I just KNOW she will love that title and will probably be on the horn telling me to delete this. She is the only gal I know that can find anything, and I mean ANYTHING on the Internet. Dawn once called me asking about a diet coke commercial jingle. There was a song that she and Vinnie wanted to download to iTunes. So I popped on to IM and asked Katrina. Whammo! Within seconds she had the name of the Title, Artist and where they can find it :o)
So this is what I found today. Katrina you will LOVE this...
I don't know if I posted it before, but for some odd reason, I accidentally over "fixed" our computer and I fixed myself right out of being able to use blogger. I could only access it from the laptop. So today while perusing Katrina's blog, I felt it necessary to post a comment to egg on her non-crafty friend. I posted my comment, then signed in as usual. For the past month I have not been able to sign in at all. Only on the laptop. Well suddenly I found myself able to sign in! Right on Katrina's blog! Well then I went back to my blog and found that the "sign in" carried over to my own! Then after a few clicks of trying things, here I am! I am so blown away that I'm back. There are lip prints all over my monitor. smooooch!
Now I can post pictures again without having do download them to 1 pc, then send them to another. What a PITA!
Something else happened today that I must share... Den and I have been talking about buying a new vacuum. The one we had, has been in my possession since..... (you better sit down) 1994? Dawn burst out laughing when she heard that. She's been through like 3 vacuums since she and Vinnie have been together for 4 long years.
So while we were tearing out the carpeting in the Living Room this past August, we found a lot and I mean A LOT of dirt under the carpet. BUT.... we don't know how long that carpeting has been there, so we just thought that "maybe" it was from the other owners or some odd reason. Now I know that there will always be some dirt that will fall through but I'm talking about enough to shovel out! It was nuts! Hello shopvac!
We have been talking about vacuums for a couple months. It's almost like buying a new dishwasher. Very pricey, and "what if" it's a pain in the hoo haa to use, what if it won't suck smoke out of the air (not that I plan on cooking any time soon), but you know... How do you know if you're getting a good one?
While we had another snow day today, the littles and I ventured out to Bed Bath and Beyond (site of the gift switcheroo from previous blog entry). I had a handy dandy 20% off coupon. I finally decided that I wanted to buy the Healthy Home Vac from I think Bissel. I just remember the Healthy home part. You know the commercial. Where the chic that almost looks like she's wearing turn out gear, thinks she's all that and can wipe out a dust ball in a fraction of a second. I decided on this one because of it's advantages with the our two boys, Booster and Pumpkin. You could make a new cat out of what falls off of them.
Picture us... Greg in the big part of the buggy playing with his newly acquired syringe from Daddy's fire department. His red hat that Nana made him on crooked. Emily swinging around a ceiling fan brush I decided we can't live without and me... looking at everything but the healthy home vac that they just don't have.
So I decided to pick something else so that I could still get my 20% off. I picked out the Hoover Savvy Vacuum. It has an attached hose, and lots of attachments that fit right on to the vacuum. I brought it home, put it together and vacuumed.... for 3 straight hours, lol. I was shocked and almost sick when I saw what it picked up out of my room and Greg's room. The canister was FULL and I was pissed! I can't believe that after all the years I have been using old faithful, he was slacking on the job! I emptied out the canister and then went to town on the hallway. I also dusted every piece of furniture in every room that the vacuum went into. When I say dusted, I mean, pulled out the hose and put on the little thingy.
The crap from the hallway carpeting was 2" thick in the canister! I put it in a ziplock bag to show Denny when he comes home tomorrow. 2" thick! I just vacuumed the fricken bedrooms and hallway last week! No wonder we're all congested, and sneezing. I am just blown away.
The moral to the story? If your vacuum is more than 5 years old and not cleaning well... It's time for a new one. You will be "floored" by what you're not picking up!
... I'm afraid to log off... what if I can't get on again? oh well.... click!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Placemats and Towels...
Imagine my surprise when Dennis opened this birthday gift from the kids and I. I had ordered a floating pool cooler with cup holders in it for his Birthday. Bed Bath and Beyond made a mistake and sent placemats and towels for him. We were quite shocked... note to self... do not have anything ordered through mail gift wrapped.
Today I turned 29... for the seventh time. I awoke to fresh coffee, and a very easy morning. Dennis gave me a stellar gift! A gift card in a very large denomination to an upscale spa down the street. The kids backed it up with a gift card to my favorite store... Starbucks! My mom also made me a beautiful afgan for our living room. She's been knitting it for months! Emily commented that Nana must really love me because she's been working on it forever!
I spent the day in Mrs. Tash's Begindergarten class with Greg. We made wreaths out of hearts, had snacks, and played games. He was taken out of the Hot Potato game quickly because he wasn't paying attention.
For dinner, grilled steaks, fresh tomatos and mozarella in herbs and olive oil... Yummy!
It's been a great day. Namaste.
Today I turned 29... for the seventh time. I awoke to fresh coffee, and a very easy morning. Dennis gave me a stellar gift! A gift card in a very large denomination to an upscale spa down the street. The kids backed it up with a gift card to my favorite store... Starbucks! My mom also made me a beautiful afgan for our living room. She's been knitting it for months! Emily commented that Nana must really love me because she's been working on it forever!
I spent the day in Mrs. Tash's Begindergarten class with Greg. We made wreaths out of hearts, had snacks, and played games. He was taken out of the Hot Potato game quickly because he wasn't paying attention.
For dinner, grilled steaks, fresh tomatos and mozarella in herbs and olive oil... Yummy!
It's been a great day. Namaste.
Friday, February 09, 2007
The Gods MUST be kidding... Rant to follow...
What I am about to state does not leave this blog. You will read it, be shocked right along with me and then will never discuss it again...
Yesterday was my first day at the new Macomb Prompt Care. I worked from 12 - 10 pm. Before I left, I told Dennis (and made him look at me with the hopes that he would be listening) that it is IMPERATIVE that the kids are IN BED by 8 PM. They have both been sick lately and they need their rest.
Before I go on... I must add that things are still very bizarre at the prompt care as the phone systems are going down, the computers are going down. Yesterday they lost power to the X ray room. These are NORMAL glitches that need to be worked out. So we all carry our cell phone's in our pockets. I just never had the opportunity to call home and let them know because we were steady with patients.
So I come home from work around 10:45ish. Emily is wide awake in my bed, next to Dennis. Here is the course of our conversation;
Me: "What is she doing in our bed?"
Mr. Disconnected: "I think she's trying to pull something"
Me: "Pull what"
Emily says crying, "My ear hurts"
Me: "When did this start?"
Emily: "When we went running around after school".
Me to Den: "Did you give her anything?"
Den: "I gave her Motrin at around 5:45"
Me: "We need to give her some Tylenol then".
So I go fumbling around looking for the Tylenol and notice that I can't find the Motrin. So I take the bottle of tylenol and ask him. "Is this what you gave her?"
He replies "Yes"
Well (this is the part in my mind that a bunch of expletives are starting to come out) Can you even imagine if I gave her the same thing that he already gave her? Now Tylenol you can give every 4 -6 hours. Motrin 6-8 They are completely different and processed in different places in your body. Had I given her on overdose, that would have just made it worse, although we were past the 4 hours from the Tylenol so I gave it again then called Mrs. Putter (my mom) for advice.
At 12:30 this morning after being awakened by the sound of Misses Sickly moaning in her bedroom, I bring her into my room. I tried rubbing her back, stroking her arm, and caressing her to take her mind off the pain. I start going over and over in my mind, "Please let her pain go away, please let her fall asleep." By 3:30 am I proudly announced to Mr. Disconnected that Emily needs to be seen in an ER, and he should take her because she and I shouldn't be in a parking lot at that hour. Plus I was so angry about him blowing off the perfect opportunity, to have one of the "more than qualified" doctors that I was working with, including our own freaking family physician look at her that I felt he should have to do this. I mean come on... He could have called my cell and even left a voice mail for me. But the thing is, I had my phone in my pocket, and instead of him leaving a message, I would have actually answered the call.
So at that hour, he and Emily trucked off to the ER. She has a nasty middle ear infection. On top of the cold she had S, M, and T of this week, the stomach flu she had on Wednesday and now this. OMG. Are the gods crazy?
I am very bitter with him at this moment and feel that it is better that he is at work, because I may just lose my mind with him. For some odd reason, I do not remember there being an "I" in TEAM!
This information does not leave this blog. You may comment if you wish, but do not call my house or email me going off about it. I don't need any salt in the wound with him. I will deal with him in my own time. K? K.
I would like to leave you with this... Normally Mr. Currently I'm Disconnected, is attentive to the needs of our family. I'm not sure what his deal is lately, but I assure you... it will be pointed out.
And that my friends is my .02 cents.
Yesterday was my first day at the new Macomb Prompt Care. I worked from 12 - 10 pm. Before I left, I told Dennis (and made him look at me with the hopes that he would be listening) that it is IMPERATIVE that the kids are IN BED by 8 PM. They have both been sick lately and they need their rest.
Before I go on... I must add that things are still very bizarre at the prompt care as the phone systems are going down, the computers are going down. Yesterday they lost power to the X ray room. These are NORMAL glitches that need to be worked out. So we all carry our cell phone's in our pockets. I just never had the opportunity to call home and let them know because we were steady with patients.
So I come home from work around 10:45ish. Emily is wide awake in my bed, next to Dennis. Here is the course of our conversation;
Me: "What is she doing in our bed?"
Mr. Disconnected: "I think she's trying to pull something"
Me: "Pull what"
Emily says crying, "My ear hurts"
Me: "When did this start?"
Emily: "When we went running around after school".
Me to Den: "Did you give her anything?"
Den: "I gave her Motrin at around 5:45"
Me: "We need to give her some Tylenol then".
So I go fumbling around looking for the Tylenol and notice that I can't find the Motrin. So I take the bottle of tylenol and ask him. "Is this what you gave her?"
He replies "Yes"
Well (this is the part in my mind that a bunch of expletives are starting to come out) Can you even imagine if I gave her the same thing that he already gave her? Now Tylenol you can give every 4 -6 hours. Motrin 6-8 They are completely different and processed in different places in your body. Had I given her on overdose, that would have just made it worse, although we were past the 4 hours from the Tylenol so I gave it again then called Mrs. Putter (my mom) for advice.
At 12:30 this morning after being awakened by the sound of Misses Sickly moaning in her bedroom, I bring her into my room. I tried rubbing her back, stroking her arm, and caressing her to take her mind off the pain. I start going over and over in my mind, "Please let her pain go away, please let her fall asleep." By 3:30 am I proudly announced to Mr. Disconnected that Emily needs to be seen in an ER, and he should take her because she and I shouldn't be in a parking lot at that hour. Plus I was so angry about him blowing off the perfect opportunity, to have one of the "more than qualified" doctors that I was working with, including our own freaking family physician look at her that I felt he should have to do this. I mean come on... He could have called my cell and even left a voice mail for me. But the thing is, I had my phone in my pocket, and instead of him leaving a message, I would have actually answered the call.
So at that hour, he and Emily trucked off to the ER. She has a nasty middle ear infection. On top of the cold she had S, M, and T of this week, the stomach flu she had on Wednesday and now this. OMG. Are the gods crazy?
I am very bitter with him at this moment and feel that it is better that he is at work, because I may just lose my mind with him. For some odd reason, I do not remember there being an "I" in TEAM!
This information does not leave this blog. You may comment if you wish, but do not call my house or email me going off about it. I don't need any salt in the wound with him. I will deal with him in my own time. K? K.
I would like to leave you with this... Normally Mr. Currently I'm Disconnected, is attentive to the needs of our family. I'm not sure what his deal is lately, but I assure you... it will be pointed out.
And that my friends is my .02 cents.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
A Large Dose of Good Karma
People are amazing. This past week has been extremely stressful for me. A lot has gone on in my personal life that is out of the ordinary. In all of the events that have occured, I received two non-material, but equally amazing gifts.
My Psychology professor gave me one of the greatest gifts. Since the beginning of the class, I have had a 350 word paper due every Monday. With Mike & Mary Ann here, and a new boss breathing down my neck, Greg's sinus infection, and now Emily with the stomach flu... my professor has voluntarily given me the opportunity to turn my paper in late without any deductions from the score. While I have been on top of my school work like you can't believe, I suddenly found myself drowning in everything that was happening... all at once. Words can not express how grateful I am for her generosity.
Secondly, my boss scared the crap out of me and had me thinking I would be canned if I didn't get in to train THIS WEEK (never mind that I was pretty much hired for this job last spring and could have ran the entire office by now with the amount of time I could have had to train).
Yesterday while I was in the office he gave me the second gift... Today off. Today I was able to take care of Emily the puker, finish the paper the way I wanted to, and do A LOT of laundry. Not to mention I took notice of how beautiful the sun was shining today. This day was an amazing gift and suddenly I am looking forward to all of the gifts Spring has to offer.... in a few months. But that's ok. In my mind, I'm already there.
Namaste.
My Psychology professor gave me one of the greatest gifts. Since the beginning of the class, I have had a 350 word paper due every Monday. With Mike & Mary Ann here, and a new boss breathing down my neck, Greg's sinus infection, and now Emily with the stomach flu... my professor has voluntarily given me the opportunity to turn my paper in late without any deductions from the score. While I have been on top of my school work like you can't believe, I suddenly found myself drowning in everything that was happening... all at once. Words can not express how grateful I am for her generosity.
Secondly, my boss scared the crap out of me and had me thinking I would be canned if I didn't get in to train THIS WEEK (never mind that I was pretty much hired for this job last spring and could have ran the entire office by now with the amount of time I could have had to train).
Yesterday while I was in the office he gave me the second gift... Today off. Today I was able to take care of Emily the puker, finish the paper the way I wanted to, and do A LOT of laundry. Not to mention I took notice of how beautiful the sun was shining today. This day was an amazing gift and suddenly I am looking forward to all of the gifts Spring has to offer.... in a few months. But that's ok. In my mind, I'm already there.
Namaste.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Details from the edge...
Saturday, February 3rd, Dennis and I went with Mike & Mary Ann to the 17th Annual Red Hot Night that Shelby Township Fire Department puts on every year. We had a wonderful time. Unfortunately we did not win anything, but the thought of more children being able to go to camp made us very happy. We are thinking that eventually when Emily and Greg are old enough, we will take them and volunteer at the camp.Today Mike & Mary Ann left to go start their new life in Beaufort, South Carolina. Their departure is bittersweet. While we have had a great time with them, and will miss them very much, we know that they are eager to get on with their lives now that they are living back in the States. They have pretty much been in limbo since they were married in October. Now they are on their way "home" to close on their new house, and get back to work. Mike will be stationed in Beaufort, and Mary Ann is retiring from the Navy. She will be looking for other work. I am just envious that this week it will hit 67 degrees in Beaufort!
Macomb Prompt Care opened today. I worked in the practice which is behind the prompt care. MPC saw a grand total of ZERO patients all day, lol. Tomorrow the big sign is going to be put on the building, and the one out by the highway is going to be changed stating that it's open. Lucky for me, I don't have to work tomorrow, so I am going to use that day to get caught up on all of my homework. Things have been insanely crazy around here, and I have missed some English classes. I have a paper due in psych too. So as soon as Emily walks out the door for school, I am going to be VERY busy!
Well, I believe that is about it on this end. It just occurred to me moments ago that I haven't posted anything in a week. It's been very exhausting and I feel myself pulling back from many things. It is getting almost impossible to keep up with everything. Major life changes!
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Time to redecorate!
I have my desktop decorated in a Valentine's Day Theme. Happy Pickings!
http://www.bhg.com/bhg/category.jhtml?categoryid=/templatedata/bhg/category/data/decorate_desktop.xml
http://www.bhg.com/bhg/category.jhtml?categoryid=/templatedata/bhg/category/data/decorate_desktop.xml
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
One Red Hot Night!
I LOVE a good bargain. If you know me personally, you know my kids need for nothing because I am all about the clearance racks. I already have Greg's summer clothes for next year because Childrens Place had shirts and shorts for just over $1 each, right before Christmas. Wahoo!
While sitting in the doctors office yesterday with Beaudreaux who has some awful infection (sinusitis), I noticed he has a hole in his sock.... on top of his foot. How do you get a hole there? So while waiting for his antibiotics to get filled, we went to Target for new socks. 14 pair to be exact. All because of one hole. I promptly got my "chops busted" when I came home. My brother thinks I'm nuts because I got a deal! How can you pass that up?
My brother, Mike & Mary Ann are in from Greece. They found a house in South Carolina, and then came up here for a vacation. They are closing on the home after they go back next week.
So back to the bargains... This Saturday, we have a benefit dinner to go to. Shelby Township Firefighters are having their annual "Red Hot Night". This is a swanky event at Cherry Creek Country Club. All proceeds benefit the Great Lakes Burn Camp for Kids. http://www.greatlakesburncamp.com
Mike & Mary Ann are going with us. So Mary Ann and I went dress shopping today. JcPenny was our first stop. What amazing deals they had! Mary Ann found a stunning floor length gown in a very light blue/turquoise. It is beautiful... and on sale! She picked up a stellar deal on a shawl too. It was $48, but was on sale for 75% off. Well, when it rang up, one of the cashiers blurted out a code, and whatever it was... it gave her like 95% off the shawl! She ended up paying just over $3 for it, lol.
My dress is RED. It is floor length, strapless with a matching red wrap that goes around my shoulders. It was marked $100, but on sale for $70. Great deal... but that's not the best deal I received today... I have been in desperate need of a winter dress coat. I found a full length Gray Wool dress coat. It was regularly $239. I picked it up for a stellar... $53! Problem solved!
We were so excited about our deals. Dennis and Mike are going shopping Thursday. Saturday is the big event, then Sunday is the Superbowl Party. What a weekend it will be!
While sitting in the doctors office yesterday with Beaudreaux who has some awful infection (sinusitis), I noticed he has a hole in his sock.... on top of his foot. How do you get a hole there? So while waiting for his antibiotics to get filled, we went to Target for new socks. 14 pair to be exact. All because of one hole. I promptly got my "chops busted" when I came home. My brother thinks I'm nuts because I got a deal! How can you pass that up?
My brother, Mike & Mary Ann are in from Greece. They found a house in South Carolina, and then came up here for a vacation. They are closing on the home after they go back next week.
So back to the bargains... This Saturday, we have a benefit dinner to go to. Shelby Township Firefighters are having their annual "Red Hot Night". This is a swanky event at Cherry Creek Country Club. All proceeds benefit the Great Lakes Burn Camp for Kids. http://www.greatlakesburncamp.com
Mike & Mary Ann are going with us. So Mary Ann and I went dress shopping today. JcPenny was our first stop. What amazing deals they had! Mary Ann found a stunning floor length gown in a very light blue/turquoise. It is beautiful... and on sale! She picked up a stellar deal on a shawl too. It was $48, but was on sale for 75% off. Well, when it rang up, one of the cashiers blurted out a code, and whatever it was... it gave her like 95% off the shawl! She ended up paying just over $3 for it, lol.
My dress is RED. It is floor length, strapless with a matching red wrap that goes around my shoulders. It was marked $100, but on sale for $70. Great deal... but that's not the best deal I received today... I have been in desperate need of a winter dress coat. I found a full length Gray Wool dress coat. It was regularly $239. I picked it up for a stellar... $53! Problem solved!
We were so excited about our deals. Dennis and Mike are going shopping Thursday. Saturday is the big event, then Sunday is the Superbowl Party. What a weekend it will be!
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Ain't Ain't a word...
I am totally LOVING school. Things have started to even themselves out and life is good. I am doing very well and believe it or not, my psychology class is almost over. I am really going to miss it. It has been fun.
For both of my classes, writing papers is a major part of it. With that comes the need for excellent grammatical skills, which I hope I possess. I was sent this one day and I love it. When I'm reading some of the things that fellow students write in my classes, they sound fine until you hit a word that is misspelled or means a completely different thing. So here it is... enjoy!
I have run into the definitely/defiantly one before as well as someone who had their dog "berried" in a cemetery, people who do not "no" the difference and take things for "granite", grandparents who have "pasted" away, people who are satisfied "costumers" at a store, people who do "coarse" work at school, dogs that are "bread" to have puppies, work that people "redue" and the ever popular taking a village to "raze" a child. I am sure there are more, but those are the ones that come to mind. They often make me smile -- I think because I can so easily visualize things like a dog being "berried."
In the words of my sister..."Use that Blahsmic Vinegar stuff".
For both of my classes, writing papers is a major part of it. With that comes the need for excellent grammatical skills, which I hope I possess. I was sent this one day and I love it. When I'm reading some of the things that fellow students write in my classes, they sound fine until you hit a word that is misspelled or means a completely different thing. So here it is... enjoy!
I have run into the definitely/defiantly one before as well as someone who had their dog "berried" in a cemetery, people who do not "no" the difference and take things for "granite", grandparents who have "pasted" away, people who are satisfied "costumers" at a store, people who do "coarse" work at school, dogs that are "bread" to have puppies, work that people "redue" and the ever popular taking a village to "raze" a child. I am sure there are more, but those are the ones that come to mind. They often make me smile -- I think because I can so easily visualize things like a dog being "berried."
In the words of my sister..."Use that Blahsmic Vinegar stuff".
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Let's Call Him Chuckie
At least that is what Emily wanted to name Greg when he was born. After Jeannie passed away 2 years ago, we inherited a lot of her personal belongings. One of which is a wooden box, that has a photo frame in the top of it. Tonight Emily was going through the box looking at all of Grandma's photo's. When she came across the one of her Grandpa, I noticed that she has his eyebrows. We never did meet him. He passed away in 1992, before I had met Dennis. I always wonder what our relationship would have been like. I have a feeling that we would have gotten along GREAT!
Speaking of Terrance (he does have a name), Dennis was speaking about his Dad today and during his compliments to his father, I suddenly saw his Dads face (in my mind). What does that mean? Was it me just picturing him or was he there? It was almost surreal.
Something else happened to me today that makes me want to reach for the nearest paper bag to hyperventilate into. We are having a Superbowl Party. This is Mr. Disconnected's party. That could also be why he is here, but not "here". So some people have been asking if kids were allowed to come. Our kids will be here and if people can't find anyone to watch them, they are more than welcome to come... (some kids are ALWAYS invited because we know they are great kids). So while waiting for said Chuckie's bus to come, Dennis was talking to a co-worker on the phone. Mr. Co-worker is bringing his 3 horrendous children to the party. He didn't even ask if he could. He just blurted it out to Den. I could have dug my nails into the dashboard (we were waiting in the car as it is well below freezing here.
Flashback to last year... While everyone was having a great time watching the Superbowl downstairs, their children were jumping on my living room furniture, they were in my bedroom and had knocked everyone's coats onto the floor, they destroyed both Emily and Greg's rooms, and they were fighting. I spent our party babysitting other peoples kids, or shoving them down the stairs to find their parents rather. I told Dennis NO WAY! I am NOT dealing with this again. The kids were extremely disrespectful of my home, and my childrens feelings (about their rooms). So... this year, Den is keeping all the toys out downstairs and is going to make a little area for them to play. All children are to stay with their parents or play downstairs. PERIOD. The QUEEN has spoken, and trust me. You think this is mean... YOU HAVEN'T SEEN ANYTHING YET!
Speaking of Terrance (he does have a name), Dennis was speaking about his Dad today and during his compliments to his father, I suddenly saw his Dads face (in my mind). What does that mean? Was it me just picturing him or was he there? It was almost surreal.
Something else happened to me today that makes me want to reach for the nearest paper bag to hyperventilate into. We are having a Superbowl Party. This is Mr. Disconnected's party. That could also be why he is here, but not "here". So some people have been asking if kids were allowed to come. Our kids will be here and if people can't find anyone to watch them, they are more than welcome to come... (some kids are ALWAYS invited because we know they are great kids). So while waiting for said Chuckie's bus to come, Dennis was talking to a co-worker on the phone. Mr. Co-worker is bringing his 3 horrendous children to the party. He didn't even ask if he could. He just blurted it out to Den. I could have dug my nails into the dashboard (we were waiting in the car as it is well below freezing here.
Flashback to last year... While everyone was having a great time watching the Superbowl downstairs, their children were jumping on my living room furniture, they were in my bedroom and had knocked everyone's coats onto the floor, they destroyed both Emily and Greg's rooms, and they were fighting. I spent our party babysitting other peoples kids, or shoving them down the stairs to find their parents rather. I told Dennis NO WAY! I am NOT dealing with this again. The kids were extremely disrespectful of my home, and my childrens feelings (about their rooms). So... this year, Den is keeping all the toys out downstairs and is going to make a little area for them to play. All children are to stay with their parents or play downstairs. PERIOD. The QUEEN has spoken, and trust me. You think this is mean... YOU HAVEN'T SEEN ANYTHING YET!
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Strike a Pose!
On Sunday I paid a visit to our favorite fruit & veggie market, Nino Salvaggio's. Here's a little triva for you... The strawberries on their sign represent the first item they sold. Nino Salvaggio used to sell Strawberries on the corner of a busy intersection in St. Clair Shores. His little road side stand did so well, that he started selling other veggies too. Now they are a chain!
So back to Nino's... www.ninosalvaggio.com . As you walk into our Nino's, you go through the front door and are in somewhat large area that has produce on either side of the aisle. In the time it took me to buy 1 package of romaine lettuce, and 1 container of spring mix, approximately 20 people, buggies included, cruised past me. As soon as I walked in, the smell of hyacinths hit me. Spring is in the air. The mob that had blown my doors off in the vestibule had all congregated in the produce section. My immediate thought, "What was I thinking?! Who in their right mind goes to Nino's on a Sunday? I should have came on a Tuesday immediately after putting child B on the bus!"
I made my way through the section buying incredibly fresh bananas, fresh mushrooms to go with the prime rib I had planned for dinner, tomatoes, and 5 cucumbers for little boy blue, aka; child B, or Greg. It was a nightmare to navigate. Luckily everyone was cheerful and that made it better. Note to self... NEVER leave your buggy if even for a moment in that chaos. You will never see it again.
Prior to my shopping excursion, I had asked Mr. Disconnected to fax in a lunch meat order for me. This way they will have it done and waiting at the cheese counter. If you get anything at all out of his name, you will know that it wasn't done. I am chalking that up to Sunday being his Mom's birthday. She died 2 years ago on the 17th. I let him off the hook as he's been a little spacey lately. Pattie & Mark came for dinner that night, and she can attest that I did get a little snippy with Mr. D because I asked him 4 times to make a salad. Meanwhile, I had to build a barstool, clean the bathrooms, vacuum the living room, sweep the kitchen floor and cut mushrooms. I got all accomplished with the exception of the mushrooms which Pattie did a stellar job cutting and the salad, which I finally got the point across to Mr. D that I REALLY needed him to make. So back to Nino's.
After stocking up on the goods, I headed to the grocery section. Something happened. I think it happened right in that area. I found espresso. I have been looking for that! I have been looking for that for Y...E...A... R... S to bake with. Now I don't have the recipe and don't need it, but I was so blown away. It was like a revelation. After I got over my excitement, I continued on my quest, remembering to buy milk. I bought a few other things, and by the time I reached the check out, I was ready to strike a pose...
So back to Nino's... www.ninosalvaggio.com . As you walk into our Nino's, you go through the front door and are in somewhat large area that has produce on either side of the aisle. In the time it took me to buy 1 package of romaine lettuce, and 1 container of spring mix, approximately 20 people, buggies included, cruised past me. As soon as I walked in, the smell of hyacinths hit me. Spring is in the air. The mob that had blown my doors off in the vestibule had all congregated in the produce section. My immediate thought, "What was I thinking?! Who in their right mind goes to Nino's on a Sunday? I should have came on a Tuesday immediately after putting child B on the bus!"
I made my way through the section buying incredibly fresh bananas, fresh mushrooms to go with the prime rib I had planned for dinner, tomatoes, and 5 cucumbers for little boy blue, aka; child B, or Greg. It was a nightmare to navigate. Luckily everyone was cheerful and that made it better. Note to self... NEVER leave your buggy if even for a moment in that chaos. You will never see it again.
Prior to my shopping excursion, I had asked Mr. Disconnected to fax in a lunch meat order for me. This way they will have it done and waiting at the cheese counter. If you get anything at all out of his name, you will know that it wasn't done. I am chalking that up to Sunday being his Mom's birthday. She died 2 years ago on the 17th. I let him off the hook as he's been a little spacey lately. Pattie & Mark came for dinner that night, and she can attest that I did get a little snippy with Mr. D because I asked him 4 times to make a salad. Meanwhile, I had to build a barstool, clean the bathrooms, vacuum the living room, sweep the kitchen floor and cut mushrooms. I got all accomplished with the exception of the mushrooms which Pattie did a stellar job cutting and the salad, which I finally got the point across to Mr. D that I REALLY needed him to make. So back to Nino's.
After stocking up on the goods, I headed to the grocery section. Something happened. I think it happened right in that area. I found espresso. I have been looking for that! I have been looking for that for Y...E...A... R... S to bake with. Now I don't have the recipe and don't need it, but I was so blown away. It was like a revelation. After I got over my excitement, I continued on my quest, remembering to buy milk. I bought a few other things, and by the time I reached the check out, I was ready to strike a pose...
I have no idea what it is about that store. Maybe it's the stunning flowers all smiling at you when you come through the door with the rush of hyacinth in the air. The apples look like they've been rubbed with diapers. Almost every employee I have encountered there greets you with a smile. They have things you would never imagine to find there. Including a great selection of wines for connoseurs like me :o) . They have a juice section that would blow your mind. The Vitamin C blast won my vote last time. Next visit, it will be the pineapple banana variety.
Finally at the check out, I had a great conversation with the cashier as always. Different girl, different day, same great conversation. Their theory on the crowd had to do with the weather... the earth shattering 3 inches of snow that we never got. Regardless, the cashier said I was being good because I did succumb to 1 Lindt Chocolate Raspberry Truffle, and not her normal fist full. ;o) I wonder how she stays so thin? Ah it doesn't matter... Namaste.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Where's Waldo?
What a goofy cat. Never before has he done this. I was putting towels away and Pumpkin jumped into the linen closet immediately after I opened the door.
Oh and the frayed peach towel above him - (L) is the last gift I received from my Grandma right before she died... in 1988. I can't part with it and it's falling apart.
Goofy Kitty!
Thursday, January 18, 2007
For Daddy
I have been thinking of my Dad so much lately. Today he consumed almost every thought. He is doing well and should be going home in the next day or two. I just wanted him to know how appreciated he is. In my English class, we have been reading a lot of poems and short stories. I have NEVER had something affect me as much as this poem has.
Those Winter Sundays
Robert Hayden
Sundays too my father got up early and put his clothes on in the blueblack cold,
then with cracked hands that ached from labor in the weekday weather made
banked fires blaze. No one ever thanked him.
I'd wake and hear the cold splintering, breaking.
When the rooms were warm, he'd call,
and slowly I would rise and dress,
fearing the chronic angers of that house,
Speaking indifferently to him,
who had driven out the cold
and polished my good shoes as well.
What did I know, what did I know
of love's austere and lonely offices?
Those Winter Sundays
Robert Hayden
Sundays too my father got up early and put his clothes on in the blueblack cold,
then with cracked hands that ached from labor in the weekday weather made
banked fires blaze. No one ever thanked him.
I'd wake and hear the cold splintering, breaking.
When the rooms were warm, he'd call,
and slowly I would rise and dress,
fearing the chronic angers of that house,
Speaking indifferently to him,
who had driven out the cold
and polished my good shoes as well.
What did I know, what did I know
of love's austere and lonely offices?
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Post Meltdown...
I am sorry that I haven't been on in a while. Most of you are already aware that on Monday night, my Dad had a stroke. It's been chaotic at best around here. We had just gotten back from catechism and Emily called Nana to chat. Nana immediately told her to put me on the phone. To make a long story short, he was having a stroke.
EMS driving skills come in handy when you are in a major hurry to get somewhere. I am the furthest away and beat the ambulance to the hospital. I waited outside the ER enterance because I didn't see the fire department truck there yet. They arrived moments later. When I saw my Dad, my heart broke. My very strong Daddy was a mess. He was very upset and even more so when he saw his family in the ER.
They found out he had a clot in his brain, so they gave him a thrombolytic drug to dissolve it. On Monday night when this happened, he had facial drooping, extremely slurred speech, and no use of his right hand at all. I can't believe this happened to my Dad when he just retired in August. He is supposed to be home watching Fog Horn Leghorn pick chicklets off of the bird feeder.
I saved my meltdown for today. This was the final straw... I had my meltdown. Emily woke up a bear this morning and I had to make her stay in her room until we left for school (it was safer for her there). Greg's bus driver decided to come early and as we were running out the door, she left. Dennis had to take Greg all the way to school. I sobbed to Dawn (my cousin) all the way to the hospital (via cell phone) about how overwhelmed I am with school, keeping the home straight, a new job starting soon, and most importantly my Dad. I just couldn't handle it any longer.
Not to mention that I would like to clean my English Teachers clock. She is so disorganized that I have NO idea what it is we are supposed to be doing... that is until today. I wrote down EVERYTHING she said today in my notebook. She flips between 3 different books, one of which has almost 2000 pages in it and very small print. She flips out at us for not reading a story in the book, until someone tells her that we're not supposed to read that story until next Monday. Hellloooooooooo!? So I'm hoping that my fabulous note taking skills will pay off.
Back to the hospital. (Now I'm sounding like the English Teacher). I walked into my Dad's room in ICU. The view was breath taking. My Dad was sitting up in a chair reading the newspaper, and across from him is my Mom, knitting. The TV was on and they were just doing their "thing". The only deficits that I can see on my Dad as of today involve his right hand. He can move his fingers, however not his thumb. It is very weak. It was almost humorous to see him try and fold a newspaper. Try doing this without using your thumb on your dominant hand. He successfully folded it into a ball, lol.
My Dad looks like not a thing has happened to him. He looks exactly the way he should, just in the wrong place. I thoroughly enjoyed this site and visiting with him. During the visit, my Mom says, "You won't believe what I did". My Dad and I both say simultaneously, "We'll believe it". lol.
I'm not sure what the next course of action is for him, but I do know that it involves his cessation of drinking, and that we will all be visiting him soon for a family meeting involving his newly acquired psychologist. No more sugarcoating, or "truth" altering will they be doing. Those days are over and Mark and I both agree... We're not willing to give up our Dad for a drink. It isn't going to happen.
That has been my week and here it is only Wednesday. I am worn out, and I've also decided that I'm going to take more online classes when they are available.
Oh and one more thing... I talked to my new "boss" at the Urgent Care today. He cleared the air on some issues for me. It sounded like the "chiefs" from the doctors office were going to be migrating to the Urgent Care to work. I was a little concerned, because I need a flexible schedule. A lot of them are working on "fixed" schedules. I was almost scared out of a job. He is my boss, he is my scheduler and I can tell.... it's going to be a great place to work. Nothing like having a boss that once held the position of a "tech". He knows my abilities, and he knows the job, because he's done it!
And that is my .02 cents for the day. Now back to my regularly scheduled program of psy 111.
EMS driving skills come in handy when you are in a major hurry to get somewhere. I am the furthest away and beat the ambulance to the hospital. I waited outside the ER enterance because I didn't see the fire department truck there yet. They arrived moments later. When I saw my Dad, my heart broke. My very strong Daddy was a mess. He was very upset and even more so when he saw his family in the ER.
They found out he had a clot in his brain, so they gave him a thrombolytic drug to dissolve it. On Monday night when this happened, he had facial drooping, extremely slurred speech, and no use of his right hand at all. I can't believe this happened to my Dad when he just retired in August. He is supposed to be home watching Fog Horn Leghorn pick chicklets off of the bird feeder.
I saved my meltdown for today. This was the final straw... I had my meltdown. Emily woke up a bear this morning and I had to make her stay in her room until we left for school (it was safer for her there). Greg's bus driver decided to come early and as we were running out the door, she left. Dennis had to take Greg all the way to school. I sobbed to Dawn (my cousin) all the way to the hospital (via cell phone) about how overwhelmed I am with school, keeping the home straight, a new job starting soon, and most importantly my Dad. I just couldn't handle it any longer.
Not to mention that I would like to clean my English Teachers clock. She is so disorganized that I have NO idea what it is we are supposed to be doing... that is until today. I wrote down EVERYTHING she said today in my notebook. She flips between 3 different books, one of which has almost 2000 pages in it and very small print. She flips out at us for not reading a story in the book, until someone tells her that we're not supposed to read that story until next Monday. Hellloooooooooo!? So I'm hoping that my fabulous note taking skills will pay off.
Back to the hospital. (Now I'm sounding like the English Teacher). I walked into my Dad's room in ICU. The view was breath taking. My Dad was sitting up in a chair reading the newspaper, and across from him is my Mom, knitting. The TV was on and they were just doing their "thing". The only deficits that I can see on my Dad as of today involve his right hand. He can move his fingers, however not his thumb. It is very weak. It was almost humorous to see him try and fold a newspaper. Try doing this without using your thumb on your dominant hand. He successfully folded it into a ball, lol.
My Dad looks like not a thing has happened to him. He looks exactly the way he should, just in the wrong place. I thoroughly enjoyed this site and visiting with him. During the visit, my Mom says, "You won't believe what I did". My Dad and I both say simultaneously, "We'll believe it". lol.
I'm not sure what the next course of action is for him, but I do know that it involves his cessation of drinking, and that we will all be visiting him soon for a family meeting involving his newly acquired psychologist. No more sugarcoating, or "truth" altering will they be doing. Those days are over and Mark and I both agree... We're not willing to give up our Dad for a drink. It isn't going to happen.
That has been my week and here it is only Wednesday. I am worn out, and I've also decided that I'm going to take more online classes when they are available.
Oh and one more thing... I talked to my new "boss" at the Urgent Care today. He cleared the air on some issues for me. It sounded like the "chiefs" from the doctors office were going to be migrating to the Urgent Care to work. I was a little concerned, because I need a flexible schedule. A lot of them are working on "fixed" schedules. I was almost scared out of a job. He is my boss, he is my scheduler and I can tell.... it's going to be a great place to work. Nothing like having a boss that once held the position of a "tech". He knows my abilities, and he knows the job, because he's done it!
And that is my .02 cents for the day. Now back to my regularly scheduled program of psy 111.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Somebody slap me please....
Today I went to the doctors office to train on the computers. After 1 day of being there I'm asking myself... WHAT AM I THINKING?! Am I completely out of my mind? School and now a new job? Holy ****! The saving grace that I am holding onto, is the fact that there will probably be times that we are sitting for quite along time between patients. Not to mention that I will be working with Doctors and PA's. Just the tutors a girl needs in my quest!
It is very wild to be a patient in that office and to then see the other side. When we started going there, Emily was 1.5 years old. There were four doctors in the practice. They had paper charts in a rack that sat up by the front desk. Now, there are about 14 Doctors, 6 phone room people answering 28 phone lines, computers everywhere. It is insane. I love it. I love our Doctors because they are fresh, aggressive, and on the cutting edge of the latest technology and treatment plans. They are flexible with treatments and not so quick to pull out the prescription tablet before finding another "method". During their "transition" from not automated to automated, they had a MAJOR glitch with their phone system. I actually sent in a fax telling him that we were all sick. We had green "goo" and went on with the symptoms. Our amazing doc called in prescriptions without even seeing us. What a wonderful guy. Had my mom not been in Intensive Care at the time, we would have gone to see him, but it wasn't totally possible at that moment.
Anyway, that is the scoop. Oh.. the third practice is scheduled to open next week, however the IT people haven't been there and they can't function without computers. So that looks to be pushed back. The Urgent Care has a start date of 2/1, but they are hoping to push that back too. They would rather lose money and open when they are "ready" rather than rush it. I'll keep you posted.
Now back to our regularly scheduled program.... Psy 101.
It is very wild to be a patient in that office and to then see the other side. When we started going there, Emily was 1.5 years old. There were four doctors in the practice. They had paper charts in a rack that sat up by the front desk. Now, there are about 14 Doctors, 6 phone room people answering 28 phone lines, computers everywhere. It is insane. I love it. I love our Doctors because they are fresh, aggressive, and on the cutting edge of the latest technology and treatment plans. They are flexible with treatments and not so quick to pull out the prescription tablet before finding another "method". During their "transition" from not automated to automated, they had a MAJOR glitch with their phone system. I actually sent in a fax telling him that we were all sick. We had green "goo" and went on with the symptoms. Our amazing doc called in prescriptions without even seeing us. What a wonderful guy. Had my mom not been in Intensive Care at the time, we would have gone to see him, but it wasn't totally possible at that moment.
Anyway, that is the scoop. Oh.. the third practice is scheduled to open next week, however the IT people haven't been there and they can't function without computers. So that looks to be pushed back. The Urgent Care has a start date of 2/1, but they are hoping to push that back too. They would rather lose money and open when they are "ready" rather than rush it. I'll keep you posted.
Now back to our regularly scheduled program.... Psy 101.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Somewhat relieved...
U.S. Embassy Damage in Greek Blast Scant
http://www.comcast.net/news/index.jsp?cat=GENERAL&fn=/2007/01/12/560931.html&cvqh=itn_athens
My brother Mike and sister-in-law Mary Ann are on a plane as I type this, moving back to the States. I am so relieved. They didn't work at the Embassy, but whatever wack job shot a rocket at the U.S. Embassy, may know that not too far away, there is a Naval Base. They flew out of Athens today.
http://www.comcast.net/news/index.jsp?cat=GENERAL&fn=/2007/01/12/560931.html&cvqh=itn_athens
My brother Mike and sister-in-law Mary Ann are on a plane as I type this, moving back to the States. I am so relieved. They didn't work at the Embassy, but whatever wack job shot a rocket at the U.S. Embassy, may know that not too far away, there is a Naval Base. They flew out of Athens today.
Dietary Confinements...
It appears that a lot of us are on the same bandwagon with diet. (See comments from yesterdays post) Yesterday I took the kids to a birthday party at Pump it Up. Afterwards there was pizza and chocolate cake. Who in their right mind can resist chocolate cake? Well I did it. I didn't eat the pizza and I avoided the chocolate cake. In fact, the meer sight of the chocolate cake reminded me of the tremendous heartburn I've been having this week. I'm not having it any longer thanks to Emily's stockpile of Prilosec she is no longer taking.
Today in Emily's lunch I packed... PB & J, the jelly is from Tastefully Simple, the Strawberry Rhubarb spread that has less sugar than traditional jelly. A fruit cup packed in juices. A juicy juice (I even checked the label to make sure there was no high-fructose anything in it, and a small treat. When I see what kids bring into lunch (when I'm there), it is flooring. No wonder they come back from lunch all buzzed up. I am very careful to make sure they aren't eating a bunch of junk. When Emily, the resident junk food junkie, asks for a piece of candy or a treat, my first response is... how many pieces of fruit & veggies have you eaten today? She then knows she has to opt for a better choice.
Greg on the other hand is a GREAT eater. He will choose tomatoes over anything else. In fact, yesterday at the birthday party, he didn't want cake. He loves veggies, loves peppers, onions, tomatos. He's a great eater and we give him everything we eat, because he will eat it. We've also had to train Emily not to "Yuck my Yum".
Conner, who lives next door is a good eater. All of their kids are. He used to take tomatoes with lemon pepper to school in his lunch until a little girl yucked his yum. After that, he stopped. I had a little chat with him and apparently he is taking them again. Kids can be so bad.
Anyway, I have A LOT on my plate for today. I have lots of reading and writing between my two classes. Dennis is at work for 72 hours. He went in yesterday and won't be home until Sunday morning. I am training at the doctors office for my new job at the Urgent Care, which is slated to start Feb 1? I question it because if everything had been on schedule with the build-out and all, I would have been working since the beginning of December. Even now, I am hopeful that it won't start until after Feb 9th... which is when our house guests will be leaving.
Adios!
Today in Emily's lunch I packed... PB & J, the jelly is from Tastefully Simple, the Strawberry Rhubarb spread that has less sugar than traditional jelly. A fruit cup packed in juices. A juicy juice (I even checked the label to make sure there was no high-fructose anything in it, and a small treat. When I see what kids bring into lunch (when I'm there), it is flooring. No wonder they come back from lunch all buzzed up. I am very careful to make sure they aren't eating a bunch of junk. When Emily, the resident junk food junkie, asks for a piece of candy or a treat, my first response is... how many pieces of fruit & veggies have you eaten today? She then knows she has to opt for a better choice.
Greg on the other hand is a GREAT eater. He will choose tomatoes over anything else. In fact, yesterday at the birthday party, he didn't want cake. He loves veggies, loves peppers, onions, tomatos. He's a great eater and we give him everything we eat, because he will eat it. We've also had to train Emily not to "Yuck my Yum".
Conner, who lives next door is a good eater. All of their kids are. He used to take tomatoes with lemon pepper to school in his lunch until a little girl yucked his yum. After that, he stopped. I had a little chat with him and apparently he is taking them again. Kids can be so bad.
Anyway, I have A LOT on my plate for today. I have lots of reading and writing between my two classes. Dennis is at work for 72 hours. He went in yesterday and won't be home until Sunday morning. I am training at the doctors office for my new job at the Urgent Care, which is slated to start Feb 1? I question it because if everything had been on schedule with the build-out and all, I would have been working since the beginning of December. Even now, I am hopeful that it won't start until after Feb 9th... which is when our house guests will be leaving.
Adios!
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Oops I did it again...
Eewww, I shouldn't have titled it this way. I'm so sick of Brittney Spears, Rosie and Donald. WHO CARES ALREADY! But with my next paragraph, the title relates...
An update... First off, let me apologize for the delay. In my feeble attempts on fixing the desktop computer, I somehow managed to screw myself out of logging into the blogger. I can only access it from the laptop for some very odd reason. Any tips on this one?
Melanie and Pattie, you were both right. Starbucks does not franchise out. So I wrote them a letter. I told them where I want my store, and they are escalating my request to the people that handle that. I'm hoping for one on the main road that I take to school, since I will be traveling that road quite often in the next few years.
The lifestyle change... I've received a few questions on this one. We're being careful to avoid partially hydrogenated products. We're not eating things that are just "heated Up" unless we know what's in them. A veggie or fruit gets served at every meal. If it isn't a fresh fruit, it isn't packed in syrup. Veggies are steamed with a bit of salt on them. Sometimes little butter if I'm feeling nice to them, but honestly, with salt, you can't tell the difference between that and butter... to me anyway.
I'm down 4 pounds. My jeans are getting bigger. Almost sloppy looking, but that's fine with me. I did buy pop tarts the other day. First time in over 2 years... only because hypoglycemic boy had an issue that morning, and was requesting them. I know, totally tabu, but when his sugar drops, we feed him. Lots of protein, but initially we need the quickest fix possible to keep him from throwing up. So a pop tart works wonders, then we move on to good foods. The kids went nuts over the pop tarts, because they haven't seen them in so long.
I just want to be healthier, I want my family to be healthier. I want us all to live long, full lives and to me, the change is well worth it. They all agree.
GMA (Good Morning America) is doing this series this week on "What can't you live without?" Yesterday the girl was addicted to make up. I can live without make up. Wouldn't bother me at all. Today... coffee. Hmmmm. The test girl on there made it about 4 days I think. I missed the end of it, because Emily came in to tell me a story. Personally... I think I could live without coffee, but to me, it is so comforting. I love it. I just wish it would come in white so that my teeth would be whiter, lol.
An update... First off, let me apologize for the delay. In my feeble attempts on fixing the desktop computer, I somehow managed to screw myself out of logging into the blogger. I can only access it from the laptop for some very odd reason. Any tips on this one?
Melanie and Pattie, you were both right. Starbucks does not franchise out. So I wrote them a letter. I told them where I want my store, and they are escalating my request to the people that handle that. I'm hoping for one on the main road that I take to school, since I will be traveling that road quite often in the next few years.
The lifestyle change... I've received a few questions on this one. We're being careful to avoid partially hydrogenated products. We're not eating things that are just "heated Up" unless we know what's in them. A veggie or fruit gets served at every meal. If it isn't a fresh fruit, it isn't packed in syrup. Veggies are steamed with a bit of salt on them. Sometimes little butter if I'm feeling nice to them, but honestly, with salt, you can't tell the difference between that and butter... to me anyway.
I'm down 4 pounds. My jeans are getting bigger. Almost sloppy looking, but that's fine with me. I did buy pop tarts the other day. First time in over 2 years... only because hypoglycemic boy had an issue that morning, and was requesting them. I know, totally tabu, but when his sugar drops, we feed him. Lots of protein, but initially we need the quickest fix possible to keep him from throwing up. So a pop tart works wonders, then we move on to good foods. The kids went nuts over the pop tarts, because they haven't seen them in so long.
I just want to be healthier, I want my family to be healthier. I want us all to live long, full lives and to me, the change is well worth it. They all agree.
GMA (Good Morning America) is doing this series this week on "What can't you live without?" Yesterday the girl was addicted to make up. I can live without make up. Wouldn't bother me at all. Today... coffee. Hmmmm. The test girl on there made it about 4 days I think. I missed the end of it, because Emily came in to tell me a story. Personally... I think I could live without coffee, but to me, it is so comforting. I love it. I just wish it would come in white so that my teeth would be whiter, lol.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
It's been 9 days...
It's been over a week since I announced our family's New Years Resolutions. So far, so good. I don't know exactly how much weight I've lost, mostly because I am avoiding the scale. I wanted to do this to change my lifestyle and eating habits. Hopefully the weight loss will just be an added benefit of this. So far I can say that it feels like my jeans are getting looser on me. That is a key item that I wanting out of this.
It is so nice to have the family on board for this venture. It makes it so much easier. I am cooking a lot more too, and from those that know me on this level, you know that I can not cook, but I can bake anything. As Emily once said, "For someone that watches Food Network all the time, you'd think she could cook!". Yes... out of the mouth of babes.
I've been making a lot of things out of the cookbook that Donna gave me. "Sonoma Diet Cook Book". The food has been amazingly good. I made the Garden Pot Roast on Sunday and let's put it this way... The child that thinks her mom can't cook, went back for 3 extra helpings of a dish she "says" she can't stand.
I've noticed a couple of things already.
1. Bready things are giving me heartburn, as well as chocolate. I guess that's not such a bad thing. But the heartburn is bad enough to make me avoid them at all cost.
2. I feel amazingly good. I'm not craving anything. Wait take that back. I craved coke like you couldn't imagine. This weekend, I did break down and had one, but I did split it with someone. But that was only on Saturday, and I haven't had any pop since then.
So, wish me well on this journey as I wish you well and send good karmic thoughts out for you as well.... Namaste
It is so nice to have the family on board for this venture. It makes it so much easier. I am cooking a lot more too, and from those that know me on this level, you know that I can not cook, but I can bake anything. As Emily once said, "For someone that watches Food Network all the time, you'd think she could cook!". Yes... out of the mouth of babes.
I've been making a lot of things out of the cookbook that Donna gave me. "Sonoma Diet Cook Book". The food has been amazingly good. I made the Garden Pot Roast on Sunday and let's put it this way... The child that thinks her mom can't cook, went back for 3 extra helpings of a dish she "says" she can't stand.
I've noticed a couple of things already.
1. Bready things are giving me heartburn, as well as chocolate. I guess that's not such a bad thing. But the heartburn is bad enough to make me avoid them at all cost.
2. I feel amazingly good. I'm not craving anything. Wait take that back. I craved coke like you couldn't imagine. This weekend, I did break down and had one, but I did split it with someone. But that was only on Saturday, and I haven't had any pop since then.
So, wish me well on this journey as I wish you well and send good karmic thoughts out for you as well.... Namaste
Monday, January 08, 2007
Help Wanted...
I've come to a realization while driving to my English class today. I don't believe there are any Starbucks in Clinton Township. I would have given anything for a Gingerbread or Pumpkin Spice latte, but the nearest starbucks was out of the way.
So, for any of you that are looking for a niche... if you are in danger of being laid-off, or if you are a stay at home mom looking for something to do.. I urge you, open up a Starbucks Franchise on Garfield Road. If you know Starbucks, you have to know it will be lucerative and your dear old friend and/or sister (Mark & Pattie) will definitely be a good customer!
Today was my first English Class. It is very wild to return to college at this age. The last time I set foot through a college door was in 1994. When I stood at the front of the classroom doing my introduction, as we were all required to do, and made that statement, there were gasps coming from all over. By my returning to college, I have raised the age of Mrs. Barbara Haggerty's English Comp 101 by about 16 years. Approximately 15% of the class are people my age, and the rest have just gotten out of high school. Oh the joy.
I must say that it was very interesting to sit in that class today. The teacher has a quirky sense of humor which I throughly enjoyed. Comments were flying from all corners of the room on how bizarre this woman is, while I sat there just smiling and engrossed in her every word.
On the way out the door, Mr. 30 something-year-old Ford Buyout guy that I sat next too says, "She's nuttier than a fruitcake". This coming from a man that has taken this class, then Comp II, but has to repeat this class to get a higher grade.
The funny thing is that I can see myself making the same comments about 16 years ago, but today... I thought she was pretty cool. I think this is going to be a fun semester. Besides... It could be a WHOLE lot worse!
Now I'm off to find a "Functionalism for Dummies" book.
So, for any of you that are looking for a niche... if you are in danger of being laid-off, or if you are a stay at home mom looking for something to do.. I urge you, open up a Starbucks Franchise on Garfield Road. If you know Starbucks, you have to know it will be lucerative and your dear old friend and/or sister (Mark & Pattie) will definitely be a good customer!
Today was my first English Class. It is very wild to return to college at this age. The last time I set foot through a college door was in 1994. When I stood at the front of the classroom doing my introduction, as we were all required to do, and made that statement, there were gasps coming from all over. By my returning to college, I have raised the age of Mrs. Barbara Haggerty's English Comp 101 by about 16 years. Approximately 15% of the class are people my age, and the rest have just gotten out of high school. Oh the joy.
I must say that it was very interesting to sit in that class today. The teacher has a quirky sense of humor which I throughly enjoyed. Comments were flying from all corners of the room on how bizarre this woman is, while I sat there just smiling and engrossed in her every word.
On the way out the door, Mr. 30 something-year-old Ford Buyout guy that I sat next too says, "She's nuttier than a fruitcake". This coming from a man that has taken this class, then Comp II, but has to repeat this class to get a higher grade.
The funny thing is that I can see myself making the same comments about 16 years ago, but today... I thought she was pretty cool. I think this is going to be a fun semester. Besides... It could be a WHOLE lot worse!
Now I'm off to find a "Functionalism for Dummies" book.
Tip O' the Day
Never go in to Meijer (grocery store) when you are in a hurry - and there are senior citizen busses parked out front. Today in my travels to satisfy the 5 year olds craving for a pop tart, I found out that Department 50 means "custodial" and when they are screaming it over the intercom, it must be something big. Personally I've never seen a gallon of milk explode that way... and I saw it twice within 15 minutes. On my way out, I also got to see Shelby' finest Firefighters coming to someone's aid.
I hope Greg enjoys the Pop-Tart.
I hope Greg enjoys the Pop-Tart.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Hook, Line and Sinker...
Microsoft got me. Yesterday, I worked very hard on my homework for my online class, then we went to a birthday party for Shelby. I saved my work on my little memory stick. When we returned, I plugged it in and pulled up my work. Thanks to Microsoft, it was completely locked. I couldn't access it at all. I could see it, but not move it, copy it, delete it. Nothing.
Out came the credit card and I bought the student/teacher verison of Microsoft Office. For $149, I must say that I now feel it was money well spent. I was able to work with my school work and get it all in on time. I still am not liking that company because of their ethics, but some of my hostility comes from dealing with the people at HP as well. Why on earth would they sell a program when you build your computer, that would force you to get a new full version of that same program?
Regardless of whatever their answer is... my mind is at ease on the laptop. Once the disk comes with the other information, I am going to try and put it on the home computer. I did call the family computer geek, and he wasn't sure what was happening, although I think with his current position at work, he is less up to date than before. If things keep acting goofy, I will most definitely be calling the friend -computer geek guy. He works wonders.
I would just like to add one more thing to put things into perspective. Our New Years resolution as a family included the following things: We will only eat out 1 time per month, as a family. There will be no stopping to "grab" something, and definitely NO fast food. Period. There will also be NO impulse buying. We are trying to save more money now, and of course, the computer is acting goofy, Microsoft was trying to get blood out of a rock, and oh... Thursday the garage door opener broke. A company is coming to install a new one tomorrow.
I need a good yoga class.
Out came the credit card and I bought the student/teacher verison of Microsoft Office. For $149, I must say that I now feel it was money well spent. I was able to work with my school work and get it all in on time. I still am not liking that company because of their ethics, but some of my hostility comes from dealing with the people at HP as well. Why on earth would they sell a program when you build your computer, that would force you to get a new full version of that same program?
Regardless of whatever their answer is... my mind is at ease on the laptop. Once the disk comes with the other information, I am going to try and put it on the home computer. I did call the family computer geek, and he wasn't sure what was happening, although I think with his current position at work, he is less up to date than before. If things keep acting goofy, I will most definitely be calling the friend -computer geek guy. He works wonders.
I would just like to add one more thing to put things into perspective. Our New Years resolution as a family included the following things: We will only eat out 1 time per month, as a family. There will be no stopping to "grab" something, and definitely NO fast food. Period. There will also be NO impulse buying. We are trying to save more money now, and of course, the computer is acting goofy, Microsoft was trying to get blood out of a rock, and oh... Thursday the garage door opener broke. A company is coming to install a new one tomorrow.
I need a good yoga class.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Please Send Good Karma
I think we are having a "disturbance" in this house. Many of you know... we used to have HORRENDOUS computer problems. They were so bad, that every time we would complain, we got the standard reply, "BUY A NEW COMPUTER". We dumped so much money into this computer that it is sick. How could we ever buy a new computer?
I found this awesome guy. He owned a computer store up the road from us. He is related to a friend of ours. He cleaned it out, tweaked it up, added software. He can make anything run. Unfortunately the rent on the store was $4,000 per month, and the ended up having to close the store. So he does it out of his home. Now I need to find that phone number!
There is something seriously wrong with our home pc. As I type this, I am on the laptop at the dining room table. I just finished doing a few things with my online class, and am taking a little "mental break" before jumping back in again.
So a couple days ago - Thursday as a matter of fact, I posted what a horrendous day it was. I have learned that I do not like Microsoft. I like their products, but the fact that they charge an arm and leg for them, then want $35 just to talk to you, blows my mind. I talked to them twice only to be told this. The girl on the phone the second time wouldn't even answer a yes or no question.
So, you know what... I'm going to throw this out to you in cyberspace. I think I made a huge mistake. With the laptop, I bought a program that has MS word on it. I knew I was going to need it for school. Well that same program comes with a bunch of other programs on it. MS money for one. We are trying to set up a budget here at home, so I thought that would be great on the home PC. So I downloaded it to the home computer. That's where everything has started going downhill. I think that the "product key" on the back of that CD went into my home computer, and now I can't use the product key on my laptop! Does anyone know anything about this? Is there a limit of 1 use per product key on MS products?
I have been through enough with these computers and with my online class going on now, I don't have time for this. I'm ready to pull out the credit card, and surrender at the mercy of another product key for the word program. Anything to make it work!
I found this awesome guy. He owned a computer store up the road from us. He is related to a friend of ours. He cleaned it out, tweaked it up, added software. He can make anything run. Unfortunately the rent on the store was $4,000 per month, and the ended up having to close the store. So he does it out of his home. Now I need to find that phone number!
There is something seriously wrong with our home pc. As I type this, I am on the laptop at the dining room table. I just finished doing a few things with my online class, and am taking a little "mental break" before jumping back in again.
So a couple days ago - Thursday as a matter of fact, I posted what a horrendous day it was. I have learned that I do not like Microsoft. I like their products, but the fact that they charge an arm and leg for them, then want $35 just to talk to you, blows my mind. I talked to them twice only to be told this. The girl on the phone the second time wouldn't even answer a yes or no question.
So, you know what... I'm going to throw this out to you in cyberspace. I think I made a huge mistake. With the laptop, I bought a program that has MS word on it. I knew I was going to need it for school. Well that same program comes with a bunch of other programs on it. MS money for one. We are trying to set up a budget here at home, so I thought that would be great on the home PC. So I downloaded it to the home computer. That's where everything has started going downhill. I think that the "product key" on the back of that CD went into my home computer, and now I can't use the product key on my laptop! Does anyone know anything about this? Is there a limit of 1 use per product key on MS products?
I have been through enough with these computers and with my online class going on now, I don't have time for this. I'm ready to pull out the credit card, and surrender at the mercy of another product key for the word program. Anything to make it work!
Friday, January 05, 2007
Tip Toe through the Tulips!
And these, my friends, are my tulips... coming up in January!What happens to 300 tulip bulbs when the come up WAY before their time?
Post your answer on the comment section please.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
First day of school...
Today was my first day of school in my online class. I fulfilled all requirements for the day. It is a 6 week online class of psychology. By Saturday, I have to read 46 pages, which is 2 chapters and do the online work. I have 20 pages all done.
In the middle of all my school work, I also had to deal with Hewlett Packard 5 times and Microsoft twice. It seems that the program that I purchased with the laptop, that has Microsoft word on it is only a "trial" version according to HP. I can't understand how they can charge $60 for a "trial version" of anything. So I think I was calling Bombay repeatedly today.
During all of this I was also chatting with Katrina, who does techincal support. She was trying to help the best she could. It was literally a nightmare. Not to mention that Microsoft wants to charge $35 just to talk to you. I never did pay it. I can't understand how it is that you can buy their product, then you have to buy their support for their product. That makes me crazy - sick!
So the jist of today's blog... the internet can sometimes suck, and for school work... I keep hearing how "hard" online courses are. I'll let you know when I hit that point. Intense yes, but hard? hardly.
I am trying to remain optimistic. I am still on my healthy resolution for the New Year. Today I broiled Asparagus in my Toaster Oven. OMG... It was fabulous! I coated it in olive oil, then used kosher salt, little garlic, and fresh ground pepper. I did mushrooms too. When they were fork tender, they all got cut up and put into an omlette with a little shredded cheddar. YUMMO! I also have not had any soda at all since New Years Eve. I am very excited about that, because I am a big time Coca Cola addict! Just can't get enough!
And that my friends is my scoop of the day!
In the middle of all my school work, I also had to deal with Hewlett Packard 5 times and Microsoft twice. It seems that the program that I purchased with the laptop, that has Microsoft word on it is only a "trial" version according to HP. I can't understand how they can charge $60 for a "trial version" of anything. So I think I was calling Bombay repeatedly today.
During all of this I was also chatting with Katrina, who does techincal support. She was trying to help the best she could. It was literally a nightmare. Not to mention that Microsoft wants to charge $35 just to talk to you. I never did pay it. I can't understand how it is that you can buy their product, then you have to buy their support for their product. That makes me crazy - sick!
So the jist of today's blog... the internet can sometimes suck, and for school work... I keep hearing how "hard" online courses are. I'll let you know when I hit that point. Intense yes, but hard? hardly.
I am trying to remain optimistic. I am still on my healthy resolution for the New Year. Today I broiled Asparagus in my Toaster Oven. OMG... It was fabulous! I coated it in olive oil, then used kosher salt, little garlic, and fresh ground pepper. I did mushrooms too. When they were fork tender, they all got cut up and put into an omlette with a little shredded cheddar. YUMMO! I also have not had any soda at all since New Years Eve. I am very excited about that, because I am a big time Coca Cola addict! Just can't get enough!
And that my friends is my scoop of the day!
Monday, January 01, 2007
Fresh & New...
I LOVE this time of year. I feel so... renewed. Last night Dennis worked, so the kids and I went to the haus of Solomon to celebrate the incoming of 2007. We stayed overnight. For Christmas, I gave Donna a handmade scrapbook showcasing the beauty of her gardens. She always complains about not having enough time to weed, or do whatever it is she does out there. Regardless, I LOVE her flower beds, and to show her what I see, I took lots of photos of her flowers this year and presented them to her the way I see them. She was very touched. She is a wonderful friend. I am so lucky to have her in my life.
In return, she gave me a very personal gift. I think it's personal because this year I have a goal. It is not only a "personal" one, but it effects my family too. I want to become a healthier person, and to get my family eating better too. Eating more natural things, instead of the artery clogging poisions they are putting in foods in the way of food preservatives. I love my family and I love my life. I can't imagine something happening to me that would leave my children without a Mom. Or us being without a Husband & Daddy. I worry about life threatening illnesses affecting my family, and feel that something needs to be done now, before they are right on the doorstep.
So starting this month... we are eating out less (our goal is 1 meal out as a family and NO stops for Fast Food - Ever see "Supersize Me" ? I am cooking more and not only that, I'm going to start cooking things in a healthy way. For that, Donna gave me a cookbook that I really wanted... The Sonoma Diet Cookbook. I am eager to look through it and to get started on this journey. I want my family to be healthy and the same for myself.
It is a New Year... Everything is new and fresh. It is a "do over". It will be a new spring, a new summer, and everything that happens this year will be a chance for a fresh start at a better life. I am very excited and ready for this change. As Emily heads off for a Ding Dong, she is telling me she is NOT ready for this change, lol.
I hope this year brings you everything you could ever want and more. I wish for all turmoils in your life to seem like tiny little bumps in the road, and that you are able to see past the negatives into what can be. Remember, that when things are bad, it may only be for a moment. Tomorrow you may be looking back thinking... that wasn't so bad. Keep your head up and remember... instead of placing judgement on others, be sure to see the positive side of them.
The light in me honors and reflects the light in you.... Namaste
Ironic that The Daily Om for today states the same way I am feeling today...
To many, the coming of a new year represents an opportunity to begin again. It is a time to step off of dead-end paths in order to create a fork in the road, disassociating from the old, and aligning with fresh possibilities. Harnessing the power of this transformative energy is a matter of truly believing that resolutions can conquer past patterns. If we believe we are capable of changing our lives, we are more apt to believe that we are capable of leaving our mistakes behind. Our dedication, which might otherwise falter, is buoyed by hope.
In return, she gave me a very personal gift. I think it's personal because this year I have a goal. It is not only a "personal" one, but it effects my family too. I want to become a healthier person, and to get my family eating better too. Eating more natural things, instead of the artery clogging poisions they are putting in foods in the way of food preservatives. I love my family and I love my life. I can't imagine something happening to me that would leave my children without a Mom. Or us being without a Husband & Daddy. I worry about life threatening illnesses affecting my family, and feel that something needs to be done now, before they are right on the doorstep.
So starting this month... we are eating out less (our goal is 1 meal out as a family and NO stops for Fast Food - Ever see "Supersize Me" ? I am cooking more and not only that, I'm going to start cooking things in a healthy way. For that, Donna gave me a cookbook that I really wanted... The Sonoma Diet Cookbook. I am eager to look through it and to get started on this journey. I want my family to be healthy and the same for myself.
It is a New Year... Everything is new and fresh. It is a "do over". It will be a new spring, a new summer, and everything that happens this year will be a chance for a fresh start at a better life. I am very excited and ready for this change. As Emily heads off for a Ding Dong, she is telling me she is NOT ready for this change, lol.
I hope this year brings you everything you could ever want and more. I wish for all turmoils in your life to seem like tiny little bumps in the road, and that you are able to see past the negatives into what can be. Remember, that when things are bad, it may only be for a moment. Tomorrow you may be looking back thinking... that wasn't so bad. Keep your head up and remember... instead of placing judgement on others, be sure to see the positive side of them.
The light in me honors and reflects the light in you.... Namaste
Ironic that The Daily Om for today states the same way I am feeling today...
To many, the coming of a new year represents an opportunity to begin again. It is a time to step off of dead-end paths in order to create a fork in the road, disassociating from the old, and aligning with fresh possibilities. Harnessing the power of this transformative energy is a matter of truly believing that resolutions can conquer past patterns. If we believe we are capable of changing our lives, we are more apt to believe that we are capable of leaving our mistakes behind. Our dedication, which might otherwise falter, is buoyed by hope.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas......
Today Emily and I went to see Irving Berlin's White Christmas, at the Fox Theater. We went with Genevieve, and her two girls. We dined at the fabulous Johnny Rockets for lunch, then went on to the show.
We LOVED the show. It was beautiful, captivating, funny, and oh so entertaining. I sincerely hope it comes back again next year. The dancing was amazing and energetic, and the storyline easy enough for a child to follow. The costumes were breathtaking too.
I wasn't going to tell what happens at the end, because I wanted it to be a surprise for any of you that may go in the future, but honestly, by looking at their website, (click the link above), I'm not sure if it will come back to Detroit to tour. I feel very lucky that we were able to see it while it was here. At the very end, they are all dressed in Christmas Red. Betty and Bob got together (I later found out that they are married in real life). And the entire cast is singing, "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas". They invite the audience to sing with them and suddenly it is snowing inside the entire Fox Theater. It was AMAZING! Everyone just went nuts! To look around and feel like you are inside a snowglobe is an unbelievable experience. If it comes back to Detroit next winter, we are DEFINITELY going, and hopefully you will too.
We LOVED the show. It was beautiful, captivating, funny, and oh so entertaining. I sincerely hope it comes back again next year. The dancing was amazing and energetic, and the storyline easy enough for a child to follow. The costumes were breathtaking too.
I wasn't going to tell what happens at the end, because I wanted it to be a surprise for any of you that may go in the future, but honestly, by looking at their website, (click the link above), I'm not sure if it will come back to Detroit to tour. I feel very lucky that we were able to see it while it was here. At the very end, they are all dressed in Christmas Red. Betty and Bob got together (I later found out that they are married in real life). And the entire cast is singing, "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas". They invite the audience to sing with them and suddenly it is snowing inside the entire Fox Theater. It was AMAZING! Everyone just went nuts! To look around and feel like you are inside a snowglobe is an unbelievable experience. If it comes back to Detroit next winter, we are DEFINITELY going, and hopefully you will too.
Friday, December 29, 2006
Dress Blues...
So, this is the Fireman's Dress Uniform, that people RARELY see. As I have come to find out, it is the uniform worn for funerals. Tonight, Chris (Greg's Godfather and Sterling Heights Fireman) and Dennis are going to a Pass and Review of a Clinton Township Fireman. If you have not ever seen one of these before, it is a very moving and emotional thing to see. Never a dry eye in the place.The Firemen, Police and EMS professionals line up outside the funeral room, and walk single file into the room from the back. They then come up the side of the room to the front of the casket, turn and pause to pay their respects. It is very quiet, and very emotional. The professionals come from all over the state. Hundreds of them.
A few years ago, a friend of ours, Mark Cooke (Washington Township Fireman/Paramedic) died from pancreatic cancer. As far as emotions go, it was a horrendous funeral. At the Church as the rest of us watched, the chief walked across the room, handing Mark's helmet to his wife.
Need I say more? Those who know me and know me well, need not ask what my reaction was. I can't even watch commercials without crying some times.Regardless, Chris came tonight to meet up with Dennis. They did not drive together, because after the Fireman's Funeral, Dennis is going to another funeral home to pay respects for his friend Scott's son. Colton was 11 years old and suffered from severe Cerebral Palsy. He had a seizure yesterday and suffocated.
Now I didn't intend to bring ya'll down. I only intended on letting you see my hot tamale in that awesome uniform!
I just thought I should mention why they were both dressed the way they are.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Flat Stanley visits Greece!
Emily got this cool project for school. All the students in second grade were given a "Flat Stanley". They were to color him, and cut him out. Then they were to send him to someone in a different location. The further away the better.
Immediately she wanted to send it to Uncle Mike & Aunt Mary Ann in Crete, Greece. I knew that Mike would have a field day with this one, but what came back was incredible. While most people at school are getting their Flat Stanley's back with a letter and a photo, Emily received hers today in this BEAUTIFUL scrapbook that is almost entirely made out of natural materials. Literally, the cover of this book is made out of leaves.
Flat Stanley's photo is in the cover as you can see from the photo (I had to get a shot of her board, thanking Aunt Mary Ann & Uncle Mike, so I didn't zoom in on the book). In side, page for page, Flat Stanley talks about his trip to Greece. He was treated quite well, as he came back in a clean outfit, and with no tears. He watched Uncle Mike play Racquet Ball with his friends, he ate lunch with Aunt Mary Ann in the Galley. He helped count out a TON of money. (I haven't ever seen that much money in my whole life). He picked Olives, he fed the kitties. He also learned quite a bit about Greece, and the local attractions.
This book is amazing. Once it comes back from her school (I plan on having the TEACHER hold on to it and NOT pass it around), it will be proudly displayed in our living room for all to see. The teacher can let people look at it at her desk, lol.
Mike & Mary Ann, I can not thank you enough for this. It was a simple little project that Emily had to do for school, and what you sent back was incredible. It is very touching to think of all the efforts you went through to put this together. I am totally at a loss on how to thank you for this. It is 100 times better than I could have ever imagined.
Valerie
Downtown Rochester
This was such a GREAT thing to see! We took the kids to Downtown Rochester to see the city in lights!
It was worth the trip, although from the smells coming out of the fabulous restaurants, it was all I could do to not lick the windows!
Monday, December 25, 2006
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
This year has been a wonderful year for us. We are very thankful for our family and friends and for all that we have been given.
On this Christmas Eve, we celebrated with Mark, Pattie & Chase at their home. I love going there. Their home is so warm and inviting. We had an amazing time. The food was out of this world. I tried and finished off a bottle of Proseco, lol. Then started on the wine. It was just a wonderful time, and no... that isn't the beverages talking. They are amazing hosts and again... I love going there. I just wish I could figure out how it is that when I have a party, my ocuntertops get trashed, and when they do it, everything works like a well oiled machine. How is that? She must be Martha's sister... Pattie Stewart. lol.
We wish all of you a wonderful Christmas. Remember... the light in me honors and reflects the light in you. Meaning... don't be quick to pass judgement on each other. Imagine what your life would be like without your loved ones. With that, it's an amazing gift to see people for their positive attributes, instead of dwelling on negative ones.
Namaste & Merry Christmas.
Love Valerie
On this Christmas Eve, we celebrated with Mark, Pattie & Chase at their home. I love going there. Their home is so warm and inviting. We had an amazing time. The food was out of this world. I tried and finished off a bottle of Proseco, lol. Then started on the wine. It was just a wonderful time, and no... that isn't the beverages talking. They are amazing hosts and again... I love going there. I just wish I could figure out how it is that when I have a party, my ocuntertops get trashed, and when they do it, everything works like a well oiled machine. How is that? She must be Martha's sister... Pattie Stewart. lol.
We wish all of you a wonderful Christmas. Remember... the light in me honors and reflects the light in you. Meaning... don't be quick to pass judgement on each other. Imagine what your life would be like without your loved ones. With that, it's an amazing gift to see people for their positive attributes, instead of dwelling on negative ones.
Namaste & Merry Christmas.
Love Valerie
Thursday, December 21, 2006
He is an Arteast!
I married the funniest man on the planet. He makes all of us just roar. Living here is like living on comedy central. The other day, I ran downstairs to get something out of the craft room and found this drawing of Emily... Nice use of photo's I must add...
By the way... the mountain of toys behind her is the "off limits" pile. lol. They haven't been touched.
By the way... the mountain of toys behind her is the "off limits" pile. lol. They haven't been touched.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Happy 9th Anniversary to Mark & Pattie!
Today I would like to wish my Brother Mark and his wife Pattie... my sister in law with whom I get along with incredibly well... (we would be friends even if they weren't married) a VERY Happy 9th Anniversary.
Mark & Pattie follow the traditional gift giving guide for their anniversaries. It is hilarious to hear their delimmas in finding the appropriate gifts. I believe this year was leather. It should be interesting! Pattie, if you read this, please post in the comments what you gave Mark and what he gave you.
For some odd reason, (probably operator error) I do not have a photo of them to post. Although.. the one that I did have, Mark probably would have killed me if I did post it. In the photo, he bears a VERY STRONG resemblence to Spike on Notting Hill. He's looking at her with swim goggles on and she has that "I MARRIED IT!" look on her face. It's priceless.
Happy Anniversary you two. We love you very much.
Mark & Pattie follow the traditional gift giving guide for their anniversaries. It is hilarious to hear their delimmas in finding the appropriate gifts. I believe this year was leather. It should be interesting! Pattie, if you read this, please post in the comments what you gave Mark and what he gave you.
For some odd reason, (probably operator error) I do not have a photo of them to post. Although.. the one that I did have, Mark probably would have killed me if I did post it. In the photo, he bears a VERY STRONG resemblence to Spike on Notting Hill. He's looking at her with swim goggles on and she has that "I MARRIED IT!" look on her face. It's priceless.
Happy Anniversary you two. We love you very much.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Friday, December 15, 2006
17 Hours and So Far So Good...
So rather than waste garbage bags, we decided to try another method. Everything that we had to pick up is piled almost to the ceiling. It is almost impossible for them to get anything out of it. These toys are off limits until January 14th. If even one toy is out of place, they are both grounded.
When they came home from school and saw this, their reaction was what we were looking for... shock and disappointment. We're not trying to be cruel, but moreso trying to get a point across. How would they like it if we told them we were going to do something, then never did it?
They are pretty bent out of shape about this, because while they were playing downstairs yesterday, they wanted certain toys, but knew they would be in big trouble if they touched even one.
This weekend the neice and nephew are coming over. These toys are going to remain off limits. I will be downstairs doing other stuff, so it should be fairly easy to enforce the rules.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Stick A Fork in Me. I'm done!
My children are trying to kill me. I'm sure of it. Sunday... 5 days ago... I asked Emily and Greg to spend 15 minutes in the basement picking up toys. Just 15 minutes. That's all. Not a hard task, and not overwhelming either. That was 5 days ago.
The toys are EVERYWHERE. I can't even get to the "Christmas Closet" because of it. So today is the day... Greg gets on the bus and we're grabbing garbage bags. Everything that is not Mis en plase' is going into a garbage bag... to be hidden away. For a L..............O............N...........G time. Infact, we're not even going to tell them it's done. We're going to wait for them to ask where their things are. Hmmmm Where did you leave them?
Yesterday I asked her to clean up her room. It slowly becoming a Hazmat zone. I told her that we weren't going to her dance class until it was finished. I got wrapped up in getting Christmas cards done and did not check on her. She comes to me and says, "Can you come check my room? I did a lot". My reply (because I'm stupid) "I trust you." HA! Today, she has so much crap on her pretty coat hooks (purchased at the Milford Art Fair w/Melanie) that they are pulling out of the wall! Crap is everywhere.
I'm done. I'm so sick of being walked all over... Please send in your tips. I've reached the end of my rope....
Operators are standing by...
The toys are EVERYWHERE. I can't even get to the "Christmas Closet" because of it. So today is the day... Greg gets on the bus and we're grabbing garbage bags. Everything that is not Mis en plase' is going into a garbage bag... to be hidden away. For a L..............O............N...........G time. Infact, we're not even going to tell them it's done. We're going to wait for them to ask where their things are. Hmmmm Where did you leave them?
Yesterday I asked her to clean up her room. It slowly becoming a Hazmat zone. I told her that we weren't going to her dance class until it was finished. I got wrapped up in getting Christmas cards done and did not check on her. She comes to me and says, "Can you come check my room? I did a lot". My reply (because I'm stupid) "I trust you." HA! Today, she has so much crap on her pretty coat hooks (purchased at the Milford Art Fair w/Melanie) that they are pulling out of the wall! Crap is everywhere.
I'm done. I'm so sick of being walked all over... Please send in your tips. I've reached the end of my rope....
Operators are standing by...
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Christmas 1998
My Aunt sent this to us. It was part of an email that had a bunch of funny things in it regarding Christmas.
I love this one. It is a Hallmark Shoebox Greeting Card. We sent it out as our announcement that we were pregnant with Emily. Inside I wrote; Our greatest gift is due this May.
I had to blog on it. As soon as I saw it, I got all nostalgic.
Look at how many decendents she had!
World's Oldest Person Dies at 116
By Associated Press
document.write(getElapsed("20061212T014733Z"));
Mon Dec 11, 8:47 PMUPDATED 12 HOURS 21 MINUTES AGO
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Elizabeth "Lizzie" Bolden, recognized as the world's oldest person, died Monday in a nursing home, the home's administrator said. She was 116. Bolden was born Aug. 15, 1890, according to the Gerontology Research Group, a Los Angeles organization that tracks the ages of the world's oldest people.
Guinness World Records recognized Bolden as the oldest person in the world in August after the death of Maria Esther de Capovilla of Ecuador, who also was 116.
Bolden died at the Mid-South Health and Rehabilitation Center, a nursing home where she had been living for several years, said the center's administrator, Charlotte Pierce. Bolden suffered a stroke in 2004, and her family said she spoke little after that and slept much of the time.
Emiliano Mercado del Toro, 115, of Puerto Rico is now expected assume the title of world's oldest person, said Robert Young, a Guinness researcher. The Gerontology Research Group lists Toro's date of birth as Aug. 21, 1891.
Family members said this year that Bolden had 40 grandchildren, 75 great-grandchildren, 150 great-great-grandchildren, 220 great-great-great grandchildren and 75 great-great-great-great grandchildren.
By Associated Press
document.write(getElapsed("20061212T014733Z"));
Mon Dec 11, 8:47 PMUPDATED 12 HOURS 21 MINUTES AGO
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Elizabeth "Lizzie" Bolden, recognized as the world's oldest person, died Monday in a nursing home, the home's administrator said. She was 116. Bolden was born Aug. 15, 1890, according to the Gerontology Research Group, a Los Angeles organization that tracks the ages of the world's oldest people.
Guinness World Records recognized Bolden as the oldest person in the world in August after the death of Maria Esther de Capovilla of Ecuador, who also was 116.
Bolden died at the Mid-South Health and Rehabilitation Center, a nursing home where she had been living for several years, said the center's administrator, Charlotte Pierce. Bolden suffered a stroke in 2004, and her family said she spoke little after that and slept much of the time.
Emiliano Mercado del Toro, 115, of Puerto Rico is now expected assume the title of world's oldest person, said Robert Young, a Guinness researcher. The Gerontology Research Group lists Toro's date of birth as Aug. 21, 1891.
Family members said this year that Bolden had 40 grandchildren, 75 great-grandchildren, 150 great-great-grandchildren, 220 great-great-great grandchildren and 75 great-great-great-great grandchildren.
Opposites Attract
Atari was GREAT! They had the coolest games. But we didn't have Atari. We had Intellivision. Instead of playing Frogger or Donkey Kong with our friends, we got to put in the little plastic sheet that went over the joystick and we played Football. Such a fun thing for a young girl to play. :o)
Mike, Kim Teffer called. She wants her 8 track back, hehehehe. (I kill me. I'm so funny)
VHS was the HOT item! We had Betamax. Within a year after getting it, we couldn't find any movies to rent that would fit in it. I always wondered why my parents didn't just "go with the flow". They had their own set of "ideals".
We found these things at the Henry Ford Museum of all places. Think you feel old in the morning? Go visit the museum. You'll find things you probably still use to this day. THEN you'll feel old! It's quite a shocker to see things from my generation there, when I'm still only 29, ;o)
In an effort to keep spending to a minimum, we opted for the Museum over Frankenmuth. We went on Sunday. It was SO much fun. It was a bit overwhelming, but they have so many hands on exhibits. Here are the favorites:
Emily: Walking on the wing of an airplane and the screen in front of you makes you feel like you are actually flying. (Mommy sat this one out because she didn't have Dramamine onboard)
Greg: LOVED (this is putting it mildly) sitting on the Rosa Parks bus. It is in MINT condition. You can climb on, have a seat, and listen to a recording of Rosa telling her story regarding the bus. The lights on the ceiling are lit, but the one above her seat is lit brightly so you can be part of the experience.
Dennis loved the U.S. History section; including Womens Sufferage, Presidents Lincoln and Washingtons artifacts, and slavery. This exhibit needs a day all by itself. There is a lot to see and take in.
My favorite was: (I don't mean this in a morbid way) Viewing the actual chair that Lincoln was shot in. It is in a glass enclosed case with blood stains on the fabric. I just can't get over how an event so prominent in our history is sitting there in front of your very eyes. It is amazing.
It was a fun day. There were hardly any people there, so if you have a day where you want to do something but aren't sure what... Go to the museum. Our next stop... Probably the Holiday Lighting in Greenfield Village, then the Detroit Science Center - Emily's gonna love it!
Happy Holidays!
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Cereal Soup!
Ok, this is pretty sick, but pretty cool too. Below you will see a baggie full of "cereal soup". It is "Total" brand Cereal, smashed up, then water added to make the cereal soup.
When a magnet is placed on top of the bag, it collects the iron in the cereal and you can actually see it! This is a science project Emily did at school this week.
It's pretty cool, but again, ick! It's still my favorite cereal! Now I KNOW it's good for me. lol.
When a magnet is placed on top of the bag, it collects the iron in the cereal and you can actually see it! This is a science project Emily did at school this week.
It's pretty cool, but again, ick! It's still my favorite cereal! Now I KNOW it's good for me. lol.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Too Close for Comfort
http://www.comcast.net/news/index.jsp?cat=GENERAL&fn=/2006/12/08/537864.html&cvqh=itn_chishooting
Katrina and I were instant messaging today and suddenly she "vanished". She does this sometimes and I'm sitting there typing "Hellloooooooooo?" Today she came back promptly. Kraig had written to her and said that he didn't get shot. She was like what?! The above article is on what happened today right around the corner from his office building. At first, they thought the shooter was in his building, but instead was around the corner in another building.
I'm so glad he's ok. After the week they've had, that's all they would need next!
Katrina and I were instant messaging today and suddenly she "vanished". She does this sometimes and I'm sitting there typing "Hellloooooooooo?" Today she came back promptly. Kraig had written to her and said that he didn't get shot. She was like what?! The above article is on what happened today right around the corner from his office building. At first, they thought the shooter was in his building, but instead was around the corner in another building.
I'm so glad he's ok. After the week they've had, that's all they would need next!
I can tell the secret!
Now I know that a lot of you aren't going to care about this, but to me it's A LOT! I am so excited.
No, Mary Ann isn't pregnant, lol. Jason isn't getting married. I love how you guys went nuts over this. It is so exciting to see!
My news is..... Katrina... my friend of...... forever, and her husband Kraig are moving back to Michigan! I'm so excited I can't hardly stand it!
Sorry Pattie... no one won the lottery!
No, Mary Ann isn't pregnant, lol. Jason isn't getting married. I love how you guys went nuts over this. It is so exciting to see!
My news is..... Katrina... my friend of...... forever, and her husband Kraig are moving back to Michigan! I'm so excited I can't hardly stand it!
Sorry Pattie... no one won the lottery!
Thursday, December 07, 2006
A Girl Needs her Daddy...
I love my Dad. Especially chats with him in the morning before my mom wakes up. Today I called him. Actually I called her. I needed to ask her a question regarding our Christmas Name Draw list that we do every year. Of course she was still sleeping. Who sleeps past 8:30? So during the course of our conversation, I got a lesson straight out of National Geographic. I got a complete play by play of a hawk attacking a defenseless little birdie (I say defenseless, my dad calls it nature). Poor wittle birdie was sittin there eatin some seed when WHAMMO! Out of no where, he is dive bombed by a huge hawk. The little bird gets caught in the net that their clematis vine grows up. He's stuck.
Now would you:
A. Take a broom out there and beat the shit out of that hawk
or
B. Watch the hawk peck the crap out of that little bird and see if he can get him out so you don't have to do it.
Which do you think my Dad chose to do? If you answered B. You are a lot like my Dad. Personally, I would have ran out there and chased Foghorn Leghorn out of my yard. Of course, then you would have probably seen something out of "The Birds" movie.
Instead I got to hear.... Ohhh! Ooooo! Ah! He got it! Now I don't have to go pick it out of the net. Nice Dad. lol. Then I got the play by play of where the hawk was flying to with his chicken dinner.
The moral to the story....
I am SO glad that my Dad is retired. Because had he been at work, he would have missed this opportunity to just sit and take in nature. Now my retirement would consist of palm trees and babbling brooks, but hey. Whatever works. I love my Dad and am just glad that he is here to enjoy this time that he's worked so hard for. For those of you that may want to ruin this with his "issues" don't even go there. It's Christmas for god sakes. Let me enjoy this moment.
I also got some incredible news today that is killing me to tell, but I'm not going to. I promised the person that told me that I would be like a vault. The secret is good with me. Once they let it out of the bag, you better bet I'm gonna be talking! I just wanted to leave you with a cliff hanger so that I'm not the only one going nuts here. lol.
Now would you:
A. Take a broom out there and beat the shit out of that hawk
or
B. Watch the hawk peck the crap out of that little bird and see if he can get him out so you don't have to do it.
Which do you think my Dad chose to do? If you answered B. You are a lot like my Dad. Personally, I would have ran out there and chased Foghorn Leghorn out of my yard. Of course, then you would have probably seen something out of "The Birds" movie.
Instead I got to hear.... Ohhh! Ooooo! Ah! He got it! Now I don't have to go pick it out of the net. Nice Dad. lol. Then I got the play by play of where the hawk was flying to with his chicken dinner.
The moral to the story....
I am SO glad that my Dad is retired. Because had he been at work, he would have missed this opportunity to just sit and take in nature. Now my retirement would consist of palm trees and babbling brooks, but hey. Whatever works. I love my Dad and am just glad that he is here to enjoy this time that he's worked so hard for. For those of you that may want to ruin this with his "issues" don't even go there. It's Christmas for god sakes. Let me enjoy this moment.
I also got some incredible news today that is killing me to tell, but I'm not going to. I promised the person that told me that I would be like a vault. The secret is good with me. Once they let it out of the bag, you better bet I'm gonna be talking! I just wanted to leave you with a cliff hanger so that I'm not the only one going nuts here. lol.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
And a word about the job...
I got a call today from the Medical Director of the Urgent Care. He spoke to the partners regarding my interview. During his schpeel, our doctor (Dr. Kotsonis) spoke up and told him that a second interview was not necessary. He apparently spoke very highly of me. I am so humbled, let me tell you. You know... all those years working in the ER was such a thankless job. Not that I was looking for the pat on the back, but I was so sick of getting my face ripped off left and right by the patients. I understand they are not feeling well, or maybe they are missing an appendage, but what the hell. I wouldn't go into anyone else's job and rip their faces off.... that is unless they are writing nasty things on adoption slips at Petsmart, lol.
So I went to work, day after day, year after year, and besides evaluations, you aren't too sure how impressed anyone is with the job you are doing. For this person... a doctor nonetheless, to say the things he said, makes me feel just so humbled. I am so shocked that after all that time, someone did take notice of the job I was doing and it has paid off. I am so thankful. All I ever wanted to do was take good care of patients and provide a warm and gentle touch while caring for them. Whether they were snapping my face off or not.
So I am very excited to say that I have accepted the position. I was told they were expecting the keys by December 1, but here it is the 6th and I had not heard anything until earlier today. Apparently they still do not have the keys to the facility and are now looking at the second week of January. So at this moment, that is my start date. I am quite relieved that I don't have to work Christmas. For the first time in quite a while, Dennis finally has Christmas Eve off, which is the day my side of the family celebrates it. I was thinking... how bad would that suck that I now have to work on the day that he finally got off... after all this time.
I am quite relieved. Now I just have to do a couple things to the laptop to get it going with the things I want. I'm actually standing in my kitchen with it on the counter, typing this. How cool is it to be wireless?!
V
So I went to work, day after day, year after year, and besides evaluations, you aren't too sure how impressed anyone is with the job you are doing. For this person... a doctor nonetheless, to say the things he said, makes me feel just so humbled. I am so shocked that after all that time, someone did take notice of the job I was doing and it has paid off. I am so thankful. All I ever wanted to do was take good care of patients and provide a warm and gentle touch while caring for them. Whether they were snapping my face off or not.
So I am very excited to say that I have accepted the position. I was told they were expecting the keys by December 1, but here it is the 6th and I had not heard anything until earlier today. Apparently they still do not have the keys to the facility and are now looking at the second week of January. So at this moment, that is my start date. I am quite relieved that I don't have to work Christmas. For the first time in quite a while, Dennis finally has Christmas Eve off, which is the day my side of the family celebrates it. I was thinking... how bad would that suck that I now have to work on the day that he finally got off... after all this time.
I am quite relieved. Now I just have to do a couple things to the laptop to get it going with the things I want. I'm actually standing in my kitchen with it on the counter, typing this. How cool is it to be wireless?!
V
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
It's been One Week!
What a funny week this is turning out to be. So last week it took me two attempts at the post office to mail a box to Mike and Mary Ann in Greece. The first attempt had me standing in line out the door. So the next day Beaudreaux and I went as soon as they opened. We mailed it and Mike called today to say they got it. ONE WEEK! Unbelievable. I used to think that the USPS was like the cadillac of shipping mechanisms, but lately with all my ebay stuff going on, I've found that they are the cheapest, most easy to use and very quick. One week to Greece. I'm so floored.
So guess who showed up today... The UPS dude with the Dell computer that I ordered, that they lost, that I told them where to stick it for losing my order. Yep. Two boxes, Printer and Laptop. I kindly explained the situation to the guy, and he said I have every right to refuse the order and I did. Felt so good. It is a sign... I won't be dealing with Dell... ever. The HP should be arriving any day now. I'm tracking it. It's loaded with cool stuff and also had a free printer. Plus it was cheaper than the Dell would have been, since they cancelled my order and wouldn't honor their own deal for Black Friday. I still think this is funny how that all worked out.
I still haven't heard back from the urgent care and am getting anxious. Watch, I'll get the damn job and they will mandatory me to work Christmas. Please start sending good Karma this way. So far, it's all been good.
Gotta run. Tonight we're trying out Passport Pizza. We're desperately trying to find a great pizza joint around here that isn't like eating cardboard, or super zesty sauce!
So guess who showed up today... The UPS dude with the Dell computer that I ordered, that they lost, that I told them where to stick it for losing my order. Yep. Two boxes, Printer and Laptop. I kindly explained the situation to the guy, and he said I have every right to refuse the order and I did. Felt so good. It is a sign... I won't be dealing with Dell... ever. The HP should be arriving any day now. I'm tracking it. It's loaded with cool stuff and also had a free printer. Plus it was cheaper than the Dell would have been, since they cancelled my order and wouldn't honor their own deal for Black Friday. I still think this is funny how that all worked out.
I still haven't heard back from the urgent care and am getting anxious. Watch, I'll get the damn job and they will mandatory me to work Christmas. Please start sending good Karma this way. So far, it's all been good.
Gotta run. Tonight we're trying out Passport Pizza. We're desperately trying to find a great pizza joint around here that isn't like eating cardboard, or super zesty sauce!
Monday, December 04, 2006
I survived Chicago 2006!
Wow, what a weekend! It was a complete whirlwind. On Friday, our flight was cancelled, due to an airliner skidding off the runway at O'Hare. So we got our refund and drove to Chicago.
Everyone thought we were NUTS! Fortunately for us, the major winter storm that hit Chi-town, actually hit Northwest of the City. They got a whopping 16". Mary Lynn's (pictured center) Mother-in-Law Margo, and Sister-in-law Melissa came in by train. Prior to arriving in downtown, they thought we were nuts to drive it, yet when they arrived, the quickly realized that the downtown area was practically unscathed. Yet they had just come out of a winter wonderland.
We had the most amazing time. Katrina and Kraig literally wore us out. We had so much fun with them. After 21 years of not seeing each other and having only become reacquainted in the past year or two, we picked up right where we left off.... dancing to "Vacation" by the Gogo's at the Howl at the Moon Piano Bar. I think I drank more in that one night than I have in the past 3 years total. I don't know how those drinks poured themselves down my throat.
Saturday morning, I awoke in a very fragile state. Audrey and Mary Lynn were both peering over my covers at me, and in a very gentle tone asked, "Are you alright?" Uugggghhhhh. I was in a cold sweat. I told them....."Oh god. I feel HORRIBLE.... But it was sooooo much fun, and soooo worth it!". They both laughed. It was the best time. We got our fill of porn (they were dressed), guys hitting on chic's, guys practically fighting over chic's. One guy actually dumped half a bottle of beer into a bag of things Mary Lynn had. He was staggering over to talk to some girl, and accidently had a little spill. Whoopsie! lol If you choose to look at the photo's in the link below, he is the blonde sort of good looking kid that didn't seem to have a brain in his head.
I was completely recovered and vertical by 10 am Saturday morning. I showered, got all prettied up and grabbed my credit card. Off to the shops! We walked down Michigan Avenue and over the river. (see photo above). We met up with Katrina, had bloody mary's (my very first ever), and then went to their apartment for a spell. Their place is unbelievable. It's like they live in a very posh hotel.... with a kitchen & a dog. Cuervo met us at the door. He was such a nice boy. Oops. I tried to put a photo of Mr. Poochini on here, and it wouldn't load. I'm having a ton of pc problems today, so I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that this actually publishes.
So chilling out at their apartment was EXACTLY what the doctor ordered. We had a blast. Our favorite thing was finding a pair of binnoculars on the side table. Nothing like a little voyuerism to top off your night, lol. They live DIRECTLY behind a high rise hotel and some other buildings. I'm sure the view is much better than what's on tv, lol.
We left there, and went shopping on State Street. That was worth the entire trip. We had so much fun, sipping latte's, shopping at cool stores, then when I absolutely HAD to have a photo of this huge tree, we just happened to come across a German Christmas Festival. Katrina and I bought little stocking boots full of mulled wine. YUMMY!
After shopping, we parted for a bit to go freshen up. We were so far from our hotel that we opted for the cab. We got back to our hotel only to find some very "popular" people in our lobby. We had NO idea who they were, but found out later (because I asked one of them who they were), that they were non other than the Minnesota Vikings. They were on the 7th floor, we were on the 17th floor. So, we got to share an elevator ride with one of them. Don't ask who, because even if he told me his name, I wouldn't have remembered.
We topped off our vacation with a short little trip to Sam's Wine & Spirits, where I bought a few things, including a bottle of a white wine that I can't wait to share with some friends. It is supposed to have hints of Honeysuckle and Pear. YUMMMOOO!!!
It was a fantastic weekend. Unfortunately though, I have been busy since arriving back home and still have yet to unpack my bags. Plus the computer is going berzerk. Nice timing since I need to print off some photo's for a project Emily has due... yesterday! CRAP!
SEE ALL THE PHOTOS:
http://photo.walgreens.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=11439265/a=6953810/t_=6953810
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Having more fun than legally allowed!
Oh my..... are we tearing up the town in Chicago! I think the locals are ready for us to leave.On Friday, they cancelled our flight out of Detroit, due to an airliner skidding off the runway in Chicago. So... we obtained our refund, collected our luggage and got in the car. Of course the weather people were very good at over embellishing on the weather. We hit flurries and that was about it.
In a quick nutshell (I will fill in all the details later) we have been having a GREAT time. Friday night we went to Howl at the Moon with Katrina and Kraig. I don't know what happened... the drinks literally jumped down my throat! lol. As you can see from the photo, we all had a great time.... including the girl in the backround on the right.
Shown above are (L to R) Audrey, Mary Lynn, Katrina, Kraig and I. We had the BEST time in this "dueling piano bar".
Currently we are sitting in Katrina's high rise apartment chilling out with her and Cuervo, the dog. We're off to shop, see the window displays on State Street, then a couple of places including "Dicks Last Resort" (where rudeness rules), and the Underground Wonder Bar or "bra" as Katrina puts it, lol.
What a great vacation. We will be home on Sunday. I will post more probably Monday after I "recover".
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