My Favorite Mistake...

Have you ever made what you believed to be a terrible mistake, only to find out it was the best thing to ever happen to you?...

[Some of the most common inventions today evolved from mistakes...chocolate chip cookies, ice cream cones, pacemakers, velcro, potato chips, post-it notes, coca-cola, silly putty, popsicles, frisbees and the one and only slinky]

I've always believed that everything happens for a reason, but sometimes it's easy to forget that when you're in the middle of those "moments". I'm so incredibly grateful for who I am and where I am in this life and I truly believe most of it is because of the "mistakes" I've made. The beauty is, we have choices...we can grow, we can learn, we can thrive and make so many discoveries from those mistakes and become the best we can on this journey. We may not always love this beautiful little life, but deep down...I'm pretty sure it always loves us (after all, it did give us chocolate chip cookies).

(Image courtesy of plindberg)

Feeling Lucky...

Just wanted to wish everyone a happy St. Patty's Day...the hubby and I are feeling lucky already because we're off to Cannon Beach, which is thankfully only a short hour away and the perfect getaway for some much need relaxation! Have fun, be safe and get lucky... ;)

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

"Why Oregon" Series (post 3)...

Portland Japanese Garden in Spring

The Portland Japanese Garden is beautiful any time of year, but I love the Spring when the gorgeous cherry (sakura 桜) trees come into bloom. The whole city is covered in cherry blooms this time of year and it's amazing to see. Portland seems to be having an early Spring 2010 and everything is so fragrant and colorful. I feel especially lucky to live less than 5 minutes away from these gardens. It's clearly one of my favorite places in Portland, and if you're ever here to visit...it's definitely worth the trip!

http://www.japanesegarden.com

(Images courtesy of Cedric Wiens and Michel Hersen)

Three. Three. O Three...

Seven years ago today I married my best friend

Arsenic and Old "Face"...

So, in reference to the title of this post, I know the classic 1944 film was "Arsenic and Old Lace", but here's an interesting tidbit...did you know that in the Victorian Era, arsenic was mixed with vinegar and chalk and eaten by women to improve the complexion of their skin??? They would also rub it directly into the skin on their faces and arms to pale their complexion. Now, there's a beauty tip I never heard in my 10 years of being a licensed aesthetician. (and ladies...please don't try this at home)

Why my sudden obsession with Arsenic? No need to be afraid, but I do feel somewhat of a "bond" with Arsenic now. Let me explain...at the beginning of my Chemistry class this term we got to choose one element off of the periodic chart to do a project on. Which one did I choose, you ask? ...well, good ole' Arsenic 33 of course! 9,000 hours later and I feel like I could tell you anything you want to know about this quintessential little poison. Oh, and by the way...you might not want to upset me anytime soon. ;)