MinneADpolis Pictures

No Thursday Thirteen this week. I drove to San Diego yesterday for Christmas, and I just didn't get a chance.

But here are some photos from Minneapolis. I was there in November for a math conference and got to take some photos. One of them is the reason for the post title:)

Here's the view from one of the rooms where the math sessions were held. Straight ahead is the convention center.

The view from our hotel room.

A close-up shot of a church across from our hotel taken from our room on the 19th floor.

A shot of the church from on the street.

Who knew that Minneapolis is the city of advertising? Not me!
From now on, it will always be MinneADpolis to me:)

I was really intrigued by this funky looking plant, but didn't get a great picture of it. This is the best I could do.

Finally Some Photos!

I know I haven't really posted photos in ages, but that doesn't mean I don't have any to post. I just haven't had time to go through them all and such.

I've gone through some, so I decided to post the first batch now. These are some I've taken here in Arizona. I'll explain a bit more by each group of photos. Later this week I'll post some I took when I went to Minnesota in November.

Here are some photos I took out at the front of my apartment complex. It was a bit dark, but some of them came out okay.

Here are some I took at the local YMCA. I thought the building design was really cool! I was lucky not to get caught in a thunderstorm; it started just as I made it back to my car.

And finally, here are a few of some storm clouds. I have lots of storm cloud photos but haven't gotten through them all yet.

Thursday Thirteen #14: Things I Look Forward to During the Holidays

I love the holidays! Even when I feel rushed, it's just such a magical time of year. So this week, I decided to do my Thursday Thirteen on 13 things I looked forward to during the holiday season.

Thirteen Things Michelle B looks forward to during the holidays 1. ABC Family Channel's 25 Days of Christmas. I love all of the shows and movies they have on during December. I'm always sad when they're over. 2. Buying presents for my family. I tend to go waaaay overboard. The more I shop, the more I find. I usually hate to shop, but during Christmas, I can shop, shop, shop! 3. Buying presents for friends. When I can afford it, I love to buy things for as many people as possible! I never like leaving anyone out since everyone is important to me:) 4. Sending Holiday cards/emails and hearing from friends I don't keep in touch with as often as I should. 5. Seeing Christmas decorations on homes in the area. Even though I've spent most of my Christmas's in warmer climates, seeing the decorations makes it feel more like Christmas. 6. Spending time with my family. It reminds me of all the Christmas's I had growing up. 7. Participating in Secret Santa gift exchanges. I just love doing it! 8. Buying musical Christmas cards. I've really gotten into the new Hallmark musical cards. I love them! 9. Smelling all the holiday scents: cinnamon and pine especially. 10. Seeing kids get so excited about Santa. I miss believing in Santa Claus! 11. Cooking Christmas dinner with my mom. 12. Visiting Christmas Craft fairs. 13. Holiday parties. I'm not much of a partier in general (I call myself the original party pooper), but I love holiday parties.

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Funny T-Shirt

Wow, I can't believe I haven't blogged since November! It's been way too long. I'm going to try to post a Thursday Thirteen this week if I don't get too busy with finals:)

Anyway, today I had one of those moments when I wished I had my camera! I went to order take out at a restaurant while out Christmas shopping and the bartender was wearing a shirt that cracked me up! It said:

Drink Triple

See Double

Act Single

I think it's a "uniform" t-shirt. I've been to the place before but I've never noticed it before!

Anyway, I will hopefully post again later this week. Hope you are all doing well!

Thursday Thirteen #13: PC-Mac Commercials

I figured there'd be a lot of Thanksgiving themed TT's this week, so I decided to be different:)

There's a new round of PC-Mac commercials going around on TV these days. They really crack me up, so I thought I'd post 13 of my favorites as found on YouTube. And yes, there are actually more than 13 PC-Mac commercials LOL!

Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving everyone:)

Thirteen of Michelle B's Favorite PC-Mac commercials 1. Error Messages 2. Give Up On Vista 3. Cancel or Allow 4. Surgery 5. Restart 6. Virus 7. Webcam 8. Accident 9. Genius 10. Boxer 11. Emo 12. Home Movie 13. Bloated Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Thursday Thirteen #12: Thirteen Random Songs from my iTunes Library

It's been a few weeks since I've done a Thursday Thirteen and I'm out of the habit. I'm a bit stuck this week. I have lists that are started, but I'm having a hard time getting all the way to number 13. So I decided that I'm just going to let the shuffle function in iTunes do my work for me:)

Here are 13 random songs from my iTunes Library!

Thirteen Random Songs from Michelle B's iTunes Library 1. U Can't Touch This by MC Hammer. What a way to start LOL! 2. Y.M.C.A. by the Village People. What can I say? I love disco! 3. Nothing Left to Lose by Mat Kearney. 4. Side by Travis. I love this song...this whole album (The Invisible Band). 5. Feels so Good by Chuck Mangione. This one brings back memories of childhood. My dad used to listen to this song a lot:) 6. Given a Chance by Babyface. I'm so glad I bought this album (Tender Lover) on CD. I originally owned it on cassette! 7. Try Too Hard by Teddy Geiger. I haven't listened to Teddy Geiger much recently. I need to fix that. I discovered him through the TV show Love Monkey:) 8. Turn on the Action from the Quincy Jones album The Dude. The Dude brings back soooo many memories from childhood. Another one of my dad's favorites. We used to listen to it on long car drives. I love the album! 9. Human by Matteo. I discovered Matteo on MySpace, and I just love this song. I joined his mailing list and for a brief while, he let people download this MP3! 10. Get Down on It by Kool & the Gang. Kool & The Gang may just be my all time favorite group ever--but mostly the JT Taylor years 'cause they're just not the same without him in my opinion! 11. Dreamin' by Amos Lee. I fell in love with Amos Lee's music the very first time I heard it on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. 12. Nothing Lasts Forever by Maroon 5. I love Maroon 5's new album. I just love Maroon 5's music period. I sure hope it won't take so long to get the next new album! 13. Fuera de Mi by La Ley. I do have some music in languages other than English:) Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

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New Desert Sunset Photos & My Cafe Press Shop

I haven't posted new pictures in ages! I've taken quite a few, but I haven't had much time to go through a lot of them. That and the sun seems so much brighter in Arizona, so more of them don't seem to turn out quite like I want them to.

I've been spending quite a bit of time playing around with my Cafe Press Shop (http://cafepress.com/michellebphotos) Feel free to stop by and check it out! I'm still adding things as I get time, but now there are quite a few things there including some 2008 calendars!

Anyway, here are a few pictures I took when I last drove back to San Diego. The sunset was so amazing that I just had to pull over and take some photos. Sorry that the focus is a bit off. I was a bit paranoid about getting killed as the huge big rigs flew by me:S

Enjoy!








I haven't posted new pictures in ages! I've taken quite a few, but I haven't had much time to go through a lot of them. I've been spending quite a bit of time playing around with my Cafe Press Shop (http://cafepress.com/michellebphotos) That and the sun seems so much brighter in Arizona, so more of them don't seem to turn out quite like I want them to.

But here are a few pictures I took when I last drove back to San Diego. The sunset was so amazing that I just had to pull over and take some photos. Sorry that the focus is a bit off. I was a bit paranoid about getting killed as the huge big rigs flew by me:S

Enjoy!

I'm Alive!

Howdy all you faithful blog readers:) I just wanted to post a note to say that I know I've neglected my blog lately. I've been feeling a bit blah and then I've been busy with school since I had to prepare for being at a math conference in Minneapolis last Wednesday night through this afternoon.

I have many, many photos to post (once I sort through them) and this week I hope to start back in with the Thursday Thirteen (as long as I can think of one!)

Hope you are all doing well.

Thursday Thirteen #11: 13 Ways I Know I'm in Arizona

This week my list is 13 ways I know I'm living in Arizona, now. I recently moved here to the Phoenix, Arizona area (in August). A lot of it has to do with the insane heat. I wonder how much things will change as I live here longer...

Happy TT everyone!

Thirteen Things about Michelle B 1. Hot takes on a whole new meaning (116 degrees anyone?) 2. You consider it "cooling off" when it's only 90-100 degrees outside and downright chilly when it gets below 80. 3. Your driver's license doesn't expire until you're a senior citizen (mine expires in 2041). 4. I actually have to wear sunglasses which I have never done regularly before. 5. The TV schedule is so funky...some things are shown according to central time and some things aren't (it depends on the station). 6. Fighting for parking means vying for the one shady spot even if it's the farthest spot from the store. 7. You have to worry about finding scorpions in your classroom. Someone found 2 babies in the room across from me just this week! 8. You need gloves to touch your steering wheel in the summer (even when you put up the sunshade). 9. The crickets are everywhere! 10. You can actually get a table at most restaurants without waiting (or with a very short wait) on a Friday or Saturday in the summer between 5pm and 7pm. 11. If you order deodorant via the mail, they won't leave your package outside because it might melt. 12. You can't leave anything in the car in the summer or it might melt. 13. You love having the 24-hour stores so you can shop in the wee hours since it's cooler then. Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Thursday Thirteen #10: Places I'd Like to Visit

Happy Thursday Thirteen everyone! This marks my tenth TT:) I've traveled quite a bit, but I would definitely love to see more of the world. This week I decided to list 13 places I'd like to visit. Enjoy!

Thirteen Places Michelle B wants to visit 1. All the Hawaiian Islands (at once on a cruise!) One of my dream vacations is to cruise around the Hawaiian Islands stopping at each one for a visit. I've only been to Oahu so far. 2. The Matterhorn-- the one in Switzerland, not the one at Disneyland (I've seen that one). I've been to Switzerland, but I didn't make it to the Matterhorn, so I want to go back! 3. Italy. I've never been and I'd love to tour around the country some day. 4. Stonehenge. I've been fascinated by Stonehenge. I even did a speech on it for my 10th grade communications class! 5. Egypt. I'm fascinated by Ancient Egyptian civilization. My favorite class in college was Intro to Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphics. I was lucky enough to get to see the King Tut exhibit in Los Angeles when it was touring, but I'd love to go see the Pyramids and other places in person! My biggest worry is my safety because of things going on in the world today. 6. Scotland. There are a couple of reasons I'd love to go to Scotland. It's a beautiful place, and I'd love to meet Tony, one of my online friends that I've known now for over 6 years! 7. England. Yes, I'm listing England separately than Scotland:P I'd love to go see London one day as well Liverpool and other various places to visit friends I have spread throughout England. (And yes, I realize Stonehenge is in England, but there are different reasons for my wanting to visit each, so I decided to list them separately). 8. Ireland is another place I'd love to visit. I've heard such wonderful things about Ireland from friends who've had the chance to visit (other than weather issues from some). 9. Down Under (aka Australia & New Zealand). My entire family (except for me of course) went to Australia and New Zealand when I was a freshman in college with a school group. I felt so left out, but missing 2 weeks of school just wasn't going to work. I'd love to visit both places one day. 10. South Africa. In the 9th grade, we did a mock UN and I was the representative from South Africa. That was the year after Nelson Mandela was set free and so it was quite an interesting time. I also had a pen pal in Capetown growing up. I'd love to visit one day! 11. Machu Picchu in Peru. One of the things I longed to be growing up was an archaeologist/anthropologist. Discovering the mysteries of ancient civilizations sounds like such an intriguing job (though I'm well aware some of the day-to-day dig duties can be quite tedious). I've been fascinated with Machu Picchu for quite a while and would love to explore it! 12. Alaska is another place I'd love to visit (and take photos!) I'm not sure if I'd do it on a cruise or not though. 13. The other 27 US states (not counting Alaska) that I've never had the chance to visit. One of my goals in my life is to visit at least one city in all of the 50 states. Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
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Thursday Thirteen #9: 13 Memories of Cherie

As I mentioned in my earlier post, we discovered today that Cherie's illness was caused by a brain tumor. There was pretty much nothing we could do other than let her go rather than prolong her suffering. Cherie is pretty much all that's on my mind, so here's another Thursday Thirteen tribute to her. I love her so much, and I'll miss her more than words can say!

Thirteen Memories of Michelle B's Cat Cherie 1. Cherie has a brush fetish. She loves to be brushed and if you won't take the time to brush her, she'll do it herself! She totally has brush radar; she can find a brush (human or kitty) anywhere you hide it. She even jumps on the bathroom counter just to rub on my hair brush. 2. Our dog, Bijou, used to beg to lick any dish once we finished eating. After we lost Bijou, Cherie took over the plate-licking duties. Now, she even tries to get at it before you finish eating (just like Bijou did!) 3. Cherie loves to eat Cheetos, potato chips, and popcorn. I'll never be able to eat any of those things without thinking of her! 4. She loves to lick things (people included)! She's the only cat I've known that loves to lick people. She even licks the catnip pillow we bought her one Christmas and it's loud enough to hear across the room. 5. She always tries to sit on any papers I'm working on (especially when I'm grading or doing lesson plans)! 6. She loves to sit with my mom and do puzzles. She brings my mom luck just by sitting with her. 7. She found a way to let herself into my bedroom at my parents house and she always busts in during the wee hours of the morning. She even busted in last weekend when she wasn't doing too well and hopped on the bed to curl up next to me. 8. She loves to sleep next to me on my bed when I'm at my parents house. In fact, sometimes, she gets right in my face and starts purring to get attention. 9. At Christmas, she loves trying to climb the Christmas tree (even without her front claws). I always say she thinks we brought a tree in the house just for her! 10. I remember the day I first met Cherie. We went to the shelter to adopt a cat and my mom and sister were drawn to the kittens, but I was drawn to Cherie. She was older (about 2 years old), but so sweet. When my mom went back to get one of the kittens a couple days later, they were all claimed, so she adopted Cherie instead. I'm so glad it worked out that way because my life just wouldn't be the same if Cherie hadn't been a part of it! 11. She gets so hyper sometimes. She'll run up and down the halls and when she gets really adventurous, she runs into the fireplace (behind the screen!) 12. If she thinks you're paying too much attention to anything other than her (like the computer!) she'll move right in front of it so she becomes the center of attention. 13. I'll miss cuddling with her the most. Of all the cats, she's the one who loves to sit on your lap or next to you and just cuddle and purr. Links to other Thursday Thirteens!




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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Update on Cherie

Thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers for Cherie.

I drove back to San Diego last weekend to see her along with my family. She's been in and out of the hospital because she wouldn't eat, but in some ways she was still the same old Cherie.

Yesterday my parents took her to a specialist. The specialist said she either had a fungal infection or a brain tumor.

We found out today that she tested negative for the fungal infection. She's been so sick and not eating, so we've decided that it's best to let her go rather than hang on and watch her suffer.

It's really hard for me to even type this through my tears. I have so many wonderful memories of Cherie through the 10 years we had her. I just can't believe she won't be there the next time I go back to San Diego.

If I can bring myself to do it, I'm going to do another Thursday Thirteen about her this week just with memories of her. I've been a bit of a mess this last week and a half since she's been sick, so I may not get around to it.

Thanks again to everyone for the thoughts and prayers.

Thursday Thirteen #8: Photos of Cherie

It's been an odd week. I wasn't even sure that I was going to do a Thursday Thirteen this week, but here I am :-)

Earlier this week, one of our cats, Cherie, had severe trouble breathing and had to be rushed to the pet hospital. I should note that when I say "our" that Cherie lives with my parents, but I still think of her as part "mine." Anyway, when I spoke with my mom last night, she said it didn't look good because the vet didn't know what was wrong with her.

After being on antibiotics, she was much better this morning, so she's home tonight. Since they don't know what happened, a relapse is still possible. I'm just praying that she'll be okay.

So this weeks Thursday Thirteen is a tribute to Cherie (in picture form)...

Thirteen Things about Michelle B's Cat Cherie 1. Cherie loves to sleep on my laptop; partly because it's nice and warm, and partly because that way I can't be distracted from paying attention to her! 2. Another warm spot...the cable box! And its a good high spot to see what's going on as well. 3. Cherie in the backyard looking for trouble! 4. Cherie asleep in my unmade bed:) 5. Cherie taking a bath in the backyard. 6. A close-up profile shot. 7. Curled-up asleep in what we call "her" chair because if you sit in it, she glares at you until you get up so she can sit there! 8. On the bench in the backyard. 9. Sitting next to an out-of-control weed that's taller than she is in the back yard. 10. Another shot of her atop the cable box. 11. Curled up in a different chair this time... 12. What do you mean you want to print something?! 13. Another shot of her on a different laptop this time! Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Early Birthday Present!

My birthday is coming up soon (in just under 2 weeks), and I bought myself an early birthday present today. I just couldn't resist sharing, especially as it relates to my Thursday Thirteen for this last week!

After posting about art and artists I like, I inevitably ended up visiting their websites and looking at new work I hadn't seen before. I fell in love with Tabora's latest release, Midnight Interlude (shown above). It is in pre-release, which means the prices are a little bit lower. I was also really excited that this time there's actually a painting available at a more affordable price! It's a little hard to justify spending $3,000 on a painting on a teacher's salary when trying to save for a house!

The painting I bought is still a good size (18 inches by 24 inches) and though it's not hand-highlighted by the artist like most of the others are (including my Diamond Head Sunrise painting), I'm sure to love it just the same! I'm so excited:D

On another note, I took some photos the last couple of days that hopefully I can post soon. The ones I took a while back were somewhat underwhelming so I haven't posted them here.

It's a busy week ahead for me. I'm having my first in-class evaluation on Monday! Then I'm subbing for 2 classes on Tuesday and Thursday night. And on Friday, we're having a math department meeting with the president of the college. So it may be next weekend before I can download the photos and such.

Of course, Summer and I were considering driving up to Sedona for my birthday then. Hmmmm. Well, I suppose you'll all just have to be patient:)

Have a wonderful week!

Thursday Thirteen #7: Art I Like

I have pretty simple taste when it comes to art. And when I say simple, I mean that I'm not big on fancy frames and too much going on in a painting and such. Also, what most people tend to think of as great works of art rarely appeal to me enough that I'd want to own it.

That said, here are 13 works of art that I like. I've included small photos, but in some cases (especially with Catalina), the photos don't do the painting justice.

***Edited to Add Links to Artist Websites***
Roy Tabora's Website
Simon Bull's Website
Cao Yong's Website

Thirteen Works of Art Michelle B Likes 1. Diamond Head Sunrise by Roy Tabora I actually own this one and I love it! 2. In the Solace of the Night by Roy Tabora My parents own this painting, and I wish I did. Though I don't love all of his work this way, I'd definitely say Tabora is my favorite artist. 3. All the Way to Paradise by Simon Bull I actually own this one as well. It was a birthday present from my parents when my mom was working at the Thomas Kinkade Gallery. You'll see that I have more Simon Bull art on my list as well. 4. Catalina by Cao Yong I have a mini canvas of this one that was also a present from my mom. 5. Because of You by Simon Bull 6. Just the Way You Are by Simon Bull 7. The Journey Never Ends by Simon Bull 8. With All My Heart by Simon Bull 9. Nocturne by Roy Tabora 10. Once Upon a Midnight by Roy Tabora 11. Softly Glows the Night by Roy Tabora 12. Rhythm in Blues by Roy Tabora 13. Echoed Silence by Roy Tabora Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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