Wednesday, October 7, 2009

October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

If you would like to make a FREE $5 donation to help support breast cancer awareness please visit this site: http://www.dietsinreview.com/diet_column/10/blogs-against-breast-cancer-2009/, copy the code listed there, put it somewhere on your blog, let them know and a $5 donation will be made. Simple as that.


breast cancer donation

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

26 Months

Today is 26 months for Andrew and I.

Before we hit two years every month on the 23rd I would say "happy (insert number of months)!" in the morning. Now though, it just seems kind of dumb. I mean, after two years what's the point? And, it's not like Andrew thinks of that on the 23rd of each month. But really, though, if we make it to say 80 months how weird would that be? "Good morning, oh and hey, happy 80 months!" A bit obsessive I think.

Maybe I'll just stick to half years. Yeah, that sounds better.

How do you and your anniversary mate do things? I assume most of you are married so it's the once a year reminder, right?

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

What We Did Last Night




So this is what we did last night. Can you tell? I think things are pretty self explanatory! I like the photo on the bottom left of the biggest layout, how it's blurred quite a bit. I call it "Follow the Leader". It was about dusk so not the optimal time for taking photos, but when the shutter speed was so slow from not having the flash on it tracked the motion which I think looks pretty neat.
And, Andrew cut down his first tree! Anyways, that was about it. We didn't get to play catch which was a bummer, but we did get to see our favorite Monday night shows! Two and a Half Men, The Big Bang Theory and the new one, Accidentally on Purpose. Andrew's not sure about that one yet, but I liked it.

Grace in Small Things - Four

1. Yesterday morning when Andrew left it was 40 degrees, this morning it was 60.

2. A beautiful sunny day.

3. The moment when Andrew gets home at night.

4. Breakfast.

5. Photos of last night to be uploaded and edited.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Hawaii - Day 2: Pearl Harbor and Honolulu City Tour

I know it's been months since we got back from our Hawaii trip and that I haven't been posting frequently at all, but I thought now would be a good time to finish posting Hawaii photos.

And, rather than posting them one by one I grouped them all together to make only one upload.

These are from day 2, Friday, when we went to Pearl Harbor and on a city tour of Honolulu afterwords.

Andrew really liked Pearl Harbor and probably would have liked more time there. I'd been there before and to be honest wasn't too thrilled about going back, but it was one of his favorite things to see so that was good.

I'm sure you know the history. Basically, it is the result of Japan's attack which killed many people who were stationed in the harbor. The city tour included going ot Punch Bowl where many of those killed were laid to rest. The view from the top of the hill was amazing. You could see the entire city of Honolulu which, as our tour guide told us, was just plots of rice patties 60 years ago. Hard to believe, isn't it? So, yes, that was day 2.

My Memory? Apparently belongs here.

Andrew and I apparently have awful memories. Saturday he asked me what we did the previous weekend. I could not remember, neither of us could. That's pretty sad. When I was regularly writing here I could go back and look to see what we'd done so I'm thinking I need to get back into that habit. So here goes nothing.

Let's see, it's Monday and I am struggling to recall what we did Saturday. That's only two days ago. I know, it's sad.

Alright, Friday night: Ah yes, Friday night, exciting as always. Andrew's uncle came over like usual and needed help with his email. Andrew messed around with it for over an hour and that was about it. Like I said, exciting as always.

Saturday: We planned to go on a (small) hike in the morning but woke up to rain. After a while the sky cleared up a bit and we were on our way out the door when my grandparents arrived to pick up my dad to go to a car show/museum and we followed along. Basically it was a bunch of old cars which Andrew likes. Afterwords we went to the golf course close to our house and had lunch at their new restaurant. They of course had the Huskies game on which we (Andrew) just had to watch. They won in the last 7 seconds luckily because I don't think I could have sat through overtime. After lunch we came back home, didn't do much and went to get pizza for dinner. It seems like there was more, but I cannot remember. My gosh.

Sunday: We went back to the golf course where Andrew hit a bucket of balls at the driving range then we grabbed a few of those balls and went to the putting green to work on that. We came back and watched the rest of the Nascar race with my dad then watched the second half of the Seahawks game. They lost unfortunately. After the Hawks game we went outside to hit some golf balls in the field where I promptly got fed up because I just can't seem to hit the ball. We got out Andrew's mitts and played catch for a while which was a lot of fun. Until one of us throws the ball over the fence on accident... Then we got out the bat and played two person baseball for a little while which was fun too. I think it's something we might try to do a little more often. We came in and watched two episodes of Bones afterwords (Andrew got me the first three seasons on dvd for our anniversary) then made dinner.

Overall, not an overly exciting weekend, but it was fun for me. I love being able to spend that much time with Andrew and being able to do things we really want to do on our own schedule. Next weekend we have a private golf lesson scheduled (my anniversary gift to him) so that will be interesting being as I cannot even hit the ball. Guess I'll need to practice a bit so I don't look like a complete idiot!

Anyways, I think I will be back to posting somewhat regularly even if it is just to document my days. And yes, I realize no one really cares about what I do all day or during the weekends, but I'm not asking for readers or comments, although both are nice. I just need a place to document my memories.

Monday, August 31, 2009

New "FOR REALS" Photography Blog

As Haley-O always says CHECK IT!



http://www.dcurriephotography.smugmug.com/



It's got galleries, the ability for people to order prints, unlimited space...I love it!

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Where the Blacktop Ends

What do you think of that title? Where the Blacktop Ends? It's the title to a song that I like and while I was thinking about a new name last night on my way home it just popped into my head. I like it and it fits me. I live off the pavement on a dirt road, am a private (well, expect for this blog and my twitter account of course) country girl.

I was really looking for somethat that was short and to the point to that when typing the link it wouldn't a handful, but if I have the url be http://wtbte.blogspot.com that is a lot shorter than typing out http://thedailydoseoffabulous.blogspot.com and I like it better. It fits where I am right now in my life: off the beaten path.

What do you think? Comments?

Monday, August 24, 2009

Changing - A Dose of Fabulous needs a new name

I want to change the name and URL of this blog. I think the reason I have not been posting is because it just doesn't fit anymore. I've been writing here for over a year. When I first started I had something totally different in mind which you'll see if you go to the first dozen or so entries. It was to be the daily dose of fabulous where I would post something each day: shoes, a quote, photo, etc., then it just became about me. I suppose I really wanted a blog that was about me, and Andrew of course so I could document our lives and look back when neither of us can remember what we did last weekend. As you can see I just haven't been posting. I just haven't been feeling it. Sure, I do have things in my mind I want to write about, but this just doesn't seem right now. It needs a new name, a new look, a face lift. I did the new look a few months ago, but didn't know I could change the name then. Had I actually clicked on the settings tab I would have known that, but alas. So, this is where you may come in, help me come up with a new name. Something that fits this place. If you've read more than 5 posts here you'll know what I'm about and a bit of who I am. This blog needs a new name. Help me come up with one.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Passing it on




I'm passing on my horse knowledge and you know what? It's kind of fun. We have lived where we do for 21 years and our neighbors moved in two years later. They had two girls, Leah and Courtney, who were 7 and 4 years older than me. We have always been close, Leah and I more so though. They had horses before we did and when I was 4 Leah took me to ride on Courtney's horse Coke. Something spooked her in the field, we fell off and I landed right on top of her. That was our first "bonding moment" if you will. I used to love to go to their jumping lessons and always wanted to be there to play with the horses.
A few years later when I was 8 I got my first horse. We didn't have any of our fences up yet so she stayed across the dirt road for a few months. Of course, I was always there and Leah, Court and I would be out with our horses. I learned a lot from both of them.
Now, years have passed and they both have kids and have grown out of horses. I, as you can see, have not and don't intend to. Leah lived in her mom's house with her husband and kids for two years while their's was being built and her mom was living part time back east for work. During that time her kids became like my and Andrew's niece and nephew. We adore them. They were always interested in the horses and Koleden said he wanted to ride but by them time we went out to see them he'd changed his mind.
He just turned 6 last month and man, all he wanted was cowboy stuff. Leah and Dave moved into their new house a few months ago so I don't get to see the kids as often but all he wants to do now is come over and ride the horse. She brought them over Sunday and he rode all by himself. He had to wait a little while for me to get out of the shower and ready and he still wanted to ride which was amazing. He did great for his first time alone. I am so proud of him. And his sister, Addison, will be learning soon as well. For now she has to live with Leah or I leading her around. I told her when she is 3 we'll teach her to ride by herself. Luckily, that is in November so by the time the weather is good enough to be consistant she'll be closer to 3.5.
The roles really have changed, that is for sure. From Leah teaching me to me teaching her kids. Granny as the kids call her, Leah's mom, is going to get the kids a POA next spring so for hte meantime Boston is my kids horse. Luckily for me he has a lot of patience. Courtney's daughter will be next, but she just turned two so we have a little time there. Her other grandma and grandpa have horses too, so she's in love with them also. Just thought I'd share. I'm really excited about Kole being excited about something. And Andrew is happy that he will still play baseball with him so all our bases are covered! We both love those kids, they are a big part of our lives.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Hawaii Day 1 (Thursday) - Sea Life Park






















































































Our first full day on the island was my absolute favorite. We did something I'd been wanting to do for a very long time: swim with the dolphins. It was incredible. We did this at Sea Life park on the eastern coast of the island. The setting is quite lovely as part of the park looks out over the ocean as you can see from the photos. They offer a few different ways you can interact with the dolphins and last time I was there, 5 years ago for high school graduation, my Aunt Lisa and I just did the option where we touched them, did a quick photo and that was about it. Not this time around! We actually got to get in the water with them, touch and swim with them. We both got to do a dorsal fin tow and a foot push. If I could figure out how to upload the video we bought here I would, but I wouldn't hold my breath.
We were the first couple to go, I think there were 6 couples, which was a bit scary as we didn't have any demonstration of what we were to do. So Andrew went to one side and I went to the other. I was told to stand like a T, arms out and feet down. The trainer gave the dolphins their command and here they came, one on each side. Next thing I knew I could feel their bodies running under my hands until their fins hooked and off we went. It was incredible! Andrew was next and what he was told to do was lay in the water, arms and legs out in front and behind him. Then they were off and one was pushing on either of his feet propelling him up and out of the water for a distance. Then we switched. Incredible.
After our swims and everyone went we got to have our photos taken with them. Two are above. I haven't scanned them yet so you are seeing a picture of a picture, but they are still pretty cool I think. I have a frame with two side by side 5x7s that I think I'm going to put them in.
I am so glad we did that package. It was possibly the most memorable experience of my life thus far. I'm telling you, if I could have afforded it and it wasn't so far from Waikiki I would have gone back to do it again everyday we were there.
Oh, there were also sea turtles, seals and that sort of thing, but I'm thinking you can probably guess where my camera was aimed most of the time! Andrew also had his surfing lesson that day, but I don't have the photos for that on my computer yet. I'll be doing a Day 1, Part 2 continuation sometime later this week.

Monday, July 6, 2009

So...

Here I am. A few weeks later. Sorry about that. Things have been a little busy lately as you may have guessed. Let's see... I started a new job, we went to Hawaii, got a massive sumburn, came home, resumed new job, rode Star for the very first time with Andrew's help, had Andrew's graduation party, camped for 2 nights at above mentioned party, got eaten alive on legs and feet from above mentioned camping by mosquitoes, have continued to check my reader at work occasionally although have not commented, clearly have not posted to my own blog, have left you all high and dry as I promised I wouldn't.

Besides that, not a whole heck of a lot. I am posting a teaser of one of my favorite photos from our vacation. Taken on Waikiki Beach 13 days ago on our last full day on Oahu. This was the same day my massive sumburn arrived. See that umbrella? I was under it 95% of the time. How in the world did I get burned?!

I do plan to start you know, actually taking some iniative around here and post a day by day post, with photos of course!, of what we did. It's funny now that we're home, I find myself telling Andrew as the weeks progress"____ weeks ago we were doing ________." I wonder how long that will take to get out of my system.

Also, I'm pretty sure I'm getting close to my blogiversary. One year. I'd like to do something different around here for that, but am not quite sure what yet. Any thoughts?

Hope you all have been well and haven't totally lost interest in my little blog. I'm talking to you Sarah and Rachel!

Monday, June 15, 2009

A few things - Bullets Edition

  • I haven't posted lately
  • Andrew graduated college
  • I got a job
  • I am not really liking the new job
  • I keep telling myself "It's x-amount of dollars per day."
  • We leave for Hawaii Wednesday
  • This Wednesday
  • That's about 36 hours
  • Um, really?
  • It seems like we were just starting to plan
  • And tonight we were packing
  • I have still been skimming blogs, just not commenting
  • New job doesn't want me on internet
  • How dare them
  • Still check email and reader
  • Am hoping I'm not forgetting anything that needs to be packed
  • Underwear? Check. Bathing suits? Check. Beach towels? Check. 7 days worth of clothes? Check. Sunscreen? Check. Camera? Check. Flip video camera? Check. Toilettries and all that? Check. A few snacks for the plane? Check. Bit of a cold that I'm hoping packs it's bags within 36 hours? Check. Andrew's laptop (in his bag) to post some photos while we're there? Check (well, after he packs it up tomorrow night).
  • I think that's about it
  • Hope you all have been well and don't think I've left you totally high and dry





Thursday, June 4, 2009

4 Years Ago


4 years ago today we brought Boston home. The first photo was that day at his previous home and the second was taken by Andrew in April. He doesn't look to me like he's aged much, but I on the other hand. Hmmm. Maybe a little more use of moisturizer is an order.
When I first saw the ad for him on dreamhorse.com he was out of my price range by about $400. I kept looking at him though, he seemed to be just perfect. A week or two went by and I'd put him in the back of my mind knowing I couldn't afford him but I searched to see if he was still there. He was. And, his price had been reduced. I could suddenly afford him. I printed out the add, folded it up and put it in my back pocket. Later, I finally called on him. Someone else was coming to look at him the next day, but I really wanted him. We went that day. He was lovely. Friendly, easy to handle and easy to ride. I took him for a test ride where he was perfect. The topper? His mane. It was like silk. I was sold. He was sold. The next day Andrew's aunt and uncle came with me to get him since they were going to the livestock sale a few miles from where he was at and we brought him home. He was mine.
We don't know a whole lot about him except that he was a ranch horse in Montana and most likely was not treated well. It has taken him a long time to warm up to all of us, me included, but he truly is a love. He is my old faithful. He is my nephew's favorite and my all around kids or beginners horse. He loves to run. He loves people and attention. He, finally, loves me.
Happy four years of your new life Boston, there are many more to come.

Friday, May 29, 2009

10 days later...

Well, hello.

Seems like I've forgotten that I have a blog doesn't it.

I haven't, really. It's just that I have nothing exciting going on. Not that what I usually write about is exciting, but at least it's something.

For the most part I am just job hunting, applying and waiting for answers. Oh, and trying to lose some inches for Hawaii which is coming up quick and clearly not working. I'm kind of to the point where when I try I get so incredibly discouraged when nothing changes that I just stop trying. I still have two weeks so I should be able to do something in that time frame.

Andrew is graduating next Sunday so that is exciting. It's strange though because he has two finals after graduation. I know he will pass and do great as always, but for me when I graduated that was it. No more! Oh well, it's soon at least.

Besides that, we are getting our 5th wheel ready to live in while we save for a down payment. It's coming along nicely and should be just about done this weekend. We are enjoying the sunshine while it's here and working on our base tans for Hawaii! Other than that there's not a whole lot to talk about.

Hope all is well with everyone.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Our Puppy Weekend



























So, if you read any of my tweets you will know that Andrew and I puppy sat for my aunt and uncle this weekend. They got a new puppy, Spinner, on Easter and he is now 3 months.
Here are a few photos of our excursion starting at the top left. I went to work Saturday morning and while we were there he was in that position which I thought was super cute. Then, back at his house playing fetch. I think you can tell which is the after shot. Later, lounging with auntie and uncle. Then, cooking with Uncle Andrew. And lastly the shot of sheer depression after he'd been kicked off the couch. Don't you feel sorry for him? We didn't.
Anyways, it was a nice weekend, we wish we would have had more time to "play house" as I called it, but are scheduled again to puppy sit the end of July! Let's hope the potty training is all the way done and the biting/scratching is all finished up too!

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Officially a College Graduate











































I'm all done! The whole school thing? Over!
Here are some pictures from graduation on May 9th. I'll start from the top: My school, me in front avoiding putting on the cap, waiting in line for my name to be called, after receiving the diploma case*, after graduation with my parents, back at the party with my grandparents who funded the whole school ordeal, with my uncle who played bartender for the party, with Andrew's aunt and uncle who initially introduced us 5 years ago, a picture Andrew took of me, me with both Andrew and his twin brother**, just Andrew and I, me apparently not knowing what to open next after most everyone had gone, the cake with raspberry filling(!), a shot of my leis and lastly them hanging.
The weather was gorgeous and I am so, so glad we had the party that day as it was the only sunny day of the week. Lots of people were able to come and I think everyone had a good time. So, I am now officially a college graduate. Scary! My major is business administration with an economics minor and a management concentration. I'm on the search for a job now so keep your fingers crossed about that!
I must say though, the gown did me no justice at all. I really am not as huge as it makes me look! Sorry I haven't posted lately, but I was really overwhelmed at the thought of posting graduation photos without editing them, but oh well. You all are getting what I have ready now and that's about it! Hope all has been well with you!
*They'll mail be the actual thing soon.
**They really are twins, I promise. Just look nothing alike.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Really?

I know I've been talking about it a lot lately, but tonight is my last night in a dorm room. EVER. Wait, can that be right? Yes, yes it is.

I just looked back at this post written the second night I was here back in August. I didn't think it would ever end back then and now, it's 24 hours from being over. People tell you that time flies, and well, it really does.

I have one final to go, stuff to pack into the car tonight and that's it. Oh wait, there's that little graduation thing on Saturday too. Guess I'll be here for that, but then that really is it. EVER. My gosh. I know, I keep using "ever", sorry but it's just so hard to believe.

Anyways, I really have nothing important to post today except this. Which to most if not all, is not important, but alas.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Our Night on the Town



So my school put in this cruise around Elliot Bay here in Seattle last Thursday and Andrew and I decided to go. We had our whole little plan, because I like plans, laid out that we'd get there early and have dinner at Red Robin since it was at the same Pier. We finally found a parking spot, had cheeseburgers with a fried egg on top (it sounds gross, but my gosh is it delicious) and waited a few minutes to be able to board the boat.
The bus that was bringing everyone up from campus was late so we walked around on the boat and look a few pictures for a little while. Right next to this Pier is a pretty busy ferry terminal and as you can imagine when a ferry comes in or out is creates a good size wake which in turn causes our boat to rock, rock, rock. And not in a good sense. After about 10 minutes of that on top of a cheeseburger my stomach was churning and I really didn't think I would be able to make it on the 3 hour cruise (is anyone else thinking of Gilligan?) without getting sick. We got off and walked down to the next Pier right as the buses were pulling up.
So, instead of sitting on the boat for 3 hours we walked around the Piers, got some ice cream and of course I took some photos. I was kicking myself the entire time for not bringing my good camera because I hadn't wanted to pack it around all evening and really, how many pictures can you take when you're confined on a boat? Keep in mind it didn't actually take off until it was just about dark.
As you can see from the photos we had a lot of fun. More really, than I think we would have on the cruise. We watched it pull away and there were a ton of people on board accompanied with loud music. Not either of our things. I've actually taken the hint from Sarah and Rachel that hey, pictures look better when they're edited a bit so I played around with some of these to get a different look.
The first one is the only one I liked from the boat. The wind was blowing just right and I loved how it looked especially using a bit of antiquing. The majority of the others are from walking around the Piers. You'll notice the one of a bunch of buildings though. Where the arrow is pointed is where Andrew decided we should move when we're 65 or so. It would have a spectacular view. And then there's the Space Needle. That was taken with my hand out the window going down the freeway at 60 so I don't think it turned out to bad. I did a couple things with it to make it look older which I kind of like.
We realized as we were walking around how little of the city we take advantage of. We really do live in a stunning place and we rarely take time to appreciate it. Neither of us have been to the Seattle Aquarium in years and walked right past it on the walk to the boat. It is an amazing place and we are going to go sometime soon. There is so much to see and do just on a little 5 block stretch of waterfront it's insane. Our next step is to actually put it to use!
Also, as a side note, there's a new post on my photography blog. And, another side note, today in about an hour and a half is my most difficuly final. I am pretty sure I have it all under control and am feeling confident about it, but I am sure I could use any extra luck anyone has to send this way!