Sunday, October 25, 2009

The Google Game

Today I am posting a fun little game that I discovered while visiting a great blog entitled Creative Attempts. This is how it works: Read the questions below and do a google search of images pertaining to your answers. Post your favorite image.

1. My favorite beverage










2. My hometown
















3. My favorite TV show








4. My occupation













5. My first car













6. My favorite dish









7. Celebrity I have been told that I resemble













8. Celebrity crush













9. Favorite childhood toy













10. Any random picture













Thursday, October 22, 2009

Sara's List of Feel Good Things

So, it's been awhile since my last post! I have been inspired to create a personal list of feel good things. One of my dear friends from high school has applied for a job with SAM-e to blog about good moods. He truly deserves this job because everyday he posts questions to ponder, and positive things to think about throughout the day. (Check out his blog @ http://detavio.com)

Which brings me to today's post. My list of feel good things. A gal named Lisa did this on the SAM-e website and I, in turn am borrowing it.

Here it is, in no particular order:

1. Friday nights.

2. An unexpected hug from someone just because.

3. It's cold outside, but the fire is on and I'm under a blanket, with the dogs right by my side.

4. Coming home after a long day at work.

5. A compliment from someone you barely know.

6. A long, hot shower after a hard workout.

7. Feeling like you could run for hours.

8. Connecting with old friends.

9. Receiving a note letting you know that you do make a difference.

10. Taking a bite of a chocolate chip cookie that came right out of the oven.

11. Going to an NFL football game and cheering your team on. (Go Broncos!)

12. Browsing through the new issue of your favorite magazine.

13. Reading a great book.

14. Laughing until it hurts.

15. A delicious home cooked meal.

16. Sitting in the sun on a perfect fall day.

17. Discovering an awesome new song.

18. Reading an old journal entry, and remembering exactly how you felt that day.

19. Going through old pictures and remembering what brought you to where you are today.

20. Throwing a party for someone you care about.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

This I Believe


Children Learn What They Live
by Dorothy Law Nolte

If children live with criticism,
they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility,
they learn to fight.
If children live with fear,
they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity,
they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule,
they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy,
they learn to feel envy.
If children live with shame,
they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement,
they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance,
they learn patience.
If children live with praise,
they learn appreciation.
If children live with acceptance,
they learn to love.
If children live with approval,
they learn to like themselves.
If children live with recognition,
they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with sharing,
they learn generosity.
If children live with honesty,
they learn truthfulness.
If children live with fairness,
they learn justice.
If children live with kindness and consideration,
they learn respect.
If children live with security,
they learn to have faith in themselves.
If children live with friendliness,
they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Glee



Okay, these kids have some serious talent! I haven't been this excited about a show since Beverly Hills 90210, back in high school. I just finished watching the season premiere of Glee and it is an amazing cast, with lots of humor, and such an original concept. If you missed it, tune in next Wednesday on Fox. You won't be dissapointed. Makes me wanna sing!!

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Denver half-marathon

"The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start."
~ John Bingham, running speaker and writer

With the inspiration of co-workers, I have decided to run this year's Denver half-marathon. I have about 7 weeks to train. I am so excited to be back in the racing mentality. This summer, I made a mental list of things I wanted to accomplish before my 30th birthday, and a half-marathon was one to check off. Sunday marks the beginning of my long runs. 6 miles... here I come!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Through the eyes of a 6-year-old

This week marked the beginning of the school year for teachers. On the first day back, our Head Master read this excerpt, as a thought starter for the year. Because I connect with, and love children and dogs so much, I had to post it. It is a reminder of what is really important in life:


A Dog's Purpose
(from a 6-year-old)

Being a veterinarian I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the
family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's
family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting
the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any
difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's
death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are
shorter than human lives.

Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, 'I know why.'

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next
stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, 'People are born so that they can learn how to live a good
life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?'

The Six-year-old continued, 'Well, dogs already know how to do
that, so they don't have to stay as long.'

So live like a dog:

Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things
like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
Take naps. Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass..
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle
them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT
OF EVERY DAY

Monday, August 17, 2009

A new season, a new class

This week marks the end of my Craft of Writing and Contemporary Math classes. Moving on next week to The Effective Classroom and Children's and Adolescent Lit. In the syllabus for the lit class, it mentions that I will be reading and evaluating over 60 children's books! This is gonna be fun. I've already added a bookshelf to my blog, and now it will be stocked full of reviews and recommendations for great books to read to kids. One of my favorites last year was Bad Dog, Marley! adapted from Marley & Me, written by John Grogan. Stay tuned, and checkout my shelf located on the right side of this post section titled, "Good Reads".

Big Giveaway for Blog Design Lovers!

There's this really cool gal @ The Design Girl Studio and she's got some FABULOUS giveaways this week. Check it out at: http://designgirlblog.blogspot.com/

Here are the features of the giveaway:

  • Standard Blog Makeover
  • Camera Strap from Mason Jar Holdings
  • Bin from Sewing Mamma
  • Recipe Box from The Monogram Chick
  • Felt Pancakes from Lisajhoney
You have until Sunday, August 23rd to enter.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

It's the little things...

So, I was at the book store today just browsing, and came across a book called The Geography of Bliss. The author, Eric Weiner, writes about happiness; what it means to be happy, and how different people define it. The title is what really reeled me in. The cover was enticing too. Isn't it amazing how just the cover and title of a book can get you to look into it further? I read the summary and BAM, I was hooked. I'm such a sucker! I'm that way with so many things. Today I want to list the little things that make me happy. Cheesy? Yes. I don't care!
The following are just a few of those little things:
  • A sunset in Colorado on a warm summer night
  • Dinner on the patio
  • Candlelight
  • Songs about falling in love
  • A glass of good wine
  • The smell of freshly cut grass
  • Sleeping in
  • Curling up with a good book
  • Cuddling with my husband and pups
  • Family
  • Good friends
  • Conversation that makes me think in ways I hadn't before
  • Smooth, dark chocolate
  • Saturday nights
  • Laughing till it hurts
  • Running till it hurts
  • Pictures of people doing ordinary things
  • A baby's smile
"Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means you've decided to look beyond the imperfections." ~ Anonymous

Friday, August 7, 2009

Summer Discoveries

Summer is winding down (it goes by so fast!) and school starts in two weeks. I'm excited to see the new little faces of 1st grade. This summer has been productive and rejuvenating! Here are some of my fabulous summer activities, leading to surprising discoveries:

Guitar lessons ~ Mike and I took guitar lessons together in June and by the end of the class, we were able to play lots of fun chords and simple songs like Eleanor Rigby. Ha! We're going to be rock stars.

Going back to school ~ It's about time! Actually, this summer was the perfect time to go back. I am taking classes to start my educational goal of finally earning my teaching license. The writing class, Craft of Writing, inspired me to start this blog! I have rediscovered my love of writing, and have tapped into creative thinking, that has been hibernating for way too long.

Landscaping ~ It was an exhausting 8 weeks, but well worth the labor! We designed and landscaped our back yard. It is now blooming with beautiful flowers and trees, and the pups LOVE running around on their new grass. No more dirty paws!

Hosting parties ~ Now that we have a house, we can host parties! I love having people over to enjoy great food, drinks, music, and company. We had an awesome 4th of July gathering and next will be a 'girls night in' wine and tapas party. I love bringing people together to celebrate the little things in life.

Morning coffee ~ I've never been a coffee drinker, but I started to drink a cup or two on the weekends. Now, it has become a ritual. It's a great way to start the day, along with reading a good book on the patio.

Cooking ~ When I'm not doing homework, I like to find new recipes to cook for dinner or dessert. I tend to gravitate towards baking lately, but the other night I found a delicious Carne Asada recipe from simplyrecipes.com. Yum! Cooking is fun and relaxing.

Ahhh, the long, warm days of summer! What an awesome couple months it has been.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Thought for today...

"Follow your heart, but be quiet for a while first. Ask questions, then feel
the answer. Learn to trust your heart." ~ Anonymous

This month I've been thinking a lot about the virtue of patience. I am not a patient person. If I'm hungry, I want to eat NOW. If my hair is too short, I want it to grow out immediately. If I'm not proficient in something, I want to learn it instantly.
I am slowly learning that some things are well worth waiting, and working for. I want to start enjoying the journey, and be present in today, rather than looking for what will happen tomorrow.

Monday, August 3, 2009

Wedding Pictures ~ July 14, 2007 ~














Friday, July 31, 2009

Happiness

"Happiness is a warm puppy." ~ Charles M. Shulz

Summer Sangria

As promised, here is a sangria recipe I adapted from AllRecipes.com. Enjoy!
  • 1 bottle dry white wine (I use pinot grigio)
  • 1 can frozen lemonade concentrate
  • 1/2 cup light rum
  • 1/2 Triple Sec
  • pineapple, strawberry slices, mango slices, peaches, and red grapes (I use a frozen mixture of this fruit)
  • orange slices (cut into wheels)
  • 2 cups of lemon-lime soda (Sprite)
Combine all ingredients in a pitcher, except for the soda, and refrigerate for at least a couple hours or overnight. When your first guests start to arrive then you can add the soda.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Girl on the run

I make it a point to run at least every other day. Some days, I feel like I could run endlessly. My playlist is just right, the temperature outside is perfect, and I feel light on my feet. Other days, it's a serious struggle. My body is sore, my mind is tired, and the thought of pounding the pavement is painful.

So many people ask, "Why run?" Running calms me. It gives me a sense of peace and clarity that nothing else can. I do most of my thinking on runs. I could have the worst day, and after running, I feel a bit more optimistic. I feel stronger and ready to take on whatever comes my way. If the only thing I accomplish in a day is a 4 or 5 mile run, that's enough for me.

Not every run is easy. Believe me, there are times when all I want to do is sleep in that extra half hour, or come home and lounge on the couch. But that's what keeps me going. Knowing that there's a challenge for the day, something to get my mind and body moving. Run Sara, Run!

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

A string of laughter...

"Laughter is an instant vacation." ~ Milton Berle

One of the best feelings in life is laughter. That 'from the gut', uncontrollable, 'can't hardly breathe' giggle is contagious. Sometimes hearing someone chuckle, or seeing someone smile can instantly boost your mood. Laughter creates a domino effect, connecting anyone surrounded by it. It is a priceless gift and even provides great health benefits. Live life outloud and tap into your sense of humor each day. Share it with your friends, family, or strangers you encounter. Go ahead, LAUGH!

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Put a Picture into Words

In this picture I see a younger version of myself holding my newest pup, Toby. He's such a sweet and loyal little guy, still hesitant to go out and explore the world around him, but still so curious! He's protective, and thinks he's bigger than the little squirt he is. He's my little buddy, my baby pup.

I love the simplicity of this photo, and how it tells a unique story depending on perspective.

What do you see?

Wherever you go, there you are...

Align Center
It's summer and I need a vacation! The kind where I wake up to the sounds of birds chirping, waves at low-tide and trees swaying with the slight breeze. Where time stands still. Sun lotion and a swimming suit will be the attire for the day. A mimosa and a plate of fresh fruit will be waiting by the lounge chair with the optional umbrella overhang. I bring along a great book or a juicy gossip magazine and oh, don't forget the sunglasses. Weather forecast for the week will be 80 degrees with a chance for light rain showers in the evening. I'm there...are you?