Can’t afford, and do not prioritize are two very different things my friend. So next time it comes up, choose wisely.

My mom had a surprise birthday party for my Uncle Jerome this weekend. It was great. Not only was he surprised, but I he also really enjoyed himself. Since our family does not come to town very often, I know that it was meaningful for my Uncle to see everyone there in his honor.

Those of you who have met my uncle might just think that he is known for his big beard, and wacky jokes. But what you may not know is that my Uncle is a really kind person. He always asking everyone how they are doing, sending out birthday cards, and getting his family Christmas presents. But because he’s sort of an unconventional kinda guy, not too many people reciprocate the kind gestures. It’s a shame because he is so caring and has a good heart. Sure, he tells off beat jokes and has his eccentricities, but no doubt he’s the best Uncle I’ve got!

So I am happy that everyone could make it! Glad that my Uncle had a special day filled with fun and family! It was just a good time all around.

P.S. Sign up and add me as a contact on flickr to see the rest of the photos

Nobody seems to be getting the verbal hints. So I’m going to get a t-shirt that says “I love Best Buy” on the front. and on the back it will say “Merry Christmas to Me!”

It’s not that I actually love Best Buy. It’s okay. But I do L-O-V-E the new Canon 7D. And seeing as though I can’t wait to get my hands on one, and can’t wait until the next international Libby Day.. Best Buy gift cards are the next best thing!

I mean, with a travel schedule as happenin’ as mine, it’s a necessity. right? … I mean, I’m right, right?

Yeah. I thought so.

I am grateful for…

1. My husband. He is amazing. He loves me and takes care of me. He is generous and kind. He gives without ever expecting anything in return. I hope to spend the rest of my life returning the favor!

2. My family. I am grateful for having sisters who keep me sane and for make my life happier, more exciting and meaningful.

3. My friends. They are always making me laugh and life wouldn’t be the same without them.

4. My Grandmother. I am so lucky to have my Grandma in my life. She is such a strong and independent woman.

5. My apartment. It’s truly a blessing to have such a wonderful place to call home.

6. My health. Enough said.

7. My computer. I am grateful for my computer, software, internet access… my lifeline to the outside world. My outlet for web design, programming, music, scrapbooking, photography and so much more.

8. Love. Without it where would we be?

9. Education. Education has shaped my life in innumerable ways! It is such a wonderful blessing and integral part of who I am and want to become.

10. I’m grateful for you. Yes, my readers. Because you are a wonderful part of my life. You share my thoughts, my fears, my stories, my hobbies, and most of all my passion!

My husband’s grandfather passed away this week. The funeral was really beautiful. It was really sad. I haven’t been to a funeral in a long time. Throughout I wondered how his family was holding up so well. When I looked around and saw his family, I couldn’t help but feel a sadness. To see a daughter approach her father’s casket, and touch his hand, and look lovingly upon him for the last time… It broke my heart. Even now I tear up remembering it. Several times I felt out of place crying for a man I hardly knew. But seeing the sadness in all those people… I was constantly holding back the tears.

He had a full military funeral. The music, the readings, the honor guard, all perfect. Grandpa would have enjoyed it all. A man played Taps gorgeously, men fired rifles, and the people wept. It was a sadness I have never felt before.

After the funeral, a few of us went back to Grandma’s condo. I am amazed by her strength. She really is a strong and wonderful woman. We hung out and talked. She talked about her plans for the future. She had been thinking about getting a puppy, so my husband’s mom and she started looking at advertisements in the paper. Soon enough they were making some phone calls, and eventually they decided to go and see a dog.

The adventure that ensued will remain in my memory forever.

My husband’s grandmother, mom, and little cousin (all still dressed in their funeral attire) went to see the dog. Apparently, the dog was “pathetic” and Grandma didn’t want the puppy. But, being the sweet loving grandma that she is, seeing her little 8 year old granddaughter holding the sleeping puppy in her arms and knowing how much she wanted it, apparently grandma decided to tell the woman that she was newly widowed, and had just come from her husbands funeral. She also proceeded to offer the woman one hundred dollars to take the dog for the night, and that she would return him the following day if it didn’t work out. All the while, planning on returning the dog after her granddaughter left.

Imagine the look on the woman’s face… $100 for a $300 puppy??!?! The woman politely said no, that she didnt think that would be “fair for the dog.” But she had to have been thinking to herself..’The lengths that this woman will go to to get a discount on a dog.’ Must have looked suspicious, and funny and just plain weird. We could all just imagine the woman calling up a friend like ‘you wouldnt believe the crazy that came over here today looking for a puppy”…

In the end, they didn’t get that dog. But Grandma came home and shared the story with us. We all had a great laugh. It was nice to see Grandma laughing. I am really inspired by her. During such a difficult time, when it would be so easy to get down, and wallow in her sorrow, she is able to pick herself up. She is able to laugh at herself. She is able to stay strong and look forward, and embrace and love all the wonderful blessings in her life. It was really a wonderful time to share with her.

Later on in the evening, My husband and I joined them, and we went to see another breeder. She picked out a puppy, and its absolutely adorable. We went to the pet store, which was another adventure, and bought some essentials. Then it was back to Grandma’s to get the puppy adjusted. The only photos I took were with my iphone, which was all I had with me. I wish I had my real camera, but it was back at his parents house. I mean, who brings a camera to a funeral.. It’s a morkie = maltese / yorkie mix. Stupid name. But its a sweet little pup with a great temperament, which will be a great dog for Grandma.

Anyway, It was a sad, beautiful, honorable, wonderful, & memorable day.

Now that there is a group of you, I thought I’d just take the opportunity to say hi. Welcome to my blog to all of you who know/knew me in real life, but got here through some random method besides personal invite: aka google, links, word of mouth etc etc. It’s not that I don’t love random visitors – cause I do! It’s the creepy stalkish part that is icky!

Like I’ve said in the past, I have several of the most thorough visitor trackers ever, and they give me plenty of info about you. (pretty much everything except your mother’s maiden name….) A little detective work does the rest…

So if you came here and thought that you would go unnoticed, You were wrong! If you came here expecting to find something juicy, you wont. (Unless you count the fact that I will proceed to make fun of you for being so pathetic as to: internet stalk me / check my blog like a maniac / go back through all the archives for the last 7 years (which now have been closed) / general patheticness of wasting all your time / the list goes on and on!

Thanks for a good laugh, at your expense. ohh and I hope you ENJOY!

So for those of you I haven’t spoken to! (ahem Val), I am HOME!!! So glad to be back. Temporary as it may be.

I’m updating the site. AS ALWAYS> but this time I fully intend to update regularly. Did you know I blogged every single day while I was away?!!!? Crazy. I know.

This site is going to look crappy for the next couple of hours as I tweak things. I could edit behind the scenes, but I am a trial and error kinda girl and making the design live makes it much easier for me. Live editing probably breaks ever design rule EVER, but what the hell. Do whatcha gotta do right!

I just got a monstrous fffing burrito from Chipotle. It’s so good. Nothing beats eating Chipotle and playing online on a Sunday night. It’s vegetarian. Not because I don’t eat meat. I am a carnavore!! I just love Guacamole!!! I swear, It’s bigger than my arm. I would take a photo, but my memory card is full and I’m lazy. On second thought, maybe I should post a photo … and style some rocking CSS for photos so they FINALLY display appropriately. I usually get bored by he time I get to those kinda design details, and just leave em out. But not this time.

On a totally random unrelated note, Is anyone else as ADDICTED to LOST as I am??!?!?!?!?! I am only on season 1 so no spoilers, but damn that is one good show. I just started watching, catching up online. I am HOOKED!! I just found out it’s G’s favorite show. I had no idea. So yea, who else loves it? You have to let me know!!!

By best, I obviously mean “actually entertaining.”

*HAHAHAHA!

I’ve been working on the redesign. I think I am as far as I can go with the css without photoshop. Until then I will continue to post pictures to flickr. I have about a million photos to go through and edit and post, so it will be slow going until I get home.

FYI – I’ll be making the western photos available publicly. The rest of the photostream will still be private for family and friends only. Shoot me an email if you’d like access. It’s no biggie. I just prefer they not be out there for anyone to google etc. You know how it is.

This blog is in the middle of an upgrade. I finally figured out the glitch that wasnt allowing me to complete my upgrade of wordpress. Now that I’ve fixed that, I am working on a new and improved wordpress theme. I know that I am constantly changing my theme, But the new one I am working on I really hope to perfect, make W3C compliant and then use. I swear!

Since I am still only using my netbook, the transformation will not be complete until I am back in Ohio and can use my desktop. Do not fear, It will be back up and running in December. Although not available here, I have blogged every single day for the last three weeks out here in WY and Im sure that my blogging mojo is back. The updated site will be a great way to keep in touch with everyone while we are away! Thanks for being loyal readers, Angie, Dale, Holly, Ashley, Rachel, Erin, & Chris. I heart you guys!!!