Express Yourself

This week's Scavenger Word* is 'Expression,' selected by Jessica. Here's my photo entry:

This is the expression on the face of a person who is about to get kissed for being adorable. This shot was taken at the Mondavi Winery in Napa Valley, California. Also, please try to imagine this face as a baby, because it will happen, people! Soon! (Minus the goatee, we hope...)

*I participate in a weekly scavenger hunt for photos related to a select word. A group of us on the internet make the rounds to see everyone else's photos and comment on how they treated the subject matter. The only rules are 1) post on Saturday (something I often fail to do) and 2) only use pictures you yourself have taken. If you want to join the fun, let us know here!

Maintenance Scavenger

Ironic that this week's word should be 'maintenance' when I had Internet problems since Thursday. Our Internet gave out and having no recourse, we waited for Monday when I had the day off and could go to Time Warner location a million miles away. It was closed. For MLK Day. Nice timing. So, now I'm back to someone else's Internet and posting this picture that "maintains" my appearance of complying with Scavenger Shot regulations...


Typical driver pride to take a shot of the speedometer. My husband and I were both in his car at this moment (he pulled off the road to take the photo with his camera). We kissed and vowed to travel at least another 100,000 miles together. It was all very touching and adorable. What else would you expect? What does this have to do with maintenance, I hear you ask. What about this DOESN'T have to do with it? Once a car reaches 100,000 miles, you're looking at some pretty likely future maintenance work. so far, we're good (knock on foam), but he is bringing it in for an oil change soon.

Who? ME??

(looking in a mirror)

'I'm going to be a mom.'


(doesn't sink in)


'A MOM!'

(deer in the headlights)

'I am going to be someone's MOTHER!'


(inappropriate giggle)


'That poor kid.'

'Good thing I'm married to this guy...'

GRATITUDE - Scavenger Hunt Photo

Gratitude is the art of appreciation. It is directing your focus from all things -good or bad- to a focused appreciation of just those things which are good. Even if temporary, this focus helps adjust our reality to a sweetened view. Letting the good "outshine" the bad, allowing the positive to take center stage, we do not ignore what is imperfect, but we allow the negative to take a momentary backseat in our lives. And sometimes, this little reprieve heals the heart more than anything else.

This week, I am grateful for my 10 week old (pictured to the left). I am grateful for my loving husband. I am grateful for my entire family. I am grateful for wonderful friends!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

[I nominate AlienCG to choose next week's scavenger word. I ALSO nominate AlienCG to pick up the slack left by his brother EvilE to keep an updated list of all the words used so far and by whom (in chronological order) so that we know who's been picked recently and who is getting left out of ther picking process. All agreed? Say 'aye.' *bangs gavel*]

Photo Scavenger Hunt - ONE!

Sorry I spectacularly failed to post a photo on Saturday, but here now is my entry for ONE.

The ONE I love, adore, turn to in a crisis, support through his storms, remember throughout my day with smiles, call and talk to, write this blog for. love you, Honey. : ) This photo was taken by me with his i-phone in the back of the wedding limo.

I hereby nominate Mrs. Hairy Woman for the next round.

How To Be The Best Husband

Send your wife flowers on the third anniversary of your first date. Genius.

Advice To New Wives

Don't say you're coming to your husband's softball game and then run errands through the whole thing.



Seriously.

Driving My Husband To Work...

...makes my car smell nice. Makes the air feel softer. Makes me smile and feel like I'm still in bed.

Advice To New Husbands

Don't tell your wife that her cabbage rolls are good and then tell her how they could be more like your mother's.


I'm just saying.... :P

Married People Are Happy

Just in case you were wondering... we're doing great! We still have to figure out some of the intricacies of living in the same house (read: pack rat + possession-purger = frustration), but we're working it out. Ah, the magic of marriage! Photo is from our reception. Obviously. Just an amateur shot from a friend. We haven't gotten our pro shots yet. Oh, but when we do!
The smiles are genuine, grade-A real. makes my cheeks hurt a little just thinking about it... : )