I know I know...I got behind again. But hey better late than never...
"And one for you...and one for me"
Three Wishes for me:
1. Happiness and peace for my brother who struggles with mental illness.
2. Happiness and fulfilling lives for my friends and family
3. Of course, I wish I could win the lottery, but more importantly, I wish I could win a whole bunch a money so I can share it with family and friends and The Ella Curran Food Bank. And buy lots of new socks...
Three wishes for the world:
1. I wish that people would grow more and more to realize that money cannot buy happiness. Bigger is not always better. More More More is not always better.
2. With that said....MORE local, state and national funding and support for the arts!
3. Americans would wake up and realize the legacy of obesity they are leaving for future generations and DO something about it!
4. O.k. one more...That Kim, Chloe and Courtney (?) Kardashian would stop getting their own reality shows!
Day 30-A Picture
Of what? Anything? Hmmm...What better way to end 30 days of blogging than what I started with! A picture of me of course...
I wish I had something witty and clever to place here to describe my blog, but I don't.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Day 26-Picture of your family
HA! I got just about everyone in the immediate family!
From LEFT: Dad, Bro, Mom, Me, Bryce, B's Mom, B's Dad, Sis Melissa and hubby Rob, Uncle Andy, Grandma Rita, Aunt Katie and finally, Andy & Katie's two girl Grace and Abby (the littlest one). However, I must tell you that I have 4 aunts and 6 uncles on my Mom's side and therefore TONS of cousins. Also, not pictured are Bryce's Uncle John and Aunt Laura and My Uncle Pete and Aunt Ruthanne.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Day 25-First Ten Songs on my ipod
I hate to admit it, but the last time I used my ipod was for a music history class.
Usually I listen to Pandora, 97.1 Charlie and sometimes Z100.
If I had my iPod on shuffle I suppose the artists (I'm terrible with song names) I would have on it would be:
Billy Joel
Beyonce
Lady Gaga
Elly Ameling
Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
James Taylor
Joni Mitchell
Beatles
Chicago
Ke$ha
Black-Eyed Peas
Monday, January 24, 2011
Day 24-Things I've Learned
Work to live, don't live to work.
Your emotional and physical well-being is your number 1 priority.
It's ok to feel mad.
It's ok to feel sad.
You can't make everyone happy, ever.
Do your best, then let it go.
Follow your heart, your gut feelings, whatever you want to call it.
Stay away from energy vampires and negative people.
Guard your heart when necessary
Count your blessings.
Every once in awhile just do nothing.
Nap good.
Your emotional and physical well-being is your number 1 priority.
It's ok to feel mad.
It's ok to feel sad.
You can't make everyone happy, ever.
Do your best, then let it go.
Follow your heart, your gut feelings, whatever you want to call it.
Stay away from energy vampires and negative people.
Guard your heart when necessary
Count your blessings.
Every once in awhile just do nothing.
Nap good.
Day 23-Favorite Vacation
Honeymoon of course...
Bryce and I spent a "Mini-moon" at Cannon Beach at the Stephanie Inn. A hidden gem, and very luxurious hotel. We had one of the best dinners ever and spent our days walking the beach, getting massages at the spa and ordering room service!
Pretty much any vacation at the Oregon Coast is my favorite vacation. It is my favorite place to go!
Bryce and I spent a "Mini-moon" at Cannon Beach at the Stephanie Inn. A hidden gem, and very luxurious hotel. We had one of the best dinners ever and spent our days walking the beach, getting massages at the spa and ordering room service!
Pretty much any vacation at the Oregon Coast is my favorite vacation. It is my favorite place to go!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Day 22-My makeup bag
I'm a day early with this post, but I figure better early than late. I will be snowshoeing Crater Lake tomorrow and I imagine I will be very tired when I get home and not up to blogging. So here is what is typically in my makeup bag:
SPF 15 lotion
Lightweight, Liquid Foundation (Ivory shade)
Lip Gloss ( neutral pink, mauve)
Neutral golds, browns, mauve eyeshadow, usually one of the kits that is for brown eyes
Brown eyeliner
Brown mascara
I'm all for the subtle, natural look. Plus I'm lazy.
I personally like to buy Loreal or Maybelline products, whatever is on sale at Target or Walmart. I have found that they work just as well as the really expensive stuff..lol. Although it is fun to browse the counters at Nordstrom or Sephora.
SPF 15 lotion
Lightweight, Liquid Foundation (Ivory shade)
Lip Gloss ( neutral pink, mauve)
Neutral golds, browns, mauve eyeshadow, usually one of the kits that is for brown eyes
Brown eyeliner
Brown mascara
I'm all for the subtle, natural look. Plus I'm lazy.
I personally like to buy Loreal or Maybelline products, whatever is on sale at Target or Walmart. I have found that they work just as well as the really expensive stuff..lol. Although it is fun to browse the counters at Nordstrom or Sephora.
Day 21-A Picture of Me
Yes that little person on the right is me! That was taken in December when I tried snowboarding for the first time ever! I like this picture because its hilarious and I rarely take serious pictures. Also, it represents my adventurous spirit and the spirit of my friends. I have wonderful friends that are always willing to go on crazy adventures and try new things. I feel like I can be myself around them; craziness and all! To explain further, I did not have great friends through most of my school years until I got to college. In fact I had pretty crappy friends who always made me feel like the odd one out and were always bringing me down. It took me a long time to realize that I was WAY better (lol) and cooler than them. I was just as smart, pretty, funny and creative. I am grateful for these negative experiences though, because I appreciate my wonderful friends even more as a result.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Day 20=Nicknames
Nicknames
Past Nicknames:
Jetson-my maiden name is Jepsen
Tomato face-I used to blush a lot as a kid and as we all know, kids are not nice in school, but I came to embrace it. It's now considered cute by many of my friends and family.
Current
Bryce's Nicknames for me:
Beautiful (you have to hear him say it because it sounds really funny)
Cinnamon Face
My mom often calls me "Karen Elizabeth" in the mom voice or "Girly-girl".
My dad calls me "Kid" or before I graduated "College kid".Now if you want to get into the many nicknames I have created for other people, that's a whole other blog post or a hilarious conversation.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Day 18 & 19
Yesterday was show day so I didn't have one minute to blog! But I'm going to catch up right now.
Day 18-Regrets
Not taking more dance classes. I love to dance and love watching dancers. I think it would have helped my confidence more as a kid and young adult. In my next life I want to be a hip hop dancer. Oh well, instead of dancing I was a pianist and singer and have become a talented musician.
Not being meaner to people! Ha ha! I know this sounds counterproductive but I was definitely way too nice to people growing up. I'm still a little too nice. I wish that in some instances I had stood up for myself more, used a few choice words and really told people what I thought.
Day 19-Something you miss
Recess-I loved recess as a kid. Running around, playing soccer, swings. Everything!
Play time-As a kid I could spend hours by myself just playing with toys. I would make up all kinds of stories about my My Little Ponies versus the Evil Barbies, whatever. My imagination is just not the same as when I was a kid. One thing I have preserved from childhood is that I can still read for hours and hours and get completely lost in a book.
Day 18-Regrets
Not taking more dance classes. I love to dance and love watching dancers. I think it would have helped my confidence more as a kid and young adult. In my next life I want to be a hip hop dancer. Oh well, instead of dancing I was a pianist and singer and have become a talented musician.
Not being meaner to people! Ha ha! I know this sounds counterproductive but I was definitely way too nice to people growing up. I'm still a little too nice. I wish that in some instances I had stood up for myself more, used a few choice words and really told people what I thought.
Day 19-Something you miss
Recess-I loved recess as a kid. Running around, playing soccer, swings. Everything!
Play time-As a kid I could spend hours by myself just playing with toys. I would make up all kinds of stories about my My Little Ponies versus the Evil Barbies, whatever. My imagination is just not the same as when I was a kid. One thing I have preserved from childhood is that I can still read for hours and hours and get completely lost in a book.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Day 17-Something your looking forward too
I am looking forward to...
Snowshoeing with my buddies Danielle and Melissa at Crater Lake this Friday! I have never been snowshoeing, but I love to hike and always look forward to adventures with my adventure buddies! Plus it's always an adventure when I'm driving!
Snowshoeing with my buddies Danielle and Melissa at Crater Lake this Friday! I have never been snowshoeing, but I love to hike and always look forward to adventures with my adventure buddies! Plus it's always an adventure when I'm driving!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Day 15 & 16
Bible Verse & Dream House
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"
Matthew 6:25-27 New International Version
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
What does the worker gain from his toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.
Whatever is has already been,
and what will be has been before;
and God will call the past to account.aAnd I saw something else under the sun:
In the place of judgment—wickedness was there,
in the place of justice—wickedness was there.
I thought in my heart,
“God will bring to judgment
both the righteous and the wicked,
for there will be a time for every activity,
a time for every deed.”
I also thought, “As for men, God tests them so that they may see that they are like the animals. Man’s fate is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breathb; man has no advantage over the animal. Everything is meaningless. All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return. Who knows if the spirit of man rises upward and if the spirit of the animalc goes down into the earth?”
So I saw that there is nothing better for a man than to enjoy his work, because that is his lot. For who can bring him to see what will happen after him?
Ecclesiastes 3
Dream House-

Except....out in the country
maybe something like this...
and of course lots of these...
Friday, January 14, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Day 13: Goals
3 months from now
6 months from now
1 year from now
3 years from now
5 years from now
10 years from now
- Continue to lose weight and reach 150lbs
- Have a successful SFA winepull
- Studying voice again
- Have more art, pictures, decorations in our apartment
- Continue grad school research
6 months from now
- Be down to around 140 lbs.
- Successful Picnic & Auction (for those of you who don't know this is the major fundraising event for the music series)
- Pay off my credit card.
- Go to the Redwoods
- Celebrate my birthday in a big way!
1 year from now
- Be more comfortable in my job and seeking ways to continue to improve
- Still losing weight or maintaining weight loss
- Buy a new (to me) car.
- Researching and possibly applying for grad schools (online or part-time programs)
- Managing my money better
3 years from now
- Have started and possibly earned my Master's Degree.
- Travel to Europe or Alaska
- Living in a townhouse or renting a house so that Kelly has a backyard
- Visit the Grand Canyon again
- Have more married friends (sorry single friends I still love you!)
5 years from now
- Travel to Europe or Hawaii
- Finished with Master's Degree
- Maybe a Doctorate?
- Renting or owning a house.
- Lots and lots of camping!
10 years from now
- Pregnant or have a few kids already
- Own a home
- Live in Southern Oregon
- Working part time or be a full time Mom.
- More puppy friends for Kelly!
Day 12-Beliefs
I believe in:
God. Jesus. Love. Faith. Hope. Forgiveness. Freedom. Peace. Prayer. Friendship. Simplicity. Laughter. Kindness. Generosity. Responsibility. Passion. Hard work. Adventure.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Day 11: Favorite TV Shows
I grew up watching...
I also grew up LOVING...
And more recently I really love...
And because I know somewhere out there, there is another person who is a closet Chuck Norris fan like myself! HA HA!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Day 10-Something you're afraid of...
Scary Movies.
I have always been a sensitive person when it comes to the horror genre. As a child I was afraid of the Goosebumps series, Tremors and Killer Clowns from Outer space!
Movies that have demonic themes are the ones that upset me the most.
I saw this movie at a friends house when I was eight and it freaked me out...
I slept with the lights on for a WEEK after watching this movie sophomore year of college...
I thought this was a sci-fi movie...no...it's sci-fi/horror. Gotta watch out for those and don't let the cover fool you this movie if bleepin' scary...
I wouldn't stick my feet out from under the covers for a few days after watching this movie just a couple months ago..
I absolutely, positively know that they are just movies and not real, but they still scare me. I think it's the scary imagery and the disturbing music, or equally disturbing lack of music. Sometimes I think, "Oh I'm ok, I can be brave and watch this movie" and then I pay the price. I have sworn off all scary movies, even ones that I think I might be able to handle. Also, Bryce is now the scary movie gatekeeper and does not let me watch stuff like the above mentioned.
When I'm tempted to think I can handle a scary movie I remember two important bible verses that help me focus on good, peaceful, happy things.
I will set before my eyes no vile thing.-Psalm 101: 3
Day 7,8,9-I'm so behind!
I have a good excuse for being so behind! I had to take the hubs to the ER on Thursday night after he stubbed his foot on the corner of a wall while chasing around the puppy. He tore a nice large gash in between his toes, tore some skin off, broke a toe (we think) and dislocated a few others. But he is much better now and hobbling around just fine, so I can resume my blogging...lol.
Day 7-Favorite Movies
I have A LOT of favorite moves, so here are just a few.
The Sound of Music
Goodwill Hunting
Little Miss Sunshine
The Hunt for Red October
Crimson Tide
Tortilla Soup
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Kill Bill (I, II, III)
Beauty and the Beast
Inception
Blue
Day 8-Places I've been
New York City
Buffalo, NY
Boston, MA
Cleveland, OH
Vancouver, BC
Victoria, BC
Phoenix, AZ
The Grand Canyon
I have not traveled a lot but one of our (B and I's) goals to achieve before we are 30 is to travel to Europe together. We especially want to see Ireland and Scotland!
Day 9-FRIENDS
I have the most wonderful friends! I did not have good friends in high school so I treasure these ladies greatly!
Day 7-Favorite Movies
I have A LOT of favorite moves, so here are just a few.
The Sound of Music
Goodwill Hunting
Little Miss Sunshine
The Hunt for Red October
Crimson Tide
Tortilla Soup
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Kill Bill (I, II, III)
Beauty and the Beast
Inception
Blue
Day 8-Places I've been
New York City
Buffalo, NY
Boston, MA
Cleveland, OH
Vancouver, BC
Victoria, BC
Phoenix, AZ
The Grand Canyon
I have not traveled a lot but one of our (B and I's) goals to achieve before we are 30 is to travel to Europe together. We especially want to see Ireland and Scotland!
Day 9-FRIENDS
I have the most wonderful friends! I did not have good friends in high school so I treasure these ladies greatly!
Danielle, Amanda, Dan (Bryce's BFF), Bryce and I
The Girls: Me, Amanda, Danielle on one of our many adventures...
My buddy and crazy co-worker Melissa Carlin looking fabulous
Amanda and Danielle were both my maids of honor at my wedding!
Amanda graduates this spring! We will be there with vuvuzelas...lol
I love my friends...
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Day 6: A picture of something that makes you happy
This is a pretty broad topic to blog on and my picture may seem silly to some, but it's really the little things in life that count.
A picture of something that makes me happy...
Socks, socks, socks....
A picture of something that makes me happy...
Socks, socks, socks.... I love socks!
I love NEW SOCKS! Man oh man! I love the feel and smell of new socks! If I was filthy rich I would buy new socks every week...heck I'd have a sock closet.
That is all.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Day 5: Your favorite recipes
Disclaimer: I do not cook a whole lot and when I do it is with great simplicity...lol.
Spinach and Sausage Pasta Salad
Hillshire Farms Polska Kielbasa Sausage
3 cups whole wheat penne
2-4 cups of fresh spinach
Freshly grated parmesan
2-4 tablespoons of olive oil
1. Rinse spinach and set aside
2. Saute sausage in medium fry pan
3. Boil pasta and drain
4. Mix warm pasta and sausage, drizzle with olive oil, mix with spinach until spinach is lightly wilted. Shave fresh parmesan over top.
5. Eat it.
Karen’s (awesome) lentil soup
Ingredients
1 12 oz package of lentils
3-6 carrots (peeled and cut to approx 1 inch pieces)
3-6 celery stalks (cut to approx 1 inch pieces)
1 medium yellow onion (cut to approx 1 inch pieces)
Package of meatloaf seasoning
Salt & pepper to taste
Directions
1.Rinse and drain lentils, add to pot of 6-8 cups of water.
2. Bring to a boil, add vegetables and 1/2 packet of seasoning
3. Turn heat to low and let simmer for 45-60 minutes or until vegetables and lentils are cooked through. Serve and enjoy!
Variations: Exchange 2 cups of water for chicken, beef or vegetable stock. Add a starch vegetable like yams, sweet potatoes, or regular potatoes. Try a 1/2 packet of taco seasoning to spice it up.
Spinach and Sausage Pasta Salad
Hillshire Farms Polska Kielbasa Sausage
3 cups whole wheat penne
2-4 cups of fresh spinach
Freshly grated parmesan
2-4 tablespoons of olive oil
1. Rinse spinach and set aside
2. Saute sausage in medium fry pan
3. Boil pasta and drain
4. Mix warm pasta and sausage, drizzle with olive oil, mix with spinach until spinach is lightly wilted. Shave fresh parmesan over top.
5. Eat it.
Karen’s (awesome) lentil soup
Ingredients
1 12 oz package of lentils
3-6 carrots (peeled and cut to approx 1 inch pieces)
3-6 celery stalks (cut to approx 1 inch pieces)
1 medium yellow onion (cut to approx 1 inch pieces)
Package of meatloaf seasoning
Salt & pepper to taste
Directions
1.Rinse and drain lentils, add to pot of 6-8 cups of water.
2. Bring to a boil, add vegetables and 1/2 packet of seasoning
3. Turn heat to low and let simmer for 45-60 minutes or until vegetables and lentils are cooked through. Serve and enjoy!
Variations: Exchange 2 cups of water for chicken, beef or vegetable stock. Add a starch vegetable like yams, sweet potatoes, or regular potatoes. Try a 1/2 packet of taco seasoning to spice it up.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Day 4: Your parents
My parents have been married for 32 years! Unheard of these days...
My mom is an RN, currently teaching at Mt. Hood Community College. She has worked all over the Portland Area and is one of the best RNs you will find. Originally from Buffalo, NY.
My Dad is an attorney specializing in estate planning and business law. He was recently awarded the AV rating, basically meaning he is considered one of the best attorneys in his field of law in the U.S. by his peers. He grew up right across the bridge in Salem. He was one of those North Salem hoodlums (lol.)
In addition to career achievements they are the most loving wonderful parents! They have taught me what really matters in life: love and family.
My dad used to get teased by his fellow attorneys because he didn't work 80 hours a week, make tons of money and have a giant house and fancy car. Instead he (and my mom of course) attended every piano recital, voice recital, soccer game, school play, awards ceremony, you name it, that we were involved in. We had a modest car, a modest house and everything we could need and more. And he continues to make us laugh with his bizarre jokes (I got my sense of humor from him). He spent a lot of time with me in my critical teenage years when girls really need their dads. I credit my healthy relationships with men to the foundation my dad set.
My mom always made me laugh with her no b.s. way of life. She will tell you how it is and she's usually right. She is a very loving and passionate person, a true "Mama Bear" who will protect her cubs even when their are all grown up. I got my fighting spirit from her! She was my best friend, sometimes my only friend, in middle school and high school.
My parents have always been there to listen and to push me towards what makes me happiest. They have never tried to hold me back from anything that I wanted to do or try: Karate, recorder, piano, singing, a music degree, getting married at 22. They have also never neglected to tell me how proud they are of me and the person I am today.
We've had our disagreements and fights like every kid with their parents, but that is just a result of the fact that they love my brother and I so much and only want what is best for us, even if they don't always agree with our choices.
As I get older, I have come to appreciate more and more how lucky a kid I was and still am to have parents like them.
My mom is an RN, currently teaching at Mt. Hood Community College. She has worked all over the Portland Area and is one of the best RNs you will find. Originally from Buffalo, NY.
My Dad is an attorney specializing in estate planning and business law. He was recently awarded the AV rating, basically meaning he is considered one of the best attorneys in his field of law in the U.S. by his peers. He grew up right across the bridge in Salem. He was one of those North Salem hoodlums (lol.)
In addition to career achievements they are the most loving wonderful parents! They have taught me what really matters in life: love and family.
My dad used to get teased by his fellow attorneys because he didn't work 80 hours a week, make tons of money and have a giant house and fancy car. Instead he (and my mom of course) attended every piano recital, voice recital, soccer game, school play, awards ceremony, you name it, that we were involved in. We had a modest car, a modest house and everything we could need and more. And he continues to make us laugh with his bizarre jokes (I got my sense of humor from him). He spent a lot of time with me in my critical teenage years when girls really need their dads. I credit my healthy relationships with men to the foundation my dad set.
My mom always made me laugh with her no b.s. way of life. She will tell you how it is and she's usually right. She is a very loving and passionate person, a true "Mama Bear" who will protect her cubs even when their are all grown up. I got my fighting spirit from her! She was my best friend, sometimes my only friend, in middle school and high school.
My parents have always been there to listen and to push me towards what makes me happiest. They have never tried to hold me back from anything that I wanted to do or try: Karate, recorder, piano, singing, a music degree, getting married at 22. They have also never neglected to tell me how proud they are of me and the person I am today.
We've had our disagreements and fights like every kid with their parents, but that is just a result of the fact that they love my brother and I so much and only want what is best for us, even if they don't always agree with our choices.
As I get older, I have come to appreciate more and more how lucky a kid I was and still am to have parents like them.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Day 3: First Love
I'm going to make this short and sweet because there is not much to tell.
I had two boyfriends before I met my husband, before that I had lots of crushes but not many dates. I could tell you a lot of funny stories about my middle school and high school years, but here's all you really need to know:
- I never thought I would meet "the one" in college, let alone get married at 22. Love will surprise you...or in my case show up unexpectedly and (figuratively) beat you over the head with a 2x4. Love continues to surprise me everyday.
- I'm so glad I dated a bunch of (insert your choice of words) before I dated Bryce because I can really appreciate the stellar gentleman he is
- All of the pain, awkwardness, bad breakups and silly things that happened before Bryce have faded to a muted gray in my memories. I've never looked back since I met my husband. We both feel as though we've always been married, there was never a "before".
- True love really forces you to grow. Bryce has pushed me to believe in myself and grow as an individual. So much of who I am today is a result of him being there for me. We would both be fine on our own, but we're much better together.
- My husband makes me laugh everyday. And I mean laugh hysterically. We have so much fun together.
Our very first photo together! March 17, 2006. 18 years old at the time.
September 12, 2009
Ringing in the new year 2011
with our furry child Kelly.
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