Married..Woman in Architecture?!: Blogger Updates – Part 2 and Lunch

Please welcome my Mondesday post.  I'm posting on a Wednesday, with a Monday feel.

I guess you can see Botanical Reflections 2.0 got a face lift.  After I finished the minor updates on Thursday, I didn’t feel comfortable.  Just looking at my original site design, I felt like BR 2.0 wasn’t being marketed the way I wanted it to.  The text on the banner and clicking on the “About me” tab made it obvious, but I wanted the site design to speak for itself when the website was opened.  I wanted something simple but personalized by me, so I decided to redesign the banner and make additional changes to the blog.  When it was time for a presentation in Architectural school, my professors always said “the drawings need to speak for themselves.”  The design and the line weight of the drawing needed to pop out on the wall, so that’s the first place you look.  I finally understood it after working for a firm and having a blog.  And that's how I tied this post to Architecture, go me!

Change One - Banner
I used images that were close to my heart and described Botanical Reflections 2.0.  I had a tough decision to make with the photo to describe the “Mr. and Mrs.” portion of the banner.  But after using the Polaroids, all I could think about was our photo booth from our wedding and our Nintendo Wii Miis we used. 

I’ve updated my Mii since the wedding, so I incorporated that in the new banner and wah-lah!  I've also included a matching welcome picture and signature. 

Change Two - Pinterest

Next, I’ve been dying to get a Pinterest pin in each of my posts.  All the codes I have used did not work with my template,  On Saturday I found a code!  All you have to do is hover over my image and click on the red Pinterest symbol to link a post to Pinterest.  Test it out:

Change Three - New Tab
Finally, I noticed my 5 top posts either had to do with Pinterest, DIY, Recipes or Natural Hair.  Each section has its own individual Tab except for natural hair.  Because of this, decided to create one!  The new tab contains my Natural hair journey, tips and a photo gallery.  Check out the new Natural Hair Tab!

Here is an awesome website that helped me over the weekend and it's completely free:

Pixlr - Since PicMonkey had started charging for some of their features, I have been trying to find a website that edits like Photoshop, but is totally free.  After Googling a couple of sites, I found Pixlr!  Their Advanced Editor is exactly like Photoshop and it even opens PSD files.  I think I found my new best friend when I'm home editing photos.  The only downside are the basic fonts.

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Outside of the updates being done over the weekend, Brian and I went to lunch at a restaurant called Giovanna’s Italian Restaurant.  My co-worker recommended it a couple of weeks ago, and I fell in love. 

Source: http://www.giovannasitaliankitchen.com/

Giovanna’s has the taste of Olive Garden and Carrabba’s, without the high prices and the crowded spaces.  It wasn’t too crowded on an early Saturday afternoon and the service was amazing:

Brian fell in love and now Giovanna’s is a part of our restaurant rotation.

(Isn't my new signature pretty?)

Married...Thursday Part 1 - Wii U Date

The week of 7/30, a lot of things were going on.  On Thursday, I was preparing for my nerdy date with Brian and Friday, I was preparing for the arrival of my God-brother while doing an out of town site visit. 

Earlier that week, Brian got us invitation only tickets for the Wii U Experience to test out the new Wii U.  The event was only two hours, and in between that time; they gave us Nintendo Wii U themed snacks: chocolate Mario Mustaches, Wii U sugar cookies, blue cotton candy and blue Jones soda.  They also allowed us to play games that weren’t even in stores yet on the new system.  When we arrived, there was a line full of people with Nintendo themed apparel.  After we checked in, I linked my badge to my Facebook page.  From there, anytime I scanned my ID to take a picture, it was automatically uploaded to Facebook. 

The first game we tried was Just Dance 4.  I love dancing games but I only like it in the privacy of my own home.  I get really shy when I dance in front of people but I opened up and joined the fun.  They have a new feature where you choose the dance from different songs using their new controller.



Source: Google Images

Next we tried, Super Mario Bros.  In the new game, you play like the other games but this time you use the new controller.  With the new controller, you play as a helper and assist the other players.  If you see them about to fall, you create a block to place under their feet.

We played other games such as Luigi’s Mansion, Wii U Fit, Zombie U and other fun games. I wish I took more picture, but I did find a video from another city that shows how great the event was!  Enjoy:

Married Monday: Weekend Recap 7/30 & Recipes

This weekend, I was on a cooking spree.  In between looking at the Olympics, I had eggs and casseroles on my mind.  Over the past couple of days I found a couple of egg casserole recipes and came across Crock Pot Mac and Cheese!  Every time I made mac and cheese, my recipe always came out overcooked.  With the slow cooker, the noodles were able to slow bake and become super cheesy.  I started off a little late on Saturday, so I couldn't make the salmon that I planned, but I added leftover BBQ chicken and it was awesome.  I think Brian loved it too.  Here are the results:

On Sunday, I finally got to make my Salmon.  I really thought I posted this recipe before, but I guess I will post it again :-).

Ingredients:
-Sliced Onions
-4 teaspoon of butter
-Cleaned Salmon (the number is up to you)
-Aluminum foil
-Seasoning (your choice, I usually just do pepper)

Directions:
-Preheat oven to 400 degrees
-On a baking sheet, loosely place the foil.
-Place Salmon in the middle of the foil and put a teaspoon of butter on all 4 corners.
-Place seasoning and onions on the salmon.
-Carefully seal all edges of the foil to form enclosed packets.
-Place sheet in the oven for 30 minutes and tadaaaa! (make sure the fish is cooked completely through!)

I used yesterday's mac and cheese with the Salmon and it was so yummy! 

Tomorrow, I will let you know how Mr. Tibbs liked the Olympics :-).

Married Monday: Weekend Recap 7/23

Happy Monday!

Usually I dread Monday's but after last week's deadline and coordination, I feel totally refreshed that our 90% submittal is complete.  Instead of contacting me through email, the structural engineer called me on Friday to apologize and come to a truce to coordinate our drawings.  The more he kept talking, the more he made me feel part of the group.  Even though a lot of information was given at the last minute, I think a lot of issues were figured out.  I stayed at work later that usual to finish my last bit of work so I wouldn't have to work over the weekend.  If I would have worked over the weekend, this would have happened.  Today I'm still creating 3D models, but a load is finally off my shoulders. 

On Saturday, I actually slept till 9:45am.  Nothing really happened other than cleaning up and pure relaxation.  After our afternoon nap, Brian and I went downstairs to make dinner.  During this time, we got a phantom door bell.  For the past couple of weeks, our door bell has been going off randomly.  Sometimes during the day, other times in the middle of the night.  Each time, Mr. Tibbs would freak out and either flap his wings in his cage or fly around our room.  The great thing about Mr. Tibbs is that he never leaves the room when he flies.  Since Project Rearrange, he hasn't seen the other room.  Saturday afternoon, he got a full view.  After the door bell when off, I heard Mr. Tibbs fly around the room.  Then the sounds got louder and louder.  As I ran up stairs, I found Mr. Tibbs on the bookcase in our guest room.  I didn't have time to get our camera but I held Mr. Tibbs and went downstairs to show Brian.
  

Project rearrange superimposed on our 2nd floor layout provided by our Townhouse

       Mr. Tibbs' Usual Flight Path

       Mr. Tibbs' Phantom Door Bell Flight Path


Sunday, we found out that Project Rearrange is back in full effect.  My god-brother is coming to visit on the first week of August to shadow my firm.  After watching him for so many years, I didn't realize that he wanted to be an "Architect" just like me.  I'm so excited for his visit, but since he is staying, we have to continue with Project Rearrange.  The room is clean but now we have to set up the blow up bed and finish hanging up the photos.

Pictures coming soon of our progress!

Married Monday: Weekend Recap

This weekend was a pretty lazy weekend.  Other than the usual weekend clean up and church, we decided to head to Target and buy a new wireless router.  For the past couple of weeks, our router has been out; causing us to use our modem on one computer.  While in the store, Brian kept walking in the middle of the aisle so this conversation came up:

C: Brian, why do you keep walking in the middle of the aisle?!  You are going to get in people's way.
B: No one is around and I own this aisle!
C: Ummm...it takes a special person to marry such a unique person like you.
B: If that's what you keep telling yourself to sleep better at night, then okay.
C: :-P

After the crazy conversation and finding the perfect router, Brian set up the router.  While waiting, I decided to start on a Pinterest project I found online.  I don't have a sewing machine yet, but I want to get back in sewing like I did when I was younger.  So far, I have started on the middle ruffles of the shirt and I can't wait for the outcome.

Source: http://tearosehome.blogspot.com/2010/01/tutorialruffle-shirt.html

I moved my project to the guest room as I watched Brian finish his task.  As of Saturday 11:22pm, we officially were wireless and I'm able to use my guest room computer and Nintendo 3DS again.  I got so excited that I stayed up till 2am.  Horrible decision.

Now I'm still tired and I have an event to go to after work.  I can't wait to see my bed.

Holiday Recap!

Happy Belated 4th of July!

Today feels like a Monday.  A horrible Monday that played a trick on me.  Well since I feel like this, today will be Married Monday part 2 with a Holiday Recap!

-Project Rearrange is over.  We were able to rearrange the guest room and add more pictures to our living room.  We even cleaned our closets.  The only problem...my in-laws are not coming in town.  My father-in-law has to work this weekend so our project was a waste.  Yes our house looks even better, but no family to visit.  Maybe next time!

-Reason for no posts this week?  I've been trying to catch up with the project I am working on.  On Friday, it was over 100 degrees and the power went out for an hour.  When it finally came on, it flickered two more times, causing our server to go down for the rest of the day.  This meant no drawing, internet, emails and definitely posts.

The little light that I got when the power went out.

-Finally 4th of July!  It felt weird being off in the middle of the week, but I did get little treasures like this:

Conversation with my husband:
C: What city would you never want to live in?
B: Detroit, you?
C: Angel Grove.
B: ...Wait...from Power Rangers?!
C: Yeah!  I wouldn't want to get crushed and attacked by monsters!
B: I would actually want to see a monster and you have the Power Rangers to save you.
C: Not all the time!  What about when they lost their powers when they became kids?  Or before they became Zeo Rangers.  See I'm unique!
B: Oh you're "unique" alright.
C: Are you saying I'm crazy?!
B: YEP!

Now, I'm back to work!

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 

Weekend Recap - The life of a bird owner

This weekend, Brian and I did nothing special.  On Saturday, we realized that we had one more month till our first anniversary, so that was pretty awesome.  Even though our weekend was boring, Mr. Tibbs made sure that he provided enough fun for TibbyTV!

I found out what Mr. Tibbs usually does after we cover him up for bed.  He plays with his toys and then sits there.

Mr. Tibbs hates being the smallest one in the house, so he sits on top of his cage when we get near his cage.

Sitting on my hand after flirting (well whisting) at the sound of my mother-in-law's voice.  He loves the ladies.

And he let us take a nap without doing this!  Since I didn't get to see him before I left for work this morning, I will be giving him a big treat when I get home.  Go  Mr. Tibbs!

You can't have sisters without the word "hers."

Since this week has been full of submittals and meetings, I will give you a recap of the things you missed:

Tuesday
While watching Fat Albert...
Bill Cosby: You can't have brothers without the word "others."
Me: Well, you can't have sisters without the word "hers." Wait...is there an "h" in sister?
Brian: Surrrrrrre :-).
Me: ...I just screwed that word up, didn't I?
Brian: Mhmmmm!

Wednesday
Site Visit at School S in the mud:

Mr. Tibbs talking back to Brian when it was time to go to bed:

Thursday
Brian's interview!  We was the first one they interviewed and he said it went really well.  He also said that the lab is huge compared to the one he use to work in.  They will be done interviews by Monday so hopefully we hear something great.  Also, Mr. Tibbs had to stay by himself in the morning.  He missed Brian so much, that he whistled all through Vampire Diaries and gave him kisses.  Jealous :-(

And the Valentine's Day Dance is this weekend, wooo!  Pictures to come!  Here is a preview of my attire:


Pic: Modcloth.com



Pic: DSW.com

Weekend Recap - Uuuga Mmmba

On Friday, I came home to Brian telling me that he has a job interview this Thursday!  So on Saturday, we drove an hour away from home to see how to get there.  On the way there, this is one of the conversations we had:

Looking at a billboard
Me: Who is Uga Mba? Uuuugaaa Mmmmbaaa. Who names their kid that?
Brian: ::Smirk:: Umm...babe...
Me: Wait...never mind...it's a University billboard :-(.

After traffic and getting lost a couple of times, we finally found the place...deep in the woods.  Surrounding the woods was the best shopping centers ever on every corner.  Circling around a couple of times, we decided to go to Red Lobster.  Afterwards, we had to pick up Mr. Tibbs food.  We already passed the PetSmart, so we went to the Petco that was only a few feet from the restaurant.  The only thing that I found disturbing that this store is that all the birds were on the bottom of their cages.  Usually nothing is wrong with that, but EVERY. SINGLE. BIRD?  I know cockatiels are sleepy heads, ask Mr. Tibbs.  But even the parakeets and the fish were the same.  It was really creepy.  Outside of the creepiness, I think I found Mr. Tibbs little sister.  With her fluffy self, she gave me the biggest, cutest eyes ever.

Sunday was Superbowl.  Even though my team wasn't playing this year, I did enjoy the commercials.  Here is my favorite:

Weekend Recap...On a Wednesday

I know today is Wednesday and we are two day's away from a new weekend.  After Thursday and Friday’s submittal, I was assigned two more projects to revise and went on a site visit...making me extremely busy.  Also, I messed up my front USB ports at work and I didn't feel like getting under my desk to plug in my camera from the back of my computer.

Anyway, this past weekend, I decided to catch up on my sleep. 

Saturday

After waking up before 9am (booo), Brian and I ate breakfast before Mr. Tibbs woke up.  Around 2pm, I decided to take a nap.  That’s when Tibby Terror started.  Every time I try to nap during the afternoon, Mr. Tibbs does everything in his power to wake me up.  Whether it’s squawks or car alarm sounds, he does it all to get my attention.  After he succeeds, he takes a nap while I’m sitting there restless.  Triflin’ right?  This time I decided to try something.  Since we came back in town from our Thanksgiving trip, I have not put back his bird bath.  So I decided to fill it with fresh water and see what happens.

And after this, he took a nap.  Go Mr. Tibbs!

You can find the Lixit Quick Lock Bird Bath at Petsmart!

Pic: Petsmart.com

Sunday

Remember the event I said I was planning for that I go to every year with Brian and my in-laws?  Well I found out that not that many people will be going this year.  I would love to go, but I would hate to waste a 20hr drive on an empty table.  I was about to hang up my dress, till I found out at church that they are having a Valentine’s Day Dance the same day.  I don’t really hang out with too many people there, but it will be a great event for my husband and I to go to.  My dress is back in action!

After church, I took my 2^nd nap.  Yet again, Mr. Tibbs wasn’t having that, so after 2 hrs, he whistled for 15 minutes before doing the car alarm sounds.  That’s when I woke up.  Who else but Mr. Tibbs?!

3 Day Weekend Recap

This weekend was a very eventful weekend.  I was able to get my hair straightened, bond with Mr. Tibbs, and clean up our house.

On Friday, Brian and I discovered fried pickles at our favorite restaurant, Zaxbys.  I'm in love!  Hopefully, we will make the healthier version after we buy groceries.

On Saturday, I finally made an appointment to get my hair trimmed and straightened.  Before the wedding, I was stressed out and I didn't take care of my hair properly.  So between Feb 2011 - April 2011, my hair broke off in the middle.  When my hair stylist did my hair a couple of days before the wedding, she told me I would eventually have to cut my hair.  So on July 2nd 2011, I decided to have a wife chop.  From then on out, I decided to take better care of my hair.  My goal for 6 months was to get my hair back to where it was before I damaged it and I made that goal!  Too bad she had to cut 1/2" - 1" off of it because I waited 4 months to get a trim.  My new goal is to protect my ends.

On Sunday, I tried to take a nap after church.  Before I was completely out of it, I saw a yellow blur fall behind the cage and fly around the room (barely missing the wall), and landing on the edge of the bed.  Because of this, my nap was gone.  I picked Mr. Tibbs up and let him sit on my arm while I laid down.  When I tried to get up, he pooped on my arm...and I was wearing a sweat shirt.  :-(

Monday was MLK day.  Since it was my day off, Mr. Tibbs was not happy because I threw off his schedule.  While he had mixed emotions about it, Brian and I had a clean up day.  In the middle of it all, Mr. Tibbs wanted to show off:

His "Good Morning" whistles.

Mr. Tibbs doesn't like my camera.  Around :25, he realizes that not only did I touch his bell, but I'm recording him.  Brian's response: "Some celebrities just don't like being recorded."  Gotta love "Tibby TV."

Weekend Recap

I have got to admit, this was the best Birthday weekend ever.  I'm not a gift type person, but more of a "let me be around my family during this special moment"...a moment where I get to live another year.  This year was the first year I got to be with my Husband the whole time without dealing with a long distance relationship or school.  Plus it is the first birthday as a married couple.  Before I start telling what happened, here is the weekend recap:

Saturday:
Saturday was pretty much a lazy day.  I was planning to get an oil change for my car, clean the house, and put up Christmas decorations.  Saturday turned into a nap day.  After Mr. Tibbs kept squawking for 30mins straight, I was able to take a nap.  When I woke up, I found Brian trying to feed Mr. Tibbs an apple!  (His Vet recommended that he try more fruits and veggies).  Here are the pictures from that adventure:

 

 

 

 

Sunday: My Sister and I had a birthday! 
At 7am, I received a call from my oldest brother and my niece and nephew wishing me a happy birthday.  Usually, I would be knocked out at that time, but I was so antsy that I couldn't go back to sleep!  Next, my Mom and sister wished me a happy birthday and I did the same for her.  I also received calls from my in-laws, and 60+ texts friends and family and from Facebook stating that someone has wrote on my wall. Plus, I got a couple at church.  Awesome :-).

The best part of my birthday was going to the Japanese Hibachi restaurant with Brian!

The 2nd best part of yesterday was at 1156pm.  My grandma found my house number and sung happy birthday to me.  I loved it!  I wish she would have stayed on the phone for 4 mins. because December 5th is her birthday.  I was the grandchild that was 45mins. early of being her birthday twin.  So today, I can't wait to call her!

Anyway, time to finish my work.  TTYL.

Where have I been?!

Sorry for the delay!

Thanksgiving is around the corner and work has been super busy!  Here is a recap of everything you've missed:

Wednesday:
Site meeting.  I wish it was for my school but it was for a school I helped with. 
School A (My school) is like my child.  I helped draw over 50% of it.
School B (This school) is like my god-child.  I only drew 20% of it and it was "inherited" to me after its "parents" left our firm.

Thursday:
Work.  After work, my car's battery died.  I am so thankful for the people who have jumper cables in their car because I was able to get home safely after my co-workers gave me a jump.

Friday:
I had to ride Brian's car to work while my car was out of commission.   We decided after we would take Mr. Tibbs to the Vet, that we would go to the store and buy a new battery.  In the meantime at work, it was my boss' 50th birthday.  On birthdays, I usually photoshop something nice for them.  My boss loves Krispy Kreme so here is the result:

Today, we pasted it on a Krispy Kreme box so everyone could see it :-).

After the mini party, I left to take Mr. Tibbs to the vet.  I always leave work an hour early for this because I always have to fight to put him in the cage.  After 10 minutes of him flying around, I was finally able to put him in the cage.

He was mad at me the whole time and hissed at me. The dogs at the vet scared him, so he squawked at them and used the bathroom all in his cage. The vet clipped his wings and toe nails and said he looked fine. But when the vet placed him on the ground to go to me to see if his wing still worked, he walked around me because he was mad. He is fine now, but he showed that he didn't like the trip.

Saturday & Sunday

I had to deal with Mr. Tibbs forgetting that his wings were clipped and flying around the room.  What I love about his vet is that he doesn't clip all his wings.  He leaves enough so he can flutter for a few seconds if he gets scared.  Well, Mr. Tibbs flew behind the tv and his cage and I had to pick him up.  The joys of having a bird :-P.