Random Nothings and Then Some...

It has been a long two weeks! I haven't blogged very much or checked out everyone else's blogs.

After the 4th it seemed like everything was happening. This past Friday my mom found out that her liver didn't look normal, after her blood work was checked. This is caused by the excessive amount of meds she is taking to shrink her tumor. Her specialist wanted her to cut back until she could see her first thing Monday. She did another rushed blood test and was scheduled for an ultrasound the following morning. Come to find out she has gallstones. My mother, the lady whose never been on meds before this tumor and the lady who is as healthy as a horse... even with the tumor. She was not too happy, but at least she doesn't have to take anymore shots as of right now! Woohoo!!!

The doctors are going to find another way to treat this rarest of the rare tumors. How? I don't know, that's why I am NOT an MD.

::

On the 4th I was peeling raw shrimp for a ceviche with my cousin. We were all pretty sick over the 4th weekend and figured we caught some bug that was going around. My cousin developed a weird rash on her hand and a day later I did too... puzzling. The weird looking rash looked like I was badly burned or bruised. I started getting concerned so I called the Doctor, went in and was told that it looked like it might have been an allergic reaction... weird. My cousin went in to the doctor and was diagnosed with Vibrio vulnificus. Her Doctor told her that our family was lucky because someone could have died from it! Hello! I called my doctor and she still thinks I have a rash and antibiotics are needed. I thinks she's wrong but hey, what can you do? lol

::

I am so excited this time of the year. The OC Fair started last week. I love, love , love the Fair. Once I walk through the gates I leave my diet and good eating habits outside. Cinnamon Rolls, Grilled Corn, Strawberry Shortcake, and a million other yummy things to add to your thighs and deriair!

I'll have a ton of pictures to post. The OC Fair is pretty big and packed. The food is good, weather is good, good concerts... It's got it all.



-Daily B-

Camera... Suggestions?

I have been on the lookout for a GOOD camera. Anyone that knows me knows that I L-O-V-E to take pictures. Not just family events and such but pictures of the outdoors, odd and ends, trees, and old buildings... anything that looks good.

I've tested out a couple of cameras and am leaning towards the Nikon D40. BUT, I want to make sure that I get the right kind of camera, one that will last for years to come and continue taking great pictures.

My goal is to join City Daily Photo and become an area photographer. I can't do this with a point and shoot Nikon that jiggles so bad it looks like I'm having seizures.

I am looking at cameras between $400 - $700. This is part of a birthday gift from my family, aren't they sweet?

Give me your suggestions, what kind of camera do you use and how do you like the picture quality and speed?


I NEED SOME HELP! =)

Eventful 4th of July Weekend

I had an eventful 4th. I woke up early to the house running around. My Gramps heart stopped and was shocked back.

Seeing my Gramps in the hospital is not easy. I don't remember one time visiting him in the hospital. He's always been at home sitting in his chair with his tea.

We rushed to the hospital, about 35 minutes away and met with everyone in his room. My Aunts and Uncles and cousins... the room was packed out. How we were able to sneak us all into his CICU room puzzles me.

On the way into the hospital we bumped into a lady decked out in patriotic clothing and a blue wig. She was having each person that walked by grab a piece of candy out of her bag, I put my hand in and grabbed a Mr. Goodbar, my Sister-in-law put her hand in and grabbed a Hershey Bar, my sister put her hand in and grabbed...

A nice little pack of sugar.

I went on a coffee run and mosied into the chapel where my sister, sister-in-law, and brother were. By that time they were done praying and just chatting. I found a cute red-haired professor under the pulpit... oh wait that's my cousin.

And my brother found a hymn book...

(You'll need to pause the player at the bottom)

So... we had some fun while at the hospital. lol

On Saturday my Gramps heart stopped again. Gave us a little scare because he was sure he wasn't going to make it through the night.

Sunday morning we found out that he stayed awake through the night because he was afraid to sleep. He was extra chatty but exhausted. The Doctors talked to him and reassured him that they were doing everything they can to prevent his heart from stopping again. After some anxiety medicine and tranquilizers he refused to have any visitors. Sleep was much needed.

As of today, things are just going minute by minute. I was able to see him late Sunday night. He was in good spirits but sleepy. Please keep him in your prayers.

::

We had several people coming over for a Bar-B-Que. We cancelled in case we had to rush to the hospital again. My cousin and her family came over and my brother and his girlfriend and friend.

We swam and ate hot dogs and hamburgers and lots of yummy salads.

My nephew was pooped from swimming and jumping, all by himself, in the pool. At 2 years old hes very stubborn and independent. He SITS in time out and LISTENS very well. If you tell him not to do something he doesn't do it, but if you let him go he is willing to try anything! By the time we were out of the pull he was pooped.

We had fireworks, not very many since we didn't have time to buy any in the morning. My brother Peter is our "Fire work lighter" every year. He's the one that lights the wicks of the legal and illegal. lol. My brothers made these tiny little bombs that are so loud they set off car alarms

This is what was left...

That was the end to my eventful, earsplitting 4th of July!

-Daily B-

Whom Shall I Fear?

My Irrational View:
Trusting isn't always easy... Leaving things in His hands is impossible sometimes. I can't do it...

My Rational View:
Believing in His Word is the only thing that will pull you through. Fear halts the purpose of God. Faith puts fear in a box.

Psalms 27
1
The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the strength of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?

2
When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes,
came upon me to eat up my flesh,
they stumbled and fell.

3
Though a host should encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear:
though war should rise against me,
in this will I be confident.

4
One thing have I desired of the LORD,
that will I seek after;
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to behold the beauty of the LORD,
and to inquire in his temple.

5
For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion:
in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me;
he shall set me up upon a rock.

6
And now shall mine head be lifted up
above mine enemies round about me:
therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy;
I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.

7
Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice:
have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

8
When thou saidst, Seek ye my face;
my heart said unto thee,
Thy face, LORD, will I seek.

9
Hide not thy face far from me;
put not thy servant away in anger:
thou hast been my help;
leave me not, neither forsake me,
O God of my salvation.

10
When my father and my mother forsake me,
then the LORD will take me up.

11
Teach me thy way, O LORD,
and lead me in a plain path,
because of mine enemies.

12
Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies:
for false witnesses are risen up against me,
and such as breathe out cruelty.

13
I had fainted, unless I had believed
to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

14
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart:
wait, I say, on the LORD.

-Daily B-

My Brother The Bum

"Will work for food!"

Well, it's happened. I predicted that this this day would come here.

I told the story of my brother having to fetch gas after my dad forgot they needed gas. I also mentioned that I wouldn't be surprised if someone tried to hand him money considering the condition of his work clothes. Covered with urethane, rips and holes from the chemicals. When he's in his work clothes he actually looks a little like Smee from Peter Pan... without the high rise shirt.

It happened today!

My brother works for my dad and they carpool together. My dad had to rush to the hospital to be with my Gramps (another story for another post) and of course, my hypochondriac brother did not want to go.

My mom, sweet mom, offered to pick him up by the freeway so my dad wouldn't have to go out of his way.

Anyhoo, there's my brother, waiting by the side of a busy street, he sees my mom pull up in her luxurious car, known to us as the Black Widow.

Before he can head over, a couple pulls up next to him and pulls down their window. Out comes the woman's hand with some money.

My brother says, "Oh... no thank you."

She was confused, "Are you sure?"

"Yes." He quickly moves to get in my mom's car.

My brothers a bum... at least to be general public.

::

Update 7/03

Apparently today is April 1st and no one sent me the memo. I guess gullible is my middle name.

-Daily B-

Go Ducky, Go!

A couple of weeks back we had a Ducky Race in the pool for our Jr. Campers.

We had several kids short on money so my sister, the director for the children's department, pulled her creative juices out and decided to have a Ducky Race at the last minute.

The entire church was given the opportunity to buy rubber ducky's and put their name on them. Each person was to race their own ducks across the pool. First one to finish line received a gift card to Starbucks.

The above picture is some of the kids and adults getting ready to throw their ducks in. "Kickers" sat on the sides of the pool to help make waves.

This worked so well! The ducky racer helped with the kids deposit and ALL the kids were able to go.

The winners! Aren't they cute?

-Daily B-

Exercise... Loooooathe Entirely

I have to exercise in the morning before my brain figures out what I'm doing.

LOL - This is how I feel.

This morning while on the treadmill with my eyes nearly closed and my mouth wide open in the middle of a yawn, I thought, Maybe I can close my eyes and rest while briskly walking...

Why not? So I tried it. I closed my eyes, relaxed my body and attempted to "sleep" while walking.

I nearly fell off.

I loathe exercise!

-Daily B-

Happy Birthday, Mom

Today is my Mama's birthday.

She is the best person that I know. She is my friend, my confidante, my critic; she is my mother.

There is no one like her, she is incredible.

As the oldest of seven she helped my grandmother raise her siblings. Even now she is the one they turn to for help and advice. Always busy with something, running around and wanting to be involved in everything.

My mother is so special and these words are so shallow compared to what she really deserves!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

I love you!

-Daily B-

Today's Political Quote

"I think he's [Obama] deliberately distorting the traditional understanding of the Bible to fit his own worldview, his own confused theology," [Dr. James] Dobson said.

"... He is dragging biblical understanding through the gutter."

"Am I required in a democracy to conform my efforts in the political arena to his [Obama's] bloody notion of what is right with regard to the lives of tiny babies?" [Dr. James]Dobson said. "What he's trying to say here is unless everybody agrees, we have no right to fight for what we believe."

Read full article here.

-Daily B-

One Year...

One year today you left us. One year seems so long ago... was it really that long?

One of the worst days of my life was June 21, 2007. I lost something precious and dear to me.

You are never far from my mind but often pushed out of my mind so that the hurt doesn't set in. Even thinking of the good times can be painful.

Today we spent time together, all your daughters and their children celebrating a new life that is coming in a few weeks. We watched a special video made for this occasion; We celebrated you and remembered you.

My beautiful Grandma, I miss you.

-Daily B-

A Different Feeling

It's coming soon, before we know it. The feeling of expectancy is in the air.

Prepare the way for the Groom.

Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see
him... - Revelations 1:7 A

I awoke this morning much earlier than I needed to, but I couldn't shake the feeling of something different. I could feel it and tried to comprehend what it was... My mind begin to drift and the thought popped in my head, "Today could be the day that God comes back for his people." A day that we have waited for, a day that almost seems will never happen.

Could it be today? Could He be coming to take us home? The feeling of hope and fear mixed stirs within me. Are we ready? Have we done what we needed to do?


I feel far from ready, everyday. I fall so short of what I think I should be as a person, as a child of God. Examining yourself is never fun, but the outcome is so rich.

My prayer today is that He would examine me and make me ready. Take away the fear of the unknown and help me to prepare for Him.

Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart. - Psalm
26:2

It won't be long now... Maybe today?

-Daily B-

Lake Tahoe - Part 3

Day 4

We headed to Mount Rose to have a look around, the meadows are beautiful!

There was snow on the ground, as you can see in the above picture. We climbed the mountain a little more and came across a lot more snow. Dirty snow.

(Peter and Sonia playing in the dirty snow)

It was soooooo cold. We were in our t-shirts and flip flops not expecting to hit snow and freezing temperatures. Brrrrr! It is not normal for us to be in temperatures below 65 in the summer months. Let alone 50 in the Winter! The temperature read 37 and the snow plows were being unloaded for the expected drop that night, 20 degrees.

We stopped at a lookout point that covered, Incline Village and Crystal Bay. You can see the Hyatt down the street from our town home that we spent some time at at this lookout point. I won $120 after putting 30 cents!! Woohoo! I was soooo excited because I never win at anything. And just to cover my bases, if your a blog reader that would shake your head at me playing a slot machine, then don't play an arcade game... there is no difference! =) thank you. *smiling sweetly*

We went and tested out the community pool and spa. Massive pine trees cover the area and the smell relaxes and soothes you while your swimming in the pool or resting in the spa. I wasn't too thrilled getting out of the pool and shaking so bad my knees were knocking together. It was coooold! We had the area to ourselves, minus the newlyweds and old man. We were the only one's crazy enough to get in the pool.That night we headed over to Crystal Bay for dinner at the Crystal Bay Steak and Lobster House. Good food that I didn't get a picture of... oh well.

(Mom and Dad)

(Crystal Bay Dining Room)

Day 5


This was mainly a relaxing day, we packed a lunch and went in search of the perfect spot. The beach was too cold so we ended inland and found a deserted camp ground that overlooked the Truckee River.




We stopped in Squaw Valley on our way back, the home of the 1960 Winter Olympics torch.

This place is so beautiful. The colors of the trees and meadows. The funny thing that stands out is the black resort against the mountain, now why would they do that?

Tahoe is one of the most beautiful places on this earth... or one of the most beautiful places I've been to.

The end...

-Daily B-

Father's Day

What Makes a Dad
God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree, The warmth of a summer sun, The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature, The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages, The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring, The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity, The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities, When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it ... Dad

~~Author Unknown.~~

Happy Father's Day, Dad!

-Daily B-

Lake Tahoe - Part 2

Day 3

This was my favorite day. We headed to Virginia City, no matter how many times we go I feel like I still don't cover it all. It seems you have to go to all your favorite places and then start on the new... unfortunately we're never there long enough to start on the new.

(mom relaxing on the way to VC)

We stopped in at the Bucket of Blood Saloon to take some pictures out of the huge picture window overlooking the town. The saloon is setup up with old antiques and new slot machines.

These Hotties were to irresistible to pass up...

Our next stop was an old photo store where Peter and Sonia had an old fashioned photo taken of themselves. It was pretty funny because the outfits were open in the back for quick dressing and undressing. Sonia's backside was hanging out and we had to cover her with clips, after we made fun of her, I offered to help her change forgetting for a split second that her HUSBAND could help her. lol. The last time we were in Tahoe, Sonia, Cath, and I shared a room because her and Peter were not married. So coming back it feels like things haven't changed, of course they had their own room now. lol. I ended up helping her anyway, the picture came out so cute, but not showable to anyone but family and friends of theirs since she was a saloon girl and he was a... I don't know what he was but he looked good standing there.

We always make a stop at the Christmas store, little place close to the end of the town "strip". They seemed to be in short supply, so for the first time we didn't come home with an ornament for the tree.

Grandma's Fudge and Ice Cream is MY favorite place. You can't find anything like this in Orange County unless you're at my actual Gramm's house. I have such a hard time in here, that glutton wants to crawl out and buy everything that I know won't fit in my tummy. I settled on a HUGE chocolate covered strawberry and a chocolate covered Oreo for later. I also left with a cone of Grandma's Cookie & Cream.


We stopped at the Delta Restaurant for lunch. The cup of soda was so big I had trouble lifting it! The best chicken salad ever... or maybe it was the hunger from the altitude talking, all I know is that I cleaned my plate.

(Sonia)

(Old rustic doors outside the Delta)

This is what happens when you're in the car too long...

My Native American Name

Your Native American Name Is...

Talutha Kuwanyauma Your name means: Blood Red Butterfly Showing Beautiful Wings

What's Your Native American Name?

That was a good name! Kinda long, what kind of nicknames would you get out of that? LOL
-Daily B-

Lake Tahoe - Part 1

::Drive Up - Day 1::

Our drive up is usually 8 1/2 hours, not too bad on the way there. The places that we go through are so different from where we live that it's enjoyable. The open spaces, pastures, meadows - I love it!

We were about an hour, hour 1/2 from our home and I saw a sign and realized that my buddy Becky was somewhere nearby probably getting ready for the day... Wish I'd thought to stop by but not sure if she was ready for visitors at 7:30 AM. lol. Maybe next time!

About five hours into our trip we grabbed lunch in Mammoth and drove up to Twin Lakes Resort. So many fond memories there. Made us sad knowing that we were only there for a few minutes. I took several pictures to share but the camera does not do this place justice. If you prefer cabins there are several along the mountain and it's like staying in a hotel because the resort comes in during the day, makes your beds and washes your linens and towels. Perfect!

at close to 9,000 feet, The elevation level at Twin Lakes makes me sick so my family has postponed our trips there until I can deal with it. Ha.

We got to Incline Village in Tahoe around 4PM and after unpacking we headed to the grocery store. Since the Parents were covering the gas and town home, I would be in dept for a year if I tried to pay that, my siblings and I covered the groceries. Of course, we ate out majority of the time... hmmm.

::Day 2::

We were tired from the trip up and set out around 11ish. We drove around the entire lake, 78 miles. It was a beautiful, beautiful day. We stopped in Zephyr's Cover and ate at this little burger place, Izzy's Giant Burgers aka The Burger Spa. So good! I had a mushroom Swiss burger. It looked like a place that Guy from Diners Drive-Ins and Dives would drop in. Yummo!

We stopped in Emerald Pay for pictures... tons of pictures. Especially of Peter and Sonia. Those two love to take pictures of themselves. lol.

I'm not too big on slideshows but there were way to many pictures to deal with so I gave in.



-Daily B-

Happy Anniversary Gramps & Grams

Today my Grandparents celebrate their 59th anniversary! Wow!

Happy Anniversary! I love you both!

::
Side Note - Please pray for my Gramps, he was taken to the hospital last night and admitted for a few days. He can really use prayers right now!

-Daily B-

Hula Chair

I saw this on MSNBC at couldn't help but share the laugh!



-Daily B-

Birthday Cake... For ME!

Today is my birthday, 25!

So far it's not the birthday that I thought it would be... lol. I had a physical this morning, ugh, and am having some computer issues, but it will get better!

I consider myself a creative person, but I can't think of an original way to celebrate myself here... so, I am going to let you all in on 25 things that make me happy!

1. Corn - odd? Yes, I know but I love it!


2. Spa Pedicures - I can't live without them


3. Jean Skirts - I can have a closet full and be happy


4. Cute High heels - they kill but they're so pretty! =/


5. Kids and Babies - as long as I can send them back


6. Fine Dining - Especially when good ol' Dad pays.


7. My siblings - they tend to drive me crazy but I love crazy


8. Making fun of people - okay this sounds cruel. I really am a compassionate tender hearted person... really I am. (maybe I shouldn't have revealed that... Oh well.)


9. Reading a good book - This is pretty much my favorite thing


10. Finishing a project - Once done I can talk about how good I did until I start to annoy people.


11. Taking Pictures - This is a favorite hobby of mine


12. Watching Gilmore Girls - *sigh* I love being in another world for an hour


13. Listening to good music


14. Browsing blogs


15. Blogging - when it's good news =)


16. Sitting by a river or creek


17. Wide open spaces


18. Shopping with gift cards - As long as it's not out of my pocket I'm good


19. Finding a good sale - (especially shoes!)


20. Holding a baby after they've just woken up


21. Clean spaces


22. Lazy spring day


23. Yellow Roses


24. Looking at pictures from days past


25. Hearing and feeling God - Now this really makes me happy!
    

-Daily B-

Back and... not ready to go back to "life"

I'm back from a wonderful week in Tahoe. I have tons of pictures and stories to share this coming week.

According to my Google Reader, every one's been blogging like crazy, I have a lot of catching up to do!

-Daily B-