O Christmas Tree

I took some pics. of my favorite tree ornaments, some that we have had forever and others that are new editions. My favorite ballet slippers didn't make it to the tree and conveniently couldn't be found! Enjoy!

Holiday Movie Review: Alvin and The Chipminks

For our 2nd Annual Family Fun Christmas Movie we went to see Alvin and The Chipmunks. I am a big fan of the little guys from my childhood and was actually wanting to see the movie before we settled on it for our family movie. I must say it was pretty cute. You gotta love those adorable little guys. The animation was pretty good as far as my untrained eye can see too. I certainly don't think it will win any awards but it was a fun movie for the holidays. I always like to check out the movie websites for the extras and with this one you can "Get Munked" and create your own chipmunk character with voice recording. Try it!

Movie Review: Polar Express in IMAX 3D

WOW, what an experience! Being my first trip to an IMAX theatre I figured it would be great, but this went well beyond. The Polar Express is such a great movie even not at the IMAX, but seeing it there really brings it to life. The snow flakes seem as if they are going to land right in your hands and the train ride actually feels like a magical roller coaster. And then there's Santa's village that is just incredible. If you need a little help getting in the Christmas spirit this movie, or book even, is a must. Making it's way to becoming a new Christmas classic, if it isn't already, I assure anyone this magical movie will help children of age 5 or 50 remember the magic of believing! Be sure to check out the website for the movie where you can build your own snowman and even board the train itself! The website is just a cool as the movie with lots of interactive ideas.

Christmas Cheer

Just sending a little Christmas in Cali. cheer! This is supposed to be me by the way!

I'm FREE!!!

Today officially ended my first semester at UCDavis and without question I am elated! I have conquered organic chemistry (we'll see how well when grades come out) and am very happy to be saying that I am moving on. If you ever want to torture someone for fun give them a semester, or two, or three, in organic chemistry.

If that was not enough for me to be doing I also started my job yesterday with the research lab. You remember the one I mentioned TWO MONTHS AGO! The wait is finally over and all the paperwork signed and dated for me to start just in time for finals and leaving on holiday next week (I like to refer to a vacation as going on holiday because I think it sounds cool when the Brits say it). :) The day went well and after two months of frustration I have a renewed excitement about this job. It is actually very cool work that I will be doing with DNA and cancer research. I was slightly nervous because I wasn't sure about how my experience, or what I thought was lack there of, would fit in with everyone else. But it turns out I am in the same position as everyone else when they started and may even have more experience than some did in the beginning. So my nerves were put to ease and I am ready to move forward.

I also started a little babysitting gig that I will be doing for a bit on Monday(s). It is just one day a week while the parents are at work, but it will definitely be good for a little extra spending cash. My other job is only two days a week for right now. The little girl I am sitting for is ~17mos. and as cute as can be. She would warm up to me and we would play and then all of a sudden she would realize she didn't know me that well and shy away (actually she would scream hysterically). I thought it was kinda funny how she would do this. It made for an exhausting day but I will get used to it, probably just in time for something else to come up. That's how it always seems to work out, right?!

Things have certainly come together this week, but I am really excited about coming home next week. I will be heading east on the 19th, so I can't wait to see everyone!

Movie Review: I'm Not There and Into the Wild

Well this one was interesting to say the least! I'm Not There is a look into the life and times of American icon Bob Dylan and this movie really took a journey. Several big name actors and actresses portrayed Mr. Dylan in the many roles that his real life character took on. I wish I knew more about him and his life because it really would have made the film more coherent for me personally. What little I did/do know of him and his life/music made it interesting, but I was slightly lost at other times. Overall it is an artsy film that I think is much more appreciated by those that are more informed. I now have some research to do so I can put it all together!

Another movie that I failed to mention when I saw it is Into the Wild. This was a beautiful movie directed by Sean Penn, whom I thought was in it as well, until I saw it. It is based on a true story that chronicles the journey of a recent college grad trying to find himself. This young adventurer leaves his conventional life of fortune and seeks one of less "worldly" prosperity on the road. His adventure leads him to Alaska where he learns how to survive in the wild and discovers an important lesson about life. WARNING: This movie is very intense and will leave you thinking. I would like to read the book that it is based on by Jon Krakauer of the same name. I have heard that the movie follows very closely to the book.

Giving Thanks

Happy (belated) Thanksgiving everyone! I wish I could have been in Texas for the occasion but I did spend a nice day with the little bit of family and friends that are out here. We started the day with good intentions to walk in the Run to Feed the Hungry charity event to support the local food banks. However, we didn't quite make it due to the amount of food that we were preparing for the hungry walkers/runners to stop by after the event. We served brunch at my cousins house for those that wanted to stop by and share part of their day before heading other places. The walk is a pretty big deal here in Sac., I think they said there were 20,000+ people that participated this year. There is a 5K and 10K course that you may run or walk and it goes for a great cause to help those that may not have food and family to spend Thanksgiving with. My cousin had 20+ people over afterward which made for a nice mid-afternoon. We then went over to my cousins husbands moms house (did you get that?) for a traditional Thanksgiving feast of turkey and stuffing/dressing and sweet potatoes, etc. I am so grateful that they included me in with their crowd. We had a nice evening there with lots of good food. I laughed with Amanda that she and I are the only ones that don't worry about gaining weight at this time because we don't eat that much, but this year I did make a little bit larger plate than normal! Cari made Granny's dressing so I had some of home with me and Stu fried a turkey which turned out really awesome! With so much to be thankful for I didn't have much time to miss being 2,000 miles from home!

In other news our heater gave out yesterday just in time for the colder weather to roll in! I am thankful it isn't any colder than it is but it still is quite chilly without the main heater going. We are surviving though with space heaters and layers until the handy man can come Mon. to take a look. I have all my blankets wrapped around me in the mean time! :)

Going Green

Today we had an interesting sermon at church titled "Brief Statement of Faith - Green Theology." It was from the book of Genesis 2:4-15 and basically gave a new perspective on the Green Movement that is going on around the world. The general idea was that God gave us this garden (the earth) that we are to tend and take care of. He made us stewards of what He has provided. It was really an inspiring sermon and afterwards they passed out new flourescent light bulbs for all the congregation to go and put into action these words. It is a message that I'm sure many have heard over and over again, but sometimes hearing it at church stirs up a new commitment, so I am glad to hear it put this way. I have been aware of the Green Movement for awhile now and try my best to incorporate the "green" lifestyle as I can. Every little bit helps!

Tahoe

Well, I made it up to Tahoe this weekend. Oh it was so beautiful and picturesque! We just missed the changing leaves, but certainly did not miss the beauty. There was actually a very vibrant yellow color that was speckled throughout the greens. The cabin we stayed in was actually in Tahoe Donner which is just another part of the Tahoe area. Interesting thing was it was near the place that the famous Donner party was found. If you break out your history books you will remember the Donner family got trapped in a snow storm and basically became cannibals in order to survive! There is a museum but we didn't make it there. The weather was so great, a little chilly but nice.



Most of the pictures were taken from a lookout point that you can walk around and then there is a trail that goes down to an old Vikings Castle. Notice I have figured out how to add pictures effectively, I've been working on this! You can also find more here. Check out the pictures from the Pumpkin Patch as well. The kids are of course Cari and Stu's little girls.

All Hallows Eve!

Getting ready for Halloween. I love this time of the year! There is just a feeling in the air that is different now. I came across an article linking the type of candy you buy to give away to your personality. It's kinda neat, go here to check it out. A must read before you go candy shopping so people don't get the wrong idea. I am definitely Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, but only because Nerds was not an option! What is your favorite? Take my poll.

The Incredible Shrinking Woman

Well as odd as it sounds apparently I am shrinking! My shoes don't fit! It is causing a bit of a crisis seeing as I LOVE SHOES! I have managed to drop 3-5 pounds (depending on what time of day I weigh myself) but I certainly don't think that is enough to affect my shoe size. The only logical explanation I have come up with is that because of the lack of humidity my feet have shrunk and my shoes have remained the same. I never thought my feet were swollen, actually I have always had problems finding shoes because they are so narrow, but I guess maybe they were swollen just enough to have affected my shoe size. How bizarre!!

Busy as a Bee

Good news, I found a job! Actually that is GREAT news! I will be working at a research lab here in Sacramento, helping the Research Biologist in identifying specific genes that have mutated to eventually form carcinogens. That is the short, uncomplicated version. I am excited about this opportunity for a variety of reasons, mainly being that I am getting paid, but also because it will be a wonderful chance for me to get experience working in a lab setting. The research I will be helping with isn't directly related to Forensics but the techniques I will be using are the same. Also, if it all works out, when I get more in depth with this degree I will be able to utilize this lab facility for my research required for my degree. So this is such a blessing and I am relieved.

I also went to the theatre (said with an uppity English accent) today. The B Street Theatre here in Sac. apparently puts on quite a few productions every year. It is a fairly small theatre that I would guess only seats about 100-200 people, if that. In fact we sat on the front row and were less than a foot from the stage. This theatre company is not very large but did a great job. I went with the lady that I am renting from as the lady that shares the tickets with her had to cancel. We saw A Skull in Connemara written by Martin McDonagh. It was a dark comedy about death, set in Ireland, I believe. I really enjoyed it, although at times it was a bit difficult to understand the slang used by cast members. Overall it was very well done. I am anxious to see what else they put on and will definitely go back. I am excited that there is so much to do as far as theatre and the arts here is Sac. I really enjoy getting to do those things.

Today's Fun fact: Either today or yesterday (not really sure which one) was National Dictionary Day! I'm not really sure what exactly is to happen on National Dictionary Day but maybe you can look up a new word or something!

A Little Piece of Home

Well, my fellow Texans, you have made the news out here in California. I was watching the news tonight and a story ran about a man from Tyler that is trying to get into the Guiness Book of Records for the longest leg hair. I thought it must be a pretty slow news night if that is the only interesting story they could come up with. Then the news caster wondered aloud if all Texans were like that. I wasn't sure if I needed to be offended or if I should be proud to be from the great state where everything is bigger. I guess all I can say is "Keep up the good work!"

School Days

Well, classes are officially in session. I started my 8 AM organic chemistry last Thurs. :( Today was the second day of classes for me and so far so good. Apparently I am turning over a new leaf. For anyone who knows me, let's just say I am not a "morning person"!

A thing I love about where I live is our back yard opens up to the playground of a local elementary school. So everyday the sounds of children playing various outdoor games at various times of day can be heard throughout the house. With the t.v. off it actually makes for a peaceful afternoon listening to the sound of children playing.

Still looking for a job. That's really all I can say about that. 'Til next time, take care!

How 'Bout them Apples!

I visited an apple orchard the other day when Unc. Walt and Aunt Judy were in town. A place fittingly named Apple Hill. A neat place outside Sac. before you get to Tahoe (another place I am hoping to visit soon) where there is everything apple. You park among the apple trees themselves, and then there are craft booths and fun activities for the kids, including a fishing pond. Then of course the apple stand where you can get whatever kind of apple you want (well, lots of kinds anyways)! Got some good pics. of the apples and the incredible view as well. More pics.!!

Road Trip '07

Well I finally got pictures from our trip uploaded for your viewing pleasure.

Question: Why did it take you so long Michelle?

Answer: I am old school and haven't gone digital yet!

I am having formatting issues so I posted a few and then put a link where you can see more. Enjoy!!

More photos!!!

Shiver Me Timbers!

Apparently today is National Talk Like a Pirate Day, so remember to make 'em walk the plank!

Well, after 3 1/2 days of driving we arrived in Sacramento on Sun. The last day of driving was all the way up through CA. The drive up I-5 was the most "crop"ulated stretch of land I have ever seen. It was just one orchard or vineyard after another. From grapes to almonds and apricots to cotton we saw such a variety of terrain. A surprising but welcome change of scenery.

I am now working on getting settled in my place and finding a job hopefully before classes start. The lady I am renting from is very nice and has a neat home. My ""suite" even has it's own semi-private patio and garden. It is a change from places I am used to living, but I think it is going to work out well.

I read a neat article in the SacBee yesterday about advertising icons. Did you know that there is an icon "Hall of Fame" of sorts? Here is the article, Character Studies, for anyone who wants to check it out. Who is your favorite icon? I'm personally a Geico Gecko fan! Take my poll at the bottom.

On the Road Again

Just a quick note saying we made it to California! We arrived in Barstow late tonight (Saturday) and after several attempts were able to get a hotel off the highway. Were able to stop in Flagstaff earlier and see James, YaYa, and Isaac for a brief visit. Wish we could have spent more time there as the town seemed like it would have been a neat place to stay a while. The goal tomorrow is to make it all the way to Sacramento. Shouldn't be too terrible of a drive, only around 5 1/2 - 6 hours. Really tired as I am the "night crew" for driving, so heading for a pillow!

Are we there YET?

Well Road Trip 2007 has officially begun. Currently we are in Santa Fe, NM where we spent the night walking around the downtown Santa Fe Plaza. A neat town, full of character, really everything I expected. We got here after most of the museums and shops had closed so I guess I will be forced to make a return trip at some point. :)

Last night we got to Wichita Falls around 2 a.m. and then headed out bright and early this morning. A tiring day but a highlight, other than Santa Fe, was the Cadillac Ranch right outside of Amarillo. Ten Cadillacs were buried tail end up in the middle of a field. They have all been spray painted by various passersby, there are even cans of spray paint that have been left around for others to use. We of course made sure to leave our mark. Got some great pictures, will post them later. Better get to bed as we will be hitting it early tomorrow as well. More to come!

'Twas the Night Before...

Words cannot describe what I am feeling right now. A mixture of anxiety, excitement, sadness, nervousness, and just about every other emotion possible. The day has come, sorta. We will be leaving tomorrow afternoon as soon as everyone is off work. Time has certainly crept by quickly, if that makes sense. I have had a wonderful summer being home with my family and have spent some very valuable time saying goodbye to friends. I of course will be in touch, just not as close as before. I am going to make an attempt to post from the road, but don't hold your breath. The first major stop we will be making is Santa Fe, which I am thoroughly excited about. I have been told what a neat place it is to visit. We will then be heading to AZ where we hope to stop in Flagstaff and make a run by the Grand Canyon. Then on to the Cali. tour where we will stay in Barstow then on to Sacramento. We will "land" on Sun. sometime early afternoon - if we calculated correctly.

Please send out lots of prayers not only for our safety on the road but with each other, in one car, for three days! :) Love to everyone, will be in touch soon!

Coming Soon To A Computer Near You!

After alot of harrassment from friends, who shall remain nameless, I have created a MySpace account. I have been reluctant to do so for some time now and finally have given in. Since I am in the middle of a pretty big move, to say the least, I am not going to put alot of time into it at the moment but will of course add as I go. For all of you that know me and have an account as well look me up!

We had the big Floyd family reunion this past weekend. Everyone had a big time, either on the lake or on the side lines watching and it really turned out GREAT! Thanks so much to everyone for hosting it and getting us all together. As our 2007 motto suggest we truly are "Too Blessed to be Stressed!"

There are now only 4 days until we ship out! You don't realize how much stuff you have until you start packing for a move. I don't know how we are ever going to myself, my parents and my stuff all the way to Sacramento. I am looking forward to the scenery, as we will be stopping in Santa Fe, and possibly going to the Grand Canyon. Of course a big chunk of our trip will be Texas, Go Figure!

On Your Mark...

Well, yesterday officially started the countdown. There are only TEN days before I head out on the road!! This summer has flown by quickly and I still have lots to do.

Saw Rush Hour 3 the other night. Oh so worth it! Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan are one of my favorite pairs. The first two movies are on the top of my favorites list and the third was not any less amusing. I was a little skeptical going in because sequels aren't know to be great, but I was willing and was not disappointed. I definitely suggest this one!

Movie Review: Becoming Jane

Went and saw Becoming Jane the other night. I thought it was a lovely movie portraying her life. I found it fitting that I see the movie while I was making my way through her novels, even though I haven't gotten very far. Anne Hathaway (also in the Princess Diary movies) did a great job in her role, as did the other lead (don't know his name). I really got a sense of how she wrote her novels based on life and the many triumphs and heartaches she experienced. I definitely suggest this movie, even though it only got mediocre ratings.

To add a little product placement, strictly for females, I tried the Veet bladeless shave kit this weekend. The kit comes with the bladeless razor and cream that is supposed to work in as little as 3 minutes. The results were decent but not quite what I expected. It got a little messy waiting for the cream to set but it did leave my legs smooth. It is not going to save me any time compared to regular shaving and it has only been 2 days and I am already stubbly when I thought it was going to keep them smoother, longer. I don't think I will waste my money with it again, just my opinions though.

Hello Stranger!

Well, it's been a while since I last wrote, but not much has really happened! We got back Sunday from moving Amanda to school. It was kinda strange to move her to San Marcos without me living there. I never planned on living there for the rest of my life or anything, but it was a little bittersweet to leave her there and me not be.

I got to spend some time with a couple of old friends for my birthday (woohoo!) while we were there, which was nice. Thanks for everyone that came out with us, it was so great to see everyone!

Another happening is me working for the Camp Fire Kids Care program for the next month. I have already been there a week and have a different respect for the teachers of today than I ever did before. I have always thought that it took someone very special and patient to be able to "corral" kids in a classroom, but I now know firsthand how important our teachers really are (and why school doesn't last until 5p.m.). I love kids and have grown up babysitting and taking care of children for various people for as long as I can remember, so I thought "Oh I think I can handle this!" I wasn't wrong, but I certainly underestimated what I was getting into. I am glad to have something to keep me busy for the next month, but I will not be reconsidering my career goals! :)

Once Upon A Time...

In yet another sleepless night I found myself watching a cake decorating contest on the Food Network. This time the theme was Disney Princesses, and the contestants had to create their cake so that it would best represent one of five characters. There was Cinderella, of course, Snow White, Belle, Jasmine, and Arial. As I watched I found myself in a very philosophical and insightful debate, with myself of course, as to which character was my favorite and why?. Ultimately it came down between Princess Jasmine and Aerial, but in the end Aerial won. The reason that I decided was because I felt like Aerial was represented as the most independent of all the princesses. She is the only one that the story line does not completely revolve around being rescued by Prince Charming, because what she was really looking for was to be able to live above sea and the Prince happened into the picture. Anyone who knows me i'm sure finds this line of reasoning suits me because I have never been one who wants to sit around and wait for Mr. Right. Don't get me wrong I do occasionally find myself "wishing upon a star" for my prince to come along. To quote one of my favorite movies "Maybe prince charming will show up [again] someday. Somewhere unexpected." -Rizzo, from Grease. I mean who doesn't want their "happily ever after?"

Who is your favorite Disney Princess, take the poll.

Set the Date

Well it is official, I will be leaving for Sacramento on Sept. 14th!! Mom, dad, and I are going to be driving out with most of my belongings that day and then they will be flying back to Texas on the 18th of Sept. I still have to find a job and a place to live, but other than that it's set!! HaHa!!
At church this morning Dr. Wallace preached of open doors and using those opportunities that God has provided for us. I have been making an effort to really place my trust in God "openning doors" for me to make it to California and while I am there and really feel that this has been an opportunity that I just can't turn my back on. I truly believe that one of the reasons I have had such a hard time finding a job in my field (in Texas) was because that is just not what He had in store for me and His true vision for me is yet to come.

On another note I finished reading Sense and Sensibility last night. I have never read any of Jane Austin's novels, so I decided this would be the summer. I found a book that has 6 or 7 of her complete works in one big book, so that is what I am making my way through. I have really enjoyed the first one and am looking forward to Pride and Prejudice next. Her style of writing is so eloquent and I like the style of writing from that time period. I have caught myself thinking in the dialect from that era and have to laugh! This week starts shark week on the Discovery channel though, so I probably won't get very much reading done.

I am also going to be babysitting for my cousin's two boys this week so that ought to be an adventure!

Taking it Off

I have never been much of a Glamour reader (more of a Cosmo girl), but in my quest to lose a few pounds I have discovered they have some pretty good tips. From meal ideas, to workout plans there is a little info. for everything on trying to shed a few. Of course it does require me to actually do the workouts in order for them to work, funny how that works! I did indeed workout today though and feel much better. Strange how moving around will actually give you energy rather than taking it out of you. I have to start looking good if I am to compete with all the "plastics" out in Cali.!!

Idle Hands

So in my maddening boredom I have discovered the M&Ms website. Being my favorite candy and all I thought it might be fun to create my own character. Good luck being able to register the character, but creating it is still mildly fun. Check out the poll at the bottom, What's your favorite color?

Inspired

Feeling creative and inspired by cousin Jill, felt it was great idea for me to create a blog for myself. Starting a new adventure this summer by moving to Cali. in Sept., therefore am naming this blog according. Hope to be sharing more news, pictures, and fun as I learn more about what I'm doing with this thing. :) Moving on...