December 31, 2010

Well, today is the last day of my 365:2010 project. I've been sick for the last 3 days and came home from work. I was suppose to close, but I feel like crap and don't have a voice. I was there for 2 1/2 hours and it was hellish. I can't help anyone if I can't talk. I hated to leave, but I just wanna lay comatose on the couch all night. I do have to open in the morning. We'll see how that goes. I watched the ND game and wanted to cheer a couple times, but couldn't. Duke is being very sympathetic and laying with me on the couch. I had a dose of Theraflu and am just waiting for it to kick in. I swear I'm immune to western medicine. Nothing works for me. Jon is currently making soup for dinner. I bid everyone a Happy New Year!

December 30, 2010

Two days left of my 365 project and I didn't take a picture today.

December 29, 2010

Here's Duke. Looking at the sunshine, dreaming of the upcoming spring when the snow will be gone and he can frolic in the yard for hours on end, when he'll find all his toys that have since been buried by old man winter. Dream big, kid. Dream big.

December 28, 2010

Like I posted earlier, Jon got me a new camera bag for Christmas. Today, I got around to transferring my equipment to the new bag. What a difference in size! However, I still could not get all my lenses in the new bag. But that's okay. I have 3 lenses that are real similar in size. And if I ever get my old camera fixed and are able to sell it, it's going to need a kit lens to go with it.

Currently, I'm watching the Minnesota Vikings/Philadelphia Eagles game. I've tried several times before to start watching NFL. Previously, I just couldn't get into it. I like watching Notre Dame football, but pro isn't the same. Until tonight. I'm not really sure why I'm getting so into this game, but I think I'm fast becoming a Vikings fan. Maybe it's because they are playing against Michael Vick. Maybe it's because I know that Hank Baskett plays for the Vikings and I like watching the Kendra show. Who knows. I know, geographically, I should be a Colts or Bears fan. But I'm a rebel.

December 27, 2010

Well, Nipsco decided that they would trap me inside my house all day today. I had planned on running errands and going grocery shopping today, but my plans were thwarted. I really appreciate how I didn't get a phone call, an email or even a note or knock on my front door saying that they would be digging a massive hole at the end of my driveway and blocking me in all day. They were there when I got up this morning and are still there at the current time of 4:52pm. All I'm waiting for now, is a knock on my door telling me to evacuate because they hit a gas line.

December 26, 2010

Like my new Chilly Willy hat that Jon got me for Christmas?

December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas!

Jon and I exchanged gifts this morning as soon as we got up. I got awesome gifts from Jon! A bunch of great 80's movies, an awesome new winter hat (it looks like Chilly Willy), and a new camera bag.


Then we had some last minute house cleaning to do before his parents came over at noon. I made spaghetti and garlic bread for lunch and baked an apple pie for dessert. We watched Christmas Vacation while we ate. (I'm a little 'Christmas Story'ed out.) After we ate, it was presents time! (Again!) Jon and I each got a present that was in a box and the box had stuffing in it because the gift itself was smaller than the box it was wrapped in. You know what the box was 'stuffed' with? Money! I love it! I got some stuff for my camera, a new candle and of course, the cash. Cash is always acceptable.

December 24, 2010

It's almost here! This morning I was woken up by Jon asking, "Did you set your alarm?" I replied, "[deleted expletive], what time is it?!" It was 7:45 and I had to be at work at 8:30. It takes me at least 15 minutes to get there. So basically, I had 30 minutes to get up and go. First, I had to make the guts to my homemade frosting. I have to heat up flour and milk to make a ball of mashed potato-like mush that will be added to other ingredients at a later time. The mush ball has to be cooled completely before this can happen. So I had to make it in the morning so that I could make the frosting when I got off work to put on the red cake I made yesterday. There was no way I was going to trust Jon to make it. Have you ever had to heat up flour and milk paste slowly? You have to stir it constantly and not let it burn. I don't think Jon could have done it. (Sorry, honey.) So, I jumped in the shower at about 8:05. Yep, 10 minutes till I had to be out the door. So I went to work with wet hair and not a stitch of makeup on. Beautiful.

Work was okay. I only had to work a 5.5 hour shift. Then home to frost the cake and take another shower so that I could do my hair and make up for dinner at my folks' tonight.


We had a good time. Dinner was great. My Aunt Linda made almost all the food. My mom had carpal tunnel surgery a couple weeks ago and didn't feel up to doing all the cooking. So my aunt offered to do most of the cooking and bring it all over. Chris made green bean casserole and I made red cake and brought rolls. Then it was time for presents. It's so fun to watch the girls open their gifts. After hanging out for awhile, Jon and I headed home to our cozy abode.

December 23, 2010

Before work today, I made some chocolate covered pretzels and Oreos. Then I ran some beer and treats over to Jen's. I got to see Ethan's orange Tai Kwan Doe belt. He really wanted me to go downstairs to see their new pool table, but I had one more errand to run before heading to work. So I promised him I would see it this weekend. Santa may or may not have dropped off one of E's presents at our house. Today wasn't too bad at work. I really haven't had too many horrible grinchy guests, thus far. After work, I made my red velvet cake for tomorrow night. Hopefully it turns out good. I haven't made this recipe before. I'm sure Chris will be the official judge of that one.

December 22, 2010

Today is my last day off before Christmas. I'm trying to finish up some last details for Saturday. All of the shopping and wrapping has been done. Except I had to make Morgan's fleece blanket. I had to lock the cats in the bedroom and Duke in the kitchen so that I could make the blanket on the living room floor with no disturbances. It took me almost 3 hours. The tying part is tedious, but not the most time consuming. It's getting the two pieces of fleece all lined up. Cut squarely. And the edges cut into little strips. (In the pic, the blanket is folded in half. I did tie it all the way around.) Tonight Jon and I are going to Four Winds with his parents and his aunt and her boyfriend. We're going for the dinner buffet. We might gamble, we might not. We're not gamblers. I don't like throwing money away. Don't get me wrong. I love to spend money. When I'm getting something in return. But I don't do casinos or lottery tickets.

December 21, 2010

Tonight, Jon and I drove around Winding Brook Park to look at Christmas lights. Honestly, it's the same every year. But it's tradition and we enjoy doing it. Obviously, we listen to Christmas music while driving through. This picture is of a house that looks like Christmas threw up on it. They had a ton of lights up. None of them matched, different lengths, different colors. I honestly think they did it on purpose that way. Because, otherwise, I don't see how someone could look at this and say, "Yes! It's gorgeous!"

December 20, 2010

Penguins are kind of Jon's and my thing. When Jon proposed, we were staying in a bed and breakfast up in Ludington called the Doll House Inn. Each room was decorated in a theme, and ours was decorated in black and white and penguins. It was called the 'Tuxedo Room'. Here's one of my little penguin decorations that sits on top of the computer desk. Isn't he cute?

December 19, 2010

See? I will take this opportunity to thank all my loyal fans. (All 2 of you.) I will not be doing the picture-of-the-day next year. I will still blog, and post interesting pictures. But I will not be doing it everyday. I set a goal for 2010, and I think I did a pretty good job of keeping it up. I know a missed a few here and there. But now I can look back at this year as a diary of sorts.

December 18, 2010

It's been so busy at work and with our extended hours, I have found no extra time or energy to take any pictures lately.

December 17, 2010

Duke laying in the living room by the soft glow of the tree.

December 16, 2010

The moose says 9 more days. I kind of can't wait for it to be over. At least work-wise. Which spills over into my not-work view of the season.

December 15, 2010

Bubba likes to lay under the Christmas tree. That's why I stack all the presents on the table that sits next to it. I need to leave room for my little fatty Bubba.

December 14, 2010

Making Chex Mix! I love making my own Chex Mix because I only put my favorite stuff in. Everyone who knows me, knows that pretzels are not allowed in mine. Why waste the space when you could have something delicious in it's place. Like Quaker Oatmeal Squares. They are the most awesomest! I made a triple batch of cereal. But I quintupled the seasoning part. (That's 5 times the seasoning!) I like my Chex Mix tasty.

December 13, 2010

Today was our holiday dinner at work. I totally forgot about it until later in the day, right before I was heading out to work. And as soon as I got there, they were delivering a fresh batch of Amish goodness right as I walked in the door. Essenhaus from Middlebury has some good ass food. I took my dinner break at 6:30 when they dropped off another fresh batch. I filled up on noodles and mashed potatoes. Ya know, the healthy stuff. I did have a little bit of turkey. But nobody makes noodles like the Amish.

December 12, 2010

Today was a lazy day. We didn't really do anything today. And the snow is starting to come down, so we won't be doing much of anything for the rest of the night. I made lasagna for dinner. Always a winner in the Kiefer household. We'll be eating lasagna for the next few days though. Which is fine. It's scrumptious and we won't be going grocery shopping again until next weekend. I was going to make Chex Mix today. But I didn't have any garlic salt. Plus, Jon's wants nuts in it and I didn't buy any for this batch. So at work tomorrow I'll buy the garlic salt and I think some cashews. And no pretzels. They are not allowed in my Chex Mix.

December 11, 2010

We finally got the tree up today. This is the second year we have had this tree and I love it. Our old tree had all the branches separate that had to be put on individually. This tree, which I bought on clearance after the season three years ago, is the best ever. It is only 3 sections and all the branches are connected and hinged. And it's pre-lit. It literally takes less than one minute to put up. Then we just add the decorations and skirt. Now for the presents...

December 10, 2010

These are my new gloves. Photography gloves. This way, I can still have complete control of my camera and all its functions without freezing my hands off. I'll just freeze my fingertips off...

December 9, 2010

So I got a text this morning at 7:47am from Jon. Letting me know that there was a beautiful sunrise happening. Today was my day to sleep in, since I didn't have to be to work until 3. Thanks for the wake up call. It was a pretty sunrise. But because it was about 10° outside, I opted to take a picture with my phone through the window. It wasn't pretty enough for me to get dressed, put on boots and go outside to take it. I asked Duke about it when he came back inside. He said it was pretty too.

December 8, 2010

Duke sure does like to play in the snow. I wonder if he gets too cold, but just takes it like a man. Maybe I should get him some mukluk boots and an argyle sweater.

December 7, 2010

We sure got a lot of snow last night and today. The snow piled up and made a weird santa-type hat for this bush.

December 6, 2010

Today is a nice day for hot chocolate. With Reddi-whip and Pampered Chef Sweet Mocha Hazelnut sprinkled on top. Mmmmm.

December 5, 2010

Here's a quarter for the jar.

December 4, 2010

Maybe I should start a "non-picture-day jar" kind of like a swear jar. I have to contribute money every time I forget to take a picture.

December 3, 2010

So...today was my first day off since Thanksgiving. And I really wanted to relax, lay on the couch all day and watch Christmas movies. That plan was thwarted when Comcast knocked on my door telling me that some internet signals were getting crossed in the area and they wanted to replace my old cables. Fine. Nothing like 2 men invading my house unannounced. I was indifferent to the whole idea. We were having no problems with our cable or the internet. Question 1: Can you come back when my husband is home from work because I'm not letting random dudes come in my house while I'm alone? Question 2: Am I getting charged for anything? Yes and No. Whatever. Go to work then. Not that any of that information has anything to do with my picture today. Except for the old white cable that you can see on the TV stand. But the real star of the picture is my Duke! (Who was none too happy to have the random dudes in the house.)

December 2, 2010

I expressed my confusion about recycling on facebook already. So I'm sure that the only two people who read my blog have already seen this. But, do we or do we not recycle frozen food boxes?

December 1, 2010

My, how the year has passed by so quickly. Here it is December already. Today we had our first real snowfall of the year. It was quite windy and chilly this morning. It was a looooooong walk from my car to the building at work at 7am. I'm not ready for his. Brushing off snow, scraping my windshield, starting my car early to warm it up. Let's hope it's a short, mild winter. For once.

November 30, 2010

I've been so busy at work and trying to catch up on my sleep schedule, I didn't take a picture today. Boooo.

November 29, 2010

This was a test picture with my phone. To test the camera, test sending pics through text and email, and test uploading pics to facebook. Success on all accounts!

November 28, 2010

Oh.Em.Gee.

I got a new phone! I've seen commercials for the Samsung Galaxy S and I've wanted one ever since. They make it for different carriers, and for AT&T it's called the Captivate. It's part of the Android family. It's a full windows smart phone. I can do everything on it! It's even a Kindle! I downloaded a book onto it already! And it has a 5MP camera. The only con is that with all the functions it does, the battery life sucks. I have to charge it every night, where with my old phone, I could go 4-5 days before having to charge it. Now let me tell you the story of how I got it. FOR FREE! This is a $200 phone. And even though I was in love with it, I knew I'd never buy it, because let's face it...Who's gonna spend $200 on a phone. I could stay at a Disney hotel for 2 nights for that much. Well, tonight the Target Mobile guy (the guy who sells contract phones at Target) was walking around asking if Target team members wanted a free phone. I'm interested, tell me more. They wanted to make room for more inventory and needed to get rid of some phones. All I had to do was renew my contract. Well, I've been extremely happy with AT&T, so I had no problem with that. And since I already have a full data package, the smart phone data package is only gonna cost me $5 more a month. Well, sign me up! Talk about being at the right place at the right time. Especially since I wasn't scheduled to close that night. The other GSA called in because of a family emergency and I came in to close when I should have been a mid shift that day. Everything happens for a reason, right?

November 27, 2010

We've noticed lately that Pooper likes to lay in the bathroom alot. I think it's because there is a register on the wall that pumps hot air into the room from the furnace. So Jon and I decided to go out and buy him a nice comfy bed to lay in when he is in there. However, now Bubba thinks he deserves it and it's for him. So...they will have to share. Or, first come, first serve. Or fight over it. I don't care.

November 26, 2010

It's Black Friday. Time to debut my new Christmas earrings! They are Italian.

November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!

I know hell at work starts tomorrow, so I'm trying to enjoy myself today as much as I can.

Besides being thankful for friends and family and good health, I am also thankful that my mom caters to everyone's likes and dislikes when it comes to food. I don't like mayo and my brother doesn't like Miracle Whip. So my mom always has both on hand. For the holidays, she also has Cool Whip and Reddi-Whip available for the pies and desserts. Chris will only eat Cool Whip. I'm a Reddi-Whip girl. I like real whipped cream. Maybe it's all my years of getting the real stuff at Starbucks that has spoiled me.

Care to share your opinion and add to the debate?

November 24, 2010

He's here!

Tonight we went to my parents' for dinner and then to Bremen to watch the lighting of the Christmas lights all along the streets and to watch Santa arrive by parade. It was raining all night and chilly as hell. The girls got to see Santa and when Morgan was sitting on his lap, a local photographer from the newspaper took her picture. She'll be in the Bremen newspaper. Which I'm told only comes out once a week. It is a small town.

November 23, 2010

Tonight for dinner, Jon made my favorite pancakes. Apple Streussel. This is his creative process. He puts a lot of love into them. :-P

November 22, 2010

As I've stated before, Bubba tolerates Duke due to his complete lack of energy. Here, it seems as if Bubba is saying "I just wanna sleep. Get the light out of my eyes and this dog off my ass!"

November 21, 2010

I finally bought my new camera. I'm so excited. I thought about it for a long time and was originally going to buy the model that was a step down from this. But I knew in the long run, that this is what I wanted and was gonna have to shell out the money for it. Well, I shelled out the plastic. But I hope to start getting some jobs again and make some of that up.