Sunday Snapshot - Artist

I've always loved art. I loved my art classes in high school and some of the pictures I took in Photography placed at a (small, private school) state competition. My favorite college class was an Art History course I took and if I'd had the time (and not squandered it being "Undecided") I would have taken more Art courses. Hence the reason I am so excited about getting back into photography a bit, even if it is something as simple as a photoaday challenge via my iPhone. You could say Art is a hobby of mine, or rather I wish I had the time to make it a hobby. Anyway, I digress. My sister-in-law has gone to this place called Pinot's Palette several times with some work friends and has been trying to get us all to go. In case you're not familiar with it, it's one of those places where people come as groups to paint a picture, hang out, and enjoy snacks and wine (hence the name). I, of course, jumped at the chance. Amy was not so eager. Amy's mom was also excited so it was just a matter of when to set up our first time. Amy stayed strong and, after much asking, decided not to go, but sent us along with her blessing.

Today was the day and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. It was a lot harder than it seemed at first and was not without it's frustrations. But all in all it was a lot of fun and I would definitely go again. I'm quite pleased with my painting and think I did a good job for my first time. I don't think I'll become a famous artist any time soon, but I had an awesome time and have a great souvenir to show for it! I'm pretty sure it's going to hang in Stella's room so that kind of makes it even more special! In case you're looking for something fun to to, I highly recommend it. Get a few friends or family members together, grab some snacks and beverages, and embrace your inner artist! Trust me, it's fun!

All is well, a budding artist, in Drosche Land.

A blank canvas awaited me!

My palette!

An apron, complete with the markings from its previous wearers!

The beginning!

Now the background is coming along!

Adding more colors to give it more depth.

The background is complete!

Time to work on the branches!

The branches are done! Almost there!

It's finished!

DVR-Aholic

Ok, so I am totally addicted to our DVR. But the fact that I am acknowledging it is a good thing, right? I don't think it's a problem though, but Amy might beg to differ on this fact. Actually this post is born out of the fact that she pointed out tonight that 40, yes 40, of the programs on our DVR right now are mine. 40 isn't so bad right? But then when you look at the 11 that are hers it's a little different. In my defense though, I promptly deleted 9. I had to, sadly, abandon Pan Am. I'd gotten into it and enjoyed it, but fell behind. Who knows, maybe another time?

However, I know I'm not the only one who has a strong love for the DVR. There are just so many good shows (yes good is in the eye of the beholder) on and I don't have all the time in a day to watch them. Enter the magic of modern technology. I mean, where would we be without DVR? What did I do before it? I remember the dark days when we'd given up cable for a while and our TiVo died. Sad sad times dear readers. I shudder just remembering them.

See, I've come to realize though that the DVR is truly not the root of the addiction. The DVR is just an enabler. The true addiction is with TV. I love it and I'm not ashamed to proclaim said love. It's been a lifelong addiction. Entertaining and informational, who doesn't love TV? I'm sure there are people out there, I just don't know any. There's just so much to watch! But I do have to admit that I can't store it all forever. Amy is right. As I blog I'm finishing up my stockpile of Kourtney & Kim Take New York. I love me some Kardashians. The DVR is also holding 9 episodes of my newest obsession - Mad Men. AMC is currently playing every episode of the first 4 seasons leading up to the Season 5 premiere! Which reminds me I need to set it up to record the 3 episodes they're airing tomorrow morning! I also have some Real Houswives on there (Beverly Hills, Atlanta, and Orange County (I love me some reality TV)), Glee, Project Runway, and Revenge. There's also the shared recordings for us both: Grey's Anatomy, New Girl, Modern Family, and Once Upon A Time.

So my secrets is out. Maybe it wasn't so much a secret since I already have a tag for TV? Anyway, I can admit it so that's good. The problem is that I am constantly wanting to add new shows! There's only so much my DVR will hold though, so I have to be judicious. I have to manage my addiction. Thank goodness for seasons. When one show's season ends I have the time to get involved with something new! Throw in reruns and it's a revolving door of constant entertainment! It doesn't look like I'll be getting over (not that I ever want to) my addiction any time soon!

All is well, recorded and on-demand, in Drosche Land.

Happy Valentine's Day

Yesterday was Valentine's Day. A day for love. A day for caring. A day for sweets. We had a great day here in Drosche Land. The school day was filled with sugar-fueled chaos, as was to be expected. The boys both loved celebrating in their classrooms and were so excited not only to get valentines from their friends, but to give theirs away as well. We gave little Rice Krispie treats and they were ecstatic about them, adamant that their friends were going to just adore them. It is so much fun to see holidays through the eyes of a child, whether it's my kids or my students. I think it helps keep me young, keep me focused on the joy of everything. One of the many reasons I love my job, and my kids.

We were no sooner at home for 3 seconds before the boys had overtaken the dining room table, turning it into valentines central! Between what they got from school, what Amy and I gave them, and what my mom gave them the table was covered. So much so that we ate dinner at the coffee table since the clean-up of said valentines explosion was quite a daunting task. Speaking of dinner, what a dinner it was. First off, let me say that I have the most fantastic wife. We celebrate Valentine's Day here but we don't go all out. We like to keep it simple, but still special. That's exactly what Amy accomplished this year. She planned a "fancy" dinner for us and we pretended to celebrate at a "fancy" restaurant - Drosche's Cucina Italiana! We sat around the coffee table, adorned with the flowers I had delivered for Amy and candles. We dined on ravioli (or ravalovis as Braeden calls them) and special sparkling grape juice (served, of course, in special glasses). The ambiance was complete with classical music playing, courtesy of the UVerse music channels. The kids, and Amy and I, had a blast. It was definitely a special occasion and I am still in awe at the treat my wonderful wife planned for us. It was cute, it was fun, and I spent Valentine's Day with the 4 (Stella included of course) loves of my life. I couldn't have asked for more! I hope you had a memorable celebration with the one you love!

All is well, feeling the love, in Drosche Land.

Sunday Snapshot: Money Money Money Money

I love to shop.  Apparently I have passed that love on to Braeden.  For the past week he has been begging to use his money to buy Legos, his new obsession.  But he doesn't just want any little Lego set.  He wants the big set.  So, after much nagging pestering asking Amy and I finally gave in and let him go for it.  He researched what he wanted online with Amy and found the price.  Then we counted the money in his money jar.  Money he had received from birthdays, chores, and Tooth Fairy visits.  We reminded him that once it was gone, it was gone and he would have to save up again if he wanted anything else.  However, he was adamant about his plan and stuck to it.  So, Saturday morning we took his coin money and traded it in for cash and headed to one of our favorite places - Target.  Not to be left out, Jack took money from his jar also so he could make his purchase.  It seemed as though Braeden closely examined every product Lego makes, looking for just the right purchase.  Finally the decision had been made and we headed to the check-out.  He was extremely proud of himself, they both were really, as they handed the cashier their money, took their bags, received their change, and said their thank yous.


Once we returned home they immediately opened their toys and he got to work assembling his police vehicles.  A day later, with some assistance from me, everything has been put together and played with.  He remains proud of himself for the whole process, as do Amy and I.  It was bittersweet to watch him throughout it all.  Pride as he managed his money and made his calculated choices.  Sadness as I realized he had reached another milestone in growing up.  It made for a fun and memorable weekend and I was lucky enough to be granted access from him to photograph the entire thing for this post!


All is well, picture perfect, in Drosche Land.

 Nearly the entire life's savings of a five-year old!

 Proudly displaying his money!

Examining the selections

Proud of his purchase!

Jack and his bag of goodies!

 Money well-spent!

 A TON of tiny little Lego pieces!

 Carefully put together by little hands

 Instructions closely followed

 One piece done!

 Jack and his Lego person, he loves the people the best!

 Lots of hard work, but worth it!

 

      

Misconceptions

Ok, so I read something on Facebook the other that day inspired this post. Maybe it will come as no surprise to you or maybe it will rock your world as it did mine. Either way here goes the post.

The Facebook post in question stated that light roast coffee has more caffeine than darker roasts. Seriously?! So I've been wasting time and money all these years by assuming, apparently incorrectly, that the darker and bolder the coffee the more caffeine it will have? The answer my dear readers, is yes! Light roasts do have more caffeine! After some research (thank you Internet) I found that it is because the longer the beans roast, more of the caffeine burns off! I was, and admittedly still am, shell shocked! Wow! Again, maybe this isn't news to you, maybe you've known all your life. Maybe you've been enjoying your light roast coffee with its extra boost of energy-providing caffeine all along. Well, I've been snookered. Or have I? I mean technically it was all based on assumption and you know what they say about assuming! Maybe rather than being lied to for 31 years I was just blissfully ignaorant and uninformed? I mean, I consider myself to be a reasonably intelligent person, so how did this tidbit get past me and my caffeine addiction? Sadly though, this is not the first "holy crap that's news to me!" moment I've had lately. Thus the stunning news about light roast coffee has inspired me to blog about this all, hence the title.

It's also been brought to my recent (within the past year) attention that corn is not a vegetable! Seriously?! Apparently it's a grain! I mean I guess it makes sense seeing as how you can make flour out of it and whatnot. But then why does it reside with the vegetables, both the frozen and canned variety? Talk about a wolf in sheep's clothing! Again, how did I not learn this somewhere along life's journeys? Elementary school? High school? College? Maybe I missed a day somewhere, or it was in a chapter of a textbook I didn't read, or maybe I just didn't pay attention in class one day? Whatever the reason, it still took me by surprise.

Next up? Another vegetable imposter! Peas. Apparently they also enjoy masquerading as members of a food group they don't belong to. They are a legume. Like a bean or a peanut. Again, this seems to be something I should have picked up somewhere along the way and I am sure you are thinking right now, "Idiot! How did you not know that?". Well, I didn't! Again, where can you find them? Playing BFF and shelf-mate to the veggies! In fact, check the frozen aisle and you'll find they often team up with their pseudo-veggie friend corn in many a vegetable medley! Which makes the medley less of a "vegetable" medley and more a group of ragtag foods haphazardly thrown together! Talk about false advertising.

I'm sure there are many more things that I have only recently learned or things that I've learned far later than I should have, but these three are the most recent and shocking. Have you only recently found something out that you thought you "knew"? Surely I cannot be the only person to be surprised by random things that everyone else seems to know? I guess it just goes to show that you learn something new every day. Plus, looking at it that way makes me feel less moronic.

So, a totally random post, but you were forewarned by the tag and the first paragraph. I can't help but wonder what I will find out next? What other lies and misconceptions have I gone my entire life not knowing or unaware of? Who knows, only time will tell! Until then, I guess I'll be trying out Starbucks' new blonde roast!

All is well, always learning, in Drosche Land.

Sunday Snapshot - Party Rocker

Well, this Sunday Snapshot posting on a Monday seems to have become a habit of mine!  I swear this one was ready to go yesterday.  The pictures were taken and it was mentally written.  However, neither of those things translated into getting it actually published!  I could have found the time in between cleaning, laundry, grading and watching the commercials and half-time show of the Superbowl, but I didn't.  Oh well.  Maybe next Sunday.  I'm still here though so on with the post!


Amy and I have always had the agreement that we would begin letting the boys attend their friends' birthday parties once they were in Kindergarten.  So, we put it off.  Lo and behold the time came and Braeden entered Kindergarten.  Fall birthday parties were missed due to T-Ball practices and games, but winter brought some free time.  He went to his first-ever birthday party over the Christmas break and had a blast.  I was nervous because he sometimes tends to stand in the back and watch, avoiding interaction when he gets nervous.  However, he has finally begun to come out of his shell!  The success of the first birthday party ensured his attendance at future outings.  This past Saturday was another.  This one was held at a gymnastics place and obviously I had no clue what to expect.  It turned out to be tons of fun for the handful of 5 and 6 year old boys who basically got to run and jump around together for an hour.  A great time was had by all and Braeden ended up exhausted and sweaty!  I wanted to get some pictures of the event but he is currently going through an "I don't want my picture taken" phase so I sometimes have to be sneaky.  Occasionally he will grant me the privilege of photographing him, I lucked out at the party!


Amy and I also have an agreement that we would give the kids a birthday party (not just a family party) when they are in Kindergarten.  Uh oh, that means we have to start planning Braeden's and he is already listing his demands suggestions ideas for the big day!  Oh the anxiety of planning an event like that!  Luckily we still have a while until the big day in May.  Until then we can continue to enjoy his friends' parties, and maybe more pictures!


All is well, picture perfect, in Drosche Land.

He had some great balance!

 Acting silly with a balloon, I saw my chance for pictures!

 He complied, at first, and acted silly for me!

 A game of peek-a-boo/avoid Dad and his camera ensued!

 Snap...snap...stop!

Looks like I've overstayed my welcome!  I'm done!

<center><a href="http://nihaoyall.com" target="self"><img alt="Sunday Snapshot" src="http://i56.tinypic.com/jpvipj.jpg" /></a></center>

Challenge

Ok, so you know that two of my resolutions for 2012 were to blog more and take more pictures.  Well, I think I may have found a way to help me accomplish both.  As if I have any more time to devote to various social media/blogging addictions I have begun a few challenges.  All designed first and foremost to be fun, secondly to accomplish resolutions, and thirdly why not?

You know I began my 365 project about taking a picture a day all year long, follow me here, and I am proud to say that I have maintained it for 32 straight days!  1 month down, 11 more to go!  I have really been enjoying it.  Just posting pictures of whatever and/or looking for interesting shots throughout the day.  Well, I have 2 other photo challenges that I am beginning, on just popping up today!  I am totally into the Instagram app on my iPhone and noticed through a friend about a January photo-a-day challenge about mid-way through the month.  Well, then a February one popped up so I was all on that!  Plus I was able to find another great blog, this one, to follow.  She's the source of the aforementioned photo-a-day challenges!  Each day has a topic/theme, today's was "your view today".  I tried to get a shot all day long but was so busy that it didn't happen until tonight.  But I think it turned out great.  Always wanting a sweet/snack, here was my first entry:

So, as I'm going into Instagram to post, I see (from the same friend, thebirdandtheb) another photo-a-day challenge.  Seriously?  Could/should I take something else on?  I mean, it's nothing life-threatening or incredibly time-consuming but still.  This challenge was totally different though, focusing on a different photography skill a day, see here, today's being line.  Well, this sounded fun.  It would also be a way to not only take pictures, but maybe find/create some fun artsy photos.  Plus, as with my 365 project, all can easily be done with my iPhone which is never more than an arm's length away!  Here's my entry for the skill one:

Again, I really like the way it turned out.

So, those challenges are relatively small and easy to accomplish.  Plus with 3 photo challenges I am bound to take tons of great pictures!  Who knows, I may even improve my photo-snapping skills too!  Plus, I figure I can double up on some between the 3 if I need to, although 3 separate ones will be fun!  If I can do it I will most likely take part in the monthly challenge so it's also a bit of a long-term project.

The last challenge is a bit, ok a lot, more daunting.  I stumbled upon it one day while perusing Bloggers "Blogs of Note".  It was called the Blogging A to Z Challenge.  In a nutshell you blog every day, except for Sundays, throughout the month of April.  Each post's title follows in alphabetical order.  Start on the 1st, finish on the 30th.  Part of the deal is also to visit the other participating blogs and hobnob with others out there.  Since reading and writing blogs are one of my social media addictions I thought this would be fun.  Plus It would be a great way to accomplish my "blog more often" resolution.  I have grabbed the button (find it on the right column, maybe scroll down a bit) and I've signed up, so I'm all set.  Now all I have to do is mentally prepare.  They've suggested pre-writing blogs and scheduling them so you don't get overwhelmed, that and begin thinking about post titles and topics so as not to suddenly hit a wall.  Those two things make it seem a bit more challenging, but I still think it will be tons of fun.  Who knows, maybe I'll gain some followers here in Drosche Land, or at least get a few more visits!

So, there you have it.  Apparently I wasn't busy enough with our two wacky boys, Stella on the way, 2 dogs, and a job.  I needed a little spice!  Plus social media/blogging and photography are my hobbies (addictions) and everyone needs a hobby right?  So, check back in April once the challenge begins and/or follow me on Instagram or Twitter for all of the challenge fun!  I'm excited!

All is well, challenged, in Drosche Land.