HNT...too cold for anything close to nekkid

It's too cold to pose half anything this week! We experienced a 55 degree temperature change yesterday. The HIGH for today was a negative two without the wind chill which dipped into the negative 30-40 range. My solution...curl up on the sofa in jammies and wrap up in the double fleece blanket I made a year ago for my mom. It's a mental comfort not to mention super warm! All you people down south...you can't even imagine this kind of cold. Heheheh...

Happy HNT!

An explanation...

Rachel left this for me today...it explains a lot of what I haven't explained on this site. I posted it here to share. Listen to the words, really listen to them. It explains my "problem" of late. I'm not okay yet, but I'm working on it. I'm trying...



We'll see how I do, a few days with the girls in the snow will help I'm sure.

Uh...where did that come from?

I dreamed I was a baby sitter for Donny and Marie Osmond's kids last night. It was obviously a few years back b/c both family's kids were young. They even bought me matching pajamas for their Christmas "special". Seriously...does anyone else see anything wrong with that? I think I need help!

Ever wonder??

The question: How efficiently (or inefficiently) would your household function without batteries?

David has once again posed another thought provoking question for your Sunday musings. So far I have been very successful at staying home all weekend, tending to my house, and taking time to just be at home. So why not continue while I sip my morning cup of brew.

I think my house would function fairly normally without batteries. The clocks on the wall would of course stop keeping time but the Moxi box, microwave, VCR, and two clock radios would continue to tick along as would the time on my computer. I keep a flashlight next to the bed so I guess if an intruder came in I could still clock him over the head with it, even if I couldn't turn it on to illuminate his face. My watch would be stilled but most days of the week I forget to put in on anyway.

Everything else I "need" to get by is plugged in. A lack of electricity would be far more of a hassle then a lack of batteries. Granted, if my house were ablaze the fire alarms would remain silent but I think my three, four-legged balls of fur would alert me anyway. Now if I were without electricity AND batteries those two clock radios would be no good without their battery "back-up".

Bottom line, I would survive. I couldn't entertain myself with my battery version of Catch Phrase but I could still watch hours and hours of TV or read a book. Oh...just thought though, I couldn't take pictures. My camera wouldn't work. That would be a bit sad.

How affected would your life be without batteries?

Updates

I decided to change my Moose Musings to list the books I HAVE read staring with January 1st instead of the books sitting on my nightstand. I have too many sitting on my nightstand and haven't been very good at keeping the list up to date. If I only have to add one or two books at a time instead of 10 (like when I go to the bookstore and "stock up") I think I might do a better job. I technically read Eldest at the very end of 2007 but it was a long book so I included in my accomplishments for the year because I used my New Year's Eve long weekend to finish it.

I've updated my Moosekin a bit too. Made some friends through the past year, added them. A few have gone from blogger world so better update that too.

Can you tell I'm just being lazy this weekend?

A new challenge...

I thought I would try a few book challenges this year since I read such a variety last year. The numbers challenge involves reading five books with a number in the title between January 1st and June 1st. You can see what everyone else is reading here.

I finished my first one on Thursday night. I watch a lot of crime TV shows and Women's Murder Club is the newest one out there but I haven't gotten too into it yet. Instead, I decided to read the books first, then get caught up on the show.

Tuesday I picked up 1st To Die by James Patterson from a friend at work. I had it completed by Thursday night. (That's what I do when all my crime shows are re-runs because of the damn writer's strike...I read instead) Anyway...I devoured it. I think the reason I liked it so much is because right now I'm in a funk and reading a story with four strong-minded, smart women in it was "motivation". The fact that they were chasing a crazed serial killer made it only better.

1st To Die wasn't the deepest most mind challenging murder novel I've read but it was a good quick read to keep me distracted. I think I'll finish the rest of the series...I think I have 6 more to go to be "current" on it. This first book in a series introduced the four women well and gave me enough background to be interested in knowing more about them.

Guess I need to go to the bookstore.

Quick update

My friend is doing well for all that happened to her. She has to have a second operation tomorrow so keep the prayers coming.

Meme to share...

I have laundry I need to fold instead of playing online tonight but this is easier right now. Stole this one from Lime.

[1.] Where was the first time you ever kissed the last person you kissed?

When I found him at the pound and he put his little paw up on my chin.

[2.] What’s the greatest thing that happened to you today (the day I actually filled this out)?

Seeing my friend sitting up in bed and hearing her say thank you.

[3.] What’s the number one thing that turns you on the most?

Nibbles on my neck.

[4.] Would you rather get up early or sleep in?

Duh! I never have been a morning person and I never will be a morning person.

[5.] Tell me where you got each article of clothing you’re wearing?

Socks, top rubbermaid drawer in the closet. PJ pants, picked up off bathroom floor. Long sleeve t-shirt and sweatshirt, picked up off bathroom floor.

[6.] What’s the closest thing to you that is brown?

A stuffed moose.

[7.] What would you change about your life right now?

I'm considering a lot of life changes right now and am confused as heck.

[8.] Would you rather smile over a lie or cry over the truth?

Been crying a lot lately, mostly over what I don't know is truth or not. But I prefer the truth, good or bad.

[9.] What’s on your bedroom floor right now?

Tons of laundry that needs folded. A couple rugs.

[10.] Who was the last person you got into an argument with?

He who shall not be named.

[11.] Do you trust people?

way to much!

[12.] If you could move away, no questions asked, where would you move?

Alaska

[13.] Have you ever been out of the country?

Been to the UK and Canada

[14.] Could you go a day without eating?

Yup. I work in trauma, eat when you can, don't eat when it's busy.

[15.] How much do looks matter to you?

Depends on who's looking.

[17.] When was the last time you had your hair cut?

3 weeks ago. Have a cut and color coming up in 2 weeks.

[18.] Would you rather be mad or sad?

I would prefer not to feel either as intensely as I feel them both now.

[19.] Does it take a lot to make you cry?

Yeah, I've had to develop iron sides. I think they are cracking lately.

[20.] What’s the best feeling in the world?

Having your love returned.

[21.] Are you close with your mom?

I wasn't as close as one might think but I still talk to here every day even though she's gone now.

[22.] Are your parents strict?

They were but in a good way.

[23.] Do you tell your parents everything?

Nope

[24.] Would you rather be a bird or a fish?

Bird, I have a slight fear of open water.

[25.] Name fears you have….?

Being alone, not being loved, and itty bitty spaces! Don't like itty bitty spaces.

[26.] If you need to go to the store a block away, do you walk or drive?

Right now, it's freezing out so I would probably drive.

[27.] Does the thought of marriage scare you?

Always

[28.] How many kids do you want?

I want to find the love of my life first, in the meantime I'll borrow my friends kids.

[29.] What’s your favourite colour to wear?

Greens

[30.] Who was the last person in your bedroom besides you?

A co-worker who came over to my house for the first time. She's starting to look for her first house and I showed mine off.

[31.] What are you doing tonight?

Unfortunately no who so I'm going to try to get all that laundry folded.

[32.] Would you rather be rich & sad or poor & happy?

why does money have to matter with either emotion?

Hey, where did #33 go?

[34.] What would you do if you found a dragon egg?

Pray the Shade and the Urgals aren't coming after me and my family!

[35.] Do you get bored easily?

Yes

[36.] What’s something that someone can do that really bothers you?

Just one thing? I hate it when people put the toilet paper on "upside down". Toilet paper is suppose to roll over the top people!

[37.] Did you ever want to change your name when you were younger?

Not change it but I very early on decided against being called Nikki. My little sister had four Nikki's in her class and they were the "little" girls. I wanted no association with the little girls.

[38.] Do you wish you were famous?

No, I don't need that many people giving me advice.

[39.] Do you make a wish at 11:11?

I have.

[40.] When you’re at the beach, do you swim or lay out more?

I read until I am sweating to death, go in the water until I shiver, then go back to reading.

[41.] Who is the last text message you received from and what did it say?

I would have to walk upstairs and get my phone to see. Not that important for you to know.

[42.] What are you freakishly obsessed with?

The Denver Broncos

[44.] Do you like going to the mall to shop or just shopping online?

I like shopping in malls and fun "local" stores.

[45.] Can music affect your mood?

Completely

[46.] What piercings do you want?

Nothing more than what I have right now...just my ears

[47.] What tattoos do you want?

Getting my first one on February 16th of a little moose.

[48.] Have you ever been in a cave?

Yes and I don't like it. See #25.

[49] Have you ever eaten a bug?

Not on purpose, but yes.

[50.] Are you holding back telling someone how you really feel about them?

Nope, I laid it all out. What else could I do?

Prayers needed...

Today a friend of mine was involved in a very serious car accident. Unfortunately she is a friend that lives here and my staff doctor was the orthopedic surgeon on call so we are also taking care of her. Please say prayers for her recovery and for her family tonight.

A question posed, a question answered

David is asking us all a question this week: Do you wear denim?

My simple answer is yes. However, I think he probably is looking for something a little "bigger" than that for an answer.

I am not a slave to denim. I have two pair of jeans that I like right now. In other words, two pairs that fit. There is nothing I hate worse than shopping for jeans. The cuts change from year to year, sizes differ from store to store. I ideally like to find a good pair of jeans (in my definition a pair that rides somewhere between my belly button and the top of my hip bones, straight leg, dark denim, and long enough) and go back to the same vendor and buy a second pair every so often. Never that easy.

I can't wear denim at work so Monday through Friday you never see me in it. In the fall I have a great denim jacket that I like to wear with a simple tee underneath or a crisp white shirt underneath. I don't wear denim around the house much, I am more likely in pajamas or gym clothes at home. When i wear my jeans out, I like to wear them with high heeled boots. Black, brown, camel colored, that doesn't matter. Just something to make them a big dressier.

So there, I do wear denim, but not very often. When I find a pair of jeans that fit I'm likely to buy two pair at once to avoid the hassle. When I do where them, i dress them up.

This one explains it all..

Your Stress Level is: 73%

You are prone to stress, and you're probably even pretty stressed right now. Life's problems seem to pile up on you, and this often makes you feel depressed and burned out. Learn to take time to relax and enjoy life, even if things are stressful. It's the only wa you'll get through the bad times.

How Stressed Are You?

Mindless late night musings...

When I have lots to say but not the energy or courage to say it, I wander the internet and find weird things to post. So a few weird things about me according to some survey :)

You've Been a Little Ruined by American Culture

Whether you live in the US or not, deep down you're a little American. And there's nothing wrong with loving American culture, but it may have negative effects on your life. Slow down and enjoy what you have. Reconnect with life's simple pleasures. You don't need to be in a consumerist rat race. Life's too short to overwork yourself!

Has American Culture Ruined You?

This one surprised me a bit. But when I think about it, I do use my right brain a lot. It was my right brain that I used as an excuse when my mom asked me why exactly I wanted to do a theology minor with my biology degree. I wanted to use the other half of my brain, wanted to think differently than A, B, C. Needed the philosophical challenge. I got it, in the form of a lot of essay questions!

You Are 15% Left Brained, 85% Right Brained

The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning. Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others. If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic. Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet. The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility. Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way. If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art. Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports.

Are You Right or Left Brained?

This one was pretty right on. I am picky about my pizza and anymore can't stand the "usual suspects" like Pizza Hut, Domino's, Godfather's. Give me a mom and pop shop or a good local take and bake with choices and interesting options.

What Your Pizza Reveals

There are no limits to your eating. You often devour the scraps your friends can't finish. You are a very picky pizza eater. Not any pizza will do. You fit in best in the Northeast part of the US. Your taste is rather complex and sophisticated. You consider yourself a gourmet - and a bit of a snob. You are eclectic, stylish, and totally random with your choices. You are deep and thoughtful. You should consider traveling to Paris. The stereotype that best fits you is guy or girl next door. Hey, there's nothing wrong with being average.

What Does Your Pizza Say About You?

Is this a sign or what?

You Should Spend Your Summer in the Mountains

You're quiet, introspective, and a great thinker. You need a summer vacation that gets you away from the crowds and the heat. So retreat to the mountains, where you can clear your head.

Where Should You Spend Your Summer?

Now I just wish the things I really need to figure out where that easy. Where's the question and answer sheet to life?

Cold spell

The current themometer reading is a -4 degrees F. -4!

I'm curled up with the cats, a movie, and a magazine. Too damn cold to do much else. Looking out the window you would never know it, the sun is shining, the snow is sparkling. Looks wonderfully pleasant. I think I'll stick to my magazines.

HNT...A date with King Herod

I know that album cover. I too can sing every word. I also had personal experience with the purple and white striped pants and to this day give the King a hard time for getting rid of them. I loved Os in those pants.

Os is coming to Minneapolis to join me in the 4th row to see Jesus Christ Superstar starring Ted Neely as Jesus. Can you say I'm stoked!?!?! There will be beer drinking, bar crawling, and Jesus and Mary Magdalene with "suggestion". YEAH!!!!! He's COMING TO SEE ME!!

Moaning Monday

Moaning Monday...sort of like Moaning Myrtle. Moaning is how I feel today.

I feel old today. I have a left hamstring injury nagging me with every motion I make. Even though I've completed a course of antibiotics and "taken it easy" I'm still coughing. I can't seem to get my mojo going. I spent the weekend procrastinating one of those "letter" writing occasions. I did finally write it and this morning it went in the mail.

All i want to do of late is sleep, read books, and cuddle with the cats. I'm seriously in a funk. Seems to be going around though as I read a few other people and talk to friends. The weather isn't helping. Today was the first sunny day in weeks (the forever fog has gone finally!) but the sun was deceiving...when I walked out of the hospital at 1:00 pm today it was sixteen below zero due to the bitter air temp and the winds. I'm watching Jon and Kate Plus 8 wrapped up in a blanket with the warm laptop on my lap over my gym pants. To heck with the gym though, haven't been there in weeks due to the hammy and the cough. Did I mention I feel old?

I'm mentally trying to overcome the last few months and get myself physically back on track. I think I'm either too exhausted to do it or too down to accomplish. Not sure which.

Some good news to start the week though...My best friend Jami gave birth to her first baby boy yesterday morning. Mom and baby are doing well and daddy has some time off work to enjoy both. YEAH!

I'll work on me as the week goes on.

Kitty Bath

And they aren't even related. I would say the "adoption" of the new kitten this fall has come full circle and he's officially family. Ahhhhh...how can you not feel all warm and fuzzy!

Good Dog. Stay.

Any one else read this book?

I literally read the ENTIRE story while sitting waiting for my oil change today. My mechanic does not take THAT long to change my oil. He even had to put on a new windshield wiper. I still read the WHOLE book.

I was expecting profound. Insightful. An "uh-ah" moment. None of the above occurred. If you have A) Owned a pet, B) Had a best friend, or C) been a parent...you knew all of the "things" that were "revealed" in this book. I have not been a parent but I have had multiple pets of which I have shed tears over, I have amazing best friends (two to be exact and they are both amazing women), and I have loved another human with all my heart.

Bottom line, love hurts but brings a hidden joy somewhere in all the hurt. Maybe I'm a cynic this week. The "anger" stage of grieving a relationship has hit. Need to get a few things off my chest. Book didn't help. Time to find pen and paper to write it all out. Will likely mail it too. Maybe that will help.

FYI: There ARE really cute dog pictures through the whole book.

HNT...Wintery escape

No skin in this one but when in the woods one has to be prepared. Since I was scrapbooking and crafting the whole weekend I just had to be warm and comfy with "appropriate" footwear to get from cabin to work room. Fuzzy socks, pj's, snow boots and a coat...and a lot of finished projects.

Here's proof of one finished project...a California king size double layer fleece tie blanket. I know, I'm insane! Time for a nap!

Don't forget to go check out my favorite creative sista's at The Black Felt Club.

Happy HNT!

Sista Shout-Out

You know i'm crafty. i've post pictures, I just spent three days scrapbooking, i've confessed to handmaking gifts. But ever wander who my partners in crime were?

Check out the Sistas! These are my fellow local Stampin' Up Demonstrators who welcomed me into the fold a year and a half ago. Check out some of their art.

Hope you all are having a great week.

Cabin Sweet Cabin

This weekend I tried something new. I have multiple "projects" adding up in my craft room. Scrapbooks, cards, blankets, and all sorts of other various projects. This weekend I joined 10 other woman at a place called Eden Woods Camp for three days of uninterrupted crafting. I had two main projects to finish...a wedding book for a friend and a California king size fleece tie blanket for another friend. I am proud to say both are done! I also started organizing a recipe box. I spent a little time sleeping, a bit more time reading, and some time just wandering in the woods. All around, an enjoyable weekend!

There's a storm brewing...

You Are Lightning

Beautiful yet dangerous People will stop and watch you when you appear Even though you're capable of random violence You are best known for: your power Your dominant state: performing

What Type of Weather Are You?

People like me, really, people like me!

People Definitely Like You

You are very well liked, and many people admire you. You are friendly, well mannered, and fun to be around. Of course, you're not perfect... but that's okay. Your friends are usually willing to accept you for who you are! What People Like About You: People like that you truly take and interest in them. Everyone likes to be liked! People like that you are genuine and real. They can count on you to be yourself. People like that you give them complements. You make people feel good about themselves!

Do People Like You?

The Recipe For moosekahl

3 parts Warmth 2 parts Savvy 1 part Ambition Splash of Uniqueness Finish off with a little umbrella and straw

What's the Recipe for Your Personality?

Weekend games

I'm in a set of cabins in the woods with a stack of crafting projects to work on from now until Sunday evening. Every once in a while I have to take a little mental break to get the creative juices flowing again. I was wading through a few sites and found this at Sandi's. It's pretty accurate when I consider other careers I have pondered.

Your Career Personality: Idealistic, Service-Oriented, and Future-Oriented

Your Ideal Careers: Alternative health practitioner Architect Environmental lawyer Librarian Magazine editor Museum curator Novelist Nutritionist Photo journalist Playwright

The Quick and Dirty Career Test

HNT...New Year's Crapshoot

As Os said...sometimes you just use what you got. I was going to do something fun and sexy with the dress you see below but time, illness and just a plain lack of energy got in the way. Instead, the last shot from my camera on Monday night/Tuesday morning! This friend flew all the way from Washington state to come to my party! Aren't I cool?

Happy HNT!

Too much party

This house is exhausted! The third kitty is already upstairs on the bed and out cold. I, too, will soon be there. But as I was shutting things down for the night this is what I have to my left and to my right...I couldn't resist the photos. Aren't they cute?

Happy New Year!

19 people ascended upon my house for a New Year's Eve party so I made sure to snap a shot BEFORE all the craziness. Hope you and your's had the perfect New Year celebration for you whether it was a quiet reflection of the year past with hopes of the year to come or a wild party to ring in a year of new adventures! All the best in the year to come for us all!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!