fun site...

check out:
www.blogthings.com/whatartistshouldpaintyourportraitquiz/

It's a fun site that asks a few simple questions and then, presto...you have a portrait of "you" by your perfect artist. Here's what the site had to say about me:

***Who Should Paint You: Andy Warhol***

You've got an interested edge that would be reflected in any portrait. You don't need any fancy paint techniques to stand out from the crowd!

Great Recipe Site

My sister in law gave me a great cooking/food magazine entitled "Cooking Light." Immediately, a short article on zucchini caught my eye. I went straight to the website and typed in "zucchini" under the "in season" tab. Up popped several dozen recipes using one of my favorite vegetables. I began to browse other recipes and realized I had stumbled across a healthy eaters' paradise. The site is full of great ideas and delicious sounding recipes. I plan to try the Oven Zucchini Chips this week.

*A helpful thought: The site is intended to be "healthy" yet many of the recipes call for no-fat ingredients. No-fat is often misleading and often means higher sugar, in order to increase the taste value. When buying ingredients for the recipes, make sure the sugar increase is slight compared to the fat decrease. When in doubt, opt for the ingredient with lower sugar.*

Thought I'd pass along the site for all of you health conscious women (and men) who love to cook AND, especially, eat!

Busy

I received an e-mail today with the following quote attached:

"It is not enough to be busy; so are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about?" ~Henry David Thoreau

I began to wonder, "what is it that I am busy about?" Is my life filled with service for the kingdom? Are my everyday actions intended to bring God glory? When I feel so overwhelmed and stressed out from the insanity of life, am I busy because I am tending to my Father's work?

In all honesty, I have to answer "no" to each of those questions. My life is busy because I make it so. I fill my time, too often, with vain pursuits and selfish ambitions. I do not actively pursue the kingdom and activities that Christ may have for me on a daily basis. Right now, I am busy about work. Three days back and I am already consumed with the tasks before me. Christ has taken a back seat to my pursuits and my daily challenges. How utterly selfish and self-focused.

"Lord, make me busy, not like the ant--going about his own work-but preoccupied with your work. Give me strength to daily seek your plan for my life. Help me to quiet my heart and listen for your voice to speak. "

So, I pose the same question to you: What are you busy about?

The summer's almost over...

and I have yet to:
1. Go to the zoo
2. Go to an O's game
3. Get a snowball from Emmorton Snowballs
What do you still want to do before the summer is over?

Harrisburg or Bust

Ok, so Harrisburg isn't the most exciting city, nor the largest, nor the prettiest, but it does provide ample opportunities for outdoor adventures. Yesterday, Miguel and I celebrated his 25th birthday. He is officially a quarter of a century old! Wow. But he's still my baby!

I love to plan for birthdays, especially Miguel's. Though they were never a big deal in the Barowski family, the Turek's celebrated birthdays in style. So I greatly enjoy the sneaky planning aspect, as well as the actual day-of-events. Yesterday was no different. I decided on an "outdoor" theme, since Miguel loves fishing, camping, etc. and it was a gorgeous weekend.

Each step of the day was a surprise to Miguel. Our day started with a visit to the Sovereign Grace Church, Living Hope, in Harrisburg. Our next stop was The Wharf, a great seafood/American restaurant. We sat outside in a gorgeous courtyard. After lunch, he received a gift card to Bass Pro Shop and we headed to Outdoor World-Bass Pro. We spent several hours shopping and browsing. Who knew he could love shopping so much!!! If they only had Gap clothing available in Bass Pro, I'd be set!

After shopping, we headed to Hershey Park for an evening of rides and fun. The Sunset Entrance is available for half-price and you still have enough time to enjoy the park. Without a doubt, the park was the highlight of the day. We were able to spend quality time together talking, laughing, screaming, and talking some more. I realized, again, how much I enjoy Miguel's company and how quickly I forget the good times when things become bogged down by "life."

I love birthdays. What memorable ways have you celebrated your/other birthday?

fun question

If you could be someone famous, who would you be, and why?

I would be Charlize Theron, because she's gorgeous, has a great sense of style, and seems down to earth. And, I wouldn't have to change my hair color too drastically! =)

Art With a Pulse

For years, I wanted a tattoo. In high school, it was a rose on my ankle. Thank goodness I didn't go through with that. In college, it was probably the "I Love You" in sign language. I thought I'd outgrown the phase. Apparently not! Or at least it had better not be a phase! Because now, as Miguel says, I'll be looking at that thing until I am 80! On Tuesday, I ventured down to Art With a Pulse to get a tattoo. "Does it hurt?" my facial expression must have asked. Will, my tattoo artist, sarcastically explained that it wouldn't hurt ONE BIT. He was right, it really didn't! And it was well worth it all anyway.















BEfore














During














Still during















After. Eight "Jesus" fish.

At Home in PA

I never thought that Pennsylvania (did I spell it right??!) would be home. And it still doesn't quite feel like home. But we've done our best to make it "us" but still have miles to go. Since most of you haven't been up to visit, and you're always welcome to, I thought I'd post some pictures.

269 North Front Street

Second floor sunroom (yet to be furnished, but newly painted)

The kitchen-painted, but needs backsplash

Livingroom, finished, sigh

Cows

Today, Miguel and I had lunch at a restaurant called The Brown Cow. All of the meat is freshly butchered, the milk daily produced, and the ice cream homemade. Yummy! After eating lunch, we received an insiders tour of the 2,100 acre farm. Beautiful. Nick, and employee at the farm and a new friend of ours, drove us around the farm, detailing the daily events of the business. I was amazed to learn that it only takes TWO men to run the entire daily farm. I was also astonished to find out the following:

1. Female cows can be artificially inseminated.
2. Bulls can likewise be forced to donate sperm.
3. It takes over 50 lbs. of milk to make one fresh gallon.
4. If a cow moos, it is not happy.
5. A cow raised for its meat has to weigh between 1,200 and 1,600 pounds before it can be butchered.
6. The same cow gains roughly five pounds a day because they drink 60 gallons of water a day!

Hope you enjoyed the random cow facts as much I did! And if you ever get the opportunity, a meal at The Brown Cow is well worth the beautiful drive to get there. If for no other reason, go for the ice cream!! You'll never want to eat any other brand, not even Ben and Jerry's. I promise!

"it's been a while..."

After two long months, the Barowski's are FINALLY back on-line! I've missed bloggin and will have a new post up before long!