Order of Disarray

Don't mess with a marching band!...

2011-11-24T12:45:00.001-05:00

Take note of the perfect cymbal crash...

Honey Badger don't care...

2011-10-10T08:00:00.000-04:00

In case you're the one person on the planet that hasn't seen this or at least heard of it...

LMAO!

How to piss off every nerd on the planet...

2011-10-09T13:00:00.000-04:00

Wow...I've been quiet!

Sorry!

Well here's a good laugh for you...

How to piss off every nerd on the planet...

9/11...

2011-09-11T16:40:00.002-04:00

Some people are saying it's a little easier this year. That their wounds are finally starting to heal.

I guess I'm not one of them. I'm not sure why, but it's worse this year than ever for me. I don't know if it's because the past two years of my life have been a major roller coaster leaving me a little more emotionally raw so I feel it more or what.

I can handle watching memorials, features of the families, hero stories...but the instant I see footage of the plane hitting the second tower, the towers collapsing, or even a still photo of the second plan about to hit I have a complete breakdown. Instant sobbing. Not just tears.

I admit I'm an emotional person.And that might surprise some people. Not the break-down-in-tears-about-everything kind of emotional...but I feel it. More of an empathetic emotional person. If you're sad, I'm sad. If you're angry, I'm angry.

So maybe I'm just even more emotional this year, or maybe my brain is just now finally wrapping around it...whatever the case is, it's hard this year.

I watched 'Beyond: Messages from 9/11' on Biography. It was a program that talked about families that received some sort of message from their departed loved ones (died on 9/11). It focused on the people, their story, their families, their kids...good stuff. And then the messages were...nice, closure, gestures, symbols.
That was a good program. The last one was a profile of a firefighter that responded and they then showed lots of footage and I lost it. But his story was how at the end of the day he survived without a scratch though the building literally fell on him...or all around him and he somehow was protected. After helping others and getting out and doing what he could the rest of the day, he walked home, across the Brooklyn Bridge. Despondent. Having a little trouble coming to grips with why he was left unharmed and so many were not. Half way across the bridge he encountered a construction worker that was just leaning on the railing but when he saw the fireman he reached out his hand and thanked him for what he was doing. He also said to him that there is a reason he survived and he should do what he can with his life because of it. They walked together to the end of the bridge and the worker veered off onto a side path. The firefighter was met by a couple of policemen that were handing out water and giving directions, they had been watching him. The firefighter asked if he could get a bottle of water for his friend he crossed with, he'd take it to him. The policemen looked at him and each other confused. They said to him that he had crossed alone, there was no one with him. They were worried as they watched him cross. They thought by the looks of him that he was going to jump. They were relieved when he continued across after he paused half way. The firefighter could hardly believe what they were saying, but knew that something special had happened. And that he would go on to share his own story of 9/11...carry on the story. He was meant for something alright.

I watched some of the memorial services today. The 9/11 memorial is really beautiful. I love the footprint waterfalls. I could handle watching that. Although I won't easily forget the man that bent himself over the name of his loved one and just cried and cried. But I also won't forget the little children that sat themselves down in the grass nearby and played solitaire with their deck of cards...life going on in the middle of where they were. To some it may have appeared like they didn't care but I didn't see it that way. I saw it as just what I said...life going on, kids being kids, making the best of what they could. They were clearly too young to be aware of what happened when it happened. But since they were there, and today only families were allowed, and probably being New York kids, I'm sure they knew about it. It made me smile a little to see them.

Then there was a link to this video a friend posted on Facebook...by Nickelodeon. It puts 9/11 into perspective and answers questions from kids in kids' terms. It's actually a nice little video...

Get More: Nick News Episodes,Nick News,Nick News Games

However you choose to remember today...the important thing is you remember.

Really really want this...

2011-09-04T17:05:00.003-04:00

Because I still feel like my heart is there...

You can get almost any state it looks like...

But here is Indiana...
http://www.etsy.com/listing/63975045/i-heart-indiana

Maybe someday I'll be ready for this...but not yet.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/64169491/i-heart-texas

Look how cute these are too...

http://www.etsy.com/listing/65670932/leaves

http://www.etsy.com/listing/61161617/wings

Another good show gets cancelled...

2011-08-28T20:19:00.003-04:00

How I feel after hearing that Eureka has been cancelled...
Hand off of Warehouse 13!!!

Most awesome car window ever!!!...

2011-08-25T19:18:00.001-04:00

With matching sticker.

UPDATED: better picture?

It's the view from the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon as they enter light speed. :)
And the little Millennium Falcon sticker below.

Love it!

New hobby...

2011-08-14T15:37:00.001-04:00

Pixelated Harry Potter is taking shape!

Accessorize with your favorite movie...

2011-07-28T22:30:00.000-04:00

Or at least my favorite movie...

Recycled Book Bracelet... $15

Unforgivable Curses Ring Set...$14
Very cool! And adjustable!!!

From the same seller...
Lumos & Nox Ring Set....$10
I might have to get these...

Cuz I bought this today and I need rings to go with it!
'Up to No Good' Bracelet...$18

I can't wait to get it!

Maybe I should get this for the other wrist...
'Mischief Managed' bracelet...$18

There's this for the wrist too...simple
Expelliarmus bracelet...$14.95

They also have 'Expecto Patronum'.
And LOST reference jewelry...and Dr. Who...and other geekery! LOVE this shop!!!

The Deathly Hallows...$25

Also from the same shop
Deathly Hallows Ring...$12

Sorcerer's Stone necklace...$36

REALLY cute and simple twist on the Snitch!
Snitch Necklace...$16.95

Cuuuuuute Lumos & Nox Earrings...$16

Or simply...
Lightning Necklace...$14

Sorry I've been neglectful...

2011-07-22T21:52:00.000-04:00

I've been super busy at work so when I get home I'm exhausted! I just can't bear to look at a computer again!

So to make it up to you...here are some funnies...

Harry Potter...A Look Back...

2011-07-13T22:45:00.000-04:00

The Story of Snape...

2011-07-13T22:38:00.000-04:00

bittersweet...

2011-07-12T20:48:00.002-04:00

2011-07-11T19:35:00.001-04:00

I don't care if you think dancing is boring or if you think ballroom is boring...you've GOT to check this couple out!

Full HP trailer...and some extra vids...

2011-07-04T19:02:00.001-04:00

this one is a tear-jerker...

I'm getting giddy!!...

2011-07-02T21:10:00.002-04:00

I will be very tired at work Friday July 15th.
Because I will have been at the midnight showing of Harry Potter!!!
I. Can't. Wait!

So You Think You Can Dance...

2011-06-30T19:54:00.001-04:00

I LOVE this show!
And this season...wow...so many wonderful dancers. I love when the dance makes you laugh, makes you smile, or makes you cry...or as in this case...sigh/gasp/smile/love!

This one is about a guy who is left at the altar and his female best friend supports him...and half way through he realizes he loves HER and she be with HER!!!

Just watch...

I wanna be kissed like that!!!

Who doesn't?!

I love so many dancers...Melanie & Marko, Jordan & Tadd, Jess...

I'm sure I'll be posting more. :)

The Harry Potter experience continues...

2011-06-24T08:00:00.000-04:00

You can now enter your email address at JK Rowling's Pottermore website!

And watch the video...it's pretty clever.

I've been...

2011-06-23T20:34:00.003-04:00

These are all the states I've been in. I'm counting passing through on road trips...which might be the only way for me to mark all 50!

Now here's a map of all the states I've visited...on purpose...as a destination...

Make your own map here..
http://douweosinga.com/projects/visited?region=usa

You can also do some other countries!

Here are all the places I would love to visit someday...
Some are so small...like ALL the Caribbean islands...that you can't see!

IKEA...

2011-06-19T18:01:00.001-04:00

The IKEA here is only about 10-15 minutes away from work.
DANGER!

But convenient...because I went and got designer overload when it came to figuring out my den and having it so close means I don't have to make a decision on the spot. I can come home and think about it. And probably won't make as many impulse buys. Maybe.

I went to get a desk I've had my eye on. But when I sat at it I wasn't so sure. Not to mention that there were so many other things that I liked too.

Here's what I was going to get:

But I sat at it and thought, I think it's still going to be too big. And was all of a sudden liking the white look too.

I was looking at these...

Separates...

Desk tops

help me there's a green desk top!

Support Options

help me there's a green storage support!

Leg Options

There's lots of options now. And after going back to my apartment and sitting in the den and measuring and such, I decided the desk portion does need to be smaller. Like no bigger than 48".

I'm thinking of doing a simple table-like desk with maybe this to the side...

An open bookcase.
The printer can sit on top and the cubbies can hold paper and cute storage boxes.

See the way I plan it, the automatic litterbox will be in the corner of the den and this bookcase will sit in front of it kind of shielding it from view. And will also act like a desk return. (small side of L-shape).

I also need a TV stand for my ginormous 32" tube TV. Yes. I still have a tube TV. One thing at a time peeps. The thing is stupid-heavy. I hate it. And I think the movers damaged the screen a tiny bit. *sigh*
Anyway, I still need something to put it on. And why are the windows so damn low in my apartment!? So I need a low stand.
I like this...

And it's on sale for $40! Not sure when that sale ends.
I think I'll get this for sure...just now...what color?
I have a black-brown fake wood tall bookcase in the den and thought originally I was going to go that way but now I'm feeling the white.
Thoughts?

Here are some other things I liked and am contemplating...

Frame

thought I'd paint it a real funky color and put a funny cross-stitch in it

This lamp is super funky!

The dots on the shade are actually holes but the way they're made you don't ever get a direct glare of the light bulb through the holes. Very cool. Maybe new living room lamps? $20 is pretty darn good!

How cool are these?

A table (or floor) lamp with long bendable LED sticks you can make it look however you want!

Cool...but not sure what I'd do with it just yet.

I love these tiny LED lights. There's a strand or you can get the hoops. I thought that would be cute on my little patio. But I don't really like my apartment that much so not sure I'll be staying after the year's up but that's a whole other blog post. Point is...might hold off on this idea too.

Then they had some fabulous bedding...and I want to change up mine...

The inspiration...

And this blanket was thrown across several display beds and I just love it!

Isn't the embroidery fab!? Love the colors too!

I like this quilt too but...just not sure...too country?

Think I want a solid bedspread to go with all the patterns on the pillows and the texture of the accent blanket.

Oh IKEA...I heart you. And hate you. But mostly heart you.

Happy Father's Day!...

2011-06-19T12:43:00.001-04:00

This reminds me of so many people I can't even tell you...
Hilarious!

Space geek...

2011-06-14T08:00:00.006-04:00

Stacy:
I dig outer space. I find it fascinating and am saddened by the NASA budget cuts.
There's just so much to discover out there.

So while some of you will find the following video boring. I really find it intriguing and beautiful. I hope you enjoy...
the description is below.

CASSINI MISSION from Chris Abbas on Vimeo.
I truly enjoy outer space. It's absolutely amazing that we now have the ability to send instruments out into the void of the universe to observe all sorts of interesting things. Asteroids! Moons! Planets! Dark matter! This is the perfect opportunity for a Carl Sagan quote:

"Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known."

The footage in this little film was captured by the hardworking men and women at NASA with the Cassini Imaging Science System. If you're interested in learning more about Cassini and the on-going Cassini Solstice Mission, check it out at NASA's website:

http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/science/index.cfm

Track: 2 Ghosts I, Ghosts I – IV by Nine Inch Nails

http://ghosts.nin.com/

Stacy:
I did not write the above description, it is directly from the vimeo site.

I'm into the music. I'm totally going to buy the album from Amazon. $5 for the whole thing.
http://www.amazon.com/Ghosts-I-IV/dp/B00158SHD8/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=IAK8674GXHZ62&colid=30RCWQ02AV4JO

What are the chances...

2011-06-13T08:00:00.001-04:00

So I finally took in the Amish peanut butter from The Blue Gate in Shipshewana to work (along with some good wheat bread) to share the Amish country goodness.

It was gone in 2 hours flat. They loved it.
But that's not the best part.

A coworker stops me when I walk by her desk and she asks if I'm from Northern Indiana. Do I have family in "Shipshe"? Shipshe. As soon as I heard this I knew something was up. Only locals know to call it 'Shipshe'. So I'm saying 'yes' and nodding all the while with this strange 'WTF' look on my face I'm sure.

I say that yes I was born and raised in Elkhart and have family all over the area. Shipshe, Middlebury...
She jumps in and says that she is from Middlebury. She has family there and Shipshe and Topeka. My eyes widen. Am I hearing this right? Me too! Amish relatives on both sides!

Her last name...Miller. She runs through relatives' last names. Same ones as me!

Is this really happening?

We talk more and her parents and my mom went to the same tiny high school in Middlebury. Her parents graduated 2 years before my mom. An aunt a year after. I pull up my family tree on ancestry.com. She's sure that one of the names looks familiar. But that's the problem with the last name Miller...there's a lot of them.

At this point we are still unsure if we are related but it's strange enough that we are not just from the same state, but same county, and same family background. Towns only 15 miles apart.
And we end up working for the same company more than 1,000 miles away from home!!

Want more spooky?

We both worked for the same design firm in Indy too...just not at the same time.

Think about that.
One person from Middlebury, Indiana - Pop. 3,420 today
One person from Elkhart, Indiana - Pop. 50,949

What are the chances of two people from these towns working at the same company twice.
In a city over 1,000 miles away with over 2 million people we end up at the same company that employs less than 100 people.
Seriously...it's mind-boggling.

photo by: me :)

Wanna see where I sit all day?...

2011-06-12T18:13:00.000-04:00

So I have well meaning intentions of taking some great photos of my entire office. But I've only gotten as far as my desk. :)

Mine is the one with the little things taped up on the outside.

What do you think?

Wow.

2011-06-04T16:33:00.002-04:00

Timelapse - The City Limits from Dominic on Vimeo.
scenes from Chicago, Manhattan, Montreal, Quebec and Toronto

Of course I love the music...
just bought it on Amazon.
It is 'Time' by Hans Zimmer from the Inception soundtrack.