Friday, June 27, 2008

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-

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

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-

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

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-

Saturday, June 21, 2008

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-

Friday, June 20, 2008

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-

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

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-

Sunday, June 15, 2008

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-

Friday, June 13, 2008

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...

Thursday, June 12, 2008

My Native American Name




Your Native American Name Is...



Talutha Kuwanyauma




Your name means: Blood Red Butterfly Showing Beautiful Wings




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

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

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-

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Hula Chair

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



-Daily B-

Monday, June 09, 2008

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-

Saturday, June 07, 2008

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-

Saturday, May 31, 2008

Is it here? Yes!

It's here! It's here!

I have been chained to my desk this past week. Covered in last minute request, five months of backed up work, and lots of paperwork. All this to spend a workless week in the beautiful land of... Lake Tahoe!

I can't wait. We leave this weekend and I am so excited. The drive up is long and tiring but beautiful.

We are returning to this spacious town home across from the lake, oh joy!
I can't wait.

::

My nephew spent the night with me last night. He almost two and is so hyper. I have never seen a kid this hyper. He is constantly jumping and chattering and making noises and he is interested in everything. To top it off he has a fear of nothing... well almost nothing. He does get scared of dark hallways and the little straw snakes that crawl when you drop your drink from the straw on them. lol.

Anyway, he's learning his colors and blue (bwoo) and purple (Pupal) are his favorite right now. He is also trying out sign language. Did I brag enough? Well to add to it, he is taking horse riding lessons and joining the gym! All before he turns two!

For his first sleep over he did great. I'll share some pictures of my boy angel when I get back.

I'm off to a beautiful sun, pine, and tourist city. I'll see you, my friends, next week.

-Daily B-

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Memorial Day Picnic

We had our 10th Annual Memorial Day Picnic on Sunday. I spent the whole day trying to keep warm. The temperature dropped on Saturday and Sunday and the wind was blowing and the sky was covered with dark clouds.
I went on a walk with a group into the hills. I was ready to turn back when the warning signs for Mountain Lions begin to appear. Every little crack and chirp got my nerves to stand up and pay attention. I didn't want to admit how much of a chicken I was so I just made sure I was at the front and near the open spaces. Once we came around to the picnic site I was warmed up and achy.


(My nephew, Cristian)
Not long after I went with my cousin to the kiddie train that looped one side of the park. I somehow got it in my head to invite my sister-in-laws 3 year old nephew. Word spread and I found myself going with a large group.

We headed off to the train, halfway there we realized it wasn't as close as we thought. We walked and walked and walked and finally reached the train.

(cutest kiddies on the train)

We got on, looped around, laughed at some poor guy on a bike that was falling in the lake, waved at strangers, made several "choo choo" sounds and then came back to take pictures with the train.

On the way back we stopped to look at the ponies. One pony was... to put it nicely, exposed. We were back to ushering the kids along. No "curious little boy" questions came up, thank God.

My little charge, the mini hulk, was so sleepy so I offered my old lady back. Over long grassy areas and up hills until we were back at the picnic site.

By then, I was done. I sprawled out in my chair and bundled up. I chatted with my friends until we had to move our chairs to a hill for the outdoor service.

By then my teeth were chattering so bad that I bit my tongue. Here comes our music director, "you up for singing?" Sure. Try carrying a tune while your teeth are chattering. Not great.

Once we were on the hill and singing in the open air I begin to warm up. It was so beautiful and peaceful.

God seemed closer there. Surrounded by his creation, everyone bundled up and singing as cars passed by, stopping to see what was happening.


What a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend. Today my muscles are still screaming but I wouldn't have done anything different.

-Daily B-

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Streiker's Bride Saga - I've Been Tagged

I was tagged by the wonderful Katybug at Watercolor Wisdom... Or Lack Thereof. The whole idea is to post a Friday Recommendation of a book that I love but might have forgotten in the years.

Here's the original explanation from Patti Abbot as told on Katy's blog:
"This is the first of what I optimistically hope will become Friday recommendations of books we love but might have forgotten over the years. I have asked several people to help me by also remembering a favorite book. Their blog sites are listed below. I also asked each of them to tag someone to recommend a book for next Friday. I'm worried great books of the recent past are sliding out of print and out of our consciousness. Not the first-tier classics we all can name, but the books that come next."
------------------
My sister and I were chatting away last night, naming all the wonderful old, old books from the past that we have forgotten. I could think of so many wonderful not so popular books. One series of books comes to mind that I know you will love. I have not forgotten this series, in fact I have read book one so many times, over and over. I will tell you about Book one since giving the descriptions of book two and three will kinda spoil it.


Streiker Saga by Robin Hardy.

Streiker's Bride

Romance, Suspense, & Action

He had a lot to offer, but his terms were high. What would you do if you received the offer of a lifetime--marriage to a billionaire--with one catch: you had to make up your mind without ever seeing him? When lowly bank teller Adair Weiss receives such an offer from reclusive philanthropist Fletcher Streiker, she is dumbfounded and disbelieving: Why me? What does he know about me? What does he want? Rejecting his offer would mean the end of her dream of dancing. But accepting it would change her life in ways she never guessed. . . .

There are two more books following this, all about Adair Weiss and Fletcher Streiker. The hidden meaning is very clear after you read book 1. These books were written so well and will reach right in and touch you, making you open your eyes to the what the author was trying to bring across. I can't say enough about this Saga, read them for yourself and you'll know what I'm ranting about.




Buy the Book Here - Amazon
-------------

I tag Catherine at the Queens Castle for next Friday's Book Recommendation. She has been seriously reading since... I was in diapers. lol.. I am sure she'll come up with a great recommendation.

::::::


WINNER
I picked a winner by drawing a name out of a cup for the Yada Yada Prayer Group...

Drum Roll, please....

**Becky**


-Daily B-

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Picture This... Ugly Side of Caviar

If you scrolled down you've seen the ugly side of the luxurious treat, Caviar. My family loves to fish. Our favorite place for a fishing vacation is Mammoth Lakes, CA. We stay at the Twin Lakes resort; heaven on earth!

(Birds eye view of Twin Lakes, CA)

I am a girly girl through and through, but I must admit one of my favorite things is watching my Dad clean the fish after a long day of fishing. One summer we caught 154 fish, that was a fish cleaning dream. lol. The picture below is a picture of my Dad and his prize fish for the trip. This fish was bulging... no wonder.


-Daily B-

Friday, May 16, 2008

(NOT) A One Word MEME

One, maybe two or three, Word Meme, courtesy of Becky at Stuck In Frump & Striving For Fab.

The point of this is to use one word... NOT GOING TO HAPPEN HERE.


You're feeling: Tired

To your left: Paper

On your mind: Reading

Last meal included: Pepperoni

You sometimes find it hard to: Socialize

The weather: Warm

Something you have a collection of: Rocks (Becky, your not the only one!)

A smell that cheers you up: Fireplaces starting up in the Fall

A smell that can ruin your mood: My dogs, ahem, body odors.

How long since you last shaved: Last week. I was blessed with a smidgen Indian Blood, My mother has never had to shave, ever!

The current state of your hair: Kinda limp, needs some care.

The largest item on your desk/workspace (not computer): A looming stack of papers

Your skill with chopsticks: Very bad, I've stained more than one shirt.

Which section you head for first in a bookstore: inspirational fiction

Something you're craving: Filet Mignon

Your general thoughts on the presidential race: Outrage

How many times have you been hospitalized this year: None

Favorite place to go for a quiet moment: Family Room

You've always secretly thought you'd be a good: Astronaut

Something that freaks you out a little: CATS

Something you've eaten too much of lately: Cheese

You have never: Had a haircut

You never want to: Cut my hair... lol

-Daily B-

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Book Giveaway

I finally finished reading the 4 books that I was judging for the Faith, Hope, & Love Contest. 4 books! It took me five long weeks to read these because I wasn't that into it. I am narrow minded when it comes to books, I admit it, I'll remember this next time when I accept to judge.

Unfortunately I can't tell you what I thought of the book, scores are confidential.

I am giving away one book for now, Leave a comment over the next week and I'll pick a name, out of all 4 or 5 of you. lol. Make sure and leave an email address for me to contact you.

YADA YADA PRAYER GROUP GETS ROLLING
SIGNED BY AUTHOR

Description:

A devastating fire wakes up the Yadas to a new reality: God is on the move.

What I'd like to know is, why does God keep rearranging my comfort zone? It could have something to do with my Yada Yada prayer sisters, who aren't afraid to get in each other's faces and tend to expect big things from God.


But to move forward, sometimes we have to let go of what's behind. In spite of the loss of two dear friends. In spite of the breakup of a teenage love. In spite of the curse of HIV. In spite of prison time hanging over the head of a beloved child. In spite of fire consuming the hopes of those who have nothing.

Yet out of the ashes, God is doing a new thing! It's time for the Yadas to press on, pray on, and get rolling!