Blog Challenge Over..

Well I finally tired of keeping up. Blogging every day is exhausting and I enjoy my photography blog so much more, I'd rather be spending my time taking pictures. Plus...the last few challenges were ridiculous and I refuse to waste time with them.

Thank you readers! I appreciate all that followed up with it and continued to read.  Sorry to disappoint with giving up! I'll continue to blog every now and then!

Blog Challenge - Day 23

Your favorite movie


Who can pick just one? There are so many great ones out there...but I do have a few favorites that I can watch over and over and over again without ever getting tired of it. Here are a few MUST HAVES:

My first favorite. I think I was back in middle school when it became a favorite. I own my original VHS, even though I don't have a VCR...I just can't get rid of it. Warms my heart!!!

My favorite love story. Annette Benning is one of my favorites!!

Horribly offensive, but hysterical & SO QUOTABLE! This is an ALL time favorite!

Favorite classic. Who doesn't have a favorite John Hughes movie?

My first favorite obsession! I loved everything about this movie. The story, the characters, the climax, the confusion! I remember watching this daily with my friend Ciara. Good times, C!

Last but not least, my favorite dark comedy. I LOVE dark comedies..I must be twisted. But anything from Office Space, to Burn After Reading, to anything by Wes Anderson (Royal Tenenbaums is the best) Something about dysfunctional families and messed up relationships...LOVE IT!

Blog Challenge - Day 22

A photo of something that makes me happy


So many things make me happy. I'm pretty easily entertained and amused. Joe of course makes me and happy. My puppies make me happy. My job, a good book, my ipod, Glee, warm bed, early 1900 British drama's...lots of things.

But these 2 girlies put a smile on my face anytime, anywhere. I love my nieces!! I got to babysit them today and its true, I always have my camera handy when I hang out upstairs. I'm happy I get to live with them and see all the fun things they are learning on a daily basis. The dancing, the singing, the grumpy faces, the drool, the cuddling and oh all the bouncing!!!!

Avie (L) and Ella (R) - Love that bottom lip!

Avie

This is Avie "singing" to me

Ella

Ella's turn to sing

LOVE THEM!!!

Blog Challenge - Day 21

A letter to someone who has hurt you recently.


Dear you,


Next time be a little more understanding. Just saying. I give, so you should give too. Play fair if you expect to live peacefully. Unless..you're looking for a fight. If thats the case, look elsewhere, because I'll back down and won't give you the drama you're wanting. I have no problem swallowing my pride as long as it avoids a fight. 10 years of therapy has taught me something - If it can't be resolved in 5 minutes, its not worth all the emotional effort.

Thanks, Me

p.s. Facebook is NOT a journal - its a social website. Again, its NOT a journal. Keep your private feelings private. Or don't complain when the shared emotions are challenged. Mmmkay?

Blog Challenge - Day 20

The meaning behind your blog name


Well this one is easy. I chose the web address because it was easy to tell people & for them to remember. I wish sometimes I could change it, only because of privacy issues...but I'd have to move the site completely and I'd lose my archives. Oh well.


As for the actual "title" of my blog, well that goes without saying as well. You'll find The Black's here on this blog, so it IS the Black spot. Plus I like the way it sounds, like a play on words. An actual spot, meaning location and we're the Black's. Also the black spot, meaning a ink blot, spill, stain or an annoyance that is there forever. Haha, it actually reminds me of the Shakespeare play "Macbeth."  When Lady Macbeth is sleepwalking and she is trying to get rid of a stain that isn't really there. She exclaims, "Out, damned spot. Out I say." Haha I don't know why, but every time I read the title "The Black Spot" that's what I think of. 


If only I had the intelligence to configure the comparative symbolism of both spots.

Blog Challenge - Day 19

Another picture of yourself

Ugh, I'm not a huge fan of self portraits, but I took this picture and sent it to Joe after I cut my bangs at work the other day. After reflection, this picture inspired me to color my hair. I haven't colored my hair since April 2010!!!! Granted I do love my natural color, but its just so...blah. No shine..is it red? Is it copper? Is it strawberry blonde? Ugh.

I decided to put on a semi-permanent color that is close to my natural, but more red radiance (my phrase). Just something that will fade and rinse out in a month or so and wont damage my hair. Plus, not that many people have noticed. Its a pretty subtle difference, but enough for me to be "okay" with, as I continue to grow my length it out. Here is a picture from today so you can see the color change. I curled it, but you can see how much brighter the color is. (pardon the dark circles under my eyes...its 11:30pm for crying out loud and work was rough today.)

I love being a hairstylist!!

Blog Challenge - Day 18

A picture of your favorite place to eat


Well, being a "heavier" girl, trust me, there is more than one place I like to eat! Food is sooo yummy! 


Joe and I do have a favorite local restaurant that we've enjoyed many times. Its called Moki's. A Hawaiian grill, that also caters parties! (Which is how we found out about it in the first place) Luckily, its just down the street, so easy for take out or pick up on the way home from work. We dine in occasionally; the atmosphere is all Hawaiian obviously. Hibiscus flowers, pineapples, surf boards hanging, beaded necklaces and wall decor every where! They play really nice music to suite the theme over the speakers and on Friday nights, they actually have LIVE music!! 2 gentlemen and a woman - all over the age 65 - sing songs that fit the mood. Its really nice, entertaining and very authentic!

Having never been to Hawaii, its my close second! Plus we're "regulars" now and we're on a first name basis with the owner and a few of the wait staff. They treat us so good every time we go in. Thanks Moki's!! We sure love you!!!

Some of their yummy food! This is teriyaki beef & katsu chicken with the Hawaiian salad.

Joe's a big fan of their kalua pork & of course the MACARONI SALAD! Its probably the best you'll ever eat. We have bought trays of just macaroni salad for family BBQ's before and everyone loves it!! (And coming from someone who doesn't like macaroni salad much, its delicious!) Unfortunately we go there so much, we're kind of tired of the salad, but there are far more to chose from!

Sooooo yummy - it actually sounds good right now!!! To bad its 11pm! Maybe tomorrow? Lunch?

Blog Challenge - Day 17

A photo of you and your family


I'm actually going to steal the copies for my sisters blog (Thanks Andee!)

This is my Dad, Nancy and family (picture from Summer 2009)

And my Mom, Kelly & family (picture from Fall 2009)

We're a crazy, fun, dramatic, sarcastic, good-time bunch of people. Aren't I lucky??

Blog Challenge - Day 16

Is anyone getting tired of these besides me? With this blog challenge AND my photo challenge I feel like I'm ALWAYS online. What was I thinking... ugh.

Your celebrity crush


Oh I have a few...so why don't I just post pictures instead of a long, drawn out explanation?

James Marsden

Matt Damon

Jonathan Jackson

Hugh Jackman

Charlie Cox

And last but certainly not least...

Milo Ventimiglia

Awe...so many dreamy men. Whatever TV show or movie they are in, I'm probably watching it or seen it. Nothing better than some good ol' eye candy!!

Blog Challenge - Day 15

Something you don't leave your house without


There are a few things. My wallet & cell phone. You just never know when you need your ID, money or insurance information. And its sad, but I have to have my phone. Access to the internet, contacts & addresses or any other information I might need. Smart phones are just brilliant!! I do use my day planner a lot, thank you 1995! Full blown day planner, calendars...organization to the max! Of course there are times I leave the house without it and wish I had it...but its to bulky and not practical for quick errands or an occasion where a purse isn't needed.

I wish I could just leave real fast and not have to worry about anything..but I don't have the convenience of a pocket wallet like most men and I just CAN'T live without my cell phone!!!!!!!

Blog Challenge - Day 13 & 14

I skipped a day! AH!! I was having so much fun yesterday I didn't think much about it. So, I'll combine yesterday & todays in one post.

A photograph of the town you live in (yesterdays challenge)


I'm not happy about this one, especially because my blog isn't private. I'm not just going to post my city, house or address or anything...so I'll be generic mmmkay. I've already posted before that I live in Utah. My "About Me" section says I work in Riverton...so I'll say I live in Salt Lake City. Pretty general. I think most people who live in Salt Lake County have said that on more than one occasion.

So here is Salt Lake City:

Your favorite musician and why?


Ugh I don't like this one either. How can I chose just one? There are so many 'original' musicians & songwriters that I love and then there are the singers & bands that I enjoy as well. I am a big fan of the artists that write their own music, perform WITHOUT lip-syncing and staying true to who they are without being affected by the mainstream. I also like the artists that have such a unique sound, whether its music or their voice, but I love hearing a song and immediately knowing who it is. So many artists and songs sound the same - the originality or uniqueness is my favorite. I guess that explains WHY they are my favorite musicians. Now for the WHO. Well, I'll just list a few musicians that are my faves!

Muse - Are you kidding? No explanation needed
Gavin DeGraw - Raw sound and amazing stories in his music
John Allred - Independent/Local. His voice is amazing & his 'looping' skill are freaking cool
Taylor Swift - music not so much, but her lyrics are impressive
Madonna - One of the best originals
She & Him - Great sounds and excellent tunes - I love Zooey more as a singer than an actress
A Fine Frenzy - Love, love, love her voice!!
Phil Collins - A classic! He looks like an accountant but sings like a rock star
Michael Buble - Clearly fantastic. Not original, but original for the current era
Janelle Monae - Very unique sound
Florence and the Machine - She is a master collaborator!
Katy Perry - Her, Ke$ha & Rihanna are clearly not original, but songs are very catchy & easy to sing along with
Ke$ha - see above
Rihanna - see above
Weezer  - Another all time favorite band - a little predictable, but every song is catchy
Queen - Classic, Classic, Classic

I seriously could go on forever. But when it comes down to it, as long as the songs are good and sound amazing thats really all that matters. Originality can be a great quality, but not all originals can make $...they can bite the dust too.

Blog Challenge - Day 12

A TV show you are currently addicted to.


If DVR's didn't exist I would probably never watch TV. I'm never home when my favorite shows are on, but luckily I can watch them days later when I'm doing laundry, cleaning, relaxing...etc. Plus Joe and I like to catch up right before bed each night.

We have a few favorite shows. I can't pick just one, but all are comedies. I LOVE laughing and there are some brilliant writers & actors out there. Here are the ones I MUST DVR each week!

Of course Glee!! Who isn't into Glee these days? It makes me laugh, cry, feel...just awesome. Plus I love downloading all their cover songs and jam out in my car!! I have some favorite episodes I save on my DVR just to watch over and over again. My favorite is the Madonna episode from Season 1...LOVE IT!

MODERN FAMILY!!! This show cracks me up each week. Phil, Luke & Manny are my favorite characters. The way Phil 'parents' is the exact way I picture Joe parenting. Just fabulous!!!

Raising Hope is great! Its about a completely dysfunctional/trashy family that has very interesting ways of raising children. Plus Cloris Leachman plays "Maw-Maw" the delusional grandmother. Its just so ridiculously out of control, its just funny! Plus you can tell its a small budget show and that makes it better!

And finally 'Rules of Engagement' is another fave. Most people don't watch this one or get it confused with 'How I Met Your Mother.' But Joe is a big Patrick Warburton fan and this show is a great one. Very quotable and worth watching re-runs. Jeff from the "engaged" couple is the best and makes each episode hilarious!

We have a few show we record on a more serious note. We like FRINGE and Lie to Me as well. I'm a fan of Big Love as well but don't get to watch that much...and this season is its last!! I might have to watch them online to catch up.

So many great shows out there, but the ones that make me laugh are the best ones!

Blog Challenge - Day 11

What's in your make-up bag?

Excellent question. Um maybe make-up? LOL!

Well I use the basics: pressed powder, blush, eye shadow, liners mascara & lipstick. I'm pretty plain with my colors, nothing bright or fancy...just browns. I change up my eye-liner quiet a bit. Sometimes lots of liner w/ liquid for definition, then sometimes soft pencil only or on days off work no eye liner at all! I do have a few MUST HAVES. I have to have a powder/base because I have uneven skin tones and then I need blush because I'm really fair skin and once I have all the skin even toned, I look like a ghost. No bronzer for me because again, I'm fair/peach skin toned and a tan would just look ridiculous on me. Mascara is the other must have because I have very blonde eyelashes. With out mascara I look a little frightening. But after that, base-blush-mascara the rest is all relative.

Some days I wish I didn't wear so much. I wish I could just put mascara on and call it good...but with my blotchy colored skin, I'd look a lot older and unkempt. Can't have that in the beauty industry!!! Luckily I do dye my eyebrows, so I don't have to pencil those blonde hairs. That's tedious for sure.

There you have it. I don't keep anything else, other than make-up (oh and tweezers) in my bag. Unless I travel, I put all my other toiletries in there.

I do however, have one vice that I'm going to admit on the world wide web. I do my make-up in the car...while driving. I know, so dangerous and ILLEGAL! But I must say I'm pro-status here. I actually keep my make-up bag in the car because I don't do it anywhere else. Its nice to have when I'm out and about and need a touch up. Plus wherever I go I always look fresh!  It is quite the skill to do while driving - most of the time I'm not even looking in the mirror. Stopping at red lights help and knowing the road by heart/feel also helps!! I know, I know, so bad....yell at me later!!

Blog Challenge - Day 10

Something you crave a lot


I crave a lot of things. Food, attention, relaxation, shopping, gratitude, time with Joe. Its hard to pick just one. I guess the one thing I crave the most is recognition. I don't know if any of you have ever read the book "The Five Love Languages," but I firmly believe it to be true. It talks about how there are 5 different ways to express love, appreciation and support. They are 1) Words of Affirmation, 2) Quality Time, 3) Receiving Gifts, 4) Acts of Service and 5) Physical Touch. Its an interesting discovery because each of us like to RECEIVE and GIVE differently. Plus you give/receive love differently to all different types of people in your life; spouses, family, friends, clients.  I'm definitely the type that gives gifts and the acts of service to show love and support. Its my thing! That's how I show love and give love. But its different when I want to receive it. I want the words!!! I crave the remarks recognition, support, gratitude and appreciation.

Like I said, everyone is different, but I think the 'thank-you' cards, the appreciative remarks or compliments are the best for me. I love being flattered and talked about. (Not trying to sound conceded here, just being honest.) People can give me gifts, take time out just for me or give me a hug...but its really the kind words that really make me feel special.

There are many people around me, in my personal life and in my business, that don't understand the differences or the fact that I have a special preference. But I do. That is the one thing I crave the most. Recognition. Of course its understandable that people don't know each other preferences, because its not like we go around talking about it or asking for it. But one of the things I do notice in friends of mine or family members, is you can tell when they "really" appreciate something. When I do something, whether its words, a card, a gift, a hug or a phone call, you know when you've touched their heart.

Its very interesting to see different things in everyone and how special each of our needs are. But I can say with almost certainty (most aren't surprised, I'm sure) but I crave the WORDS of love. There you have it!

What's your language of love?

Blog Challenge - Day 9

A photo of the last item you purchased


On my shopping adventure with Elizabeth on Monday, she found this beauty for me! Love it!!

Its the perfect color to blend in my hair, for a subtle accessory! Thanks Lizbit!!!

Blog Challenge - Day 8

A song to match your mood.


Butterflies and Hurricanes by Muse    (I love Muse!!)

Change everything you are
And everything you were
Your number has been called

Fights and battles have begun
Revenge will surely come
Your hard times are ahead

Best, you've got to be the best
You've got to change the world
And use this chance to be heard
Your time is now

Change everything you are
And everything you were
Your number has been called

Fights and battles have begun
Revenge will surely come
Your hard times are ahead

Best, you've got to be the best
You've got to change the world
And use this chance to be heard
Your time is now

Don't let yourself down
Don't let yourself go
Your last chance has arrived

Best, you've got to be the best
You've got to change the world
And use this chance to be heard
Your time is now

Blog Challenge - Day 7

I've made it a week already! Nice!!

Your dream wedding.


I was lucky enough to actually have my dream wedding. It was a beautiful day and I know I would do it the same all over again. However, there were a few things - that might not have been helped - but a few things I wish would have been different.

First off, I cried through the whole ceremony!!! I don't have one single picture of me walking down the aisle that's good. Or up at the front looking at Joe. I'm just bawling in every picture...or mascara was running. Why didn't I wear waterproof?!?!?!

Plus I wasn't given the chance to reapply make-up before pictures started. All the photos of Joe and I after the ceremony, I have NO make-up on!! Hello? How did I let that happen? Good thing Joe was at my bridals, because if not, I wouldn't have a single picture of Joe and I all dressed up that actually looks good!! The time from after the ceremony, to pictures, to the reception all happened so fast. We really didn't get the chance to enjoy it all. Which like I said, I don't think it could have been helped, but I would have changed it so we had more time to just...enjoy our wedding day.

But the place was gorgeous, the food was good, weather was perfect and so many came out to see us.  It was a great day! Plus we got married and started our life together. It really didn't matter what went wrong or what didn't...it was the best day of my life!

Photography Blog: #9

Check out my other blog and keep updated on my photo challenge!

Photography Blog: #9: "Its been a chaotic weekend. I hate the weekends I work Sundays. Only 1 a month, but I swear we end up booked every single night of the..."

Blog Challenge - Day 6

A photo of an animal you'd love to keep as a pet.


I find this one a little silly. I mean, what other animal would I like as a pet...other than my current pets? Joe read this challenge and told me to find a picture of a bobcat. Says he's always wanted one for a pet. WHAT?!? Um...okaaaaaay....

I do love my mini dachshunds...if I could keep one of them as a puppy forever, I sure would! Look how cute they were as puppies...

Blog Challenge - Day 5

A photo of yourself 2 years ago.


This one was hard. I'm usually behind the camera, so all the photos I have of me two years ago are self portraits. Go figure. Anyway I'm tired of searching, so here you go.

This makes me miss my short, fun hair!!

Blog Challenge - Day 4

Your favorite photograph of your best friend


Well Joe is my best friend and I have many favorite photos of us. But I also have some really great friends around me, so I'm just going to post a bunch of pictures of people I can't go without.

(Sorry Elizabeth, I totally stole that picture from your Facebook! Haha)

Blog Challenge - Day 3

Your idea of the perfect first date.


Good question. I went out on only a few first dates. Ranging from Laser Tag to the Drive Inn movie. My first day with Joe was a little overwhelming. He took me to dinner at a yuppie Italian restaurant downtown. They serve expensive pizza, wine, fancy appetizers...and oh wait there were pool tables! :)  Its such a strange place. You go in feeling like you're in a really exclusive 5 start restaurant, people dressed to the 9's with their noses in the air, sipping their drinks in a dimly lit place. Then on the other end is a bar type area, well lit, with pool tables and TV's playing sporting events. ???  Weird?  Anyway, he took me there specifically for pizza and pool. We show up and there are at least 5 other people sitting with us - all guys. Turns out they are all members of his "crew" of friends. No other girls and an uncomfortable environment for me to make conversation. Its was funny; all the guys talked and talked and talked, laughed, shared stories, beat each up about their "pool" playing skills. I didn't know what to do, so I just decided to make it as comfortable as possible and pretend I was part of this "gang." I fit right in! Making jokes, teasing them, adding my 2 cents. Even beating a few of the guys at pool!!! After dinner and games we headed back to one of their houses to watch Office Space. Joe held my hand through the entire movie, then he took me to my car (we worked at the same place & left for the date right after work) and the rest was history. Come to find out months later, the first date was a "test" of sorts. This crew of guys were iron-clad tight, like family. Joe knew if I didn't get along with the guys or they didn't like me, a relationship wouldn't work out. Guess he needed to know RIGHT OFF THE BAT! Oh well, I passed so its ancient history.


I guess MY idea of the perfect date would be similar. Going to a place full of people, but not overly crowded so its hard to talk to each other. But a casual place where there isn't too much expectation or awkwardness. Even though my first date was awkward at first, I relaxed and acted like myself. I hate first impressions when you're trying to be "polite & proper" and where you would order a salad instead of messy ribs or pizza. 


I don't think a movie is a good idea either, just because everyone has different tastes in movie and, you don't get to talk or socialize. How are you supposed to know if there will be a second date if you didn't really get to talk to the person? I would just say dinner or drinks is a great first date. Opens conversation, less intimidating and can be inviting enough that you see the other persons true self. Then call it a night early so the girl can head home and day dream of all the future dates with that person.


Aw! The joys and anxiety of dating. It was always so thrilling and fun, but I'm so glad I'm not there anymore.

Blog Challenge - Day 2

I was told by Andee that I should do a different blog challenge than the one she did, because her challenge consisted of mostly pictures and I'm already doing a picture challenge on my other blog. So I found another 30-day challenge that I'll do instead.

So here is day 2...weird its a PHOTO!

A photo of something you ate today.

I was crazy busy at work today and had to work almost 2 hours longer than I was scheduled. Needless to say, I didn't have time for a break and a quick dinner sounded like perfection. Only after I purchased it, I ate maybe 1/2 of dinner and got full. Oh well.

A quick run to grab a corn dog at Arctic Circle. Not the best idea...but the easiest.

Blog Challenge

My sister Andee just finished a 30-day blog challenge. I'm doing a 365-day photo challenge on my photography blog and I'm just antsy for each day to get here so I can take a picture and blog about it. So, I've decided to take the same 30-day blog challenge for my personal blog. I'm just in the blogging mood, I guess! So humor me, huh?

Okay, so ...

Day 1 - A recent picture and 15 facts about yourself.

Here are my 15 facts:

1. I'm 28 years old

2. Cheese grosses me out
3. I love sleeping in

4. My left wrist hurts all the time

5. I'm obsessed with jewelry and have an avid collection

6. People magazine & US weekly are must buy every Thursday

7. Joe and I have struggled getting pregnant for 11 1/2 months

8. I listen to Ke$ha when I'm hyping myself up

9. I have 9 tattoos

10. Fall asleep to a white noise/rain CD every night

11. I don't cook

12. FRIENDS is my all time favorite TV show

13. I love crisp lettuce

14. My closet has reach maximum capacity, yet I still shop

15. I picked the best guy in the world to share my life with

Alright ya'll, look forward to blog every day from here AND my photography blog. Wow, do I not have anything better to do with my time? Haha

Who else is up to the challenge?

New Years!

We had a low-key evening. No big party or crowds, just a quite evening at my moms. Even my parents weren't a big part in the party. Kel watched football and my mom couldn't put the twins down. Oh well, that just means us girls and the husbands could visit, eat LOTS of finger foods, play ping-pong, darts, Apples to Apples, SkipBo and some silly yes or no game.

In fact it was so low key, we didn't really even celebrate midnight. I didn't even kiss Joe until we got home around 12:45 and got in bed! It was just a nice evening, just like any others.

Thanks for staying Kalie & Jesse. (I'm not bummed you bailed on your friends.) And thanks Andee & KJ for deciding to keep it low-key as well.

Here's a few pics

The girls got a bath before bedtime

The little guy

This is the gang, Andee - KJ - Joe - Jesse & Kalie

HAPPY NEW YEARS EVERYONE!!