Memorial Day Weekend, I'm soo Glad You're Here!

Long enough title for you?  Yeah, wasn't for me either.  So, once again it is 4:30 and I'm sitting here trying to work up the courage to continue work.  This is probably the hardest time I have on Fridays, let alone before a big 3 day weekend!  Oh yeah, I just did a WooHoo.  As if in chorus my Pandora has started playing (What a) Wonderful World by Sam Cooke... This happens more frequently than you might think.

So I swore (okay no swearing, more of a promise) that I would not do a theme today for the TOP 5, as you know by now that didn't pan out.  So, if you are into 80's movies (and yes Little Mermaid was from 1989 so it counts!) then go check it out.  The rest are from movies that may or may not (mostly may) include Molly Ringwald.

Ah, now Pandora is playing "You're My Best Friend" by Queen... I love you too little guy.  My Pandora's a little guy... is now the time I tell you that I also named my laptop and when I get a new one he too will have a name (I'm thinking Frank, but we'll have to wait and see if that is a suiting name for it).

None of that is entirely important, I just like filler.  You are talking to the girl who's favorite part of reading is when she is comfy in the middle.  Which is exactly where I'm at in 'Swan Thieves' by Elizabeth Kostvo.  If you read her 'The Historian', then I think you will like this one too... at least I do for the moment.  Now to make sure that all is clear, I did read the last paragraph... it told me nothing, but satisfied my curiosity.

Meanwhile, I hope you all have a great weekend and I'll be back again on Tuesday! 

Rest in Peace, Gary Coleman.

With Love, Kelli

Proverbs are Haunting Me

I have a very bizarre urge/desire to watch The Mummy.  I'm going to blame it on THIS article about the Top 5 Ghost Tours in the World.  I want to go on a good ghost tour.  I don't believe in them, but I love history.

I think tonight (if I can clean out the fridge) I'm going to attempt to make my own lemonade, no powder, the real stuff. I'm so happy that Memorial Day Weekend is finally here. I don't know about you, but I could use some fun and relaxation.

Last night this is what was building up outside our back door.

 Apparently I still don't know how to work this Google photo placement either.  I'm really starting to resent programs that think they know that I'm going to do.  I like being unpredictable for a reason.

As I was writing Mashable tweeted an article called: The Future of Web Fonts, since I've been dubbed The Font Queen, due to a some what (okay borderline obsession with fonts) this was a great read.  You can read it HERE.

Now, you might be wondering what does any of this have to do with Proverbs and it its ability to haunt me.  Well, I've been learning self control in my Bible study and one of the verses it gives is:  "Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue." Proverbs 17:28.

Well the issue comes in that I have a problem and I want to say it in a passive aggressive way, but every time I go to speak it or type it that verse comes rushing to my head and I stop typing or I shut my mouth.

Now before you start telling me that if there is an offense I need to confront the person, I know, but this isn't one of those situations.  Well, maybe, but part of it is my own deep seated issues.  Such as the fact I have this deep fear of being left out, and when I know I have been left out it hurts horribly. 

Now, having said that, thanks to the study, that is something that I'm allowing God to work through and heal.  Hence the reason that I can not open my big mouth and say what I want to say.  Plus, when the hurt is over that statement will still be out there.  So for now I'm keeping silent.

Now, the music in which I'm about to embed is phenomenal, but the part I love is that the second one is a sequel.  Ah, my love of all things Daley (Dean/Haley  - Supernatural/One Tree Hill).  Give it a shot, plus the music is awesome!



Here is the Sequel:



With Love, Kelli

Paint Shop, Glee, and Distractions

This post may very well point out my distractions as I point out many different things I've looked at today. 

The first is that I'll admit I want to Sex and the City 2, I do not care what the critics say, I know it will probably be raunchy, but I loved the show and the first movie.  In that respect I read Mashable's take on it and laughed.  And gigled.  You can view it here.

Next I read THIS very interesting article about 9 Cops who started a Donut and Coffee Shop.  I love that they went into business to rescue a bakery they loved and are now serving the things they enjoy. 

Also today Gil loaded PaintShop on my PC, which I haven't had in a while.  I'm itching to re-learn some things and spent thirty minutes of my day doing just that.

Meanwhile I have a terrible craving for a Mud Pie and a Key Lime Cheesecake.  I want to make both, but alas I'm still at the funds issue.  Don't you ever get sick of being broke?  I do.

Finally last night's Glee was incredible.  If you are not watching this series you should.  Last night's ep was an incredible example, especially the Finn/Kurt situation.  Really amazing.  With that in mind I'm going to embed the Lady Gaga's Poker Face cover.  So good.

What is Said

I've typed, deleted, and re-typed this post so many times.  The right words aren't coming, but I have this desire to express myself.

First I want to praise the Communication Station software (http://www.commxstation.com/), which has kept me organized for the past couple of months and the more I use it the more I love it.  My favorite is the 'Things to Do' feature or Tasks, in which you enter what you need to do, set the notification date and time, and then Communication Station sends an email at that time and reminds you of the task. 

The other feature I really love is the Messages feature, which you can enter in all the phone messages for everyone, but after you've added it, the person can enter in what happened after they called them back or a follow up of some sort.  It really is a great organization software.

I also have a thing for this photo they have on their site that embodies what I want my working path to look like:

Second, I want to say that I'm a huge follower of Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, and her post today on Tastey Kitchen about Fried Mozzarella Sticks sounds divine and if I had the money I would make them this weekend with a cucumber and tomato salad, and chicken.  Not sure what kind of chicken yet... of course I can't buy any of it so it doesn't matter, but I like to work out the details.

Third, my website for my company, Restored Sunshine, should be done by the end of this week. That is what I'm praying for.  It is a letter business and it is designed to help.  Great emails are nice, but they're not tangible, you can't hold them in your hand, unless you print them out.  I don't like that, so I've created Restored Sunshine letters that help you write a letter and then we send it out.  Which is great for you because then you don't have to worry about postage or getting it to the post office.  We do that!  And it will only cost you a dollar ($1).

Fourth, I'm praying for answers, I know that they will come, and they will be what is best for me, however, part of my pride is in this and the other part is fearful of the disappointment.  I've had to practice and say this verse over and over today, "I sought the Lord and He answered me and delievered me of all my fears." - Psalm 34:4.

So, I leave you with this, which is what I'm feeling at the moment:

History Making Moments

This weekend was a special weekend.  At about 7:00 am on Saturday morning I jumped into my dad's truck and we headed down the highway to go and see my grandpa (dad's dad).  He was getting ordained this weekend and I wanted to go.  So I did.

My grandpa has been a deacon for many years, but the Lord had been placing on his heart that he needed to become ordained.  So, that is what he did.  My dad's three sisters (he's the only boy) were also there and some of my cousins and their children were also able to make it.

First, let me say the best pizza I have ever had is at the pizza place in the small town located near my grandpa's.  They are awesome.  They bake the toppings under the cheese and then the sauce.... it is just unbelievable.  Add to it cheap ranch and I'm in heaven.  It is all so very good.  Our waitress is also sweet as pie, so it always makes going something fun to do.

Second, the local cafe makes delicious food as well.  On Sunday Grandpa's treat is their buffet (which when I was younger seemed so much bigger).  Sitting and eating with the family is always fun.  We have many good laughs and conversations.  We can even discuss politics and have a lively discussion without fear of meanness or reprisal.

Third, just being back there reminds me of my grandmother who's passing will be ten years in October.  I wish more people could've met her, she was such an amazing woman.  In fact, it was her influence that got my grandpa to where he is today (not that God didn't have an influence, but he used her to speak to my grandpa - that is for sure!).  Shortly after my dad's oldest sister was born my grandma told my grandpa that she was going to church and if he was going to be the kind of husband and father he ought to be he would go to.  Not to give my aunt's age away but close to sixty something years later my grandpa has been a faithful attendant and remarkable man of God.

I know that he had influenced my dad.  Which brings me to the History Making Moment.  My dad was ordained as a deacon many years ago, and if you are not familiar with the service, once the deacon  has made his statements to the church of what he will uphold, then there is laying on of the hands. This is when anyone who has been ordained as a deacon comes and prays over the one who is being ordained.

I don't want to post the photo until after Father's Day because it will be the gift I give, but I have an extraordinary picture of my father praying over his father in this very special ceremony.  It was something to see and I'm so glad I captured the moment.

Then I got up at 3:15 a.m. so we could leave by four to make it home and into the office.  All worth it though.

Quick Traveling Tip: ALWAYS write a list of what you need to take.  I usually do and thought I didn't need to do it, and I left my face wash and blow dryer.  Granted I could borrow that, but still... not pleasant.

From 3:00 - 6:00 on a Friday

I have yet to figure out what it is, but between 3:00 and 6:00 on Fridays I no longer wish to work. Then if I'm given some project that doesn't yield many results I feel odd. Does anyone else get that feeling? Annoying!

Meanwhile, I'm going out with friends tonight so not much to complain about. I also get to see my grandpa get ordained as a deacon, so that will be nice. My dad already is one, but due to a long story I won't get into here my grandpa will finally get to be.

So, it should be a good weekend. :D Now, if I could just remember to send back my Netflix DVDs I would really be in good shape. Also on the positives, new episode of Justified is on tonight. Seriously, if you are not watching that show you need to be, soo good.

I have to share this article.  It is about a couple who is celebrating 60 years of marriage and the Plaza let them stay there for the same price they paid back in 1950 (around $26.00).  You can read it by going here.
So that is the round up.  I hope you all have a great weekend and maybe I'll have some pictures to share.

No Baking Escapades

I know you're boo hooing because I haven't baked anything in 24 hours.  I am too.  Actually I'm not.  I'm excited because today is Thursday.  My favorite day of the week.  It is also the day that Michael Ausiello has his Ask Ausiello column up (for those who need spoilers is there anyone any better? I thougt not!).  It is also the day that Hulu posts the latest episode of Justified that I missed...again.  This time it was not due to being tired, but because I was hanging out with friends (always a better idea in my book!).

Heh, Jack FM decided to play Outside by Staind.  See, Thursdays are fantastic.  I even got to hear "Never Tear Us Apart" by Inxs  and "Solsbury Hill" by Peter Gabriel this morning, both times I woke up!   Okay, three times, but I don't remember what song was playing at 6:09 when I hit it that second time.

Meanwhile, this lead to my Top 5 Shower Re-Cap, which I thought turned out really well today.  You can view it by going to Artist Avail Network. 

In a serious note my dad has taken to calling me Sheldon.  Now, when I first hear that name I think of my Superhero cousin, Sheldon (serving in Afghanistan).  Until I realize he means Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory.  It couldn't possibly be because of exchanges like this:

Leonard: I'm just saying, you catch more flies with honey then with vinegar.


Sheldon: You catch even more with manure, what's your point?

*^* *^* *^* *^* *^* *^* *^* *^* *^* *^* *^*

Raj: I don't like bugs, okay? They freak me out.


Sheldon: Interesting. You're afraid of insects and women. Ladybugs must render you catatonic.

*^* *^* *^* *^* *^* *^* *^* *^* *^* *^* *^*
 
Penny: I give up. He's impossible!


Sheldon: I can't be impossible; I exist! I think what you meant to say is, 'I give up; he's improbable'

 
I'll have to find the quote that really solidified my nickname of Sheldon.  I guess I could be called worse things.
 
"Bazinga!"
 
In case you need to know how awesome Sheldon is and the man who plays him you can watch this:
 

My 13 Year Old Self Giggled

I discussed this on my other blog, Hold the Lettuce, but I did create my cake balls last night.  The next time I make this I will use blue candy melts and make blue cake balls.  And such my thirteen year old self starts giggling.

I believe I'm going to serve them at my birthday party.  I really don't have anything other than that.  Unless someone would like to donate $200.00 to me so I can make a payment.

No?  No takers?  Eh, it was worth a shot.  I do need the money and I'm praying God is giving me the money.  Seriously I need it.

Until then this video was posted by one of my favorite vidders.  Enjoy!

Gleek Cake - Or something like that.

So, tonight I am going to attempt, for the second time, cake balls. (Everytime I say that name I feel like I'm in an SNL skit.) This time, however, I'm going to make lemon cake, and I'm going to use white chocolate instead of almond bark. I'm also going to make my balls a little smaller. (Serioulsy, am I the only one that turns into a 13 year old boy when saying that word?)

While I'm making them I will be watching Glee. I can't wait. Neil Patrick Harris is going to be on there and well, I'm already a Gleek, so this does get me excited. However, it will probably affect my Top 5 Shower Re-Cap tomorrow. Like right now I'm listening to "Defying Gravity" with Rachel and Kurt and I just got through listening to "Rose's Turn" by Kurt from last week.

However, I do counteract this with watching Justified on FX. But then I watch One Tree Hill, so I don't know where that puts me. I loved the season finale last night and with confirmation of a Season 8 I'm excited!

Okay, well enough of my nerdy confessions. I should have some pictures for you tomorrow of how it all turned out. If not, there should be some excuse. Enjoy your night!

Tasty Disaster

I hope you all had a nice Monday. I actually did. This weekend was crazy! I had a nice dinner out with friends, where I got to hold little Liam. He is so very cute. I found out that I am 28 years old (almost 29!) because I had to drink caffiene to try and stay up until 12. I got to 11:30. However, so did my friends so I know I'm in good company.

Meanwhile Saturday I went to brunch with another group of friends at Joe T. Garcias. It was fantastic. So it is no secret I have a slight obsession with the FoodNetwork. Well watching cooking actually extends to my entertainment as I was watch Julie & Julia this weekend. Surprise, Surprise!! I got the baking bug. So I decided to make Cinnamon Toast Crunch & White Chocolate Chip cookies.

Slight problem, I accidently melted my butter (no need to ask how) and well, that is not good for cookies. And so my 'Tasty Disaster' was created. It became more of a giant crisp than a cookie, but I'm telling you it was delicious. Because of the thinness of the crsip it had this slight caramel taste to it. Really good, just looked kind of bad. Great for ice cream topping!

You can view it here. Out of the batter that makes 36 cookies I got exactly 5 that resembled cookies. None of the pictures you see here though are those cookies.


Anyway, I'm having so much listening to this song. I hope you do too!

Song: Long Shot
Artist: Kelly Clarkson

I Like Pie... Apparently.

Good news? I finally made my Lemon/Mixed Berry Pie. Then I made a Pecan Pie. Both are good and taste cold. I guess you can say that is another odd thing about me. I like my pecan pie cold. Actually I prefer cold food. Hence my love of sandwhiches. I don't know why that is, but all my favorite foods are cold. Now, I do love good hot food, no doubt about that, but my favorite is when it is leftovers and you don't have to re-heat. Yum... like cold pizza.

Meanwhile, here are the photos for my pies. :D I'm proud I made them.

On another note you might have seen me mention yesterday how the incoming storms made me want to watch the movie Twister. Well the universe heard and today I became a drowned rat as some sort of twisted payback. Oh, yes, that pun is intentional. I got drenched running into Schlotskys, I got drenched running out of Schlotskys and I got drenched walking back into the office building. By that time my flip-flops were that weird slimy feeling and I couldn't run. My jeans were soaked, my hair, which was beauitul this morning has gone to its unnatural waves (just looking at them could cause sea sickness!), and I created a puddle where I stood trying to get dry.

However, its been a rather pleasant Friday. As reflected in my Top 5 this morning. You can view that by going to Top 5 Shower Re-Cap.

So that has been my Friday. I hope you al have a great weekend!

With Much Love,

Kelli

Pie on the Brain, but not on my Plate...

As you may have guessed I haven't made my pie yet. Instead, I have thought about a delicious Pecan Pie recipe that I had been given in Mexico, but when my purple notebook disappeared so did the recipe. Unfortunately, I have no way of getting it from there. I know I'm bummed to, but that's okay because I think I figured it out.

I plan to find out tonight. At least I hope I do. We've seen where planning can get me into trouble. As in I don't always follow my plan. Also while I'm confessing the bazaar this weather has made a deep desire in me to watch Twister. The photos are below. I, know, there is something twisted in me, but what are you going to do?

So, last night I started the next section of our Bible study. The part of the story that got to me was when Beth Moore started telling the story of how her daughter, when she was younger, had gotten a knot in her hair and for a week didn't tell her mother and the knot just got bigger. Finally the daughter had to call to her mother and ask for help in getting the knot out. As Beth helped her the daughter placed her head in her mother's lap and although it caused some pain and tears Beth was able to get the knot untangled. She used this story to illustrate that we can't avoid our problems and we need to come to God and lay our heads in his lap and let him untangle our messes.

With that in mind there has been issue that I've been putting off due to fear and who knows what else. I, essentially put my head in the sand, but I knew it was time to face it. So last night I got on my hands and knees, then sat down on the floor as my knees hurt, and prayed. I asked for help and this morning I bit the bullet and took care of it. Now, there are some tears, $320.00 a month tears, but I was able to avoid the down payment and God graciously gave me a kind person to talk to on the phone. In 14 months this should be close to finish. I feel so much better it is not even funny and the way God worked through it all just makes me smile.

So, that's my encouragement to you today. Face your problems today, pray to God to help you with knots, and then know that as he untangles the mess it will be so much better on the other side of the problem.

This is just my little guy. Aint' he cute?

With Much Love,

Kelli

Overcome by the Power of Glee

So, apparently the answer to yesterday's question is... neither. I stayed for American Idol, which I knew I shouldn't, which was my first mistake. I cut down on my dusting time. Then, I watched Glee with the family, which was my second mistake. Not because it was with the family, but because they made it harder to leave. So, I vaccumed and since it was with a dry vac, I had the ability to do some dusting too. I love that thing.

Speaking of cleaning and organization I have two great links. The first is if you are trying to organize your day and need to kep track of things to do (tasks), messages, and schedule for you and anyone else. Just go to the Communication Station. The coolest thing about this (for me) is that you can set your task (thing to do) and put when you want to be reminded and it sends an email to you at the time you set so you don't forget. I love it!

The second thing is from RealSimple, which has 15 cool decorating tips with things that you have like broches, a lone stud earring and several other things. I love the coffee can idea! (Well for Magazines, not wine, since I can't drink the stuff - yuck! - you knew I was picky!).

Tonight, hopefully, I will be making the Raspberry/Lemon pie. Except that it is no longer just Raspberries, but blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries as well. I think all of those berries work well with lemon. Hopefully I can have pictures tomorrow.

That's really the only big update I have. Right now I'm praying to take the good with the good. I know I hope for my life to get better, but when it does I become instantly suspicious of it and then wait for the rug to be pulled out from underneath me. So, I'm praying Psalm 34;4 my favorite verse, "I sought the Lord and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears."

I've been waiting for such a long time for some of my deep desires. I have three at the moment and two of them have been with me since I was 13.

1. I want my own place. Just me. No roommates, no soul mates, just me. Okay, and a dog. I love dogs.

2. A boyfriend. I'm not desperate for one by any means, my life is kinda busy at the second, but I want some romance. It always looks nice in the movies and it has been a while.

3. A new car. I love my car, but it is 11 years old now and the radio has a short. Praise God though the AC still works. Otherwise that would be unacceptable, but I miss my radio very, very much. And the 2011 Mustangs are so pretty. I want one. Except I want a small SVU. I want the Mustang too... see the problem?

Okay, well I will leave you with some Madonna inspired Glee. I just love this show. That and Justified, but I'll talk about that later.

Can I Bake and Clean at the Same Time?

That is the question and one I won't be able to answer until tomorrow. I have this pie I want to make, Lemon/Raspberry pie. Doesn't that scream summer to anyone else? However, I need to finish cleaning my room. I picked it up yesterday and tonight I need to dust and vaccum. Yes, it was that bad. Then on Thursday I plan on stealing my shredder from the office and starting on my filing cabinet.

I'm sure you all are intrigued. I almost have my site, RestoredSunshine.com finished. This will be the letter site. I'm really looking forward to this site because it does what I've always wanted to do: encourage people. My site will allow you to write a letter to anyone (I even help you if you have writer's block) and I will print it and mail it for a dollar ($1). So, for a whole dollar you can tell someone how much they mean to you or encourage them if they are going through a tough time.

I'm very excited about it. The bakery is taking more time due mostly to the fact that I have to come up with $4500 for the printer I need. However, as soon as I do that should be taking off.

On a last note, I know that sometimes life is not very fun. For a better word it just plain sucks. However, if there is someone in your life tha thas been there for you, who does things for you, and who you know you can count on, please tell that person thank-you. Acknowledge them and their deeds, not because they have to hear it, but because it shows them that you see what they do and are grateful for them. Everyone likes to hear a thank-you. Those two words can resolve so many things. So please, tell someone thank-you today.

And on that note, thank-you for taking the time to read this.

Much Love,
Kelli

Praise to My God

God has blessed me. If you've been following at all you know that it hasn't been the easiest time for me lately. Although I don't like to delve too far into the details suffice it to say I've certainly been struggling.

Since I wrote the past post the following has happened.

1. I got my headlights and as of today my car is now legal.
2. I sold software and got commission for it.
3. My Restored Sunshine Letters is almost complete.
4. I've started to enjoy my Bible Study again, and for that I'm truly thankful.
5. When I had thought that I had been left out... again, God moved in an extraordinary way and I was floored.

These have all been such peaceful things to me. I feel restored, in a sense.

On a lighter note I'm updating my Top 5 Shower Re-Cap every day and you can find the link here or you can look at my blog list to the right and see it at the bottom. Today's videos/music was dedicated to my sister, Melissa, who is turning 22 today. She will also be graduating this Thursday from college and I couldn't be more proud.

I have less than a month less for my business goals to take fruition. I'm praying and we'll see how the Good Savior works it all out.

Much love,

Kelli.