Ten Bests of the Day

One of the reasons

2007-12-06T14:12:00.001-06:00

An example of one of the reasons I love where I work:

"In a few minutes we will be able to enjoy some warm, chewy cookies, courtesy of Marc and Jeff who consider it a priority to keep us happy and well fed. They supplied the dough, the rest is up to us, so if you crave cookies, bake a batch from the freezer over by the webbies.

(The cookies will be in the webbie kitchen.)"

What other company does this?! :)

monday, 05 nov 2007

2007-11-05T14:54:00.000-06:00

Finding out that my photo submission to beagles-on-the-web.com Guest Daily Digital was one of eight accepted – out of 60 entries.
Finally found inspiration to post a list to this blog after nearly a year.
Thinking back to my performance review at work last Friday and smiling.
Waking up at 5:40 a.m. knowing that by 6:05, when I take the beagles out for our morning walk, there will be sunshine thanks to the end of Daylight Savings time (not that I'm happy about the absence of daylight after work!).
Enjoying how much of a mood-lifter that morning sunshine is.
York peppermint patties. The labels say they are a fat-free food. That means barely any guilt.
Sixth week of agility class with Marvin tonight. Last week he traveled along the top of the tunnel rather than running through. What will he surprise me with this evening?
Diesel greeting me at the door at lunchtime with a Nylabone® and a big wag.
Seeing my BF at home in the middle of the day. How much longer will that last?
Knowing that there will be one more "best" that I don't know about yet by the end of the day!

She came over with tears in her eyes …

2007-10-03T16:47:00.000-05:00

Boy, do I have some explaining to do!

Beyond garter stitch

2007-02-19T17:03:00.000-06:00

The scarf I planned to finish by February 1 was actually completed *on* February 1 and I wore it to work the next day. I oozed with pride over how it turned out. Since then I made another scarf and spent a stupid amount of money on needles. I now have a complete set of 9-10" Clover bamboo straight needles, an almost complete set of 13-14" Clover bamboo straight needles, and a pink Denise interchangeable needle kit. I love having all these needles. It's very in keeping with all the new hobbies I start up ... stock up on all the supplies before I even know if the hobby will stick. At least I didn't pay retail. I did spend quite a bit of time on eBay however.

As far as skills, I've progressed beyond the garter stitch (knitting back and forth). I've now got the hang of purling as well and figured out how to put the two together to make ribbing (without holes, bonus!). I'm dying to put it to good practice and make ribbed leg warmers. I've got a pattern. I've got the yarn.

But I got distracted by a garter stitch dog sweater pattern so the ribbing project will have to wait.

Not that Diesel needs more clothes.

I am the scrap knitter

2007-01-29T17:39:00.000-06:00

… no more!

While working out tonight I set a goal for myself. I will knit an actual *something* by the end of this month. That's right, in the next three days. A chunky garter stitch scarf is my project of choice. Off I go to get those No. 13 needles and some Thick 'n Quick yarn, color TBD.

thursday, 11 jan 2007

2007-01-11T14:42:00.000-06:00

Extra-long dog walk this morning in windy, but mild, weather. There is a reason for the "extra-long" but I won't get into it at this time. Eventually I will.
Wearing leg warmers to work. I think they are in style again.
Good hair day.
Arriving home for lunch and seeing both Mark and Diesel in the front window.
Still feeling sore from yoga Tuesday evening.
Getting our two $50 rebate checks from Verizon Wireless.
One more day of work tomorrow.
Mark's passport renewal application arrived at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C. today as scheduled. We're getting closer!
Meeting with Greg, then coming home and perfecting my time card for his projects with Mark's help.
Watching Bindi Irwin (the Crocodile Hunter's 7-year-old daughter) on Larry King Live. She's inspirational.

monday, 08 jan 2007

2007-01-08T10:49:00.000-06:00

Hearing the chilly wind howl outside before I got out of bed this morning, but feeling nice and warm in my coat (which is like a sleeping bag) on the a.m. dog walk a couple minutes later.
A celebratory New Year's breakfast at work with *bacon*, eggs, potatoes, fruit, and pastries … compliments of the best bosses in the world.
Monday staff meeting where we each wrote down a highlight from 2006 and then Marc and Jeff read them out loud (naming names!), plus a year in review list from their perspective. Our highest profit year to date which means higher profit sharing.
Diesel made the GS year in review list, under family additions. :)
A very sentimental birthday/Christmas gift from Jen. I don't think I can express how much she touched my heart, and it would probably make her throw up just a little to read that. She gifted me with an intro to knitting kit she put together … two sets of wooden needles, hand-dyed wool yarn of purple colors, a yarn sewing needle, and the first Stitch 'n Bitch book I've been looking for, all clumped in a rustic basket for storage. And a box of Walkers shortbread, in case I need a snack. She also hand-crocheted me a beautiful wool scarf. (Thank you Christian, for choosing a lovely button.) The knitting kit means a lot because she's sharing this new craft with me. The scarf means even more (and made me cry) because she was crocheting it at the hospital while visiting her mom. The next morning her mom passed away, relieved of the cancer she had suffered from. This scarf is a treasure to me, much like Jen.
Peering at Jeffrey's salad during lunch and vowing to make one soon (spring greens, red peppers, chevre, cranberries, walnuts, and balsamic vinigarette).
Bought our tickets for our visit to England in March. Now that I've reconsiled with the damage done to the credit card, I'm grinning from ear to ear.
More quality Jen time before leaving work and later reading a post she wrote today about her mom and faith on her blog.
Mark offering to get me a glass of wine even though he was wrapped up all snug in a blanket on the chair. He's much better about offering beverages than I am.
Enjoying a lazy computer and TV night, knowing tomorrow night will be completely opposite. Yes, this includes Wife Swap and Supernanny.

monday, 25 dec 2006

2006-12-30T10:54:00.000-06:00

The last couple weeks

2006-12-22T13:44:00.000-06:00

As it has been for most people, the last couple of weeks have been a flurry of activity. So much that I couldn't bother to take the ten minutes required to come up with a list of ten bests for an entire two weeks. So here I am, attempting to make up for lost time, and cheating a bit in the process.

The ten bests of the last couple of weeks are as follows:

Shamelessly self-promoting my blogs to a whole 42 people by including the Web addresses on our Christmas card inserts.
Seeing a young girl and her father at Kopps, all dressed up as though they just left a holiday school program – the girl smiled and twirled and ran with every step she took. She couldn't have been happier and it was a joy to witness.
Feeling a sense of peace at my grandpa's funeral earlier this month. I felt his presence there, I'm sure of it. He wasn't physically in the church with us but he was absolutely there within my heart. My grandpa deserves a list of ten bests honoring him. And I have a story to tell so more about Grandpa Ray in the near future.
Exchanging gifts with dear friends at work.
Helping my friend, Greg, and his wife with their monstrous Christmas card mailing. I proofread a total of 1,012 cards. A bonus in this process is spending time with Greg, a most unique, wonderful, and generous individual.
Celebrating Mark's birthday! We enjoyed an authentic full English breakfast at the Brit Inn, a definate treat for my "Engrish" husband.
After at least a year-long dry spell of not discovering any new music, recently being bombarded with some amazing finds.
Sending in the $50 rebate for my new mobile phone. It was a painful process getting there, Mark will second that.
Wendy stopping by last night with Diesel's favorite dog pal, Gertie – and knowing that we will be spending much time with them next week.
Crossing items off a list that has finally stopped regenerating.

On another note, I was completely touched by a story I saw on the Today Show this morning. I blogged about it here. My thoughts and prayers go out to Danelle Ballengee as she recovers. Adventure racing has always been intriguing to me so I read more about Danelle and am absolutely in awe by what she's done. Besides all the racing, she's the only woman to have climbed all 55 of Colorado's 14ers. So inspiring, slightly crazy – adventure racers are a unique breed. I admire them.

Thinking of adventure racing reminded me of a card I bought the year I started the original ten best lists. It depicted a mountain climber and had the most inspirational, yet simple, phrase printed on it. Of course I have no idea what the phrase is anymore, nor do I know if I could still find that card, but it is what inspired the look of the original ten best lists. I remember a distinct feeling of empowerment that year due to working with a personal trainer and a fantastic fitness regimen. That card epitomized it perfectly.

tuesday, 5 dec 2006

2006-12-06T09:45:00.000-06:00

The brightest full moon at 6 AM.
Warming Diesel's frozen paws as he hopped three-legged during our 8° morning walk.
A sincere hug from Beth.
A good yoga class even though I didn't initially feel like staying.
Getting punchy late in the afternoon as we were finishing up Hog Tales files.
Not only burning the Hog Tales files to DVD for our local printer but also getting the European DVD out as well.
Mark telling me he missed me since I didn't get home until 8 PM.
Playing with Jody's tiny Chinese Crested puppy, Bella.
Finally curling up in the white chair in front of the TV.
Warm husband.

friday, 1 dec 2006

2006-12-02T09:19:00.000-06:00

The Beetle suddenly finding ground and trudging forward through the 10 inches of newly fallen snow to take me to work.
The blizzard being the top story in the news – big snow days (especially the first ones of the year) bring out the child in everyone it seems.
The bosses buying the entire company lunch due to the weather.
Our H.O.G. Appreciation Party, the annual work event where we throw a party for those we work closely with at Harley-Davidson to show our appreciation to them as clients. My bosses pull out all the stops and it's always a grand event, with last night being no exception. This year was based on the Rat Pack theme which provided me with a great opportunity … dressing up and wearing my long black velvet gloves! And it was a treat seeing my bosses in tux coats – they looked great.
Resurrecting a skirt I had purchased 16 years ago (which was tucked away in a box in the basement) and getting many compliments on it.
Talking and laughing with Andrea Z. If ever I need a heart to heart I know where to go. She'd accept me completely for who I am.
The wonderful Sinatra tribute band. The songs made moving to the music while having a conversation or putting chocolate cake on a plate a natural thing to do.
A kiss on the hand reminding me of the kiss Grandpa Ray blessed me with in October (I'm praying for you Grandpa.).
Driving through downtown on my way home from the party. The city was alive with activity at 11 PM, Christmas lights all around, fresh snow … I've been tucked away in my house too long and being out seeing the vibrance of the city was refreshing.
After falling asleep on the couch, hearing Mark say "Come on family, time for bed." I followed willingly, the beagle however preferred to spend the night in his beloved donut bed in the living room.

tuesday, 28 nov 2006

2006-11-28T12:15:00.000-06:00

The air outside smelling like lavendar at 5:20 this morning. (Yes, 5:20.)
Moody, beautiful foggy and misty drive to work.
The Beetle was looking extremely orange under a streetlight.
Sending Hog Tales out, if only temporarily, for approval.
Plenty of happy licks from Diesel on my lunchtime visit home.
My friend came to my office to quickly say hello even though she's so busy with projects. And her sweater and cords and socks were adorable.
Orange juice and Sprite mixed together.
New credit card billing cycle starts today.
My friend's husband brought back some Thorntons toffee for Mark from the "Made in Britain" shop while they were in Door County. Very thoughtful (and very delicious)!
Petting the freshly-bathed beagle.

saturday, 25 nov 2006

2006-11-26T18:22:00.000-06:00

LG White Chocolate mobile phone.
Watching Diesel bay-bark at three dogs playing with a stick.
Mark cleaned the bathroom!
Laughing as Diesel nudged his way under the blanket with me as I lounged on the floor watching TV.
Homemade cherry pie for breakfast.
Bunches.
Feeling contentment.
Temperature in the 50s again.
Forensic Files.
Finally getting our FSA reimbursements totaled (good to have it done, even though we could have used another $200 in our account).

friday, 24 nov 2006

2006-11-24T17:23:00.000-06:00

Turning off the alarm clock before it buzzed at 6 AM, falling back asleep, and waking up at 7:45. No work this Friday!
Walking Diesel through the woods, across the railroad bridge, and through the golf course shortly after getting up.
Felt extremely grateful for how good my life is (I really do have everything) as I watched the DVD, The Road to Guantanamo, this morning.
Felt satisfaction after cleaning the kitchen.
Watching Diesel chase a fast, young viszla at the dog park and get so frustrated that he bayed. Everyone watching laughed.
Being grateful that I had a dog to walk at the dog park rather than suffering over the decision to get a dog as I was this weekend last year.
Larry's sweet potato soup with oyster crackers.
Feeling both lazy and productive.
Sendik's Thanksgiving meal. Even though I feel too full.
It's only Friday. There's a whole weekend left.

thursday, 23 nov 2006

2006-11-24T16:47:00.000-06:00

The way the sun shone hazily through the stand of white birch trees in the golf course at 7:30 this morning.
Mark and I walking Diesel together at Granville before driving to my sister's to celebrate Thanksgiving.
The sun was blazing so bright and warm as we walked in the park that I wrapped my jacket around my waist - mid-50s in late November!
Looking at family photos with my dad.
Seeing how happy my sister was that we were all together enjoying the first Thanksgiving dinner she hosted. She did an amazing job, everything was so delicious!
Per my niece, as we were going around the table saying what were were thankful for, Diesel bayed outside to be brought in and we all laughed because it was like he was participating.
The fruit salad I made turned out just right.
Taking the photo that my sister and her family will be using for their Christmas card this year.
Watching my niece walk Diesel after dinner and seeing how well he got along with my nephews.
Knowing that Mark had his first official homemade Thanksgiving meal.

tuesday, 21 nov 2006

2006-11-21T09:01:00.000-06:00

The T-shirt Mum gave me which says "Give me coffee and no one gets hurt".
Singing at the top of my lungs to The Smiths while driving to work, reminiscing over when my FBFF and I did the same thing one evening.
The crisp air as I walked out of the house this morning, knowing that in a few hours it would be over 50°.
Tall, brown fake suede wedge-heeled boots with striped above-the-knee socks. (More high socks for Christmas would be a great thing, hint hint!)
My friend brought me a cup of her freshly-brewed strong Alterra coffee with half and half in her special Guinness mug from Ireland. I feel so lucky!
Going home for lunch today. I do this almost everyday but today was extraordinary because … I had a bowl of spicy chili that Mark made last night and he surprised me with A BRAND NEW PAIR OF PINK AND BLACK ADIDAS TENNIS SHOES! I promptly replaced the tall boots and knee socks with my new shoes. I have the best husband ever!
The plow pose in yoga.
Smiling as the beagle snores away in his beloved donut bed.
Working through a ton of projects at work today - much accomplished.
Did I say pink and black Adidas shoes? So comfy. Like slippers.

monday, 20 nov 2006

2006-11-20T15:25:00.000-06:00

The Today Show piece called “Rude America: What Happened to Common Courtesy?”. It made me want to be considerate.
My winter coat which is cozy like a sleeping bag.
Three day work week.
Sharing my left-over quiche with Diesel.
Mark made me scrambled eggs for lunch.
Seeing the beagle head in the window when I pulled up to the house and knowing that the beagle head disappeared because he was running to the door to greet me.
Getting my dog.com order, which included the talking turkey dog toy. Talking. Literally.
Mark got his regular driver’s license today so maybe our auto insurance will go down on this renewal. (Because he didn’t have a driving history in this country, his initial license had to be probationary.)
Sendik's Mequon salad bar.
Discussing Grandma Rose's fruit salad recipe in a phone call to Mom while Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving was on TV – nostalgic.

sunday, 19 nov 2006

2006-11-20T09:21:00.000-06:00

In no particular order …

Figuring out how to rework the code of this blog to alter the template. Quite an accomplishment as I have minimal experience with HTML and CSS. And Mark helped me with only one part!
Sunshine all day.
Went to the dog park as a family - both Mark and I took Diesel. Usually we divide and conquer.
Put the Ghia into storage in our friends' extra garage space in Kewaskum. They've been extremely generous with storing the car the last few years.
Little to no salt on the back roads we took to Kewaskum.
Hot chocolate and a late lunch of Mexican left-overs after coming in from the cold.
Finishing the two and half boxes of envelopes I proofread for a friend.
Re-reading my original ten best lists.
Little Penguin Pinot Noir.
Going to bed feeling like I accomplished a lot.

Hmmm, I wasn't expecting little flowers to show up in place of numbers in my list above. Looks like I have more code hacking to do!

The original ten bests

2006-11-19T11:55:00.000-06:00

Below are the original "Ten Bests of the Year" lists I sent with my holiday cards from 1995 to 2002. The blog wouldn't be complete without them.

To view at a more legible size, click on each image and it will take you to a larger view.

The concept

2006-11-16T21:20:00.001-06:00

This blog is meant to be a companion to my original SnoutBeagle blog. As mentioned in the header, it is inspired by a history of journaling, a tradition of lists, and a conversation with a dear friend.

The Conversation
I was having lunch with a good friend the other day when she mentioned the sweater she was wearing made her list that day. I knew for some time that she keeps a daily list of things she's grateful for. It's always struck me as such a simple and positive thing to do to keep things in perspective. That particular day I must have had blogging on my mind because it suddenly seemed to me that a blog specifically for the purpose of keeping such a list might be a nice thing to start.

The History
That same afternoon the idea of a companion blog to SnoutBeagle continued to formulate. I have a history of journaling. Since I was seven years old I kept a daily diary. Every year for Christmas my parents would give me a diary for the following year. I would fill it up with all that was important to me at that time of my life - my pet gerbils and our dachshund, Cocoa; the neighbor's horses; my high school best friend; my first boyfriend - the list goes on and on. I kept a daily diary religiously through high school. When I graduated, my dad gave me a card where he offered the advice that I continue keeping a diary. That meant a lot to me as I figured he didn't really notice my diary-keeping when in reality it must have made quite an impression on him.

I did continue journaling through college and beyond but not as a daily ritual. My journals went from being small locked and dated books to blank journals. The blank journals made longer and more in-depth entries the norm and therefore not as realistic on a daily basis. I stopped all together shortly after I met Mark in 2003. Keeping in contact with my new husband, then boyfriend, via e-mail across the pond became a new form of journaling. I wrote to him in the same depth I would write in a diary. I even scanned a journal entry and sent it to him at one point.

The SnoutBeagle blog has become a welcome way to express myself through writing again and it's a shameless way to dote on our dogchild. However, there have been a few times where I've wanted to blog on a topic that didn't have a beagle link (although, surprisingly, most of the time I can find a link in rather unexpected ways). So beyond the list of ten bests of the day (whether it be daily or not, I don't know) I will probably carry on some as well.

As far as my diaries, I still have them all in a box in our bedroom closet and if the house was on fire I would consider that box a priority to rescue. After the beagle, of course.

The Tradition
In 1995 I started the tradition of sending an insert of "Ten Bests of the Year" with my Christmas cards. This tradition was born of sheer laziness. I had been sending out quite a few Christmas cards prior years to college friends and past coworkers that I rarely saw. It seemed like a cop-out to simply sign my name so I was handwriting messages to each of them telling them what I had been up to that year. It was tedious and repetitive so, inspired by the form letters people often include in holiday cards, I decided I would put my graphic design skills to use and design a nice-looking list of the best things I experienced that year. Sending numerous Christmas cards was no longer a chore and the lists received great reviews from my friends and family.

Along came Mark and the tradition which was very "me"-oriented somehow seemed less appropriate. I discontinued the lists after 2002.

Life is different now anyway. Our "bests" are less glamorous and we have "bests" everyday. Which is exactly what this blog is all about.