Being Mary

Pass the time

2009-02-10T01:51:00.000-08:00

Watching sunsets from my front door.

Volleyball (I ref...no gimps aloud!)

Staff BBQ's

Seeing it took 3 hours to post today...I'll sign off for now!

p.s. Mom, mom, mom...the care package made my day. Loose tea?!? You think of everything!

These are a few of my Favorite things....

2009-02-03T02:17:00.000-08:00

My friendship with Mohamed.

A Kenyan who joined the Marines & now is gearing up for his

second run for the Kenyan Parliament.

Learning to Knit (another Christmas suprise!), pilates videos & Trader Joe's Teas.

My Holga camera with it's polaroid base.

I can't tell you how much I LOVE this piece of plastic!

A new calendar made by Emily. I can't get enough of my nephew...

Vegetable Curry ala DFAC

The simple things keep me sane. While the work is meaningful, time is going A LOT slower. I need to send a shout out to Morgan~ your family Christmas letter is on my wall at work. Thank you! I LOVE seeing your family grow! And Emily, those calendars....you couldn't of done anything sweeter. Thank you!

Ankle update: I'm off the crutches, but walking very, very, very slowly. The pain is suprising. Anyone who has a recovery trick...lay it on me. I'm willing to try anything that will help this heal faster.

Lastly, a funny side note. Max has a 'new' haircut (BY ACCIDENT!) Apparently the groomer decided to shave him like an actual poodle. THE HORROR! His sub-mommy Kirsti & Lambsons have started calling him Minimus. All while counting the days until his curls return!! THANK YOU Jeanne for the update!!

Sending my love!

It's been an interesting few weeks

2009-01-27T02:55:00.000-08:00

So much to say!

Move complete from Victory to Liberty. Not much to that though...more moving from Ballwin to Chesterfield, or Sandy to Holiday!

Big news: The sprained ankle that's kept me on crutches for the last week! Walking home from the gym, I rolled my ankle in a pothole. Sorry folks, un-fabulous injury...but the result is a grapefruit sized ankle, swollen on BOTH sides (how does that happen?!), and stupid painful. The bases here are not handicap friendly, but I'm hobbling through with loads of offered help & smirky stares. Ah, fun.

Second big news: My first dentist appointment overseas. Very, um, different. For those with weak stomachs...lets just say, mostly no gloves, assistant in house slippers, lack of any kind of sanitary precausions, dentist with BO & bad breath who was sleeping on the couch when I came in, and lastly: No numbing stuff for the first 15 min. A simple filling replacement took an hour and a half. Dad- really, I may have beaten your Coast Guard wisdom tooth experience...

All and all things are good. VERY differnt this time. Easy hours, no stress & a day off. What could be better??

I think of you all often. Please keep me updated & I'll do the same!

Love you All!!

The clean side of the room:

The work in progess side...fridge in process of being scrubbed, laundry, extra bed-turned coat rack and, of course, my faithful crutches !

Back in the Sandbox

2009-01-17T22:24:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm back!

New Contract.
New-to-me CHU.
New Co-workers.

Due to the most ridiculously slow internet, I'll only be posting on Sundays when I can sneak on during the slower traffic time.

Photos soon to come!

If you have the itch to write me a letter, my address is:

Mary Southerland (OSS)
TF 134 J3 Programs
APO, AE 09342

Hope this finds you all happy & Healthy...

LOVE YA'LL!!

Date a Tanner

2008-12-30T11:15:00.000-08:00

Trevor's poor date...
You get fooled to come in for 'just a moment'

Then you get cornered!

Do you see Trev's face?!? SO classic.

She survived!

But only after meeting Grandpa & Grandma & Earl & Peter &&&&&

Merry Christmas!!

2008-12-25T15:47:00.000-08:00

First, wonderful blogger will not let me move the order of the photos...Grrrr. SO, pardon the random order!

I am a woman of few words...so I will let the photos show our family's
Christmas in Utah.

However, I need to send special loves to Mom, Dad & David in Korea: I LOVE you & miss you all horribly. There's not a moment that I didn't have you all in my heart. Emily did a fabulous job doing gathering my 'Santa' gifts...thank you.

Joe, Emily & Noah: I'm glad we followed a few holiday traditions together! Cookies, movies & Zoo Lights..Christmas 'musts' for me! Emily, your shopping skills amaze me. THANK YOU for being 'Santa's' helper! Give loves to my Max and kisses for Nephew!

Merry Christmas to all my friends in Iraq!
I'm blessed to have met you all & share some life changing experiences.
Thank you. Thank you & God bless your families.

Christmas 2008:

3 of 5!

Holiday Kisses

Christmas Naps...my favorite kind

I love Bob...even if he is a Boston fan!

Beautiful Laurisa & Kathy

Christmas PJs, Fab Slippers (Thank you parents & Emily!)
& Grandma's decorating magic!

Frosting sugar cookies in St Louis

World's biggest Eagle Fan.
(AKA Thabo)

Amber with beautiful, new Gavin

Happy Peter!

Vanna Alison!

Love these boys

Enough said.
(I already miss him)

Perfect.

Home Sweet Home

2008-12-21T16:21:00.000-08:00

Home & Happy & Lovin my rash-covered nephew!

Fun Snaps

2008-12-12T00:58:00.000-08:00

Goodbye Bear Hugs

Breaking the Rules

My Bad Boys

Ready to fly..again

They can think of Acronymns for EVERYTHING else...why did they need to spell this one out?!?
Just, plain, morbid.

Following the Tigris home

Ta-Ta for now... See ya'll soon...

2008-12-10T09:36:00.000-08:00

Wonderful Homemade Breakfast.

Samoon & Fresh, made-this-morning Cream

Thank you Joe.

Your sweet holiday gift made my day.

2008-12-08T04:38:00.000-08:00

Everything I need?!?

Really?!?

I asked if they'd show Twilight...yeah...no

Another space

2008-12-05T22:18:00.001-08:00

Big Desk, little chair

Nicest Desk EVER

Wish I had time to do my hair

My latte makes life better

My private tent

Empty bunks

My body is spent

No need for rent

Turkish Coffee and other Ramblings

2008-12-05T00:37:00.001-08:00

Since my time in the IZ, I've had an obsession with Turkish Tar, I mean coffee.

The way it's made, the variety, and the conversation

that comes with fellow coffee lovers..

Priceless.

Bonus: who can resist the delicate cups it's served in!

The coffee is boiled with sugar until the grounds disolve. Creating this blissful, thick tar.

Coupled with fresh bread, cheese and Iraqi sweets..makes for a Blissful & Buzzed afternoon!

Now. To jump subjects (I'm known for this):

I took this photo of a team member's ring on our travels:

Cool ring huh?

Although, we forgot the name of the stone.

SO, as a result, here is part of the email my buddy wrote searching for the name of this ring:

So, I asked my faithful teammate, “What is the name of the stone on Ben’s ring?”

She says, “I don’t know.”

I asked, “Didn’t you put the name of it on the picture?”

She replied, “No, I just put ‘special ring.’”

I'm so tired...

I don't know why that made me laugh.

Thought I'd share...

Kinda sad.

FYI: the ring is called Sulaymani. It's said to have mystical powers.

Jeez :)

Waiting

2008-12-03T08:26:00.000-08:00

Leaving!

On to the next assignment.

Ok.

Let me pack real quick.

Really?

Cancelled?

Again?

Tomorrow?

Argh. Unpack.

Again.

Repeat

Funny thing

2008-11-28T23:56:00.000-08:00

So, Iraq is at war.

Yup. Suprise.

There are certain things you get used to, other things you should never get used to. Always listening, always alert, always using that extra-something that lets you know when it's not safe.

However, there are certain times you let those defenses down. The shower being one.

So funny story:

Last night I was taking a shower (a hot shower!! YAY!!) when"BA-BOOOM"... with an equal disturbing shake to the shower trailer.

I stand there for a second, running through memories... if it sounded like incoming, listening for running...nothin. Then my mind goes to a possible cruel irony: if I have to run..I'm well...jeez. I only travel with a quick-dry shammy the size of a wash cloth..and that doesn't cover much! When you know it's real, you can't grab that one thing you want to keep safe, you can't think about where you left your ID, you can't change your clothes...you just duck and run for the bunkers. And in my case, right then, I was a little underdressed.

Luckily, it was outgoing. Really, some bad a*% sounding outgoing, for about 30 minutes!

"BA-BOOM"

CHU shakes

Silence

"BA-BOOOOOM"

Shaking

Silence

We have some pretty awesome power!

Well, long story short, I went and bought a towel today.

The biggest one they had...just in case

*A quiet space this morning...nothing to do with the post!*

MUD

2008-11-28T02:04:00.000-08:00

When it rains...it muds.

I have never scowled at rain clouds, until now. While my new boots make me happy, the mud in the car, office, bed, showers, PX, EVERYWHERE is getting annoying.

Enjoy photos from the muddy FOB...from your clean, mud free computer.

(yes, mud has made it's way onto my computer. Jeez)

How do they not sink into the muck?!?!

Thorin giving me mud bunny ears

Up to my ankles is sludge

A 'dry' spot!

2008-11-26T00:21:00.000-08:00

My heart today...how do I put it into words?

I know a soldier who was killed today.

The cost of this war...

Please, when saying our Thanksgiving prayers, bless these soldiers.

Bless their families.

Thank them for their sacrifce.

In the 'Hurricane Seat'

2008-11-22T06:03:00.000-08:00

Sitting in the back right corner of a Black Hawk, with the door open,

is like sitting in a wind tunnel.

But the view...the view is spectacular!

Over the Tigris River

Flying with the sunset

Catching the end of the sunset at BIAP after the flight

More Random Snapshots

2008-11-19T22:59:00.000-08:00

Genius...

Vineyards outside the gate

Now, can you say it in Arabic???

Yes. It's Starbucks. So rare here, so wonderful.

The theatre..with a make-shift mortar patch

Parking lot

Great guy

Sunsets over the up-armored Suburban

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PETER

2008-11-19T01:24:00.000-08:00

Baby brother...all grown up and stuff.

You make a big sister proud, daily.

Happy Birthday ya handsome kiddo.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSEPH NOAH

2008-11-18T07:21:00.000-08:00

The moment you came to our family, our lives became better.

More full of purpose.

More full of love.

Happy Birthday Sweet Nephew.

SO tired

2008-11-18T06:31:00.000-08:00

Getting back to the CHU after waiting, again, for another flight...not so fabulous..

80 hour work week?? Everyone does it, or will do it, out here. Yesterday, however, it hit me. Just one day of sleeping in, one day I can hit my snooze, one night to have the energy to read or watch a movie. Not gonna happen.

Yesterday we laughed about the Legend of Weekends...
and these guys have been out here for months, some years....

I got my second wind this morning. I even wrote in my journal, and as I read my 'Goals in Iraq' page, I had to laugh at my down right silly objectives: Work out daily (HA!), Eat small portions (Um, it's all you can eat mashed potato night??? BRING IT ON!), No bread (well, that was just dumb)
& lastly, NO sugar (Yeah, I should of known better).
What I should have written down is: Take time to cut my nails, Wear my shirts only 3 times before washing (at 5 or 6 times they start to be offensive), Clean my glasses (I forget to..and DANG they get dirty), Sleep, and lastly...Eat sugar & stop worrying about your dress size.

Yeah, I can meet those goals & day-dream about a sleeping vacation...

Gettin Around

2008-11-15T23:19:00.000-08:00

My 'ride'

Perfect night for a Ch-47 flight. We flew with the back open & with the full moon...amazing, beautiful...

Rock on Catfish Air!

So we eat our lunch,

2008-11-15T08:31:00.000-08:00

We get in the truck.

Mike: "Um."

Mary: "What?"

Mike: "Gettin out the key."

Mary: "Wouldn't it be funny if we got in the wrong truck?"

Mike: "The key doesn't fit."

Mary: "Huh?" (putting in her earphones)

Mike: "Wrong truck."

Yup.

You crack me up Mike.

Good Morning

2008-11-13T00:30:00.001-08:00

A new day, a new 'neighbourhood'

...and a new view from the office.

...like daughter

2008-11-13T00:26:00.001-08:00

Well. If it ain't the scorpions...it's the killer Korean Squirrels.

2008-11-11T00:15:00.000-08:00

Boys...

Danger...

2008-11-10T04:39:00.000-08:00

At the base exit:

Getting Ice:

And Huge killer scorpions!!

The View

2008-11-09T08:54:00.000-08:00

When I look outside...

Super People

2008-11-08T10:00:00.000-08:00

Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound

Movement

2008-11-07T22:24:00.000-08:00

Headed out.

Home...kind of.

2008-11-03T22:38:00.001-08:00

I love down comforters from Williams & Sonoma.

I crave jersey sheets.

Neither are here.

And that's OK.

My CHU (Containerized Housing Unit) is a tiny, dusty, slice of heaven.

Scary Iraq!

2008-10-31T11:12:00.000-07:00

So.

Welcome to our humble war zone holiday.

We can't manage hot water on a regular basis...but hell if we'll miss an oportunity to throw a party!!

Starts slow... me being in the spirit..

Then more join

Then the quiet transform

Decorations appear from, well, I have no freakin clue!!!

HOW?? (Paper towels are hard to get!?!?)

Then the truely spirited arrive

Our little palace transforms

More party monsters

Stars of the film and stage

Let me guess... Forest Gump??

The night ended with a brilliantly planned sneak attack on your's truely:

Before...my 'monster' enters through the back door....

Sadly, we didn't catch the actual moment.

I would of caught on...I'd like to think!

However, by my reaction...you get the idea!!

Finally...

The truely, most horrifying space in Iraq!

Smiles. Happy Halloween from far, far away!

Random, crappy camera photos

2008-10-21T01:09:00.000-07:00

Victory Arch

"N" in the hand of Saddam (see him?)

The parade grounds

You'll have to look it up :) I shouldn't say

"CNN Hotel" Where all the news media stayed during the bombings on Baghdad

Joe the Stinkin plumber on FOX (Yuck) at a FOB Mayor's Cell

My view at a Mayor's Cell

What I'm looking at now

A few weeks back..

2008-10-14T10:41:00.000-07:00

Love this....From a few weeks ago in the narrows. Max even got in! Thanks dad for an awesome trip. Say hi to Hungwo (Spelling???)

Miss you tons J! You looked amazing...as usual!!!

Who's your Baghdaddy?

2008-10-13T09:26:00.000-07:00

"The colossal Hands of Victory monument has dominated Baghdad's skyline since the end of the Iran-Iraq war. Built in duplicate, it marks the entrances to a large new parade ground in central Baghdad, towering 140 feet above the highway. The triumphal arch is shaped as two pairs of crossed swords, made from the guns of dead Iraqi soldiers that were melted and recast as the 24-ton blades of the swords. Captured Iranian helmets are in a net held between the swords. And surrounding the base of the arms are another 5,000 Iranian helmets taken from the battle field. The fists that hold the swords aloft are replicas of Saddam Hussein's own hands. The German company that built the monument, H+H Metalform, said it was given a photograph of Saddam's own forearms to use as a model. "

I'm staying at an amazing location in the IZ...but like all amazing well known locations, it's seen it's fair share of motars! From the roof you can see most of the IZ, watch the helicopters take off, hear prayer, and see amazing desert sunsets.

Sorry this is just a short shout-out...I'm off on a convoy tomorrow to a new FOB.

Whoda thought?

Update

2008-09-27T02:17:00.000-07:00

I've been in Iraq at Camp Victory for a week now. After the 'Iraq Crap' (a nasty cold that ALL new comers get) all is well and I'm truely enjoying myself.

Sadly, I can't talk about my position here and internet access is rarely available, but I will try to post little updates on my health when I can. Hopefully some approved photos as well.

I think of you all often!

Keep me in your prayers, but know that I'm safe & with great people

FYI: Dear Tim has my sweet Maximus and keeps me updated with his own doggy-blog!

Check my Max's blog at maximuscharles.blogspot.com

2008-09-15T20:00:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

Just a quick update.

I am headed to Iraq!

More details to come.

I'll be using my blog to keep family and friends up to date!

Crazy, wow!

Mr Big Stuff

2008-06-05T22:25:00.000-07:00

Wow! David got his MASTER'S!

The fam needs to see David's big moment

(sorry about my screaming):

Congratulations you crazy Master of Science.

I'm so proud of you David!

Go check out his portfolio at www.dsoutherland.com

Because

2008-05-26T22:20:00.000-07:00

Thanks Momma for sending this quote. It gave me chicken-skin when you read it to me...

Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness, concerning all acts of initiative and creation. There is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills coutless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issue from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assitance which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever, you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.

- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Long time..

2008-05-26T21:08:00.000-07:00

Sorry All!

I've been neglecting my blogging duties.

I do have a laundry list of excuses...some pretty fabulous (Napa Valley!)...some work related...some, happily, Tim related...most a little stressful. Grand opening a 150,000 sq ft facility sounds glamorous, but I tell ya, it ain't.

So, what might become a long story, here is a brief nutshell: Many things are about to change in my life. A little hint? Let's just say almost 10 years in the Spa & Salon industry is no way to develop meaningful relationships...with friends, family and especially men. Long work weeks, nights, holidays and weekends are not designed for starting a family, little alone a relationship. So a change is coming. Soon. I'm really nervous (and vague!).... Please, say a prayer for me.

Real quick. Here are a few snapshots from our Napa trip (Tim's 30's!)...more to come...

*Tim took this with his phone! I look so, well, Little Mermaid-ish! My heart, truly, may be in San Francisco. It is my birthplace! Enough "!"?*

*Warm Toes...California lucks out with mild winters!*

*Del Dotto wine caves. The barrels are made in Missouri...weird...*

From today: The Annual Gypsy Caravan brought some much needed retail therapy. We got these great tin stars made of old roofs in India...I love finding treasures! (Another cell phone pic!)

Here's to living, and no time for blogging!

I hope it happens on a regular basis...minus the stress :)

2008-02-12T00:30:00.000-08:00

baby spinach w/ mandarin oranges, cajun spiced pecans, dried cherries, goat cheese & caramelized onion vinaigrette

Again, Eleven Eleven is HEAVEN. Yup, that rhymes!

Heaven on a plate...I will figure out the dressing and live off this all summer!

Ah, summer.....

You think it's easy?

2008-02-10T23:58:00.000-08:00

Well, I'll tell ya boys...it's not!

1. hour in curlers

2. Shirley Temple
3. Brush it out

Illusion ain't easy.

EKK! I forgot to flip the middle 2 photos!! Hear of a nonaC?

Crazy Parents!

2008-02-10T21:35:00.001-08:00

It's Lunar New Year in Korea...and my folks are celebratin in style!

The pink and purple vest on dad makes me giggle.

Check out their New Blog for more details!!

The Fabulous Fox

2008-02-05T20:38:00.000-08:00

!!!I Love the Fox!!!

I was looking up the history on our local theatre and ran into a press release in 1929 declaring the Fox to be ‘the newest, most exotic temple of amusement’! Sadly it closed in 1951. Locked up tight, this beautiful building was lost to St Louis until 1981. A truly fabulous couple, Leon and Mary Strauss, found the old building, and with flashlights in hand, discovered this long neglected treasure. For those who have not been inside, you MUST go to Fabulous Fox to view photos.

Anyhow, now you know the venue…just going is a thrill. Even if the show you see is, well, kinda lame. Dear Tim took me to Jesus Christ Super Star on Saturday, and we both agree, the show was mediocre at best. In fact, other than being at the Fox, the real entertainment has been Tim researching the actor’s backgrounds in hope of finding some redeeming value in the play. I’M SORRY JCSS LOVERS! Those who know me, know I love my musicals… I will find something I enjoyed about the production… so the fun thing about this production???

The leading men!

Ted Neeley played the title role in the 1973 movie extravaganza. Add to that his 1980’s hair band worthy screams, and an album release titled “1974 A.D.”. Hmmm, well, you gotta give the man his due for playing a 33 year old for over 34 years.

Corey Glover played Judas (for those who are not familiar with the production, it was based on Judas’ view of Christ’s last days). Now he was spectacular. More so now after Tim informed me of this (you don’t have to watch the whole thing to know how nifty it was to see this guy in person!):

I know!! Plus, as a little added bonus, that clip was from Arsenio! Like, I know!! Do you love the orange spandex?!? I was just a wee-one when this first aired, but I can totally appreciate how freakin cool he is!

I would have rolled my eyes less if I knew Judas was really Living Colour’s lead rocker!

So, on your next trip to St Louis, save your pennies for a production at the Fox...where even a mundane theatre production, turns into a Time Traveling Adventure. Yay!

Super Bowl!

2008-02-02T11:19:00.000-08:00

For Christmas I promised my buddy Aaron team themed sugar cookies! So here they are... before they were gobbled up by the boys!

Because they taste so fantastic, I'm posting the recipe. My Aunt Phyllis is one of the best chefs I know. Her AMAZING and simple sugar cookies have been a fam tradition for years.

Enjoy!

Aunt Phyllis' Sugar Cookies

pre-heat 375

1 cup butter

1 1/2 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 1/4 tsp. vanilla

3 1/2 cup flour

2 tsp. cream of tartar

1 tsp. soda

1/2 tsp. salt

Cream butter, sugar and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time. Combine remaining ingredients. Chill over night (VERY important). Roll out, cut and bake. Bake for 6-8 min. Yield 2-3 dozen cookies!

Mary's not-too-tart Cream Cheese Frosting
(Finally perfected!)

16 tablespoons unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened but cool

1/4 cup of cream cheese

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon whole milk
pinch of salt

4 cups confectioners' sugar (1 pound)

Combine all ingrdents. Add more sugar for thicker frosting (if you want your decorations to hold shape!)

Roll em out

Helmets, players and footballs

Helmets ready to be baked. If you're a baker, you MUST have a Silpat non-stick liner.

The cookies slide off easy and cook evenly. MAGIC!

Giants vs Patriots. Was anyone else torn on who to cheer for!? I was completely impartial..then I was kinda bumbed the Patriots lost.. then annoyed the coach stomped off the field and left his team to the final play.. ah football.

Edible players. I had a special request for a Redskin's player! Kinda out of place..but equally as yummy!

After a close game, it went to the Giants! Thanks guys for a great Super Bowl eating party!

How did he get so cute?!?

2008-01-24T17:19:00.000-08:00

Well, I'll show you!

First it's a shower. Love his mohawk?

Then we poof him up.

Goodbye poodle curls!

"What momma?"

"Want me to do my LION impression?"

"ROAR!"

Goodbye Lion's mane!

I shave off enough hair for another poodle!

"Let me check if I have everything..."

"OK. No damage done."

All done..and half his size! Poor little pooch. No one will ever call him butch...ah well!

It's Official!

2008-01-18T12:20:00.000-08:00

I have an incredible job!

I have been officially hired as the Salon & Spa Director for Life Time Fitness!

The facility is set to open in May! Lots to do! Hiring, set up, promotion, motivating, and training JOY!

!!Happy Day!!

CDL

2008-01-17T22:45:00.000-08:00

I'm sticking to a nostalgia theme this month! It's all this photo scanning..and maybe the turning 30 thing too! I'm not impressed with the quality of the scanner, a little inconsistent. Ah well. Em & Joe, I may come see if your wonder machine is better!

What The HECK is up with the SPACING & Font Size?!?!?!?!?!

But I digress...

CDL. Children's Dance Lab was a small dance company based out of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas back in the 80's. My momma was an incredible dancer. Along with her friend's from college, they started the company when I was a tiny little thing. They used Children's Dance Theatre, a wonderful program in Salt Lake City (both sides of my family have been involved with for years) (J-I love the photo of you and I dancing in Grandma's living room! I remember that!), as a frame work. As for the dance style? Well, I couldn't think of a explanation for 'creative dance', so I used CDT's explanation:

What is Creative Dance? Creative dance classes focus on the development of the whole child. Through movement exploration, dancers reach progressive levels of physical skill development and are taught the vocabulary of dance.

Exploring the creativity and imagination of childhood, dancers have the opportunity to improvise, engage in creative problem solving and grow in cognitive, social and emotional ways as they interact in class. Each class has a musical accompanist to expose dancers to a variety of musical genres. Throughout the class, dancers will have the opportunity to incorporate art and art forms into their learning.

Most of my childhood afternoons, if not at Lake Mead, where spent taking art classes then dancing. Even my brothers were involved. For living in cultural limbo in Vegas, it was a progressive, thoughtful and imaginative way to be raised. Way to make your aunt proud momma!

"The motivating force behind my work is not only developing excellent dancers, but more importantly, developing young people who are useful, imaginative, worthwhile human beings."

Virginia Tanner

Grrrr.

2008-01-15T21:39:00.000-08:00

Why won't blogger space my photos/ writing correctly?!?! Grrrr! The previous post has weird spaces everywhere...I even tried editing Html. It's happened before, and the posts never look as good as they should. Suggestions????

Hey, Joe!

2008-01-15T20:37:00.000-08:00

Brother, brother, brother. I was looking through the box of photos we need to organize, and I decided to scan a few of us. Just us. Well, some other important folks slid in!

Thinkin back on my first 2 memories.... A family reunion in the Tetons (I got, for the first time ever, BOTH sides of the Popsicle!) The second memory? You. No vivid memories of mom, dad & little-o-me. I remember us. Our other brothers came along, and each are beyond special to me. But you have the place of my first memories.

Life rolls on. Now you give me my first memories of a nephew,

you as a husband to my dear friend, and you making very grown up choices about your family.

You will make the right choice. Either way will be full of amazing first memories.

I love you dearly,

Sizzor

*Summer Naps at Grandma's...hey, remember, we lived there for

2 years while dad finished school!*

*The Red Wagon...now rusting out in the back yard*

*Cutest dang family e-v-e-r...how'd they make a blonde?*

*Mary, Joseph...yeah, good thing David wasn't named Jesus*

*Umm. Wonder were you got the Peter Pan obsession??? Hmmm?*

*The back of the photo says, "Joe's favorite hat." Yup. It's pink.*

*Love these old Sears photos..and that little bow tie*

It went so fast!

2008-01-10T23:44:00.000-08:00

Is anyone else feeling blue?? Today I started to pack up Christmas. My mom and I had already put away the holiday dishes, but I'm stuck taking down all the happy trimmings. Everything I put back into the plastic storage tubs makes me miss the organised chaos of a full house. Even driving home tonight i was disappointed that my neighbor's lights and open curtains to display their trees had been replaced by a dark gloominess..not helped by our yuck weather. Now is that long stretch before tulips and perfect St Louis springs. Ugh. Even Max seems impatient with the cold. I wonder if he dreams of our afternoon walks and lunches on restaurant patios. Well, goodbye sugar cookies, carols, Christmas lights, pine smelling candles, and manger scenes. I'll pack you up and look forward to next years memories.

*Our happy Christmas pitcher*

*Goodbye Holiday dishes*

*Jeez! Still lots to pack up!*

*Maximus missing a full house*

...until next Christmas!

Happy Birthday Davy-Doo

2008-01-08T14:23:00.000-08:00

I'm sure your trip to London and Paris has you far away from a computer...dang you! Happy Birthday ya special guy! I'm proud we're related..you make me smile.

Have fun and be sorta safe!!!

Happy New Year!!!

2008-01-01T00:12:00.001-08:00

Where did 2007 go!

Goodbye my Twenties...and hello 2008.

A new Decade for me....

a new chapter for my family!

Peter

2007-12-31T23:31:00.000-08:00

Peter, Peter, Peter...ya charmer. This strapping young man is my baby brother! Visiting from Salt Lake City for the Christmas Holiday, I stole him for a quick shoot to capture his baby-faced good looks. As a side note: It was stinkin FREEZING out today! Poor Peter, I was bundled up in a big jacket, and he toughed it out in a thin sweater...what a Good Lookin Popsicle!

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-25T20:06:00.000-08:00

I forgot my camera! Peter and Momma took these great photos of the family Christmas Carriage Ride at Tillis Park. Merry Christmas!

4 siblings, 1 wife sister, 1 nephew & Max

A carriage for 8 (+1 baby & puppy)

Tunnel of Christmas Love

What is Peter pointing at??

Merry Christmas!

From Mary & Max

Christmas Eve

2007-12-24T20:20:00.000-08:00

Excited to show off our Christmas PJ's!

Christmas Eve Eve

2007-12-23T22:41:00.000-08:00

My house is full! All my brothers are safe, healthy, funny, a pain, and fantastic...everything I love about them. With my parents, grandma and new little nephew this Christmas, I have so much to be grateful for. Hope your Christmas Eve Eve has arrived with a little peace and moments to enjoy time with family.

Bad Computer!

2007-12-20T23:35:00.000-08:00

So, the previous post...My wonderful computer will not let me edit, spell check, or fix anything on it!?! What the jeez-whiz?!? I was so excited to post it...and I couldn't get the umph to re-do it...so, there it is, imperfections and all.

I love good Questions!

2007-12-19T20:14:00.000-08:00

Oooh, a fabulous survey!

If my house were burning down and I could only retrieve one object, I'd save my___?

The family photo albulms. I can't let dad's Farrah Fawcett hair be unknown by future Southerlands!

Max would save his stuffed squirl.

If I were a superhero, the superpower I'd most want is_____?

Control the Weather! Storm rocks...I'm not a nerd.

The song that best describes my life is______?

Mine is more of a theme song: Groove is in the Heart by Dee Lite

I know, I know...but it always bumps up my courage

My favorite beverage is_____?

Like many of my favorite things..my choice is seasonal. So for now I LOVE Starbucks grande, non-fat, de-caf, Pumpkin Spice Latte. Pure holiday JOY!

My favorite candle scent is____?

Yankey Candle's Snow Flower. It's Christmas tree in a jar. When the weather shifts, my favorite will switch to Clean Linen.

My favorite restaurant is_____?

I can not choose just one! It depends on the city, the type of food, the company that will join me, and the amount of cash in my bank account! A few I love in St Louis are:

Sushi: Wasabi wins hands down. The Wasabi Special will convert all to the joy of sushi.

American Gourmet: The Wild Flower. Goat cheese fondue served with fresh apples, crisp carrots and garlic herb crostinis. Josh, you evil man, introduced me to this divine creation. My hips thank you.

Master of wild game: Eleven Eleven, Mississippi. Honey roasted duck breast w/ bourbon veal jus, apple sausage & sautéed spinach. Brilliant.

If I had to wear the same color shirt every day, it would be_____?

White. I know! How dull! But it's versitile!

My favorite hymn is_____?

'I am a Child of God.' Since I was 3.

If I were given one million dollars and 24 hours in which to spend it I would buy____?

This will require it's own post...

If I had to eat the same thing for dinner every day for the rest of my life, it would be_____?

No. I will not answer this. It's like choosing which body part I would cut off!! It can't be done!

Sushi...sorry steak.

The strangest place I've ever been to is_____?

Cathedral Canyon in Nevada. It's a small natural canyon that has been twisted into a rambling grotto of icons, statues, and text panels. A guy friend took me their when I was 19. He tried to kiss me. I thought he and the canyon were creepy after that.

The place I'd most like to visit is_______?

Money no object? I would pretend to be Grace Kelly in Monaco.

Reality Budget? Dunrobin Castle in Scotland.

The two adjectives that best describe me are____ and________?

I tried. I thought. I failed at choosing. Sorry folks...I will remain a mystery.
(I'll ask my brothers later)
The person I spend the most time on the phone with is______?

My Momma.

The last person I talked on the phone with is______?

My Dad. He arrives from Korea tomorrow!

This morning I ate_____ for breakfast.

Nothing. I had a blood test I had to fast for mid day. However, the Mr. Goodcents I had after tasted heavenly.

On a scale of one to ten, with one being a neat freak and ten being a total slob, I'm a_____?

8 when it come to my clothes. 2 in the bathroom. Rest of my life...varies between 2-9.

The store I buy most of my clothes from is______?

I have three (sorry) dependable clothing sorces: H&M, Banana Republic and the Sales rack at Anthropologie.

The one thing for which I'd most like to be remembered after I die is_____?

Loved her family.

The best Christmas present I ever got was______?

I can't remeber when Cabbage Patch dolls were huge, but I wanted one, badly. Sadly they were impossible to find at the stores, but my Grandma Tanner found one in Salt Lake. She was a premie named Penelope. She had a yellow patch of yarn for hair...loved her. A close second is my first ten-speed. I was thrilled to get rid of my Deseret Industries banana bike! Thanks pa.

The general authority who I most enjoy hearing speak is_____?

Monson.

My favorite perfume is_____?

Micheal Kors

Musty, sweet and, dare I say, sexy.

On average, I'm about_____ minutes late for church on Sundays.

The last book I read is______?

My Name is Red

By Orhan Pamuk

My favorite television show is______?

Honestly, depends on my mood. Boston Legal, Arrested Development, the Amazing Race, Battle Star Galactica just to name a few.

My favorite Sesame Street character is_____?

Oscar the Grouch...

If my life were made into a movie, I'd want______ to play me.

Cate Blanchett

It would be set in the early 1800's...My heart is in another time.

My greatest fear is______?

That I didn't live in a way to be remembered. That I had no impact for good.

If I could choose a new name for myself, it would be_____?

My dad would of named me Caribean. Um, no.

I'd choose Ava.

When I was five, I wanted to be a(n)______ when I grew up.

Flow chart to Mary's young career aspirations---> Dancer--> astronaut (I was really passionate about this one)--> marine biologist (I was positive this was going to happen...dang math)--> Seaworld Dolphin Trainer (a compramise for no math)--> photography instructor (high school).

If I was given an extra $10 at Wal-Mart, I would______?

Fun socks & shiny lip gloss.

In five years, I'd like to be doing the following:

The new 5 year plan is in progress.

My favorite day of the week is____?

Tuesday. Double wing day at Buffalo Wild Wings.

My favorite temple is_____?

St. George

My dream job is____?

A Travel Photographer

The last movie I was in a theater is_____?

I am Legend. Will Smith does pull-ups with his shirt off....and the movie is good too.

Have an Elfin' Great Christmas!!

2007-12-17T15:32:00.001-08:00

Max, Dave, Peter, and I are the world's best dancers. Especially in striped tights.
click HERE!!

SNOW!

2007-12-16T17:52:00.001-08:00

Today Mom & I were snowed out of church. Yes, in St Louis, 8 inches of snow shuts the city down. So while us previous Utah dwellers roll our eyes, it did give time for enjoying the first bit of sun in 2 weeks, and the start of Southerland sugar cookie baking. Lots of snapshots... most for dad and the brothers away from home! 4 days poppa... see you soon!

*8 inches at Pleasant Grove*

*Icicles on the back porch*

*Poppa's old Schwinn*

*The dogwood out front*

*The snowed-in Schwinn*

*Some green peeking through*

*Mom's butterfly*

*Left-over fall*

*Perfect holly...so Christmas-y*

*Cookie Cutters and Yummy Cookie men*

2 + 1 = 3

2007-12-11T23:57:00.000-08:00

My brother's new family.

I'm so proud of this guy.

*My Photoshop is ridiculously slow...so I hope the tone/ contrast show up great on your screen!*

I Love December

2007-12-09T21:54:00.000-08:00

I Love Big, beautiful Christmas Trees...so ours touches the ceiling! If I can help it, I will never have a fake tree. For me, the season is not complete without walking in the front door to the smell of Christmas pine. So Introducing our tree, and some of my favorite ornaments! My favorite tree so far...but I think I say that every year :)

Just 2 more..

2007-11-29T19:17:00.000-08:00

Emily took these 2. Love them both!

Um...is that Max eating on the couch and on the good china?!? Hey..it was Thanksgiving!

Update on the Folks

2007-11-29T18:51:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe they live in Korea. Here are a few pics from their ongoing adventures. Dad~I'm so glad you take good care of mom...she has a "I'm happy" glow!

The Birds

2007-11-29T18:15:00.000-08:00

The Birds. How to start about this fabulous family?! Diane has quickly become one of my favorite people. From starting her family in Japan to making amazing jewelry in her basement studio, this women has Rock Star status with me! They're missing their youngest son, Jared (Peter's pal as well!), who is on his mission in Japan. So thank you Cami, Kyle, Ali & Husband (Matt?!? I know! How awful I can't remember his name!), and wonderful Diane & Alan for spending a fall evening with me!

*This is my favorite*

Noah, Maximus & Me

2007-11-23T17:12:00.000-08:00

Joseph Noah Southerland

2007-11-18T19:08:00.000-08:00

Welcome Nephew...

Long night...

Worth the wait.

The Southerlands

2007-11-04T21:31:00.000-08:00

Just as the sun begins to set, you get a 30 min time frame of perfect, sweet, beautiful light. We missed it by 10 min! But what resulted was these almost moody, fall evening shots, that capture Joe & Emily's last moments of evening quiet.

More to come with the finished editing!

Oh, hey, you can still put your bets down for Noah's arrival date!
See the last entry.

The Count Down Begins!

2007-11-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

Put your bets down Ladies and Gentleman!

Time to predict the arrival time & date of

Joseph Noah Southerland!

The game is easy: Each day from November 3 to December 1st has been divided into 3 shifts.

12:01am-8:00am (shift 1), 8:01am-4:00pm (shift 2), 4:01pm-12:00am (shift 3).

Simply choose 2 shifts from any day, or 1 shift from 2 different days. Make sence!?! Example: if I thought the big day was in the morning of November 17, I would bet number 43 & 44 in the comments section. OR, if the evening of November 20th and the morning of November 21st was my guess, I would enter 54 & 55 in the comments section. Got it? Don’t worry if you’re not a Blogger, just put you name along with your bets in the comment box. Questions? Leave those in the comment block as well. Emily & Joe will be monitoring the comments, and be able to answer any medical-ish questions you believe relevant to your bet. Noah's official due date is November 22nd...Thanksgiving Day!

So let the bets begin!

November 3 November 17
1 Shift 1 43 Shift 1
2 Shift 2 44 Shift 2
3 Shift 3 45 Shift 3
November 4 November 18
4 Shift 1 46 Shift 1
5 Shift 2 47 Shift 2
6 Shift 3 48 Shift 3
November 5 November 19
7 Shift 1 49 Shift 1
8 Shift 2 50 Shift 2
9 Shift 3 51 Shift 3
November 6 November 20
10 Shift 1 52 Shift 1
11 Shift 2 53 Shift 2
12 Shift 3 54 Shift 3
November 7 November 21
13 Shift 1 55 Shift 1
14 Shift 2 56 Shift 2
15 Shift 3 57 Shift 3
November 8 November 22
16 Shift 1 58 Shift 1
17 Shift 2 59 Shift 2
18 Shift 3 60 Shift 3
November 9 November 23
19 Shift 1 61 Shift 1
20 Shift 2 62 Shift 2
21 Shift 3 63 Shift 3
November 10 November 24
22 Shift 1 64 Shift 1
23 Shift 2 65 Shift 2
24 Shift 3 66 Shift 3
November 11 November 25
25 Shift 1 67 Shift 1
26 Shift 2 68 Shift 2
27 Shift 3 69 Shift 3
November 12 November 26
28 Shift 1 70 Shift 1
29 Shift 2 71 Shift 2
30 Shift 3 72 Shift 3
November 13 November 27
31 Shift 1 73 Shift 1
32 Shift 2 74 Shift 2
33 Shift 3 75 Shift 3
November 14 November 28
34 Shift 1 76 Shift 1
35 Shift 2 77 Shift 2
36 Shift 3 78 Shift 3
November 15 November 29
37 Shift 1 79 Shift 1
38 Shift 2 80 Shift 2
39 Shift 3 81 Shift 3
November 16 November 30
40 Shift 1 82 Shift 1
41 Shift 2 83 Shift 2
42 Shift 3 84 Shift 3
December 1
85 Shift 1
86 Shift 2

87 Shift 3

What will you win?

Your Choice of Old Navy PJ Pants!

(Now you're motivated!)

Tricks & Photos

2007-10-30T18:06:00.000-07:00

Well. Halloween at the Central West End. Starting at 9:00am my friend Aaron (THANK YOU AARON!!) and I hung out in perfect Halloween weather to have front row people watching seats. Joe and a very prego Emily came by in the evening to help as well..Thanks Joe for helping with the hay:) While the booth went ok, the people I met, the friends I got to know better, and the fun costumes where worth 15 hours outside. Here are some of the characters:

The booth.

My Bee

Love these Beautiful Bunnies!

Their getting married in December!

Contest winner!! We all agreed, he was fantastic!

(missing his arms)

Some odd..

Some scary..

Even the wanna-be beautiful.

Fun.

Happy Halloween!!

Real Quick...

2007-10-22T14:59:00.000-07:00

Emily took this a few weeks ago when mom was in town. I can almost pass as a Kitchen Goddess...well, at least I look the part!

Fall

2007-10-22T12:27:00.000-07:00

Is it possible?? Fall has arrived in St Louis! My sis-in-law and her Rock Star-best friend-Super photographer Katie and I ran around one of my favorite parts of town to take advantage of amazing autumn light. I'm learning more about my complicated camera. I can't tell Katie how grateful I am to her expert advice. Best bit of knowledge: The un-crisp photo problem...wrong lens! I can't open the aperture enough to let in the appropriate light! Hallelujah! Your an Angel Katie!!

I also got to stop by and see one of my favorite stylist, and friends, Josh. He's set up shop across the street from the

Chocolate Bar...perfect location!

Thanks girls and Mr. Josh for a wonderful morning!

Emily & Katie

Do you think I could get him to switch sides?!

Katie doin her thing!

Love this! Thanks Em. I can't wait to see Katie's shots! (Anyone else notice I need to get my highlights re-done?! Jeez!)

Talented, talented women.

I can't get enough shots of Emily's perfect belly.

Last Day

2007-10-21T22:05:00.000-07:00

Over and done. Happy day, my last day at Stonewater! I had a crazy staff meeting in the morning, but after headed to the Contemporary art Museum for a photo shoot with the Post Dispatch. Featuring some lovely ladies from local charities, we sat around, did hair and took some fun pictures of Chris and Bob.

All and all...a nice way to end a really rough relationship.

Chis and Bob (aka 'Luva')

Chris...soon to be his business card

Twins

2007-10-15T16:46:00.000-07:00

Perfect, perfect babies! This brother and sister pair are Tracy Inmans, one of my dear stylists at work. After months of fertilization treatments, Brooke and Brayden are blessed to have Tracy as their mommy!

I took these this afternoon at Tracy's house. This is my first attempt at digital baby portraits. So suggestions, comments, and photoshop actions would be appreciated!

Love...

Too Gray?? Hmm...

Better...

So, stinkin, adorable (still too gray)...

20 toes to kiss...

& sweet Brooke...she needed a shot
all by herself.

Korea

2007-10-09T20:36:00.000-07:00

How a year screams by! I'm in the process of scanning my Korea photos from last year. Here's a few with more to come.

A little side note: while I LOVE my new Canon, there is nothing like the warmth of film prints.

*Love these two*

*Little ones at the top of the 64 Building*

my heros

2007-10-08T16:50:00.000-07:00

last week, to my pleasant surprise, i discovered the missionaries needed service hours. being generous natured, i allowed them to help me clean the back yard today. after an hour of hard work (it would have taken me at least 4 hours) i have a leafless back yard! happy day! too bad they both transfer out to different areas this week, or i'd have my fall leaf situation all under control...only costing me a lunch at subway.

thank you elder anderson & elder harmon!

a way to exhale

2007-10-07T21:00:00.000-07:00

i've been working alot. too much. my life has revolved around 70 some-odd ladies and guy-ladies. this week i've made the first step to changing that. so here i am, sharing this transition with you.

to share why the end-of-twenties-crisis, here's one story:

my work is famous for mini-disasters and on-going dramas. those who have worked in a salon and spa know this. my little salon universe however, is a magnet for 'as the spa turns' moments. from tornadoes, russian stylist throwing mugs at gay make-up artists, district managers falling and breaking their wrist on the stairs, and waxed-off eyebrows, my job is, well, unpredictable.

so, this weekend, i had just checked in a lovely women for her manicure appointment, when my lead stylist comes to me in a panic because we're out of bleach. i dutifully grab my keys and jet off to the beauty supply store. i'm gone 15 min. as i pull up to the parking lot, i'm greeted by a long line of ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars. i'm thinkin, 'can't be us, it's a big mall.' then my manager instincts kick in and say, 'oh, you know it's you.' i get out of my car, walk down our quiet pathway, and keep telling myself that some old lady has slipped on the other side of the mall, and all is well inside my salon. yeah, no. i open the door to a swarm of screaming police officers, paramedics and a crying nail technician. that lovely women i checked in? she begun to act funny during her manicure...sweating, and feeling light headed...when after a fainting spell...and a 911 call...she woke up, and felt like attacking the paramedics who had come to help. i walked in just in time to see 3 police officers tackle her on to the couch. the next 30 min i witnessed what a diabetic 'fit' was. with 5 large men holding her down, the paramedic desperately tried to get her blood sugar levels and an i.v. started. i'm not going into more details. it involved alot of screaming, spitting, blood and a devastated nail tech. after a dramatic exit on a gurney, the salon was quiet. the 80's elevator music could be heard again, the phones kept ringing, and blow-dryers blew away client's memories. i'm telling you, after 30 seconds, it was like nothing had happened. i had a few young stylist come to me a little shaken up, but my tried & true folks, just another day at work, and another 'remember when?' story.

i was worried i made the wrong choice when i put in my resignation letter. this might have been God's little reminder of a good decision. he does that now and then.

so here we go. i'm not great at grammar. i stink at spelling. i'll show you polaroids, moments, of my universe. i promise to get better as i go.