One! Singular Sensation!

Happy Bunday!

2011-08-28T22:07:00.003-04:00

We've been doing a lot of cleaning and organizing around here, especially since the incoming wedding gifts (yay!).

I had recently organized a shelf in our living room, when I spotted a stowaway. Thought you might enjoy a quick game of "One of these does not belong"...

Just kidding- this precious girl gets to go and do whatever she wants! Little punk....

Happy Bunday!

Belated Happy Caturday!

2011-08-28T22:03:00.002-04:00

Wow, our Saturday was busy!

Really wish I could have been doing this...

Or this...

Or definitely this:

As it was, I ended up sleeping all day Sunday/Bunday. :)

Hope you had a productively busy Caturday, too!

Friday Fotos

2011-08-26T23:44:00.003-04:00

Friday Fotos on Friday! (And just in the nick of time! Okay, I at least started before midnight...) Sound the alarm!

Alright- you know the drill. Here are my faves from this week (and you can go here to find yours):

Power in numbers

(And how is the photographer getting that shot?!)

Gross, but watching kids discover things is always inspiring :)

Wow- cool work, cramped workspace

Haha- funny perspective, cute pic

Something about this picture that I really love
Maybe it's that they are facing death every day, yet still have the same human reaction to dust in the eyes?

'Til next time!

Happy Bunday!

2011-08-21T22:43:00.003-04:00

Oh, man, it's been a day. A terrible, terrible day. So let's look at a cute bun! :)

Yep, that's cute. Damn cute.

Yep, you can have whatever you want.

Hehehehe. Accordion bunny!

Ahhhhh, that helped.

Hoped you had a better Bunday! :)

Belated Happy Caturday!

2011-08-21T22:27:00.005-04:00

Instead of the usual cast of characters (our furkids...and they are characters!), I'd like to introduce you to our houseguests/feral-kittens-in-taming-slash-up-for-adoption: Chai and Salty.

Oooo, not a happy Chai! This was right after being neutered, so I'm thinking that expression is understandable!

The sweet Salty (harhar)

(You can see more of our first pics of them here)

Double trouble
(Gosh, they're getting big!)

That Chai's a looker! Love his coat and markings.

Don't let that sleepy look fool you! They have climbed all of my sweaters and thrown them (and my shoes) on the floor. Naughty! Yet normal, for kittens. ;)

They are definitely getting used to their plush lifestyle- they start crying in the morning for their hand-delivered wet food ;)

Relaxing, finally. So happy these boys will have good lives.

Do let me know if you'd like to give them a home! You can't beat the love of human-raised cats!

Hope you had a Happy Caturday!

Belated Friday Fotos

2011-08-21T22:15:00.004-04:00

Well hello! As usual, life got a little busy and stressful (good and bad), but I'm back! And hope to update you with all of the happenings shortly!

So let's get to it- here are my faves from this past week (and you can go here to find yours):

Oh, construction...

RightHand and I helped out at a Habitat for Humanity house recently, and I feel asleep on our living room carpet when we got home. Can't imagine the tasks ahead of these folks... :(

Gorgeous scene of a grim situation

Pretty much says it all.
The pond should definitely be bigger than his hat! ;)

'Til next time...

Universal Love

2011-07-25T15:28:00.004-04:00

As I've mentioned before, I awaken to find an e-mail from The Universe every day. Well, Monday through Friday, and let's face it, that's when I most need a little inspiration. As The Universe very well knows. (Because it's The Universe.)

As a service to all my other Universals (that would be a cool official name of people living in the Universe, yes? You heard it here first!), I thought I'd share a little more of the love that I have received, as it is applicable to all people, in all places. If you'd like to set up your own e-mail relationship with The Universe (isn't that how all things start these days?), just go here.

Below I've changed my name to "Reader", so as to make it reach you a little more directly. :) Enjoy!

Message from The Universe #1:

One of the trickiest things about life, Reader, is that, at times, it happens so slowly.

Yet... if... it... happened... any... faster... you'd... already... have... everything... you... ever... wanted... without... learning... to... enjoy... the... ride.

Beep, beep...
The Universe

Message from The Universe #2:

Last night, Reader, I was dreaming of you, again.

You were radiant, confident, and light beamed in every direction from the core of your being. Music followed you, angels serenaded you, and everyone was elevated by your presence. Wisdom shown from your eyes. Kindness emanated from your touch. And your power was simply awesome.

You looked, well... pretty much... exactly as you do right now.

Wow,
The Universe

Message from The Universe #3:

Reader, do you know why dogs are so quick to wag their tails and cats are so quick to purr? Even the ones that have been lonely, abused, and betrayed?

Because, as is true of all animals, they were instilled with the distant awareness that no matter what the world shows them, they're still deeply loved and needed, that their presence alone has made a difference, and that in just the shake of a leg, seemingly without reason or rhyme, everything can FANTASTICALLY change for the better.

As is true of all people, except sometimes they tend to forget.

Purrfectly,
The Universe

Message from The Universe #4:

The big ideas almost never seem like big ideas, at first.

So, Reader, be on the lookout for little ideas that seem kind of ho-hum, ain't no 'thang,' let me floss first, kind of ideas.

Really.

The Universe

Message from The Universe #5:

Did you know, Reader, that every time you cry there, harps go quiet here, angels stop dancing, and the stars look down in stunned silence?

Which is why we often say, "If Reader ain't happy, ain't no one happy."

You are loved,
The Universe

Alright, that it probably all of the love you can handle for now- more to come in the future! :)

Happy Bunday!

2011-07-24T18:26:00.003-04:00

This is my idea of heaven...

Two buns, one human, one love :)

Kissy kissy

Tellin' secrets

Nappin'

Imparting wise words, I'm sure :)

Sometimes RightHand gets a piece of it, too...

Hope you had a relaxing Bunday!

Happy Caturday!

2011-07-23T22:05:00.002-04:00

Much like Gatsby...

And Royal...

I'm just having one of those weeks!

Hope you had a better Caturday!

Belated Friday Fotos

2011-07-23T21:55:00.002-04:00

You know the drill! Here are my faves from the week (go here to pick yours):

Love the color contrasts in this photo

Wow- what a perspective.
And please don't tell me he dug the whole thing with his hands!

Love those eyes.
This picture makes me sad, though- I think our sports culture has come to value perseverance over respect and kindness to our bodies

Great picture! Are we seeing wingtip vortices?

A good, strange week... 'Til next time!

Happy Bunday!

2011-07-17T21:07:00.001-04:00

A little exhausted on this Sunday afternoon, but that's what you get when you are curious about things like polo matches in the summer heat (watching, not playing!).

Miss Daisy is often curious (and cute!) too...

Hope you had an inspiring Bunday!

Happy Caturday!

2011-07-16T18:07:00.003-04:00

In keeping with the Casey Anthony "innocence" theme of late, these darlings would like you to know that they're innocent!!

Somebody spilled the jellybeans!
(And that someone is hiding behind the pillow...Royal!)

Latte really was framed- literally and figuratively!
This is the scene of one of the many times we have removed our mattresses to clean-up the bunny mess under the bed (Chewed magazine and rugs- there to protect the carpet and our sanity!)

Hope you have a guilt-free Caturday!

Friday Fotos

2011-07-16T17:54:00.004-04:00

Late as usual, but here now!

Here are my fave photos from the week (go here to pick yours):

This reminds me of swimming at the lake in MN, playing with the current and dam at the river...oh, sweet memories...!

Don't even know how you begin to clean up this kind of mess

A sweet scene

This kills me. Absolutely kills me.

Green green green! Would love to see this on my commute home ;)

The end of an era...

...Yet the beginning of another?

'Til next time!

Happy Bunday!

2011-07-03T21:16:00.003-04:00

As promised, here are the videos of the bonding process.

But first! Some more pictures of our new addition:

Gettin' comfy

2 buns in 2 litterboxes

Such a handsome dude

Now the live action shots...

First opportunity for an encounter:

Some classic bonding moves and moments:

And some more:

Some awesome progress:

So happy together:

Warning: humping!

1st date at home:

2nd date at home:

And they lived happily ever after!

Hope you had a romantic Bunday! :)

Belated Happy Caturday!

2011-07-03T15:35:00.003-04:00

Because it's so, so hot here...

It was time for the summer haircut! Lucky Royal...

(No, seriously! I'm asking for this 'do at the salon! ;)

Hope you had a cool Caturday!

Belated Friday Fotos

2011-07-03T15:28:00.002-04:00

Should I even pretend like I post these on Fridays anymore? :-p

As always, here are my favorites (go here to find yours):

A dramatic image, such sad devastation

Love that moment where everyone dives in!

Perspective...

So many depressing images again this week, but I guess that's life.

Hope you are having a happier weekend!

A Very Happy Bunday!

2011-06-26T16:47:00.004-04:00

This Bunday, we are pleased to announce the newest member of our farmily: Brian!

The bonding process between bunnies is fascinating and complex (you can read about it here), and I'll post more about it soon, but so far, so good:

Hope you're having a Bunday full of bonding, too!

Super-Belated Caturday: Father's Day Edition

2011-06-26T16:19:00.006-04:00

There is no excuse for not recognizing the father of my furkids on the proper day, but this way he has his OWN holiday, so I figure it works out.

RightHand just became dad to yet another furkids, but more on that soon!

For now, I wanted to take a moment to recognize his crazy close bond with Gatsby. Yes, I'm jealous. :)

They've both come from traumatic, life-threatening events, and their bond is truly a living example of destiny...

They read together...

Well, read and nap...

They write together...

Sleep together...

Watch TV together...

They lounge together...

Yeah, baby!! ;)

They e-mail together...

And yes, RightHand even sits on a dining room chair so that Gatsby can have the couch...

WHAT A DAD!! :)

We love you, RightHand!

Belated Friday Fotos

2011-06-26T15:54:00.005-04:00

Belated, as usual, and I skipped last week altogether! Oh, these silly 10-hour days! :-(

Here are my faves from this week (go here to pick yours):

The kiss seen 'round the world

(omg- that was my comment before I noticed the title!)

(Those riots were absolutely ridiculous- what's wrong with people?!)

Wow- yoga in Times Square!

(I bet the people stuck in the resulting traffic weren't as calm...)

So different from my privileged life, so not okay

I've seen so many pictures of this beautiful tradition- need to find out more about it.

(Is it weird that I am also always concerned about whether the lanterns are biodegradable? Guess they are... Will research.)

A picture practically right out of the 1950s!

Reminds me of some local Minnesota car shows- Love it!

Happy Bunday!

2011-06-12T22:07:00.002-04:00

Well, you knew that Miss Daisy had to get in on the bag action, too!

Hi, Brother!

Paper shopping bags- yum!

Hope you had a playful Bunday! 'Til next time...

Happy Caturday!

2011-06-11T18:55:00.006-04:00

With so many gifts...

We lived in a bit of chaos...

Woohoo! Thanks everybody! :)

Came some gift bags that were perfect for the furkids to play in...

Well, one child in particular like the bag... (Royal)
Latte's thought bubble: What an idiot

Gatsby's thought bubble: I know that black cat's around here somewhere...

Shhhh... don't tell!

Eventually Gatsby caught on...

And enjoyed the bag, too :)

Hope you're having a fun Caturday!

By the Way...

2011-06-11T10:14:00.009-04:00

I GOT MARRIED!!!

Click here for our full photographer preview (Warning: The pics are amazing :))

And...

I PASSED THE BAR!!!

And got sworn in the following Friday...

Me and The Hubs

Me and my proud mama

Signing the forms with a ridiculously large pen!

Reciting the oath

State Seal of Georgia

Me and Judge Stoddard

It's Official!

Breakfast Afterwards

And again

I've been put on 10-hour work weeks, have to work this weekend, started a Couch to 5K running program (exhausting with everything else going on, but highly recommended!), and have been whining a lot, I know. But my husband (husband!!) knows how to handle me with grace, and after every negative sentence, I am sure to say, and always think, I am so, so grateful for my wonderful life.

Belated Friday Fotos!

2011-06-11T10:06:00.005-04:00

Well, you can tell things are back to normal, as I am late posting the photos (go to see them all), as always. :)

Never knew lightning came with volcanoes until all of these high-profile eruptions

Can't imagine such a landscape and it not being snow...eerie...

Could this look anymore refreshing? Woohoo!!

These were really my only favorites from this week- the others are a lot of human-on-human violence and butchered animals. Lovely! (Though I pick favorites based on photographic technique, not subject, truly)

Hope you have a more pleasant weekend! Feels good to be back! :)

Bride Brain

2011-05-04T23:45:00.006-04:00

You may have heard of "pregnancy brain". Apparently women (who, let's admit, if they're anything like me, are already a little nutso...) get pretty nutter butter when pregnant, due to hormones, stress, lots going on and such. They put the juice in the cabinet instead of the fridge, etc.

Well, I'm sure I'm not the first documented case, but I've come down with a case of "Bride Brain", and bad.

Last week at work, I could not remember if I was 26 or 27 with any certainty, and almost started crying. Oh yes. (For the record, I think I'm 26).

On a Wednesday, I was thinking about my first dress-fitting, that Saturday. And then, and only then, did I remember: I don't have my dress! Granted, thankfully, it's picked out and all, but I just hadn't been called to say that it had come in. Who knew where it is! I frantically called the bridal shop, and they said it wasn't in yet, but had definitely made it to New York. Crap. I'd have to reschedule the fitting and pray that we'd get it all done before the dang ceremony! The shop called an hour later to say that my dress had come in. PHEW. One lucky bride, I am.

But who can blame me, with the pressure and stress that surrounds this occasion that is so beautiful and romantic at its core. Dang the media and (certain) vendors who lure me to lose sight of that!

For example, look at this HORRENDOUS paid advertisement:

From BRIDES Magazine, January 2011
(Click to embiggen)

Let me guide you through it.

They want to help me "rock" my dress a.k.a. look fabulous on my wedding day. Okay, I'm on board! Awesome goal! Should I let my natural glow come through? Exude confidence about my gorgeous self? Think about the man I'm going to marry and smile?

Apparently not.

Bride, leading up to your wedding, you should "wear a thin ribbon tightly around your waist as an accessory, or under your clothes. If you start to feel the ribbon tightening, slow down!" Seriously. So when your stomach starts naturally expanding, AS IT SHOULD when you fill it with food (nutritionally-dense or otherwise), stop eating, you pig! How dare you let physics control you! This also sounds like a great way to give yourself heartburn and/or make breathing painful. Lovely.

And also, dear Bride, who cares what you actually like to drink? At the bar, "avoid brown liquors" because of their fattening tendencies, and choose a glass of red wine.

And we conclude with an ad for a boot camp. Shocking.

I get it. Everyone, including grooms and guests, wants to look great on the wedding day. I'm just saying, there are healthier, more positive ways to get there.

And though I love my alterations lady, she told me to stop working out, for fear that my shoulders would bulk up. Stop. Working. Out. The only thing that keeps me sane right now! (Okay, somewhat sane- you got me.) And not to mention HEALTHY! So I should settle for poor health just in case I get some awesome shoulder muscles? Do you think the tailor told RightHand the same thing? HAHAHAHA.

So I've mentioned the bridal magazines, and their complicity in causing Bride Brain. Well, here we have the knot magazine recommending certain dresses for certain goals. This first one is easy enough to understand:

She wants her dress to be unique. Cool! Yay!

(Those giant chess pieces are pretty rad, so you are on your way, girl!)

This next one, however...

She wants to pee by herself. You go girl?

I get it. I truly do. Puffy wedding dresses call for assistants in the bathroom, and some women aren't comfortable with that.

But there's something about the script font. The balloons. The everything. To quote the amazing Lewis Black... This is when the left side of the brain looks at the right side of the brain and says, "It's dark in here. And we may die." I mean, I'm dreaming of peeing by myself? Is this what my life has become?

So many reasons to be crazy. Plus, there's that sugar high from cake tastings (or is it, "thank God there's cake"?):

Cake samples in my fridge after a bridal show
(Don't tell BRIDES magazine!!!)

But truly, thank God, there is my sweet, wonderful groom, who writes wedding checks with this memo line:

Yep, sometimes I like him. ;)

Needless to say, Friday Fotos, Caturdays, and Bundays, and likely blogs in general, are on hold until I regain my sanity/have a wedding ring on my hand. :)

Thanks for all of your love and support.

'Til next time...!

Review: Massager Heating Pad

2011-04-18T20:55:00.002-04:00

You may recall a while back when I said there would be an upcoming review on this blog.

Well, 800 years later, here it is!

Using our generous $30 credit from CSN Stores, and with wedding stress and half-marathon training (RightHand, not me!) upon us, RightHand and I decided to purchase the Sunbeam Heat Plus Massager Heating Pad. (The link says the product is currently unavailable- great timing, CSN!)

So, I'll break it down simply for you:

Pros:
-It has heat and massaging action, so that really helps with sore muscles, etc.
-The heat and massage functions can be used together or alone.
-It is great quality- nice pad cover, strudy control remote, etc.

Cons:
-There are only 2 settings, high and low. I'm used to pads that have settings of 1-10.
-The shipping was pretty steep: $7.00. Not sure if that is standard or not.
-The pad is a bit thick, though I understand that's the price one must pay for the massaging function.

We probably would not have gotten this product without the voucher, but we are glad we have it. Overall, I would give it a 3 out of 5, and a big thank you to CSN Stores, and a huge recommendation that you check out their selection when searching for anything for your home- seriously! Their selection is overwhelming at times.

Thanks for tolerating a review, dear readers!