Ginjahbread House: Rudolph Style

Am I the only one who gets creeped out by this Burl Ives snowman? I know he's benevolent, but I always thought he was a weird character and never really warmed up to him even as a kid--I mean, just LOOK at him.

It may be late for the season, but here's a belated Christmas-y post.

My mom is very awesome and consented to purchase a Rudolph-themed gingerbread house kit.

I don't remember the last time--if ever--I made a gingerbread house, so after helping/watching my students build and decorate their own, I just couldn't ignore the call of gingerbread house making.

This kit was pretty cool. It had candy/gumdrop versions of Bumble, Santa, and Rudolph albeit he looks like he leapt out of Picasso's Christmas collection.

Also, I was pretty proud/satisfied with this candystone walkway (made of cut up gumdrops and small balls of candy). I don't always go out of my way to take this much time--especially with food, but this was a lot of fun and relaxing. I think I'll have to definitely do this again next year!

Here's a rear view of the house. I adored adding little details to the house. The wreath was very fun to make. Guess I still like miniatures after all these years!

Here's an angle so you can see all the time my mom and I put into the roof. It wasn't exactly easy to get this result with just a little kit and the frosting they give you, so I think we did pretty darn good.

It was also pretty neat that the kit let you cut out other characters to place around the house.

Merry (late) Christmas, everyone!

Hope you had a wonderful time with family and friends.
Let's make it an even better new year than the previous!

The butter dish has spoken.

All Hallow's Eve Questionaire

Do you like to dress up for Halloween? Oh heck--incredibly--yes!

What were you last year for Halloween? A witch--the nice--wart-free kind.


Favorite Costume you have ever worn? Ooh, hard to say. I think when I dressed up as Charlie Chaplin, that was by far the one I got the most comments and praise on. Old people were freaking out over me--in the good way. Also, I really like costumes that think out-of-the-box and are more specific.

How do you spend your Halloween? Oh it depends. I don't trick-or-treat anymore, of course. Some years I'll hand out candy/scarecrow-ize myself and scare unsuspecting trick-or-treaters who approach the porch. I'll do whatever I'm in the mood for. Watch a good movie or attend a party--as long as candy makes it into the equation, I shall most assuredly make an appearance.

Have you ever been to a graveyard on Halloween? Negatory. Perhaps I was walking on ancient Indian burial grounds and didn't realize it at the time?

Do you decorate your home on Halloween? Are you kiddin'!? Halloween is one of--if not my most favorite--holidays. I can't get enough of the decorations!!! So yes, I help decorate and add little wacky details and humor or weirdness whenever possible. I decorated the heck out of where I lived last year. Maybe I'll post pictures later of that if anyone's curious.

What's a fun memory you have of Halloween? Being in Alta Loma with my siblings right after finishing for the night, dumping our hoard out onto the carpet to inspect/savor our booty, and bartering with each other over various candy bars and no-name, gross-looking candies (you know what I'm talking about.)

Also, James and I, as our candy-specific taste buds matured further, discovered two seemingly yucky candies that turned out to be scrumdiddlyumptious. One was the Mary Jane taffy, which I had shied away from and extracted from my candy piles for many years before I tasted the light.

Then there was another candy that I don't recall the name of. It was a crunchy little wafer, covered in some white candy and infused with 'real' peanut butter. Again, have NO idea what it was called, but those were dang delish! James if you hear tell of this, please tell me if you remember what I'm talking about.

Well, there's a taste of what I like and remember when it comes to one-of-the-greatest holidays ever.

Now it's your turn! Simply copy and paste all the above and tell us what you remember!!

What Makes Me Happy

So, what makes you happy? There's so much more I could put down, but these are the ones that most easily come to mind:

Hearing thunderstorms

the sound/smell of rain

the smell of freshly-baked bread

the sound of laughter

making people laugh (on purpose)

reading a book that never lets go or you can't put down

watching a favorite movie or show

all of my family and relatives--especially when we're together and having fun/laughing

my beautiful niece and two handsome nephews

The Gospel

my life and for all that I have

my friends

my jobs

teaching

drawing

being wacky

making fun of a cheesy movie

playing an amazing game

BBC version of Pride and Prejudice

singing my face off when I'm alone

Razia's Shadow: The Musical

The Beatles

Queen

where I live--the scenery

fishing

bundling up in a warm, thick blanket

updating my blog (Yes, it occasionally happens)

hearing/singing along to a song I love

eating super-tasty food/treats

eating something someone prepared for me--my mom's/sister's cooking

when people accept me for who I am

writing creatively

my smile and eyes

my health

having time to myself, my our family dogs

the barking bed

the really random-weird laugh my mom and I like to demonstrate on each other

Harry Potter

animals

giraffes

baby animals

a clean room or car

a clean/primmed me

giving or receiving a hug

being better at something than I thought

facing and overcoming a challenge

quotes (from movies, books, people)

getting Simpson quote texts/calls from James

getting texts from loved ones

talking to my grandpa

calling or getting a call from Lisa, Chelsea or Mom

when the Spirit 'gets' ya'

helping someone and making them feel less stressed after

being called 'Miss Trunnell' by my students

when a student 'gets it'

thoughtful, life-changing comments and notes

my laugh

when I sing with others

when Phil beatboxes

watching The Wonder Years or Pete and Pete with Phil

Gracie barking in her sleep

words--seriously--I love looking at, revising, pondering meanings, origins, and just how they look

decompressing (as Bella would say, "Having a human moment."

sushi

looking at someone you know loves you back just as much

weird/funny noises

having my very own computer (thanks to my exceptionally rad mom)

when something/someone cheers me up

when Gracie lays next to or on me or burrows under the blanket with me

making something (edible or crafty) and having it be half-decent

making others happy

making others smile

when a boston terrier 'wags' its tail

being busy--not back-breakingly so

having my own room and bed, having my own car

having enough money to comfortably live and support myself

being myself

knowing what I have the potential to become

reading Lisa's, Chelsea's, and Mom's blogs

reading kid's books

Dr. Suess

Christmas

Halloween

dressing up--and for Halloween/for fun too

finding shoes/pants that actually fit me

feeling special (the good kind)

earrings--the more unique the bettah

Nathan's personality and how close we are

reminiscing of when I was a kid or sharing stories from our child as a family

thinking about or seeing my old toys

thinking about my grandma (her laugh, smile, generosity, love) and when she would hold me and rock with me

when things are on sale

and when people read and COMMENT on my blog!

*****************************************************************************

It really is worth it to take a moment and ask yourself what makes you happy. I like it because it helps one learn more about you and see what matters most to you.

Thanks for reading! And remember:


If you want to be happy, be. ~Leo Tolstoy

Guppy Love

Last week, my mom mentioned how she was thinking of getting guppies. I thought that sounded pretty cool, but it seemed that this probably wouldn't happen anytime soon.

Today: My mom now has six guppies. There are three males and three females.

And can I just say, I remember when we had guppies years ago, and they were neat enough, but MAN these new guppies are rad--just plain rad. And crazy-active!

For those who, like me only a short while ago, aren't particularly familiar with guppies, females are larger and less colorful (usually a dull brownish gray with colors on the tail and dorsal fin). Males are smaller, slighter with longer tails and dorsal fins and are very colorful on their entire bodies (think peacocks VS. peahens).

Without further ado I give you:

Here's Pam. She's the prettiest and most popular of the ladies. She has men going after her constantly. She may be incredibly camera-shy, but she can get very feisty and energetic.

Next we have Jim. He's definitely one of the cuter/more attractive males. He and Pam like to hang out, and his favorite hobby seems to be chasing her.

Question: What kind of fish is best?

Answer: Dwight the guppy

This is a very unique guppy. He looks like he belongs in a forest/jungle, hunting down his subordinates. He and Jim like to race each other (no joke) all the time.

Next we have Angela. I don't think this version would be a cat-lover--but who knows? This is by far the most petite of the fish we have. The men do not go after her hardly at all. Furthermore, she's a loner. Everyone else is having fun and going crazy together, but she'll have none of it.

(Apologies for the out-of-focus-ness! Oh, and she has the leopard print like Dwight too--though you can't tell here!)

This is Jim (below) and Toby (above).

Toby is the smallest male, but he's definitely got the most sparkle in his appearance. (I thought, jokingly, mom should have named him Edward due to his sparkle-ness and reddish tail/hair.)

He likes the ladies, but Jim and Dwight so far seem to trump him in that field.

Funnily enough, Toby seems to really go for this next gal.

Who might that be?

Why Meredith of course!

She's very pale--almost translucently so. She has a pretty dark red/orange tail.

What I just realized (and think is funny) is she's in her own little rehab center right now.

The reason: She's preggers...and maybe a little tipsy?

Last but so not least is Snitch!

My own little guppy baby (better known as a fry).

I wish I could've gotten a much clearer picture, but this one (way too early to know if it's male or female) is about as long as the tip of your pointer fingernail.

It got the namesake due to the fact that it's almost impossible to see and pretty fast.

Finally, here's Meredith trying to give a smooch to Toby through her rehab box.

That's it for now!

Tune in to see what happens next and who the next edition to the crew may be.

Soooo many possibilities! ; D

Alphabet Story

Directions: See if you can write a story of exactly 26 sentences. But here is the hard part: Make the first sentence start with an a, the second with a b, the third with a c and so on through the alphabet. (For x you may cheat and use a word beginning with the prefix ex.)

Try and see if you can get through the entire alphabet with your story!


Here's my stab at it below: *Caution, it's NOT as easy as it sounds, but it'll definitely keep you entertained for a bit if you give it a chance.


..................................................................................

Allie buckled from the sting of teeth in her skin. Black-red spots of blood pooled over the wound. Cringing in disgust and agony, she struggled to crawl away. Darkness swept over her vision. Everything fell away. Fleeting glimpses of her attacker haunted her sleep.

Groaning in distress, she jolted awake. Her bed was soaked in her sweat and the reopened wound. Incapable of sitting up, Allie whimpered softly to the empty room. Just then--she felt it--creeping up her leg under the blanket. Keeping her breathing level, she threw the cover off. Laughing softly, it continued to crawl leisurely toward her.

"Monster. Get away! I will slice you--"

"No, stupid girl, you won't."

Opening her mouth to utter a scream for help, it struck. Paralyzation quietly crept over her. Quills of venom again slid out of her flesh. Realizing it had her, Allie strained to fight the poison streaming again through her blood. Secret whispers seeped desperately from her trembling lips.

"Too late," the creature cruelly smirked, searching longingly for her throat.

"Unbind me...unbind me..." she willed an unseen force.

Venom froze her. White strands of sparkling light crisscrossed her bound body.

"Xxxxxxshhhhssss." The fanged maw let out a sound of fear and hatred.

"You were foolish to return" the young women hissed back. Zealously cackling, she plucked the ribbon-like form from her chest as hollow teeth drover through her fingers.

..................................................................................


Well, it's far from perfect, but I had great fun writing this--if you couldn't tell. Yeah, I know a lot of my stories focus on a young female character battling some creepy creature bent on destroying them. You try writing a story with a antagonistic creature/person and tell me it's not fun to write the dialogue for him/her/it!

I really hope lots of you will give this a try. Mind, it can be about ANYTHING your pretty/handsome (if you're a man...and slightly insecure) noggin desires!

It does not need to be a creepy, angst-filled story...like mine. You can write about bright, happy, and sunshiney happenings--just give it a chance! I would so love to read it!

Cheers!

100 Tasty Tidbits Concerning Yours Truly

1. Full name: Mary Anne Trunnell

2. Nickname: Mary Annie, Meatstain, Mat, Bald Obama = )

3. Zodiac Sign: Pisces

4. Male or female: Female

5. Elementary School: Cucamonga Elementry

6. High School: Snow Canyon

7. College: Dixie State College of Utah

8. Hair color: medium brown with blonde highlights

9. Tall or short: sorta tall

11. Sweats or Jeans: Jeans, well, depends where I am

12. Phone or Camera: Both?

13. Health freak: Heck no!, but I do love water! It's a constant battle.

14. Orange or Apple: Orange in some cases. Apples in others.

15. Do you have a crush on someone: Maybe sorta

16. Eat or Drink: EAT.

17. Piercings: Ears

18. Pepsi or Coke: Pepsi or Coke--but it has to be Cherry.



HAVE YOU EVER ?

19. Been in an airplane: Yes

20. Been in a real relationship: Uh, not technically

21. Been in a car accident: Yes

22. Been in a fist fight: Not so much

23. First piercing: Not sure what it's asking. Yes? Ears? When I was 17?

25. First award: Um, I've gotten a lot of awards. Some reason, taking 2nd for a Baton competition comes to mind.

27. First word: Confused

29. Last person you talked to in person: my bro Phil

30. Last person you texted: Nate

31. Last person you watched a movie with: Nate, Phil, and Angie

32. Last food you ate: Apple Straws

33. Last movie you watched: Conviction

34. Last song you listened to: Pretty Down to Your Bones- The Hush Sound

35. Last thing you bought: I think Del Taco

36. Last person you hugged: Mom...half-hugged Alana I think



Favorite:

37. Food: Many varieties. Maybe sushi?

38. Drink: Water, Cactus Cooler, or (most recently) Pomegranite 7-Up

39. Bottoms: Whatever's available and isn't too constricting

40. Flower: Wow! I don't know off the top of my head... Wow! I don't know. I like many types. Anything unique, colorful (like multi-colored even), and tropical ain't not bad either. Roses, lilies, and such too.

41. Animal: Giraffe

42. Color: turquoise

43. Movies: Many. Pride and Prejudice (BBC version), Inception, Dark Knight, Grave of the Fireflies, Stardust, Enchanted, 500 Days of Summer, Stranger Than Fiction, Amadeus, The Secert of Kells, Newsies, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Mulan, Moulin Rouge, Enchanted, Tangled, Schindler's List, Sense and Sensibility, The Way We Live Now, and many, many, many, many, many more.

44. Favorite subject: English, Band (at one point), Art, and Theater!



HAVE YOU EVER: (Put an X in the brackets if it applies)

45. [x] Gotten baptized.

46. [x] Celebrated Halloween. What kind of question is that?!

47. [x] Had your heart broken--maybe not in the 'boyfriend way,' but yeah, it sure has

48. [x] went over the minutes/texts on your cell phone.

49. [] had someone question your sexual orientation.

51. [] got pregnant.

52. [] had an abortion.

53. [x] Did something you regret.

54. [x] Broke a promise.

55. [x] Hid a Secret.

56. [x] Pretended to be happy. Uh, who HASN'T?!

57. [x] Met someone who changed your life.

58. [] Pretended to be sick

59. [] Left the country.

60. [x] Tried something you normally wouldn't try and liked it.

61. [X] Cried over the silliest thing. I cry over really stupid things.

62. [x] Ran a mile. Hah! Yeah, at SOME point I think...

63. [X] Went to the beach with your best friend. Um, do cousins count?

64. [x] Got into an argument with your friends. Hardly happened.

65. [] Dated someone Sorta, but not quite



CURRENTLY:

67. Eating: I was eating Vegetable Straws

68. Drinking: Welch's White grape, peach, and mango juice

69. Listening: My computer breathe

70.Sitting/Laying: sit-laying

71. Plans for today: Sleep for a while. Ignore my alarm clock for a foolish amount of time. Wake up and be made at myself for going back to bed AGAIN. Get ready and be almost late!

72. Waiting for: My dang tax form to come already!



YOUR FUTURE:

73. Want kids: In time heck yeah!

74. Want to get married: Indeedy

75. Career: Teaching!



WHICH ONE:

76. Lips or Eyes: Lips are nice and can be very entertaining--looking that is, but eyes are one of the first things I notice and remember. I mean, sorry to be morbid, but what if we didn't have eyes to see but some other way of viewing the world? I think they are one of the most beautiful features of any given face.

77. Shorter or taller: Hm. Tall is good. Taller is kind of wonky. So, it could give on either a tad.

78. Romantic or spontaneous: Both--as long as it's not spontaneous combustion, which could be cool or deadly.

81. Hook-up or relationship: Umm... I guess relationship.

82. Looks or personality: They co-exist. One cannot exist without the other in order for it to work. I'm not saying I'm shallow, but he's gotta catch my eye in a good way, or I'll get that chance to see him in the first place. But personality is more important by far. If he's got a sense of humor, some quirks, can actually make me geniunely laugh, doesn't take himself or life too seriously, and is his own person.



HAVE YOU EVER:

83. Lost glasses/contact: I've lost my glasses...and they were on my face. Scary.

84. Snuck out of a house: Wha? I guess?

85. Held a gun/knife for self defense: I got a kitchen knife when my cousin Ryan came over to our house way late.

86. Killed somebody Accidents happen.

87. Broken someone's heart: I dunno. I don't think I'm that "good" or influential, yet?

89. Cried when someone died: Definitely. When my at-the-time best friend texted me that her brother had been killed in an accident, and she called me shortly after. Also, the day I finished my finals for college, I come home to find out my sweet grandma had passed away. I think I shed an inside tear when Jack dies on Red Eye. So lame!



DO YOU BELIEVE IN:

90. Yourself: I give myself the benefit of the doubt--or at least that's what I like to tell myself to mollify me.

91. Miracles: Sure! I finished math in college.

92.Love at first sight: I dunno. I'm sure it exists. I belive in like like at first site. Well, some people just know, but I don't think it's an everyday occurence.

93. Heaven: But of course! There better be or afterlife's gonna be kinda crummy.

94. Santa Clause: Sadly, I did for a little too long. My fourth grade teacher made me re-believe. It was so dang cool, but then Phil had to dash that to pieces-I mean it was probably for the best, but I felt so crappy and stupid.

96. Kiss on the first date: I sure as heck hope not! That sounds like creepercity to me.



TRUTHFULLY:

97. Is there one person you want to be with right now: Lots. One in particular, but that's never gonna happen--well, it has in dreams I guess.

98. Do you know who your real friends are: Certainly. And likewise for them.

99. Do you believe in God: How can I not?! Look outside! Look at the mechanics of a human body! I PASSED MY MATH COURSES.

100. Post as 100 truths? I don't quite get this. Yep?



Do your own! 'Tis fun!