Wednesday, February 28, 2007

'Ol 4-Eyes!

I was one of those people who always wished that I had to wear glasses. I remember one time, in junior high maybe, that my mom got me fake glasses. I LOVED them, but I didn't wear them often because I thought it was kind of lame to wear glasses for no reason, especially when people would ask if they were real or fake and I had to fess up to them being fake and acknowledge that I just thought they looked cute. But I wished I needed them. But I didn't. My eyesight was just fine.

About 8 years ago I went for an eye exam and Oh! What a fun day when the eye doctor said that due to my increased computer useage, I could really use some computer/reading glasses. I was so excited! I confess I ended up wearing them around more than I needed to. Last year I had to get new lenses--still only for computer use, but a little stronger--so of course that meant new, cuter frames. Those glasses disappeared somewhere in my office several months ago and I just got around to replacing them yesterday.

You can call me 4-eyes. I won't be offended.

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Good year?

Frank: It's the same old story. Boy finds girl, boy loses girl, girl finds boy, boy forgets girl, boy remembers girl, girls dies in a tragic blimp accident over the Orange Bowl on New Year's Day.
Jane: Goodyear?
Frank: No, the worst."

--The Naked Gun

In my search for ingenius and inspiring quotes about new years, fresh starts, etc, (which I'd planned to include on my New Years card that has not been sent...or made...) I came across the one above. It makes me chuckle each time I read it.

Hope your year is off to a good start! (With no tragic blimp accidents.)

Sunday, February 25, 2007

Port-A-Shower

I wish I had a house. A BIG house that I could entertain groups of all sizes in. My little place isn't ideal for large dinner parties or other events, like baby & bridal showers. And so when I am hosting one, I usually have to load up my car with plates, serving pieces, glasses, silverware, food, etc., and head over to a better suited location. Today's bridal shower for Denise was no exception. I've gotten used to it though, and have containers, baskets, bags--a system, you see--to transport everything easily and without breaking things (always a good thing!).



The thing I love about throwing parties, and more specifically showers, is that each one is to celebrate a particular person that I particularly adore. Whether I'm co-hosting or doing it all by myself, it's fun to think of what that person likes--favorite foods & treats--and wrap it all up in a theme to suit the blessed occasion. Whether for a new baby or upcoming nuptials, it's such a fun time for that person, and fun for me to be a part of it. This shower was no exception in the "fun to be a part of it" occasion. I was honored to have the opportunity to celebrate my dear friend Denise and her coming marriage to a guy I think is great.

A few highlights from today's shower...


So, Cheers to Denise & Matt and your marriage in ONE MONTH FROM TODAY! I pray you both enjoy these next few weeks, with as little stress as possible. I'm thrilled to be a part of the celebration!
PS. If you want more than "highlights" visit my Yahoo "Photos of Me & Others" link to the left and look for "Denises Bridal Shower" album.

Saturday, February 24, 2007

Am I getting old?

Or are longer drives just exhausting? Headed down to San Diego Thursday afternoon for a work conference and then drove back home late Friday afternoon and boy am I tuckered out! Maybe it was all that marketing stuff I learned that tired me out mentally. At least the room was nice (Loews Coronado Bay Resort) and had a beautiful view!

Exhibit A: Beautiful ocean/bay view from my room.

Exhibit B: Comfy bed with "Beach Chic" linens & decor.

Exhibit C: View from bed this morning. I woke up thinking the clouds looked like mountains and the way the light shone on the water, it looked like snow.

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

"Brown (& pink) paper packages tied up with string (ribbon)..."

...These are a few of my favorite things!

I must give credit where credit is due. My mom and my friend Lauren are both artists (with an accent over the "i") when it comes to beautiful wrapping of packages. They take the time to choose beautiful paper and ribbon that coordinates. Then they carefully wrap and tie the ribbon so the bows are fluffy and elegant. They are my inspiration. I believe that I have finally progressed to the point where I buy paper that suits the receiver, and I refuse to tie it up with anything that is not made of natural materials.

The gifts pictured here are the prizes for a bridal shower I'm hosting for my dear friend Denise this coming Saturday. Her wedding colors are a sumptious chocolate brown and pale pink, so I had to find papers that highlighted these colors, of course. All tied with pretty pink and white ribbon. Now I just need to learn Lauren's amazing bow-tying technique; it is much admired among all who are fortunate enough to receive one of her packages.

I really do believe that it's the little touches that make life more beautiful and pleasing. And beautifully wrapped packages are just one of those touches.

Monday, February 19, 2007

Love is

Audrey Faith.

Precious. Delightfully sweet and precious.

As one songwriter says,
"The miracle of God is evident in you, little one."
It is indeed.

Saturday, February 17, 2007

Lock Up Your Daughters!

"I am SOOOO glad to see you, Kelly!"

These are the words that greeted me, as little arms gripped my neck and squeezed tight the other night (after the little body raced toward me and jumped in my arms). These are from none other than my precious and adorably cuddly nephew, Lance. Is there anything better than squeeze hugs and words expressing such delight? Very few things, in my opinion.

Lance is a bundle of energy and just about the sweetest thing to walk the planet. He's also VERY sneaky and knows just how to twist you around his little finger, all the while making you feel like his most favorite person in the world. And he does it all with this charming grin that will one day have women swooning. He should wear this as a warning:


I HEART Lance!

Friday, February 16, 2007

Cure Cancer

Ask anyone in the Shaw clan what my nephew Samuel is going to do with his life and you get answers like:

"Discover the cure for cancer."
"Be a world-renowned scientist."
"Something...Something BIG."

From the time he was little, Sam has been interested in unique things, like weather systems, satellites, etc. Though he initially had little interest in learning his alphabet, he'd say things, super-smart things that amazed people with what he knew. His appetite for knowledge about science stuff was voracious.

I HEART Samuel.




He's sweet and sensitive and silly and smart and loves his family. I'm lucky to be his Aunt.

Thursday, February 15, 2007

SoccerAllStarGirl


I HEART my niece Bailey.

She's funny and sweet and intelligent and loyal and caring. She's also a super-star on the soccer field. Because her school backs up to my office, she'll often come by in the morning before school to say Hi. We have this little thing where as she leaves I hug her and wish her "a SPLENDID day!" She then wishes me a "SUPERB day!" in response. It's an aunt/niece thing. :-)


(Ok, fine, it's because one morning I was quizzing her for a spelling test and to help her remember the definition of the word splendid, which included the use of the word superb, we started doing that. Suffice to say she now remembers both words and their meaning. Go Bailey!)

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Ode to Carbs

I remember the day when my father said,
"Carrots are not your friend!"
(At the time, he was on Atkins you see,
--Oh, Just kill me dead!)
I've tried high protein,
eggs, cheese, meats--all lean,
But as much as I love all that,
Nothing can beat a big stack.
(Of pancakes, that is.)
So I count my points instead.
And at the end of the day when I recall what's been eaten,
bread, pasta, fruit and rice,
That's when I say, Oh dear Carbs,
YOU are what's sweet and nice.



Happy Valentine's Day!

Saturday, February 10, 2007

"Doing anything fun this weekend?"

I get asked this question pretty much every weekend. And so in answer, I write this post:

The world outside my door...




The world inside my door...



Any questions?

Ah, the excciting life of a student.

Go, Class of 2013!

Friday, February 09, 2007

Huh...

There are 337 people in the US with my first/last name combo.

And I know one of them.

Rather, I've met one of them once and that person is a good friend of a friend of mine, so that's pretty much the same.

Do you know anyone with your first/last name?