New daily challenge

So Sarah (Swera as I call her) did a picture a day challenge which we all enjoyed :) and I recently came across this on Pinterest and I am too going to attempt this as a challenge. Only, I am going to do a daily/weekly/bi-weekly post about the things I am grateful for. I know I can't commit to doing a daily post but I know I can at minimum do WEEKLY. I will be posting here on mine and Sarah's shared blog as well as on my own personal blog SAMIEE. Swera has also agreed to join in on this endeavor. So stay tuned for the first post of this challenge!! dun dun dun...

Samiee's newest obession

Hello all, it has been ages since I have posted on here. So my newest television obsession.... The Big Bang Theory... How in the hell have I not been watching this show all along?!?!?!?! It is witty, fun and most importantly HILARIOUS!! There are fantastic one liners as well as the comedic timing of all the characters is phenomenal.

My favorite characters vary between the obviously to smart to function in normal society Sheldon and the charming, nerdy and surprisingly sexy Leonard.

This obsession began while I was on the road travelling with my job. Our crew, well most of us anyway, are obsessed with the show. We have conversations by quoting lines from the show. This probably doesn't count as actual communication but it amuses us greatly.

If you haven't watched it I highly suggest it :)

Ashland, Oregon

Ashland is one of my most favorite places on earth. The first time I visited, when I was a Junior in high school, I just felt at home, and felt like I could live there forever. One of the highlights of that particular location is the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. I went there at the real beginning of my passion for theatre, and I was just blown away at the talent, energy, and creativity in that place. Again I just felt at home, and felt like I could create there.

Now here are a few of my most favorite places there:

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival of course. And for anyone who is interested I am planning a trip there this spring to see some of the shows, and spend a few days relaxing there; of course I would love it if my friends could come with me . (wink, wink, nudge nudge)

The Black Sheep Pub has great bangers & mash and shepherds pie. I love the atmosphere, and it is a great place to be with friends and eat and blether.

Lithia park is an incredible place to explore and walk about. It's beautiful, peaceful and perfect right where it is. And for those who love chocolate Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is your new mecca.

And oddly enough I fell in love with the Ashland Hostel. It was my first experience with a Hostel, and it was perfect! It's just so homey and informal, just like me.

Ashland is amazing, and I can't wait to go back. (At least to get better postcards!)

Isle of Arran, North Ayrshire, Scotland

While I was serving my mission in Scotland I had the chance of visiting the Isle of Arran twice. (My first and last area was Ayr and for a zone P-day we decided to adventure around Arran.)



There are beautiful trails and hikes to explore. There is also a fantastic cheese shop where you can taste all sorts of yummy cheeses.



One of my favorite hikes was up to Goat Fell, the highest point on the island. At the peak there are some incredible views.



The other great walk/trail that I had the privilege of going on was Glenashdale Falls. Absolutely beautiful and worth the time.



Overall the Isle of Arran is a lovely island that is worth a visit, if you are in the area. It even has a cute little charity shop that has some decent finds.

It is a perfect day trip adventure.

Chilham, Kent, England

My first postcard entry is the village I lived in while I was studying at the University of Kent- Canterbury campus. CHILHAM! Man I love this place.






This little village has some wonderful walks, and some wonderful people. They also have some good places to eat. Shelly's Tea Room in the village square is the best place to have a scone and a pot of tea (mint or chamomile tea for me). It is such a cute and perfect setting for an English tradition. The food is also wonderful and is very reasonably priced.

Another great place to have a meal is The Woolpack Inn. Now the prices are a bit more expensive, but the bar bite portion of the menu is really reasonable and really yummy! I recommend the bangers and mash.

Right near our home was the Badger Hill Farm and Cidery. It has all sorts of animals to see and gawk at. It's a great place to bring the kiddies.

Chilham is a wonderful place, and one I would recommend visiting. Honestly go experience it for the day!

Samiee's POTD

I have not posted in a VERY long time..... I blame the beautiful sunshine keeping me pre-occupied as well as I have been travelling. When I am home I try to spend as much time as I can with my baby girl... Dayzie. It is very hard for me to be away from her... I mean look at her.. she is ADORABLE!!!! Our fave new thing is to go walking down by the Jordan River. On our short drive to the walking path Dayz looked just too cute with her head out the window and her ears in the wind...

The Final Countdown! Days 361-365

30 July 2011- Day 361
Saturday

What is summer without strawberries! Oh man, they make me smile, and happy! Yum!




31 July 2011- Day 362
Sunday

The dogs and I decided to work on our tans and rest around on the lawn. Gotta love lazy days.




1 August 2011- Day 363
Monday

For the last week all I have wanted is SALAD. And so that has been most of my meals! Yay for healthy.




2 August 2011- Day 364
Tuesday

Today I went to eat dinner with the Griggs, and on the way I found this wonderful street artwork. I've seen it there for awhile and always thought to take a picture, and never got around to it. Today I did!




3 August 2011- Day 365
Wednesday

Cocoa decided to be really destructive today. She decided she didn't like flowers, and flower pots near the back door. But how can you stay mad at this face?



I cannot believe this project is done?!?!?! What on earth will I do now?

July 29th

29 July 2011- Day 360

Friday

Lazy day! Watching 'Spooks' while in bed updating blogs!

July 28th

28 July 2011- Day 359

Thursday

A sunny day in London town. I met up with Cherie and saw two shows. We saw 'Anne Boleyn' at the Globe during the matinee performance.



Then at night we went and saw Much Ado featuring Catherine Tate and David Tennet. They are hilarious, and wonderful on stage. After the performance we went to the stage exit to see the stars come out. Sadly I couldn't get close enough for an autograph for a real photo.




Wonderful day, but I was knackered when I got home.

July 27th

27 July 2011- Day 358

Wednesday

Two of my favorite things! Dr Pepper, and my ring I got in Edinburgh!



I usually don't like jewelry, but I LOVE this ring!

July 26th

26 July 2011- Day 357

Tuesday

Today I decided to take a walk around the gardens and visit Bugsy.



How can you not love this face?!?!?!?



And I wanted to catch me in the garden, all I got was my Wellies.

July 25th

25 July 2011- Day 356

Monday

Today I decided to make some peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies!



They weren't amazing, but they were edible! I have to practice cooking again.

July 24th

24 July 2011- Day 355

Sunday

Tonight had a beautiful sunset, and I had forgotten to take any pictures today as I taught youth Sunday school, and then spoke in Sacrament. It was a bit of a busy day!

July 23rd

23 July 2011- Day 354

Saturday

Worst way ever to wake up! A GIANT spider wishing you good morning!



I screamed like a Banshee while smashing it with my shoe about 12 times. (And no that image is not exaggerated at all.)

July 22nd

22 July 2011- Day 353

Friday

Research research research! My life seems to be about books, articles, and studies! I think my brain may explode soon!

July 21st

21 July 2011- Day 352

Thursday

Today I was researching at home when a very upset Emma and Libby were knocking on my door. Tilly and Cocoa were missing. They were let out a while ago and hadn't come home yet. They said they had checked everywhere, but couldn't find them. So they were going to get in the car and search around. I decided to put my wellies on and investigate in the garden.



When I got down to where Bugsy normally is I saw Cocoa and Tilly appear at my side. I don't know where they were exactly, but I'm glad they were lost. Those cheeky pups.

July 20th

20 July 2011- Day 351

Wednesday

Today I went up on campus to get some studying and research done. Luckily for me it was a beautiful day!



PS... I am so done with being a student!

July 19th

19 July 2011- Day 350

Tuesday

Annie left in the morning, and I cried like a baby. So then I decided to keep myself busy so I did a deep clean of the upstairs and decided to take all my stuff downstairs. I also set up the TV and DVD player in the main room. I think I will slowly become the laziest person ever!



I ended the day watching a few episodes of the second series of Spooks.

July 18th

18 July 2011- Day 349

Monday

Today Cherie, Patrice and I went into London to explore. On the train ride there Patrice decided to tryout Sudoku and finished a puzzle on her own. She was really excited... it almost brought her to tears. =)



We brought all of Cherie's stuff to her flat for the next month, and then we explored the city and got to act like toursits. Since we were low on time we pointed out lots of sights, but didn't actually see them up close.




Then we went to see '39 Steps' which is hilarious and I would recommend it to anyone who likes to laugh.

Great day!

July 17th

17 July 2011- Day 348

Sunday

Today Patrice, Cherie, and I went to the Canterbury Cathedral, and got to look about. It really is a beautiful building. And when the choirs are singing it is truly magical.

Although I still think its weird that we walk right over peoples tombs. Although I guess we are doing the same thing in graveyards.




Oh and I walked to a side of the cathedral I had not been to yet, and found these lovely gardens. They were gorgeous!

July 16th

16 July 2011- Day 347

Saturday

Today we decided to adventure around Chilham and took a rainy walk around the town and some of nature.




Then of course we had to be tourists and play in the phone booth.




It was a soggy great day!

I love these silly people!

July 15th

15 July 2011- Day 346

Friday

Today we went and saw HARRY POTTER!!!!! Awesome movie, awesome day!

July 14th

14 July 2011- Day 345

Thursday

We decided to adventure to Dover Castle, and for all those who were wondering it IS still standing.

There were so many great pictures, that I couldn't choose just one. So here is a smattering of the day.