Helium

I'll make this post short and sweet since the last one was FOREVER LONG! :)

Did you know...

Did you know that helium is the second most popular element in our universe?

Did you know that there are 2 protons in the atoms that make up helium?

Or did you know that it is one of the most important building blocks of our universe? It is one of the main elements in early stars. Which grow and create heavier elements? Which are what worlds and solar systems are made of? Which are hosts to life? 

You probably didn't know all of those things. Maybe you knew them once but have forgotten. I only know them because I'm taking a science class this very semester. It's actually quite fascinating. 

But did you know...

That when you suck helium your voice turns super high, and you sound like a chipmunk?

You probably do! Because it is a fun activity that possibly kills brain cells, but it might be worth it because it makes you laugh hysterically. 

Last night little Johnny and I played a game called Cribbage. It's really fun, but the schnookums is really good at it. I was in the lead the entire game, and I was about to win, when he pulled this ridiculous stunt and got ahead at the very last possible second! I was a little bit angry because this is very common when we play this game. I always get hope that maybe this time, by some miracle, I'll beat him. But no, it never happens. 

The point is, I was a little unhappy with my luck. John cheered me up by sucking helium out of a Valentines day balloon we received from his parents:

Funny huh?

Memory Lane

This afternoon, I decided to procrastinate my homework again. This time though, I did something much more productive! I got out our external hardrive and started going through old photos. I experienced so many emotions as I went through multiple years of memories; good ones, bad ones, happy times, and sad times. And I realized something. I have been blessed with SO MANY amazing friends.

What in the world would we do without friends?

True friends have helped to make us the people we are today. They stand by us, even when they don't agree with what we are doing. They forgive us when we have PMS, and they love us for exactly who we are.

I have many friends that have helped bring me to where I am today. And I am so thankful for all they have done. They have been there for me through thick and thin. They've been my shoulder to cry on, whether it's because I'm sad, or because they made me laugh so hard I cried.

I want to honor some friends that have truly made a difference in my life.

[This post could potentially be very very very long, because there are so many pictures I want to show, but I will refrain, and choose only the really good ones.]

[First: My sweet and loving husband John.]

These photos are from one of our first dates. We went to the sand dunes, played frisby, and roasted hot dogs. Isn't he just adorable!?
John. Remember our very first date in the pitch black lava caves? Remember when you got down on one knee and asked me to be your wife? I was so scared, but I said yes, because I knew I wanted to spend forever with you. Remember that one time when we kissed in the rain and you lost your hymn book?

Your smile makes my heart melt. Every time. You make me laugh when I want to cry; you've  taught me patience, trust, and how to be selfless. You've shown me how to love with my whole heart. And to enjoy sea food and artichokes! You truly are wonderful.

[My family]

Sub for Santa in Mexico, 2007

Mark

Nate

Skiing with the twinners!

Cute Family Photo :)

My family is the best. We have had so many good times together. We've gone through so many hard things, but we somehow made it through and are closer because of those difficult times.

Mom & Dad. You were always good examples to me of caring, loving people. You taught me to love and serve. You taught me that life is good–even when things go wrong.

Mark and Nate. You taught me to ride a bike without training wheels. I attribute many of my adventurous qualities to the two of you. I always pushed myself to do the cool things you were able to do, which means I became pretty fearless :) Remember when I wore platform shoes to Disneyland for three days in a row, nearly ruining my feet, just so I could go on all the rides with you guys? I was a tomboy growing up because I looked up to you, even though you tortured Emily (my cherished doll), and buried her in the backyard. You both inspire me, with your accomplishments and your big hearts.

Vanessa & Valerie. My twinners–you are fantastic. You taught me patience, you taught me to share, and you taught me about real true friendship. We had many ups and downs throughout our relationships (like when Valerie kept stealing my clothes, or when Vanessa wouldn't go upstairs to get me some food during a movie), but we always had fun in the end. I remember so many movie nights and spa days with you two. We learned to make things fun with what we had. We laughed a lot :) We made fools of ourselves quite often too. Remember the Brownie Batter Bash?

John's side. Christmas 2009

I haven't got to spend as much time as I'd like with John's side of the family, but from what I've experienced, I've learned they are wonderful people. They have taught me kindness, acceptance, and the importance of time together :)

[Kindred Spirits]

Jessica Lynn. We were the best of friends from the moment we met at age 4. Remember wishbone!? We were boy crazy, and we thought we were the cutest girls in the world. I wish I could go back and see us at age 10 with our sparkly cheeks, waiting for boys to ask us out for snowball at Classic Skating! Remember flirting with the lifeguards at the Rec Center? Of course you do. Mike and Sean were too hot to forget! ;) They were 16 and we were 9 but that didn't stop us! Remember LP? Or making up the words to spanish soap operas? We had fun no matter what we were doing! Your whole family will always hold a very special place in my heart.

You taught me that I can't always have exactly what I want, and that the world doesn't revolve around me. You taught me that friendships can last, and distance doesn't matter. Even though you moved across the country, when I came to visit in the summers, we just picked up where we left off. To this day, every time we talk it's like we still live across the street from eachother.

Mariesa Carin. Oh my dearest Mariesa, your influence has had such a huge impact on who I've become today. We loathed each other growing up, but something brought us together in the 8th grade. We had art together and you had black marker on your forehead. Remember listening to Aaron Carter down in your bedroom, instead of cleaning your room? Remember that first time we drove in the car together without adult supervision? I had my permit and my dad went into target and we drove around the parking lot, music blasting, feeling like the nothing could bring us down! Remember talking for hours and hours on the phone, about friends, boys, parents, siblings, and life?

You taught me to love others unconditionally. You taught me that life is hard, but we can always make it through. You taught me that I'm a strong individual who can make a difference in the world. You brought me to Peru. You showed me a new way of life. You taught me that happiness doesn't come from possessions, but from serving others. You opened my eyes, and brought me out of my box.

Erica Michelle. You are truly amazing. Remember when we met in our very first class, on the very first day of college? Remember all of our chats about boys? Remember when we were roommates, and I was going through a super hard time and you always made my days better? Like that one time when I found various gifts on my bed (including the coconut bra cup that is now my toothbrush holder)? Remember when I moved to Colorado Springs, and you gave me a social life? Oh wait, that's happening right now...

You've taught me what a true friend really is. Someone who is always there, someone who cares, and someone who shows that they care. You taught me that love is an action word. You taught me that heart break hurts, but life goes on and everything will turn out for the best. You helped me to see that the Lord will make us better than we can make ourselves.

Anna Banana. You were my very first pen pal. Remember when we wrote back and forth all summer long, asking and answering questions, and sending gifts? Remember when I surprised you by popping out a box that I had supposedly sent you? Do you remember the time that we rode motorcycles in the orchards all evening, and raced each other until I crashed?

You taught me so much about life, love, and the gospel. You gave me strength in the times that I needed it most. You encouraged me to seek truth, and to follow my heart. You gave me confidence when I had none. You are AMAZING.

PS sorry the picture is so bad of both of us! I couldn't find a better one :(

Tasha D. & Heidi O. I don't have pictures but these two make the list of kindred spirits! They were my very first best friends. Heidi, you helped me to learn independence. Remember the many sleepovers we had? Remember how you and your dad would walk me home in the middle of the night because I missed my momma? We wrote plays, and had magic trick shows, and watched Little House on the Prairie. Good times.

Tasha, you taught me about making money. Remember making yarn necklaces, drawing pictures, and selling them door to door? Or teaching preschool/art classes in our spare time to make some extra change? Remember calling time & temp like 50 times a day in the summer, just waiting for the temperature to hit 80 so we could get in the pool? Remember jumping on the tramp in the rain until the needle feeling became unbearable? We learned the importance of honesty and independence together. You taught me that no matter how many terrible things happen in life, we get up and we move on, and we keep smiling.

Okay... This post is turning into a book.
I'm sorry there is just way too much to write, and way to many people to thank. It's amazing how many people have touched my life and made it better. I'll just post a few more pictures of the people I LOVE:

Julie Anne. I couldn't find a picture of us together, so I put this one up from my bridal shower. Remember long word notes? And Junior high PE, english, and yearbook? Remember how much Mr. (oh my gosh I can't remember his name, did it start with an S?) ___ hated us!? You made life bearable at chill out. Oh and also and most especially at AT&T customer service. I miss you. And even though we hardly get to talk anymore, you should know you made a difference in my life and that I love you. And also you should know that you are a wonderful friend.

Roxy: You taught me the pain that comes with losing a loved one. Best Dog Ever.
Sadly I only have bad quality cell phone pictures.

Rustelle: You taught me that it's okay to give my heart to someone who loves me, you were a great listener/fellow complainer :) And Trissa, you showed me that sometimes I need to chill out. And also your boy troubles helped me to realize what an amazing man John was. Sorry for that :)

The Tolman's. You guys are one of the funniest families I know. You taught me nerts, and for that, I practically owe you my life. I miss Sunday night games! We had so many good times. Remember scary stories in the secret passageway?

You girls made senior year more than bearable. You made it fun! We had so many good times, especially in yearbook. I miss you guys more than you know!

We did it! And now we are moving on. Two are married, and one engaged. Time flies. You girls helped me to learn that I can achieve anything I want to. Jeannette, you are my hero. Mariana, you make me smile, and I love you. Gloria & T, you are beautiful, sweet, and you are both going far in life. :)

I truly hope that I have made as much difference for good in your lives as you have in mine. 

If you aren't on this list, it doesn't mean that you didn't influence my life, and it definitely doesn't mean that I'm not thankful for you. Most likely it means I ran out of time, and space. :)

Moral of the story?
We are who we are because of our friends.
They make life an Adventure. 

  

Serious Epiphanies.

Yesterday I had an epiphany. 

Well, I've actually known for quite some time. But I really solidified my epiphany yesterday. Sometimes epiphanies come while I am laying in bed, others come while I'm taking a hot shower, some even come to me while I'm studying! This most recent epiphany happened to me while I was in the kitchen.  Did I spell epiphany right? I keep looking at it and it looks all wrong... Try saying epiphany six times fast (Okay, so it's not that hard to say, but it sounds really funny).

This was my epiphany: Raw chicken is disgusting.

Proof:

You want to throw up right now don't you? And you are wondering something like, "Sara, why in the world would you post this photo for me to gag about? That is so not cool." And I am thinking something like, "Oh my dear follower, the picture helps you to understand my epiphany to its fullest!" I'm very sorry for the inconvenience, but it just had to be done.

P.S. It looked even worse in real life. For serious.

Moving on, I just want you to know that it took me about fifteen minutes to cut up two chicken breasts. I was appalled. Their were nasty blood vessels and loads of fat, and all sorts of things that should not even be named. Obviously I had to cut them out, and I couldn't very well touch the things (I know I'm a big baby, so what?)! So I used a fork and knife and did my best to create cute little cubes. Like these:

And John will never even know the hard work I went through to cube the chicken for one of his favorite meals–Mexican Chicken Chili (see photo at top).

I guess cutting up the disgusting stuff was worth it. Because this chili was heaven in a bowl!

It's super easy and super yummy! Do you want the recipe? I think you do. I'm going to share it even if you don't want it because it is too good for me to keep all to myself:

Mexican Chicken Chili (courtesy of Simple & Delicious Magazine)

• 1 lb. chicken breast
• 1 Tbsp. canola oil (any type of oil will do... except don't use car oil)
• 2 cans diced tomatoes (14 1/2 ounces each)
• 1 can black beans drained & rinsed (15 ounces)
• 1 can (14 1/2 oz.) chicken broth
• 2 cups frozen corn
• 1 can (4 oz.) chopped green chiles
• 2 Tbsp. chili powder
• 1 Tbsp. ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper (I substituted with crushed red pepper flakes b/c I don't have cayenne)

Brown chicken in oil. Transfer to crock pot. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours, or until chicken is no longer pink. Yield: 6 servings

And Bon Appetit!

You are probably asking yourself, "Can it really be that easy!?" And I'm answering you saying, "Yes, my sweet, sweet follower, it is SO that easy!" Even my little sister Valerie could make it :) ... [No offense Val]

We usually eat it with cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips. And don't forget a cold glass of milk. Mmmmmmmmmmm.

Dinner is always an Adventure in the Tranberg household.

Procrastinating

Hello everyone, my name is Sara and I am a procrastinator. 

What do I procrastinate most? 

My homework. 

What do I do to put off said homework? 

I do lots of things: I clean, I cook, I eat, I deep clean, I cuddle with my schnookums, I watch Bones, I play with friends, I watch Psych, I watch Bachelor, I facebook, I blog, I do laundry, I shop, and I often take photographs. Sometimes I take pictures of people, other times I take pictures of objects, and once in a blue moon I take pictures of myself:

This is my "I will put you in your place" teacher look.

This is my "I know something you don't know" look.

My Powell is showing in this one. Don't you think?

[: Powell is my mothers maiden name. We all sort of look alike :]

Sky Diving Anyone!?

A few weeks ago John and I went sky diving!!!!

Okay, I'm really sorry, I sort of just told a half lie... But you couldn't tell could you? That picture I photoshopped looks pretty legit, no? With the sky in the background? And my perfect relaxed pose? Jk jk jk. We actually went INDOOR skydiving. It was a lot of fun, less expensive, and not as risky. Sadly, we didn't have anyone to document the part where we got blown around by 200 mph winds, cheeks flapping and all... But we snapped a couple shots afterwards, capturing how ridiculous we looked wearing the suits, helmets, and goggles. Please enjoy, I give you permission to laugh.

The following photo is fashion suicide:

The goggles make my cheeks poofy.

The next stop on my list is real sky diving, you know, like the kind when you jump out of a plane with a parachute strapped to your back!?  I better hurry up and do it though, because I believe the frontal lobe of my brain is almost all the way developed... Who knows if I'll dare to make the jump after I think like an adult?

Before we went skydiving we traveled to denver, and visited a high end mall:

Valet parking?

I felt like a celebrity at this mall because it's all designed out. Designer stores galore. But I hated it because I found so many cute things, and then I looked at the price tag... $250.00 for a paper thin jacket!? Not my idea of a bargain. Even when I shopped the clearance wracks, everything was like over $100.00. However, I did find a Pacsun and bought a super cute sweater on sale for $5.00. Suck on that BEBE.

The drive home in the snow was a catastrophe. We were going 10-15 mph on the interstate the whole way home. I found entertainment though. I took pictures:

No John, I've never been to Michigan

Here is a special treat! I found it in the archives of an old 1 giga bite SD card. Isn't little Johnny so cute in his glow in the dark onesie pajamas!? Before this photo was taken, I believe he took out the garbage, which I'm sure surprised the neighbors :) I mean, imagine seeing a full grown man in onsie PJ's running around in the snow with a trash bag.  Oh wait, you don't have to imagine it, you have a very detailed visual (see photo above)!

In honor of the PJ's, this post will give you an inside look into our sleep lives. For example: Last night John went to bed early and I stayed up late. Here's a list of pro's and con's to this situation:

CONS

• If we don't go to bed at the same time, John always lays diagnol on the bed which makes it hard for me to get in.

PROS

• Once I muster up the strength to push his legs over, he's already warmed up my side!
• I can talk to him and he responds–sleepstyle.
• When I scratch his back he makes really funny mhmm sounds. It starts out deep, and then when I make it up to the shoulder massage it's a mmmmhmmmmm (much more high pitched).
• I can cuddle up to him and he doesn't even mind.
• Sometimes we carry on crazy conversations and somehow I get incoorporated into his dreams.
• He usually does something crazy right when I get in bed (Last night he sat straight up super fast and yelled, "WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO PROVE!?" It scared the bejeezers out of me! I'm not even kidding).

As you can see, the pros outweigh the cons just about exponentially! Okay maybe not exponentially, but you get the point.

According to John, I'm "a fire ball from hell" in the night. He says this referring to my temperature, and so every night he holds me for a few minutes until I start "heating up," and then he creates a barrier between us with the sheets to keep my heat away from him. Rude, right!?

He is also a notorious blanket stealer; I'm used to it now though. I have learned to hold the blanket nice and tight on my side, even while asleep, to prevent him from taking it.

I will never forget the first time John talked to me in his sleep. It was in the first few months of our marriage. And you have to remember at the time, I thought he was awake, because he told me previously that he didn't sleep talk. It went something like this:

Me: "John? Honey sweet cheeks? Baby darling, I had a bad dream and I can't go back to sleep."

John: "You'll be fine."

Me: "But John, I'm a little teensy bit scared."

John: "Well you shouldn't be, after all you did go to Michigan State," he says in a matter of fact voice.

Me: (Still thinking he's awake) "Hahaha. Where did that come from. I've never even been to Michigan..."

John: "Stop messing with me," he says a little annoyed. "You and Dane went their a few years ago."

Me: "No I didn't, stop joking around John, I'm serious," I said, feeling very confused. "And who the crap is Dane?"

John: "I can't believe you don't remember such a big chunk of your past!"

The conversation continued to the point that I was nearly convinced that I'd attended Michigan State. John was very adamant, and he wasn't very nice about it either. After a while I was tired enough to fall back asleep. In the morning he didn't remember much about it. 

And that's when I realized that my sweet cheeks takes out his anger on me while he's asleep, because he's to nice to do it while he is conscious.

Sleeping in the bed with John every night is an adventure in and of itself...

:)

Bad quality photo–but so funny!

  

  

The Little Things

Joy of Love Photo Class [Day 15]

You want to know what I realized lately? You must want to know. If you didn't, I don't think you would be here on my blog, looking at an adorable picture of my husband and I, and also reading... So I will tell you:

I realized that it's the little things in life that make me happy.

I've heard statements similar to the one above on many occasions, but I don't think I ever really understood it. I never believed it. I believed that the big, huge, and exciting adventures were what made me happy. It always seemed to me that the traveling to and from exotic places, and the climactic times in my life brought the most joy. Hello, it was the only thing that made sense. But alas, I was so wrong!

It's the things like a sweet kiss from my sweet husband that makes me happy (see photo above). Or his patience with me when I have to take 25 photos to get the right self portrait (see photo below).

[: Disclaimer–This post is picture heavy, please bear with me and endure to the end. Also, if you don't like the music, scroll down to the bottom and push pause. :]

Joy of Love Photo Class [Day 16]

I find true joy in waking up to a beautiful day, pulling open the curtains, and feeling the sun on my skin. I can almost see happiness in the gorgeous world around me. It's everywhere I look:

Don't those pictures make you smile? They make me smile.

Lately I've tried to find true joy in the mundane things in life; in making the bed, brushing my teeth, taking a hot shower, while grocery shopping, or hanging out in a bubble bath until my skin looks like raisins. I find it in cooking food, telling jokes and watching TV shows with my honey on Netflix. And I even find it in doing the dishes (big surprise!):

I find happiness in learning and experiencing new things. I especially find it when I rediscover a favorite band in my itunes library (why hello death cab for cutie, I've missed you). I find joy by serving the people I care most about. I find it as I catch up with old friends, and when I eat at olive garden! mmm hazelnut italian cream soda. How can the previous sentence not make you happy!? I'm finding it right now as I look out the the glass doors and see the wind blowing everything to smithereens. You know I'm serious about this post if I can find joy in the wind!

 I found joy in baking german chocolate cupcakes on Valentines Day and sharing them with the people I love:

You guys, happiness and joy are all over the place! We just have to open up our eyes and see it. Because it's these little everyday things that make up most of our lives. Why not see the beauty in them? Why live life waiting and wishing for a different time, and a different place. I've realized that it's time to live in the moment–to find joy, happiness, and love in everything. It's always been their just waiting for me to see it.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for the big exciting stuff! There is nothing wrong with it. But I believe happiness is more a mindset than anything else. If I choose to see the world this way and enjoy the little things, than life will be just what I want it to be:

An Adventure.

"Right now a moment of time is passing by...we must become that moment." –Paul Cezanne [New quote of the month]

Here are a few songs that make me happy:

  

  



What little things make you happy?