Exciting Dates

My life hasn’t been that interesting lately but I have been looking forward to a couple of dates:

Thanksgiving is officially 10 days away.

I am more excited than usual this year about Thanksgiving this year because of three things! 

1.      I haven’t seen my family since Thanksgiving 2011 and I will be seeing everyone again for the first time.  Since I’ve moved out of town, I always planned my trips Friday after work.  I always flew, so I didn’t have to worry about driving and eating up my trip.  Now that I’m married and it’s cheaper to drive, Brian and I have been planning our trips around holidays.  This year has been crappy:

a.      Memorial Day weekend is our anniversary so that’s a definite no. 

b.      July 4^th was on a weekday.

c.      Labor Day weekend had a major Hurricane.

d.      I’m not off on other holidays.

2.      My family is hosting Thanksgiving in Virginia.  Every Thanksgiving, my family host dinner in a different State at an Aunt or Uncle’s house.  Last year, they had it in Mississippi.  2010 was in Georgia.  2009 was back in Virginia.  2008 was in Texas.  It’s tough for everyone to make it because of the distance.  This year, we are having it in Virginia again and everyone is going!  My family hasn’t been together since 2004.  Even at my wedding in 2008, everyone was there except for my Uncles in Mississippi and Texas.  Oh and my camera is working again, so I can document this!

3.      Three house visit.  This tradition started in 2008.  Once I moved to Georgia, I had a tough time visiting everyone during the holidays.  I visited my family on my Mom’s side and my in-laws, but my Grandparents on my dad’s side complained that I didn’t visit enough during the holidays.  So I split my Thanksgiving dinner to three visits.  Last year, I made the mistake of portioning my visits incorrectly.  This year, Brian and I made a plan:

a.      Visit my Mom’s house and drop Mr. Tibbs off.

b.      Visit my Mom’s side of the family and make a to-go meal and socialize. 

c.      Visit my Grandparents, eat my first meal and socialize.  My grandmother hates us coming to her house with a full belly, so I have no choice.

d.      Visit my in-laws, eat dessert and socialize.

e.      Stay at my Mom’s house for the first night and eat the to-go meal on Friday.

f.       Stay at my in-law’s house the next two days to make up for the short visit.

Mr. Tibbs’ bird-a-versary is officially 3 days away.

I can’t believe I have had my “little man” for almost 4 years.  His personality has changed so much and I love having him as a pet.  I will post more about it on Tibby Thursday. 

12/16/2012!

My car will be paid off!  My car was the major bill that I needed to be wiped out so I can start saving even more for my exams.  I’m still aiming for January/February to take my first exam.

Project Brian

After Brian stating that I have an OCD with order and his lovely response to "dating an Architect," I decided to start Project Brian.  Before the project, I told Brian that he was feeding my OCD by messing up certain areas that I fix.  After constantly denying this, I decided to documented how Brian rearranges the guest bathroom.  Each day that he would rearrange it, I would fix it to see if it continues.  Documentation was from 9/23 - 9/29.  The items on the bathroom counter are: 1 comb, 1 hair brush, 1 grooming kit, 1 nail clipper, 1 deodorant, 1 contact case, and 1 contact solution.  His other items are located in a drawer.  Here are the results:

The first couple of days, the subject kept things in order.  At first, I thought he was on to me, so I decided to lay low.  Then he had choir rehearsal on the 25th.  That's when his patterns began.

25th: The subject's usual habits are to brush his teeth, brush his hair, put on deodorant and put on his contacts.  As you can see, the grooming kit was not in use, yet moved. 
27th: Brian got a hair cut for the 3 day event for church from 9/28-9/30.  Because of this, he did not need to use his comb, just his brush.  The comb, contact solution and case were moved before his men's choir rehearsal.
28th: Day 1 of his church event.  Only his contact case and solution was moved.
29th: Day 2 of his church event and the final day of documentation.  Not only was he in a rush to make it to church on time, but every item on the counter was moved; even items he did not use.

This study showed that Brian messes up the area more on the weekend.  When he messes up an area, he moves things he doesn't need.  I would do a study for the refrigerator but I guess that would prove his case, lol.

Married Monday: 9/24/12

I'm currently watching the Primetime Emmy's, so this was a perfect time to catch up on a couple of posts for Married Monday and Tibby Tuesday.

Happy Monday!

This weekend had a LOT of ups and one down:

• The bad:
• I screwed up my eye on Friday.  I fell asleep with my contacts and makeup on and now I have a stye.  I've been use to them since I was a kid, but it still sucks to get them.  So for the rest of the week, I will be wearing my glasses with no makeup.  When I was in high school, my doctor told me to rub water and no-tears baby shampoo on it and also use a warm compress on it.  Some OTC stye medicines only clog the pores.  That trick has been helping me ever since, so I'm not too worried.
•  The good:
• Great things happened at work on Thursday and I have been excited ever since.  I won't see it till Friday and I won't go into detail, but I am thankful for blessings.
 
• I currently subscribe to The Krazy Coupon Lady daily email.  I receive coupons for everything and the other day they posted a coupon for a free cupcake pineapple pop from Edible Arrangements.  I love Edible Arrangements but it can be expensive.  On Saturday, Brian and I drove 10 miles to the nearest store.  When we arrived, there was a 30 minute wait for it, so we walked around the shopping center.  Below shows the final product!

I thought it was going to be smaller than it actually was.  Dipped in white and milk chocolate, this cupcake pineapple pop was delicious and juicy!  Have a plate in hand because it can get messy.

•  I am starting a project called Project Brian.  What is Project Brian you ask?  Well after Wednesday's post, I realized that Brian is feeding my "OCD." So, I decided to document throughout the week how he rearranges the bathroom.  Sunday is already documented.  Let's what happens!
 
• Mr. Tibbs and the Emmy's!

Married Monday: Random advice from a stranger

Source: Google Images

On Friday, I had a few errands to run during lunch on my payday.  My car tags were about to expire for the month, so I had to get my emissions test done before I could pay for my tags.  For the past 3 years, I have been going to the same place near my job.  I’m usually greeted by a guy that was close to my age and we would talking about our jobs.  Emissions test usually take no more than 15 minutes, but the conversations usually make the time go by faster.  Today, I met his co-worker.

His co-worker is 38 and loves to joke around.  He was kind of surprised about how unique my name was and that I didn’t look like I was from our State.  We talked a few and he asked me “what did I do and what made you move here?”  I told him about Architecture and what I had to do to get my license.  He was interested in it and wanted to know where I was with the process.  I told him that I was about taking my registration exams and that I was nervous.  That’s when he gave me great advice:   

#1. “Don’t ever admit that you are scared.  That shows a sign of weakness.  Take the challenge, that will create positive results.”

#2.  “There is nothing wrong with staying home all the time – Especially when you are relaxing or studying.  But eventually your mind won’t grow because you are use to the same things.   Don’t forget to go outside and explore new things. I was in jail for 7 years and we stayed in the same 4 walls.  That’s when a lot of people think about escaping or doing other things.  That’s the same theory.”

#3. “Continue to be a Queen.  Guys like to call women outside of their name and sometimes they accept it and it’s not right.  Be a strong Queen to your King.”

#4. “Smile more.  Your smile brightens up a room and you are quick to frown.”

I love when God uses a stranger as a vessel and speaks through them.  It’s the most awesome feeling and the quick pick-me-up that I need sometimes.

Funny Photo Friday - 9/14/12

Week 2 of no camera and limited post.  Work is picking up and it's hard to focus on the post when my boss is either standing over my shoulder or I'm too tired.    I do have time to post crazy pictures that I have found throughout the week.  Enjoy!






Source: uberhumor.com via Chela on Pinterest

 



I actually saw the premiere of X Factor on Thursday (mainly for Britney Spears).  I'm still surprised that Demi Lovato was a judge and the "Sweet Candy Girl" singer let her know, lol.  That still doesn't excuse the fact that this guy is freakin' creepy.

Source: funnypictureoftheday.net via Chela on Pinterest





Source: loldamn.com via Chela on Pinterest





Source: ifunny.mobi via Chela on Pinterest



Source: thechive.com via Chela on Pinterest



Source: i1.kym-cdn.com via Chela on Pinterest

 



Source: 25.media.tumblr.com via Chela on Pinterest



Michael Jackson and Spider-man reference.  Awesome!

Funny Photos Friday + Update

Happy September!  Yes, I've been gone for a while.  For the first time, I actually had things to post about but I had no pictures.  After my 5 day project last week, my camera had trouble coming on.  Then last weekend, it finally gave out.  I cooked 2 new recipes, Mr. Tibbs and Brian were still awesome, and Architecture got a little better.  But no pictures.  I thought it was the batteries, so I replaced them but still no luck.

Finally, after a week of no camera, it decided to work...then stop.  I know eventually I will need to replace my 4 year old camera for something better, but I'm still going to use it like it was brand new.

In the meantime, I will posts some funny photos I have come across in the past couple of days even a few created by moi:

On Sunday, my sister and my Uncle sent a crazy picture message to my cellphone.  I wanted to reply with a crazy photo of Brian and I, but he wouldn't participate.  So I decided to get my favorite pet, Mr. Tibbs.  He backed away when I first tried to take the picture but I lied to him and told him my Mom was on the phone.  That's when he got closer.  My sister replied with "omg."

Source: iwastesomuchtime.com via Chela on Pinterest





Source: nowaygirl.com via Chela on Pinterest





Source: tumblr.tastefullyoffensive.com via Chela on Pinterest





Source: 9gag.com via Chela on Pinterest





Source: 9gag.com via Chela on Pinterest





Source: themetapicture.com via Chela on Pinterest



Source: google.com via Chela on Pinterest



Source: iwastesomuchtime.com



Source: nowaygirl.com via Chela on Pinterest

 

Source: 9gag.com via Chela on Pinterest





Source: imgfave.com via Chela on Pinterest



Source: 9gag.com via Chela on Pinterest

Where have I been?



Source: lolcats.icanhascheezburger.com via Chela on Pinterest

This week, my god-brother is in town to shadow myself and my firm because he wants to be an Architect.  My posts are definitely limited this week between entertaining him and balancing new projects. 

A two post update will be on MondayWednesday and Thursday:
Married Monday (pushed to Tibby Thursday)
WiiU Experience Event (We got to test out the new WiiU)
My week with my god-brother (he will be here till Sunday, so I still have another 3 days with him)

Women in Architecture Wednesday (I changed the name because I don't always have a site Walk-through)
Status of my Approval (I'm so excited about this one!)
Out of Town Site Visit (Chela tested, Mosquito approved)

Post 100 - Ask me anything!

In 8 months, Botanical Reflections 2.0 made it to 100 posts!  To celebrate, you can ask me anything.

Click on my ask.fm link on the left panel or here and I will post some of the questions later this week :-).

Weekend Recap - Jazz Concert

This past weekend, Brian and I had the opportunity to go to a Jazz concert.  Since my boss is one of the sponsors, my co-workers and I were able to get in for free.  There were a lot of famous names in the show, but I could only recognize 2 of their songs.  I think Brian and I were one of the youngest there, lol.

My images came out a little fuzzy because it was dark, but my videos came out clear.  We were only two tables back, so we got to really enjoy the show up close!  Here are my favorite moments from the concert:

Tom Browne and Ronnie Laws

Tom Browne playing "I'll Be There" by Michael Jackson

Tom Browne, Ronnie Laws and Lonnie Liston Smith 

Am I a bad pet owner?

Have you seen this picture?

Source: Google.com

When I saw this on Pinterest a couple of weeks ago, I laughed and wondered what parent in their right mind would leave their child like this to take a picture.  Even though I am good for catching candid shots of people, I would be scared to do that to my child or feather baby.  Well I guess I was wrong.

On Sunday, I wanted to wear my red dress to church.  With this dress, I always wear a set of pearls with it.  I've had these pearls for the past 3 years, and they have been hanging in there.

When I first got them in 2009, they were 3 tiered.  This is the dress I actually wore yesterday, lol.

One of the layers broke after my wedding in 2011, so I wore it as a 2 tiered necklace.  It broke again this year so it was just a single layer.

Yesterday, it was finally laid to rest...on my bathroom floor. 



 As the pearls went splat, Mr. Tibbs flew for dear life around the room.  At first I thought he landed on the cage, but a few seconds later, I found out that he was holding on to the curtains by his cage.

After taking this lovely picture, it took me a few minutes to pry him off of the curtains.  He was quiet for the rest of the morning.  Brian gave me the look of shame after I took the picture.  Sorry guys!

Weekend recap coming soon!

My Purpose - In Another Life

I always knew since I was a kid that I wanted to be a Veterinarian.  I wasn't really a people person and I always gravitated to animals whenever I went to someone's house that had a pet.  I was forever know as "Dog girl." 

Source: Pinterest.com

After getting a reality check in 7th grade after watching an ER episode on Animal Planet, I had to make two choices: Go after my first passion or go after my second.  I decided to go with drawing.  5 1/2 years of Architecture school and 4 years in the profession, I'm still doubting my decision.  Yes I'm doing very well, but in the back of my mind I always wonder if I made the right decision.  If I would have became a Vet, I would have graduated from college last year and I probably would have never dated Brian since I would have went to school in North Carolina.

Last night, after visiting the pet store and nearly buying a $350 conure that I fell in love with (Brian had to talk me out of it AGAIN), I saw the new season America's Got Talent.  That's when I found my purpose in another life:

Last night episode of America's Got Talent: Miss Les - The Bird Lady

Mr. Tibbs and his cousins would have been pleased.  The only difference between myself and Miss Les is that I would have had Mr. Tibbs to help me sing:

Mr. Tibbs this morning:



Life of a Bird Owner – Part 2

Life with Brian has been amazing.  Life with Mr. Tibbs has been just as great.  When they first met each other, Mr. Tibbs loved Brian because he played his favorite tunes as he traveled 600 miles to his new home 4 years ago.  As Brian started to visit more when we got engaged, Mr. Tibbs started to get over protective.  Even after Brian and I got married last year, Mr. Tibbs hissed every time Brian walked past his cage.  Eventually something clicked between the two and from the outside you would think that Brian had Mr. Tibbs before I did.

Recently, when it’s time for Mr. Tibbs to go to bed, Brian sings him a song.  He usually chimes in with his own whistles.  Now, it has been happening even outside the cage.  On Monday, I decided to take Mr. Tibbs out the cage again to play.  As, I started to lay on Brian to watch t.v., Mr. Tibbs got one glace of him and started whistling.  This started a duet:

Brian: What’s my name? Brian _____

Mr. Tibbs: ::Whistles::

Brian: ::whispers:: What’s my name? Brian _____

Mr. Tibbs: ::tiny tweets::

Brian: What’s your name? Chela _____

Mr. Tibbs: ::Whistles::

Brian: What’s your name? Chela _____

Mr. Tibbs: ::tiny tweets::

Brian: What’s your name? (in a deep voice) Sidney Tibbs

Mr. Tibbs: ::Whistles::

Brian: ::whispers:: What’s your name? Sidney Tibbs

Mr. Tibbs: ::tiny tweets::

Between this song and this one, I stay entertained.  Gotta love my two favorite men!

Thursday Randoms

Today, my bosses and I are going out of town to measure and take pictures of two buildings at a college.  Because of this, I don't have time to show you the current contruction progress of School S.  I do have time to give you my Randoms from my house!

::Yesterday Afternoon::
Brian: (in the middle of explaining something) It's like you saying that this chair was a bike and it's clearly not.
Me: Apparently you can't see because it is!
::Grabs chair, sits in it backwards and drags chair across the floor::
Brian: I didn't need that in my life.
Me: You love me :-).

::This morning while Mr. Tibbs was covered up for bed::
Meow Mix Commercial: Meow Meow Meow Meow...
Mr. Tibbs: SQUAWK!!!

Mind you, there were no bells or whistles in the commercial to make him go off. My bird officially hates cats.  He does the same thing if ducks fly by the house or if I'm too loud in the morning and he's trying to sleep. 

Gotta love my favorite two men.

PicMonkey

One of my New Year's resolutions for this blog was to upgrade the quality my picture taking.  Instead of using my crappy cellphone, I started using my digital camera and added signatures.  I was fine with that till I realized I was screwed on weekends.  Since I got a new desktop at home, I do not have Photoshop.  (My old laptop has it, but with a waiting time of almost 20 minutes to load and the occasional BSOD, I wasn't having that.)  I have the basics, but if I seriously wanted to edit something, I had to do it at work.  With helicopter co-workers, that was a no-no. 

One day as I was checking my Bloglist, Blog Guidebook posted about a new editing website called PicMonkey!  All I have to say is: I LOVE IT!  I tried it out on one of my pictures from the Valentine's Day dance I went to this year.  By the end of the night, my makeup had almost faded and the flash made my foundation look weird.  With PicMonkey; I was able to crop, reapply makeup, filter and add a border. 

I'm not giving up on Photoshop completely.  Last night, I finally downloaded a trial version of Photoshop to my desktop just in case something needs more editing past the tools of PicMonkey.  Overall, I think PicMonkey is my new best friend.