Barn Sale

We've been hunting and gathering through the house and barn to find items we think others would like more than we do. We've compiled quite a few things and are ready for a yard sale this weekend.

Organizing

More stuff added and more organizing

Can't wait to our sale :)

We're planning on having the "big event" this coming weekend. We posted a tidbit on Craigslist and people started asking after specific items on Wednesday... Would you care to join us?

Boston Marathon 2012

This year I decided to get my butt out of my office to watch the elite athletes run by mile marker 19 for 116th annual Boston Marathon. The route is only a 0.7 mile walk from my office, yet this is only the 2nd or 3rd time I've gone in 14 years.

Mile 19 is by the Poland Spring label on the route, just before Heartbreak Hill

I kept track of the athletes progress using the interactive map on Boston.com. When the female runners got to the 13 mile mark, with a pace of 2:58, I left my office to get into position. They ran by me at 11:23 am. The men, who started 28 minutes after the women, crossed my spot at 11:35 am.

Lead truck for the female elite runners

Lead pack of elite women The woman on the far right, wearing the pink shorts (her name is Sharon Cherop) had the winning time for women at 2:31:50. Jemima Sumgong, behind Cherop in the blue shorts and yellowish shoes, took second with 2:31:52. Third went to Georgina Rono, behind Kilel in the black running suit and red shoes, with 2:33:09.

Checking position

Of course, everything is filmed

They were fast

Lead truck for the men

Male elite winner Wesley Korir; he was actually a bit behind the first pack of men

Korir up close

Mathew Kisorio of Kenya (left) took 10th at 2:18:15; Levy Matebo of Kenya (right) took 2nd at 2:13:06

On the move

They were so close to us!

Gone so quickly

I'm really glad I went. The day was beautiful, and you can't help but to be inspired by these amazing athletes.

Cool Stuff with Cardboard

I ran across this today and thought my friends (YOU) would be interested. Chris Gilmour creates life-sized art from recycled cardboard. His art mimics the machines used in daily life, ranging from a dentist's chair, to microscopes and vehicles.

Check out all Chris's work on his website. Amazing stuff!

Artist Uses the Beach as Canvas for his Ephemeral Sand Art (TreeHugger)

I think this is cool!

Read the full article at TreeHugger here: http://www.treehugger.com/culture/artist-uses-beach-canvas-ephemeral-sand-art.html

Living in the Woods

Would you like to live in the woods? No, really I mean IN THE WOODS. After reading about the ecoPerch, then going to the BlueForest website, I do.

The ecoPerch is a four bed trailer built onsite in 5 days. It is meant to be sustainable and to look natural.

Once I got into the website, I found the next thing to love -- tree houses. These are not the little tree houses you had (or wanted as a kid). These amazing retreats are not for the faint of heart. I love 'em!

I'm quite partial to the high tech hideaway (below), but you should go find your fave...

 Enjoy!

Breathe

I had the interesting experience of a pulmonary test on March 2nd at Newton Wellesley Hospital. I had no idea what to expect. And certainly not the little breathing cell. The door was open for all but one of the tests. For that one they closed the door and pressurized the unit. It was very interesting!

First Snow 2012

We had our first snow of the year (and of this winter season) on Leap Day. What a way to celebrate!!!

I don't really have too much to say. It was pretty and I took some photos that were fun. Just thought I'd share :)

The bird bath - now snow bath

Magnolia in the front yard

Heather -- I love it so much!!!

The red twig dogwood gets really red when it gets really cold

Cherry tree

Scribble Maps

The geographer is me is all over this: Scribble Maps

Whale Song

I first took an interest in whales in 2007 when Mike and I went to the Dominican Republic. It was then that I learned the humpback whales from the coast of Massachusetts and Maine migrate to the DR for the winter and have their babies there. We were lucky enough to see some of the humpbacks from the shore during our visit.

Mike and I went on a whale watch in October and had a really nice time. It is something we definitely want to do again. I will take a look at the recent whale sightings so I can even get to know some of the whales we may see.

So, when I came across this article in TreeHugger today, I was very interested. I think it is really cool that whales from different parts of the world sing different songs!!! I hope you read the article!

Jonesing

Mistake #1: I went to EMS
Mistake #2: I went to the shoe department
Mistake #3: I found a pair of Sorels I really really like

Redemption point #1: They were 30% off
Redemption point #2: I did not buy them
Redemption point #3: I am waiting for them to go on more sale :)

I LOVE SHOES!

Going the extra mile

Most of us go about our days doing what we are supposed to do, what is expected of us (and is often the "right" thing to do). I like to consider myself among that group.

Every once in a while, though, someone takes the time to express appreciation for our actions. Those lucky times are such an unexpected delight. I was lucky enough for someone to thank me this week, for simply doing my job.

This arrived at my office via FedEx today:

The tee shirt is long sleeved. I LOVE the pen! The coffee cup and water bottle will certainly get good use in my office every day. And... who couldn't use a Starbucks card?

Happy days. And thanks to all of my friends and family who make me happy each and every day.

A Clean Start

Part of our plan for 2012 is to reclaim the poorly used space on our second floor. Mattie is the only one who really uses the space (his "room" is the bathroom);  the two bedrooms and landings had become a place to put things. This was once organized, but over the past year, has become increasingly random and out of control. So much so, that I thought we were going to get put on that TV show Hoarders. Starting January 1, Mike and I have been making a concerted effort to organize and clean up the second floor. We have thrown out several lawn and leaf bags of trash (10 or so) and gotten a shocking number of items together for the yard sale we plan to have this spring.

Our landing only has a few key things now. The chair is a candidate to go downstairs...

The bedroom is free of debris.

As shocking as the transformation may be for those of you that saw the horror before we started cleaning, we did not just shove things into the other bedroom and the attic. The attic has about 40% less in it that it used to (and is nicely arranged). The third bedroom is still undergoing work. We have to sort through paperwork and organize a variety of things. It is the last room remaining.

We even had a burn party to get rid of 4 years worth of my bills.

Yard sale stuff.

The photo above is of some of the items ready for the yard sale -- yes, all the way from the pole, to the wall. We have another big group of items in another part of the barn. I can't wait to see this stuff GO!

Smiles

The New Table Tableau

Every home needs to be spruced up now and again. Right? Right!

So, on January 1st, we were out running errands and found our spuce, er, well, whatever. We got a new kitchen table! I have been telling Mike I'd like to get a new one for quite some time -- 4 years -- but we never really found one we like. I really like this one.

the old table

the new table - 1 of the 2 leaves in

the new table without any leaves

I really like the way the table dresses up the kitchen. It is slowly growing on Mike. Come on over and see it in person!

Coming up... Food, cleaning and who knows what else!

Smiles!

A week away

We are back from a week away in the Poconos. The Eastern Naturist Gathering was great fun. Though it did rain a few days, then warm sunny days made up for it.

We arrived back home around 4 pm on Sunday. Last night we caught up on the lawn, which hadn't been mowed for three weeks (the lawn tractor needed a part, and it would take me 3 hours to do it all with the self-propelled mower). That was fun :)

We did take a walk afterwards. It was very nice.


View Larger Map

More to come later on!

A cool tribute to 9/11

I was working away yesterday when one of my coworkers said, "Hey! You have to look at the window at this motorcycle." I did, and was awed. This motorcycle was pulling a trailer with a miniature fire engine -- flashing lights and all.

Isn't that awesome?

I couldn't help myself. I grabbed my camera and went outside to talk to the owner. Turns out, he is a Newton firefighter. He wanted to make a tribute to the fallen firefighters from 9/11, who get so little press each year.

He bought the bike and had it painted with flames. He included a flag for the fallen firefighters.

Look closely to see the flag

The trailer was a 16'x20' dirt bike trailer he cut down. He made all of the engine himself, with exception to diamond plate. The top lifts up for storage and the lights flash.

How cool!!!

Counting Down, Looking Back, and Looking Forward

Michael and I are quickly approaching our 10th wedding anniversary, two weeks from tomorrow.

So much has changed in our lives since that wonderful day 10 years ago. Births, deaths, milestones. Happy times, and sad ones too. We lost loved ones, both friends and family. Michael's brother and father left us way too early (crying for that). My great-uncle and great-grandmother passed after many wonderful years in our lives. We were blessed with Connor and Fiona, who have unified our family to be formidable force (we'd all do anything to protect them). We bought our first car together. Then our second, third, and fourth. We bought a house. We became at first reluctant, and then proud, cat guardians. And we've lost three of four to accidents or disease.

We've rekindled friendships with friends from the past and we've made so many wonderful new friendships. Our multitude of friends bring so much happiness to our lives. We've also lost friends to illness. We've enjoyed countless parties and celebrations for birthday, holidays, and no reason at all. We've celebrated life together and stood aside friends through bad times and good.

We've been successfully and gainfully employed at the same employers through our marriage (and for both of us, years beyond). This has allowed us to travel for both pleasure and work across the US and to Caribbean. The experiences and relationships forged during these trips have etched themselves into our beings forever.

We have been each others' sounding board, celebrant, strong shoulder, lover, devil's advocate, champion, and partner for almost 13 years. I never imagined how happy I could be with Michael. The newness of our early relationship has given way to shared experiences and dreams. We know each other better than anyone else knows us, both good and bad.

And every new day gives birth to new memories, experiences, and a bright and happy future. There will surely be dark days, days that we don't want to repeat, but that will make us stronger together. We will argue. We will cry. We will laugh. We will dream. And our love and commitment will continue to be the fiber of our relationship.

I am blessed for every moment Michael has been in my life. I love you more than words can express, honey.

Census 2010

Yesterday was a big day in our house: the day our Census came. This is what I believe to be the biggest thing that Mike works toward in his job -- conducting an accurate Census. That is why we (I?) get so excited about promoting the Census.

It is a funny thing, really. Working for the Census Bureau for one year, more than 10 years ago, really impacted my life. So does having a husband that still works there.

The decennial census is a critical part of our national economy and directly affects state and local funding for the next decade. The results of the Census help direct funding for critical components of our society, including schools, hospitals, and emergency responders.

The data are also used by business to analyze potential markets, by organizations whose aim is to help those in need, and by legislators to redraw district lines for fair democratic representation. My company contracted with the Census Bureau to create a custom GIS application for 40,000 local entities to use in updating geography used for Census programs. We also bundle Census data with their corresponding geographic features.

Every person I know benefits from answering the Census every day of their lives. Funding for your local and interstate highways come as a result of the Census. Small businesses funding and programs are affected by the Census. Economic indicators are based on Census data. The list goes on and on.

And because of that, I am excited that we got to fill out our Census and return it! I've assembled a little slideshow below of my co-workers enthusiastically showing me their completed forms, of the yard sign we have in front of our house, and of us participating directly. I hope you enjoy it!

One last thing: Your answers are held in the strictest privacy and fall under Title 13 of the United States Code. Title 13 protects your confidential information and maintains your individual privacy. Census survey data, containing responses like you are submitting for the 2010 Census, are held for 72 years before they are released to the public.

My Oh My

It's been a while. We've been busy. I don't have much to say... But all is well!

It has been a while

I've been a bit busy, and a little under-motivated. Have you noticed? Of course you have!

I have two posts today. I'm starting with the superfluous one. It is all girl, and that is ok. So, here goes.

The good news, my hair is growing!

Slowly... Too slowly... It is driving me nuts.

The February issue of Cosmo had a section on how to get your hair to grow faster. Two of the tidbits they included were interesting.

First, they introduced the Conair Professional Babyliss Scalp Massage Brush.

The idea is that massaging your scalp will get the blood to flow and generate increased follicle growth. I use it to massage my scalp every morning before I shower. Grow, baby, grow!

The article also suggested using Fekkai's Salon Technician Hair Mask.

I got it at Bath and Body works as part of a kit. I'll get the full sized one when the sample runs out. This stuff is supposed to strengthen and soften my hair. I love it so much that I even wear a shower cap during the three minute treatment!

We'll see how it works!

When You Thought I Wasn't Looking

I got this via email today. I think it is priceless.

WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING A message every adult should read because children are watching you and doing as you do, not as you say.   When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one. When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.  When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.  When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always talk to, and I learned to trust in Him..  When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.  When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.  When you thought I wasn't looking I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good, and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.  When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry. When you thought I wasn't looking I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be. When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up. When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and wanted to say,'Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking..' I AM SENDING THIS TO ALL OF THE PEOPLE I KNOW WHO DO SO MUCH FOR OTHERS,   BUT THINK THAT NO ONE EVER SEES. LITTLE EYES SEE A LOT . Each of us (parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher, friend) influences the life of a child.. How will you touch the life of someone today? Just by sending this to someone else, you will probably make them at least think about their influence on others. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.