Drive Through Zoo

There is a fantastic drive through zoo here in Central Virginia. It is called Virginia Safari.

Check out my photos:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lomasos/

The Green Workplace

I adore this blog. This article is great in particular.

The Green Workplace

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Are you Linked?

So, I need to confess something. I'm addicted to Facebook. It's such a brilliant invention for socially driven people like me who don't like talking on the phone! I have the chance to upload photos, share great websites, and have a running blog all at the same time. Although lately, it's turned into a breeding ground of false intimacy. People I am "Facebook friends" with aren't necessarily my best buds in real life, yet they may know some details about me that my parents don't even know.

Another almost funny part about Facebook is that employers have started to look at interviewees' profiles while they are answering questions like "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?". My boss is a perfect example of this. He will interview people, find a questionable photo, flip the computer around and say "well, this doesn't look like the same person."

Don't get me wrong, I am very protective of what I put on my profile. I don't have incriminating photos that would make my mother cry. I do however tend to use this platform as a stage to show high school classmates that I'm not the same person I was. But really, who doesn't do that?

Now that I'm all grown up and have my first cubicle (look how far I've come, baby!), I have moved into another rhelm of social networking: LinkedIn. I LOVE this website. I spent hours perfecting my profile with my resume, linking to former professors, current co-workers, and future employers.

If you're looking for that extra umph to your resume, create a profile on this website. It is a brilliant way to not only connect with people you already associate with, but to get their contacts and to further get your name and your skills to hundreds of new people every day.

Here is my page: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lrmills

Check it out! Connect with me. We'll have a grand ol' time.

Being sick while breaking a toenail: A surprisingly fun day!

Today was actually a very good day, besides feeling miserably sick and tripping up my stairs and breaking my left big toenail off.

Nilsa and Anderson came to visit us in Lynchburg! I took a full dosage of mucinex, tissues, my regular meds, and a bottle of water. I was ready to face the day. We had breakfast at the Blue Dahlia, which is a really nice place to have breakfast. We were there for at least 2 hours, just hanging out, talking, etc. I had tons of water, hot food, and tea which helped clear my clog.

We then showed them where Jon proposed!! (photo) We traveled to campus, dropped by the BN Bookstore for more tea and ventured to the Prayer Garden, Jerry's old office, and the eternal flame of Liberty. We traveled just nextdoor to the stadium to watch the football team scrimage. They were histerical, making loud ridiculous noises and hollars for every play. It was great!

Left campus to go up up up the hill to SNOWFLEX! (oooh, ahhhh). This place is really cool. I was highly skeptical during the planning and construction, but it really is a fun place to hang out. It has gorgeous views of the city, a great coffee shop (that gave me more hot water for my tea!), and its fun to sit on comfy couches surrounded by animal heads (photo) and falling skiiers. Wrapped things up with lunch at Vinny's, my favorite pizza place. All in all, a great way to spend the afternoon.

As I was walking up my stairs, I missed. I tripped and my flip flopped feet flew into the wooden stair. Broke my big toenail and immediately got into Ballet dancer mode. (I danced for 10 years, so I'm used to broken toenails and feet injuries). I didn't waste time as I immediately got my nail stuff, clipped my toenail, and bandaged the damage. It still looks gross, but I am glad to have recovered half of my nail. (no photo.)

We all continued the day watching Madea's Family Reuinion. I was dying with laughter and feeling sick, so I took more meds and laughed my congestion away. Or tried to. Finished the movie, then headed to the White Hart, which is a very fun coffee house downtown. Ate a very light dinner (I had apple cider and a muffin), and we parted ways.

I had so much fun spending time with Nilsa and Anderson, and I probably pushed myself too hard. I tried to sit and rest and drink lots of tea, but my body hates me right now.

Tomorrow, SLEEEP.

Favorite buying / selling websites

Just wanted to say hello :)

I like http://www.eBay.com, I really do. I have bought and sold about 157 things (at least according to my status). My favorite articles of clothing have been purchased via eBay, my best entrepreneurial opportunities have been seized on eBay, and it's just really fun to see what people buy and sell!

I also use http://www.half.com to purchase all of my textbooks. I save TONS of money, and then I sell them back. I usually spend about $30 a semester on books to buy then re-sell the books. Sometimes the books update to a new addition, but people are still willing to buy old versions for cheaper.

http://www.Etsy.com has turned into my new obsession. I love how creative people are! They have anything you can think of, and if they don't have what you want, there is a place on the site where you can request something to be made!! It's fantastic!

Go visit these website to save money, make money, and look fabulous.

Reclaiming my Bathtub, with the help of KABOOM!

Billy Mays brought us many spectacular products. The most popular of course being Oxyclean. Oxyclean boasted the cleansing power that surpassed the previous kings of clean, and it held true! Oxyclean flew off the shelves, due in part to the salesmanship of Billy Mays.

Well, he had another product called Kaboom. Boasting the same cleansing abilities but this time in one's bathroom. Toilets, showers, you name it! This product did quite well in sales as well.

Now what does this have to do with my bathtub? When Jonathan and I moved to our current duplex, the tub was not in the best condition. Here is a before picture:

I've always wanted to be able to take a soothing bubble bath after a rough day, but the tub freaked me out. We would clean it and clean it, but the color never changed. Clorox didn't do anything but make small scratches on the surface. After Shower cleaners kept the gunk from getting worse, but didn't make it better. My last try was Kaboom, and it delivered! I sprayed Kaboom, let it sit for about 2 minutes, then I used the rough side of a Scotch sponge to scrub and scrub and scrub all the gunk. It was disgusting, but very rewarding.

Check out the after photo:

This is only after 10 minutes of scrubbing. We are nowhere near done, but the worst is over. I'm looking forward to reclaiming my bathtub!!

Viva la Kaboom!!

I love Glee

My name is Laura. And I have a new favorite show. Its name is Glee. AMAZING!

It's on Wednesday nights on FOX (right after So You Think You Can Dance). The website is http://www.fox.com/glee/ if you'd like to watch episodes.

It's a delightful combination of Pushing Daisies, Ugly Betty, Avenue Q, and the MusicMan. It follows a High School Glee club as they battle through both high school trials and theatrical drama.

When I was in high school, I was the choir / musical nerd in every way shape and form. I was in all the musicals, President or Vice President of Choir and Drama (I forgot which was which because me and Adam had both positions in both clubs). I had such a great time doing theater in high school. This show takes me back and reminds me of how much I loved the stage.

Although I don't do theater anymore, I am thankful for the drive and work ethic it taught me. I still love show tunes and great drama, but now I enjoy it from the audience (or from my couch!)

Wild Blue Yonder

I'm starting to seriously consider joining the Air Force Reserves as an Officer.

Since I have completed my Bachelor's and Master's degree, I can go to Officer's training school (OTS) and begin my service to my country. I have been researching this extensively, both by scouring the afreserves website as well as talking to my friends in (and out of) the service.


So why Air Force?
Air Force, from what I've heard and seen, is the most family friendly. If Jon and I both decide to go in and we get deployed, we will be more likely to be deployed together. They also, if I get pregnant, are very accomodating. Their education benefits, health benefits, and retirement benefits are exceptional. I'm still learning the details, but I am really liking what I see.

If Jon joins, they will pay for his Law School. They will pay for my doctorate, if I still want to get it. Or I may try to get a second Masters. Who knows!

So why now?
If not now, when? Jon and I do not have children yet. We will complete our degrees in December. He is starting Law School in August so we have 8 months.

Its true it hasn't been a childhood dream of mine to join the military, but it hasn't been a dream to not do the military. I don't want this blog to be political, so I will spare you how much I hate what's going on in our government, but I love my country. I love my Savior. Soldiers sacrifice their time, sweat, tears, and lives for our country and for God. I want to be a part of that. I want to use my managerial and business saavy to help improve the communication and operations of the military. I want to use my testimony to impact our soliders in a spiritual way. I want to go overseas with them and help them be most equipped they can be when they are fighting for our freedom.

So what now?
Well, I will be working out for months to get myself to a place where I can be selected for OTS. I can't just sign up and go - I need to be selected. My background and experience is good, my physical health is not bad but not in pristene condition either. I am looking forward to the challenge and looking forward to God's provision for what He has for us.

Whether it be military or something else, I will do what God places in front of me.

Please be praying for us that we follow God's will.

These are a few of my favorite things...

I've gone Christmas browsing early...

There are many that I am totally in love with. Like the Mucha inspired pieces, and the "junktique" looking pendants.

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade freckledear.etsy.com

Adopt a Pet

As some may know, Jonathan and I adopted our cat, Adelaide, from the Charlottesville SPCA. They are a no-kill shelter that has hundreds of wonderful animals ready for new homes. We were so excited to get a new pet and to help an animal in need at the same time.

Animals can be extremely therapeutic. I have battled with depression since childhood and although I have come a long way from my low times of soul-searching, Adelaide brings a constant beam of sunshine to my life. To feel loved and wanted unconditionally is indescribable. I am loved and wanted by God, and I have a great hope in my salvation in Jesus Christ. Having and caring for another, whether a child, pet, spouse, what have you, allows us to better understand the kind of love that God has for us. No matter how hard of a day I've had at work, I can come home to the jingle of Addie's collar as she rushes down the stairs to greet me. No matter how stressed I am about a situation in my life, Addie senses the frustration or disappointment and comes to my side. Animals have a keen sense of protection and compassion. We are so blessed to be pet owners, and I know we've blessed Adelaide in adopting her.

We first adopted her in February, as a birthday gift to me from Jonathan. She is a doll. So full of life, full of love, and hasn't been a lick of trouble! She is a full-grown runt at only 7.1 lbs. She will always look like a kitten, and will likely always be curious like one, too!

Adopted animals come with a mixed bag of backgrounds. We think Adelaide was either neglected, abused, or both. She is not like most cats. She doesn't meow, doesn't scratch on furniture, and for a while she didn't even jump up on the couch with us. We taught her that it's okay to lay next to us and even on our laps and that it's okay to jump up onto the bed and other soft furniture. She's only jumped up on the counters once (to chase a bug) and we quickly corrected her with a HISS. She never did it again.

I am a huge advocate for non-violent pet behavior correction. There are many ways to correct a pet that do not involve physical harm. Spray bottles (with water), loud sounds, a tin can with coins inside, and just being consistent in enforcing the rules. There are many ethical ways to train a pet.

Adelaide is a joy to our hearts and a fantastic addition to our home. I think everyone should adopt, whether it is a child, an animal, or a positive action or thought.

Strap Perfect

I try to stay away from "As Seen On TV" stuff until I see enough reviews, BUT, I absolutely love this product. If you buy it in stores, you get 12 total as well as really nifty fabric tape. I bought the box at Target with my mom, split it between the two of us, and I use it at least once a week. It's a really nice way to hide your straps, and I love the fabric tape.

This product also boasts of increasing bust size. Now, (getting personal here), I don't need any help in the chest department. I have plenty and didn't want to increase them any more. But the strap perfect does take the strain off of the same place in my shoulders. It holds the tension in the same place as a sports bra, but it's not nearly as obnoxious. 

I like this product. And you will, too :o)

Cupboard Detox

I've been looking for ways to detox my body. I recently had a detoxification through my feet this past week. It was disgustingly joyful. Since then, I was looking for healthy, easy, and affordable ways to detox at home.

I found a great article called "Home Detox 101" found here: http://www.ymib.com/daily-inspiration/health-holistics/articles/home-detox-101-4-easy-tips-detoxing-home.html

Breaking it down, there are four great ways to detox:

1. Skin brushing - taking a few extra minutes in the shower to exfoliate is not only great for looking good, but it improves your health! According to the article, "Dry skin brushing greatly benefits the lymphatic system. It helps in the elimination of toxins and removes dead skin cells."
2. Solvent Solutions - a cool new way to create your own mix. The article encourages readers to, "Grab a stainless steel saucepan and fill it with 3 pints of water, add 2 slices of fresh ginger and a couple of black peppercorns. Set it to boil for 10 minutes. (During that time, any chlorine will evaporate, and the water will absorb the benefits of the ginger and black pepper.) Once it’s boiled for a few minutes, strain it into a flask and keep it by you for the day. Many who’ve tried this have waved goodbye to headaches and mental fatigue."
3. Tongue Scraping - sounds just like it is. It eliminates bacteria that many brushers miss. Take a few extra minutes and scrape your tongue, either with the brush or get a separate scraper for it.
   
4. Walking - that's right! 20 minutes a day. Park further from the building, take a lunch break on the go, mix it up!
   

I am going to implement these for myself. See ya on the other side of health!

First Flight

I used to have a live journal
I still have a facebook
I now have a blogspot :o)

I'm not here to change the world through complaints and prose, but I am here to share cool stories, photos, and adventures. Stay tuned!