Summer, summer, summer-time...

:)

http://isiticedcoffeeweather.com/

Sunsets

This is the worst time of year. March in Minnesota is yucky: cold, dreary, dirty. The newness of winter and the freshness of the snow are gone. It drags.

What makes it even harder is that two years ago at this time I was in beautiful Coffee Bay, South Africa. It holds my heart more than I ever imagined a geographic location could. I spent my days on those hills above the ocean, watching the waves roll in, sitting still in the warm sun; exploring rocks and shells, pools of water and sea life.

I'm watching the sun set outside my window at work just now and it is gorgeous - reminds me very much of this Coffee Bay sunset, two years ago. Something about the hues are just right.

And I have been thinking a lot these last few weeks about why exactly it is that I choose to be where I am - when there are so many other more desirable locations in the world. Then I am remembering how lonely South Africa was for those three months.

My friends and family are here. That's what makes Minnesota energizing, breath-taking, and ultimately fulfilling. I take you all for granted far too often. Sarah, you are the ocean waves. Abby, you are the sea shells. Shannon, you are the goats and cows (not so flattering, I realize, but they make me laugh just as you are always able to do). And Mom, you are the sun - keeping my heart warm.

Aww.

I ♥... - The February 25th, 2009 Edition

Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band

Jamaican and Zambian coffee

Happy hour sushi at Nami

Afternoon sun through my window at work

My new bromeliad, about to bloom


(it's from the pineapple family!)

Valentine's Day

Oh, the number one is not my favorite number (why?)
'Cause one means only me and there's no you (aw, Ernie)
But one plus one you see
Makes two, that's you and me
And it's more fun when one and one make two

Oh, one and one make two
At least I'm pretty sure they do
Oh yes it's true
One and one make two

Now, everyone needs somebody to share with
A pal to help and care for through and through
And there's no one that I've known
Who can do those things alone
It's a lot nicer when one and one make two

Oh, one and one make two
At least I'm pretty sure they do
Oh yes it's true
One and one make two

-One and One Make Two, sung by Bert & Ernie

From my kitchen window this morning...

The sun is rising upon a beautiful new day.

You know it's cold when...

You wake up in the morning to find a pillow frozen to the window by your bed.

Christmas is a Feeling in Your Heart

I generally complain about how long the Christmas season is - I think most of us do. But doesn't it always seem like Christmas is here too soon? I never feel I have fully celebrated. I wish I had a full week for decking the halls, figgy pudding, and one-horse-open-sleigh rides.

I have, however, come up with some small, everyday (okay, somewhat kitschy) ways to celebrate that have become cherished traditions.


Gaudy Christmas Pins
Wear one on your winter coat. Pins with jingle bells or flashing lights get extra points.


Green and Red InkUsing green and red pens will feel particularly festive in cubicalville.


Nog in Coffee
Use egg nog, soy nog, whatever nog best suits you.


Pandora
Holiday Music on Pandora


Christmas Socks
Again, jingle bells are a nice touch here (your coworkers will love them, I promise).


Merry Christmas!

Fake Empire

On my playlist these days: Fake Empire by The National. It was used in Obama's Signs of Hope & Change video sans lyrics - but I'm thinking it might have been chosen because of the lyrics. Hmm... (Good work Obama campaign.)

Stay out super late tonight
picking apples, making pies
put a little something in our lemonade and take it with us
we’re half-awake in a fake empire
we’re half-awake in a fake empire

Tiptoe through our shiny city
with our diamond slippers on
do our gay ballet on ice
bluebirds on our shoulders
we’re half-awake in a fake empire
we’re half-awake in a fake empire

Turn the light out say goodnight
no thinking for a little while
let’s not try to figure out everything at once
It’s hard to keep track of you falling through the sky
we’re half-awake in a fake empire
we’re half-awake in a fake empire

"Is how we have been really how we want to be?"

Ailing economy a chance to teach kids something they'll have forever

I will definitely want to be reminded of this article when I am doing Christmas shopping for my own future children.

Things I Love About Life - Part I

Yes, they're called Crispy Hexagons. I would love to meet the marketing people who came up with the name.