JibJab Disco

The past couple of years my friend, Steve has created a birthday dance for me on Jib Jab. 

They are always so funny! 

I think Steve looks like a disco queen in that perfectly curled hair, don't you?  I remember my hair looking like that a few times.

Then there's me, in the psychedelic shirt and that far out afro!  I love it!

I didn't realize I had such dance moves.

But Steve and I must have been a hit at the local disco.

We had all the moves!

And then I had to take center stage - Look at Meeeeeee!!!

I can't believe that it's been 9 days since my birthday.  I really did sleep through that week!

I'm nearly feeling 100% and with that enthusiasm, I'm able to embarrass myself with these photos. 

Thanks Steve!!  Thanks JibJab! 

For a few days this link will be active - Click to view the Disco Birthday in its entirety.


Kristin

POTD - Pine Cone

POTD - Pine Cone

©2011 Kristin Corlett

It's Fall in Florida.  Sometimes it is hard to tell when Fall has arrived as the trees hold on to their leaves until the middle of December.  The pine trees, however, produce their cones this time of year.  A perfect time to gather them for Thanksgiving and Christmas displays. 

Enjoy!
Kristin

I have survived...so far

I know that I kind of left my last blog post talking about my teeth and saying that I was having a root canal on Monday. 

I had no idea that my days between that appointment and the one on Monday would consist of me becoming one with the couch, eyes closed, passed out cold, for days on end.  My nights I slept in bed, rarely moving until the pain meds wore off. 

When the pain came back it wasn't on soft kitty cat feet, it came roaring over me like a hurricane. 

Normally I can take pain pretty well, but mouth pain is an entirely different category.  I cannot tolerate it.  Now is probably a good time to mention, if you hadn't figured it out already, I'm not very functional on pain medication either. 

Thankfully Monday 8am finally arrived and I had my root canal.  My heart was beating out of my chest, but I was fairly calm after a few minutes and my mouth was numbed up.   My new-to-me dentist did a real nice job.  He didn't numb me too much and not too little.  It all wore off within an hour of being home.  My jaw still hurts, but he had a lot of work to do in there.  Tylenol is working just fine to keep my pretty pain free today.  I'm hoping that tomorrow will be a much better day.

Since I'm no longer sleeping the day away I expect I will rejoin the blogging world.  If I could have held onto a thought for more than a second, I wouldn't have taken the week off.  Then again my blog is about my life and last week my life was all about sleeping!

I will be fitted for two crowns next Monday.  The fun never ends!

Hope you had a great week!
Kristin

POTD - Pile o' pens

POTD - Pile o' pens

©2011 Kristin Corlett

On Saturday I attended the Gift of Life Celebration.   Mostly transplant recipients attended this particular event, but there were a few kidney donors and donor families.  We had a lovely BBQ meal, listened to a few speakers and looked at the information tables full of literature, pens, car magnets and bumper stickers.  The green pens were just one of the many freebies available at the event.

Whenever you see a green band on someone's arm, it probably means organ and tissue donation, just like most pink bands are linked to breast cancer awareness. 

•♫♪..♪♫•It's not easy being green•♫♪..♪♫•

www.donatelife.net

Enjoy!
Kristin

Dental news

Well, just as I suspected, I've got one expensive mouth.  It's all my husband's fault.  Well, not his direct fault, but when he started getting sick 7 years ago I took my stress out on my poor teeth for a few months by grinding them in my sleep.  I broke a tooth at that time and cracked a few fillings.  I went to a dentist and they fixed me up...

They actually did a pretty shotty job and left gaps between the filling and the tooth, I later found out, which has caused so many issues.  After Tom's transplant I needed to have extensive dental work, but I couldn't afford it all at the time, so I opted for just a filling for the tooth that needed it most.  The rest I'd deal with later.

It's now later.

I am now in need of a root canal and crown for the broken tooth that causing all the pain.  I also need two additional crowns and the removal and replacement of the fillings that were so poorly done years ago.  One or both of those may need a crown, depending on what is found once the fillings are removed.  My molars have extremely deep pits and they have been filled and filled and filled until some of them are half tooth and half filling.  This just creates problems.

The bill for the proposed treatment of all issues found today is $5,744.00

It boggles the mind. 

My husband's liver transplant was well over $300,000 so I know about medical bills, but it just seems like a little ol' tooth or two shouldn't cost more than a down payment on a cheap car.

Monday at 8am I'm going in my my root canal.  Wish me luck!

One of the good things about getting new xrays.  If anything should happen to me, I now have current dental records and that can help with identification if necessary.  (I watch far too many forensic shows)

I hope you have a great day!
Kristin

Home, birthday, dentist

I'm home!

I had a birthday!

I have a broken tooth.

I've been sleeping most of the past two days.

I'm getting my tooth looked at and hopefully fixed in the morning.

I'll be back good as new real soon!


Kristin

POTD - Mail art and gifts

POTD - Mail art and gifts

©2011 Kristin Corlett

It may be called Snail Mail these days, but it's pure JOY when it's unexpected art and gifts!  I have to admit that I did know that I was getting some bread bag tags and some mail art, but the extras were all unexpected and totally fun!  Another friend asked for my address the other day because she wanted to send something she got in Hawaii.  You can't see it very well in the photo but mixed in with the bread tags is a Pineapple Pete smashed penny!   Thanks so much Susi and Tara for the fabulous snail mail. 

I'm getting some ideas for Christmas cards...hmmm.

Enjoy!
Kristin

Fall in Michigan

Fall in Michigan.
Oh how I love thee.
Let me count the ways.

The start of the Michigan State University semester - the students are back, the student rental houses are full, the stores are busy, the place is buzzing with activity.

College Football.  Michigan loves it's College Football and I'm an MSU Spartan.  This year MSU is host to the MSU v UofM game.  Each year since 1953, the winner of the Michigan-Michigan State game receives the Paul Bunyan Trophy, a 4-foot wooden statue of the legendary lumberjack. Michigan State has had the trophy sitting in it's case for the past three years and I know we plan on keeping it this year, too.

(I wrote this days ago hoping to publish, but alas I didn't.  However, I'm happy to report that my Spartans did indeed win that game and keep the trophy!)

Fall means LEAVES!  Lots and lots of leaves of varying colors and sizes falling from the sky and rustling on the ground.

When leaves are on the ground you can hear things.  You can hear a squirrel digging for acorns, cats running through the grass or friends coming to the door.

Cool weather is almost guaranteed, but sometimes you get that amazing Indian Summer where the temperatures are way above average and the sun shines bright.  It's an incredible event because just when you thought your summer activities were over, you get a quick do over!  My MIL and FIL spent several days relaxing by the pool during this years Indian Summer which lasted nearly two weeks!  Unheard of.

Drinking apple cider and picking out pumpkins.

Allergies.  Yep, I'm allergic to Fall.  The dust of the leaves, the decay and the rain of Fall do a number on me.  It's really hard NOT to jump in the leaves!  I suffer every year and I keep coming back.  The beauty of it is intoxicating and I have to do it again.  (OK, so I don't love allergies, but it's expected in my version of fall)

My birthday.  Now my birthday will take place whether I'm in Michigan or not, but it's always nice to have a little birthday celebration when I'm in town.  This year the celebration was for the two year old, Scarlett, who was born just two days before my birthday.  It was fun being a part of her birthday this year.  I'm going to celebrate mine with a few folks in Jacksonville.  It seems I've met several folks who also share a Libra birthday with me. 

Hope you have enjoyed the things I love about Fall in Michigan. 
Have a great day!
Kristin

POTD - BWL Smoke Stacks

POTD - BWL Smoke Stacks

©2011 Kristin Corlett

Industrial buildings, electrical towers, utility poles, street lights...all of these fascinate me.  I like the symmetry of them I think, but also the use and decay of these items.  The Board of Water and Light (BWL) power station and smoke stacks are an icon in Lansing and something I love to photograph each time I come to town.  A new plant is soon going to take the place of this one and Wynken, Blynken and Nod will be shut down.  I'm almost terrified, OK, so I'm being a bit dramatic here, but I'd hate to see these stacks torn down.  I have no idea of the future of the BWL smoke stacks, but they will always be a part of my memories of Lansing, MI.

Enjoy!
Kristin

(Used Pioneer Woman "Colorized"action on the photo)

POTD - Pumpkin Tendrils

POTD - Pumpkin Tendrils

©2011 Kristin Corlett

My sister picked out a pumpkin from the Uncle John's pumpkin patch that had these lovely dried tendrils still attached.  It really is the little stuff that gets me so excited.  I guess it runs in the family because she picked this particular pumpkin because it had the little curls.  I wish I could stick around Michigan longer to actually witness the carving of the tendril pumpkin, but that's just not going to happen.  I go home on Monday. 

Enjoy!
Kristin

POTD - Fallen Tree

POTD - Fallen Tree

©2011 Kristin Corlett

I've been to this barn a few times already this trip, but this photo is from the other night when the sun was going down.  I was on my way to a friend's place to pick her up for dinner when I noticed how beautifully the surrounding landscape was looking in this gorgeous light.  I immediately thought of this barn and how it would probably look so lovely in the yellowing light.  I was almost late picking up my friend because I stayed much longer out here taking pictures than I intended.   To be honest, I'm not sure this is the best shot - it's really busy with all of the elements, but it's my favorite. 

Enjoy!
Kristin

POTD - Zoobie's

POTD - Zoobie's

©2011 Kristin Corlett

Zoobie's Tavern is no longer open in Old Town*, but the cool sign still remains.  I never saw the sign lit up at night, but I do hope that the ends of space ball on top lit up or blinked or something!   Do you see that clear blue sky?  It's an unusual sight in Lansing, that's for sure.  It was a bright sunny day and 80º in October.   What a fabulous day! 

Enjoy!
Kristin

*This particular Old Town is in Lansing, MI.

POTD - Weed Seeds

POTD - Weed Seeds

©2011 Kristin Corlett

This late in the season, it's rare to find a dandelion puff ball in the yard, but my niece found one and brought it to me.  I immediately got my camera out and thought it might look really cool with the fall color backdrop right there for me.  I think I was right, it does look cool.  (If I do say so myself!)

Enjoy!
Kristin

POTD - Stella

POTD - Stella

©2011 Kristin Corlett

The middle one, the lovey one, the brown-eyed one.  This is Stella.  She had been sick for the past couple of days, so I waited to get her close up on a day when she felt better.  We were on our way to the farmer's market for their fall harvest event when I asked her to stop for me.   Stella smiles and laughs and giggles all the time, but it's hard to get her to smile for the camera.  Thanks honey for doing such a great job for your Tottie!

Enjoy!
Kristin

POTD - Zora

POTD - Zora

©2011 Kristin Corlett

Zora would prefer to be left alone to play games on the computer, watch TV, draw, write and illustrate her stories...well, pretty much she wishes she didn't have sisters that mess with her stuff.  That's very important to a seven year old.  Zora took a moment out from playing a computer game to look at me.  Thanks Zora, I really like this one.

Enjoy!
Kristin

POTD - Scarlett

POTD - Scarlett

©2011 Kristin Corlett

Scarlett peeking between the balusters of my Mom's stairway.  It's blurry but I don't care.  Scarlett runs so much that's about all you see of her anyway - just a blur.

Enjoy!
Kristin

POTD - Life Jackets

POTD - Life Jackets

©2011 Kristin Corlett

My niece, Zora, asked me a few days ago if I would take her to her swim lesson at the YMCA on Thursday.  How I could I refuse such a simple request?!  Of course, I'd take her, but on one condition...I was going to need her cooperation when it came to picture taking.  She agreed.

Thursday arrived and since we arrived early she got to play in the wading pool.  A couple of times she said, "Take a picture of me doing this, Totttie!"  So I did.  (I was a very happy Auntie to say the least.)  While she was getting some direction from her swim instructor, I wandered off to this delightful display of safety.  I fell in love immediately.  I do enjoy a nice row of similar objects, but I was loving the few life jackets that were of a different color.  That made me very happy.

Enjoy!
Kristin

Friday Fragments

It's Friday Fragments Day!!

It's Friday Fragments Day!

It's Friday Fragments Day!

It's Friday Fragments Day!  

It's Friday Fragments Day!

Welcome to Friday Fragments!  This is the place where we're able to put little snippets of fun or interesting things together without having to stretch that idea into an entire blog post.

Mrs. 4444 is our lovely host and I am so grateful for her continued hosting of this fun carnival.  For more Friday Fragment finds, please head on over to Half-Past Kissin' Time.  Thanks!

*•-:¦:-•:*''''*:•-:¦:-•

I truly believe that what you think about, you bring about.  I thought I'd really test that by thinking about Indian Summer in Michigan during my vacation there.  I was seriously not prepared for a cold spell.  Wouldn't you know it, it's been in the mid seventies and sunny for the past four days.  GORGEOUS!  It's supposed to stay this incredibly wonderful for the next week, too!  Yee Haw!

My niece Zora said "I'm so excited that it's a free writing day in our journal because I prefer to write 'Realistic Fiction.' "  She's seven.  I don't think I've ever said the words realistic fiction in my life. 

I have eczema on my elbows.  It's been a problem all year.  They used to itch, but now that most of it has gone away I've pretty much forgotten about it.  I don't often see my own elbows, so it's easy not to think about.  My niece Stella (3), who my sister calls Stella Nightingale, has asked me about my elbows several times the past few days.  She points at them and looks very sad.  Today when she was in the bathroom washing her hands she handed me the Lubriderm Lotion and said "Here.  Put this on your elbows."  I guess I need to keep them lotioned up when I'm around her.

A girl I went to school with asked me if I'd like to see her while I was in Michigan.  You could have blown me over with a feather, as we really haven't spoken much since we were in Brownies together in elementary school.  I've been having some really great conversations with people who I didn't know very well in school but am meeting again as an adult, so I'm going to see her.  I am looking forward to our visit and am so very grateful that she asked to see me!

I'm having to fill up my weekend as my very dear friend Bob will not be joining me in Michigan as originally planned.  When she called to tell me that she was cancelling her trip I was stunned - stunned to silence.  I just didn't have a thing to say to her.  Bob, I love you, but all I wanted to say to you was all the things I thought we could do this weekend.  I even brought the Moroccan Argon oil and conditioner so you wouldn't have to pack it in your carry on.  We even put the soft sheets on the twin beds, not the sandpaper ones we had last year.   I know I won't change your mind, but you will be terribly missed.  I'm sure I'll think of something to say in a day or two.  Just give me a chance to not burst into tears, OK?!!

Speaking of trips.  My Mom booked her trip to Nairobi yesterday.  WHEW!  That's going to be one heck of a vacation.  It's hard to say that my mom is going with her boyfriend*, but that's what he is - so anyway, her boyfriend's daughter is going to school there for a semester (or more, I'm not sure) so they are going to go visit while she's there.  My Mom has always wanted to go to Africa, so this is truly her trip of a lifetime. 

*boyfriend just doesn't fit for anyone over the age of 25, in my opinion.

*•-:¦:-•:*''''*:•-:¦:-•

Have a wonderful weekend!  I know I will even though Bob won't be here with me.  I'm kissing my nieces every chance I can get and giving them words of advice that I'm sure they will remember for a moment or two.  Please stop by Mrs. 4444's place and see what the other Fraggers are doing today.

Kristin


The photos are of a painted bronze sculpture by the artist J. Seward Johnson.  He donated the sculptures to Jacksonville Beach and now they reside in Latham Park, just steps away from the Atlantic Ocean. 

POTD - Ten Years

POTD - Ten Years

©2011 Kristin Corlett

This is for my Mom.  She is involved with the Peace Movement in her community and this weekend is the 10th anniversary of the war in Afghanistan.   They have made up ten signs, to represent the ten years.  (I'll write a whole blog post on that later today) The handles of the signs are vintage - they are lathing strips that came out of an old house.  The tops are painted white to match the white posterboard, but the handles were left original.  I like the age of the wood and the nail holes on the ends of some of the pieces.  My Mom had these all laying out on a table and I saw them as I was coming down the stairs yesterday morning.  I told her thanks for helping me choose what my photo of the day would be! 

Enjoy!
Kristin

Tottie, do it again!

I have had two wonderful days.  I arrived safe and sound and without incident in Flint on Tuesday morning.  My sister Hillary picked me up and we sped off to East Lansing, MI.  We had lunch with my Mom at the Peanut Barrel - one of my Mom's favorite places and a neighborhood bar/restaurant and then Hillary went home and I went to Alison's to see her and the kiddos. 

Yesterday is pretty much a blurr because I had so little sleep the night before, but Stella and I played together and Alison and I talked and talked.  I got updated on a lot that had been going on.  Alison convinced me I should take a nap while I had the chance and I was out in a matter of moments.

I slept from 10pm until 6am without moving.  My hand was still holding onto the corner of the pillow and the covers hadn't moved an inch.  Guess I was tired.

Today was a different story.  I arrived before Scarlett napped and the three of us played in the playroom for quite awhile.  I brought my camera up there and pretty much all I heard was, "Tottie, do it again," "Take my picture, Tottie," "Take it again!"

I figured out the timer so we took a dozen or two shots of the three of us.  Most of them were complete duds, but the one above was a keeper and the best of the lot.

This one is just barely passable, but Stella wanted us to have a picture of us on the couch.

Zora is at school all day, so the big event is going to pick her up after school.  There's a little hill right by the school where Alison and the kids wait for Zora.  It's quite a bit of fun for them and it's out of the way of the buses and lines of other cars waiting for children.

Zora was reading over her homework as I was sneaking pictures of her.  She caught me and wasn't too pleased about it...

so she rushed the paparazzi!!  I thought it was a fun picture of her.

I'm going to have to share some of the pictures Zora's drawings.  They don't look anything like a 7 year old's drawings.  Coming from my talented sister and talented brother in law, I don't know why I'd say such a thing.  Of course the kid is crazy talented.

Zora told my Mom tonight that drawing is easy, it's all just lines.

Riiiiight.

I could draw lines all day and never get as good as she is already. 

That's a teaser to keep you coming back.  


Hope you have a GREAT day!

Kristin

Tottie = Auntie in kid talk

POTD - Hotel Entrance

POTD - Hotel Entrance
©2011 Kristin Corlett

I've always gotten a kick out of this hotel entrance in Jacksonville Beach, just a block away from the ocean.  It looks like a garden gate, not the type of gate to a hotel.  I've only seen the gate open once but I wasn't close enough to peek inside.  I'm not sure if I'm going to have to stay here to get the official tour or if I can find someone who will take me through.  So far, I've never seen an employee or anyone going in - but the OPEN sign is on...  I wonder if that means "the light is one but no one's home" ?  Stay Tuned.

Enjoy!
Kristin

The Mitten State

I'm leaving in just a few hours for one of my favorite places in the world!  I was asked where I lived in Michigan by someone here in Jacksonville and I put my hand up to point.

I pointed to Lansing, MI.  and she looked a bit confused.  I said, "Didn't you know that Michigan is shaped like a mitten?"  She didn't know.  tisk tisk!  So I'm here to give you a teeeeny bit of education.

Lower Michigan is shaped like a mitten.

The state of Michigan can be formed by using two hands.  I usually don't do the UP one (the Upper Peninsula) because then I'd need another hand to point to Lansing.  But I usually do demonstrate the entire state at some point in my conversation.  I was born in the UP, so I'm not one of those who forgets that part.

There's even a book about my beloved mitten state.  I didn't know about this book until I started finding photos for this post.  Guess I'm going to have to find the book and see if it's something my nieces might like.

There's even a clothing company called "The Mitten State" and they have some very cool items.  I could even become an affiliate and for everyone who goes through my link and buys something, I get a little money.  Hmmmm.  Well for now it's just a link to their place :0)  I'll look into the affiliate thing later.


So all of this is to tell you that I am letting my husband & kitty fend for themselves for a few weeks, while I go to the airport and get on a plane destined for Michigan, where I will stay for two weeks.   I am normally excited to go home, but for some reason the past two days I've been nearly spinning with JOY!  I want to go home, I want to see my parents, my sisters and my nieces!  I want to see some friends and BOB is coming out this weekend for a two and a half day visit!  I'm just overjoyed.

I bet that my blog posts will be hit or miss the next two weeks, but be prepared to be overloaded with pictures of my nieces.  I'm taking all of my lenses and am looking forward to annoying the heck out of them with the camera and without!

Have a wonderful beginning of October and I'll be back in Jax for my birthday.

I'll be waving at the U.P. and Annie!

Kristin

All the photos were pulled from Google Images and the second picture was altered as the line wasn't going to where I lived, it went to whomever designed the photo lived - and I just couldn't have that!

POTD - Florida Cypress Trees

POTD - Florida Cypress Trees

©2011 Kristin Corlett

Cypress trees like the wet swampy areas that Florida has in abundance, but I've never seen such a tiny little patch of them before.  I was driving through this neighborhood to get to a friends house when I spotted them...just hanging out in the middle of the little stream.  The Cypress leaves here are already turning color, so I guess fall has indeed arrived in Florida.  I think I'm going to keep an eye on this little grove of trees and see what they look like year round.  I am just so glad that I spotted them!

Enjoy!
Kristin

The 927 Building

I left the convention center in downtown Jacksonville, FL as the sun was setting.  I was so excited seeing the gorgeous clouds behinds the palm tree fronds, that I nearly missed the newly painted building just down the street. 

The last time I saw this building it was just a boring beige.  Now it's a riot of color with blues and oranges.  I adore the arches above the windows - it really turns an average three story building into something special.

I went to 927events.com and I'm really impressed with the way the interior was renovated.  I bet it's a great place to have a party or corporate event.  The metal work is fabulous, don't you think?  It really is great branding. 

Here's the hanging sign out front of the building.  I like that the numbers are cut out of the metal, so depending on where you are standing, the numbers can take on a variety of different colors or textures. 

In case you didn't see the 927 building, you obviously didn't see the awnings, the front door, the side of the building or the hanging sign!  I understand, it's the name of their company, too, but it does seem a bit excessive. 

I used this as my photo of the day (POTD - Viking) on Friday.  I wanted to make sure that I used it with a picture of the building so it could be seen in context. 





This is just a taste of my city on this glorious Sunday.  For more Sundays In My City and in many others, please head on over to Unknown Mami.  She's the hostess for this fine event.

Have a great day!
Kristin

POTD - Palm Trees

POTD - Palm Trees

©2011 Kristin Corlett

We had a gorgeous day in Jacksonville on Saturday.  It was in the middle 70s, no humidity and a cool breeze.  I decided to high tail it out of the house and take a drive.  I found myself at the beach on a street that I had never been down before.  I found this little park with two rows of palm trees and all of them had these bright orange seed pods.  Since it wasn't too hot, I was able to click, click, click away and get dozens of angles.  This was a favorite, but I love photographing palm trees, so the more the merrier.

Enjoy!
Kristin