Currently

loving: lazy mornings on the couch

reading: I just got done with "Pride and Prejudice". It took a little bit, but I really got into it. I'm watching a Youtube miniseries based on the book, which is really why I read the book, it's SO interesting to see how they modernized the story. I'm excited to watch it unfold, especially now that I know what's going to happen. If you want to watch it too, check out the Lizzie Bennet diaries.

waiting for: K-State Football to start!! #35days from today!

excited about: ummm.....the above! I love football, but I'm also excited just to see all of our friends -since college we really only see a lot of those guys at tailgating, so it's always great to get together. Plus tailgate food!

missing: Mt. Dew this morning - I've been so good for a long time, and I hardly ever crave it anymore...but for whatever reason I am this morning.

trying to: get motivated

working on: cleaning out that room in the back of the house that just becomes a magnet for junk

enjoying: the Olympics! Such a fun time of the year

using: my DVR so I can watch the end of the Opening Ceremonies - it got too late to watch it all last night, since I started about 3 hours late as it was

wearing: umm...it's Saturday and I'm not doing anything but staying at home - still have my pajamas on!

planning: me? plan? I only like to try to plan 5 years out - I'm not good at planning the stuff right in front of me. Like I want to figure out exactly how we're going to build a new house, where at, and where we'll live while we're building, if we should sale our house in Clay first - and do you think that any of this is anywhere near happening? no, not at all.

singing: I don't do that.....it's best for everyone.

needing: to brush my teeth, yuk! I really have done nothing other than move from the bed to the couch!

learning: I've been learning all kinds of stuff, I'm an Internet/twitter addict - that means I've read articles on almost anything but understand nothing

listening: The Civil Wars - I am so obsessed with them. I love their stuff, I love their covers - oh goodness please listen to their cover of Billie Jean, Disarm, Sour Times, and you must listen to their version of the Star Spangled Banner - gorgeous.

wishing: I was a better housekeeper and more organized

doing: nothing yet! But soon, I will do the dishes and put away the clean laundry and venture into that room that's supposed to be a spare bedroom - not an extended version of the junk drawer.

praying for: confidence and growing stronger in my faith

dreaming of: taking another vacation this year - I told Mark there's just so many places I want to see, from Coney Island to Savannah, Georgia (to England and Germany and New Zealand, etc.) that we need to start now!

{this currently post idea is borrowed from Emily at Jones Design Company. Gorgeous inspiration. You should read her blog.}

Obsessing

Everyone knows that Social Media is the new "buzzword" for businesses. You have to do them all, Facebook, Twitter, Blogging (duh) and now even Pinterest is being used by companies. Well my lovely, little radio station has to stay up on all the hip new things so we started our own Pinterest page. We pinned the usual food recipes, funny posts, and song lyrics. We use it to link to our blog, pictures of our communities, etc. But we also use it to help our listeners learn a little more about our "on air" people. And somehow, I've become a gal you'll hear on the air quite a bit. So, I have my own little "Obsession" Board. I've pinned of course some old books and clocks and antique-y gorgeousness. I've pinned The Hunger Games, a Wine Guide, music favorites, and more. I'll let you know about some more of my obsessions, but I HAVE to tell you about one of my latest fixations. 


Veronica Mars - yes Veronica Mars, from like 6-8 years ago. I watched all 3 seasons within like a month. I had to start to pace myself as I got closer to the end, just because I didn't want it to end. And then it did, and horribly so. I could not get over it for days! I still think about it, and wonder about Veronica and Logan, their life, if they were ever able to figure out their issues, and what about Piz and Wallace and Veronica's dad. Oh my goodness, it's just horrible that I can't find out what happens with these made-up people's lives! But seriously, I have never been so involved in a tv series (and believe me, I get pretty hardcore about tv shows) but I feel that watching so many hours of this show in such a short amount of time really heightened my connection to this show. Veronica Mars I love you. And I have such a bad boy crush on Logan. Please someone just make this a movie, please. I NEED to know their future!!

Welcome to Wheat Harvest 2011

We have finished cutting wheat for 2011. If you're from a farming background, you know how big this is. You've put a lot of hours in, and it's your end game. It's a lot of things all at once. Exciting, nerve wrecking, there's lots of pressure. You're dealing with the whole family, and doing things that you only do once a year. There's just a little bit going on. And this was Mark's first year as a Full-time Farmer (Heck ya!) I'm so proud of him. He's living his dream and he's so happy about it. He was jumping out of bed in the morning to go spray, and start double planting beans, then cutting wheat as long as the wheat would let him. I'm not going to lie and say it was easy, for him or for me. I feel kinda like a baby, complaining about not seeing him, but it was hard for me. My birthday always falls right in the middle of harvest, and so it sucks. But like I said it's all done, the wheat was better than expected (still worse than average) and the beans are almost all in. So, I'm happy to get my husband back, but I'm sad that I'll have to say goodbye to this….

That's right, he went all out for his first harvest……..and I liked it!

Having a bad day? Not anymore!

Quiet

This morning as I was checking my blogroll, I came across a great video shared by Piece of Cake. As I started to listen, I was distracted by what I had on TV. While catching up on all my blogs I also was trying to catch up on all my DVR'd shows. But I had missed a little of what they were saying on "The Talk" so I rewound. But then I missed part of the song that Laura from Piece of Cake shared, so I started her video over. And then I looked up to watch the TV show. Ugh….this wasn't working-so I paused the TV so I could concentrate on the video. Then, I flipped over to some other blogs I had opened on other tabs. But then I thought, no I want to see this video. So I went back to Piece of Cake's blog to watch the video while listening, but before I knew it I had opened up the latest game of Spider Solitaire that I always have going.

I mean seriously, it was if I was incapable of slowing down and focusing on one thing at the time. Why? What is wrong with my generation? I always have the computer up while I'm watching TV. Or maybe I'm reading a book. While in the truck with Mark, I'm reading or playing crossword on my Kindle instead of just talking. And when I do dishes or am cleaning – the TV's on for at least some background noise, or I've got the music blaring.

Now, I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with listening to some music while you're cleaning…but my point is that it is never quiet. I am never solely concentrating on what it is I'm doing. It seems like even when I have my iTunes pulled up on my computer just so I can clean dishes, I'm also thinking about my playlist and maybe searching for a song, or maybe buying a new song.

At the Radio Station, I always have the radio going. It's always playing into my right ear. And when I first started working here, it took a little getting used to. So by the time I left from work, I would leave and just shut my radio off in my car and just drive home in silence. It was a wonderful, peaceful feeling. That feeling of quietness. And it's something that I need to WORK to find more often. So right now, I'm asking you to pause the TV (tell your husband I told you to do it). Don't open another browser or another tab. Don't start thinking about what's for supper, or what's on your grocery list, and don't look at the ledge that needs to be dusted. Just sit and be still….

Now, listen to this. Listen to each word.

Our Christmas Card Poem

For the most part, no one really wants to read those long, boring, detailed, long, bragging, long Christmas letters. When they're funny, or when they're cute, it's ok. Now Mark and I have no kids, so there's not much chance of us being cute. But I tend think I'm funny (don't ask Mark's opinion, I don't believe we share the same thought always.) And so what we did last year, and again this year, is highlight the important (and not so-) moments of our past year through verse. That's right, a little iambic pentameter makes everything more interesting-well actually I doubt our poem is true iambic pentameter, but it's one of the few terms i remember about poetry. (it's like a horse going down the road, ba Dum ba Dum ba Dum - use two coconut halves if you need to.) And so without any further ado (because really that's some horrible ado that I just did) here's our Christmas Card poem, circa 2010. And just for fun here's last year's Christmas letter.

Then Meenen's are "living the dream"
In Clay Center, Kansas
We don't know what the dream is yet
So just don't ask us

Been married three years now
For rich or for poor
Best three years of our life
So here's to three more!

Mark had a good year on the farm
Made 50 bushel beans
We're getting closer now
To making farming our main means

Miranda's got a new job
She talks on the radio
"Radio for grown-ups"
No, it's not a porno

She's the Promotions Manager
for the KCLY Radio Mall
You should tune into 100.9
It saves money for all

Mark got a new tractor
15 horsepower, I believe
It mows the lawn perfectly
Even though the mower's green

Miranda's on a bowling team
She once picked up a 3, 7, 10 split
Her girl's night out is real fun
Though most times, they play like...amateurs

With season tickets for K-State football
And even baseball tickets too
We've had fun cheering on the Cats
Especially when they beat KU

Mark and Miranda are table parents
At church on Wednesday nights
They help to practice memory verses
And love being a part of these kids' lives

Of course there've been many weddings
KC and Denton, TX for weekends away
A cool trip to Florida last January
And great memories with friends and family along the way

Many wonderful new friendships have been forged
A new job, and we bought the next door lot
Clay Center has become our home
We like it more than we ever thought

We hope you've enjoyed our stories
Professional poets we are not
We hope you got our humor
Sarcasm we use a lot

So, the Meenen's have had a great year
We're grateful for all the blessings we've had
We wish you all a Merry Christmas
And that your New Year is real rad!

TGIF

Two things made Friday a great day.

1. I gave blood, my 8th time=1 gallon donated, but most importantly I got a church lady ham salad sandwich for lunch AND a free hat.

2. I got to cuddle with my good friend Dana in queen bed at a surprisingly cute and homey Starlite Motel.


That's right, all I need is a good cuddle at a humble establishment and a ham salad sandwich. Yumm.

Highway 36 Treasure Hunt

It's that time of year again! This weekend is the Highway 36 Treasure Hunt. My good friend Dana and I will be headed down the road in search of some needed "junk." Last year we did pretty well. And I'm excited, we're making a girl's weekend out of it. I've got my Ipod ready for the road trip, we're staying a quality place called Starlight, and.......we're sharing a bed!

And no, I haven't told her yet. It'll be a nice surprise.

So if you're not doing anything this weekend, head to Northern Kansas, this Treasure Hunt stretches from Colorado to Missouri, all along scenic Highway 36. It's filled with great vendors, yummy food, and a couple of giggling girls probably seen wandering around debating if we really need another glass bottle.

you should be jealous

Tonight for supper, we had Mac & Cheese with bacon mixed in, chocolate chip cookies, and I followed that all up with a beer.

Ya, I'm living the dream.

Just living the dream....

Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese

I may or may not have made a supper tonight that consisted of only carbs and gravy, but every so often I can actually make something good. A couple weeks back, I threw a bunch of stuff together and actually came out with something really yummy.

1. Throw a chicken breast in a skillet and let it cook. I cut it into smaller pieces so that it would cook evenly. Let cool, and then shred. I use two forks and just pull the meat apart.

2. Pour a buffalo chicken sauce over your chicken. I used the Budweiser Mild sauce.

3. Boil some water, and cook your pasta in it, I used macaroni noodles. Cook to al dente, drain, the usual.

4. Mix together the buffalo chicken and the noodles. Mix in a good ol dollop of cream cheese. I happened to have whipped cream cheese on hand.

5. Pour into an oven safe dish and then sprinkle some cheddar cheese on top. Put in a 350 oven for about 10 minutes. Maybe? I don't really know, but that seems about right.

6. Take out of the oven and enjoy the cheesy, tangy, deliciousness. And the leftovers are just as good!

That's it- simple, yummy mac and cheese with a twist. I loved it, Mark was even impressed. Definitely a make again.

And because it's been too long, I wanted to share some pictures of my baby!

This is his toy, he is almost obsessive with it.


Me thinks mommy needs to buy a bigger pool.


I think Cody is just slightly spoiled.

This is my life, this is what I get to look at (and laugh at) every night.

Harvest 2010 and my modeling debut

I'm a lucky gal, my best friend happens to be a photographer. And with that, comes lots of opportunity to get some great memories in print. Now if only I was an actual model, the world would be perfect.

But anywho-the other evening we went up to the farm to take some pictures of the wheat harvest. And below is exactly why I love living in Kansas.

I can't decide if I like it better in color or the sepia tones.

Love LOVE love this one.

All in a Day's Trip

I woke up at 4:15 Saturday morning, and I jumped up-got in the shower, felt good, felt awake and was headed on my way within an hour. Surprising considering the fact that it takes about an hour to continuously hit snooze on my alarm clock almost every day before going to work. But Saturday was different, Saturday was exciting, Saturday was Highway 36 Treasure Hunt Day-funny considering the fact that Saturday was also International Talk Like a Pirate Day.

ARGH, me mateys-I was off to find me treasure.

Now as you recall, I started out the day with a list.

Below you will see the multitude of picture frames that I purchased. I think I spent about $1.25 on all of these, plus you can see that I bought a door lock. It's in the middle of the middle frame. That was $0.50. All of these frames will be painted, except maybe the metal one on the bottom right.

I also bought this big picture frame-beautiful! Cost me $2.00.

This is a close up detail of the frame.

And I did say that I was going to buy baby stuff...and then I did say that I was kidding-Majorly Kidding! But what I didn't realize was how much fun I would have looking for my friends's babies. I found this adorable outfit-that it is way too big as of yet-but it only cost me $0.50 and one day my adorable friend Bailey's adorable son-to-be will look as cute as you can get in this thing.

Next despite my husband's ridicule, I could not pass this beautiful thing up. Yes, it's a window, and yes it's going on the inside of my house, on a wall. And everyone's doing it anyways, honey! It'll look good I promise-and yes, if everyone else jumped off a bridge.....

It was supposed to cost $2.50, but my darling friend, Dana, who made the trek with me ended up buying its sister, and just gave the man the $5 bill, and wouldn't let me pay her for it. She said she owed me. Basically I love Dana, she was the one who invited me, and I was so excited to go with her. She was fun, encouraging, has a good eye, plus she's tall-which is useful when at an antique store with really high shelves. But I promised her that was just icing on the cake, not the only reason we traveled together.

The following picture shows off the beautiful Christmas decor that I got for....FREE! An elderly lady tried to give me about 6 boxes of free Christmas stuff, but basically I would have just had to have my own garage sale for the rest of it-I mean it was pretty sketchy. The lady was so nice, her and her husband were dumping other boxes so that I could have empty boxes to cart off more Christmas stuff, but Dana and I had to sneak out of there with just the couple of boxes that I did actually want.

And I do mean sneak, I literally ran behind the tent of the people set up next to her.

I'm sorry elderly lady, please don't take offense. I'm sure your 70 years of collected Christmas items will make someone else very very happy.

I bought this lantern for $3-I thought it was kinda overpriced- I should have offered $2, but when we saw other lanterns that were just a little more cleaned up for $15-$30, I figured I must have done ok.

After searching through thousands of glasses, I finally scored with the perfect sized, clear, slightly tapered glasses. $3 for all four.

I can use them to display my Mary Kay items. Perfect size for eyeliners, mascaras, facial highlighting pens.

Or as a decorative piece with some beautiful fresh cut flowers. And yes, that is displayed on my new window.

And finally my largest purchase was this old mirror with a horrid wallpaper border. It is old and it does have some scratches at the bottom but something about Liquid Plumber will fix that right up. I don't know-I'll have to google it.

But I do know that this will look un-frickin-believable at the end of the hallway when I'm done with it. It's about 4 foot tall, including the frame. LOVE it! And I love it even more knowing that I only spent $10. I probably should have offered $5, just to see, but it was worth the $10.


Plus here's a sneak peak of what's behind the wallpaper. Gorgeous, weathered painted oak wood.

My comrade in this ordeal, Dana, also made away with some great deals. I definitely know we're doing this next year, and we may even be hitting up some of the antique shops and thrift stores that we stopped at or new ones that we have to discover sometime soon. We did pretty good and when talking to her husband, he said the amount we had spent was not bad-so we know we can up our limit next year as well.

I definitely came home with some extra cash-even after all the snacking I did Saturday. Total, after adding up all my purchases I spent a whopping....$20.25.

After thinking about that, I'm kinda pissy and want to go back and buy about twice that. I mean seriously.

*If you are visiting from the Flea Market Style Party-First of all, WELCOME! I posted this back in September after my first time experiencing a flea market. Check out what I did with the picture frames in this post. And know that I am hooked! and plan to continue searching out all the great deals, and I'm excited to visit each of you and see what you have found, and to learn all the good Flea Market Secrets from you all! Thanks for stopping by!

Tissues Please!

Now I realize that I tend towards the emotional side and I may cry over almost anything. But seriously, you have to check this out.


And another good one, that I also cried to while watching.

Creative Puns for Smart Minds

Yesterday while spending my normal time catching up on the blogs that I enjoy reading, I came across the cutest little forwarded email letter on my favorite blog, my inspiration, my cooking muse, The Pioneer Woman. It was in her homeschooling section, I suppose because it was to be educational. So don't dislike me because I stole it from her, but it was an email, so eventually we'll all get it 12 times.

Creative Puns for Smart Minds

1. The roundest knight at King Arthur’s Round Table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi.
2. I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, but it turned out to be an optical Aleutian.
3. She was only a whiskey maker, but he loved her still.
4. A rubber band pistol was confiscated in an algebra class, because it was a weapon of math disruption.
5. The butcher backed into the meat grinder and got a little behind in his work.
6. No matter how much you push the envelope, it’ll still be stationery.
7. A dog gave birth to puppies near the road and was cited for littering.
8. A grenade thrown into a kitchen in France would result in Linoleum Blownapart.
9. Two silk worms had a race. They ended up in a tie.
10. Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
11. A hole has been found in the nudist camp wall. The police are looking into it.
12. Atheism is a non-prophet organization.
13. Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway. One hat said to the other, “You stay here, I’ll go on a head.”
14. I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me.
15. A sign on the lawn at a drug rehab center said, “Keep off the Grass.”
16. A small boy swallowed some coins and was taken to a hospital. When his grandmother telephoned to ask how he was, a nurse said, “No change yet.”
17. A chicken crossing the road is poultry in motion.
19. The short fortune-teller who escaped from prison was a small medium at large.
20. The soldier who survived mustard gas and pepper spray is now a seasoned veteran.
21 A backward poet writes inverse.
22. In a democracy, it’s your vote that counts. In feudalism, it’s your count that votes.
23. When cannibals ate a missionary, they got a taste of religion.
24. Don’t join dangerous cults, practice safe sects!

PS-#15 even got a chuckle out of my husband when I told him last night.

Enjoying

My uncle showed me this clip at Christmas, I don't know if there's a better way to link it, but I'll try.

http://ellen.warnerbros.com/EllenMediaPlayer/#topofpage

Go to Real People, then almost to the very bottom of the page, and click Ellen talks to 88 year-old Gladys Hardy from Austin, TX

Watching...

Oh goodness.. Love IT!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ivUOnnstpg