I am the architect of my own destiny.

elleQ rehearsal

2009-02-14T13:11:00.002-05:00

My Christmas Treasures

2006-12-09T00:29:00.000-05:00

I decorated the trees last weekend. It's been a tradition in our family, for many, many years, to decorate the tree during the local Lion's Club Children's Telethon. It's usually broadcasted on TV the first Saturday of December. We watch the talent on the telethon, drink and eat munchies, while I decorate the tree. WE don't decorate.... I do!
Now, for those of you who know me, I don't usually let anyone help me decorate MY trees! I am SO particular about it being done just so!! When my girls were little, I would give them their own tree to decorate any way they wanted. That left Mommy to do her tree her way!! That started after I let them help me one year. The decorations they put on were all on the bottom branches and bunched together like cold people around a fireplace! It was actually adorable, but I couldn't leave it like that. After they went to bed, I moved everything around! That's when I decided to give them their own tree. Now that they're grown up, my girls just let me do it and they sit back with their Dad and enjoy the tradition!

Some of the ornaments on our trees date back to the early 1950's. My parent's had quite a selection of glass ornaments that I remember hanging very carefully. I also remember dropping a few. I have about a dozen of these old ornaments that I treasure and put on the trees each year.

The floral tin 'bulb protector' [right] was used on trees back in the day to prevent the bulb from burning the surrounding tree branches. I have about 10 of these left from my mom and dad's collection. The larger ornament in the picture is one of 6 we found in the attic of our first house. I'm not sure how old they are, but they were amongst newspapers, books and magazines we also found dating back to the 1940s and 1960s!

It's Raining again!

2006-12-13T14:07:00.000-05:00

I can't get over this weather we're having! In the last 3 1/2 months, we've had LESS than 10 full sunny days! I KNOW!!! It is so drab and dreary and wet and misty and foggy and grey all the time! We're also having above seasonal temperatures, so the big snowfall we had a few weeks ago is down to slush. The grass is showing and the mud isn't frozen anymore! Poor Gracie, [our Lab] hasn't been for a decent walk in days. I know she wouldn't care if it's raining, but I hate walking the dog holding an umbrella. It's just not comfy.
I haven't had a chance to get out and take many photos lately either. I've been trying to capture some closeups of the birds at my feeder, but every time I bring the camera to the window, they take off!! The squirrels have been frolicking on the trees and fence, but they too seem to be camera shy.
Here's a few shots I managed to get the other day -- when the rain had stopped for a bit!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2006-12-25T12:59:00.000-05:00

2007-01-01T23:08:00.000-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Here it is, January 1st and we have only a dusting of snow on the ground and the temps are well above seasonal for the 3rd or 4th week in a row. We had a bit of icy frostiness the other day, but that was from the freezing rain. At this rate, we won't be getting to the camp for another couple of weeks. In the past, we've crossed the ice by mid January at the latest. I'm not complaining about having no snow, but I would like to see a bit more sunshine than we've been having.

Hope everyone has a prosperous, healthy and happy 2007!! CHEERS!

I'm now a dSLR owner!!

2007-01-05T17:45:00.000-05:00

I once said that I would never want/need a digital SLR camera! I was quite happy with my Fuji S5200 prosumer Point and Shoot digital. Doug kept telling me, "one day you'll want one...just you wait and see!" Well, he was right. After dozens of disappointing shots from low-lit bars, dance recitals and indoors, I decided that a dSLR would be the fix I was looking for!
For my birthday, on New Year's Day, Doug bought me a Pentax K110D. The model I want is the K100D, but Future Shop was out of it, so I have the 110 to play with until it comes in. The K100D is a 6.1mp camera with stabilization, and two lenses. Already, by just playing around with the K110 I have noticed a huge difference. I was able to take a bunch of photos in my living room, with NO flash and they're awesome! I'm so excited. Now, I anxiously await the K100D........

Here's a few of my first shots...

Back to Normal

2007-01-10T11:19:00.000-05:00

...or whatever 'normal' is! Meg is back in North Bay at teacher's college. This time she's there for six weeks before coming home for another job placement.
Lauren is back to teaching dance, although today she is sick with the flu. :(
All the Christmas decorations are put away and the holday food has been eaten or thrown away -- but I have a few chocolates left! Mmmmm, chocolate! :)

I am NOT a resolution maker, but I do like lists. I've got an ongoing list of things I want to do and get done. Nothing too crazy or consuming, but things that tend to get postponed or shoved under the proverbial rug!

Here's a few things on my list:
-- organize my Fonts. I've got too many and they're not sorted in any way at all. I've been trying to find an easy way to do it, but no luck so far.
-- write a Bio. I want to include a little Bio about myself on my website.
-- make templates. I have been wanting to design some everyday templates to post on my site. I've got some ideas, and now I've got to apply them! I also want to make another Border set.
-- make new business cards. I've already got a basic card design and printed, but I need to update it!
-- update my photos. I do this fairly often, but it's been a few weeks.
-- start a photo group. A few friends and I are in the process of beginning a new Photography/Camera group in Sudbury. Our goal so far is to meet to share camera techniques and editing styles and techniques. Haven't had a first meeting yet, but I am anxious to get this started!
-- learn my new Wacom Tablet. Doug got me this for Christmas. I'm having a bit of difficulty getting used to using it as my 'main' mouse, but for editing, it's absolutley fantastic!
-- LEARN MY NEW CAMERA. This should be number one on my list. I need to sit down with manual in my lap and camera in hand and read, read and learn! So far, I am LOVING this Pentax dSLR

Here's a pic from the new camera. This was taken on Hillside Trail. We just discovered this trail and we love it. It's a 2km walk ONE way. It's beautiful!

Us

2007-01-12T17:37:00.000-05:00

I don't often post pictures of myself, because there are so few that I like.

This one isn't too bad! Of course I COULD be smiling, but I'm probably barking orders at my daughter on how to use my camera while she's taking the shot! For once, I'd like a photo of me where I look like ME, to me!! Doug is usually more photogenic than I am, but the reflection in his glasses doesn't do this shot justice!

By the way, I know that people are looking at my blog - I can see the counter go up! I'd sure love to know who you are! Please don't be shy, leave me a comment, even if it's just to say HI or I WAS HERE!!

Have a GROOVY day!!

I need three hands!

2007-01-20T17:45:00.000-05:00

I took Gracie for a walk in the bush today and brought the new Pentax with me. I learned something. I need three hands.

With my old P&S, I used to hold the dog's leash in one hand and snap away with the other! Not so easy with a dSLR. I didn't actually have the dog ON the leash, but my pockets aren't big enough to put the leash IN, so I had to hold it in my hand. It's one of those retractable ones, so it's not like I could have just wrapped it around my neck to keep it out of the way.

So there I was, struggling with my footing, [there's not enough snow to walk on top of it and too much to be able to see the terrain underneath, so I was doing a lot of slipping, sliding and tripping!], trying to operate the camera controls and zoom ring AND focus AND set WB AND set my SS and fstop with one hand and freezing my fingers at the same time! Good thing I didn't have a pooper-scooper-bag with me! [I don't usually bring one in the bush. Bears poop in the woods don't they?]

Not to mention that I had to wear my clip on sunglasses because it was too bright outside. That posed a problem too because the clip-ons were too dark and without them was too bright! So I had to take them off when composing and put them back on when I was walking!

THEN, to make matters even worse, by batteries kept draining! I managed to take a few nice shots, but eventually the batteries died completely. I knew that might happen so I brought new ones with me, but my fingers were so cold, I didn't want to stop to change the batteries! I missed a great shot because of it. Picture this...a cluster of dried, hydrangea flowers silhouetted against backlit 4pm sunshine! Darn!

Note to self:
1. don't bring camera when walking alone with the dog
2. bring hubby on walks so he can hold the leash
3. get warmer gloves
4. wear a cap to stop the glaring sun from my eyes
5. have newly charged batteries in the camera
6. find third hand

Winter Walk

2007-01-23T18:13:00.000-05:00

Winter was certainly in the air today. After the crazy mild weather we've had up until now, it really felt C-O-L-D today. It was above zero, but the wind was nasty, the sky was dark grey and it felt like winter. We supposedly in for a few frigidly cold days. At least the sun is supposed to shine, which will be a treat!

D and I went to the gym this morning. I walked the treadmill for almost a half hour while reading my novel. Did some of the weight machines. Then I scraped the whole driveway (before the little bit of snow on it froze solid tonight!) Then we took our hike this afternoon.

Man, I'm gonna sleep great tonight!!!

My Canine Daughter

2007-01-26T12:21:00.000-05:00

Meet Gracie. Vegas Grace is her full name, but Gracie suited her much more than Vegas did. She was such a little scrapper when she was a pup. Perpetually happy, nippy and rambunctious! I went through a [short] stage where I couldn't stand her because she just. wouldn't. listen.

There's something about owning a dog that makes you a different person. Inside.
You love your children unconditionally, but the love for a dog is precious. Perhaps it's because they can't speak our language. Perhaps it's because they are totally dependent on us to survive. Could it be the look in their eyes when they seek acceptance or love? Their utter joy in pleasing us?

My heart grows heavy when I think about the day that Gracie won't be with us anymore. She's only three years old now, and I know she'll bring us joy for many more years, but the thought of losing her is almost unbearable.

Give your pet a hug today!

Do you have a pet that pulls on your heart strings? It's a feeling that just can't be explained if you're not a pet owner.

My Favourite 10 Photos of 2006!

2007-02-01T19:17:00.000-05:00

It was extremely hard to choose only 10 favourites. These are not all technically perfect, but are my favourites for a reason.

I like this one for it's simplicity.

This is a fav for it's photojournalistic style. You can feel how cold M is!

This is just one of those unexpected successes!

These, I just like!!

This past summer I discovered how much I enjoy taking Macro shots. This one is one of the first ones I took.

It was fun experimenting with light and shadows with this shot of my daughter, L.

My sister's dog, Mally.

Boathouse on Lake Penage.

Solitude on Lake Laurentian.

My Experiment

2007-02-04T10:25:00.000-05:00

A friend and I have started a new photography club. So far there are three of us in the group!! We meet every two weeks and discuss cameras, technical stuff and upcoming challenges and projects. Our assignment for this week is Depth of Field. I haven't done too much experimenting, but I decided to try out the Macro setting on the loaned Tamron lens I have. It's a 70-300. I switched the Macro on and took a few shots. I'm not really sure what I'm doing when it comes to lenses - I really don't completetly understand them, but here's what I came up with.
I hand-held these, so I had the Shake Reduction switched on. ISO 800, ss 1/45.

I find them a bit dark, with little definition. What do you think?

My Daily Entertainment

2007-02-07T14:06:00.000-05:00

At least once a day, Gracie decides it's time to play with Finnigan, the cat. Usually, Finnigan is sound asleep on Gracie's bed when she decides it's time to play. Hmmm, maybe it's not so much play time as 'get-the-heck-off-MY-bed time!'

Gracie starts the game by slapping her paws onto Finnigan. When Finn was younger, he was gung-ho to return the slaps and so the game was on. These days, Finny has gotten quite miserable and ornery and doesn't think the game is so fun. The cat gets this look on his face that clearly says, "back off or you'll be sorry, missy!" Being the ever playful, fun-loving dog she is, Gracie doesn't get the hint and just wants to play - kinda like clueless Odie from Garfield! She snorts and chortles with mouth open and nose crinkled up! Even after a few claws stuck in her eyebrow or snout or lips, she keeps coming back for more!

Finnigan s-l-o-w-l-Y stalked Gracie, ears back, eyes glaring. His bottom jaw quivered as he smacked his lips and in a final jesture of irritation, he pounced right on her head and ran away!

I really have to practice more with action shots. My ISO was too high and of course I didn't use a tripod for these. I tried to capture the emotion in their 'fight', but this is the best I could get!!

THE APPROACH

THE FIRST MOVE

THE COUNTER ATTACK

THE WARNING

THE STANDOFF [aka, The Cat WON]

My Trip

2007-02-15T09:26:00.000-05:00

We're going to North Bay today to pick up M. She's done school for now and will be coming back home for 4 weeks to do another placement. This time she'll be at Lockerby High School. She has a lot of stuff to bring back home and it would have been too difficult for her to take the bus. Her boyfriend, J and two other friends will be joining us for the weekend. Another full house! I enjoy having company, but I've been so darn sick lately with a relentless upset stomach that I hope I feel up to it.

Last time we took a ride to North Bay, I brought the new camera and took a few shots. After getting back home, I realized I had the ISO on 800+ the whole time! Aggh. So right now, I'm going to check all the camera settings before I pack up my bag. And I have to put new batteries in too. The other day at my Photography Club meeting, I was trying an experiment with my camera and the batteries dies. Duh.

So my goal is to take at least one picture today worth posting. Stay tuned.

ETA - Well, easier said than done. I counted at least 20 fine photo ops, but I just wasn't able to capture them. Whizzing down the highway at 100km/hr isn't the best for shooting. Auto focus is fast, but not that fast! If I had asked DH to stop every time I saw something I wanted to shoot would have had us pulling off the highway every 4 minutes! Couldn't do that either because: 1. We didn't have all day. 2. It wouldn't have been safe screeching to a halt when I yelled, "STOP NOW!"
Add to that I still feel like crap, so I really didn't want to get out of the car to move around.
So with that said, I have come to the conclusion that:
I can't wait for the weather to warm up so I can get outside and take more pics.
I can't wait for spring so I can get outside and take more pics.
I can't wait till I feel better so I can get outside and take more pics.
I can't wait till I'm out of this photo slump so I can get outside and take more pics.

DH stopped at a few motorcycle shops so while I waited in the car, I took a few shots. Here's the best of a dozen or so - all taken from the front seat of the van!!!

My love of technology

2007-02-18T09:42:00.000-05:00

I am a gadget geek - a tech junkie! I love, love, love technology! I don't have a clue how things work deep down to the bare bones of it, but I know how to operate things! I have a PDA, a cool camera/mP3 cell phone, a laptop, a desktop PC, two VCRs, a DVD player, a portable DVD player, a portable CD/mP3 player, etc! I can work a remote control device like it's nobody's business! I can program a VCR in 7 seconds flat.

I am totally self-taught on all things electronic. Even family members call me if they can't figure out their TV or VCR or computer!

I see new gadgets in stores like Radio Shack or Future Shop and I just want them so bad - just because they're cool! Good thing I have restraint - or lack of funds which is the main reason I don't give in to impulse!

What really confuses me though is the hookups to these things. Sometimes I just can't figure out what wire goes where. I bought this device, called a GameBridge that allows me to record video or TV programs through through the VCR onto my laptop. It took me EIGHT hours to figure out how to set it up. After all that, it was such a simple solution. I was plugging it into the OUT jacks instead of the IN jacks - or was it the other way around? ha ha

And oh how I L-O-V-E my laptop! It stays in the living room where I can surf/play/watch/plan/edit to my heart's content while DH is watching TV -- or should I say flip TV. Why is it that men get a remote in their hands and feel the urge to flip, flip, flip.....?

Maybe the reason hubby flips is because he is totally cluless when it comes to these gadgets. He couldn't even set the time on the TV or VCR if his life depended on it! I even have to set the alarm on his watch!! Once in awhile, the VCR might be on [and to change channels you would need the remote in VCR mode] and DH would try to change channels in TV mode. Of course it won't work that way and DH goes into panic mode and yells, "De-e-e-e-b-b-b-b-b". If I wasn't there to fix things - he would likely just turn off the TV and give up!

So cheers to all things electronic! You make my life easier. You make my life happier.

There is ONE electronic machine that I will NEVER own. I have never had one, never wanted one and likely will never ever buy. Actually, I did have one, but I got rid of it! Can you guess what it is??
_____________
ETA - It's a DISHWASHER. I like the fact that doing dishes is a wind-down after dinner. It's especially nice when DH helps. I got rid of the dishwasher that came with both of the houses we lived in. I wanted my daughters to grow up knowing what the 'real' doing dishes was all about. I have never wanted one, don't miss it and I don't think I'll ever get one. Besides, I don't have enough dishes. I'm too much of a conservationist waste the water or to run the dish cycle on a daily basis, so after 2-3 days, I'd have no clean dishes left!!!

I need three hands -- Part II !!

2007-02-19T10:40:00.000-05:00

Finally had enough energy to go out for a walk. Took the dog in the bush again. Oh geez. My face was freezing, my fingers were freezing. I had the camera tucked into my jacket and pulled it out for the shots. The dog was bouncing all over the place {so happy to finally be outside!] I couldn't wait to get back home. I thought I had learned my lessons the last time:
1. don't bring camera when walking alone with the dog
2. bring hubby on walks so he can hold the leash
3. get warmer gloves
4. wear a cap to stop the glaring sun from my eyes
5. have newly charged batteries in the camera [THIS I remembered!]
6. find third hand

These last two shots are of the skating path on Lake Ramsey. Not too many people out on it this day, too cold I guess. Gracie stood on the cliff and barked and barked and barked at everyone across the lake. On the left, you can see the Boardwalk. First winter ever that I've not seen snow on the path. It's so weird. We only have about 6" of snow. We usually have several FEET by this time! Forecast calls for a few centimetres today. Hope it blows over. I'm loving this snowless winter -- not the COLD, but the lack of snow.
What I have to figure out is how come my camera chose an ISO of 800 [too cold to use Manual, so I had it set on Auto] for these shots! It was SUNNY outside!! ?????

My Backyard Critter

2007-02-22T16:19:00.000-05:00

This little critter makes my dog's day. If she sees it while she's outside, you know she has because of her happy bark! Her tail wags to beat the band and you can even see a smile on her face!

When I walked into the kitchen today, the squirrel AND a Mourning Dove were sharing the feeder. Of course, as soon as I picked up the camera, the Dove flew away. That would have made a great shot. Maybe next time!

Signs

2007-02-22T16:56:00.000-05:00

Here's a sign that is right next to STARBUCKS. I snapped this while DH went in to get his coffee on our way on our road trip the other day.

Hmmm. No snow that day, but there sure is now! We're in the middle of our 2nd blizzard of the WHOLE season. Not much accumulation, but very blustery.

Ciao La!

My Weekend at the Cottage

2007-02-26T15:20:00.000-05:00

I guess if I'm to stick to the POTD theme, I would say that my cottage says a lot about me. Outdoors, peace, fresh air and contentment surround me when I'm there. And of course, my family!!

Both daughters and their boyfriends spent the day with us. We had a campfire outside and roasted weiners and Kolbassa. Did a little ice fishing - no bites. The best event was our annual Ski-bogging fun. We hook up the water-ski rope to the back of the snowmobile, hop on the toboggan and go for a ride! WHEEEEEEeeeeee! Too fun. Safety is always at the top of the priority list, so helmets are worn by all and speed is kept to a comfortable pace.

It was also M's 24th birthday on Saturday, which made it an even more special day!

Gracie couldn't sleep in her usual spot, so we let her sleep on the lazyboy on her doggie bed. What a lazy a$$ dog!!...and SPOILED!

And that's ME in the fur hat [from the thrift shop -- I would NOT, EVER buy fur new - ONLY used] and the retro 1970's Skidoo suit!

I am really pleased with the shots I got this weekend. It's the first time I've really been able to snap away while outdoors because it's been so cold.

What do you think of these? HHCC always appreciated, or just leave a comment!

My Morning Latté

2007-02-28T08:34:00.000-05:00

My morning latté is definitely all about me!

I can't remember when it was when I first tasted a true latté. Not those oversweetened packaged things or the ones from the machine at Timmie's...I mean the real espresso ones. Mmmmmmm-mmmm-mmmm.

I think the first specialty coffee I tried was in Toronto at a Second Cup Café. I ordered a medium cappuccino, not really knowing what to expect. It was good, but there was too much foam for my taste. Not knowing any better, I continued to order caps like that. I was an espresso newbie back in the day.

Fast forward several years....... I experimented with caps and lattés, [I sound like some sort of addict don't I?!] By this time we had a few Second Cup Cafés here in town and they enlightened me to the fact that I could request my lattés without foam! Now, that was better! So, each time I was in the mall, I would treat myself to a delicious latté.

After a few years of that I realized that I sure would enjoy a latté every morning...in my own house! DH bought me an espresso machine for Christmas one year. It was the steam operated type. Well, after a few near burns and explosions, I realized that the steam machine was an accident waiting to happen. I returned it and bought a Pump driven espresso machine. I still have that machine today. It's about 15 years old. I have replaced only one part in all these years.

I even became a certified Barrista when I went to work at Second Cup! I worked there for over four years and because we were allowed as many free drinks as we wanted, I got to learn how to make my lattés just the way I like them. Double shot, non fat, no foam, extra-extra hot!

Now that the Second Cups in town have closed down [BOO to Tim Horton's for being such a bully] we treat ourselves to Starbucks once in a while, but I still use my trusty Briel espresso machine every day!!!

Snow Day

2007-03-02T15:25:00.000-05:00

We had wicked winds and blizzard conditions today. We are still well below the normal amount of snowfall this year, but I hated to see the storm. I am just so anxious for spring! I really can't complain though because it has been such a mild winter with very little snow! I usually love to shovel the driveway. I can remember some winters where I was out there shoveling practically every day. It gave me a bit of fresh air and some exercise too since it usually takes me about 20-40 minutes to do the whole driveway plus two walkways. Today though there was too much heavy snow, so D took out the snowblower!
It's stopped for now, but the forecast calls for another possible 10 cms. Ugh.

My Collection

2007-03-02T15:31:00.000-05:00

I love retro stuff. Perhaps it's because I'm still a hippy at heart, but I always seem to be drawn to retro decor and retro items! Since my house isn't really suited for retro decor, I have one room where I display my collection of old stuff. My office. I also want to decorate our cottage with retro stuff - especially RED things!

Some of the things are hand-me-downs from my family, like the bowling shoes. They were my dad's. I also have his personalized bowling ball.

This shirt was a favourite of mine when I was a young teenager! I LOVED that shirt and wore it all the time. I couldn't bear to part with it when I grew out of it. It's hanging on a hangar that was made for me when I was a baby.

This cooler and thermos will likely find a new home when the addition is finished at the cottage. I want to bring my 1930's Hoosier cabinet there and it will nicely display my retro stuff!

My Daughters

2007-03-04T10:56:00.000-05:00

I had a little mini-shoot with my girls. The weather was warm and I wanted to practice with my camera outdoors. I set the White Balance which really made a huge difference. I don't shoot in RAW, so I still had to do a little PPing, but just a slight colour and curves adjustment. I took about 65 pics and these are a few of my favs.

L - Daughter #1

M - Daughter #2

Gracie - Daughter #3, 3 yrs. old.

Things that Make my Life Easier!

2007-03-06T10:51:00.000-05:00

The POTD theme this week is to post objects of things that make your life easier. I'm gonna blog about how much I don't LIKE the new products that are out there that are SUPPOSED to make your life easier. I say, meh.

A lot of people have posted dishwashers, washers, dryers and appliances! Sure, I'm glad that I don't have to scrub my clothes on a washboard, or put them through a ringer like the 'olden days', but I love to hang my clothes out on the line. It does take a little longer, but at least I'm outside in the fresh air instead of my cold, dark laundry room! I can't wait to start doing that again once the temps go above freezing! The clothes not only smell better to hang them outside, but I find it much easier to fold them from the line than from out of a dryer!

As for dishwashers, some of you might be shocked to hear that I DON'T WANT ONE. My mom had one at our house when I was a teen. I remember the pain in the neck it was to roll out the washer [ours wasn't built-in], hook it up to the kitchen tap, then wait for the noisy cycle to be over, roll it back, empty the dishes, yadda, yadda, yadda. You call that easy? I'd rather wash dishes by hand while chatting with my family as they help dry and put away. Our first two houses had dishwashers and it was the first item that I got rid of. Nope, no dishwasher for me. Ever.

What's up with all those Swiffer products? It upsets me that with the state our world is in regarding waste and pollution that manufacturers are still making garbage-producing products!! I refuse to buy items that create more trash and waste. Each one of those little Swiffer wipe thingys have to be thrown away. And the bag that they come in. A broom, dustpan and cloth is what I use... and a bagless vacuum cleaner for my carpet.

I haven't bought a single bottle of Pledge or Fantastik or any other cleaning product in over 25 years. Most of the over-the-counter products are mostly water and few other ingredients. Some are extremely toxic. I make my own cleaner. It's all purpose and much safer... and cheaper, than the bought ones. My cleaner, a piece of newspaper, or a rag is all I need to make my house shine!

Convenience foods are supposed to make our life easier, give us more time for our families. That's all fine and dandy, but our children's lives won't be very easy if they have to live in a world full of health related problems from too many over-processed foods that are full of trans-fats, too much sugar and zero nutrition. Sure, that single-wrapped weiner is handy and cooks fast - but yuk! Pre-packaged everything, single-wrapped weiners, pre-cooked bacon, pre-cut/diced/sliced/chopped foods! I prefer natural foods that cook on the stove in the natural amount of time. I like to buy whole foods and foods without additives and junk. Sure, I love the odd chocolate bar or bag of chips, but I like to think that I'm a wise consumer when it comes to healthy eating... and recycling! I recycle EVERYTHING I possibly can.

I'll get off my soap-box now. I just couldn't for the life of me think of anything to take a picture of that makes my life easier. That's not to say that I don't appreciate having a vehicle to get me where I have to go, or a TV that entertains me, or a washing machine that cleans my clothes. It's just that all those items are a part of my life. I chose to have them. And I choose what NOT to have too!
I'll stop now before I get too carried away!! ha ha

The End!

p.s. Is there anybody else out there like me??