Maru...Just Because

This kitty makes me so happy...he is so determined and then so content.




I am so glad his owner has chosen to share him with all of us...lol

Marvel Cinematic Universe Timeline

I am not a huge comic book fan, I really didn't read them as a kid, but just like most people, I have watched my fair share of shows and movies that are related to them. I figured that most of the superhero movies I have seen are from Marvel Comics, which is not the case necessarily and some of the subjects I didn't know were related to Marvel Comics, are. As you can see, this makes things rather confusing.

I was sucked into the Agents of Shield series recently and it started me looking at the timeline of things in the Marvel Universe. They kept referring to things in the show that tied into characters that weren't part of the show.

Obviously, the first thing for me to do was Google "marvel comics timeline" and I found this interesting article on CNET about the timeline that involves the shows and movies that are produced by the MCU. Note that this means that other movies or TV shows that were put out before MCU came to be or are produced by other entities are not included in this timeline. I was a bit confused by this at first because I have seen some superhero movies of both the DC Comics and Marvel Comic characters that are not included in CNET's list, but this is apparently due to the fact that this article is limiting itself to those that fall under the MCU enterprise and were produced by the MCU enterprise. So some might find the list lacking, but I felt like it was a great place to start. I am sure there is a lot more to it and I am sure that true fans of the comic books have a lot more to add to this.

This image explains a bit how the character rights are set up right now...note that Daredevil currently falls in the MCU. This explains the reason the X-Men are not included the CNET article.

Source: "Visual Guide to Marvel Character Movie Rights" Infographic by The Geek Twins [Infographic]

I have adjusted my Netflix DVD queue to reflect the list from CNET, and I have the first one, Captain America: The First Avenger sitting in my living room. I plan to rewatch those that I have seen before and I am a bit undecided if I will include the TV series' if they aren't ones I have already seen. Should be a fun adventure.
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Ten Years Ago on In My Words...Truth or Dare

Ground Control

Fun day with my sister. It brought back so many childhood memories for me. We used to go to a couple different arcades when we were kids with our dad.

All the games at this place were standard prices (so for the most part, just a quarter), and were on original machines with original software.

We played all the games we could find from our childhood and had a blast. As you can see from the pic, I did well enough, on my first try on DigDug in years, to get on the high score list.

So much fun...I could have stayed there for hours.

On another note, we had super good parking karma and also were able to check out the Pride Parade on our way home.

This place didn't have our dad's favorite game so next time we are all together, we'll have to go to the other arcade because they have Missile Command.
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Three Years Ago on In My Words...Bananagrams

Framing Art

My dad made this print a gazillion years ago and I want to be able to hang it on our walls but it wasnt' framed.

I framed another piece of art that was just on canvas not that long ago, and discovered that I could get frame kits from my favorite online art supply store Utrecht that allows you to frame art that might not be traditionally sized.

This print is 20 inches by 30 inches and the frame kit was exactly what was needed.

It only took me about 10 mins with a bit of Gorilla Glue and a small hammer to get it all done.

I think it looks great and now will be easier to hang as well as preserve.
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Eight Years Ago on In My Words...New Art

Baby Crow

This is a baby crow that fell out of its nest today. I found it hopping about in the St John's Wart along our side yard when I was out doing some yard work.

Its parents were losing their little minds trying to get it. It has to be frustrating to not have arms that can just pick up a little one.

Anyhow, this baby left our yard and started making its way up the street. I was scared that it would get hit as it could only hop and walk little birdie steps.

I "herded" it to the side and it eventually hopped into some bushes and I hope its parents don't give up on  it (it has a sibling still in the nest), and I hope that one of the many cats in our neighborhood doesn't get it tonight.
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Four Years Ago on In My Words...Predator Quail

Winter Bloom

A few months ago when we were going to get our first freeze, I brought some of the plants I had put on the back porch to be repotted indoors so they wouldn't be killed. They have been sitting on our kitchen counter since then because it has just been too cold (or dark, since I sleep days) to deal with them.

This guy is a group of starts I got from my SIL that she had in a class jar at home in some water. I brought them home and put them in a pot, but decided later that I wanted to have them in a different pot.

A few days ago, I noticed that a new shoot was starting to come out from the spider plant and soon after that I noticed this pretty flower. I grabbed the camera because I wasn't sure how long it would last, and I am glad I did because within a day, it was gone again.

I wish my Christmas cactus would bloom...but I am happy with what I have so far.
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Ten Years Ago on In My Words...Getting There

Sledding

We couldn't have asked for a more perfect day. Sun was out, wind was brisk and the roads were clear-ish. We drove up to what we thought was the snow park for sledding (turns out it was a trail head for snowshoeing/cross-country skiing).

We hit a local restaurant for breakfast and then headed up with our borrowed sleds. My cousin was visiting from SoCal and wanted to get her feet in the snow and we were all ready to do it. The drive up was decent...only hit a couple of shaded areas that had ice, but my aunt's 4WD Explorer had no problems.

We found a nice smallish hill that none of us would die on and got down to it. I went down first with my aunt and she was laughing so hard the entire time that she thought she was going to pee her pants which would have made the rest of the day tough on both of us. Thankfully she was able to hold it in.

We had three different sleds with us and we each got a few decent runs in. The ride was a bit bumpy so soon enough, butts were starting to hurt a bit and we decided to call it a day. We all had a great time and felt great about getting some fresh air and exercise.

What a great day!! I took this shot of Mt Pitt from our starting point of the run, you can see how awesome the day was!
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Three Years Ago on In My Words...You

2015 Reading Challenge

Didn't quite get there, but with starting to work full time this year, I still made a pretty decent dent in it.

I am going to start the 2016 Reading Challenge with a goal of 40 books...we'll see if that is too ambitious or not.

Reading is one of those things I try to make time for each day...it is what I do right before bed if nothing else. Working nights and sleeping days for the last few months has thrown that pattern off a bit but hope to get back at it.
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Three Years Ago on In My Words...2012 Reading Challenge (got it done)

Second Sprinkling

I was on my way home from work but decided I just couldn't pass up the photo opportunity. The sky was so cool looking and everything was covered in white.

I thought this drive way looked really cool. I had stopped here because there is a pond nearby and a good view of the surrounding hills.

I also found a gaggle of geese...which is amazingly actually called a gaggle...who knew. They were walking through the snow...probably wishing they could find some water that wasn't frozen over.

I told myself that next time it snows substantially, I am going to go downtown and see about getting some pics in the park as well.

The weather this year so far has been very normal winter which is nice because that means the ski mountain is open and our snow pack is at a level that might mean we don't have a horribly dry summer.
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Eight Years Ago on In My Words...Snow Updated

Christmas Gift

My girl friend sent me the coolest t-shirt for Christmas...I was so thrilled when I saw it. I love rooster sauce and she knows it. It is fun to have a friend that knows you so well...lol. It was also so nice to get a gift in the mail...what an awesome girl she is.

Now I just need it to warm up so I can wear it everyday...heehee.
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Two Years Ago on In My Words...Found

First Snow 2015

Came out of work the other morning with an inch of slush on the ground. Drive to Gma's for breakfast wasn't too bad even though the depth of the snow had moved up to 4 inches.

Hung out for a bit with some breakfast and knocked snow out of the bushes until my hands were cold.

Needed to get home to get some sleep for my next work shift so decided to hit the road. No problems until I got closer to home where there were lots of people pulled over on the freeway putting on chains. I was behind the plow so the road was clear for me until I left the freeway.

Road was clear until I hit our neighborhood. There was 6-8 inches of snow on the ground and the weight in the back of the truck was just not enough to manage to make it up the street (slight incline). I ended up sliding to a stop down the block in front of a neighbors house. They were outside so I told them I was going to walk home and get into snow gear and come back and put chains on our tires. I had my muckalucks in the truck so I didn't get soaked on the walk.

At home, I put on snow gear, grabbed the snow shovel and a tarp and headed back down. The neighbors were super nice and helped me to put the chains on. I was able to drive up the street and into our driveway. I grabbed a broom and walked about the house knocking heavy wet snow out of the trees and bushes so we wouldn't lose too many (I found three big ones). After an hour, I decided it was time to get to bed.

That night, I left the the chains on until I got back to the freeway, which was probably a good idea since our roads were still not cleared. No more snow, but we have been kind of cold so it is sticking around for a while.
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Two Years Ago on In My Words...Snow

First Fire

Tonight is the first night in a while where I have not had too much of an agenda, so I thought this would be a good night to put a log on the fire.

I wasn't able to burn any fires last fall/winter because of all the unpacking that needed to be done and the fact that the fireplace was hidden behind a pile of boxes.

Our fireplace doesn't put out a lot of heat, but the ambiance is definitely there. With a few fall smelly candles burning and a big cup of hot tea, it was perfect and definitely worth the wait.

Fall is here, in fact you might even say that winter is here, so I hope to get more logs burnt over the next few months, but none of them will feel as good as the first one does.
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Two Years Ago on In My Words...POTD Day 20 I'm Listening To

TC Summit 2015

What a whirlwind this week has been but it was so informative and a ton of fun. Google did it right, once again!!

It was great to catch up with all of the Blogger Team and to meet some new people as well. I am heading back home and so thankful to only have a short flight with no connections....my heart goes out to all our friends that have 18-24 hour flights ahead of them!!

This year they kept us in San Francisco and the hotels were in a cool part of town so we were able to get out and about a bit as well. In fact, went on a trek last night with a few friends for some great food in Chinatown....didn't end up at Chinese but the Vietnamese stirfry I had was awesome!!

Obviously we are all under NDA so we can't disclose any of the cool stuff we found out that might be coming down the pipe but Google did share some cool toys with all of us and I am excited to get a chance to play with them.

Time to start boarding the flight so I will close for now...
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Two Years Ago on In My Words...Google Gift

RA Peak

Met a friend from work for a hike this morning. We had plans to get to the top, but traffic and time constraints limited that. I had never been there before so I felt like just knowing where to start from was an accomplishment.

The view is amazing and I can totally see why more houses are being built up this way. It was a bit scary driving up because it was straight into the sun and there were spots in the road where I couldn't see in front of me and I thought I might hit something. It would probably help if I cleaned the windshield a little better...lol.

Anyhow, now that I know where the trail head is, I plan to get over there after work for a workout more often before it gets too cold or dark in the mornings. Can't wait to take pics from the top!
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Earlier this year on In My Words...First Time Up

Portland Marathon 2015

Tomorrow, three FOUR of my cousins are competing in this year's Portland Marathon. Running in a marathon is something I can't even imagine, (I am happy with my 5Ks), but I can't help but admire their drive and stamina to attempt and complete such a huge event.

I was not able to make the trip up to the race due to my work schedule, but I received my Team Wonder Woman shirt in the mail, and I will be wearing it in support of their effort on Sunday. I have already been warned of the glitter explosion that might be in my future...LOL.

One of my cousins flew in from Hawaii for the race and will be coming to visit us after the race. Her parents and sister live here so it will be good all around. I am looking forward to a little family get together of some sort....fortunately it will be my weekend.

Their ambition is motivating to me to get back on my own fitness mission. Good luck guys!! Hope the race is everything you want it to be!! Love you!
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Last Year on In My Words....Minnesota 2014

Pretty Sunsets

I do have to say one thing for the smoke in the air....it makes for some gorgeous sunsets. This first one was two nights ago with the air relatively clear (nice break from the last week). My cousin and I were out walking around our grandma's neighborhood trying to work off some of the huge dinner we had. I love how the rays are coming out of it.

This second one is from last night. I had visited my grandma's again and was driving home right at sunset. I could see the amazing sun in my mirrors as I tried to get home before it completely set. I had to drive up a different road from where we live to catch this one because our road is behind a hill and the sun was already gone there. I just didn't want to miss this beauty.

Last Year on In My Words....POTD Day 9 Natural

Up And Going

View from my night swim

 Pool is finally relined and refilled. I have been spending the last two weeks getting the water balanced. The other day when it was over 100, I decided that we were close enough for a swim in the evening when it was still so hot out.

It was lovely...the water was a perfect 75 degrees and in the dark, I couldn't see how badly the backyard needs attention so it was completely enjoyable.

I toodled around on a noodle for twenty mins or so. I am still trying to get the pH and alkalinity right but for the most part, it is pretty good and the new liner looks so nice. It is great to have a pool when the weather is hot, even if it is a little bit of work.

Even though everyone I know is claiming they are ready for it to be fall, I am hoping we have a few more months of hot weather so I can get some enjoyment out of the pool before I have to put the leaf net over it in the fall.

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Nine Years Ago on In My Words...How He Got Me

Smoke Is Here

I got off work the other afternoon in a town about 10 miles from our town. It was kind of hazy outside but not too bad. We have a forest fire burning north of us and the wind had shifted, hence the haze.

I ran some errands, and when I was coming out of the grocery store, I noticed that I couldn't even see the other side of the parking lot. The smoke had completely dropped into our little valley.

I drove home (having to put on my headlights as our truck is grey/silver and blends right into the smoke), and when I was about a mile from town, I drove out of the wall of smoke to a much clearer scene. It was a little scary to see the wall of smoke behind me and I knew that it would only be a matter of time before it got all the way here.

Below is a picture I took after getting home, looking down our street towards the hills to the east of us. You can see that it is kind of hazy and we could definitely smell the smoke in the air.

The picture below, is the next morning when the smoke had moved in. As you can see, you can barely make out the hills in the background. And this isn't even as bad as it was when I came out of the grocery store. Needless to say, I put a N95 mask in the truck in case I need it in the next week. The weather is expected to stay pretty much as is so we are forecast-ed to have the smoke for a while.

They had to cancel one of the plays the other night because the outdoor theatre is obviously exposed to the smoke. Thankfully, I don't seem to have any breathing issues so the smoke doesn't bother me much but I do feel for those that it greatly impacts.
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Two Years Ago on In My Words...Red Skies At Night

Bum Knee

Skinned knee

I was volunteering at an event this weekend. It was at a local winery in one of the open fields. I was looking around while walking to get a feeling for where everything was before my shift started.

I stepped into one of the few holes in the field that weren't marked and felt my right ankle starting to turn. In order to save my ankle (which I really didn't want to sprain or break), I decided to go down...and down I went. My bag went flying and I think I did a complete roll after slamming my left knee into the ground at initial impact.

I got up pretty much unscathed, other than this little skinned knee, a slightly tender ankle and a completely embarrassed ego. Thankfully I didn't have any food or drink in my hand and nothing in my bag was lost or damaged. A couple of people came to my aid but for the most part, I think that most people didn't even see me go down. I do think I squealed...lol. I worked my shift and treated my injuries later in the evening.

Right after my shift, I had a play to go to, so I didn't end up getting any ointment on it until after 11pm and then I went for a 4 mile walk. My knee and ankle were a bit swollen when I got home, but I put a bandaid on the scrape so the bedding wouldn't irritate it and took some naproxen before bed and it all felt a ton better the next day.

I always feel like a little kid when I scrape my knees...

Three Years Ago on In My Words...Twelve Year Old BooBoos

Memorial Day 2015: Wear Blue

You too can own a shirt

Wear Blue: Run To Remember is a great organization started in Washington State by two military spouses following a deployment of the unit to Afghanistan. One of those spouses lost her husband during that deployment.

The group is now nationwide and helps to bridge the gap between civilian and military communities as well as create a living memorial for those that have given the greatest sacrifice.

This Memorial Day, I was determined to get out and get a few miles in, even if it was a time crunch to do it. The weather was absolutely perfect and while I didn't run (too out of shape right now), it still felt great to get some exercise and support such a great organization as well as show my support for our friends and family members that have given it all in service of our country.

I am back on track to achieving my own fitness goals and this day was a fantastic option to honor myself and the day!
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Last Year on In My Words...POTD Day 11 - Something Good