What Do You Do All Day?

For those of you who who don't know...

I LOVE MY JOB!!!  Really! I do!

I work in an office of great people for an amazing company.

What do I do?

My full time job is working for a company that does agricultural loans. Yep, we work with farmers and those who want to invest in farm land.

My specific duties? Wow! It's a long list! You know that part in every job description that states  "other duties as assigned", well somedays I do a lot of those other duties. Mainly I prepare loan documents, answer phones, answer questions, post loan payments. Some days I'm a paper pusher, some days I'm a pencil pusher but mostly I just try to be a people pleaser.

I enjoy our clientele, they're pretty relaxed and laid back. They like to chat about the weather, crops and who knows what about who.

The one drawback to my job....I work in a cubicle.

But...I try to keep the decor cheery!

So, if you eat, use soap and/or shampoo, ok-pretty much anything....

THANK A FARMER!!!

I can only hope that others enjoy their work as much as I do!

World Heart Day

Today is World Heart Day

Adopt a healthy attitude and activity.

Have a happy, healthy day!

Semper Promptus

Always on hand!

We bid a tearful good bye to a co-worker today. He is joining the army reserve and leaves next week to begin his training.
He is going to make a helluva soldier!

Friday Fun - Kids

Happy Friday!

Thank you Pinterest for these.

Have a great weekend!

A word of caution

If you live in or near a rural area of the country, you SHOULD know what this sign means.

SLOW DOWN AND USE CAUTION!!!!!!!!!!

It's the time of year when farm machinery is moving around again. Please drive carefully, use your brain and don't be reckless!

Remember, the farmers are in the field to feed YOU!!!!

Ta da!

Little Miss got her new ear molds this week. She is very excited because.....

they're PURPLE!!!!!

We had to sit in the waiting room for a while

Again, these folks are great to work with!

Have a great Wednesday!

Weekend recap

Happy Monday! I hope you had a good weekend.
Mine was pretty uneventful, but I am fine with that!

Friday night, I had no idea I was starting an addicition. I watched the Chicago Fire pilot episode, thinking I kind of wanted to check this show out. I was hooked! I ended up watching the entire season this weekend. Season 2 starts Tuesday night...  I'll be tuning in. I only cried 3 times...2 times involved deaths and the other was watching one of the characters and his wife go through something we have fairly recently been through.

Saturday, I took DD to my parents'. She was going to stay the night since my niece was staying there too. I had a nice time visiting with them for a few hours and playing with Miss L.  The Mr. and DS went to the NIU football game. Huskies won!!!  :). 3-0 baby.  They said they have never been to a game that crowded but they fun and got to see a win.

Yesterday was beautiful here! Sunny and mid 70s...perfect! I got laundry caught up, made Bears game dinner (manwich, chips and brownies), read a little in the sun and caught a quick nap. The Bears beat the Steelers.

So, here we are at Monday again...

PS: the Cubs have 6 games left...This season can't end soon enough!

How was your weekend?

Chicago Fire

Wow!

 I just found this show on Xfinity.... I missed all of the 1st season and the 2nd season starts this week. I'm trying to watch the whole season.

This is a great show!

Friday Letters

Dear Friday,
Hello my friend! I am so glad you're here.

Dear Weekend,
GO SLOW!

Dear Books,
I plan to spend some quality time reading this weekend. We will meet soon!

Dear neck & back,
Thank you for inflicting pain this week. (It's finally better!)

Dear Full Moon,
Why must you bring all the craziness wih you?

Dear Summer weather,
Go away!!! I am tired of heat and humidity.

Dear Farmers,
I see your fields drying. I know you're getting antsy. Hang in there, harvest is coming.

Dear Huskies,
Happy home opener weekend! Let's make it 3-0....

Dear NFL & NHL,
The boys in this house are happy again. Thanks for full seasons!

Dear Blog Readers & Followers,
Thank you for all your comments and visits. I love them!

Wishing you all a wonderful Friday and weekend.

PS: Check out The Sweet Season

Boys Behind the Blog

I'm linking up today with Mal Smiles and Never the Same Spice Twice for the first time for their Boys Behind the Blog link-up #4. (Please make sure you go visit their blogs...)

"The Boy" (aka: the Mr.) behind this blog, answered the following questions:

1. If you were an animal, what animal would you be?

A bear (have you see the movie, Zookeeper? That will be your point of reference)

2. What is your favorite meal?

Sonic 

3. Do you use any forms of Social Media?

No

4. Beer, wine, liquor, other or none of the above?

Other-Sonic sweet tea (with raspberry

5. Complete the sentence: "Never have I ever..."

Been to New York

Now you know a little more about my "Boy". I'm looking forward to next month.

Tales from the library & last weekend

I haven't covered "Tales from the Library" segments in quite a while. For those who don't know, I work part-time at our local library. Those who think a library is quiet - really should hang out there for extended periods of time. NOT the case!

2 little stories for you:

*We have an organization in our community that provides housing/living assistance for adults with disabilities of all kinds. They visit the library in small groups throughout the week. They're neat people and are usually very quiet. I had the chance to wait on a few of them a couple of weeks ago. One of the ladies brought a CD up to check out and said, "I love her. She's so good!" I agreed. She immediately burst into one of her songs. It wasn't a good rendition and there weren't many people around, so I just let her go. She sang a full chorus. It totally warmed my heart how uninhibited she was and didn't care who thought what.
*Monday evening I was working in the youth department. A junior high aged girl was working on the computer next to her mom.
A young man about her age walked up (I think he thought he had some "moves"...ah - not so much), leaned on the table next to where she was working and says "Hey there girl."
My co-worker and I looked up and saw this all happening. Her mom looked over and quickly covered her smirk.
The girl looked at him and said "Hi," quickly and went back to her work. Then he says "Whatcha workin' on?"
She looked up at him annoyed and said "School stuff."
He looks at her and seriously (I'm not making this up...) gave her a wink, the fake gun point and says, "I hope to see you here again."
Oh man...
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Last weekend was a pretty good one.
Friday night, I with my DD to meet Sue Grafton (one of my favorite authors), who writes the alphabet mystery series. She's a very nice lady! She spent time talking to DD and told her about her granddaughters.
Saturday, I worked at the library. The "highlight" of my Saturday? I got.....
A NEW WASHING MACHINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
For those who have been married for ten years or longer, I think you will understand - this is exciting. (PS: I think every 10 years, you should get to have a "shower" where you get new towels, sheets, etc...anyone else agree?) So, anyway - I have a new shiny washing machine that doesn't make weird noises.
Sunday, I made chili, bread and brownies while we watched the Bears win. (Ok, the Mr. and DS watched the game - I napped)  I got the bathrooms cleaned and laundry done (in my new washer).

This coming weekend, NO work for me! YEA!!!!!!!!!!! I'm not sure what I'll do, but I'm sure I'll find something to do.

Literary Junkies

Linking up with Lesley and Taylor 
Our questions for the month:

- What are you currently reading? Tell us about it!  I am reading W is for Wasted by Sue Grafton. Book #23 in her mystery series-I've read them all, so far. I met her last Friday and she is so nice! What happens when two guys die, one Kisney knows and one she doesn't?

- Autumn is coming! What's your go-to drink when curling up with a book at night? Autumn IS COMING! I love a cup of hot tea when I'm reading.

- Printed books vs. e-books: What are the pros and cons of each?  Oooo, I read both. I love holding a print book on my hands but I like the convience of an e-book when I want to read somewhere putside home. I live my Kindle app.

- Buying books vs. library books: Which do you prefer and why?  I am ALL about the library. First, I work there. Second, I usually only read a book once and have a hard time justifying spending money to buy a book.

What are you reading?

Music Monday

Yes, it's another country song. I love this song, then I saw the video - awesome! THEN, I saw the behind the scenes video and was blown away (it doesn't take much...).

Check it out:

The official video~

The behind the scenes~

Have a great day!

Photo Shoot link up

Katie invited me to join in her Photo Photo link up.

 Her's my photo for this month:

Dear Cubs....

You kill me, you know that, right? Every October to mid-February, I wait and wait for baseball to start. Every year, you break my heart. I work with Cardinals fans....come on, help a girl out here! 

Once again, I would like to thank you for a suck-tacular season. I can only hope I will win the bet with my friend as to how many games you would win this season. (For the record...I picked 65).

Sincerely,

Brokenhearted (again!)

PS: I still like the pants!

Friday Fun - Stand Up Comedy

One of my favorite clips by Gabriel Iglesias (aka: Fluffy).

This guy is hilarious!

You can catch him on Comedy Central now & then.

Happy Friday!

Mini update

8 days of the 30 day squat challenge are completed!!!!! I'm pretty proud of myself for sticking with it.
I guess without really realizing it, I've been eating a little better too.
I'm starting to see a little difference, so I'm hoping I'll keep sticking with it.

Never forget!

Travel Tuesday-I left my heart

In San Francisco! (5 years ago!)

DH & I had a few days in San Fran on our way to Hawaii. What a great city! It's beautiful, clean, historic and friendly. The areas around the city are beautiful, too!

We visited Muir Woods, Napa, Alcatrez, Chinatown (ok, so that wasn't the greatest experience, but we'd try again), saw the Painted Ladies and AT&T Park.  Our list of places to see there is still quite long. We also drove across the Golden Gate Bridge and down Lombard Street.

We really want to go back!

This is my favorite mug:

My husband went to Starbucks the first morning we were there, while I was sleeping, and got breakfast and a little surprise for me...
I have used that surprise almost everyday to drink my coffee or tea. I haven't been able to find anything like this any other city we've been in.

Here are some stock photos (I can take no credit for these!) of San Fran. One of these days, I'll post our full blown trip there!

Catch up time & Some Randomness

Happy Monday!

Today is Day 5 of the 30 day squat challenge---rest. I have kept up the first 4 days and walked each of those days, too. I feel the burn but remind myself it's good for me.

Summer won't quite let go yet. DD's school is letting out early today and tomorrow due to the expected heat and humidity. (The schools don't have a/c). Come on fall....

 Thank you to all who have been visiting my blog. I love and appreciate your comments.

What have we been doing the past few weeks?
Well, here's a few highlights....

DD and I went to Scrapbook Expo. We had a great time! She did several of the Make & Takes

We did a little shopping at: Travelin Duckie, Petticoat Parlor, Eyelet Outlet along with several other booths and vendors. There were LOTS of yummy scrapping goodies! I think we'll go again next year.

The next weekend:

Then.....

DS started classes again

And....

She was up at 6 a.m. and ready to go!

Labor Day weekend was our town festival...we had our share of fair food.

And this little lady....

Had her 1st birthday.

I had a follow up with my cardiologist on Thursday. He took me off my blood thinner and cleared my last restriction. So Saturday.....

We all had a great time!

Might I suggest some good reads? I enjoyed these this summer.

Wishing you a great Monday and week!

Nice and Easy

Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken

This has become a stand by recipe at our house.

Put as many chicken breasts as you need, I figure about 1 per person I'm feeding, in the crockpot.

Cover with BBQ sauce of your choice.

Cook about 3-4 hours on high or 7-8 on low.

When chicken is cooked, take the breasts out, shred the meat (if it's cooked, it should almost fall apart).

Return it to the crockpot and let it simmer for another 30-45 minutes.

 Serve and enjoy!

This is my kind of recipe, easy and uncomplicated.

Enjoy!

Bloglovin

I just added my blog to Bloglovin this week. I started following more of my blogroll blogs too. Wow! I love having my regular reads in one feed. Why didn't I do this sooner?!

I have been in a couple of situations in the last 24 hours where someone says something that I don't know how to respond. There is a time and a place to share certain things, but we don't need to hear everything. Use your filter....  

Rant over, sorry!

Have a great weekend all!

Thanks to all who stop by and leave a comment.

Friday Fun

A little reading/library humor from Pinterest.

What are you reading?

 

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Have a great weekend!

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PS: day 2, done!

(And yes, you're going to hear about this)

A little fitness challenge

I found this challenge

on Steph's blog.  

(Go visit her blog, it's great!)

Who else is in?

PS: I started Day 1 today...

Scrapping stuff

This is my lil craft corner. 

DH put up a shelf and a couple hanging wires a couple weeks ago. I love it!

The shelf and wires loaded up!

Now to get another light for the corner...

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Here is the pages and cards I have completed the past couple of weeks. I'm sorry to say, I don't keep track of what supplies I use on each project. 

My challenge this year has just been to use my stash supplies, I've had a few moments of weakness (Scrapbook Expo...), but have done pretty well with it.