Line of Lights

One of my favorite fotos from a trek I took through Balboa Park last weekend. The weekend was intended to be a celebration of solitude; however, I ended up wishing someone was there with me. Typical.

I VOTED.

I VOTED., originally uploaded by nosnewsasil.

Couldn't be happier.

Political Interpretations

Check out this rock'n video of Antonio and me. I laugh every time. Maybe it's because I know Antonio.

For those of you who are interpreters (i.e. J-E-A-N-N-A) I would like to point out my listing skills and how much they suck.

The Conqueror of Domestication

I just spent two solid hours in the kitchen COOKING and CLEANING after working a 10 hour day. S-U-P-E-R W-O-M-A-N. Now would be a good time for my family to start worrying about whether or not I am stable.

Political Divisions

Voting for Obama just might get me kicked out the family circle, which would eliminate the one real meal that I get to eat every week. Unfortunate. Biscuits or Barack.

I asked Grandpa if he would be able to forgive me for who I am about to vote for. His answer was: "You're not going to do it." I better learn to make my own Sunday lunch.

RETALIATION

How often, for some trivial wrong,
In anger, we retaliate,
We learn, although it takes us long,
That life is far too brief for hate.

-Margaret E. Bruner

For the first time in what feels like a lifetime I know what it is like to be free of unforgiveness... and I like it. A lot.

Be Envious... VERY Envious

0926081635.jpg, originally uploaded by nosnewsasil.

All of a sudden it occurs to me that all of the teasing and cheek squeezing and the "say 'chubby bunny'!!" comments I've endured was straight-up jealousy from those less fortunate than I. I've just added my chubby cheeks to my asset resume.

If I Knew You and You Knew Me

Recently I received a book of poems from Great Aunt Lavina. The first poem I turned to is as follows...

IF I KNEW YOU AND YOU KNEW ME

If I knew you and you knew me-
If both of us could clearly see,
And with an inner sight divine
The meaning of your heart and mine-
I'm sure that we would differ less
And clasp our hands in friendliness;
Our thoughts would pleasantly agree
If I knew you and you knew me.

If I knew you and you knew me,
As each one knows his own self, we
Could look each other in the face
And see therein a truer grace.
Life has so many hidden woes,
So many thorns for every rose;
The "why" of things our hearts would see,
If I knew you and you knew me.
-Nixon Waterman

Truth Found In The Trash Can

Add a piece of chocolate cake to the picture and that's what I've eaten today. The salad I had at lunch left me plenty of room for sick indulgences.

Dad and His Flying Machine

Taken when I was home in July... Tawn and I were driving home from dinner with Ryan at Joe's and spotted dad. For whatever reason this video makes me feel light and happy.

The Bellamy Brothers

Bellamys, originally uploaded by nosnewsasil.

Grandpa doing his g'pa duties

Grandpa doing his g'pa duties, originally uploaded by nosnewsasil.

A favorite from my last trip home.

Home

What Not to Wear

Today is Saturday. Today I worked. Working should not be part of my Saturday schedule. Never mind that I just got back from two lazy weeks of vacation; I still need my Saturday off. Woke up this a.m. and got into the dreaded uniform that we had to wear which happened to be a LARGE t-shirt that hung over me like a sad tent. I spent a good half hour trying to figure out what I was going to do with the shirt: tuck it in? pull it through my 1989 diamond encrusted t-shirt ring? tie it in the back? knot it on the side? cut it up? How was I suppose to present in front of a crowd of people looking like a complete slob? My bad attitude towards the t-shirt transferred to my hair, which I had planned on curling but pulled into a very boring pony tail instead. If anything was going to save this day it was going to be the shoes, so I strapped on my very strappy new metallic-y flat sandals in hopes that my feet would be comfortable with pizazz at the same time; however, high heels would have definitely been a better choice. Maybe it was the combination of metallic sandals and 105 degree heat outside AND that fact that I walked across campus and back for no good reason at all that caused the nasty little blisters on both feet. All I was thinking was, "really wish I would have stuck with what I know and worn heels." Since the closest Band Aid required another hike, I opted for shoving napkins from lunch under the straps, which totally added to my all ready dumpy outfit making me feel more ridiculous than ever and, in my opinion, completely wrecking my speaking style. Next time I want to be an interpreter and not a presenter so that I at least have control over my wardrobe.

And the moral of the story is: flat shoes are not what they seem. high heels are.

The Munchkins

What Entertainment Should Be

Shelly is such a good mom. Yesterday after work I stopped by their house to check out the new fancy pants espresso machine they bought just in time to see Shelly pulling Dawson on a wakeboard behind the mule. Hilarious! Creative fun is still alive. Thank goodness.

As Jack Johnson would say, "Where'd All the Good People Go?"

Life seems to be a sequence of lessons in letting go. Yup, that's right. Here I am again in the process of cutting ties that bind me to dead weight. For whatever reason, I feel hopeful that I have just opened myself up to something greater than what I have had in the past because of the newest separation in my life. Let's hope that I use more discretion from here on out in the friend selection process. Perhaps an preliminary questionnaire should be a requirement with questions like:

1. Are you a douche bag?

2. Are you emotionally stupid?

I think 2 questions are enough. Actually question #1 tells me everything I need to know. If yes, NO NEED TO APPLY. Ahhh well... moving on.

Soaking up the California Sun... (some of us!)

Thanks to John and Sonya we got to spend 3 laid back days in San Diego last week. Got some awesome runs in, ate decadent desserts and spent time at the beach! Life doesn't get much better than that!

Stupid Wrist

I've done it again... Last night Ced & I were at the gym doing incline sit ups with an 8 pound ball which involved throwing the ball. I was doing the sit ups and when I sat up and tossed the ball to Ced something in my wrist snapped and sent some serious pain up my arm. It feels like it did when I originally hurt it at the airport. GREAT. So, today here I sit at my desk with a bootleg ice pack on it. Tomorrow I'm getting it checked out.

Bryanna's Not-So-Hidden Talent

Conversation with Mom

Mom: Hello?

Me: Hi! What are you up to?

Mom: I'm on my way to Arlan and Sheryl's house to get a load of rotten poop for Zach and Carmen's Anniversary. Carmen is going to be so excited!

Me: Are you serious? Excited about poop?

Mom: She's been wanting a load for her lawn... It's not everyday that you get a present like that!

Me: For future reference, I never want a load of poop for my anniversary... EVER.

Tasty Edamame...

Tawnya thinks Monti & I are weird because we LOVE edamame... She doesn't even know that she is missing out on one of the better things in life. Yummmm... fiber.

The Downside of Growing Up

Making my money stretch is getting on my nerves. I might as well get another job for the weekends because I sure won't be going anywhere in my little buggie as long as gas stays at the same price as jet fuel. Seriously, who can afford to travel anymore? Traveling is one of the greatest thrills in my life; suddenly I am stuck at home weekend after weekend. It's depressing... basically I am making money to eat, to buy gas to get to work, to pay my rent, to pay my bills and to buy an occasional Starbucks coffee. That eats up my pay check. Completely. This morning I discovered that my electric bill trippled... TRIPPLED! Mind you, my condo is set at 79 degrees when I am home and 88 when I am not there, which is most of the day. There is some serious unjustice going on here. To add to my frustration Tawn informed me that my water was turned off when she went to take a shower this morning. Oh dandy! Just dandy.

What is Wrong With Our World Today

Apparently a woman is suing Victoria's Secret because of a defective thong. Really? REALLY???

It's hot... and it is here to stay.

The heat wave of summer has hit us, which reminds me again of how much I dislike continuous beads of sweat that start at my forehead and travel all the way down to my feet. Last night I was sitting at my computer desk sweating. A walk to the trash bin leaves me looking like I've run a mile. At 10:00 last night it was till 96 degrees out. When the weather reporter calls 112 degrees a "cool down", you know it time to come up with strategies for dealing with living in an oven for the next 4 months.

I am hoping that my home state can conjure up some rain clouds just in time for my visit in July. That would be heavenly!

I told Cynthia that I used to have an Organic rabbit. What I meant to say was Angora. Maybe I am more like my mother than I thought.

The Language Only Malia Speaks

While I was home in April I caught Malia on video demonstrating her Chinese-like language skills. I've watched this video so many times and laughed every time. It's crazy how much I miss this sweet little girl...

Edamame: My Latest Obsession

I eat this nearly everyday... and I look forward to it.... VERY MUCH!

Interesting sighting of the day

Today I saw a man riding his bike with no hands while his pet snake was wrapped around his arm. Oh yeah, and one time I saw a man strolling through Walmart with his pet parakeet (Trucker) chill'n on his shoulder. Random... welcome to Yuma.

Trey and Tee Ball

Trey was on a Tee Ball team this year for 5-6 year olds. I finally made one of his games last week. Most of the players spent their time out on the field twirling around, kicking each other or rolling on the ground. Very entertaining!

Strength Found

"Sometimes you just know when enough is enough and you make changes in your life that better your world." I've been reminded once again of the amount of truth that is held in that statement. Believe me, it takes me being slapped in the face to finally reach that point where I can truely say enough is enough and do something about my situation. I never imagined the weight that would be lifted off my shoulders by taking control and standing up for myself. Making that decision is the first step in regaining strength and after it is made it seems as though all the lost power comes flooding back instantly.

Challenges of a a Photo Shoot with Boys and a Dog

Looking Into a Mirror

To take my mind off the minor problems in my life, I started reading "The Kite Runner" on Monday by Laura's reccomendation. For the first time in a long time my attention has been completely captivated by a story so real, intricate and exact that I can't help but wonder if the author's own experiences are intertwined in the lives of the characters. In reading my eyes have been opened to the prejudices that I unconsciously carry within me. I must admit that I have allowed media, ignorance and stereotypes become my own concrete truths. The security that we all live in here in the U.S. seems so fragile now. At one time hasn't every country had the same kind of security and each one has taken their turn falling into the hands of peccancy? Perhaps it is the current state of mind that I am in that makes everything seem so uncertain; here today and gone tomorrow.

Cynthia called me yesterday to tell me that Carlos finally got his armed tattooed using the design I had come up with for him. He wanted a tattoo that included both of his daughters names in a tribal sort of design. This is the one that he chose. Kind of cool that it's forever inked on his arm!

My main man

Monti literally has my back. Last night I took Monti out on his sand hill and felt the need to just sit and meditate. I sat down and immediately he sat down with his back pressed against mine. I think what he was trying to tell me was: I think you are a little crazy right now and an emotional mess so I'm gonna sit as close to you as possible and protect you because I don't think you can protect yourself.

Experimental Photo Shoot with Kenney

Yesterday evening Kenney and I went to Old Town Yuma and held a short photo shoot. I've been wanting to do that for a very long time and we finally got it done! The results were pretty decent! The photo to the left was taken in the walkway between CarlaRenee's & the Wine Cellar. Turned out pretty good! I'm satisfied. Tyrina is coming into town and wants me to take some photos of her and Anthony again. Can't wait!!! Love it!

A Fav of Gavin

Rueger

The newest addition to the Cox family. Isn't he adorable?

A beautiful sight

The weekend was all about this... FOOD! Some of you would call this dessert... I call it a neccessity of life! The finer things in life were definitely tasted.

Liz... the trusty mule

Cyn and I took Liz and Lou Lou out riding on Saturday afternoon right after the air show. What a fun time!

A Real Good Grandpa

This is hands down the sweetest picture of the day... let there be no doubt about it, these boys have mountains of love for their grandpa and he for them.

Paws

Paws, originally uploaded by nosnewsasil.

Sometimes I squeeze them just to irritate him...

Watchin out for me

Watchin out for me, originally uploaded by nosnewsasil.

Babysitting

I babysat the boys tonight. Shocking, I know. Usually when the word 'babysit' is mentioned I run the other way. I agreed to this one mainly because I knew it would be 2 1/2 hours MAX and I can handle pretty much anything for that amount of time. After supper we all jumped into my rig (including Monti) and drove to my house. It wasn't until we got ready to go back to grandma's house that I realized Trey didn't have any shoes OR socks on, Jacob had ONLY socks on and Dawson was wearing rollarblades. I'd make a terrible mother. Completely unobservant. Also during our singing prayer I started to laugh. I just couldn't help it! We sounded so bad! I think they think I'm a mess... AND THEY'RE RIGHT! Here is a picture that says what words couldn't say.

Valentines Day: A SUCCESS!

Nobody does Valentines Day quite like the people at work. Actually nobody can even compete with our department on most holidays! The cultural difference between Minnesota and here are huge! Every event is an excuse for a celebration in the form of FOOD. (OOOO! It's Thursday! Let's have a party!) The reason I work out is to balance out all the eating I do at work. Anyway, the day of LOVE was delightful... filled with chocolate, flowers and fabulous food. Can't complain about that! I've always loved Valentines Day even though 99% of the time I've had no one significant in my life. For some reason it doesn't get to me and I sail through the day with a smile on my face as if I've recieved a dozen roses and a box of Godiva chocolate from the most wonderful man on earth. I did come home to a fluffy teddy bear and some more sugar which was exactly what I needed. Thank you Sweetness!!

COLD!

It's time for me to stop complaining about 40 degrees being too cold and admit that I am a wimp. Recently I came across an article about Minnesota being the "Icebox Of The Nation". Instantly I was brought back to the reality of what cold really is and I've gotta say that I don't miss it in the least.

GO GREEN!

During a trip to the mail box I spotted this palm's amazing color and contrast and absolutely had to shoot it. Figured I better get at least one good shot before I take my defective camera back. I've been struggling with the manual settings on my Nikon D40x because it will not allow me to have a normal shutter speed or f-stop set. Most of my pictures have to be set as such a low SS & f-stop that it's hard to control the motion blur. DISAPPOINTING! Hopefully the lazy people at Circuit City can find some inspiration to get a job done efficiently so that I have a replacement in my hands soon.

Randy Pausch

I came across the last speech of a college professor on youtube that blew me away. I sat at my computer for an hour and fifteen minutes completely captivated. It wasn't so much that I felt a connection because of common experience or that the subject was so sophisticated but rather because he spoke with passion and urgency and he spoke of SIMPLE things. So, if you find yourself with nothing to do for an hour and a half check out Randy Pausch. You'll be glad you did.

Eggs Are Incredible and Edible

My breakfast almost always includes an egg whether it be egg whites scrambled and rolled up in a wheat tortilla, or an egg over easy on a piece of 12 grain bread, a killer omelet, or the latest and greatest method of poached eggs running over 12 grain toast. Eggs I can do... it's the rest of the cooking world that leaves me confused.

Anyway, a few weeks back G'pa Ord and dad were at my condo while I was poaching my egg the poor man's way by dumping the egg into nearly boiling water and watching it's ghostlike shape gel. G'pa said it was "the grossest thing" he had seen in a while and couldn't believe I was going to "eat that thing." The experience obviously had a profound effect on him because he went home and declared that he and g'ma needed to find me an egg poacher as soon as possible to stop the disgusting method I had going on. Last weekend they went to Las Vegas and came home with a present for me. After meeting last night G'pa handed me a Crate and Barrel bag with the fanciest egg poacher I've ever seen. Sadly, it didn't come with an instruction manual and since I am a simple girl, the sight of it sends me into a panic! Today's google search will start with 'how to use an egg poacher'. Boiling water I can do... using a poacher may be beyond my ability.

I am convinced that I am spoiled by the best people in the world. How did I get so lucky to have the family I have?

WanTawn: I'm sorry if this post offends you... after re-reading it I realized that I did mention EGGS in nearly every sentence. OH! Did I mention that I put BANANAS in my protein shake last night??? :) Much love.

Somebody's Got The Blues

Monti was a bit depressed today... poor guy.

January's End

This photo was taken from the bedroom window of my condo. Not a bad view!

Slight Irritation with Humans

Trey determined to bottle the rain

This kid cracks me up! Do they come any cuter?

Trey & the Rain

From The Brilliant Mind of Dr. Seuss

Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.

You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.

Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.

I'm afraid sometimes you'll play lonely games too, games you can't win because you'll play against you.

Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you.

Miss Lauryn Hill

Getting my mind to settle down and focus on this sketch was my biggest challenge. I had to fight to get my head in the right zone. Sometimes I am so stubborn that my mind and body turn against each other. Such a weird feeling...

First step back to who I used to be

A few posts back my mama had told me that part of the unsettledness in my life was due to my disconnect from my creative side. I had to agree. I rarely play music anymore. I never write. I never take photos. The last time I sketched anything was February of 2001. After a long hiatus from the arts I'm making a comeback which has proved to be frustrating to say the least. These are the first real drawings that I have done since I put my pencils and paper away for 7 years. They turned out fairly good! Despite a few areas I couldn't seem to get right, I'm satisfied! Starting to draw again has opened me up... I feel like I am seeing life in a whole new way. Today I will be buying a new camera to pursue a passion of mine. I am finally committing to a photography class on Tuesday and Thursday nights. I expect it to change my world completely.

Congratulations, you are not NIC Certified

The results are in. Turns out I had to wait 6 months to find out what I already knew. SIGNING: low VOICING: low

I'm disappointed for sure but not as bummed out as I would have been if I thought I had passed it. Another application is in the works already. I am definitely feeling the pressure of having to pass before June of this year. AHHHH!

Malia & her daddy

I love the smile on Luke's face in this picture. Malia seems to have completely captivated him and she knows it! I am so proud of the great dad he has turned out to be!