5 Favorite Christmas Things

As we're about to start decorating for Christmas and getting ready to celebrate this exciting season, I thought I'd share a list of a few of my favorite things.  Christmas really is my favorite time of year for many reasons - these are just a few.  This year I feel like we're having a smaller Christmas because we're still getting settled and we're new here...but it's still exciting.  I hope you are all preparing for an equally exciting and joyous Christmas Season!

5 Favorite Christmas Things
1. Christmas Music.  I love listening to Christmas music and I love that there are radio stations dedicated to playing it 24/7.  However, I have very strict rules about waiting until after Thanksgiving to start!  I usually buy a new Christmas CD every year to add to my collection.  Christmas music always helps put me in a festive mood!

2. Christmas Cookies.  I haven't made any cookies yet this year (some of my baking things are still in boxes), but normally I make many different kinds.  I love eating them and I love making them.  Spritz are probably the most iconic cookie for me so I look forward to enjoying some later this month!  I also like 7-Layer Bars, Moravian Ginger Cookies, Russian Tea Cakes, Fudge, Caramel Corn, and everything else!!

3. Christmas Decorations. I LOVE decorating for Christmas.  If I could afford it, I would probably have storage rooms full of decorations.  But, right now I have 5 bins with all my Christmas stuff in it.  I love getting it all out and placing things around the house.  I love using my tins for cookies and all the fun serving plates.  Last year I got a lot of penguin-themed decorations and kitchen stuff, so I'm excited to use that this year.  We also have a really nice tree and tons of fun ornaments.  This really is my favorite time of year!

4. Christmas Presents.  I am not ashamed to admit that I love presents.  It's a special part of Christmas for me because I love giving and receiving gifts.  It's fun to pick out presents for others and wrap them up in pretty paper.  It's equally fun to open presents from family and see what I got.  Presents are just fun for me - the cost of the gift doesn't matter, it's the act of giving that I like!  After all, the whole reason for Christmas is that God sent the ultimate gift to us...His son!

5. Christmas Celebrations.  I love all the activities that happen at Christmas time.  All the events and parties that people plan.  The tree-lighting ceremonies that bring people together.  Even the Christmas shopping is fun for me.  I love going to the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service and singing Silent Night.  I love all the traditions that we have that remind me of my childhood.  I just really love Christmas time.

I hope you have a wonderful and blessed season.  Merry Christmas!!

A List of Thanksgiving

As we approach Thanksgiving, I'm reminded of all the things I have to be thankful for (so much).  Last year, I posted one thing each day that I was thankful for on facebook.  I decided to go back and look at that list today.  Not surprising, I'm still thankful for most of those things.  So, I thought it would be fun to post the list from last year (that was on facebook) and make any comments about the items if they've changed this year.  You could say it's two years worth of thanksgiving!  The italics part is from last year and the bold is any comments from this year.  Enjoy and I hope you all take time to count your blessings and find something to be thankful for each day!

A List of Thanksgiving 2011 & 2012
Nov 1 - I'm thankful for my Bible Study ladies - such wonderful friends!  I miss my Bible Study friends so much but I'm still thankful for the time I was able to spend with them.

Nov 2 - I'm thankful for local holidays that mean I only worked 3 days this week and now I'm done!  I really did enjoy November holidays in Panama - but I enjoy NOT working more, so this year is even better!

Nov 3 - I'm thankful for Abby Spencer and the chance to celebrate her birthday with a SURPRISE party. So thankful for a wonderful, sweet friend like Abby.  I'm SO thankful for Abby and I love that we all have great memories of her surprise party last year.  I hope her birthday this year is just as special!

Nov 4 - I'm thankful for cheap movies in this country which means I can afford to see more movies in theaters...and for friends to go to movies with!  Well, I miss the cheap movies.  We don't go out as often now, but I'm still thankful for fun times!

Nov 5 - I'm thankful for my Grandma Benson, whose memorial service was today, and all the happy memories I have of her. She will be missed.  I miss my Grandma and am still thankful for her life.

Nov 6 - I'm thankful for Crossroads Bible Church and the great friends I've made there.  I am so thankful for the church family I had in Panama and I'm hoping to find an equally wonderful one here.

Nov 7 - I'm thankful for the option of online shopping...it's really helpful when I can't find what I'm looking for in this country.  Online shopping is still great - and now I can be thankful for shopping in stores like Target too!

Nov 8 - I'm thankful for pumpkins! I love this time of year because of pumpkin pie, pumpkin bars, pumpkin ice cream, etc.!!  Mmmmm, pumpkin!  Yes, I'm still thankful!

Nov 9 - I'm thankful for my mom, who arrived tonight. We're going to have a fun time while she's here...I love my mom!  I love my mom! 

Nov 10 - I'm thankful for NO homework! While everyone around me has mid-terms, tests, papers, reading, grading, etc...I have none, and I'm happy!  This year I'm thankful that Bill is done with school - no more homework!  And, I still don't have any so that's good too!

Nov 11 - I'm thankful for the US Military and the 8 years Bill spent in the Marine Corps. Happy Veteran's Day!  Still thankful for Veterans.

Nov 12 - I'm thankful for college football...it can be a very entertaining and bonding experience!  Very thankful for football and getting to go to a few Oregon games this year!

Nov 13 - I'm thankful for traditions, like watching the Amazing Race on Sunday nights with Abby.  I miss watching with Abby, but I've enjoyed watching with my parents too!

Nov 14 - I'm thankful for chicken...it's easy and delicious!  What can I say, chicken is delicious!

Nov 15 - I'm thankful for my husband...I love him!  I love my husband!

Nov 16 - I'm thankful for the internet and the ability to change airline tickets and travel plans at the last minute, when necessary...I just wish it wasn't necessary!  I'm thankful that this hasn't been necessary this year.

Nov 17 - I'm thankful for my pets. They are entertaining and cute and they make me happy. And, they are always happy to see me!  This year we said good-bye to Ubi and I'm still sad (and missing him) but we have a new puppy now so I'm trying to be thankful for him!

Nov 18 - I'm thankful for half-days on Fridays. It makes the weekend seem longer and puts me in a good mood!  Again, since I don't work this one doesn't apply anymore.  But, not working is wonderful and I'm thankful I'm able to do so.

Nov 19 - I'm thankful for a family that loves and supports one another.  Still very thankful for my wonderful family!

Nov 20 - I'm thankful for telephones and internet. For affordable communication with my family in various parts of the world.  During the holiday season, I'm especially thankful for communicating with my family wherever they are.

Nov 21 - I'm thankful for safe air travel.  Always a good thing to be thankful for.

Nov 22 - I'm thankful for time spent with my grandpa and my extended family.  I'm thankful for time spent with extended family again this year.  It's fun to be closer to everyone now that we're in Oregon.

Nov 23 - I'm thankful for grocery stores in the US...it is SO much fun to shop here...I love grocery shopping!!  I still love grocery shopping and I enjoy it every week!

Nov 24 - I'm thankful for THANKSGIVING!!! I love the food, the people, the memories, the good times and the pie!!  Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays and I'm again thankful for the food and family (this year with Bill's family).

Nov 25 - I'm thankful for my sister...who wasn't here to shop Black Friday with us, but she was here in spirit and she called at just the right time to remind me of the free donuts...I love my sister!!  I love my sister!

Nov 26 - I'm thankful for my dad...its fun watching football games with him and taking quick trips to the store. I love my dad!  I love my dad!

Nov 27 - I'm thankful for my grandpa and getting to spend time with him and tell him I love him. 
I'm remembering my Grandpa and the time I was able to spend with him last year.  I miss him and am so thankful for his life.

Nov 28 - I'm thankful for my own bed...and even though I wish I was still with my family (sleeping on the floor) it's good to be back!  I'm thankful for my bed but even more thankful that we own a house now!

Nov 29 - I'm thankful for my brother and I'm glad he'll be in Oregon for grandpa's memorial service. I wish I could spend time with him too...I love my brother!  I love my brother!

Nov 30 - I'm thankful for a November full of THANKSGIVING and I'm looking forward to December and celebrating Christmas...it's the most wonderful time of the year!!!  I'm thankful for a November full of THANKSGIVING and I can't wait for Christmas!

5 Perks of Unemployed Life

Now that I've quit my job, I'm enjoying the time off.  Everyone told me I would get bored without a job, and I probably will, but for now it's wonderful!  I thought I'd share with you a few things that make it great.

5 Perks of Unemployed Life
1. Sleeping In.  I love to sleep!  I could sleep all day, most days!  I am NOT a morning person so getting up for work was always hard.  Sleeping in each morning (or just knowing that I CAN sleep in) makes me happier than you might think.  My favorite moment each morning is when Bill gets up and goes to work and I roll over and go back to sleep!

2. Cleaning The House.  OK, so I don't really love this, but I love that I have the time to do it.  I have the time to spread my chores out during the week and get everything done without spending ALL my time on housework.  Its rewarding to have one or two chores each day and get them done!

3. Grocery Shopping.  I love grocery shopping.  It's an event I always look forward to.  Now that I'm home all day, I can carefully plan the menu and make detailed shopping lists.  Then, I get to spend lots of time shopping and comparing prices and using coupons and getting the best deals.  I love it!

4. Volunteering.  OK, I haven't done this one yet.  But, I've looked into different volunteering opportunities and it's exciting.  I'm looking forward to helping with something, I'm just not sure what yet.  But, I love the fact that I have the time to volunteer somewhere!

5. Classes.  I've already started one and I look forward to more.  I am taking a cake decorating class at Michaels.  It is really fun!  I've learned things I didn't know and now I can apply them to future desserts.  I'm also thinking about taking some sort of home improvement class at Home Depot, that should be interesting.  I just love having the freedom to participate.

*I think this blog post was previously posted before it was ready.  Oops, sorry!

5 Things From Our Shipment

One of the perks of working for the government is that they ship your personal belongings all over the world for you.  So, back in July, I packed up most of what we own and it was sent on a boat to Oregon.  This week, it finally arrived!!!  However, because my parents are currently living with us, and have most of their furniture moved in already, we decided to leave our stuff in boxes.  At least, most of it.  We have opened a few boxes to get out necessary items, or just to use different clothes (it's starting to get chilly here).  I thought it would be fun to make a short list of some of the items we decided were essential...some of them are rather strange.

5 Things From Our Shipment
1. Cake Decorating Kit.  Normally, I don't think decorating a cake is essential, but since my mom's birthday is this week, I want to make a special cake for her.  So, I need my decorating bag and tips.  Luckily, the kit was easy to find because I kept such a detailed packing list!

2. Clippers.  Because Bill's hair grows so fast, he's been spending lots of money to get it cut regularly.  It's not his fault that they charge so much for a simple haircut.  But, since we own clippers, and I'm here now, it's time for Bill to get FREE haircuts.  We found the clippers easily and I've already given Bill a haircut.  And, since he sat out on the deck for the trim, the clean-up was easy!

3. Desk and Chair.  This one seems obvious, but it's been really nice.  Like I said, my parents have their furniture in our house so they each have a desk.  However, I didn't have a good place to use my laptop and cluttering up the kitchen island all the time wasn't very convenient.  So, we had the movers unpack my desk and desk chair and now I have a little office space set up.  I love it and it makes it easier to waste time on my computer all day!

4. Alarm Clock.  You might assume that since I'm not working, I wouldn't need an alarm clock to wake me up each morning...and that's true.  But, I do like my illuminated alarm clock (with the over-sized numbers) so I know what time it is in the middle of the night.  And, the big numbers are especially helpful when I have my contacts out.  So, I unpacked it and plugged it in and now I always know what time it is.

5. Bread Machine.  Again, this isn't often considered "essential" for most people, but I decided I needed it.  Now that I'm not working, I want to make wonderful dinners every night.  That means we're reviving our traditional pizza night each week.  And, since I use the bread machine to make my pizza dough, I had to unpack it.  I plan to make some delicious pizzas each week...I'm really looking forward to it!

5 Exciting Oregon Things

On Saturday, I'm going to America.  I'm leaving Panama behind and moving to Oregon.  I'm very sad to leave my friends (I so wish they could go with me!).  I will miss them more than I can imagine right now.  But, I'm also very excited to live in Oregon.  I'm ready!  So, this month I'm listing just a few things I'm excited about.  Oregon will be very different than Panama.  And, after living overseas for 9 years, I'm ready to spend time in the good ol' U-S-of-A.

5 Things I'm Looking Forward to in Oregon
1. Weather.  I will not be sad to leave the humid weather of Panama.  I like living in a jungle sometimes, but I've never really liked the humidity.  It's just too much!  Oregon's weather will be a lovely change.  Yes, it rains a lot, but I don't mind the rain.  And, I will enjoy the cool weather for a while (until I get too cold).  It will be nice to have the seasons too!  I'm looking forward to Fall...and soup...and warm beverages...and cool, brisk weather!  I can't wait.

2. Shopping.  I'm so excited to be near Target again.  I probably won't even shop there very often (because I'm quitting my job and won't have money) but it's nice to know I could go there anytime. And grocery shopping will be so much fun!  So many choices and so many sales.  And COUPONS...I plan to become an expert in coupon shopping.  I'm just looking forward to the easiness of shopping in America and being able to find everything you need/want.

3. Road Trips.  We like to take road trips.  And, we bought an RV so now our road trips will be even more fun.  We don't know anything about owning an RV so it will be an adventure to learn.  But, it will enable us to take our pet(s) when we go on road trips so we don't have to worry about leaving them behind.  I can't wait to go camping for the first time!  Even if we don't take the RV, I'm looking forward to road trips.  Driving in America is just fun!

4. Football Games.  I'm excited to watch football on TV again (in English) and have more options available.  But, I'm also excited to be in Oregon and cheering for the University of Oregon Ducks!!!  We plan to try and get tickets to some games this season.  Now that we're close enough to drive to the games, it will be fun to be there in person.  I'll be sure to let you know if we get tickets!

5. Owning a House.  Yes, we have owed our house for several months...but we haven't been living in it.  I'm excited to be a homeowner.  I'm sure there will be extra work that I'm not used to (like all the cleaning and yard work) but it will be fun to be in OUR house!  We've already had the house painted and have a new fridge.  I plan to buy a new stove and new furniture and slowly start to make other changes/improvements.  It will be fun to get to know our neighborhood and just get settled in as long-term residents in America!!

Top 5 Beaches

OK, so I'm busy.  I'm getting ready to have all my worldly possessions packed up next week and I don't really have time to work on a blog post.  Also, I have no ideas for a list this month.  So, I'm going to cheat...I'm going to copy a Top 5 list from another website.  I don't even know if this list is accurate, but I thought it was important to pass along as everyone heads to the beach this summer.  Enjoy the water and watch out for sharks!!!

Top 5 Most Shark Infested Beaches in America 
1. Surf Beach, California
2. New Smyrna Beach, Florida
3. Topsail Island, North Carolina
4. Fripp Island, South Carolina
5. Lyman Beach, Hawaii

Half Way

So, the year is half over now.  That means I've blogged for six months with my current blog themes.  In case you've missed them, they are: Recipes, Lists, A Day In My Life, and Videos.  I've managed to post all four themes every month so far.  And, I'm curious to know what you think.  What has been your favorite theme?  What has been your favorite blog post?

I've started a poll (on the left sidebar) so I can see your anonymous votes.  And, if you have a favorite blog post, leave me a comment.  I will try to keep up with all four themes for the next 6 months...wish me luck!

Now, go vote so I can see what you like!!

UPDATE:
After two weeks of voting, the results are in:
Videos - 3
Lists - 1
A Day In My Life - 1
Recipes -  2

I'm a little sad that only 7 people voted.  Does that mean only 7 people read my vlog?  Or only 7 care enough to vote?  Oh well...I knew I wasn't a very popular blogger.  Thank you to each one of the 7 that shared your opinion.  I guess I need to work a little harder on my videos since they seem to be a favorite.  I'm glad the recipes are also popular (I think they are my favorite).  Thanks again for voting!!

10 Things I'll Miss

I'm starting to get antsy about leaving Panama.  In fact, I'm very ready to leave.  I'm ready to be in Oregon and start the next chapter in our lives!  Bill is already in Oregon, in our house, with our pets, and I'm still here...alone.  It's been hard to focus on finishing my time here without longing to be there.  The reasons I'm still here are all valid so I can't change anything...I just have to endure!  In an attempt to make that easier, I'm trying to focus on the things I will miss about Panama - the things I like.  There are many things that I will NOT miss, but there are some things that I like.  So, with 10 weeks left in this country here are 10 things I will miss.

10 Things I Will Miss

1. Living in a Jungle.  We live in a jungle and that's pretty cool!  There are a lot of reasons I'm ready to get out of the jungle, but sometimes I stop and look around and appreciate the jungle and all the creatures we've seen here.  It's an awesome part of God's creation.

2. Storms.  Panama has great storms!  I love to watch the sky turn from bright blue to almost black within minutes.  To see the bursts of lightning and hear the amazing thunder.  Watching the weather move across the sky is so much fun.  I love to watch the pounding rain (when I'm inside, of course).  I will miss the storms here...especially since my mom keeps telling me it doesn't rain like that in Oregon!  :)

3. Sunshine and Warmth.  Speaking of weather, I like the fact that Panama doesn't have winter.  After spending 6 winters in Indiana, I know I don't like snow!  Panama is hot and humid (which is annoying when you're all sweaty) but it's never cold and there's never snow!  And even though I love the storms, I also love the sun.  I can't remember a single day here when I didn't see the sun!

4. Driving.  Many people get headaches from driving in Panama and I know I hate it sometimes too...but it can also be really fun!  Traffic rules are more like suggestions here, so you have freedom to drive for fun.  I like weaving in and out of traffic (safely, of course) and I really like honking my horn.  Driving is always an adventure and sometimes I enjoy the challenge!

5. Free Housing.  Because of my job, we have lived in our house rent-free.  And, we've had most of our furniture provided, free.  This house is not something I would pick out, but it has served us well.  And, it's been free!  I will really miss that luxury...having a mortgage payment takes some of the fun out of owning a home.  It will be a big adjustment to go from having everything provided for us and taken care of for us to doing it all ourselves.

6. Crossroads Bible Church.  I have been blessed to be a part of an amazing church.  Even when I didn't know anyone at church, I enjoyed going each week.  It's a really good church!  And it allowed me to meet some really great people!

7. Spanish.  I like that Panama is a Spanish-speaking country (although English is also widely spoken).  And, although Panamanians speak a strange version of Spanish, I usually understand it.  I also like to have conversations with my friends and know that not everyone around me understands (it's so weird in the US when random people chime in on my conversations).  I'm sure I'll still be able to use some Spanish in the US, but it's been fun to surprise the locals when they don't expect the gringa to understand them!

8. The Panama Canal.  We live 5 minutes from the Miraflores Locks on the Panama Canal!!  How cool is that!?!  I've been to the Visitor's Center numerous times and it never gets old watching the boats go up and down.  I've loved getting to know more about the canal and taking friends and family to visit it.  We've even done a Partial Transit of the Canal twice - so much fun!

9. Beaches.  I will miss being so close to so many awesome beaches.  We might not go to the beach as often as some people, but we've enjoyed our share of beach weekends.  I love the variety and number of options available.  We've enjoyed Bocas del Toro, San Blas, Las Sirenas (Santa Clara), Palmar, Farallon, and Isla Contadora.  My favorite beach in Panama was on Isla Contadora.

10. FRIENDS!  Last, but most definitely not least, I will miss my friends!  I have made some amazing and lasting friendships during my time here.  As much as I want to leave Panama, I can't imagine my daily life without them.  I wish they could all move to Oregon with me!  :)  The nature of my job is to say good-bye every few years (maybe that's one reason I don't like my job anymore!) but I think this time will be the hardest one yet.  I'm so very thankful for all the friends I've made here (including the ones that have left before me)!

5 Random To-Do's

Tomorrow we leave.  Bill is leaving Panama for good; I am coming back.  Over the last week, I've had a million things running through my brain: things we needed to do, things we needed to pack, things we needed to finish, etc.  It has been stressful and I haven't been sleeping very well.  Since Bill finished work last week, I made many lists for him to get some things done while I was at work.  He's done a fine job.  So, since I'm stressed out with packing and can't think of anything better, I will share with you some of the random things I've asked Bill to do this week.

To-Do List
1. Put the leaf in the table.  I can't put the leaf in the table by myself...and since Bill won't be here when I get back, I wanted to have a bigger table just in case.  I probably won't need it, but I like to have extra surface area when I'm sorting or organizing...or if I have any last-minute dinner parties.

2. Box up computer and printer.  Bill won't be using his computer and printer anymore and since we keep the original boxes, I'd rather have him pack them up than the movers...or me.

3. Move freezer and put pantry door back on.  When we bought our big freezer, we realized that it wouldn't fit through the door of our walk-in pantry. So, we removed the pantry door, and the freezer door, and barely squeezed it in.  I don't want to do all that work to move the freezer out by myself.  So, months ago we began eating our freezer food just so we could move it out before Bill left.

4. Dismantle the guest bed.  Another chore I didn't want to do alone.  As we approach our final move from Panama, I like to start organizing and moving things around.  I need to have lots of room to do that and to stack boxes, so the bed had to be disassembled. 

5. Walk the dog.  Our poor pets are traveling tomorrow also.  The dog does NOT like to travel and although the cat has never traveled before, we are fairly certain she will HATE it.  Since we don't have a grassy yard here, we try to walk the dog sometimes.  I'll admit we aren't very good about it.  (That's why I know he will be much happier in Oregon.)  Anyway, since he has to be in his crate almost ALL day tomorrow, I wanted to be sure he got some exercise today.

There were a lot of other random things I asked Bill to do - and he did them all.  He was a big help in preparing for this trip.  I can't believe this is his last night in Panama!

Top 10 Websites

I'm falling behind on my posts this month - I guess I'm just busy!  I'm trying to catch up but it's not really working.  Today I'm back with another list.  Sometimes, I find the lists the hardest to come up with because I can't use pictures.  Maybe I'll do a list with pictures sometime - that sounds like a fun idea!

Today I'm going to share my top 10 websites.  Not necessarily the ones I like the most, but the ones I spend the most time on.  Most of them are fairly obvious and I bet a lot of people spend significant time visiting these sites.  Enjoy...and feel free to share with me your most-visited websites!

Top 10 Websites

1.  Hotmail.  The first thing I do when I sit down at my computer is check my email.  I have a Gmail account also, but I've used Hotmail longer and it feels more familiar so I use it as my primary email address.  Even when I'm looking at other websites, I usually have a tab or window open with Hotmail...just in case I get an email!

2.  Facebook.  I don't often post much on Facebook, but I like to look at what other people are doing.  I'm kind of a stalker on Facebook!  Occasionally, I put pictures up or make a comment, but usually I just look. 

3.  MSN.  I read a lot of my news and random articles from MSN.  Not because I think it's the best site for that, but because it the website that comes up when I log out of Hotmail!  I'm lazy and instead of going to another site for news, I just read the one that comes up.  I find it keeps me updated with current events, but also gives me a sampling of really random stories - which I like!

4.  YouTube.  I watch YouTube almost every day, but I don't just surf around and watch random videos.  There is one particular family and I watch their daily vlogs regularly.  Other than that, I don't use YouTube.  But, since I use it every day, it made the list.

5.  Pinterest.  When I get bored, I look at Pinterest.  There are so many funny, creative, and inspirational things on Pinterest.  I get ideas for cooking, crafts (which I rarely do), travel, and other fun projects.  Also, there are lots of funny quotes.  Pinterest is fun when I'm bored!

6.  Amazon.  Another website I look at when I'm bored.  Lately I've been buying lots of little things on Amazon: for our pets, for our new house, etc.  I like shopping on Amazon because of their selection and free shipping (sometimes).

7.  Blogger.  Obviously I spend a lot of time on Blogger because I spend time updating my blog.  But, I also read other blogs (some on Blogger and some on other sites).  I have a list of blogs that I check daily to see what fun things my family and friends (and some strangers) are up to.

8.  Craigslist.  I've just recently started using this website regularly.  Because we have a house now, we are starting to look for "household" things to buy.  Although we're not in Oregon, my parents are kind enough to check out and buy things for us.  Our first purchase - a lawnmower!  It's fun to be homeowners.

9.  Allrecipes.  Anytime I need a recipe, I go to Allrecipes.  I have found so many delicious dishes and I like the feel of the website.  I think I'll use it a lot more when I'm in Oregon and I'm cooking more regularly.  I also like the helpful video tutorials they have.

10.  Kayak.  Anytime I need to look up travel tickets (airline or other) I use Kayak.  I find it usually gives me the best deal.  Sometimes I look at it just to see how much it would cost to take trips.  One of my favorite things to do is plan vacations - so even when I don't have one scheduled, I'm often looking!

5 Things Packed for Driving vs Flying

Last week, someone suggested we take a 6-hour drive to the mountains to visit friends. We hadn't been planning to go, but we said, "why not?" So on Friday, we loaded up the car for a weekend get-away. We like road trips, a lot! As we were packing, I realized that I pack very differently for a road trip than I do for a plane trip. When we drive, we can take as much as will fit in the car...but when we fly, I have to expertly fit everything into the suitcases and make sure they weigh less than 50 pounds (which I am pretty good at!!).

Even though it isn't very exciting, I decided it might be fun to list some of the things that we brought with us. (Some of these things we would never take on a plane trip - for obvious reasons).

Driving vs. Flying
1. Two laptops. If we were flying, I would not have taken my laptop for 2 days...the hassle of taking it out of my bag to go through security is too much. But, since we could just throw them in the backseat and we knew the hotel would have free wi-fi, we each brought our own computers.

2. Power inverter. We didn't need this on the trip, but it would have been handy if we had broken-down or been stopped for an extended period of time (which can sometimes happen here). We used this on our 4-week road trip in 2009 and it is very handy to charge cell phones, laptops, and other such devices. Since we had room, we packed it in the car.

3. Cooler and TONS of food. If we were flying, we wouldn't need much food and we would be able to buy it in airports fairly easily. We also wouldn't be able to take any liquid. But, for the road trip, we grabbed all kinds of snacks and took a cooler with drinks. We were only gone for 2 days but we had enough food to survive at least 20! And, the hotel had a mini-fridge so we kept our drinks cold for the ride home (and we used the ice machine to refill our cooler).

4. Clothes on hangers. I am not a fan of garment bags - I think they are bulky and not useful. So, if I have hang-up clothes to take, I fold them neatly and put them in a suitcase when I fly. But, for the road trip, we had the convenience of hooks in the back seat and we just hung our hangers. So much easier than dealing with a garment bag!

5. Lots of Bags. I like bags (except garment bags)! I have all kinds of totes and backpacks and purses and bags. Sometimes, I'm sad that I can't use more of them when I travel by plane because everything gets put in a suitcase or my carry-on. But, on a road trip, I use lots of bags! Shoes in one bag, snacks in another bag, and clothes in yet another bag, etc. I get to use lots of individual bags to gather things together. Then, we just toss all the bags in the car and everything is contained and organized - I love it!

5 Reasons to Take a Cruise

We are about to embark on a vacation, so I will be away from my computer for a while. I'll try to update the blog if I get internet access, but I promise some exciting posts when I return. Until then, I will leave you with my list for the month. Since we're about to go on a cruise, I thought I'd share some top reasons why EVERYONE should take a cruise!

Reasons To Take A Cruise
1. Travel - You can visit numerous ports and countries, all while staying in the same room and only unpacking your suitcase once! On a cruise, you wake up in a new location each morning…but you return to the same room and same bed each night. It simplifies the traveling process while allowing you to see the world. You don't have to worry about hotel rooms in each city or how to get from place to place...it's all taken care of when you book a cruise.

2. Food - You can’t go on a cruise and not enjoy the food. They have buffets and fancy food and room service and pizza and more. You can sample food from the menu that you would normally never order (like escargot) and if you don’t like it, you can request another item - without having to pay extra. You can have wonderful service and excellent food in the formal dining room, or enjoy a burger on the pool deck. Or, stay in your room and order milk and cookies each night...it's all delicious!

3. Excursions - Even though it isn’t mandatory to take excursions on a cruise, I think it’s worth it. Whether you take the excursions offered by the cruise company or arrange your own, you get to take tours and enjoy activities in the various ports you visit. You can take a whale-watching cruise or tour ancient ruins. There are often so many choices it can be overwhelming. But, the excursions help you enjoy your destination a little more!

4. Activities - Cruises offer non-stop entertainment. They have Broadway-style shows and pool parties and trivia contests and more. There is always something going on and you are free to choose what you participate in. Or, you can simply sit back and relax and watch others participate. All the activities and shows are included so you don’t have to pay extra to have fun! And, if you’re traveling in a group, you can each have a uniquely fun day enjoying separate activities or excursions and then meet up for dinner.

5. Royal Treatment - You will feel like you are taking an expensive vacation without paying too much. You can be waited on for formal dinners, have your pictures taken by professional photographers, attend the Captain’s cocktail party, relax in the luxurious Spa, and generally be treated like royalty! It’s a great way to have a pampering experience.

I can't wait to enjoy this and many other wonderful things about cruises!!

5 New Year's Resolutions

I don't normally make New Year's Resolutions because they usually end in failure. Sometimes I think of things that I should work on in the coming year...but I rarely verbalize them because that would make them "real". This year, since I'm making lists as part of my blog, I thought it would be fun to list my resolutions. Maybe if I publish them, I will work harder at keeping them (probably not!). One thing I can guarantee is that I won't be making any food or exercise related goals...I don't get motivated that way so I always fail. I have to stick to goals that I have a chance of keeping. So, without further ado:

New Year's Resolutions 2012
1. Update My Blog Regularly - isn't this a good one to start with? I've already told you what I want to do with my blog this year and it's officially my first resolution.

2. Read The Entire Bible - I've tried this one before (twice actually) but I have yet to finish the Bible within one year. In fact, I'm already behind this year. But, I really want to do this so I'm announcing it out loud. I'm using a Bible my sister gave me that is specifically organized to read in one year. I'll let you know how it goes.

3. Stick To Our Budget - this one is important this year. We have a nice budget, with a fancy spreadsheet, but we haven't had to follow it that closely because we've been in a good place financially. Now that we're buying a house, and our employment will be changing, it is more important than ever to follow the amounts we have budgeted. I need to consciously adjust my lifestyle to fit within our budget.

4. Be More Positive - or Complain Less. I'm not always the most positive person, especially when things aren't going the way I think they should. This year, I want to try to focus on the good things, be more appreciative, and count my blessings instead of dwelling on what I don't like. I'm hoping that memorizing Bible verses will help me with this one.

5. Be A Better Wife - I guess I could try to be a better person in general, but I'll start with just being a better wife! This one is very vague, but that's good. I need to generally be better at being a wife. This is a lot like #4 - less complaining will make me a better wife. Additionally, I should try not to be so lazy...that will make me a better wife too. I've got room for improvement!

OK - it wasn't very exciting, but there you have my first list of the year. What other lists would you like to see?

New Blog Themes

OK - since I did a pretty good job at keeping up with my blog last year while I had a theme, I decided to try again. (I'm afraid if I go back to blogging only when I have something interesting to say, I may never blog again!) I guess I need ideas and direction...something to keep me on track and give me a topic. I didn't think I could keep up with a daily project this year (I'd already be several days behind) so I thought I'd try a weekly or monthly goal. But, then I couldn't decide what I wanted to commit to each week...and once a month didn't seem like enough (although probably more manageable). That's why I decided to do a combination of weekly and monthly themes. I have 4 different topics that I will blog about each month. That will mix things up, keep me blogging fairly regularly, and give me a goal. At the end of the year, I should have 12 blog posts for each of my topics. Do you want to know what they are??

--A Monthly Video. I will make some sort of video each month. Something that I'll attempt to edit and add effects or music or something. It will let me work on more video clips and hopefully give you something interesting to watch. They probably won't be long videos, but it will be different.
--A Monthly Recipe. I will post a recipe each month with pictures of the process and finished product. I love to cook, so this should be an easy one. I'll try to pick exciting recipes. If you have any suggestions, let me know.
--A Monthly List. I love lists. I like making them and I like reading them. I will share a list with you each month and blog about it. Maybe a Top 5 list or a wish list or something else. Again, if you have suggestions, leave a comment!
--A Monthly Photo Diary (A Day In My Life). Several years ago, my friend Rachael introduced me to "A Day in my Life"- a photo journal where people post pictures from one day in their life. I've done it once before, on our Road Trip, and it was fun. So, once a month, I will take pictures all day and share them with you...a diary of my day through photos. It will help with any withdrawals from Project 365 and all the photos I took for that!

There they are! I know these may not be the most exciting topics, but I feel like they are broad enough to not get boring and vague enough to let me decide what I feel like each month. Hopefully, you approve.

Another thing I decided to start doing this year (and I want to use my blog to help me keep up with it) is to memorize one Bible verse each week. I will write a verse on a note card (yay for office supplies!) and carry it around with me all week. Hopefully, I'll be able to memorize 52 verses in one year (although I may use some verses I already know). I want to use these verses to remind me of God's promises on days when I feel sad, angry, happy, lonely, bored, lazy, etc. Each week, I will post the verse and tell you why I picked it...maybe you can memorize them with me!

So, welcome to 2012 and my new blog themes. I hope you like them and are anxious to get started with me. As always, thanks for reading and let me know if you have suggestions!