10 things that shock me (but probably shouldn't), 2014 edition

As I read various entries on the internet—Facebook posts, blog posts, news articles—I am shocked at so many things I see. As I leave my home, my bubble where I can control grammar and behavior, I am shocked at so many things I see out in the world. Frankly, it gets on my nerves and it makes me sad. It makes me feel like society as we know it is in decline. Some say “change is inevitable; change is good”, and while I agree in the inevitability of change, these changes I see are not good.

I bring you 10 Things That Shock Me (But Probably Shouldn't), 2014 Edition (because you can bet I'll have more to add to the list next year).

1. Adults using sentence fragments as sentences. For example, “That moment when you realize the state of linguistics in America is in rapid decline” is not a sentence. Try adding a few words at the beginning to make it a sentence. “Have you experienced. . . ”, “Do you know. . . ”, “I dislike. . . ” would all work at the beginning to make that an actual sentence that sounds like it was spoken by an adult.

2. High school graduates (and beyond) that make more spelling errors than my first grader. How did these people graduate? (This is not an auto-correct problem; that's another issue completely.)*

3. Auto-correct. I think that's all I need to say. Pay attention to what you're typing before you hit “send”. Don't blame auto-correct. Revise and edit before submission, please.

4. Adults using made-up words and phrases like “welp” and “prolly” and “all the sudden”. It makes you sound dumb.*

*I'm a firm believer that the simple act of reading books can help erase so many common grammar and spelling errors. There are millions of books out there on every imaginable subject. Pick up a book and read it! Preferably one with dialogue so you can get an example of how adults should speak.

5. Texting shortcuts. LOL, OMG, thx (or worse: thx u), and so on. It's bad enough when people text these things, but some people are using them verbally. And kids are using them, too, thinking they are real words. Help!

6. Using phones in inappropriate places and/or at inappropriate times. At the playground with your kid? Watch them, not your app. Waiting in line? Strike up a conversation with a fellow human, you know, in real life. At a party? Spend time with the people at the party, not the people in your news feed.** At the dinner table?? Put down the damn phone!!

**As I looked through photos of a holiday celebration at my house on Christmas Eve, I was shocked to see so many family members on their phones instead of interacting with people at the party. When I got onto Facebook later that night (after everyone left, thank you very much), I was even more shocked to see party guests interacting with each other on Facebook during the party instead of actually speaking to each other! I'm hosting phone-free parties from now on.

6a. If your phone rings or a notification beeps when you are eating with a group/having a real life conversation/going to the bathroom/driving, it's really, truly ok to ignore it for a few minutes. It will still be there when you check your phone next, and 99% of the time, it's not anything life threatening. Once upon a time, we didn't have cell phones. We left messages for people and they called us back when they were available. And the world did not end.

7. People that smoke cigarettes. Really? It's 2014. I thought everyone stopped smoking in the 90s.

8. Wearing pants that sag below your bum or shirts that rise above your navel. Seriously, just stop.

9. People that complain about how broke they are and then go get a manicure. Or ice cream. Or Starbucks. Really? Do you not see a connection there?

10. People that use other people's photos/words/creations and fail to see it as stealing. Some people even claim them as their own and take credit for them. It makes my jaw drop every time. Do people not think theft and plagiarism apply to such things? If you like someone's photo/words/creation, just ask if you can use them. It's that easy. And no, things posted on the internet are not free to use in other places on the internet.



Ahh. It feels better just to send that out to the internet and not having it clutter up my head. I know some of you will disagree with me, and that's ok. This is not fact, and it is not directed at anyone personally. It is simply my opinion of the decline of American society, on my blog, where no one is required to read anything. Please pass on by if you find anything offensive.

What shocks YOU in 2014?

336/366 december 1st

7:10am Wake up

8:27am Arrive at middle school for pancake breakfast

8:58am Stand in line to visit Santa. Shortest line ever!

9:47am Stop by the house to retrieve a replacement for Little Dude's broken candy cane

10:00am On the road to Portland

11:05am Get into Departures lane

11:06am Here

11:07am Goodbye kisses

11:09am See you soon, Daddy

11:47am Lunch with Nana and Grandpa

2:53pm Crazy busy parking lots already??

4:18pm Make beaded ornaments at the library

5:00pm Tree lighting

5:18pm Yummy chili and cornbread for dinner at Feast

5:40pm Head home for card games, holiday Kung Fu Panda and He-Man & She-Ra, and envelope addressing.

158/366 twenty five things about me

My friend Cathy did a post like this yesterday. I'm blatantly copying her. She's full of great ideas.



1. I'm shy. People often confuse that with being mean or snobby or unapproachable. But I'm really just shy.


2. It bugs me when people stop a microwave before it is finished and leave those unused seconds on the screen. When I use something, I try to return it to it's original condition or better. I always reset the microwave.

3. I'm terrified of bees. When they fly near me, I try to put on a brave face for the kids (mostly because Hubs asked me to), but it's hard. Inside I'm shrieking like a cartoon damsel running from a mouse.

4. I've been stung three times. Two of those were because I stepped on the bee. Now I always wear shoes outside.

5. When I was 14 or so, before my Always Wear Shoes Outside rule, I chose to ride barefoot in the car with my older sister. I don't remember where we were going, but it was probably to some sort of drive thru because I knew I wouldn't be getting out of the car. Except the car broke down, and we had to walk a few blocks, and it was really super hot outside. I burned the bottoms of my feet. (Don't do that. It hurts! Always wear shoes outside.)

6. I hate the term “drive thru,” but it looks weird to write “drive through” when referring to a lane with windows for ordering things.

7. The first time I stepped on a bee (quite possibly the same summer as the burned feet), we thought we got the stinger out right away. But a day or two later, a big swollen lump formed on my foot. It was like walking on a golf ball.

8. I'm not an animal fan. My kids would love a pet, but I can't find any that take care of themselves and don't shed. Or stink. Or poop.

9. I don't like made up words like “ginormous.” Choose “enormous” or “gigantic,” but don't combine them.

10. I think texting shorthand is ruining the vocabulary of our society.

11. I think it should be required for your Facebook (or any) profile photo to be of your actual face. Not your dog, not a flower, not a logo. How else am I supposed to stealthily—and from a distance—figure out who you are or what you look like after all this time?

12. My maiden name is very long, difficult to spell and difficult to pronounce. My goal in my young life was to marry a man with a short, easy to pronounce last name. I failed. It is shorter, but it might actually be more difficult to spell and pronounce.

13. I cringe when I hear “all the sudden” (it's “all of a sudden”) and “could of” (it's “could have”) and “sense” instead of “since.” (There are many more that make me cringe, but I've reached my quota of quotation marks.) I believe that if people read more books, they would learn to speak/write properly.

14. I have at least three lip balm tubes on hand at all times—one by my bed, one in my purse, and one near the front door. I freak out if my lips are dry and I'm stranded without lip balm. I'd like to keep one in my car, but it would melt in the summer and freeze in the winter.

15. I call all lip balm “chapstick” even though it's not Chapstick brand. I hate that, but I can't seem to train myself otherwise.

16. I use the Carmex in the tall silver tube right now and I love it.


17. I am in the habit of desiring something sweet after lunch and dinner. This is a very bad habit that I am trying to break.

18. I would like a system of signs or an electronic sign in my car that would advise people when I see things that need attention. I would have signs that read,

• Your turn signal is still on!
• Left lane = fast/right lane = slow
• Your headlight/brake light is out
• Your turn signal bulb must be broken
• Your fuel door is open!
• You should really put a seatbelt on your kid
• Ooh, you're cool. (This is sarcastic, and would be used mostly on young men.)

19. People tend to misunderstand my sarcasm.

20. I prefer to be around people with thick skins. I'm not a very sensitive person. I prefer to handle differences directly, and without fluff.

21. I organized construction paper in Sweetpea's classroom yesterday. I put it all in rainbow and size order. I like things to be in proper order.

22. It feels weird to get into my bed in regular clothes, on the rare occasion that I get time for a nap. I usually at least change into pajama pants.

23. I lived in the same house from 1-18 years old. Since then I have moved fourteen times. (That's fourteen times in fifteen years.)

24. I used to like moving. Now we have too much stuff. I do enjoy rearranging furniture, though.

25. I clean the house only when I know people are coming over. So be sure to call first if you plan on making a visit.

2011 favorites

2011 was a great year.

I can't wait to see what 2012 brings!

  Lilacs and the beginning of Photo Friday

Water glass xylophone

  Lemon cheesecake

Photo found here.

My daughter decided to redecorate her room this year, abolishing the Princesses.

I'm embracing (and excited for!) her future and mourning the end of her babyhood.

Bittersweet, for sure.

Photo from this post.

  

Zig Zag Seuss quilt

 

LEGO organization

Photo from this post.

Peanut butter brownies

  The wedding cake

Watermelon on a stick

Cucumber smoothies

Chocolate peanut butter pretzel balls/bars

Seeing my recipe all over Pinterest was very flattering.

Roasted broccoli and walnuts with pasta

Photo found here.

More on my photography journey here.

Nostalgic (for me) first post with my dslr here.

In February, I purchased my first dslr camera, a Nikon D7000. I haven't put it down since. The camera and learning photography have dominated my 2011. I have much, much more to learn and am loving every minute of my education. Many thanks to my sister-in-law Megan Cieloha and her friend Courtney from Click It Up A Notch (and several of their friends via blogs) for their tremendous help, whether they know they gave it or not.

And many thanks to all of you for reading, commenting, and encouraging me along the way! This blog would be very lonely without you. :)

feminine photographs and random thoughts.

• I honestly believe I'm more likely to be killed by a crazed maniac in my home the night I watch a scary movie. Especially while washing my face. I feel so vulnerable when I have soap on my eyes and the water is running, covering the sounds of any potential footfalls.

• When I was little, my brothers and I would pretend the floor was hot lava, and jump from throw pillow “stepping stones” to couches to stay safe. According to Pinterest, this was a pretty common pastime. Strange.
• Yes, I've always had a very vivid imagination.

• Something that's been on my mind for a while—If I leave a comment on your blog, and you respond to my blog comment with another blog comment on your post, I probably won't go back and read it. That's why my email address is attached to my comment. It's really easy, even if you're using your Blogger profile. So email me in response, instead of commenting in response. Because I'd like to see your response, but I just don't have the time or the memory to revisit every comment I leave. (Cuz I leave a LOT of comments around blogland.)
• Same goes for you commenting on my blog. Attach your email address to your comment profile (with these simple directions), so I can email you an answer or a thank you. I like doing that.
• Oh, and if your comments have word verification, I might get annoyed and skip the comment altogether. Just sayin'.
• Don't even get me started on blogs with auto-play music that assault my ears. Argh.

• I'm probably the only person in the world that doesn't like red velvet cake. And believe me, I've tried to like it. As a HUGE lover of cake, it disturbs me that there is one flavor I don't enjoy. But it doesn't really have a flavor, does it? It's like it can't commit. Is it chocolate? No. "Red" and "velvet" are color and texture descriptors, not indicative of any flavor whatsoever. Sigh. I am hereby declaring my dislike for red velvet cake. I will no longer waste calories to see if this slice is different. Whew. I feel better.

• I'm being awfully negative, aren't I? My apologies. You look very nice today. That's a great color on you. It makes your eyes sparkle. :) Have a great day!

twelve on the twelfth

01) I turn 32 today. Most times I'm fine with it. Age is just a number. I really feel 19.
02) But the crow's toes (not full-fledged feet yet) and aching back tell me I am far from my teenage years.
03) A new top and new shoes do wonders for a girl's confidence. Gotta love sassy days.
04) I watched some footage of Japan's quake and tsunami damage last night. Such utter trauma and devastation. I'm hugging Hubs and the kids extra, thankful for how fortunate we are to be safe today.
05) Hubs and I made a plan last night for a meeting place in the event of a similar quake (we're prone to those in the NW, being part of that Pacific ring), assuming cell service is down. Have to plan in advance in case we can't reach each other.
06) Making tiramisu for the first time today. Can't wait.
07) Using whipped cream instead of raw egg yolks. For safety's sake. Though I did come across this the other day, and may try it next time.
08) Bought some new yarn and needles and am planning to make a lacy scarf. Just in time for, um, spring. Yeah.
09) Getting a head start on next winter is a great thing.
10) Wanting to make a hat to match. Any pattern suggestions?
11) Love to watch the birds outside my window. I ♥ birdfeeders.
12) Looking around me right now, I see lots of comfort amidst the clutter. I am embracing my imperfect, loving home. No cleaning today.

Have a happy weekend.

list: 12 on 12

2. Snow day. Hooray for lazy mornings.

3. Chicken stew with biscuits in the works.

4. Easier commenting. I removed the word verification from comments mid-September (so last year), and haven't had any trolling spam. None. Love it.

5. PW Photo contests. I always think I have a chance until I look at the other entries. This round is food and it is so fun looking at all the yummy food photos.

6. Watching birds at the bird feeder while I work.

 8. New trick: Flannel fitted sheet; cool cotton top sheet. No cold shock when you get into bed; no overheating around 3am.

10. Wagon rides around the house for a preschooler with a bum foot.
11. Big sister having a blast giving little brother wagon rides.
12. Leftover cookies with my coffee.

(12 on 12 inspiration)

too lazy to edit photos...

...so you get a photo-less post. :) But I should have a photo-laden post later this week about turning my backyard grapes into grape juice.

For now, here is a little Top Nine list for you. (Ten is too clichéed).

Top 9 things you probably don't know about me:

1. I don't like my head or face being touched, even by my kids. Especially by my kids?
2. I'm going craft crazy with lots of top secret projects that I really want to share with you, but can't. Yet.
3. My favorite months are October and May, in that order.
4. I typically have 5-10 tabs open in my browser at one time.
5. Two years ago, my neighbor cut down a tree in his yard. It happened to give me a full view, from my living room, of a gorgeous mountain. It also happened to be my birthday. True story.
6. A long time ago, I promised myself I wouldn't buy any more scrapbook paper until I used up my stash. I lied.
7. If I had more available spending money, I would have a severe collection of bags and shoes. I never thought I would be that girl.
8. I once had a birthday "cake" made of doughnuts. These doughnuts.
9. My current exercise routine consists of climbing stairs--429 of them--and back down, four times. I hate it, but I do it anyway. (Good thing, too, because I love me some doughnuts.)

Pass it on! I love these things. I love finding out random tidbits about people. If you liked this, post your own and link to it in the comments so I can see! :)