In My Arms

Here's another video gift...this is the one I made for my sister. The song, "In My Arms" by Plumb, made me think of my precious niece and nephew the very first time I heard it. The lines "your baby blues" and "curly Q's" describe these sweetie pies SO perfectly!

These Are The Special Times

Ready for the second iMOVIE?

This is the one I made for my Mom for Mother's Day. When I began to do this, I wanted to use "The Best Day" by Taylor Swift because that song perfectly describes the relationship my sister and I have with our wonderful Mom. We are great FRIENDS and always have been!! But the song (if you haven't heard it, you need to. It's precious!) talks about very specific experiences (pumpkin patch, finger painting in the kitchen, etc.) of which I had no pictures. AND it starts out, "I'm 5 years old," then proceeds to "I'm 13 now," and I just couldn't get past the fact that my pictures weren't matching what the song was talking about. It drove me crazy!

So I gave up and used this song instead. It's actually from Christina Aguilera's Christmas album. I've always loved it and because it isn't specifically about Christmas, just wonderful memories with family, I thought it worked!!

Daddy's Little Girls

I love iMovie! Using this easy software made gift-giving especially simple this year. I made photo montage videos for Mom & Lauren for Mother's Day and for Dad & Rich for Father's Day. I carefully chose music that went with the photos and evoked the proper emotions (my goal was to make each of them cry and I think it worked every time! *hehe*)


Facebook has recently buckled down on copyright infringement, so it won't let me upload these videos there because they contain copyrighted music. *phooey* Well after my success uploading my little dog video the other, I decided to try putting my other videos on here too. I'm going to post them one at time, since they take so long to upload.


First, here is the one I made for my Daddy for Father's Day. The song ("You're The Only Little Girl" by Steve & Annie Chapman) is particularly sentimental because we used to listen to it as a family when Lauren and I WERE little girls. I remember thinking that I would always be that age...that the future, with boyfriends and weddings and all that, seemed so far away. None of us could even imagine it. So perhaps you can see why my entire family gets emotional watching this video.
(Note: I'm the younger, blonder one. *hehe*)

Cuddly Toys

Today was an exciting day to be a dog in the Butler household. I came home from running errands after work bearing gifts: a stuffed toy for each puppy. Even though plush toys are their absolute favorites, I don't often buy new ones. Wrigley destroys them within mere seconds of their arrival, so I don't see the point.

But today at Target I found these super cheap little plush puppies that DIDN'T have squeakers (meaning they stand a significantly better chance of lasting for a few hours). What the heck. It's worth having to pick up all the little bits of stuffing that end up all over my floor, just to see the thrill it gives them. :)

(Cuddly Toy - The Monkees)

Judge Not, Lest Your Dog Be Even More Obnoxious

One of the most amazing things about my new job is the savings I get on my dogs' health care. I probably shouldn't disclose the actual information or discounts, but you should know that it's a substantial savings! :) Plus, our clinic goes much more in depth than our old vet did, with tests and immunizations that I'd never even heard of. It's really quite impressive.

So after having all their records faxed over, I discovered that all my dogs are due for various things. I decided to take MoJo to work with me today to get things rollin'. I figured I'd just keep him in the back (in our boarding area) for the majority of the day, bring him up for his appointment, then "board" him again till it was time to go home. Well within 15 minutes of his stay in back, I was regretting this decision. He barked incessantly the whole day. 

At first I was really embarrassed and annoyed. For one thing, all week long I've been complaining about a weimaraner that's been boarding with us. She seemed to bark non-stop and was really, really loud. But MoJo's bark was at a particularly irritating pitch and much more persistent. More like an "AAH! AAH! AAH!" instead of "woof woof." I kept thinking, "Geez! Stop it!" I was worried that my boss and coworkers would form a negative impression of him before even getting to see him outside the cage. They kept insisting he was fine and not bothering anyone, but he was bothering ME.

Well then as the day went on, my annoyance turned into concern. I simply had no idea that MoJo had such terrible separation anxiety. And no one we've boarded him with in the past has ever said anything to me about his ridiculous overreacting. (My theory is that those kennels have indoor/outdoor runs so he doesn't feel so confined. But who knows.) When we crate him at home, he just lies down when we shut the door. (WRIGLEY is the one that barks like a maniac when crated. You can be sure he won't be coming to work with my anytime soon! *haha*) Anyway, when I went back to check on him, he was practically frothing at the mouth with drool because he was panting so hard. He kept it up all day. It was terrible!

On the upside, his appointment went fine. We're waiting on the results from a couple of tests, but I was excited that Dr. Olson didn't tell me he was falling apart or anything (since I felt like he was, with the way he'd been acting.) And he also didn't act like he hated MoJo, which relieved the Mommy in me. :)

And I've learned my lesson about judging other people's dogs. Just because they rant and misbehave in our setting, doesn't mean they're bad dogs. It's obvious to me that dogs can have split personalities and be a COMPLETELY different animal away from home than they generally are for their masters. As I type this with my sweet MoJo snuggled calmly up against me, I can't even see a shadow of the crazed maniac he was earlier. (Probably because he's so completely wiped out and exhausted from all the barking! *haha*)

On that note, I put together this little video about my babies and I wanted to share it with you.  (I used iMOVIE to make it. Words cannot describe how user friendly this software is - it's SO easy to use!) I hope you like it. :) (The song is "The Puppy Song" by Harry Nilsson. I first heard it on the "You've Got Mail" soundtrack. It makes me happy!)

"It's Not Fair!"

Please enjoy the funniest thing I've seen in a looong time. I hope it makes you giggle as much as it did me! :) I know you'll at least agree that IT'S NOT FAIR!!

(I love the subtle Justin Timberlake video references...and you know you're going to be going around singing, "When my world revolves around food it's so hard just not to eeeeeeeat!!!!!")

Speaking of food and all that jazz, my regular readers are probably wondering why I haven't weighed in the last two weeks. Well there really hasn't been much to report. My eating has been sketchy and my workout regimen has been less that stellar. I've only gained like 1.5 pounds over these two weeks which is minimal damage so I'm OK with it. 

Now, I haven't been bingeing like mad or anything crazy. It's just been a bit hard to adjust to my new schedule and keep everything else on track at the same time. I ate out a lot last week because I didn't get my lunch ready to bring with me.  I'm also adding about 4 hours onto my day, which adds more time for cramming in calories. *haha* And I'm still trying to think up healthy snacks I can bring with me that AREN'T loaded with carbs but are still easy to pack up in the morning. (I've been eating too many granola bars recently. *haha*) 

My exercise opportunities have been cut in half to begin with, but then I've had some additional activities in the past week and a half that have limited it further. And I'm so pooped when I get home in the evenings the LAST thing I wanna do is head to the gym. I know, I know, welcome to a normal life. I guess I didn't appreciate what I had until it was gone, y'know? In hindsight, I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to do some hardcore blubber-blasting for the months I was out of work. I know it sped up my progress...and hopefully instilled some habits that I'll be able to continue once I get myself adjusted.

"I think I'm gonna like it here!"

I had this song going through my head ALL day. Anyone else love Annie? :)

Today was great. I mean, GREAT great! I got a good night's sleep, got up too early and got there too early (meaning tomorrow I can sleep later and still get there in plenty of time! Woohoo! *haha*).  But I wasn't sure what traffic would be like at that hour so I thought I should play it safe. Hey, did you know it's dark at 6:30am? *wink*

The people I am working with are SOOO nice. (And since I'm sure they're also soon-to-be Facebook friends and will probably find this blog - Hi Becky! Hi Anne! *waving from blogland*) They got me flowers! A beautiful bouquet (that coincidentally contained my absolute favorite Gerbera Daisies. In hot pink! Just perfect.) is sitting on the counter in my honor. :) It feels good to be so appreciated...already! The customers were all very friendly and welcoming as well. What an amazing blessing this job is. 

And you know what? We can talk to each other and laugh without getting in trouble! Isn't that a strange concept? (Sorry, inside joke to my former coworkers. *jab jab*) 

The clinic keeps hoppin' pretty much the whole day. And when we weren't busy, I was learning something or keeping busy in some other way so the day seemed to go pretty fast. I got to plant some pansies in the indoor planters (the office is on a corner with all windows so there's plenty of sunlight), which was a fun little task. (Those of you that know me well are laughing that someone let me near plants...but I swear I didn't kill them. Yet. *bwahaha*)  And it's just so much fun to see all of the animals coming in. There were these two malamutes with HEADS as big as MoJo. The male, Max, kept "talking" just like MoJo does, except it was much, much louder. *haha*  

And because we kept busy, I had a great first day back on the diet. EXCEPT that I have an adorable husband who came to visit me and brought us all St. Patties Day treats...some cookies, and these little cupcake/brownie things that are decorated to look like bright green frogs. (I'm going to bring my camera tomorrow so I can take pictures of them as well as my flowers, so I'll post those pictures soon. You won't believe how cute these frogs are. *haha*)  But I only ate HALF a cookie. So...I feel no guilt. But tomorrow I do plan on consuming an entire frog, though. :)  

I did make it to Cardio/Core after work! Yup, worked a full day and exercised afterwards. One day down, the rest of my life to go! ;)

Step it up

This is EXACTLY what I was talking about!!! How can anybody keep up with all these moves and spins and turns? It absolutely makes my head spin.

Laminin

Something to ring in the new year....this is Louie Giglio. He is one of my all-time favorite authors and speakers. The title makes more sense when you watch...please watch the whole thing, you will be blessed!

Hallelujah! 

Movie Madness

With our trip to NYC quickly approaching, it seems our to-do list is growing. We (*ahem* JEREMY) needs to figure out the map and subway system so we'll have a better idea of how to get around in the city. We need to see if the stuff we're packing will fit into just one suitcase a piece since our airline is one of the peaches that charges $50 for a second bag. Geez! (We have one huge bag but it will almost definitely weigh too much when filled to capacity, and that would get us charged too.)

One of the things I've added to the list might seem silly to others but to me, it's paramount.  I have gathered a stack of movies that are set in New York that I feel we MUST watch before we leave. Initially when I had the thought, I didn't realize how many of my favorite movies are set in New York City! There are a TON! I guess that's why I've been so indoctrinated to love that city. I already have so many "memories" surrounding that place. ;) And basically, in order to watch all of the movies I've gathered before we go, we'll need to watch one a night from here on. *haha* 

Last night we watched You've Got Mail, one of my all-time favorite movies period, and the first movie that made me really think I wanted to live in NYC. Their portrayal of the city is so warm and cozy and romantic...*sigh* I love it. Then we popped in Hitch, which has a lot of great landmarks in it, including Ellis Island and the Museum of Natural History. I'm ashamed to say I dozed off mid-way through that one, but I'm still checking it off my list. *hehe* 

Other movies in the stack include Enchanted, Big, Kate & Leopold, Serendipity and Independence Day (What's more fun than watching a city you're about to visit be destroyed by aliens? Nothing!) And of course, since we'll be there for Christmas festivities, it's imperative that we watch Miracle on 34th Street and Elf. IMPERATIVE I say. 

And then there are the sentimental favorites from my childhood. Newsies, which was filmed entirely on a soundstage in California yet I completely associate that film with my obsession of NYC.  And last but MOST important of all, On The Town, a Gene Kelly musical I discovered as a little girl and have loved ever since. I used to pretend one of my Barbies was Vera Ellen (she's also one of the sisters in White Christmas. I LOVE HER!) and this movie is responsible for my love of Sailor suits. :) It's important that Jeremy watches it with me again, because though he's seen it once, there's a good chance I'll be walking around singing the songs from this movie and he needs to be able to join in. (Yeah right.)  OH! And this is also one of the movies I was thinking of when I referenced Gene Kelly dance scenes after seeing HSM3...you know, with the unrealistic scenery? There's a scene where Mr. Kelly dances around a "fake" New York and it's bright and fantasy-like. So charming. I loves it. :)

Enjoy!

(There's no Vera Ellen in this clip....but this is most likely the song I'll be singing for a week straight. *hehe*)

"Take On Me" - Literally.

Just a little humor to make you smile. I've watched it 4 times already and have giggled the whole way through each time. Hope it makes you laugh too!

FAVORITE LINES:

"Band Montaaaaaaage!"

"Show this guy then cut back to these two."

"What are they doing with our magic frame?!"

*hahahahahahahaha*

I AM annoyed that Blogger will let me add this video but not any of my personal collection from Liv's party. *grrrr*

If my iPOD had seams, it would be bursting at them!

I love music. I love my iPOD. And now, I love Genius. It's this amazing new device on iTUNES that suggests music you might like based on the songs that are already in your library. I spent a great deal of time (and money) on it when I first discovered it last weekend.

Sure, it's not always accurate and it's suggested some really random picks from time to time, but I really like to find new music to add to my collection and this is a dangerously easy way to do so. It really exploited the new curve my musical tastes have taken, but more on that in a minute.

I think I have fairly diverse taste in music. I like shmaltzy, sappy love songs but I also like angsty, you-broke-my-heart-you-jerk anthems (even though I've never been through a break-up of my own.) I get into deep, thoughtful lyrics, especially praise and worship songs that can be used as prayers, yet I also like music with a great beat and absolutely no substance to speak of. I love oldies...I grew up on songs from the 40's, 50's and 60's, so I have a fondness for them like most of my generation has for the 80's.

I love soundtracks to musicals. I love boy bands. I love Christmas music. I love great harmony. I love soulful divas that can really belt it out. I love disco. (Yes, disco. The funkier the better.) I have songs on my iPOD from all sorts of genres, including alternative, R&B, hiphop, pop, rock, folk and if you count Yanni, even New Age.

Before you start thinking I'm just not picky, there are SOME things I don't listen to. I'm not a fan of country music. (There are a few exceptions, but on the whole it doesn't grab me.) I don't like music with nasty (or "explicit," as they say) lyrics. (I memorize lyrics way too easily, I don't need that garbage floating around in my head.) And I don't like hardcore, screechy rock and sounds like Satan himself is singing the lead. That stuff just scares me. Even more than clowns! *haha* I can't handle opera. Being able to sing along is very important to me, so I don't like music with foreign lyrics. (The exception being if I can pretend to dance to it...*haha*) And even more specifically, I don't like: John Mayer, Phil Collins, Coldplay, Melissa Etheridge, James Blunt, Li'l Wayne (he SCARES me!!) Akon and Kenny Chesney (yes, technically inside the Country category, but I find his voice to be particularly unacceptable.

I mentioned earlier that my tastes have taken a turn. Well, recently, I've been drawn to music that's a little outside my box; music that's really mellow and laid back. I'm a fairly noisy person so I'm naturally drawn to things that are boisterous and busy. Lately I've been downloading some songs that are pretty chill.

I think it started with Sara Bareilles. You probably know her song, "Love Song," which every radio station has set out to make us sick of hearing by playing every 10 minutes. But I downloaded her album and it's really, really good. She writes some great lyrics and has an amazing voice. I particularly like the really sad and dramatic songs like "Gravity" and "Between the Lines." Again, I've never experienced anything she's talking about but my melodramatic tendencies really get into it. :)

Then I downloaded the soundtrack to Penelope (which as you'll remember, I loved) and it's quirky but relaxed vibe introduced me to Meiko. "Piano Song" is so much fun, I listen to it over and over. I loved it immediately.

Then I discovered Brooke Fraser when she was Editor's Pick on iTUNES one week. What a blessing that was. I have never heard such powerful, passionate love songs before...and they're all written to God. She clearly has such a close relationship with Him and is also obviously well-read in Scripture, as all of her songs have a poignant message. But again, her songs are very quiet.

So add all of that together and multiply it by iTUNES' new Genius feature...and it equals me discovering all sorts of music that's way off the beaten path. It suggested Lenka, whom I had never heard of but once I listened to a few samples of her album I knew I was going to like her. She's a little bit folk, a little bit pop...and really the best way I can describe her voice is cutsie. Her songs are playful and a little silly, but it makes GREAT crusin' around music. For me, anyway. :) My favorites are "The Show" and "Don't Let Me Fall."

The Show

I'm really looking forward to some cooler weather so I can open my windows, light some candles and sit back and relax to my new amazingly easy-going playlist. *sigh*

(P.S. I've changed my blog playlist in honor of my new finds and so you can listen to the artists I've mentioned here. I hope you enjoy!)

Hooray for the Olympics!

I am not a sportsy person by any means. I don't watch sports on tv...in fact my hubby's obsession with the NFL is just a great excuse for me to take Sunday afternoon naps in the Fall. (I'm looking forward to it. *hehe*) But for some reason, every two years I become a bit fanatical about the very thing I could normally snooze through. Yes folks...I'm an Olympic nut. From the opening ceremonies on, I absorb as much Olympic coverage as I possibly can!

Perhaps it's the reminiscent factor. I can still see myself rollerskating around our unfinished basement on Eagle Lake Court, pretending I was a graceful figure skater. (I was pretending to be GRACEFUL, first and foremost. I had quite an imagination.) And every year when I watch the opening ceremonies, I remember the years past when we would gather in the living room and watch it as a family. And then there was the 1994 Winter games in Lillehammer, Norway. My sister and I were particularly obsessed with the Olympics that year! From the Tonya Harding/Nancy Kerrigan scandal and that beautiful little angel on ice, Oksana Baiul, to the exciting speed skater Johann Olav Koss...we collected magazines and newspaper clippings and gobbled up all the information we could find.

Or maybe it's the feeling of being part of something bigger. The idea that I'm included in the excitement as the entire world is tuned into the games. Since I don't often follow world politics or even national news to that big of a degree, maybe it's being "in the know" on something so important that makes me feel fulfilled.

Then again, it could just be the chance to watch and learn about unfamiliar sports. Although I confess, I do more watching than learning. I sat through an entire game of women's water polo yesterday while scrapbooking and I still haven't a clue what a "power play" is. :) And then Jeremy and I watched women's handball. What a crazy concoction that is! Like a combination of basketball, softball AND soccer. It was interesting, to say the least! I have to admit, the only sport I've turned the channel from so far during this Olympics was basketball. Is that strange? Why watch the mundane when I could watch synchronized DIVING? WooHOO!!! :)

So in closing (whoops...forgot I was blogging and not writing an essay! *haha*) I bring you this video. Painful? Absolutely. Warped to laugh at? You betcha. But I like to believe that all of these poor souls made it out alive and with a great story to tell. :)