Today is the last day of the year. Goodbye 2009. You've been good to me for the most part. I have my gripes like everybody else. But I'm much more grateful for the good.
As the year winds down, I've been too busy to really blog. But get ready for a rip-roarin new year! Today I recieved my Flip Camcorder. So not only will you be seeing many more photos, but videos as well! Sharing my life in word and picture form is fun. But sharing it with you in video form will be even better!
My plan is to learn to TwitVid and link it here to Musings. Bear with me as I work out the kinks.
Be safe tonight and don't do anything stupid.
Bring on twentyten!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas!
SantaJake would like to say Merry Christmas!
Jake?
Jake?
Okay, well SantaJake is a little sleepy right now. But if he were awake, that is what he's say.
Frankie played some Christmas frisbee and asked me to share it with ya'll.
Merry Christmas friends!!!
Frankie played some Christmas frisbee and asked me to share it with ya'll.
Merry Christmas friends!!!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Red Dog Trot & Snow Aussies
I awoke this morning to a couple inches of fresh white snow and no sign that it was going to stop. So I hooked up some dogs and away we went!
I shot a very shakey video as well. Enjoy!
RED DOG TROT
Nobody loves snow more than my Aussies. But what they do not appreciate is me telling them to sit still so I can take pictures of them, when all they want to do is play in the snow.
See?
I shot a very shakey video as well. Enjoy!
RED DOG TROT
Nobody loves snow more than my Aussies. But what they do not appreciate is me telling them to sit still so I can take pictures of them, when all they want to do is play in the snow.
See?
Bored Kirby? Or just ready to get a move on?
And little Maggie. Uh I just love little Maggie Pie.
Okay, so I may have cheated here with Jake. I may have thrown snow at him and bribed him with a tennis ball to make him hold still. But you can't prove a thing.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Frozen...Still
It's still very cold here in the frozen tundra that is Minnesota. Some days I don't know why I live here. But other than the cold, it hasn't been so bad. The roads are generally my main concern and they are being cleared pretty quickly these days, which makes me happy and relieved.
Not a lot of new stuff to report. I have been working intensively on my fitness and on my dog's training, so I've been posting more frequently in my other two blogs, which have links there to the right of the page. Hint hint.
Red returns from a 5 day spearing trip today. I am so excited! I will be the first to admit that I love having the house and time to myself and my dogs. We get to be louder and work more in the house with Red gone. But as of last night, I am so ready to have my man back home. I don't sleep as well without him around.
Hit up the other blogs to find out more! Do it now!
Not a lot of new stuff to report. I have been working intensively on my fitness and on my dog's training, so I've been posting more frequently in my other two blogs, which have links there to the right of the page. Hint hint.
Red returns from a 5 day spearing trip today. I am so excited! I will be the first to admit that I love having the house and time to myself and my dogs. We get to be louder and work more in the house with Red gone. But as of last night, I am so ready to have my man back home. I don't sleep as well without him around.
Hit up the other blogs to find out more! Do it now!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Frozen Sky
The sky is frozen!
No it's really not. But it's really really cold out there.
I wanted to see what would happen if I pointed my camera at the sun.
No it's really not. But it's really really cold out there.
I wanted to see what would happen if I pointed my camera at the sun.
My camera can't focus and I get a blurry, but pretty, photo.
Yeah there are still pine needles. But pine needles don't equal warm breezes.
There's something I love about these photos.
Oh, I think I put my finger on it... They remind me of this:
Oh, I think I put my finger on it... They remind me of this:
Taken during our disc dogging trip to Colorado. In August. When it was 90 degrees.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Corgi Time
Maggie the Corgi was a foster dog. As of Thanksgiving Day 2009, Maggie is officially no longer a foster dog.
She's our dog.
This is the first time in my entire life that I've said this. But I think we've got enough pets.
She's our dog.
I felt like I just needed to come out and say it. I know some of you will roll your eyes and say "Emily adopted another dog again". But the rest of you will be happy for us. Because Emily didn't adopt another dog. Red did.
It's not a secret that Red has loved this little girl from the start. I'm happy that he finally realized that before she went away again.
Red is even going to construct a little set of stairs for her to get up onto our bed by herself.
Yeah.
How many dogs does that make for us now? I've lost count
Yeah.
How many dogs does that make for us now? I've lost count
This is the first time in my entire life that I've said this. But I think we've got enough pets.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Science vs. God
My dad sent this to me this morning. After I read it, I found it was something that I absolutely had to share.
'Let me explain the problem science has with religion.'
The atheist professor of philosophy pauses before his class and then asks one of his new students to stand.
'You're a Christian, aren't you, son?'
'Yes sir,' the student says.
'So you believe in God?'
'Absolutely. '
'Is God good?'
'Sure! God's good.'
'Is God all-powerful? Can God do anything?'
'Yes'
'Are you good or evil?'
'The Bible says I'm evil.'
The professor grins knowingly. 'Aha! The Bible! He considers for a moment. 'Here's one for you. Let's say there's a sick person over here and you can cure him. You can do it. Would you help him? Would you try?'
'Yes sir, I would.'
'So you're good...!'
'I wouldn't say that.'
'But why not say that? You'd help a sick and maimed person if you could. Most of us would if we could. But God doesn't.'
The student does not answer, so the professor continues. 'He doesn't, does he? My brother was a Christian who died of cancer, even though he prayed to Jesus to heal him. How is this Jesus good? Can you answer that one?'
The student remains silent. 'No, you can't, can you?' the professor says. He takes a sip of water from a glass on his desk to give the student time to relax. 'Let's start again, young fella. Is God good?'
'Er..yes,' the student says.
'Is Satan good?'
The student doesn't hesitate on this one. 'No.'
'Then where does Satan come from?'
The student falters. 'From God'
'That's right. God made Satan, didn't he? Tell me, son. Is there evil in this world?'
'Yes, sir.'
'Evil's everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything, correct?'
'Yes'
'So who created evil?' The professor continued, 'If God created everything, then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to the principle that our works define who we are, then God is evil.'
Again, the student has no answer. 'Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things, do they exist in this world?'
The student squirms on his feet. 'Yes.'
'So who created them?'
The student does not answer again, so the professor repeats his question. 'Who created them?' There is still no answer. Suddenly the lecturer breaks away to pace in front of the classroom. The class is mesmerized. 'Tell me,' he continues onto another student. 'Do you believe in Jesus Christ, son?'
The student's voice betrays him and cracks. 'Yes, professor, I do.'
The old man stops pacing. 'Science says you have five senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Have you ever seen Jesus?'
'No sir. I've never seen Him.'
'Then tell us if you've ever heard your Jesus?'
'No, sir, I have not.'
'Have you ever felt your Jesus, tasted your Jesus or smelt your Jesus? Have you ever had any sensory perception of Jesus Christ, or God for that matter?'
'No, sir, I'm afraid I haven't.'
'Yet you still believe in him?'
'Yes'
'According to the rules of empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your God doesn't exist... What do you say to that, son?'
'Nothing,' the student replies.. 'I only have my faith.'
'Yes, faith,' the professor repeats. 'And that is the problem science has with God. There is no evidence, only faith.'
The student stands quietly for a moment, before asking a question of His own. 'Professor, is there such thing as heat? '
'Yes.'
'And is there such a thing as cold?'
'Yes, son, there's cold too.'
'No sir, there isn't.'
The professor turns to face the student, obviously interested. The room suddenly becomes very quiet. The student begins to explain. 'You can have lots of heat, even more heat, super-heat, mega-heat, unlimited heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat, but we don't have anything called 'cold'. We can hit down to 458 degrees below zero, which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold; otherwise we would be able to go colder than the lowest -458 degrees. Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-458 F) is the total absence of heat. You see, sir, cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat we can measure in thermal units because heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.'
Silence across the room. A pen drops somewhere in the classroom, sounding like a hammer.
'What about darkness, professor. Is there such a thing as darkness?'
'Yes,' the professor replies without hesitation. 'What is night if it isn't darkness?'
'You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is not something; it is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light, but if you have no light constantly you have nothing and it's called darkness, isn't it? That's the meaning we use to define the word. In reality, darkness isn't. If it were, you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?'
The professor begins to smile at the student in front of him. This will be a good semester. 'So what point are you making, young man?'
'Yes, professor. My point is, your philosophical premise is flawed to start with, and so your conclusion must also be flawed.'
The professor's face cannot hide his surprise this time. 'Flawed? Can you explain how?'
'You are working on the premise of duality,' the student explains.. 'You argue that there is life and then there's death; a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can't even explain a thought.' 'It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it.' 'Now tell me, professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?'
'If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, young man, yes, of course I do.'
'Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?'
The professor begins to shake his head, still smiling, as he realizes where the argument is going. A very good semester, indeed.
'Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you now not a scientist, but a preacher?'
The class is in uproar. The student remains silent until the commotion has subsided. 'To continue the point you were making earlier to the other student, let me give you an example of what I mean.' The student looks around the room. 'Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the professor's brain?' The class breaks out into laughter. 'Is there anyone here who has ever heard the professor's brain, felt the professor's brain, touched or smelt the professor's brain? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain, with all due respect, sir.' 'So if science says you have no brain, how can we trust your lectures, sir?'
Now the room is silent. The professor just stares at the student, his face unreadable. Finally, after what seems an eternity, the old man answers. 'I Guess you'll have to take them on faith.'
'Now, you accept that there is faith, and, in fact, faith exists with life,' the student continues. 'Now, sir, is there such a thing as evil?' Now uncertain, the professor responds, 'Of course, there is. We see it Everyday. It is in the daily example of man's inhumanity to man. It is in The multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil.'
To this the student replied, 'Evil does not exist sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light.'
The professor sat down.
PS: The student was Albert Einstein.
Albert Einstein wrote a book titled 'God vs. Science' in 1921.....
'Let me explain the problem science has with religion.'
The atheist professor of philosophy pauses before his class and then asks one of his new students to stand.
'You're a Christian, aren't you, son?'
'Yes sir,' the student says.
'So you believe in God?'
'Absolutely. '
'Is God good?'
'Sure! God's good.'
'Is God all-powerful? Can God do anything?'
'Yes'
'Are you good or evil?'
'The Bible says I'm evil.'
The professor grins knowingly. 'Aha! The Bible! He considers for a moment. 'Here's one for you. Let's say there's a sick person over here and you can cure him. You can do it. Would you help him? Would you try?'
'Yes sir, I would.'
'So you're good...!'
'I wouldn't say that.'
'But why not say that? You'd help a sick and maimed person if you could. Most of us would if we could. But God doesn't.'
The student does not answer, so the professor continues. 'He doesn't, does he? My brother was a Christian who died of cancer, even though he prayed to Jesus to heal him. How is this Jesus good? Can you answer that one?'
The student remains silent. 'No, you can't, can you?' the professor says. He takes a sip of water from a glass on his desk to give the student time to relax. 'Let's start again, young fella. Is God good?'
'Er..yes,' the student says.
'Is Satan good?'
The student doesn't hesitate on this one. 'No.'
'Then where does Satan come from?'
The student falters. 'From God'
'That's right. God made Satan, didn't he? Tell me, son. Is there evil in this world?'
'Yes, sir.'
'Evil's everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything, correct?'
'Yes'
'So who created evil?' The professor continued, 'If God created everything, then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to the principle that our works define who we are, then God is evil.'
Again, the student has no answer. 'Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things, do they exist in this world?'
The student squirms on his feet. 'Yes.'
'So who created them?'
The student does not answer again, so the professor repeats his question. 'Who created them?' There is still no answer. Suddenly the lecturer breaks away to pace in front of the classroom. The class is mesmerized. 'Tell me,' he continues onto another student. 'Do you believe in Jesus Christ, son?'
The student's voice betrays him and cracks. 'Yes, professor, I do.'
The old man stops pacing. 'Science says you have five senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Have you ever seen Jesus?'
'No sir. I've never seen Him.'
'Then tell us if you've ever heard your Jesus?'
'No, sir, I have not.'
'Have you ever felt your Jesus, tasted your Jesus or smelt your Jesus? Have you ever had any sensory perception of Jesus Christ, or God for that matter?'
'No, sir, I'm afraid I haven't.'
'Yet you still believe in him?'
'Yes'
'According to the rules of empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your God doesn't exist... What do you say to that, son?'
'Nothing,' the student replies.. 'I only have my faith.'
'Yes, faith,' the professor repeats. 'And that is the problem science has with God. There is no evidence, only faith.'
The student stands quietly for a moment, before asking a question of His own. 'Professor, is there such thing as heat? '
'Yes.'
'And is there such a thing as cold?'
'Yes, son, there's cold too.'
'No sir, there isn't.'
The professor turns to face the student, obviously interested. The room suddenly becomes very quiet. The student begins to explain. 'You can have lots of heat, even more heat, super-heat, mega-heat, unlimited heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat, but we don't have anything called 'cold'. We can hit down to 458 degrees below zero, which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold; otherwise we would be able to go colder than the lowest -458 degrees. Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-458 F) is the total absence of heat. You see, sir, cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat we can measure in thermal units because heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.'
Silence across the room. A pen drops somewhere in the classroom, sounding like a hammer.
'What about darkness, professor. Is there such a thing as darkness?'
'Yes,' the professor replies without hesitation. 'What is night if it isn't darkness?'
'You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is not something; it is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light, but if you have no light constantly you have nothing and it's called darkness, isn't it? That's the meaning we use to define the word. In reality, darkness isn't. If it were, you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?'
The professor begins to smile at the student in front of him. This will be a good semester. 'So what point are you making, young man?'
'Yes, professor. My point is, your philosophical premise is flawed to start with, and so your conclusion must also be flawed.'
The professor's face cannot hide his surprise this time. 'Flawed? Can you explain how?'
'You are working on the premise of duality,' the student explains.. 'You argue that there is life and then there's death; a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can't even explain a thought.' 'It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it.' 'Now tell me, professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?'
'If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, young man, yes, of course I do.'
'Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?'
The professor begins to shake his head, still smiling, as he realizes where the argument is going. A very good semester, indeed.
'Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you now not a scientist, but a preacher?'
The class is in uproar. The student remains silent until the commotion has subsided. 'To continue the point you were making earlier to the other student, let me give you an example of what I mean.' The student looks around the room. 'Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the professor's brain?' The class breaks out into laughter. 'Is there anyone here who has ever heard the professor's brain, felt the professor's brain, touched or smelt the professor's brain? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain, with all due respect, sir.' 'So if science says you have no brain, how can we trust your lectures, sir?'
Now the room is silent. The professor just stares at the student, his face unreadable. Finally, after what seems an eternity, the old man answers. 'I Guess you'll have to take them on faith.'
'Now, you accept that there is faith, and, in fact, faith exists with life,' the student continues. 'Now, sir, is there such a thing as evil?' Now uncertain, the professor responds, 'Of course, there is. We see it Everyday. It is in the daily example of man's inhumanity to man. It is in The multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil.'
To this the student replied, 'Evil does not exist sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light.'
The professor sat down.
PS: The student was Albert Einstein.
Albert Einstein wrote a book titled 'God vs. Science' in 1921.....
Monday, November 30, 2009
I Made It!
Okay, yes, I am one of those loser bloggers who nearly faints when I happen to pop up on another blogger's blog. Not just because it might mean that they think I'm worth putting on their blog, but especially if they are famous.
And I have made it! The Pioneer Woman finally wrote about her Mall of America advanture, which I attended, and I am in one of her photos!!! Eek!
What can I compare that to that will make you understand? Hmmm...
It's like cleaning out last year's jacket and finding a $50 bill.
No, that doesn't quite explain...
It's like being pulled up onto the stage at a concert by the hottest guy in your favorite band. How's that?
Okay, so Ree didn't pull me up onto the stage to sing with her. But I am front and center in one of her blog photos. And that's good enough for me!
And I have made it! The Pioneer Woman finally wrote about her Mall of America advanture, which I attended, and I am in one of her photos!!! Eek!
What can I compare that to that will make you understand? Hmmm...
It's like cleaning out last year's jacket and finding a $50 bill.
No, that doesn't quite explain...
It's like being pulled up onto the stage at a concert by the hottest guy in your favorite band. How's that?
Okay, so Ree didn't pull me up onto the stage to sing with her. But I am front and center in one of her blog photos. And that's good enough for me!
Yup. There I am. The loser with the camera. And I'm only one of like three people who wore a sweatshirt that day. Loser!
Saturday, November 28, 2009
DIY Decorating
I love decorating for Christmas. I love it I love it I love it.
When Thanksgiving Day comes to a close, I dive into a decorating frenzy. The tree goes up, gets lights and decorations and the fall stuff goes back into storage for the year.
Thanksgiving weekend, since I'm off from work, is typically my decorating weekend. So can you guess what I've been doing all day?
Decorating of course!
As they day starts to wind down, I am running out of ideas and my house isn't looking as full of Christmas Spirit as I'd like. But I don't feel like running out to drop more money on more decorations. So, I had to dig into the DIY part of my brain.
It hit me that I have rolls and rolls of materials that are just waiting to be put to use.
Christmas wrapping paper. And tape.
Last week, I ordered some stuff from one of my favorite magazines. I got these little black cast iron reindeer and the shelf I wanted to put them on happened to be black as well. It didn't work. So I cut out a square of dollar store wrapping paper, folded it down so it had clean edges, and laid it under the reindeer. Voila!
Our coffee table has 3 squares of black laquer glass on it. And the wood and glass mixed with the Moose antler dish didn't hold much Christmas cheer. I'm not a doily girl. (Doilly? Doiley?) But that antler really needed something under it. So, I pulled out the center glass and taped wrapping paper to it and it really spruced it up. I am considering finding two more paper patterns and just covering the other two glass pieces.
You'll have to forgive my picture taking skills today. No, I haven't had too much eggnog. It just happens that my trusty old camera is having some issues and having trouble finding it's focus these days.
Basically free Christmas decorations. I already had all of the materials needed and the idea could be used just about anywhere in the home. When New Year's rolls around, it's super easy clean up! And you'll already be warmed up to tearing it off whatever you applied it to!
Happy DIY decorating!
Linking up with Kimba's DIY Tuesday!!!!
Basically free Christmas decorations. I already had all of the materials needed and the idea could be used just about anywhere in the home. When New Year's rolls around, it's super easy clean up! And you'll already be warmed up to tearing it off whatever you applied it to!
Happy DIY decorating!
Linking up with Kimba's DIY Tuesday!!!!
Friday, November 27, 2009
I'll Tell You Why
A common question that I run into is "Em, how come you're always covered in fur?"
Well, I'm here to finally answer that question for you.
Actually, you know what? I don't even need to use words. Just see for yourself.
Thank you and have a nice day.
Well, I'm here to finally answer that question for you.
Actually, you know what? I don't even need to use words. Just see for yourself.
Thank you and have a nice day.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thanks...
Today I'm thankful for many things. My life has bloomed into a wonderful gift over the past few years.
I'm thankful for my family, whose always just a phone call away.
I'm thankful for my fiancee, who tolerates me being insane.
I'm thankful for my 4 dogs and my cat, because they have shown me what unconditional love really means.
I'm thankful for Jake because he's been by my side through more than anybody else.
I'm thankful for Frankie because she's shown me how to have fun.
I'm thankful for Kirby because when life gets serious, Kirby doesn't.
I'm thankful for Maggie, for keeping the other 3 in check and for showing Red that dogs aren't all that bad.
I'm thank for Sylvester, because he can read time.
I'm thankful for Bud Light and wine, because they help me tolerate my 4 dogs and my cat.
I'm thankful that I have a good, full time job that I enjoy, and coworkers who make it great.
I'm thankful for a vehicle to drive.
I'm thankful for a warm bed to sleep in.
I'm thankful that I have the freedom to blog about whatever I want, whenever I want.
I'm thankful for my life, and even though I always seem to find things to complain about, I really am grateful for everything.
Happy Thanksgiving! Don't forget to thank God for all of the blessings in your life.
I'm thankful for my family, whose always just a phone call away.
I'm thankful for my fiancee, who tolerates me being insane.
I'm thankful for my 4 dogs and my cat, because they have shown me what unconditional love really means.
I'm thankful for Jake because he's been by my side through more than anybody else.
I'm thankful for Frankie because she's shown me how to have fun.
I'm thankful for Kirby because when life gets serious, Kirby doesn't.
I'm thankful for Maggie, for keeping the other 3 in check and for showing Red that dogs aren't all that bad.
I'm thank for Sylvester, because he can read time.
I'm thankful for Bud Light and wine, because they help me tolerate my 4 dogs and my cat.
I'm thankful that I have a good, full time job that I enjoy, and coworkers who make it great.
I'm thankful for a vehicle to drive.
I'm thankful for a warm bed to sleep in.
I'm thankful that I have the freedom to blog about whatever I want, whenever I want.
I'm thankful for my life, and even though I always seem to find things to complain about, I really am grateful for everything.
Happy Thanksgiving! Don't forget to thank God for all of the blessings in your life.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Ree ~ The Pioneer Woman
Today is going down on my list of one of the greatest days of my life.
Today, I met the woman who learned me to cook real food. Today, I got to sit down and talk, face to face, with the woman who inspired me to start a blog of my own. The woman who taught me to play piano...
Wait, that wasn't this woman. Never mind.
Today... I met The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond.
Today, I met the woman who learned me to cook real food. Today, I got to sit down and talk, face to face, with the woman who inspired me to start a blog of my own. The woman who taught me to play piano...
Wait, that wasn't this woman. Never mind.
Today... I met The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond.
But Ree is so awesome that she could probably teach us all to play the piano via her website... If she wanted to.
She was so down to earth. So friendly. So personable. And she's so funny! And I'm really glad that she was all of those things, because I don't know what it would have done to me to find out that she really wasn't who she appears to be on her website.
This woman and her blog and her cooking and her photography have changed my life profoundly, for the better.
My lovely friend Hohni and her daughter Tiah arrived at my house at 7:30 this morning. We got to the Mall of America by 9am, just as Barnes & Noble opened so I could purchase my book. Then we headed for the line. And for the next 4 hours, wait in line is all we did.
But it wasn't so bad. We met these two gals who were just a blast to talk to!
She was so down to earth. So friendly. So personable. And she's so funny! And I'm really glad that she was all of those things, because I don't know what it would have done to me to find out that she really wasn't who she appears to be on her website.
This woman and her blog and her cooking and her photography have changed my life profoundly, for the better.
My lovely friend Hohni and her daughter Tiah arrived at my house at 7:30 this morning. We got to the Mall of America by 9am, just as Barnes & Noble opened so I could purchase my book. Then we headed for the line. And for the next 4 hours, wait in line is all we did.
But it wasn't so bad. We met these two gals who were just a blast to talk to!
Renee and Michelle. We first met them at the B&N when we were both looking for the same book. And shortly after they were in line behind us. I think that's one of my favorite parts of the blogging community is that for one, most of them are so friendly and two, going to an event like this where everybody is there for the same reason, it was no hardship to sit for 4 hours with these women and just talk about PW. I'm sorry, Renee. I don't know how to put the little thing above the E in your name. But I know that it belongs there! And Michelle, thank you for bringing your super cool phone with so we could check PW's site right there while we waited!
I didn't know what to say when it was my turn to talk to Ree. I was so nervous, my brain actually vacated my head for the 30 seconds that I was up there. So I just said "Hi Ree! Welcome to Minnesota!" and she told me that she loved my accent. She's from Oklahoma. And I loved her accent. She signed my book and we took a picture together. I can't believe I got to sit next to Ree! Like it or not, this woman is a celebrity. And she totally deserves it.
I didn't know what to say when it was my turn to talk to Ree. I was so nervous, my brain actually vacated my head for the 30 seconds that I was up there. So I just said "Hi Ree! Welcome to Minnesota!" and she told me that she loved my accent. She's from Oklahoma. And I loved her accent. She signed my book and we took a picture together. I can't believe I got to sit next to Ree! Like it or not, this woman is a celebrity. And she totally deserves it.
After I left the table, Ree provided us with free t-shirts! They are beautiful.
We also had a little surprise! Marlboro Man and their two boys showed up as well!
All in all, it was a hell of a day. A great day! It isn't everyday that you get to meet one of your idols.
Oh! And the book? The book rocks. It's beautiful and clever and doesn't even look like a cookbook when you flip through it. It's so unique and it's definately worth the few bucks that it costs to purchase. Go and get it!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Friday the 13th
Today is the 3rd Friday the 13th this year. I am superstitious. Or maybe that's just my anxiety talking. But I do not have a fear of this day. Nor do I have a fear of the number 13. In fact, regardless of how I felt on the first Friday the 13th this year, 13 is my favorite number. It's the number I choose when I have to choose a number.
Triskaidekaphobia: A fear of the number 13.
Paraskavedekatriaphobia: A fear of Friday the 13th.
I have neither. But I am superstitious enough to wonder if it really does affect things. But I don't actually have a fear. Which is odd, considering everything else scares the daylights out of me.
All Friday the 13th means to me is that it's Friday and not Monday. I dread Mondays a whole lot more than I dread Fridays with the number 13!
Happy Friday everybody!
Triskaidekaphobia: A fear of the number 13.
Paraskavedekatriaphobia: A fear of Friday the 13th.
I have neither. But I am superstitious enough to wonder if it really does affect things. But I don't actually have a fear. Which is odd, considering everything else scares the daylights out of me.
All Friday the 13th means to me is that it's Friday and not Monday. I dread Mondays a whole lot more than I dread Fridays with the number 13!
Happy Friday everybody!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Change
I'm at another one of those stages where I'm not happy with my blog. Therefor... I will be changing it. It just has been feeling too... heavy. There is too much frilly, frally, girly, scrapbook type stuff and it's just not me. So again I ask you, please bear with me.
I almost moved today. Do you remember a year ago when I made the move from Webs to Blogger? And all I had to move was like 30 posts and very little info? And remember how it took me like 3 weeks just to get that sorted out? Well I remembered, just in time, and stopped myself from moving on from Blogger. It would take me a month to move everything over.
There is a direction that I want my blog to head, but I can't figure out how to do that quite yet. When I do, I promise to let you know. Until then, thank you for your continued support! I love my readers!
I almost moved today. Do you remember a year ago when I made the move from Webs to Blogger? And all I had to move was like 30 posts and very little info? And remember how it took me like 3 weeks just to get that sorted out? Well I remembered, just in time, and stopped myself from moving on from Blogger. It would take me a month to move everything over.
There is a direction that I want my blog to head, but I can't figure out how to do that quite yet. When I do, I promise to let you know. Until then, thank you for your continued support! I love my readers!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Up North
The weekend before Halloween, Red and I decided to take a little vacation. What better place to go than 'up north'? So we packed the truck and took off. I actually forgot to bring my camera... I'll give you a second to absorb the shock of that statement.
.......
I really love this photo of Red and I. We're all bundled up and ready to hike!
Maggie the Magnificent facing off with Lake Mille Lacs. She's fearless. She got to join us for this trip. The other 3 didn't because this place had a pet limit of 30lbs.
The foliage was beautiful, just turning colors. It was nice to see, because down here in southern MN, things went from green to brown in a matter of weeks.
The drive was absolutely gorgeous. Well, that's not true. Here, once we arrived, it was gorgeous. The drive itself? Well it was raining and the temp was hoovering around 33 degrees and Red was driving and we were in the middle of Friday morning city traffic. I was a ball of nerves until about a half an hour from our destination. This is why people don't like road trips with me.
Don't tell anybody, but I think Red and Maggie are in love. He cannot get enough of this little dog. But I didn't say a word.
Trying my hand at some black and white.
So there is a small glimpse into our lovely weekend away. It was beautiful. But I missed my dogs immediately. And I was homesick. I like being home.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Snippits
Well it turns out that I was kind of correct when I thought that my dog blog might overtake Musings. Dogs happen to be my whole life and all I really talk about.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I ran today. A coworker informed me that she joined my gym over lunch and went running. So on my lunch break, I went running too! And discovered that I am not in running shape. Yikes. I did run a half a mile without stopping though. I havent done that in over a year.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So far I've managed to dodge the flu. Everybody around me has been sick with it at one time or another over the last month or so. So far so good. Hope I didn't just jinx myself. And no, I didn't get the flu shot. And no, I don't plan on getting the flu shot.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It's November. Yeah. November.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today a friend that I havent seen in a while asked what I had going on this weekend. I replied nothing, what did you have in mind, eager to hang out with my friend. She replied that she didnt want to hang out, she wanted me to babysit her puppy for the weekend. Um, no. Trying being my friend before I do unneccessary favors for you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am craving chili. Anybody have any easy chili recipes?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Ultimate Fighter is on tonight. Only if I can stay up that late to watch it. *Yaaaawwwnnn*
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I ran today. A coworker informed me that she joined my gym over lunch and went running. So on my lunch break, I went running too! And discovered that I am not in running shape. Yikes. I did run a half a mile without stopping though. I havent done that in over a year.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So far I've managed to dodge the flu. Everybody around me has been sick with it at one time or another over the last month or so. So far so good. Hope I didn't just jinx myself. And no, I didn't get the flu shot. And no, I don't plan on getting the flu shot.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It's November. Yeah. November.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today a friend that I havent seen in a while asked what I had going on this weekend. I replied nothing, what did you have in mind, eager to hang out with my friend. She replied that she didnt want to hang out, she wanted me to babysit her puppy for the weekend. Um, no. Trying being my friend before I do unneccessary favors for you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am craving chili. Anybody have any easy chili recipes?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Ultimate Fighter is on tonight. Only if I can stay up that late to watch it. *Yaaaawwwnnn*
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
My Dog's Blog
I speak of my dogs so much these days that I decided that they should have their own blog.
Maybe that's not a good idea, because maybe I will run out of stuff to talk about here at Musings! But I now have 3 dogs, two of which are in training for something or other. And I'm so new to this training thing that I need a place where I can talk about it and have others with more dog training experience to help me along the way, without having to mull through the Musings here.
So, Frankie, Jake and Kirby (and me) have created Sport Dog Blog. Its just a new blog where I talk about the trials and successes through the training and lives of these dogs. Especially the Aussies.
So check it out if you like dogs. Or even if you don't. Maybe you will see something that I could work on. I would appreciate the advice!
A link will remain at the right sidebar, just click on this photo (on the right).
Maybe that's not a good idea, because maybe I will run out of stuff to talk about here at Musings! But I now have 3 dogs, two of which are in training for something or other. And I'm so new to this training thing that I need a place where I can talk about it and have others with more dog training experience to help me along the way, without having to mull through the Musings here.
So, Frankie, Jake and Kirby (and me) have created Sport Dog Blog. Its just a new blog where I talk about the trials and successes through the training and lives of these dogs. Especially the Aussies.
So check it out if you like dogs. Or even if you don't. Maybe you will see something that I could work on. I would appreciate the advice!
A link will remain at the right sidebar, just click on this photo (on the right).
Friday, October 16, 2009
I Went Barefoot
I've always wanted to run. I aspire to be one of those people who can wake up at the ass crack of dawn and pump out 3 miles without hardly breaking a sweat. But as it is, I have trouble getting up a half an hour early just to walk my dogs around the block.
Running has always been difficult for me. I have suffered with shin splints since junior high school. Even when I was in perfect shape and condition, I was plagued with these horrid splints.
Over the past year, I have begun different beginner running programs to lose weight. My weight alone is a huge factor in my running pain. But running was the fastest way for me to lose weight. I tried everything to rid myself of the aweful splints that would stop every routine I attempted dead in it's tracks. The pain was too much.
Finally, I caved, I and I purchased a $120 pair of running shoes. And miraculously, they cured the shin splints. But they also brought on a whole new multitude of problems. My back started to hurt, my knee started to hurt. My feet began to hurt. You can't run on sore feet. So I had to make a choice. Did I want shin splints, or a handful of other painful and potentially damaging issues?
Choose, Em. You have to choose.
Or do I?
Little sister recently raved about this book. A book about a distance runner who spent time with a tribe in one of the most dangerous places on the planet to live. And this tribe runs. Barefoot. And they have no pain. They dont suffer from shin splints or back pain or knee twinges. They don't spend hard earned dollars on 'real' running shoes. They live on highly vegetarian diets, despite the protein rich diet that long distance runners swear by. This tribe gets plastered in celebration the night before their 50 mile barefoot trek across the canyon.
I did so much research on running shoes, so that when I forked over that hunk of paycheck for good running shoes, I would get what I was paying for. But as it turns out, the more supportive a running shoe is, the more likely you are to be injured. Really? Can that be right? Well yes, I can see how that would be correct. When you have that much arch and support, you don't get to feel where exactly you are going wrong in your form. And then down the road, it turns into bigger problems, like shin splints. Like low back pain. Like knee pain. Like foot problems. But if you're running barefoot, you can immediately feel where you're stepping wrong and you can correct it within a step or two. You are correcting your own body in a way that run of the mill, made for everybody running shoes can't.
So today, I went barefoot. I went to the gym. I hopped on the treadmill without shoes (just socks). And I started to walk. Obviously, I cant immediately expect to run a marathon barefoot. But I can begin to build strength in my feet and legs so that my body can adjust. I went one single mile. That mile took me 19 minutes and 54 seconds. Going barefoot causes me to have to shorten my stride pretty drastically, because it forces me to stop heel striking. Oh yeah, when I run with shoes, I am a heel striker. Big no no, especially when you're overweight. When you come down on your foot while you run, you are putting 5x the weight of your body down on heel.
For the first half mile, I just walked. Normally, I can walk comfortably at a 3.5. Barefoot, because of the shortened stride and the forced concentration on my landing, I was gong 2.9. Considerably slower. But it felt great. After a half mile of walking, I turned it up to a slow jog. Immediately I discovered where I was going wrong. My body automatically corrected it's landing in a way it could never do with a shoe.
I jogged for about an 8th of a mile. Right out of the gate, I could only safely test myself that much without risking injury. No pain. No pain anywhere.
Okay, that's a lie. My one complaint would be that because I chose to use a treadmill wearing just socks, the friction from the track against the underbody started to burn. It got pretty hot and I'm left with a small heat blister on the ball of each foot. But that just means that I have to change my game plan a little bit. Those blisters had absolutely nothing to do with the barefoot running, and completely to do with my poor judgement. It's easily corrected.
I'm excited to see how this progresses. The worst that could happen is that I'll fail like I have before with every other running program.
Ironically, on the same day that I discovered barefoot running, I signed up for a running class. At the place where I bought my $120 worthless running shoes. So it will be interesting to see what they have to say about this barefoot running.
Running has always been difficult for me. I have suffered with shin splints since junior high school. Even when I was in perfect shape and condition, I was plagued with these horrid splints.
Over the past year, I have begun different beginner running programs to lose weight. My weight alone is a huge factor in my running pain. But running was the fastest way for me to lose weight. I tried everything to rid myself of the aweful splints that would stop every routine I attempted dead in it's tracks. The pain was too much.
Finally, I caved, I and I purchased a $120 pair of running shoes. And miraculously, they cured the shin splints. But they also brought on a whole new multitude of problems. My back started to hurt, my knee started to hurt. My feet began to hurt. You can't run on sore feet. So I had to make a choice. Did I want shin splints, or a handful of other painful and potentially damaging issues?
Choose, Em. You have to choose.
Or do I?
Little sister recently raved about this book. A book about a distance runner who spent time with a tribe in one of the most dangerous places on the planet to live. And this tribe runs. Barefoot. And they have no pain. They dont suffer from shin splints or back pain or knee twinges. They don't spend hard earned dollars on 'real' running shoes. They live on highly vegetarian diets, despite the protein rich diet that long distance runners swear by. This tribe gets plastered in celebration the night before their 50 mile barefoot trek across the canyon.
I did so much research on running shoes, so that when I forked over that hunk of paycheck for good running shoes, I would get what I was paying for. But as it turns out, the more supportive a running shoe is, the more likely you are to be injured. Really? Can that be right? Well yes, I can see how that would be correct. When you have that much arch and support, you don't get to feel where exactly you are going wrong in your form. And then down the road, it turns into bigger problems, like shin splints. Like low back pain. Like knee pain. Like foot problems. But if you're running barefoot, you can immediately feel where you're stepping wrong and you can correct it within a step or two. You are correcting your own body in a way that run of the mill, made for everybody running shoes can't.
So today, I went barefoot. I went to the gym. I hopped on the treadmill without shoes (just socks). And I started to walk. Obviously, I cant immediately expect to run a marathon barefoot. But I can begin to build strength in my feet and legs so that my body can adjust. I went one single mile. That mile took me 19 minutes and 54 seconds. Going barefoot causes me to have to shorten my stride pretty drastically, because it forces me to stop heel striking. Oh yeah, when I run with shoes, I am a heel striker. Big no no, especially when you're overweight. When you come down on your foot while you run, you are putting 5x the weight of your body down on heel.
For the first half mile, I just walked. Normally, I can walk comfortably at a 3.5. Barefoot, because of the shortened stride and the forced concentration on my landing, I was gong 2.9. Considerably slower. But it felt great. After a half mile of walking, I turned it up to a slow jog. Immediately I discovered where I was going wrong. My body automatically corrected it's landing in a way it could never do with a shoe.
I jogged for about an 8th of a mile. Right out of the gate, I could only safely test myself that much without risking injury. No pain. No pain anywhere.
Okay, that's a lie. My one complaint would be that because I chose to use a treadmill wearing just socks, the friction from the track against the underbody started to burn. It got pretty hot and I'm left with a small heat blister on the ball of each foot. But that just means that I have to change my game plan a little bit. Those blisters had absolutely nothing to do with the barefoot running, and completely to do with my poor judgement. It's easily corrected.
I'm excited to see how this progresses. The worst that could happen is that I'll fail like I have before with every other running program.
Ironically, on the same day that I discovered barefoot running, I signed up for a running class. At the place where I bought my $120 worthless running shoes. So it will be interesting to see what they have to say about this barefoot running.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Pink Ribbons & Basset Hounds
I don't know Lisa on a personal level. But I do know her on a rescue level. And she's amazing. Lisa has always helped us out with our Basset rescues when we needed it.
Lisa recently found out that she has breast cancer...AGAIN.
So friends of hers came up with a cool way to help raise some money for her surgery. Tshirts!
![]()
If you like dogs, and you want to support a fabulous woman on her breast cancer journey... Check out these tshirts. Please. Woof!
Lisa recently found out that she has breast cancer...AGAIN.
So friends of hers came up with a cool way to help raise some money for her surgery. Tshirts!
If you like dogs, and you want to support a fabulous woman on her breast cancer journey... Check out these tshirts. Please. Woof!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
High Flying Birthday Aussies!
Today is a special day in my world.
Today is the given birthday of my two rescued Australian Shepherds.
I adopted Frankie in July of 2008. She arrived on the 13th, and was approximately 9 months old.
I adopted Kirby in August of 2009. He arrived on the 15th, and he was approximately 10 months old.
That makes Frankie approximately 2 years old. And Kirby approximately 1 year old.
Happy Birthday, Aussies.
You're both insane.
And yet somehow you manage to keep me sane.
Monday, October 12, 2009
It's Snowing
Again.
But this isnt me waking up to a sprinkle of snow like a couple of days ago. No, this is it's been snowing since I woke up at 7am and it's still coming down. Hard.
But this isnt me waking up to a sprinkle of snow like a couple of days ago. No, this is it's been snowing since I woke up at 7am and it's still coming down. Hard.
But I can handle it. I think.
I mean, right?
NO! No I can't handle it!
Did you forget my reaction to having to give up summer for fall? I am barely into my fall phase and it's already snowing!
No. Emily doesn't handle snow. If anything, the snow handles me.
No more backyard BBQ's. No more bonfires. No more smores! The agony!
I'm going to have to switch into winter driving mode. Leaving the house 15 minutes early. Driving 35 mph in a 55. Holding up the traffic. Stocking my truck with a winter safety kit. Winter go away!
I can handle it, right? I'm a big girl. Its just a little snow..... **whaaaaaaaaaaaaa!**
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