I just have to brag

Check out this video of my niece, Siena.

Isn't she so cute!!!

http://nicknjenna.blogspot.com/2010/01/sing-long.html

The Happiness Project

This is going to be a part of my new year's resolutions. I know a lot of people like to post their resolutions or goals publicly but I like to keep mine to myself. I write them in my journal and review them periodically. But here's one I just came across and am willing to share. http://www.happiness-project.com/

It's not that I think I'm a particularly unhappy person (right?), but I really want to make this more of my focus in life. Life will always be filled with ups and downs, some are more predictable and others just catch us off guard. No matter what, I am going to be happy. Even though I'm home alone this week :( and it's winter (I love summer and sunshine) and my heart feels extra tender lately, I'm going to be happy. So learning more about this new project is what will keep me busy this week, along with ballet tonight, my new museum training class tomorrow, a friend in town this weekend, knitting, using my new Bosch mixer, continuing the organization projects I started a week ago, sending off my SIL's b-day gift (sorry, it might be a bit late), "calendaring" the next few weeks and we'll see what else comes my way. And of course, getting enough sleep.

Sometimes I wish...

that this could be my job http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=9267880.

I went to the wild mustang auction earlier last year and although I know little about horses and round-ups (especially of wild mustangs), sometimes I wish I knew a lot. And had a horse of my very own.

My company is currently building in a small-ish town and I think about moving up here some days. I think I would like it. Shopping wouldn't be an issue - I like shopping online. They have a few cute restaurants, for days I'd like to eat out. More than one grocery store. Multiple gas stations. I think they have a movie theater, if not there's one within a 20-25 min. drive. They even have a store for boots and jeans. And yes, I did stop to look for my perfect pair of boots. I'm still on the hunt. They didn't have any that said "Mandy". I'll find 'em.

Here's another great reason - I took these pictures on my drive to check progress at the lot.

A fairly large herd thought the middle of a field would be a cozy place on a wintery day.

Another herd was looking to find more cover above the golf course.

Side note - maybe I should change the name of my blog to "Title... Post" - I seem to exhibit a pattern here.

an idea for my knitting

hat by me, cute little girl by my brother & sister-in-law

I've been debating about opening up a little Etsy shop to sell my knitting projects, but obviously just haven't made the commitment (or kept enough of my projects to sell). So here's my latest idea, let me know what you think.

I found this website before the holidays and knew that I could definitely do something like this. The hats are simple, classic and definitely something I could make in mass quantities. But I also don't think it's something I could make a living from, nor do I think I would want to anyway. I like my job and I also like the idea of not having arthritic hands by my 35th birthday.

This leads to my next idea for this venture. Since I'm not looking to really make money from this venture, why not use the money I would earn to help others. I've been thinking a lot about my little brother that passed away from cancer almost 22 years ago (wow, that sounds like a really long time). I think about him a lot during the holidays, the anniversary of his death (that's approaching next month) and I have dreams about him sometimes. I know there are a lot of races or other such events that people dedicate to lost loved ones, but maybe I could use this talent of mine to dedicate to my little Tony's memory. I could knit hats for kids going through chemo, or use the money from selling these hats to donate to families to help with their expenses (as meager as it may be).

So what do you think?

Now I just need to figure out the logistics of it all. I know someone I could ask for help in creating a website, or I could even just create a blog with a little paypal store. But I'm not really sure how it would work financially. Do I need to set up an LLC, or a charitable organization, or how do I report this money to the govt., etc., etc.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Oh, I also need a name for this little shop of mine.

I like random

So in that regard, here area a few random thoughts I've had lately:

1) I love the smell of sawdust. I went out to the model home job site last week (they've started framing!!!) and I was reminded how much I love the smell of sawdust. It reminded me of my wood working class last year. I sadly just realized I haven't posted pictures of my final products (yet - it will be a New Year's Resolution). The smell also made me want to use my miter saw for a real project - I had an idea for Christmas gifts, but the frigid temperatures have delayed those plans until next year.

2) I'm a little nervous for my new volunteer experience here, after all I haven't officially committed to something for two years in a while. Sure, I've maintained employment at the same jobs for more than two years, I've lived in places (even houses) for more than two years, but I didn't make an official commitment upfront to these things. But it'll be great! I'm especially looking forward to my training class that I'll attend for the first 4 months to help me actually know what I'm showing people.

3) I love my mom and dad. They are always such great cheerleaders, are my best friends, and always let me call to cry, share happy news or just chat. I'm also grateful for siblings that do the same.

4) I've always been blessed with REALLY great girlfriends. High school, college besties, Arizona roommates (even Ralphie and Ruby weren't all bad), SLC roommates, friends at church, aunts who are like second moms, cousins, co-workers and the list goes on.

5) Lastly, I am SOOOOO excited to go home this week! Merry Christmas to all!!

Something to note...

I get extremely grouchy when I'm hungry..... a fair warning to all.

I've been sitting at my desk for the last 4 hours while one, that's right, one cabinet is being installed in our office. I've been starving for the last 2 hours. How can it seriously take 4 hours to install ONE cabinet? I'm chewing gum, drinking water and just trying to be patient. I'm afraid at this point I may have to stop at the gas station and carbo/calorie load with some Cheetos.

Amanda likes to.....

My friend Sarah posted this on her blog and I found it rather comical, so I decided to share mine.

All you have to do is google "[your name] likes to" and then post the top ten results. Here's what happened when I did my name:

1. Amanda likes to sit in her pajamas and shop for shoes on the Internet while eating Nutella straight out of the jar. (I promise, that really is the first result - and it's pretty true, except I think I would prefer Nutella on a crepe with bananas)
2. Amanda likes to dance. (Tis true... I do love to "dance it out" any time)
3. Amanda likes men who have confidence to be secure in themselves when they're with a girl. (So it didn't follow the "likes to"... but I still like it)
4. Amanda likes to dance.  (Yes, there really was a second of the same, which is fine by me)
5. Amanda likes to do it in her community. (Calm down - this was referring to physical activity and community interaction)
6. Amanda like to party. (Yes, depending on your definition)
7. Amanda likes to draw, paint, write comic books, read Jhonen Vasquez comics. (You lost me on the last two)
8. Amanda likes to write. (Sure, why not)
9. Amanda likes to dance.  (Ok, we get it - I like to dance)
10. Amanda likes to drink. (Please specify... Strawberry Limeade, Chocolate Milk, Fresca??? then the answer is yes)

Now, your turn.