the scene with spooky lights and jack o'lanterns

We had dinner including BBQ ribs and funeral potatoes. Spooky, no?

Trixie and Corky, out on the patio, cooking ribs and enjoying some, too!

And then - the grande finale - the roasted pig arrived. It was awesome! And while you can't get the full scope - we had about eleven companionships of Elders, plus our family and some friends who stopped by. Spooky fun for everyone!

A great tool for the arsenal...

2008-11-01T09:12:00.000-07:00

I will soon be adding this super-cool candle carver to my bag of party tricks...

And you can use it on just about anything and how fun would that be for a party?

Visitors...

2008-10-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

We had a great time with the Ottley girls visiting us...can't you tell?

Ruthanne gets ready to color...

Abby is ready to make some art

Mom and the girls all went on a walk to see the many leaves that are all around - and brought many beauties back...

They even did their homework while they were here!!

Today we went to the Portland Children's Museum - and made some creations in the ceramics studio

Then the doctor met with some patients

And Doctor Abby gets ready to see her patients...

And in the end - we all went shopping...

The girls are now up in Seattle on the next leg of their journey - and I hope they had as much fun as we did!