tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33846928492749915092012-01-21T18:05:35.962-05:00Everything's coming up McCurley...Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.comBlogger521100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-75785530618372682022012-01-08T17:26:00.002-05:002012-01-16T21:09:37.633-05:00So begins a New Year! And along with the new year comes reflecting on the past year and looking forward to what is to come. <br />I have been reading a lot of memoirs lately, and most of the time I think to myself I could do this, I have a lot of thoughts, opinions, and strange stories I could write about....Then I thought, I have a blog, I can write on there...<br /> <br />This last year Dan and I had a few opportunities come up that we thought would bring us out of Ohio and closer to home. But as luck would have it, it just didn't happen that way. We were (maybe still are) disappointed, but we have decided that wee need to make the most of our time here, while we still have it. Never in my life would I have thought that I would be living in Ohio, let alone more than 4 years in Ohio, but here I am getting close to year 5. And though it seems like EVERYONE we know are moving on, having children and getting married, we feel stuck. Ohio is now synonymous with purgatory. We always thought this was going to be our stepping stone onto the next best thing. I am starting to think this may be this is it!<br /><br />We have really been thinking about what we want to do and are thankful we have the time to do that. We are learning to be PATIENT and are realizing that we need to stop being frustrated that we may not be doing what everyone else is doing or that we aren't closer to home. We decided now is the time that we can try new things. For example, I signed up for an improv class, Dan wants to do an open mic comedy night and so on. We can keep making plans for future, but we are learning when things don't go as planned that we should use it as another opportunity to try something else. <br /><br />Columbus is a lovely city. There is a lot of good food and places to see. And most importantly, Columbus is fairly cheap*! <br />So until the next thing happens, we will be here limboing in purgatory!<br /><br /><br />*Don't believe me?!? You should come visit!!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-7578553061837268202?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-11613056617830270282012-01-02T12:10:00.008-05:002012-01-03T21:06:42.342-05:00It's a New Year!! Which means time for another survey!!<br />Thanks for the survey <a href="http://theloonybin.blogspot.com/">Catherine</a>!<br /><br />-- What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?<br />A: I went to Canada and gambled in a casino. I decided I don't like to gamble...<br />We went to Hocking Hills (beautiful!), and saw DeathCab for Cutie live. I was in a book club.I started playing words with friends! We listened to an Audio book on our road trip. We finally saw a play that Dan's younger sister was in. We also stayed in Columbus for Christmas!<div><br /></div><div>D: I was subpoenaed as a witness to county traffic court (got payed $9.00 for that.) I also went to a UNI game at the McLeod Center, which I hadn't been in before. I also didn't go to Iowa for Christmas. I went to Michigan. I bowled competitively in a league. And I went to my first midnight video game release at Gamestop!</div><div><br />-- Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?<br />A: I am satisfied with my resolution keeping of last year! I blogged a little more, was super crafty, and I worked out! I also joined a book club, and have been reading more! I also visited more places in Ohio!<br />My resolutions will probably be the same as last years:<br />less TV and<br />more blogging<br />more crafting<br />more reading<br />more working out<br />I would love to join an improv class<br />and of course, I would like to keep in better touch with my friends and family.</div><div><br /></div><div>D: I read a lot more this year, and I plan to continue that next year. I need to watch less TV.<br /><br />-- Did anyone close to you give birth?<br />A: My sister Steph! Also, a few of my friends. It seems that everyone I know is pregnant right now, so this list will be larger next year!</div><div><br /></div><div>D: Same as above!<br /><br />-- Did anyone close to you die?<br />A: Not that I can think of...</div><div><br /></div><div>D: I don't think so...<br /><br />-- What countries did you visit?<br />A: Canada, but it was French Canada, so it felt like France too!</div><div><br /></div><div>D: Canada......and Michigan (ba dum chhhhh)<br /><br /><br />-- What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?<br />A: A chance to move closer to home!</div><div><br /></div><div>D: Less stuff, a chance to move on to something new workwise/locationwise.<br /><br /><br />-- What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?<br />A: Friday May 13...My dad had had a heart attack and I was helpless in Ohio.<br /><br />D: This year was kind of a blur - I had to go back through all of my 2011 FB wall to remember what happened at times. I guess spending the 4th of July weekend by myself in La Crosse, Wisconsin when I was interviewing for a job.<br /><br />-- What was your biggest achievement of the year?<br />A: I stuck with knitting and crocheting and made some neat things. I am starting to play around with my sewing machine again too!</div><div><br /></div><div>D: Reading more books - I actually made a goal to read more then followed through with it.<br /><br />-- What was your biggest failure?<br />A: I read the whole book Freedom by Jonathan Franzen and will never get that time back. Also my bracket for March Madness was atrocious this year...</div><div><br /></div><div>D: I ran a wildly successful internet blog for a few months then abandoned it at the height of its fame, much like Nirvana. Maybe I'll try to pick that back up.<br /><br />-- Did you suffer illness or injury?<br />A: Injury and Sickness free in 2011!</div><div><br /></div><div>D: Nothing major I can remember, and that's including an overnight stay in Akron!<br /><br />-- What was the best thing you bought?<br />A: More boots! Yarn and a Comfy Couch...Also new tires for my car!</div><div><br /></div><div>D: Skyrim for Xbox 360 - definitely has eaten a lot of my time. And my Kindle, although that was a gift (thaaaaanks Amanda!)<br /><br />-- Whose behavior merited celebration?<br />A: All the people who stood up and fought for what they believed in, all over the world...You made a change, and that is inspiring!<br /><br />D: All the protestors in Wisconsin, Ohio, the Middle East, NY, etc.<br /><br />-- Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?<br />A: Sadly, a lot of people...Sandusky, The Republican Candidates, that guy that wrote the horrible article about Iowa (yeah, like Michigan is going to be sooo much better), and there are more, but I will stop now...</div><div><br /></div><div>D: Pretty much all politicians, tv ad-writers and the general establishment of economics (thanks to a book I read about it.) Also the Koch brothers (the evil robber barons, not the UNI Basketball family dynasty)<br /><br />-- Where did most of your money go?<br />A: Canada!<br /><br />D: Canada, tires, christmas gifts, etc.<br /><br />-- What did you get really, really, really excited about?<br />A: Going to see Aziz Ansari, We went to the OSU/Purdue basketball game, going back home in November, we had a string of family visitors in the summer! Of course our friends weddings and good new they shared with us! Oh and I cut my hair really short!</div><div><br /></div><div>D: I really enjoyed all of our friends' weddings this year, and getting to travel to different locations for them. I also got excited about a couple of job opportunities - none of which panned out - but they all ended up being close calls. I was also pretty pumped when Skyrim came out and when we went to see Death Cab at the LC. <br /><br />-- What song will always remind you of 2011?<br />A: Rolling in the Deep, Party Rock Anthem, Pumped Up Kicks, and Shake it out!</div><div><br /></div><div>D: The ones Amanda named, plus Jack Sparrow by The Lonely Island.<br /><br />-- Compared to this time last year, are you:<br />a) happier or sadder?<br />A: Happier.</div><div>D: Meh.</div><div>b) thinner or fatter?<br />A: about the same, but with all my eating lately, probably fatter!</div><div>D: Probably fatter. Boy, this question is brutal.<br />c) richer or poorer?<br />A: About the same, maybe a little richer?</div><div>D: Richer I guess.<br /><br />-- What do you wish you'd done more of?<br />A: Reading, socializing, running, crafting...</div><div><br /></div><div>D: Exercising, reading.<br /><br />-- What do you wish you'd done less of?<br />A: wasting my time on the internet, mainly Facebook and Pinterest...</div><div><br /></div><div>D: Worrying about the future, watching TV.<br /><br />-- How will you be spending Christmas?<br />A: Dan and I stayed in Columbus. We did house sit in German Village for a couple of days, so it was a change of scenery!<br /><br />D: We stayed in Columbus!<br /><br />-- Did you fall in love in 2011?<br />A: Sure!! With lots of things!</div><div><br /></div><div>D: No.<br /><br />-- What was your favorite TV program?<br />A: 30 Rock, Parks and Recreation, True Blood, Homeland, Disappeared and Curb Your Enthusiasm.</div><div><br /></div><div>D: Eastbound and Down, Game of Thrones, Workaholics, True Blood.<br /><br />-- Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?<br />A: Hate is a strong word, but I really have no tolerance for greed anymore...</div><div><br /></div><div>D: John Kasich - major league douche.<br /><br />-- What was the best book you read?<br />A: Tina Fey's Bossypants and The Monster of Florence is good too!<br /><br />D: Probably either <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Europes-Promise-European-Best-Insecure/dp/0520261372">Europe's Promise</a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Zen-Art-Motorcycle-Maintenance-Inquiry/dp/0553277472">Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance</a><br /><br />-- What was your greatest musical discovery?<br />A: Foster the People</div><div><br /></div><div>D: Frightened Rabbit and Turisas (which led me to find a bunch more Scandinavian metal bands...thanks JamFla and D$)<br /><br />-- What did you want and get?<br />A: A trip to Canada, to see our families, and a Healthy and Happy New Year!</div><div><br /></div><div>D: Skyrim, and we got to see our friends and family quite a bit!<br /><br />-- What did you want and not get?<br />A: To be closer to home!</div><div><br /></div><div>D: A new job in a new location. Maybe this year!<br /><br />-- What was your favorite film of this year?<br />A: Drive, Harry Potter, The Muppets, Bridesmaids, and Blue Valentine!</div><div><br /></div><div>D: Super 8, Harry Potter, Drive, Harold and Kumar<br /><br />-- What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?<br />A: I was 27. Dan and I went out to eat at Surly Girl, and then I had a happy hour at Marshall's with co-worker whose birthday is close to mine!</div><div><br /></div><div>D: Our friends came over to our house then some of them tell me that we went to Zeno's.<br /><br />-- How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?<br />A: Classy, Comfortable, and Cute-and of course boots!!</div><div><br /></div><div>D: Craptacular.<br /><br />-- What kept you sane?<br />A: Friends, family, my work wife, and watching reality TV....</div><div><br /></div><div>D: Amanda, and the Xbox.<br /><br />-- Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?<br />A: The Gos (Ryan Gosling), Tina Fey, Kristen Wiig, Amy Pohler, and Aziz Ansari.</div><div><br /></div><div>D: Kenny Powers.<br /><br />-- What political issue stirred you the most?<br />A: I guess the question should be which issue didn't stir me?! In all honesty the whole pizza is a vegetable thing freaked me out the most! I am also concerned about the fracking that will start in Ohio soon!</div><div><br /></div><div>D: The whole anti-labor, anti-education thing: SB5, the Wisconsin bills, etc.<br /><br />-- Who did you miss?<br />A: My family and all of our friends that are not in Ohio!</div><div><br /></div><div>D: Our friends that have moved away from Columbus over the years.<br /><br />-- Who was the best new person you met?<br />A:I got to know a friend from work more, which in turn introduced me to her friends and I ended up playing on a sand volleyball team....Also my work wife!</div><div><br /></div><div>D: I'll have to think about this one...<br /><br />-- Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011:<br />A: For the workplace: No matter who is going to be upset, you should speak up about things that are bothering, or else it will get worse!</div><div><br /></div><div>D: But while they prate of economic laws, men and women are starving. We must lay hold of the fact that economic laws are not made by nature. They are made by human beings.<div>- Franklin D. Roosevelt</div><br />-- Quote a song that sums up your year:<br />A: A song would be Shake it out by Florence + the Machine and my quote is from Christmas Vacation: Can I refill your eggnog for you? Get you something to eat? Drive you out to the middle of nowhere and leave you for dead? </div><div><br /></div><div>D: And we can both get old fashioned</div><div>Put the brakes on these fast, fast wheels</div><div>Oh let's get old fashioned</div><div>Back to how things used to be</div><div>If I get old, old fashioned</div><div>Would you get old, old fashioned with me?</div><div><br /></div><div>- Old Old Fashioned, Frightened Rabbit</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-1161305661783027028?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-36768044954900372962011-12-26T18:16:00.002-05:002011-12-26T18:17:29.674-05:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-K24CARvCo/TvkAa9UlT0I/AAAAAAAACck/oUKzIJrm3kM/s1600/hp_scanDS_11122618111946.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 395px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-K24CARvCo/TvkAa9UlT0I/AAAAAAAACck/oUKzIJrm3kM/s400/hp_scanDS_11122618111946.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690580067296825154" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-3676804495490037296?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-18835792833216231992011-12-13T21:35:00.003-05:002011-12-13T22:01:20.785-05:00Well! Here we are, it is the middle of December already! Dan and I are not going back to Iowa for Christmas, but we will be enjoying Ohio this year instead. Dan is actually working on Christmas cards as I type this, so check your mailboxes in a few weeks! Though, we are not going home, I must say that I am much less stressed about the holidays this year. <br />Below is a survey our friend Catherine filled out! I am copying her!<br /><br />1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?<br />I am partial to hot chocolate, but I will never turn down a good nog!<br /><br />2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?<br />Neither. Santa put them in our stockings by the fireplace!<br /><br />3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?<br />Colored lights on the tree! White is OK, but color is better!<br /><br />4. Do you hang mistletoe?<br />I don't. I don't think I have ever.<br /><br />5. When do you put your decorations up?<br />This is my first year decorating in columbus. I put stuff up 2 week ago.<br /><br />6. What is your favorite holiday dish?<br />Puppy Chow and Chex Mix. That counts right?<br /><br />7. Favorite holiday memory as a child?<br />We used to go to my Grandparents' in South Dakota and would see our cousins. Also one year our cat chased a mouse up our Christmas Tree. It was pretty exciting!<br /><br />8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?<br />I think the 3rd grade. I really trust what people tell me. <br /><br />9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?<br />Yes we did, mostly because my parents could not wait...<br /><br />10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?<br />Growing up, it was covered in a bunch of random decorations. Now I have small tree that lights up when I plug it in. The decorations don't fit too well. <br /><br />11. Snow! Love it or Dread it?<br />I can live in it. I do not like how other people drive in it. I like to look at it from the warmth of my home.<br /><br />12. Can you ice skate?<br />Yes, with double blades or on my ankles.<br /><br />13. Do you remember your favorite gift?<br />My crimp and curl cabbage patch kid and my kid sister!<br /><br />14. What’s the most important thing about the holidays for you?<br />My family and reflecting on or blessings! Also, time off of work!<br /><br />15. What is your favorite holiday dessert?<br />Pinwheel Cookies!<br /><br />16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?<br />English Crackers! I don't really have any traditions yet!<br /><br />17. What tops your tree?<br />Growing up it was an Angel. Now it is a Star.<br /><br />18. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving?<br />I love to give gifts! It stresses me out trying to find a good one, but I do like it!<br /><br />19. Candy Canes?<br />Sure!<br /><br />20. Favorite Christmas show?<br />Dan calls it the Holy Trinity of Christmas Movies: Home Alone, Love Actually and Christmas Vacation.<br /><br />21. Saddest Christmas Song?<br />Christmas Shoes, both because it is a bad song and because it is depressing.<br /><br />22. What is your favorite Christmas song?<br />I am not really a huge Christmas music fan, probably because they start playing it before Thanksgiving....I like Hark the Herald Angels Sing and All I Want for Christmas is You!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-1883579283321623199?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-992586046448747112011-11-17T19:35:00.009-05:002011-11-17T21:07:48.451-05:00That is right, I am bringing back the fist shake. <br />Here is a list of things that I am raising my clenched hand up and am shaking it violently to...<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrCYX5lxVQo">Just like this!</a><br /><br />1).<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0810913/"> Jack and Jill</a> was the second highest grossing film last weekend. This movie which looks like one Tracy Jordan from 30 Rock would have starred in, was filling up theaters. Don't get me worng I used to love Adam Sandler movies, but when I saw this preview, I thought it was a joke, a really bad joke...What is wrong with you America?!?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KohJ6gv_Gis/TsWqGLWorUI/AAAAAAAACbY/ppHOfPn7UgU/s1600/tracy-jordan-movie-posters.jpeg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 153px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KohJ6gv_Gis/TsWqGLWorUI/AAAAAAAACbY/ppHOfPn7UgU/s200/tracy-jordan-movie-posters.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676129928474045762" /></a><br /><br />2) Leggings as pants...They are OK for SOME people under LONG shirts and short dresses. They are not pants and I don't care what to know what you look like under your clothes...<br /><br />3)<a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/11/17/idUS51320739220111117">Community</a> has been shelved...Don't get me wrong I can't wait for 30 Rock to come back, but can't <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1850458/">Whitney</a> go away instead?<br /><br />4) Nicholas Cage...You are awful!<br /><br />5)<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/16/us/politics/congress-blocks-new-rules-on-school-lunches.html">Congress blocking more nutritious school lunches</a>. Wow...Who is running this country??<br /><br />6) The drivers in Columbus...You are awful!<br /><br />7)Fur Vests...I don't get it...You look like an ewok, or a wookie if you are a tall person...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B7vT_nXV8NM/TsWygiZaFHI/AAAAAAAACb0/j2XXcc4Fc48/s1600/imgres.jpeg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 155px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B7vT_nXV8NM/TsWygiZaFHI/AAAAAAAACb0/j2XXcc4Fc48/s200/imgres.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676139177429308530" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zzm3rCsn2hk/TsWygs0y3FI/AAAAAAAACbk/Fq76avCET_Y/s1600/furvestshop.jpeg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 100px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zzm3rCsn2hk/TsWygs0y3FI/AAAAAAAACbk/Fq76avCET_Y/s200/furvestshop.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676139180228533330" /></a><br /><br />8) People that rant and rave on the internet...Wait...Wahh?<br /><br /><br />That's it for now. I couldn't think of anything else to say. I was going to try to get to 10, but I am tired. Yes, I am shaking my fist at myself right now...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-99258604644874711?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-13439079769367769142011-10-16T19:57:00.004-04:002011-10-16T20:32:53.407-04:00SUNDAYS are my most dreaded days, and they always have been! I think it is because it means my weekend is over and it is back to the grindstone...<br /><br />Last weekend we went to Akron for John and Lisa's wedding. It was a beautiful day for a wedding and it was a wonderful wedding! The reception had the drink the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidecar_(cocktail)">Sidecar</a>, which I never had before, but it was delicious!<br />We also went to the cracker barrel for breakfast the next day. It was delicious!<br /><br />This weekend we were able to stream the UNI/SDSU game on ESPN3. We had a few friends over to watch the game. It was a lot of fun! I also bought some more yarn at the <a href="http://www.knittersmercantile.com/">Knitters Mercantile</a> for gifts for the nieces and nephews! We also had some amazing Venezuelan food at the <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/yerba-buena-latin-grill-columbus">Yerba Buena </a>food truck today. I love me some plantains! <br /><br />For Halloween this year, I think Dan and I will be Pete and Pete from the Adventures of Pete and Pete. I will be big Pete and Dan will be Little Pete.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EBAEEy9wJRI/Tpt04efTqXI/AAAAAAAACa4/3570S6LYMzU/s1600/the-adventures-of-pete-and-pete-0.jpeg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EBAEEy9wJRI/Tpt04efTqXI/AAAAAAAACa4/3570S6LYMzU/s200/the-adventures-of-pete-and-pete-0.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664249469954402674" /></a><br /><br /><br />For work, I think I am going to do <a href="http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/tv/toddlers-tiaras">Toddlers & Tiaras.</a> This may require a fake tan....<br /><br /><br />Other than getting excited about seeing Aziz Ansari next weekend, boot and sweater season, digging <a href="http://www.fosterthepeople.com/us/home">Foster the People</a>, and getting sick of horrible Columbus driving and people obsessing over their new iPhones...There isn't much going on here!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-1343907976936776914?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-43851295707381492492011-09-27T20:10:00.003-04:002011-09-27T20:54:21.418-04:00It is officially fall now, which means everyone will start blogging again...I think...<br />I figured I better get back on the blogging train! <br /><br />We had family visits in June: Dan's mom and sister and my parents, sister, brother in law, and nephew. It was great to have our families here. Dan's dad is even coming this weekend too!!<br /><br />We also traveled to two weddings (Sarah and Tom in Iowa and Sarah and Sean in MI). Both weddings were so beautiful and fun! <br /><br />We also went to Montreal and Quebec City Canada in early September, to celebrate our 2 year anniversary. You can see the pictures <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/107325230446865289600/Quebec?authkey=Gv1sRgCMXt7aTFn8-49AE">here</a> and <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/107325230446865289600/Montreal?authkey=Gv1sRgCKXct9eik4Hsbw">here</a>. It was a blast, which made it hard to come back to the real world!<br /><br />I have been pretty homesick lately, but I think we may be heading back to Iowa around Nov. 3rd to see Kirsten's (Dan's Sister) musical and my new nephew Leo!<br /><br />I have also been knitting and crocheting like crazy getting stuff done in time for birthdays and Christmas. I got some great yarn in Canada.<br /><br /><br />My next biggest challenge for this month is coming up with a Halloween Costume...Any suggestions???<br /><br />Things I am enjoying lately:<br />-The Movie: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0780504/">Drive</a><br />-<a href="http://azizisbored.tumblr.com/">Aziz Ansari</a><br />-<a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a>- it is a great way for me to keep track of the crafty stuff I want to do and stuff I want to buy =] (tell me if you are on there!)<br />-<a href="http://craftgawker.com/">CraftGawker</a><br />-<a href="http://www.jasonderulo.com/">Jason Derulo </a>-it is fun to workout to<br />-<a href="http://usa.roots.com/">Roots!</a>-love my new sweatshirt!<br />-TV shows are starting up!<br />-Cider and <a href="http://www.vegnews.com/web/articles/page.do?pageId=1015&catId=9">Maple Leaf Cookies</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-4385129570738149249?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-23670736918470627912011-08-27T13:52:00.000-04:002011-08-27T13:53:16.564-04:00 <br />Happy Saturday!!! <br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cigarettesandcoffee.com/storage/WhatUpWithThat_3.gif?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1261432123363"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 325px;" src="http://www.cigarettesandcoffee.com/storage/WhatUpWithThat_3.gif?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1261432123363" border="0" alt="" /></a> <br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-2367073691847062791?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-61040607145745310552011-08-23T19:34:00.000-04:002011-08-23T19:35:36.946-04:00I should probably blog more....Oops!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-6104060714574531055?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-23413167236549919932011-05-09T20:15:00.006-04:002011-05-09T21:04:38.684-04:00We have been busy lately!<br />I made some<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/quick-fix-meals-with-robin-miller/anitas-blueberry-cobbler-recipe/index.html"> blueberry cobbler</a> and it was delicious!! It wasn't an Ina recipe, but it was super good. Also, it was pretty easy to make. Too bad I cannot find cinnamon ice cream in Columbus, because it would have been delicious!!<br />I have been pretty infatuated with German Chocolate Cake lately, so maybe I will make that next...<br />I really enjoy baking the only problem is that Dan and I are the only ones around to eat it!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9uoZFGj3eEM/TciNhJtvi1I/AAAAAAAAB-Q/gHJGiRhB4Mc/s1600/DSCN2807.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9uoZFGj3eEM/TciNhJtvi1I/AAAAAAAAB-Q/gHJGiRhB4Mc/s200/DSCN2807.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604885336945560402" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GsbQmdXmWuI/TciNh50ZjkI/AAAAAAAAB-g/kKG2wuouYZw/s1600/DSCN2809.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GsbQmdXmWuI/TciNh50ZjkI/AAAAAAAAB-g/kKG2wuouYZw/s200/DSCN2809.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604885349858381378" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ziK1cVD0BU0/TciNhZA1BUI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/fb_rN1RMlg8/s1600/DSCN2810.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ziK1cVD0BU0/TciNhZA1BUI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/fb_rN1RMlg8/s200/DSCN2810.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604885341052142914" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Dan and I decided that we should try gardening a few random weekends ago. We don't really know much about it, but thought it would be fun to try. We picked out some herbs and planters. It has rained here almost everyday the last 20 days, so I was getting worried our plants would not grow. But when we got home from Chicago on Sunday, I looked in the planter and saw some sprouts. It is pretty exciting! Maybe someday when we have a yard we can have a real garden.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5tgTu-cjqvA/TciLNuBjRnI/AAAAAAAAB94/dqYMafPLx7k/s1600/DSCN2800.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5tgTu-cjqvA/TciLNuBjRnI/AAAAAAAAB94/dqYMafPLx7k/s200/DSCN2800.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604882804071679602" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BBd2Watv_pc/TciLNUbNwKI/AAAAAAAAB9w/-Ssns_ayheE/s1600/DSCN2795.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BBd2Watv_pc/TciLNUbNwKI/AAAAAAAAB9w/-Ssns_ayheE/s200/DSCN2795.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604882797199999138" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ezATgGQF008/TciLNAc5d_I/AAAAAAAAB9o/Mzi0HzB_p4g/s1600/DSCN2793.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ezATgGQF008/TciLNAc5d_I/AAAAAAAAB9o/Mzi0HzB_p4g/s200/DSCN2793.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604882791838349298" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f1PxsTv-64A/TciLN1rDSMI/AAAAAAAAB-A/l_C0IVXGTLc/s1600/DSCN2875.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f1PxsTv-64A/TciLN1rDSMI/AAAAAAAAB-A/l_C0IVXGTLc/s200/DSCN2875.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604882806124792002" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />My nephew turned 4 last month and to keep up with my crafty traditions, I made him a Lawerence Welk Shirt. Dan made the design. I think it is pretty schnazzy! Next, I am going to try and crochet a pug toy for my niece, as her birthday is up next!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vnWYtfyqilo/TciNgs92g2I/AAAAAAAAB-I/FbVczuAskM8/s1600/DSCN2805.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vnWYtfyqilo/TciNgs92g2I/AAAAAAAAB-I/FbVczuAskM8/s200/DSCN2805.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604885329228497762" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />This last weekend we went to Chicago. I went to bachelorette party for my friend from college. We went to the Cubs/Reds game and out to dinner and out around town! It was a lot of fun! I miss my friends a lot, and I am glad we were all able to make it. Dan stayed with his friend and had a great weekend as well. We also got to visit with some of our friends that moved away last fall! It was great to see them all!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XVXSS3m9his/TciNiPU5A2I/AAAAAAAAB-o/OWmCNAuh3B8/s1600/DSCN2836.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XVXSS3m9his/TciNiPU5A2I/AAAAAAAAB-o/OWmCNAuh3B8/s200/DSCN2836.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604885355631805282" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Other than that, not a lot going on with us!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-2341316723654991993?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-32287631152090097642011-04-21T21:01:00.007-04:002011-04-21T21:37:55.997-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WKATuVuuwJw/TbDTJAOqRLI/AAAAAAAAB8c/nhwzzFpiAT4/s1600/-1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WKATuVuuwJw/TbDTJAOqRLI/AAAAAAAAB8c/nhwzzFpiAT4/s200/-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598206488455300274" border="0" /></a><br />Back in December <a href="http://amandanmcc.blogspot.com/2010/12/blogblahblahg.html">I talked about Julie/Julia</a>, and what neat idea I thought she had. So with this entry I feel like I pretty much ripped off the idea, but it was fun!<br /><br />I wouldn't call myself a cook or even a baker. I baked a lot when I was younger, mostly for the Hardin County Fair when I was in 4H. My mom is a great cook! She made most of our meals and desserts growing up, and even convinced my siblings and I to eat beet cake.<br /><br />In High School I would bake, but it wasn't from scratch but it was easy enough and I would get brownies out of the deal.<br /><br />In college, I really didn't have an interest in cooking or baking...<br />Over the least few years I have developed an irrational fear of baking for others. What if someone finds my hair in their food, they wold clearly know it was my hair! Also what if everyone hates what I make, but feels bad and eats it anyway? Or worst of all what if I get everyone sick? <br /><br />So lately, things have been a little stressful at work. And as most people do, you vent to other coworkers. One of the other managers for another department and I have been spending a lot of time together lately, mostly because we are trying to implement new procedures and our departments directly effect one another. I notice every time I go to her office she has baked goods. I always ask her why she bakes so much an she says is it is relaxing for her and she ENJOYS doing it. I always tell her how I should bake more...<br /><br />A few weeks ago a mini-series on HBO called <a href="http://www.hbo.com/mildred-pierce/index.html">Mildred Pierce</a> started. I honestly didn't know much about it, but it took place in the 30s (I like the hairstyles and dress of that time) and star Kate Winslet, so I thought why not...I won't tell you about the story, but Mildred does a lot of cooking. She made really good pies! As I watched the show, I kept thinking to myself I could/should make a really good pie! It also made me think of the movie The Waitress with Keri Russell and she also made pies. And when I watched the movie I was like I could/should do that!<br /><br />Like I said earlier, work has been pretty stressful lately. I like to bring bagels or doughnuts for everyone when things are like this, but this time I wanted to do something different.<br />When I lived in Milwaukee, my roommate Alli always made the best scones. They were the best scones I had ever had! I asked her the recipe and she sent it. I also found a a recipe for orange cranberry scones (my favorite) from Barefoot Contessa (Dan's Favorite ;0)).<br /><br />Dan was playing in a concert for most of the day Sunday, so I decided that would be the best time to start baking (you know what they say about too many cooks in the kitchen!).<br />And bake I did... I made a lot of scones and a few muffins (in case someone did not like scones).<br /><br />I knew I was probably in over my head, because I wasn't even sure how to zest a lemon, or what that meant really...Thankfully Dan was able to educate me.<br />Once I got over the initial fear of actually trying something new, I was fine. I really enjoyed it!! And Holy Moly do we have a lot scones!!! They were a big hit, so I will probably keep up the tradition!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pLUpK-tnZec/TbDYGXaJHPI/AAAAAAAAB8k/V1LuQnuFM7I/s1600/DSCN2766.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pLUpK-tnZec/TbDYGXaJHPI/AAAAAAAAB8k/V1LuQnuFM7I/s200/DSCN2766.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598211940696005874" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WsljZEz5PZw/TbDYG1rdulI/AAAAAAAAB8s/z3XnJYNFRjc/s1600/DSCN2768.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WsljZEz5PZw/TbDYG1rdulI/AAAAAAAAB8s/z3XnJYNFRjc/s200/DSCN2768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598211948821723730" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D_BGMt8PnuU/TbDYHJYLhsI/AAAAAAAAB80/a-4zqlEotNw/s1600/DSCN2770.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D_BGMt8PnuU/TbDYHJYLhsI/AAAAAAAAB80/a-4zqlEotNw/s200/DSCN2770.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598211954109548226" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ARktQbVBFDw/TbDYH4txWVI/AAAAAAAAB9E/rfTtrKn0I84/s1600/DSCN2776.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ARktQbVBFDw/TbDYH4txWVI/AAAAAAAAB9E/rfTtrKn0I84/s200/DSCN2776.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598211966816573778" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WMXl8y5AV60/TbDYHXMKEuI/AAAAAAAAB88/7PnH1DXTZTA/s1600/DSCN2772.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WMXl8y5AV60/TbDYHXMKEuI/AAAAAAAAB88/7PnH1DXTZTA/s200/DSCN2772.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598211957817217762" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Earlier this week, Dan was at band practice again and we still had some lemons ( I am a zesting machine now!), so I decided I was going to try some <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/lemon-bars-recipe/index.html">lemon bars from Barefoot Contessa</a>...<br /><br />Though I hit some snags (my room temperature butter was a little too warm, I mixed the sugar with the flour at first instead of the butter, etc.) I think they turned out great!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F7c0yxsB38k/TbDZKjM7kSI/AAAAAAAAB9M/QY0-1eblRPE/s1600/DSCN2779.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F7c0yxsB38k/TbDZKjM7kSI/AAAAAAAAB9M/QY0-1eblRPE/s200/DSCN2779.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598213112092922146" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CsMeYIieJus/TbDZLFKfSoI/AAAAAAAAB9U/M8fQjThPVpU/s1600/DSCN2782.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CsMeYIieJus/TbDZLFKfSoI/AAAAAAAAB9U/M8fQjThPVpU/s200/DSCN2782.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598213121209485954" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DkgiOHlGsRU/TbDZLiJtKZI/AAAAAAAAB9c/PEO45Uu2QjE/s1600/DSCN2784.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DkgiOHlGsRU/TbDZLiJtKZI/AAAAAAAAB9c/PEO45Uu2QjE/s200/DSCN2784.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598213128990828946" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I learned that we should probably invest in a zester, whisk and probably a nice mixer. the hand mixer does not do well with cold butter! And most importantly, there were no hairs in scones, no one got sic, and everyone liked them!<br /><br />So what should I try next? I am thinking the <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/chicken-salad-contessa-recipe/index.html">chicken salad</a>!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-3228763115209009764?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-35763400208609566002011-04-09T16:20:00.003-04:002011-04-09T16:35:13.694-04:00And now it is April!<br /><br />We have been keeping busy with visitors already this month! Don, Dan's Dad, came and visited us last weekend. It was really great to see him. We ate a lot of good food and went to a Blue Jackets game. We had the highest seats in the place, and we got some free food. Even though the Blue Jackets lost pretty bad, there were some good fights, and the whole day was pretty fun!<br /><br />Our friend Sarah, who moved to Kansas last fall, is here this weekend for a conference at OSU. It is great to hang out again. We have also decided we are gong to make our own reality show much like the Real Housewives on Bravo!, keep your eye out for us!<br /><br />Our bowling league has ended, and our team got 4th out of 8 teams! We are pretty proud of ourselves.<br /><br />March Madness is over, which means College Basketball is over. The tournament was crazy with all the upsets and my bracket imploded, but I really enjoyed the watching the games. I took Friday the 18th off work and watched Basketball and crocheted all weekend! It was amazing!<br /><br />Dan and I got a <a href="http://www.xbox.com/en-US/kinect">Kinect</a> a few weeks back. Pretty much it is a Wii, but better, because you don't have to have a controller. We have the Sports game and Dance Central. It has been a lot of fun. The sports game has Bowling, Track and Filed, Beach Volleyball, Soccer, Table Tennis, and Boxing. It is a really good workout! It will be interesting to see what other games will come out.<br /><br />Dan has been blogging away on his other blog: <a href="http://advertisementsexplained.blogspot.com/">Advertisements Explained</a>. Please check it out and pass it along if you haven't already!<br /><br />We have also been throwing the idea of moving closer to home someday. I think we just miss our families ad friends and would like to be closer to home. Fortunately, we have good jobs here and don't have a real reason to move just yet. Hopefully, someday soon we can make it closer to Iowa! If it was meant to be then it will happen, I guess!<br /><br /><br />That's all for now!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-3576340020860956600?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-4286194795308204642011-03-17T18:03:00.009-04:002011-03-18T15:13:10.874-04:00<div>We've been trying to plan a vacation for a while now, but we couldn't bring ourselves to decide on a destination. Also, Amanda was still waiting for her new McCurley passport to return from the State Department, so we weren't really in a rush to book anything in case there was a problem with that. Now, however, the McCurley passport has arrived, and we've finally decided on a destination. It's a perfect storm.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eOqe4kp2oLE/TYOtjxFYBRI/AAAAAAAACLI/4XOFjyAjC-k/s1600/File%253ALe%2Bch%25C3%25A2teau%2BFrontenac%2BVieux-Qu%25C3%25A9bec%252C%2Bville%2Bde%2BQu%25C3%25A9bec%252C%2BQu%25C3%25A9bec.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 224px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eOqe4kp2oLE/TYOtjxFYBRI/AAAAAAAACLI/4XOFjyAjC-k/s400/File%253ALe%2Bch%25C3%25A2teau%2BFrontenac%2BVieux-Qu%25C3%25A9bec%252C%2Bville%2Bde%2BQu%25C3%25A9bec%252C%2BQu%25C3%25A9bec.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585498792852456722" /><center>Our destination - can you guess where we're going?</center></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We had been trying to decide between a few different destinations: Sweden, Spain, Iceland (again), Canada, and Scotland/England were all in the running. Especially with Amanda's brother's family moving to Germany soon, we thought we could go to Sweden and then use Europe's outstanding transportation network to travel down to visit them for a while, too. We kept checking fares as we were waiting for the passport, but, just like flying to Iowa in December, flying to Europe is really expensive. If you're going to sink that much money into a vacation, it should be a long trip, and we were only planning to be gone for 7-10 days due to our jobs (as well as our anemic paid vacation allowances - Go USA!). So, we decided Europe might not be the best bang for our buck.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once we made that decision, we decided to check out Canada. I have been there twice - once when I was young and we just drove across the border for about 30 minutes, and the second time when I went to Quebec City for a linguistics conference. Neither time was a<i> real</i> vacation, so we thought it would be cool to spend actual vacation time in Canada and see what there is to do/see. Plus, we were able to get round-trip tickets and hotels for the whole time for about the same price as just the <b>flight</b> to Europe. Also, the short flights from Ohio to Quebec will let us use more vacation time on the ground, instead of spending a whole day traveling across the Atlantic.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, in early autumn, we will be traveling to Montreal and Quebec City, both in the province of Quebec. We're spending a few days in Montreal, then taking the VIA train from there to Quebec, where we'll spend the rest of the vacation. Thanks to <a href="http://www.expedia.com/">Expedia.com</a> and their great multi-city, multi-hotel search tool, we were able to get flights into Montreal and out of Quebec and save some travel time. Also, the same search let us find hotels in each city for the exact dates without any extra searching. Seriously, I've used Kayak, Priceline, Orbitz and other searchers to do multi-city flights before, but none of them have the same integrated hotel search as Expedia. I really recommend it if you're looking to schedule multiple-destination vacations!</div><div><br /></div><div>Why do we want to go to Montreal/Quebec? From what I've read (and experienced from my linguistics conference trip), it's like going to Europe but here in North America. Plus, I've always wanted to go to Montreal since we watched the cultural video about it in French I at UNI. If you want to see what it's like, here's a two minute video from the Montreal Tourism site:</div><div><br /></div><iframe width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/a5Ob9qpmeLc?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><div><br /></div><div>Also, Montreal supposedly has the most restaurants per capita in North America, so we should be able to eat pretty well! Quebec (the province) is especially famous for one dish in particular: Poutine. Poutine is a dish made up of french fries, gravy and cheese curds:</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jixee18kevc/TYOsJyjUC4I/AAAAAAAAAC4/Cwk7Y-2vYmg/s1600/poutine.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jixee18kevc/TYOsJyjUC4I/AAAAAAAAAC4/Cwk7Y-2vYmg/s400/poutine.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585497247058234242" /></a><br /></div><div>There are many varieties of poutine, and I'm sure we'll try more than our share of them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Those are our vacation plans. Now it's just a matter of counting down the days/weeks/months until we get to go... Luckily, we have a few weddings and other trips to make this summer to hold us over in the meantime. Also, if any of you have been to Montreal/Quebec, we'd love to hear any recommendations or suggestions for the trip!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-428619479530820464?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00361515032931757679noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-32617195704633906052011-03-08T21:41:00.002-05:002011-03-08T21:45:28.770-05:00Hey everyone,<br />I actually followed through with something and started my new advertising blog: Advertisements Explained. You can check it out here: <a href="http://advertisementsexplained.blogspot.com/">http://advertisementsexplained.blogspot.com</a><div><br /></div><div>Let me know what you think, and let me know if you see any terrible ads that you'd like to see in the blog!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-3261719570463390605?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00361515032931757679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-35327610208502858772011-03-05T13:31:00.010-05:002011-03-05T14:29:00.161-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GlL0mrcM2_I/TXKOJclM87I/AAAAAAAAB8M/Dt_NmFncFZw/s1600/Blog%252BBanner.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 70px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GlL0mrcM2_I/TXKOJclM87I/AAAAAAAAB8M/Dt_NmFncFZw/s200/Blog%252BBanner.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580679181207663538" border="0" /></a><br />I know I have been talking a lot about how I want to be more crafty. Well, I finally feel like I have made some progress.<br /><br />Dan helped me move my Desk out of the guest room and set up a little craft area for me in our living room. I like the setup, because I can still watch TV or Dan play Xbox while I am crafting!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vJAY4g8BLHA/TXKIKdboykI/AAAAAAAAB6M/FADfYmJXvSM/s1600/DSCN2707.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vJAY4g8BLHA/TXKIKdboykI/AAAAAAAAB6M/FADfYmJXvSM/s200/DSCN2707.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580672601546082882" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sT-vkPdF9Ew/TXKIKAXNrsI/AAAAAAAAB6E/LaSo67jh-pE/s1600/DSCN2706.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sT-vkPdF9Ew/TXKIKAXNrsI/AAAAAAAAB6E/LaSo67jh-pE/s200/DSCN2706.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580672593742900930" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mzel2_S8vsE/TXKIJ2CRDpI/AAAAAAAAB58/3O2X-puo6Og/s1600/DSCN2705.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mzel2_S8vsE/TXKIJ2CRDpI/AAAAAAAAB58/3O2X-puo6Og/s200/DSCN2705.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580672590970687122" border="0" /></a><br /><br />First, I made some hair clips for my nieces out of buttons. I just needed to by the special bobby pins and buttons. I used a glue gun to attach the button to the bobby pins.<br />It was pretty easy, and I liked picking out the fancy buttons to use.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5G1Tz4WRwQQ/TXKFaMfsq6I/AAAAAAAAB50/47eTEe7TTkI/s1600/DSCN2697.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5G1Tz4WRwQQ/TXKFaMfsq6I/AAAAAAAAB50/47eTEe7TTkI/s200/DSCN2697.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580669573342735266" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OquwMGg2ez4/TXKFZ_uM6qI/AAAAAAAAB5s/wKvnkfsfc3s/s1600/DSCN2694.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OquwMGg2ez4/TXKFZ_uM6qI/AAAAAAAAB5s/wKvnkfsfc3s/s200/DSCN2694.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580669569913907874" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PuqQco-knJ4/TXKFZj60mUI/AAAAAAAAB5k/xKZ5jG4dtmY/s1600/DSCN2691.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PuqQco-knJ4/TXKFZj60mUI/AAAAAAAAB5k/xKZ5jG4dtmY/s200/DSCN2691.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580669562450647362" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0zMVeOqAniE/TXKFZf8iGJI/AAAAAAAAB5c/SQZ_hy2Avlk/s1600/DSCN2690.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0zMVeOqAniE/TXKFZf8iGJI/AAAAAAAAB5c/SQZ_hy2Avlk/s200/DSCN2690.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580669561384081554" border="0" /></a><br /><br />My next adventure was making magnets. I made some out of bottle caps and some out of the decorative glass pebbles. The bottle cap ones were fairly easy. I just need to sand out the inside of the bottle cap, glue a nut a magnet then to the back of the bottle cap. Next, I will try to <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/article/bottle-cap-magnets-and-thumbtacks">flip the magnet over and put a picture</a> in and fill it with resin. I just need warmer weather so I can open our windows, so I don't gas myself with the fumes of the casting resin.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ALqAzhhVpew/TXKKHM1BXwI/AAAAAAAAB6k/dqVmiFiKZGc/s1600/DSCN2702.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ALqAzhhVpew/TXKKHM1BXwI/AAAAAAAAB6k/dqVmiFiKZGc/s200/DSCN2702.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580674744572796674" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-imKeHsnwEK4/TXKKHIl602I/AAAAAAAAB6c/rtz0Vqb3cFA/s1600/DSCN2699.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-imKeHsnwEK4/TXKKHIl602I/AAAAAAAAB6c/rtz0Vqb3cFA/s200/DSCN2699.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580674743435711330" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vKl08BCV8Tg/TXKKG3W_3aI/AAAAAAAAB6U/ExcypfTupuU/s1600/DSCN2698.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vKl08BCV8Tg/TXKKG3W_3aI/AAAAAAAAB6U/ExcypfTupuU/s200/DSCN2698.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580674738809724322" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The glass magnet were my favorites, I cut out cool designs from magazines and glued this to the back of the pebble with fabric glues. That way the glue will not eat through the paper. then I glued a magnet to the back of the paper.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NObLii7mL4M/TXKLD9hxruI/AAAAAAAAB7E/sWfzVu-zApM/s1600/DSCN2756.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NObLii7mL4M/TXKLD9hxruI/AAAAAAAAB7E/sWfzVu-zApM/s200/DSCN2756.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580675788437565154" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YuCSPO3-KDQ/TXKLDchnvCI/AAAAAAAAB68/xCsByg-Foxc/s1600/DSCN2755.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YuCSPO3-KDQ/TXKLDchnvCI/AAAAAAAAB68/xCsByg-Foxc/s200/DSCN2755.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580675779578543138" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OlCSXjbY-N8/TXKLDJ0pK1I/AAAAAAAAB60/TABNdYwz7ZQ/s1600/DSCN2753.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OlCSXjbY-N8/TXKLDJ0pK1I/AAAAAAAAB60/TABNdYwz7ZQ/s200/DSCN2753.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580675774558055250" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I also started to make paper beads out of magazines. I love finding pages that will make interesting beads.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M3xCF_ndPes/TXKLw5y3XCI/AAAAAAAAB7c/sU1GKwKILao/s1600/DSCN2764.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M3xCF_ndPes/TXKLw5y3XCI/AAAAAAAAB7c/sU1GKwKILao/s200/DSCN2764.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580676560529611810" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w8hMfWF9oZY/TXKLwz6wrzI/AAAAAAAAB7U/fnJOqm2h3-c/s1600/DSCN2762.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w8hMfWF9oZY/TXKLwz6wrzI/AAAAAAAAB7U/fnJOqm2h3-c/s200/DSCN2762.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580676558952116018" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CVywiFCo5OE/TXKLwjvb8yI/AAAAAAAAB7M/e9Bx_tGNIc8/s1600/DSCN2758.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CVywiFCo5OE/TXKLwjvb8yI/AAAAAAAAB7M/e9Bx_tGNIc8/s200/DSCN2758.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580676554609652514" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Lastly, I started making stencils and making T-shirts! This was a hard process. I found the template online, then printed them off on card stock. I cut out the stencil with an exact-o razor and then taped the stencil to the shirt and used a roller brush to paint on the shirts. I am very pleased with how they turned out. We have a white chair from Ikea that I would like to stencil on, but am not sure what design to stencil on. Any suggestions? I did get this book, <a href="http://www.stencil1.com/stencils/257/stencil-101.html">Stencil 101</a>, so I am excited to keep stenciling things! My nephew is obsessed with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_Welk">Lawrence Welk</a>, so I think I am going to try and make him a shirt for his birthday!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3oA33t2Luac/TXKMvsCCi3I/AAAAAAAAB8E/Wf49964s9eU/s1600/DSCN2751.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3oA33t2Luac/TXKMvsCCi3I/AAAAAAAAB8E/Wf49964s9eU/s200/DSCN2751.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580677639166921586" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2RzZAM0KElw/TXKMvSeVsPI/AAAAAAAAB78/VBJpee7jRy0/s1600/DSCN2748.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2RzZAM0KElw/TXKMvSeVsPI/AAAAAAAAB78/VBJpee7jRy0/s200/DSCN2748.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580677632306295026" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5p6qPRgnfsI/TXKMuoVq0GI/AAAAAAAAB70/lNGMuzla1-M/s1600/DSCN2747.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5p6qPRgnfsI/TXKMuoVq0GI/AAAAAAAAB70/lNGMuzla1-M/s200/DSCN2747.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580677620995641442" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uvpt2zBCcqc/TXKMuspBJPI/AAAAAAAAB7s/XRvIT5z-LlU/s1600/DSCN2746.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uvpt2zBCcqc/TXKMuspBJPI/AAAAAAAAB7s/XRvIT5z-LlU/s200/DSCN2746.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580677622150538482" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0iCRUUgJWpQ/TXKMudha_BI/AAAAAAAAB7k/2SMdwOLQ078/s1600/DSCN2752.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0iCRUUgJWpQ/TXKMudha_BI/AAAAAAAAB7k/2SMdwOLQ078/s200/DSCN2752.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580677618092145682" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />When I finally finish my granny square blanket I will post pictures, but it won't be for awhile.<br /><br /><br /><br />What are you making? What should I try next?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-3532761020850285877?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-91081933707157880252011-03-03T20:48:00.010-05:002011-03-03T22:06:56.011-05:00Hello readers. It's Dan again. It's been over a year since I wrote in our blog, and Amanda always asks me when I'm going to write in here. I've started a few entries here and there over the past year, but I've never finished any of them. Today, however, the sun reading on my horoscope said the following: <div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> <br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Mars and Pluto supply raw power for enhanced opportunities today. The planets help you cut through red </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">tape and attack matters with decisive action and resourcefulness.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> <br /></span></span></div><div>Clearly, I took this to mean that I should write a post in our family blog. Decisive action has never been my strong suit, but with the raw power of Mars and Pluto flowing through me, I will summon the energy to write a short blog entry.</div><div> <br /></div><div>The last time I wrote in our blog, I was just about to start my new job. I'm now starting year 2 of that job, and it's going pretty well. It's not super demanding, it's fairly flexible, I get to work with students, and I have my own office. I also get to take free classes and utilize all the benefits of the university. I can't really complain. Amanda's job is more stressful than mine, but it's also pretty good company to work for. They have a bowling league, too. </div><div> <br /></div><div>The problem I find myself with now is what do I do with my life? Yes, I work full time, but I've never been too eager to define my life by what I do at work. When we were in school, it was easy to defer this question - your only calling is to study, go to class, work occasionally, and fill the rest of the time playing video games, drinking with friends and sleeping. Once that's over (and including any grad school, internships, study abroads, volunteer corps, etc.) and you actually find stable employment, it's easy to think that you're on track. But if you're like me and not a workaholic career-driven individual, you find that your life is no longer on a track. You've left the railroad tracks and now you're just rolling across the open desert in an American Gladiators Atlasphere steel ball - no direction and very little momentum other than what you provide yourself.</div><div> <br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cIQfmbYJedg/TXBVxCIKL0I/AAAAAAAACJE/vckYmfNx_DA/s1600/atlasphere.jpeg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 203px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cIQfmbYJedg/TXBVxCIKL0I/AAAAAAAACJE/vckYmfNx_DA/s320/atlasphere.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580054239185088322" /></a><div> <br /></div><div>What the hell do we do now? We're happily married, I'm actively saving for retirement, and we're not planning to have kids for a few years. It seems like my days are spent in a 50/50 split waffling between a) frantically investigating new life or career opportunities online and b) being completely at peace with my current life situation and seeking out new activities to enrich it: reading, working out, playing music, freaking out about political news, thinking up <a href="http://skreened.com/kuckfoch">small business plans</a> (to reduce the need for regular work) etc. Does this ever go away, or is this a constant life deal? It's actually probably unchartered territory, at least in terms of previous generations, because ours was really the first generation to grow up with creative spelling, "everyone's special, unique and wonderful" and "you can do whatever you want in life if you set your mind to it" guidance. With our "limitless" yet guided upbringing, our first steps into the uncharted real world are a tough adjustment. It's just one big game of Atlasphere.</div><div> <br /></div><div>Lately, though, I've been seeking out more things to actively pursue instead of watching TV and freaking out about what to do in the future. Amanda has been helping with this too; it's easier for me to do stuff when I see her working on crafts and printing t-shirts, etc. I'm still taking Swedish at school, and I've been reading books on the bus everyday. I've also decided to try and write more, both in this blog and in another blog I'm starting about how much I hate advertisements. Amanda, as much as she loves me, does not love my constant deconstruction and criticism of TV and internet ads, despite the fact that they're hilarious and thought provoking. Since we don't have kids yet to listen to my stories and learn from them, I'm forced to turn to the great void of the internet to share my opinions. Hopefully I will gather a large following and become an invited speaker at internet events and daytime TV shows. </div><div> <br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OiVh6ESos5M/TXBWciyMBRI/AAAAAAAACJM/f9qwVQaJbWQ/s1600/tumblr_lbs0mh96eV1qdoghio1_500.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OiVh6ESos5M/TXBWciyMBRI/AAAAAAAACJM/f9qwVQaJbWQ/s320/tumblr_lbs0mh96eV1qdoghio1_500.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580054986685678866" /></a><div> <br /></div><div>So that's my update. I hope you've enjoyed it. I will be sure to try to write in here more, and I'll also post the link to my new advertising blog if/when it gets off the ground.</div><div> <br /></div><div> <br /></div><meta charset="utf-8"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-9108193370715788025?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00361515032931757679noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-40536713597167908652011-02-20T13:29:00.004-05:002011-02-20T13:53:58.180-05:00Well...This week went pretty fast! Monday was Valentine's day and I did get some roses and really good chocolate. Dan got an art print and some Xbox points. We went out to eat the <a href="http://www.chileverdecafe.com/">Chile Verde Cafe</a>, and it was delicious!<br />All in all a pretty good week.<br /><br />That is until Wednesday night... Dan and I are in a bowling league with my work. We play every Wednesday, and it pretty fun. On our way to the bowling alley on Wednesday night we were side swiped...There was a car trying to get off the exit onto the interstate, but we were there. Most cars would slow down and go behind, which this car eventually did, but then it went around us came up on our left side, came into our lane and hit our car and then drove off...<br />WHO DOES THAT?!??!<br /><br />It was probably once of the strangest thing that have happened to us while driving. I don't think Dan saw it coming, as most of it occurred in his blind spot. Once I saw the car that hit us was not going to stop and in fact sped away, I yelled at Dan to get the license plates number while I tried to call 911.<br /><br />I called 911, and it was strange experience. I never called them before so I am not sure what I expecting, but it was weird...<br />I hadn't seen the damage that was done and was expecting the worst, but it was not as bad as I had imagined it.<br /><br />The officer came out and gave us the info of the person with the license plate number we provided, it was for a Hispanic woman, but I saw a white male driving. Which doesn't mean it wasn't her car, but we aren't 100% sure we had the right plate number.<br />I don't think any charges or tickets will be issued to the person, but our insurance company is looking into it...<br /><br />Not sure if we will fix it or not, because in all honesty it isn't super bad, and would rather get a couch.<br /><br />Here are some pictures I took aright after we pulled over at the Speedway gas station and were waiting for the police officer to come check it out.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--TKZS1X2NII/TWFie7RlkOI/AAAAAAAAB5I/Rg71NOuKqc4/s1600/DSCN2745.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--TKZS1X2NII/TWFie7RlkOI/AAAAAAAAB5I/Rg71NOuKqc4/s200/DSCN2745.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575846097108439266" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nfzGCuT7cdQ/TWFieoxTkeI/AAAAAAAAB5A/qOBvuriJo3o/s1600/DSCN2744.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nfzGCuT7cdQ/TWFieoxTkeI/AAAAAAAAB5A/qOBvuriJo3o/s200/DSCN2744.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575846092141203938" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AmdJ3GR-XmQ/TWFieW3b2vI/AAAAAAAAB44/QYav98DQ5As/s1600/DSCN2743.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AmdJ3GR-XmQ/TWFieW3b2vI/AAAAAAAAB44/QYav98DQ5As/s200/DSCN2743.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575846087335074546" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BmeSIMrH1Kw/TWFidsa96nI/AAAAAAAAB4w/jiGnKnD8kVs/s1600/DSCN2742.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BmeSIMrH1Kw/TWFidsa96nI/AAAAAAAAB4w/jiGnKnD8kVs/s200/DSCN2742.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575846075941382770" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iVNWtNs8Xgs/TWFidRF-RmI/AAAAAAAAB4o/Djx0SVNThK8/s1600/DSCN2741.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iVNWtNs8Xgs/TWFidRF-RmI/AAAAAAAAB4o/Djx0SVNThK8/s200/DSCN2741.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575846068605568610" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We were lucky that this is all the damage that was done, and that we only missed 7 frames of bowling, and could play our whole second game!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-4053671359716790865?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-12294145845251960412011-02-12T14:24:00.004-05:002011-02-12T14:45:29.721-05:00Well we are well into the month of February, so I thought I should probably write about something...<br /><br />Last week <a href="http://ragbrai2010.blogspot.com/">Abbie and Alexis</a> came to visit me and it was a lot of fun! It makes me miss when I could see them everyday!<br /><br />The weather has been really cold here, it really feels like Iowa here...Dan and I ordered new coats, and they should arrive next week, just in time for our 50 degree weather....The ONLY reason I will be sad winter is over, is that Boot season will be over....BOOOO! Speaking of which Zappos and Piperlime are having sales!<br /><br />I am still trying to get through the Freedom book, for the <a href="http://csikatie.wordpress.com/2011/01/04/book-club-january/">book club</a> I joined...<br /><br />Lately I have been feeling a lot like <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bflYjF90t7c">Jessie Spano </a> at work, minus the caffeine pills. There are lot of projects with deadlines looming and I am finding myself saying,"There's not enough time...there isn't any time...." a lot. Don't worry I have people checking in on me!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S96TZdf02jI/TVbhdZXY5cI/AAAAAAAAB4g/1EZOIh9_BgI/s1600/jessie%252Bspano%252Bcaffeine%252Bpills%252Bintervention%252B2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 146px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S96TZdf02jI/TVbhdZXY5cI/AAAAAAAAB4g/1EZOIh9_BgI/s200/jessie%252Bspano%252Bcaffeine%252Bpills%252Bintervention%252B2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572889484059010498" /></a><br /><br />I am working with Abbie and Alexis on planning Sarah's Bachelorette party on May 7. WE are going to go to the Cubs/ Reds game. I will cheer for the Reds. I want to make some schnazzy shirts for it...Any ideas?!?<br /><br />Dan and I will probably do the same thing we <a href="http://amandanmcc.blogspot.com/2010/02/very-mccurley-valentines-day.html">did last year </a>for Valentine's Day! It should be nice, and I will probably blog about it! <br /><br /><br /><br />Now that February is almost over, March is well on its way here, which means March Madness is coming! YES!!!!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-1229414584525196041?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-7633446400764152142011-01-30T13:36:00.003-05:002011-01-30T13:41:54.136-05:00We just watched the first two episodes of <a href="http://www.ifc.com/portlandia/">Portlandia</a>. The show pokes fun at hipsters, yuppies, and of course Portland. It was pretty funny. Below is a clip found especially funny. I do love putting birds on things!!<br /><br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" class="youtube-player" type="text/html" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0XM3vWJmpfo" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" width="640"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-763344640076415214?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-71310523468776075502011-01-24T21:26:00.004-05:002011-01-27T20:33:12.071-05:00So, I am not afraid that I may be a little neurotic or maybe that I am a little eccentric. Everyone has their ticks, right? I usually keep these crazy thoughts in my head and only to myself, but now I got this blog and not a lot to talk about, so why not let them out?!<br /> Sometimes I laugh out loud when reading <a href="http://www.postsecret.com/">PostSecret</a> on Sunday mornings, because I also have the same secret (none of the racy or suicidal ones, more like the I am scared of spiders ones). I have a lot of irrational fears. For example, I hate (am afraid of) horses, but have never been attacked by one. I check my shoes for crickets and other creepy bugs before I put them on. <br /><br />Lately, I have a fear that I look like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaun_White">Shaun White</a>. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TT46XtOtniI/AAAAAAAAB4M/UlXRGOws2BA/s1600/shaun-white.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 195px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TT46XtOtniI/AAAAAAAAB4M/UlXRGOws2BA/s200/shaun-white.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565950368429219362" /></a><br /><br /><br />Probably because I am growing my hair out and it is in a weird phase...I am really paranoid about it, and it is probably not true, but I can't help to think that it is. My husband and best friend both assure me this isn't the case, which makes me wonder what if it is and they are just trying to cushion my fall? Like most irrational thoughts and obsessions, I am sure I will snap out of it...I hope...I am getting my hair trimmed and eyebrows waxed this weekend, so hopefully that will help!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It could be worse...I could look like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carrot_Top">Carrot Top</a>...oh no =[.....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TUIccWVchNI/AAAAAAAAB4U/AYXyUANekBQ/s1600/carrottop2-1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 179px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TUIccWVchNI/AAAAAAAAB4U/AYXyUANekBQ/s200/carrottop2-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567043362740798674" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-7131052346877607550?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-35546205400860402952011-01-22T15:07:00.004-05:002011-01-24T20:59:49.935-05:00Happy Birthday Danny!<br />I love you!<br /> About 5 years ago, I started to make a list in of my journals of all the things I loved about Dan. The list stopped at 232 items, probably in 2007, as that is when I quit using the journal. I found the old entries this weekend and thought I would share some of the list for his birthday!<br /><br />3. You can cut your own hair.<br />6. You have become my best friend.<br />14. You love your breakfast!<br />18. You used to meet me in between classes on the sidewalk.<br />26. you used to read the Babysitter Club Books.<br />29. You aren't the best at keeping secrets...<br />35. You understand why sunscreen is important.<br />47. You said I love you first!<br />53. You are nosy.<br />61. You hate doing the dishes.<br />72. Elven Raids!<br />80. You are in band for fun.<br />88. You love viral videos.<br />90. You think Jennifer Garner looks like a Centaur.<br />96. You leave your snot rags(used kleenex) all over the place...<br />105. You take forever to pack.<br />109. You are eager to offend.<br />118. You like to get to places early...<br />129. Our first conversation topic was about Captain Planet.<br />142. IKEA<br />144. I want spend all my time with you.<br />151. You don't dance.<br />159. You are going to take me to Spain someday.<br />177. I always cry when we have to say goodbye.<br />182. You are stubborn.<br />190. You rented Bend it Like Beckham.<br />197. You told me you were saving money for a ring!<br />198. You swear during Catch Phrase.<br />203. You don't like the sun.<br />230. You let me sleep in.<br /><br />I know have a quite a few more reasons to add to the list for example, you often look creepy in the pictures I take, Your obsession with Eric Northman from Trueblood, You are a karaoke star, and I don't know what I would do without you!<br /><br />I love you Dan!<br />Happy Birthday!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-3554620540086040295?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-52348135319918402042011-01-22T14:13:00.005-05:002011-01-22T14:49:50.546-05:00Well the temps in C-bus have gone below zero for the first time this year along with our first hefty snow.I love how it looks outside, because finally, it is winter here!<br /><br />Dan's birthday is coming up next week (the 25th), and we are also going to the OSU/Purdue(more like Pur-DON'T) game. I am super excited and slightly geeking out over this, because I will actually get to see a number 1 seed in the country play a NCAA bball game against another ranked team! In case you didn't know, I love college basketball I often listen to the ESPNU podcasts at work and will often curse the east coast school loving (mostly Duke) Doug Gottlieb under my breath...<br />I have even taken the Friday of March Madness off work. I should have done this last year, as it killed me not to be able to check in on the games throughout the day. I am super excited, but will super depressed once basketball is over and baseball will start...<br /><br />I really don't have a lot of OSU fan gear, but will be wearing my OSU script shirt from <a href="http://www.homage.com/store/">Homage</a>. It is much like Iowa's <a href="http://www.raygunsite.com/">RayGun</a> site. What can I say, I like sassy shirts!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TTsvPU8fMBI/AAAAAAAAB4E/2G5DKvdGX30/s1600/c85639c54bc140dbb03dbe7e6a84fc70.image.490x470.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 192px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TTsvPU8fMBI/AAAAAAAAB4E/2G5DKvdGX30/s200/c85639c54bc140dbb03dbe7e6a84fc70.image.490x470.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565093704913334290" /></a><br />A goal of mine for this year, will be to acquire more OSU gear and attend more OSU events!<br /><br /><br />So I joined a <a href="http://csikatie.wordpress.com/2011/01/20/book-club-january-2/">bookclub</a>, in hopes of getting back into the hang of reading again. The first book, Freedom by Jonathan Franzen, is not quite what will pull me back into the swing of reading regularly, granted I am not far through it at all, but I am not sure if I want to be. I am not finding a connection to characters and I really don't care about them or what happens to them. It reminds me of The Great Gatsby, which I very much hated in high school, and angered my teacher when I voiced that opinion in my class. I will keep you posted though!<br /><br /><br />I am still crafting and have been making <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-Paper-Beads/">paper beads</a> and <a href="http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2008/04/how_to_make_bottle_cap_magnets.html">bottle cap magnets</a> like a mad person!<br />My next goal is to learn more about print making and stencils! I will keep you posted, because I am sure you are dying to know how that goes!<br /><br />We are also thinking of planning a big trip to Europe. My brother and his family are moving to Germany, and maybe we can go see them. And also, since Dan is taking Swedish, it might be good to put his practices in use. The sad thing is, that this trip may be comparable in price to our trip to Iowa for Christmas...Not sure where we will go or anything, but we did talk about going back to Iceland for an extended layover and then to Europe...Any suggestions? Where would you want to go?<br /><br />Other than that, there is not much going on here! I will be having some visitors from Chicago in a couple of weeks and am super pumped!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-5234813531991840204?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-25346805482077532422011-01-05T22:54:00.009-05:002011-01-05T23:48:07.099-05:00Happy New Year!<br />My birthday is very close to the new year, it is January 3rd. I am not sure I am a huge fan of the date, but it works. I have never been one to get overly excited about my birthday, but I had a good one this year. You see, by the time my birthday rolls around most people are tired of celebrating things (Christmas Eve, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Years). Also it usually the first day back from Christmas Break and when most holiday sales and deals end. People are usually not happy it is January 3rd. Looking back, I do remember getting a lot of re-gifted lotions and bath gels from Bath and Body Works, mostly in the scent of Country Apple...Any way my parents were always good about not combining my Christmas gifts with my birthday gifts. I even had a pool party once! I may not have had a pool party this year, but it was still fun. Dan and I went out to eat at <a href="http://www.surlygirlsaloon.com/">Surly Girl</a>. We came home and I opened some gifts! Thank you to all who sent me something or wished me a happy birthday! It means a lot, especially because deep down I know you were dreading to go back to work/school...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />One of things Dan got me was the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lotta-Prints-Anything-Potatoes-Linoleum/dp/081186037X">Lotta Prints</a>. I am super excited to try the stuff in there, I think it will be a lot of trial and error, but it will be an adventure. Maybe I will blog about it!<br /><br /><br /><br />I have always liked prints. In fact when I was a Textile and Apparel major, I wanted to be in charge of picking out fabrics for designs. But in order to finish the major and minor I had to master sewing...<br /><br /><br />I love the aesthetic of things in nature. I like prints with leaves, birds, owls, trees and flowers.<br />Here are some examples of what I am trying to describe.<br /><br />Right now I am in love with <a href="http://www.orlakiely.com/">Orla Kiely</a>! I just cannot bring myself to sped $50.00 or more on a wallet right now...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TSVE7RDJhHI/AAAAAAAAB2s/iXZVl68KkOs/s1600/A9ETTC-171-MULTI.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TSVE7RDJhHI/AAAAAAAAB2s/iXZVl68KkOs/s200/A9ETTC-171-MULTI.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558925100038325362" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TSVE7brFCTI/AAAAAAAAB2k/ZFnMZqai-4Y/s1600/10AE-MST061-MULTI.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TSVE7brFCTI/AAAAAAAAB2k/ZFnMZqai-4Y/s200/10AE-MST061-MULTI.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558925102890158386" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TSVE7Rkca6I/AAAAAAAAB2c/gOHcIwwPkP4/s1600/10AE-MDS122-MULTI.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TSVE7Rkca6I/AAAAAAAAB2c/gOHcIwwPkP4/s200/10AE-MDS122-MULTI.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558925100177976226" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TSVHeuejLmI/AAAAAAAAB30/AjXQLupK-tE/s1600/00XH-LST714-GREY.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TSVHeuejLmI/AAAAAAAAB30/AjXQLupK-tE/s200/00XH-LST714-GREY.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558927908256558690" /></a><br /><br /><br />I am also thinking of getting a new bedspread for the guest room. I love this <a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?itemdescription=true&amp;itemCount=80&amp;startValue=1&amp;selectedProductColor=&amp;sortby=&amp;id=17637422&amp;parentid=A_DEC_BEDDING&amp;sortProperties=+subCategoryPosition,+product.marketingPriority&amp;navCount=0&amp;navAction=jump&amp;color=&amp;pushId=A_DEC_BEDDING&amp;popId=A_DECORATE&amp;prepushId=&amp;selectedProductSize=">quilt</a>:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TSVFPyjpbHI/AAAAAAAAB3E/Whh3y8_yqao/s1600/17637422_000_f.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 58px; height: 85px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TSVFPyjpbHI/AAAAAAAAB3E/Whh3y8_yqao/s200/17637422_000_f.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558925452630387826" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TSVFPt5YunI/AAAAAAAAB28/PGx6iSD9RQU/s1600/17637422_000_b.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 58px; height: 85px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TSVFPt5YunI/AAAAAAAAB28/PGx6iSD9RQU/s200/17637422_000_b.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558925451379391090" /></a><br /><br />A friend I went to high school with has a great Etsy page,<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/UrbanEcology?page=2"> Urban Ecology</a>, with cute and decorative pillows:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TSVFh-VG7zI/AAAAAAAAB3c/OSD8avP_lzs/s1600/il_fullxfull.177917432.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 171px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TSVFh-VG7zI/AAAAAAAAB3c/OSD8avP_lzs/s200/il_fullxfull.177917432.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558925765028278066" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TSVFhqfQ8CI/AAAAAAAAB3U/c3rDTy5nEVo/s1600/il_570xN.188614154.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 170px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TSVFhqfQ8CI/AAAAAAAAB3U/c3rDTy5nEVo/s200/il_570xN.188614154.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558925759702167586" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TSVFhXKszvI/AAAAAAAAB3M/OB3_UjtIzn8/s1600/il_570xN.182826983.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 142px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TSVFhXKszvI/AAAAAAAAB3M/OB3_UjtIzn8/s200/il_570xN.182826983.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558925754515640050" /></a><br /><br />And there is always <a href="http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/mainmenu.php">Amy Butler</a>:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TSVGVsrjTBI/AAAAAAAAB3s/5eQt3KYsz00/s1600/cap4.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 167px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TSVGVsrjTBI/AAAAAAAAB3s/5eQt3KYsz00/s200/cap4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558926653643770898" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TSVGVdWHaBI/AAAAAAAAB3k/7zeq1v02K1Q/s1600/Picture_7.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 146px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TSVGVdWHaBI/AAAAAAAAB3k/7zeq1v02K1Q/s200/Picture_7.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558926649527330834" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Do you have any suggestions of anything I should check out? What is your aesthetic?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-2534680548207753242?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-85970285971224077982010-12-30T16:00:00.000-05:002010-12-31T16:11:37.003-05:00In an attempt to get Dan to blog, I have copied this survey from our friend <a href="http://theloonybin.blogspot.com/">Catherine's </a>blog!<br />My answers are after the <span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">A</span>, and Dan's after the D...<br /><br />Thank you, Catherine!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-- What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A: I got to go to San Antonio and visit some friends. While we were there, we also played a drinking game with the movies Blade Trinity and Fast and Furious. That was a new experience for sure! We went to see <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Jonsi</span> in the Newport, which was my first <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">concert</span> there. Also, I became a manager and gained more professional experience and confidence. I feel more of a connection to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Cbus</span> as well! We made trip to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Freeport</span> IL (for Dan's cousin's wedding) and Youngstown OH (for an UNI football game). I drank more tea. I also bought 2 pairs of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">skinny</span> jeans and wear them on a regular basis! I also got a smartphone with internet and everything!</span><br /><br />D: I worked as an academic advisor for the first time. One of the benefits of my new job is that I get to take classes for free. One class I took was Boxing for Beginners, so I guess this year I punched a girl in the face for the first time. I also took Elementary Swedish I. Our class had a traditional Swedish julfest (christmas party) at the end of the year, which included a full smörgåsbord and much singing in Swedish. I still box at our new gym, and I'm continuing to Swedish II next quarter. I'm looking forward to continuing both of those activities this year, as well as my job, even though I still don't know what I really want to do with my life. I also made money playing trombone in a band this year. Finally, we joined a CSA foodshare program over the summer - we ate lots of Ohio-produced food.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-- Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A: I did OK, I did not blog more...so that is sad! Of course, it is always fun to try and start out the year with goals in mind. I am becoming more crafty and I did join the gym! My resolutions will probably be the same as last years, more blogging, crafting, reading, and working out. I would <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">like</span> to visit more places in Ohio as well! Also, I would like to keep in better touch with my friends and family.</span><br /><br /><br />D: I don't really remember my resolutions from last year. They probably included the old regulars, like watch less TV, read more, work out more, etc. I did learn a combat sport, which has been a goal of mine for a long time. We purchased some home workout stuff, which I used occasionally, and we joined a gym in November. I also bought a book last week, so I guess I'm making progress. My resolutions will be the same this year probably.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-- Did anyone close to you give birth?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A: My sister-in-law Karla and a few friends from college!</span><br /><br />D: A few of my friends finished their dissertations this year - that's kind of like having a baby, except that you can just put it on a shelf and forget about it after a while. Congrats to them! Also, my step-brother and his wife had a baby too.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-- Did anyone close to you die?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A: Jan, an old family friend/neighbor who watched me grow up.</span><br /><br />D: Our department secretary Melinda passed away this year. A guy from my high school class also died this fall. We weren't really close or even really friends since HS, but it's still very sad and strange.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-- What countries did you visit?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A: A year ago, we visited Iceland...this year we traveled all over the US. I need to update my passport before I can leave the country. Maybe we can go to Europe or Canada this year?</span><br /><br />D: I had a nice streak going (Mexico 2007, Spain &amp; Canada 2008, Iceland 2009), but I didn't leave the US this year. I guess Texas is its own country practically. Hopefully we can go somewhere foreign this year - it can't cost much more than flying to Iowa!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-- What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A: More cute boots! But seriously, I would say less stress! Also, I would love to go to a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">OSU</span> or UNI <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">BBall</span> game.</span><br /><br />D: I would like to have more desire to clean up after myself and take care of household chores with some degree of urgency. I would also like to have more of an idea of what I'd like to do with my life.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-- What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A: March 20,2010...UNI Dominated!</span><br /><br />D: Also March 20, 2010 - I will never forget my uppercut fist pump/primal scream combo in the Grandview Buffalo Wild Wings when Ali hit his 3-pointer in the Kansas game.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-- What was your biggest achievement of the year?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A: My job promotion!</span><br /><br />D: I hate measuring my life acheivements in terms of career progress, but I guess my new job was probably the biggest achievement.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-- What was your biggest failure?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A: I did not choose UNI to beat Kansas on my bracket...Also, I struggled to find a healthy life/work balance for awhile...It caused a lot of stress!</span><br /><br />D: After not having any for 26 years, I had 4 cavities discovered and filled this year. I was also very lazy about cleaning up and doing laundry - the dryer has become my new clothing storage unit.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-- Did you suffer illness or injury?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A: Fractured Elbow from playing soccer.</span><br /><br />D: I got sick twice over Christmas break. I also picked up a solid contusion on my forearm in boxing class. It hurt for 3 weeks.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-- What was the best thing you bought?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A: I love my boots! We got a washer and dryer and a new TV. It is nice not having to warm up the TV before we can watch it, and also it is nice that we can do laundry at home without having to save up quarters! OH and how can I forget Lips Karaoke for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Xbox</span>...Dan and I are 34<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">th</span> in the WORLD for Hold On by Wilson Phillips!</span><br /><br />D: Aside from the washer/dryer and TV, Red Dead Redemption on Xbox was one of the best video games I've ever played. My new bass trombone mouthpiece is also pretty good - I don't have to practice nearly as much to keep my chops up like on my last one.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-- Whose behavior merited celebration?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A: I am not sure...Conan redeemed himself. The Chilean miners were also pretty inspiring!</span><br /><br />D: UNI Men's BBall head coach Ben Jacobson, for not jumping at more money and staying put in Cedar Falls to build his program.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-- Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A: Sarah <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Palin</span> and her avid supporters...Also <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">BP</span>, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Hawkeye</span> and Duke Fans!</span><br /><br />D: BP was pretty abominable. Also Iowa voters voting out the Supreme Court judges out of spite.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-- Where did most of your money go?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A: Our most recent trip to Iowa. I am serious.</span><br /><br />D: Paying rent, the Christmas Iowa trip, my credit card bills.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-- What did you get really, really, really excited about?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A: Going to see Conan, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Jonsi</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">visiting</span> our friend in TX, my friends' weddings in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">MKE</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Eldora</span>! Also, going back to IA for Christmas to see everyone. When UNI beat Kansas! Making plans to go to Comic Con. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">A lot</span> of our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">friends</span> got engaged, I can[t wait for the weddings. My office's end of the year party!</span><br /><br />D: Not to beat a dead horse, but UNI's run in March Madness 2010 was and probably will be my greatest sports memory until they make the Final Four. I was also excited for Geoff's wedding in IL because all my family was there. Another exciting moment was when we won our first rec. league soccer match in dominant fashion; it was also the same game where a guy tried to fight me and I got carded (it was only yellow).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-- What song will always remind you of 2010?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Ridin</span>' Solo, We are Who We are, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">OMG</span>, F-- You, Teenage Dream. Pretty much anything <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Bieber</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Ke</span>$ha, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars...</span><br /><br />D: Jónsi - Go Do, because I got that album this year and went to the concert. It was great. Also Cee Lo Green - F*** You, because it's awesome.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-- Compared to this time last year, are you:</span><br />a) happier or sadder?<br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A: happier</span><br />D: Happier.<br /><br />b) thinner or fatter?<br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A: the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">sameish</span>...probably a little fatter...</span><br />D: Probably fatter. I was probably still coasting off my pre-wedding conditioning at this point last year.<br /><br />c) richer or poorer?<br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A: richer ;)</span><br />D: Richer. I'm richer and fatter - I'm becoming an aristocrat.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-- What do you wish you'd done more of?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A:Knitting, crafting, socializing!</span><br />D: Painting, reading, working out and traveling.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-- What do you wish you'd done less of?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A: Stressing out and eating junk</span>!<br />D: Watching crappy TV.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-- How will you be spending Christmas?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A: We went to Iowa. Next year I am thinking destination Christmas, who is in?!?</span><br /><br />D: We went to Iowa.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-- Did you fall in love in 2010?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A: Do TV shows count? Then, Yes!</span><br /><br />D: Yes, with making pulled pork in the slow-cooker and grilling. Also with Columbus a little bit.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-- What was your favorite TV program?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A: Weeds, Dexter, How I Met your Mother, 30 Rock, True Blood, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Californication</span>, Eastbound and Down...</span><br /><br />D: Eastbound and Down &amp; How I Met Your Mother. Californication came on strong at the end of the year too.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-- Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A: Probably....</span><br /><br />D: My hatred for the advertising industry continues to grow each year. On the other hand, my hatred for local weatherman Bob Nunnally has cooled this year. Now we are like two respectful adversaries, like Professor X and Magneto.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-- What was the best book you read?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A: The last book of the Hunger Games (Mocking Jay). It wasn't the best book in the series, but it ended the story well!</span><br /><br />D: I can't remember reading much...I guess my Swedish textbook wins out. It does have funny examples that would never fly in an American textbook.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-- What was your greatest musical discovery?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A: Thanks to my brother in law Jay-Freelance Whales and to my sister in law Kirsten-Florence an the Machine! These are both very recent! Also, my co-worker told me to check out Mumford and Sons!</span><br /><br />D: The National, as well as Jónsi's solo album.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-- What did you want and get?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A: Lots of things! My promotion, cute <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">jewelry</span>, a tea kettle, crafting supplies, UNI to the Sweet Sixteen, and most importantly a safe, healthy and happy year!</span><br /><br />D: My own office, TWO UNI wins in the NCAA tournament.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-- What did you want and not get?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A: Tickets to Comic Con...that is because the sale date keeps getting pushed back...Also, I failed to get my passport updated with my new name...but <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">that</span> is my own fault!</span><br /><br />D: Some magical entity to appear and make me financially stable for life so I never have to go to regular work again.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-- What was your favorite film of this year?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, Inception, also the Dragon Tattoo <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Trilogy</span> was really good!</span><br /><br />D: The Millenium trilogy (the girl w/ dragon tattoo, etc.), and HP7.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-- What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A:26...I don't know for sure, I think we went to Karaoke?! I can't remember it was almost a year ago!<br /><br /></span>D: We had a party and played ping pong in the basement.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-- What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A: Not letting myself get too overwhelmed when I first started my manager position...but it worked out. I have a good balance now!</span><br /><br />D: Having taken a 7-month paid vacation to Europe, either Iceland or Spain. Or just not working at all!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-- How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A: Trendy, Cute, Comfortable, and Fun!</span><br /><br />D: Wearing shorts to work is ok, right?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-- What kept you sane?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A: Danny and my friend Kim! Going to the gym after work and listening to my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">ipod</span> at work!</span><br /><br />D: Having opportunities to do stuff besides work - boxing class, vacations, Swedish 101, having parties. Also having Zeno's bar within walking distance.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-- Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A: The whole <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">WikiLeaks</span> thing completely fascinated me. Also,Kristen <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Wiig</span>, Conan, Cast of 30 Rock, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Kristen</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Schaal</span> (she tweeted me!) and Mary <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Louise</span> Parker</span>.<br /><br />D: Kenny Powers, Eric Northman and Hank Moody.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-- What political issue stirred you the most?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A: Health care and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Immigration</span>...don't get me started...</span><br /><br />D: These boneheads in Arizona with their immigration laws, as well as the impotent, no-legged dog of a health care bill that they passed.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-- Who did you miss?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A: A lot of friends moved away! Sarah, Mark, Carter, Greg, Lynn and Jeff! And my family, of course!</span><br /><br />D: I second our friends moving away, as well as our friends in Iowa.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-- Who was the best new person you met?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A: I got to know some co-workers better! Also, some of Dan's family at his cousin's wedding!</span><br /><br />D: I didn't really forge any new friendships this year. The people on our soccer team and in my Swedish class are fun, though.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-- Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010:</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A: To appreciate what I have, and though things get <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">stressful</span>, I am lucky to have the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">opportunities</span> I Have, the friends that I have, and the family I have.</span><br /><br />D: When the shit hits the fan, it's probably not as bad as you're making it out to be. Humankind has gotten by for thousands of years and probably dealt with problems that are much, much worse than the one you're facing now. Also, don't skip going to the dentist for 2 years.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-- Quote a song that sums up your year:</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A: I whip my hair back and forth </span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">I whip my hair back and forth (just whip it) </span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">I whip my hair back and forth </span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">I whip my hair back and forth (whip it real good) </span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">I whip my hair back and forth </span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">I whip my hair back and forth </span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">I whip my hair back and forth </span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">I whip my hair back and forth </span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"> ( Whip my Hair-Willow Smith-2010)</span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">and of course, this songs sums up my typical day :</span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Wake up in the morning feeling like P <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Diddy</span></span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"> (Hey, what up girl?)</span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"> Grab my glasses, I'm out the door, I'm gonna hit this city</span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"> (Lets go)</span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"> Before I leave, brush my teeth with a bottle of Jack</span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"> 'Cause when I leave for the night, I ain't coming back</span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"> I'm talking pedicure on our toes, toes</span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"> Trying on all our clothes, clothes</span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"> Boys blowing up our phones, phones</span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"> Drop-topping, playing our favorite <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">CDs</span></span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"> Pulling up to the parties</span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"> Trying to get a little bit tipsy</span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"> Don't stop, make it pop</span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"> DJ, blow my speakers up</span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"> Tonight, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">I'mma</span> fight</span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"> 'Til we see the sunlight</span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"> Tick <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">tock</span> on the clock</span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"> But the party don't stop, no</span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">(<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">Tik</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">Tok</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">Ke</span>$ha-2010)</span><br /><br />D: I,<br />I have decided.<br />At twenty-five,<br />Something must change<br />(Bloc Party - Kreuzberg)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-8597028597122407798?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-21091114998845420702010-12-27T23:19:00.000-05:002010-12-27T23:44:10.144-05:00Remember when you were little and wanted a diary so bad, and then when you got your diary you never wrote in it??<br /><br />That is me, I am that Little Girl!!<br /><br />Last year, I believe my Resolutions were:<br /><br />1. start working out again, and to acquire a treadmill- <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">I did join a gym....I did not acquire a treadmill...but I did join a gym!! I actually go to the gym too!</span><br />2. become more crafty (like sewing and making stuff)-<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Yes-I am more crafty than I was a year ago, but am still working on this!</span><br />3. master knitting, stamping and making my own stationary-<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Again, I am still working on it, but I have been <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">stamping</span> my own cards, crocheting and knitting more too!</span><br />4. to cut down on my sugar intake<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">-I probably was doing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ok</span> on this one, but the last 3 weeks on consumption have definitely canceled out my year's efforts...</span><br />5. read more books-<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">I am doing better on this, and am still hoping to cut out TV and add in more reading...</span><br />6. keep in better contact with friends and family-<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">I did not improve in this area at all :(</span><br />7. limit my screen time (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">tv</span>, computer, etc.)<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">-I don't think this changed much either...</span><br />8. purchase a washing machine and dryer-<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">DONE!!</span><br />9. visit/explore other parts of Ohio-<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">There is still more to see!!</span><br />10. blog more =]<span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">...FAIL...</span></span><br /><br />I am not sure what is wrong with me, but for some reason it is really hard for me to think of anything to write about. My life is not particularly interesting, and I can never think of anything exciting, funny, or witty to write about. I feel like I owe the person who takes the time read what write something interesting. Maybe it is performance anxiety?!<br />Now, I understand the Family Circus and Marmaduke make appearances in print everyday, and they obviously don't feel like they owe their readers much. But I don't want to be the Marmaduke of the blogging world, so it is easier to just not do it.<br /><br />I remember being in college with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Xanga</span>, thinking I was going to be the next Carrie Bradshaw. I figured everyone wanted to know what I am thinking and what I am doing. Then I started reading <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">everyone's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Xanga</span>, and they were all pretty lame, especially mine! So I stopped, and joined <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Myspace</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Facebook</span>, where you can annoy people in just a few <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">sentences</span> a day!<br /><br /><br />Over break, we watched Julie/Julia. I thought it was interesting that she just blogged about the recipes she prepared out of a book... I wish I would have come up with that! As <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">cheesy</span> as it sounds it inspired me a little to get on here and blog about something. I mean that is why I have a blog right?!<br /><br />I haven't decided on all of my resolutions yet, but I still have about 4 more days to do so. I am sure my "go-to" blogging <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">resolution</span> will be on the list, and it is possible I will probably fail...but I guess it is worth a shot...<br /><br />Wish me luck in 2011!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-2109111499884542070?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-54168290343592368082010-12-27T23:06:00.000-05:002010-12-27T23:12:57.187-05:00Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!<br /><br />Thanks to all who have sent us cards and gifts!<br /><br />Dan and I went to Iowa last week to celebrate with our families and it was great time.<br /><br />We visited Dan's dad, mom and family, my parents, my sister Steph and her family, and a few friends from college.<br />Thanks to our families for letting hang around an eat their food.<br />I was actually pretty sad to leave Iowa on Sunday! I miss everyone so much!<br /><br />I have truly been blessed this year and am thankful for my friends and family!<br /><br />I will blog more later...this time I promise!<br /><br />I just wanted to drop a quick note...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-5416829034359236808?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-62965586060477643792010-10-27T20:21:00.000-04:002010-10-27T21:05:13.374-04:00Hey there! I know it has been awhile...oops! We have been keeping busy, and I haven't had much to talk about. Plus, Dan doesn't blog anymore...<br /><br />We went to Milwaukee to see two of my roommates from LVC, Alli and Aaron. It is so funny how nothing has changed! It was really fun and it was great to see them. I also got to see Talitha and Darren. I ate a lot of cheese, custard, and drank a lot of beer. I love Milwaukee!!<br /><br />We joined a gym that is close to our house and on my way to and from work. I t is pretty nice, and I am pretty sure they hire people to go "work-out" there so you feel bad about yourself...<br />Dan and I went to our free personal training session and it was interesting. I am pretty weak and have no coordination. So you know how that goes...Afterward the trainer kept trying to get us to buy sessions, but we reclined. Dan was pretty annoyed with the whole sales pitch...<br /><br />Speaking of the gym...I need some new music to listen to. Any suggestions? right now I have a HUGE guilty pleasure for <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ESdn0MuJWQ">Ridin' Solo</a> by Jason Derulo. It is awful, but I love it!<br />I also took a lot of music off my ipod and put some new stuff on. I love doing that! The only problem is that now I am not as into the music scene as I was on college, so I don't have much new stuff to listen to. Any suggestions of anything I should check out? I am pretty much open to anything...<br /><br />I am excited that it is Halloween this week. We get to dress up at work and we vote on the best costumes. It is pretty crazy. My department is going to be Zombies! I will be a <a href="http://brandlicanblog.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/hipster2smd.jpg">hipster</a> zombie...<br />Afterwork Dan and will probably go out. We are goign to be <a href="http://campblood.org/Newblog/?p=1150">Dexter and his victim</a>. Saran wrap and all...I will post pictures.<br /><br />This Saturday we are going to Youngstown to see UNI play. We are pretty pumped!!<br />In two weeks we are going to see <a href="http://jonsi.com/">Jonsi</a>. He is an Icelandic musician!<br /><br />Things I am enjoying right now:<br />Halloween episodes of TV Shows<br />skinny jeans and boots (that's right you heard me)<br />cardigans<br />chai tea<br />lettuce wraps<br />Rogue's Dead Guy Ale<br />Stamping (I have made a few cute cards!)<br />Stevie Wonder<br />Cat Stevens<br />Sho-Time-Weeds, Dexter, and Eastbound and Down<br />Karaoke<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-6296558606047764379?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-1750263647751116832010-09-20T21:26:00.000-04:002010-09-29T19:34:53.590-04:00We celebrated our first anniversary on September 12,2010.<br />Two weekends ago we stayed downtown in the Arena District. We had a pretty good time, we ate a lot of good food, watched football and went to the dueling piano bar called Big Bang. We liked it a lot! We also finally finished our wedding album.<br /><br />This last weekend we went to Illinois for Dan's cousin's wedding. I am really excited we got to see everyone. It was lot of fun!I was pretty sad to be back at work today.<br /><br />I am super excited for fall!! OSU has finally started classes. Dan is taking Swedish this semester. I am convinced he wants to be <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Northman">Eric Northman</a> (viking vampire from True Blood), but that is a whole other story....<br /><br />I love when the football season starts (because we are that much closer to basketball),<br />warm beverages,<br />boots (I may try to get a fancy pair this year!),<br />cardigans,<br />Count Chocula cereal,<br />fall tv premires (Weeds and Dexter? Yes please!)(What was up with the Office? and HIMYM-this week?!?),<br />scarves,<br />and<br />putting on sweats after work and cuddling on the couch!<br /><br />My goal for this Fall/Winter is to start being crafty!<br />Dan got my a nice gift card to Micheal's so I can build up my craft supplies.<br />Let me know if there is anything you want me to make you.<br /><br />I will try my best.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-175026364775111683?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-28101504791289297652010-08-30T21:35:00.001-04:002010-08-30T22:47:22.321-04:00Hello! I am blogging live from Cincinnati! That's right, I had my very first business trip/conference. Also, this is my first time being away from Dan since we have been married. Which, for those of you that don't remember is almost a year ago!<br /><br />Time flies...<br />I was trying to think what I was doing a year ago to get ready for the wedding, then I was like what was I doing 5 years ago?!? Then I remembered my <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xanga">Xanga</a> site. Xanga is pretty much one of the first blogging sites. My friends and I each had one in college. I think a lot of it had to do with Carrie Bradshaw's influence on us and we all thought we should be bloggers...Anyway, it really fascinates me to be able to go back and read what I was going through 5 years ago. I pretty much had no idea what I would be doing with my life or where I would be. I will be honest, working at a law firm in Columbus, Ohio never crossed my mind..I must say it is reassuring to know that even though I had no idea what was going to happen, it all worked out. There is no point in me trying to obesess over the uncertainty the future brings, because it will all work out!<br /><br />I thought I could share some posts with you!<br /><br /><br />My first blog ever:<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Monday, October 18, 2004</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> Currently Playing</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Commitment</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">By Lucky Boys Confusion</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Ordinary</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">see related</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Xanga</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Hey! yeah i am doing it too......but everybody else is, so it must be cool! Yay for conformity!</span><br /><br /><br /><br />One of my favorite posts ever!<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Tuesday, February 22, 2005</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> Currently Watching</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Sex and the City - The Complete Series (Seasons 1-6)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">By Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">see related</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">In class today we discussed the phisiological changes your body goes through when you experience fear, your body tenses up, heart races, pulse races, adrenaline rushes, the urge to pee your pants is also strong....and then we discussed what your body goes through when you experience love, your body tenses up, heart races, pulse races, adrenaline rushes, the urge to pee your pants is strong (ok not for some people but for me yes)....now I never thought I have experienced love, and I still don't think I have, I have endured infatuation and all of its precursors, and the phisological symptoms are much like love's.....The funny thing is that the body naturally reacts the same to both fear and love...which made me wonder....how can something so wonderful have the same reaction to something that is so horrible? Is commitment phobia more than just mental? and should I wear depends when I fall in love???? </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> Posted 2/22/2005 7:42 PM - 1 View - 4 eProps - 2 comments - edit it</span><br /><br />I think this may have been the night I met Dan...<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Friday, August 26, 2005</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> Currently Listening</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Calendar Days</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">By The Rocket Summer</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Saturday</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">see related</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">I had fun last night :).....I can't believe I am a senior, things are so crazy. where does the time go? I don't know what else to say so I will leave you with this!</span><br /><br /><br />Another one (I haven't changed that much!):<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Monday, September 19, 2005</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> Currently Listening</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Parachutes</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">By Coldplay</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">YELLOW!</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">see related</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Where do I begin??? seriously folks....hmmm...work was insane and I am sick of making sandwiches for awhile luckily I won't be doing that until Wed. Supposedly writing one's thoughts is "theraputic"...I have a lot on my mind lately and I am becomming easily annoyed ..so to vent...I am going to make my list of 5 things that bother me so.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">1. Knock off designer purses--what's the point, everyone can tell it's fake which makes you look like a skeezy cheap ass</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">2. Louis Vuitton/Dooney and Burke purses-wow you can spend $700 dollars for a purse which is infact a walking advertisement...I also hate when these purses show up walking out of walmart or dollar general....it doesn't make sense to me...</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">3. Sweet Sixteen/Laguna Beach especially when it is on after an MTV special about the unnecessary poverty/death....It really bothers me....</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">4. Selfishness....get over yourself...seriously</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">5. Lack of manners and respect....people are different...it happens...COPE IT UP...what happened to "please" and "thank you"...in the words of Jack Johnson ( my good friend)...where'd all the good people go?</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">well....that's better.......</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">I will write about coldplay soon!! it was SMASHING!</span><br /><br /><br />Ignore the typos!!<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Tuesday, October 18, 2005</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> Currently Listening</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Donavon Frankenreiter</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">By Donavon Frankenreiter</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">butterfly</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">see related</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Ok ok so here is the deal...I know you are dying on the inside, wanting to know what is going on with me and a certain someone...ok maybe not...but anyways a few people told me they can sense the tension and they know we both like eachother, which is nice! But I like that things are going slow and that I am friends first with a person before things get serious....I am happy and I don't have to try to explain his actions and my friends like him, and if we stay only friends I am fine with that too. :) anyways that is the update...and i will keep you posted...well maybe...muhahahhaahaha!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">The moral: of the story... Life is good, I am happy, I have the most wonderful friends on earth, and my car is a piece!</span><br /><br /><br />I knew it!!!<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Friday, November 25, 2005</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> Currently Listening</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">The Best Of Rent: Highlights From The Original Cast Album (1996 Original Broadway Cast)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">By Jonathan Larson</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">:)</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Barack Obama, who is going to be president someday, had a glorious quote on this event...did I mention he is going to be president someday?? </span><br /><br />I really knew it!!!<br />(this was a private post)<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Wednesday, December 07, 2005</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> I LOVE DAN MCCURLEY and...........I THINK I AM GOING TO MARRY HIM :)! I AM HAPPPY!!!!</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> Posted 12/7/2005 10:55 PM - 1 View - 0 eProps - 0 comments - edit it</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">On my way to MKE...</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Tuesday, April 11, 2006</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> Currently Listening</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Amos Lee</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">By Amos Lee</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Colors</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">see related</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Well... I guess it is time to update this site. Well since I last posted I have been accepted to the LVC and I am going to be placed in Milwaukee as a legal advocate for the Task Force on Family Violence. I am really super excited! I don't leave until August 15th and will be in Cedar Falls all summer living with Abbie and the people we are subleasing with! I am probably going to work a "crappy" job and then back to Eldora at the end of July until I leave! http://www.tffv.org is the agency's website!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">I am considering taking a May term class, about Intimate Partner Violence....but not sure if this is really something I want to do since I will FINALLY BE DONE with school!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">I met the parents last Friday and it went well, they were super nice people :). Which, in turn makes me glad. I guess you could say we are "serious." But most importantly I am happy. We are planning to stay together and let things work out! It is going to take alot of work but I am willing to do this. I really care about him! I guess if it was meant to be it was meant to be, right?</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Thank you all for your support and being such great friends and support! I definatley need you all these next couple of weeks as the senioritis kicks in!!!</span><br /><br />This is the last one:<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Tuesday, May 16, 2006</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> Currently Watching</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Friends - The Complete Ninth Season</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">see related</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">WELL---I am done....and that's about it.....</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Wednesday is our 6 month anniversary!!! I can't believe it...I am so thankful and these are the happiest 6 months of my life :)!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">that's all I got for now! </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> Posted 5/16/2006 12:21 AM - 3 Views - 2 eProps - 1 Comment - edit it</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And we are living happily ever after....<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-2810150479128929765?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-9248175434100465462010-07-12T20:50:00.000-04:002010-07-12T21:52:26.858-04:00First of all, Congrats to Spain! And to my good friend David Villa, for winning the World Cup!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TDvFhxXWLtI/AAAAAAAAB1M/ymhiJXWs8-Q/s1600/229884.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TDvFhxXWLtI/AAAAAAAAB1M/ymhiJXWs8-Q/s200/229884.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493201354486066898" /></a><br /><br /><br />I think I will maybe get this shirt to help celebrate =]<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TDu7JUAn25I/AAAAAAAAB00/htw-wjAcUlw/s1600/iker-es-mi-hombre.american-apparel-juniors-fitted-tee.gold.w760h760.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TDu7JUAn25I/AAAAAAAAB00/htw-wjAcUlw/s200/iker-es-mi-hombre.american-apparel-juniors-fitted-tee.gold.w760h760.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493189939172989842" /></a><br /><br />I really never used to get into soccer so much. In fact, I really didn't like all that much 4 years ago when Dan would make us watch the World Cup when we would visit each other. I remember I would bring big stacks of magazines and read through them, or sleep a lot when games were on. I never played a whole lot of soccer until I moved to Columbus. Dan would get together with people from the SPPO department and play, then he told me I should go along. Then we started to play FIFA on PlayStation...So I learned the game, and I learned to appreciate it.<br /><br />I joined a league with a co-worker in the fall of 2008 and had a pretty good time. It was fun to go out and play. WE never did win a game. Now, Dan and I are playing soccer in my work's rec league. This is a co-ed C league.<br /><br />Anyway, with that said, I am normally not a super competitive person. I am pretty timid when I play, because I am not super skilled at soccer. I like defense because I like to take the ball away rather than control the ball. I am not super aggressive when I play. However, if you try to push me around, that gives me the green light to push you back.<br />Most of the time I will throw an elbow or knock into someone to throw them of course from getting to the ball.<br /><br />Now, as I mentioned before this is a C league, meaning the bottom league. But there are some super competitive teams in this league. Just a little over 2 weeks ago, we were playing one of these teams. There was a man, bigger than me, who was pushy! I was trying to stay between him and the ball and I was pushing all of my weight onto him. I am not sure if he tripped, or just moved, or fell but all of the sudden he was not there anymore. Next thing you know I am on the ground trying to get up off the ground so no ref or anyone would come over. The only thing I remember was hitting my right elbow really, really hard. It is almost the same memory I had when I broke my foot. I remember landing wrong and how bad it was, and that is the only thing I remember. Dan said it also looked like I was in shock a little bit. <br /><br />It felt like I hit my funny bone really hard. My fingers went numb and it HURT! But this is soccer and you don't need your arms, so I kept playing. Towards the end of the game I just held my arm up close to my chest, and I couldn't bend or extend my arm fully.<br /><br />On the way home, I was in the car trying to use my hands when talking and I had a shooting pain in my arm. Of course, Dan and I planned a cookout for that night and saved the cleaning for after the game...I discovered I am pretty good at one armed cleaning.<br />I was in the shower when I realized how bad it was, because I couldn't reach my hair or face to wash. I couldn't squeeze the shampoo bottle.<br /><br />The next day we went to urgent care. The X-rays were probably the most painful part of the whole injury...<br />We found it was probably fractured, but I had to go back to the sports clinic and make sure.<br /><br />The gave me the sling. This helped a lot! Plus I had a lot of help from Dan! Who has become a master at dressing me! I was able to type and use the computer mouse at work. I could also ice it throughout the day. It was really swollen for about 5 days or so, then the bruise started to show! I had most of my range back, but I couldn't fully extend my elbow.<br /><br />I went to the sports clinic and the showed me the X-ray, and this is what it looked like:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TDvBvZMMFiI/AAAAAAAAB08/23C-PKm2AWI/s1600/Elbowsfatpadarrow.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 170px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TDvBvZMMFiI/AAAAAAAAB08/23C-PKm2AWI/s200/Elbowsfatpadarrow.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493197190468474402" /></a><br /><br /><br /> The arrows are pointing to Fat Pads. Which, according to the doctor, you should not be able to see both. this means I have a radial head fracture.<br /><br />The also told me most of the soreness I was experiencing was from my arm being in the sling, which was causing tennis elbow.<br />They forced my arm to extend, and thought it wasn't excruciating pain. There was a lot of pressure and it was uncomfortable.<br /><br />Since I have a good range of motion and the sling as starting to hurt my the said I didn't have to wear it anymore. I guess you don't need a cast for elbow fractures!<br /><br />I still can't fully extend my arm and I feel like Quasimodo. I try to work on it at night when I am at home. Last night, I tried to to do a work out video (which you can stream on Netflix), and realized my arm is not quite at 100% yet.<br /><br />It is still a little sore and weak. But hopefully I will be good to go in 2 weeks!<br />We still have a few games to play =]<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-924817543410046546?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-86243371002163401382010-06-20T19:31:00.000-04:002010-06-20T20:07:05.274-04:00Yikes! I am horrible with keeping up with the blog...It doesn't help that Dan and I have been going non-stop for the last month...<br /><br />In May-We went to Milwaukee for Talitha and Darren's Wedding! It was blast and I am so glad we got to go! We got to do a lot of dancing and had some great food! It was great to see Milwaukee and my friends from TFFV.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TB6o7H7tslI/AAAAAAAABzM/RfLbqitbTGU/s1600/DSCN1857.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TB6o7H7tslI/AAAAAAAABzM/RfLbqitbTGU/s200/DSCN1857.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485007129879097938" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TB6pVkBgfmI/AAAAAAAABzU/TB70RPVdF_o/s1600/DSCN1878.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TB6pVkBgfmI/AAAAAAAABzU/TB70RPVdF_o/s200/DSCN1878.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485007584096190050" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TB6ppfX4E8I/AAAAAAAABzc/Gm5hpABwzWE/s1600/DSCN1902.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TB6ppfX4E8I/AAAAAAAABzc/Gm5hpABwzWE/s200/DSCN1902.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485007926445216706" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Then, we got to see Conan O'Brien's tour that came through Columbus. It was amazing, and I am glad I finally got to see him in person.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TB6qLD-25XI/AAAAAAAABzk/0huuYYfCgi0/s1600/DSCN1924.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TB6qLD-25XI/AAAAAAAABzk/0huuYYfCgi0/s200/DSCN1924.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485008503208076658" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Then we went to San Antonio to see <a href="http://jamfla.blogspot.com/">Jamie</a>, <a href="http://csikatie.blogspot.com/">Katie</a>, and Derek. It was a lot of fun and great to see our friends from UNI. We saw the Alamo, River Walk, John Cena Rapping, Mario Kart, Fast and Furious and Blade. We also saw SATC 2, and it was horrible and pretty much made me hate rich white women.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TB6qgwq4D3I/AAAAAAAABzs/zajBx6aSlSs/s1600/DSCN1960.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TB6qgwq4D3I/AAAAAAAABzs/zajBx6aSlSs/s200/DSCN1960.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485008875981115250" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TB6q8XaGkOI/AAAAAAAABz0/y9jPXA7iMQE/s1600/DSCN1999.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TB6q8XaGkOI/AAAAAAAABz0/y9jPXA7iMQE/s200/DSCN1999.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485009350236213474" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I also got a promotion to manager of my department at work and was very stressed, but now I am getting the hang of it :).<br /><br />In June-We drove to Iowa for Kristy's wedding. We got to see a lot of people and the wedding was beautiful!! We even got to see Dan's Aunt Anne, Sally, and Kirsten in Illinois. It was great trip and it made us homesick to see everyone, and knowing it would be awhile before we saw everyone again...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TB6rwLbsuOI/AAAAAAAAB0M/OReDTPp7AQM/s1600/DSCN2071.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TB6rwLbsuOI/AAAAAAAAB0M/OReDTPp7AQM/s200/DSCN2071.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485010240374880482" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TB6rvaTO9SI/AAAAAAAAB0E/udl9ggWlMY4/s1600/DSCN2011.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TB6rvaTO9SI/AAAAAAAAB0E/udl9ggWlMY4/s200/DSCN2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485010227186038050" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TB6rUOZZ0WI/AAAAAAAABz8/U5_iVwKRaj8/s1600/DSCN2013.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/TB6rUOZZ0WI/AAAAAAAABz8/U5_iVwKRaj8/s200/DSCN2013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485009760134222178" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We joined my work's team in a soccer league and had our first game yesterday. We lost but it was fun. We realized how much out of shape we are..We are also watching the World Cup and are going to minor league baseball game this week.<br /><br />Dan is still playing in the community band and might join another band.<br />I am thinking of taking an improv class again. I miss it a lot and realized it would probably be less painful than joining the roller girls. I really liked it in college, so hopefully I can find my niche again!<br /><br />Other than that it is same old same old here....<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-8624337100216340138?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-53981975583751088382010-05-10T20:41:00.000-04:002010-05-10T21:12:36.312-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S-itp5ZHnnI/AAAAAAAABzE/dUdvETEvpA0/s1600/70A_3204.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S-itp5ZHnnI/AAAAAAAABzE/dUdvETEvpA0/s200/70A_3204.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469812682733887090" border="0" /></a><br />Long Story Short:<br />Once upon a time, I used be a runner. A pretty decent, hard working runner. I loved running! Then I broke up with running. Then awhile later, I got engaged (to Dan, not running) and had to fit in a white dress in front of a lot people. I started running again, because I didn't really like other forms of exercising all that much. Then I got married and Christmas came (along with winter). Running and I were on a break. I wanted to prevent gaining "marriage weight" as I worked so hard 9 months before. I started doing workouts in my basement. Then spring came.Running and I got back together, and I started running again....<br /><br />On May 1st I ran in the<a href="http://www.columbusdistanceclassic.com/"> Capital City Commit to Be Fit 5k</a>. I signed up because I failed to do so last year, and said I would this year....<br /><br />I really didn't train a whole lot, but I wanted to make sure I didn't die, so I started running 3 weeks before.<br /><br />It was an interesting race, considering there were a lot of people...<br />(On a side note, if you decide to walk or walk/run or wog (walk-jog), please stay to the side, so I can get around you without feeling like I am on an obstacle course. I don't care how fast you are, but I care that you are in my way. Start with the 13 milegroup not the 7....To the lady in the mint green sweatsuit that I flat tired, I am not all that sorry that I did that, you were in the way....)<br /><br />My goal was to run under 30 minutes and I made it in 28:18 ( 9:08 pace).The Amanda from 10 years ago would probably of cried at this time, but I was pretty happy with it. I was 15th out of 217 in my age group (<a href="http://www.columbusdistanceclassic.com/results/2010/5k_agegroups.txt">25-29</a>)! Which is pretty good considering I was "just trying to finish under 30 minutes." You can see photos of my finish<a href="http://www.runphotos.com/browse.cfm?race_id=179&amp;bib_number=9410&amp;searchword=&amp;subFind=Find+Photos"> here</a>!<br /><br />Later I found out that I had the fastest time out of the 51 one people on my work team :).<br /><br />There were quite a few people that did the 1/2 marathon. That is 13.1 miles. I don't think that sounds like fun at all. I don't think that is something I would like...at all...but it is pretty impressive, plus they get neater medals...<br /><br />I was a little disappointed I didn't try harder, but there is always next year....and maybe Dan will run with me!<br /><br />I am still running and finally got a new pair of shoes, as I retired my other pair after the race (they were about 3-4 years old, oops)!<br /><br />**If anyone in the area is doing any other races this summer/fall let me know-I am up for it!**<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-5398197558375108838?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-88632953706539054442010-04-07T21:26:00.000-04:002010-04-07T22:18:05.971-04:00Warning this Blog is really long...but it makes up for a month of not blogging!<br /><br />College Basketball is my favorite sport. March Madness is my favorite holiday. I am serious, I look forward to it more than I do Christmas or New Years and probably my birthday. I know you are thinking, that isn't a holiday, but trust me it is...<br /><br />This year I prepared for the Big Dance, by listening to the <a href="http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/">ESPNU</a> podcast. I became buddies with Andy Katz and Doug Gottlieb, and listened to them go on and on about the Big East, ACC and DUKE....I watched bracket busters and talked about basketball a lot (sorry Kim).<br /><br />I made three brackets (one was mascot themed). One had Kansas wining it all and the other had UNI taking Kansas down (I knew they could do it).<br /><br />I don't know if you remember last year or not, but the tournament was not super exciting. Three number ones and one two made it to the final four...I knew this year would b different.<br />We went to Hooters for the first round game, with our friends Mark and Sarah, who also are UNI alums. We had some deep fried food, drank some beers and watched Ohio Beat Georgetown and most importantly UNI beat UNLV. Next year I am contemplating taking the Friday of March Madness off work...<br />It was an awesome first day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S700vErjYQI/AAAAAAAABx8/gWPFxTpwOc4/s1600/DSCN1688.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S700vErjYQI/AAAAAAAABx8/gWPFxTpwOc4/s200/DSCN1688.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457576306757820674" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S701Hwba8tI/AAAAAAAAByE/R-2WBB48N9M/s1600/DSCN1689.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S701Hwba8tI/AAAAAAAAByE/R-2WBB48N9M/s200/DSCN1689.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457576730818179794" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Saturday the four of us went to Bdubs in Grandview. We had some deep fried food, drank some beers, and most importantly watched UNI beat KANSAS....It was amazing. I was getting nervous towards the end and even yelled at some randoms saying Kansas was going to come back and win. Our waiter brought us purple and gold shots and let us fill in the brackets in the restaurant. It was the BEST. GAME. EVER.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S703eoBRkWI/AAAAAAAABys/koLC_K-_Gys/s1600/DSCN1726.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S703eoBRkWI/AAAAAAAABys/koLC_K-_Gys/s200/DSCN1726.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457579322721276258" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S703N73l62I/AAAAAAAAByU/H1fy_CbL-UE/s1600/DSCN1724.JPG"> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S703N73l62I/AAAAAAAAByU/H1fy_CbL-UE/s1600/DSCN1724.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S703N73l62I/AAAAAAAAByU/H1fy_CbL-UE/s200/DSCN1724.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457579035991599970" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S703NWm-JII/AAAAAAAAByM/2oGrFJw_R94/s1600/DSCN1712.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S703NWm-JII/AAAAAAAAByM/2oGrFJw_R94/s200/DSCN1712.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457579025989772418" border="0" /></a><br />I was so excited! I read every article, watched every clips show and special, listened to every interview. Finally people knew how great the Panther are and where UNI was =].<br /><br />I even wrote Doug Gottlieb a letter when I got home:<br />Hello!<br />My name is Amanda McCurley, and I have been wanting to write you for awhile. I have been listening to Andy Katzs' and your podcast for awhile. I like it a lot, however I find that you mostly talk about DUKE, the Big East and ACC. I feel the the MVC and PAC 10 were greatly ignored and talked down about, and have been performing enormously during the tournament, Maybe next year, instead of oogling over Duke (who always chokes, trust me they destroy my bracket every year), The Big East (who only 4 of the 8 teams made it to the second round)...you can talk about other conferences who are severely neglected and under-rated. Yes, I may be an alumni of UNI (and a little tipsy) , but I would listen to your show every week in hope of talking about them more than 5 seconds and it never happened. Maybe next year the MVC and the Pac 10 will get more respect...Just a thought.<br /><br />Thanks!<br />(yes I know Duke won...but I HATE them)<br /><br />The game on the next Friday was not so exciting..however I am still proud of the Panthers. We went back to Bdubs, and they remembered us =].<br />The rest of the tourney was great...despite the fact Duke made it to the final....<br />I will say this, I am glad I did not pick them...I just could not do it...<br /><br />My bracket was destroyed (yes, all three of them), I didn't when any money at work, but it was still the best Tournament in awhile.<br />I am glad that Butler made it to the final and ALMOST won. I am glad a number one got knocked out in the first round. I am glad there were upsets throughout the tourney.<br /><br />I bet you are thinking, wow, you are obsessed and crazy about basketball, poor Dan. But trust me he is almost just as bad (maybe even worse). He bough multiple copies of Ali's SI cover, watched the three point shoot out on ESPN about 4 times, created this years UNI team on his NCAA game and plays a game everyday, bought some memorabilia, looks at the player's facebook pages, and even made O'Rear into Wolverine...What can I say? I love him!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S707KFO8eJI/AAAAAAAABy0/k4Ur7U-1elE/s1600/25601_631407811903_38200246_36638454_3596812_n.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S707KFO8eJI/AAAAAAAABy0/k4Ur7U-1elE/s200/25601_631407811903_38200246_36638454_3596812_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457583367832500370" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And now my favorite time of year is over...and to top it off baseball season is here....womp womp<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-8863295370653905444?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-35737910718767584372010-03-21T13:30:00.000-04:002010-03-21T13:31:44.664-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs443.snc3/25453_631301978993_38200098_36633714_1195344_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 349px;" src="http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs443.snc3/25453_631301978993_38200098_36633714_1195344_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-3573791071876758437?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-86571602706124046322010-03-10T21:04:00.000-05:002010-03-10T21:48:04.692-05:00Maybe you have seen one of my favorite <a href="http://www.hulu.com/watch/110316/saturday-night-live-what-up-with-that">SNL skits </a>, that asks the question: What's Up With That?<br /><br />I have been asking this a lot lately myself.<br /><br />Especially with all of this going on:<br /><a href="http://www.tacobell.com/menuitem/pacific-shrimp-taco"><br />Shrimp Tacos</a> at Taco Bell?? What's up with that?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://deceiver.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/chuck_norris2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 77px; height: 98px;" src="http://deceiver.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/chuck_norris2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/03/10/chuck-norris-birthday/"> C</a><a href="http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/03/10/chuck-norris-birthday/">h</a><a href="http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/03/10/chuck-norris-birthday/">uc</a><a href="http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/03/10/chuck-norris-birthday/">k Norris is 70</a>???<br /><br />Remember when <a href="http://fresnobeehive.com/2007/10/remember_when_t.html">The Office</a> was funny?<br /><br />UNI may be a 8 or 9 seed meaning they will have to play the number 1 in the 2nd Round of the tourney... What's Up with that?!?<br /><br />We caught up to HIMYM on Netflix now have to wait a whole week to watch new episodes....<br /><br />How does this <a href="http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/riptide/2010/03/the_daily_show_explains_rick_s.php">guy </a>have his own show on CNN? Also when did the "news" become interactive? Meaning, having people call, tweet, or facebook message in to voice their opinion on something...<br /><br />Jay Leno is still on TV...<br /><br />Movies like <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1305583/">this</a> keep happening...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cbs.com/primetime/two_and_a_half_men/">THIS</a> is the number one comedy in America...<br /><br />What's Up With That??<br /><br />I could probably go on, but I won't...<br />In other positive news, we have been selected to be a <a href="http://en-us.nielsen.com/tab/product_families/nielsen_netratings">nielson ratings tv family</a>...We filled out the intial survey and there were $5.oo in the packet =0)<br /><br />The weather is gorgeous here! Bye Winter!<br /><br /><br />Also, March Madness starts Sunday!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-8657160270612404632?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-57010662639634491852010-02-22T20:25:00.000-05:002010-02-22T20:49:51.568-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hDOw1jo6-nk/R6sXIig9W8I/AAAAAAAAAlM/BmbbtSlib-4/s320/3.bmp"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 280px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hDOw1jo6-nk/R6sXIig9W8I/AAAAAAAAAlM/BmbbtSlib-4/s320/3.bmp" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Lately I feel as though I am going through an awkward phase lately.<br /><br />First of all I am growing my hair out, no reason really just something different. I am not planning on growing it out super long, just to my chin. But anyways now I feel like a Hanson Brother. AWKWARD with weird hair. Maybe if I buy some cute headbands....<br /><br />Lately, I have been having trouble about where/how to shop. For example Women's or Junior's? I am 26 years old and some stuff is way to old looking and some is way too young looking! I hope it is ok I still shop in the Junior's section. AWKWARD....<br /><br /><br />Also, Dan and I have come to the crazy realization that a lot of our friends are moving away.We do have a lot of friends still in CBUS, but it is a realization they may be leaving soon too! Now we have to meet new friends...as a couple...AWKWARD. The upside is that we live in a great new neighborhood and really do like Harrison's on Third (the bar) and the even let us watch the UNI game there. Maybe we will meet someone there...<br /><br />I am trying ti make a blanket made out crocheted granny squares. I keep trying and I can't make it work. AWKWARD! I am still struggling with the darn granny squares, but I think I understand them now...I will keep you posted.<br /><br />Hopefully the post isn't too awkward!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-5701066263963449185?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-62464293141288453402010-02-16T20:08:00.000-05:002010-02-16T20:51:39.904-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S3tLgEgb0_I/AAAAAAAABwI/-aCBFsdXK9U/s1600-h/DSCN1657.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S3tLgEgb0_I/AAAAAAAABwI/-aCBFsdXK9U/s200/DSCN1657.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439023989317686258" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Well, we have started to get the snow the rest of the Midwest has been complaining about this winter. However, Dan did get to enjoy a snow day today. But it was business as usual for me (Darn you corporate America).<br /><br />We have really been getting into the show <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0460649/">How I Met Your Mother</a> on Netflix. I am also convinced that Dan and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0026515/">Marshall</a> are very similar people. Hence the following quote: "I don't know why people are so cynical about Ewoks, the Rebellion would have failed without the Ewoks. "Also, I am told there is a lot of jokes about Columbus, OH. Can't wait to see what happens. The people on this show have "their" bar the hang out at, kind of like the cafe on Friends. Anyways when my friends from Chicago came to visit this year, they were talking about trying to find their own bar in Chicago. Now Dan and I are on the quest!!<br />On Friday, we went to <a href="http://www.harrisonsonthird.com/">Harrison's on Third</a>. It had great $5.00 pizzas and is within walking distance of our house. So far so good...now we just need a group of zany friends...<br /><br />We decided to celebrate Valentine's Day on Saturday and at home this year. Dan took me to JoAnn's Fabrics. I got a BUNCH of yarn, so now I can make a really neat blanket! I need to master the Granny Square first Wish me luck! We went to Whole Foods and picked out our meal and came home and enjoyed! We didn't get away from the crowds, as there was a wine tasting there, but we did enjoy or meal in the comfort of our home. I also got some flowers =0).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S3tGeaC_K-I/AAAAAAAABvA/9FZF3Gao6So/s1600-h/DSCN1651.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S3tGeaC_K-I/AAAAAAAABvA/9FZF3Gao6So/s200/DSCN1651.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439018463181876194" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S3tHeFN7M4I/AAAAAAAABvQ/oQmFNHYnKyo/s1600-h/DSCN1664.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S3tHeFN7M4I/AAAAAAAABvQ/oQmFNHYnKyo/s200/DSCN1664.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439019557102236546" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S3tIC0nOZmI/AAAAAAAABvY/i9rVweWRAzY/s1600-h/DSCN1656.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S3tIC0nOZmI/AAAAAAAABvY/i9rVweWRAzY/s200/DSCN1656.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439020188300109410" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S3tJMdS08DI/AAAAAAAABvo/CXmyH4jQrgQ/s1600-h/DSCN1671.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S3tJMdS08DI/AAAAAAAABvo/CXmyH4jQrgQ/s200/DSCN1671.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439021453350858802" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S3tI3tMoQHI/AAAAAAAABvg/89rS4vQRC_o/s1600-h/DSCN1668.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S3tI3tMoQHI/AAAAAAAABvg/89rS4vQRC_o/s200/DSCN1668.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439021096842575986" border="0" /></a><br /><br />On Sunday, we got to go to a Columbus Blue Jackets game with our friends Mark and Sarah.It was my first NHL game and game ending in a shootout. It was a good game, even though the Jackets did not win and we did not make it on the "Kiss Cam". I cannot wait to go to more games!!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S3tKQhQHzLI/AAAAAAAABvw/knc99hA7vjs/s1600-h/DSCN1682.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S3tKQhQHzLI/AAAAAAAABvw/knc99hA7vjs/s200/DSCN1682.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439022622644358322" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S3tKs4qRpfI/AAAAAAAABv4/8WOVqT7wFhw/s1600-h/DSCN1677.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S3tKs4qRpfI/AAAAAAAABv4/8WOVqT7wFhw/s200/DSCN1677.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439023109964408306" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S3tLDhnzQOI/AAAAAAAABwA/xqNZTwu_aH8/s1600-h/DSCN1675.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S3tLDhnzQOI/AAAAAAAABwA/xqNZTwu_aH8/s200/DSCN1675.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439023498917003490" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-6246429314128845340?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-83940770082965757382010-02-01T23:07:00.000-05:002010-02-01T23:36:09.593-05:00Here's the video!<br /><br /><br /><object width="320" height="266" class="BLOG_video_class" id="BLOG_video-3108b13142d5a924" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/get_player"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="flashvars" value="flvurl=http://v22.nonxt2.googlevideo.com/videoplayback?id%3D3108b13142d5a924%26itag%3D5%26app%3Dblogger%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1330242751%26sparams%3Did,itag,ip,ipbits,expire%26signature%3DCF306A238F8C5C102269CECF4EE05633673102E.4E7F32C0811FF44683B9F8728A7071DC7286C144%26key%3Dck1&amp;iurl=http://video.google.com/ThumbnailServer2?app%3Dblogger%26contentid%3D3108b13142d5a924%26offsetms%3D5000%26itag%3Dw160%26sigh%3DT7jLXWebFhkWKg64kJc0sg70HMo&amp;autoplay=0&amp;ps=blogger"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/get_player" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"width="320" height="266" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"flashvars="flvurl=http://v22.nonxt2.googlevideo.com/videoplayback?id%3D3108b13142d5a924%26itag%3D5%26app%3Dblogger%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1330242751%26sparams%3Did,itag,ip,ipbits,expire%26signature%3DCF306A238F8C5C102269CECF4EE05633673102E.4E7F32C0811FF44683B9F8728A7071DC7286C144%26key%3Dck1&iurl=http://video.google.com/ThumbnailServer2?app%3Dblogger%26contentid%3D3108b13142d5a924%26offsetms%3D5000%26itag%3Dw160%26sigh%3DT7jLXWebFhkWKg64kJc0sg70HMo&autoplay=0&ps=blogger"allowFullScreen="true" /></object><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-8394077008296575738?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00361515032931757679noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-62033472495187014212010-01-31T21:51:00.000-05:002010-01-31T23:57:47.523-05:00So...Dan and I have lived in our "new" place for almost 4 months. And after many promises to post pictures...I have recorded a walking tour. Of course, I waited until we cleaned for Dan's birthday party. Note we did get some new stuff this weekend at IKEA, so I will have to post new pictures, once everything is situated. W finally got a washer and dryer, so no more lugging laundry around and most importantly no PAYING to do laundry anymore. Here is one of the ottomans we got to extend our couch, so we both can lay down. Also I am not sure how good the video of the tour is...I tried!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S2ZHn36yRYI/AAAAAAAABuU/o7mbaMiNCng/s1600-h/DSCN1625.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S2ZHn36yRYI/AAAAAAAABuU/o7mbaMiNCng/s200/DSCN1625.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433108750820066690" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S2ZISeNruUI/AAAAAAAABuc/Ug7nUbvCRT8/s1600-h/DSCN1626.JPG"> <img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S2ZISeNruUI/AAAAAAAABuc/Ug7nUbvCRT8/s200/DSCN1626.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433109482654382402" border="0" /></a><br />We had a great JANUARY! My birthday, my best friends came from Chicago on a surprise visit, Dan's Birthday, and a lot of Karaoke =].<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S2ZJFFY80bI/AAAAAAAABuk/Q7NnqDxQH7E/s1600-h/DSCN1551.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S2ZJFFY80bI/AAAAAAAABuk/Q7NnqDxQH7E/s200/DSCN1551.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433110352164082098" border="0" /></a><br /><br />My knitting habit/obsession as taken off. I love it and so far I have made two scarves. As you can see below, mu first scarf was the green one. Dan says it is very rustic...but I have improved a lot (as you can see in the purplish one).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S2ZGIhnlNrI/AAAAAAAABuE/YyByAW-RAc8/s1600-h/DSCN1627.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S2ZGIhnlNrI/AAAAAAAABuE/YyByAW-RAc8/s200/DSCN1627.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433107112746366642" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S2ZG3XW6ehI/AAAAAAAABuM/g2s_PQ0_ssE/s1600-h/DSCN1629.JPG"> <img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S2ZG3XW6ehI/AAAAAAAABuM/g2s_PQ0_ssE/s200/DSCN1629.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433107917445954066" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The video would not upload...I will try again tomorrow!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-6203347249518701421?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-19992460654852740682010-01-12T23:25:00.000-05:002010-01-12T23:27:25.021-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S01LVWng-kI/AAAAAAAABtA/ZycGJScHbCs/s1600-h/20537_998005347245_12414206_53699727_7152802_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/S01LVWng-kI/AAAAAAAABtA/ZycGJScHbCs/s400/20537_998005347245_12414206_53699727_7152802_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426075956271970882" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-1999246065485274068?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-85139802274103524972010-01-01T15:42:00.000-05:002010-01-01T15:55:29.003-05:00Happy New Year!<br />Last night I actually had a great time, not that I was doubting I would, but I have never really liked New Years. Mostly because it is right before my birthday and everyone always was partied out and didn't feel like doing anything on the 3rd. Anyway, we went to a friends house and hung out with good friends and rung in a Happy New Year. I also slept in in past 1 this afternoon, because when we went to bed I realized I had been up for 21 hours...<br /><br /><br />We had a great time in Iowa for Christmas, catching up and visiting with our families. I think I gained about 15 pounds from all the food I inhaled! We were both sad to have to come back to Ohio, maybe someday we will be closer to home.<br /><br /><br />Here are my goals for 2010! Dan can blog about his later...<br />1. start working out again, and to acquire a treadmill<br />2. become more crafty (like sewing and making stuff)<br />3. master knitting, stamping and making my own stationary<br />4. to cut down on my sugar intake<br />5. read more books<br />6. keep in better contact with friends and family<br />7. limit my screen time (tv, computer, etc.)<br />8. purchase a washing machine and dryer<br />9. visit/explore other parts of Ohio<br />10. blog more =]<br /><br />HAPPY NEW YEAR!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-8513980227410352497?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-29245702873547305782009-12-07T21:24:00.000-05:002009-12-07T21:26:12.276-05:00Yes, I realize this is two posts in one night...It will probably never happen again.<br /><br /><br />Enjoy! <a href="http://www.yuppiepunk.org/2009/11/10-awesome-sweaters.html">Awesome Sweaters!</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-2924570287354730578?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-6831459204035088282009-12-07T20:47:00.000-05:002009-12-07T21:08:37.566-05:00<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ok</span>...so Dan and I are not good at blogging. And I guess what we aren't good at getting Christmas cards together either! I think we were a little worn out from sending "Thank-Yous" so I think we will wait until next year to have our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">McCurley</span> Christmas Card debut.<br /><br /><br />November was a good month! We had a great Thanksgiving. We had a few friends over and played some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Xbox</span> 360 =]. We had lots of great food including a peanut butter cup pie from Perkins. I am thankful we have great friends to spend the holidays with, as we are unable to get back to Iowa as often as we would like.<br /><br /><br />I started my new position at work today. I am assistant manager in another department at the firm. It is great! I have a great co-assistant manager and a great manager. I will a lot from these ladies. The people in the department are great too. I am really excited. It is hard to start out and not quite know exactly what is going, especially since I had my other position mastered and made into a well oiled machine...but change is good!<br /><br /><br />There really isn't a whole lot else to report on. We are FINALLY settled into our new place and are welcoming visitors! (Wink)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3381/3586061073_6466272345.jpg?v=0"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 332px; height: 236px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3381/3586061073_6466272345.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Also I decided I want to become more crafty. I was in a bookstore the other day looking at craft books and was like I want to do that. I am not very good with scissors or any of my fine motor skills, but hopefully things will turn out <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ok</span>. I am teaching myself to knit and want to start making my own stationary, which means gifts and cards may appear more frequently, in the mail...because who doesn't love mail! Let me know if you want anything!<br /><br /><br />Last but not least, I read a great book over Thanksgiving called the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hunger-Games-Suzanne-Collins/dp/0439023483">Hunger Games</a> by Suzanne Collins. I read it in a day. It was probably the best book I have read in a long time. It is a young adult book, but it was much better than the Twilight series. The Hunger Games is also part of series and only two of three books are out. I have yet to read book two, Catching Fire, but I have only heard great things. I totally recommend it.<br />Any other good reads out there?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-683145920403508828?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-71976707871163818162009-11-12T11:54:00.000-05:002009-11-12T12:33:47.943-05:00<span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-family: georgia;">Hi, it's Dan. Amanda suggested that I write in a different color on this blog so you know who you are reading. For today's entry, I have chosen this maroon color. I might also use a serif font to increase my ease of readability. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-family: georgia;">Recently, I accepted a new position, effective Jan. 1, as an Academic Advisor in the same department in which I already teach. I applied for the job while we were sitting in O'Hare on the way to our honeymoon, so despite my initial reluctance, I was glad I brought my laptop on the trip. I submitted all my materials online then went to Iceland, putting the job on the back burner of my mind. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-family: georgia;">Once we got back to the US, I had to start teaching again right away, but I kept checking the status of my application on the job website from time to time. Since the university where I work is rivaled only by the Social Security Administration in terms of bureaucratic prowess, it took a few weeks for the status of my documents to change from Application Submitted to Application Received to Application Referred. Then, the departmental committee assigned to find a new academic advisor reviewed the pile of Application Referred candidates. Finally, about three weeks ago, I was contacted for an interview via email by our department's HR rep, whose office is probably about 60 meters from my own. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-family: georgia;">It was a committee style interview, but thankfully I had worked with and knew all the members of the committee, so it made the interview much more comfortable than some I have done in the past (over-bearing problem kid middle school Spanish position last spring). At the time I felt like it went pretty well, and obviously it must have, as I was offered the position a few days later. I gladly accepted.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-family: georgia;">Since I got to this university, I have been teaching undergrad Spanish courses, and working with the students has been the part I have most enjoyed (apart from travelling all-expenses paid to exotic locals like Quebec, Boston and Champaign, IL for minorly relevant conferences). In this new job, I will still be working with undergrad students, but with a few differences. First and foremost, I won't be regularly teaching in the classroom anymore. No more lesson plans, no more working on Sunday nights to figure out what the hell I am going to do at work the next morning. Secondly, the students I will be working with will mostly be Spanish majors and minors, as opposed the potpourri of general education level students. Thirdly, I am pretty sure I will have my own office.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-family: georgia;">The job itself mostly deals with advising Spanish major and minors about their concerns with scheduling, study abroad and other stuff like that. It's an administrative job, but since the department has 800+ Spanish majors/minors, the faculty doesn't take on undergrad advising duties, leaving it instead to academic advisors (there will be two now). Here are the main job duties, copied straight from the job description in the posting:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left; color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-family: georgia;">Summary of Duties<br />Serves as an undergraduate student advisor in Department of Spanish and<br />Portuguese; advises Spanish and Portuguese majors and minors with<br />respect to Honors, transfer credit, and study abroad; assesses individual<br />major and minor programs, performs transfer credit evaluations; prepares<br />and disseminates information to prospective and currently enrolled majors<br />and minors; participates in ASC Arts and Humanities and departmental<br />committees; maintains open relations with other university advisors and<br />coordinators; conducts outreach including student recruitment, event<br />planning and publicity; performs assigned teaching duties according to<br />department needs. Reports to the chair of the department. <br /><br />In all, I think this job will be a great fit for me. I got into post-secondary ed/academia because I wanted to work with and teach undergrad level students, but I got kind of turned off of becoming an Ivory Tower research jockey when I burned out of grad school. Since then, this is the kind of job that I have been looking for and applying to, so the fact that this one is in Columbus and at the same school where I already work is a dream combination (all the other ones were in Boston or Vermont...ie. moving far away). And because Amanda is already in a pretty good work situation here, I think this will make it easier for us to stay in C-bus for a while, without me looking for and dreaming about jobs far away. Eventually I think we still want to get back closer to our homeland, but for now Columbus will be a good fit.<br /><br />Also, this new position has full benefits, so if any siblings/nephews/nieces would like a 50% tuition discount at this university, all he/she would have to do is move to Ohio, establish residency and legally change into our guardianship.<br /><br />That is all. Hopefully your questions about my new job have been answered. Also, I will try to participate in this "blog" more often from now on.<br /><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-7197670787116381816?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00361515032931757679noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-15526915210763773442009-11-07T19:23:00.001-05:002009-11-07T19:24:05.606-05:00Mom, I think you can add comments now. =].<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-1552691521076377344?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-6376227490582046702009-11-04T19:14:00.000-05:002009-11-04T19:18:16.914-05:00I really am not sure to say, but WHY!?!?!?! keeps coming to mind....Click <a href="http://www.relevantmagazine.com/main/slices/movies/18864-another-movie-that-will-be-awful">HERE</a> at your own risk...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-637622749058204670?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-19866160107226695782009-11-01T19:52:00.000-05:002009-11-01T20:07:19.328-05:00Dan and I celebrated our first Halloween as McCurleys! It was A good one! We only had 2 trick-or-treaters though.<br /><br />We did carve a pumpkin:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/Su4uQxspF7I/AAAAAAAABjQ/2jqEdl188ts/s1600-h/DSCN1336.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/Su4uQxspF7I/AAAAAAAABjQ/2jqEdl188ts/s320/DSCN1336.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399303869017167794" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I dressed up at work with my friends as Harry Potter, Hermione and Ron. It is kind of creepy how well it turned out:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/Su4ujwZsjMI/AAAAAAAABjY/RlXcdBnh_YM/s1600-h/DSCN1340.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/Su4ujwZsjMI/AAAAAAAABjY/RlXcdBnh_YM/s320/DSCN1340.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399304195086781634" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://api.ning.com/files/b-p2wJIvne*vWgTgDbbE4QHLxwEmmOkrZGR4RB99kIqfOGbEO73z5wJoz61FpnWHcKLZfj0VAAh9F0T0Pnm24iBnxQBY3gK8/Harry_Ron_Hermione.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 236px; height: 233px;" src="http://api.ning.com/files/b-p2wJIvne*vWgTgDbbE4QHLxwEmmOkrZGR4RB99kIqfOGbEO73z5wJoz61FpnWHcKLZfj0VAAh9F0T0Pnm24iBnxQBY3gK8/Harry_Ron_Hermione.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Dan and I had our first couple's costume as Ron and Hermione, but not the way you may think.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/Su4u2DjDQ_I/AAAAAAAABjg/2klIkl-prXs/s1600-h/DSCN1353.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lwJMC9CN-Gk/Su4u2DjDQ_I/AAAAAAAABjg/2klIkl-prXs/s320/DSCN1353.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399304509463938034" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It was a great Halloween. Now on to November....<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-1986616010722669578?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-49366528561371336132009-10-19T21:44:00.000-04:002009-10-19T21:53:39.290-04:00Watching <a href="http://www.sho.com/site/dexter/home.do">Dexter</a> on instant watch on Netflix. (I knew that Xbox was a good investment)<br />Eating Guacamole and Chips<br />Drinking Wine<br />Snuggling with my other half<br />Shopping for winter clothes-I need some sweaters that fit!<br />Working on my Halloween costume-(feeling <a href="http://vulcanstev.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/ron_weasley1.jpg">Weasley</a>?!?)<br />Helping Dan pick out a costume (we are open for suggestions)<br />Looking at my wedding pictures<br />Sleeping<br />Waiting for College Basketball to start and Finding a good podcast that will help me build my bracket in March<br />Writing this Blog (you can tell I am really trying to distract myself, the true test will be if Dan ever blogs on here)<br />Ok, I guess I better get back to unpacking...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-4936652856137133613?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-63546816332494645242009-10-07T21:10:00.000-04:002009-10-08T19:04:16.202-04:00Yesterday we got our pictures from the photographer. I have put the ones that are the tight edit <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/ajomccurley/TheMcCurleys?feat=email#">HERE</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-6354681633249464524?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-13922265788324280672009-10-07T19:09:00.000-04:002009-10-07T19:14:33.204-04:00I finally put our pictures from Iceland in some kind of order =] There aren't any captions yet, and there are three, yes 3 albums...Enjoy!<br />Click <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/ajomccurley/IceIceBaby#">HERE</a> and <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/ajomccurley/IceIceBaby2#">HERE</a> and also <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/ajomccurley/IceIceBabyTheTriology#">HERE</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-1392226578832428067?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-52455964145872760682009-10-06T22:22:00.000-04:002009-10-06T22:27:48.100-04:00Alright, it has been awhile...We are moved, not unpacked but moved to our new place. Hence the lack of posts. Dan's Dad came and helped move the big stuff, and I am so thankful he did! Like everything else we will post pictures as soon as we have our stuff in order....<br /><br />I guess what they say is true...We have become married, old and boring...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-5245596414587276068?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384692849274991509.post-76685989898689189622009-09-26T17:28:00.000-04:002009-09-26T17:32:05.874-04:00Hello and Welcome to our blog.<br />We have been super busy adjusting back to Columbus and we are moving this week to another apartment. Once we are settled I am sure we will have more to post. We are working on uploading our honeymoon and wedding pictures to a picasa album. If you have any pictures of the wedding feel free to send them our way. We we would love to see them.<br />Dan will probably post in one color and I will in another that way you can tell who is writing what.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3384692849274991509-7668598989868918962?l=amandanmcc.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06103384311047598242noreply@blogger.com0