Last Year of My 20s

Day 365: 30th Birthday Party

2011-06-11T23:34:00.002-04:00

Because I started this project with a self-portrait, I'm ending this project with a self-portrait. Looking back at the first one, I'm pleased to see that I really don't look any different than I did on my 29th birthday. I'm also pretty excited that I completed my first 365 Project!!

Day 364: Birthday Dinner

2011-06-10T19:22:00.001-04:00

My birthday dinner at Applebee's.

Day 363: Next Project

2011-06-09T21:36:00.001-04:00

First Year of My 30s

Day 362: Birthday BBQ

2011-06-08T19:30:00.000-04:00

We went to Kevin's for a BBQ for his birthday. Sarah got a pinata and after Kevin beat the crap out of it, he wore it as a hat.

Day 361: Honey Wheat Brick

2011-06-07T23:52:00.000-04:00

I was reading in my textbook that lumbermen had fresh bread with dinner and that made me want fresh bread. So, I threw the ingredients in the bread-maker and ended up with a brick. It certainly didn't rise like it was supposed to. ":(

Day 360: Lilacs

2011-06-06T18:51:00.000-04:00

I was worried my lilac bush wasn't going to bloom this year and I then I discovered it's a late spring bloomer.

Day 359: Old Window

2011-06-05T11:21:00.001-04:00

I was cleaning up the garage today (because the builders are going to be starting demolition soon) and I noticed how cool the window was, especially with the flowers on the other side.

Day 358: Dow Run/Walk

2011-06-04T08:08:00.000-04:00

Today was the Dow Run/Walk. My time was 44:24 (which is 3 minutes faster than my time in 2009).

Day 357: Wanda's Back

2011-06-03T20:47:00.000-04:00

The pool isn't as scary as I thought it would be, but it still needs a good cleaning. Thankfully, Wanda is on the job!

Day 356: Loon's Game

2011-06-02T19:25:00.000-04:00

Dad and I went to a Loon's game and sat right behind home plate. It was pretty cool. Our section was picked to compete against another section for a prize. Our section had to sing Piano Man--I couldn't hear what the other section sang. We won coupons to Damon's.

Day 355: Tie-Dye Shirt

2011-06-01T23:48:00.000-04:00

This is the shirt I made for the Dow Run/Walk.

Day 354: No Hail

2011-05-31T19:22:00.001-04:00

Here is a picture of the rain storm. That's all it was. The weather people had me all excited for hail, but we didn't get any. Just 15 minutes of rain or so.

Day 353: Memorial Day Marigolds

2011-05-30T21:30:00.001-04:00

Ashley and I picked up two flats of Marigolds to plant around Mom's garden. We planted them today, but I completely forgot to take a picture of them until we were driving home at 9:30 at night. Luckily, we drove Eastman Road, which is lined with Marigolds. So, at a stoplight, I took a picture. ":)

Day 352: Family Portrait

2011-05-29T11:35:00.000-04:00

We did a family portrait to update Granny's photo wall.

Day 351: Painting

2011-05-28T15:12:00.000-04:00

Ashley and I decided we're going to make homemade treats for the boys, so Ash decided we needed a jar to put them in. She bought one at the craft store and the boys helped her decorate it. Neither one was really interested in helping, but did so anyway. (The pink shirts in the background are the tie dye shirts we made for the Dow Run/Walk.)

Day 350: Artichoke, Chicken & Salsa

2011-05-27T19:08:00.000-04:00

Day 349: Pasta

2011-05-26T21:40:00.000-04:00

I can't wait to try out this hand-me-down pasta maker from Sarah's family. I am all about making my own food this summer (canning, dog treats, etc), so I really can't wait to try this out. I hope it works well.

Day 348: New Wiper Blades

2011-05-25T18:02:00.000-04:00

Why is it that windshield wipers are such a pain? They really aren't all that difficult, but for some reason I always have such a hard time with them. It took me awhile to get them changed, but Alcatraz has three new windshield wipers and she is very happy (and so am I).

Day 347: Lone Tree

2011-05-24T17:57:00.000-04:00

Day 346: Spring Flowers

2011-05-23T17:22:00.000-04:00

Spring flowers are popping up all over the backyard.

Day 345: Memorial

2011-05-22T16:18:00.000-04:00

For my last class I'm writing a paper on the Bath School disaster of 1927. On the way home from Grand Rapids, we stopped by the memorial in Bath so that I could check it out. It was kinda creepy.

Day 344: Waterfall

2011-05-21T14:42:00.000-04:00

While visiting Ashley in Grand Rapids, we went to the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. The place is huge, and there were a lot of sculptures and flowers, but the place wasn't quite as cool as I thought it would be. Still it was pretty cool.

Day 343: Girls' Weekend

2011-05-20T22:22:00.002-04:00

This was picture number three in the series. We were trying to take a good photo of the three of us when they plotted against me.

Day 342: Team Pink

2011-05-19T19:10:00.000-04:00

We formed a team for the Dow Run/Walk in June. We're going to make pink tie-dye shirts for the walk. I'm very excited.

Day 341: Salsa Chicken

2011-05-18T18:10:00.000-04:00

For dinner I had grilled chicken topped with homemade salsa. It was so good, I should really make that more often.

Day 340: Salsa

2011-05-17T23:21:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is a potluck at work, so I made homemade salsa.

Day 339: Leaves

2011-05-16T18:30:00.000-04:00

Day 338: Backyard

2011-05-15T16:48:00.000-04:00

Day 337: Castle Museum

2011-05-14T11:02:00.000-04:00

Mandy, Sarah, Lily and I went to the Castle Museum in Saginaw.

Day 336: Screen

2011-05-13T19:53:00.002-04:00

I'm so glad that it's finally screen door weather. I think the dogs are pretty pleased about it too.

Day 335: Last Class

2011-05-12T19:00:00.000-04:00

These are the books for my LAST class at SVSU.

Day 334: Pomegranate Margarita

2011-05-11T18:51:00.000-04:00

I had drinks with Trisha and Carly after work. This is my second pomegranate margarita.

Day 333: Daisy Burgers

2011-05-10T18:26:00.000-04:00

Day 332: Pre-Flower

2011-05-09T19:51:00.000-04:00

I planted this last spring and it came back! I can't wait until it flowers.

Day 331: Mother's Day

2011-05-08T20:19:00.000-04:00

Day 330: Cinco de Mayo Party

2011-05-07T21:02:00.000-04:00

Sarah had the best "hat" for the 5th Annual Cinco de Mayo Hat Party.

Day 329: Hat Day

2011-05-06T17:56:00.002-04:00

In honor of the Kentucky Derby (tomorrow) we had hat day at work. In honor of the 6th (?) Annual Cinco de Mayo Hat Party (tomorrow) I wore my hat to work today.

Day 328: Squeaky Clean

2011-05-05T17:39:00.000-04:00

Somebody decided to roll in something disgusting in the yard, so the mutts got a bath. Neither was too happy about it.

Day 327: Dinner

2011-05-04T21:49:00.001-04:00

Day 326: Souvenir

2011-05-03T23:02:00.001-04:00

This is really the only thing I spent money besides food in Miami.

Day 325: Everglades Alligator

2011-05-02T13:57:00.001-04:00

We saw a few alligators on the air boat ride we went on in the morning, but we saw way more when we hiked a trail in the Everglades. We got to see a 9-foot alligator swimming (slowly) and thought he was going to get frisky with a female, but not much happened.

Day 324: Kayaking Biscayne Bay

2011-05-01T13:25:00.001-04:00

Kayaking was a lot of fun, though out on the bay it could be a little scary at times, especially when a yacht would go sailing through. I probably wouldn't have thought much about it except for trying to paddling through the wake and because last time I went kayaking in the ocean, I rolled the kayak and lost my sunglasses.

Day 323: Strangler Fig

2011-04-30T16:55:00.002-04:00

We drove around Miami so that I could collect research for my novel. We saw these gigantic trees all over Coral Gables. (I learned the name later.)

Day 322: South Beach

2011-04-29T21:41:00.007-04:00

We flew into Ft. Lauderdale, picked up the rental car, and headed to Miami Beach. After checking into the hotel, handing off the keys to valet parking, we ate dinner, and then headed for the beach. Obviously we didn't swim, but after flying all day, we had to get our feet wet. Yay for vacation!

Day 321: Ready for the Beach

2011-04-28T21:14:00.000-04:00

Day 320: Last Exam

2011-04-27T15:12:00.000-04:00

The spring semester is finally over. Just one more class and I'm done forever!

Day 319: Sunshine

2011-04-26T18:15:00.004-04:00

Day 318: Spring Flowers

2011-04-25T17:08:00.000-04:00

Looks like spring is finally coming.

Day 317: Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T09:39:00.000-04:00

I saw the Easter Bunny this morning. I love how the photo is like the Lochness Monster or Big Foot--vague and hard to see. ":)

Day 316: Chicken Parmesan Cheat

2011-04-23T18:07:00.002-04:00

This is super easy. You'll need chicken patties or chicken nuggets, spaghetti sauce (homemade or store bought) and
Parmesan cheese (shredded or grated).

Heat sauce on stove or in microwave. Sprinkle cheese on chicken and cook as directed on packaging. Top chicken with sauce and enjoy with garlic bread or pasta.

Day 315: Earth Day

2011-04-22T14:04:00.000-04:00

Finally some green in the yard. Come on spring! Happy Earth Day!

Day 314: High 5 Day

2011-04-21T12:23:00.001-04:00

We had lunch downtown at Diamond Jim's. While we were there, we saw a guy on stilts walking down the street. After lunch, we gave him high-fives and got our picture taken with him.

Day 313: Still Have Homework

2011-04-20T19:30:00.001-04:00

Even though today was the last day of class for the semester (exams are next week), I still have homework. I have two papers that I have to finish. ":(

Day 312: Daisy Chili

2011-04-19T19:17:00.000-04:00

I don't know when spring is actually going to get here. Today was another cold and crappy day, complete with rain. It was the perfect day to make chili. I used some of the Daisy ground beef to make it and tomato sauce we canned last fall. I have to say that it was the best chili I've ever had.

Day 311: Cuddle Bugs

2011-04-18T21:34:00.000-04:00

Day 310: More Snow?!

2011-04-17T09:14:00.000-04:00

Mother nature is really pissed at Michigan it seems. Even though it got up to 80 last week, it actually snowed today.

Day 309: Jewelry

2011-04-16T18:26:00.001-04:00

I made the set for Ashley and the other two are for me.

Day 308: Bags & Purses

2011-04-15T23:28:00.000-04:00

Made a purse for Ashley too. I modified the pattern and made a bag for me. I'll make one for Ash too. Can't wait for Miami!

Day 307: MHS T-Shirt Quilt

2011-04-14T23:06:00.000-04:00

Work in progress.

Day 306: New Purse

2011-04-13T23:16:00.001-04:00

For my Miami trip, I thought I needed a purse, so I made this one I found online.

Day 305: Rodney the Homework Helper

2011-04-12T20:36:00.000-04:00

I was working on my draft for a paper for school when Rodney decided he would help me.

Day 304: Mexican Lasagna

2011-04-11T18:37:00.000-04:00

This is a perfect meal when you have leftover taco meat. Layer prepared taco meat with tortillas, frozen corn, black beans, salsa, and shredded cheese. Bake at 375 for 25 minutes. Serve with sour cream.

Day 303: Mmmm steak!

2011-04-10T18:48:00.001-04:00

Yay! It's grilling weather! Dinner was fantastic!

Day 302: S&W Days

2011-04-09T10:41:00.002-04:00

Ashley, Sarah, Kevin, Scott, Dennis, Marc, and I went to a gun shop in Bay City for Smith and Wesson Days. Reps from S&W were on hand with plenty of guns to test. I tried out a .40, a 9mm, and a .38 special. It was way fun. After that we had lunch at Los Quatros Amigos, played games at the Flatts' house, and then went to a play at Delta.

Day 301: Fried Chicken Cheat

2011-04-08T20:19:00.002-04:00

Chicken Thighs Oven Fried

4 chicken thighs
1 egg, beaten
2 T half-and-half (I just used milk)
1/2 c seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 c instant potato flakes
1 tsp garlic salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
3 T butter, melted
1 T vegetable oil (I didn't bother with this, but I did spray the pan with cooking spray)

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Wash chicken, pat dry and set aside.
3. In bowl beat half and half with egg.
4. In another bowl combine bread crumbs, potato flakes, garlic salt and pepper.
5. Dip chicken in egg mixture and then in bread crumb mixture.
6. Sprinkle with butter and oil.
7. Bake at 400°F for 35 minutes.
8. Increase heat to 450°F and bake an additional 15 minutes.

Day 300: I Wear My Sunglasses at Night

2011-04-07T19:53:00.000-04:00

We went to Pi's for Kelly's birthday. Lily visited me for a bit and we wore our sunglasses. Not only did she say my name but she also said "I love you". ":)

Day 299: T-Shirts

2011-04-06T22:16:00.000-04:00

A week or so ago, CafePress had a coupon to get two shirts for $10 each (they are regularly $22). I ordered two shirts that I've had my eye on for over a year.

Day 298: Fabric

2011-04-05T22:11:00.000-04:00

I looked online for a sundress for Miami and couldn't find anything I liked, so I decided to make one. This is the fabric I picked. I have it cut out, but haven't started sewing it yet.

Day 297: 66666

2011-04-04T08:17:00.000-04:00

Day 296: So much for spring...

2011-04-03T13:25:00.000-04:00

Day 295: Princess Sophia

2011-04-02T15:27:00.000-04:00

I made a tutu for Sophie for her first birthday.

Day 294: The Schuch Hotel

2011-04-01T21:35:00.002-04:00

For John's birthday, we went to The Schuch Hotel in Saginaw for dinner. The place was old and interesting. We had a lovely laid back dinner and then later (perhaps 11ish) the atmosphere completely changed when the bar turned into a club. The people watching was extremely interesting, to say the least... lots of interesting clothing choices. As Sarah said, we were under-dressed in style, but over-dressed in quantity compared to the rest of the guests.

Day 293: Comfy on the Sofa

2011-03-31T20:37:00.000-04:00

Day 292: Stress Relief

2011-03-30T21:33:00.000-04:00

Went to Applebee's with a couple friends from work for a few drinks. It was much needed.

Day 291: Mudslide

2011-03-29T21:29:00.000-04:00

Day 290: Clue

2011-03-28T19:22:00.001-04:00

Went to the Dybas house to give Josh his birthday present and hang out for a bit. We had homemade crabmeat cheese and calzones. We also played Clue--Colleen won. [And on a completely unrelated note, I turned in my graduation application today!]

Day 289: March Quilt Day

2011-03-27T16:30:00.001-04:00

Day 288: Red Lobster

2011-03-26T18:01:00.001-04:00

Mom, Ash and I went to Joann Fabrics in Saginaw. After, we figured we'd get dinner at Red Lobster. My plan was to take a picture of our food when it arrived at our table, but I forgot until I was grabbing my purse to leave. So, here is what is left of the lobster and shrimp.

Day 287: Cards

2011-03-25T19:39:00.000-04:00

Ash and I went over to Marc's to play cards with him and Dennis. We played Hand and Foot, Phase 10 (actually, we only played "Phase 5"), Skip-Bo, and euchre.

Day 286: Heist

2011-03-24T21:47:00.000-04:00

When I laid these items out to take a picture, I thought to myself, I feel like I'm planning a heist, and then I realized that I kinda am. I was working on planning my trip to Miami to do research for my novel which involves a heist. ":)

Day 285: Jewelry

2011-03-23T19:03:00.000-04:00

After working from home due to the snowstorm, I started some jewelry projects.

The white earrings I made for Granny. The rest of the earrings Ashley picked out and I finished them for her. The key necklace I made for me. The brown necklace I re-strung (it had broken).

The blue necklace I made for Raven. When I was in Texas a couple weeks back, Raven and I excavated precious gems. I brought two home with me to make into necklaces--one for her, one for me. The stone at the bottom of the screen is for my necklace. I wrapped it with wire, but I don't have beads to match, so I'll have to buy some.

Day 284: Sweaters

2011-03-22T17:55:00.000-04:00

Day 283: Dinner

2011-03-21T17:52:00.000-04:00

Day 282: First Day of Spring

2011-03-20T17:14:00.000-04:00

I wanted a lovely spring-ish picture for today, but it's pretty drab out. So I took a panoramic of the backyard and then added some color to it.

Day 281: National Quilt Day

2011-03-19T11:55:00.000-04:00

Today was National Quilt Day. I didn't really do much with quilting, but I did finish figuring out our next T-shirt quilt.

Day 280: Happy Family

2011-03-18T18:31:00.000-04:00

Lily and Sarah ordered a Happy Family. Marc had Sesame Chicken. Mandy had Hunan Chicken. And I had Teriyaki Chicken.

Day 279: St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T20:22:00.000-04:00

Green beer at the Midland Brewing Company.

Day 278: New Sofa

2011-03-16T22:07:00.000-04:00

Day 277: Giving Up

2011-03-15T22:07:00.001-04:00

Day 276: Hat Day at Work

2011-03-14T07:27:00.000-04:00

Day 275: Day After

2011-03-13T18:03:00.001-04:00

Day 274: March Birthdays

2011-03-12T22:35:00.001-05:00

Day 273: Sofa Shopping

2011-03-11T20:01:00.000-05:00

Day 272: Trip Planning

2011-03-10T23:18:00.000-05:00

Day 271: Dad & Dogs

2011-03-09T15:24:00.001-05:00

Day 270: Family Time

2011-03-08T20:07:00.001-05:00

Day 269: C&P

2011-03-07T23:03:00.001-05:00

Day 268: The Gateway Arch

2011-03-06T10:16:00.001-05:00

We listened to the GPS and we missed the exit for the arch. But it recalculated, and took us through a ghetto-ish area and the instructions weren't very good, so we missed our turn again and gave up. I took several photos from the car and we called it good.

Day 267: Hotel Room

2011-03-05T21:56:00.001-05:00

Day 266: Fly!

2011-03-04T14:25:00.002-05:00