366

One year ago today I started a challenge to write a blog with the equivalent of a picture a day for a year.  Today is day 366. 

The puppies all fell in love with Dad all over again.

Mom and Dad enjoying tea before supper

Good bye, blogging world.  Here is me, Day 366.


6 years ago today I married my husband.  7 years ago today he proposed.  I love the life I've been given and I wish nothing but the same for those who have put up with me for the past year.

Thank you for reading.

If you would like to continue the madness, a new post will be showing up shortly on a more permanent blog
http://kristinparrish.blogspot.com/


Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and good bye for now.

Preparations

This weekend and early next week will consist of me playing hostess.  I'm not exactly the best hostess, though my sister-in-law made a very sweet comment about how well I did Easter this past year. 
So I've been preparing.  A few cleaning errands today, a little bit of baking last night.

Homemade peanut butter cups:)

I can't believe tomorrow is the last day of this blog challenge.  I've kind of gotten used to thinking about life in a "what can I take a picture of" sort of way.  

One thing I did take a picture of today was a finished art project.  The keys inside are from my first clarinet, which happened to belong to my Aunt Sue.  The box was made by my dad for jewelry when I was in high school and I didn't think to put the two together until a few days ago.  I like it a lot!

But with a new year, comes a new blog.  This one is more definite, because moving over to a new blog is always a little more difficult, and you have to wonder how many people keep reading after you've moved on.  Since I'm not doing this for a lot of readers, it doesn't really matter, I suppose, but it's a little difficult, anyway.

My new blog, that I will be starting around the first of the year, is http://kristinparrish.blogspot.com/
I know, really creative title, right?

That's okay.

I'm continuing blogging because my mom might actually start following and because I would like to actually talk about some things that matter more frequently, instead of "look at this picture of my dog".  It'll be about simple living, Christian living, being a wife, that sort of stuff.  So, if you want to keep following my boring little life, consider this a warm invitation. 

And... look at this picture of my dog.

I will have a post tonight when my parents arrive and one final goodbye tomorrow.

Snow Day!!

I had a very disappointed clarinet student this morning.  She had been looking forward to sleeping in and staying home with her mom.  Yet, there she was, learning some more scales and techniques on her clarinet at 7:15 in the morning.  She had been hoping for a snow day.
Well, though she was up (most likely earlier than everyone else at her school) she did get to go home and maybe take a nap.
That's what I might do this afternoon.
I walked to work with no snow.  There were rumors but there were rumors about last night, too.
Then, it started coming down.  Schools were getting out left and right, Luis didn't do his normal road run.  I did all of my morning duties and Bob told me not to come back this afternoon.

 The "view" out of our front door.

 David enjoying the snow.

 Gray at the front door... he was in and out in less than 30 seconds.

 Snow sticking to the house

 So that's why we can't see out the front window...

 I came home, let the dogs out and checked the mail.  Then, sweatpants and slippers.  It took less than 5 minutes to get into full blown snow day mode.

Gray was super excited to be back inside!

In case you have been counting, these pictures bring us up to 360.  That means 6 more pictures and 4 more days until the challenge of this blog is over.
 
I am a little sad now that it is coming to an end.  I have 12 official followers now and a few that aren't official.  I don't know what the grand total is, but since I'm not doing this for a following it doesn't really matter.  I have made started the beginnings of a new blog, which I will bring up on one of the last posts.  It's going to be a lot different-- a once a week update on my life and the goals I've set for myself in the coming year and beyond (I've learned my lesson, yearly blogs are annoying because you have to change them all the time!).

Have a great snow day, locals! 

Gilmore Girls

I have a guilty pleasure show.  Gilmore Girls.  I haven't had time or the desire really to enjoy this show for a year or so.  But this morning, as I finished getting ready, I had an overwhelming desire to chill today.  I don't usually chill by myself often.  I can't sit still!  But, a couple of hours of watching a few episodes of a good old show today, as I prepare for Christmas, is just what I wanted. 

In other news, during a deep clean on Saturday, Jim found an old friend of Gray's... a stuffed penguin.  We caught Rory chewing on it first.  Then Gray.  Then David discovered that it squeaks and hasn't let anyone else touch it since.

Choir Concert

Tonight, as we celebrate Jim's birthday, we attended a choir concert under the direction of the new instructor, Mr. Work.  I was excited to be able to attend this concert as I haven't seen him in action yet. 
So, before talking about the concert, I wanted to finish a story about seeing The Hobbit in theatre on Friday night.  If you remember from a post earlier today, I mentioned bringing it up again.  It was actually a terrifying experience that ended up being nothing, but was enough to have me in tears for the first portion of the movie.
When we arrived, extra early to ensure good seats, we were ahead of a young guy and his younger brother.  He was wearing a leather jacket over a hooded sweatshirt. As we waited for our popcorn, a full face mask fell out of the inside of his jacket.  His brother pointed it out to him and he seemed to get upset, telling him to "sh" and that it was "his mask" and quickly put it back on the inside of his jacket.  I told Jim right away that I was nervous, as this mask didn't represent anything in the Hobbit, it was more of a white thing with bright red lips.  Jim said not to worry, but that didn't stop me from taking note of where mask-man was sitting.
It also didn't stop me from noticing the kids sitting in front of me, most of them kids from the band.  And across the way, a graduate of the band and his sisters.  So, I watched the guy with more diligence... the poor kid probably wondered why he felt like someone was staring at him all night.  Yup, that was me.  But, frankly, I think he deserved it after the lights went down and he put his hood up and covered his face with the mask.  I told Jim we had to do something right then.  He went and talked to him.  Seemed like a nice kid, just wanted to be nerdy while watching a nerdy movie.  Jim looked him over to make sure there were no signs of anything we should be concerned about, but it didn't really feel like enough.
The first part of The Hobbit had me in tears as I looked at the back of the heads of the kids in front of me.  I gave her flute lessons--she plays the trumpet.  He was so close to making it into All-State last year.  Not only that, but I knew these kids by name, I knew most of their parents.
Even though mask-man was a nice guy and didn't do anything else suspicious all night, I was watching him carefully.  Then I realized I was probably the creepiest person in the room, because I just wanted to hug those kids in front of me and tell them how awesome they all are!

So at tonight's concert I enjoyed the performance of talented, kind and hard working kids.  Mr. Work did a great job and the choir was very, very good.  The show choir was particularly impressive-- the dance moves! 

Kids of Ogallala- I love ya', thanks for rocking at concerts and everything you do. 

Pie and Tea

Jim's birthday is today.  This weekend, we celebrated first by going to The Hobbit Friday night (more on that in a later post), then by eating at Homemade Heaven on Saturday.  The eating out part mainly happened because we had to pick up a Strawberry pie from her that Jim ordered previously.
Because he didn't want to be without his annual lemon meringue pie, I also made one of those.  Unfortunately, my meringue didn't quite make it this year.  That's alright, still tasted awesome.  But, you won't be seeing a picture of that particular pie.

 Homemade Heaven made this beauty of a Strawberry Pie.  Jim has most of this already gone and close to half of the lemon meringue as well. The lady was so sweet when giving it to him, too.  Very happy to help on his birthday.

This is my usual drink at the Lampstand... a Sugar Free Vanilla Chai in Soy Milk.  Yes, I am one of THOSE people.  I recently discovered I have somewhat of an aversion to dairy products.  It's not a big deal, I won't die if I drink it, but avoiding it has made life a little more enjoyable.  And, the sugar free is kind of self explanatory.  My drink at the Lampstand is one of the few "treats" I allow myself weekly (sometimes more than once weekly).
It's times like these that I love to gloat about our local businesses.  A beautifully made pie, just for my sweet husband on his 27th birthday and delivered from a sweet lady who was so excited to show him.  And then a Monday afternoon hot drink to warm myself up.  Kendra at the Lampstand has been such a wonderful addition to downtown.  Heather is so sweet and they both treat me so well every time I come in.  Today, she even stopped herself after making my drink to realize it wasn't in soy milk and started over just for me.  What a sweet thing to do!
So, Kendra, though you don't read my blog, I really appreciate you  not only keeping me warm and happy with Chai, but also for the performing opportunities for my students and I and all the great Paninis, salads and soups I have enjoyed at your establishment.  You and Heather ROCK!

Proud Teacher

Tuesday night, right after lessons, I jumped in the car with my husband and drove to Arthur to watch my flute student, Brenna, perform at her Christmas concert.  She and I had been working on a flute solo version of "Believe" from the Polar Express.  She also played lead in a trio and had a solo with the band, as well as singing with the choir.  It was a really small group of kids performing their hearts out at a little concert.  I think we were the only ones not from Arthur at the concert, but it was a lot of fun to see her perform.  She did everything I suggested-- from taking a step to the side of the stand to bow, making sure to smile, making sure to tap her foot to the beat even if she was confident in the beat (to be safe), looking happy to be performing during rests... you know, standard, you are on the stage type stuff.

And because he just doesn't seem to get a lot of attention on this blog, our Gray, all tucked in and cute.

We're getting to the end of this blog.  Two weeks and you all will be without my photo updates.  Aw... that's okay, I have a new blog in the works.  Won't be nearly as exciting, just try to keep it up for people like my mom who is just now joining the blogging scene.

Busy December Sunday

My favorite holiday party is the adult Christmas party for our church.  It hosts the biggest white elephant party I've ever attended... every year.  This year, 64 people participated.  Jim and I walked out with a candy bouquet for his desk and some peach butter for home.  Not going to lie... I was stoked about this.  As I am moving more towards a stuff-less lifestyle, perishable goods is the way to go.

Other than the party, we had the Nelson's over for taco soup (which was a raving success by my husband.  I may have finally talked him out of having canned soups if I make him this and a couple others once a month.  So, it was great to have the Nelson's over and catch up with our short-term neighbors, who are now country-dwellers again.  And it was also great to get my husband a step in a healthier direction.

If you notice the right side of this picture, Shane is using the garbage sack for the wrapping paper as a way to handle his anxiety.  Okay, he's just blowing it up.  But kind of funny, anyway.

Look at this closely... Bonnie is peaking over her gift as she decides and looks so cute!

Pastor handing out a gift

And David was naughty and took a nap with me on the couch... as did Rory (you can see her nose on the bottom of the picture).

Early Celebrations

Christmas time is not only busy for us because of the major holiday, but we also celebrate my husband's birthday and our anniversary.  In order to get all of that celebrating done we started early.

This week, our little town had it's last parade of the year-- the Festival of Lights parade.  It was not one of the most spectacular parades I've seen this town do, but it was nicer weather than is usual for this particular event.
To start the season off right, the downtown businesses now stay open late Thursday nights.  So, to help kick that off, and really, as my own little way to feel better about not having a lot of performance opportunities, I set up a corner in the Lampstand (the best coffee shop around) and played some Christmas carols on the flute.  It was very informal, though I did have a small group of listeners from my church come and listen.  It was a good time-- not quite like the orchestra or concert band experience I've been missing, but at least it gave me a reason to practice again.

Continuing the celebration, we started this weekend with a date at home night watching a movie (which isn't unusual... that could be any given night at this house), then up bright and early this morning (Saturday) to drive to North Platte for an early anniversary appointment.  Since our anniversary is the 23rd and we will be busy with Christmas company, I scheduled this early.  We had two hours of dance lessons with a dance instructor.  We spent a majority of the time learning the basic steps to the waltz.  We can dance, twirl, promenade and another step I can't remember the name of but I know how to do because it was the hardest so I worked on it the most.  I would have pictures of this but forgot because I was having way too much fun.

 The Lampstand

 Go OMS band!  Sounded great!

The Stage Dance Studio.

After that we dropped by a bike shop in North Platte (that doesn't sound typical of us at all, does it?) and I found a bike that might replace the bike that makes me cry.  If you didn't know about that, my new road bike that we purchased this summer has resulted in crying at almost every riding and at least one meltdown.  Jim has determined it is just too much bike for me so soon.  So, we looked and found a bike much more my speed (with extra sets of brakes, shorter, etc.) and found a cute one in pretty light blue.  If we can sell the one from last summer for a decent price, I will be trying this bike, in hopes that I will be able to join my husband in longer rides this coming year. 

After that we went to my favorite date night location-- Cold Stone.  Since I have nearly eliminated sugar from my diet (I admit to an indulgence here and there and everywhere), Cold Stone hasn't happened in a while.  I did take a few bites of the delicious dark chocolate mint ice cream that used to be my staple take home when I worked at the Rapid City store.  But, I truly enjoyed my sugar free peach sorbet with strawberries, blueberries and raspberries mixed in.  Mmmmm.

Then, because you can't have icecream for lunch, even if it is mixed with fruit, we went to the Open Range.  I had my now usual of the steak salad and we shared some sweet potato fries.

After that, we picked up some sparkling wine to be enjoyed as an anniversary treat, and Christmas treat. 

Tomorrow, we have the Nelson's coming over for lunch after church.  Then, an early choir practice and the church Christmas party... adults only.  It includes a white elephant gift exchange with a lot of adults exchanging.  Always promises to be a good time and I look forward to it this year again as well.  I will do my best to get pictures.

Christmas Prep

Maybe all the blogs in the blogosphere will be posting about Christmas prep.  To be frank, I don't really care what they are doing, since this is a private blog for random people who seem to still remain interested, months after it's beginnings. So, with that said, I'm going to be generic and talk about Christmas now.

First I'd like to say that I don't like decorating for Christmas.  I do enjoy driving around and appreciating the work others have put into their front yards.  I also enjoy walking into houses that magically smell like sugar cookies and cinnamon from black Friday all the to New Years eve, even if the person doesn't bake.  I think it's cute when I visit someone whose whole decor is now red and silver and glittery, down to the mugs the hot chocolate is served.

I do not enjoy, however, having those things in my house. 

I don't know if you know this about me or not, but I am kind of a wanna-be minimalist.  The word "stuff" turns my stomach and I question every little thing I own-- down to knowing we have too many pens in the house.  That doesn't mean I am anywhere near a minimalist.  I don't live with one, so right off the bat I am stuck with bins of Lego's and old college papers.  I also have a life with some at least somewhat interesting hobbies in it, and hobbies require stuff.  So, while I like the idea of being the kind of person who doesn't have stuff, I'm content with being a person who guards her heart against having too much stuff.

So, when it comes to Christmas, I really, really don't like having all the stuff to decorate with.  We have one tote and a box with our reusable tree.  The tote contains extra lights, my nativity scene, the balls that go on the tree and two light up angel things.  My tree is simple.  I feel bad for my children as they won't be seeing their homemade ornaments on the tree.  Sorry, kids.  Your mom is insane.  And the above decorations are what you are stuck with.  At least when I'm dead you won't have thirty boxes of Christmas decor to sort out.

On another completely random note, I have been working on making my private lessons a little more official, business like.  I love the way things are going, but this week (the first week of the month) always makes me nervous, as I never know if people will pay me or not.  So I hold my breath, hope I get paid so I don't have to call parents, and go on. 
Most of the time, it is a simple matter of students forgetting to actually hand the check to me.  I'm usually pretty good about asking, but let's be honest-- that's not what lessons are for, and "hi, Johnny, do you have my money?" isn't exactly the nicest way to start a month.
So hopefully this little picture will remind the kids that while I love teaching them, I'm not rich enough to support this as a hobby.

Jingle Bell Run

My first Jingle Bell run was last year.  We met the Helzer's in the North Platte gym.  Jim was sick, so he supported from the sidelines.  Nate, Danielle and I started the race together, but Danielle's competitive spirit and determined edge took her ahead of Nate and I.  Nate even blasted ahead of me at the last few blocks.  It was the first 5K I ran the whole thing.  I can't believe that was only a year ago!
This year was quite a bit different.  We got up early so I could get things ready.  Before I left, I was wearing my running tights and a velvety white dress.

By the time we got there, I was in my full on Angel costume, complete with wings, halo and sparkles.  Jim had a little too much fun sparkling me in the parking lot, but you can't see them in the picture.  I'm still finding them today, after two showers.
We started too far back, having listened to the warning about those who were serious about racing.  Being in costume, I didn't know how I would do, so I wanted to start a little ways back, just in case.
Unfortunately, a lot of people didn't listen to the warning and walkers were starting right up in the first couple of lines in a race of almost 700 people.
Yeah.
I spent the first quarter of the race dodging walkers.  Then, the next quarter passing the joggers.  Then, the last half passing people.  But, I didn't pass everyone.  They announced the top three in age groups, and based on times, I was most likely number four.  Jim took off and beat me by about 30 seconds.

I saw a lot of people from Ogallala at the race and talked to Kelly Crimble, a fantastic athlete that I admire so much (she won the Platte River Fitness Series this year!).   They always give cool hoodies, though I like last year better.  I also apparently made the front page of the North Platte Telegraph, something I haven't seen yet.

Afterwards, we came home, showered, and went to Jim's work.  Where we spent from 1 until 9 in the afternoon organizing Jim's desk.  We threw away a little over three large garbage bins full of paperwork, old capacitors, etc.  We also organized his paperwork, which was my favorite part, because, if you haven't noticed, I'm kind of an organization freak.