Monday, June 30, 2008

Ah, Yoga!

How I have missed you! The sweat, the shaking muscles, the rush of energy and the wave of relaxation and calm. It's been awhile and I admit I am a bit a rusty - but it is good to be back. Hopefully it won't be so long before I see you again. :)

Hmm...I just realized how that sounded - ah well. LOL!

Look What I Found!

My husband and I have a compost bin - it is no secret, I've told you all about it already. :) But in what it takes to keep up a compost bin - that I haven't devulged in. Our bin is clear in the back of the yard - a definite trek if it is raining or dark out. And who wants to make that trek to the corner of the yard where the humongo spiders live just to put 2 egg shells in the bin?? Not I!

Solution? We stash up our items in an old icecream tub with the lid sealed...once it is full or nearly full...or we have the gumption to go out to the compost bin...we empty it. Having your compostable items in an airtight container really isn't ideal for their decomposition and it usually leads to rot instead of decomposing nicely. And a see-through tub of egg shells, banana peels and coffee grounds isn't exactly what I call cute kitchen decor.

I have had my eye on one of these cute Compost Buckets for quite a while and NOW I have found one within driving distance at a reasonable price at a cute store that seems like it would be fun to shop in (World Market). AND I have a coupon for a free tote no purchase necessary!

I am feeling a trip to the northside come Thursday (hubby's day off)! ;)

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Note To Self

No matter what kind of hurry you are in trying to finish up the housework...never - ever - try to open the seal on the Jet Dry with your teeth.

Even if your hands are wet from loading the dishes into the dishwasher.

It is worth the extra 5 seconds to dry them off and attempt to remove the seal with dry hands.

Than to end up with Jet Dry IN.YOUR. MOUTH.

Tastes kinda like bubbles, you know the kind you blew into a wand to make when you were a kid and the stuff sometimes got on your lips when you got too close to the wand?

Only except that it is much much stronger and there is a possibility of poisoning.

I rinsed my mouth immediately - ending up using up 5 minutes freaking out about poisoning myself when the whole thing could have been averted by drying my hands off. Sigh. Lesson learned.

My mouth is oddly numb - and it is freaking me out.

Saturday, June 28, 2008

“Let the moosh Whoorl your Hair” Contest Extravaganza!

Moosh In Indy is ushering up a great contest - “Let the moosh Whoorl your Hair” Contest Extravaganza! She has teamed together with the hair goddess Sarah from Whoorl to sponsor one lucky reader's hair transformation. The winner will be fast tracked to the front of the line over at Hair Thursday (the amazing hair site that has been in the NY Times and on Nightline! It has a massive waiting list for anyone wanting to get in on the action.) Which makes this contest so very cool - not to mention that Sarah will decide on a new style for the winner, readers will get to vote, and -poof- off someone (hopefully me) will go to a salon chair to get a fabulous new do that they will come back and show off on Hair Thursday-all paid for Moosh In Indy and her caulk money (up to $140 USD).

So, without further ado - here's my entry!

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I have tried my hair long and I have tried it short. (its currently short) Either way I can't seem to get a good consistent look out of it. When it is long the weight of it pulls my fine and thin hair flat. When it is short - it still doesn't have much oomph unless I blow dry upside down, use tons of hair spray and curl it - such a routine for it all to go flat by midday. Arg! Ok - on the the horrid pictures.




Bad Hair Day/Short Hair Me
I am not sure what the problem was that day. I mean jeez where did that awful wave come from? And why does my hair look greasy? And the bangs, don't even get me started. That is one thing I can never figure out - my bangs. Do I want them - do I not? Do I part them? Do I wear them in front or to the side. I need help!




Good Hair Day/Short Hair Me (curled under)
Managed to pull it together a little that day, huh? I mean, besides the funny look on my face. It looks like my hair actually has body - I love days when my hair looks great. I think I managed to curl it under that day.




Good Hair Day/Short Hair Me (curled out)
Here's a good short hair day from just a week or two ago - with my sides flipped out. I like that because it takes less effort in the morning - I can flip it out with the dryer and not take so much time curling and it usually stays that way for most the day - but I still hate the way the back of my hair looks - may be cute from the front and side but the back - jeez. Looks like I didn't even try.


Arg! Look at the side/back shot - yuck. :(



Good Hair Day/Long Hair Me
Amazingly enough this was like 4am at an airport - how did I pull off looking so smashing? No clue. I love how my long hair curls a little - still not much omph - but it looks nice.


Bad Hair Day/Long Hair Me
Again with the bangs! LOL - must I iterate my obvious need for help in the hair department? Don't even start commenting on the turtleneck - this isn't a fashion help post ok? We are overlooking that....focus on the hair. :)

Friday, June 27, 2008

Friday Foto Finish Fiesta

First off I want to thank Candid Carrie the brilliant blogger who came up with Friday Foto Finish Fiesta. Without such an idea I would be without inspiration for a post today! If you are up for playing the rules are easy. Post a Foto saying why it is one of your favorites and then hop on over to Candid Carrie and tell her you are playing! Easy peasy!

Now here's my favorit foto for today.... (it was so hard to pick my first one)




My husband holding our little Lola on the day we got her - wasn't she the most precious little teeny thing? She still is precious - just not so teeny. :) The coddling began early as you can see from the obvious display of affection. She just oozes with "kiss me, hold me, love me, squeeze me -ness" doesn't she?!

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Finding Fla-Vor-Ice



It isn't summer unless there is a box of Fla-Vor-Ice pop frosting up in the freezer. This year, I am having the darnedest time finding the big box - I can only find 18 count boxes - that won't last me 2 weeks let alone the whole summer! I have spent 2 hours in Meijer - harassed 3 different clerks to only come up empty handed - same thing at Kroger. Granted I haven't made it to Target or Walmart yet - but seriously?! Is it THAT hard to find these things? There should be boxes stacked up everywhere -it is summer for crying out loud. Fla-Vor-Ice are the only popsicles whose flavors I each love. Most popsicles come with some yucky banana flavor or something hideous - but not Fla-Vor-Ice. Heck, even the oranges are good! My favorites are the green, blue and pink. (my mouth is watering now!)

If anyone comes across the large boxes of
Fla-Vor-Ice on the southside of Indy - let me know!


Image from flickr

Things I Crave Thursday



Grapefruit Sugar Bowl from Anthropologie
This adorable and affordable ($18) sugar bowl would look oh so lovely gracing my kitchen counter top - dontcha think?? I do! (well, maybe not this week - hubby and I have managed to shatter our coffee pot and a hurricane vase - the sound of shattering glass first thing in the morning is not the way to start a day) I found this adorable little guy while perusing their website - but we do have one store here Indiana we should visit - I haven't been yet - at the Keystone Mall.





Adorable Doo-hickey For My Desk
I am always looking for ways to spruce up and modernize my rather bland desk at work - this would be really cool - but I would only buy it if it was on sale. ($25) - just a little too expensive for a little thing for a my desk - ya know?? And I am a little afraid that my favorite photos would be become warped from hanging at an odd angle. I would only really use it for notes and business cards. This comes from another one of my favorite stores - Silver In the City - which has a great location here in Indianapolis right off of Mass Ave or you can shop online at www.silverinthecity.com.






Stemware Picnic Stakes

Perfect for all the evenings in the park that Matthew and I go on - this way we are a little less likely to spill wine on our clothes or blanket - especially if we throw the dogs in the equation - it is very hard to maintain control of the picnic area with a scrabble game, wine, food AND dogs. :)! This is also available at Silver in the City ($25) - but I have found it at other places for $19.99 - like Winestuff.com

But I kinda like the set I found at Pampered Chef a little better - it is more expensive ($39) - but it would be able to hold cans and cups and not just wine glasses - which would be nice because we aren't always in the mood for wine at our picnics.




#2828 Outdoor Party Sticks — Pampered Chef
See?! Isn't this set better than the one above? Here is the description they give on their website: Keep bottles, glasses, cans and even candles from tipping over at picnics or outdoor concerts! Set of seven includes one bottle holder for wine, champagne and 2-liter bottles, plus six glass holders for stemware, tumblers and cans. Protective colored tabs cover the ends of the coils and also help identify whose drink is whose. Hmm...maybe I should remove the top post altogether - cuz I am convinced this are FAR better.








Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Ritter's Is Going To The Dogs


Tonight we experienced our first Dog's Night Out at Ritter's Frozen Custard. The night out lasts from 3PM until 7 PM and we barely skated in at 6:40 - but there were still plenty of doggie friends who were hanging out and enjoying their free Doggie Dish of vanilla frozen custard!

Showbiz and Lola have never really had frozen custard before and the one time we bought doggie cupcakes from Three Dog Bakery - Lola refused to eat it. So I was a little leery - also I wasn't sure how the doggie dynamics would work out - would my dogs be too interested in the other canines to enjoy their treat? Would they bark and pull and cause us not to enjoy the moment either?

But, alas, my mutley's came through with flying colors. There was a little bark or two at first and some initial pulling in excitement - but waiting in line gave them a chance to take it all in and set the tone for the evening.

As soon as we sat down their custard dishes the dogs knew just what to do - and they loved it! Right down to the little doggie treat that garnished the dish. Showbiz polished hers off without stopping - Lola slowed down towards the end and Showbiz stepped up to help her finish her dish.

Remarkably enough, neither dog got sick on the car ride home - nor are their tummies gurgling and it is already a few hours afterwards - so I think custard sits well with puppy tummies.

This is a great event to get our dogs out of the house for a little change of scenery. It also gives us the chance to practice our socialization skills. Our dogs are perfect angels in the house when no one is around - it is the minute when guests arrive that our dogs turn into obnoxious, in-your-face heathens. And being around other dogs is sometimes worse - our dogs are more used to being around strange people than they are being around strange dogs - so events like these that brings out other pooches helps us work on our social skills.

It is safe to say that my pooches passed the test - though we did not give them chance to sniff other dogs - they did do good when sitting a few feet apart and walking by each other.

Oh and I forgot my camera - so no cute pics from the evening. That is ok though because that just means we have to make it to the next one for sure! :)

The best thing about the event...15% of sales went to benefit the Humane Society of Johnson County

Monday, June 23, 2008

Garden Update/Watching My Garden Grow

Well, I didn't make it to the yoga class. :( Ended up being 15 minutes late and the class had already started and I had no idea where to change so I just headed home. Poo.

Next time I am going to be SURE that I make it.

But, I did manage to get more of my plants into the ground. I planted everything but a bush I got at Lowes on discount this weekend and some lily turf, ornamental grass and variegated lilies - those can wait till this weekend because I need to expand my flower beds on the east side of the house to put them in - that or figure out somewhere else to put them.

So today I planted:

- a bush -forgot what kind - and am too tired to go out and look
- two foxgloves
- bee balm
- joe pie weed
- yellow flowers
- hyssop
- axminster gold
- false indigo

The wind we got this weekend from the few storms that rolled through managed to push over my towering snap pea plants in my garden. :( I tried to prop them back up but they still look like they are leaning too much. I may need to invest in a better trellis for them to climb up. I have a three foot tall wrought iron trellis in the garden now - though you can barely see it - but I wasn't expecting the peas to grow so tall - they are almost as tall as our 7 foot fence!

Here is a little photo update on what I have growing in the garden. It is so fun to find baby veggies and watch them grow!



Baby cherry tomatoes!



I have many peas and am excited at the harvest! Which - how do you know when peas are ready? Do they come off easy or need pinched off?




Baby cucumber. My husband says my cucumber plants are obnoxious and taking over the garden. I admit that I MAY have planted too many - and I have found a trendil or two trying to choke his pepper plant - but I am keeping an eye on things and curb their expansion - redirecting them away from the other plants.

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Sweet Summer Soltice Weekend

Despite our weekend's gloomy start - it has shaped up fairly well. Managed to get myself up in time for church - which is actually a hard thing to do with Matthew working nights - I have the darnedest time getting to sleep without him and then I wake up at 4am due to some sort of internal clock that tells me that Matt should be getting off of work, then 5am when he finally makes it home and the garage door opens and lastly 6am when he finally makes it to bed. Then I have 3 hours of gloriously sound sleep with my husband by my side. Makes for a very groggy me in the morning.

The message at church today was something I've needed to hear - essentially the focus was on the story of Joseph and all the trials and tribulations in his life and how God's Will (i.e. great things!) came through BECAUSE of all those bad things that happened to him. Huh...makes me look at all the crazy things going on in our life a little differently. It definitely all still hurts and it is all still hard - but it is all for a reason. I may not know what that reason is, but I need to just let it go and allow God to work in my life.

Matt had the day off so we enjoyed a wonderful day together complete with a 2-hour nap, 2 runs to the grocery store - both in the rain, watched a storm roll in, watched a good movie (27 Dresses) and baked brownies.

We also had the pleasure of meeting one of my fellow local bloggers - Ann from PrairieVision Design. She was thinning out her flower beds and was generous enough to ask me if I would want the extras. I came home with armloads of bee balm, joe pie weed, axminster gold, false indigo and not-yet-identified-yellow-flowers. I can't wait to get them into the ground!

Here's a picture of Ann's beautiful bee balm and what I can look forward too when my starts mature.



Which, despite, my crazy outburst of effort yesterday - I did not plant a single thing today. Everytime I would walk outside - a storm would be rolling in and it would start sprinkling, the wind would pick up and lightening zig-zagged in the sky. I know it was sunny during points in the day - it was sunny when I went to church and sunny when we went out to lunch - then it rained - then we took a nap - and it was sunny when we woke up and sunny when we went to Ann's - then it rained. LOL. Must be a sign that I needed to just take it easy today.



This is the storm that my husband and I watched roll in.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

The Day That Was June 21




Kinda stressful day - don't really want to talk about it but I was stressed enough to do 4 loads of laundry, a load of dishes, vacuum the house, AND plant 21 plants in the yard. Yeah....I wore myself out - which was the plan. Too busy and too tired to think or cry.

21 Plants In One Afternoon
10) A new sunny flowerbed with 4 ornamental grasses and 6 different kinds of flowers
1) A snowball bush
4) Asiatic lilies
2) Coral bells
2) Mondo grass
2) Periwinkle

And that's not it! I still have 10 more to go! I should never go to Lowes when I am stressed apparently. It is like going to a grocery store when you're hungry. I NEEDED to stay busy today - for my sanity's sake and Lowes provided me that out - enough decently priced plants to keep me digging all day.

Aren't the little yellow flowers so cheerful? He is one of my new additions today. :)

I think it goes without saying that I did indeed stay busy and so far I am holding together...which is good all things considered.

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P.S. Happy birthday to Lola and my mom!

I Think I Need Yoga



Well, I think I am going to try to start up Yoga. I used to take Pilates classes when our apartment complex offered it for free and I attended a few classes at a studio downtown - but I need something closer and less expensive. I took yoga class while at IUPUI and loved it.

With all I've had going on that I need a little de-stressing - so yoga here I come!

(whoever came up with the phrase that bad things comes in three is full of crock - I would beg to differ)

Anyways, I think I've found the perfect place that offers a great deal on classes- Mount Pleasant Christian Church has Christian Yoga - sounds great! So, hubby took me out to buy my new digs. Check out my nifty matching sling tote and mat - too cute!

(I had two yoga mats at one point in time - but something funky happens to them after awhile and the material kinda flakes apart - I salvaged them by cutting them to fit the dogs' crates - now they have some cush for their tush!)

If I start the classes it will only be $20 a month for classes every Monday night 6:15-7:15. That is a great deal and they are only 5 miles from the bus stop! I'll keep you all updated on the outcome of my Monday visit.

Friday, June 20, 2008

Burts Bees & Haagen-Dazs Helping Save the Bees

Honeybees pollinate one third of the fruit and vegetables we eat. That's why many companies are funding research to help stop Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), the mysterious disappearance of honeybee colonies.

Get Free Seeds From Burt's Bee & Help Save the Bees
One such company is Burt's Bees. You can simply go to their website by clicking here and tell them where to ship to and Burt's Bees will send you a free packet of wildflower seeds. Follow the planting instructions and soon you will have a pretty patch of flowers where bees can live and thrive.

Seeds will be offered for a limited time and while supplies last.

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Pucker Up For the Bees
If you love Burts Bees Products, they have another great way to help the bees. Starting this month, 5% of the proceeds from your purchase of their new special edition CCD Beeswax Lip Balm will continue their ongoing support and partnership with The North American Pollinator Protection Campaign and its Honeybee Health Improvement Project.

You get the same classic Burt's lip balm you love, filled with moisturizing natural ingredients like beeswax and coconut oil, and a good cause gets your support. It's a win-win!

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Another way to help out is to eat more ice cream!
Yup, Haagen-Dazs has a new limited edition flavor out - Vanilla Honey Bee that has an even sweeter purpose: funding research to protect disappearing honey bee populations. (available February through December) Check out their bee-saving endeavors here!

Need A Design Arsenal?

Not sure how I first heard of Go Media - either - huh, I have all these things I have heard of but can't remember where - maybe it was all that internet and blog surfing I do, but anyways - they offer up some pretty cool tools for designers. And whats even cooler is their name for it - "Arsenal - Professional Design Weaponry" that is what we all need right?- what I like so far, being non-profit and there-for having a low budget for such things as quality stock art - let alone the time to create it myself - are the freebies!

Granted some stuff seems a like over the top and would only work in very specific situations - but there are good things to be found - so check it out!

And when looking at their prices - they are pretty affordable - so definitely a good resource to have on hand.

Have You Heard About the Hub?


Getting connected. Getting involved. Energizing the City. In a nutshell, that's what IndyHub is all about.

Not sure how Matt and I first heard about IndyHub - but they are always coming up with cool ways to get out and have fun here in Indy. From hosting movie nights at the IMAX theater at the Indiana State Museum to events like the one they had Wednesday night at the Children's Museum - "Get Indy-VOLVED" that hubby and I managed to make it to - it was an informational fair highlighting Indianapolis' many cool opportunities for its best and brightest talent. We had the chance to introduce ourselves to our ever-expanding community of young professional organizations, social and community groups, alumni associations and graduate schools based right here in Indy. We also had the opportunity to enjoy an evening of exploration at one of Indianapolis’ true treasures, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.

Essentially we had a great time hanging out a museum we normally don't have the chance to go to (remember our no-kids-yet-factor), got a free drink, some grub, found out about lots of cool things going on in the city and met up with some friends we never get to see anymore and networked with other young professionals. Had a great time!

I am excited to look into the things I found most interesting at the info fair including but definitely not limited to:

Junior League of Indianapolis
AGAVE
Culturati- Herron School of Art
Friday Lunch Club

Thursday, June 19, 2008

All Dressed Up With No Where to Go

I won tickets to tonight's AT&T Happy Hour at the Symphony and I was so excited to go. My husband always has Thursdays off and is always wanting to go out on the town and I have always wanted to go to the Symphony - so here was our golden opportunity.

Yeah, well, except that this is the first week out of 3 months that he actually has to work on Thursday until 7 and the Symphony starts at 6 with Happy Hour at 5:30 - but I didn't know this until after I won the gosh darn tickets.

Eh, I thought, no biggie - he can work till he get off a little early and meet me there right? I mean he DID attend a 2:30-5:30 meeting for work on his DAY OFF and has a few hours to take off his work day, right? - no of course not - that wouldn't be possible. Why you ask? Well, because I am pretty sure that the people he works for are evil and have every intention of ruining our lives or at least controlling it from every angle.

And wouldn't you know it - I don't have any friends.

I swear that at least 3 people have bailed on me - so here I am dressed up, mussed up and ready to jump in the car - all except I have no one to go with. My back up to my back up plan flaked out on me. I look pretty damn cute tonight too dammit. My camera is all charged - I am READY to go to this thing and have a great time and have an awesome blog post to write afterwards. (which was the stipulation about me winning the tickets in the first place)

Well, it ain't going to work that way. Nice. That's a good old boost to the self confidence.

Ah, The Subtle Signs of Summer


(Cooling off on the White River Garden's Canal - we took the dogs for a walk all along the canal a week or two ago - it was quite warm - thankfully there were lots of little fountains for me to stick my feet in to cool off and lots of shade to sit in to take a break)

Walks on the canal, trips to the winery, movies at the IMA and IMAX, gardens and flowers - warm weather, blue skies, farmer's markets and thunderstorms....and a lower gas bill - all the signs of summer I love!

Our gas bill is finally making it's way into the lower digits. Last month's bill was only $40 - soon it should be down to $20...I hope. I think our water heater is the only thing that is using natural gas now that the heater is off.

But then our electric bills creeps up with having the the AC and fans on - thought last month's bill was only $28. We keep the house at an average of 75 degrees - a little lower when we sleep - around 72. We like it warm!

The People On the Bus

Its official, I have become a regular on the bus - at least I feel so. I can now recognize other people and know where they get on and off at. I know who likes to sit where, etc.

But there are still things that happen that surprise me.

Like today.

I usually like to sit in the seat towards the front where the rows start that is only two seats wide. I use one seat to hold my tote, lunchbox and purse and the other to sit in. This usually works out in when I ride the 8 o'clock bus because it isn't usually terribly busy and I don't have to cram all my stuff on my lap and try to read at the same time - arg the awful balancing act!

But with gas prices rising, ridership keeps going up and up and I have to give up my extra seat about half way downtown.

Today a very nervous young man sat next to me.

He kept wringing his hands and popping his knuckles (something I hate!). He would cross his arms for a bit and then stretch his arms out in front of him - and then start wringing and popping his knuckles again. Over and over!

I came THIS close to leaning over and telling him P-L-E-A-S-E S-T-O-P T-H-A-T, but figured it would only make him pee his pants or something.

So I kept reading and as my stop approached I put my book away and arranged my trio of bags for bus departure.

Then I think I figured out why he was so nervous - it was me. I was freaking him out. He wanted to talk to me and it took him the whole trip to summon the nerve. :)

As I was getting myself all situated he asked about my book, said I read fast, asked how many pages I read - I could barely understand him he was talking so quietly - but my stop was approaching - which made it seem like I was just getting off the bus to get away from him - poor nervous guy. LOL.

People on the bus surprise me. Here I am thinking he is some sort of weirdo who can't sit still and the whole time he is just trying to be nice and come up with something to talk about. Makes you realize how much you wrongly judge people.

I prefer to always stay on my guard though - you just never know.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Sign Up for The Win In Indy Club!



I found a great deal from the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association - a chance to win a great gift certificate AND you get signed up to stay in the know about great Indianapolis events - a great double deal if you ask me! :)

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Sign up for Indianapolis email news and enter to win a $100 gift certificate for the Jazz Kitchen.

Complete the following form and click the "Submit" button to sign up for the gift certificate giveaway and to receive periodic Indianapolis information.

Contest ends 6/30/2008. Only one entry per email address per day. The winner will be notified via email.

Once you're signed up you'll receive the latest news on events and attractions in Indianapolis. Best of all, you'll be able to enter our monthly contest for exciting Indy prize packs.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Bus Update/Trying to Keep Things in Perspective

Well, I thought I should update everyone since I haven't talked about it in awhile, I AM still riding the bus to work - it is working out quite well. Especially since I don't seem to be prone to car sickness thank goodness. Except maybe on those awful rainy days when the bus seems to get extra full to the point of standing and the interior becomes so muggy that your skins feels disgustingly moist - yuck! Or when you manage to get the bus in the morning who has the AC set on arctic blast but you get the bus in the afternoon that lacks any sort of AC capability when the temperature hits 90. But, I dress in layers anyways and always have my handy flip flops in my bag so I am fairly prepared - though I need to remember to pack a cool beverage for those warm trips home in the afternoon AND I need to invest in some sort of mini-(preferably polka dotted)-umbrella to keep with me at all times tucked inside my little tote for the days that the weather men and women fail to warn me of impeding storms - has already happened once dangit. AND I love my umbrella - hubby bought it for me on Valentine's Day a year or two ago I think - it is grey and pink and HUGE - it is a golf umbrella I think - but it keeps me dry and also keeps a 5 foot radius clear around me on the sidewalk which is nice. :) But there are days that I inevitably forget to bring it and need a back up and I have been eying the mini-umbrellas at Borders and at Target...cute!

In having rode the bus for so long now I am beginning to reevaulate it all. Is it worth it? Am I really saving money? Because, really, I end up filling up my tank once a week anyway - but instead of filling up the whole tank and spending upwards of $50 I am only needing to fill up half my tank with maybe $25 worth of gas.

So, ok, I spend $15 a week on bus fare...$1.50 a ride, two rides a day. And I spend $25 in gas. That's $40 - and if I wasn't riding the bus I would be spending $50 to fill up a full tank at least once a week...So... Am I saving money?? Probably - in the long run. I am using my car less - less miles means less frequent trips for an oil change, less wear and tear, etc. BUT instead of leaving my car in a nice shaded garage I am now leaving it out in the elements at the park and ride lot....probably succumbing my tires to dry rot and putting stress on my leather interior and risking golf ball sized hail that our weather has been known to produce. :(

But in retrospect - I am now only driving 11 miles a day (5.5 to the mall and back) instead of 36 miles (17.8 to work and back) and I am not battling rush hour traffic on I-65. So I dunno.

I do get to read a lot more - I think I have finished about 5 books (scratch that it is 6!) in the last couple of weeks since I started riding the bus - whereas it would have taken me all summer to read that many if I didn't have the extra 40 minutes a day to do so.

Books I have been able to finish since I started riding the bus:

The Red Heart by James Alexander Thom

Run by Ann Patchett

Love in the Time of Cholera (Oprah's Book Club) by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

The Annunciation of Francesca Dunn: A Novel (P.S.) by Janis Hallowell

The Freedom Manifesto: How to Free Yourself from Anxiety,... by Tom Hodgkinson
(interest ideas about how to live different from mainstream - may be the topic of a later post)

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers - EXCELLENT BOOK!!


Currently reading:

Knit Together: Discover God's Pattern for Your Life by Debbie Macomber
(this is my evening wind down book by our bed)

How to Think Like a Great Graphic Designer by Debbie Millman
(and this is my current bus book)

Interesting how the two books I am reading now are both by women named Debbie whose last names both start with M...huh. Weird.

BUT...once the weather turns cold...I dunno if I want to deal with riding the bus. I mean I can barely write off the benefits now when I am often stranded outside in summer thunderstorms getting soggy waiting 20-30 minutes for the bus to finally make it my way or when the weather is 90 some degrees out and the stop lacks a place to sit other than the sidewalk.

So, come winter, I dunno. Ice, snow, walking a few blocks in all that....hmmm. Will the new ICE route be worth it for me to keep riding the bus in the winter. It will be a nicer bus and hopefully on a more reliable schedule. Hmm...time will tell. No definite decisions now.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

My Little Lady



Isn't she sweet? Whether I am feeling lonely and down - or singing and dancing happy - she's my little snuggle bug - ready to cuddle close or run through the flowers with me. Never really used to see myself as a dog person - till I met little Lola. Then I fell in love.

June 2008 Garden Bloggers Bloom Day!

Sorry for the recent lack of posts...just a lot going on...both at work, in life and just a lot that I am thinking about in general.

So excited about this month's Garden Bloggers Blooms Day! Mainly because I was actually able to get out in the newly mowed backyard and check out what we have going on - and it's a lot!




This is a flower I need to plant. Poor guy has been hanging out on our front sidewalk for a good two weeks now!


Wow! Look at our garden - this photo was taken this morning so it is fully up to date - and wow - it went crazy!


Looks like we will be having plenty of cucumbers in our future! And peas, canteloupe, onion, cherry tomatoes and bell peppers!



I love hostas! They are so easy to take care of. They have gorgeous leaves and gorgeous blooms!



And day lilies are another favorite of mine! Reminds me of sunny days at the pool.

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Garden Update

Wow, so we won't be needing to water our garden this weekend. We just received 8 inches of rain in one night!!




I took this picture of my garden last week - is already bigger than this - growing like crazy! Everything I planted came up - the pepper plants and the cantaloupe plants are the teeny plants you see - not sure why they aren't growing as quickly as the cucumbers, cherry tomato, onion or snap pea plants - but they came up at least! :)




One entrance of our community is flooded over - goodness!



This the view of our community just a mere two streets over. Yikes!

Friday, June 6, 2008

Take a Time Out

A recent article I received in my email, my Daily Insight - from Yoga Journal.com, (which I normally don't take the time to read everyday caught my eye...here it is:

~~~~~~~~~

Take a Time Out

Many social commentators have noted that time, in our lives, is moving faster and faster. We're continually being asked to be more productive and to do more things at once. At the same time, our notion of planning is changing, so that instead of planning a few decades out, we plan only a few years out. All of this is just more evidence that the speed of our world is increasing.

But how has this affected our lives and our health? Take a moment to think about how you deal with time. Have you ever pushed an already lit elevator button because it's not moving fast enough? Are you continually urging your children to hurry up? Do you hate waiting for a computer download? This frantic pace in our sped-up world contributes to our stress. Think you're immune? Try an "old-fashioned" rotary phone and see how annoying it can be to take "so long" to dial. Most of us will find that we're just used to moving at a certain pace. Unfortunately, this pace is not always the best for us.

When you find yourself stressed and hurried, ask yourself if it's really necessary to rush-or is this just a bad habit you should break? If possible, do less and enjoy life more. Practice slowing down by letting others go first in a bank line, or on the highway. Use the extra time to breathe deeply and smile. You'll feel better-and so will the people around you.

~~~~~~~~~

Kinda sums up how I feel most of the time - rushed. (I don't even have kids yet! yikes!)

Thursday, June 5, 2008

AIGA Indy + IMA Present: Helvetica - Tonight @ 6PM



Design Film Series at IMA

From typefaces to toys to buildings – enjoy a documentary film series dedicated to the wide world of graphic, product and building design. All films begin at 6:00 pm. Presented in part by the IMA Design Arts Society. Series made possible with support from the Evans Woollen Fund. Enjoy IMA’s Happy Hour after the film.

(2007, 80 minutes, dir. Gary Hustwit)

How did a typeface created by a little-known Swiss designer in 1957 become one of the most popular communication modes fifty years later? Helvetica is about the worlds of design, advertising, psychology, and communication. The film is an exploration of urban spaces and the type that inhabits them. The film includes a fluid discussion with renowned designers about the graphic design process, the aesthetics behind type choices and the social impact type makes. (Introduced by Kristian Andersen of Kristian Andersen & Associates. In collaboration with AIGA Indy.

Thursday, June 5 / 6:00 pm
DeBoest Lecture Hall

FREE to the public

Space will be limited in the auditorium, so make sure to come early to get a seat
Helvetica is presented in partnership with the IMA





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Hubby and I will be in attendance - should be marvelous fun! :)

Jazzy June Events

You know, I don't want to hear anyone say there is nothing to do. There is PLENTY of things to do in Indianapolis/Central Indiana in June! Check out just a few I found! I know there's more! :)

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June 2-15, 2008

Devour Downtown Indianapolis
Over 30 downtown Indianapolis restaurants participating in a 2 week culinary celebration - featuring 3-course $30 menus! Visit the event website for participating restaurants and their menus.
Event Website



Thursdays, June 5, 12 and 19 | 6:00 pm
IMA Design Film Series
Click Here to Visit Event Website


June 5, Thursday 6-8PM
Concerts On The Canal: Beautiful Soul & All That Jazz
Canal Plaza, Indiana History Center
Cosst:Free seating available on the plaza steps and the greenway across the canal. Reserved table of 4 available for $30/table of 8 $40 (call 317-232-1882)


Friday, June 6 | 6:00 pm
Summer Nights film: Grease (PG 1978)
Click Here to Visit Event Website


Saturday, June 7, 10am - 1pm, FREE
Family Planting Day @ Garfield Gardens
Every one of all ages is invited to help plant annuals in our Children’s Garden located behind the Conservatory. A variety of small themed gardens will be planted including a pizza garden, a rainbow garden, and an alphabet garden. Come be a part of this memorable event!
Click here for more info


Saturday, June 7, 12pm - 5pm, FREE
Rose Show @ Garfield Gardens
The Indianapolis Rose Society will present a stunning show of many different rose varieties. Society members will also be on hand, so bring your questions!
Click here for more info


Jun 7th, 2008 (Sat) 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Vintage Indiana
Military Park (Indianapolis)
ADMISSION: $20 in advance/ $23 at the gate --(advance tickets available at Mallow Run)
DESIGNATED DRIVERS: $10 in advance/ $10 at the gate
Indiana's premier wine event! Wineries from around the state converge on Indy's Military Park for an outdoor wine experience unlike any other.
Click here for more info



June 7 - September 6
Franklin Farmers' Market
Courthouse Square
Every Wednesday 3:00 - 6:00pm / Every Saturday 8:00 - 11:00am
Click here for more info



Sunday, June 8
Greenwood Community Band Concert

June 10 - Franklin location
3 until 7 PM

Dog’s Night Out at Ritter's Frozen Custard
Every dog will be given a free Doggie Dish of vanilla frozen custard!
15% of sales go to benefit the Humane Society of Johnson County


June 12
Cathedral Women's Strawberry Festival
Christ Church Cathedral's annual Strawberry Festival will take place on Indianapolis' Monument Circle. Visitors will enjoy heaping bowls of strawberry shortcake with all the trimmings! In the event of rain, all orders will be filled in the basement.



June 12 6-8PM
Concerts On The Canal: Indy Jazz Fest Warm-up
Canal Plaza, Indiana History Center
Cosst:Free seating available on the plaza steps and the greenway across the canal. Reserved table of 4 available for $30/table of 8 $40 (call 317-232-1882)


Friday, June 13 | 6:00 pm
IMA Summer Nights film: Gilda (NR 1946)
Click Here to Visit Event Website



Jun 14th, 2008 (Sat)
Pizza & Wine Night @ Mallow Run Winery
Relax and enjoy a summer evening at the winery with gourmet pizza from Bazbeaux Pizza!
Spread your blankets or chairs on the lawn and enjoy live music while enjoying the "Best Pizza in Indianapolis" according to Indianapolis Monthly.
Pizza & live music from 5 - 8 p.m.


Jun 14th, 2008 (Sat) -- Jun 15th, 2008 (Sun)
Strawberry Festival @ Mallow Run Winery
NEW RELEASE - Sweet Strawberry Wine!!!
Enjoy fresh homemade strawberry shortcake loaded with whipped cream.
Take home quarts of fresh Indiana berries.


Saturday, June 14
Wright Brothers Band
The Wright Brothers Band brings its unique blend of rich harmonies and virtuoso instrumentals to the Greenwood Amphitheater, June 14, at 7 p.m. "Indiana's Band" has been a fan favorite across North America for more than 25 years. Bring the entire family. This is one show you don't want to miss.



Saturday, June 14, 6:30pm - 8pm, FREE
Music in the Garden @ Garfield Park: Brenda Williams
Enjoy live music in the beautiful Sunken Garden in Garfield Park. Events sponsored by Friends of Garfield Park, Inc and Indy Parks.
Click here for more info


Tuesday, June 17, 2pm - 3pm, FREE
Garden Stories @ Garfield Gardens
Join us Tuesday afternoons for story time in the Garden! Bring a blanket or lawn chair and relax in the shade while enjoying a story show-and-tell. (Ages 3-12)
Click here for more info


June 19, Thursday 6-8PM
Concerts On The Canal: Anything Goes: Cole Porter
Canal Plaza, Indiana History Center
Cosst:Free seating available on the plaza steps and the greenway across the canal. Reserved table of 4 available for $30/table of 8 $40 (call 317-232-1882)


June 20-22 7PM
Shakespeare in the Park: A Midsummer Night's Dream
Greenwood Amphitheater
Safe House Productions, Inc. opens the 2008 Shakespeare in the Park series with the audience favorite, A Midsummer Night's Dream. The show will be presented "in period" from the original language, but will be shortened to make it accessible to both enthusiasts and theater rookies alike. The one-hour length makes this performance perfect for families with children.


Friday, June 20 | 6:00 pm
IMA Summer Nights film: This is Spinal Tap (R 1984)
Click Here to Visit Event Website



Saturday, June 21 8:30 pm
IMA Summer Solstice: Mare Fecunditatis
Venture to the IMA grounds in the moon’s full phase to mark the solstice with a purifying performance. Conceived by artist and zen archer Hirokazu Kosaka, Mare Fecunditatis ("sea of fertility") features choreographer and Japanese Butoh performer Oguri and cellist Emily Corwin. The experiential performance, including primal music, a single arrow shot, and a searchlight with the power of 12 million candles, blends traditional rites of purification from Japan with classical and contemporary Western influences. Presented in part by the IMA Asian Art Society.
Rain date: Sunday, June 22.



Saturday, June 21, 2008 [3:00PM - 11:00PM]
26th Annual Taste of Bloomington
Showers Commons, Bloomington, IN - 7th/Morton Street
Experience what the best of Bloomington dining has to offer as local wineries, restaurants, bars, and grocers gather together for an all day appetite pleasing event. Admission is $5 for adults; children 12 and under are free. All food items are priced at $3 or less.
Event Website


Saturday, June 21, 11am - 12pm, $3
Wacky Container Planters @ Garfield Gardens
Ever grown a flower in a shoe? Come by and learn that just about anything can be used to grow plants. Just bring some old shoes, hats, or whatever you think would be neat – and we’ll supply the soil, plants, and fun! Please call to register, as supplies are limited. (Ages 5-12)

June 24 - Greenwood location
Dog’s Night Out at Ritter's Frozen Custard
3 until 7 PM
Every dog will be given a free Doggie Dish of vanilla frozen custard!
15% of sales go to benefit the Humane Society of Johnson County


Saturday, June 28, 11am - 12:30pm, FREE
Organic Gardening Basics @ Garfield Gardens
What does organic mean? Find out how this type of gardening can be beneficial to both the environment and your family, and the basic methods for use in the home garden. Please call to register, as space is limited. (Ages 18+)
Click here for more info


June 26, Thursday 6-8PM
Concerts On The Canal: A Night on Broadway
Canal Plaza, Indiana History Center
Cosst:Free seating available on the plaza steps and the greenway across the canal. Reserved table of 4 available for $30/table of 8 $40 (call 317-232-1882)


Friday, June 27th
Franklin 4th Friday
Concert on the Courthouse Lawn: The XL's 7:00 - 9:00pm
Playing rock and roll hits from the 60's and 70's, just the way you remember them!
Classic Car Cruise-In on N. Main Street at 5:00pm
Grease @ the Artcraft Theatre: 7:30pm
Sponsored by: City of Franklin
Click here for more info


Friday, June 27 | 6:00 pm
IMA Summer Nights film: The Goonies (PG 1985)
Click Here to Visit Event Website


Friday, June 27
Greenwood Community Band Concert
Kickoff the 25th Annual Greenwood Freedom Festival with Family Fun Night at the Greenwood Amphitheater. Games and bounce houses for the kids open at 5 p.m. There will be FREE food beginning at 6 p.m., followed by the Greenwood Community Band's Patriotic Concert at 7 p.m.


Jun 28th, 2008 (Sat)
Pizza & Wine Night @ Mallow Run Winery
Relax and enjoy a summer evening at the winery with gourmet pizza from Bazbeaux Pizza!
Spread your blankets or chairs on the lawn and enjoy live music while enjoying the "Best Pizza in Indianapolis" according to Indianapolis Monthly.
Pizza & live music from 5 - 8 p.m.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Arg!

Arg! I let myself get talked into driving to work today instead of riding the bus. It was stormy and pelting down rain and the thought of the walk from the stop to work was rather unbearable. But, of course, the rain has stopped now and it will probably be partly cloudy for the rest of the day. Arg!

I won't fall for it next time - being a little soggy is much better than battling rush hour traffic, especially when everything gets backed up because of the rain AND it is better than wasting a quarter of a tank of gas when I don't need to drive anyway after work besides home and when finances are already tight (stupid insurance only covered $400 of my $1050 root canal).

:(

Traumatized

With all the crazy things going on in my life lately - I try to keep positive - but it is hard sometimes.

Last night my husband and I took our two dogs on a walk around the neighborhood before the rain blew in. It was warm and pleasant outside and we walked our usual route - out to one of the man-made ponds in our complex.

The recent rains had greatly raised the water level and I think the run off from nearby chemically treated lawns and fields have been seeping in toxins because there was a lot of dead fish all along the edges of the pond.

As we were looking at the sad sight of so much dead fish in an obviously contaminated pond - we noticed a little duckling swimming all alone along the edge of the shoreline. Glancing around you saw only Canadian geese and a couple of mallards. No family of mama ducks or additional ducklings anywhere.

Being the concerned animal lover that I am - lol- I thought of I would try and catch the little duck - buy some duck food at the local feed store and then take him to my grandfather's farm or the stream near my grandmother's house.

As I walked towards the little guy, he, of course, began swimming away from me - as he quickly swam cross the dip at the corner of the pond - he faltered. It looked like his tripped on something.

He quickly disappeared from the water and I though - ok, he is so scared he is diving away - well, except HE NEVER CAME BACK UP!

So I am pretty sure something ate the baby duckling. :( OMG! Is there really something big enough in our little local pond to eat a baby duck?!

All I have to say is that I am no longer going to let my little Lola drink from the edge of the pond - no way!

Jeez - so much for our lovely evening walk restoring my spirit!

I just kinda stood there - shocked. My hubby was standing behind me with the dogs - and he kinda uttered a little sound after a few minutes and said, "Um, Stacy, I don't think he is coming back up."

And I was like, "No...no.....he will come up...lets wait a little longer...."

But no...he never came back up.

Geez now I feel terrible - I am pretty sure he never would have gotten eaten if I wouldn't have walked out towards him. Sigh.

And this morning - I researched what could be big enough to eat a duckling - I guess, for one...bass larger than 1 lb eat small ducks. Ok...well, I see people fishing in our ponds all the time- I bet they are stocked with bass. :( Or it was a snapping turtle - scary!

Image from Ducks & Other Waterfowl

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Marvelous Morels

Mustered up the energy to cook up the morels tonight before they got too mushy from soaking in salt water for the last few days.




Our sliced and soaked morels.




Rolling the morels in flour, salt and pepper.




Frying in butter till golden brown.




Yum!!

The Secret Is In the Sauce



The lovely ladies at The Secret Is In the Sauce is having an amazing giveaway - a Blogger's Survival Kit complete with a blog makeover, a digital camera, voice recorder, a tshirt and more!

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Check them out and sign up for their great contest by visiting them here!

Treading Water/Color Sense Quiz

Trying to keep my head above water here.

Hubby and I look like zombies. We went to bed at 9:30 but it didn't feel like near enough sleep.

Somehow managed to get on the early bus this morning - which was FREEZING. They had the AC set on arctic blast or something - thank goodness the bus was extra full this morning. For once I was actually thankful for the warm bodies squished against me.

Eyelids feel like concrete/brain feels like mush.

One thing that pepped me up a little this morning was How About Orange's latest post about finding your "color personality" using Pittsburg Paint's color sense quiz.

I have been wanting to paint the house - not that we have time or energy lately - but eventually.
And this little quiz led me to very lovely color patterns.


This one is called "water beads."




And this one "pop art."

Monday, June 2, 2008

Scratch That

Sigh. So that great refreshed feeling from my weekend getaway didn't last very long today. I did have the gumption to get up early and take the bus to work - even walked to the Circle and ate my lunch out in the dappled sunlight and walked to the post office - but shortly after getting back to work, my tooth began to ache.

I had a filling replaced about two weeks ago and it has been super sensitive ever since - to the point where I had to call the emergency number for the dentist last Wednesday.

My dentist set me up with pain meds and hooked me up with a Endodontist - who I had an appointment with this upcoming Thursday afternoon.

BUT the pain kept coming back and back - more and more frequently. And today it was just all too much - and the meds wouldn't kick in fast enough.

I called the Endodontist and asked if they could get me in sooner. They had an opening today at 3:15.

I thought I was just going in for tests.

Well, they did test - but when they found out I needed a root canal they numbed me up and did it right then and there.

Arg! Wasn't really prepared for that today.

It completely wiped me out - drained everything I had regained.

:(

My Little Getaway

Ok, ok - so I am officially back in Indiana. :) A little tired, a stuffy nose, and, surprisingly, only two mosquito bites - well placed on my right upper eye lid and at my waistline where my pants rub - lol - but no worse for the wear. AND I had a great time! :)

We left Indiana at 7:30 AM Saturday morning and arrived at our destination at 3:45 PM. We left the next day around 3PM and I made it back to Indy by 12:30AM. Lots of driving.

Here are some of the many highlights from my getaway.


(My traveling position - feet up/socks off/map or book on lap)


A little fawn we spotted in the woods. She sat very very still for us. :)



Our finds - 40-50 morels.









We may not have found as many morels as we wanted to but we did see two frogs, plenty of slugs, a birds nest and a fawn! :) Thankfully we DID NOT see any elk or black bear - which are said to be returning to the area - glad they told us that as we were going home rather than as we were entering the woods. LOL!

Had a great time! It nice to come back to work refreshed - maybe not physically but at least mentally. :)