Opinions please

Which sofa do you like the best?

Option #1

Option #2

Option #3 (not in white per ear doctor, and sanity's request)

Oh, wow

I was making my normal daily clicks today and I popped over to SF girl by the bay. She has a great interview with a really talented artist, Matte Stephens. I think his work looks pretty cool but when I scrolled down to see this lovely, I pretty much fell in love.



I'm kind of dense when it comes to art, but what I thought when I saw it was a girl who says mean things gets mean things back. This is very Katie-circa-sophomore-year-of-college. Plus her hair looks a little red-ish and I had rounder glasses back then.

Was he spying on me 8 years ago and trying to teach me something?

This week's invite

Like before, my inspiration:

(photo from this wonderful etsy store! keep up the great work!)

My duplication:

Came out pretty OK, I think.

A little plug

As many of you know, my wonderful husband is an ear doctor.

The way I understand it (and I could be a little mis-informed here) right now, if you have any problem with your ears (hearing, balance, tumors, auditory brain stuff) you have to be referred to him through a primary physician or an ENT. This stinks for him because it means that the doctor gets paid when really it is him that does the lions share of the testing, diagnosis, counseling and therapy. Its bad for the patient because they have to pay to see two professionals instead of one. And it isn't great for the ENT because it clogs up his day with people that really don't need his time (simple hearing tests, counseling sessions).


Right now there is legislation that is attempting to change this.

We're trying to get laws passed so that Medicare patients can go directly to an audiologist to have tests performed. It would make the audiologist just like an optometrist. You could just call up and audiologist and get your hearing tested and get hearing aids fitted and it would be covered by insurance.

This would be SOOO convenient for a lot of the elderly patients that the ear doctor sees.

If you have a minute, pop over to the American Academy of Audiology (by clicking here) and send your representative an email telling them that you support this movement! It's all filled out and all you have to do is click a few buttons.

Thanks!

Sick

Our next door neighbors are gross.

Last week they left a bag of soiled kitty litter on their front step (which is about 3 feet from our front step).

This week there is some smeared, raw, leftover sushi all over the place. I looks like some wild animal was drawn up the three flights of stairs and they've torn into it. It's just gross.

This morning I noticed that instead of cleaning up the sickening mess, they've just tossed the free phone book on top of it, a la Adam Sandler's newspaper solution in Big Daddy.

Lay...zee

UPDATE I came home from work and this is what I saw:

Sad day

Yesterday the most amazing man passed away.

Surrounded by his family, he succumbed to old age....the most poetic way to pass.



He was the first man that, while I've never met, inspired in me a ardent and true faith. It was under his guidance that I matured spiritually from a child to an adult.



And while I'll miss his leadership, his teaching and his love I'm pretty stoked that he got to see his wonderful wife last night. She died a few years ago and it was clear that he missed her every second since.


Thank you, President Hinckley for your life long commitment to serve. I appreciate all you've done for me personally.

My life is great

This morning I was feeling a little bummed out.


On his way home from a basketball game the ear doctor got me these:





Could there possibly be anything better?

Total crap

I just found out that one of my best friends in the entire world got laid off today.

So sad.

Although, her skillz were going unappreciated and unnoticed at her old job, so maybe it's an OK thing after all.

One of the crappy parts about this (way down at the bottom of the list) is that she may have to move away from me to get a new and better job.

So here comes my plea....

Anyone want to hire a GREAT interior designer in the greater Denver area? She's seriously fabulous!

Green with envy

A year and a half ago my brother uprooted his family and moved them to London. He got a great job and thought it was too good an opportunity to pass up.

Since moving there they've visited Paris, Rome, Dubai and more places I'm sure.

Yesterday I got an email from him describing the awesome vacation they've booked for June. Get a load of this:

3 days in Tokyo
4 days in Brisbane
7 days in Cairns
2 days in Singapore


I just got an email from my sister in law (his wife) telling me that she's having a tough time finding a hotel for when they go to Athens in March!



Who would have ever thought that my rad brother would end up being such a jet-setter? And they have 2 daughters (8 and 12), so anyone who says that having kids limits your traveling options, you can do it!



Kinda makes the long weekend trip to Orange County I just booked look kinda small, doesn't it?

A perfect night at our house

Lately we've been so busy that we haven't had a lot of time to just hang out together. Last night was perfect.

I made some DELICIOUS cookies right after I got home from work.

I got a little impatient and overgenerous with the filling so they slid around a lot. Don't worry, this morning they aren't so slidy looking.

Then we made dinner together. Enchiladas verdes con pollo and black beans. SOOO good!

Then the ear doctor serenaded me with a little bit of strummin on his axe.

And to round out the night we watched American Idol, American Gladiators and this movie:

(We are planning on getting a dog late May/early June and we are REALLY excited about it)

Just like Tremors....

I'm sort of pissed off at Will Smith.



About a week and a half ago I made the decision to stop drinking diet soda. K said she was doing it and made an argument that struck a chord with me. I decided that I would cut back and only have 1 diet soda a week. A little splurge that I would enjoy with my overpriced popcorn when the ear doctor and I go to the movies.

It was surprisingly hard last week to not want a diet soda. Everyday at around 2:30 in the afternoon my hand would slowly inch toward the change compartment of my wallet. The siren song of the sweet, dark beverage would call my name. But I stayed strong. I didn't have a single drop all week.

Last Saturday night we decided to go to the movies. I was really excited to see a new movie, but more pressingly, to have my diet soda "treat".

We arrived at the theater, bought our tickets and scurried inside. After waiting a whole week, the first sip of drink was glorious. I happily followed the ear doctor into our theater, fully prepared for an enjoyable time.

That is where the night turned for the worse.

Guess what. I am Legend is not a cool phychological investigation into the mind of a person left alone a la Cast Away, like I thought! It is a freakin scary movie about crazed ZOMBIES! By the middle of the movie I was a quivering, fetal-positioned mess. My heart was beating a million miles an hour, I was sweating and the ear doctor's arm was pretty much broken from my kung-fu death-grip.

I do not deal well with Zombies.

The ear doctor looked over at my pathetic, Hollywood-induced fear and said, "we can go home if you want."

Blinking back tears, I nodded yes.



We actually had to leave the theater because I was too scared.



The thing I'm really mad about is that I was so scared by this silly movie that I didn't even get to enjoy my hard won diet coke. Will Smith is a jerk who likes to deprive people of simple pleasures in life.

Finish Him!

Today the ear doctor has the day off. He works in a clinic that cares about things like equality, freedom and the American way (AKA....getting a day off).

I do not.

We met up for a quick lunch.

I asked him how his day was going and what he'd done.

Proudly, he informed me that while he was working on his research he watched that cinematic classic: Karate Kid. Pausing, he assumed a deep contemplative look on his face and postulated, "I'm not sure if I prefer Karate Kid 1 or Karate Kid 2."

After I teased him a bit he admitted to me, "The movie was really inspiring my work."




As Ralph Matchio is to Karate, my husband is to Auditory Neuropothy.

Biggest Frustration

There are only a few things in my life that frustrate me as much as a bad recipe. I usually get really excited about what I'm planning on cooking, so when it ends up tasting bad it REALLY ticks me off.

Especially if I know that I made dish exactly as I was told.

Especially if said recipe is from my freakin Bon Appetit!

Yesterday I made this Banana Cream Pie with Whole Grain Chocolate Crust.

See how delicious it looks? Drool-worthy! After making the glorious custard filling and the caramelized bananas I took one bite of the whole pie and wanted to gag. The crust was so gross I couldn't even eat it. I linked to the recipe, but I wouldn't try it if I were you.

After that total failure I was really terrified to try making these whole grain pancakes with blueberry syrup from the front cover this morning. I mean, I wouldn't want them to turn out like crap because today is our 7 month wedding anniversary. I planned to surprise the ear doctor with a delicious breakfast in bed.

Good news, these were glorious. So good, in fact, that the ear doctor suggested that I open a bed and breakfast and make them everyday for my guests. Although, come to think of it, I did forget to add the wheat germ..

For our little family night tonight I think we are going to bake these little treats to give away to some friends:

I'm pretty sure they'll be great and totally redeem my confidence in my baking skillz. Also, that's the cutest cake stand I've seen in a long time. I wonder where it's from?

Dear neighbors who share a wall with us,

So sorry about the loud music both last night and this morning.

No, we don't usually listen to Black Magic Woman by Santana at 7:15 am on Friday mornings.

We got Guitar Hero III and have been playing so much that our eyes are like dried out little raisins in our faces. While playing the game we find ourselves so intense about the music that we forget to blink. 4 minutes of no blinking does a number on even our rock star eyes. The result? They water. Combine that effect with the deep rapture we feel while rockin out and there isn't a dry eye in our house.

So, despite the freely flowing tears down our faces, we play through the pain. Our souls are dedicated to rock and we just cannot stop.

Thanks for your understanding,


Katie and ear doctor






PS the kitty littler you put outside your front door stinks and should be taken down to the dumpster ASAP. Do it, or we will have to rock you like a hurricane. Consider yourselves warned.

Check it out

I've been going to Indexed for almost a year now, and I love it. Great combination of humor and great insight. Quick easy and great.

Now Jessica Hagy has got herself a book deal and the book comes out at the end of Feb. I think this book is going to be a really great gift-type book. Just a fun one to have around.

And so it starts

An embarrassingly large portion of my sophomore year of college was spent with my two awesome roommates, huddled around the computer screen taking online quizzes. We thought they were hilarious and laughed until our sides hurt about them.

............Ahh, to have those carefree days before our classes got really challenging and I did stuff to make one of those relationships fall apart..............

Anyway, those fond memories have instilled in me a love of the online quiz. Quick, fun, easy and often delve so deeply into the center of my psyche. I mean, seriously, how else would I know what kind of car I am, or which pair of shoes most fully embodies my spirit?


Which is one reason I found this quiz cool.



The other reason is that it helps me attempt to get over this whole uninformed thing.


Take the quiz. Were you surprised by your results? I was.

Anyone know a good cattle farmer?

I hate feeling uninformed. Although, since I find watching the news tragically depressing and almost manic with all the story switching, I can't watch it.

Recently I've been made aware of the new legislation regarding the FDA and cloned meat. I guess there is a movement to start selling meat from cloned animals in addition to meat from animals raised in the more traditional method.

I really have no idea if this could be unhealthy or not....see....uninformed.

My beef (sorry to use this lame pun) with it is that they are not requiring labels in major grocery stores to differential between naturally raised and from-cloned-animal beef. This bugs me because I think, as a consumer, I should at least be able to choose what I'm getting.

Do you think that meat from a cloned cow has any possibility of being unhealthy?

Do I need to go out and find someone who will sell me meat I know was raised naturally?

Is this the next step in the organic food movement?


....and more importantly.....



What kind of beef will Wendy's be using?

Holy Babies!

Last night we were invited to go to the first birthday party of one of my friend's sons. It was awesome.

When cake time came, his mom cut him a HUGE piece of cake, sat him in his chair in the middle of the kitchen and let him go to town. We watched him tear into that cake and get it EVERYWHERE. It was hilarious to watch his pure joy at getting cake. Just awesome. If you head over to his mom's site you can see the ear doctor and the AWESOME, HUGE yellow ball that we gave the birthday boy!


The party was really great, but at one moment I looked around and was a little stunned. It was the same group of people that I've been hanging out with for almost 5 years. Back then no one was married. We were all just a bunch of yay-hoos planning trips to Mexico on a whim and staying up WAY too late.

Now the ear doctor and I and one other couple were the only people who didn't have kids. There were 4 kids there. Owen (1 year), Adria (9 months), Zach (5 months), and Mkena (1 month).

When did I get to be a freakin grown-up?

Dissapointing

Yesterday I spent 3 hours making dinner for some people who were going to come over to our house and eat with us. They were friends of ours who grew up in Mexico and I thought they might be a little homesick. I decided to make flautas, red rice, guacamole and green salsa.

3 HOURS.

I really wanted the food to be outstanding, and I thought it was.


The really crappy thing was that when one person took a big first bite they shrugged their shoulders and said, "it's good, but you can tell it was made in the US. Not authentic."


I was crushed, but played it off convincingly.




After dinner the ear doctor informed me that she was full of it, and the food tasted exactly how he remembered it tasting when he lived in Mexico City for 2 years.

Really?

Earlier today I was in the bathroom, minding my own business. I was in the center stall, the same stall I always use.....I'm a creature of habit, what can I say?

Then, two other women came in carrying on a conversation about whatever project they are working on.

That isn't the strange part.

One entered the stall to my right and the other, the stall on my left.

Still not out of the ordinary.

Then, they proceeded to continue their conversation while GOING TO THE BATHROOM!

So strange.




Don't they know that it's alright to take a break from work to accomplish that most basic of human functions?




It reminded me of a funny conversation I had Wednesday with a friend. Her company just moved their office. Formerly, her company worked out of an old, really cool house down in the historic district of Boulder. The house was cool, had great character, but no air conditioning and no room to grow the business. It also had standard house-like, private bathrooms.

When they decided to move, they relocated to a standard office building. Great lighting, great HVAC, but public bathrooms. This was her number one complaint of the new space. She felt herself awkwardly engaged in co-worker conversations at the sink. She now feels this uncomfortable necessity to make small talk while washing her hands. And she doesn't like it.



At least she hasn't been sandwiched in the middle of a cost-targeting meeting to which she wasn't invited.......yet.

Come out, come out wherever you are

Here's the thing. Whenever I look at my blog's hit meter I'm a little shocked by how fast it is climbing up. I thought that my mom, mother-in-law, aunt and sister were the only people who read this little thing.

Today Girl asked people to de-lurk just for a day and I'm going to make the plea as well.

I'd love to meet all you people who check in with me and get some entertainment of my exploits!





If you're feeling brave, leave a comment and say hi!

Remember

This morning I realized that I can't remember where I used to do my homework in high school. My bedroom? The kitchen table? The office? I can't be sure. I can't put my finger on it and that makes me sad.

....Maybe I didn't do my homework?..... Highly unlikely.

How on earth could I forget something that I did almost every day for 4 years? It terrifies me that if I can forget something so habitual, routine and omnipresent how on earth will I remember the simple moments I'm living right now?

I'm in the "honeymoon" period of my marriage. The time I am supposed to be the happiest of my life. The time when life should be one big rosy dream.

And, not to be too over dramatic, but it really, truly is for me.

And I don't ever want to forget the small things that happen everyday between my new wonderful husband and myself.

And I'm not really sure how to keep the memory.

And that is frustrating.

I don't want to forget the pride I felt last night as he informed me that he has been accepted to present his research at the American Academy of Audiology in April. I don't want to lose the excitement I felt to make him dinner (Migas...Mexican scrambled eggs....So good). I don't want to dismiss the support I felt as he helped me wash and put away all the dishes. I don't want to bid farewell to the love I felt as we knelt together by the side of our bed and offered up a prayer of gratitude. I don't want to overlook his kindness as he tucked me into bed.

My excuse

So yesterday I got to play a little hooky from work and go skiing. It was SOOOOO great. The day was sunny, bright with 4.5" of newly fallen snow. The lift lines were short and the runs were long. It was just beautiful.

The ear doctor was euphoric.

I love the tassel on my beanie. So cute. When I ski it flutters about in the wind. v. cool.

Of course we had to stop for lunch.

Chili in bread bowls.

Yummmm.

PS, the short hair holds up MUCH better under a day of being smashed by a beanie and goggles.

More of amateur hour

As usual, I've put together my attempt at cool invitations for the church youth group I'm in charge of. This time I used this poster for inspiration:

Lately I've really been liking the gray/yellow combination, so here is my re-interpertation (knock-off) of it:

At first I really hated the little specs around everything that I can't figure out how to get rid of (because I don't have great editing software), but then I think it kind of turned out gritty...which is cool too.

So what do you think? Should I add/take anything away?

Love this site

I love Etsy. Unfortch, I think the concept has grown a little bit too much and is out of control. There is just too much stuff clogging up the system and I don't have the hours it requires to sift through it all.

Enter this awesome new blog.

Etsy-love.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for attempting to sort through everything and find the hidden diamonds!

Major props!

Our quest for Juno

Last Wednesday night we thought we'd try to go see Juno. We figured there would be no need to arrive early since the movie had been out for weeks and it was a random Wednesday night. As we approached the ticket office I had a wary sense of impending doom. The place was crawling with tweens decked out for a night away from parents (read miniskirts and Abercrombie galore).

We got up to the window and the annoyed teenager taking tickets informed us that there were only 15 tickets left and we'd be watching the movie from the front row. No thanks.

Friday night we again attempted to catch the movie. We arrived 15 mins early and were surprised to see the show totally SOLD OUT! I don't think I've seen a movie sell out in Colorado ever (besides opening night). Ridiculous. We weren't too bummed to come home and play our Wii.

Saturday was an epic day of shopping. The ear doctor wanted my help spending his Christmas money and dragged me all over town from game store to game store looking for guitar hero III. (no luck)

We finally bought tickets for the 3:05 showing. We had a whole hour before the show, and the Nordstrom men's half-yearly was on so we decided to spend our down time looking for new work clothes for the ear doctor.

We showed back up at the theater right at 3 and made our way to the theater. I was getting really excited about FINALLY being able to see the show. We rounded the dark corner and saw that the place was P-A-C-K-E-D to the brim! We wouldn't even have been able to sit together!

Defeated again, we left and switched our tickets to the 5:30 showing. After puttering around for a while we returned to the theater 45 minutes early, sat on the gross carpet and waited for our turn to go in, got perfect seats and laughed incessantly at the movie.

All in all, it was a pretty great movie. But worth 4 attempts to see it? Hard to say.

Dear Ear Doctor,

Thank you so much for stopping by the grocery store on your way home last night to pick up the feta. As you know, I hate going to the grocery store and it means a lot that you're willing to go there for me. Also, the flowers you brought home for me are beautiful!

Sorry for being mean to you about the movie last night. You were right. I want to see Juno very badly, so having to see it from the front row would have been very annoying. It's better to save the free passes your parents got us for Christmas for a time we can actually enjoy the movie without craning our necks.

Lastly, thanks for taking the Christmas tree to the recycling center this morning. I know it was probably a pain to lug that dried out old thing down the three flights of stairs and into the bed of your truck at 6:45 in the morning.

Can't wait to see you tonight!

Love,

Wifey

My mag

I am a faithful subscriber to Bon Appetit magazine. I love this indulgence. I know a lot of people love Domino, Real Simple and MS living/wedding, but for me, nothing tops the monthly BA.

However, when I got my 2008 issues I was a little startled. They've pretty much totally revamped the magazine! You can tell from the front covers. Observe:

Old Cover (well, really this is the cover of the cookbook...I couldn't find an old cover online. the font was the same):

New Cover:

Why would you choose that new font? I don't like it at all! Maybe they should have stolen the rad Blueprint font since they aren't going to be using it anymore (sad....)

The insides are different too. My favorite section, Fast Easy Fresh, used to be at the back in a very easy to locate spot. Now it's just mixed in with the rest of the articles. Boo.

On the other hand, I've really found the articles more interesting in the last issues. Also, they've added a cool section that teaches cooking techniques.

Humpgh.....Perhaps I can learn to live with the changes....

Remembering Christmas

There is something really cool about spending Christmas in a totally new place. Everything is different, each experience is unique, and new is exciting.

On Christmas Eve the ear doctor, my father-in-law and I all went to down town San Jose to see the lights. We walked down the street toward the center of town with eager anticipation. I love to see a community come together to celebrate. I love snowmen and Christmas trees and presents.

As we rounded the corner I was thrilled to see the whole center square lit up with hundreds of Christmas trees. Different organizations from all over the city had decorated a tree for the festival. I loved seeing Girl Scout troop #317 decorate their tree with Popsicle sticks. And the boys and girls club felt candy canes and big bright colored lights really warmed my insides.

After taking in the tree-lined, Christmas-lit square we went into the big fancy hotel down town. They had a huge, life sized gingerbread house that filled the entire foyer with the warm, cozy, familiar cinnamon and clove scent. They had an electric train display which reminded me of my dad and our really cool electric train that circled my childhood Christmas tree.

We next walked over to the ice skating rink and I was astounded to see people ice skating under the protective cover of palm trees. I laughed out loud when I noticed the huddled group of Californians waiting for the snow machine to blow soap suds out on them.

As the evening was drawing to a close we decided to turn back and walk to our car. We paused for a moment outside a beautiful old Catholic cathedral. Inspired, the ear doctor suggest that we go in and see if there was any scheduled choral presentation for the evening.

As we walked in I was overwhelmed by how beautiful the building was. The cathedral had the typical floor layout of a large T. In the center of the space there was a large, shiny, round wooden altar. Instead of the typical straight rows of pews facing a stand, gleaming wooden chairs surrounded the altar in large, looping graceful circles. We noticed that a group of people were setting up sound equipment, so we decided to sit and wait for the presentation.

I sat in quiet wonder.

I looked around at the other people in the room. A complete mix of ethnic backgrounds were represented. I heard at least 4 different languages whispered between loved ones. All were seated, waiting quietly, taking a moment to recognize the real meaning for Christmas.

In that moment I forgot the trees, lights, bows, boxes, ice, snow and candy. I was totally overwhelmed with gratitude for the great intangible gifts I've been so blessed with in my life. I was blown away by the silent faith in the room. And I was once again reminded of the amazing capability that we humans have to believe, have faith and trust.

I truly felt the meaning of goodwill toward all men.

Yeah, um, sorry

I've been pretty bad blogger over the holiday season.




My wonderful in-laws got the ear doctor and I a wii.




Enough said.

Our House....Christmas Style

So, I've finally got our photos together. The first one is an aerial view taken by me standing on top of the island in the middle of our kitchen.

Our tree:

A close up of our tree showing some special ornaments:

From the upper left-hand corner around clockwise:

1) My mom gave use these ornaments. The bride had blond hair and I colored it red with a sharpie. Cool.

2) This is the really cute one that the ear doctor got me this year. It's the back of a bride and groom sitting in a car. Our names and the year are marked on the spare tire.

3) This is a tube of play-dough in the shape of a candy cane. Not an ornament. The ear doctor added this one to the tree without me knowing.

4) This is the cute reindeer our friends got us last year.

5) This is a race car with snoopy in it. Again, not an ornament, just something random added to our tree by one, ear doctor.


Looking the other direction, into the kitchen you can see my snowflake cutting handiwork:




Last but not least, on our kitchen table is a beautiful poinsettia that the Ear Doctor got me:

Thanks a ton!

Yesterday I got Olivia's mixed Christmas CD. Side note: I love getting stuff in the mail from strangers.

On one of the disks she sent me her mix from 2002. On it she put a really great song that I've never heard before. I love it. A lot. It just seems to really capture a lot of the angst that some people experience in their family's over the holidays.

I've listened to it on repeat about 20 times at work today.

Here are the lyrics

The Christians and the Pagans by Dar Williams

Amber called her uncle, said "We're up here for the holiday. Jane and I were having Solstice, now we need a place to stay."

And her Christ-loving uncle watched his wife hang Mary on a tree. He watched his son hang candy canes all made with red dye number three. He told his niece, "It's Christmas eve, I know our life is not your style."

She said, "Christmas is like Solstice, and we miss you and it's been awhile."

So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table. Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able. And just before the meal was served, hands were held and prayers were said. Sending hope for peace on earth to all their gods and goddesses.

The food was great, the tree plugged in, the meal had gone without a hitch. 'Till Timmy turned to Amber and said, "Is it true that you're a witch?"

His mom jumped up and said, "The pies are burning," and she hit the kitchen.

And it was Jane who spoke. She said, "It's true, your cousin's not a Christian. But we love trees, we love the snow, the friends we have, the world we share. And you find magic from your God, and we find magic everywhere."

So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table. Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able. And where does magic come from? I think magic's in the learning. Cause now when Christians sit with Pagans only pumpkin pies are burning.

When Amber tried to do the dishes, her aunt said, "Really, no, don't bother."

Amber's uncle saw how Amber looked liked Tim and like her father. He thought about his brother, how they hadn't spoken in a year. He thought he'd call him up and say, "It's Christmas and your daughter's here"

He thought of fathers, sons and brothers, saw his own son tug his sleeve saying"Can I be a Pagan?" Dad said, "We'll discuss it when they leave."

So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table. Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able. Lighting trees in darkness, learning new ways from the old, and making sense of history and drawing warmth out of the cold.

That just seems right, don't you think?

If I was independantly wealthy

If I didn't have to go to work today, I would pass the time by making this entire outfit, as seen on last week's episode of Pushing Daisies:




In case you missed this awesome moment of stunning TV fashion design, it was a cream and light green wool, high waisted, sleeveless dress. It had a 1 inch red strip down the front and across the bottom, making it feel like an apron sewn into the dress. Add a white thin turtleneck and tights underneath, bright red gloves and a huge chunky scarf and you are in Katie clothes HEAVEN.

I love this munchkin

My niece's first snow!

Religious Art

For some reason, I'm not a huge fan of most religious art. I think it often feels a bit overdone or contrived. We have a few pictures in our house that are really very nice, but I'm pretty picky when it comes to that kind of thing.

However.

I would hang this photo up anywhere.

My little sister's, best friend's husband Matt took it and I think it is really quite stunning. It is a picture of the big LDS (Mormon) temple in the center of Salt Lake City. The image is quite beautiful and very symbolic.

Well done, Matty.

Looking for well wishing

Right now one of my very best friends is in surgery.

Under the knife....is there a scarier phrase in the English language? I can't think of one.

Anyway, if you don't mind, send her a little positive thought if you get a chance.

Steppin out with my baby

Yesterday worked d.r.a.g.g.e.d on at a snails pace. Every three minutes I found my eyes drifting to the lower right hand corner of my monitor, willing time to speed up. Unfortunately, it's been my experience that the more you want this to happen the more the opposite effect occurs. Yesterday was no exception.

Finally, the ticking digital display counted off the appropriate moment and I threw my belongings in my bag and took off.

After arriving home I critically examined my wardrobe to select the right outfit for the evenings festivities. My favorite black dress seemed to call to me, as it always does. However, the frequency of wears is starting to show and I want it to last me until my dying day. My cute red skirt with floral cutouts seemed promising, but seemed a bit obvious. A little "look, it's my Christmas celebration outfit"-esque. I finally chose to wear the skirt I bought years ago for Genius's wedding. Beautiful, green, lace and pearls. How could I go wrong.

I impatiently waited for the ear doctor to get home from work.

When he did he swept me right off my feet and down to Denver to fulfill a childhood wish and dream.

As the lights dimmed the orchestra music swelled. The oh, so familiar notes enveloped me. I was transported one of the million afternoons spent watching my favorite Christmas movie with my little sister at my side. For a moment I missed her with all my heart.

Throughout the show I sat on the edge of my seat, eyes the size of two shiny silver dollars. I hummed along with the songs that I know by heart. I became the 7 year old version of myself wishing I could tap dance and wear a huge red satin dress lined with white rabbit fur. I looked over at my wonderful husband and realized that he is one of the blessings that I can count if I'm ever having trouble falling asleep (you know, instead of sheep)

As the show ended the performers bowed and snow began to fall onto the audience from the top of the theater. I almost cried with pure, unadulterated, childlike happiness.

So, if you have a chance to go see White Christmas on stage, I highly recommend you do it.

Great Christmas Gift #12

Confession time: I love wearing layers. I don't really trust the temperature anywhere I go. The ear doctor can attest. If I'm too hot I feel sick and get really grouchy. If I'm too cold I stop talking and shiver all day.

Solution? Having lots and lots of layering tees. Up to this point in my life I've always had about 20 different white/black/solid colored tank tops that I wear under...well...pretty much everything. Lately, the tank top hasn't really been cutting it. The straps sometimes slip down and get really annoying.

And, while these aren't the most "exciting" gifts in the world, you can never have too many basics, right?

I ordered a basic cap sleeve shirt in black from Shade Clothing to wear with my Halloween costume this year and fell head-over-heals in love with their products. Seriously, the best basics on the planet earth.

I'm sure anyone would be excited to own this cute turtleneck with buttons on up the side in black (size Large for me...they tend to run kind of tight). Bonus, this is on sale right now!

Also, to add to my single black capped sleeved shirt, I'd love to get a white, light gray and celery colored basic capped sleeved shirt, all size Large.

I cannot say how much I love these basics! Thanks, Shade Clothing for making basics that are PERFECT!

Culinary Skillz

Monday I was laid up sick all day. I had a cold that was incapacitating. As a result, I didn't get a chance to go to the grocery store for our week of meals. Since all we had in the house to eat for dinner was a stale piece of left over gingerbread (still delicious, BTW) and one egg, I decided to order pizza.

It was delicious. I love me some cheap peperoni and mushroom pizza.

Last night I worked late, so our after our trip to the grocery store I decided that all I had the energy to make was spaghetti and meatballs. The ear doctor has been craving spaghetti and meatballs for the last 2 weeks.

I was even so tired that we used store bought tomato sauce (Prego, if anyone is interested).

Sitting down to this less than fancy dinner I looked over at the ear doctor to see him grinning from ear to ear. He could not have been happier with the 15 minute meal.

After taking a stroll down the college-meals memory lane he looked over at me and said, "Katie, thanks so much for the fine Italian food we've had 2 nights in a row!"


I guess I don't have to aim that high to meet his culinary expectations.


Although, in my defense I did make the meatballs from scratch using my mom's famous meatloaf recipe.

Great Christmas Gift #11

About 3 months ago I caught a special on the making of the Stormy Kromer cap and I've wanted one ever since. You can buy them at Cabela's, making them very manly and hard core for sure.

I think they are really functional and, dare I say it, really cute. (my brother-in-law is now rolling his eyes)

Anyway, I think it's cool. This hat is the kind of thing that, had a popular girl at my high school had shown up wearing one of these hats, they would have been ALL the rage. Just like carrying around Nalgene bottles of water.

Stormy Kromer Original Cap in Charcoal

PS You can also get them on sale over at the Restoration Hardware site, but I'd prefer to buy from the source. Their company's story is pretty awesome...very American Dream. Thanks Nicole!

Great Christmas Gift #10

One of my recent issues of Bon Appetit rated these loaf pans as the best on the market. Anyone who is working at their less than awesome bread making skillz (ahem, ME) would love to get a pair of these babies.

Plus! GOLD! How pretty are they?

Williams and Sonoma Gold Touch loaf pans

Lets get serious

This is a really important topic to me. So crucial to me, in fact, that I can't believe I haven't broached the subject before in this forum. It is a topic that touches me every single day of my life. I cannot turn it away. I cannot ignore it's significance.





My hair dryer.





In the last year I've bought 3 of them. And all three have broken. I can't even begin to explain to what levels of frustration this has brought me. I'm at the end of my rapidly fraying rope.

Maybe it's because my hair is exceptionally thick and a bit unruly wavy, but they always burn up. Probably its because I've always bought the $25 device at my nearest and dearest Target?

Whatever the source, this frustration has cost me at least $75 in cold hard cash.

Like the day I realized that GAP jeans just aren't going to cut it for me, I'm pretty sure the day has come that I invest in the Citizens-level of hair dryer. Back then it seemed crazy to pay $100 for a pair of jeans that actually fit but now it's perfectly logical. That gives me hope that the $140 price tag on this Sedu dryer will, in time, not seem like something only an INSANE person would spend.

Should I save up my pennies and get it? Anyone have a hair dryer that they love and is under $100?

Socially awkward

The omnipresence of cell phones has made me really socially backward when I'm calling someone I don't know.

I'm so used to calling people who look at their caller id and know that it is me who is calling. There is no need to identify myself. Usually the person picks up and says, "Oh, Katie, I am so happy that you called me. It has brightened up my entire day! I hear birds chirping and feel the warmth of your sunshine entering my soul and cheering my heart."

I don't even need to say a single word.

Recently I bought some tickets off craigslist. Don't get me wrong, I love craigslist with every fiber of my being. I've even started referring to it as THE LIST. There are no other lists before this list. It is the alpha and omega of lists.

The thing I find awkward about craigslist is the whole contacting-a-complete-stranger aspect of it. There is always that first chain of impersonal emails where you exchange information, haggle prices, and set up some kind of plan to meet.

Then the phone calls start. The first call left on a voicemail. The second reply...usually to voicemail again. You finally connect and there is that strange identification conversation. It goes something like:

Me: "Hi, this is Katie, the girl from the Internet, who wants to buy your blah blah blah for $50?"

Them:"Oh yeah, this is so-and-so. I have blah blah blah to see for $50"

Me: "Cool, when and where can I meet you to buy the $50 blah blah blah?"

Them:"Well, I'm in South Denver, where are you?"

Me:" I'm up in Boulder."

Them: "Oh, well, can you meet me at the grocery store that is right next to my house that is terribly inconvenient for you to get to?"

Me: "Umm, I guess."

Them: "Great. I'm going to have you call me on the morning of the day we're meeting, then again when you are on your way, then again when you are in the parking lot, then again after we make the exchange, then again next year for a follow up."

Me: "Um, that's strange, but OK"

Them: "OK, I'm programming your number in speed dial so that I can call you a bazillion times before we make this excruciatingly simple transaction. Sound like a plan."

Me: "OK, you're kind of creeping me out so I"m going to ask a co-worker to come with me to make the exchange"



Oh, wait, this isn't the way your experiences have been? Hmmmmm

Great Christmas Gift #9

As someone who read the first book in this series, trust me, I'm hooked! These books are easy reads and pretty fun. Both by Stephanie Meyer.

New Moon and

Eclipse

Great Christmas Gift #8

Nie Nie featured the artists of this beautiful jewelry on her Friday face a couple of weeks ago and I really liked a few pieces.

This bracelet is really quite stunning...

As are these cute earrings. I could wear them almost every day!

Katie's Christmas

Well, I haven't done one of these in a while and since I love sticking with a holiday theme the ENTIRE month of December, here is a little info about me:

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper, especially if I someone puts the effort into designing their wrapping paper look like Jordan or Emily!

2. Real tree or Artificial? I can really go either way on this. Growing up we always had at least our artificial tree and usually a live one two. If you get a nice artificial tree I think it makes trimming a little easier.

3. When do you put up the tree? TREE DAY, duh! (the day after Thanksgiving)

4. When do you take the tree down? Hmmm, we probably won't take our tree down until we get back to Colorado from visiting the ear doctor's parents in California. That means a big mess probably, but that's alright.

5. Do you like eggnog? I can't get enough of the stuff! I love it with every fiber of my being. However, I do thin it down with milk because I think it is way to thick on it's own.

6. Favorite gift received as a child ? Wow, that is really hard to say. I really loved the doll house that my dad built by hand and used scraps of the wall paper that was in our house. It was stunning. I also really liked "my" telescope.


7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes (finally). My mom got the ear doctor and I the most beautiful modern looking white ceramic nativity this year. It looks breathtaking on low black entertainment chest.

8. Hardest person to buy for? My brother-in-law Dan. He's so non-materialistic that its hard for me to think of something he'll actually want.

9. Easiest person to buy for? My sister. I just get her anything that I would like.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Hmmm, I think cards are going to have to wait this year. They are always at the bottom of my list and this year I think we're going to run out of time.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Nothing really comes to mind. Hypothetically, I'd probably just say something that someone re gifted without even thinking about it.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? White Christmas. Hands down. Best movie of the season (and maybe all time?)

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? It's different every year. Sometimes I collect all year long and sometimes I do it last minute. This year it's seeming to be more toward the latter.

14. Ever recycled a Christmas present? Nope.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Handmade chocolates or my Grandma's divinity or that apple cake with the rum FLAVORED sauce. Yummmmm.

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear, I like the ornaments to take center stage.

17. Favorite Christmas song ? This year? A tie between the Josh Groban "I'll be home for Christmas" and "Winter Weather" by Peggy Lee.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? I've almost always traveled for Christmas and I like it that way.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Please, that's child's play. Who can't do that?

20. Angel on the tree top or a star ? Either. The significance of either is important and a great reminder of the season!

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Morning for sure! Gifts should be opened one at a time so that everyone can enjoy the giving and receiving of them!

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? The Debbie Downers. I get it that you may not like the season as much as I do (hardly anyone does) but please don't rain on my parade.

23. Favorite ornament, theme, or color? I'm really traditional when it comes to Christmas. I love red and green and anything with a sort of vintagey feel.

24. What do you want for Christmas this year? Peace on earth, goodwill toward men.




The idea for this meme is from Tricia, so go give her props.

Great Christmas Gift #7

Right now they are totally sold out, but this big orangey-red bag is BEAUTIFUL! I am in serious need of a large fabric bag like this. I'm sure anyone on your list would love it too. They take 3 weeks to make because they are all done by hand, so get it quick if you're planning on giving it as a Christmas Gift.

Cool

Has anyone else noticed how cool it looks when you write the months down in order?

I've noticed that if they are all left justified, the ends of the words make a cool wavy shape. This has made me happy for the last 6 months and I just thought I'd share.

Its the small things in life, right?

Another evidence of my company's coolness

I just got a huge, mass email inviting me to come see a slide show from a stranger's vacation to Nepal.

Beat that!

Great Christmas Gift #6

About 5 years ago my little sister got me a beautiful pair of ginger scissors for Christmas...or my birthday...I can't remember which. Anyway, I loved these scissors. Unfortch, between moving almost twice a year for the past 5 years the two of us have parted ways...the scissors and I, not my sister.

If you know someone who likes to make crafts, a great set of scissors is a perfect gift! At Costco last month they had a whole 6 piece set of beautiful ginger scissors for $80 which would be great. Although, there is something nice about getting a pair of handmade scissors.

They remind me of a pair hanging of the edge of my Grandma's sewing table. Beautiful.

Well, jeez

The other day I got the best compliment on my blog. The best EVER. I cannot say how much I loved getting this compliment. Even if someone gave me a Pulitzer prize for what they thought was a creative turn of phrase on my little corner of the world wide web, I would not mean 1/10 of what this compliment mean to me. Even if I started getting the crazy style following of Dooce or Wonkette or any of the other well-read blogs, it would never compare to this.

In an email from my mom:

I was talking with Grandpa this morning and he was chuckling about your blog. He told me that he reads your blog all the time. He thinks you should be a journalist or a writer. He loves you and thinks the world of you. In his eyes you can do anything.

Nice, huh? I wish everyone in the world could get this kind of love and support from their families.

Great Christmas Gift #5

I almost bought one of these for myself last year because I think it would look so cute on my desk at work. This would be a great gift for a friend!

Letterpressed calendar.