right now

I am loving this camera cake.

& photography.

...but mostly just the cake.

via nan lawson

put a stop to sopa & pipa

While this video puts a humurous spin on the subject, the SOPA & PIPA bills are a very serious matter.  Learn about why SOPA is dangerous because, after all, you should understand exactly what it is before you decide to protest.  Then go ahead & join the strike.

it's official

The LBeau Room is on facebook.

resolutions

Well, we're just over a week into this new year & I've been contemplating resolutions. I've always had a sneaking suspicion that I don't like them. Not just new year's resolutions but goal setting in general. It's feels like a lot of time spent worrying about what I should be doing instead of just doing it. Don't get me wrong, I think having dreams & ambitions is important. Knowing how to achieve those things is important, too. Mostly, though, goals become obstacles for me. Even a list of goals that I'm excited about quickly becomes a list of things I will put off until there's nothing else left in the world for me to do. & let's be honest, there is never an end to the number of ways I can find to procrastinate.

But how does she ever get anything done, you might wonder. Well, I do make lots of lists. Lists of things to do, not lists of goals. Mostly lists of small things, things I like to do, things I know I will get done. Like, mail this post card, go to the grocery store, make some delicious smoothies. Because crossing things off is so much fun. & so beneficial! The more often I cross things off, the more motivated I am to keep going. If I were to make a list of resolutions for the whole year, it may be March before I've crossed off even one. That is a miserable thought.

So. This week I will schedule a dentist appointment, paint my nails, & use that coupon for some delicious cupcakes from the Cupcake Emporium. This year? I'll have fun, be happy, & get some stuff done along the way.

Playing around with freebies:
Betty Drawing - Paper Mama
Frame & Scroll - IROCKSOWHAT
Pencil Brush - Vin Rowe

my year at a glance

2011 was a wonderful & challenging & whirlwind kind of year. All in all, it's been incredible... but it has kept me from being a consistent presence here on the blog. I am determined to make a mighty come-back but in order to do that, I'll need to get you up to speed.

Here are the highlights.

January
I left my beloved home state to plant some new roots in Iowa. I knew only a few people in the area & had no job lined up so it was one of the rasher (& scarier) decisions I've ever made but, time & again, it's proven to be the right move. Bonus: I was almost immediately offered a short-term internship at Camp Fire USA while I looked for a full-time job elsewhere. Double Bonus: I was able to stay at camp until I found a place to live.


February
I really started to get acquanited with the Des Moines area & all it has to offer. Unexpectedly saw one of my favorite paintings at the Des Moines Art Center. Had an adorable Valentine's day (tulips & carmels, somebody knows this girl all too well). Helped celebrate Will's 28th birthday with delicious sushi. Saw Kelsey be amazing in James & the Giant Peach. Really got lost in my pinterest addiction. & applied for lots of jobs (most of which sounded too good to be true).



March
Enjoyed my first Pecha Kucha Night at the Des Moines Social Club where Will gave a presentation about life as a Camp Director. Got paid to roller skate & dress ridiculously during Spring Break Camp. Adopted Lio. After one rather anxious month, I got an interview for a kick-ass job at Iowa State University.

April
Built adult-sized forts in Will's living room. Fell prey to Words with Friends. Became friends with Leslie Hall on facebook. Was hired as the Event Coordinator at the Iowa State University Book Store.

May
Started my fancy new big girl job. Was reminded that I had a silly part in a Camp Ondessonk commercial (yes, I'm the mustache girl).

June
June was a complete blur. Orientation consumed my life. I spent many, many hours teaching families how to reserve text books. & I sorely missed Ondessonk.

July
My mom & little sister came to Iowa for mini camp at Camp Hantesa. Went to the Stanhope Watermelon Day where they serve free all you can eat watermelon. Worked College Spirit Day at RAGBRAI.


August
Moved into my own apartment after crashing with Will for 7 months. Worked nearly every day at our booth at the Iowa State Fair & ate too many delicious fried things. Took a little weekend road trip to Minneapolis & stopped at the Surf Ballroom (home of Buddy Holly's last show) on the way. Went to IKEA & the Mall of America for the first time.


September
Had a crazy overnight drive to Southern Illinois so we could spend Labor Day at Ondessonk. Spent a lot of time planning & working at our merchandise trailer at the ISU home football games. Adopted Baxter. Started skating with the Des Moines Derby Dames. Had a wonderful 25th birthday.

October
Skated in my very first bout as Dinah Soars. Made some sweet, sweet caramel apples. Conquered a corn maze with two of my best friends.


November
Skated in my 2nd bout with D3's Crash Test Dolls & we won the after party. Went to visit Will's gorgeous home camp, Camp Miniwanca in Michigan...where he propoesd! (more on that in another post) Festivities & merriment ensued. My younger brother came home from Afghanistan! I moved out of my apartment after only 4 months & back to camp with Will. Baxter really enjoys living with two people. November was a great month.


December
Finally got to cash in on my birthday present & went to see Wicked with Will. Brought St. Nick's Day to Iowa. Set a date. Played Giant Jenga. Had a really fantastic first Christmas in Iowa.

Is it true that each year is shorter than the last? I think it must be because I really can't believe I've lived in Iowa for nearly a year. Let's hope 2012 is as full of beautiful memories as my first 12 months in Iowa.

christmas in iowa

I'm slowly coming down off my holiday high.
Thank you to everyone who made my first Christmas in Iowa so wonderful. I'm starting to worry I've been spoiled. Next year will have to be truly magical to top this Christmas!

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