tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41274421632788751962024-03-13T11:34:14.652-07:00A Laugh and a LatteMy life cracks me up. Do these things happen to anyone else??!! I love it! And I also love a good caramel latte.MandaMoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946076667220321727noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127442163278875196.post-23106038080017162532012-09-12T09:30:00.000-07:002012-09-12T09:30:01.619-07:00Feel the BurnThe past several months I have been going to a women's boxing gym. The workouts are comprised of 12 circuits, each with a different exercise, and we usually go through the circuits 3 times spending 30-45 seconds on each circuit. It kicks my butt. Usually by the 3rd exercise I'm dripping in sweat and leave a puddle behind me. Gross. <br />
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I've learned to drink a lot of water before these workouts, and it also helps to eat a little something. Well, last week I had a brand new container of salsa at home and thought, "Hey, I'll have chips and salsa before boxing!" Seemed like a good idea at the time. Except, I love that salsa (it is fresh stuff from Trader Joes). I ate half the container. I'm not kidding. I ate half a container of spicy salsa. And then I worked out. I had the WORST heartburn ever. That salsa was burnin me up! After every exercise I'd have to bend over because I was in so much pain... FROM THE SALSA! Peppers and jump rope don't mix.<br />
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Lesson learned: don't eat salsa before working out. It is a really stupid idea.MandaMoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946076667220321727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127442163278875196.post-66012651035407760552012-08-29T14:39:00.001-07:002012-08-29T14:39:21.229-07:00Grocery Store Interesting PurchaseLast night I stopped by the grocery store to pick up a few things. As I proceeded to the check out I noticed an older middle aged man walking in front of me. I couldn't help but notice his hand-held shopping basket was full of cans. Upon closer inspection I realized they were all tuna cans! His basket was full of cans of tuna!!! I made sure to get in the check out line behind him. I took a sneeky sneeky picture. And the final count of tuna cans? 52. He bought 52 cans of tuna and nothing else. I found it highly amusing.<br />
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MandaMoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946076667220321727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127442163278875196.post-74042388745788099122012-01-31T18:07:00.001-07:002012-02-01T10:42:16.331-07:00Fabulous Wardrobe On a Budget<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">I work at a law firm in Scottsdale. Dressing up is expected. Jeans are never allowed. Ever. That's a lot of pressure for a 20-something recent college grad coming in at entry level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I noticed one of my co-workers always wore the best clothes, and never the same outfit twice. I didn't know how she could afford such an awesome wardrobe, so I asked. That was one of the best questions I've ever asked in my life. This lady was a consignment/thrift store goddess. She knew how to work the systems and knew all the best shops. So, after that conversation 5 years ago I started going to Goodwill and a few other places. I've learned some tips and tricks. One of the best feelings is having a very stylish, materialistic person say, "Oh, I love your skirt/jacket/blouse!" and knowing you spent $1.50 on it. </span><span style="font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Tips: </span><span style="font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="color: black;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">·Wear undergarments that cover everything. The clothes aren't guaranteed to be clean, so the less contact with your skin, the better. (Sorry if that grosses you out, but its reality.) </span><span style="font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="color: black;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">·Try on everything, and don't be scared to try on too many items. Just because the pants are your favorite brand and marked with your size does <i>not</i> mean they will fit. Someone might have donated them because they shrank 2 sizes in the dryer. OH! And while you’re by the fitting room, check the stuff people have already tried on! Those racks can be really good. </span><span style="font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="color: black;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tuccistore.co.uk/womens-2/jeans-trousers-37/formal-trousers-48/darling-womens-trousers-208001-84778_zoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.tuccistore.co.uk/womens-2/jeans-trousers-37/formal-trousers-48/darling-womens-trousers-208001-84778_zoom.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">·Especially in pants, know what brands and sizes fit you. Be willing to try on a size bigger than you normally wear. And don’t <i>ever</i> pick up a pair of pants that don’t have butt pockets. Knowing those things make it a lot easier when you go through the rack of 400 pairs of pants. And I’ve found that 85% of the time I strike out on pants, but when you find one pair that fits the chances of finding another pair are greater because probably someone donated more than 1 pair. </span><span style="font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="color: black;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">·Shirt racks. Recently, I’ve started looking at the bottom of the shirts instead of the top. A shirt that is too short in the torso is <b>bad</b>, so it is easier just to look at the bottoms of the hanging shirts and see if there are any longer ones. I don’t do too well finding good shirts. Sometimes t-shirts, but you can find new Old Navy clearance t-shirts for cheap. (My best bet for shirts is going to the real store when they have additional 40% off clearance. Banana Republic just had it, but it ended yesterday and I missed it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Limited had it every weekend from Thanksgiving to New Years.)</span><span style="font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="color: black;"> </span><a href="http://www.glebe-fashion.com/images/max-c-coral-ruffle-sleeved-cardigan-p343-1051_zoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.glebe-fashion.com/images/max-c-coral-ruffle-sleeved-cardigan-p343-1051_zoom.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="color: black;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">·I think sweaters and jackets are the best things to buy in a thrift store. Suede/leather is really expensive to get dry cleaned- so stay away from those. (I once bought my mom a beautiful suede jacket for $6, but when she looked into getting it cleaned the prices started at $50+)</span><span style="font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="color: black;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">·I think the biggest hurdle is finding the right stores. I really only go to 2 stores: Goodwill in Peoria (probably the biggest Goodwill <i>ever</i>), and one seemingly random little place on Cave Creek Rd, just north of Cactus by Dairy Queen. The random little place was recommended by the goddess coworker. I know that they get items from a bigger consignment store. So I get the emails from the big consignment store and when they advertise that their new season of clothes is going to be revealed on a specific day, I know they are getting rid of the ending season's inventory, so go to the cast off store that day. (Umm… yeah. I really <i>am</i> that pathetic. But hey, I got a perfect Banana Republic jacket for $3 and Express editor pants for $1.50.) If you don't live in Phoenix, I would suggest asking other thrift shoppers who are dressed nicely. I’ve done that before. One lady was trying on a jacket and I said, “Oh, that jacket looks <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">so</i> good on you. You have to get it.” “Thanks, but what would I wear with it?” “Good point. What other stores do you like to shop at? Do you know any hidden gems?” </span><span style="font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="color: black;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">·Thrift shoppers can physically get really pushy and invade your territory. Do <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> let them rush you. When I'm feeling my personal space being invaded, I’ll stop going through the rack, look at the pushy person with a “Are you seriously trying to push me?” glare. Some people aren’t deterred by the glare though. I also recommend the use of a shopping cart. It helps indicate your personal bubble. </span><span style="font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sellfiles.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/shopping-cart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://sellfiles.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/shopping-cart.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="color: black;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">·Make sure you have hand sanitizer with you, and go to the bathroom before you leave your house. </span><span style="font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="color: black;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">·Be nice to the workers. If you don't understand the store's system- ask! Tell them it is your first time there. Maybe they have sales on specific days, or have a sister store nearby. </span><span style="font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="color: black;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;">Side note: Iron-on fabric tape is a wonderful invention. You can hem the bottom of your pants just using that stuff and an iron. And if you get it wrong you can just heat it up and peal it apart. They sell it at Target by the sewing machines and it is around $5. Die-hard seamstresses hate it, so keep it a secret from the sewers in your life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><span style="color: black;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="color: black;">Thrift store shopping is hard. It takes time and a lot of patience, so don't get discouraged if you don't snag Stuart Weitzman heels for $4 on your first outing (it took me a couple years to find mine!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And don’t ever feel like you have to buy something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some days you strike out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other days you strike it big.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><span style="color: black;"><><> </></span><></>
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<span style="color: black;"> </span></div>MandaMoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946076667220321727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127442163278875196.post-3452920430978620942011-10-12T12:02:00.000-07:002011-10-12T12:02:20.886-07:00You Is Important<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.philly.com/images/600*450/20111009_inq_yant09-b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media.philly.com/images/600*450/20111009_inq_yant09-b.JPG" width="261" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Broad Street Coffeeshop is a Haven for a Once Homeless Man</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://articles.philly.com/2011-10-09/news/30260440_1_homeless-man-coffee-shop-homeless-veteran"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>http://articles.philly.com/2011-10-09/news/30260440_1_homeless-man-coffee-shop-homeless-veteran</strong></span></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> <u> </u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I really enjoyed this article. It was a great reminder to me to be kind to everyone. Give sincere thank-yous and hellos. Don't be afraid to ask a question or give a compliment. And I need to reprogram my judgmental mind and give people the benefit of the doubt. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It reminds me of Jane Bennet in Pride and Prejudice. She was so kind to everyone, and always believed the best. I want to be more like that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">To speak words of truth to others, like Aibileene, <a href="http://youtu.be/UZimx1wHYcs">http://youtu.be/UZimx1wHYcs</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And C.S. Lewis' famous line, "There are no 'ordinary' people. You have never talked to a mere mortal." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Makes me want to run down to Starbucks and sit down with everyone and hear their life story. People are incredibly important. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">God does know each person. He knows our stories, struggles, wounds, gifts, abilities, needs, bank account balance, where we sleep at night, ... He knows it all. And his response to this is the Ultimate in letting us know we're important-</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">This is how much God loved the world: <br />
He gave his Son, his one and only Son. <br />
And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; <br />
by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. <br />
-John 3:16 (MSG)</span></div>MandaMoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946076667220321727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127442163278875196.post-273716239857004492011-09-15T08:01:00.000-07:002011-09-15T08:01:33.924-07:00False Advertising<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Last night I stopped by my neighborhood Target to pick up some index cards (and check to see if the Missoni stuff was gone- it was.) As I was leaving the store I noticed a sign on one of the light posts. It was advertising "Local Calls $.25". I kept on walking, and then it hit me, why is there a sign for a pay phone in the middle of a parking lot? And didn't calls go up to $.35 about 15 years ago? And we're in Scottsdale, the land of boob jobs, fake tans, Range Rovers, and bedazzled millionaire cowboys. There aren't random pay phones in this neighborhood! So I walked over to the sign and couldn't find the phone. What the heck?! How long has that sign been there with no phone? I found the set up hilarious and laughed my head off for 5 minutes. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6MgapP_ZX6g/TnIQzwqCTiI/AAAAAAAAAXY/4cH7QaL-uqQ/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6MgapP_ZX6g/TnIQzwqCTiI/AAAAAAAAAXY/4cH7QaL-uqQ/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>MandaMoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946076667220321727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127442163278875196.post-9287598150946338902011-09-02T08:02:00.000-07:002011-09-02T08:02:03.266-07:00Football & Free Cupcakes<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Guess what I found this morning??? Thank me later. ;)</span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/bella/SprinklesCupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #f1c232;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/bella/SprinklesCupcakes.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></span></a></div><br />
<div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Show your support for our Arizona Cardinals by heading over to Sprinkles Cupcakes for a free Cardinals red velvet cupcake. You can score this freebie on Wednesday, September 7 from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. But you do have to prove you are a Cardinals fan in order to get that cupcake. Show up during that time wearing a Cardinals jersey, shirt or hat. It is one free cupcake per fan.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Read more: </span><a href="http://www.abc15.com/dpp/money/consumer/smart_shopper/Freebie-Friday%3A-Have-fun-and-save-your-cash#ixzz1Wo7E4Cnd" style="color: #003399;"><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://www.abc15.com/dpp/money/consumer/smart_shopper/Freebie-Friday%3A-Have-fun-and-save-your-cash#ixzz1Wo7E4Cnd</span></a></div>MandaMoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946076667220321727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127442163278875196.post-45090520500137958922011-08-28T18:10:00.000-07:002011-08-28T18:10:42.111-07:00Heaven<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.thebricktestament.com/revelation/heaven_revealed/rv05_11-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Several months ago I read the highly debated book, <i>Love Wins</i> by Rob Bell. It really made me question what I believe about salvation, hell, eternity, etc. My Sunday school class has also been going through an intense study of the book of Revelation which covers many of the same topics. I was getting pretty sick of the topic of "hell" and was really happy when we got to the topic of heaven. </div><br />
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So here's what I've come up with: What will we <i>do</i> in heaven? Will we just sit around and sing "Holy Holy Holy" for the rest of eternity? I hope there is more to it than that. Isaiah 65:17-25 gives a bit more detail. I especially like verse 21, "They will build houses and dwell in them, they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit." I take this to mean we will have jobs or responsibilities of some sort. In my imagination it goes something like this: God knows us. He created us with specific personalities, abilities, etc. In heaven we'll have jobs that match us, jobs that were made for us. In heaven we will be the best versions of ourselves, so we'll be working with other people who are the best versions of <i>them</i>selves. And our boss will be God. He'll know what projects we're working on, and how our work influences others and how it all works together in His big picture. And guess what? This part is my favorite, We can say, "Hey God, I've been trying to do this project this way, but it could probably be done better. Would you please help?" And He knows us and knows how we think and He can show us the RIGHT way to do something. And He won't be demeaning or confusing when He explains. And since it is heaven, there won't be those rotten Monday mornings where you wake up and think, "Ugh. Do I really have to start another week of <i>this</i>? I wonder how much vacation time I have." My image of heaven isn't a Biblical Truth, it is just my imagination. But I do know that God really does know the inner workings of me, and when I get to heaven it will be intense to be with the One who knows me like that.<br />
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I think this quote says it quite nicely, "I have come home at last! This is my real country! I belong here. This is the land I have been looking for all my life, though I never knew it till now." -Jewel the Unicorn in C.S. Lewis' <i>The Last Battle</i> MandaMoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946076667220321727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127442163278875196.post-27811527878493944372011-07-20T17:04:00.000-07:002011-07-20T17:04:30.389-07:00HatsFirst off, I'm writing this at the library and there's an old dude at a computer across from me talking on his cell phone. He's yelling at someone, "You want to go to Flo's for dinner? You have to show me you have cash first... WHAT? Don't show her that! It's sadistic! It's witchcraft!... I can't do that at my house, my ex could show up." It's gettin' crazy up at the local library! Wow. Oh, he just got up. He's wearing a baseball cap and has his gray hair in a ponytail. <br />
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Speaking of crazy looks, one of my good friends sent me a link to some extremely entertaining hats seen at this year's Royal Ascot (England's biggest horse race of the year, dating back to 1711). I highly recommend going through <a href="http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/galleries/TMG8575063/Hats-and-fascinators-at-Royal-Ascot-2011-in-pictures.html">this quick slideshow</a>. And here is one of my favorites:<br />
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</div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Kind of makes me want to get a little more adventerous with my wardrobe. Hmm...</div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51V48PXW8FL._SL500_AA300_.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51V48PXW8FL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" t$="true" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hat-Book-Creating-Every-Occasion/dp/0937274739"><span style="font-size: x-small;">http://www.amazon.com/Hat-Book-Creating-Every-Occasion/dp/0937274739</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>MandaMoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946076667220321727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127442163278875196.post-62493745482594331492011-06-18T22:53:00.000-07:002011-06-18T22:53:00.495-07:00Problem with HelloThis week I have noticed something. I have a really hard time introducing myself to new people. I get really nervous and my mind goes blank. And I get frantic, so then my mind goes <i>really </i>blank, or focuses on something absolutely ridiculous. <i>Thought process: I could say 'Hi I'm Amanda' and they'd respond with their name, but what do I say after that? I hate comments on the weather, so I won't comment on that. I could comment on their clothes, but then I'll seem shallow. I could comment on last night's baseball game, but they might hate sports and then there will be awkward silence.</i> The thought process usually ends with me giving up, or the opportunity passes me by. <br />
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I've even asked for advice from some of my charming outgoing friends, who are very encouraging. Their wisdom really gets me motivated, and I tell myself, "This is so easy! I can do this. Just don't get nervous and be your yourself." Easier said than done. This morning I had a perfect chance to practice, and I dropped the ball again. After 5 minutes of sitting next to a person I'd never met and going through my traditional thought process and giving up, someone else introduced us and then we chatted a bit. So, that one worked out okay in the end. But still, I needed to be a big girl and introduce myself. I don't have a problem with conversation post-introduction, it's just that initial "hello". Maybe tomorrow I'll get the chance to try again. <br />
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Speaking of tomorrow, it is Father's Day tomorrow. Happy Father's Day to my super terrific wonderful awesome dad who has <i>no</i> problem meeting new people! :) MandaMoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946076667220321727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127442163278875196.post-58640986707117217462011-06-03T17:37:00.001-07:002011-06-03T17:44:59.963-07:00Time ManagementYou might ask why I get to the airport so early? Well, let me tell you a story. One sunny afternoon a wonderful friend dropped me off at Sky Harbor Terminal 4. I checked my bag and the kiosk told me to go to Gate C-something. I glanced at the guy next to me and noticed his kiosk said C11. Cool. Both of us are over at C! So I proceeded upstairs and got a snack, went through security, and made my way to the C gates... To C11. Umm, C11 is really far. 2 moving walkways! And when I got there people were already boarding! Ah! I was late! How could this be?! Wait, the sign says "Chicago" um, was this my gate? In a panic I looked for a bank of tv displays to tell me my gate. I couldn't find a single tv in whole neighborhood! C11 was so far out they didn't have tvs! Nooo! So I got out my trusty iPhone and figured out I was actually C4... 2 moving walkways back. Arg. So I readjusted my bag and purse and voyaged to the correct gate. <br />
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I don't know why this happened. I just flew 2,weeks ago and was quite successful. Good thing I got to the airport early :). Appears it is time to get ready to board. Wait, why does the sign say San Jose? I'm going to San Diego!MandaMoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946076667220321727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127442163278875196.post-62746425521839129852011-05-04T08:05:00.000-07:002011-05-04T08:05:02.970-07:00Starbucks Happy Hour<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Starbucks Happy Hour</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Friday, May 6 - Sunday, May 15</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3:00 - 5:00 PM Everyday</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Half-Price Frappuccino (both coffee flavors and non-coffee flavors)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;"><em>And </em>the summer coconut frap is back</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 1pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Plus </span></i><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">frappuccinos are totally customizable now:</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Milk: 2%, nonfat, or soy</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></div></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Coffee: get an extra pump of coffee, shot of espresso, or decaf</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></div></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Toppings: whipped cream, chocolate and caramel drizzle, sprinkles, toasted coconut</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></div></li>
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.starbucks.com/blog/happy-hour-returns/1005"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://www.starbucks.com/blog/happy-hour-returns/1005</span></a></div>MandaMoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946076667220321727noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127442163278875196.post-64946341410363572962011-04-21T22:37:00.000-07:002011-04-21T22:37:27.210-07:00Old Reckless Library LadyToday I went to the library during my lunch break to pick up the 2nd book in a series I'm reading. The online library catalog said they had it in the "new fiction" section. But when I got in there I couldn't find it in that section. Frustrating. I needed that book real bad so I had no choice- I had to ask a librarian for help. I hate asking for help. The librarian was nice enough (and complimented my shoes so of course I liked her)she went off on a book hunt and I waited at the front desk. While I was standing there an old lady got in line behind me. She was wearing an elastic waist cotton dress and ked tennis shoes. We were just standing there waiting and then I heard... Gas being passed. Quite loudly. It was just the old lady and I, and I know it wasn't me, so it had to be her! I giggled to myself. The librarian arrived with my book and on my way out I heard what the gassy old lady was waiting in line for- her books were overdue and she wanted to pay her fine. WHAT? Careless, reckless gas passer was waiting in line to responsibly pay her library fine? Talk about extreme opposites! What a lady.MandaMoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946076667220321727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127442163278875196.post-19273381787249256502011-04-12T22:21:00.000-07:002011-04-12T22:21:42.737-07:00SquintingI wear contacts. Typically I go to the eye doctor, load up on contacts and don't return to the dr till my last pair of lenses gets funky. Well ... The time has arrived. My right lense is blurry. Today I made my pilgramage to the optometrist, got a new prescription, ordered more contacts, and had my eyes dilated. <br />
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At work I've been working on a few special projects, all on quick deadlines. That didn't cross my mind when the eye dr asked if it'd be okay if she dilated my eyes. When I returned to work with my enlarged pupils I couldn't read anything on my computer screen, and I needed to make several board-worthy spreadsheets due today! I squinted and guessed my way around to figure out how to make my monitor suitable for a 90 year old blind woman. The big boss picked that moment to drop by and ask how his spreadsheets were coming. I smiled and told him I'd be finished soon (didn't mention it was dependent on me regaining my sight). After a few painful hours I could see and I finished his project. I think I learned my dilation lesson.MandaMoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946076667220321727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127442163278875196.post-40382492018766941642011-03-31T18:39:00.000-07:002011-03-31T18:39:29.852-07:00Time Waster or Life Improver?<div style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I came to the library after work to use their free wifi (and return some stuff, it was overdue and my fine will probably go from $6 to $9... they might put me in jail). I don't have internet at my apartment, so we'll see how this works. I've come across some fun links in the past couple months and wanted to share them. They might just waste your time, or they might change your life forever. :)</div><div style="color: #fff2cc; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><u><b style="color: #fff2cc;"><a href="http://www.mystarbuckssignature.com/#step00">Create starbucks drinks! </a> </b></u>Who knew there was a sweet espresso called ristretto? I love the creativity.</div><div style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><u><br />
</u></div><div style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><u><b style="color: #fff2cc;"><a href="http://www.degraeve.com/color-palette/">Color palette generator</a></b>.</u> You give the website a picture, and it gives you an exact match of a color scheme, both a bold and muted. Nice. In one of my last posts I mentioned <b style="color: #fff2cc;"><a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10149717">this picture</a> </b>I got from ikea. So I went to the website, right clicked on the image of the picture, viewed info, copied the url listed, then pasted it in the color palette generator. Viola! There are the colors to use to decorate! </div><div style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b style="color: #fff2cc;"><a href="http://phoenix.craigslist.org/zip/">Free junk.</a></b> I've always known craigslist had a free section, but for some reason it has become more appealing to me. If you check it regularly you can find some great stuff. Well, maybe not "great", but certainly entertaining. Free pony rides, goat manure, 5 lb handheld barbell, and a giant mirror are all listed right now. If that giant mirror wasn't so far away I'd probably go get it.</div><div style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Note to self: library internet is awful. I think it times out every 3 minutes. Get an iPhone and all life's problems will be solved.</span></div>MandaMoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946076667220321727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127442163278875196.post-17108428802605475562011-02-27T15:30:00.000-07:002011-02-27T15:30:16.803-07:00Pick Up Lines<div style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Yesterday I had to pick up some medication at the pharmacy. I got in line and tried to wait patiently. A lady pulled up her cart behind me and said, "Is this the line to pick up?" "Yes." "Oh good." Then the oooold man in front of me turned to me and said, "This is the pick up line?" "Yes." (that's what I just said to the lady behind me!) He gave a little smile and said, "You come here often?" WHAAAAAT?! I tried to look as if something else a couple aisles over really had my attention and he said, "That's a pick up line." Excellent. Good thing I took an extra 30 seconds to put on lip gloss before entering the store... so a 90-year-old man with severe dandruff could hit on me, and then clarify that he was hitting on me. I guess it was a funny joke, but still awkward. I got my stuff and left the store thinking, "Why is it only weirdos who talk to me? Why couldn't it have been a dashing young man?"</div><div style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Then I went to Ross to get curtains for my new apartment. The store was a zoo and the line was looong. I thought I was getting at the end of the line, but I realized a guy had been standing at the back of the line from a different angle (between the clothes racks instead of off to the side). When I finally got to the front of the line he was beside me and it wasn't clear who was next. Was he first, or was I first? I said, "Go ahead." He said, "Oh no, you can go." I said, "I think you were waiting first." And he said, "Yes, I think I was, but I'm trying to be a gentleman." My jaw hit the floor. A guy between the ages of 20-40 who was going out of his way to be a gentleman? Yeeeaaaaah!!! God, bless that man!</div><div style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </div><div style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Lesson learned? Pickup lines are awkward... BOTH types of pickup lines. Chivalry goes much further in impressing a lady.</div><div style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.badges-r-us.com/images/Pharmacy_PICK_UP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.badges-r-us.com/images/Pharmacy_PICK_UP.jpg" /></a></div><div style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> http://www.badges-r-us.com/Engraved-Signs.html</span><br />
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<div style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </div>MandaMoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946076667220321727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127442163278875196.post-68990873358187912702011-02-05T22:04:00.000-07:002011-02-05T22:04:38.750-07:00Potty Training at Ikea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AcJnMqr29Ho/TU4rdqORwDI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/PywSuhyzJMA/s1600/logo.gif" /></a></div><br />
<div style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Tonight my wonderful parents took me to Ikea. It is waaaaay across town, so before we started the journey we stopped at Quik Trip and I got my new favorite drink- Sprite with a splash of cherry (it is almost as good as a cherry limeade). I decided to use one of the new styrofoam cups instead of the normal plastic cup. I paid my dollar, got in the car, and we were on our way.</div><div style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I love Ikea. I love the perfect, stylish rooms they set up. A living room with a gray wall, a bed room with a bed canopy featuring a chandelier in the center, a kitchen with shiny red cabinets... love it! And what is it about their display of couches that makes it impossible to pass by without sitting in every single model? So, after an hour or so of meandering through the store, <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10149717">random stuff</a> in hand, we made our way to the cash registers. While waiting for the next available self-serve station, someone cut in front of us! They snuck in from the food side! Jerks. When I walked by them I said quite loudly, "WOW, THAT LINE WASN'T TOO BAD AT ALL!" (I'm out of control, I know) My family was going to get cinnamon rolls on our way out, but they were out. Quite disappointing. We got to the car and successfully finagled the random stuff in the trunk and back seat (what's a trip to Ikea without some random stuff finagling?) </div><div style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I took my place in the backseat, picked up my Quik Trip cherry Sprite, took a drink, then I put the styrofoam cup between my legs (no cupholder). I guess I kinda squashed the styrofoam cup, because I suddenly had a tidal wave of cold liquid in my crotch. Thank goodness my dad hadn't started the car yet. I screamed and jumped out of my seat... then realized I was standing in the middle of the crowded Ikea parking lot with a dripping crotch. My mom started handing me napkins and I tried to dry myself as discreetly as possible, but I'm sure the two guys walking by noticed me laughing my head off, dabbing a napkin on my dripping rear end. And then I got to sit in my cold wet pants all the way back across town. </div>MandaMoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946076667220321727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127442163278875196.post-54505711435815644772011-01-23T19:01:00.000-07:002011-01-23T19:01:12.904-07:00Grocery Store Chivalry<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This afternoon I ran to the grocery store to get more cookie dough for a fruit pizza (1 tube of dough is enough for a mini-pizza, a BIG pizza takes 3 tubes). As I was walking up to the front door I noticed a man several steps behind me. He shouted, "Let me get the door for you, Miss!" I thought, "Wow! A guy (other than my dad) making an extra effort to get the door for me? Nice!" And then I realized that it was an automatic door. He was being funny. Ha. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://legalblogwatch.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341cce2453ef0133ecfea8ec970b-pi" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://legalblogwatch.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341cce2453ef0133ecfea8ec970b-pi" width="246" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span>MandaMoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946076667220321727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127442163278875196.post-85629303239340651152011-01-14T19:01:00.000-07:002011-01-14T19:01:40.693-07:00Gum Contribution<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media4.px.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/a5JNRzSj2ukIQUo7lto2lg/l" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://media4.px.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/a5JNRzSj2ukIQUo7lto2lg/l" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I just got home from a trip to Seattle. Naturally I visited Pike Place Market. Loved it. Stopped at the original Starbucks, Pike Place Chowder, Beecher's Cheese, sampled chocolate linguine, and some new variety of apple. (Whoa, I guess I ate a lot!) Aaaand... I found the </span><a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/pike-place-market-gum-wall-seattle" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">gum wall</a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">! Half of an alley covered in multiple layers of brilliantly colored candy! Now that I'm home I realized something awful about it. I didn't make a contribution! There was a candy store right around the corner and I didn't take two minutes to buy a piece of gum and stick it on the wall. Argh! Why didn't I do it?! (Possibly because it was 2 degrees, snowing, and my nose was starting to drip) So... if anyone happens to be at the gum wall anytime soon, would you please stick a piece of blue gum on the wall for me and take a picture of it? I'd be extremely grateful.</span>MandaMoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946076667220321727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127442163278875196.post-89505980559175556252010-12-24T16:52:00.001-07:002010-12-24T16:53:41.829-07:00Christmas Eve Tradition<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My mom and I just got home from one of our favorite holiday activities. On Christmas Eve afternoon we like to go to the mall, get Starbucks, and sit outside Victoria's Secret. There is a constant parade of panicked men shopping for their special women. Most men aren't too comfortable in that type of place anyway, and to go in knowing they have to buy something in there today is a ton of pressure. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">One young, good looking guy was in there with another guy (friend, brother, cousin?) looking at the flannel pajama sets. He looked at the giant display, picked up a traditional red plaid set, and gave his buddy a helpless look. I cringed. #1 Those pajama sets will be half price the day after Christmas. #2 It is over 70 degrees in Arizona. People are wearing <b>shorts </b>and they're not crazy. #3 Giving your lady flannel pajamas is pretty much saying, "I don't want to see you in the <i>other</i> Victoria's Secret stuff." (so if he was shopping for his mom the flannel pajamas would have been appropriate) Maybe I should have said something. Oh well. Hope he got a gift receipt.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So men, thanks again for another year of procrastinated shopping. You bring joy and laughter to my Christmas Eve.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thestonerabbit.typepad.com/.a/6a00e551ebc5ca88340105349f13b6970b-500pi" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://thestonerabbit.typepad.com/.a/6a00e551ebc5ca88340105349f13b6970b-500pi" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Image from http://thestonerabbit.typepad.com/.a/6a00e551ebc5ca88340105349f13b6970b-500pi)</span></div>MandaMoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946076667220321727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127442163278875196.post-77119037407964759032010-12-15T20:52:00.001-07:002010-12-15T20:53:45.396-07:00My Gingerbread Masterpiece<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm a very competitive person. And I like candy. So when I received the e-vite to a friend's gingerbread house party <i>with prizes </i>for the winners, I naturally responded "Wouldn't Think of Missing It!". So what if I didn't know anyone else on the evite?! Competition and candy awaited! I googled "gingerbread houses", strategized my building plan, printed directions to the party, and bought graham crackers and candy. I thought I'd also get a poinsettia for the party host as a thank-you, but when I got to the party house and looked at the poinsettia I realized part of the leaves had shriveled and were pretty ugly. I figured it'd be offensive to give a wilted plant, so I left it in my car. <br />
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I walked into the party house, confirmed that I really didn't know any one except my one friend, deposited my building supplies on the counter, and felt incredibly awkward. I get awkward in those situations. Everyone else knew each other and was significantly older than me. So I helped make some frosting, and got to work on my masterpiece house. I wasn't there to socialize and make friends. I was there to win. I made my structure, let it dry (which took massive amounts of patience), tolerated Barbara Streisand's Christmas CD blaring in my ear, and then I noticed- every one else was using a KIT to build their house! They all had gingerbread house KITS! And the lady next to me had a fully built house kit! She opened her box to reveal a fully assembled house! She only had to peel the plastic from the mass produced instant gingerbread walls. She proceeded to use the necco wafers I had brought to roof HER house! I was still waiting for my house base structure to dry and she was using my neccos! NOOOO!!! <br />
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Then a latecomer came in the front door. She said hello to all of her friends, looked at me, and said, "You must be Amanda. I knew everyone on the e-vite except Amanda, and you're the only one here I don't know." Reeeeally? Was I just transported to Miss Congeniality? (" -I'm Cheryl from Rhode Island. -Hi, I'm-- Gracie Lou Freebush. I memorized the orientation pamphlet. I know all ladies by name and picture. Fifty, including myself. Your picture wasn't there, so I knew it was you from your lack of picture.") <br />
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Once my house structure dried I improvised with a red hot roof and peppermint walls. It wasn't exceptionally pretty, but hey, it's a house made out of graham crackers and powdered sugar frosting. Finally I put the finishing touch on my house, the one element that I was SURE would win me the grand prize: a porch with a roof! I built it, and it WORKED. I'm AMAAAAZING!!! I proudly carried my house to the judging table and noticed someone copied my porch. I had wondered why she kept coming over to my table and "getting marshmallows". She was totally SPYING! Oh well. There were 6 structures to judge, and 5 prizes. I should be fine. They announced 5th place, 4th place, 3rd place, 2nd place... so I thought, "Yes! They realize how hard I worked and I won! I won! I won!" And then, they announced the other person as having first place house. I GOT LAST PLACE! Dude! I challenge those people to abandon their kits and build a house with mere graham crackers. As we were all leaving my friend said to me, "Oh! Do you want to take your gingerbread house home?" Me, "Umm, no. You can just throw it away." What was I going to do with that loser house? <br />
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So, lesson learned. In this modern age, ALWAYS take a kit to a gingerbread house making party, preferably a house that has already been glued together. And if you bring special candy, hide it in your pocket.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UzzxBNks74c/STIlftwrPbI/AAAAAAAABtU/lHxjHl0mJ08/s400/gingerbread+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UzzxBNks74c/STIlftwrPbI/AAAAAAAABtU/lHxjHl0mJ08/s400/gingerbread+house.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is not a picture of my gingerbread house, but in my research it was my faaaavorite house and inspired my porch!</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> (Image from http://mysweetsavannah.blogspot.com/2008/11/gingerbread-house.html, and I think she got it from Better Homes and Gardens)</span></div>MandaMoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946076667220321727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127442163278875196.post-5289467934557777682010-12-05T22:09:00.000-07:002010-12-05T22:09:14.165-07:00Do Blind People Need 3D Glasses?<div style="background-color: #4c1130; color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Last Christmas my family went to the movies to watch Avatar. The theater was kinda crazy, so we got there early, picked up our 3D glasses, then had to wait in the hallway for an hour. While we were standing there with 100 other people another movie was just getting over. In that exiting crowd there was a blind guy and I guess he could tell there was a line of us waiting for another movie. He said, "What are you all waiting for?" We said, "Avatar." He said, "Oh, I saw that. Great movie." I laughed so hard I almost fell over. I wonder if Blind Man spent the extra $4 to see Avatar in 3D. </div><div style="background-color: #4c1130; color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #4c1130; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.mylot.com/userImages/images/postphotos/2139478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://images.mylot.com/userImages/images/postphotos/2139478.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="background-color: #4c1130; color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="background-color: #4c1130; color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Today in church there were two men behind me, several seats apart from each other. At one point during the music portion they were singing <b>super </b>loud (and not real well, but who am I to judge singing?) One of them was singing higher than me, and the other was singing soooo low. Like Josh Turner low. I found it hilarious. The music leader was saying something super spiritual like, "Make this your prayer!" while I was trying not to laugh my head off. I was thinking, "I wish I could somehow bottle this up and put it on my blog." Probably not exactly what I should have been thinking about. :) </div>MandaMoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946076667220321727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127442163278875196.post-46802670381109633692010-11-22T20:06:00.000-07:002010-11-22T20:06:14.663-07:00A Pink Fist Pump<div style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Yesterday was another terrific day in preschool children's church. We had a few new kids, including one very precious little girl. The darling 4-year-old had a blond ponytail accessorized with a pink flower, a pink dress, and little pink mary janes. We shared crayons and put together a puzzle. At one point in the morning she was sitting in a chair in front of me, she turned around and put her little hand in between the chairs. She wanted me to do something with her hand but I couldn't figure out what. A few minutes later she did it again and whispered, "Fist!" Could this little bundle of pink sweetness want a <i>fist pump</i>? Oh yes. I gave her the fist and then she did the explosion!!! Ahh!! Too cute!!!</div>MandaMoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946076667220321727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127442163278875196.post-88853121118509787612010-11-18T08:25:00.000-07:002010-11-18T08:25:10.831-07:00Starbucks Brings Early Christmas Cheer<span style="color: white;"> </span><span style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Starbucks invites customers to bring a friend to participating company-operated and </em></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>licensed stores in the U.S. and Canada on Nov. 18-21 from 2-5 p.m. to receive a free </em></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>beverage when purchasing a holiday beverage of equal or lesser value, which includes </em></span><br />
<em><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">the Caramel Brulée Latte, Peppermint Mocha, Gingerbread Latte, Eggnog Latte,</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> Peppermint White Hot Chocolate and Peppermint Hot Chocolate.</span></span></em><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"> </span><a href="http://starbucks.tekgroup.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=468"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">http://starbucks.tekgroup.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=468</span></a><span style="color: white;"> </span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">It is SO hard to get my butt out of bed while it is still dark outside. I'm asleep before 10pm, so I know I'm getting enough sleep. I've started bribing myself with Starbucks. I know it is overpriced coffee</span> and frivilous calories, but if $4 can get me out of bed, isn't it worth it? </span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I think the legendary Proverbs 31 Woman not only went to Starbucks, she also got Starbucks for her assistants: "She gets up while it is still night... and provides portions for her female servants." What a great woman!!!</span>MandaMoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946076667220321727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127442163278875196.post-34704733446185358852010-11-08T20:24:00.000-07:002010-11-08T20:24:20.800-07:00Guts on the Floor<div style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">One day last week I got in my car at 6:30 am to do my regular commute to work. The sun was just coming up, the roads were starting to stack up with traffic, my brain was barely waking up. I drove out of my neighborhood, down the street, turned left at the light and got on the entrance ramp to the 101. As the morning radio talk show host was giving sports updates over my speakers I saw something on my dashboard that wasn't normal. My morning brain slowly processed: that thing on the dashboard isn't usually there, it is a bug, it is a spider, it is kinda big, IT IS ALIVE! So what the heck to do when I was in the middle of a long line of cars entering traffic going 65 mph?! I had to accelerate and merge into the lane to the left, BUT THERE WAS A SPIDER!!! Somehow I managed to slip off my shoe, smack the spider, merge into traffic, all while screaming. But then I didn't know what to do with the shoe (with a dead spider on the sole) in my hand. So... I put it back on my foot. There are probably spider guts on my floor mat. Yuck. </div>MandaMoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946076667220321727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127442163278875196.post-52619666456705351812010-10-12T21:30:00.000-07:002010-10-12T21:30:34.102-07:00Costumes and Menus<div style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Today I was driving down a normal road and noticed a man standing on the sidewalk. He was talking on his cell phone and wearing a head-to-toe getup of hospital scrubs. I thought, "Ha! He's in an early halloween costume!" And then I realized I was right by a hospital. Probably not a costume. Probably a legit doctor.</div><div style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In other news, have you noticed the ridiculousness of restaurant menus? Chipotle's menu reads, "Chips and Guacamole: $2.95. Guacamole: $1.80 Chips: $1.15" <a href="http://www.chipotle.com/FaxMenus/357.pdf">(Chipotle Menu)</a> Do people seriously need to know that $1.80+ $1.15=$2.95? And <a href="http://www.foxrc.com/modern_steak.html">Modern Steak</a> had a special menu that was $29 per person, or $58 for two people. That's saying the same thing twice! That's saying the same thing twice! It's annoying. OR, maybe it is really hard math and I'm actually a math genius.</div><div style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This video is hilarious. I love that he jumps through the entire video.</div><br />
<object height="344" style="background-image: url("http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/81szj1vpEu8/hqdefault.jpg");" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/81szj1vpEu8?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/81szj1vpEu8?fs=1&hl=en_US" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>MandaMoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946076667220321727noreply@blogger.com1