Operation 365: Operation 365

Showing posts with label Operation 365. Show all posts

#32: I'm a Bit of a Geocacher

2:55 PM by Laura

Photo number thirty-two of Operation 365: I'm a bit of a geocacher.

If you've never heard of Geocaching don't worry. Up until two weeks ago, I hadn't either. But it's actually quite fun!

Geocaching is like a world wide scavenger hunt. People hide little tubes, tupperwares or ziplocks known as "cache" in various geographical points all over the globe. Inside, there is a log - that you sign upon finding. There can also be goodies or trackable items that you have to carry on to another cache.

So any way, you find these cache and log them online. There's no prize or anything, but it IS quite satisfying to find that little log.

Today, I went geocaching on my lunch break. Last weekend we visited "The Sloth, one of Seven deadly Sins".

Here's the description: One of Seven to be placed. Easy to get to. Maybe not so easy to find. Great Location for learning. This is one of my favorite places to take the kids or see a lazer light show at night. No bushwacking at all.

Hint: If you had a time machine and went back in time. You would not want to run into this. Related to the Armadilos family.

So, we realized that it was the big dinosaur next to the museum off US1.

But we searched for 30 minutes and came up short. Today, we went back with another strong clue and wouldn't you know within 3 minutes, we found it. Great find. Lots of fun.

I planted a cache at my job along with my geocaching crew, "D@be$tgeocachers" and hope to put one up around my neighborhood to.

Hope it inspires you to try. It's so much fun! But get a really good compass or download the app on your phone. Otherwise it's a mission. LOL

#31: I'm addicted to Cirque Du Soleil

9:32 PM by Laura

Photo number thirty-one of Operation 365: I'm addicted to Cirque Du Soleil.

For my birthday this year, my mom gave me and my boyfriend tickets to see Kooza - a performance by Cirque Du Soleil.

It was the most amazing experience of my life.

The music was beautiful, the make up was stunning, the outfits were incredible and the stunts were phenomenal. I swear my jaw was on the floor the whole time. Amazing. I laughed, I cried, I gasped for breath.

If you haven't seen any of their performances, you should consider checking it out.

So, anyway, the merchandise at these events are outrageously expensive. We searched for a while during intermission, but refused to pay $90 for a shirt. So we grabbed a DVD and headed for checkout.

Then I saw these really cool coffee cups! They were only $5 each! So we snagged the last two and decided that our new "bucket list" would be to start a collection of Cirque Du Soleil cups.

So we plan on going to different shows around the state: Vegas, California and even in Florida. I even got a piggy bank specifically to save up for ticket money. $45 later, I'm almost there!

#30: Cheesecake is my favorite dessert

4:02 PM by Laura

Photo number thirty of Operation 365: Cheesecake is my favorite dessert.

Just say the word cheesecake, and the fat girl inside of me starts to drool.

I love food... in fact I love almost ALL food. But cheesecake is not just regular food. It's the food of the Gods... for real for real.

So it's no surprise that one of my favorite places to go is the Cheesecake Factory. If you are one of my friends, who likes cheesecake and has never been here... we can no longer be friends.

Like Baskin Robbins 30-some-odd flavors, the Cheesecake Factory has a plethora - that's right, a plethora - of cheesecake assortments. I stole them off the menu... which one's your favorite? I personally have a hard time resisting the caramel turtle.

* Original
* Fresh Strawberry
* Reese's Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake
* 30th Anniversary Chocolate Cake
* White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle
* Ultimate Red Velvet Cake
* Godiva Chocolate
* Fresh Banana Creme
* Adam's Peanut Butter Cup
* White Chocolate Caramel Macadamia Nut
* Lemon Raspberry
* Dulce De Leche Caramel
* Chocolate Coconut Creme
* Tiramisu
* Chocolate Mousse
* Vanilla Bean
* Chocolate Tuxedo
* Kahlua Cocoa Coffee
* Pineapple Upside Down
* Chocolate Raspberry Truffle
* Dutch Apple Caramel Streusel
* Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
* Wild Blueberry White Chocolate
* Low Carb
* Low Carb With Strawberries
* Key Lime
* Caramel Pecan Turtle
* Brownie Sundae
* Snicker's Bar
* Carrot Cake
* Oreo
* Cherry
* Pumpkin and Pumpkin Pecan

Whew... That's a lot of freaking cheesecake. So... how many of you are craving some now. LOL. Sorry!!!

#29: I'm Unbelievably, Absurdly, Inconceivably, Out of Control in Love.

2:02 PM by Laura

Photo number twenty-nine of Operation 365: I'm unbelievably, absurdly, inconceivably, out of control in love.

Yes, yes, I know. Everyone is tired of seeing me posting about how incredible my boyfriend is and how much I love him.

But you know what?

I DON'T CARE!!!

I'm yelling it from the rooftop!!!

It's amazing how every day you can find one more thing about someone that makes you just a hair more insane about them. I'm completely head over heels for this boy.

It's funny, because I finally found someone who is a mirror image of myself. We laugh, we joke, we finish each others sentences. It's 100% meant to be. And to be honest... I can't see me living my life any other way.

This is... the HAPPIEST... I have been... my ENTIRE life.

Thanks babe... I love you so much!

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#28: I HAVE to Put My Makeup On in Order

2:15 AM by Laura

Photo number twenty-eight of Operation 365: I have to put my makeup on in order.

It's the funniest thing. I take out every piece of my make up from the bag, before I get it on my face.

Eye shadows, liners, mascara, brushes in one section... primers, concealers and foundations in another... blush, powder, lipstick in the last.

I HAVE to do this. If I don't, I skip something.

And I have no idea where I picked this up form. I've watched my mom do her make up hundreds of times growing up and she doesn't do this. She grabs from the cabinet, puts on and sets back. Like a normal person.

Not me... I need order. LOL

And I love makeup, so I have a ton of stuff too. Every color eye shadow, dozens of lip sticks and brushes. I swear it takes more time to actually take everything out and organize than it does to put the make up on. LOL

#26: I Prefer the Sunset...

1:15 AM by Laura

Photo number twenty-six of Operation 365: I prefer the sunset.

It's probably because I'm not a morning person. I hate waking up early, even if it's to do something fun. But night time... totally different.

I love to watch the sun set across the water. There's just something so peaceful about it. Like the landscape is tucking it in for the night while the moon gets his chance to shine.

I love watching the sunset on the East coast, as it passes through buildings. But nothing compares to the west coast. TOTALLY different colors and everything.

Sunsets in San Fransisco are my favorite. For now though, Sanibel sunsets are suiting me pretty well.

#24: I'm a SUPER nerd

12:25 PM by Laura

Photo number twenty-four of Operation 365: I'm a SUPER nerd.

I will admit it. There are times when I nerd out, and sometimes to the point where even I know it's bad. But I can't help it! I think life is WAY too short to be serious all the time.

I goof around and make funny faces and funny sounds and I really don't care if people look at me crazy. In fact, I find it pretty funny when they do.

I originally bought these glasses for our Where's Waldo photo shoot.... we'll talk about that some other time... but I thought it would be hilarious to wear them around random places.

The glass in the center is clear, and no, doesn't distort your vision. But they are so flippin hilarious!

Wonder where I'll wear them today. LOL

Oh, C'mon, you know they are sexy....

#23: I LOVE pizza.... with no cheese

6:19 PM by Laura

Photo number twenty-three of Operation 365: I LOVE pizza.... with no cheese.

I know, I know. You order pizza, you expect the cheese. In fact, some people add extra cheese. Me? I pull it off.

It's not that I don't like cheese, I actually really love cheese. But I prefer to taste the sauce on the pizza. Cheese steals the sauces thunder.

My favorite pizza in the whole world, is Villa Rose. I've been going there since I was just *this* big. Thin, crispy, fresh... GOOD!

I used to just peel it off each slice - since I share with everyone who likes cheese on their pizza. Now, I just order it with a third of the pizza missing cheese.

I;m not the only one in my family who likes it this way either. My father likes it with no cheese, and his dad liked it with no cheese.

And now, every time someone gives me the "stink eye" for skipping the cheese, I make them try it.

And guess what?

They like it!

#22: I'm so Bad About Writing Thank You Notes

9:27 PM by Laura

Photo number twenty-two of Operation 365: I'm so bad at writing thank you notes.

I'm a firm believer that when someone gives you a gift, or donates to your cause you should send them a thank you note.

Yet... I always seem to have trouble remembering to write them.

I've been meaning to send out thank you notes for my upcoming fundraiser - the 160 mile bike trek.

So many of my friends and family have been generous to donate, and I feel SUPER guilty for not being gracious enough to write.

So, tonight, following my blog, I will write them out.

If you are curious about the bike trek, check it out: http://www.trektrainingtales.blogspot.com/

You can see my donationg here too: www.firstgiving.com/trektrainingtales

#21: I'm addicted to Angry Birds

11:15 AM by Laura

Photo number twenty-one of Operation 365: I'm addicted to Angry Birds.

First of all, if you've never played the game, don't pass judgment. Spend the whopping $.99 and see what I mean.

If you have ever played this game.... you'll know exactly what I'm talking about.

Angry Birds is an app for the iPhone, iTouch or iPad. It's a mind puzzling game of sling-shotting birds (all of which have different "breaking" powers) into am onslaught of ice, wood and metal to try and defeat the pigs that are laughing at you.

It sounds stupid... but it's actually really hilarious. Especially when the birds are screaming and the pigs are laughing at you.

I literally dream about this game. I am currently in a friendly competition with my boyfriend to see who can beat the game with the most stars... and it's driving me crazy that he's winning!

So now that I have to step my game up, I'm finding myself playing all the time - eating dinner, taking a bath, at work, in the middle of the night. Ahhh!!!

BUT... the hard work is paying off. I'm so close to catching up!! Ha ha...

Watch out baby... I'm coming!

In all seriousness, the creator of angry birds is a genius! I looked up a brief statistic on it, and since it's birth, 6.5 million copies have been sold. WOw... Rollin in dough.

Now why can't I find an app to build like that?

#20: I love art

9:04 PM by Laura

Photo number twenty of Operation 365: I love art.

There's something so intriguing about art for me. Maybe it's because in many cases I can replicate the work and it annoys me that these people are making thousands of dollars doing it.

For example: This painting on my wall is worth $600. Seriously? I can paint it myself for less. And yet, there's something I actually really love about it.

It really looks like Miami. It's Key Biscayne from the water side.

I actually didn't buy this painting. I did, however, consider it.

It's from an auction we had for the organization I work for... the Alpha-1 Foundation. All proceeds went to finding a cure for a very rare, genetic condition that causes lung/liver disease in people of all ages.

But even though it was for a good cause, I still couldn't see paying that much for a painting. So my wonderful boss let me put it in my office to at least enjoy while I'm at work.

Pretty cool, eh?

#19: The Green Thumb Gene Skipped Me

6:23 PM by Laura

Photo number nineteen of Operation 365: The green thumb gene skipped me.

Everyone in my family can grow plants, trees, fruit, vegetables. Not me.

If you look in the photo, I bet you can pick out which one of these plants is ACTUALLY mine. Yup... the stick on the bottom right. It should look like the other two trees...

I'm so bad at the whole remembering to water my plants thing, that I killed a bamboo tree... that's right... a BAMBOO.

The bamboo is one of the most durable plants there is. That's why so many people have them in their offices. They don't need any light, just water.

How hard is it to remember water?

Apparently... really hard.

#18: I love to shop... Especially at Sur La Table

8:35 PM by Laura

Photo number eighteen of Operation 365: I love to shop, especially at Sur la Table.

I love to bake. I love to cook. I love food. Period.

So it's only natural that the kitchen is one of my favorite places in the house. And what's more fun than being in a kitchen full of gadgets?

I love the little Garlic Zooms and chop and scoops, the bullet, toaster tongs, silicone baking cups... man the list goes on.

Sur la Table has everything you can ever want for your kitchen. It's got appliances, utensils, cookware, spices, books, etc. It's like heaven!!!

My mom and I can spend hours in that store! Today we didn't get much though... just some cute citronella candles shaped like beer glasses for my dad. LOL

#17: I Collect McDonald's Happy Meal Toys

5:56 PM by Laura

Photo number seventeen of Operation 365: I collect McDonald's happy meal toys.

It's true. Earlier in this blog I admitted to eating the happy meal. Now, I'm coming out of the toy chest...

My office is literally decorated in tiny figurines - cars, dolls, characters, projectiles. Everyone in the office knows I like them... and in many cases, they bring me some!!

I have no idea why I keep them. They serve no purpose. They take up space. They're made in China. And I'm pretty sure that my Pinocchio doll tried to kill me once.

But other than that I seem to have developed a strange addiction to collecting them. In fact, I haven't had fast food in three weeks now, and I actually miss them. Well, the toy and those cookies (which I swear have crack in them).

Sigh... looks like I gotta kick the habit. Be strong.... be strong.... be strong.....

#16: Every Day Is Crazy Sock Day

6:51 PM by Laura

Photo number sixteen of Operation 365: Every day is crazy sock day.

Winter is my favorite time of year. I love when the tile in my house is cold at night. It's the BEST time of the year to put on a pair of socks. Socks for me... is like a hug for your feet.

I've got 7 pairs of over the knee socks, 6 pairs of regular knee socks, and about 45 pairs of regular low cut socks.

They range from scooby doo, cars, care bears, batman, spongebob, pacman and frogger to pink skulls, flowers, hearts and stars. I've got a pair of socks for every holiday - and in many cases I have two or three.

Except for two holidays...

There are two times a year that I go EXTRA crazy. Christmas and Halloween.

I have 10 pairs of socks for Christmas, and 12 for Halloween - one pair actually boooooos at you when you press the button, and one of them lights up.

I swear its an addiction. I have a hard time passing up the dollar bin at Target without checking out what kind of socks they have.

Only trouble is... I'm having a hard time trying to find a place to store them. LOL

#14: I'm a little bit Zeny

3:33 PM by Laura

Photo number fourteen of Operation 365: I'm a little bit Zeny.

No, not zany... ZENy. I love herbal medicine and meditation. I'm a huge fan of Yoga, hot rock treatments for sore backs, breathing exercises and I think it would have been cool to actually Chinese torture someone. Ok, so the last one really has nothing to do with Zen, but it would have been fun. LOL

Zen, is actually a Japanese word that derived from several variations of other cultures and languages. It's part of the school of Mahāyāna Buddhism.

It's theory is very simple and focuses on tuning out the world around you to find your inner peace. When you are unsure of things, you can try to "find you zen" by meditating. You can find answers to pretty much anything when in full zen.

I know it sounds silly. But I find it so true. I can literally "zen out" as I call it, and visual things in different color. A purple wall might be green, or blue.

Since I can't necessarily sit on the floor cross legged in my office, I got this very peaceful waterfall, and a rubbing stone where you are supposed to concentrate your negative thoughts on.

Often, when my stress level is ceiling high, I'll just stop for a second and stare at my waterfall. I try to "zen out" until I can picture the water flowing in a different color. By this time I have cleared my mind totally and am ready to try and tackle that project again...

Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. But at least for a few seconds I can find some sort of peace from the madness cluttering my email.

#13: I'm in love with Green Day

5:15 PM by Laura

Photo number thirteen of Operation 365: I'm in love with Green Day.

Billy Joe Armstrong (the lead singer of Green Day) is not necessarily hot. In fact, he's not attractive at all in the physical sense. BUT... when he opens his mouth and starts to sing... my knees get week!

I swear he has the sexiest voice ever - which, kinda takes away from the fact that he's not so hot.

Anyway, when I heard that Green Day Rockband was coming out, I KNEW I HAD to have it. Best $50 I've ever spent. Now I can see him whenever I want! And the graphics are SO amazing. It's like I'm right there at their concert!

#12: I'm Ready For Some Football!!!

1:20 PM by Laura

Photo number twelve of Operation 365: I'm ready for some football.

Football season is something I live for! I love me some football. In fact, I literally get depressed when the season is over.

I'm a Giants fan... and all you haters can save your energy, because I don't give a shit if you like my team or not... ok? LOL

My love for football started when I was very young. I used to watch it with my mom and dad all the time. When I first started rooting for specific teams, I did so by the color of their jerseys.

Green and blue were my favorite colors.

So imagine my dad's annoyance when I choose to root for the Jets, because their uniforms are, "pretty".

You see, dad's a Dolphin guy. Always has been and always will be.

I really don't have anything against the Fins. I just think it's fun to have a little rivalry in the game, so to this day, I still root for the Jets to spite my father... evil I know.

#11: I'm Pretty Sure My Cat Is Plotting My Death

11:07 PM by Laura

Photo number eleven of Operation 365: I'm pretty sure my cat is plotting my death.

I'm sure when you read the title you laughed. It's a joke... it's so funny... ha ha...

Well, it's not a joke at all.

I swear my cat wants me dead. I wake up in the morning (feeling like P. Diddy, LOL, sorry) and the first thing I see is my cat. Sitting on my stomach. Staring at me. WTF.

How long as he been there - just looking at me? What is he thinking about? Why do his eyes look crazy. And then it happens.

I say, "good morning, Cody," and raise my hand to pet him. And he snaps. That cute, cuddly, innocent face bites my tired ass. Then we fight and he leaves. But that's never the end.

Then he stands in the corner of my doorway all squinty eyed.... staring at me. I swear, if I die in my sleep you all better believe it was my cat.

#10: I Got The McGyver Gift

5:29 PM by Laura

Photo number ten of Operation 365: I got the McGyver gift.

If there's one thing I can brag about myself is that I can jerry rig pretty much anything.

Today I was cleaning out my office and I found this nerf basketball toy from an old McDonald's happy mean (yes, go ahead and laugh, I still order the happy meal).

ANYWAY.... it had been collecting dust in the corner of the window sill for months. So I figured I'd play around with it. Except when it's on the desk, the ball (which is plastic) bounces off the table and right back out the "net".

So I thought about how I can get this plastic toy mounted on the wall.

1 binder clip - to compensate for the bottom piece that sticks out a bit in the back. Also useful for attaching to the wall.

4 push pins - two on the side to hold down binder clip tabs and two to support the bottom

2 rubber bands - to reinforce the plastic net so it doesn't slip off and fall when the ball hits it.

Those are the ingredients for some office fun! Needless to say, I left 15 minutes late, and THIS time, it wasn't because of actual work. ;)

Operation 365