Inside Out

Good Things

2011-08-09T16:32:00.000-05:00

My Recent List of Good Things:
Rain
Change
Newness
Color
Seasons

::The last week has been good::

I'm transitioning to a new job September 1. Whoah.
It finally rained and cooled down to just toasty instead of welcome-to-hell scorching.
I spent some quality time sitting on the dock over last weekend. Reading. Listening to the rain.
I'm realizing summer is winding down, and even though I'm not quite ready for it, fall is definitely my favorite time of year.

After looking at my pinterest boards (Lord, I'm addicted), I've decided that I am definitely a need-color-in-my-life person. Art. People. Food. Decor. Everything has to have color. I'm liking The Wheatfield shop on Etsy. Aren't these prints gorgeous?? You have to go check them out.

And I'm also head over heels in love with Smock Paper. I have a paper obsession. It's ~~mild~~ ridiculous. I'm working on it. One look at their brightly colored sticky note cubes...and I'm gone. I luh-oooveeee this.

Buy me, Lisa! I'm cute! Your desk needs me!

Any great finds on Etsy you luh-ooove, too?
Any great Pinterest inspiration? I could spend hours on that site. Hours.

And now, for my next act, I will attempt making fabric flowers. You know what I'm talking about. Go check out my pinterest board for examples. I might even post a picture or two if they turn out. Wish me luck!
http://pinterest.com/lisacason/

TaDaa

2011-08-01T09:30:00.000-05:00

I never really thought this day would come.

A little weird, but in a good way.

Holy Basket

2011-07-21T10:17:00.000-05:00

Why?
WHY????

What does my dog have against baskets?
What did they ever do to her?

I submit photo A.

And photo B.

Oh right, I forgot.
She's a pit bull.
And she's still kind of a puppy.
And puppies love, love, love to play.
And anything is fair game.
Tennis shoes.
Blankets.
Pillows.
And baskets.

But that FACE.
How can you resist that face?

(Plus, it kind of was my fault.
I left the basket sitting on the ground.
Score: Dog - 2, Baskets - 0)

Oh, pup.
What am I going to do with you?

I think I'm starting to understand parenting.
You're cute, but I don't know whether to laugh or cry.
And you probably say "What am I going to do with you??" more often than not.
Just a thought.

Loving It

2011-07-01T12:19:00.000-05:00

Hello, Friday.
Thanks for showing up this week. I desperately needed you. This has been a long week, so I appreciate the fact that a holiday and another day off follows you.

Over It:
The words "optimize", "market", "revenue", and "pipeline"
Sitting for 8+ hours
Deadlines
Dress pants
Wint-O-Green Mints

Loving It:
This WEATHER!!!
Fireworks
Feeze Pops
Ice Cream
Cold Drinks
Dinner with Friends
Doggie Pools
Pools in general
QuickTrip 59 cent fountain drinks
The Library
The Pioneer Woman's meatballs (Why haven't I made these sooner? Seriously. Why.)
Vacation
Hope

Goodbye, desk. I shall not really miss you all that much.

Backyard, you and I shall be best friends this weekend.

Happy 4th of July, everyone!

Lots

2011-06-06T10:55:00.001-05:00

There is a LOT going on in life. For one, this little guy made his grand entrance. Meet my nephew James Reid Campbell, everyone! What a hunky little man of a nephew. He is perfect, all 7 pounds of him.

Am I a natural or what??

We're also getting ready to put our house up ~~on the auction block~~ for sale by the end of the month. Yep. If anyone knows or is looking to buy a house in the Waldo neighborhood, let me know! It is such a bittersweet time - all the sweat, love, and energy you put into finally making your house enjoyable - and then, poof - up for sale. Where did the time go?

We had our first Valentine's Day dinner together on the floor of what is now our second bedroom. I'm pretty sure that's also the first and last time Travis has made me dinner from scratch.

And the first picture we ever took together was in front of the front door with no drywall and insulation hanging out - probably one of my favorites.

Our first Christmas tree that I was way too excited about barely fit in our living room. We may have gotten made fun of a little bit about that.

And how many times have we had friends and family over to enjoy a barbeque outside on our patio? Lots of times. It's a great place. Full of memories and love. Excuse me while I bury my head in a tissue.
Hoo boy - ok, fanning the eyes...aaaand moving on.

Let's talk about Las Vegas. And now I'm getting excited to go to the pool, because we are staying at the Mirage, and have The. Most. Amazing. Pool. Ever.

In preparation for Las Vegas (sort of) and for my friend Christin' wedding, I have experienced my first spray tan. Let's just say the girl working the front desk giggled when I walked in. Whatever, prefectly bronzed goddess. Us white kids have to glow, too.

Also, has anyone seen the movie preview for Judy Moody's Not Bummer Summer? I have no idea what the movie is all about, but what a great title. We adopted the title and came up with our list of "Not Bummer Summer" things to do, including visiting Green Dirt Farm in Weston, having a random picnic in the park, and going camping. All winners, if you ask me. This is effective July 1 since the month of June is nuts-o.

In closing, I'd like to admit that I'm terrible at taking (& posting) pictures. If anyone has seen the cord that connects my Canon SLR to my computer, please let me know. I miss it terribly.

Tribute to the Fridge

2011-05-06T11:06:00.000-05:00

In honor of Mother's Day this weekend, I'd like to share a picture with you.

El Refrigerator.

I don't really know how it is still possible that, even though only 2.5 people live at my parent's house (my mom, dad, and younger sister who is in nursing school and is crazy busy all the time, so she technically counts as the 0.5 measurement), their refrigerator looks like this.
Packed.
Crammed.
Ok, I'll give you this one, Mom. This was taken right before the baby shower for my older sister, so, there was justifiably a LOT of food in there. But what you don't see is the extra freezer in the garage and the other mini fridge in the basement, which are, inevitably, also cram-packed on any given day.

The conversation went like this:
Mom: Oh! Take a picture of the refrigerator with all the great food we made!!
(Reference exhibit A: the fruit skewers)
Dana: Yeah, so we can all still see that nothing's changed!

The refrigerator has looked like this my entire life. It was like a treasure hunt to find "X" leftovers in "Z" container(s) for Sunday night free-for-all dinners. Side note: that was the one night my mom didn't cook. Astounding, I know. If you know my mom at all, you know she is The Master at simultaneously juggling 4 pots on the stove, brandishing the hand-held beaters, and carrying on an intelligent conversation. However, Sunday nights, the kitchen was a no-cook zone. That was the one night I got away eating cereal, quesadillas, and ice cream for dinner. This is a tradition (quesadillas included) that I've introduced into my married lifestyle, much to the disdain of my otherwise good-natured husband.

Let's look at the refrigerator from another angle - the angle of sharing. Growing up, yes, we did indeed have 2 deep-freezers which were full of meat (our own), frozen vegetables (from our garden), and dessert-related goodies (that my mom usually had a hand in making). And yes, our refrigerator was also stocked to the gills. But, kudos, Mom....anyone and everyone who happened to stop over, come for lunch or stay for dinner never (repeat: never) went away hungry. Our table was shared as the foundation for many tea parties, conversations, boyfriend interrogations, birthday celebrations, breakfast devotions, iced tea breaks, holiday meal preparations, and countless other mother/daughter bonding moments. A lot of defining times in my life happened around that table along with a snack or meal from that dang fridge.

So, I suppose I need to congratulate my mom on maintaining the lifestyle of the refrigerator. Thanks to my mom, anytime we stop by on our way to the pool or invade for lunch, there's always a snack or soda in the fridge with my name on it....and my sister's names....and my husband's name....and my brother-in-law's name...and...well, you understand, now, right?

Love you, Mom.

Lessons

2011-04-18T11:49:00.000-05:00

So - how are you? How was your weekend? Do you have those water-cooler conversations with your friends or co-workers like I do each Monday?

I didn't really have a super-fantastic weekend, but I feel like God is working on my heart. And, anytime I have that feeling, I guess I have to be ok with not having the best luck with my personal life, because I know something deeper is going on. It's not like it was horrible, just not great. Average, maybe. Don't get me wrong, there were some great parts mixed in there, too (read: I have some awesome friends).

Sometimes I wonder if God is like..."Hey, kid. You're not so stellar in the areas of trust or being appreciative (and, like, 15 other things). Let's work on those, shall we?" And then, boom, 5 things happen that make me face those two areas of my life head-on. It's not really even a question, more of a statement. Yes, please, let's work on those sucky areas of my life, God. That's neat. Go right ahead, minor catastrophe.

One of my favorite songs has this line in it: "Still I will praise You." I tried to keep that in mind this weekend, really, I did. But when faced with a less-than-desirable circumstance, isn't it ALWAYS easier to run around with your arms flailing, screaming at the top of your lungs? It is for me. Panic is usually my default. I'm comfortable with panic. Like...really comfortable. Let's be honest: trust blows, sometimes.

I'm not a soapbox person on very many things in life, but I can get behind this: "Trust requires commitment and faith. To trust in someone is to rely on them, to believe in them. In Proverbs chapter 3, we are promised that by trusting in the Lord our paths will be made straight, that is to say, we will be given direction for our lives. " (biblegateway.com)

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths."
Proverbs 3:5-6

And now, if you'll excuse me, I just received my daily Panera email, which has brightened my outlook on life considerably.

Little Things

2011-04-06T09:18:00.000-05:00

Oftentimes, it is so easy to overlook all the little things that truly make life interesting and blessed. Here are the little things I'm thankful for lately.

1. Cash. Cold hard cash. Do you know how rare it is for me to actually carry any cash (other than pocket change)? I have 10 whole dollars in cash that's mine, all mine, right now. It feels like I won the lottery. How far can I make it stretch? What can I score with 10 bucks? I'll get back to you on that. I'm thinking Sonic happy hour is in order, though.

2. Open windows and the smell of cut grass (not ours - we have none to cut). Good freakin' grief. It's been long enough. Thank you, neighbors.

3. A "thank you" from a coworker. I'm definitely a "behind the scenes" gal - no spotlight for me, thank you very much. I really don't mind being in the trenches day to day, but sometimes I don't realize how focused in I get until someone takes the time to say thanks. And someone did this morning - it made my day.

4. Sore muscles. I mean, everything in my body aches right now. Why? Probably because I went out and body-slammed motivation into the ground. Ha! Travis and I bought the Insanity workout last year, and it still kicks my butt, even on the 4th or 5th time around doing it. It sucks, but its totally worth it. Power jumps and I have an on-again, off-again, love/hate thing going on...

5. My sisters - they're pretty neat. I love that I'm going to be an aunt. I love that I'm already an aunt to four of the best kiddos ever on Travis' side. And I can not wait to meet baby JRC!

What are you thankful for today?

Thursday

2011-03-31T09:16:00.000-05:00

Call it self-discovery or a confession, I don't really care...all I know is that I have 6 different forms of bread in my refrigerator. Yep. Something tells me I have a trace amount of German running through me. It didn't really dawn on me that bread played such a big part of my life until one of my friends made a comment about the quantity last week. I think she said something like "Really? You need a whole shelf dedicated to bread?" Relax. It's a phase. I'll grow out of it, I think. And then I realized I had a piece of toast for breakfast followed by a sandwich for lunch and pizza for dinner. Hmm. Yay, bread.

Can I tell you how relieved I am spring is officially here, although you wouldn't necessarily know it from this week? Like...incredibly, thank-you-sweet-baby-Jesus-God-Almighty, holy-crap-where-did-all-my-grass-go relieved. Having a dog is lovely, until you look outside at the yard and the havoc el pero has wreaked by running her figure-8 patterns. I believe river rock will trump mulch this year in strategic areas of our backyard. I’ve considered pulling a “Dick and Jane” moment by thinking about secretly digging up neighbor’s grass and putting it in my backyard. Best part of that movie.

In other news, I think I've committed second-degree murder with my boss' bonsai plant. Any ideas what to do to bring it back from the murky depths of certain death? Ugh. I warned her not to put me in charge of plants. I really did.

There's a quote I have written down that is on a faded post-it note above my desk - and I love it. It says: If God has the power to create & sustain the Universe, He is more than able to sustain your relationships." I came across it during a really hard time in life - and I love the picture it paints of strength and enduring love. Think it applies to bonsai plants, too??

Monday

2011-03-14T09:26:00.001-05:00

Monday List: Life
1. I can hardly believe my 2 year wedding annivesary is this coming weekend. So much has happened over the last 2 years...changed jobs, worked on the house, adopted a dog, worked on the house some more, road-tripped a few places, kept working on the house...believe it or not, minus the front porch and a new garage door, this darn house is almost pulled together. And our marriage is that much stronger because of it.

2. I will be starting to train for a half marathon in 2 weeks. I'm a little freaked out. How do some people just run 13 miles like its no big deal? I'm a wimp...fully convinced of that...13 miles is the equivalent of my drive from home to work. Who am I kidding??

3. If there was any doubt before this weekend, let it be confirmed: grocery shopping is not fun anymore. I used to be able to spend $40-$50 at the grocery store and make that shopping trip last a week. Cucumbers used to be 99 cents. Milk used to be under 3 bucks. I'm not going to tell you what I spent this weekend - let's just say it was more than the "used to be" price. De-pressing. Next week, I'm buying wonderbread instead of wheat bread and Lucky Charms instead of Kashi. That's all there is to it.

4. I just purchased some onesies over the weekend for my soon-to-appear nephew. I can't believe how small they are. And the baby shoes...can we talk about those for a minute? Is there anything quite so adorable? Oh goodness. Let's not get started on the swim trunks, either. I might lose it.

5. This weekend was one of closet spring cleaning - big time. Goodwill will either thank me or hate me, depending on if everyone else had the same mindset I did this weekend. Haven't worn it for a year? Out it goes! It was slightly (ok - REALLY) hard to part with some jeans and pants that were a few sizes smaller than what I'm currently wearing. As in...I've taken them out to donate before, but put them back because I swore up and down I'd fit back into them. This time, I choked back tears as I stared reality in its defiant little face. Wah wah. This moment brought to you by "The Secretary Spread."

Pics

2011-03-03T15:41:00.001-06:00

These are pics of my life, in no particular order. I keep these pictures handy, and anytime I'm stressing out about work or life in general, I pull these up to look at all the fantastic people in my life and remind myself how blessed I am. They are my inspiration to keep on truckin'. Happy (almost) Friday!

First off, this is how I currently feel. Doh! Board meetings! Budgets! Excel! FedEx!

This is my friend. Her name is Lisa. She is smart, funny, and likes breakfast as much as I do. Oh yeah, she's a cop, too! Ironically, this picture was taken at one of our friend's wedding. Guess what our friend's name is? Yep - it's Lisa.

This is my husband. His name is Travis, and he is so fine. We went pumpkin-picking with some friends last fall. I love pumpkins. He does not. Way to take one for team Cason, Trav.

Aforementioned friends. They are all pretty neat. Love you guys!

PS: Stay tuned for juicy story...

Wait for it...

2011-02-23T09:37:00.000-06:00

Warning: There will be a very long, personal post coming up. Juicy stuff, I'm telling you. It's about love. It's about growth. It's sad and happy all at the same time and will make you reach for the tissues. Maybe. :)

In the meantime...

Is the grass truly greener on the other side or is this just wishful thinking? Take, for example, a job, and specifically, a job you hate. Dissatisfaction prompts a new job search, yes? A new job is found, you begin, eventually you form a conclusion about whether or not you are happier, better off, and more satisfied. At some point, (and I would think, in most cases) something happens that inevitably makes you disappointed or dissatisfied all over again. Is there ever a circumstance in life where a situation is an all-around better situation because of a change you made? Obviously, a situation where a person is using drugs or drinking in excess becomes a better situation when that person makes a change to quit or alter his or her behavior. That’s a given. I guess I’m referring more to two options you have in life that are equally just as fine or neutral. Or perhaps those two options we view as 1) fine and 2) better.

I like my job just fine. There’s nothing wrong with it. Sure, it comes with some dynamic personalities, but all jobs do. I’m thinking more of this in the context of my personal life. I like living in Kansas City. Again, there’s nothing wrong with it. But there are times when I crave solitude and a slower pace of life, like the area where I group up, small-town USA with dirt roads and abundant wheat fields. Is this really better? Or would it eventually become “fine” like everything else…?

Thoughts? If anyone has been there, done that, I'd love to hear your story.

Things I'm thankful for today: coffee (always), frozen yogurt (hooray for office birthdays!), Costco (renewed membership = awesome), pay day (next week), Einstein's & DSW coupons, bite-sized Snickers, good pens, crossing things off the "to do" list, upcoming anniversary plans (2 years!), my small group friends, and the end of February.

Moment

2011-02-14T09:45:00.000-06:00

There is something about Norah Jones that makes me want to stop what I'm doing, sit down with a good book, make some hot tea, and daydream out a rain-streaked window. Darn her. I should probably remove her from my Pandora station at work. Does she have that effect on anyone else? It's moments like when I'm listening to her songs that life slows down. That moment may only last 3 or 4 minutes, and I always find myself wishing it lasted a lot longer.

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The seasons are changing! Finally. I wasn't sure how much more cold weather I could take...such a difference on mental health the silly weather has. It's like an internal renewal of a person when spring comes back around. I like it. I think it's also affecting Chili dog. She has this so-called "Spot of Nirvana" on our walking route that's covered in tall grass. She goes beserk when we get here- jumping, bounding over the grass, wriggling around on her stomach and her back, eating leaves...weird.

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In talking with co-workers about cell phones today, I confirmed what I had a sneaking suspicion about all along....I am quite the abnormal twenty-something when it comes my cell phone. My phone is to call people. It does not have internet. It does not have any apps. It does not take your pulse or tell you what your temperature is. Thank goodness. You know that commercial...a phone to save us from our phones? What is that all about, anyway? Maybe I shouldn't take pride in the fact that I am not the trend (at least until April when our contract is up), but I don't. Pride = bad, I know. Please don't judge me.

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Pandora is playing me a group called Eluvium right now. What. Ever. This sounds like it's dreamy-techno-looped-pandamonium. Ugh. Where did Norah go? Oh no, now a song called "Let the Snakes Crinkle Their Heads" - seriously?

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List

2011-02-08T08:53:00.000-06:00

1. Is it crazy that I plan vacations all the time? Like...all the time.

2. My best friend from college is getting married this summer, and, in planning her bridal shower, I found the coolest decorations. Check them out! Aren't they awesome?? Christin, if you hate these, I'm sorry. You'll have to deal. Ha!

3. I'm dying a slow and painful death - no one seems to know when Trader Joe's opens in the Ward Parkway shopping center. The "Opening in 2011" sign mocks me every time I drive by. Any intel on the status of this would be greatly appreciated. I don't think I can go without their goat cheese much longer.
Or their espresso roast.
Or two buck Chuck.
Or chocolate covered espresso beans.
Or their two buck Chuck.
Or their pita chips.
Or their two buck....oh, never mind. You get the idea. If you don't know what two buck Chuck is, I'm truly sorry. Call me. I'll introduce you.

4. Anyone have any recommendations for a B&B in Hermann, MO? Once the weather warms up, I am definitely planning a trip there. Did I mention I love to plan vacations??

5. Sounds like Ross Dress for Less is coming to the area! I love this store - it's hit or miss, in my experience, and why they picked Blue Springs is beyond me...however, I once bought a pair of shoes there for $10. I may have had a moment at the check-out. A hands raised, eyes closed, kind of a moment. Cheapskates, unite!

6. Is it time for more coffee? Yes? Hooray!

7. How about camping trips - anyone going on one this year? Where to? Is a camping trip considered a vacation?

8. We're finally tiling our kitchen floor! And when I say "we," read: not me. Thank you, honey. I love you, honey...even when you laugh at me as I carry 1 box of tile for every 5 you carry. I'm glad you ask me to be your helper when all that means is opening boxes of tile. It makes me feel important. I'm even more glad when you tell me to get out of the kitchen altogether. Wink.

9. I would really rather not work out tonight. It's just so gosh darn cold. Please and thank you. I would much rather make the Pioneer Woman's ribeye steaks with whiskey cream sauce and watch Parenthood.

10. Dear Hotwire, Priceline, and TripAdvisor: Will you be my Valentines?

sNOw thank you

2011-02-02T14:12:00.000-06:00

So. Much. Snow.

I give up. This weather makes me irrational, hungry, and tired. At some point the other day, I looked down to find myself wearing 14 layers of clothes.

My office, like many, was closed on Tuesday, so in between checking work emails, wiping drool off a snoring dog, and watching updates from those maniacs at the news station, I decided to bake. And then I opened my refrigerator and found only one stick of butter and about collapsed in a pool of tears. Deep breaths. Surely there's at least one recipe you can make with only 6 tablespoons of real, unsalted heavenly sweet cream butter...right? Challenge accepted.

A small batch of deliciously warm chocolate chip oatmeal cookies later, I gave myself an awkward pat on the back. Way to go, me! I then ate 17 of those boogers.

Oh yes, I also made biscotti. Sans butter. And these were equally delicious.

And while I was reveling in my accomplishments, eating another biscotti, I was jolted back to reality by my husband shouting, "I must get out of this house! I can't take this anymore!" (a la "The Sandlot")

So I watched him huff and puff out the door, leap into his truck, and roar down our snow-packed road.

Forty-five minutes later, he returned with a few "necessities" from the grocery store, like vinegar, frozen pizza, cilantro, two miniature bottles of Jack (one is for a recipe, I swear), and a 6 pack. I mean, WHO is going to make it through Snowmageddonpocalypse without white vinegar??

This weather is influencing our ability to make rational decisions, I tell you.

God save us all.

PS

2011-01-31T10:31:00.000-06:00

As an aside...

I renamed this blog because the following song lyrics are reflective of my perspective on life.

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades/
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame/
My heart and my soul, I give you control/
Consume me from the inside out/
Let justice and praise become my embrace/
To love you from the inside out.

And the cry of my heart is to bring you praise/
From the inside out, Lord my soul cries out.

Journey

2011-01-26T15:28:00.000-06:00

I've been wondering lately what it truly means to live life. Apparently I'm not the only one, either, as conversations with friends around this have had the "me too!" moments. Our daily routine of eating, working, and sleeping is sometimes mind-numbing. Maybe it's because we're in the middle of winter and the weather limits opportunities to break up that routine.

Questions I've been asking lately - I honestly don't know how to answer these.

Why are we defined by our job? What would it take to change this mindset?
If I could do anything, go anywhere, what would I do - where would I go?
What is holding me back?
Why am I so afraid of taking risks?
What does God want for me (and us) in the midst of all of this?

My mind keeps getting pulled in the general direction of staying safe. Not taking chances. But other times I catch myself wondering what life would or could be like if my life radically changed by my own choices. That sound selfish...and I don't mean it to be. I guess a better way to say that is that I believe God gives us the freedom to make choices, and if we're in tune with Him on a regular basis, I believe he blesses those decisions according to his plan for us.

I had the chance to talk with some family friends who work at a camp out in California this weekend, and it was so refreshing to hear about their journey into missions and how they faced the same emotions and thoughts rolling around in my mind. I came away feeling that pictures are never crystal clear; that taking the first steps in a direction are what truly builds faith.

In other news, I love reading my friend Terri's blog. It is a Martha-Stewart-good thing of my Monday routine. Her story and faith journey are amazing, and she has the ability to express very raw emotions in a beautiful way. She is an inspiration for me. Get to know her.

Monday List

2011-01-24T09:44:00.000-06:00

1. I'm almost out of coffee. I hate it when that happens.

2. I can't get over the fact that someone I practically worshiped when I was little is a) married b) has teenage kids and c) has the best blog ever. Read her hilarious blog here. I remember her as the prettiest, coolest, most popular cheerleader, and I was pretty sure I wanted to be just like her when I grew up. And now, I have her blog bookmarked on my computer...some things don't change. Ha!

3. My dog is just ... well, interesting. She wheezes. She sits like a human. She sleeps a LOT. She crawls on to the bed during the wee hours of the morning. She farts. All the time. Honestly, I've never known another dog like her. Chili-bug...I love you.

4. I actually planned out meals for this week. Do you know how rare of an occurrence this is?! No head-scratching at the last minute. No wasted energy because I stand in front of my refrigerator and freezer with both doors open wondering what I should make. Efficiency!

5. Let's be honest. The only reason I planned out my meals for the week was because I was tired of watching TV and found the Wii to be equally uneventful. I guess I could have folded laundry, but that meant making a trip to the arctic basement to get it out of the dryer. No way was that happening. So...meal-planning it was.

6. Summer, where are you? Are you coming soon?

7. I need more winter work clothes, but I just can't bring myself to buy any. I highly despise the way cold weather makes me want to inhale all my favorite comfort foods at one time. I ask you, why are sweatpants not socially acceptable in the work place? Shakes fist at the sky...

8. Birthdays galore this week! Birthday celebrations galore next weekend! Hello, vegetables. Hello, workouts.

9. Operation "Vacation" slowly inches forward. Operation "Buy a new couch" slowly grinds to a halt. Both are marriage-testers.

10. Babies and weddings have taken over the months of May and June. If I survive, you may find me in Las Vegas with some of my favorite people. See number 9.

Well, hey there!

2009-04-13T16:41:00.000-05:00

I always thought my life would be more interesting if I thought of it as a book or movie, so I do. Like all the time. Don't we all? If you don't, you should try it someday. Or right now.

I wish someone would make a movie about my life. I think people would find it rather fascinating. Julia Stiles would play me, Joan Cusack would play my older sister, Meg Ryan my younger sister, and Colin Farrell would play my husband. Star-studded cast, if you ask me.

Anyway, hello, world.

This is a dreary Monday, and I happen to hate Mondays with a passion so this is a double-whammy on the Monday-business. There is often nothing accomplished on the first day of the week, except for this blog...at least in my world. Especially today. What's that? Get on with it? Don't preach the weather? OK. I'm over it.

This may or may not be a blog about food. It's only fair that I warn you - I should've been a chef, so you may see an obscene amount of postings about food. Consider yourself warned. Holidays are the worst - I love to cook so much that I often find myself talking with either a French or Italian accent, throwing garlic around the kitchen and shouting, "VOILA!" when presenting dinner to my husband (even if it is hamburger helper - oh yeah, I'm not above the HH).
Here's me in a nutshell, just in case you happen to my life made into a movie someday - then you can claim me as your friend and we'll all be famous and happy. Hehe

-I like coffee. A lot. Like a ridiculous lot.

-I'm married (yep - I now fall into that category of old married lady....as of March)

-I'm obsessed with baking.

-I'm a little dramatic. Just ask my family.

-My husband is a fanatic remodeler. We will beautify Kansas City, one house at a time. Trust me.

-My favorite snack is chips and salsa. And cookies. And Reese's peanut butter cups. And pringles. And ice cream. And a lot of other things that probably aren't good for me.

-I'ma love me a good shopping trip, ya'll.

-I would rather live in Europe - but I don't know how well the word "ya'll" would go over there. And I refuse to stop saying it. So here I am...

-I grew up on a farm - looking back on it, I would love to go back to that simpler life.

-I really, really, really, really want an English bulldog. My bank account would not, however.

Stay tuned!