Monday Date Night

Today's Beautiful Thing is dinner out, walking through some cute little shops, and ice cream for dessert with my favorite guy. What's the occasion? Just because. <3

Creativity

Today's Beautiful Thing is collaging with Michele. We had the best time. Fastest 4 hours of my life. :)

Taking it Easy

Today's Beautiful Thing is doing what I want today. I slept in, watched Ted Kennedy's funeral mass, and ran errands between the tributes and burial later this evening. I got to do exactly what I wanted today, but was still somewhat productive too. Win-win.

Joy

Today's Beautiful Thing is a genuine Irish wake. I listened to Ted Kennedy's tributes with laughter and tears. As it should be.

Easy Breezy!

Today's Beautiful Thing is a cool breeze on a hot summer evening. Ahhh!

Crossing Party Lines

Today's Beautiful Thing is friendship, regardless of political affiliation. The outpouring of love by many members of the Republican party for Senator Kennedy is very refreshing. Even Nancy Regan said she couldn't believe how partisan our country is now and how terrible she thinks it is. I couldn't agree more. Rest in Peace, Senator Kennedy. I hope someone picks up the torch you carried these 47 years. God Bless.

Uncle Teddy

Today's Beautiful Thing is Senator Edward Kennedy, who passed away this evening. Thank you Uncle Teddy for all you have done for our country to try to make universal health care a reality. I'm sorry you didn't live to see it, but you set the wheels in motion and we are so grateful. Rest in peace.

I'm a Fan

Today's Beautiful Thing is a ceiling fan and an open window on a muggy summer night. The air was so still, I didn't think I could sleep. Thank heavens for my fan. :)

My Laptop!

Today's Beautiful Thing is using my very own laptop again. I've missed it.

Bonus Beautiful Thing: The guys at the computer repair shop installed the RAM sticks for free. Yesss!

Zzzzzzz...

Today's Beautiful Thing is sleeping in. I slept for 12 hours today. I must have needed it. :)

Mmmmm!

Today's Beautiful Thing is a big 'ol bowl of cocido on a cool summer night. Yum!

Face Book

Today's Beautiful Thing is Face Book. A cousin that I've never met found me and we are having fun e-mailing each other now. Cool :)

Inspiration

Today's Beautiful Thing is being inspired. The hubby & I will be together for 25 years on September 29th and I've wanted to have our portraits done. A high school friend posted photos on her FaceBook page of their 20th Anniversary photos and I knew I'd found the photographer. To my delight, she offered his info. Yay! I can't wait! (BTW, How cute are they?!?!)

For Emma

Today's Beautiful Thing is baking cupcake cones for a sweet little girl, Emma, just to surprise her. She loved them!

Calm

Today's Beautiful Thing is a quiet Monday. Ususally Mondays are a busy catch-up from the weekend, but today it was nice and calm. I appreciate it very much.

Lazy

Today's Beautiful Thing is a cool, lazy Sunday afternoon. After a couple of hectic weeks, it's just what the doctor ordered. :)

Successful Shopping!

Today's Beautiful Thing is finding a new clothing store. Mom & I went birthday shopping at the Dress Barn and we both got cute new things to wear. It was nice to be able to shop together at the same store and both love what we got.

Mom

Today's Beautiful Thing is my mom. It's her 61st birthday and the world is a beter place because she is in it. :)

Smile!

Today's Beautiful Thing is a good laugh. A couple wanted to take a scenic photo of themselves on their vacation. They set the self-timer and ran to get in the photo. Just as the camera snapped the picture, a squirrel popped his head up. The pic was so silly; it made me happy all day. :)

All Caught Up

Today's Beautiful Thing is being all caught up at work. Eight hour workdays all three days this week. I'd forgotten what that felt like. :) Yeah!

No Traffic!

Today's Beautiful Thing is a wide-open freeway at rush hour. Yeah!

Mmmmm!

Today's Beautiful Thing is a big pan of risotto. It took me forever to make it, but it came out perfect. Very creamy and a little garlicky with green onions and mushrooms. Chicken breasts pounded flat & cooked roma tomatoes & olive oil and steamed broccoli on the side. Yum-o.

Finally!

Today's Beautiful Thing is finally finishing our kitchen mini face lift. It looks so bright and cheery now. Ahhh, accomplishment! :)

Farmer's Market

Today's Beautiful Thing is a brand new Sprouts in my neighborhood. I bought the nicest fresh fruit and vegetables this afternoon. What a yummy healthy week we have to look forward to. Bonus Beautiful Thing: I found this adorable photo of my soon-to-be 4 year old niece on the hubby's computer. And I thought I couldn't work the scanner when I was doing it. Score!

Refreshing

Today's Beautiful Thing is fresh fruit waters from Taco Mesa Restaurant. I am spoiled to be able to have free refills of my favorite--watermelon water--at Taco Mesa because most places don't do that. It was hot tonight and the watermelon water was a delicious compliment to my spicy blackened chicken tacos. Mmmm... Bonus Beautiful Thing: Hubby ordered horchata, but decided he wanted mixed fruit water for a refill, and they let you do that. Why not try 'em all, right? ;)

Easy Does It!

Today's Beautiful Thing is a simple meal of pot roast, steamed veggies, corn-on-the-cob & tortillas. I bought the precooked pot roast in gravy for nights like tonight when one of us has an appointment and dinner needs to be ready in a hurry.
Bonus Beautiful Thing: Not being a fan of beef, I didn't expect to like it. But it was actually quite tasty.

Helpful

Today's Beautiful Thing is getting caught up on my work and helping others with theirs. I feel like I've finally taken control of my job and I like to lend a hand when I can. :)

Ahhhh!

Today's Beautiful Thing is the refreshing feeling I get after I wash my face. I just washed off that thick layer of 15 hour old make up with some great cleanser and my face feels all tingly and cool. Love it.

Getting Better

Today's Beautiful Thing is my mom. The doctor says her eyesight is getting better. Thank God. Thanks to everyone for the hugs, prayers, good vibes, white light, well wishes--all of it. I love you, my friends.
(These scenic photos from the last few days are sample photos on the hubby's computer. Nice, huh?)

Glad

Today's Beautiful Thing is getting a nice note from Michele saying she liked the scene I wrote. It's very rough, but I needed to share it anyway. I'm so fortunate to have someone who gets me--even when I am all rough around the edges. :)

Not one, but Two!

Today's Beautiful Thing is having two computers. Hubby and I are sharing right now, but I feel very fortunate that we still have a computer we can use when some people don't even have one. We are very lucky.